PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics and firearm laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Keenan Young, 28, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak on Sept. 27, 2022.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on April 16, 2021, a federal search warrant was executed on Young’s residence located in Wilkinsburg, PA. Agents with the DEA and members of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police located a loaded KelTec .380 caliber handgun and multiple baggies of crack cocaine inside of a bedroom. Young admitted to possession of the recovered firearm and crack cocaine. Young is prohibited from possessing any firearms based upon his multiple felony convictions. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Chief Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for Feb. 2, 2023, at 1:30 pm. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,00,000 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. Young remains detained pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Ball is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.