A Pittsburgh man has admitted to trying to buy a firearm illegally, according to U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan. The individual in question, George Sotiris Vlastos, age 38, entered a guilty plea to a federal firearms charge yesterday in front of United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office press release, during the court session, the evidence confirmed that Vlastos had made at least two false written statements on the required ATF Form 4473—the Firearms Transaction Record. He intended to purchase a firearm, a right denied to him by his status as a convicted felon. Owning a firearm as a convicted felon is a clear violation of federal law, yet Vlastos attempted to skirt this mandate.
Judge Bissoon has set the sentencing for April 2, 2025. Vlastos faces a potential maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both, depending upon the assessment of the offense's severity and Vlastos' previous criminal conduct. Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting the case.
According to a statement released by the U.S. Attorney's Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives was responsible for the investigation that led to Vlastos' prosecution.
