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John Durham, the United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Mickey Leadingham, a Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Boston Field Division, announced on Thursday that Stratford resident Tymon Peterson, 28, has been indicted on multiple charges that include conspiracy and making false statements in connection with the purchase of firearms, and narcotics trafficking offenses.
Durham said that in August and September last year, Peterson and a second man - who is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing a firearm - sent each other text messages regarding the purchase of weapons. On Sept. 22, Peterson and the second man - whose name was not released - traveled to Hoffman’s Gun Center in Newington to purchase firearms.
According to Durham, at the store, the felon provided Peterson with the cash to purchase two firearms on his behalf. On that date, Peterson allegedly filled out an ATF Form 4473 in which he falsely represented that he was the actual purchaser of the two firearms and that he was not acquiring the firearms for another person.
Peterson also allegedly attempted to purchase additional firearms the following day, Durham said, but because the clerk was concerned that the sale might be illegal, he declined to sell any weapons to him. The clerk at Hoffman’s then contacted the ATF, and an investigation was launched.
The indictment also alleges that in March and May last year, Peterson used his cellphone to communicate regarding the distribution of cocaine, fentanyl and ketamine.
Peterson has been charged with one count of conspiracy, one count of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm and four counts of using a telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking felony. He faces more than 50 years in prison if he is found guilty.
The indictment was returned on March 14. Peterson pleaded not guilty to the charges in New Haven District Court on Thursday. He is due back in court later this year to answer the charges.
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