Michael Champion, Crack Cocaine and Firearms Possession, Pennsylvania 2017

A Pittsburgh felon has been charged with violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, according to a federal indictment.

Middle-aged Michael Champion, 44, was named as the sole defendant in a five-count superseding indictment filed in Pittsburgh.

According to the indictment, on April 14, 2017, and August 15, 2017, Champion possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base, commonly known as crack cocaine.

Additionally, on April 14, 2017, Champion was in possession of numerous firearms, including an unregistered sawed-off shotgun, in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime.

Champion is a convicted felon and prohibited by federal law from possessing any firearms.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both.

Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Christopher M. Cook is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police – Narcotics and Vice Division conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.

A superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/pittsburgh-felon-charged-illegal-possession-crack-cocaine-and-firearms