Pittsburgh Felon Charged with Illegally Possessing a Firearm

PITTSBURGH- A Pittsburgh resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Tiawan Harper, 31, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Harper was found in possession of a firearm on or about Sept. 18, 2015, following a felony conviction in 2010. Federal law prohibits a person convicted of a crime punishable by in excess of one year imprisonment from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

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 Ryan K. Hart is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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 crimes.  The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Fire, and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service, and the Pittsburgh Police Department 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.