United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: WATERBURY MAN INDICTED ON FEDERAL FIREARM CHARGE

Kevin J. O'Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that OMAR FIGUEROA, age 27, formerly of 10 Vermont Street, 1st Floor, Waterbury, Connecticut, was charged today by a federal grand jury sitting in Bridgeport in a one-count Indictment with possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

U.S. Attorney O'Connor explained that FIGUEROA was arrested by the Waterbury Police Department on December 17, 2003 and has been in custody since that date. The Indictment alleges that on December 17, 2003, FIGUEROA knowingly possessed one H&R, Model 929 22LR, .22 caliber revolver, one Sundance Industries, Model Laser 25, .25 caliber semi-automatic pistol and one Ruger, Model SP101, .357 magnum revolver. The Indictment further alleges that prior to December 17, 2003, FIGUEROA had been convicted of four felony offenses in Connecticut: Third Degree Burglary; Possession of Narcotics (twice); and, Failure To Appear.

It is a violation of federal law for a convicted felon to possess a firearm that moved in interstate or foreign commerce. If convicted of the firearm count, FIGUEROA faces a maximum term of ten years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.

"This indictment shows, once again, that the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative is active in Waterbury and is aimed at removing the most violent, gun-wielding repeat offenders from the city's streets," U.S. Attorney O'Connor stated.

U.S. 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.

This matter was investigated by the Waterbury Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives ("ATF"). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Peter Clark and 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 Waterbury and all of 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