A McKeesport resident has been sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for illegally possessing firearms and ammunition. Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced the sentencing of Richard L. Edwards Jr., 49, by United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand.
Court records indicate that Edwards was on probation after a 2023 conviction, which included five years of county probation and 18 months of electronic home monitoring. During this period, he made unauthorized stops at a local firearms store on May 25 and June 1, 2024, where his wife purchased firearms.
Following these incidents, Westmoreland County Adult Probation searched Edwards’ residence on August 9, 2024. They found multiple firearms and ammunition in his bedroom and called the McKeesport Police Department for assistance. Authorities seized four firearms, including a sawed-off shotgun, along with numerous rounds of ammunition.
Edwards is legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to prior convictions for robbery and simple assault involving the use or threat of a firearm.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski represented the government in this case. Acting United States Attorney Rivetti praised Westmoreland County Adult Probation, the McKeesport Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their roles in investigating and prosecuting Edwards successfully.
