United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

Project Safe Neighborhoods: BRIDGEPORT MAN ADMITS ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF FIREARMS, AMMUNITION AND NARCOTICS

Nora R. Dannehy, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT BOWENS, also known as “Pookie,” 25, of Carleton Avenue, Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Christopher F. Droney in Hartford to one count of possession of two firearms and ammunition by a previously convicted felon.

According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, on May 18, 2006, BOWENS possessed one Colt Model AR-15 Assault Rifle; one EAA, Model Witness P, .45 caliber pistol; 53 rounds of Federal .223 ammunition, and nine rounds of CBC .45 caliber ammunition.  On that date, BOWENS also possessed with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin.

Prior to May 18, 2006, BOWENS had been convicted of felony offenses.  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.

Judge Droney has scheduled sentencing for January 22, 2009, at which time BOWENS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to 250,000.

BOWENS currently is incarcerated in state custody.

This case was investigated by the ATF Task Force and 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 gang and gun violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, and improving the safety of residents in 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