United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

TWO NEW HAVEN MEN CHARGED WITH ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF FIREARMS AND BODY ARMOR

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a four-count Indictment charging JERMAINE DIGGS, also known as “Tito” and “Main,” 29, of Bassett Street, New Haven, and BRIAN REDD, also known as “Malik,” 26, of West Street, New Haven, with violations of federal firearms laws.  DIGGS is charged with two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of body armor by a convicted felon.  REDD is charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  The Indictment, which was returned on June 3, 2010, was unsealed today following DIGGS’ arrest.  REDD is currently in state custody.

The Indictment alleges that, on or about January 21, 2010 and April 14, 2010, DIGGS unlawfully possessed a firearm.  The Indictment also alleges that on February 6, 2010, DIGGS unlawfully possessed body armor.  The Indictment further alleges that, on or about January 21, 2010, REDD unlawfully possessed a firearm.  Both men have previously been convicted of multiple felonies.  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.  It is also a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a crime of violence to possess body armor that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

If convicted of the gun charges, DIGGS and REDD face a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count.  If convicted of the body armor charge, DIGGS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years, and a fine of up to $250,000.

DIGGS was detained following his federal arrest.

U.S. Attorney Fein stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  The defendants are 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, the New Haven Police Department and the Bridgeport 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