New Haven Man Sentenced to 37 Months in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Semi-Automatic Rifle

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ANTHONY REID, 26, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by Senior U.S. District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 20, 2014, REID was arrested on state narcotics warrants.  On that date, New Haven Police officers searched a residence where REID had stayed the prior night and seized a Global Machine and Tool, model M70AB2 7.62 x 39 millimeter semi-automatic rifle.  The firearm was loaded with 35 rounds of ammunition.  The search also revealed approximately 147 grams of suspected marijuana.

REID has admitted that he possessed the firearm for approximately three weeks.

REID’s criminal history includes felony convictions for stealing a firearm and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.  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.

REID has been detained since his arrest.  On April 30, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Haven Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Laraia and David Nelson.