HARTFORD, CT – Christopher Gaskins, 47, of Hartford, is facing up to a decade in federal prison after a jury found him guilty Tuesday of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. The conviction stems from a January 1, 2022, traffic stop that exposed a dangerous combination: a loaded .380 caliber handgun and a history of violent offenses.
According to trial evidence, Hartford Police officers pulled over the vehicle Gaskins was driving on Irving Street. A search of his person revealed not only the firearm but also approximately five grams of crack cocaine and 35 crack vials. While the jury acquitted Gaskins on the charge of possession with intent to distribute the cocaine, the gun charge stuck, a clear violation of federal law prohibiting convicted felons from possessing firearms that have crossed state lines.
Gaskins’ criminal record is extensive, including prior convictions for assault, robbery, and the serious charge of witness tampering. This isn’t a first-time offender; it’s a repeat offender who, despite previous brushes with the law, continued to allegedly endanger the public. Federal prosecutors successfully argued that his possession of the handgun represented a clear and present danger.
The case was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Hartford Police Department. ATF Special Agent in Charge James Ferguson and Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody jointly announced the guilty verdict, signaling a continued commitment to tackling gun violence in the city. The investigation highlights the collaborative approach between federal and local law enforcement in targeting individuals who pose a threat to public safety.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angel M. Krull and Patricia Stolfi Collins spearheaded the prosecution under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice initiative focused on reducing violent crime. PSN emphasizes data-driven strategies and partnerships with community organizations to address the root causes of violence and provide support for reentry programs. This case underscores the PSN’s focus on the most violent offenders.
Gaskins remains detained and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 22. With a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment looming, the outcome of this case sends a strong message: illegally possessing a firearm while being a convicted felon will be met with the full force of federal law. This conviction adds another chapter to Hartford’s ongoing battle against gun violence and the cycle of crime.
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