Pittsburgh Man Charged With Illegally Possessing Crack, Shotgun
PITTSBURGH, Pa. ‑ A resident of Pittsburgh, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal firearms and narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The two‑count indictment, returned on Oct. 12 and unsealed today, named Thomas Clay Wade, 32, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, on or about Jan. 28, 2010, Wade possessed with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack. Additionally, after having been convicted of crimes punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, Wade possessed an Ithaca, Model37, 16 gauge shotgun. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year to possess a firearm or ammunition.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $2,250,000 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.
Assistant United States Attorney Almon S. Burke, Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the City of 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 or information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
