Castle Shannon Convicted Felon Charged With Gun & Drug Crimes
Monday, May 19, 2025, 8:30 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
PITTSBURGH, PA.- A 40-year-old Castle Shannon, Pennsylvania, man and previously convicted felon is facing up to life in federal prison after being indicted earlier this month on federal narcotics and firearms violations.
On Thursday, May 8, 2025, a Federal Grand Jury for the Western District of Pennsylvania returned a three-count indictment charging Vaughn James, 40, of Castle Shannon, Pennsylvania, with one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Being a Prohibit Person in Possession of a Firearm, Convicted Felon.
According To Acting U.S.Attorney Troy Rivetti
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti and charging information unsealed in the indictment, it is alleged that on June 14, 2023, James possessed with intent to distribute quantities of mixtures of substances that contained fentanyl, fluoro-fentanyl, protonitazene, heroin, MDMA, cocaine, and crack cocaine within the Western District of Pennsylvania.
The indictment further alleges that James possessed a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime and possessed a firearm and ammunition after having been convicted of multiple prior felonies, including a Pennsylvania State drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from owning or possessing a firearm and ammunition. James knew when he possessed the firearm and ammunition on June 14, 2023, due to his prior felony convictions.
If convicted at trial, James faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years and up to life in federal prison, at least five years of supervised release, and up to $10.5 million in fines. When sentenced, upon a finding of guilt, a U.S. District Court Judge will determine the term of imprisonment based on the seriousness of the offenses and James’ prior criminal history.
Acting U.S. Attorney Rivetti commended the investigative work of the Pennsylvania State Police Drug Law Enforcement Division’s Southwest Unit and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which led to the indictment.
“The rules of the federal court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”
