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 PATRICK BROWN, also known as “Black Pat” and “Dread,” 27, formerly of Sherman Avenue in New Haven, pleaded guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 17, 2010, BROWN sold a Marlin .22 caliber rifle to an individual who was working with law enforcement.

BROWN has 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.

BROWN has been in federal custody since his arrest on April 15, 2010.

BROWN is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on December 2, 2010, at which time BROWN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

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