Local News

Ex-KDKA Radio Reporter Ordered To Stand Trial

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ― A former KDKA Radio reporter, who is charged with carrying a loaded handgun into the Allegheny County Courthouse, will stand trial.

Last month, Rob Milford resigned from his job with KDKA Radio.

"He is charged with bringing a firearm into a court facility and carrying a firearm, concealed, without a permit to carry one," said defense attorney, Wendy Williams.

Milford's attorney argues that the carrying a concealed weapons charge without a license should be a misdemeanor in his case.

"It is a felony if you're not eligible to carry a concealed weapon, so if you have something in your past such as mental health, or PFA, or other crimes that would make you not eligible, then it is a felony to carry a concealed weapon," said Williams. "If you're otherwise eligible to carry a concealed weapon, then it is only a misdemeanor if you have one concealed and you don't have the permit to carry it. "

Authorities say sheriff's deputies found the weapon in Milford's bag when it went through the metal detector. The gun belongs to Milford's girlfriend, officials say.

A deputy testified that he walked passed the sign banning weapons in the courthouse. Milford's attorney says he simply forgot the gun was in his bag.

"He is just not the type of person that would ever take a weapon into the courthouse for criminal purposes or knowingly take a weapon into the courthouse," said Williams. "He was there to cover the East End rapist trial. He was entering the courthouse with other members of the media. It was business as usual, and Mr. Milford is just not the kind of person that would ever do something so disruptive as to ruin his career or his personal life."

Officials say much of Milford's argument will focus on his record as a journalist and on his character. He hopes to prove there was no ill-intent and he just made a terrible mistake.

Stay with KDKA for the latest details.

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