PITTSBURGH, PA — A Pittsburgh resident, Ernest Terry, 45, was arrested and charged with violating federal firearms laws, announced United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan on Friday, March 15, 2024.
Terry was charged by a federal criminal complaint following his arrest by investigators from the Allegheny County Police Department on March 14, 2024.
According to an affidavit filed in support of a state court arrest warrant, Terry was identified as the alleged shooter in an incident that took place in a McKees Rocks public housing building on March 12, 2024. After a brief attempt to evade arrest, Terry was located and detained near the Hays Manor apartment complex in McKees Rocks. A loaded .45 caliber Ruger pistol, previously reported stolen, was found tucked in Terry’s waistband during a search incident to his arrest.
Terry, who has several prior felony drug convictions and a prior federal felony conviction for being an Armed Career Criminal, is currently serving a term of federal supervised release. Having served 15 years in federal prison for his previous conviction, Terry is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition as a convicted felon.
U.S. Attorney Olshan commended the Allegheny County Police Department for their work in apprehending Terry. He stated, “When our office learns that violent offenders have violated federal law, we will work quickly in partnership with our state and local partners to bring them to justice.”
If convicted, Terry could face a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. If classified again as an Armed Career Criminal, the potential penalties would increase to a minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison. The actual sentence imposed would be based on the seriousness of the offense and Terry’s prior criminal history.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas C. Maloney and Vincent Joseph Sonson are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The case is under investigation by multiple agencies, including the Allegheny County Police Department, Allegheny County Housing Police Department, McKees Rocks Police Department, Stowe Township Police Department, Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
It is important to remember that a criminal complaint is an allegation, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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