United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Federal Drug "Demand Reduction" Initiative: BRIDGPORT MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO COCAINE POSSESSION

Kevin J. O'Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMES PEACE, age 41, of 225 Main Street, Bridgeport, Connecticut, pleaded guilty today to attempted possession of cocaine. PEACE's plea of guilty was accepted this afternoon by United States Magistrate Judge William Garfinkel in Bridgeport federal court.

U.S. Attorney O'Connor explained that JAMES PEACE was arrested on February 11, 2004, when he attempted to purchase cocaine from an officer of the Stratford Police Department acting in an undercover capacity. The Stratford Police Officer was working in conjunction with a Drug Enforcement Administration-led task force at the time.

As a consequence of today's guilty plea, PEACE faces up to one year in prison, up to one year of supervised release to follow any period of imprisonment imposed, a mandatory minimum fine of $1,000 and a maximum fine of $100,000, the costs of investigation and prosecution, and a mandatory $25.00 fine. Pursuant to a plea agreement, PEACE agreed to pay the costs of investigation and prosecution in the sum of $500.00 and to donate the money he was going to use to purchase the cocaine to the Stratford Police Department's DARE Program.

"Federal law enforcement authorities have long focused their attention on those who sell drugs, but sufficient effort has not been expended on addressing those who make the market for the dealers," U.S. Attorney O'Connor stated. "While dealers are convicted and sent away for decades, drug buyers often remain unprosecuted and unpunished. This prosecution and others like it should send a message to those who may be inclined to buy and possess drugs – the risks are simply not worth it."

Stratford Chief of Police Michael A. Imbro echoed this sentiment, adding "Drug purchasers should be forewarned that there will be serious consequences if they are caught buying drugs in Stratford. Don't create the market for drugs here and bring all the attendant ills of drug trafficking into our City."

This case was investigated by a Drug Enforcement Administration-led task force consisting of federal agents, and officers from the Stratford Police Department, the Bridgeport Police Department and the Stamford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James I. Glasser.

CONTACT:

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