PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Another gun-toting ex-con off the streets. Thomas James Clark, 32, of Butler, Pennsylvania, is facing federal charges after being indicted by a grand jury in Pittsburgh for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. The indictment, announced today by United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan, paints a clear picture: a convicted felon illegally packing heat.
The single-count indictment alleges that on January 20, 2024, Clark knowingly violated federal firearms laws. Details remain scarce, but the charge itself speaks volumes. Federal law is absolute on this: a prior felony conviction strips you of the right to own or possess a firearm or ammunition. Clark apparently didn’t get the memo.
If convicted, Clark is looking at a hefty penalty. The maximum sentence allowed by law is up to 15 years behind bars, a fine of up to $250,000, or a combination of both. However, the actual sentence will be determined by federal sentencing guidelines, factoring in the severity of the offense and Clark’s already existing criminal history – a record that likely isn’t pretty.
Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine C. Jordan and Kelly M. Locher are leading the prosecution, building their case against Clark. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), suggesting this wasn’t a simple traffic stop. The ATF doesn’t typically get involved in minor offenses.
This case is being touted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. The program, recently bolstered by the Department of Justice, focuses on community trust, supporting local organizations, strategic enforcement, and measurable results. Whether it truly makes a difference remains to be seen, but the feds are certainly trying to sell it.
It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is not a conviction. Thomas James Clark is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, the charges are serious, and a conviction will undoubtedly add to his already checkered past. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any developments.
Related Federal Cases
- Pittsburgh Felon Thompkins Busted with Illegal Gun & Ammo · Pennsylvania
- Valley Felons Busted with Illegal Firearms · Washington
- Wilkinsburg Felon Gets 8 Years for Illegal .22 · Pennsylvania
- Everett Man Busted for Hoarding 19 Guns as Convicted Felon · Pennsylvania
- Norristown Man, Illegal Alien, Busted with .45 · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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