Pittsburgh Felon Pleads Guilty to Making False Statement in Attempt to Acquire Firearm

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on November 5, 2024, to a charge of violating federal firearms law, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

George Sotiris Vlastos, 38, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Vlastos knowingly made at least two false written statements on the ATF Form 4473 (Firearms Transaction Record) regarding his status as a convicted felon in an attempt to acquire a firearm. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for April 2, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 10 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 offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher 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 Vlastos.