United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

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

Kevin J. O'Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced today that CHAD CILFONE, age 25, of Waterbury, Connecticut has pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance. CILFONE's plea of guilty was accepted yesterday by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in Bridgeport.

U.S. Attorney O'Connor explained that CILFONE was arrested in Waterbury on December 30, 2003, after Waterbury Police officers observed him attempting to exchange a loaded KelTec, 9 mm folding stock rifle to an individual in exchange for narcotics and money. During the plea proceeding, CILFONE admitted possessing the rifle on that date and to being an unlawful user of heroin. It is a violation of federal law for a drug addict or someone who unlawfully uses drugs to possess a firearm.

CILFONE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years and a maximum fine of $250,000 when he is sentenced by Judge Hall on June 25, 2004.

This matter was investigated by the Waterbury Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Keith A. King.

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