ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)), published as received.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Jay Bickford, 48, of Albuquerque, appeared in federal court for a detention hearing on November 24, charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Bickford will remain in custody pending trial.
According to a criminal complaint, on Aug. 21, Bickford allegedly was driving a motorcycle with no plate or temporary tag, resulting in a traffic stop by law enforcement. A query through the National Crime Information Center revealed that the motorcycle had been reported stolen, leading to a search of Bickford’s backpack in which the investigating officer allegedly found a loaded handgun.
As a previously convicted felon, Bickford cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition. If convicted, Bickford faces up to 10 years in prison.
A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The FBI Violent Crimes Task Force investigated this case as part of the Department of Justice’s Operation Legend, a coordinated federal and local law enforcement initiative to fight gun and dangerous crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Tierney is prosecuting the case.
