United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: HARTFORD MAN PLEADS TO ILLEGAL GUN POSSESSION

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that KELLY JONES, 25, of Irving Street, Hartford, 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 January 26, 2010, JONES possessed a 357 Magnum .357 caliber revolver.  After running from the police, JONES was seen throwing the firearm into the street.  Relatives of JONES had reported the firearm stolen in December 2009.

Prior to January 26, 2010, JONES had been convicted of multiple felony offenses, including third degree burglary, weapons in a corrections institution, and possession of narcotics.  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 October 7, 2010, at which time JONES faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

JONES has been detained in state custody since his arrest on January 26, 2010.

This case was investigated by the Hartford Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan S. Freimann.

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