News Release [print friendly page]
For Immediate Release:
August 1, 2008

Bridgeport Man Arrested in Norwalk Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Charge

AUG 1 --Kevin L. Lane, Acting Special in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England and Nora R. Dannehy, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that FITZROY SMITH, 38, formerly of Charron Street, Bridgeport, pleaded guilty yesterday, July 31, before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, SMITH was arrested by the Norwalk Police Department on March 27, 2007, as he attempted to engage in a narcotics transaction. Upon his arrest, police discovered a fully loaded .380 caliber semiautomatic handgun with an obliterated serial number in his pants pocket. SMITH had previously been convicted of numerous felony offenses in Connecticut and Georgia state courts, including a Connecticut conviction for assault on an officer and multiple convictions in Connecticut and Georgia for possession of narcotics.

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.

SMITH is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Stefan R. Underhill on October 17, 2008, at which time SMITH faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

SMITH has been in custody since his arrest.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Norwalk Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James R. Smart.

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.

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