Mckees Rocks Man Charged With Illegally Possessing Cocaine, Rifle
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Acting United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar announced today, March 24, 2010, that Michael Law of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal drug and gun laws.
The two‑count indictment named Law, age 37, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, on February 25, 2010, Law possessed with intent to distribute less than 500 grams of cocaine. Also, on February 25, 2010, Law, a convicted felon, possessed a HiPoint rifle. Since Law has previously been convicted of a felony offense, federal law prohibits him from possessing a firearm.
Assistant United States Attorney Barbara K. Swartz, who presented the case to the grand jury, indicated that the law provides for a maximum total sentence of thirty (30) years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000, 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 Drug Enforcement Administration 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.
This case 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.
