PITTSBURGH, PA – Timothy Wilson, 24, of Pittsburgh, is facing over two decades behind bars after being sentenced to 262 months – 22 years – in federal prison for a firearms offense. The sentence was handed down January 15, 2013, by United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
Wilson, already a convicted felon, was found to be in possession of a loaded, illegally sawed-off shotgun on April 20, 2011. The bust went down after authorities caught him giving a false name during the arrest. It quickly came to light that Wilson wasn’t just a gun-toting ex-con; he was actively wanted for escaping from custody after previously serving more than five years for a string of armed robberies.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt laid out a damning history for Judge Cercone. The court heard that Wilson’s criminal career began shockingly young – at age 14 – with an assault on a female victim. This wasn’t a one-time lapse in judgment; the incident foreshadowed a pattern of escalating violence and repeated criminal behavior following his release from prison for those armed robberies.
The severity of the sentence reflects not only the immediate danger posed by the illegal firearm but also Wilson’s demonstrated disregard for the law and a long history of violent offenses. Judge Cercone clearly considered Wilson’s early entry into crime and his continued lawlessness when determining the 262-month term. This wasn’t a simple gun charge; it was the culmination of years of predatory behavior.
U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) in the investigation that led to Wilson’s conviction. The ATF’s meticulous work was crucial in building a solid case against Wilson, ensuring he faced the full weight of the law. This prosecution sends a clear message: possessing illegal firearms and escaping custody will not be tolerated.
Wilson’s lengthy sentence serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by repeat offenders and the commitment of federal authorities to remove them from the streets. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on other instances of violent crime plaguing the nation’s cities. The name of Timothy Wilson will now be etched in the annals of Pittsburgh’s criminal history, a cautionary tale of a life spiraling out of control.”
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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