Hartford Man Faces Drug Distribution, Firearm Possession Charges: Feds

HARTFORD, CT — A Hartford man who has previously been convicted of at least eight felonies now stands accused of firearm possession and crack distribution offenses, the Connecticut District Attorney's Office said.

A federal grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment charging Christopher Gaskin, 46, of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base ("crack").

When Hartford police stopped a car Gaskin was driving on Irving Street on Jan. 1, officers searched him and found a loaded .380 caliber handgun and a distribution quantity of crack cocaine, the district's attorneys office said was "alleged in court documents and statements made in court."

Since Gaskin has previously been convicted of at least eight felonies — among them assault, robbery and witness tampering offenses — federal law states he cannot possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

Gaskin was arrested on state charges following the search, and on April 28 he was arrested on a federal criminal complaint. He is currently released on a $150,000 bond.

The district attorney's office said Gaskin is subject to the Armed Career Criminal Act, which states that an individual with at least three violent felony or serious drug offense convictions who is in possession of a firearm or ammunition will face between 15 years and life in prison.

Additionally, the "possession with intent to distribute cocaine base" charge carries a maximum imprisonment term of 20 years.

Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, the DA's office said.