District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Danbury Man Charged with Running Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury sitting in New Haven has returned a 15-count indictment charging IAN PARKER BICK, 19, of Danbury, with fraud, money laundering and false statement offenses stemming from his alleged operation of Ponzi scheme. The indictment was returned yesterday and BICK was arrested at his home this morning.
According to the indictment, BICK was a principal and/or managing member of various Danbury-based entities, including This Is Where It’s At Entertainment, LLC, Planet Youth Entertainment, W&B Wholesale, LLC, and W&B Investments, LLC. Using these entities, BICK solicited investment funds from his friends, former classmates, acquaintances, and their parents by promising high investment returns over relatively short periods of time. BICK falsely represent to victim-investors that he could generate the high investment returns by using their funds to purchase electronics and electronic devices, such as iPhones and head phones, and resell the electronics via the Internet. BICK also falsely represented to certain victim-investors that he could generate high investment returns by using their funds to organize and promote various concerts, including concerts purportedly scheduled at various venues in Connecticut and Rhode Island. BICK falsely represented that he had made significant profits organizing and promoting concerts in the past. As part of the scheme, it is alleged that BICK entered into various investment contracts, including “Loan Agreements” and “Music Venture Participation Agreements,” with his victims.
The indictment alleges that BICK was not purchasing electronics and reselling any electronics on the Internet, and that the concerts he promoted were not generating significant profits as represented. BICK failed to invest the money as represented and instead diverted invested funds for personal expenses, including hotel stays and to purchase jet skis. BICK also used invested funds to issue payments, purportedly as “interest payments” and as “return of principal,” to certain victim-investors.
It is alleged that, through this scheme, BICK defrauded more than 15 investors out of a total of nearly $500,000.
The indictment further alleges that, during a June 2014 interview with U.S. Postal Inspection Service agents, BICK falsely stated, with respect to the use of the money that a certain victim-investor invested with Planet Youth Entertainment LLC, that “70 to 80 percent of the money had been on ‘artist deposits,’” when only a minimal portion, at most, of the invested funds had been used in any way connected with any artist deposits.
At his arraignment today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis in New Haven, BICK entered a plea of not guilty and was released on a $250,000 bond. As conditions of his release, BICK was ordered not to have any contact with victims and witnesses, and not to use any social media accounts.
The indictment charges BICK with 11 counts of wire fraud, which carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count, three counts of money laundering, which carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count, and one count of making a false statement to federal law enforcement, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
U.S. Attorney Daly 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 matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with the assistance of the Danbury Police Department and the Connecticut Department of Banking. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry.
This case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in Bridgeport.
Citizens with information that may be helpful to this ongoing investigation are encouraged to contact the FBI at (203) 777-6311.
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U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
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[email protected]Brian Foley Sentenced for Violating Federal Campaign Finance LawsRead the Press Release
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The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut and the United States Postal Inspection Service announced that BRIAN FOLEY, 63, of Simsbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to three years of probation, the first three months of which he must serve in a halfway house, for violating federal campaign finance laws. FOLEY also was ordered to pay a fine of $30,000, and to pay the cost of his community confinement.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2011 and 2012, Foley’s wife, Lisa Wilson-Foley, was a candidate for election to the U.S. House of Representatives from Connecticut’s Fifth Congressional District, and competing in a primary campaign for the nomination of the Republican Party. As a candidate for federal office, Wilson-Foley and her associates formed and registered with the Federal Election Commission (“FEC”) the “Lisa Wilson-Foley for Congress” committee in order to receive contributions and make expenditures on behalf of her campaign.
Brian Foley owns a Connecticut nursing home company and a number of other related companies, including a real estate company.
During the primary campaign, Foley, Wilson-Foley, former Connecticut Governor John Rowland and others conspired to conceal from the FEC and the public that Rowland was paid money in exchange for services he provided to Wilson-Foley’s campaign. As part of the scheme, Rowland proposed to Foley and Wilson-Foley that he be hired to work on the campaign. Wilson-Foley wanted Rowland to work on the campaign, but believed that because Rowland was a previously convicted felon, public disclosure of his paid role in the campaign would result in substantial negative publicity for Wilson-Foley’s candidacy. In order to retain Rowland’s services for the campaign while reducing the risk that his paid campaign role would be disclosed to the public, Foley, Wilson-Foley and Rowland agreed that Rowland would be paid by Foley to work on the campaign.
Foley, Rowland and others created and executed a fictitious contract outlining an agreement purportedly for consulting services between Rowland and the law offices of an attorney who worked for Foley’s nursing home company. Foley made regular payments to Rowland for his work on behalf of Wilson-Foley’s campaign and routed those payments from his real estate company through the law offices of the attorney. Rowland provided nominal services to Foley’s nursing home company in order to create a “cover” that he was being paid for those nominal services when, in fact, he was being paid in exchange for his work on behalf of Wilson-Foley’s campaign.
Between September 2011 and April 2012, Rowland was paid approximately $35,000 for services rendered to Wilson-Foley’s campaign. The payments originated with Foley and constituted campaign contributions, but were not reported to the FEC in violation of federal campaign finance laws.
In sentencing FOLEY below the recommended sentencing guidelines, Judge Arterton credited FOLEY’s extensive cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this matter.
On March 31, 2014, Foley and Wilson-Foley each pleaded guilty to conspiring to make illegal campaign contributions.
On September 19, 2014, a jury found Rowland guilty of two counts of falsification of records in a federal investigation, one count of conspiracy, two counts of causing false statements to be made to the FEC, and two counts of causing illegal campaign contributions.
Wilson-Foley and Rowland await sentencing.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Liam Brennan and Christopher Mattei.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
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[email protected]New Haven Man Sentenced to More Than 14 Years for Attempting to Cover-up Son's Arson That Killed ThreeRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HECTOR MORALES, 51, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 174 months of imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. After a four-week trial, Morales was convicted of being an accessory after the fact to the March 2011 arson of a two-family house in Fair Haven that caused the deaths of three residents, 41-year-old Wanda Roberson, her 8-year-old son Quayshaun Roberson and her 21-year-old niece Jaqueeta Roberson. The jury convicted Morales’s son Hector Natal of setting the arson that killed these three members of the Roberson family. Morales was also convicted of conspiring with Natal to distribute narcotics and to obstruct justice in their joint attempt to undermine law enforcement’s efforts to investigate the fatal arson.
“As the victims’ families so aptly described today, this crime was a senseless tragedy in which three innocents, Wanda Roberson, her young son Quayshaun and her niece Jaqueeta, were killed by a brutal and reckless drug dealer,” stated U.S. Attorney Daly. “This lengthy sentence is appropriate as Hector Morales literally drove his son’s criminality – driving him to drug deals, assisting him in his escape from the arson, and making every to avoid the detection of law enforcement by altering evidence and tampering with and intimidating witnesses. Our law enforcement partners, particularly the New Haven Fire and Police Departments, the FBI and the Connecticut State Police, expertly investigated this tremendously difficult case. We thank them for ensuring justice for the Roberson family who continue to suffer from an incomprehensible loss.”
“Today’s sentencing is a step toward closure and healing for the Fair Haven community and the Roberson family,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Patricia M. Ferrick. “It also demonstrates that disrespect of our judicial system will not be tolerated.”
On April 18, 2013, Natal and Morales were found guilty on all counts of an 11-count indictment. According to the evidence presented during trial, Natal was a New Haven drug dealer who sold cocaine, crack cocaine, pills and marijuana. Morales served as Natal’s driver, facilitating his sales of narcotics and collection of drug proceeds. Early on the morning of March 9, 2011, Natal set fire to 48-50 Wolcott Street in New Haven in retaliation for a customer’s failure to pay a small drug debt. Seventeen people, including three toddlers, two pregnant women and two grandmothers, were in the house at the time the fire was set. Morales and Natal lived close to the Wolcott house. After the fire was set, Morales drove Natal away from the scene in his blue van. Hearing reports that a blue van was seen leaving the scene, Morales painted his van black in an effort to obstruct the investigation of the fatal fire. Natal and Morales then schemed with other family members to testify falsely before the grand jury in an effort to prevent the grand jury from developing evidence regarding their complicity in the arson.
The evidence at trial also showed that, months before the fatal fire, Natal attempted to set a fire in the same Wolcott Street house.
Natal was found guilty of three counts of arson resulting in death, and one count of attempted arson. Natal and Morales were both convicted of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute narcotics, conspiring to tamper with witnesses and witness tampering. Morales was found guilty on three counts of being an accessory after the fact to the arson, and one count of destruction and concealment of evidence.
Morales has been detained since his arrest on July 19, 2012.
Natal, 29, has been detained since his arrest on June 14, 2011. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 10.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Haven Police Department, the Connecticut State Police Major Crimes Unit, Office of the State Fire Marshal, the New Haven Fire Department – Office of Fire Marshal, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson, with assistance and support from the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Bridgeport Grocery Store Operator Pleads Guilty to Illegal Use of Food Stamp BenefitsRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMILA ABOUTAYEB, 54, of Fairfield, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of unlawful use of food stamp benefits.
On May 14, 2014, a grand jury in New Haven returned indictments charging ABOUTAYEB and her brother, Khalid Aboutayeb, with engaging in food stamp fraud at the M&J Deli Market, a grocery and convenience store they operated at 988 State Street in Bridgeport.
The federal Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program (“SNAP”) is administered by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service and utilizes federal tax dollars to subsidize low-income households to provide them with the opportunity to achieve a more nutritious diet by increasing their food-purchasing power. SNAP recipients purchase eligible food items at retail food stores through the use of an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, and SNAP benefits may be accepted by authorized retailers only in exchange for eligible items. Items such as alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, paper goods and soaps are not eligible for purchase with Food Stamp benefits, and it is a violation of the rules and regulations governing the food stamp program to allow benefits to be used to purchase ineligible items. SNAP benefits may not lawfully be exchanged for cash under any circumstances. The program is designed so that the total amount of each purchase is electronically transferred to the retailer’s designated bank account.
