A federal jury in New Haven has found Luis Perez, a 46-year-old from Waterbury, guilty of a firearm offense tied to a gun trafficking operation. The announcement was made by Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
Court documents and evidence presented during the trial outlined Perez's involvement in the firearm trafficking operation. In May 2023, the FBI Waterbury Safe Streets Task Force made controlled purchases of nine firearms and cocaine from Perez. The investigation revealed that Perez was involved in acquiring firearms using straw purchasers from Kansas, which were sent through the U.S. mail to a Hartford location managed by Perez's associate, Algelly Diaz. These firearms included assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, later sold throughout Connecticut. Perez and Diaz, both previously convicted felons, cannot legally purchase or possess firearms.
From August 2020 to May 2023, a co-conspirator of Perez bought at least 73 firearms in Deerfield, Kansas from a licensed dealer.
On May 19, 2023, Perez and Diaz were arrested following the execution of search warrants in Connecticut, Kansas, and California. The search of Perez's residence and vehicle unearthed nine firearms, over 200 rounds of ammunition, significant quantities of drugs including cocaine, crack, and fentanyl/heroin, narcotics processing items, and more than $7,000 in cash. Similarly, a search of Diaz's residence revealed 90 rounds of ammunition, and a seized package addressed to Diaz contained three more firearms.
The jury convicted Perez of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On March 19, 2025, Perez also pleaded guilty to other charges including firearms trafficking conspiracy and unlawful possession. Perez could face a mandatory minimum term of 10 years, with a maximum of life imprisonment. He has been detained since his arrest.
Diaz had pleaded guilty earlier and was sentenced to 48 months of imprisonment on February 4, 2025. Three additional individuals implicated in the investigation also pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by multiple agencies including the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and various police departments. The case is prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and Christopher J. Lembo under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program.
Silverman extended gratitude to the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the District of Kansas and the Central District of California for their support.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and Christopher J. Lembo head the prosecution of this case. The OCDETF Program, which aims to combat drug trafficking and other criminal activities, has played a pivotal role in this operation.
The Acting U.S. Attorney also expressed appreciation for the contributions of other U.S. Attorney’s Offices in this investigation.
