United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: SHELTON MAN ADMITS ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF FIREARMS, AMMUNITION

Nora R. Dannehy, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JONATHAN SHAPIRO, 21, of Sagamore Road, Shelton, pleaded guilty today before Senior United States District Judge Alan H. Nevas in Bridgeport to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a previously convicted felon.

According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, in December 2007, SHAPIRO possessed a .38 caliber revolver, a .32 caliber revolver, an M1 rifle, and several rounds of ammunition.  Prior to December 2007, SHAPIRO had been convicted of the felony offense of possession of narcotics.

It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

Judge Nevas has scheduled sentencing for December 1, 2008, at which time SHAPIRO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum fine of $250,000.

This matter was investigated by the Shelton Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah P. Karwan.

The Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative is aimed at reducing gun violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, and improving the safety of residents of Connecticut’s cities.  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