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Press Release

Bridgeport Felon Admits Illegally Possessing Handgun in New Haven

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Connecticut

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALLEN LUSMAT, 30, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding occurred via videoconference.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 10, 2019, Tyrell Cox-Henderson entered a convenience store in New Haven and placed a Smith & Wesson .357 caliber revolver behind some merchandise on a shelf.  Approximately one hour later, Lusmat entered the store and retrieved the firearm from the shelf.  Later that day, after New Haven police officers had reviewed the convenience store’s surveillance video, officers stopped a car in which Lusmat was a passenger.  As officers approached the vehicle, Lusmat threw a black plastic bag out of the window.  A search of bag revealed the firearm that Lusmat retrieved from the store. Lusmat was arrested at that time.

Prior to April 2019, Lusmat was convicted in state court of firearm, assault and burglary 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.

Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for February 10, 2021, at which time Lusmat faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Lusmat has been detained since his arrest.

Cox-Henderson pleaded guilty to the same charge on September 14, 2020, and awaits sentencing.  He also has been detained since April 10, 2019.

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the New Haven Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.

This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.

Updated November 18, 2020

Topics
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Firearms Offenses