Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Warren, Pa. Felon Admits Illegally Possessing a Firearm
ERIE, Pa. – A former resident of Warren, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Richard Justin Hanson, 38, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Stephanie Haines.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about June 27, 2017, Hanson knowingly possessed a firearm while being a convicted felon.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reductions efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevent and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for January 6, 2022 at 11:00 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 Hanson on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Warren County Drug Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hanson.