United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

NEW HAVEN FELON CHARGED WITH ILLEGAL GUN POSSESSION

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging TAJI HOWARD, 30, of Winchester Street, New Haven, with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  The indictment, which was returned on June 4, 2010, was unsealed yesterday following HOWARD’s arrest.

The indictment alleges that, on or about April 16, 2010, HOWARD unlawfully possessed a firearm.  HOWARD has previously been convicted in federal court of unlawfully possessing a firearm.  In addition to his federal conviction, HOWARD has sustained three felony convictions in state court. 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, HOWARD faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and a fine of up to $250,000.

HOWARD was detained following his arrest.

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.

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov