United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: HARTFORD MAN SENTENCED TO 92 MONTHS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR POSSESSING GUN PROVIDED BY STRAW PURCHASER

Kevin J. O’Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ANTHONY COLON, also known as “Toca,” age 23, of 1534 Park Street, Hartford, was sentenced yesterday, March 15, by Senior United States District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 92 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. COLON pleaded guilty to the offense on November 1, 2006.

According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, COLON was arrested on July 24, 2006, by members of Hartford’s Violent Crime Impact Team and the Connecticut State Police shortly after he acquired possession of a Sturm Ruger, Model SP101, .357 revolver. The investigation focused on numerous straw purchases of firearms at local gun retailers. The investigation revealed that COLON had provided money and crack cocaine to an accomplice who purchased the firearm. The accomplice had a Connecticut Pistol Permit.

COLON was previously convicted in Connecticut Superior Court of violation of a protective order and sale of a controlled substance, both felony offenses.

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

The case was investigated by the Hartford Violent Crime Impact Team and the Connecticut State Police. The Violent Crime Impact Team is a joint task force dedicated to combating violent crime and firearms violations. The Team is composed of federal and local law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian P. Leaming.

CONTACT:

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