District of Connecticut

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DARRICK COLLETTE, 33, of Thompson, formerly of Putnam, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 19, 2013, an FBI special agent logged onto a publicly available Internet file sharing network and downloaded images and videos of child pornography from a computer connected to the network with an Internet Protocol (IP) address assigned to COLLETTE’s residence while he was living in Putnam.   During a search of the residence on June 13, 2013, law enforcement officers seized computers and multiple external hard drives.  COLLETTE was arrested at that time after he admitted that he had been downloading and trading child pornography over the Internet for more than 10 years.

Forensic analysis of COLLETTE’s computers and hard drives revealed more than 600 image files and videos of child pornography. 

COLLETTE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000.  A sentencing date is not yet scheduled.  He has been released on a bond and electronic monitoring since his arrest.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.  The Connecticut State Police and Putnam Police Department assisted in the search of COLLETTE’s residence.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STEPHEN GOODRICH, 57, of Rocky Hill, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford to one count of mail fraud and one count of subscribing to a false tax return.  The charges stem from GOODRICH’s operation of an investment scheme that defrauded investors out of more than $1.8 million.

According to court documents and statements made in court, GOODRICH formerly resided in Bristol where he conducted an investment business using the name Goodrich Financial.  Although GOODRICH was not a licensed or registered investment adviser, he provided a business card to some investors that falsely represented that he was licensed to conduct an investment business.  Beginning in approximately 2006 and continuing to approximately November 2012, GOODRICH engaged in a scheme to defraud individuals who had provided him with investment funds by failing to invest the funds as represented, and by using some of the investment funds for his personal use.  At times, GOODRICH also used new investor funds to return the principal investment to older investors as is often done in Ponzi schemes.  In order to prevent his investors from becoming aware of the scheme, GOODRICH provided written performance summaries to his investors that falsely represented the value of their investments.  More than ten investors collectively lost more than $1.8 million as a result of this scheme.

During the years 2007 to 2011, GOODRICH used more than $600,000 of the investors’ funds for his personal use without disclosing this income on his federal tax returns.  As a result, GOODRICH owes $239,443 in additional federal taxes, plus interest and penalties.

GOODRICH is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on December 30, 2014, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 23 years, a fine of up to approximately $3.6 million and an order of restitution.

GOODRICH is released on a $25,000 bond.

This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Banking.  The case is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Richard J. Schechter.

Citizens are encouraged to report any financial fraud schemes by calling, toll free, 855-236-9740, or by sending an email to [email protected].

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Ferguson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced the arrests of OMAR ANDRADE, 29, of Norwalk; and JOEL A. ESTRELLA-DISLA, 24, and WILMER ANTONIO GOMEZ-RODRIGUEZ, 28, both of New York, N.Y., on heroin trafficking charges.

As alleged in the criminal complaint, this matter stems from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Norwalk Police Department into suspected cocaine and heroin distribution by ANDRADE.  In September 2014, ANDRADE agreed to provide one kilogram of heroin to a DEA Task Force officer acting in an undercover capacity.  ANDRADE, ESTRELLA and GOMEZ were arrested on September 30 after they delivered approximately one kilogram of heroin to a pre-arranged location in Norwalk. 

The three defendants appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport and were ordered detained.

Each defendant is charged with one count conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, one kilogram or more of heroin, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and a fine of up to $10 million.

U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that a criminal complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  The defendants are entitled to a fair trial at which it is the Government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and the Norwalk Police Department.  The Task Force includes personnel from the Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford and Milford Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney H. Gordon Hall.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL STANLEY, 25, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 1, 2014, New Haven police officers observed STANLEY walking on Kensington Street in New Haven.  At the time, STANLEY was wanted by the State of Connecticut Division of Parole.  When the officers approached STANLEY in their marked car, STANLEY reached into his waistband, pulled his hood over his head, and walked in the opposite direction.  After police stopped and exited the car, STANLEY ran, reached into his waistband area and threw an object. Officers apprehended STANLEY a short distance away.

A search of the area where STANLEY discarded an object revealed a fully-loaded Glock semi-automatic pistol that had been reported stolen in New Haven.  In addition, a search of STANLEY’s person revealed crack cocaine packaged for sale.

Subsequent forensic analysis of the firearm revealed DNA consistent with STANLEY’s DNA.
STANLEY has multiple prior felony convictions.  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.

