Feb 25, 2011 By Josh Krysak 2 min read

A federal judge in Pittsburgh has ruled that a Uniontown man will spend nearly four years in prison for violating federal firearms laws.

Last month, U.S. District Judge Gary L. Lancaster sentenced Brown to 46 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to the charges and also sentenced Brown to three years probation following his release.

Uniontown police Chief Jason A. Cox initially charged Eric L. Brown, 36, with two felony firearms offenses in July 2007 after Brown pulled a handgun on a man attempting to repossess his pickup truck.

Cox was a detective with Uniontown police at the time of the incident.

Cox said that the charges were filed against Brown after he came outside his Uniontown home carrying a .45-caliber pistol when Vincent Labarbera, working for Ford Credit finance company, attempted to tow Brown’s truck.

According to Cox, Labarbera said he found the truck parked on the street in front of Brown’s residence and was backing up his tow truck to the vehicle when Brown looked out the front door and went back into the residence.

Labarbera told police he was getting out of his tow truck when Brown allegedly came out of his residence carrying a holstered pistol in his left hand, Cox said.

Brown allegedly told Labarbera the truck was his and “you’re not taking my (expletive).”

Brown was convicted in January 2000 on an aggravated assault charge and subsequently served time in prison. The prior conviction makes it illegal for Brown to possess a firearm.

The complaint stated that Labarbera called 911 when he saw Brown carrying the gun.

Labarbera said Brown asked him who he was and who sent him to pick up the truck, the complaint stated.

Police said Labarbera, who was on the phone with 911, advised the operator that Brown placed the gun in the waistband of his pants underneath his shirt.

Cox said he and Capt. David J. Rutter arrived on scene and took Brown into custody. The gun was loaded with 10 rounds, Cox said.