09-15-2003 -- Williams, Peter A. -- Guilty Plea -- News Release

New York Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Bring a Concealed Knife onto Newark Flight

NEWARK - A New York man pleaded guilty today to attempting to board a commercial airliner with a concealed dangerous weapon, U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie announced.

In a hearing before U.S. District Judge John C. Lifland, Peter A. Williams, 59, admitted that on Feb. 9, 2003, he attempted to board a flight from Newark Liberty International Airport to Honolulu, Hawaii with a ceramic knife that was concealed inside of a piece of wood. Williams admitted that the knife, as well as the wood casing, was in his carry-on luggage as he attempted to pass through the passenger screening area at the airport.

The investigation revealed that Williams had no terrorist ties or intentions in boarding the plane. Sentencing was scheduled for Dec. 22. Williams' $1 million bail was continued pending sentencing.

According to a criminal complaint previously filed in the case, an airport screener using an x-ray machine observed an item that caused security concerns. Closer examination of the luggage led to his discovery of two knives, each with a blade measuring approximately four inches, according to the complaint. One of the knives was a ceramic knife that was concealed inside a piece of wood that had been constructed to look like a ruler. The second knife was constructed of a hard, plastic material.

The charge to which Williams pleaded guilty, attempting to bring a concealed dangerous weapon on an aircraft, is a felony offense that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Boxer.

Under U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, the sentencing judge will determine Williams' actual sentence based on a formula that takes into account the severity and characteristics of the offense and criminal history, if any. Parole has been abolished in the federal system. Under the Sentencing Guidelines, defendants who are given custodial terms must serve nearly all that time.

Christie credited Special Agents of the FBI, under the direction of Louie F. Allen, Special Agent In Charge, and officers of the Port Authority Police Department, for their handling of the case.

The Government is represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Boxer of the U.S. Attorney's Office.

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Defense attorneys:

Leon Grauer, Esq., Nutley

Myron Beldock, Esq., New York