Felon Convicted At Trial for Illegal Possession of a Loaded Firearm in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced today that James Hill, of Philadelphia, PA, was convicted at trial of one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  Sentencing is scheduled before United States District Judge Gerald McHugh.

At trial, the government presented evidence that in the early morning hours of July 8, 2018, Philadelphia police officers found the defendant in possession of a .9mm Sig Sauer pistol loaded with fourteen live rounds in the magazine.  Further investigation revealed that the defendant was barred from possessing a firearm because he had a previous felony conviction.

“Reducing violent crime is a top priority of my Office and of the Department of Justice, and successful prosecutions of cases like this remain a key part of our deterrence strategy,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain.  “My Office remains committed to working with the Philadelphia Police Department to clear the Philadelphia streets of firearms in the hands of convicted felons, which undeniably pose a serious threat to public safety in our City.”

“The investigation, arrest, and successful prosecution of James Hill serves as evidence of the effectiveness of strong and consistent collaboration between law enforcement agencies,” said Richard J. Ross, Jr., Philadelphia Police Commissioner.  “With the conviction and impending sentencing, a recidivist offender will no longer be able to re-offend in our neighborhoods.  This, along with the continuing efforts of the Project Safe Neighborhoods partner agencies, will have an appreciable impact on the quality of life of the residents of our great city.”

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide program by the Department of Justice that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.  In October 2017, to address this crime trend, the Department announced the reinvigoration of PSN. For more information about PSN, visit our website.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeanine Linehan.