United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: BRIDGEPORT MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FEDERAL FIREARMS CHARGE
                                                                                               
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDWIN RIVERA, also known as “GORDO,” 37, of Clarence Street, Bridgeport, pleaded guilty yesterday, July 22, before United States District Judge Christopher F. Droney in Hartford to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a previously convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 14, 2008, in Bridgeport, RIVERA possessed a Taurus, Model PT 111, 9mm semiautomatic pistol and nine rounds of assorted ammunition.

Prior to July 14, 2008, RIVERA had been convicted of felony offenses in Bridgeport Superior Court, including possession with intent to sell hallucinogens/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.

RIVERA is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Droney on October 7, 2010, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

The case was investigated by the ATF Task Force and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Felice Duffy as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative.

The Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, ammunition and body armor, and improving the safety of residents in Bridgeport and all of Connecticut’s cities. 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