United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

NEW LONDON MAN SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR GUN, DRUG AND MONEY LAUNDERING OFFENSES

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DANIEL QUINONES, also known as “Danny,” 28, of Mansfield Road, New London, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Christopher F. Droney in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.  On April 20, 2010, QUINONES pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin, and one count of conspiracy to launder money.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 8, 2008, QUINONES sold a .45 caliber pistol, .45 caliber ammunition, and 2.3 grams of heroin to an individual working with law enforcement.

Prior to December 2008, QUINONES had been convicted of felony offenses in New London Superior Court, including possession of narcotics (twice), first degree failure to appear and carrying a weapon without a permit.  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.

With respect to the money laundering charge, QUINONES admitted that he conspired to conceal the proceeds of his illegal drug sales by depositing cash into a safety deposit box opened in the name of his brother.  He also purchased a 2005 Lincoln Navigator with cash, but left the vehicle registered in the name of the previous owner.

QUINONES has forfeited to the government approximately $47,000 in cash that was seized, the 2005 Lincoln Navigator, and several electronic and home furnishing items that were proceeds from his criminal activity.

This matter stems from a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Connecticut State Police, Norwich Police Department, Groton Town Police Department, New London Police Department, Waterford Police Department, and the State of Connecticut’s Department of Correction and Office of Adult Probation.

This case was 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 violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, ammunition and body armor, 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.

CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov