Washington Man Facing 15 Years To Life In Prison For Drug, Gun Law Violations

PITTSBURGH - On Tuesday, May 28, 2013, a resident of Washington, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to violating federal firearms and narcotic laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Richard Brown, 32, pleaded guilty to three counts - two narcotics counts and one firearms count - before Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in August 2009, and then again on Sept. 18, 2009, Brown distributed and possessed with the intent to distribute crack cocaine. In addition, in August 2009, Brown, who has prior felony convictions, possessed a firearm. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm.

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for Sept. 18, 2013 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of between 15 years to life in prison, a fine of $4,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Eric S. Rosen is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Richard Brown.