Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

PITTSBURGH – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today against a resident of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, on charges of violating the federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The three-count Indictment, returned on Nov. 27, named Landon Alexander Gatta, 23, of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on November 5, 2018, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Gatta possessed with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl and heroin. Gatta, a felon, also is charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition on November 5, 2018, and possessing that firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Federal law prohibits felons from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $5,500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Pennsylvania State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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