Butler Drug User Illegally Possessed 7 Firearms, Six of Which he Purchased for Others in Exchange for Drugs and Cash

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Butler, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Craig Evers Cyphert, 47, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that beginning in February 2011 and continuing until February 2016, Cyphert, an unlawful drug user or drug addict, possessed seven firearms. The law prohibits any person who is an unlawful user of, or is addicted to any controlled substance from possessing any firearm in or affecting commerce. The court was further advised that from 2014 to 2016, Cyphert made false statements when he acquired six of these firearms, by advising a federally licensed firearms dealer that he was purchasing said firearms for himself, when he was in fact purchasing said firearms at the direction of another person, in exchange for heroin, crack cocaine and cash.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for January 10, 2019. At each of the three counts, the law provides for a total maximum sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Cyphert’s bond.

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. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Cyphert.

Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.