(WNY News Now) – A 31-year-old Buffalo man has been arrested and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm following a traffic stop and subsequent search of his residence.

Gerald Harper, 31, of Buffalo, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo.

Harper faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.

According to the complaint, a North Tonawanda police officer stopped Harper’s vehicle on Aug. 13 for a suspended registration. During the stop, the officer reported smelling marijuana and observing an open backpack containing bundles of U.S. currency.

Investigators later determined the cash totaled about $7,055. A search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Harper was previously convicted in federal court in June 2023 of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He was sentenced to 60 months of probation and, as a result of the conviction, was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

Because Harper remained on federal supervised release, investigators searched his residence, where they allegedly found two firearms and ammunition.

Harper appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder Jr. and was detained.

The investigation was conducted by the North Tonawanda Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt I. Kass is prosecuting the case.

The charges are allegations. Harper is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.