Former Meadville Man Charged with Violating Federal Drug and Gun Laws

ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Meadville, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal firearms and drug laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The three-count indictment named Charles Joseph Butter, 41, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on September 7, 2017, Butter possessed several firearms while being a convicted felon. In addition, he is also charged with possessing pseudoephedrine with intent to manufacture methamphetamine and attempting to manufacture methamphetamine.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $250,0000, 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, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

This case was 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.

The Pennsylvania State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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