Four Mt. Pleasant Men Facing Explosives Charges
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Acting United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar announced today, June 24, 2010, that four residents of Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania, were indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on violations of federal explosives and firearms laws.
The five‑count indictment named James E. McCloy, age 60; Howard F. McCloy, age 63; Howard McCloy, Jr., age 24; and Fred D. Collins, age 60.
According to the indictment, between 2003 and 2008, the defendants conspired to violate various federal laws relating to explosive materials, including display fireworks and illegal explosive devices. James E. McCloy is also charged with possession of firearms by a convicted felon.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory J. Nescott, who presented the case to the grand jury, indicated that 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 offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in Pittsburgh and Wheeling, West Virginia conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
