A convicted felon faces firearm and narcotics charges after police allegedly found him with a stolen gun and drugs in Bethel last week.
Eric Stavola, 34, faces charges of criminal possession of a firearm, sixth-degree larceny, possession of a controlled substance, sale of narcotics, possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle and use of drug paraphernalia, according to the Bethel Police Department.
Police said they began investigating Stavola last Tuesday in relation to an unrelated incident, which led to investigators carrying out a search and seizure warrant at his apartment two days later. During the search, detectives allegedly found a loaded firearm under a dresser, according to police.
Police said Stavola is a convicted felon and does not have a valid permit for a gun. The firearm was found to have been stolen in Maine.
Investigators obtained a warrant on Friday charging Stavola in connection with the gun. They pulled him over in a vehicle as he was leaving his apartment.
During the arrest, police said Stavola was allegedly found with knives, unspecified drugs, drug paraphernalia and cash. He was held on a $250,000 bond and is expected to appear in Danbury Superior Court on Jan. 20.