Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Robbery and Firearms Charges

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on January 25, 2024, to charges of robbery and firearms violations, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Richard James, 33, pleaded guilty to six counts before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, in April and May of 2021, James committed a series of armed robberies of cellular telephone stores in the Pittsburgh area. The Court was also informed that the defendant was found in illegal possession of a firearm in August 2021. As a convicted felon, under federal law, James is not permitted to possess a firearm or ammunition.

Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for May 29, 2024. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to life prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the Court ordered that the defendant remain detained.

Assistant United States Attorney Douglas C. Maloney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of James, in collaboration with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Wilkinsburg Police Department, and Swissvale Police Department.