Hancock County man arraigned on illegal possession of firearms charge

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – David Mallicone, of Weirton, West Virginia, was arraigned today on a charge of illegal possession of firearms, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

Mallicone, age 53, was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Wheeling on April 4, 2017 on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Mallicone, having previously been convicted of possession and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and intent to distribute marijuana in United States District Court, was alleged to have in his possession of three rifles, two revolvers, two pistols, and one shotgun. The crime is alleged to have occurred in January 2017 in Hancock County.

Mallicone faces up to ten years and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Weirton Police Department investigated.

An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.