STANLEY has been detained since his arrest on February 1.  On July 15, 2014, 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 New Haven Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE ROQUE, 47, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 180 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.  On May 16, 2014, a jury found ROQUE guilty of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

According to the evidence presented during the trial, on September 1, 2010, Bridgeport Police responded to a residential burglary call.  When they arrived, the complainant described the burglar and the vehicle he drove from the scene.  Later that day, officers spotted ROQUE driving the car and attempted to stop him.  After a chase, which involved multiple police cars, ROQUE was stopped, but he refused to exit the vehicle.  As one officer attempted to remove him, a second officer approached from the other side of the car and saw a brown gun handle tucked along the right side of the driver’s seat.  After ROQUE made a movement toward the gun, the second officer kicked in the passenger window of the vehicle.  ROQUE was taken out of the vehicle and tasered when he pushed back at officers.

A search of the vehicle revealed a .38 caliber Smith & Wesson SPL Model #64-2 handgun at the side of the driver’s seat. 

ROQUE’s criminal history includes several state felony convictions, including convictions for robbery and burglary in 1984; assault and burglary in 1991; escape in 1992; burglary in 1993, and assault, attempted assault of an officer, attempted escape, attempted riot in an institution, and conspiracy to commit assault in 1994.

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.

ROQUE was sentenced pursuant to the Armed Career Criminal Act, a federal law imposing severe penalties for firearm or ammunition possession by persons who have been convicted of at least three violent felonies or serious drug offenses.  As an Armed Career Criminal, ROQUE faced a minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

This matter was investigated by the Bridgeport Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Rombeau.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FRANK METE, 57, of Berlin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 41 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately 2009 to November 2012, METE operated an investment fraud scheme in which he held himself out as a broker of hard money loans between investors and purported individual borrowers who were willing to borrow money at interest rates of 15 to 18 percent.  In fact, there were no such borrowers.  In order to induce the investors to extend loans to the purported borrowers through him as the broker, METE created false promissory notes, mortgage documents and other false records using the names of the fictitious borrowers.  After receiving from the victim investors checks that were made out to the purported borrowers, he forged the signatures on the checks and deposited the funds into several bank accounts he opened in the borrowers’ names.

Through this scheme, METE defrauded investors of approximately $1,191,610.50.  He used the funds to pay for various personal expenses.

METE also failed to file federal income tax returns from 2009 to 2012, causing a tax loss to the government of approximately $357,324.

METE was ordered to make full restitution to his victim investors.  He also was ordered to pay $666,851.84 in back taxes, penalties and interest to the Internal Revenue Service.

On December 4, 2013, METE pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of tax evasion.

METE has been detained in state custody on unrelated charges since November 8, 2013.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ARACELYS PICHARDO, 26, of Jersey City, New Jersey, waived her right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford to one count of theft of government property.

According to court documents and statements made in court, PICHARDO obtained fraudulent U.S. Treasury tax refund checks through her former boyfriend, Carlos Jose Luis, also known as Jose Quilestorres.  The checks were payable to individuals from Puerto Rico whose identities had been stolen and in whose names tax returns generating the refund checks had been filed by various scheme participants.  Between November 2011 and February 2012, PICHARDO provided at least 21 of these fraudulently obtained tax refund checks to Carlos Mateo.  Mateo gave the checks to Jeovany Rios, who cashed them at credit union branches in Bridgeport, Milford and Danbury with the assistance of Angel Castellano, a teller at the credit union.  Rios returned most of the funds to Mateo after taking a portion for himself and Castellano.  Mateo then gave a majority of the funds he received to PICHARDO who passed the money on to Luis.  Luis paid PICHARDO for her role in helping to transact the checks.

In total, PICHARDO provided Mateo with 21 U.S. Treasury tax refund checks totaling $137,860.70.

PICHARDO is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on December 29, 2014, at which time she faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

Mateo, Rios, and Castellano, all of Bridgeport, have pleaded guilty to charges related to this scheme.

In 2013, Luis pleaded guilty in both the Southern District of New York and the District of New Jersey, admitting that he was a leader of a scheme to steal more than $10 million in fraudulent federal tax refund checks.  He is currently serving a 108-month federal prison term.  (http://www.justice.gov/usao/nys/pressreleases/March14/QuilestorressentencingPR.php)

This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarala V. Nagala.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in New Haven has found RALPH CROZIER, 62, an attorney based in Seymour, guilty of money laundering offenses.  The trial before Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall began on September 16 and the jury returned its verdict this afternoon.

According to the evidence introduced during the trial, law enforcement began investigating CROZIER after receiving information from a convicted narcotics trafficker who was in federal custody.  The narcotics trafficker stated that he was a former client of CROZIER and that CROZIER had convinced him to invest $30,000 in cash into CROZIER’s law partner’s solar energy company.  CROZIER knew that the cash was derived from his client’s narcotics trafficking activities.

