United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: WALLINGFORD MAN SENTENCED TO FEDERAL PRISON FOR 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, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.  On June 5, 2008, NIGRETTI pleaded guilty to one count of 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 26, 2007, Meriden and Wallingford Police officers executed a search warrant at NIGRETTI’s residence.  In NIGRETTI’s bedroom closet, officers seized a loaded Charter Arms, .38 caliber revolver, a loaded and chambered Smith & Wesson, Model 59, 9 millimeter pistol, and ammunition for both guns.  The investigation revealed that NIGRETTI, who is associated with the Latin Kings gang, acquired the firearms and ammunition because he was involved in a dispute with a rival gang.

NIGRETTI was previously convicted in the State of Connecticut of multiple felonies, including possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle and carrying a pistol without a permit.

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.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Wallingford Police Department and the Meriden Police Department.  The case was 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 and gang 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