Hartford man faces crack distribution, gun charges

A Hartford man was indicted by a federal grand jury Wednesday on firearm possession and narcotics distribution offenses, according to federal authorities.

Christopher Gaskin, 46, is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, according to federal authorities.

Hartford police stopped a car Gaskin was operating on Irving Street in Hartford on Jan. 1, and he was arrested on state charges after a search of his person allegedly revealed a loaded .380 caliber handgun and a distribution quantity of crack cocaine, federal authorities said in the statement, citing allegations made in court documents and statements made in court.

“It is alleged that Gaskin’s criminal history includes at least eight felony convictions, including convictions for assault, robbery and witness tampering offenses,” federal authorities said in the statement, noting federal law prohibits a person previously convicted of a felony to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

Because the indictment charges Gaskin with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and based on his alleged criminal history, “Gaskin is subject to the Armed Career Criminal Act, a federal law imposing severe penalties for firearm or ammunition possession by an individual who has been convicted of at least three violent felonies or serious drug offenses,” the statement said. “A defendant who qualifies as an Armed Career Criminal faces a minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life,” if convicted. The cocaine base charge carries a prison term of up to 20 years if convicted.

Gaskin was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on April 28 and is free on a $150,000 bond.