Convicted Felon Found Guilty On Gun Charges: Delco DA

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — A Delaware County man who is convicted felon was found guilty of possessing a firearm in the county on Monday, according to officials.

Delaware County District Attorney Katayoun M. Copeland announced Monday that Donnell Williams, 27, of Chester, was convicted and found guilty of convicted felon in possession of a firearm, following his arrest by the Chester Police Department Narcotics Unit on Dec. 22, 2017.

Following a two-day jury trial before Delaware County Court of Common Pleas Judge John P. Capuzzi, Sr., Williams was found guilty of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, a felony of the second degree.

The arrest and investigation was conducted by Officer Marc Barag of the Chester Police Department and the case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney William Judge on behalf of the Commonwealth.

At about 3 p.m. on Dec. 22, 2017, Barag, a member of the Chester Police Narcotics Unit, got information that Williams, also known as "Dezzy," was in possession of a firearm on the 1100 block of Brown Street, which is a known drug and high crime area where numerous arrests have been made in the past, including for illegal guns, the DA's office said. This area has also known for numerous shootings and shots fired calls in the preceding days.

Barag and assisting offices came to the area of Terrill and Brown streets and saw a large group of individuals loitering, who quickly looked towards the area of 1107 Brown Street and yelled "Cops!”

That's when Williams was seen quickly walking onto the street while grabbing the front pocket of his hooded sweatshirt, the DA's office said.

Barag got out his vehicle and asked Williams to stop, the DA's office said.

When asked what he was doing, Williams said, "I was taking a piss, Barag," according to the DA's office.

While checking the area, a black .45 cal Rock Island Armory handgun was recovered on the ground next to the foundation of 1107 Brown Street under a loose pile of dry leaves in the side yard where Williams had exited, the DA's office said.

After waiving his Miranda rights, Williams stated, "Come on, Barag. You know we be stashing guns around here in case the opps (meaning rivals) come through," according to the DA's office.

Williams was taken to Chester Police Headquarters for further processing and the firearm was confirmed as stolen and submitted as evidence.

"Mr. Williams, a convicted felon, is now facing charges for carrying a stolen, illegal firearm. We commend Officer Marc Barag and the Chester Police Department for taking yet another illegal gun of the street and commend Assistant District Attorney William Judge for successfully prosecuting this case," Copeland said. "Our office will continue to aggressively target illegal guns and work to stop individuals who perpetuate violence and crime in our communities."

Williams is slated to be sentenced on Feb. 19, court records show.

Image via Delaware County District Attorney's Office