United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: NEW HAVEN MAN CHARGED WITH ILLEGAL GUN POSSESSION

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging CRAIG LINTON, also known as “Play,” 22, formerly of Sherman Parkway, New Haven with two counts of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

The indictment alleges that, on or about March 26, 2010, LINTON possessed a Romarm semi-automatic rifle.  Further, the indictment alleges that, on or about April 19, 2010, LINTON possessed a New England Firearms 20 gauge shotgun.  The Indictment alleges that, prior to those dates, LINTON had sustained a felony conviction.

It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

If convicted, LINTON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count.

LINTON has been detained in federal custody since his arrest by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on June 7, 2010.

U.S. Attorney Fein stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives,  and the New Haven Police Department.  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