Johnstown Felon Admits Illegally Possessing Loaded Pistol

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa. pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Anthony Rodney Edwards, 31, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on Mar. 15, 2018, he was found in possession of a loaded Norinco .38 caliber pistol. On Mar. 31, 2017, Edwards was convicted in Cambria Co., Pa., of firearms not to be carried without a license, which is a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing firearms.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Oct. 23, 2018, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a mandatory sentence of at least 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 offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Edwards.