In pleading guilty, ABOUTAYEB admitted that she unlawfully exchanged customers’ food stamp benefits for ineligible items and cash at M&J Deli Market between approximately June 2013 and March 2014.
On December 17, 2014, Khalid Aboutayeb pleaded guilty, admitting that he and others unlawfully exchanged food stamp benefits for ineligible items and cash at the store between approximately December 2011 and February 2013.
The investigation has revealed that more than $285,000 in illegal SNAP benefits were redeemed at the store.
ABOUTAYEB is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on March 23, 2015, at which time she faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine and an order of restitution.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Felice M. Duffy.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Milford Resident Sentenced to Federal Prison for Embezzling $108k from EmployerRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID LIPTAK, 50, of Milford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in Bridgeport to 10 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for embezzling $108,000 from his employer. LIPTAK also was ordered to pay full restitution and a fine of $3,000.
According to court documents and statements made in court, LIPTAK was employed by Consolidated Management Group (“CMG”) of Westport. CMG provided management services to condominium associations, including managing the bank accounts and expenses of the associations. From approximately June 2008 to March 2012, LIPTAK embezzled approximately $108,000 from CMG.
On May 14, 2014, LIPTAK pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of money obtained by fraud. He was ordered to report to prison on February 23, 2015.
This matter was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Westport Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Richard J. Schechter.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
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[email protected]Bloomfield Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Three Armed Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL MORRIS, 60, of Bloomfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for committing violent bank robberies in Southbury, Cromwell and Wallingford.
According to court documents and statements made in court, MORRIS, Leroy McCoy and Keith Sutherland conspired to commit the armed robberies of the Naugatuck Savings Bank in Southbury on April 20, 2011, the Webster Bank in Cromwell on October 7, 2011, and the Connex Credit Union in Wallingford on April 19, 2012.
Prior to each robbery, Sutherland, with the knowledge of MORRIS and McCoy, stole a minivan in the New Haven area. Upon arriving at each victim bank, MORRIS, McCoy and two other individuals, wearing masks and armed with handguns, burst into the bank and ordered employees and customers to the ground. They then forced a bank employee to open the vault, stuffed money taken from the vault and teller drawers into duffle bags, exited the bank fled in the stolen vehicle.
A total of approximately $230,000 was taken during the three robberies.
MORRIS has been detained since his arrest on October 4, 2013. On September 24, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit armed bank robbery.
McCoy and Sutherland also pleaded guilty. On December 10, 2014, McCoy was sentenced to 54 months of imprisonment. Sutherland awaits sentencing.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBI, the Connecticut State Police, and the Cromwell, Wallingford, Fairfield and Orange Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Newington Man Sentenced to More Than 8 Years in Prison for Orchestrating Mortgage Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FILIPPOS MILIOS, also known as Filip Milios, 56, of Newington, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 97 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for orchestrating a mortgage fraud scheme that involved dozens of Connecticut properties and resulted in nearly $5.7 million in losses to lenders.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately June 2005 to July 2010, MILIOS and others conspired to defraud banks and mortgage lenders in obtaining dozens of mortgages for the sale of properties owned by MILIOS and others. The conspiracy involved the use of straw borrowers, false mortgage applications, false HUD-1 forms and fraudulent down payments in connection with the purchase of more than 50 houses primarily located in Hartford, New Haven and Middlesex counties.
As part of the scheme, MILIOS purchased properties, either in his own name, in a limited liability corporation in which he had an interest, or in the name of a co-conspirator. MILIOS and others then recruited borrowers to purchase these properties. Unbeknownst to the lenders who extended mortgages to the borrowers, MILIOS and his co-conspirators submitted fraudulent documents in connection with the loan applications, including false HUD-1 forms, employment verification letters and rental verification letters.
MILIOS also made the down payments on behalf of the borrowers who were recruited to purchase the properties. Attorney Gabriel Serrano, who served as a closing attorney for most of the fraudulent transactions, often released the seller’s proceeds checks from closing to MILIOS before receiving the down payment, and MILIOS used the seller’s proceeds checks to purchase the down payment check for the same transaction. MILIOS also failed to disclose to mortgage lenders that he paid money to borrowers, mortgage brokers, and recruiters.
MILIOS also engaged in a money laundering conspiracy with Serrano. The conspiracy involved Serrano’s disbursing the fraudulently-obtained loan proceeds to the private lenders who had loaned MILIOS money when he originally purchased the properties.
Lenders lost $5,692,813 as a result of this scheme.
MILIOS was originally charged by criminal complaint in January 2013 and has been detained since March 20, 2014, when his bond was revoked after he made an attempt to flee the country on a shipping container vessel while awaiting trial. On September 15, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and bank fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
MILIOS, who is a citizen of Greece, faces immigration proceedings when he is released from prison.
On August 6, 2013, Serrano also pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and bank fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Seven other co-conspirators involved in this scheme have also pleaded guilty. All await sentencing.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David T. Huang and William J. Nardini.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
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[email protected]East Hartford Resident Charged with Setting Fire to Middletown Restaurant to Collect Insurance ProceedsRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal grand jury sitting in Hartford has returned an indictment charging JOHN A. BARILE, 51, of East Hartford, with one count of conspiracy, one count of arson, and two counts of mail fraud. The indictment was returned on December 30, 2014, and BARILE was arrested at his home last night.
The indictment alleges that BARILE and others conspired to set fire to Enzo’s Restaurant and Lounge, a restaurant that he jointly owned that was located on Main Street in Middletown, in order to collect the insurance proceeds. Shortly after midnight on January 10, 2010, BARILE ignited the fire, left the restaurant and locked the doors, leaving the other owner inside. After the fire, BARILE sought payment from an insurance company for losses suffered as a result of the fire, and concealed his role in the fire from the insurance company and law enforcement. The insurance company ultimately paid approximately $165,000 to BARILE to settle the insurance claims related to the fire.
The other owner who was in the restaurant at the time of the fire was rescued by the Middletown Fire Department.
At his arraignment today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford, BARILE entered a plea of not guilty and was ordered detained pending a hearing scheduled for January 9, 2014.
If convicted of arson, BARILE faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of seven years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years. The mail fraud charges carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count, and the conspiracy charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
U.S. Attorney Daly 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 matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Middletown Police Department and the Connecticut State Police. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anastasia E. King and Neeraj N. Patel.PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Two New Haven Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Roles in Gang-related Crack Cocaine Distribution RingRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that two New Haven men involved in a gang-related crack cocaine distribution ring were sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford. MUJAHID MUHAMMED, also known as “Doughboy,” 29, was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, and GREGORY TEEL, also known as “Detwan,” 36, was sentenced to 58 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation conducted by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Task Force into drug distribution and related gang activity in The Hill neighborhood of New Haven. The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that members and associates of the Southside Bloods were distributing large quantities of crack cocaine. MUHAMMED was the leader of the organization in New Haven.
On August 7, 2013, MUHAMMED pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”), and on December 4, 2013, TEEL pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base.
Eight other individuals were charged as a result of this investigation. All have pleaded guilty.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, including the New Haven, Hamden and Milford Police Departments, and the State of Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Kaplan and Gordon Hall.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Two Men Charged with Operating Multimillion Dollar Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an 11-count indictment charging DAVID C. JACKSON, also known as “C. David Manns,” “Charles Jackson” and “Andrew D. Smithson,” 53, and ALEX HURT, also known as “Alex Dante,” 45, with various offenses related to an advance fee fraud scheme that defrauded individuals out of several million dollars.
The indictment was returned yesterday. JACKSON, who has resided in Maryland, Ohio and Pennsylvania, has been detained since his arrest on a criminal complaint on August 26, 2014. HURT, recently of Dover, Massachusetts, has been ordered to report to the District of Connecticut for his arraignment.
As alleged in the indictment and in previously-filed court documents, in approximately September 2009, JACKSON, using the alias “C. David Manns,” established Jalin Realty Capital Advisors, LLC, using a business address in Dayton, Ohio. In 2011, JACKSON changed the name of his business to American Capital Holdings, LLC, using business addresses in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Soon after changing the business name, JACKSON began introducing himself to victim clients as “Charles Jackson.”
HURT held himself out as Vice President of Brightway Financial Group, LLC, a company that used a business addresses in Grapevine, Texas.
The indictment alleges that JACKSON, HURT and others defrauded individuals, including Connecticut residents, who wired funds to them in anticipation of receiving large business loans. The upfront fees were alternately described as “application fees,” “collateral fees” or “commitment fees.” The victims were promised a refund of the upfront fees if their loan transactions were not completed. In order to convince victim-borrowers that the loans were legitimate and Jalin and ACH had successfully secured loans in the past, JACKSON provided victims and potential victims the name and phone number of a co-conspirator and told them that they could contact his co-conspirator for a reference. After she was contacted, the co-conspirator falsely represented to victims and potential victims that she had, in fact, received funding from JACKSON for a construction loan, and that she had successfully done a project financed with her co-conspirator and Jalin.
Through this alleged scheme, more than 20 individuals provided JACKSON and HURT with millions of dollars in advance fees for business loans that were never provided. Some of the individuals received partial refunds of the advance fees they had provided, but the refunds were made using fees that had been paid by other victims.
The indictment charges JACKSON and HURT with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and multiple counts of wire fraud, offenses that carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count. The indictment also charges HURT with one count of making a false statement to federal law enforcement, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ansonia Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Michael S. McGarry.
Citizens with information that may be helpful to this ongoing investigation are encouraged to contact the FBI at (203) 777-6311.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Waterbury Man Sentenced to 42 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTOPHER BRYAN COLEMAN, 25, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 42 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 22, 2014, officers from the Waterbury Police Department responded to a complaint of a disturbance at 1298 N. Main Street in Waterbury. There, the complainant told police that her car had broken down and, while she was awaiting assistance, a male had attempted to gain entry to her vehicle. As one of the officers drove up to the male, who was later identified as COLEMAN, the officer observed COLEMAN remove a firearm from his waist area and throw it over a chain link fence. Officers then recovered an RG14 .22 caliber revolver with an obliterated serial number, loaded with six rounds, three of which were live and three of which were expended.
Prior to that date, COLEMAN had been convicted of sale of controlled substance, escape in the first degree, and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
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.
COLEMAN has been detained since his arrest on April 22. On September 23, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Waterbury Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Bridgeport Man Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHNATHAN REYES, also known as “Whitey,” 24, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.
This matter stems from an FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force into narcotics trafficking activity and violent criminal activity in and around the Trumbull Gardens housing complex in Bridgeport. On December 18, 2013, a federal grand jury returned an 18-count indictment charging 14 individuals, including Ronell Hanks, also known as “Biz” and “Ace,” with various narcotics and firearms offenses.
When Hanks was arrested on December 5, 2013, task force officers seized from him an Apple iPad that contained numerous videos, including three that depicted both Hanks and REYES at the Bridgeport Shooting Range firing a long gun and a handgun. The investigation revealed that the videos were recorded on February 27, 2013.
In February 2007, REYES was convicted in state court of first degree burglary, reckless endangerment, risk of injury and possessing a pistol without having a permit. For these offenses he was sentenced to eight years of imprisonment, execution suspended after four years, and three years of probation.
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.
REYES has been detained since his arrest on May 1, 2014. On September 30, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
Hanks has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, in coordination with the Bridgeport Police Department, Norwalk Police Department, Trumbull Police Department and Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracy Lee Dayton and Rahul Kale.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Citizen of Guatemala Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison for Illegally Reentering the U.S.Read the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JAVIER MORENO, 27, a citizen of Guatemala who recently resided in Willimantic, was sentenced yesterday by Senior U.S. District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport to 51 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the United States after being deported, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release that followed a previous term of imprisonment for illegal reentry.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 15, 2005, MORENO was arrested in Connecticut on state charges that included assault. On May 26, 2006, he was deported from the U.S. to Guatemala. MORENO reentered the U.S. and, on December 29, 2006, was arrested in Windham. Subsequent to his arrest, MORENO was convicted in state court of assault in the second degree, and also violation of probation. On September 28, 2007, he again was removed to Guatemala.
MORENO reentered the U.S. and, on September 15, 2008, was convicted of criminal impersonation and operation under the influence. On June 12, 2009, MORENO was convicted of assault in the third degree and failure to appear in the first degree, and was sentenced to one year of incarceration. MORENO also was convicted of violation of probation stemming from a prior conviction. MORENO remained in custody from September 8, 2008, until January 29, 2010.
MORENO was charged with illegal reentry, pleaded guilty and, on May 7, 2010, was sentenced by Judge Eginton to 24 months and three years of supervised release. He completed his federal sentence on December 16, 2011, and was deported to Guatemala for the third time on January 18, 2012.
In January 2014, MORENO again illegally reentered the U.S. On April 25, 2014, he was charged in state court with interfering with an officer and resisting arrest for leading Willimantic Police officers on a foot pursuit following a motor vehicle stop four days earlier.
MORENO has been detained since his arrest. On September 24, 2014, he pleaded guilty to reentry of a removed alien.
Judge Eginton sentenced MORENO to 33 months of imprisonment for illegal reentry, and a consecutive 18-month prison term for violating the terms of his supervised release from his previous conviction.
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.
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[email protected]Two New Haven Men Involved in Gang-related Drug Ring Are SentencedRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that two New Haven men were sentenced yesterday by Senior U.S. District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport for their involvement in a gang-related narcotics distribution ring. KENNETH STURDIVANT, also known as “Slay,” 29, was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release, and JAROD AARON, 31, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation conducted by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Task Force and the New Haven Police Department that was initiated in the wake of repeated shootings and other violence between members of the Bloods and members of the Grape Street Crips in the Hill section of New Haven. The investigation resulted in the arrests of members of both the Bloods and the Grape Street Crips.
STURDIVANT and AARON were associates of Donald Ogman, who has been identified in court proceedings as a leader of the Grape Street Crips. STURDIVANT, also a member of the Crips, and AARON distributed crack cocaine with Ogman in and around New Haven.
On March 10, 2014, STURDIVANT pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”). On March 21, 2014, AARON pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 28 grams or more of cocaine base. STURDIVANT and AARON are both previously convicted felons.
A total of 20 individuals were charged as a result of this investigation, and all have pleaded guilty. Ogman awaits sentencing.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, which includes the New Haven, Hamden and Milford Police Departments, the Connecticut State Police and the State of Connecticut Department of Correction. The investigation has been assisted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Westerly (R.I.) Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and H. Gordon Hall.
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[email protected]Danbury Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Oxycodone and CocaineRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that DEMETRIOS PAPADAKOS, also known as “Jimmy,” 67, of Danbury, was sentenced yesterday by Senior U.S. District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport to 121 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for heading a Fairfield County narcotics trafficking ring.
This matter stems from a year-long investigation headed by the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and Norwalk Police Department into the distribution of oxycodone, cocaine and marijuana in Fairfield County. Sixteen individuals were charged and convicted as a result of this investigation.
According to court documents and statements made in court, PAPADAKOS and Alfred Catino, also of Danbury, were long-time associates who headed the narcotics trafficking ring. The investigation revealed that PAPADAKOS facilitated the purchase and distribution of more than 6,800 oxycodone 30mg pills and more than a kilogram of cocaine. PAPADAKOS traveled to Florida to purchase wholesale quantities of oxycodone and traveled to New York to acquire oxycodone and cocaine, received prescriptions for oxycodone from a corrupt doctor to whom he had loaned a large sum of money, and obtained oxycodone from a co-defendant who had obtained pills from people with legitimate prescriptions in exchange for cash.
PAPADAKOS has been detained since arrest on May 8, 2012. On June 23, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, oxycodone and marijuana.
PAPADAKOS’ criminal history spans approximately 40 years and includes six federal felony convictions, one state felony conviction and multiple misdemeanor convictions, most of which are related to drug trafficking.
Catino has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This matter was investigated by the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Norwalk Police Department, with assistance provided by the Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport, Stamford, Stratford and Westport Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vanessa Richards and Michael Runowicz.
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[email protected]Two Bridgeport Men Admit Roles in Robbery SpreeRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that LANCELOT SUPERSAD, 19, and ANTHONY SANTIAGO, 21, both of Bridgeport, have pleaded guilty in Bridgeport federal court to conspiring to commit multiple robberies earlier this year.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 26, 2014, SUPERSAD and others committed an armed robbery of the CVS Pharmacy on Grasmere Avenue in Fairfield, stealing approximately $2,376. On May 3, 2014, SUPERSAD and others attempted an armed robbery of the Mobil Gas station on Noble Avenue in Bridgeport. On May 10, 2014, SUPERSAD and others committed an armed robbery of a Webster Bank branch on Main Street in Bridgeport, stealing approximately $4,170. On June 1, 2014, SUPERSAD and others committed an armed robbery of a Pizza Hut on Boston Avenue in Bridgeport, stealing approximately $250. On June 26, 2014, SUPERSAD, SANTIAGO and others committed an armed robbery of the Residence Inn on Bridgeport Avenue in Shelton, stealing approximately $200. On July 2, 2014, SUPERSAD, SANTIAGO and others attempted an armed robbery of the Sikorsky Financial Credit Union on Oronoque Lane in Stratford. Also on July 2, 2014, SUPERSAD, SANTIAGO and others committed an armed robbery of the TD Bank located on Post Road East in Westport.
SUPERSAD and SANTIAGO were arrested on July 2, 2014, and are detained.
On December 15, 2014, SUPERSAD waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to affect commerce by robbery, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. SANTIAGO waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty to the same charge today.
This case has been assigned to Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven. Sentencing dates are not yet scheduled.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Westport, Shelton, Fairfield, Stratford, and Bridgeport Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Felice M. Duffy.
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[email protected]Stamford Man Who Defrauded Investment Clients of $191k Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL LOMBARDO, Jr., 38, of Stamford, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for defrauding more than 20 of his investment clients.
According to court documents and statements made in open court, LOMBARDO worked for David Lerner Associates, Inc., a Westport-based company that provided investment services. LOMBARDO provided financial advice to the company’s clients with respect to their retirement savings and other investments. From approximately September 2011 to February 2014, LOMBARDO defrauded more than 20 clients by diverting more than $190,000 in client funds for his personal use. As part of his scheme, LOMBARDO submitted fraudulent requests to disburse a portion of the retirement accounts of clients. LOMBARDO would request that a disbursement check be sent, typically by overnight mail, to him at his Westport office. After he received the check, he would forge the client’s signature on the back of the check and then cause the check to be deposited into his personal bank account.
As part of his sentence, LOMBARDO was ordered to pay $191,068.73 in restitution.
On September 11, 2014, LOMBARDO pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
This case was investigated by the Westport Police Department and the United States Secret Service and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
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[email protected]Oxford Man Admits Operating Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT E. LEE, JR., 50, of Oxford, pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to an indictment charging him with five counts of wire fraud stemming from his operation of a Ponzi scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, LEE was employed as a broker and financial advisor for various financial investment firms until July 2013 when he was terminated by his most recent employer, Rockwell Global Capital, LLC. Between January 2011 and March 2014, LEE defrauded individuals of more than $800,000 by claiming that he was investing their money in various investment vehicles when, in fact, he was maintaining custody of their funds in his personal bank account. He then used the money to make distributions to other investors, and for personal expenses. To conceal the scheme, LEE fabricated account statements and other documents, which he delivered to his victims.
