United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: NEW HAVEN MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO CRACK COCAINE CONSPIRACY CHARGE

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMES PERSON, also known as “Jimmy,” 37, formerly of Goffe Street, New Haven, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to one count of conspiracy to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

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, in April 2009, PERSON conspired with Maurice Joyner, also known as “Moe,” to sell crack cocaine in and around New Haven.

PERSON is scheduled to be sentenced on November 15, 2010, at which time he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, and a fine of up to $2 million.  He has been detained since his arrest on September 2, 2009.

JOYNER also pleaded guilty to his role in this conspiracy and, on July 12, 2010, Judge Bryant sentenced him to five years of imprisonment.

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 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