Johnstown Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing a Firearm and Ammunition

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Rogelin M. Lopez, age 35, of Johnstown, PA pleaded guilty to Count One of the Information before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on or about July 30, 2021, Lopez, knowing he had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, namely, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for August 29, 2023. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 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, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lopez.