Crime & Safety
Three Washington County Residents Plead Guilty to Violating Firearms Laws
The men had 27 prior convictions between them and possessed 14 stolen firearms that included rifles, shotguns and handguns.
Three residents of the City of Washington each pleaded guilty in federal
court to two counts of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton said this week.
Matthew James Comer, 30, of 4 Grove Street, Justin Michael King, 34, of 595 Fayette Street, and Shawn Eugene Rogers, 36, of 23 Scenic Drive, each pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Comer, King and Rogers had 27 prior convictions between them at the time they possessed 14 stolen firearms that included rifles, shotguns and handguns.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for Rogers on Feb. 13, 2013; Comer on Feb. 14, 2013; and King on Feb. 15, 2013.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison for Comer; up to life in prison for King and Rogers; and a fine of up to $500,000.00 for each.
This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities, to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Matthew James Comer, Justin Michael King and Shawn Eugene Rogers.
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