Monessen Man Charged with Federal Drug and Gun Law Violations

PITTSBURGH- A former resident of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal drug and firearm laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The three-count indictment named Laurenti James Robertson, 25.

According to the indictment, on Oct. 24, 2015, Robertson possessed a 9 mm caliber semi-automatic Kel-Tec pistol, Serial Number SEL07, and 9 mm caliber ammunition after having been convicted of multiple crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. Those cases include one robbery conviction and one theft by deception conviction. The indictment further alleges that on Oct. 24, 2015, Robertson possessed with intent to distribute heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. On that same date, Robertson possessed the firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime.

The law provides for a term of imprisonment of not less than five years and up to life, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and the forfeiture of the gun, ammunition, money, and electronics. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Homestead Police Department 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 an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.