United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

NEW LONDON MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FEDERAL FIREARMS CHARGE

Nora R. Dannehy, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DARIUS HARRIS, also known as “Fat Boy,” 29, of Bristol Street, New London, pleaded guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 21, September 4, and September 12, 2009, HARRIS sold two .32 caliber revolvers and one 9mm pistol to an individual working with law enforcement.  HARRIS knew that one of the .32 caliber revolvers was stolen.

Prior to July 2009, HARRIS had been convicted of felony offenses in New London Superior Court, including possession with intent to sell hallucinogens/narcotics, second degree assault, and first degree robbery.  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.

HARRIS is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on April 16, 2010, at which time HARRIS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

This matter stems from a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, 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.

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