United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: STAMFORD MAN FACES CARJACKING, GUN CHARGES

Kevin J. O'Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury sitting in Bridgeport today returned a two-count Indictment charging EDGAR LEE POWELL, also known as "E," age 38, of 18 Adams Street, Stamford, Connecticut, with carjacking and use of a firearm during a crime of violence.

According to the Indictment, POWELL used a firearm to carjack a red 1988 Audi from two victims during the early morning hours of May 31, 2003. This incident is alleged to have occurred at the intersections of Pacific and Ludlow Street in Stamford, with the car alleged to have been recovered later that evening in Norwalk.

If convicted, POWELL faces a sentence of up to 15 years in prison on the carjacking count, and up to an additional five years on the gun count. He also faces a maximum fine of $250,000.

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

This case was investigated by the Stamford, Norwalk and Darien Police Departments, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephen B. Reynolds.

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