Attorney General Dave Sunday has announced charges against 11 individuals based in western Pennsylvania for illegal possession and transfer of firearms. The operation was led by the Allegheny County Gun Violence Task Force, a coalition targeting illegal firearm transactions. Agencies assisting included the FBI's Pittsburgh Field Division, Pennsylvania State Parole, Allegheny County Police Department, Swissvale Police Department, and Pittsburgh Police Department. The prosecutorial duties are with the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office.
Among those charged was Stanford A. Russell Jr., 33, apprehended at his Pittsburgh residence after evading police during a vehicle stop. A revolver, firearms accessories, and drugs were seized during the arrest. Due to his parole for previous felony convictions, Russell is held without bail.
Ten additional individuals face charges related to felony violations of the Uniform Firearms Act and conspiracy. These cases remain under investigation for potential links among the defendants. Russell is suspected of operating independently of the others.
“Straw purchases and other illegal transfers of firearms are direct safety threats to our communities, and this task force is devoted to tracking offenders and the firearms which so often end up at violent crime scenes,” stated Attorney General Sunday. He praised the agencies’ collaboration in preventing the illicit firearm distribution.
Alongside Russell, those charged include Daniel Crow, Taylor Murphy, Juliona Upsher, Vance Arrington, Aiyanna Crosby, Danielle Pinkston, Tejuan Davis, Daemon Davis, Jaidon Berry, and Sarah Woodruff.
Arrests were made recently, and the authorities remind the public that charges are allegations, with defendants presumed innocent until proven guilty.