United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: BRIDGEPORT MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FEDERAL FIREARMS CHARGE

Kevin J. O'Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MIGUEL ROMAN, age 21, formerly of 1174 Central Avenue, Bridgeport, Connecticut pleaded guilty today to a one count indictment that charged him with possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. ROMAN's plea of guilty was accepted by Senior United States District Judge Peter C. Dorsey in New Haven federal court.

ROMAN was indicted on September 3, 2003, and charged with knowing possession of a .25 caliber Raven Arms Industry semi-automatic pistol that had an obliterated serial number. ROMAN admitted under oath that on May 10, 2003, at approximately 4:35 p.m., while driving alone in the vicinity of 136 Deacon Street in Bridgeport, he knowingly possessed the .25 caliber handgun. He had been stopped by Bridgeport police officers for a traffic violation and the gun had been sitting at his feet on the floor in front of the driver's seat. ROMAN also admitted that he had two prior felony convictions. On March 23, 1999, he had been convicted of third degree larceny, and on September 24, 1997, he had been convicted of second degree robbery. It is a violation of federal law for a convicted felon to possess a firearm that moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

ROMAN faces a maximum term of ten years incarceration and a maximum fine of $250,000 when he is sentenced by Judge Dorsey on March 26, 2004 at 9:00 a.m.

"Thanks to excellent police work and the coordinated effort of the Bridgeport firearms task force under the direction of the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, another violent individual and repeat offender has been removed from the streets of Bridgeport," U.S. Attorney O'Connor stated.

This matter was investigated by the Bridgeport Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert M. Spector.

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:

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