United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: STAMFORD MAN INDICTED ON FEDERAL FIREARM CHARGE

Nora R. Dannehy, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury sitting in Bridgeport has returned an Indictment charging JERRELL COOK, also known as “Ill Child,” 23, of Merrell Avenue, Stamford, with one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.  The Indictment was unsealed today.

The Indictment alleges that, on or about January 21, 2008, in Stamford, COOK possessed a Sturm, Ruger & Co. Model P-89 9mm pistol.  The Indictment further alleges that COOK was previously convicted in Connecticut, twice for sale of narcotics and once for second degree larceny.

It is a violation of federal law for a convicted felon to possess a firearm that moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

If convicted of the charge, COOK faces a  maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

Acting U.S. Attorney Dannehy stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is entitled to a fair trial at which it is the Government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Felice Duffy as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative.

The Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative is aimed at reducing gun violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, ammunition and body armor, and improving the safety of residents of Connecticut’s cities.  Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov