Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Charge

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTON MITCHELL, also known as “Blaze,” 29, of Hartford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2018, law enforcement received information that MITCHELL was attempting to sell a firearm.  On May 9, 2018, investigators attempted a controlled purchase of a firearm from MITCHELL in exchange for $450.  During the transaction on Farmington Avenue in Hartford, MITCHELL fled from law enforcement in a car at a high rate of speed.  The pursuit ended in Wethersfield where MITCHELL was apprehended.  At the time of his arrest, MITCHELL possessed a loaded .40 caliber Hi-Point, Smith and Wesson handgun.

MITCHELL was convicted in state court in 2014 for criminal possession of a weapon, in 2011 for conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery, in 2009 for second-degree burglary and second-degree sexual assault, in 2008 for third-degree larceny, and in 2007 for third-degree robbery and carrying a dangerous weapon.

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.

MITCHELL is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on October 31, 2018, at which time MITCHELL faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  MITCHELL has been detained since his arrest.

This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.