A Butler, Pennsylvania man has pleaded guilty in federal court to possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon, according to First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
Thomas James Clark, 33, entered his plea before United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Authorities stated that on January 20, 2024, law enforcement officers apprehended Clark on an outstanding warrant related to aggravated assault charges. During the encounter, Clark dropped items he was carrying, which included an AR-15 style rifle without a serial number, a revolver, and several rounds of ammunition.
Clark had previously been convicted in the Court of Common Pleas of Butler County for methamphetamine production and criminal conspiracy. Federal regulations prohibit those with felony convictions from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Judge Hardy set sentencing for May 13, 2026. Clark faces up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The final sentence will be determined according to federal guidelines based on the severity of the offense and Clark’s prior record.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly M. Locher and Katherine C. Jordan are prosecuting the case. The investigation involved the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Pennsylvania State Police (Butler Patrol and Fugitive Apprehension Unit); and Butler City Police Department.
The prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative designed to reduce violent crime by coordinating efforts between law enforcement agencies and communities.
