Jan 16, 2008 By The 1 min read

A Brownsville man pled guilty to violating federal firearms laws in a Pittsburgh federal court Tuesday. Bruce Edward Fitzgerald, 25, of 5 Huron St. pled guilty to one count before Senior U.S. District Judge Maurice B. Cohill, according to a news release from the office of U.S. District Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan.

The release indicated that Fitzgerald was allegedly found in possession of a loaded 9 mm handgun when arrested by state police troopers from the Uniontown barracks in November 2006.

Fitzgerald, who previously was convicted of a felony offense, is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm, the release stated.

The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison and/or a fine of $250,000. Under Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history of the defendant, according to the release.

The release indicated that Fitzgerald’s 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.

Fitzgerald remains in prison and is being held without bail.