NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:  Wednesday, September 28, 2005
U.S. Department of Justice
United States Attorney, District of Connecticut
Connecticut Financial Center , 157 Church Street , P.O. Box 1824 , New Haven, Connecticut   06510 ,  www.usdoj.gov/usao/ct
CONTACT: Tom Carson , Public Information Office , (203) 821-3722 , (203) 996-1393 (cell)          

Project Safe Neighborhoods:
EAST HARTFORD MAN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF A FIREARM

        Kevin J. O’Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANGEL FIGUEROA, also known as “Convict,” age 36, of 59 Hammer Street, East Hartford, Connecticut, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Mark R. Kravitz in New Haven to 180 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for unlawful possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.  FIGUEROA pleaded guilty to the charge on February 24, 2005.

        According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, FIGUEROA was arrested by Hartford Police on August 20, 2004, when they received information from a citizen caller that a person named “Angel” was brandishing a rifle while driving a red Ford Escort in Hartford’s South End.  Officers responded to the reported location and located a car matching the description.  FIGUEROA engaged the officers in a car chase.  FIGUEROA ran a red light, struck two cars and continued to attempt to drive away, but was apprehended by Hartford Police officers.  Police found in the rear of the car a Sturm Ruger, Model 10/22 carbine, .22 caliber rifle, and ammunition.

        FIGUEROA was previously convicted in Connecticut Superior Court on January 3, 2002, of sale of narcotics; on March 12, 1992, of assault in the second degree; on September 27, 1989, of robbery in the second degree; and on August 31, 1990, of criminal attempt to commit assault in the first degree, and assault in the second degree.  Because FIGUEROA has more than three prior convictions for crimes of violence and/or serious drug offenses, he was sentenced pursuant to the federal Armed Career Criminal Act, which calls for a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years, a maximum term of life and a fine of up to $250,000.

        “This sentence sends an important message to all convicted felons who ignore the law and choose to possess a gun,” U.S. Attorney O’Connor stated.  “The federal penalities for illegal firearm possession are severe.”

        U.S. Attorney O’Connor also noted the cooperation of the concerned Hartford citizen who notified law enforcement of FIGUEROA’s behavior.  “This allowed Mr. Figueroa to be apprehended before he had an opportunity to pull the trigger,” U.S. Attorney O’Connor stated.  “Law enforcement requires and continues to ask for such crucial help from the community.”

        This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and officers of the Hartford Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas V. Daily.

        The Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative is aimed at reducing gun violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, and improving the safety of residents in Connecticut’s cities.  Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.  More information on the nationwide Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative can be found at www.psn.gov.

Contact:   Nancy Mulroy, Public Information Officer, Hartford Police Department,  (860) 543-8746
Visit www.hartford.gov for more Hartford Police News
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