Wayne Evangelista, also known as “Wayne Nance,” 34, of Bristol, entered a guilty plea on April 5, 2013, before Senior United States District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport to three counts of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
Evangelista had been convicted of multiple felony offenses in Connecticut state court and federal court in Connecticut, including criminal possession of a firearm (twice), third degree burglary, second degree forgery, bank fraud, and both first and second degree larceny.
Any person previously convicted of a felony offense is forbidden to purchase or possess a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
In March 2011, Evangelista convinced another individual, who had a valid firearms permit, that he was a Bail Enforcement Agent. In March and April 2011, Evangelista persuaded the individual to purchase a .40 caliber pistol and a .380 caliber pistol on his behalf, and
Evangelista took possession of the firearms after they were purchased. Also in April 2011, Evangelista possessed a 9mm pistol that he cleaned for the same individual who had purchased the other two firearms for him.
Judge Eginton has scheduled sentencing for June 28, 2013, at which time Evangelista faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000 on each of the three counts.
Evangelista has been detained since his arrest on March 15, 2012.
This matter has been investigated by the Connecticut State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan S. Freimann.
Sources: ATF press release Courant.com The Bristol Press
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