Man arrested for weapons violation

PITTSFIELD – Robert Williford, 21, of Washington Street in Pittsfield was in the Somerset County Jail on Thursday night, charged with possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, possession of stolen property, negotiating a worthless instrument and possession of a usable amount of marijuana, a civil violation.

The events leading to Williford’s arrest began in October, according to Pittsfield Police Officer Jason Emery. At that time a rifle was reported stolen from a Pittsfield home.

The weapon was subsequently pawned at the Hartland Pawn Shop.

In a monthly review of pawnshop transactions, Lt. Bruce Bristow of the Somerset County Sheriff’s Department determined the rifle was stolen.

Continuing the investigation, Pittsfield police also learned that Williford was a convicted felon. The charges filed Thursday were the result of Williford’s criminal history and the possession of the stolen weapon.

Pittsfield Officer Jennifer Dorman also summoned Williford in connection with a number of bad checks.

Checks drawn on Williford’s reportedly empty bank account totaled more than $4,200, Emery said.

Williford’s bail was set at $5,000.