PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of McKees Rocks pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal firearm laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Gamale Vaughn, age 45, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge William S. Stickman.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in June 2019, officers with the McKees Rocks Police Department executed a search warrant on the defendant’s residence. During the search, law enforcement recovered a Springfield Armory .45 caliber handgun, which was previously reported stolen. Following a waiver of his rights, the defendant admitted that the firearm was his. The Court was further advised that the defendant was previously convicted of a felony drug trafficking offense in Allegheny County. As a convicted felon, the defendant is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms.
Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for February 23, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of ten years in prison, a fine of $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, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the Court continued the defendant on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The McKees Rocks Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Vaughn.
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