United States Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan announced today, August 15, 2008, that Joseph J. Bobbitt, Jr., a resident of Dallas, Georgia, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal firearms laws.

Bobbitt, age 29, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.

In connection with the guilty plea, Assistant United States Attorney Margaret E. Picking advised the court that on February 5, 2008, Bobbitt, a convicted felon, possessed a stolen KAHR P40 handgun in his carry-on luggage while attempting to pass through baggage screening at the Pittsburgh International Airport.  Bobbitt admitted the gun was his, but said that he had forgotten that the gun was in his luggage.  Bobbitt also admitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation that he knew the gun was stolen.  Bobbitt was previously convicted on May 30, 2006, of the crime of Aggravated Assault, in the Court of Common Pleas of Blair County, Pennsylvania.  Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year to possess a firearm.

Judge McVerry scheduled sentencing for November 14, 2008, at 10:30 a.m.  The law provides for a total sentence of twenty (20) years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Bobbitt remain detained without bail.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Joseph J. Bobbitt. Jr.

According to Ms. Buchanan, this case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crime.