United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: GROTON MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FEDERAL FIREARM OFFENSES

Kevin J. O'Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RICHARD W. MANCHESTER, age 41, formerly of 66 Latham Street, Groton, Connecticut, pleaded guilty today to possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. United States District Judge Christopher F. Droney accepted MANCHESTER's plea of guilty in Hartford federal court.

On May 11, 2004, a federal grand jury sitting in Hartford returned an Indictment charging MANCHESTER with various firearm offenses. Specifically, the Indictment alleged that between on or about November 18, 2003 and January 9, 2004, MANCHESTER knowingly possessed a Remington 20 gauge shotgun, a Colt .223 caliber semi-automatic assault rifle, a Ruger .22LR rifle, and a .357 Taurus revolver. The Indictment further alleged MANCHESTER was previously convicted in state court for forging a prescription for a controlled substance. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm that has traveled in interstate commerce.

In pleading guilty today, MANCHESTER admitted that he and another individual stole numerous firearms from a Groton residence and subsequently sold most of the guns. When MANCHESTER was arrested by Groton City detectives on January 13, 2004, he was still in possession of the Ruger .22LR caliber rifle. In total, MANCHESTER has admitted that he stole 18 firearms – 11 handguns and seven long guns – including a Colt .223 caliber, Model AR-15, semi-automatic assault rifle. With the exception of the Ruger .22LR caliber rifle, MANCHESTER sold all of the guns.

MANCHESTER is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Droney on November 12, 2004 in U.S. District Court in Hartford. He faces a maximum sentence of ten years for each offense.

United States Attorney O'Connor noted that this prosecution is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. This program is aimed at reducing gun violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, and improving the safety of residents throughout Connecticut. Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as state, federal and local law enforcement agencies.

This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms and officers of the Groton City and New London Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian P. Leaming.

CONTACT:

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