Centre County Drug User Admits Unlawfully Possessing Pistols

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Patton, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of unlawful possession of firearms by a user of illegal controlled substances, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

John B. Zollinhofer, 41, 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 Sept. 22, 2011, Zollinhofer, who was an unlawful user of, and addicted to, illegal controlled substances, possessed two Smith and Wesson pistols, a Ruger revolver and a Rossi revolver.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Sept. 3, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. 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 John J. Valkovci, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

According to Mr. Hickton, Zollinhofer 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.