MIAMI – In a shocking display of disregard for the law, Michael John Pellicione, 76, the owner of a Port St. Lucie, Fla., gun shop, pleaded guilty to selling several firearms “off the books” in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(5) on December 18, 2024.
Pellicione, a federal firearms licensee (FFL), failed to enter the sale of five firearms into his acquisition and disposition (A&D) record. This egregious oversight allowed him to circumvent the law and avoid accounting for the sales, putting unsuspecting buyers and the community at large at risk.
According to federal law, an FFL is required to record, in the A&D book, all of the firearms that the FFL receives or makes, and then indicate where each of those firearms are – whether they are still in the FFL’s inventory or where they went if they were sold or transferred. Additionally, the A&D book must include the type of firearm, the make, model, caliber, and serial number, the date and from whom the firearm was received and that person’s address, as well as the name, date, and address of the person to whom the firearm was sold or transferred.
Pellicione’s actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the law and potentially put the community at risk. His plea agreement sets the stage for a possible five years in prison, a sentence that reflects the severity of his crimes.
The investigation into Pellicione’s activities was conducted by HSI Fort Pierce and ATF Fort Pierce. Managing Assistant U.S. Attorney Carmen Lineberger is prosecuting this matter.
Pellicione faces up to five years in prison for his crimes. His sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. We will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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