United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: HARTFORD MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FEDERAL NARCOTICS DISTRIBUTION AND FIREARM OFFENSES

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LOUIS RUDOLPH, also known as “Pudda,” 33, formerly of Irving Street, Hartford, pleaded guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis in New Haven to one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”) and one count of possession of firearms by a previously convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 11, 2009, law enforcement officers conducted a search of RUDOLPH’s residence and seized approximately 80 grams of crack cocaine, 14 grams of powder cocaine, 65 grams of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and other items associated with drug trafficking.  Officers also seized three firearms, at least two of which previously had been transported across state lines.

Prior to September 11, 2009, RUDOLPH had been convicted of multiple felony offenses, including criminal possession of a firearm, second degree robbery, possession of narcotics, and carrying a dangerous weapon.

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.

RUDOLPH is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Janet Bond Arterton on January 14, 2011, at which time RUDOLPH faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a maximum term of life imprisonment and a fine of up to $4 million.

RUDOLPH has been detained since his arrest on September 11, 2009.

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