CRANBERRY TWP., Venango Co. (EYT) — A Franklin man was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon after police discovered he was in possession of firearms despite a previous felony conviction.

According to a report issued by Franklin-based State Police, around 4:28 p.m. on Tuesday, February 6, troopers were assisting the Venango County Sheriff’s Office serve a Protection from Abuse order to Mark A. Burkett, 50, at a location along Plum Drive in Cranberry Township.

During the incident, several firearms, a small amount of marijuana, and related paraphernalia were discovered at his residence.

Throughout the course of the investigation, it was discovered that Burkett was a convicted felon who, by law, is not permitted to possess firearms.

Burkett was taken into custody and arraigned in front of District Judge Patrick E. Lowrey at 7:30 p.m. on February 6, on nine counts of felony Possession of Firearm Prohibited, one count of misdemeanor Marijuana Possession, and five counts of misdemeanor Use/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Unable to post $50,000.00 cash bail, Burkett was lodged in the Venango County Jail.