In 2013, the narcotics trafficker’s mother agreed to wear a recording device while meeting with CROZIER to discuss her son’s prior investment.  On April 11, 2013, the woman brought $11,000 in DEA funds to a meeting with CROZIER, representing that her son had hidden the cash and wanted her to bring it to CROZIER.  The conversation during the meeting made it clear that the money had been illegally derived from drug dealing.  CROZIER accepted the cash and told the woman that he was going to make out the receipt in her son’s name, stating “I don’t want to put your name on anything because I don’t want you involved with hiding things from the Feds.”  CROZIER was arrested shortly after the woman left his office.

CROZIER was convicted of one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and one count of attempt to launder monetary instruments.  Each charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $1 million.

Chief Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for December 18, 2014.

CROZIER is currently released on a $200,000 bond.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale and Robert Spector, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Rombeau.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CHRISTOPHER BRYAN COLEMAN, 25, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

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 sustained felony convictions, including sale of a 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 is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton on December 22, 2014, at with time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000 in fines.  He has been detained since his arrest on April 22.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Waterbury Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DONALD GLENN, 42, formerly of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 55 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for operating a bank fraud scheme while in federal custody at a Hartford halfway house, and then escaping.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2009, GLENN was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 78 months of imprisonment for running an extensive fraudulent check cashing scheme that involved more than 200 counterfeit business checks and 75 different bank branches in Connecticut.  Through this scheme, GLENN and his associates defrauded banks of more than $155,000.

On September 28, 2012, the Bureau of Prisons transferred GLENN to a halfway house in Hartford where he was to serve the final six months of his sentence.

In November 2012, while he was in federal custody in the Hartford halfway house, GLENN began to engage in another bank fraud scheme.  In December 2012, GLENN gave an individual a counterfeit check from a Connecticut business in the amount of $4,809.02, and gave a second individual a counterfeit check from the same business in the amount of $4,743.80.  At GLENN’s direction, the individuals deposited the checks into bank accounts and then withdrew a portion of the funds.

On March 27, 2013, GLENN left the halfway house without permission and did not return.

On April 2, 2013, GLENN deposited a counterfeit business check in the amount of $7,321.60 into a bank account he controlled in Connecticut and then withdrew a portion of the funds.

On August 2, 2013, GLENN was arrested in Florida on state charges.  He has been detained since his arrest.

On June 16, 2014, GLENN pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of escape from the custody of the Attorney General.

Judge Bryant ordered GLENN to pay restitution to two bank victims in the total amount of $9,687.94.
In addition to his 2009 federal conviction, GLENN’s criminal history includes a 1997 federal conviction for bank fraud and 16 state convictions.  GLENN still owes more than $300,000 in restitution to the victims of his two prior federal crimes.

This matter was investigated by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force and the U.S. Marshals Service.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anastasia E. King and David T. Huang.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WESLEY SKORSKI, 44, of Marlborough, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford to one count of introducing a misbranded drug into interstate commerce, in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

According to court documents and statements made in court, SKORSKI owns and operates 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.

SKORSKI is scheduled to be sentenced on December 16, 2014, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of one year and a fine of up to $1,000.

This investigation was conducted by special agents from the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon.

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A federal jury in New Haven has found former governor JOHN G. ROWLAND guilty of all seven counts of an indictment related to his efforts to conceal the extent of his involvement in two federal election campaigns.  The trial began on September 3 and the jury returned its verdict this afternoon.  ROWLAND, 57, of Middlebury, served as governor of Connecticut from 1995 to 2004, and in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1985 to 1991.

“Americans will not tolerate corrupt conduct in the electoral process,” stated First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.  “Lies and deception can never be accepted as politics as usual in Connecticut.  All voters have a right to know the truth when they cast their ballots.  I want to acknowledge the diligent work of the U.S. Postal Inspectors, who expertly investigated this scheme, and our trial team, who did an exemplary job in prosecuting this case. Together, these dedicated public servants have stood up for transparency, a vital piece of our electoral process.”

“The verdict in this case should give the public a sense that justice does prevail,” stated Shelly A. Binkowski, Inspector in Charge for the Boston Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  “Public officials are not immune from the law.  The two-year commitment by Postal Inspectors conducting this investigation was an enormous undertaking and truly a team effort with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  Postal Inspectors have a long history of protecting the public from complex fraud schemes.  We have the skills and expertise to ensure that anyone who commits a crime with this level of dishonesty and deceit be prosecuted and punished to the fullest extent of the law.”

