By: Richard L. Smith
A Passaic County man faces up to 15 years in federal prison after a jury convicted him of illegally possessing ammunition found inside a homemade firearm that he discarded while fleeing New Jersey State Police in Paterson.
According to information released by U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer, Kendale Wilson, 39, of Paterson, was found guilty of being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Newark.
Federal prosecutors said the incident occurred on April 6, 2024, when state troopers patrolling the area of Union Avenue and Jasper Street encountered a group of people gathered near the intersection.
While speaking with the group, an officer noticed Wilson acting suspiciously. As the trooper approached him, Wilson suddenly ran into a nearby alley, prompting officers to pursue him.
During the chase, prosecutors said Wilson pulled a privately manufactured firearm equipped with a high-capacity drum magazine from beneath his sweatshirt and threw it toward a residential driveway.
The weapon was loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition.
Wilson then jumped over a fence and continued running before additional officers apprehended him around the corner.
Investigators recovered the firearm, a damaged drum magazine and 29 scattered rounds of 9mm ammunition from the driveway.
Following the trial, the federal jury returned a guilty verdict on the ammunition possession charge.
Wilson faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
His sentencing is scheduled for March 23, 2027.