A McKeesport man with a history of criminal convictions is back in hot water after pleading guilty to illegal possession of firearms, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Western Pennsylvania released in a statement. Richard L. Edwards Jr., age 49, admitted to having a quartet of guns, including a short-barreled shotgun and two reported stolen weapons, as well as ammunition, despite being legally barred from owning such items due to past offenses.
During a search initiated by Westmoreland County Adult Probation on August 9, 2024, based on tips of Edwards' unsanctioned visits to a gun store, authorities discovered the weapons cache at his residence, setting off the chain of events that led to his recent admission of guilt in front of Judge Christy Criswell Weigand, this new development followed on a series of punitive measures that have characterized his entanglements with the law. According to the Department of Justice announcement, sentencing is set for July 8, where Edwards faces up to 15 years in prison and possibly a $250,000 fine. However, the Federal Sentencing Guidelines will influence the final judgment, considering the nature of the crime and Edwards's previous run-ins with the law.
Until the sentencing, Edwards will remain behind bars—a decision made by the court pending the outcome of his case. Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is taking the helm in the prosecution, as the combined efforts of local and federal law enforcement authorities, including the McKeesport Police Department and the FBI, brought about the evidence necessary for Edwards' current predicament.
