Source: Office of United States Attorneys
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Kenneth Gaines, 34, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on February 15, 2024, Gaines was found in possession of a stolen firearm and firearm magazine. Gaines previously had been convicted of multiple felony offenses, and was on federal supervised release at the time of this offense. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for May 12, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Michael R. Ball and Kelly M. Locher are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Gaines.