United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: WATERBURY MAN ADMITS SELLING SAWED-OFF SHOTGUN

Nora R. Dannehy, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARCUS WILLIAMS, 23, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to one count of unlawfully possessing a short-barreled rifle without prior registration of that firearm.

According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, on March 8, 2007, WILLIAMS sold an Ithaca Gun Company, Inc., Model M-49, .22 caliber sawed-off single shot, lever action rifle, without having registered that firearm in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.

Judge Underhill has scheduled sentencing for July 14, 2008, at which time WILLIAMS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $10,000.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Waterbury Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Edward T. Kang.

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