New Haven Man Pleads Guilty To Federal Gun Charge

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RUFUS SPEARMAN, 36, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford to possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, during a police pursuit on November 10, 2012, SPEARMAN discarded a loaded .50 caliber semi-automatic pistol underneath the front porch of a residence on Clover Place in New Haven.  He was apprehended a short time later and the firearm was recovered.  A search of SPEARMAN’s person also revealed quantities of marijuana and Methylone, also known as “bath salts.”

SPEARMAN’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for sale of hallucinogen/narcotics, possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, arson and conspiracy to commit arson in the first degree.

SPEARMAN has been detained since his arrest on November 10, 2012.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on October 4, 2013, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

This matter 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 Anthony E. Kaplan.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

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