Pittsburgh Felon Charged with Illegally Possessing a Rifle and Ammunition

PITTSBURGH –A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of felon in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment named Dewayne Lashawn Poole, 41, 300 Anthony Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15210, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about August 21, 2019, Poole possessed a 223 Rem/5.56 mm NATO caliber Smith & Wesson rifle, and ammunition. It is unlawful for Poole, who has previously been convicted of crimes punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year, to possess a firearm or ammunition.

The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 15 years, but up to life in prison, a $250,000 fine, 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, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the City of 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.