Buffalo Man Indicted on Federal Firearm Charge
A grand jury indicted a 34-year-old Buffalo resident for illegal possession of a firearm following a traffic stop.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Law Enforcement
A federal grand jury has indicted 34-year-old Buffalo resident Earl Stone on charges of possession of a firearm by a felon. The indictment follows an April traffic stop where officers allegedly discovered a loaded weapon.
Why it matters
Federal prosecutors pursue these charges to enforce strict prohibitions against convicted felons carrying firearms. The indictment marks the formal beginning of the federal judicial process for the defendant.
Earl Stone has been arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and is currently detained. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm carries a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in federal prison.
The players
Earl Stone
The 34-year-old Buffalo resident is the defendant currently in federal custody following his indictment.
Michael J. Roemer
He serves as the U.S. Magistrate Judge who presided over the initial arraignment proceedings for the defendant.
The details
Buffalo Police officers stopped a vehicle on the Route 33 Expressway on April 12, 2026, during which a loaded .40 caliber firearm reportedly fell from Stone's pant leg. Stone was previously convicted of a felony in Erie County Court in December 2013.
Timeline
December 2013: Stone was convicted of a felony in Erie County Court.
April 12, 2026: Police conducted a traffic stop on the Route 33 Expressway.
September 22, 2026: A federal grand jury returned the indictment against Stone.
Legal Context
This indictment aligns with federal efforts to utilize 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) to restrict firearm access for previously convicted individuals. Prosecution of such cases remains a standard mechanism for federal law enforcement to increase penalties for repeat offenders.
The federal indictment underscores ongoing local efforts by Buffalo Police to remove illicit firearms from area roadways during routine traffic stops. Residents should remain aware that police patrols frequently monitor major thoroughfares like the Route 33 Expressway for traffic violations.
The takeaway
This case highlights how traffic stops can escalate into federal criminal proceedings when a weapon is involved. Legal experts often note that possession charges for felons are frequently prosecuted at the federal level to ensure mandatory sentencing guidelines are applied.
Further reading
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