William Morrison, Jr., Felon in Possession of a Firearm, New York 2025

BUFFALO, N.Y. - A 26-year-old Buffalo man has been accused of carrying a loaded handgun, despite being a convicted felon. William Morrison, Jr., pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti stated that on July 19, 2024, Buffalo Police responded to the area of Ashley and Mohr Streets for a report of a man with a gun. The caller reported that Morrison was wearing an ankle bracelet and was waiving a black pistol around.

The caller then reported that the suspect was inside an Ashley Street residence, which was referred to as a “dope house.” When officers arrived, they observed Morrison running from the rear of the residence. Morrison was quickly apprehended. Officers searched the area of the yard where Morrison had fled and recovered a loaded 9mm handgun.

Morrison's history of crime dates back to November 2019, when he was convicted of a felony gun charge in Erie County Court. As a result, he is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Alphonso Wright, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 5, 2025, before Judge Richard J. Arcara.

Morrison faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. His plea marks a significant victory for law enforcement in their efforts to combat gun crime in the city.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/buffalo-felon-pleads-guilty-new-gun-charge