United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: HAMDEN MAN CHARGED WITH ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF AMMUNITION, MARIJUANA

Nora R. Dannehy, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a two-count Indictment charging HOPETON WIGGAN, also known as “Hope,” 30, of Circular Avenue, Hamden, with one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana.  The Indictment was returned on February 25, 2009.  Federal agents arrested WIGGAN yesterday, and he was presented today before United States Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport, at which time the Indictment was unsealed.

Count One of the Indictment alleges that, on or about October 25, 2008, WIGGAN knowingly possessed five rounds of Winchester .45 caliber ammunition and three rounds of Federal .45 caliber ammunition, which were loaded inside a Colt .45 caliber pistol.  Count One further alleges that, prior to that date, WIGGAN had sustained seven felony convictions.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

Count Two of the Indictment alleges that, on or about October 25, 2008, WIGGAN knowingly possessed and intended to distribute marijuana.

If convicted on Count One, WIGGAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $ 250,000.  If convicted on Count Two, WIGGAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five 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 has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the New Haven Police Department pursuant to the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Mattei.

The Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, 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