Two Pittsburgh Felons Indicted for Illegally Possessing Guns and Ammo

PITTSBURGH - Two residents of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The two-count indictment named Julian Patton, age 26, of Pittsburgh, PA, and Marcus Smith, age 22, of Pittsburgh, PA.

According to the Indictment, on or about February 2, 2017, Patton, an individual with a prior felony conviction for burglary, did knowingly and unlawfully possess a Smith & Wesson, M&P Shield 9mm firearm and ammunition, and Smith, an individual with several prior felony convictions for assault, trespass, and firearms crimes, did knowingly and unlawfully possess a Glock 9mm pistol and ammunition. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

For Patton’s offense, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. For Smith’s offense, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $250,000, 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 of the respective defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Heidi M. Grogan and Amy L. Johnston are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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