Luzerne County Man Found Guilty Of Unlawfully Possessing A Firearm

Monday, May 19, 2025, 6:00 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

SCRANTON, PA.- A 36-year-old Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, man is facing up to 10 years in federal prison after being convicted earlier this month of possessing a stolen handgun as a convicted felon.

     On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, following a three-day trial before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, a jury found James Raymond Alberto, 36, of Wilkes-Barre, guilty of being a Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm, Convicted Felon; and Possession of a Stolen Firearm.

According To The U.S. Attorney’s Office

     According to Acting U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus and evidence presented at trial, on August 12, 2021, members of the Wilkes-Barre Township Police Department found Alberto asleep behind the wheel of a running vehicle stopped at a stop sign, with his foot on the brake, and a line of cars behind him.

     During a search of the vehicle, Police Officers found a handgun in the glove compartment of the car. A subsequent records check uncovered that the gun had been reported stolen and Alberto had prior felony convictions.

     Following the jury returning their findings of guilt, Judge Mariani accepted the verdict and deferred sentencing for a date and time determined by the District Court. When sentenced, Alberto faces up to 10 years in federal prison, at least two years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine. At sentencing, a U.S. District Court Judge will determine the term of imprisonment based on the seriousness of the offenses and Alberto’s prior criminal history.