Merrick B. Garland, Attorney General | https://www.justice.gov/
Merrick B. Garland, Attorney General | https://www.justice.gov/
A McKeesport resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for violating federal firearms law, as announced by Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti. Thomas Thornton, 48, is the sole defendant named in the one-count indictment.
The indictment alleges that on December 19, 2024, Thornton was found in possession of a firearm and ammunition despite having previous felony convictions. These prior convictions include charges related to federal drug trafficking and firearms offenses. Under federal law, convicted felons are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
If convicted, Thornton faces a maximum sentence of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence will depend on the seriousness of the offense and Thornton's criminal history, according to federal sentencing guidelines.
Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson is handling the prosecution for this case. The investigation leading to the indictment was conducted by the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. Since May 26, 2021, PSN has focused on building community trust, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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