According to evidence introduced during the trial, in approximately October 2009, ROWLAND devised a scheme to work for the campaign of a candidate seeking election to the U.S. House of Representatives from Connecticut’s Fifth Congressional District during the 2009 and 2010 election cycle, and to conceal from the Federal Election Commission (“FEC”) and the public that he would be paid to perform that work.  To make the illegal arrangement appear legitimate, ROWLAND drafted a sham consulting contract pursuant to which he would purportedly perform work for a separate corporate entity owned by the candidate.

During the 2011 and 2012 election cycle, another candidate, Lisa Wilson-Foley, was seeking election to the U.S. House of Representatives from Connecticut’s Fifth Congressional District.  Wilson-Foley’s husband, Brian Foley, owns a Connecticut nursing home company and a number of other related companies, including a real estate company.  ROWLAND conspired with Wilson-Foley, Foley and others 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 Wilson-Foley and Foley that he be hired to work on the campaign.  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, ROWLAND, Wilson-Foley and Foley agreed that ROWLAND would be paid by Foley to work on the campaign.  ROWLAND, Foley and others then 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.

The jury found ROWLAND guilty of two counts of falsification of records in a federal investigation, a charge that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count, one count of conspiracy, a charge that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, two counts of causing false statements to be made to the FEC, a charge that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years on each count, and two counts of causing illegal campaign contributions, a charge that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of one year on each count.

ROWLAND is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton on December 12, 2014.

In December 2004, ROWLAND pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit honest services mail fraud and tax fraud.  On March 18, 2005, he was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment and four months of home confinement.  He was also ordered to perform 300 hours of community service.

On March 31, 2014, Foley and Wilson-Foley each pleaded guilty to conspiring to make illegal campaign contributions.  They await sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Liam Brennan and Christopher Mattei.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYISHOUN MATHENEY, 20, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a convicted felon in possession of a loaded firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 17, 2013, MATHENEY possessed a stolen semi-automatic pistol loaded with seven bullets in the magazine.  MATHENEY was a member of the Grape Street Crips and claimed that he possessed the firearm for protection against members of a rival gang.  The investigation also revealed that MATHENEY was involved in the distribution of crack cocaine.

MATHENEY was previously convicted of a state burglary offense and, on October 17, 2012, was sentenced to five years of incarceration, 18 months to serve, 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.

On August 20, 2013, MATHENEY waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

This matter was investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, the New Haven, Hamden and Milford Police Departments, and the State of Connecticut Department of Correction. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and H. Gordon Hall.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Allison C. Lerner, Inspector General of the National Science Foundation, today announced that SCIENCEFRIDAY, INC. (“SCIENCE FRIDAY”) and IRA FLATOW, both individually and in his capacity as president of SCIENCE FRIDAY, have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the government in which SCIENCE FRIDAY and FLATOW will pay $145,531 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act and the common law in the management of a $998,554 federally-funded grant awarded to SCIENCE FRIDAY by the National Science Foundation (“NSF”) for the period between August 2009 and July 2011.  SCIENCE FRIDAY, a for-profit corporation based in Stamford, sought the funds from NSF for the purpose of extending the impact of its weekly National Public Radio program to a new and younger audience through the use of cyber-space platforms and interactive tools such as Facebook and Twitter.

In addition to payment of the settlement sum, SCIENCE FRIDAY and FLATOW voluntarily agreed to exclusion from participation in federal programs, grants, and contracts, or from providing services under grants and contracts, with the U.S. government, any department or agency of the U.S. government, or any projects, grants or contracts directly funded by the U.S. for a period of one year, commencing on the effective date of the settlement agreement.  SCIENCE FRIDAY and FLATOW also agreed to adhere to a five-year compliance plan, which shall be implemented upon the parties being identified in a proposal for an NSF grant as a possible recipient of NSF funds, in any capacity.

The investigation focused on allegations involving several types of mischarges to the federal grant.  The grant required that SCIENCE FRIDAY comply with several administrative requirements, including in part: (1) the submission and certification of quarterly Federal Financial Reports (“FFRs”) reporting the amounts of federal grant money expended in each financial quarter; (2) the submission and certification of advances or reimbursements of grant funds each time federal money was drawn down by the company; (3) the submission of a budget(s) detailing the expected use of the grant funds; (4) the establishment of an accounting system capable of recording grant expenditures according to budget categories; (5) the preparation of adequate time and effort reports accounting for the expenditure of grant funds; and (6) compliance with federal regulations and policies applicable to all awards and grants, and with regulations and policies specific to the NSF grant.

