Pittsburgh Man Indicted on Federal Drug and Gun Charges

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, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The three-count indictment, returned on August 8, named Lamont Willis, age 45, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on or about March 8, 2017, Willis possessed with the intent to distribute quantities of cocaine and cocaine base, commonly known as crack, Schedule II controlled substances. Further, on that same date, Willis possessed a Smith & Wesson .357 caliber revolver, a Harrington & Richardson .22 caliber revolver, a Remington .22 caliber rifle, a .308 caliber Mauser rifle, and numerous rounds of ammunition in furtherance of said drug trafficking crime. It is unlawful for Willis, who has previously been convicted of a felony offense, to possess a firearm or ammunition.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to life in prison, a fine not to exceed $1,000,000, 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 of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and North Strabane Township Police Department, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. 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.

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