In a recent court ruling, Duane Jackson, a 39-year-old McKeesport resident, has been ordered to serve a prison sentence exceeding 11 years for crimes involving firearms trafficking and breaching federal supervised release terms. The sentencing took place in a federal court where United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV dictated the terms of Jackson's imprisonment, citing the serious implications of his actions on the community's safety.
Between April and November 2021, Jackson was found to have been actively involved in a conspiracy to procure an array of firearms illegally. Documents presented in court showed that he successfully acquired approximately 26 firearms, a grave concern given his prior felony conviction for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. His previous conviction should have legally barred him from possessing any firearms or ammunition. To add to the severity, he had also attempted to obtain multiple machinegun conversion devices—known to some as Glock switches—eager to further break the law by enabling pistols to discharge like automatic weapons.
Underlining the severity of Jackson’s crimes, Judge Stickman imposed a 120-month sentence for the new offenses, coupled with an additional 14-month term for violating supervised release—a stark reminder of the penalties awaiting those who dare to skirt federal law.
U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan, in a statement cited by the Justice Department, expounded on the association between firearms trafficking and violent crime. "Today’s sentence of over 11 years sends a clear message: if you traffic in firearms, you will be held accountable under federal law," Olshan emphasized. The effort to staunch the illegal flow of firearms continues to be a top priority, as is the partnership with law enforcement agencies at varying governmental levels.
Representatives from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, specifically Special Agent in Charge Eric DeGree, focused on the ramifications of Jackson's actions. DeGree highlighted the peril injected into the community through such unlawful dealings, pointing out that introducing devices capable of modifying pistols to function like machine guns made these weapons dangerously potent. Nevertheless, he reaffirmed the commitment of the ATF and their partners to confront and impede the operations of individuals like Jackson, whose deeds pose threats to the safety of neighborhoods across western Pennsylvania.
Assistant United States Attorney Douglas C. Maloney concerted the case's advancement. At the same time, United States Attorney Olshan lauded the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives for the investigation that ultimately led to Jackson's prosecution and conviction.