As the result of an investigation conducted by the NSF Office of Inspector General (“OIG”), the government identified a number of alleged deficiencies in SCIENCE FRIDAY’s use of the grant funds: (1) SCIENCE FRIDAY submitted nine false FFRs to the U.S. certifying that all disbursements “have been made for the purposes and conditions…of the [Award]”; (2) SCIENCE FRIDAY submitted 19 false cash advance requests to the U.S. certifying that the requests for advance were correct; (3) SCIENCE FRIDAY maintained a time and effort system incapable of tracking the time spent working on the grant award and the amount of salary charged to the grant; and (4) SCIENCE FRIDAY inappropriately used grant money to cover unallowable and unsupported costs. 
         
The False Claims Act provides for up to treble damages and penalties of $5,500 to $11,000 per false claim submitted to the Government.

“This settlement sends a clear message that recipients of federally-funded grants must strictly adhere to the regulations applicable to those grants,” stated U.S. Attorney Daly.  “If recipients fail to do so, they risk significant consequences.”

“My office will aggressively pursue those who misuse federal grant funds intended to advance science education,” added NSF Inspector General Lerner.  “I commend the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its efforts in reaching this settlement agreement.”

U.S. Attorney Daly also noted that SCIENCE FRIDAY and FLATOW cooperated with the government’s investigation.

As a result of the settlement, there will be no lawsuit filed against SCIENCE FRIDAY and FLATOW regarding the grant covered by the settlement agreement.  In entering into the settlement, SCIENCE FRIDAY and FLATOW did not admit liability or wrongdoing, and the agreement indicates that the parties settled this matter to avoid the delay, uncertainty, inconvenience, and expense of litigation.

The matter was handled within the U.S. Attorney’s Office by Assistant U.S. Attorney William A. Collier and Auditor Susan N. Spiegel.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANGEL COLLAZO GARCIA, also known as “Yuyo,” 47, of New London, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to conspiring to distribute cocaine in southeastern Connecticut.  In addition, JOSE REYNOSO MONEGRO, also known as “Culito,” 45, of New York, who was charged as a result of the same investigation, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 35 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.

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 in April 2013 with federal and state offenses as a result of this investigation.

COLLAZO GARCIA pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.  According to court documents and statements made in court, he sold cocaine, marijuana and other drugs from the “Green Garages,” a series of garage bays on Walker and Bristol Streets in New London.

COLAZZO GARCIA is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on December 3, 2014, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. 

The investigation revealed that Luis Ariel Capellan Maldonado received heroin from a Dominican-based source of supply through New York and then distributed the drug to his own customer base in and around New London.  REYNOSO MONEGRO helped facilitate these deals by holding cash from Capellan Maldonado for his New York source of supply.

On January 6, 2014, REYNOSO MONEGRO pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute heroin.

Capellan Maldonado has also pleaded guilty and awaits 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 cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alina P. Reynolds, Sarah P. Karwan 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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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GARY ENGLAND, 42, of Stamford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 92 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a southwestern Connecticut narcotics trafficking ring. 

This matter stems from a six-month investigation spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Stamford Police Department’s Narcotics and Organized Crime Squad.  As a result of the investigation, 20 individuals were charged with various federal offenses related to the distribution of cocaine and crack cocaine in Bridgeport, Norwalk and Stamford.  In addition, law enforcement officers seized more than $100,000 in cash, 500 grams of cocaine, 350 grams of crack cocaine, several vehicles and jewelry.

 According to court documents and statements made in court, the investigation revealed that Marvin Wooten, also known as “Smash,” of Norwalk, was operating a significant crack cocaine distribution ring in Fairfield County.  Between September 2012 and January 2013, Wooten regularly purchased multi-hundred gram quantities of cocaine from various sources of supply, including individuals who were selling cocaine out of a Bridgeport barbershop.  He then converted the cocaine to crack cocaine and distributed it to other dealers and customers.

ENGLAND was Wooten’s most-trusted associate, to whom Wooten regularly supplied crack cocaine.  ENGLAND distributed the crack to several individuals in Stamford and Norwalk who sold the drug to their own customers.

On October 2, 2013, ENGLAND pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

Wooten also pleaded guilty and, on May 22, 2013, was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force – including the Bridgeport, Stamford, Norwalk, Milford, Westport, and Stratford Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police – and the Stamford Police Department’s Narcotics and Organized Crime Squad.  The U.S. Marshals Service also assisted in the arrests of several of the defendants.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Karwan and Robert Spector.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FILIPPOS MILIOS, also known as Filip Milios, 55, of Newington, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford to conspiracy and money laundering offenses stemming from his role in a mortgage fraud scheme that involved dozens of Connecticut properties.

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 nearly 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.

In pleading guilty, MILIOS also admitted that he 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 a total of approximately $5.6 million as a result of this scheme.

