A Butler, Pennsylvania resident was sentenced on May 13 to 20 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, according to United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
The sentencing of Robert Schatzman, age 21, took place in federal court and was handed down by United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand. The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to address gun violence and enforce federal firearm laws.
Court documents show that law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Schatzman’s home in April 2025. During the search, they found a Glock pistol hidden inside a floor air vent in his bedroom. Because Schatzman had previously been convicted of robbery in Lawrence County’s Court of Common Pleas, he was prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Assistant United States Attorneys Douglas C. Maloney and Kelly M. Locher prosecuted the case. Rivetti said the investigation involved cooperation among several agencies: “United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Stowe Township Police Department, McKees Rocks Police Department, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Schatzman.”
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which brings together different levels of law enforcement with communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence. The Department launched an updated violent crime reduction strategy on May 26, 2021 that focuses on building trust within communities, supporting prevention organizations, setting targeted enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
