BUFFALO – Douglas Wood, 38, of Jamestown, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara, according to an announcement Tuesday from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Molisani, who is handling the case, stated that on Mar. 6, 2018, the Jamestown Police Department was actively engaged in a narcotics investigation operation. Investigators conducted video and audio surveillance of the defendant and learned that Wood was in possession of a silver handgun.
Investigators maintained surveillance on the defendant and alerted uniformed patrol officers who approached Wood and spoke with him briefly before he attempted to flee. Following a brief struggle, the defendant was restrained and officers recovered a loaded revolver and 14 additional rounds of ammunition.
According to the announcement, Wood was previously convicted numerous times: in 2000, in the Nottoway County Circuit Court, Nottoway, Virginia of grand larceny, unlawful possession or use of a sawed-off shotgun, and burglary; in 2001, in Chautauqua County Court, of fourth-degree grand larceny; in 2004, in Chautauqua County Court, of fourth-degree grand larceny; and in 2007, in Chautauqua County Court, of third-degree robbery. As a result, the defendant is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ashan Benedict, New York Field Division, and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Harry Snellings.
Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 13, 2019, before Judge Arcara.
