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Press Release

Georgia Man who Entered Beaver County Theater with Gun and Ammo Charged with Violating Federal Firearms Laws

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH – A Georgia man who carried a gun and ammunition into a Beaver County movie theater on July 23 has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named William D. Gossett, 21, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on July 23, 2016, William D. Gossett, a convicted felon, was in possession of a Phoenix Arms .25 caliber semi-automatic handgun and a box of .25 caliber ammunition. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

“This case is a direct result of community vigilance,” said U.S. Attorney Hickton. “Center Township Police acted promptly and arrested William Gossett without incident. Federal agents continue to investigate Gossett’s intentions for entering the Cinemark Theater on July 23rd carrying a gun and ammunition.”

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Barbara K. Doolittle is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Center Township Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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

Updated August 2, 2016

Topic
Project Safe Neighborhoods