Johnstown Man Pleads Guilty To Unlawfully Possessing Pistol

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Johnstown, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

John A. Hinton, 32, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on April 3, 2012, Hinton, who had been convicted in 2007 in Cambria County, Pa., of delivery of cocaine, unlawfully possessed an H & R pistol. Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year from possessing ammunition or firearms. Delivery of cocaine is such a crime.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for June 4, 2013, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 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 criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Johnstown Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hinton.

According to Mr. Hickton, Hinton is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crime.