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MIDDLEFIELD MAN ADMITS ROLE IN GUNS FOR DRUGS CONSPIRACY

         Kevin J. O’Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KENNETH “Kenny” McCARTHY, age 23, of Middlefield, Connecticut, pleaded guilty today before Senior United States District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to one count of conspiracy to use or possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to documents filed with the Court, from March 2005 to March 2006, McCARTHY entered into an agreement with others to exchange firearms for heroin and crack cocaine. In pleading guilty, McCARTHY admitted that he received heroin in exchange for helping to transport two firearms from an individual in East Windsor to another individual.

“Stemming the illegal flow of weapons into our cities in a major priority of federal law enforcement, and we will prosecute these crimes vigorously,” U.S. Attorney O’Connor stated. “Addicts who own guns are strongly encouraged to seek help for their addictions before resorting to the unconscionable act of trading their guns for drugs, or federal charges with stiff penalties await,” U.S. Attorney O’Connor stated.

Judge Covello has scheduled sentencing for March 14, 2007, at which time McCARTHY faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000. McCARTHY is currently detained.

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, sale and trafficking of guns, and improving the safety of residents throughout Connecticut. Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

This case is being investigated by the Hartford Violent Crime Impact Team (VCIT), which is a joint task force dedicated to combating violent crime and firearms violations. The VCIT consists 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, and the Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian P. Leaming.

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