Connecticut Financial Center
157 Church Street
New Haven, Connecticut 06510
www.usdoj.gov/usao/ct

 

Project Safe Neighborhoods
HARTFORD MAN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR POSSESSING GUN, DRUGS

         Kevin J. O’Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JERMAINE REID, age 26, a citizen of Jamaica last residing at 251 Nahum Drive, Hartford, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Christopher F. Droney in Hartford to 15 years of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release. On October 3, 2006, REID pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”), and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, on January 25, 2006, REID possessed approximately 24 grams of crack that he intended to distribute. He also was found in possession of a Davis Industries .380 caliber, semiautomatic pistol.

Judge Droney sentenced REID to 10 years of imprisonment on the narcotics charge, and a consecutive five-year term for possessing the firearm.

REID is subject to deportation to Jamaica following service of his term of imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney O’Connor noted that this prosecution is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. This program is aimed at reducing gun violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, and improving the safety of residents throughout Connecticut. Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as state, federal and local law enforcement agencies.

The case was investigated by the Hartford Violent Crime Impact Team which is a joint task force dedicated to combating violent crime and firearms violations. The Team is composed of federal and local law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) , the United States Marshals Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Hartford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian P. Leaming.

###