Homestead Man Charged With Illegally Possessing A Firearm

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Homestead, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on May 7, named Andre Dwayne Ruffin, 38.

According to the indictment, on or about April 22, 2013, Ruffin, who has prior felony convictions, including violent felony offenses, possessed a firearm. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing firearms.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence for the offense of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $250,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan B. Ortiz is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

This case is being 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the West Mifflin Police Department and the Allegheny County Police, Homicide Section 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.