'Shotguns & Silencers': Southbury Man Pleads Guilty To Firearm Offense

SOUTHBURY, CT — A Southbury man pleaded guilty Thursday to a firearm offense related to his unlawful possession of sawed-off shotguns and silencers, officials announced Thursday.

Anthony Englehardt, 44, used a rifle and shot a hole in the ceiling of a Torrington residence shortly before midnight on March 10, 2023, according to a report from the Torrington Police Department. At the time, Englehardt was subject to a protective order issued by the Waterbury Superior Court that required him to surrender all of his firearms and ammunition.

Englehardt was apprehended around a half-hour later by Connecticut State Police, who charged him with multiple offenses, according to a news release from the US District Attorney's Office for Connecticut.

Later that day, a search of Englehardt’s Southbury residence revealed 10 firearms, six silencers, more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition, and various firearms parts and accessories, according to court officials. Three of the firearms were sawed-off shotguns and were not registered, as required by the National Firearms Act. The six silencers also were not registered, officials said.

Englehardt, has been detained since his federal arrest on May 25, 2023, pleaded guilty to possession of unregistered National Firearms Act firearms and silencers. The offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.