Former Oil City Man Admits Possessing Numerous Firearms as a Convicted Felon

PITTSBURGH, Pa – A former resident of Oil City, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Emmett Freshcorn, age 30, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on December 11, 2017, Freshcorn, who is a convicted felon, went into a gun store with another individual. Freshcorn gave that individual money to purchase a BMG, .50 caliber rifle. Freshcorn then carried the rifle out of the store and took possession of it. Further, on March 7, 2018, Special Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Explosives recovered 10 more firearms and ammunitions from locations connected to Freshcorn in Oil City, PA.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for February 27, 2019. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and prior record of the defendant. Freshcorn will continue to be detained pending sentencing.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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