Hartford Man Sentenced to 51 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of Firearm, Ammunition

Nora R. Dannehy, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FREDDIE SANCHEZ, also known as “Freddy Sanchez,” 32, last residing on Zion Street in Hartford, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in Bridgeport to 51 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.  On February 2, 2009, SANCHEZ pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, On July 18, 2008, Hartford Police officers working with the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crime Gang Task Force executed a search and seizure warrant at an apartment on Zion Street where SANCHEZ sometimes resided.  The search of the apartment revealed, among other things, a Bryco Arms .380 caliber pistol, 57 Winchester .380 caliber cartridges, and 17 Winchester 9mm Luger cartridges.

Prior to July 18, 2008, SANCHEZ had been convicted of several felony offenses.  It is a violation of federal law for a convicted felon to possess a firearm or ammunition that moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

SANCHEZ has been detained since his arrest on July 18, 2008.

This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crime Gang Task Force.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.

Acting U.S. Attorney Dannehy noted that this prosecution is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. This program is aimed at reducing gun and gang 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.

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