A Connecticut man who sold ghost guns, AR-15-style rifles, and large amounts of marijuana to undercover officers is headed to federal prison for more than seven years, according to federal prosecutors.
Bryan Joyce, 40, of Southington, was sentenced in Bridgeport federal court to 90 months behind bars followed by three years of supervised release. Investigators say the case started back in 2022 after Connecticut State Police received information that Joyce was selling privately made firearms — commonly known as “ghost guns” — along with ammunition and cannabis.
According to court records, Joyce sold an undercover officer a privately made AR-15-style rifle, a 9mm handgun, and ammunition for $2,000 during one deal. Weeks later, prosecutors say he sold two loaded AR-15-style rifles and roughly 400 grams of marijuana for $5,800. Authorities also alleged Joyce offered to provide fully automatic firearms for an extra fee.
Investigators arrested Joyce in March 2022 during another planned sale in a Waterbury parking lot where he allegedly arrived with five more privately made AR-15-style rifles, a kilogram of marijuana, and ammunition.
Federal officials later identified Gregory Leary as Joyce’s firearms supplier. Prosecutors say Leary manufactured and sold more than 25 firearms to Joyce before receiving a 30-month prison sentence in 2023.
Joyce, who previously pleaded guilty to multiple firearms and marijuana trafficking charges in 2024, had been released on bond before being detained again following a 2024 domestic violence arrest.
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