2 Loaded Guns, 5 Large Capacity Magazines Taken Off The Streets: DA

MOUNT VERNON, NY — A Westchester man is facing felony charges after being caught with illegal weapons, according to the Westchester DA.

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace said that 27-year-old Malachi Beccan, of Mount Vernon, was indicted on multiple weapons offenses and arraigned on Thursday in Westchester County Court.

The indictment charges Beccan with two counts of felony second degree criminal possession of a weapon, and five counts of felony third degree criminal possession of a weapon.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

On Jan. 23, Beccan was found to be in unlawful possession of two loaded firearms, a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol and a Cobray 9mm pistol, according to a felony complaint. The indictment also charges that Beccan unlawfully possessed five large-capacity magazines on the same date.

"Without the swift work of our law enforcement officers, these loaded weapons might have been used to commit far graver crimes than the ones charged here today," Cacace said. "I am grateful for the quick action of the police officers and investigators who took these guns off our streets. This case exemplifies my commitment to addressing gun violence in all Westchester communities."

A Westchester County Court judge continued the bail conditions that had been set by the Mount Vernon City Court during a previous hearing.

"We are deeply grateful to the dedicated officers of the Mount Vernon Police Department for their continued efforts in removing illegal firearms from our streets," Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard said. "We look forward to strengthening our partnership with the District Attorney’s Office, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, and other law enforcement agencies as we enhance our efforts to improve public safety and uphold law and order in the city of Mount Vernon."

The charge of second degree criminal possession of a weapon carries a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in state prison.

The case was investigated by the Westchester DA's Criminal Investigators Squad, the Mount Vernon Police Department, and the FBI's Safe Streets Task Force. The district attorney thanked the MVPD and the FBI for their partnership on this case.