LEE was arrested on May 12, 2014, and he is currently released on a $250,000 bond.Each count of wire fraud carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. LEE is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer on March 11, 2015.
The government is seeking the forfeiture of $358,077.17 that LEE held in an online trading account at the time of his arrest.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David T. Huang and Christopher M. Mattei.
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[email protected]East Windsor Woman Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison for Defrauding Mass Mutual, Other EmployersRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that THERESA SUTHERLAND, 34, of East Windsor, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 51 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for engaging in a fraud and identity theft scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, SUTHERLAND was employed by Mass Mutual Financial Group as a claims examiner in the company’s Enfield office. Mass Mutual offers full-time employees up to $8,500 in college tuition reimbursement and up to $5,000 reimbursement for the expenses associated with the adoption of a child. SUTHERLAND and other Mass Mutual employees defrauded the company by submitting numerous fraudulent claims for tuition reimbursement and adoption expenses. In association with the fraudulent claims for adoption expenses, SUTHERLAND and her co-conspirators submitted birth certificates and Social Security numbers of actual children who were not their own.
SUTHERLAND and her co-conspirators received approximately $240,000 in fraudulent reimbursements during the conspiracy, and SUTHERLAND specifically received more than $75,000.
The investigation revealed that SUTHERLAND defrauded three other employers in addition to Mass Mutual. Judge Covello ordered her to pay total restitution of $400,000 to Mass Mutual and these former employers.
On November 19, 2013, SUTHERLAND pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Four other former employees of Mass Mutual were charged as a result of this investigation.
This investigation is being conducted by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, including the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
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[email protected]Bridgeport Grocery Store Operator Pleads Guilty to Illegal Use of Food Stamp BenefitsRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KHALID ABOUTAYEB, 46, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of unlawful use of food stamp benefits.
On May 14, 2014, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging ABOUTAYEB with engaging in food stamp fraud at the M&J Deli Market, a grocery and convenience store he operated at 988 State Street in Bridgeport.
The federal Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program (“SNAP”) is administered by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service and utilizes federal tax dollars to subsidize low-income households to provide them with the opportunity to achieve a more nutritious diet by increasing their food-purchasing power. SNAP recipients purchase eligible food items at retail food stores through the use of an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, and SNAP benefits may be accepted by authorized retailers only in exchange for eligible items. Items such as alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, paper goods and soaps are not eligible for purchase with Food Stamp benefits, and it is a violation of the rules and regulations governing the food stamp program to allow benefits to be used to purchase ineligible items. SNAP benefits may not lawfully be exchanged for cash under any circumstances. The program is designed so that the total amount of each purchase is electronically transferred to the retailer’s designated bank account.
In pleading guilty, ABOUTABYEB admitted that he and others unlawfully exchanged customers’ food stamp benefits for ineligible items and cash at M&J Deli Market between approximately December 2011 and February 2013. The investigation has revealed that more than $285,000 in illegal SNAP benefits were redeemed at the store.
ABOUTAYEB is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on March 11, 2015, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine and restitution of approximately $199,000.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Felice M. Duffy.
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[email protected]Rhode Island Woman Charged with Sex Trafficking of MinorsRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced the unsealing of an indictment charging KAIEEMA GADSON, 25, or Providence, R.I., with two counts of sex trafficking of a minor.
The indictment was returned by a grand jury in Hartford on November 19, 2014, and GADSON was arrested yesterday in Providence. Following her arrest, she appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford and was ordered detained.
The indictment alleges that, in December 2013, GADSON recruited, harbored and transported two minors to engage in commercial acts.
The charge of sex trafficking of a minor carries mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
U.S. Attorney Daly 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 matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Connecticut State Police, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarala V. Nagala and David E. Novick.
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[email protected]Connecticut Man Who Violated Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act Is SentencedRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WESLEY SKORSKI, 44, of Marlborough, will pay a $1,000 fine for violating the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez imposed the sentence today in Hartford federal court.
According to court documents and statements made in court, SKORSKI owned and operated AviaMed, a Wethersfield-based business licensed by the State of Connecticut to engage in the wholesale distribution of medical devices and prescription drugs under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. As part of the operation of AviaMed, SKORSKI received orders for prescription drugs from physicians and other health care providers.
In 2010 and 2011, SKORSKI entered into agreements with suppliers in the United Kingdom and Canada to receive prescription drugs, including oncology and dermatology drugs, which were commercially manufactured or produced outside the U.S. for distribution in foreign markets. After receiving the drugs from the foreign suppliers, SKORSKI repackaged them and distributed them to health care providers in the U.S. outside Connecticut.
The drugs SKORSKI received from foreign suppliers failed to contain the labeling required by the Food and Drug Administration, and were not approved for sale within the U.S. As a result, the drugs were considered misbranded under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
On September 23, 2014, SKORSKI pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of introducing a misbranded drug into interstate commerce, in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
This investigation was conducted by special agents from the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon.
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[email protected]Three Men Plead Guilty, Admit Participating in Violent Kidnapping and Jewelry Store RobberyRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that WILLIAM DAVIS, 27, of Allentown, Pa., JEFFREY HOUSTON, 28, of Allentown, and CHRISTOPHER GAY, 29, of Bronx, N.Y., have pleaded guilty in Hartford federal court to charges stemming from their involvement in a violent kidnapping and jewelry store robbery in April 2013.
According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 9:00 p.m. on April 11, 2013, at least four men wearing masks and gloves, two of whom were armed with handguns, broke into an apartment on Gravel Street in Meriden, Conn., bound four victims with duct tape and covered their heads with pillowcases, towels and jackets. Three of the perpetrators then forced two of the victims into a victim’s vehicle and drove to Lenox Jewelers in Fairfield, Conn., where the two victims worked. At the store, the perpetrators stole jewelry, watches and loose diamonds valued at between $4 million and $5 million. They then fled in the victim’s car, leaving the two victims bound inside the store.
DAVIS, HOUSTON and GAY have been detained since their arrests on May 22, 2013.
Today, DAVIS pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. HOUSTON and GAY pleaded guilty to the same charges on December 8 and December 10, respectively.
When they are sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford, each faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on the robbery charge and a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least seven years on the firearm charge. Each also faces a restitution order of approximately $3 million.
In pleading guilty, DAVIS, HOUSTON and GAY have agreed to forfeit gemstones, jewelry, watches and more than $127,000 in cash seized from them on May 22, 2013. HOUSTON also has agreed to forfeit his vehicle.
Two other individuals have been charged with participating in this kidnapping and robbery and are awaiting trial.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fairfield Police Department and Meriden Police Department. U.S. Attorney Daly also acknowledged the assistance provided by the U.S. Marshals Service and FBI in New York and Pennsylvania; the York, Allentown and Bethlehem Police Departments in Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Lee Dayton.
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[email protected]Three East Hartford Residents Involved in Drug Trafficking Ring Are SentencedRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that three East Hartford residents involved in a coast to coast drug trafficking ring were sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2013, the DEA’s Hartford Task Force began an investigation into the narcotics distribution activities of Luis Fernandez of East Hartford. The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Fernandez’s family members and associates in southern California shipped heroin, cocaine and marijuana to Fernandez at various addresses in the Hartford area. Fernandez, who also was supplied with narcotics from individuals in New York, sold the drugs locally to other dealers and customers.
JOSE DEJESUS RIVERA, also known as “Chuy,” 25, was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release. DEJESUS RIVERA moved to Connecticut from Pomona, Calif., in late 2012 and resided in East Hartford with Luis Fernandez.
JESUS FERNANDEZ, also known as “Guerro” and “Guate,” 29, of East Hartford, formerly of Mexico, also was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release.
The investigation revealed that DEJESUS RIVERA and JESUS FERNANDEZ assisted Fernandez in the distribution of heroin. JESUS FERNANDEZ and Luis Fernandez are cousins. On September 4, 2013, DEJESUS and JESUS FERNANDEZ sold approximately six grams of heroin to an individual working with law enforcement. The next day, DEJESUS RIVERA and JESUS FERNANDEZ negotiated a larger heroin transaction with the same individual and arranged a meeting. After they arrived at the meet location, officers apprehended DEJESUS RIVERA, who was found in possession of approximately 250 grams of heroin, but JESUS FERNANDEZ fled the scene.
The investigation also determined that DEJESUS RIVERA was the intended recipient of a kilogram of heroin that was seized by law enforcement in Wallingford in July 2013. Also, in July 2012, DEJESUS RIVERA was involved in the laundering of approximately $28,000 in drug proceeds in California.
DEJESUS RIVERA has been detained since his arrest on September 5, 2013. On August 21, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
JESUS FERNANDEZ was arrested in Ohio on October 11, 2013, and has been detained since that date. On April 28, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
CARLOS FERNANDEZ, also known as Ricardo Fernandez, 21, a citizen of Mexico last residing in East Hartford, was sentenced to approximately 14 months of imprisonment, time already served. During the investigation, CARLOS FERNANDEZ delivered a package containing 468 grams of cocaine to a third party at the direction of his cousin, Luis Fernandez.
CARLOS FERNANDEZ has been detained since his arrest on October 9, 2013. On September 22, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. He will be deported to Mexico.
More than 20 individuals have been charged with narcotics distribution and related offenses as a result of this investigation. Fernandez has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This investigation has been led by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force, including personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office and the Bristol, Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Newington, and Wethersfield Police Departments. Agencies assisting the investigation include the DEA in New Haven, Bridgeport, Los Angeles and Panama, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut State Police, State of Connecticut Office of Adult Probation, and the Hartford, East Hartford and New Britain Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Dave Vatti and Gabriel J. Vidoni.
