United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: NEW HAVEN MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF A FIREARM

Kevin J. O'Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that RICHARD MINTO, age 22, of 49-51 Emerson Street, New Haven, Connecticut has pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm while being unlawfully in the United States. United States District Judge Mark R. Kravitz accepted MINTO's plea of guilty on Thursday, August 5, in New Haven federal court.

On April 13, 2004, following an undercover investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, MINTO was arrested at his home for selling firearms without a license. MINTO was subsequently charged by Indictment with one count of dealing in firearms without a license and two counts of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. After his arrest, it was learned that MINTO was an illegal alien.

"Through the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative, this Office is committed to removing illegal firearms from the streets of New Haven, hopefully before a trigger is pulled," U.S. Attorney O'Connor stated.

When he is sentenced by United States District Judge Mark R. Kravitz on October 25, 2004, MINTO faces a maximum term of ten years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. MINTO will also be subject to deportation to Jamaica following completion of his sentence.

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter A. Clark

The Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative is aimed at reducing gun violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, and improving the safety of residents in New Haven and other Connecticut cities. Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Moore 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