A previously convicted felon has been convicted of a federal firearm charge after accidentally leaving a loaded handgun in a restaurant in Norwalk.
A jury returned the verdict in federal court in New Haven, finding 40-year-old Christopher Miles of Norwalk guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.
The verdict came on the heels of a trial where officials said evidence showed that Miles inadvertently left a loaded Glock 9mm pistol in the restroom of a restaurant in Norwalk in the early morning on Sept. 13, 2023.
The gun was found by an employee who cleaned the bathroom, federal authorities said. The manager contacted the Norwalk Police Department when the firearm was discovered.
According to officials, video surveillance showed that Miles had gone into the bathroom shortly before the gun was found. The video also showed that he returned to the restaurant in what authorities believe was an attempt to retrieve the firearm.
Officials said they also found Miles’ DNA on the Glock.
Miles’ criminal history includes convictions in state court on charges of first-degree assault, possession with intent to distribute narcotics and sale of a narcotic substance, federal officials said. Authorities noted that the convictions disqualify him from having a gun.
Miles has been detained since he was arrested on related state charges in November 2023. At sentencing, he faces a maximum of 15 years in prison.