Alleged Member of Car Theft Ring Who Sold Stolen Firearms Charged with Federal Offenses

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, today announced that RAY QUAN SANTOS, 21, of Hartford, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with conspiracy and firearms offenses.

As alleged in the criminal complaint, this matter stems from an investigation of motor vehicle thefts and motor vehicle break-ins in and around Hartford County.  The property stolen from vehicles includes firearms, ammunition and firearm-related items.  The investigation revealed that Santos and others stole firearms and other items from vehicles, including vehicles that were parked outside of residences in Newington and Ellington, and then sold the firearms to other individuals.

Santos, who has been incarcerated in state custody on related charges, appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and remains detained.

The complaint charges Santos with conspiring to a commit a federal felony, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and possession of a stolen firearm, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

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

This investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Connecticut State Police, and the Hartford, Newington and Windsor Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.