United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: NEW HAVEN MAN SENTENCED TO 30 MONTHS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR ILLEGAL GUN POSSESSION

David B. Fein, United States for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILLIE SANDERS, also known as “Tyrell W. Sanders,” 35, formerly of Kossuth Street, New Haven, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Peter C. Dorsey in New Haven to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.  On July 30, 2009, SANDERS pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 25, 2009, SANDERS sold another individual a semi-automatic rifle in the vicinity of Kossuth Street and Congress Avenue in New Haven.

SANDERS’ previous convictions include assault in the first degree and possession of narcotics.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Haven Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher M. Mattei.

U.S. Attorney Fein noted that this prosecution is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative.  This program is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, and improving the safety of residents throughout Connecticut.  Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as state, federal and local law enforcement agencies.

CONTACT:

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