United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: HAMDEN MAN SENTENCED TO 70 MONTHS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR ILLEGAL GUN POSSESSION

Nora R. Dannehy, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILBUR HOUSE, 23, of Hamden, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.  On May 2, 2007, HOUSE pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

The charge against HOUSE stems from an incident that occurred on September 7, 2006, when New Haven Police, acting on a tip, attempted to stop a car in which HOUSE was riding.  After a brief chase, HOUSE got out of the car and fled on foot, dropping a .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol as he ran.  Police apprehended HOUSE at the scene.

Prior to September 7, 2006, HOUSE had been convicted of three felony offenses in Connecticut, specifically possession of narcotics, assault in the second degree, and assault on public safety personnel.  In addition, HOUSE had been convicted in New York of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, which also is a felony offense.

It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

This matter was investigated by the New Haven Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John A. Marrella and David J. Sheldon.

The Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative is aimed at reducing gun 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