ACJ Correctional Officer Indicted for Possessing an Unregistered Firearm

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession of an unregistered firearm, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Lewis Bagnato, 32, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about May 20, 2021, Bagnato was found to be in possession of an unregistered firearm. The weapon was discovered by the Allegheny County Police Department while executing a search warrant on Bagnato, a correctional officer, for alleged distribution of controlled substances.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than ten (10) years in prison, and a fine not to exceed $250,000. 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 Benjamin J. Risacher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as well as the Allegheny County Police Department, conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.