McDonald Man Charged with Illegally Possessing Firearm and Controlled Substance

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on charges of violating federal firearms and narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The three-count indictment named Mackenzie Cole Roberts, age 24, of McDonald, PA, as the sole defendant.

Federal law makes it illegal for a fugitive, or an unlawful user of a controlled substance, to possess a firearm or ammunition. The indictment alleges that Roberts was both on March 13, 2016, when he possessed a loaded derringer firearm. Specifically, the indictment alleges that he was wanted by Tennessee and North Carolina and was an unlawful user and/or addicted to heroin. The indictment further alleges that on March 13, 2016, Roberts possessed heroin.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 21 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000.00, and the forfeiture of the firearm and ammunition. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

During a detention hearing in this matter, evidence was presented that Roberts had his young child in the car along with heroin, a gun and ammunition on March 13, 2016. A DEA Task Force Officer explained in court that Roberts potentially faces additional drug charges for allegedly selling heroin that resulted in the death of the user. Roberts remains in federal custody pending trial.

Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Canonsburg Police Department, the McDonald Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime.

An Indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.