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Press Release

Newington Man Who Stole Firearms From Colebrook Residence Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison

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

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL KENNEDY, also known as “Chavo,” 26, of Newington, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 97 months of imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for stealing, possessing and selling firearms.  In issuing his sentence, Judge Chatigny gave KENNEDY credit for the 23 months he has already served in state prison for a total effective term of 120 months’ imprisonment.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 9, 2011, KENNEDY and Edward N. Ortiz, also known as “Heavy,” of New Britain, entered a residence in Colebrook and stole 12 firearms.  The investigation has revealed that the majority of the stolen firearms were later sold to others, including street-level drug dealers.

Prior to May 2011, KENNEDY had been convicted of multiple felony offenses, including possession of narcotics, robbery, larceny and violation of a protection order.

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.

KENNEDY is currently detained.  On February 5, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of firearms by a previously convicted felon.

On September 27, 2012, Ortiz pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to steal firearms and possess stolen firearms, and one count of possession of firearms by a previously convicted felon.  He awaits sentencing and is also detained.

This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Connecticut State Police and the New Britain Police Department.  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

Updated March 18, 2015