United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

CONVICTED FELON WHO SOLD GUNS SENTENCED TO MORE THAN NINE YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON

Nora R. Dannehy, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DARIUS HARRIS, also known as “Fat Boy,” 30, of Bristol Street, New London, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 110 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.  On January 27, 2010, HARRIS pleaded guilty 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 has been detained since his arrest on October 30, 2009.

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.

This case was 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 and gang 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