Norwalk Felon Pleads Guilty To Illegal Weapon Possession: Feds

NORWALK, CT — A 30-year-old Norwalk man pleaded guilty in a federal case this week to unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Authorities had found a loaded rifle in his possession in 2019, according to United States Attorney John H. Durham.

Tyrome Sawyer, also known as "Tyrone Sawyer" and "Crack," pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the proceeding occurred via videoconference.

According to court documents and statements, Sawyer was arrested in April 2019 after Norwalk Police executed a search warrant at his apartment and seized a Hi-Point model 995, 9mm carbine rifle with an obliterated serial number and a loaded magazine.

"Sawyer's criminal history includes state convictions for felony firearm, drug and escape offenses," according to Durham. "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."

Sawyer is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Underhill on April 30, at which time he faces a maximum prison term of 10 years. He has been in custody since his arrest.

This investigation is being conducted by the Norwalk Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Keefe.

This prosecution has been brought through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.