Springfield Man Charged with Illegally Possessing Loaded Gun in Hartford

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a grand jury sitting in Hartford returned an indictment today charging WILLIAM SCOTT, 39, of Springfield, Massachusetts, with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

The indictment alleges that, on July 2, 2018, Scott unlawfully possessed a loaded Smith and Wesson .380 caliber pistol in Hartford.

It is further alleged that Scott’s criminal history includes felony convictions in Massachusetts in 2003 and 2012 for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and, in 2012, for unlawful possession of a firearm.

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.

If convicted of the offense, Scott faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

Scott has been detained in state custody since his arrest on July 2, 2018.

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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 Michael J. Gustafson.

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.