United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: NEW HAVEN MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FEDERAL GUN CHARGE

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMES GRIER, also known as “Black,” 40, formerly of Winthrop Avenue in New Haven, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

This matter stems from “Operation Jedi Knight,” an investigation jointly conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the New Haven Police Department.  The investigation, which focused on several neighborhoods in New Haven that had experienced increased levels of street violence and gang activity, involved multiple purchases of various quantities of crack cocaine and firearms.  Twenty-eight individuals have been arrested on federal or state charges as a result of the investigation.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 17, 2009, GRIER sold a Hi-Point .45 caliber handgun to an individual who was working with law enforcement.

GRIER had previously been convicted of multiple 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.

GRIER has been in federal custody since his arrest on September 2, 2009.

Judge Underhill has scheduled sentencing for October 28, 2010, at which time GRIER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000 on the firearm charge.

This matter was 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 M. 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