Pittsburgh Felon Admits Illegally Possessing a Firearm and Ammunition

PITTSBURGH, PA -- A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal firearm laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Douglas Wright, age 41 pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Wright, a convicted felon, possessed firearms and ammunition. The defendant directed a “crack” addict to purchase two firearms for him. He also admitted to acquiring a third from that same individual. The ATF recovered two of the three firearms. The defendant admitted to throwing the third firearm out of a vehicle because he believed that law enforcement intended to conduct a traffic stop on him while the firearm was in his possession. Possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon is prohibited under federal law.

Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for September 7, 2022, at 9:00 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 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Wright.