United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: NEW HAVEN MAN INDICTED FOR ILLEGAL GUN POSSESSION

Kevin J. O'Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced today that STEPHEN HARRINGTON, age 33, of 123 Sheldon Terrace, New Haven, Connecticut, has been charged by indictment with possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. A federal grand jury sitting in New Haven returned the two-count Indictment today.

The Indictment alleges that on January 30, 2004, HARRINGTON was found to be in possession of two .38 caliber handguns. The Indictment further alleges that prior to that date, HARRINGTON had been convicted of multiple felony offenses, including robbery and sale of narcotics. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

If convicted of the charges, HARRINGTON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum fine of $250,000 on each count. In addition, HARRINGTON may be 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. If it is established that HARRINGTON has three prior convictions for violent felonies as alleged, HARRINGTON could face a minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of life, if he is convicted.

"This indictment shows that federal government, through the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, is committed to vigorously enforcing gun laws in order to remove dangerous felons from the streets of New Haven," U.S. Attorney O'Connor stated.

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 John A. Marrella.

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 other Connecticut 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