Erie Felon Admits Illegally Possessing Firearm

ERIE, Pa - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal firearms laws United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Damon Duane Amison, 21, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill, Jr.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Amison possessed a firearm while being a convicted felon. The firearm was located by the Erie Police when they executed a search warrant of a residence on June 13, 2012.

Judge Cohill scheduled sentencing for August 12, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Erie Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Amison.