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Catania prison agent faces trial for Kalashnikov theft
A prison police officer, Melania Nicotra, has been ordered to face immediate trial in Catania for the theft of a Kalashnikov rifle from the Bicocca prison in 2024. The investigation, led by the Catania Mobile Squad, revealed that the weapon was found hidden on the roof of a house linked to the suspects.
Nicotra, who is currently under house arrest in Rome, is accused of embezzlement. The theft is allegedly linked to a debt she owed to Francesco and Francesco Salvatore Longo. Five other individuals—Francesco Longo, Francesco Salvatore Longo, Maria Agata Palermo, Giuseppe Vecchio, and Alessio Marco Gigante—are also facing charges related to illegal weapons possession and drug trafficking.
The first hearing is scheduled for January 14, 2027, before the Third Criminal Section of the Catania Court.
Entities
Bicocca prison · Carabinieri · Catania · Catania Court · Court of Catania · Foligno · Francesco Longo · Maria Agata Palermo · Melania Nicotra · Mobile Squad of Catania · Perugia-Capanne · Polcenigo