Cory Dion Caldwell, who police said made anti-government and anti-military statements, was arraigned this morning on charges that he brought an illegal assault rifle into the state.



Caldwell, 24, of 375 Willetts Ave., Waterford, is a machinist’s mate third class. He is currently assigned to the Naval Submarine Support Center New London at the submarine base in Groton and was ordered held in lieu of a $200,000 cash or surety bond.



According to an arrest warrant affidavit in the case, Caldwell purchased a 39mm assault rifle in Providence, where the gun shop owner told him it was illegal in Connecticut. Caldwell had the rifle shipped to Georgia, where it was legal. He picked it up and drove it to Connecticut.



Waterford police and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service began investigating him after learning from a confidential informant that he had made anti-government and anti-military statements. Police found the assault rifle in addition to 7.62-by-39 mm ammunition, a 50-caliber handgun and two 45-caliber handguns during a felony warrant search of Caldwell's home. They charged him with possession of an assault weapon and sale or transport of a prohibited assault weapon.



According to Bail Commissioner Tim Gilman, Caldwell has been in the Navy for four years and has no criminal record. He was charged in a domestic violence case but no conviction resulted. Prosecutor Michael Kennedy said that based on the charges and statements that have been attributed to Caldwell, he is considered a threat to public safety.



Public Defender Dawn Bradanini said Caldwell was cooperative with the police investigation and that the weapon was sent to his home state of Georgia.



Judge Kevin P. McMahon noted that weapons of this type are not used by the Navy.



"The informant was concerned so much about his statements that they turned him in," the judge said.



Caldwell's attorney entered a not guilty plea on his behalf, and the case was continued to Sept. 8.

