United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

NORWICH MAN CHARGED WITH DISTRIBUTING CRACK IS ARRESTED IN NEW YORK

Nora R. Dannehy, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport has returned an indictment charging FORREST HEMPSTEAD, also known as “J,” 25, formerly of Raymond Street, Norwich, with one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, five grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).  The indictment was returned on October 29, 2009.

The Indictment alleges that, on April 14, 2009, HEMPSTEAD distributed crack cocaine in New London.

HEMPSTEAD was arrested today in New York, New York by members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force.  Following his arrest, HEMPSTEAD was transported to New Haven where he was presented and arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis.  HEMPSTEAD currently is detained.

If convicted of the charge, HEMPSTEAD faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years and a fine of up to $2 million.

This indictment stems from a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”), in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Connecticut State Police, Norwich Police Department, Groton Town Police Department, New London Police Department, Waterford Police Department, and the State of Connecticut’s Department of Correction and Office of Adult Probation.

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.

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 in 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