Cambria County Man Possessed Kahr Arms Pistol With Serial Number Removed

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A Cambria County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm which had the serial number removed, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Aaron C. Spanik, 34, of Blandburg, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on Nov. 3, 2011, Spanik unlawfully possessed a Kahr Arms pistol, which had the manufacturer's serial number removed and which had been shipped in interstate or foreign commerce.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Jan. 15, 2015, at 2 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of five 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 prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the Judge released the defendant on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Allegheny Township Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Spanik.

According to Mr. Hickton, Spanik 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.