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[email protected]Owner of Rhode Island Electronics Parts Company Admits Defrauding CustomersRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JEFFREY WARGA, 61, of North Kingstown, R.I., waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
According to court documents and statements made in court, WARGA was the president and owner of Rhode Island-based Bay Components, LLC. From approximately July 2005 until November 2008, WARGA and others engaged in a scheme to defraud their business customers, including a Connecticut company, by falsely representing that the electronic parts they sold were not from Asia when, in fact, the parts had been purchased from companies located in Asia; were new parts from the original manufacturer when, in fact, the parts were used; and were authentic parts when, in fact, WARGA and his co-conspirators knew the parts were counterfeit parts.
The charge of conspiracy to commit wire a fraud carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.
U.S. Attorney Daly stated that the investigation is ongoing.
This matter is being investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Felice M. Duffy.
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[email protected]Man Who Defrauded Numerous Oil Companies and Oil Customers Sentenced to 27 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARC CANNON, 40, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 27 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for operating a scheme to defraud both oil companies and individuals whose oil deliveries he fraudulently brokered.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately February 2010 and April 2011, CANNON, sometimes known as “Marc the Oil Man,” engaged in a scheme to defraud heating oil companies and to obtain money from individuals who received oil deliveries. CANNON posed as a retail customer when dealing with oil companies, and as a bargain oil seller when dealing with property owners. As part of the scheme, CANNON would make an offer to a property owner to sell oil at below market cost in exchange for a cash payment. Then he would contact a retail oil company, set up a fraudulent account using stolen personal identifying information, and place an order for the oil company to deliver home heating oil to a property owned by the property owner. The oil would be delivered to the property as ordered. CANNON would then collect cash for the delivery from the property owner, but he did not remit this payment to the oil company. When the oil company contacted the property owner to collect payment for the oil, the company would discover that the property owner had already made payment to CANNON.
CANNON was charged in a criminal complaint that was issued on April 13, 2011, and he was a fugitive until his arrest on January 30, 2014. On June 17, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
This matter was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, the North Haven Police Department and the North Branford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Krishna R. Patel.
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[email protected]Hamden Man Sentenced to 77 Months in Federal Prison for Distributing Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CLAYTON CARNEY, also known as “Hardcore,” 38, of Hamden, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport to 77 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a narcotics distribution ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation conducted by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Task Force and the New Haven Police Department into drug distribution and related violence allegedly being committed by members and associates of the Grape Street Crips in New Haven. The investigation revealed that CARNEY conspired with Donald Ogman, who has been identified in court proceedings as the leader of the Grape Street Crips, to purchase quantities of cocaine from their respective dealers, convert the cocaine to crack and then sell the crack to customers and other street-level distributors.
CARNEY’s criminal history includes several state felony drug convictions.
CARNEY has been detained since his arrest on April 11, 2012. On March 24, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
A total of 18 individuals were charged as a result of this investigation, and all have pleaded guilty. Ogman and several other defendants await sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, which includes the New Haven, Hamden and Milford Police Departments, the Connecticut State Police and the State of Connecticut Department of Correction. The investigation has been assisted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Westerly (R.I.) Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and H. Gordon Hall.
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[email protected]Venezuelan Man Admits Making Threatening Calls to Newtown Residents After School Shooting TragedyRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that WILFRIDO A. CARDENAS HOFFMAN, 31, of El Hatillo, Venezuela, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to making threatening phone calls to residents of Newtown, Connecticut, shortly after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting tragedy in December 2012.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 16, 2012, two days after the shooting that claimed 26 lives at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CARDENAS HOFFMAN used a voice over IP application on an iPod to make numerous phone calls from his home in Venezuela to Newtown residences. In one of the telephone calls, HOFFMAN stated: “This is Adam Lanza. I’m gonna [expletive] kill you. You’re dead. You’re dead. You hear me? You’re dead.” In another phone call, HOFFMAN stated: “This is Adam Lanza. I’m gonna kill you. You’re dead. With my machine gun. You’re dead [expletive].”
The investigation revealed that CARDENAS HOFFMAN made more than 90 calls to approximately 47 telephone numbers of Newtown residences. Not all of the calls were successfully placed and answered.
“As we approach the second anniversary of this terrible event, we remember all of the victims whose lives were lost, and their family and friends who still struggle to manage their grief,” stated U.S. Attorney Daly. “These threatening calls, just two days after the tragedy, compounded the collective suffering of all of the citizens of Newtown and needlessly stressed law enforcement resources at a critical time. It is reprehensible criminal conduct. We are committed to investigating similar hoax crimes and prosecuting all who commit them, here and abroad.”
“Mr. Hoffman’s actions in the days after December 14, 2012, further victimized an already vulnerable community” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Ferrick. “As a society we simply cannot tolerate this type of heinous behavior. Crimes like this will continue to be a priority of the FBI.”
CARDENAS HOFFMAN was charged by criminal complaint on May 20, 2013. The complaint remained sealed until CARDENAS HOFFMAN was arrested on June 21, 2014, in Miami as he transitioned through Miami International Airport en route to Mexico from Venezuela. He has been detained since his arrest.
The charge of making threatening telephone calls carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000. CARDENAS HOFFMAN is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on February 12, 2015.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Krishna Patel and Edward Chang.
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[email protected]Former Usps Employee Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Drugs He Stole from the MailRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDWARD HOGAN, 38, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine and marijuana that he stole from the U.S. Mail.
This matter stems from a federal investigation into the use of the mails to transport narcotics from Puerto Rico to the greater Waterbury area.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Edward Hogan was employed by the U.S. Postal Service as a supervisor of customer service assigned to the Plaza Station Post Office in Waterbury. From approximately January 2012 to August 2013, Hogan used his position with the U.S. Postal Service to profile packages that he believed contained illegal drugs by making note of the originating address, destination address, size of the package and value of the postage. Upon identifying a package that he suspected contained narcotics, he would steal the package from the mail and bring it to his residence or the residence of his brother, Justin Hogan, where they would open the package and extract the drugs. Edward Hogan would then reseal the empty package and deliver it to the destination.
The brothers distributed the stolen drugs to third parties for profit.
Through this scheme, Edward and Justin Hogan stole and then sold more than 100 pounds of marijuana and two kilograms of cocaine.
On November 9, 2013, law enforcement surveilled Edward Hogan as he intercepted a package containing approximately two kilograms of cocaine that was delivered to the Waterbury Main Post Office on Grand Street. He then transported the parcel to his residence. Justin Hogan arrived at the residence a short time later and opened the package in Edward Hogan’s presence.
On August 7, 2014, Edward Hogan pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and one count of embezzlement of mail by a U.S. Postal Employee.
On the same date, Justin Hogan pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and one count of receipt of stolen mail matter. On December 4, 2014, he was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher M. Mattei.
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[email protected]New Haven Drug Dealer Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHIRROD HENDERSON, also known as “Rizz,” 35, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 64 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from “Operation Bloodline,” a joint law enforcement investigation targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in the Dwight-Kensington and Fair Haven sections of New Haven. Led by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the New Haven and Hamden Police Departments, the year-long investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps on numerous telephones, extensive physical surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, execution of search warrants, and seizures of narcotics and firearms. More than 100 individuals were charged as a result of the investigation.
HENDERSON has been detained since his arrest on July 12, 2012. On September 9, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
HENDERSON’s criminal history includes a state conviction for burglary in the second degree, and a prior federal conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia and Meriden Police Departments. The United States Marshals Service, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, Parole and Community Services and the Milford, Hartford, New Britain, North Branford and Stratford Police Departments provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Dave Vatti and Marc Silverman.
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[email protected]Manchester Man Sentenced to 54 Months in Federal Prison for Role in Three Armed Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LEROY McCOY, 49, of Manchester, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 54 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for committing violent bank robberies in Southbury, Cromwell and Wallingford.
According to court documents and statements made in court, McCOY, Michael Morris and Keith Sutherland conspired to commit the armed robberies of the Naugatuck Savings Bank in Southbury on April 20, 2011, the Webster Bank in Cromwell on October 7, 2011, and the Connex Credit Union in Wallingford on April 19, 2012.
Prior to each robbery, Sutherland, with the knowledge of McCOY and Morris, stole a minivan in the New Haven area. Upon arriving at each victim bank, McCOY, Morris and two other individuals, wearing masks and armed with handguns, burst into the bank and ordered employees and customers to the ground. They then forced a bank employee to open the vault, stuffed money taken from the vault and teller drawers into duffle bags, exited the bank fled in the stolen vehicle.
A total of approximately $230,000 was taken during the three robberies.
McCOY has been detained since his arrest on October 4, 2013. On September 11, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit armed bank robbery.
McCOY’s criminal history includes nine convictions for felony offenses, including robbery.
Morris and Sutherland have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBI, the Connecticut State Police, and the Cromwell, Wallingford, Fairfield and Orange Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
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[email protected]Southeastern Connecticut Cocaine Trafficker Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PEDRO RIVERA, also known as “Cheito,” 36, of Groton, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in early 2012, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), the U.S. Secret Service and the New London Police Department initiated an investigation to combat the large-scale trafficking of heroin and cocaine from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico into and around southeastern Connecticut. The investigation revealed that certain members of the conspiracy coordinated the shipment of heroin, and sometimes cocaine, via human couriers from the Dominican Republic to the United States. Other members of the conspiracy obtained kilogram-quantities of cocaine in Puerto Rico and then mailed the drug to locations in and around New London where it was sold to distributors and customers. Narcotics were also obtained from sources in New York City and Rhode Island.
More than 100 individuals were charged with federal and state offenses as a result of this investigation.
According to statements made in court, RIVERA arranged the shipment of cocaine from sources in Puerto Rico to the New London area. RIVERA’s cocaine trafficking operation was assisted by individuals who lived in and around Morovis, Puerto Rico, including his parents, Juan Rivera Ortiz and Ivette Pagan Rodriguez. RIVERA then distributed the cocaine to customers in southeastern Connecticut through a network of associates.
