Ruchlewicz Sentenced

Vincent L. Ruchlewicz, 58, of DuBois, Pa. has been sentenced to 46 months in prison for unlawfully possessing numerous firearms. This sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson, after Ruchlewicz was found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to information presented to the court, Ruchlewicz was found in possession of numerous firearms on Mar. 1, 2018. This is not his first run-in with the law, as he was previously convicted in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on Feb. 28, 2011. Federal law explicitly prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing firearms.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines prosecuted this case on behalf of the government, which was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts, and has been proven to be effective at reducing violent crime through its evidence-based approach.

United States Attorney Scott W. Brady commended the United States Probation Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their role in the investigation that led to Ruchlewicz’s successful prosecution. The collaboration between these agencies is a prime example of how law enforcement can work together to keep communities safe from violent crime.

Ruchlewicz’s sentence of 46 months in prison will be followed by three years of supervised release. This sentencing serves as a reminder that those who have been convicted of a felony will face serious consequences if they are found to be in possession of firearms. The Department of Justice will continue to work tirelessly to reduce violent crime and keep our communities safe through initiatives like Project Safe Neighborhoods.

The case against Ruchlewicz is a testament to the effectiveness of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. By working together, law enforcement agencies can identify and address the most pressing violent crime problems in their communities, ultimately making them safer for everyone.