PHILADELPHIA, PA – A Philadelphia man is facing the consequences after attempting to ditch a loaded handgun during a raid of an illegal speakeasy he was managing. Edward Burgess, 45, was convicted at trial this week of possession of a firearm by a felon, a charge stemming from a June 2019 investigation that began with a tip about an unlicensed establishment selling booze and tobacco.
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) initially launched an undercover operation targeting the lounge. Officers quickly determined the establishment was operating outside the law, and identified Edward Burgess as a key figure – a manager moving through restricted “employees only” areas. When Philadelphia Police moved in to shut down the illegal operation, things escalated quickly.
According to court documents, as officers were escorting Burgess away from the crowd, he abruptly pulled a loaded firearm from his waistband and tossed it backwards. The weapon struck one of the undercover PLCB officers in the leg. Alerted to the danger, a Philadelphia Police officer secured the handgun. It was later determined Burgess was already a convicted felon, legally prohibited from possessing any firearm.
“Today’s conviction at trial is a step forward to a safer Philadelphia,” stated U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero. “This case is an example of our close working relationship with our local and state partners to use federal criminal charges to make the community safer.” The case highlights the continued federal focus on illegal firearms and repeat offenders.
Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division, added, “The outcome of this prosecution sends a positive message to the community on ATF’s commitment to keeping the public safe from firearms violence. Keeping our communities safe from violent felons like this will always be our top priority.”
Burgess’s conviction is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement. Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony Carissimi and Bea Witzleben are prosecuting the case. Details regarding sentencing will be released as they become available.
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- Edward Burgess, Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon, PA 2019 · Virginia
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