United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: WALLINGFORD FELON PLEADS GUILTY TO UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF HANDGUN, AMMUNITION

Nora R. Dannehy, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN NIGRETTI, 32, of Albert Street, Wallingford, pleaded guilty today before Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to a one-count Indictment charging him with unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition after being convicted of a felony offense.

According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in Court, on October 27, 2007, NIGRETTI unlawfully possessed a Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun, 44 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and 50 rounds of .38 caliber ammunition in his residence at 4 Albert Street in Wallingford.  On that date, Meriden police officers arrested NIGRETTI after executing a search warrant at that address.

Prior to October 2007, NIGRETTI had been convicted of felony offenses.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

Judge Burns has scheduled sentencing for August 22, 2008, at which time NIGRETTI faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Meriden Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher M. Mattei.

Acting U.S. Attorney Dannehy noted that this prosecution is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative.  This program is aimed at reducing gun violence, deterring illegal possession, sale and trafficking of guns, and improving the safety of residents throughout Connecticut.  Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov