Project Safe Neighborhoods
Stamford Man Admits Selling Machine Guns, Narcotics
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that PATRICK UZAR, 25, of Stamford, pleaded guilty yesterday, January 26, before Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine, and one count of possession and transfer of a machine gun. This matter stems from a long-term investigation into gang activity and trafficking of firearms and narcotics in southwestern Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from July 2010 to April 2011, UZAR, who was not a licensed firearms dealer, was involved in the sale of approximately 33 firearms, approximately 12 of which were machine guns.
During the investigation, on November 5, 2010, UZAR sold a fully automatic machine gun to an individual working with law enforcement in exchange for $2300. UZAR met the purchaser in Stamford and, before completing the sale, he assembled the machine gun and showed the purchaser different firing positions. On that date, UZAR also provided 10 grams of cocaine to the same individual in exchange for $400.
On January 25, 2011, UZAR provided an individual working with law enforcement a 7.62 x 30 millimeter machine gun with a collapsible stock in exchange for $2,300. UZAR then provided $2000 to a co-defendant who had assembled the machine gun.
With respect to UZAR’s drug trafficking activities, between approximately September 2010 and May 2011, UZAR sold or arranged to sell between 250 grams and 300 grams of cocaine. In addition, between September and November 2010, UZAR sold 1,828 ecstasy
pills that he had obtained from others.
Judge Burns has scheduled sentencing for April 16, 2012, at which time UZAR faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years and a fine of up to $1.25 million.
More than 100 firearms were purchased or seized during the investigation, and a total of 17 individuals, including UZAR, have been charged with various federal offenses.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, the Stamford Police Department, the Bridgeport Police Department, the Norwalk Police Department and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The investigation was funded in significant part by the United States Attorney’s Office Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and supported by the Office’s Project Safe Neighborhoods and Anti-Gang programs.
This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Marc H. Silverman.
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