Kenmore Man Pleads Guilty to Gun Charge

BUFFALO, NY—U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul announced today that Marlon Johnson, Jr., 25, of Kenmore, New York, who was convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, was sentenced to 48 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony M. Bruce, who handled the case, stated that on December 16, 2011, Buffalo Police responded to a call on Emerson Street. As officers approached the area, the defendant ran from the area and a foot chase ensued. Johnson was taken into custody inside a residence on Glenwood Avenue. Officers searched a garbage tote next to the door of the residence and found a loaded .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol with a defaced serial number. The defendant later admitted that he stole the gun from another individual.

Today’s development is the latest in a continuing series of actions aimed at the Bailey Boys Gang allegedly operating in the city of Buffalo. A total of 10 alleged members and associates of the Bailey Boys have been indicted on racketeering charges, which include multiple murders, attempted murders, robberies, and narcotics trafficking. Authorities believe that Johnson, the subject of today’s sentencing, in fact was a criminal associate of the Bailey Boys.

The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Cannon; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force.