Former Lynn man indicted on weapons charges

SALEM – A former Lynn felon who was allegedly observed in April carrying a firearm on Federal Street has been indicted by an Essex County grand jury.Malcolm Brown, 41, of 6 Hickory Lane, Burlington, formerly of Lynn, stands charged with carrying a firearm without a license having been previously convicted and a felon in possession of a firearm having been previously been convicted of a violent crime to wit: assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.The charges arise out of an incident in Lynn on April 19 when Brown allegedly was observed at a local business carrying a .22 caliber handgun on Federal Street, just after 10 p.m.He was arrested later following an investigation.Brown previously was convicted in Essex Superior Court of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm in 1994, resulting in a long prison term, according to records.He faces a mandatory 15-year prison term if convicted on the possession of a firearm having a prior violent conviction.Assistant District Attorney James P. Gubitose is assigned to prosecute the case for the state.Indictments are a legal process that allows a case to be transferred from District Court to Superior Court allowing for a more severe punishment. It is not an indication of guilt.