By: Richard L. Smith
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said an East Orange resident admitted that he attempted to kill a former federal informant by shooting him.
Federal officials say, Kalil Bryant, 40, pleaded guilty on Wednesday, May 23, 2023, before U.S. District Judge John Michael Vazquez in Newark federal court to two counts of an indictment charging him with possession of ammunition by a convicted felon and retaliating against a witness, victim or an informant.
Bryant was convicted on Feb. 17, 2023, on the other two counts of the indictment – transmitting threats in interstate commerce and retaliating against a witness, victim, or informant following – following an eight-day trial.
According to documents filed in this case, statements made in court, and the evidence at trial:
In this case, the victim previously cooperated with the FBI and provided information about federal crimes committed by one of Bryant’s longtime associates.
On Aug. 24, 2019, in retaliation for that cooperation, Bryant pointed a loaded firearm at the victim, called him a “rat,” and then shot the victim in the abdomen.
The victim received medical treatment and survived.
On Sept. 18, 2019, Bryant sent text messages to an individual associated with the victim, stating: “Tell [the victim] he gonna Die soon for being a rat.”
This message was accompanied by a photograph of a rat and a gun. Bryant sent additional text messages in reference to the victim, stating: “Prepare to bury Him soon” and “Get your black dress ready.”
The possession of ammunition by a convicted felon count to which Bryant pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison; the retaliating against a witness, victim, or an informant count carries a maximum possible penalty of 30 years in prison; the transmitting threats in interstate commerce count carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison; the retaliating against a witness, victim or an informant count carries a maximum possible penalty of 20 years in prison.
Each count also carries a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 10, 2023.