United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

FEDERAL JURY FINDS NORWICH MAN GUILTY OF ILLEGAL GUN POSSESSION

Nora R. Dannehy, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal jury in Hartford has found TYRONE HILL, 24, of Norwich, guilty of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.  The trial began on February 22, and the jury returned its verdict today after deliberating for approximately two hours.

According to the evidence presented during the trial, on March 31, 2008, HILL threatened to confront the mother of his child with a firearm and was driving to her residence when police stopped the car.  A search of the vehicle revealed a .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun, loaded with hollow point ammunition and wrapped in a bandana, in the car’s glove compartment.  Subsequent forensic analysis of the bandana revealed the presence of HILL’s DNA.

Prior to March 31, 2008, HILL sustained four felony convictions in the Connecticut Superior Court, including convictions for robbery, burglary, harassment, and violating a protective order.

Chief United States District Judge Alvin W. Thompson has scheduled sentencing for May 14, 2010, at which time HILL faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life and a fine of up to $250,000.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New London and Norwich Police Departments.  Expert testimony concerning DNA analysis was provided by the State of Connecticut’s Forensic Science Laboratory.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David E. Novick and Michael J. Gustafson.

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