Aliquippa Felon Sentenced to Nearly Four Years in Prison for Illegal Possession of Firearm

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 45 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of federal supervised release, on his conviction of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Tyland Witherspoon, 28, on July 28, 2025.

According to information presented to the Court, on or about June 19, 2024, Witherspoon was found to be in possession of a Glock 23 .40 caliber pistol along with Smith & Wesson .40 caliber ammunition. Witherspoon previously was convicted of a felony. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

Upon imposing the sentence, Judge Stickman noted the danger that illegal firearms present to our community and the seriousness of Witherspoon's offense.

Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Witherspoon.