A Newark man was arrested yesterday on charges of illegally possessing a handgun, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.
Federal officials said Mr. Lamont Nelson, 26, of Newark is charged by complaint with one count of illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Nelson is scheduled to appear this afternoon by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge André Espinosa.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On or about October 8, 2020, detectives from the Newark Police Department encountered Nelson on the sidewalk as he appeared nervous and touched a black bag on his shoulder.
Law enforcement observed the handle of a firearm inside of the bag.
Law enforcement recovered a Colt model Pocket Positive .32 Caliber 6-shot revolver, bearing serial number 81259, loaded with six (6) rounds of .32 caliber ammunition from the bag.
Nelson is a convicted felon and not permitted to possess a handgun under federal law.
The maximum penalty for illegal possession of the firearm is 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.