New Kensington Resident Pleads Guilty to Straw Purchasing Firearms

PITTSBURGH, Pa - A resident of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Barbara Miller, 33, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that on or about January 15, July 6, and July 24, 2020, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Miller acted as a straw purchaser when purchasing firearms from several federally licensed firearms dealers by stating that the firearms were being purchased for herself, when she was actually purchasing the firearms on behalf of another person.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for July 17, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 10 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 offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Miller.