Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JEROME R. THOMAS, 21, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons in Bridgeport to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 1, 2014, members of the Yale University Police Department executed an arrest warrant for THOMAS at his girlfriend’s residence.  THOMAS was apprehended after he attempted to flee the premises through a window.  A search of the residence revealed a .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, two magazines loaded with .45 caliber ammunition, and a bag containing more than 80 additional rounds of .45 caliber ammunition.

THOMAS was previously convicted in state court of criminal possession of a firearm, possession of narcotics with intent to sell, and carrying a pistol without a permit.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

THOMAS is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall on May 14, 2014, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  He has been detained since his arrest.

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Yale University Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.