A Jeannette man who stole 23 guns from a Delmont dealer in January pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court.

Justin Carroll, 28, faces a likely prison term of 12 to 18 months when he is sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Gustave Diamond Aug. 19.

According to the prosecution, Mr. Carroll used a baseball bat to smash the front window of Delmont Sport Shop on Jan. 7. He then smashed a glass display case holding a number of handguns. Mr. Carroll admitted to stealing 23 guns, plus an antique firearm that isn't covered under federal law.

Murrysville police reported a number of other break-ins that night, and they were able to recover shoe prints made by New Balance sneakers.

When police interviewed Mr. Carroll later that day, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Tina O. Miller, he was wearing New Balance shoes that were consistent with prints found at the gun shop.

After his arrest, Mr. Carroll was released on bond. He fled to Geary County, Kan., where he was arrested on charges that included aggravated assault, leaving the scene of an accident, felony theft, possession of stolen property, burglary, fleeing and eluding and reckless driving.

Though he was being held in Kansas, Mr. Carroll was brought back to Pittsburgh to answer the federal charges. The charges in Kansas have not yet been resolved.