Charleroi Man Admits Straw Purchasing Firearm For Drug-addicted Felon

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Charleroi, Pa., pleaded guilty on Monday to violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Jeffrey Cochenour, 41, was convicted of providing false information to a federal firearms licensee by indicating that he was the actual buyer of a particular firearm when he was actually acting on behalf of someone else. Cochenour purchased a RomArm/Cugir 7.62x39 caliber semi-automatic rifle with a high-capacity magazine capable of accepting over 15 rounds of ammunition. Cochenour bought the firearm for, and provided the firearm to, an acquaintance who was a convicted felon and who was addicted to a controlled substance and could not lawfully purchase or possess firearms.

Sentencing is scheduled to occur on Aug. 9, 2013, at 10:30 a.m., in the courtroom of United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Pennsylvania State Police investigated this case. 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.