Bristol Man Charged with Gun and Drug Offenses

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NEVILLE WALTERS, 32, of Bristol, was arrested today on a criminal complaint charging him with gun and drug offenses.

Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Walters was presented in court via videoconference.  U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish ordered Walters detained pending a detention hearing that is scheduled for May 26.

As alleged in the criminal complaint, in the early morning hours of April 4, 2020, Bristol Police received reports of gunshots being fired in the area of Davis Drive.  Analysis of security video from a nearby residence revealed that the shots were fired from a light-colored Cadillac as it approached the intersection of Davis Drive and Jerome Avenue.  Seven .40 caliber shell casings were recovered from the scene.  Later that morning, officers responded to a report of a disturbance at Walters’ residence on Prospect Street and observed a beige Cadillac with other features matching the description of the car that was involved in the shooting incident.  Walters departed the residence before officers could question him.

It is also alleged that, in the early evening of April 4, Farmington Police were called to local gas station on a report of a burning vehicle.  Responding officers stopped Walters and an associate as they walked away from the gas station.  Walters was arrested on state charges after officers recovered a loaded .40 caliber handgun and a small amount of marijuana on the ground nearby.

It is further alleged that, after Walters’ state arrest and while he was released on bond, Walters posted on his Instagram page multiple images of him in possession of firearms.  On May 12, 2020, Bristol Police executed a state search warrant at Walters’ residence and seized two handguns, a high-capacity magazine, marijuana, items used to process and package drugs for street sale, and other items.  Investigators also seized $2,827 from Walters’ person.  Walters was arrested on state charges and was again released on bond.

The affidavit alleges that law enforcement received a report that, on approximately May 14, 2020, Walters brandished a firearm during an argument outside of his residence.

It is alleged that Walters’ criminal history includes multiple convictions for felony offenses.

The complaint charges Walters with possession of firearms by a convicted felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Bristol Police Department and the Farmington Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Donovan.