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Raymond Felton charged with weapons possession (UPDATE) – Metro US

Raymond Felton charged with weapons possession (UPDATE)

Raymond Felton feels the team doesn't need to make any changes for next season. Credit: Getty Images Raymond Felton is in a lot of trouble off the court.
Credit: Getty Images

UPDATE: Feb. 25, 7 p.m.

Felton was arraigned in court at 6 p.m. Monday when he was charged with one count of third-degree criminal possession of a firearm and another count of possession of a firearm — both felonies.

Felton posted $25,000 in bail and will reappear in court on June 2 after the Knicks’ season is over.

No domestic charges were filed against Felton, but a restraining order for six months was granted to his wife, Ariane Raymondo-Felton.

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Raymond Felton’s tough year on the court just got a whole lot worse off the court.

The Knicks point guard was charged with three counts — two of which are felonies — in connection with the possession of an unlicensed firearm, according to New York City police.

Police say Felton turned himself in at the 20th Precinct on the Upper West Side at 12:50 a.m., just hours after his team lost to the Mavericks on a buzzer beater by Dirk Nowitzki.

He was charged with second- and third-degree criminal possession of a firearm, as well as fourth-degree possession of a firearm — the only misdemeanor of the three charges.

He is expected to appear in court on Tuesday.

The charges stem from an incident with his estranged wife, according to a law enforcement source. Police said Felton used a handgun in a menacing manner. A lawyer representing his wife turned over to police a loaded, semiautomatic handgun allegedly belonging to Felton, the official said.

Felton recently filed for divorce from his wife, Ariane Raymondo-Felton. The two have been married for only 19 months.

The law enforcement official said Raymondo-Felton’s lawyer told police she didn’t want the gun in her home anymore.

New York has very strict gun laws, including mandatory minimum sentencing. The mandatory minimum for illegal possession of a handgun in New York City is 3 1/2 years, though deals can be made.

Former Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress famously served two years in prison for illegal possession of a firearm in the city after accidentally shooting himself in a Midtown nightclub in November 2008.

Felton has struggled immensely this season after being signed to a three-year, $10 million deal in 2012. The Knicks were reportedly shopping for a point guard at last week’s NBA trade deadline largely due to his struggles. He is averaging 10.4 points and 6.0 assists per game in 2013-14.

Reporter Anna Sanders contributed to this report.

Follow Metro New York Sports Editor Mark Osborne on Twitter @MetroNYSportsand local reporter Anna Sanders @AnnaESanders.