David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Jose Antonio Molina-Montalvo, 36, of Waterbury, has been sentenced to 58 months in federal prison. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven and includes three years of supervised release following imprisonment.
Court documents reveal that on October 15, 2024, Molina-Montalvo sold a Harrington & Richardson 1871 INC. Handi Rifle and 39 rounds of ammunition for $300. His criminal history comprises state felony convictions for assault, possession with intent to sell narcotics, strangulation, harassment, burglary, and larceny. Federal law prohibits individuals previously convicted of a felony from possessing firearms or ammunition that have traveled through interstate or foreign commerce.
Molina-Montalvo has been in custody since his arrest on unrelated state charges on October 21, 2024. He pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon on March 28, 2025.
The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan J. Guevremont under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). This initiative unites various levels of law enforcement with communities to combat gun violence and other violent crimes while promoting safer neighborhoods. More information about PSN can be found at www.justice.gov/psn.
