Albany Felon Arrested for Firearms Possession

ALBANY, NEW YORK - Christopher Wright, age 37, of Albany, was arrested today and charged by criminal complaint with possession of firearms as a previously convicted felon.

United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Field Division, made the announcement.

According to the criminal complaint, Wright possessed seven firearms (four pistols, a revolver, a rifle, and a shotgun) in his residence, along with ammunition and suspected narcotics. Wright has a prior felony conviction in New York that prevented him from lawfully possessing those firearms. One firearm had been reported stolen in July 2024. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The charge filed against Wright carries a maximum term of 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant's sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

Wright made an initial appearance today in Albany, before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart, and was ordered detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for March 25, 2025.

ATF and DEA are investigating the case, with assistance from the Colonie Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping is prosecuting the case.