Department of Justice

ROCKFORD —A Rockford man pleaded guilty in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Frederick J. Kapala to illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. AUSTIN A. RICHARDSON, 25, admitted in that on Sept. 20, 2017, he possessed a Taurus 9 mm pistol and approximately 50 rounds of ammunition at a shooting range after having been previously convicted of a felony. As stated in the plea agreement, Richardson and another individual took the Taurus 9 mm pistol to a firearms retailer and shooting range in Loves Park, Ill., and Richardson shot the pistol numerous times at the shooting range. Richardson and the other individual also bought approximately 50 rounds of ammunition from the firearms retailer, with Richardson providing the money for the purchase.

 

Richardson faces a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release of up to 3 years following imprisonment, and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence will be determined by the United States District Court, guided by the Sentencing Guidelines. Sentencing for Richardson is scheduled for June 20, 2019, at 2:00 p.m.

 

The guilty plea was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Timothy Jones, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.

 

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Talia Bucci.