Press Release
Three Brothers Plead Guilty to Conspiracy Charge for Attempting to Steal Guns from FFLs
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Pennsylvania
PITTSBURGH – Three brothers residing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Jerwahn Atkins, 24, Jerquay Atkins, 23, and Jamir Atkins, 22, each pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy on April 16, 2021, April 19, 2021 and April 20, 2021, respectively.
In connection with the guilty pleas of the three brothers, the court was advised that the Atkins brothers conspired to steal firearms from a federal firearm licensee, Allegheny Arms and Gun Works, on the night of May 30, 2020. The Atkins’s used a crowbar in an attempt to gain entry to the gun store, which triggered a burglary alarm. This alarmed caused the brothers to run away to which Jerquay and Jerwahn left the scene in the same vehicle while Jamir departed in a separate vehicle, not arriving at the next crime scene. Jamir Atkins and Jerwahn Atkins then drove to the National Armory in Moon Township, also a federal firearm licensee. On May 31, 2020, a crowbar was again used to pry open the door triggering the burglary alarm causing the two brothers to flee once more.
Judge W. Scott Hardy scheduled sentencing for Jamir Atkins on August 26, 2021 at 10:00 a.m., Jerquay Atkins on August 25, 2021 at 10:00 a.m., and Jerwahn Atkins on August 24, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than five years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release not more than three years, and/or a $250,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court remanded Jerwahn and Jerquay Atkins to the custody of the United States Marshals Service. Jamir Atkins was continued on bond pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Jerwahn Atkins, Jamir Atkins and Jerquay Atkins.
Updated April 21, 2021
Topic
Firearms Offenses
Component