United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: NEW HAVEN MAN SENTENCED TO 77 MONTHS ON FEDERAL FIREARMS CONVICTION

Kevin J. O'Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYREE WYLIE, age 26, formerly of 167 Hamilton Street, New Haven, Connecticut, was sentenced today in Bridgeport by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill to 77 months of incarceration on his conviction of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. WYLIE's sentence was enhanced as a result of his prior criminal record, which included two felony convictions for sale of narcotics. In addition, in sentencing WYLIE to 77 months, Judge Underhill denied his request for a downward departure, which would have allowed for a lesser sentence.

U.S. Attorney O'Connor explained that WYLIE was arrested on July 11, 2003 by the New Haven Police Department and placed in state custody. He was later transferred to federal custody when he declined a plea offer in state court. The U.S. Attorney's Office thereafter adopted his case, and a federal grand jury returned an indictment against him on September 18, 2003.

WYLIE pleaded guilty to the one-count indictment before United States Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in federal court in Bridgeport, Connecticut on November 18, 2003. On that date, he admitted under oath that on July 11, 2003, he knowingly possessed a Smith and Wesson .357 magnum revolver in his waistband as he was getting into a stolen car parked in a parking lot in the vicinity of 95 Water Street in New Haven. According to statements made in court, New Haven police officers were patrolling the area when they noticed that one of the cars parked in the lot had been reported stolen. The officers waited for the driver to return to the car. When an individual (later identified as WYLIE) stepped into the driver's seat, the police arrested him and found the loaded Smith and Wesson revolver tucked into his waistband.

WYLIE also admitted that he has been convicted previously of several felony offenses in Connecticut, including felony convictions for sale of narcotics, larceny and possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle. It is a violation of federal law for a convicted felon to possess a firearm that moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

"Thanks to excellent police work and the coordinated effort of law enforcement under the direction of the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, another violent individual and repeat offender has been removed from the streets of New Haven," U.S Attorney O'Connor stated. "Significant prison terms like the one ordered today send the message that gun crime will result in significant time spent in a federal prison outside the state of Connecticut."

This matter was investigated by the New Haven Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert M. Spector.

The Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative is aimed at reducing gun violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, and improving the safety of residents in Connecticut's cities. Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. More information on the nationwide Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative can be found at www.psn.gov.

CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov