United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: BRIDGEPORT MAN CHARGED WITH ILLEGAL GUN, AMMUNITION, COCAINE AND HEROIN POSSESSION

Nora R. Dannehy, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury sitting in Bridgeport has returned a three-count Indictment charging ROBERT BOWENS, also known as “Pookie,” 24, of Carleton Avenue, Bridgeport, with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a previously convicted felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin.  The Indictment was returned on April 17, 2008.

The Indictment alleges that, on or about May 18, 2006, in Bridgeport, BOWENS possessed one Colt Model AR-15 Assault Rifle, one EAA, Model Witness P, .45 caliber pistol, 53 rounds of Federal .223 ammunition, and nine rounds of CBC .45 caliber ammunition.   Indictment further alleges that COOK was previously convicted in Connecticut of three felonies,  first degree forgery, misrepresentation of a controlled substance, and sale of narcotics.

It is a violation of federal law for a convicted felon to possess a firearm or ammunition that moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

The Indictment further alleges that, on or about May 18, 2006, BOWENS possessed with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin.

If convicted of the charges, BOWENS faces a  maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years and a fine of up to $2,000,000.

BOWENS currently is incarcerated in state custody.  Today, he was presented and arraigned on the federal charges before United States Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport.

Acting U.S. Attorney Dannehy 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 case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Felice Duffy as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative.

The Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative is aimed at reducing gun violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, ammunition and body armor, and improving the safety of residents of Connecticut’s cities.  Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov