United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: BRIDGEPORT MAN CONVICTED OF FEDERAL FIREARMS CHARGE
Jury also decides that defendant possessed firearm in connection with drug dealing offense

Kevin J. O'Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal jury sitting in Bridgeport today found FELIX BERRIOS, age 30, of 507 East Main Street, Bridgeport, guilty of being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm. The trial began on Monday, August 16, and the jury returned its verdict after deliberating for less than two hours. The jury also concluded that BERRIOS possessed the firearm in connection with the felony offense of possession with intent to distribute "crack" cocaine.

BERRIOS was initially arrested by the Bridgeport police on May 27, 2003, and charged with unlawful possession of a .45 caliber firearm. This case was dismissed and adopted by federal authorities. On April 21, 2004, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a one-count Indictment against BERRIOS charging that, in May 2003, he knowing possessed a Haskell .45 caliber firearm after having previously 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. BERRIOS has been incarcerated since April 22, 2004, the date he was arrested on the federal gun charge.

In light of the Supreme Court's recent decision in Blakely vs. Washington, on July 7, 2004, a federal grand jury in Bridgeport superseded the original indictment to add a charge that BERRIOS possessed the .45 caliber firearm in connection with the felony offense of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. As a result of the conviction on this charge, the Court may enhance BERRIOS' sentence. Judge Stefan F. Underhill has scheduled sentencing for November 8, 2004, at which time BERRIOS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years and a fine of up to $250,000.

During the trial, the Government presented evidence that BERRIOS and another individual had been operating a crack cocaine business on Center Street in Bridgeport and used an apartment at 112 Chestnut Street to store a .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, crack cocaine, and packaging material. BERRIOS also used the apartment to cook and package his narcotics. One witness testified that at some point in May 2003, BERRIOS used the .45 caliber firearm to scare rival drug dealers away from Center Street. BERRIOS himself used another individual to sell the crack cocaine for him and to store the gun for him while he worked for the town of Stratford during the day.

"The result of this trial shows, once again, that the Bridgeport community will not tolerate unlawful gun possession on their streets and in their neighborhoods," U.S. Attorney O'Connor stated. "This office will do all it can to support state and local authorities in combating violent crime."

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