A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been found guilty of placing a backpack full of destructive devices in downtown Pittsburgh, leaving residents shaken and wondering how this could have happened.
Matthew Michanowicz, 53, formerly of Duquesne Heights, pleaded guilty to violating federal firearms law in federal court, announced Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman.
The court was advised that on May 31, 2020, Michanowicz knowingly and unlawfully possessed three destructive devices, which were not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Specifically, Michanowicz admitted that, on or about May 31, 2020, he placed three unregistered homemade destructive devices in a camouflage backpack at 2 PNC Plaza in downtown Pittsburgh.
The investigation that led to Michanowicz’s prosecution was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose scheduled sentencing for December 13, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.
The actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Michanowicz’s actions have left the community feeling uneasy and wondering how this could have happened.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of public safety and the need for vigilance in our communities. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who pose a threat to public safety are held accountable.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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