Johnstown Felon Illegally Possessed Pistol

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

George A. Robinson, 22, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on May 10, 2011, Robinson possessed a Taurus PT111 Millennium Pro 9mm pistol. On August 27, 2009, Robinson was convicted in Cambria Co., Pa., of criminal attempt burglary, which is a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing firearms or ammunition.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for June 10, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Johnstown Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Robinson.

According to Mr. Hickton, Robinson is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime.