Daniel Enrique Perez, 52, of Newburgh, NY (Credit: Bucks County DA)
A New York felon was sentenced today to eight to 20 years in a state correctional facility for illegally possessing a firearm, which was discovered during a welfare check at a Hilltown Township gas station in November 2023.
Authorities said Daniel Enrique Perez, 52, of Newburgh, was found guilty by a Bucks County jury following a two-day trial in April on a charge of persons not to possess a firearm. On May 30, Common Pleas Judge Stephen A. Corr handed down the sentence, which falls within the aggravated range in the sentencing guidelines.
Police said the charges stem from an incident on November 26, 2023, at 12:02 a.m., when Hilltown Township Police were dispatched to the Sunoco gas station located at 1501 Bethlehem Pike in Hilltown Township for a well-being check.
Upon arrival at 12:11 a.m., officers encountered Perez, who was nonresponsive and in an altered state next to a vehicle at a fuel pump.
What began as a welfare check soon turned into a felony arrest, the Bucks County District Attorney said.
Law enforcement discovered a loaded Ruger pistol nestled in the center dash of Perez's vehicle, mere inches from the gear shifter.
According to investigators, trial testimony revealed that officers encountered Perez with slurred speech, struggling to produce identification, and drifting in and out of consciousness. Bodycam footage, played during the trial, captured Perez himself admitting to ownership of the weapon.
Further investigation unearthed that Perez's driver's license was suspended, as well as prior felony convictions, including a 1995 conviction in New York for attempted murder and robbery involving a firearm.
His felon past meant he was legally barred him from possessing any firearms, police said.
The case was investigated by Hilltown Township Police Sgt. Timothy Murphy and Officer Deslyn Nurse and was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Monica W. Furber.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
