Pittsburgh Man Conspired To Falsify Firearms Records To Illegally Obtain Guns

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Eric Beverly, 20, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in or around June 2012, and continuing thereafter to on or about July 27, 2012, Beverly conspired with a known individual to falsify firearms transaction records in connection with the purchase of two firearms. Specifically, the individual indicated on the ATF purchase records that the firearms were being purchased for herself when, in truth, the firearms were being purchased for Beverly, who was prohibited from purchasing and possessing firearms due to his age.

Beverly was one of seven individuals charged in February 2013 as part of a Western Pennsylvania law enforcement initiative to vigorously enforce federal and state firearms laws that target prohibited possessors.

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for Aug. 13, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense(s) and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Charles A. Eberle is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Eric Beverly. 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.