New Jersey Man Enters Guilty Plea On Firearms Violations

Prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Tuckertown, NJ, pleaded guilty in federal court in Johnstown to a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Abdur Rahmen Abdullah, 32, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on Jan. 10, 2013, Abdullah possessed a Remington, Model 870 Wingmaster, 12 gauge shotgun. On July 1, 2008, Abdullah was convicted in the United States District Court for the District of NJ of being a felon in possession of a firearm, 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 or ammunition.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Feb. 26, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. 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 of the defendant.

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

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Johnstown Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Abdullah.

According to Mr. Hickton, Abdur Rahmen Abdullah is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime.