Jefferson County Man Admits to Straw Purchasing Firearms
A Jefferson County resident pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Brock Powell, 43, of Summerville, PA, pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements in relation to the acquisition of firearms, before Senior United States District Court Judge Joy Flowers Conti. Powell admitted to straw purchasing three firearms.
The firearms included: a .40 caliber semiautomatic Walther pistol; a .40 caliber semiautomatic Taurus pistol; and a .40 caliber semiautomatic Smith & Wesson pistol. Powell confessed to straw purchasing the firearms and admitted that he was a drug addict.
According to court documents, Powell purchased the firearms on January 14, 2017, from Grice Gun Shop in Clearfield, PA on behalf of Peter DiGiacomo, who then transferred them to a drug dealer in Niagara Falls, NY.
Pending sentencing, the court continued Powell’s bond. Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for September 19, 2019. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.
Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Powell.
The case is part of a larger effort by the federal government to combat firearms trafficking and reduce violent crime.
Defendant: Brock Powell, 43, of Summerville, PA.
Criminal Charges: One count of making false statements in relation to the acquisition of firearms.
City and State: Pittsburgh, PA.
Exact Date with month/day/year: January 14, 2017.
Sentence or Outcome: Sentencing scheduled for September 19, 2019, with a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and/or a fine of $250,000.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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