Press Release  Lawrence Man Arraigned on Gun Charges in Connection with Alleged Threat Against the President

Lawrence, Massachusetts — Stephen M. Perroti, 28, of 118 Byron Avenue, Lawrence, was arraigned today in Lawrence District Court on nine firearms charges in connection with a US Secret Service investigation into alleged threats against President Barack Obama.

Judge Lynn Rooney granted Essex Assistant District Attorney Anna Zalewski’s request that the defendant be held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing which is scheduled for August 8, 2014.

The defendant is charged with 5 counts of Possession of Large Capacity Firearm (or feeding device), Improper Storage of a Large Capacity Firearm, Possession of a Firearm without an FID Card, Possession of Ammunition without an FID Card and Possession of an Assault Weapon.  A plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf.

ADA Zalewski told the court that the US Secret Service contacted the Lawrence Police Department regarding the alleged threats made against the President.  Secret Service Agents and Lawrence Police Officers went to Perroti’s residence yesterday and obtained his consent to search the premises.  They found an AR-15 assault rifle, 3 scopes and 4 high-capacity magazines and ammunition.  The defendant was then taken into custody.

The defendant was represented by Attorney Steven Van Dyke and is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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