Bridgeport Man Who Trafficked Firearms Pleads Guilty

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYQUAN PORTER, also known as “T.Y.,” 27, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

This matter stems from “Operation Samson,” a multi-layered initiative headed by the ATF and the Bridgeport and New Haven Police Departments that targeted violent criminals, illegal firearm possession and firearm trafficking.  In the spring of 2014, approximately 40 ATF special agents and personnel from Connecticut and across the country were deployed with New Haven and Bridgeport Police to conduct numerous covert operations. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2014, PORTER sold a .40 caliber rifle, a .380 caliber pistol with a high capacity magazine, and a 7.62x39 mm caliber rifle to an undercover ATF officer.  PORTER also provided a loaded .38 caliber revolver with an obliterated serial number and a faulty trigger mechanism to the undercover ATF officer to repair.

PORTER was previously convicted in state court of a felony narcotics offense.  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.

PORTER is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton on March 2, 2015, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

PORTER was arrested on May 12, 2014, and is currently released on a $150,000 bond.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov