Uniontown man faces alleged gun, drug charges
A Uniontown man, who is facing alleged firearm and drug charges, cited the U.S. Constitution and federal Uniform Commercial Code as he defended himself during his preliminary hearing Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge Michael Metros.
All the charges against David Onyeama Alum, 30, of Lawton Avenue were held for Fayette County Court.
Uniontown police arrested Alum after serving a search warrant at his home and allegedly finding 10.8 grams of heroin and guns on Sept. 12.
In addition to the heroin, which police said has a street value of about $5,000, officers seized 6.8 grams of marijuana, two digital scales and two semi-automatic handguns from Alum’s home.
A 2007 drug conviction prohibits Alum from possessing any firearms, police said.
According to court documents, Alum was charged with possession with intent to deliver heroin, possession of heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia, two counts of persons not to possess firearms, possession of a small amount of marijuana and receiving stolen property.
Metros explained to Alum the purpose of a preliminary hearing and the charges brought against him.
Alum, who was not represented by an attorney, said he wished to invoke the rights he had under the U.S. Constitution, Common Law, and Uniform Commercial Code, which deals primarily with commercial transactions.
He tried to apply defense legalisms by testifying that he was under duress and continued threat when he was arrested, fingerprinted, photographed and charged.
During the hearing, Alum asked any police who were involved in the matter to present and/or take an oath affirming the U.S. Constitution. He also questioned whether the police and Metros had jurisdiction.
Metros said due process and the court’s jurisdiction are not matters for magistrate court to answer.
Alum also contended that there were no injured parties in the case and asked that the charges to be dismissed, among other reasons, for the court’s lack of jurisdiction.
Metros denied his motion and said to Alum, “If you are done playing around, let’s move on.”
When the time came for Alum to present a closing statement in his defense, he was silent.
Metros said all charges against Alum would be held for trial and that bail would be maintained at the current level — $100,000. Alum remains in Fayette County Prison.