Cheron Shelton, Illegally Possessing a Rifle and Ammunition, Pennsylvania 2016

A Pittsburgh resident has been charged with violating federal firearms laws, according to a federal indictment.

Cheron Shelton, age 33, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been named as the sole defendant in a one-count indictment.

According to the indictment, on March 12, 2016, Shelton possessed a firearm and ammunition, namely a Colt Model M4, .22 caliber rifle, knowing that he had been previously convicted of a crime punishable by a term exceeding one year.

Federal law prohibits any person who has been convicted of a felony from owning a firearm.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Douglas C. Maloney and Brendan T. Conway are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Allegheny County Police Department and the Wilkinsburg Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Shelton faces a maximum of ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/pittsburgh-felon-charged-illegally-possessing-rifle-and-ammunition-0