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Man indicted on murder charge in wife’s death faces new charges
Each new charge could bring up to five years in prison.
LISBON — A man indicted on a murder charge in the death of his wife and awaiting trial faces new state charges and could face federal charges as well.
A Columbiana County grand jury indicted Jack C. Amato Jr., of Wellsville, on Friday on five counts of the charge of having a weapon while awaiting trial. The charge also can apply to those who have been convicted of a serious crime.
The lawyer for Amato Jr. earlier contended that an adult probation officer said Amato Jr. could have firearms.
Each charge could bring a penalty of one to five years in prison.
Five guns — and homemade bombs — were discovered Sept. 17 when authorities executed a search warrant at the Irondale home of his father, Dr. Jack Amato.
Amato Jr., 36, who was staying with his father, was taken into custody during the search and has been in the county jail in lieu of a $100,000 bond.
Amato Jr. had been free on a lower bond while awaiting trial in the 2007 shooting death of his wife, Tonia, in their Wellsville home.
Authorities also found about 18 homemade bombs along with the guns in Amato Jr.’s bedroom in his father’s home.
County Prosecutor Robert Herron said Friday, “I anticipate a federal grand jury will consider whether the charges pertaining to the explosives are appropriate.”
Federal authorities could not be reached to comment.
A photo from the search warrant filed in common pleas court shows pipe bombs, ball- and light bulb-shaped containers with fuses, and CO2 cartridges with fuses.
Pertaining to the murder charge pending against Amato, authorities have the slug that killed Tonia Amato but not the weapon.
Amato Jr. contended he shot his wife between her eyes in self-defense after she shot at him with a .22-caliber pistol.
wilkinson@vindy.com