JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A Bedford County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of unlawful possession of firearms by a convicted felon, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The one-count indictment named Gene F. Bussard, 40, of Everett, Pa., as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, on Nov. 7, 2013, Bussard, who had been convicted in 2003 in the Allegany County, Md., of theft, unlawfully possessed 19 firearms and ammunition. Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year from possessing ammunition or firearms. Theft is such a crime.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
According to Mr. Hickton, Bussard is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crime.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
