Wesley S. Pearson, a 26-year-old resident of Hartford, has been sentenced to 34 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of firearms. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport and will be followed by two years of supervised release.
Pearson's arrest on May 16, 2023, came after a domestic violence incident in Bloomfield. Following his arrest, police obtained a Risk Protection Order from the Connecticut Superior Court and searched the residence where Pearson was staying. The search led to the seizure of three Glock handguns—two modified to function as fully automatic weapons—and one with an obliterated serial number; an L.A.R. Mfg. Grizzly15 rifle; a privately manufactured AR-style pistol known as a "ghost gun"; along with firearm magazines, including high-capacity ones, ammunition, and other accessories.
Investigations revealed that Pearson directed music videos under the alias “The Kid Wes,” featuring themes related to gang violence and drug trafficking. One video titled “Pray for Me” included lyrics about possessing modified Glocks.
Previously convicted of a felony drug offense in state court, Pearson violated federal law by possessing firearms or ammunition that had moved through interstate or foreign commerce.
Detained since his arrest date in May 2023, Pearson pleaded guilty on June 3, 2024, to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
The investigation was conducted by the Bloomfield Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Dearington prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities they serve. Launched in May 2021 by the Justice Department as part of its violent crime reduction strategy, PSN focuses on fostering community trust and legitimacy while supporting organizations that work to prevent violence before it occurs.