Richard Bradley, a 36-year-old resident of Syracuse, New York, has pled guilty to the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Bradley admitted that on September 9, 2024, he had a loaded rifle in his vehicle at a gas station in East Syracuse. He accidentally discharged the weapon multiple times but did not hit anyone. Due to his previous felony conviction for Criminal Mischief, Bradley was prohibited from legally possessing a firearm.
The sentencing is set for June 10, 2025, before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Glenn T. Suddaby. Bradley could face up to fifteen years in federal prison and up to three years of supervised release after imprisonment. Additionally, he may be fined up to $250,000 and will have to forfeit the assault rifle to the United States government.
The investigation is being conducted by ATF and the Manlius Police Department with support from the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica N. Carbone is handling the prosecution as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at reducing violent crime through evidence-based strategies. PSN involves collaboration among various stakeholders to address significant violent crime issues within communities and develop effective solutions.