Man Who Bought Gun For Felon At Newington Store Gets Prison Time

NEWINGTON, CT — A Stratford man has been sentenced to prison time for his role in an illegal firearm purchase at a Newington gun store, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut. Tymon Peterson, 29, was sentenced Thursday to two months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.

On Sept. 22, 2017, Peterson and Jamal Weir traveled together to Hoffman's Gun Center, having previously texted each other about buying firearms, according to the news release. Peterson possessed a valid pistol permit and was able to purchase firearms legally, but Weir, as a convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing firearms.

At the store, Weir gave Peterson cash to buy at least one gun on his behalf, the news release stated, and Peterson filled out an ATF form in which he stated that he was the purchaser of the 9-millimeter semi-automatic pistol, and he was not buying the gun for another person. Peterson gave Weir the pistol after they exited the store, according to the news release.

Weir's criminal history includes state convictions for illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle, possession of narcotics with intent to sell and carrying a pistol without a permit.

Peterson was arrested Jan. 1, 2018, and on Dec. 14, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm, the news release stated. In addition to his prison sentence, he must serve the first four months of his supervised release in home confinement, and pay an $1,800 fine. On Dec. 6, 2018, Weir pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and was later sentenced to 21 months in prison.

The investigation was conducted by the ATF, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police, the Newington Police Department and Hoffman's Gun Center. The prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime.