Braddock Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a Firearm
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Braddock, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Jermaine Turner, 21, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about June 27, 2012, Turner, who has a prior felony conviction, possessed a firearm. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm.
Judge McVerry scheduled sentencing for March 8, 2013. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, 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.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan B. Ortiz is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Jermaine Turner.
