PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Richard L. Edwards Jr., 49, of McKeesport, is headed back behind bars after a federal judge slammed him with a 37-month sentence for illegally possessing firearms and ammunition. Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced the conviction today, a win for those trying to keep guns out of the hands of repeat offenders.
The case unfolded after Edwards, already on probation following a 2023 conviction that included five years of county probation and 18 months of electronic home monitoring, brazenly violated the terms of his release. Court records show that on May 25, 2024, and again on June 1, 2024, Edwards accompanied his wife on trips to a local firearms store – during approved ‘grocery windows,’ no less. On both occasions, his wife purchased a firearm. These unauthorized stops raised red flags with Westmoreland County Adult Probation.
On August 9, 2024, probation officers, smelling a rat, conducted a search of Edwards’ residence, with assistance from the McKeesport Police Department. The search didn’t disappoint. Inside Edwards’ bedroom, they found a cache of weapons and ammunition. Law enforcement ultimately seized four firearms, including a particularly dangerous sawed-off shotgun, along with a substantial quantity of ammunition.
Edwards’ past is checkered with violence. He’s previously been convicted of both robbery and simple assault – and crucially, both of those crimes involved the use or threatened use of a firearm. This made him legally prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition, a fact he clearly ignored. It’s a pattern of disregard for the law that Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand clearly took seriously.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski skillfully prosecuted the case, presenting the evidence that led to Edwards’ conviction and subsequent sentencing. The 37-month sentence sends a clear message: violating federal gun laws, especially with a history of violent crime, will not be tolerated.
Rivetti was quick to praise the collaborative effort that brought Edwards to justice. He specifically commended Westmoreland County Adult Probation, the McKeesport Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their thorough investigation and dedication to removing dangerous individuals and weapons from the streets. This case is a stark reminder of the ongoing battle to control gun violence and hold criminals accountable.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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