Felon Charged With Violating Federal Gun And Drug Laws

PITTSBURGH – A Pittsburgh resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of violating federal firearms and narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The three-count indictment named Omar Smith, 25, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Smith was previously convicted of felony drug charges in Allegheny County on four separate dates between 2008 and 2011, and he again violated drug laws on June 21, 2012. Although federal law precludes a person convicted of a crime punishable by in excess of one year from possessing a firearm or ammunition, Smith allegedly possessed a .357 Taurus pistol and ammunition at the time of the new drug crimes.

The law provides for a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of life in prison, a fine of up to $4,250,000, 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 Ross E. Lenhardt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Coraopolis Police Department and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case with the valuable assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

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