William Morrison, Jr., 26, of Buffalo, New York, has pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. Morrison entered his plea before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara and faces up to 15 years in prison.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, on the night of July 19, 2024, Buffalo Police responded to Ashley and Mohr Streets after receiving a report about an individual with a gun. The caller said the suspect, later identified as Morrison, was wearing an ankle bracelet and waving a black pistol. The caller also stated that Morrison had entered a residence on Ashley Street described as a “dope house.” When officers arrived at the scene, they saw Morrison running from the back of the residence and quickly apprehended him. Officers then searched the area where he fled and found a loaded 9mm handgun.
Morrison has a previous felony conviction for a gun charge from November 2019 in Erie County Court, which prohibits him from legally possessing firearms.
The investigation was conducted by the Buffalo Police Department, led by Commissioner Alphonso Wright, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives under Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller.
Sentencing is set for December 5, 2025 before Judge Arcara.
