United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania

05/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/08/2024 15:57

Previously Convicted Felon Charged with Possession of Machinegun in Furtherance of Cocaine Trafficking Crime

Press Release

Previously Convicted Felon Charged with Possession of Machinegun in Furtherance of Cocaine Trafficking Crime

Wednesday, May 8, 2024
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal firearms and narcotics laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

The four-count Indictment named Christopher Pollard, 33, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about November 3, 2023, Pollard, who has multiple prior felony convictions, possessed a Glock handgun that had been illegally modified to fire as a fully automatic machinegun. In addition to prohibiting individuals from possessing machineguns, federal law makes it illegal for an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing any firearm or ammunition. Additionally, on the same day, Pollard possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine. The Indictment alleges that Pollard possessed the illegal firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking offense.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of not less than five years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin C. Dobkin is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Updated May 8, 2024
Topics
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Drug Trafficking
Firearms Offenses