Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A Jefferson County resident pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

 

Brock Powell, 43, of 121 W. Penn Street, Summerville, PA, pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements in relation to the acquisition of firearms, before Senior United States District Court Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

 

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, on January 14, 2017, Powell straw purchased three firearms from Grice Gun Shop in Clearfield, PA on behalf of Peter DiGiacomo, who then transferred them to a drug dealer in Niagara Falls, NY. The firearms included: a .40 caliber semiautomatic Walther pistol; a .40 caliber semiautomatic Taurus pistol; and a .40 caliber semiautomatic Smith & Wesson pistol. The defendant confessed to straw purchasing the firearms and admitted that he was a drug addict.

 

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for Sept. 19, 2019. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 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 Powell’s bond.

 

Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Powell.