RIVERA is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on March 3, 2015, at which time he faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years. RIVERA has been in custody since his arrest on April 3, 2013.
Rivera Ortiz and Pagan Rodriguez pleaded guilty on November 24, 2014, and await sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Secret Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Air and Marine; Connecticut State Police; New London Police Department, Norwich Police Department, Waterford Police Department, Groton Town Police Department, East Lyme Police Department and Putnam Police Department. The United States Marshals Service; ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations; Drug Enforcement Administration; HSI Assistant Attaché, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; HSI Arecibo, Puerto Rico Resident Office; Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation; Connecticut Department of Correction, Parole and Community Services; and the Groton City, Willimantic, New Haven and Bristol Police Departments have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
The federal case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah P. Karwan, Alina P. Reynolds and Henry K. Kopel. The state cases are being prosecuted by the State’s Attorney for the New London Judicial District and Senior Assistant State’s Attorneys Paul Narducci and Stephen Carney.
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[email protected]Former Connecticut Resident Charged with Attempting to Travel to China with Stolen U.S. Military Program DocumentsRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that YU LONG, 36, formerly of New Haven, Conn., has been arrested and charged with attempting to travel to China with sensitive proprietary documents that set forth detailed equations and test results used in the development of technologically advanced titanium for U.S. military aircraft. The documents were taken from a Connecticut defense contractor where LONG had been employed.
LONG was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on November 7, 2014 at a residence in Ithaca, N.Y., after he had attempted, two days earlier, to fly to China from Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, in the possession of the sensitive, proprietary material. LONG initially appeared in federal court in Syracuse, N.Y., on November 8 and 10, 2014, where he was ordered detained pending his transport to Connecticut to face the charges.
LONG appeared this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport, Conn., who ordered the criminal complaint to be unsealed and LONG to remain in custody.
As alleged in the complaint affidavit and in statements made in court, LONG holds Chinese citizenship and is a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. From approximately August 2008 to May 2014, LONG worked as a Senior Engineer / Scientist at a research and development center for a major defense contractor in Connecticut (“Company A”). Both during and after his employment there, LONG traveled to the People’s Republic of China. Most recently, on August 19, 2014, LONG returned to the U.S. from China through John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and, during a secondary inspection screening by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, LONG was found in the possession of $10,000.00 in undeclared U.S. cash, registration documents for a new corporation being set up in China, and a largely completed application for work with a state-controlled aviation and aerospace research center in China. The application materials highlighted certain of LONG’s work history and experiences that he claimed to have obtained while employed at Company A, including work on F119 and F135 engines. The F119 engine is employed by the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft, and the F135 engine is employed by the U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft.
According to the criminal complaint and statements made in court, on November 5, 2014, LONG boarded a flight from Ithaca to Newark Liberty International Airport, with a final destination of China. During LONG’s layover in Newark, CBP officers inspected LONG’s checked baggage and discovered that it contained, among other things, sensitive, proprietary and export controlled documents from another major defense contractor, located outside the state of Connecticut (“Company B”). Further investigation determined that the U.S. Air Force had convened a consortium of major defense contractors, including Company A and Company B, to work together to see whether they could collectively lower the costs of certain metals used. As part of those efforts, members of the consortium shared technical data, subject to stringent restrictions on further dissemination. Company B reviewed the Company B documents found in LONG’s possession at Newark Liberty Airport and confirmed that it provided the documents to Company A as part of the consortium. Company B further confirmed that LONG was never an employee of Company B. A review of Company A computer records indicated that LONG had printed the documents while employed at Company A. The documents bore warnings that they contained sensitive, proprietary and export controlled material, which could not be copied or communicated to a third party. Moreover, since 1989, the U.S. has imposed a prohibition upon the export to China of all U.S. defense articles and associated technical data as a result of the conduct in June 1989 at Tiananmen Square by the military of the People’s Republic of China.
The complaint charges LONG with transporting, transmitting and transferring in interstate or foreign commerce goods obtained by theft, conversion, or fraud. The charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that a complaint is only a charge and 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 led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in New Haven in coordination with Homeland Security Investigations in New Haven and Newark. U.S. Attorney Daly also thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Ithaca, Syracuse and Newark, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Service in New York and Newark, and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Northern District of New York and the District of New Jersey, for their efforts and assistance in this matter.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Reynolds and Krishna Patel of the District of Connecticut, and Trial Attorney Brian Fleming of the Justice Department’s Counterespionage Section (CES).
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[email protected]Shelton Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Preparing and Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that BELLARMIN NAMEGABE, 46, of Shelton, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty yesterday in Bridgeport federal court to preparing false tax returns.
According to court documents and statements made in court, NAMEGABE, while operating a tax preparation business based in Shelton, falsely reported expenses, deductions and credits on numerous clients’ tax returns without his clients’ knowledge or consent. The false returns included fabricated Schedule A’s, Schedule C’s, number of dependents, fuel tax credits and other items.
As part of the investigation, special agents with the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division interviewed 11 of NAMEGABE’s clients who stated that NAMEGABE had falsified their returns. In addition, as part of an undercover operation, an agent simply dropped off his Form W-2 at NAMEGABE’s business, provided his name and some identifying information, such as his Social Security Number, and left. With the information provided, the undercover agent was only entitled to a refund of $632. Approximately two weeks later, the undercover agent’s return was posted to the IRS database. The return was prepared falsely and generated a refund of $3,235.
NAMEGABE pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return, a charge that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Warren W. Eginton on February 26, 2014.
NAMEGABE also has agreed to pay back taxes, penalties and interest related to the false tax returns he prepared during the 2007 through 2011 tax years for the 11 individuals who were interviewed as part of the investigation. The tax loss attributed to those false returns is approximately $240,196.
This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
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[email protected]New Haven Man Involved in Crack Distribution Ring Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that VINCENT CLARK, also known as “Nu-Nu” and “Duke,” 33, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 140 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from “Operation Bloodline,” a joint law enforcement investigation targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in the Dwight-Kensington and Fair Haven sections of New Haven. Led by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the New Haven and Hamden Police Departments, the year-long investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps on numerous telephones, extensive physical surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, execution of search warrants, and seizures of narcotics and firearms. More than 100 individuals were charged as a result of the investigation.
The investigation revealed that Kevin Wilson, also known as “Nature,” operated a large-scale drug trafficking operation in the greater New Haven area. CLARK served as Wilson’s “right-hand man,” assisting Wilson in the conversion of cocaine to crack cocaine, the delivery of crack to customers and the collection of drug proceeds.
On April 19, 2012, before he was indicted on federal charges, law enforcement officers attempted to arrest CLARK pursuant to an outstanding state arrest warrant, apprehended him after a foot chase and recovered multiple baggies of crack cocaine from his person. He has been detained since his arrest. On April 5, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).
CLARK’s criminal history includes prior convictions for drug offenses and for acts of violence.
Wilson has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia and Meriden Police Departments. The United States Marshals Service, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, Parole and Community Services and the Milford, Hartford, New Britain, North Branford and Stratford Police Departments have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Dave Vatti and Marc Silverman.
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[email protected]Waterbury Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking Cocaine Stolen from the U.S. MailRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JUSTIN HOGAN, 34, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine stolen from the U.S. Mail.
This matter stems from a federal investigation into the use of the mails to transport narcotics from Puerto Rico to the greater Waterbury area.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Justin Hogan’s brother, Edward Hogan, was employed by the U.S. Postal Service as a supervisor of customer service assigned to the Plaza Station Post Office in Waterbury. From approximately January 2012 to August 2013, Edward Hogan used his position with the U.S. Postal Service to profile packages that he believed contained illegal drugs by making note of the originating address, destination address, size of the package and value of the postage. Upon identifying a package that likely contained narcotics, Edward Hogan would steal the package from the mail and bring it to his or Justin Hogan’s residence where they would open the package and extract the drugs. Edward Hogan would then reseal the empty package and deliver it to the destination.
The brothers distributed the stolen drugs to third parties for profit.
Through this scheme, Edward and Justin Hogan stole and then sold more than 100 pounds of marijuana and two kilograms of cocaine.
On November 9, 2013, law enforcement surveilled Edward Hogan as he intercepted a package containing approximately two kilograms of cocaine that was delivered to the Waterbury Main Post Office on Grand Street. He then transported the parcel to his residence. Justin Hogan arrived at the residence a short time later and opened the package in Edward Hogan’s presence.
On August 7, 2014, Justin Hogan pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and one count of receipt of stolen mail matter. On the same date, Edward Hogan pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and one count of embezzlement of mail by a U.S. Postal Employee.
Edward Hogan is scheduled to be sentenced on December 11.
This case has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher M. Mattei.
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[email protected]New Haven Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing AmmunitionRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RICHARD DAVIS, also known as “Quan Bezel,” 21, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing ammunition.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 10, 2014, DAVIS possessed 15 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition. Prior to that date, DAVIS had been convicted of multiple felony offenses, including carrying a pistol without a permit, theft of a firearm and sale of a controlled substance.
It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
This prosecution stems from Project Longevity, a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence. A critical component of the Project Longevity strategy is the “call-in,” a face-to-face meeting where Project Longevity partners engage group members and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it.
DAVIS and several associates attended a call-in in November 2012.
DAVIS has been detained since his arrest on February 27, 2014. On July 30, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of ammunition by a previously convicted felon.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Haven and West Haven Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney H. Gordon Hall.
