Hartford Felon, 26, Busted with Live Round

HARTFORD, CT – Michael Ledbetter, 26, of Hartford, is facing federal charges after a single .40 caliber Hornady live round was found on his person during a police search, the Department of Justice announced today. Ledbetter, already a convicted felon, is accused of illegally possessing ammunition – a violation of federal law.

The case stems from an incident on November 27, 2016, when Hartford Police responded to a Nelson Street address following a report of a potential domestic assault. Ledbetter reportedly fled the scene before officers arrived. He was quickly located in a vehicle on Barbour Street, where he was detained. During a routine search following the arrest, a live round of ammunition was discovered in his right front pocket.

Court documents reveal Ledbetter’s criminal history includes a 2014 conviction in Connecticut Superior Court on six counts of accessory to first-degree assault. This prior conviction is the basis for the federal charge, as it is illegal for a convicted felon to possess firearms or ammunition that has crossed state lines – or moved in interstate commerce, as stipulated by federal law.

United States Attorney Deirdre M. Daly emphasized that the indictment is merely an allegation of wrongdoing, and Ledbetter is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Ledbetter faces a maximum prison sentence of 10 years. He has been held in custody since his initial arrest on February 12, 2017, on a federal criminal complaint.

The investigation was a joint effort between the Hartford Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson and Assistant State’s Attorney John F. Fahey, cross-designated as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, are prosecuting the case. Fahey’s involvement highlights the collaborative approach taken by federal and state authorities in addressing violent crime within the district.

Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it progresses through the federal court system. Ledbetter’s arraignment date and potential trial schedule have not yet been released. The full indictment details remain sealed, pending further court proceedings. This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences for convicted felons found in possession of illegal weapons or ammunition.

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