PITTSBURGH—A local man pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court to eight years’ imprisonment on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Mark A. Brazil, 49, of Stratmore Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa., 15205 pleaded guilty to one count and was sentenced before Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Brazil admitted in recorded conversations that he put firearms in his wife’s name because he was a convicted felon who could not lawfully possess firearms. Brazil specifically mentioned a .40 caliber Springfield pistol as a firearm he favored and described the unique way he loaded the magazine. During the execution of a search warrant at Brazil’s home on Oct. 16, 2013, a loaded Springdale .40 caliber pistol was found in Brazil’s bed in the master bedroom. The gun was loaded in the manner Brazil had earlier described.

Judge Diamond noted Brazil’s extensive criminal history in imposing sentence.

Assistant United States Attorney Margaret E. Picking prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Allegheny County Police, with the assistance of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Brazil.