Bristol Man Admits Illegally Possessing Firearms

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WAYNE EVANGELISTA, also known as “Wayne Nance,” 34, of Bristol, pleaded guilty today before Senior United States District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport to three counts of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, prior to March 2011, EVANGELISTA had been convicted of multiple felony offenses in Connecticut state court and federal court in Connecticut, including criminal possession of a firearm (twice), third degree burglary, second degree forgery, bank fraud, and both first and second degree larceny.

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.

In March 2011, EVANGELISTA convinced another individual, who had a valid firearms permit, that he was a Bail Enforcement Agent.  In March and April 2011, EVANGELISTA persuaded the individual to purchase a .40 caliber pistol and a .380 caliber pistol on his behalf, and EVANGELISTA took possession of the firearms after they were purchased.  Also in April 2011, EVANGELISTA possessed a 9mm pistol that he cleaned for the same individual who had purchased the other two firearms for him.

Judge Eginton has scheduled sentencing for June 28, 2013, at which time EVANGELISTA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count.

EVANGELISTA has been detained since his arrest on March 15, 2012.

This matter has been investigated by the Connecticut State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan S. Freimann.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

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