A Washington, Pennsylvania resident has been sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawful possession of firearms as a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti and imposed by United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines on Derik Carothers, aged 29, on April 3, 2025.
Court documents revealed that on October 20, 2019, Carothers, who was previously convicted of burglary and carrying a firearm without a license, was found in possession of several firearms and ammunition in the Western District of Pennsylvania. His earlier convictions were from November 7, 2013, and March 20, 2017. Under federal law, felons are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Carothers led the Pennsylvania State Police on a high-speed chase on October 20, 2019, along State Route 28. The pursuit culminated in a violent roll-over crash. Investigators found crack-cocaine, a digital scale, $290, and four loaded firearms, including a Colt Model Official Police .38 caliber revolver, Ruger Model AR-556 rifle, Glock Model 23 .40 caliber handgun, and Glock Model 22 .40 caliber handgun. Additional items recovered included extended magazines and a bulletproof vest. Notably, two of the firearms were reported stolen, with one having its serial number obliterated.
Assistant United States Attorneys Maureen Sheehan-Balchon and Arnold P. Bernard Jr. represented the government in prosecuting the case.
Troy Rivetti praised the efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Pennsylvania State Police, and Johnstown Police Department for their roles in the investigation leading to Carothers' prosecution.