PITTSBURGH, PA - A local resident has pleaded guilty and been sentenced in federal court to 10 years’ imprisonment followed by a term of three years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics and firearm laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Michael Champion, age 45 of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, on April 14, 2017, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police SWAT team and narcotics detectives executed a search warrant upon Champion’s apartment. Officers seized packaged crack from the apartment and the defendant’s person, as well as drug packing material in the kitchen. Officers also seized over $6,712.00, a loaded.44 caliber revolver, an AK-47 pistol, and a sawed-off shotgun.
On Aug. 15, 2017, law enforcement conducted a separate search during its investigation into Champion. Law enforcement learned that Champion maintained crack within his vehicle for distribution while at work in Wilkinsburg, Pa. That search resulted in the seizure of additional packaged crack and $1,295.00.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Champion.
Source: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western
