A McKeesport resident has entered a guilty plea in federal court for unlawfully possessing a firearm, as announced by Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti. Richard L. Edwards Jr., aged 49, admitted to the charge before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Weigand.
The court was informed that on August 9, 2024, Westmoreland County Adult Probation searched Edwards' home after discovering his unauthorized visits to a local firearms store. The search uncovered four firearms and numerous rounds of ammunition, including a short-barreled shotgun and two stolen firearms. Edwards is legally prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior convictions for terroristic threats with intent to terrorize another and robbery.
Judge Weigand has set sentencing for July 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The potential penalty includes up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. The actual sentence will depend on the seriousness of the offense and Edwards' criminal history.
Edwards will remain in custody until sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is handling the prosecution.
The investigation leading to this case was conducted by Westmoreland County Adult Probation, McKeesport Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.