Murder trial witness gets suspended sentence

A Montville man who testified at a murder trial three months ago with the hope of getting a good deal in his own case will receive a suspended sentence.

Samuel Gomez, 21, pleaded guilty this morning in New London Superior Court to third-degree hindering prosecution. He will be sentenced May 23 to five years in prison, fully suspended, followed by three years of probation.

Gomez had testified at Darnell "Boo-Boo" Moore's trial that he provided Moore with a .45-caliber pistol at the request of a mutual friend, dropped Moore off at the scene on Lake Street in Norwich and drove him away after the shooting. Moore was convicted of murdering Namdi Smart and was sentenced last month to 53 years in prison.

Gomez had been charged with illegal gun possession and hindering prosecution. Though the prosecution made no promises to Gomez in exchange for his testimony at trial, it was understood that the state might give him consideration when it came to his own charges.

"I'm hoping for the best," Gomez had testified during the trial when Moore's attorney, Norman A. Pattis, asked him if he had been promised anything.

Following Moore's conviction and sentencing, Gomez's attorney, Peter D. Catania, worked out the plea agreement that will result in a suspended prison sentence.

Prosecutor Stephen M. Carney said Gomez had come forward "with some peril to himself and gave forthright information."