New York Man Charged in Connection to the Illegal Acquisition of PA Guns Bound for Other States

PITTSBURGH – A New York resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy, making false statements in connection with the acquisition of firearms, and transferring firearms to residents of another state, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The 17-count second superseding indictment named one defendant: Nathan Lawrence, age 33, of Brooklyn, NY.

According to the second superseding indictment, between December 2014, and September 2015, Lawrence conspired and caused others to make false statements in connection with the acquisition of at least 20 firearms from licensed dealers in the Western District of Pennsylvania, and also aided and abetted the transfer of firearms between residents of different states.

At nine of the seventeen counts, the law provides for a maximum sentence of not more than ten years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. At the remaining counts, the law provides for a maximum sentence of not more than five years in prison. 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.

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. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with detectives from the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, conducted the investigation leading to the second superseding indictment in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Conor Lamb is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

A second superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.