A Lancaster man was convicted of illegally possessing a firearm in November 2020 in Lancaster City.

Richard Scott Lessig, 51, is prohibited from having a firearm due to a prior rape and aggravated assault conviction for which he was to be on state parole until 2033.

Assistant District Attorney Chris Miller presented evidence that Lessig possessed and handled the firearm.

Following a two-day trial, the jury deliberated for an hour and a half before finding Lessig guilty of Person not to Possess Firearm, a second-degree felony. The Lancaster jury also found that Lessig had live ammunition for the 9mm Smith and Wesson handgun discovered in a black backpack in his home.

On November 23, 2020, a parole search of his room yielded the gun in the backpack belonging to Lessig along with a hunting license, hunting scent products, a pair of men’s underwear, men’s socks concealing loose ammunition, two holsters for the handgun, cleaning products for the handgun and two hunting knives.

Lessig admitted the backpack was his but stated most of the contents including the firearm belonged to his girlfriend. However, on cross examination he admitted to being present when the firearm was purchased and handling the firearm and ammunition. The jury also heard a series of inconsistent statements made by Lessig and his girlfriend, who contradicted each other's story about the firearm.

Judge Donald Totaro presided over the trial; Lessig will be sentenced at a later date.

Lessig faces up to 10 years in a state correctional institution and $25,000 in fines.

Lancaster City Bureau Police officer Shane Douglas-Snyder filed the charges.