Rape suspect accused of having stolen gun

NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- A man accused of raping two women is now accused of possessing a stolen gun.
Pennsylvania State Police said Michael Ray Tackett, 34, of West Pittsburg, was released on his own recognizance after being charged with receiving stolen property.
Police said they searched Tackett's home in September for evidence in the rape cases and found a stolen firearm hidden in a shoe box.
Police said the gun had been reported stolen April 9, 2001, from a Mahoning Township home. They said the victim does not know Tackett, who was arraigned Wednesday before District Justice J.V. Lamb on the new charge.
Tackett was charged in September and October in the rapes of two prostitutes. He is free after posting $65,000 bond on the one rape charge and $5,000 bond on the second rape charge.
Tackett had been questioned by police in the deaths of two other prostitutes found in the woods off Pa. Route 168, but authorities have said he is not a suspect.