Johnstown Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegal Pistol Possession

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – In a stunning admission, George A. Robinson, 22, of Johnstown, PA, has pleaded guilty in federal court to the charge of illegally possessing a firearm, according to United States Attorney David J. Hickton.

Robinson, who already has a criminal record, was convicted in Cambria Co., Pa., back in 2009 for criminal attempt burglary—a felony that carries a prison term exceeding one year. Federal law explicitly bars anyone with such a conviction from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.

The illegal pistol in question, a Taurus PT111 Millennium Pro 9mm, was owned by Robinson as of May 10, 2011. His sentencing is set for June 10, 2013, at 10:30 a.m., with the law allowing for a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is handling the prosecution on behalf of the government, while the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the FBI and the Johnstown Police Department were instrumental in the investigation that led to Robinson’s arrest.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson will determine Robinson’s sentence based on the severity of the offense and his prior criminal history. This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a joint initiative by federal, state, and local law enforcement aimed at preventing, deterring, and prosecuting gun crime.

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