Felon Convicted Of Illegally Possessing Pistol
PITTSBURGH, Pa. ‑ A resident of Pittsburgh, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal firearm laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Landon Vinson, a/k/a Larry Vinson, a/k/a Landon Tarrant, a/k/a Larry Benson, 33, previously of Pittsburgh, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on Dec. 27, 2005, Vinson possessed a .40 Beretta pistol. Vinson was previously convicted in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County on the following charges: February 4, 1999, at Docket Nos. CC 199812226 and CC 199812443, making a false statement and using false identification during the purchase of a firearm; and January 29, 1996, at Docket No. CC 199509481, receiving stolen property and criminal conspiracy, which are crimes punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year to possess a firearm.
Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for Feb. 4, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant. The defendant remains in jail pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Vinson.
