Greensburg, PA -- A Unity Township man will spend just shy of seven years behind bars for illegally possessing firearms and defrauding vendors to pay for a wedding. 

Joseph Malago, 52, was sentenced by a Westmoreland County Common Pleas Judge on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. 

Malago was ordered to serve 5-10 years for the illegal possession of firearms with a consecutive sentence of 21-42 months for theft and forgery-related charges. 

Malago was found guilty in December for writing upwards of $20,000 forged checks to various vendors to pay for a relative's wedding. 

In addition to jail time, Malago was ordered to pay restitution in the case. 

A pre-sentencing investigation revealed Malago lied to probation officers about his education and military history, which was conveyed to the judge by the Commonwealth prior to sentencing. 

One active case against Malago involving fraud and theft charges from 2022 is still pending. 

Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole W. Ziccarelli commends ADA Katie Ranker for prosecuting this case and getting justice for the vendors who were swindled by Malago.