New Haven Man Charged with Illegal Gun Possession, Counterfeiting Offenses

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment today charging VICTOR SALAMAN, also known as “Pito,” 29, formerly of Greenwich Avenue, New Haven, with one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, one count of producing counterfeit U.S. currency and two counts of selling counterfeit U.S. currency.

Count One of the indictment alleges that, on or about January 13, 2010, SALAMAN possessed a Browning 9 millimeter semi-automatic pistol. The Indictment further alleges that, prior to that date, SALAMAN had sustained multiple felony convictions.

It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

Count Two of the indictment alleges that, between December 2009 and January 2010, SALAMAN produced $5,910 in counterfeit U.S. currency. Counts Three and Four allege that, on two dates during that period, SALAMAN sold counterfeit U.S. currency.

If convicted of the firearm offense, SALAMAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000. If convicted on the counterfeiting charges, SALAMAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000, on each count.

SALAMAN has been detained in state custody since his arrest on January 13, 2010.

U.S. Attorney Fein stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case was investigated by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, the U.S. Secret Service, the New Haven Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher M. Mattei.

The Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force includes members from the U.S. Secret Service; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security; the Connecticut State Police; and the Glastonbury, Greenwich, Hartford, Manchester, New Haven, and Shelton Police Departments.

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