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 PHILLIP HOLMES, also known as “Oz,” 23, formerly of Chapel Street in New Haven, pleaded guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge Thomas P. Smith in Hartford to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on the evening of January 5, 2010, New Haven Police officers observed a motor vehicle traveling in the vicinity of East Street and Grand Avenue in New Haven without properly registered tinted windows.  As officers attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop, HOLMES exited the front passenger seat and fled on foot.  As officers pursued him, HOLMES discarded his jacket.  HOLMES was apprehended after a brief pursuit.  A search of the jacket resulted in the seizure of a loaded .32 caliber pistol, which was later determined to be stolen.  A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of a loaded 9mm pistol, which was located underneath the front passenger side floor mat, and 15 baggies of crack cocaine, which were located in the glove compartment.  A search of HOLMES’ person resulted in the seizure of $1,382 in U.S. currency.

HOLMES 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.

HOLMES has been in custody since his arrest on January 5, 2010.

As part of his plea, HOLMES admitted that he intended to sell the crack cocaine that was seized from the vehicle, and he has agreed to forfeit the $1,382 in U.S. currency because that money constitutes proceeds from his sale of narcotics.

HOLMES is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Vanessa L. Bryant on March 3, 2010, at which time HOLMES 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