MORGANTOWN, PA — A 37-year-old man is facing charges after authorities say he attempted to purchase a firearm despite being prohibited, according to the Caernarvon Township Police Department.
Police report that on August 7, 2025, the department was contacted by the Pennsylvania State Police Firearms Division regarding Richard Picozzi. The referral stemmed from an incident on May 4, 2025, when Picozzi allegedly attempted to buy a Glock G19 9mm pistol at the Morgantown Gun Show, located at 6180 Morgantown Road in Berks County.
Investigators say Picozzi’s application was denied due to a prior 2008 narcotics conviction, which resulted in a three-year probation sentence and carried a potential penalty of more than one year. According to police, Picozzi is accused of making false statements on federal and state firearm purchase forms, denying his prior conviction.
Authorities further allege that this was not Picozzi’s first attempt to obtain a firearm unlawfully. Records show previous denials in December 2010 and December 2011 at two other federally licensed firearm dealers.
Picozzi has been charged with sale or transfer of firearms in violation of state law and unsworn falsification to authorities.
Authorities emphasize that these charges are allegations, and Picozzi is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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