Bricker Pleads Guilty

A 56-year-old Uniontown, Pa., man has pleaded guilty to a charge of violating federal firearms laws, according to United States Attorney David J. Hickton. William Kent Bricker pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about Sept. 2, 2012, Bricker, being a convicted felon, illegally possessed a .32 caliber revolver. Bricker was convicted of armed bank robbery in 1993 and illegal firearms possession in 2004. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year to possess a firearm.

Bricker’s guilty plea is the result of an investigation conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 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.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for Feb. 26, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total 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 criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Charles A. Eberle is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The prosecution of Bricker demonstrates the commitment of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to enforcing federal firearms laws and reducing gun crime in Pennsylvania.

The guilty plea of William Kent Bricker serves as a reminder that convicted felons are prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the prosecution of cases like this one are crucial in preventing and deterring gun crime in communities across the country. As the case moves forward to sentencing, the community will be watching to see that justice is served.