Wilkinsburg Felon Gets 8 Years for Illegal .22

PITTSBURGH, PA – Another gun-toting ex-con is off the streets of Western Pennsylvania. Khalifah Ali Al-Akili, 34, of Wilkinsburg, received a hefty 94-month federal prison sentence today for being a convicted felon illegally packing heat – specifically, a .22 rifle. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Mark R. Hornak, who also tacked on five years of supervised release after Al-Akili serves his time.

The feds weren’t messing around. According to court documents, Al-Akili, also known as James Marvin Thomas, already had a criminal record when he was caught with the weapon. Details surrounding the initial seizure of the rifle remain tight-lipped, but prosecutors made it clear to the court that his prior status made possession of *any* firearm a federal offense.

United States Attorney David J. Hickton, announcing the sentencing, didn’t mince words. This isn’t just about a gun; it’s about keeping dangerous individuals from accessing weapons they are legally prohibited from owning. The message is clear: if you’re a felon, possessing a firearm will land you in federal prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney James R. Wilson drove the prosecution, presenting a solid case built on the simple fact that Al-Akili, a convicted felon, shouldn’t have been anywhere near a firearm. The government successfully argued that his possession posed a risk to public safety, leading to the significant sentence.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation that ultimately led to Al-Akili’s conviction. Hickton specifically commended the Bureau for their work, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts between federal agencies in tackling gun crime. This case serves as a reminder that the FBI is actively working to identify and prosecute those who violate federal firearms laws.

Al-Akili will now begin his 94-month stay in a federal correctional facility. The five years of supervised release that follow will ensure he’s monitored upon his release, potentially preventing a repeat offense. While this conviction closes one case, the Grimy Times will continue to track federal prosecutions across Pennsylvania and beyond, exposing the underbelly of crime and holding offenders accountable.

RELATED: Homestead Heroin Network Hit With New Charges