Pittsburgh Felon Henderson Faces Life for Gun Possession

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Roger Henderson, 29, of Allegheny County, is facing serious federal charges after being indicted by a grand jury in Pittsburgh for illegally possessing a firearm. The indictment, handed down May 7th, marks a significant escalation in a case highlighting the ongoing struggle to keep guns out of the hands of convicted felons.

According to court documents, Henderson was found to be in possession of a firearm on October 6, 2012. This seemingly simple fact carries immense weight, given Henderson’s prior felony convictions. Federal law is crystal clear: anyone convicted of a crime carrying a sentence exceeding one year is prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm. Henderson allegedly ignored that law.

United States Attorney David J. Hickton’s office is prosecuting the case, and the potential consequences are severe. If convicted, Henderson could face a minimum of 15 years in prison, and potentially a life sentence. A hefty fine of $250,000 also hangs in the balance. Sentencing will be determined by the severity of the offense and Henderson’s existing criminal history.

Assistant United States Attorney Eric S. Rosen is leading the prosecution, and this case falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods – a multi-agency initiative aimed at aggressively tackling gun crime at the federal, state, and local levels. The collaborative effort involves law enforcement, prosecutors, and community stakeholders, all working to prevent and deter firearm-related offenses.

The investigation that led to Henderson’s indictment was a joint operation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. Agents and officers painstakingly built the case, gathering evidence that ultimately led to the grand jury’s decision. Details of the evidence have not yet been publicly released.

It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is merely an accusation. Henderson is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, this case underscores the unwavering commitment of federal authorities to enforce firearms laws and hold accountable those who choose to flout them, even years after the initial offense. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on developments as they unfold.