Bridgeport’s streets are no longer safe for the law-abiding as Asante Gaines, 23, of the city, faces federal charges for illegal gun possession. United States Attorney John H. Durham announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven indicted Gaines on charges of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
Law enforcement agencies including the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals, Bridgeport Police, and Connecticut State Police have been investigating Gaines and his associates for their alleged involvement in a shooting outside the state courthouse in Bridgeport on January 27, 2020. The investigation has also linked the suspects to the notorious ‘Greene Homes Boys’ or ‘Hots’ gang, which operates out of the Charles F. Greene Homes Housing Complex.
The indictment against Gaines dates back to February 15, 2018, when he was arrested on state charges after being found in possession of a loaded Glock 19, a 9 millimeter handgun. Gaines has a criminal history that includes felony convictions for possessing a firearm without a pistol permit and failure to appear.
According to federal law, it is a serious offense for a person with a felony conviction to possess firearms or ammunition that have moved in interstate or foreign commerce. The charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Currently, Gaines remains detained.
Durham emphasized that an indictment is not evidence of guilt and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is part of the Justice Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Longevity programs, which aim to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer.
The investigation continues with support from the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and Waterbury Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Rahul Kale, Peter D. Markle, and Karen L. Peck are handling the prosecution.
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Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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