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 JERMAINE DIGGS, also known as “Tito” and “Main,” 30, formerly of Bassett Street 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 April 14, 2010, DIGGS sold a Remington .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol to an individual who was working with law enforcement.  The sale occurred in the vicinity of Winchester Avenue and Division Street in New Haven.  As part of his plea, DIGGS also admitted that, on January 21, 2010, he and Brian Redd, also known as “Malik,” sold another firearm to an individual who was working with law enforcement.

DIGGS 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.

DIGGS is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on February 11, 2011, at which time DIGGS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

DIGGS has been in federal custody since his arrest on June 9, 2010.

On November 12, 2010, Redd also pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  His sentencing is scheduled for January 31, 2011.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bridgeport Police Department 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