A Hudson County man has been indicted on a firearms charge, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna. Richard Sharp, 25, from Bayonne, New Jersey, known on social media as "Famous Richard," faces one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. He was arrested earlier today and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court where he was detained.
Court documents and statements reveal that on July 4, 2024, law enforcement responded to an incident at a gas station in Bayonne. During an altercation there, Sharp allegedly brandished a firearm with an extended magazine and threatened others present at the scene. Days later, Sharp reportedly posted a video online showing him dancing with the firearm equipped with an extended magazine.
On July 12, 2024, following a judicially authorized search of Sharp's residence and vehicle, authorities recovered a loaded Beretta M9 semi-automatic handgun with a defaced serial number and an extended magazine containing approximately 24 rounds of ammunition.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.
Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Newark Field Division under Special Agent in Charge Brian J. Driscoll for their role in the investigation. He also acknowledged assistance from the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office led by Prosecutor Esther Suarez and the Bayonne Police Department under Police Chief Robert Geisler.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Nadel from the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit in Newark is representing the government in this case.
It is important to note that charges contained within an indictment are merely accusations; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Defense counsel for Richard Sharp is Areeb Salim, Esq.