Reginald Hopkins, age 49, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on July 24 to 20 years in prison and five years of supervised release after being convicted by a jury for being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition as an armed career criminal. United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson imposed the sentence following Hopkins’ conviction.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Hopkins’ apartment on February 19, 2021. The search resulted in the seizure of three firearms—an Astra Constable 9mm handgun, a Hi-Point CF380 .380 handgun, and a Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield 9mm handgun—as well as several magazines and both 9mm and .380 caliber ammunition. One magazine was identified as a high-capacity drum magazine loaded with 39 rounds of 9mm ammunition. At the time officers entered the residence, Hopkins was home alone; authorities found the firearms in plain sight next to his bed and near a chair in the living area.
The investigation was conducted by the Harrisburg Police Bureau’s Street Crimes Unit and Community Policing Unit along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera and Deputy Criminal Chief Michael Consiglio prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania serves approximately 3.2 million residents across its region—which covers over 21,900 square miles—and maintains facilities in locations including Harrisburg, Scranton, Williamsport and Wilkes-Barre, according to its official website. The office handles prosecutions of federal crimes such as this case involving firearm offenses by convicted felons; it also oversees civil litigation for the government as well as victim assistance programs while operating under the United States Department of Justice.
Additionally, community safety initiatives like Project Safe Neighborhoods are promoted by this office alongside re-entry services aimed at reducing recidivism, according to its official website.