United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: HARTFORD MAN CHARGED WITH ILLEGAL FIREARM POSSESSION

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment today charging KELLY JONES, 24, of Irving Street, Hartford, with one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

The indictment alleges that, on January 26, 2010, JONES possessed a .357 caliber revolver.  The indictment further alleges that, prior to that date, JONES had been convicted of multiple felony offenses, including third degree burglary, weapons in a corrections institution, and possession of narcotics.

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

JONES has been detained in state custody since his arrest on January 26, 2010.

U.S. Attorney Fein 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