Newington Gun Straw Purchase Results In Prison Time

NEWINGTON, CT — A felon involved in the illegal purchase of a handgun at a Newington gun store was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison.

Jamal Weir, 30, of Bridgeport isn't allowed to possess a handgun due to his convicted felon status. He had friend Tymon Peterson do a straw purchase of a handgun because Peterson had a valid pistol permit, according to the U.S. Attorney District of Connecticut office.

They went to Hoffman's Gun Center in Newington to make the purchase of a 9mm semiautomatic pistol.

Weir was arrested in September 2018 and pleaded guilty in December 2018 to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Peterson pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm and awaits sentencing.