David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERTO SANTIAGO, 27, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 2, 2011, SANTIAGO sold a semi-automatic handgun in exchange for $400 to an individual working with law enforcement. On August 9, 2011, SANTIAGO sold a semi-automatic rifle and 250 rounds of ammunition to an undercover officer for $1,500. Both of the firearms were manufactured outside of Connecticut.

Prior to August 2011, SANTIAGO had sustained six felony convictions. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

SANTIAGO is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on January 14, 2013, at which time SANTIAGO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with substantial assistance provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Marc H. Silverman.

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.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

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

 

 

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