An Essex County man has been sentenced to over seven years in prison for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, as announced by U.S. Attorney John Giordano. Ramad Moultrie, 23, from Newark, pleaded guilty to charges related to possessing a firearm and ammunition despite having a previous felony conviction. The plea was made before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Newark federal court.
The case stems from an incident on August 2, 2021, when the Newark Police Department responded to a shooting at the Grace West Manor Complex. Upon arrival, officers found two victims with gunshot wounds. Surveillance footage showed Moultrie firing a weapon after moving people out of his way, including children. Three .45 caliber casings were recovered at the scene, and further investigation led to the discovery of firearms and drugs at Moultrie's residence.
Judge Martinotti imposed an 85-month prison sentence followed by three years of supervised release for Moultrie.
U.S. Attorney John Giordano acknowledged the contributions of special deputies from the U.S. Marshals Service and officers from the Newark Police Department in leading to this sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Specht from the Special Prosecutions Division represented the government in this case.
Defense counsel for Moultrie was Christopher D. Adams from Newark.