A Jersey City woman was charged today with possessing a weapon as a previously convicted felon, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Authorities charged Shahouna Dutton, 24, by complaint with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Special agents of the FBI arrested Dutton at her home. Officials said Dutton made her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Falk in Newark federal court and was detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Feb. 22, 2018, investigators from the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office executed a search warrant at Dutton’s home to look for further evidence of Dutton’s witness tampering related to a homicide case pending in Hudson County, which was scheduled to begin on Feb. 27, 2018. Investigators found a loaded .22 caliber handgun in Dutton’s bedroom.
Officials said Dutton has two prior felony convictions in the State of New Jersey and is prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law.
The felon in possession of a firearm charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.