Apr.22, 2010, 12:00 AM

A 27-year-old New London man pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to felony weapons, drug and money-laundering charges.

Daniel Quinones of Mansfield Road faces up to 50 years in prison and a fine of up to $1.75 million when he is sentenced on July 9.

According to court documents, Quinones sold a .45-caliber pistol, .45-caliber ammunition and 2.3 grams of heroin to an individual working with law enforcement on Dec. 8, 2008. He had previously been convicted twice for possession of narcotics and for first-degree failure to appear in court and carrying a weapon without a permit. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

Quinones admitted he conspired to conceal the proceeds of his illegal drug sales by depositing cash into a safety deposit box opened in the name of his brother. He also purchased a 2005 Lincoln Navigator with cash, but left the vehicle registered in the name of the previous owner. He has agreed to forfeit the Navigator along with $47,000 in cash and electronics and home furnishings that authorities say were proceeds from his criminal activity.

He was prosecuted as part of a joint investigation headed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in conjunction with other federal, state and local agencies.