Bristol Man Arrested in Trumbull Receives 70-Month Sentence for Illegally Possessing Gun, Ammunition

Nora R. Dannehy, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL O’BRIEN, 29, formerly of Armand Road, Bristol, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. On June 17, 2009, O’BRIEN pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a previously convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on approximately September 15, 2008, in Trumbull, O’BRIEN knowingly possessed a Hi Point 9 millimeter semi-automatic pistol and eight rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition. On that date, O’BRIEN attempted to enter a residence and intended to use the gun and ammunition to commit a felony.

Prior to September 15, 2008, O’BRIEN had been convicted of felony offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

This case was investigated by the Trumbull Police Department and FBI Safe Streets Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Felice Duffy as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative.

The Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, ammunition and body armor, 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.