United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

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

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAMON JOYNER, 37, of Henry Street, Stamford, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Christopher F. Droney in Hartford to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 9, 2008, JOYNER knowingly possessed a Ruger .22 caliber handgun and 50 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition manufactured by CCI.  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.

Judge Droney has scheduled sentencing for August 6, 2010, at which time JOYNER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

This case was 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 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