United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: BRIDGEPORT MAN SENTENCED TO TWO YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR ILLEGALLY POSSESSING AMMUNITION

Nora R. Dannehy, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that IVORY HARLEY, 26, of Maple Street, Bridgeport, was sentenced yesterday, October 8, by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.  On November 18, 2008, HARLEY pleaded guilty to one count of possession of ammunition by a previously convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 16, 2008, law enforcement officers were assisting the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force in apprehending a fugitive in Bridgeport.  The fugitive was observed with a group of males, including HARLEY, at a location on Maple Street.  Law enforcement officers approached the group and ordered them to put their hands on a fence.  However, HARLEY refused.  Officers then escorted HARLEY to the fence and, after they smelled marijuana, they searched HARLEY’s person.  The search revealed a semi-automatic Colt .32 caliber pistol loaded with six rounds of Winchester .32 caliber ammunition and three rounds of Remington .32 caliber.  HARLEY did not have a permit to carry the firearm.

Prior to September 16, 2008, HARLEY was convicted of possession with intent to distribute narcotics, for which he served 18 months in prison.

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

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Bridgeport Police Department, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Felice Duffy.

The Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative is aimed at reducing gun and gang 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