McKeesport Resident Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing Firearm

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of unlawfully possessing a firearm, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Richard L. Edwards Jr., 49, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Weigand.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that on August 9, 2024, Westmoreland County Adult Probation conducted a search of Edwards’ residence, after learning that he had made two unauthorized visits to a local firearms store, and located four firearms and numerous rounds of ammunition. One of the firearms was a short-barreled shotgun and two of the firearms were reported stolen. Edwards is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon prior convictions for terroristic threats with intent to terrorize another and robbery.

Judge Weigand scheduled sentencing for July 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The law provides for a total sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Edwards would remain in custody.

Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Westmoreland County Adult Probation, McKeesport Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Edwards.