First of 3 Brothers Sentenced for Attempting to Steal Guns from Federal Firearms Licensees

 PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment on a charge of conspiracy, United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on Jerwahn Atkins, 24, formerly of Buente Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.

In connection with the guilty plea of brothers Jerwahn Atkins, Jamir Atkins and Jerquay Atkins, the court was advised that on May 31, 2020, the Atkins brothers conspired to steal firearms from federal firearm licensee, Allegheny Arms and Gun Works. The Atkins’s used a crowbar in an attempt to gain entry to the gun store which triggered a burglary alarm. This alarmed caused the brothers to run away to which Jerquay and Jerwahn left the scene in the same vehicle while Jamir departed in a separate vehicle, not arriving at the next crime scene. Jamir Atkins and Jerwahn Atkins then drove to the National Armory in Moon Township, also a federal firearm licensee. A crowbar was again used to pry open the door triggering the burglary alarm causing the two brothers to flee once more.

Before the sentencing, the defendant, Jerwahn Atkins, requested a downward variance. Judge Hardy denied said variance and imposed an 18-month term of imprisonment, three years of supervised release and $2,000 in restitution.

Judge Hardy scheduled sentencing for Jerquay Atkins on August 25, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. and Jamir Atkins on September 2, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., The law provides for a total sentence of not more than five years imprisonment, a term of supervised release not more than three years, and/or a $250,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court remanded Jerwahn Atkins to the custody of the United States Marshals Service.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Jerwahn Atkins, Jamir Atkins and Jerquay Atkins.