United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods:
WILLIMANTIC MAN PLEADS GUILTY
TO FEDERAL FIREARM TRAFFICKING CHARGE

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SAMUEL VASQUEZ, 23, formerly of Mountain Street, Willimantic, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford to one count of unlawful dealing in firearms.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on three separate occasions in November and December 2008, VASQUEZ participated in the sale of one shotgun and two handguns to another individual in Willimantic.  The shotgun had been reported stolen in September 2008.

VASQUEZ is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on April 25, 2011, at which time VASQUEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.

VASQUEZ is currently incarcerated in state custody on unrelated charges.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives pursuant to the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert M. Spector.

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