Erie Felon Held Without Firearm

Kevin Dimitri Tate, a 24-year-old former Erie resident, has pleaded guilty to violating federal firearms laws after being found in possession of a .380 ACP firearm.

A federal court in Erie, Pennsylvania, heard the guilty plea from Tate, who is a convicted felon and therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm. United States District Judge David S. Cercone accepted the plea and scheduled sentencing for July 31, 2017 at 3:00 p.m.

According to the court, Tate’s possession of the firearm is a serious offense, punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. However, the actual sentence imposed will depend on the seriousness of the offense and Tate’s prior criminal history, if any.

The investigation into Tate’s firearm possession was led by the Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force, the Erie Bureau of Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crime.

Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini is handling the prosecution on behalf of the government. The case is a stark reminder of the importance of enforcing firearms laws and ensuring public safety.

Tate’s guilty plea marks a significant development in the case, and his sentencing will be closely watched by law enforcement agencies and the community at large.

The guilty plea and upcoming sentencing are a testament to the efforts of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors working together to keep communities safe from gun violence.