Pittsburgh Felon Faces Up to 10 Years for Gun Law Violation

PITTSBURGH – In a shocking development, Jason Porter, Jr., 21, has been slapped with charges for violating federal firearms laws, according to Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song.

The one-count indictment alleges that on or about October 20, 2016, Porter, Jr., despite being a convicted felon, brazenly possessed a Smith & Wesson, Model SD40VE, .40 caliber pistol and ammunition. Federal law strictly prohibits felons from owning firearms and ammunition, a statute Porter, Jr. is accused of flouting.

This offense carries the weighty penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. The sentence handed down will depend on the severity of the crime and Porter’s prior criminal record, under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Amy L. Johnston, Assistant United States Attorney, is handling the prosecution for the government in this case.

The investigation that led to Porter, Jr.’s indictment was a collaborative effort involving the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Allegheny County Violent Crimes, Narcotics, and Firearms Task Force, the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, and the City of Pittsburgh Police Department. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, an initiative aimed at preventing, deterring, and prosecuting gun crime.

As with any indictment, Jason Porter Jr. is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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