United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: NEW LONDON MAN SENTENCED TO MORE THAN SEVEN YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR SELLING STOLEN FIREARM

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DANIEL CRUZ, also known as “Splat,” 33, of New London, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 92 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.  On April 13, 2010, CRUZ pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 30, 2009, CRUZ sold a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol to an individual working with law enforcement in exchange for $500.  On that date, CRUZ also offered to sell another pistol in exchange for $1000.

The firearm that CRUZ sold had been reported stolen by its owner.

Prior to January 30, 2009, CRUZ had been convicted of multiple felony offenses, including possession of narcotics, possession of a hallucinogen/marijuana, first degree assault, second degree assault, and possession of a pistol 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.

CRUZ is currently incarcerated in state custody.  He will begin serving the 92-month federal sentence after he completes his state sentence.

This matter stems from a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”), 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 matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah P. Karwan and Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Paul Narducci of the New London States Attorney’s Office.

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 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