MILIOS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and bank fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on December 8, 2014.

MILIOS was originally charged by criminal complaint in January 2013.  He has been detained since March 20, 2014, when his bond was revoked.

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.  He awaits 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 United States 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.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on Wednesday, September 10, MARQUIS MITCHELL, 23, of New Haven, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 51 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing firearms.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 3, 2014, MITCHELL helped an associate sell a sawed-off shotgun to another individual.  MITCHELL had stored the firearm in his residence.  On March 28, 2014, law enforcement executed a search warrant at MITCHELL’s residence and found a loaded 9 millimeter handgun with an obliterated serial number in his bedroom.

MITCHELL has prior felony convictions for third degree burglary and first degree unlawful restraint.

On June 3, 2014, MITCHELL pleaded guilty to two counts 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 New Haven Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LANDERS WILSON, 43, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a southwestern Connecticut narcotics trafficking ring. 

This matter stems from a six-month investigation spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Stamford Police Department’s Narcotics and Organized Crime Squad.  As a result of the investigation, 20 individuals were charged with various federal offenses related to the distribution of cocaine and crack cocaine in Bridgeport, Norwalk and Stamford.  In addition, law enforcement officers seized more than $100,000 in cash, 500 grams of cocaine, 350 grams of crack cocaine, several vehicles and jewelry.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the investigation revealed that Marvin Wooten, also known as “Smash,” of Norwalk, was operating a significant crack cocaine distribution ring in Fairfield County.  Between September 2012 and January 2013, Wooten regularly purchased multi-hundred gram quantities of cocaine from various sources of supply, including individuals who were selling cocaine out of a Bridgeport barbershop.  He then converted the cocaine to crack cocaine and distributed it to other dealers and customers.

Wooten referred to as WILSON as his “man.”   For significant parts of the conspiracy, Wooten based his operations out of WILSON’s apartment on Hancock Avenue in Bridgeport, using the apartment to “cook” cocaine into crack cocaine, and as a base to sell crack to others.  In addition to helping Wooten, WILSON sold crack cocaine to his own customers.

On July 16, 2013, WILSON pleaded guilty to one count of possession with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

Wooten also pleaded guilty and, on May 22, 2013, was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force – including the Bridgeport, Stamford, Norwalk, Milford, Westport, and Stratford Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police – and the Stamford Police Department’s Narcotics and Organized Crime Squad.  The U.S. Marshals Service also assisted in the arrests of several of the defendants.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Karwan and Robert Spector.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL LOMBARDO, Jr., 38, of Stamford, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud 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.

LOMBARDO is scheduled to be sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello on December 4, 2014, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000.  As part of his plea agreement, LOMBARDO will be required to pay $191,068.73 in restitution.

This matter is being investigated by the Westport Police Department, the United States Secret Service and the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that VENITA GODFREY-SCOTT, 48, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to four years of probation, the first six months of which GODFREY-SCOTT must spend in home confinement with electronic monitoring, for stealing government property that she used for various home improvement projects.  GODFREY-SCOTT was also ordered to perform 120 hours of community service and to pay restitution in the amount of $15,000.

According to court documents and statements made in court, GODFREY-SCOTT was employed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”) at the Medical Center in West Haven as a supervisor in the Facilities Management Service, which is responsible for carpentry, paint, locks, doors, and other minor construction projects at the Medical Center.  From approximately 2010 until 2013, GODFREY-SCOTT directed VA employees that she supervised to perform home improvement projects at her private residence, including a deck in her backyard, carpet installation, and various kitchen, bathroom and basement improvements.  GODFREY-SCOTT directed the employees to use materials, supplies, tools, and vehicles belonging to the VA, and also had the employees purchase necessary materials at local stores using her government-issued credit card.  She sometimes directed the employees to work on her home improvement projects during their regular work hours while they were being paid by the VA.  The total loss to the government as a result of GODFREY-SCOTT’s criminal conduct is estimated to be between $15,000 and $20,000.

On May 14, 2014, GODFREY-SCOTT pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government property.

This matter was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, the Department of Veterans Affairs Police and the General Services Administration Office of Inspector General Northeast Regional Investigations Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

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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 MATTHEW TOLLIS, 21, of Wethersfield, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with participating in a series of “swatting” incidents that occurred earlier this year in Connecticut and other states. 

“Swatting” is the making of a hoax call to any emergency service to elicit an emergency response based on the false report of an ongoing critical incident.  Incidents typically produce the deployment of SWAT units, bomb squads, and other police units, as well as the evacuations of schools, businesses and residences.

