BRIDGEPORT, CT – Jonathan Bonaparte, 35, of Bridgeport, is facing serious federal charges after a grand jury indictment unsealed Tuesday revealed allegations of drug distribution and illegal firearm possession. The charges stem from an incident on March 31, 2022, and mark a continued crackdown on violent offenders in the city.
According to the indictment, Bonaparte was found to be in possession of fentanyl and cocaine with the intent to distribute, alongside a cache of six firearms and approximately 100 rounds of ammunition. This isn’t Bonaparte’s first brush with the law; authorities confirm he has prior state felony convictions for both robbery and previous firearm offenses, making the current charges particularly severe.
Federal law strictly prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms or ammunition that has crossed state lines. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Bridgeport Police Department jointly investigated the case, building a case that led to the indictment returned on September 7, 2023. Bonaparte has been held in custody since his initial arrest on related state charges back in March of last year.
U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery was quick to emphasize that the indictment represents allegations only. “An indictment is not evidence of guilt,” Avery stated. “A charge is only an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.” The legal process will now unfold, giving Bonaparte the opportunity to defend himself against the accusations.
If convicted, Bonaparte faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. The unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition by a felon carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins is prosecuting the case under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through focused enforcement and community partnerships.
PSN, a key component of the DOJ’s strategy, isn’t just about arrests. It’s about a collaborative approach, bringing together law enforcement, community leaders, and reentry programs to address the root causes of violence and offer lasting solutions. The investigation highlights the ongoing commitment of federal and local agencies to dismantle drug trafficking operations and remove illegal firearms from the streets of Bridgeport.
Related Federal Cases
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- Jason Prawl, Sex Trafficking of Minors, Bridgeport CT, 2023 · Connecticut
- Erick Delgado, Heroin Distribution, Bridgeport CT, 2023 · Connecticut
- Marcos Boyd, Gun and Heroin Distribution, CT 2024 · Connecticut
- Marquis Williams Sentenced to Mail Theft, Hartford CT, 2023 · Connecticut
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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