Desmar Ferguson
Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Department Officer-In-Charge Major Frederick P. Fife announce that based upon an investigation by the Paterson Police Department in conjunction with the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, Desmar Ferguson, 19 years-old from Paterson, New Jersey, was arrested in relation to a shooting investigation that took place on April 7, 2023, in the area of Main Street and Ward Street in Paterson, New Jersey as well as a separate incident that occurred on April 14, 2023, in the area of East 18th and Fair Street in Paterson, New Jersey. Regarding the April 7, 2023, investigation Mr. Ferguson is charged with Attempted Murder, First Degree; Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Second Degree; and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Second Degree. Regarding the April 14, 2023, investigation Mr. Ferguson is charged with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Second Degree; and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Second Degree.
On April 7, 2023, at approximately 11:32 p.m. members of the Paterson Police Department were dispatched to the area of Main Street and Ward Street on a report of shots fired. Upon arrival, members of the Paterson Police Department located a 40-year-old male Paterson resident suffering from multiple non-fatal gunshot wounds. Aid was immediately rendered by responding officers and the individual was transported to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson, New Jersey for treatment. Based upon the investigation, Mr. Ferguson was later identified and charged in relation to this offense. A warrant was issued for Mr. Ferguson’s arrest. Mr. Ferguson turned himself in to the Paterson Police Department on April 19, 2023 at 12:40 p.m. for this incident and the April 14, 2023 incident.
On April 14, 2023, at approximately 9:00 p.m members of the Paterson Police Department were dispatched to the area of East 18th Street and Fair Street on a report of shots fired. Upon arrival, members of the Paterson Police Department located Mr. Desmar Ferguson, who was not yet identified regarding the April 7, 2023 non-fatal shooting investigation, as well as a 19-year-old male Paterson resident, and a juvenile. All three sustained non-fatal gunshot wounds. Aid was immediately rendered by responding officers and the individuals were transported to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson, New Jersey for treatment.
As the investigation continued surveillance video was located that captured part of this incident. Based on the ongoing investigation, Mr. Ferguson was later identified and charged with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon and Possession Unlawful Purpose regarding the April 14, 2023 incident. Mr. Ferguson turned himself in to the Paterson Police Department on April 19, 2023 at 12:40 p.m for this incident and the April 7, 2023 incident.
The sentencing exposure for Desmar Ferguson on First Degree Attempted Murder is 10-20 years New Jersey State Prison with 85% of the term to be served before parole eligibility pursuant to the No Early Release Act and 5 years parole supervision; on Second Degree Unlawful Possession of a Handgun it is 5-10 years New Jersey State Prison with a minimum of 42 months before parole eligibility pursuant to the Graves Act; and on Second Degree Possession of a Handgun for an Unlawful Purpose it is 5-10 years New Jersey State Prison with 42 months of parole ineligibility pursuant to the Graves Act.
The State has filed motions for pretrial detention for Desmar Ferguson that will be heard by a Superior Court Judge.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office asks anyone with additional information about this incident to contact us on our tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org or contact the Paterson Police Department Ceasefire Unit at 973-321-1120.