BUFFALO, N.Y. – Robert L. Williams, Jr., 42, from Buffalo, NY, has been sentenced to 84 months in prison following his conviction on multiple charges related to firearms and drug trafficking. Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford handed down the sentence, as announced by U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross of the Western District of New York.
Williams was convicted of conspiracy to transfer firearms purchased outside of state of residency, unlawful dealing in firearms, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who prosecuted the case, Williams was involved in a scheme that transported more than 20 firearms from Ohio to New York between November 2017 and June 2018, utilizing straw purchases facilitated by individuals in exchange for heroin.
The investigation into Williams intensified after Buffalo Police responded to reports of gunfire near his residence on May 3, 2018, where they found evidence linking him to both firearms and heroin distribution. Subsequent searches of his home revealed additional firearms and ammunition. Williams, who had previous felony convictions, is prohibited from owning firearms under federal law. The sentence reflects the serious nature of his crimes and his repeated violations of the law.
