Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on April 2, 2015, BRIAN FLETCHER, 34, of Jewett City, pleaded guilty in Hartford federal court to possession of firearms by a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 22, 2013, a court-authorized search of FLETCHER’s residence revealed a .308 rifle, a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber VE Handgun, a .38 caliber Smith & Wesson Model 60 revolver, as well as multiple rounds of ammunition and weapon magazines.

The investigation revealed that the .308 rifle was purchased earlier in 2013 by another individual at a sporting goods store in Lisbon, the .40 caliber handgun had been stolen from an owner in Oakdale, and the .38 caliber revolver had been stolen from an owner in Waterford.

The investigation further determined that FLETCHER had previously been convicted of felonies in the Superior Court of the State of Connecticut, including accessory to robbery in the first degree, hindering prosecution in the second degree, possession of a pistol without a permit, and attempted assault in the first degree.

It is a violation of federal law to knowingly possess a stolen firearm, or for a convicted felon to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

FLETCHER has been detained since his arrest on November 22, 2013. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on June 24, 2015, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Norwich Police Department and the Connecticut State’s Attorney’s Office in New London have assisted the investigation and prosecution of this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen B. Reynolds.