United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

BRIDGEPORT MAN ADMITS MAKING SAWED-OFF RIFLE

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that FRANK FLEMING, also known as “Fish,” 44, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty yesterday, September 23, before United States District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to one count of making a sawed-off rifle.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 6, 2009, FLEMING and Michael Hampton of Bridgeport sawed the barrel of a rifle and then sold the sawed-off rifle to another individual.

In January 2009, as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, members of the Bridgeport Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives began an investigation into gun trafficking that was centered in the PT Barnum Public Housing Complex and surrounding neighborhoods on the west side of Bridgeport. Approximately 32 firearms were purchased during the course of the investigation. On June 30, 2009, 11 individuals, including FLEMING, were arrested and charged with federal firearms offenses. Additional defendants were arrested on state charges.

Judge Underhill has scheduled sentencing for December 10, 2010, at which time FLEMING faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $10,000.

On September 9, 2010, Hampton pleaded guilty to one count of transferring a sawed-off rifle. He awaits sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Bridgeport Police Department; U.S. Homeland Security Investigations; the U.S. Marshals Service, and the New Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Felice Duffy and Douglas Morabito.

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.

CONTACT:

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