Two Charged With Violating Federal Gun Laws

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Ridgway, Pa., and a resident of Johnsonburg, Pa., have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The five-count indictment named Francis Anthony Milliard, 55, and David Allen Blashaw, 55, as defendants.

According to the indictment, Milliard and Blashaw entered into a conspiracy for Milliard to possess firearms while being a convicted felon and Blashaw aided Milliard in the crime by storing and providing firearms to Milliard. Blashaw is charged with providing firearms to a convicted felon and possession of firearms by a drug user.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 25 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both for each defendant. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.