A Pittsburgh man with a prior felony conviction admitted to federal firearm charges yesterday, said United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan. Keith Harris, 25, entered a guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before U.S. District Judge Cathy Bissoon, as reported by the Department of Justice.

During the hearing, the court was informed that Harris was caught fleeing from an alley by Pittsburgh Police on June 11, having tried to stash two loaded guns—one stolen—between a vending machine and beverage crates. Being convicted earlier of a felony, Harris isn't allowed to have guns or bullets under federal law. However, with his day in court set for April 2, 2025, he could face a maximum sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a hefty fine, or both.

The dispatch from the courthouse detailed that the evidence against Harris resulted from a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and local police. This collaboration ultimately brought Harris's case before the federal court, illustrating the ongoing partnership between federal and local agencies in tackling gun-related crimes.

Harris, who was immediately taken into custody by the United States Marshals Service after his plea, awaits a formal sentencing scheduled by Judge Bissoon. Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher leads the government's prosecution. Federal guidelines will ultimately determine the severity of the sentence based on Harris’s prior record and the nature of the weapons offense.