Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

PITTSBURGH, Pa – A former resident of Turtle Creek, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Hashim Rashad, age 25, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on October 18, 2017, Pittsburgh Police executed a search warrant at on Larimer Avenue in Turtle Creek, PA while Hashim Rashad was detained in the house. Police recovered an EZ9 9mm handgun with an obliterated serial number from the couch of the location. Police then recovered a Bryco Arms Jennings J-22, 22LR handgun, inside a purse in the living room of the house. The Bryco Arms Jennings 22 handgun was previously reported stolen. Prior, to possessing these firearms, Rashad was previously convicted voluntary manslaughter, a crime punishable by more than one year and was on parole for that same crime at the time of the offense.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for February 15, 2019 at 2:15 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and prior record of the defendant. Rashad will continue to be detained pending sentencing.

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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Agency and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police – Narcotics and Vice Unit conducted the investigation leading to the plea in this case.

###