Federal prosecutors have dropped a firearm charge against a city man accused of bringing a loaded assault pistol into Aetna’s Hartford headquarters in April, leaving the case to proceed in state court.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson on July 9 granted the government’s request to dismiss a criminal complaint charging Denrey Wadlington, 51, with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, according to court filings.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Mahard wrote in the motion that Wadlington already faces Connecticut firearm charges “based on substantially the same alleged misconduct” and that dismissal was warranted “given the pending state charges and the facts of this particular case.”
Wadlington was arrested April 16 after Hartford police responded to a trespassing complaint at Aetna’s offices at 151 Farmington Ave. Authorities allege he entered the building carrying a Palmetto Arms assault rifle-style pistol in a backpack. The firearm was loaded with 11 rounds in a detachable magazine and one round in the chamber.
According to an affidavit by FBI Special Agent Calvin DeVries, Wadlington tried several entrances before finding an unsecured door and entering the building. He then approached an employee, said someone was following him and set the backpack beside her desk. Aetna security detained him within three minutes, according to police.
Wadlington faces state felony charges of criminal possession of a firearm, illegal possession of an assault weapon and illegal sale or purchase of a large-capacity magazine, as well as a misdemeanor charge of third-degree criminal trespassing.
He remains jailed on a $1 million bond and is scheduled to appear Aug. 6 in Hartford Superior Court. He has not entered a plea.
The federal complaint cited Wadlington’s prior Connecticut felony convictions, including first-degree larceny, first-degree failure to appear and carrying a pistol without a permit.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office declined to comment. Wadlington’s attorney, Kirstin Coffin, said she was glad the federal charges were dismissed. She said she has received “some discovery” from the state and is waiting for the state to provide more information.
