Department of Justice

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Sharee Bailey, 28, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin G. Bish, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, between October 12, 2017, and March 5, 2020, the defendant posted numerous photographs and videos on various social media accounts depicting herself displaying what appears to be multiple semiautomatic handguns, revolvers, and rifles. On August 4, 2020, law enforcement officers went to a residence on Landon Street in Buffalo, and during the execution of a search warrant at the residence, officers recovered .22 caliber rifle and one spent .9mm shell casing. They also recovered a gun box for a .40 caliber pistol with one magazine inside the box. A hole, which appeared to be caused by gunfire, was found in the floor of the residence. Officers also recovered various types and calibers of ammunition throughout the apartment, and two cellular phones. Bailey, who told officers that she considers herself a member of the Riverdale Gang, was arrested a short time later.

In September 2012, the defendant was convicted in Erie County Court of Criminal Sale Controlled Substance-5th Degree. As a result of that 2012 conviction, Bailey is legally prohibited from possessing a gun. Bailey made an initial appearance before U.S. District Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was detained.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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