East Windsor Gun Store Owner Admits Multiple Federal Firearms Violations

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kenneth J. Croke, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Boston Field Division, announced that DAVID LAGUERCIA, 56, of Broad Brook, pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to violating federal firearms laws.  LAGUERCIA was the owner and operator of Riverview Gun Sales, located at 4 Prospect Hill Road in East Windsor.

According to court documents and statements made in court, LAGUERCIA, doing business as Riverview Sales, Inc. (“Riverview”), was a federal firearms licensed dealer in Connecticut (“FFL”) from 2005 to December 2012.  The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted an investigation of LAGUERCIA and Riverview and discovered approximately 300 examples of false or missing information in Riverview’s acquisition and disposition (“A&D”) records.  The investigation also revealed at least two instances in which individuals received firearms prior to receiving approval from the national instant criminal background check system (“NICS”).  Riverview also failed to report the theft of a firearm within 48 hours, and failed to report multiple sales of handguns to the same individuals.

“This investigation of one of Connecticut’s largest gun dealers revealed hundreds of record-keeping violations, improper sales, shoddy inventory procedures and seemingly non-existent store security,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Daly.  “Federally-licensed firearms dealers are our first line of defense in making sure that firearms don’t wind up in the wrong hands, and gun dealers who don’t follow the rules and violate federal law will be prosecuted.”

“Today is an example of the consequences federal firearms dealers face when they commit violations and put communities in danger with their actions,” stated ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Croke.  “It is critical for FFLs to comply with federal laws and regulations.  ATF has a responsibly to ensure they do, thereby keeping firearms out of the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them to ensure that our citizens are safe.”

LAGUERCIA pleaded guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons to one count of transfer of a firearm before completion of background check, and one count of failure to maintain proper firearm records.  LAGUERCIA also entered a guilty plea on behalf of RIVERVIEW SALES, INC. to one count of making false entries in dealer’s records.  The maximum penalty on each of the charges is one year of imprisonment, five years of probation and a $100,000 fine.

Sentencing has been scheduled for November 14, 2013.

On December 20, 2012, ATF issued a revocation of Riverview’s FFL, effective on that date.  LAGUERCIA has not appealed this administrative decision.

As part of his guilty plea, LAGUERCIA agreed that he will not be an FFL or a responsible party for an FFL for a period of five years.  He also has agreed to sell or transfer any firearms remaining in Riverview’s inventory to another FFL.

This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert M. Spector.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

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