Stanley Patterson, Firearms Possession, Pennsylvania 2018

PITTSBURGH – In a shocking case of firearms possession, a 65-year-old resident of Carnegie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to illegally possessing firearms, ammunition and body armor in federal court on June 14, 2018. Stanley Patterson, also known as Robert Cook, faces serious charges and a hefty prison sentence for his crimes.

Patterson’s troubles began when his house in Carnegie was searched pursuant to a search warrant on December 16, 2015. Police found four firearms, one of which had its serial number obliterated, as well as ammunition for those weapons and body armor. The discovery was a major blow to the defendant, who has a history of crime dating back to his youth.

Patterson’s prior convictions include Robbery, Criminal Conspiracy, Burglary (two counts), Theft, Receiving Stolen Property, and Felony Criminal Trespass. These convictions render him ineligible to possess a firearm or ammunition under federal law, as they carry a maximum possible penalty of more than two years of incarceration. Furthermore, his robbery conviction makes him ineligible to possess body armor under federal law.

Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. Lenhardt, a veteran prosecutor, is determined to bring Patterson to justice for his crimes. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Carnegie Police Department, the Allegheny County Police Department, and the Allegheny County Fire Marshal all contributed to the investigation that led to the prosecution of Patterson.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime, has been instrumental in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to make our neighborhoods safer. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority, and this case is a testament to the success of PSN.

Patterson’s sentencing is scheduled for September 10, 2018, at 1 p.m. He faces a total sentence of up to 13 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based on the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, Patterson has been remanded to the Allegheny County Jail. He also has several cases listed for trial in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas on September 17, 2018. With his guilty plea, Patterson has admitted to his crimes and is now facing the consequences of his actions.

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