United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: WATERBURY MAN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS ON FEDERAL FIREARMS CONVICTION
15-year term marks first federal sentence in Waterbury's PSN program

Kevin J. O'Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARLAND DAVIS, age 34, formerly of 1424 Thomaston Avenue, Waterbury, Connecticut, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 180 months of incarceration on his conviction of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. DAVIS's sentence was enhanced as a result of his prior criminal record, which included two felony narcotic sales and five felony burglary convictions.

U.S. Attorney O'Connor explained that DAVIS was arrested on June 30, 2003, after Waterbury police officers executed a search warrant at his home and found a Browning 9 millimeter pistol in a safe in the kitchen. He was placed in state custody on the date of his arrest and transferred to federal custody soon after a federal grand jury returned the indictment against him in this case. On January 21, 2004, DAVIS pleaded guilty to the one-count Indictment.

During the plea canvass, DAVIS admitted under oath that on June 30, 2003, he knowingly possessed the Browning 9 millimeter pistol. He also admitted that prior to June 30, 2003, he had been convicted of several felony offenses, including felony convictions in Connecticut for possession of narcotics with intent to sell, first degree burglary and second degree burglary. It is a violation of federal law for a convicted felon to possess a firearm that moved in interstate or foreign commerce. Moreover, anyone convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition who has at least three prior felony convictions for serious drug offenses and/or crimes of violence faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years.

U.S. Attorney O'Connor noted that this case was one of the first prosecuted under Waterbury's newly created Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. "The federal government is now fully engaged in its commitment of resources to Waterbury in order to work with state authorities to remove the most violent and dangerous criminals from the streets," U.S. Attorney O'Connor stated. "This 15-year sentence should send a loud message to those individuals unlawfully possessing firearms or ammunition in Waterbury: The penalty for such a crime is severe. In addition, because there are no federal prisons for men in Connecticut, Mr. Davis will serve his 15-year term outside the state and likely far away from his home."

Waterbury State's Attorney John Connelly added, "We are very pleased with the cooperative relationship that has been established with federal authorities and believe the minimum 15-year sentence that Davis received will send a strong deterrent message to other felons who are inclined to possess guns."

In addition to Waterbury, the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative is currently operating in New Haven, Hartford, Bridgeport and Stamford. The PSN program is aimed at reducing gun violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, and improving the safety of residents in Connecticut's cities. Participants in this federal firearms 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.

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

CONTACT:

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