Pittsburgh man pleads guilty in federal court to 3 gun and drug incidents

A Pittsburgh man pleaded guilty in federal court this week to three incidents where it was alleged he illegally had possession of guns and drugs.

Federal investigators said in a news release that Chance Rice, 26, a convicted felon, had possession of a gun that was fired during a September 2015 candlelight vigil for a Homewood teenager.

Several people were injured and multiple guns were fired, according to the release. Rice was not charged in connection with the shooting.

Authorities said Rice got possession of one of the weapons after the vigil shooting and later gave the weapon to another man.

Shortly after, Rice had a gun he asked his then-girlfriend to purchase for her protection, according to the news release from U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady. In October 2015, police who stopped Rice’s vehicle saw the gun and a spent casing. Rice fled the stop and was arrested two months later. The gun was later found in an acquaintance’s safe, authorities said.

While Rice was housed at the Butler County Jail in July, his cell was searched and authorities found a piece of paper soaked with a type of synthetic marijuana, according to the release.

He pleaded guilty to intent to distribute synthetic marijuana and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

His sentencing is set for June 3.