New London Man Indicted on Federal Firearms Offenses

A Press Release from U.S. Attorney District of Connecticut

A federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a two-count indictment charging Maurice L. Milligan, 34, of New London with firearms offenses. The indictment was returned on August 21, 2013.       

As alleged in the indictment, between April 22 and April 25, 2013, Milligan possessed a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol with an obliterated serial number. Prior to April 2013, Milligan had been convicted in the Queens County (N.Y.) Supreme Court of third degree criminal possession of a loaded firearm and second degree robbery.       

Milligan is charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000, and one count of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.

This matter has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford. Acting U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the assistance of the New London Police Department and the Office of the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of New London. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John H. Durham.