Clairton Man with Prior Conviction Indicted for Possession of Firearm and Narcotics

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Clairton, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal firearms and narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The two-count Indictment named Bradley Dawkins, 34, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about June 28, 2023, Dawkins possessed a firearm as a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition. The Indictment also alleges that, on the same day, Dawkins possessed with intent to distribute quantities of fentanyl, crack cocaine, and powder cocaine, all of which are Schedule II controlled substances.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $1 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin C. Dobkin is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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