United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: HARTFORD MAN CHARGED WITH ILLEGAL GUN POSSESSION

Kevin J. O'Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury sitting in New Haven has returned an indictment charging REGGIE FORD, age 21, formerly of 92 Henry Street, Hartford, Connecticut, with possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

U.S. Attorney O'Connor explained that FORD was arrested by officers of the New Haven Police Department on March 2, 2004. The Indictment alleges that prior to March 2, 2004, FORD had been convicted of felony offenses including assault in the second degree, sale of narcotics and carrying a weapon without a permit. It is a violation of federal law for by a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm that moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

If convicted of this charge, FORD is subject to the Armed Career Criminal Act, which is a federal law imposing severe penalties for firearm possession by persons who have previously been convicted of at least three violent felonies or serious drug offenses. Under the Armed Career Criminal Act, FORD could face a minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of life.

U.S. Attorney O'Connor stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial at which it is the Government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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 Peter D. Markle.

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