Hartford Man with Lengthy Criminal History Pleads Guilty to Possessing Loaded Handgun

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID FRANCIS, 41, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 28, 2019, a court-authorized search of a vehicle owned by Francis revealed a loaded Hi-Point, model C9, 9mm handgun.  In a subsequent interview with investigators, Francis admitted that he had owned the firearm for approximately four years.

Francis’ criminal history includes state felony convictions for drug, robbery and firearm 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.

Francis is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton on February 28, 2020, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Francis is released on a $150,000 bond pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherry.

This prosecution has been brought through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.