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[email protected]Milford Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Heroin Connected to Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RYAN RUSSOW, 29, of Milford, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from November 2013 to April 2014, RUSSOW obtained heroin from a source in New Haven and then distributed the drug out of his residence on Stone Manor Drive to customers. On March 12, 2014, RUSSOW sold a number of bags of heroin, stamped “Much Better,” to R.P., 26, of Milford. Later that day, R.P. was found deceased at his residence in Milford. In R.P.’s room, law enforcement officers located two empty bags of heroin stamped “Much Better,” and two full bags bearing the same stamp.
Drug Enforcement Administration analysis confirmed that the full bags contained heroin with a purity level of approximately 76 percent, and the Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner concluded that R.P. died of heroin toxicity.
On March 19, 2014, the DEA executed a search warrant at RUSSOW’s residence and seized more than $19,000 in cash, a digital scale and drug packaging materials.
RUSSOW has been detained since his arrest on April 23, 2014.
RUSSOW is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton on February 26, 2014, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
RUSSOW faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.
This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and the Milford Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan.
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[email protected]Milford Man Admits Theft of $292k in Ssa Benefits Deposited into Deceased Mother’s Bank AccountRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that WILLIAM E. CHASE, 69, of Milford, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty yesterday in Bridgeport federal court to one count of theft of public funds.
According to court documents and statements made in court, CHASE’s mother, a Social Security benefits recipient, died in November 1988. At the time of his mother’s death, CHASE was a co-signor on the checking account into which his mother’s monthly Social Security benefits were deposited. Despite the fact that CHASE was identified as the informant on his mother’s death certificate in 1988, he failed to notify the Social Security Administration of her death or take any steps to stop the monthly benefit payments. From the time of his mother’s death until May 2014, $307,396 in Social Security benefits were direct deposited into the bank account controlled by CHASE. CHASE utilized more than $292,000 of the deposited benefits for his personal use and enjoyment.
In May 2014, the bank returned the remaining balance of the checking account, approximately $14,761, to the Social Security Administration.
CHASE is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill on February 25, 2015, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of up to approximately $600,000, and mandatory restitution.
This matter is being investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General – Office of Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau and Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia Enos King.
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[email protected]Hartford Man Admits Role in 2010 MurderRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KERONN MILLER, also known as “Fresh,” 24, of Hartford pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to aiding and abetting in the murder of Ian Francis of Hartford.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 21, 2010, Ian Francis was shot multiple times while sitting in his vehicle on Sigourney Street in Hartford. Francis died as a result of his injuries on January 15, 2011.
In pleading guilty, MILLER admitted that he enticed Francis to Sigourney Street understanding that the plan was to murder Francis when he arrived there. MILLER also admitted that he participated in this plot in order to assist someone else who wanted to prevent a third person from communicating with federal law enforcement and to prevent a person’s attendance at an official federal proceeding.
MILLER pleaded guilty to one count of witness tampering – second degree murder, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of life. Under the terms of the plea agreement, if accepted by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea, MILLER faces a sentence of 168 to 210 months of imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for May 26, 2015.
“There is no higher priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office than addressing violent crime in our cities and prosecuting violent offenders,” stated U.S. Attorney Daly. “This case is particularly important to the federal authorities as the investigation made clear that the victim was killed as part of a plan to undermine and obstruct federal law enforcement proceedings. We commend the FBI Task Force and the Hartford Police Department for their excellent investigative work in bringing to justice one of those responsible for this murder. We also thank them for their continued and diligent work in this ongoing investigation.”
MILLER has been detained since his arrest on November 7, 2012.
A trial in the matter of MILLER’s co-defendant is scheduled for March 2015.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes and Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department’s Major Crimes Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Leaming and Jennifer Laraia.
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[email protected]Armed Bridgeport Crack Dealer Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JONATHAN COLON, 27, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Warren E. Eginton in Bridgeport to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for possessing with intent to distribute crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 10, 2013, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at COLON’s one-room apartment on Birmingham Street in Bridgeport and found approximately 62 grams of crack cocaine packaged for street sale. Officers also located a loaded .223 caliber Bushmaster XM15-E2S assault rifle under COLON’s mattress. COLON, who was in the apartment at the time of the search, admitted to officers that he purchased the rifle the previous day for a combination of cash and crack.
COLON has been detained since his arrest on January 10, 2013. On July 25, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
COLON’s criminal history includes multiple felony convictions. In December 2008, he was arrested for possessing a .45 caliber automatic handgun and crack cocaine and subsequently served three years in prison for that offense. He was arrested in this case approximately six weeks after he release from state prison.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
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[email protected]Hartford Man Sentenced to 71 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing Heroin, FirearmsRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JOSHUA SAEZ, 24, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 71 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for possessing heroin, which he stole from a drug dealer, and two handguns.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2013, the DEA’s Hartford Task Force began an investigation into the narcotics distribution activities of Luis Fernandez of East Hartford. The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Fernandez’s family members and associates in southern California shipped heroin, cocaine and marijuana to Fernandez at various addresses in the Hartford area. Fernandez, who also was supplied with narcotics from individuals in New York, sold the drugs locally to other dealers and customers.
During the course of the investigation, SAEZ and Eric Colon made arrangements to obtain approximately 140 grams of heroin from co-defendant Jose Rivera-Baron. While under law enforcement surveillance, Rivera-Baron met with Colon and SAEZ in the parking lot of a restaurant on Franklin Avenue in Hartford. Following the meeting, Colon drove away at high rate of speed. Investigators believed that Rivera-Baron had been robbed and pursued Colon’s car. SAEZ exited the car and was taken into custody. A search of his person revealed two handguns and 138.1 grams of heroin.
The investigation revealed that SAEZ and Colon had stolen the heroin from Rivera-Baron.
The quantity of heroin that SAEZ possessed would have produced nearly 7000 individual dosage bags and had a street value of approximately $35,000.
Prior to August 2013, SAEZ had been convicted of a felony assault charge. 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.
SAEZ has been detained since his arrest. On September 9, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
More than 20 individuals have been charged with narcotics distribution and related offenses as a result of this investigation. Fernandez, Colon and Rivera-Baron have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This investigation has been led by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force, including personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office and the Bristol, Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Newington, and Wethersfield Police Departments. Agencies assisting the investigation include the DEA in New Haven, Bridgeport, Los Angeles and Panama, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut State Police, State of Connecticut Office of Adult Probation, and the Hartford, East Hartford and New Britain Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Dave Vatti and Gabriel J. Vidoni.
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[email protected]Former New Britain Resident Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification ActRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CTDeirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CHRISTOPHER T. AGRITELLY, 30, formerly of New Britain, Conn., and Tempe, Ariz., pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to failing to register as a sex offender.
The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”), which was passed by Congress in 2006 as part of the Adam Walsh Act, provides a comprehensive set of minimum standards for sex offender registration and notification in the United States and seeks to strengthen the nationwide network of sex offender registration and notification programs. In part, SORNA requires registered sex offenders to register and keep their registration current in each jurisdiction in which they reside, work, or go to school.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in September 2007, AGRITELLY was convicted in Connecticut Superior Court in New Britain of first degree sexual abuse and was sentenced to a term of incarceration of 15 years, execution suspended, seven years to serve, followed by 15 years of probation and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. When he was released from prison in February 2013, AGRITELLY was informed of his registration obligations under SORNA.
AGRITELLY initially complied with Connecticut Sex Offender Registry requirements while he resided in New Britain after his release from prison. However, in August 2013, he failed to respond to an address verification request and a subsequent Notice of Violation sent by the Sex Offender Registry Unit.
AGRITELLY also failed to report to his state probation officer and the state obtained an arrest warrant for him for a violation of the terms and conditions of his probation.
On January 29, 2014, AGRITELLY was arrested by law enforcement in Tempe, Ariz., pursuant to the probation violation warrant issued in Connecticut. He never registered as a sex offender in Arizona.
AGRITELLY has been detained since his arrest. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on February 27, 2014, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.
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[email protected]Bridgeport Man Who Trafficked Firearms Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYQUAN PORTER, also known as “T.Y.,” 27, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
This matter stems from “Operation Samson,” a multi-layered initiative headed by the ATF and the Bridgeport and New Haven Police Departments that targeted violent criminals, illegal firearm possession and firearm trafficking. In the spring of 2014, approximately 40 ATF special agents and personnel from Connecticut and across the country were deployed with New Haven and Bridgeport Police to conduct numerous covert operations.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2014, PORTER sold a .40 caliber rifle, a .380 caliber pistol with a high capacity magazine, and a 7.62x39 mm caliber rifle to an undercover ATF officer. PORTER also provided a loaded .38 caliber revolver with an obliterated serial number and a faulty trigger mechanism to the undercover ATF officer to repair.
PORTER was previously convicted in state court of a felony narcotics offense. 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.
PORTER is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton on March 2, 2015, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
PORTER was arrested on May 12, 2014, and is currently released on a $150,000 bond.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
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[email protected]Two Men Admit Participation in Check Fraud RingRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that two men involved in a check fraud ring have pleaded guilty in Hartford federal court. BENJII CARR, also known as Rodrick Lawon Davis, 39, of New Haven and North Carolina, pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. LANGSTON XAVIER NEAL, 37, of Charlotte, North Carolina, pleaded guilty to the same charge yesterday.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between July 2010 and May 2011, CARR, NEAL and Brandon Key Bentley obtained stolen checks, recruited “runners” who cashed the checks, and altered the checks to list the runners as the lawful payees. The three individuals drove the runners to several Connecticut bank branches and directed them to enter the banks and cash the checks. The runners were paid a small part of the cash proceeds. Through this scheme, 39 checks totaling $114,102.34 were altered and presented to banks, and 37 of those checks totaling $104,070.94 were cashed by the banks.
On September 9, 2014, Bentley, 31, of New Haven, also pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
CARR, NEAL and Bentley are scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in February 2015. Each defendant faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years and a fine of up to $1 million.
