Vanessa Roberts Avery, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, has announced that Jose Colon, a 37-year-old resident of Wolcott, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford.
Court documents reveal that Colon was arrested on March 13, 2024, by Waterbury Police after he discarded a privately made 9mm handgun, commonly referred to as a "ghost gun," loaded with six rounds during a foot pursuit. Colon's criminal record includes felony convictions in Connecticut related to assault and weapon offenses. Federal law prohibits individuals previously convicted of felonies from possessing firearms or ammunition that have traveled through interstate or foreign commerce.
Judge Oliver has set Colon's sentencing for May 13. Colon faces up to 15 years in prison and has been detained since his arrest.
The investigation into this matter is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) alongside the Waterbury Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Gresham is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at reducing violent crime through evidence-based programs. PSN involves collaboration among various stakeholders to identify pressing violent crime issues and develop comprehensive solutions. It emphasizes enforcement against violent offenders while partnering with prevention and reentry programs to achieve lasting reductions in crime.
For further information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit www.justice.gov/psn.
