Greene County Felon Illegally Possessed and Transported a Firearm Across State Lines

PITTSBURGH - A Greene County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Waylon Hanlan, 30, of Dilliner, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about June 25, 2015, Waylon Hanlan illegally transported a firearm from out of state into his state of residency. Additionally, Waylon Hanlan, being a convicted felon, did knowingly and unlawfully possess the firearm. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for July 27, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Amy L. Johnston is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service and the Monongalia County – West Virginia Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Waylon Hanlan. 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 a 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.