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Tymon Peterson, 29, of Stratford, has pleaded guilty in New Haven district court to one count of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm after being arrested and charged on New Year's Day to multiple charges
U.S. Attorney John Durham said that in August and September last year, Peterson and a second man, Justin Weir, a convicted felon prohibited from possessing a firearm, sent each other text messages regarding the purchase of weapons. On Sept. 22, Peterson and Weir 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 guns on his behalf. On that day, Peterson filled out an ATF Form 4473 in which he falsely represented that he was the actual purchaser of the two guns and that he was not acquiring the firearms for another person.
Peterson also attempted to purchase additional weapons the following day, Durham said, but because the clerk was concerned that the sale might be illegal, he opted not to sell any weapons to him. The clerk at Hoffman’s then contacted the ATF, and an investigation was launched.
It was further alleged that in March and May last year, Peterson used his cellphone to communicate regarding the distribution of cocaine, fentanyl and ketamine. Peterson was initially 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 before accepting his plea.
Peterson remains released on a $100,000 bond. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 8, when he will face a maximum term of 10 years in prison.
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