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Felon Pleads Guilty to Gun Charge
A 38-year-old Pittsburgh resident has pleaded guilty to a federal firearms charge, putting him at risk of a lengthy prison sentence.
Melvin Russaw, a convicted felon, was caught with a Glock, model 21, .45 caliber pistol, in his 2008 Gray Chevy Impala in June 2017. Russaw, who has multiple prior felony state convictions and a federal conviction, is prohibited from lawfully possessing a firearm.
According to investigators, a search warrant was executed on the vehicle, which was registered to Russaw. Inside, they found a small panel containing the hidden pistol.
Russaw’s guilty plea comes ahead of a scheduled sentencing hearing on June 23, 2020. As a convicted felon with multiple prior convictions, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.
The case was brought under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program designed to reduce violent crime. Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting the case.
The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.
Russaw remains incarcerated pending sentencing, where he will face a judge’s decision on his fate.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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