Convicted Norwalk Felon Charged With Illegal Gun Possession: Feds

NORWALK, CT — A 40-year-old Norwalk man was indicted by a federal grand jury in Hartford last month on a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced United States Attorney John Durham.

David Burden pleaded not guilty via videoconference Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge William Garfinkel. Burden has been in custody since his arrest in late September.

As prosecutors, court documents and statements, Bridgeport police officers arrested Burden "after he fired a gun in the area of Kossuth Street and Nichols Street in Bridgeport."

Investigators seized a loaded 9mm Smith and Wesson semi-automatic pistol from Burden.

Burden’s criminal history includes federal convictions in 2003 for crack cocaine distribution, racketeering, racketeering conspiracy and committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering offenses, and multiple state felony convictions, according to authorities.

A person previously convicted of a felony offense is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

The charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon carries a maximum 10-year prison term.

Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Bridgeport Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.

This prosecution has been brought through 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.