Convicted Felon Indicted for Possessing Firearm with Extended Magazine

Authorities say the convicted felon threatened others at a local gas station and later posted a video with a firearm online.

BAYONNE, NJ – A 25-year-old Hudson County resident, Richard Sharp, has been indicted on federal firearms charges, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced. Sharp, also known on social media as “Famous Richard,” faces one count of possessing a firearm and ammunition after a previous felony conviction. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark on the day of his arrest and was ordered detained.

Alleged Incident and Online Video

According to court documents:

On July 4, 2024, law enforcement responded to reports of an incident at a gas station in Bayonne, New Jersey. The investigation revealed that during an altercation at the gas station, Sharp had brandished a firearm with an extended magazine and threatened to shoot other people who were at the gas station. Several days later, Sharp posted a video on social media showing him dancing while holding a firearm equipped with an extended magazine.

Search and Recovery

On July 12, 2024, law enforcement executed a judicially authorized search of Sharp’s residence and vehicle. Law enforcement recovered a loaded Beretta M9 semi-automatic handgun with a defaced serial number and an extended magazine that contained approximately 24 rounds of ammunition.

Potential Penalties

The felon-in-possession charge carries a possible maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine—or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.

Ongoing Investigation

Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian J. Driscoll, with the investigation. He also thanked the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Esther Suarez, and the Bayonne Police Department under the direction of Police Chief Robert Geisler.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Nadel of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit in Newark.

As with all criminal cases, “The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.” No further information was released regarding Sharp’s next court appearance or any potential plea arrangements.