PITTSBURGH - A resident of Altoona, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to six years of imprisonment on his convictions for federal narcotics and firearms offenses, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman imposed the sentence on Royal Lee Griffin, age 33.
According to information presented to the court, Griffin was sentencing in connection with criminal offenses that occurred on two occasions.
In the first matter, the court was advised that on Aug. 24, 2018, Griffin possessed two firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition, and Griffin has multiple felony convictions, including Aggravated Assault, Robbery, Carrying a Firearms Without a License, and Escape. Also on Aug. 24, 2018, Griffin possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin. Those offenses were uncovered after a search of his person and the vehicle he occupied by the White Oak Police Department.
In the second matter, the Court was advised that Allegheny County Police detectives working on a violence suppression detail observed Griffin in the Mon View Heights housing complex concealing a firearm. When the detectives approached Griffin, they found the firearm on Griffin’s person.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Allegheny County Police Department, the White Oak Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Griffin.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
