Concealing the Risk
Real-World Effects of Lax Concealed Weapons Laws
Section Two: Crimes Committed Before Licensure
Gun-Related Crimes
| Name of License Holder |
Crime(s) Committed |
| Lofton Coston |
Convicted of felonies–absent without leave, robbery and wrongful possession and discharge of a firearm |
| Marc Hirschberg |
Adjudication withheld–carrying a concealed firearm |
| Nicholas Picklo |
Convicted of felonies–atrocious assault and battery, robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon |
Lofton Coston
Absent Without Leave, Robbery, Wrongful Possession and Discharge of a FirearmLofton Coston was issued a concealed weapons license in May 1993. Yet while serving in the United States Army in Italy in 1949, Coston had been convicted of absence without leave, robbery, and wrongful possession and discharge of a firearm. He was sentenced to five years in a United States penitentiary. Coston had also been convicted of applying for a driver’s license through fraud in October 1961 and was charged with carrying a concealed weapon in November 1967. Coston’s license was revoked in January 1996�two years and eight months after he first obtained it.
Marc Hirschberg
Carrying a Concealed FirearmMarc Hirschberg was issued a concealed weapons license in May 1994. Yet in January 1994 Hirschberg had been arrested for illegally carrying a concealed firearm and unlawful possession of a driver’s license after a police officer was called to the scene of a “business dispute with possible firearms involved.” Three months later, Hirschberg had adjudication withheld on the charges and was sentenced to one year probation. Hirschberg’s license was revoked in December 1995�one year and seven months after he first obtained it. Under Florida law Hirschberg may legally reapply for a concealed weapons license in January 1998.
Nicholas Picklo
Atrocious Assault and Battery, Robbery and Assault With a Dangerous WeaponNicholas Picklo was issued a concealed weapons license in March 1994. Yet in February 1962 Picklo had been convicted of two felonies: atrocious assault and battery, and robbery. He was sentenced to two to three years in prison, fined $500, and put on five years probation. Six years later Picklo was convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon – another felony. Other crimes for which Picklo had been arrested and later convicted were: obtaining unemployment benefits while employed in 1960, for which he was sentenced to 60 days in the county jail and six months probation; grand larceny in 1961, for which he was sentenced to two to three years in prison, a fine of $250, restitution of $300, and five years probation; and, kidnapping in 1967, for which he was sentenced to five to seven years in prison, a fine of $500, and five years probation. Picklo’s license was revoked in June 1995 – one year and three months after he first obtained it.
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