Four-times Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Law Violation
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Wilkinsburg, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Jacque Butler, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Mr. Butler was a passenger in a vehicle during a traffic stop of September 8, 2020. During the traffic stop, officers with the City of Duquesne Police Department detected the strong odor of burnt marijuana and conducted a search of the vehicle. A backpack in Mr. Butler’s possession contained a loaded handgun containing 15 rounds of ammunition, a separate pistol magazine containing an additional 15 rounds of ammunition, Mr. Butler’s driver’s license, and Mr. Butler’s social security card.
The court was further advised that Mr. Butler has four prior felony convictions. On April 30, 2018, Mr. Butler pled guilty in three separate criminal cases in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County to one count of receiving stolen property and two counts of firearms not to be carried without a license. On April 1, 2019, Mr. Butler pled guilty in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County to Firearms Not to Be Carried without a License. Under federal law, convicted felons are prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for Sept. 2, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a 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. Mr. Butler remains detained pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The City of Duquesne Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mr. Butler.