By: Richard L. Smith
A Newark man with a prior felony conviction now faces the possibility of up to 15 years in federal prison after a jury found him guilty of illegally possessing firearms, according to a statement released by Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello.
Ken Anderson, 33, of Newark, was convicted of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition following a federal trial that began February 3 before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Newark. Sentencing has been scheduled for June 23, 2026.
According to evidence presented during trial, detectives with the Essex County Sheriff’s Office were acting on a tip from a confidential informant on the evening of July 22, 2025.
Authorities were alerted to a man reportedly carrying a firearm in the area of the Wynona Lipman Gardens housing complex in Newark’s Central Ward.
Investigators located Anderson seated inside a double-parked vehicle within the development.
When detectives approached with emergency lights and sirens activated, Anderson allegedly fled the scene, driving recklessly through the housing complex before reaching a dead-end street.
Prosecutors said Anderson exited the still-moving vehicle before it crashed into a handicapped parking sign.
He grabbed a backpack and attempted to escape on foot, jumping fences and running across Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard before entering Interstate 280.
Officers apprehended Anderson on the highway.
Authorities recovered two loaded semi-automatic firearms from the backpack and an additional round of ammunition from his pants pocket, according to court testimony.
Because Anderson has a prior felony conviction, federal law prohibits him from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The conviction carries a maximum potential sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Sentencing will be determined by the court in June.