United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: NEW HAVEN 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 today returned an indictment charging MARQUETTE TOWNS, age 20, of 559 Sherman Parkway, New Haven, Connecticut, with possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

U.S. Attorney O'Connor explained that TOWNS was arrested by the New Haven Police Department on February 10, 2004, on the grounds of Hillhouse High School for, among other violations, possessing a a Kel-Tec P 40 pistol. The Indictment alleges that prior to February 10, 2004, TOWNS had been convicted of a felony offense, namely, assault in the third degree. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm that moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

If convicted of this charge, TOWNS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years.

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 Michael S. McGarry.

The Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative is aimed at reducing gun violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, and improving the safety of residents in New Haven and all of 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