David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTHONY PEARSON, 28, of Charlotte Street, Hartford, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

According to documents and statements made in court, on December 30, 2011, PEARSON fired a Taurus 9 millimeter pistol toward a residence where had tried unsuccessfully to buy marijuana.  He then threw the firearm into another residential backyard as he fled from police.  PEARSON was subsequently arrested by Hartford Police and the firearm was recovered.

Prior to December 30, 2011, PEARSON had been convicted of multiple felony offenses, including first degree escape, criminal possession of a weapon, carrying a pistol without a permit, and second degree robbery.

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.

Judge Bryant has scheduled sentencing for October 5, 2012, at which time PEARSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

PEARSON has been detained in state custody since his arrest on December 30, 2011.

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.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

 

 

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