Clarion Co. Man Faces Life in Prison after Assaulting FBI Agents

PITTSBURGH ‑ A resident of Mayport, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The three‑count indictment, returned on Feb. 1, 2011, named Emerson Begolly, 21, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on Jan. 4, 2011, Begolly assaulted two officers of the United States who were engaged in the performance of official duties. Additionally, Begolly possessed a Makarov, 9mm semi‑automatic handgun during and in relation to the crime of assaulting officers of the United States.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Linda L. Kelly is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

An indictment or information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.