Asante Gaines, Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon, Connecticut 2018

A 23-year-old Bridgeport man has been charged with possessing a firearm by a convicted felon, the Grimy Times has learned.

Asante Gaines, 23, of Bridgeport, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon after a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday.

According to court documents, Gaines was arrested on state charges on February 15, 2018, and is alleged to have possessed a loaded Glock 19, 9 millimeter handgun.

Gaines' criminal history includes state felony convictions for possessing a firearm without a pistol permit, and failure to appear, it is alleged.

The charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and Gaines is currently detained.

The investigation into Gaines is part of a larger effort to address escalating violence in Bridgeport, and is being conducted by the FBI's Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport State's Attorney's Office.

U.S. Attorney Durham noted that this prosecution is a part of the Justice's Department's Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program and Project Longevity, which aims to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.

Gaines is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Rahul Kale, Peter D. Markle and Karen L. Peck.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/pr/bridgeport-man-charged-illegal-gun-possession-0