United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: HARTFORD MAN CHARGED WITH ILLEGALLY POSSESSING GUN, CRACK COCAINE

Nora R. Dannehy, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment today charging DAVID GRIFFIN, 24, of Hillside Avenue, Hartford, with one count of possession of firearms by a previously convicted felon, and one count of possession of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

The Indictment alleges that, on January 9, 2010, GRIFFIN possessed a Taurus Model 38 Special .38 caliber revolver and a quantity of crack cocaine.  The Indictment further alleges that, prior to that date, GRIFFIN had been convicted of multiple felony offenses, including possession of narcotics, third degree larceny, and third 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.

If convicted, GRIFFIN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000 on the firearm charge, and a maximum term of imprisonment of one year on the crack cocaine charge.

GRIFFIN has been detained in state custody since his arrest by Hartford Police on January 9, 2010.

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