This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, along with the Connecticut Financial Fraud Task Force and the Branford, Madison, Middlebury, Milford, New Britain, New Haven, New Milford, North Branford, Waterbury, Woodbridge and Southbury Police Departments. U.S Attorney Daly also acknowledged the cooperation and assistance of the State’s Attorney’s Offices for the Judicial Districts of New Haven, Waterbury, Fairfield and Tolland. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry K. Kopel.
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[email protected]Torrington Resident Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Real Estate Fraud Schemes, Obstructing JusticeRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that THOMAS PROVENZANO, 48, of Torrington, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a series of fraudulent real estate transactions.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in November 2005, PROVENZANO obtained a $923,200 loan to purchase a lakefront home located at 27 Palmer Road in Morris for more than $1.1 million, despite lacking the income and savings to pay off the mortgage. The property was owned by an entity controlled by a co-conspirator and, on the mortgage loan application, PROVENZANO falsely listed his employment with a company owned by his co-conspirator. In fact, PROVENZANO never worked at the company. The application also falsely listed PROVENZANO’s income as $20,000 per month when, in fact, his annual income was less than $50,000. The company subsequently provided verification for the false employment and income information on the loan application.
In November 2006, PROVENZANO refinanced the loan, obtaining a $936,000 mortgage from a federally insured bank. The new loan application, like the prior application, falsely listed PROVENZANO as employed by the same company as in the original loan application, and falsely listed his monthly income as $28,000, equal to $336,000 annually. The company again provided verification for the false information on the loan application.
The loan is now in default, and the Palmer Road property is now in foreclosure.
In May and June 2010, PROVENZANO and the same co-conspirator learned that the FBI and IRS were investigating the real estate and mortgage transactions involving the Palmer Road property. Among other things, the federal agents were examining a discrepancy in the closing documents, which showed that PROVENZANO had been obligated to make a down payment of approximately $249,000, but had never paid it. PROVENZANO and his co-conspirator met and created a false promissory note in the amount of approximately $249,000, and backdated the note to November 2005, to serve as an explanation of why the $249,000 down payment had never been paid at the closing. In June 2010, PROVENZANO agreed to be interviewed by the FBI and IRS. During the interview he falsely claimed that he had not needed to make the down payment in November 2005 because he had signed a promissory note to the seller for the same amount. Later that same month, PROVENZANO met with the FBI and IRS agents and provided them with a copy of the false, backdated promissory note.
As part of a separate conspiracy, in December 2009 and January 2010, PROVENZANO, the same co-conspirator and others engaged in a series of discussions about how to defraud a title insurance company. According to the discussions, the scheme involves a real property sale based on a deliberately defective title search, where one or more liens on the property are deliberately omitted from the title search report. After the property is sold and title insurance is issued, the conspirators arrange an event that triggers a new title search, such as a resale of the property. The “overlooked” liens turn up, providing the conspirators with a legal claim against, and a large payout from, the title insurer.
The conspirators attempted the scheme on a property held in the name of an entity controlled by PROVENZANO’s co-conspirator located at 66 Donahue Road Extension in Litchfield. PROVENZANO assisted in a title search of the property in January 2010, but then ceased to participate in the scheme. The property was later sold in March 2010 to his co-conspirator’s brother, and title insurance was issued based upon a defective title search. Three liens against the property, totaling approximately $990,000, had been deliberately omitted from the title search report.
PROVENZANO was ordered to pay $299,000 in restitution.
On January 9, 2014, PROVENZANO waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty to one count ofconspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice and one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.
Four other individuals who are alleged to be involved in these schemes have been charged by indictment and are awaiting trial.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry Kopel.
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[email protected]New London Man Admits Unlawfully Possessing Ammunition in Connection with New London ShootingRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WEST ROBERTSON, also known as “Po,” 32, of New London, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to unlawfully possessing ammunition in connection with a recent shooting in New London.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 29, 2014, in the vicinity of Maple Avenue in New London, ROBERTSON became involved in an altercation with another individual and shot the victim several times. ROBERTSON then fled the scene.
The victim’s injuries were not life-threatening.
Eyewitness accounts identified ROBERTSON as the shooter, and a video surveillance camera captured his girlfriend’s car fleeing the scene of the shooting. Police also recovered ammunition shell casings in the Maple Avenue area.
ROBERTSON was arrested on June 6, 2014. The firearm he used in the shooting was later recovered.
ROBERTSON has multiple state felony convictions including those for robbery, kidnapping and possession of narcotics. 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.
ROBERTSON pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition. At sentencing, ROBERTSON faces up to 10 years of imprisonment. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.
ROBERTSON has been detained since his arrest.
This matter is being investigated by the New London Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Karwan.
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[email protected]Bridgeport Man Admits Role in Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ERIC WATKINS, 26, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to one count of mail fraud in connection with a stolen check scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, WATKINS was involved in a scheme with his cousin, Dayquan Jackson, also known as “Quan” and “DaeDae,” in which Jackson and others stole mail from residences in Fairfield County throughout 2013 and 2014 in order to obtain either blank checks or credit card “convenience checks.” Jackson and others then used some of the stolen checks to purchase cars, motorcycles, and all-terrain vehicles listed for sale on the Internet from unsuspecting victims in surrounding states. Some of the stolen checks also were provided to “runners” who deposited the checks into their bank accounts. Jackson and others then withdrew the funds from the accounts.
In December 2013, WATKINS sent via FedEx a fraudulent check stolen from the mail of a Connecticut victim to an unsuspecting individual in New Jersey who had posted an all-terrain vehicle for sale on Craigslist, for the purpose of obtaining the vehicle.
Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for February 19, 2015, at which time WATKINS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000.
WATKINS was arrested on August 22, 2014. He currently is released on bond.
Jackson has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with substantial assistance from the Connecticut Financial Fraud Task Force and the Greenwich, Fairfield, Wilton and Bridgeport Police Departments, as well as law enforcement in New Hampshire. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc Silverman and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.
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[email protected]Fifth Defendant in Eli Lilly Warehouse Theft Case Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
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The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut announced that RAFAEL LOPEZ, 50, a citizen of Cuba residing in Miami, Fla., pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to a federal charge related to the theft of pharmaceuticals from an Eli Lilly Company warehouse and storage facility in Enfield, Conn.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in early 2010, Amaury Villa, Amed Villa, Yosmany Nunez and Alexander Marquez planned to steal pharmaceuticals from the Eli Lilly Company warehouse and storage facility in Enfield. The investigation revealed that, in March 2010, LOPEZ agreed to drive Amed Villa from Florida to Connecticut and back as Amed Villa did not possess a driver’s license. Prior to the theft, LOPEZ rented a hotel room for himself and Amed Villa in Flushing, N.Y. In Flushing, LOPEZ accompanied Amed Villa to a Home Depot where they purchased approximately $757 worth of tools with cash. They then traveled to Connecticut.
In the evening of March 13, 2010, individuals involved in the theft dropped off a ladder in the rear parking lot of the warehouse facility and left. That same night, Marquez drove a tractor trailer to the facility. Thereafter, Amed Villa and Amaury Villa carried the ladder to the building, checked for security in the front area, climbed onto the roof, used the tools purchased from Home Depot to cut a hole in the facility roof, dropped down into the facility and disabled the alarm system. Amaury Villa, Amed Villa and Nunez then loaded more than 40 pallets of pharmaceuticals into the tractor trailer, which had been backed up to the loading dock of the warehouse.
The pallets of pharmaceuticals included thousands of boxes Zyprexa, Cymbalta, Prozac, Gemzar and other medicines, valued between $50 and $100 million.
Lopez waited outside the warehouse during the burglary and, several times, contacted Amed Villa and Amaury Villa by phone to ask what was taking so long.
After the theft, the participants split up in Connecticut and Marquez drove the tractor trailer to Florida. As LOPEZ drove Amed Villa back to Florida, he was told that Amed Villa and Amaury Villa had stolen a tractor trailer truck.
Certain individuals involved in the theft reunited in Florida so the stolen pharmaceuticals could be transferred from the tractor trailer into self-storage units in the Miami area.
On October 14, 2011, law enforcement authorities searched a storage facility in Florida and recovered pharmaceuticals that had been stolen from the Enfield warehouse.
LOPEZ, who was arrested on April 21, 2014, pleaded guilty today to one count of misprision of a felony, admitting that he was aware of the theft from the Eli Lilly warehouse and that the stolen property was transported across state lines, and that he not only failed to report the offense to the authorities, but took steps to conceal it.
LOPEZ is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arteron on February 18, 2015, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years. He currently is released on bond.
Amaury Villa, Amed Villa, Nunez and Marquez have all pleaded guilty to various charges and await sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Enfield Police Department, with the assistance of several other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and federal, state and local law enforcement agencies that have been investigating large-scale thefts of pharmaceuticals and other products.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anastasia E. King and Douglas P. Morabito.
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[email protected]West Haven Man Admits Embezzling Funds from Bank in New Canaan Where He Was EmployedRead the Press Release
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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STEPHEN DeCRESCENZO, 37, of West Haven, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to one count of wire fraud stemming from an embezzlement scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, DeCRESCENZO was employed as personal banker for JPMorgan Chase Bank in New Canaan. Between approximately September 2008 and November 2011, DeCRESCENZO embezzled $106,028 in funds from customer accounts by transferring the funds into a separate customer account to which he had access. As part of his scheme, DeCRESCENZO disguised numerous withdrawals from the accounts as authorized cash withdrawals by customers when, in fact, he had stolen the money. DeCRESCENZO also wired funds stolen from a customer account into another bank account for his personal benefit.
Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for February 17, 2015, at which time DeCRESCENZO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
DeCRESCENZO was released on a $50,000 bond.
DeCRESCENZO, who was a member of the West Haven City Council, resigned from the Council today.
This investigation is being conducted by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, the Greenwich Police Department and the New Canaan Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
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