Homestead Felon Charged with Illegally Possessing a Gun and Ammunition
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – An Allegheny County felon has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Michael William Horvwalt, 32, formerly of Homestead, PA, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about January 8, 2019, Horvwalt possessed a firearm and ammunition, despite his prior felony convictions. Federal law prohibits a felon from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
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 would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant. Indicate relevant bond/detention information if known
Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Probation Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction 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 prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
An information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
