United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: NEW HAVEN MAN CHARGED WITH ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF FIREARMS AND DISTRIBUTION OF CRACK

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment today charging PHILLIP HOLMES, also known as “Oz,” 22, of Chapel Street, New Haven, with one count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

The Indictment alleges that, on or about January 5, 2010, HOLMES unlawfully possessed two firearms, and also possessed with the intent to distribute crack cocaine.  The indictment further alleges that, prior to that date, HOLMES had twice been convicted of felony offenses.

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, HOLMES faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and a fine of up to $1 million on the crack cocaine charge, and a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000 on the felon in possession charge.

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 has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Haven Police Department pursuant to the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Mattei.

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