United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: NORWALK MAN INDICTED ON FEDERAL FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION CHARGES

Kevin J. O'Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced today that VAMOND ELMORE, age 27, formerly of 133 Montrey Place, Building 14, Apartment 174, Norwalk, Connecticut, has been indicted for possession of multiple firearms and ammunition by a previously convicted felon. A federal grand jury sitting in New Haven returned the two-count indictment yesterday.

The indictment alleges that ELMORE was arrested by the Norwalk Police on June 25, 2003 after the police stopped him in his car and found a loaded, .38 caliber firearm in the passenger compartment behind the driver's seat. On June 27, 2003, Norwalk Police executed a search warrant at 133 Montrey Place, Building 14, Apartment 174 and found three additional firearms (one 12 gauge shotgun, one 7.62 caliber rifle and one .22 caliber pistol) and a box of Winchester .22 caliber ammunition in a bedroom closet.

The indictment further alleges that prior to June 2003, ELMORE had been convicted of three felony offenses in Connecticut: One felony conviction for possession of narcotics, one felony conviction for first degree robbery and one felony conviction for second degree larceny. It is a violation of federal law for a convicted felon to possess a firearm that moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

If convicted, ELMORE faces a maximum sentence of ten years' incarceration and a maximum fine of $250,000 on each of the two charges. United States Attorney O'Connor stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. It is the Government's burden to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

"Our office is working in collaboration with law enforcement authorities and state prosecutors in Stamford and Norwalk to prosecute firearms cases and remove the most dangerous criminals from the city streets," U.S. Attorney O'Connor stated.

This matter was investigated by the Norwalk Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives ("ATF"). 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