Source: United States Department of Justice News
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Aleppo, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal firearm laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Chester Aaron Hostutler, age 35, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition by an unlawful drug user before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Troopers with the Pennsylvania State Police conducted traffic stops of a vehicle driven by Hostutler on two separate days in August 2020. During each traffic stop, Hostutler admitted to using drugs and to having a firearm.
On each occasion, law enforcement recovered a firearm from the vehicle and determined Hostutler had recently used controlled substances. The firearm recovered in the first traffic stop was loaded and previously reported stolen.
Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for Jan. 4, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court ordered Hostutler to remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hostutler.