North Side Felon Charged with Illegally Possessing Heroin, a Gun and Ammunition

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The three-count Indictment named Aaron Gale, 26, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about January 16, 2020, Gale possessed with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. Gale, being a convicted felon, illegally possessed a SIG Sauer P226 9mm pistol and ammunition in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year to possess a firearm or ammunition.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine not to exceed $8,000,000 or both. 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.

Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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