United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: STAMFORD MAN SENTENCED TO 49 MONTHS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR ILLEGAL GUN POSSESSION

Nora R. Dannehy, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JERRELL COOK, also known as “Ill Child,” 24, of Merrell Avenue, Stamford, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Mark R. Kravitz in New Haven to 49 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.  On March 10, 2009, COOK pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, on January 21, 2008, COOK possessed a Sturm, Ruger & Co. Model P-89 9mm pistol.  Prior to that date, COOK sustained three felony convictions, including two for sale of narcotics and one for second degree larceny.

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

In addition, while detained in federal custody and speaking on a recorded prison telephone, COOK told the person with whom he was communicating that he intended to kill an individual who he believed was an informant against him.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Stamford Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Felice Duffy.

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