Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney's Office
District of Connecticut
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
Willimantic Teen Admits Illegally Manufacturing and Selling Firearms
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MOHAMMADREZA KAMALI, also known as “Reza,” 18, of Willimantic, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to one count of dealing in firearms without a license.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation into Kamali began after law enforcement learned that Kamali was offering to sell firearms to individuals in Connecticut. In October and November 2018, Kamali sold four AR-15 style firearms, which he had built himself after ordering parts on the internet, to an undercover ATF special agent.
Kamali was arrested on November 2 and has been released on a $50,000 bond since November 29.
Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for July 9, at which time Kamali faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Willimantic Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Clark.
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