David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KOUWANII BRUNSTORFF, also known as “Legend,” “Kouwanni Bornstorff,” “Kouwani Brunstorff,” and “Kawwani Brunstorff,” 34, of New London, pleaded guilty today before Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to possession of two firearms by a previously convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 23, 2011, New London police responding to a complaint of a domestic disturbance at BRUNSTORFF’s State Street residence encountered BRUNSTORFF and observed in his apartment .357 and .380 caliber ammunition, as well as narcotics paraphernalia.  A subsequent court-authorized search of the apartment revealed a loaded .380 semi-automatic pistol with an obliterated serial number and, secreted in the wall of the bathroom, a loaded .357 revolver wrapped in a cloth.

Prior to March 2011, BRUNSTORFF had been convicted of multiple felony offenses.  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 charge of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon ordinarily carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  However, based on BRUNSTORFF’s prior felony convictions for assault, robbery and narcotics offenses, he may be subject to the Armed Career Criminal Act, a federal law imposing severe penalties for firearm or ammunition possession by persons who have been convicted of at least three violent felonies or serious drug offenses.  A defendant who qualifies as an Armed Career Criminal faces a minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of life.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 20, 2012.

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New London Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.

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’s cities. Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

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

 

 

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