Related Federal Cases
Paul Gotta, Explosives and Firearms Offenses, Connecticut 2016
A former East Windsor priest has been sentenced to prison for his involvement in explosives and firearms offenses. Paul Gotta, 58, was sentenced to nine months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his crimes.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Gotta was a Catholic priest who resided at the rectory of St. Philip Church in East Windsor. In July 2012, Gotta provided $350 in cash to a 17-year-old male and asked the teenager to purchase a handgun for him in Arizona. Gotta knew that it was illegal for the teen to purchase firearms, but that he had obtained fake identification to do so.
Just months later, in November 2012, Gotta aided the teen in the purchase of thousands of rounds of handgun ammunition. But that’s not all – Gotta also helped the teen to build a pipe bomb. On two occasions in December 2012, Gotta purchased two pounds of explosives powder at Riverview Gun Sales in East Windsor and distributed it to the teen. He also purchased other component parts for a pipe bomb in the following months.
But Gotta’s involvement in these crimes didn’t end there. In May and June 2013, he provided false information to law enforcement regarding alleged criminal offenses being committed by the teen, and failed to acknowledge his own role in the acquisition of the handgun, ammunition and pipe bomb parts.
It wasn’t until July 19, 2013, that Gotta was arrested. And on March 8, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of knowingly and willfully distributing an explosive material to an individual who was under 21 years of age.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the East Windsor Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector. With his conviction and sentencing, Gotta will be held accountable for his crimes and face the consequences of his actions.
Gotta’s actions are a disturbing reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of holding those in positions of trust accountable for their actions. As a priest, Gotta was supposed to be a beacon of hope and morality, but instead he used his position to facilitate and conceal serious crimes.
Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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