United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: HARTFORD MAN CHARGED WITH CRACK AND PCP DISTRIBUTION, ILLEGAL GUN POSSESSION

Nora R. Dannehy, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging MARCUS ARNOLD, 38, of Laurel Street, Hartford, with one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”), two counts of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, three counts of possession with intent to distribute Phencyclidine (“PCP”), and one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.  ARNOLD also is charged with one count each of possession of heroin and possession of MDMA (“ecstasy”).  The Indictment was returned on October 27, 2009.

The indictment alleges that, on January 3, 2009, ARNOLD possessed with intent to distribute crack cocaine and PCP, and also possessed a quantity of heroin and ecstasy.  The indictment further alleges that, on July 18, 2009, ARNOLD possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine, and PCP.  Also on July 18, 2009, the indictment alleges that ARNOLD possessed a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol and a round of 12 gauge ammunition.

The indictment alleges that, prior to January 3, 2009, ARNOLD had been convicted of multiple felony offenses, including assault in the second degree, sale of hallucinogens or narcotics, and possession of a sawed-off shotgun or silence.

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

If convicted of the drug charges, ARNOLD faces a minimum term of 10 years and a maximum term of life imprisonment, as well as a fine of up to $4 million.  He also faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearm and ammunition charges.  In addition, ARNOLD may be subject to the Armed Career Criminal Act, a federal law imposing severe penalties for firearm and ammunition possession by persons who have been convicted of at least three violent felonies or serious drug offenses.  Under the Armed Career Criminal Act, ARNOLD could face a minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of life, if he is convicted.

ARNOLD was arrested on October 28, 2009.  He is detained pending a detention hearing that is scheduled for November 3, 2009.

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 and the Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan S. Freimann.

The Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, 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