PITTSBURGH, PA — Devon Smith, a 26-year-old resident of Greenville, Pennsylvania, acknowledged his violation of federal law by pleading guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition despite having a prior felony conviction. This admission came before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon on April 15, 2024, marking a significant development in a case that underscores the ongoing efforts to enforce gun control laws.
The court learned that in December 2021, Smith unlawfully held a firearm and ammunition, actions explicitly prohibited for individuals with felony convictions under federal law. This law aims to reduce gun violence by preventing access to firearms by those with criminal histories deemed likely to misuse them.
The sentencing for Smith is scheduled for July 30, 2024, with potential penalties reaching up to 10 years in prison and fines as high as $250,000. These severe consequences reflect the gravity with which the legal system views violations of firearm possession laws, especially among previously convicted felons. The final sentence will consider both the nature of Smith’s offense and his past criminal record.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller represents the government in prosecuting this case, highlighting the collaborative effort among various law enforcement agencies, including the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. These entities worked together to bring about Smith’s conviction, demonstrating a unified stance against illegal firearm possession.
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