Wilkinsburg Felon on Parole Admits Illegally Possessing a Loaded Handgun

PITTSBURGH, PA- A resident of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Monte Barry, 21, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that on October 3, 2018, Barry unlawfully possessed a Taurus, Model PT 24/7 G2, 9mm handgun that was loaded with 17 rounds of ammunition. The Court was further informed that Barry was previously convicted of robbery, robbery of a motor vehicle, receiving stolen property, and possession of a firearm by a minor, and had been released on parole less than three months beforehand. As a convicted felon, Barry is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for December 2, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. 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. Barry remains detained pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wilkinsburg Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Barry.

This case was brought as a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.