July 8, 2014

Farrell Felon Involved in Shootout Admits Illegally Possessing Weapon

PITTSBURGH—A Mercer County resident pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Ralph Samuels, Jr., 50, of Farrell, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in the early morning hours of Oct. 3, 2012, Samuels, who has a prior felony conviction in Ohio, engaged in a gunfight with Daniel Odem, Jr. Both Odem and Samuels fired shots at each other, and both were wounded in the shootout. The shootout stemmed from a bar fight earlier that evening between Deandre Chambers and Corey Odem at Rockabilly’s Bar.

Judge McVerry scheduled sentencing for Oct. 10, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Eric S. Rosen is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police, Southwest Mercer County Regional police, and the Mercer County District Attorney conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ralph Samuels.