United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: HARTFORD MAN CHARGED WITH CRACK AND COCAINE DISTRIBUTION, ILLEGAL FIREARM POSSESSION

Nora R. Dannehy, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment today charging LOUIS RUDOLPH, also known as “Pudda,” 33, of Hartford, with one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”), one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of possession of firearms by a previously convicted felon.

The indictment alleges that, on September 11, 2009, RUDOLPH possessed with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of crack cocaine and a quantity of powder cocaine.  The indictment further alleges that, on that same day, RUDOLPH possessed two firearms.

The indictment alleges that, prior to September 11, 2009, RUDOLPH had been convicted of multiple felony offenses, including criminal possession of a firearm, second degree robbery, possession of narcotics, and carrying a dangerous weapon.

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, RUDOLPH faces a maximum term of life imprisonment and a fine of up to $4 million on the drug charges.  He also faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000 on the firearm charge.

RUDOLPH has been detained in state custody since his arrest on September 11, 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 Hartford Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  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