Man convicted of molestation pulls gun in ND court

BISMARCK, N.D. – Authorities in North Dakota say a man who had just been convicted of two felonies for allegedly molesting a young girl pulled a gun in a courtroom.

Adams County Sheriff Eugene Molbert said Vicente Chacano (vih-CEN'-tay shah-CAN'-oh) pointed the 9mm pistol at an assistant attorney general who had prosecuted the case.

Molbert said he and the prosecutor tackled Chacano and knocked him against the judge's bench. The sheriff said he knocked the gun away with help from a deputy. No shots were fired and no injuries were reported.

Chacano was convicted of molesting a single victim who was younger than 15 when the incidents happened. The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison without parole.

Chacano's lawyer, Richard Edinger, did not respond immediately to telephone and e-mail messages.