Grand Jury Indicts Washington County Man on Gun Charge

PITTSBURGH—A resident of Bentleyville, Pa., 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 Troy Hexstall, 25, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on Sept. 28, 2010, Hexstall possessed a .22 caliber pistol. Because Hexstall has previously been convicted of an offense punishable by a term of imprisonment in excess of one year, federal law prohibits him from possessing a firearm.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 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, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Constance M. Bowden is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsburgh Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime.

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