New London Man Indicted On Federal Firearms Charges

The U.S. Attorney's Office announced today that a federal grand jury has indicted a New London man on federal firearms charges.

David B. Fein, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut, said the New Haven jury returned an indictment against Nestor Pagan, 29. Pagan is charged with one count each of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

According to Fein, officers with the Norwich Police Department discovered a .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol with an obliterated serial number in Pagan's jacket pocket during a motor vehicle stop on Dec. 2. He was arrested on state charges before the federal indictment.

The indictment states that Pagan was barred from owning a firearm due to prior convictions in the Connecticut Superior Court on felony charges of of first and second degree assault, criminal weapon possession, sale of hallucinogens or narcotics, and criminal mischief. Federal law prohibits people convicted of felonies from possessing a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

Pagan was arrested on the federal complaint on Dec. 13. The possession of a firearm by a felon charge as a maximum prison sentence of 10 years, while the possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number has a five year maximum prison sentence.

Fein said Pagan may also be subject to the Armed Career Criminal Act, which imposes stiffer penalties for firearm or ammunition possession of people who have already been convicted of at least three violent felonies or serious drug offenses. Under this act, Pagan would face a minimum prison sentence of 15 years and a maximum of life imprisonment.

The case is now subject to trial. It is under investigation by the New London Police Department, Norwich Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

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