Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Deputy Paterson Police Chief Ibrahim Baycora announce that based upon an investigation by the Paterson Police Department, in conjunction with the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, Bernard Mann, a 34-year-old, Paterson resident, was arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, Second Degree; Possession of a Handgun for an Unlawful Purpose, Second Degree; and Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons, Second Degree.
According to authorities, on December 1st at approximately 12:50 a.m., members of the Paterson Police Department responded to Saint Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson after being advised that a 34-year-old Paterson man, later identified as Bernard Mann was seeking treatment for a non-life threatening gunshot wound.
Police said Mann was uncooperative when questioned regarding his injury.
A preliminary investigation, revealed that Bernard Mann apparently shot himself in the area of 20th Avenue and Straight Street in Paterson.
The sentencing exposure on Second Degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon it is 5-10 years New Jersey State Prison with a minimum of 3 1⁄2 years before parole eligibility pursuant to the Graves Act; on Second Degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose it is 5-10 years New Jersey State Prison with a minimum of 3 1⁄2 years before parole eligibility pursuant to the Graves; on Second Degree Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons it is 5-10 years New Jersey State Prison with a minimum of 5 years before parole eligibility pursuant to the graves act.
During Mann’s December 6th appearance at Central Judicial, the state filed a motion for pretrial detention before the Honorable Adam E. Jacobs, J.S.C.. but it was denied and Mann was released on conditions.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office asks anyone with additional information about this incident to contact us on our tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org or contact the Paterson Police Ceasefire Unit at 973-321-1342