Issa Jamal Battle, Gun Possession, Pennsylvania 2016

A Pittsburgh-area man has admitted to illegally possessing a loaded handgun, according to the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Issa Jamal Battle, aka 'Ees-Bay,' pleaded guilty to a charge of violating federal firearms laws on May 23, 2016. The guilty plea was entered before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

According to court documents, Battle was stopped by members of the United States Marshal Fugitive Task Force and Detectives from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police while driving a rental vehicle on California Avenue. Despite clear instructions, Battle was observed making hand movements toward the seat belt lock area, where police located a 45 Auto caliber semi-automatic handgun loaded with ammunition.

Battle, a former resident of Pittsburgh and Gibsonia, had been previously convicted of several prior felony charges and was wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant for an unrelated incident. The defendant's prior convictions qualify him as an 'Armed Career Criminal,' which carries a minimum sentence of 15 years and up to life in prison, along with a fine of up to $250,000.

Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt of the Violent Crime Section of the United States Attorney's Office is prosecuting Battle on behalf of the government. United States Attorney David J. Hickton commended all of the law enforcement efforts that brought Battle to justice.

This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crimes. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the United States Marshal Service Fugitive Task Force, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for September 7, 2016, at 9:30am. The United States Marshals Service is currently transporting Battle back to jail to await sentencing.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/felon-admits-illegally-possessing-loaded-handgun