Shooter of Stamford Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Weapons Offenses
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EPHRAIM GOITOM, also known as Fay Fay,
29, of Stamford, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to drug and firearm offenses. In December 2010, GOITOM shot and wounded a Stamford Police officer.
This prosecution serves as a reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face every day in performance of their duties to protect and serve the public,
U.S. Attorney Fein stated. Today’s guilty plea ensures that this dangerous defendant will be removed for society for many years.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 9, 2010, Stamford Police officers were dispatched to the vicinity of GOITOM’s former residence on Lockwood Avenue in Stamford to respond to a report of shots fired. Based upon the investigation, officers determined that GOITOM and an individual identified as David Paul had an altercation at GOITOM’s residence that morning. As Paul fled, GOITOM fired at Paul but missed.
Later that day, officers obtained a search warrant for GOITOM’s residence. As officers attempted to execute the warrant, GOITOM, who was inside his residence, fired a single gunshot through the backdoor striking Sergeant Richard Gasparino in the face and neck. Sergeant Gasparino was rushed to the hospital for treatment. He received more than 100 stitches and has permanent scarring on his face and neck.
After GOITOM was taken into custody, officers entered his residence and recovered PCP packaged for sale, a digital scale, narcotics packaging paraphernalia, a .357 revolver containing two spent casings and four live rounds, and a box of .357 ammunition. The gun was later determined to have been stolen in 1997 from a residence in Alabama.
Today, GOITOM pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute phencyclidine (PCP
), and one count of use of a firearm in relation to a narcotics trafficking offense. If the Court accepts the plea agreement entered into by the parties, GOITOM will be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 25 years.
GOITOM has been detained since his arrest by the Stamford Police Department on December 9, 2010.
This matter was investigated by the Stamford Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by U.S. Attorney David B. Fein and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy L. Dayton.
The Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, and improving the safety of residents in Connecticut’s cities. Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
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