JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Somerset, Pa., was found guilty after a four-day jury trial of violating federal firearms laws, U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Kelly B. Shaulis, 51, of Somerset, Pa., was tried before U.S. District Judge Kim Gibson in Johnstowm, Pa.
According to information presented at trial, Kelly B. Shaulis, 51, of Somerset, Pa., was illegally possessed twelve rifles, shotguns and ammunition on July 5, 2017 and Dec. 21, 2018. On Dec. 19, 2011, Shaulis was convicted in United States District Court for the Western District of PA, of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, which is a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing firearms.
"The prosecution of felons who illegally possess firearms has long been a key part of an of our office’s anti-violence strategy," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "Removing these violent offenders from our neighborhoods creates safer living places for law-abiding citizens."
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for April 9, 2020, at 10:00 A.M. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $500,000 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.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. of the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
