Pittsburgh Gunrunner Raesean Wilson Gets 52 Months

PITTSBURGH, PA – Raesean M. Wilson, 22, of Pittsburgh, is headed to federal prison after receiving a 52-month sentence for brazenly violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today. The sentence, handed down by Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak, includes three years of supervised release following incarceration.

Wilson’s troubles with the law began to snowball in March 2022 when he was convicted of a felony in Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. Federal law is clear: a convicted felon isn’t allowed to possess a firearm or ammunition. Yet, just seven months later, on September 21, 2022, officers with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police caught Wilson red-handed in the Northside neighborhood, packing a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine containing 30 rounds. A federal grand jury indicted him in January 2023, but that didn’t stop him.

Less than a month after the indictment, on January 26, 2023, Pennsylvania State Troopers pulled Wilson over for a traffic violation in downtown Pittsburgh. This time, he was found with a .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, also loaded with an extended magazine – this one holding 23 rounds. This wasn’t just about illegal gun possession; authorities quickly connected Wilson to the trafficking of fentanyl and methamphetamine. A second federal grand jury indictment followed in February 2023, doubling down on the charges.

Wilson eventually pleaded guilty to both firearms offenses in December 2023, acknowledging his repeated disregard for the law. Assistant United States Attorney Carl J. Spindler successfully prosecuted the case, presenting the evidence that sealed Wilson’s fate. The evidence painted a clear picture of a man actively involved in illegal activity and willing to arm himself despite his criminal record.

U.S. Attorney Olshan praised the collaborative effort of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, stating their investigation was crucial to securing the conviction. This case isn’t isolated. It’s part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a comprehensive program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by uniting law enforcement at all levels with the communities they serve.

The PSN program, strengthened in May 2021, focuses on building trust, supporting community organizations, prioritizing strategic enforcement, and, crucially, measuring results. This sentencing serves as a stark reminder that those who choose to illegally possess firearms, especially while involved in drug trafficking, will face serious consequences under federal law. The streets of Pittsburgh are a little safer with Wilson behind bars.