United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: DANBURY MAN CHARGED WITH ILLEGAL GUN POSSESSION

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury sitting in Bridgeport has returned an indictment charging RICHARD MATIAS, also known as “Sticks,” 44, of Danbury, with one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

The indictment alleges that, on June 28, 2010, MATIAS possessed a Glock, Model 23, .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun.  The indictment further alleges that, prior to June 28, 2010, MATIAS had been convicted of six felony offenses, including three convictions for sale 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.

The indictment was returned on October 6, 2010.  MATIAS, who has been in state custody since July 2010, was arraigned on the federal charge yesterday before United States Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons in Bridgeport.

If convicted of the charge, MATIAS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.  In addition, MATIAS may be subject to the Armed Career Criminal Act, a federal law imposing severe penalties for firearm possession by persons who have been convicted of at least three violent felonies or serious drug offenses.  Under the Armed Career Criminal Act, MATIAS could face a minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of life, if he is convicted.

U.S. Attorney Fein stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alina P. Reynolds.

The Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, and improving the safety of residents of Connecticut 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