West Haven Resident Charged with Illegal Gun Possession While Released on Bond for Firearm Offense

New Haven – John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, announced that CEDRIC GOODWIN, also known as “Ceddyo,” 31, of West Haven, was arrested today and charged by federal criminal complaint with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

As alleged in the complaint, in the early morning hours of September 22, 2019, Goodwin attempted to enter a bar located on Crown Street in downtown New Haven.  During a pat-down search of Goodwin by a security worker, a firearm magazine fell from Goodwin’s right ankle area.  Goodwin retrieved the magazine and left the establishment.  The security worker notified nearby New Haven Police officers who subsequently located Goodwin.  As they approached Goodwin, the officers heard the sound of an object hitting the ground.  Goodwin was detained, and a search of the area revealed a firearm magazine containing eight rounds of .380 caliber ammunition.  Goodwin was arrested on state charges at that time.

It is further alleged that Goodwin’s criminal history includes felony convictions for narcotics, weapon, robbery and assault offenses.

On March 10, 2020, Goodwin was arrested on a federal criminal complaint charging him with possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.  Following his arrest, Goodwin was released on a $100,000 bond and other conditions, including that he reside at the home of a third-party custodian on Sanford Street in West Haven.

It is alleged that law enforcement recently received information that Goodwin was engaged in narcotics trafficking activity and was in possession of a firearm.  Goodwin was arrested this afternoon after investigators conducted a court-authorized search of the residence and, in the garage, found a Smith and Wesson revolver, several rounds of assorted ammunition, multiple baggies of suspected heroin, a quantity of marijuana, and items used to process and package drugs for street sale.

Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Goodwin was presented in court via videoconference.  U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector ordered Goodwin detained.

The charge of possession of a firearm carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that a complaint is only a charge and 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 investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the New Haven Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.

This prosecution is part of 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.