Isaiah Pridgen, Unlawful Possession of Firearm, Pennsylvania 2022

PITTSBURGH, PA – In a brazen disregard for the law, McKeesport resident Isaiah Pridgen, 25, has been charged with violating federal firearms law, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

According to the indictment, on or about Aug. 17, 2022, Pridgen was found to be in possession of a firearm and ammunition. This egregious offense is a stark reminder of the dangers of gun violence in our communities.

Pridgen’s prior conviction record is no secret. He was previously convicted in the Western District of Pennsylvania of felony crimes including possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and Pridgen’s actions are a clear testament to this law.

Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, as part of the Safe Streets Task Force, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 15 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.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

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

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