ALBANY, NEW YORK – A jury yesterday voted to convict Tameen “Nitty” Johnson, age 39, of Schenectady, New York, of illegally possessing a loaded handgun.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Special Agent in Charge Andrew W. Vale of the Albany Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Johnson could not possess the handgun or ammunition because of prior felony convictions for firearm, drug and assault offenses. He faces at least 15 years and up to life in prison when he is sentenced by Senior United States District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy.
The evidence at trial showed that Johnson possessed a Hi-Point JCP .40 caliber firearm loaded with seven rounds of .40 caliber ammunition. The handgun had a defaced serial number. Johnson sold the loaded firearm to another man inside a convenience store in Schenectady, New York, for $200. Johnson, after asking if the firearm would be used “to book somebody,” showed the man how to operate the firearm so that he could “handle his business,” and repeatedly warned him not to lose the “hammer.”
This prosecution resulted from an investigation by the Capital District Safe Streets Task Force, which includes members of the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the New York State Police, the Schenectady Police Department, the Schenectady County District Attorney’s Office, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, the Albany County Sheriff’s Office, and the New York Air National Guard.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Wayne A. Myers.