United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods:
BRIDGEPORT MAN SENTENCED TO FEDERAL PRISON FOR MAKING SAWED-OFF RIFLE

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FRANK FLEMING, also known as “Fish,” 44, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for making a sawed-off rifle.  FLEMING pleaded guilty to the offense on September 23, 2010.

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 P.T. Barnum Public Housing Complex and surrounding neighborhoods on the west side of Bridgeport.  Approximately 32 firearms were purchased during the course of the investigation.

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.

FLEMING has been detained in state custody on unrelated charges since October 26, 2009.  Judge Underhill imposed the two-year term of imprisonment consecutive to a five-year state sentence that FLEMING is currently serving.

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; ICE Homeland Security Investigations; the U.S. Marshals Service, and the New Haven Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Felice Duffy.

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