United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: BRIDGEPORT MAN INDICTED ON FEDERAL FIREARMS CHARGE

Kevin J. O'Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FELIX BERRIOS, age 30, of 507 East Main Street, Bridgeport, 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 one-count Indictment on April 21, 2004, and the indictment was unsealed today when BERRIOS was presented in federal court in Bridgeport.

U.S. Attorney O'Connor explained that BERRIOS was arrested on May 27, 2003, by the Bridgeport police when it was alleged that he had knowingly possessed a .45 caliber handgun. The Indictment against BERRIOS alleges that prior to May 27, 2003, BERRIOS had been convicted of five felony offenses in Connecticut, namely, possession of a pistol without a permit, carrying a dangerous weapon, criminal mischief, and twice for the sale of narcotics. It is a violation of federal law for a convicted felon to possess a firearm that moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

If convicted if this charge, BERRIOS faces a maximum term of ten years' incarceration and a maximum fine of $250,000. BERRIOS was arraigned today in federal court in Bridgeport before the Honorable Holly B. Fitzsimmons. He pleaded not guilty and Judge Fitzsimmons ordered him detained pending a detention hearing at 10:00am on April 27, 2004. The case has been assigned to United States District Judge Janet C. Hall.

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 indictment shows, once again, that unlawful gun possession will not be tolerated in Bridgeport," U.S. Attorney O'Connor stated. "When appropriate, these cases will be prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office."

This matter was investigated by the Bridgeport Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives ("ATF"). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert M. Spector.

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