DOJ Seal

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office
Middle District of Florida

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, January 7, 2014
A. Lee Bentley, III
, United States Attorney
Contact: William Daniels

Federal Jury Finds Convicted Felon Guilty of Possessing a Firearm

Orlando, FL - Acting U.S. Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that a federal jury today found Brian K. Hatten (33, Orlando) guilty of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Based on his prior felony convictions, Hatten faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years, up to life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 28, 2014, before U.S. District Court Judge John Antoon, II.

Hatten was indicted on October 23, 2013.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Orlando Police Department officers arrested Hatten, after he fled from them, at an intersection west of downtown Orlando. During his flight from officers, Hatten became entangled on a fence and officers found packages of marijuana, a semi-automatic pistol loaded with four rounds of ammunition, and a cell phone in Hatten’s possession. An investigation revealed that Hatten had at least six previous felony convictions, including various drug offenses, robbery, battery on a law enforcement officer, and aggravated assault with a firearm. As such, he was not permitted to possess a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Orlando Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney E. Jackson Boggs Jr.

It is another case prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy.  Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III, along with Julie Leon, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, is coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

This case is also a part of ATF’s Frontline strategy - an effective method in reducing violent crime and improving the quality of life in communities where law enforcement efforts are focused.

 

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Tampa Field Division