United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: NEW HAVEN MAN SENTENCED ON FEDERAL GUN CHARGE

Kevin J. O'Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARQUETTE TOWNS, age 20, of 559 Sherman Parkway, New Haven, Connecticut, was sentenced today United States District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

On July 9, 2004, TOWNS pleaded guilty to the charge, acknowledging that on February 10, 2004, on the grounds of Hillhouse High School, he possessed a Kel-Tec P 40 firearm. At that time, TOWNS had previously been convicted of 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.

United States Attorney O'Connor noted that today's sentencing is part of the continuing effort by federal, state and local authorities to reduce violent crimes and reduce the number of illegal guns on the streets of Connecticut.

This matter was investigated by the New Haven Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case was 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