Felon Charged With Illegally Possessing Pistols

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A Pittsburgh resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Michael Eugene Gorny, 24, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about July 4, 2012, Gorny, being a convicted felon, illegally possessed a .40 S&W caliber Glock pistol and a 9mm caliber Lorcin pistol. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year to possess a firearm.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 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, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Katherine A. King is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime

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