“All of us in law enforcement are committed to exposing the individuals responsible for these swatting incidents and prosecuting them to the full extent of the law,” stated U.S. Attorney Daly.  “These events cause emotional distress for victims and waste the valuable time and resources of our law enforcement community.  The felony charges announced today, as well as the ongoing investigation here and abroad, make clear that this is not a game.”

“The idea that ‘swatting’ is some kind of modern-day harmless prank is woefully misplaced,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Ferrick.  “It is a serious federal crime and will be investigated and prosecuted as such.  The FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with its law enforcement partners, will continue to identify and pursue those responsible for these dangerous hoaxes and not quit until all are held accountable for their criminal actions.”  

As alleged in the criminal complaint, TOLLIS was a member of a group primarily consisting of Microsoft X-Box gamers who referred to themselves as “TCOD” (TeAM CrucifiX or Die).  The investigation has revealed that TOLLIS and his TCOD associates have used the Internet communication service Skype to make hoax threats involving bombs, hostage taking, firearms, and mass murder.  TOLLIS has been identified as a participant in at least six of these swatting incidents, including a bomb threat to the University of Connecticut (UConn), and bomb threats to schools and other locations in New Jersey, Florida, Texas and Massachusetts. 

On April 3, 2014, a bomb threat to UConn’s Admissions Department resulted in a multiple hour, campus-wide lockdown and required the UConn Police and the Connecticut State Police’s Bomb Squad, Emergency Services Unit and SWAT teams to respond.

The ongoing investigation has revealed that TCOD members are also responsible for at least six additional swatting incidents in Connecticut and Massachusetts.  It is believed that three members of TCOD reside in the United Kingdom and have made swatting calls from the U.K.  The FBI is actively working with authorities in the U.K. to identify these individuals.

The criminal complaint charges TOLLIS with one count of conspiring to engage in a bomb threat hoax, one count of aiding and abetting a bomb threat hoax, and one count of aiding and abetting the malicious conveying of false information regarding an attempt or alleged attempt to kill, injure or intimidate any individual, or to unlawfully damage or destroy any building or other real or personal property by means of an explosive.  Each of these charges carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

Following his arrest, TOLLIS appeared in Bridgeport federal court and he is currently detained.  A detention hearing is scheduled for September 12 at 2:00 p.m.

On September 3, 2014, TOLLIS was arrested on state charges stemming from the UConn swatting incident.

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 matter is being investigated by the FBI’s New Haven, Newark and Boston field offices, the UConn Police Department, the Connecticut Intelligence Center, the Willimantic Police Department, the Monroe Police Department, the Harvard University Police Department, the Boston University Police Department, the Newton (Mass.) Police Department, the Cambridge (Mass.) Police Department and other state and local law enforcement agencies.

U.S. Attorney Daly also acknowledged the critical assistance being provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.

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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 DAVID C. JACKSON, also known as “C. David Manns,” 53, has been arrested on a federal criminal complaint charging him with operating an advance fee fraud scheme that defrauded individuals out of more than $3 million.  JACKSON was arrested in Maryland on August 26, 2014.

According to the criminal complaint, JACKSON was convicted of federal bank fraud and money laundering charges in October 2006 and was sentenced to 41 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.  He was released from federal prison in September 2009. 

The complaint alleges that, 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.”

The complaint alleges that JACKSON defrauded individuals, including Connecticut residents, who wired him funds in anticipation of receiving a large business loan.  The upfront fees were alternately described as “application fees,” “collateral fees” and “commitment fees.”  JACKSON promised the individuals a refund of the upfront fees each had provided if the loan transaction was not completed.

Through this alleged scheme, more than 20 individuals provided JACKSON with a total of more than $3 million in advance fees for business loans that were never provided.  A few individuals received a partial refund of advance fees they had provided, but the refunds were made using fees that had been paid by other victims.

JACKSON, who has r esided in Maryland, Ohio and Pennsylvania, has been detained since his arrest.
The criminal complaint charges JACKSON with wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and conspiracy, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

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 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 Kaplan and Michael McGarry.
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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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRANDON KEY BENTLEY, 31, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas P. Smith in Hartford to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between July 2010 and May 2011, BENTLEY and two other individuals 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.

BENTLEY is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on November 26, 2014, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years and a fine of up to $1 million.

