Felon Pleads Guilty To Violating Federal Firearms Law

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Penn Hills, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Norman Warren, 24, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about Sept. 4, 2012, Warren, being a convicted felon as a result of a prior firearms conviction, illegally possessed a Hi- Point, .380 caliber pistol. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year to possess a firearm.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for Sept. 23, 2013, at 3:00 p.m. The law provides for a maximum 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 Charles A. Eberle is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Norman Warren.