Pittsburgh Felon Charged with Illegally Possessing a Gun

PITTSBURGH – One resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a violation of the federal firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The one-count indictment named Melvin Russaw, age 35.

According to the Indictment, on or about June 6, 2017, Russaw illegally possessed a firearm. Russaw has previously been convicted of a felony and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

For possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, the law provides for a maximum sentence of up to ten (10) years in prison, a fine of up to $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.

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, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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