PITTSBURGH – In a shocking turn of events, 36-year-old Pittsburgh resident Jeremiah Pashuta pleaded guilty in federal court to violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Pashuta, a repeat offender with a history of state court convictions for drug dealing, illegal gun possession, and threats, faced two counts in federal court. According to the guilty plea, on August 6, 2013, Pittsburgh Police Officers executed a search warrant at his residence, uncovering a sawed-off shotgun, two semi-automatic pistols, 649 stamp bags containing approximately 13 grams of heroin, thousands of dollars in cash, a drug scale, and records of drug debts.
The court was advised that federal law makes it illegal for a person to possess a firearm or ammunition after a state court conviction for an offense carrying a maximum penalty of more than 2 years in prison. Pashuta’s prior convictions and the severity of the current charges will be taken into account during sentencing.
Judge Mark R. Hornak scheduled sentencing for June 15, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $2,250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Cindy K. Chung and Ross E. Lenhardt are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Pashuta. 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 crime.
Pashuta’s history of repeat offenses and the severity of the current charges make this case a prime example of the importance of Project Safe Neighborhoods. As the investigation continues, it is clear that Pashuta’s actions pose a significant threat to public safety.
The sentencing of Pashuta is set for June 15, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. in federal court. The outcome of the case will be closely watched by law enforcement agencies and the community at large.
Defendant Information: Jeremiah Pashuta, 36, charged with 2 counts of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws. Prior convictions include multiple state court convictions for drug dealing, illegal gun possession, and threats.
Crime Details: On August 6, 2013, Pashuta was found to be in possession of a sawed-off shotgun, two semi-automatic pistols, 649 stamp bags containing approximately 13 grams of heroin, thousands of dollars in cash, a drug scale, and records of drug debts.
Sentence: Maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $2,250,000 or both.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Felony|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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