United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: STAMFORD MAN CHARGED WITH ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF FIREARM AND AMMUNITION

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 DAMON JOYNER, 37, of Henry Street, Stamford, with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a previously convicted felon.  The indictment was returned yesterday, March 2.

The indictment alleges that, on or about September 9, 2008, JOYNER knowingly possessed a Ruger .22 caliber handgun and 50 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition manufactured by CCI.  The Indictment further alleges that, prior to that date, JOYNER had sustained nine felony convictions in State of Connecticut Superior Court, including convictions for larceny, robbery, burglary, possession of narcotics, possession of a firearm without a permit, and escape.

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, JOYNER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

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 has been investigated by the Stamford Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives pursuant to the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

The Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative is aimed at reducing gun 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