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Project Safe Neighborhoods: HARTFORD MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO ILLEGALLY POSSESSING A FIREARM

Kevin J. O'Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KELVIN PETERS, age 27, of 161 South Marshall Street, Hartford, Connecticut, appeared in federal court in Hartford today and pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

PETERS, who was previously convicted in Connecticut Superior Court on February 5, 2003, of accessory to sale of narcotics; on September 11, 1996, of possession of narcotics with intent to sell; and on November 20, 1995, of possession of narcotics with intent to sell, today admitted that on September 12, 2003, he possessed a Raven, Model P25, .25 caliber semi-automatic pistol. The firearm was discovered by Hartford police during a search of PETERS' South Marshall Street residence during execution of state search warrant.

PETERS is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Christopher F. Droney on July 23, 2004. At that time, PETERS faces a maximum sentence of 10 years and a fine of $250,000.

This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms and Explosives and officers of the Hartford Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas V. Daily.