By: Richard L. Smith
A Passaic County man has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing ammunition as a convicted felon, following a violent shooting incident in a Clifton parking lot, according to a statement released by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Justin Pope, 38, of Clifton, entered his plea before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Newark federal court.
He was charged with two counts of being a felon in possession of ammunition.
Federal prosecutors said the charges stem from a July 12, 2023, incident in which Clifton police responded to reports of gunfire in a public parking lot.
Surveillance footage reportedly showed Pope in a heated dispute with a woman inside a vehicle.
As the woman exited the car, Pope allegedly drew a handgun and fired several shots at close range. Ammunition was later recovered at the scene.
The following day, authorities reviewed a social media video showing Pope firing a gun into the air while taunting law enforcement with the words, “Can’t find me… Police. Y’all never gonna find me.” Ammunition was also recovered from that incident.
Pope was arrested just hours later in New York City, where he allegedly brandished a firearm while attempting to board a bus.
Officers recovered a privately made 9mm handgun loaded with one round and equipped with a high-capacity magazine.
Due to a prior conviction for aggravated assault involving the shooting of a child, Pope is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. He now faces significant penalties at sentencing.