A former Wilkinsburg resident has admitted guilt in a federal court to charges related to firearm possession and attempts to obstruct their seizure. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan.
Javon Pope, aged 36, entered his guilty plea on two counts before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.
The court was informed that on November 19, 2019, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents found Pope at a Wilkinsburg home where another person had been arrested. Officers had noticed several firearms in plain sight. Upon detaining and searching Pope, agents discovered a digital scale, marijuana, and a cellphone. A subsequent search of the residence uncovered four firearms relocated from their initial positions and one rifle disassembled.
Pope’s cellphone revealed an internet search for “how long does it take to get a search warrant” conducted on the morning of November 19. It also showed calls between Pope and a resident of the house shortly after the arrest of another individual, along with photos showing Pope with some firearms from the home. Pope has prior convictions for two felony offenses, which legally bars him from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Judge Horan set sentencing for March 26, 2025. The potential maximum sentence includes up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching $500,000 or both. Sentencing will be influenced by the severity of the offenses and Pope’s criminal history under federal guidelines.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is handling prosecution duties for this case.
The investigation leading to Pope’s prosecution involved efforts by the FBI alongside Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and United States Postal Inspection Service.
This case forms part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation aimed at dismantling high-level drug traffickers and criminal organizations through coordinated efforts among various law enforcement agencies.
