New London Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing and Selling Loaded Handgun

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MANUEL ARTEAGA, also known as “Manny,” 42, of New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford 16 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2016, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) learned that ARTEAGA was attempting to sell firearms.  On January 26, 2017, an individual working with law enforcement purchased a 9mm Kahr handgun, which was loaded with five rounds of ammunition, from ARTEAGA for $650.  In a related state narcotics investigation, members of the Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Task Force – East conducted three controlled purchases of cocaine from ARTEAGA between April and June 2017.

ARTEAGA’s criminal history includes state felony convictions in 2003, in both Connecticut and New York, for firearm and drug 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.

On May 15, 2018, ARTEAGA pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

State narcotics charges against ARTEAGA are pending in New London Superior Court.

This matter was investigated by ATF and the Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Task Force – East.  The case was prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Durham.

This case 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.