The U.S. Department of Justice thanked the Ansonia Police Department this month for its help investigating a burglary at a firearm shop in town.
Nine Ansonia officers and the department’s K‑9 unit helped conduct a sting at the American Precision Manufacturing plant on Beaver Street in October 2009, where they arrested three men for stealing dozens of firearms.
Federal agents suspected the firearms were being sold in Bridgeport, and organized the sting when they heard about an upcoming burglary.
The men — Eugene Stinson, Michael Stinson and David Harvin — were convicted on firearm theft and conspiracy charges in U.S. District Court in New Haven last month.
The men are awaiting sentencing.
“Because of your personnel’s selflessness, professionalism and assistance, to include tactical support, the burglary sting operation and investigation were a success,” the letter read.
The letter listed the nine officers who assisted:
Lt. Wayne Williams
Det. Sgt. Patrick Lynch
Sgt. Randy Guisto
Sgt. Christopher Flynn
Det. John Rafalowski
Det. Stephen Adcox
Det. Gerald Tenney
Officer Matthew Macero
Officer Steven Martins
K‑9 Thor
