PITTSBURGH, PA – Devon Smith, 26, of Greenville, Pennsylvania, is looking at a decade behind bars after admitting in federal court yesterday to illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition. The charge stems from a December 2021 incident, adding another layer to a criminal history that already disqualified him from owning weapons.
Smith pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. The feds say he was found to be in possession of a gun and ammo despite a prior felony conviction – a clear violation of federal law. Details of the initial investigation haven’t been released, but the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) played a key role in building the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting the case, and is seeking a substantial sentence. The maximum penalty for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon is up to 10 years in prison, alongside a hefty fine of up to $250,000. However, the actual sentence will depend on Smith’s criminal record and the severity of the offense as determined by federal sentencing guidelines.
The case is being touted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office as part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods,” a federal initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. The program focuses on fostering trust with communities, supporting local violence prevention groups, and strategically targeting enforcement efforts. Whether this initiative actually makes a dent in the street-level violence remains to be seen.
The investigation involved a multi-agency effort, including the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and, of course, the ATF. While officials are celebrating this conviction, it’s just one case in a city grappling with a surge in gun violence. The question remains: is this enough to truly make a difference?
Smith is scheduled to be sentenced on July 30, 2024. Until then, he remains in federal custody. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the final outcome. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, led by Eric G. Olshan, handled the prosecution.
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