A Buffalo man could face up to a decade in prison after police found him holding a firearm during a search on Thursday.
Lorenzo Harris, 20, of Buffalo, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with illegal possession of a machine gun, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo said since 2024, the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force and the Buffalo Police Department’s Gang Intelligence Unit have been investigating the criminal activities of the Newburg 118 Drop Boys Gang, a violent street gang operating in and around the City of Buffalo. The FBI has identified numerous gang members as well as gang territory located on the east side of Buffalo. Members have been arrested by several police departments for violent criminal acts, including drug and firearm trafficking. Newburg 118 Drop Boys members commit violent criminal acts to protect gang-controlled territory and associated houses.
Harris has been identified as a suspected gang member involved in firearm trafficking.
On Thursday, a search warrant was executed at an apartment at 80 Silo City Row in Buffalo, during which Harris, who was observed with a firearm in his hand. He attempted to flee from law enforcement and was taken into custody, and law enforcement seized the firearm, which had a machine gun conversion attached.
Harris made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was detained pending a detention hearing on July 20.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Richard Antoine. The complaint is the culmination of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis II and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Erika Shield.