This matter is being investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, along with the Connecticut Financial Fraud Task Force and the Branford Police Department, Madison Police Department, Middlebury Police Department, Milford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, New Haven Police Department, New Milford Police Department, North Branford Police Department, Waterbury Police Department, Woodbridge Police Department, and Southbury Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry K. Kopel

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTONIO SANCHEZ, also known as “Cano,” 41, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 100 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a Hartford-based narcotics trafficking ring.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department into gang-related narcotics trafficking in Hartford’s South End.  The investigation specifically targeted a heroin and cocaine trafficking organization headed by Angel Rosa, also known as “Little” and “Daddy,” and his cousin, Angel Rosa, also known as “Mo Betta” and “Fab.”  Little supervised the drug trafficking ring, which included several other family members, through fear and intimidation.  Mo Betta managed the daily operations of the organization, facilitated the delivery and transportation of large quantities of heroin, and supervised numerous drug sellers who distributed heroin and other narcotics in the Zion Street area.  At times, Little and Mo Betta used, or threatened to use, violence to ensure the success of the organization.

SANCHEZ, who is Little’s stepbrother, sold heroin on a daily basis from 584 Zion Street.

As a result of this investigation, 21 individuals were charged with various federal offenses, and law enforcement officers seized narcotics, one firearm, approximately $230,000 in cash, eight vehicles and jewelry. 

SANCHEZ has been detained since his arrest on April 11, 2013.  On April 25, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin.

SANCHEZ’s criminal history includes numerous drug-related convictions.

Angel Rosa aka “Little” and Angel Rosa aka “Mo Betta” each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin.  On May 15, 2014, “Little” was sentenced to 235 months of imprisonment, and on April 29, 2014, “Mo Betta” was sentenced to 165 months of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, which includes members of the Connecticut State Police, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut Department of Correction and Connecticut National Guard.  The Connecticut State Police’s Emergency Services Unit, Hartford Police Department’s Emergency Response Team, Capital Region Emergency Response Team, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and the New Britain, East Hartford, Wethersfield and Manchester Police Departments have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Leaming and Patrick Caruso.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HECTOR QUINONES, also known as “Jumbe,” 52, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a Hartford-based narcotics trafficking ring.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department into gang-related narcotics trafficking in Hartford’s South End.  The investigation specifically targeted a heroin and cocaine trafficking organization headed by Angel Rosa, also known as “Little” and “Daddy,” and his cousin, Angel Rosa, also known as “Mo Betta” and “Fab.”  Little supervised the drug trafficking ring, which included several other family members, through fear and intimidation.  Mo Betta managed the daily operations of the organization, facilitated the delivery and transportation of large quantities of heroin, and supervised numerous drug sellers who distributed heroin and other narcotics in the Zion Street area.  At times, Little and Mo Betta used, or threatened to use, violence to ensure the success of the organization.

QUINONES’ role in the conspiracy included the street sale of heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine.

As a result of this investigation, 21 individuals were charged with various federal offenses, and law enforcement officers seized narcotics, one firearm, approximately $230,000 in cash, eight vehicles and jewelry. 

QUINONES has been detained since his arrest on April 11, 2013.  On January 31, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin.

QUINONES’ extensive criminal history includes a 2004 arrest and conviction for selling heroin at Park and Zion Streets, and three convictions of violent felonies, including robbery in the first degree, assault in the second degree with a firearm, and assault on a peace officer.

Angel Rosa aka “Little” and Angel Rosa aka “Mo Betta” each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin.  On May 15, 2014, “Little” was sentenced to 235 months of imprisonment, and on April 29, 2014, “Mo Betta” was sentenced to 165 months of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, which includes members of the Connecticut State Police, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut Department of Correction and Connecticut National Guard.  The Connecticut State Police’s Emergency Services Unit, Hartford Police Department’s Emergency Response Team, Capital Region Emergency Response Team, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and the New Britain, East Hartford, Wethersfield and Manchester Police Departments have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Leaming and Patrick Caruso.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL SIWEK, 55, of North Haven, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to receiving approximately $1.5 million in bribes while serving as the executive director of the West Haven Housing Authority.  SIWEK also pleaded guilty to related tax charges.

According to court documents and statements made in court, SIWEK was the executive director of the West Haven Housing Authority (“WHHA”), an agency that received federal funding.  As parties of his duties, SIWEK had substantial discretion over awarding WHHA business and contracts.  From approximately February 2007 through February 2012, SIWEK received approximately $1.5 million in payments from individuals in exchange for the awarding of business and contracts with the WHHA and entities that the WHHA controlled.  SIWEK received these bribes through wire transfers and check payments to himself individually, and to Four Star Development Company LLC, a limited liability corporation that he controlled.  SIWEK also received payments that were characterized as “loans,” but which were not subject to any terms or conditions typically associated with commercial loans.

In addition, SIWEK did not report these payments to the IRS, and filed false tax returns that underreported his income and tax liability.

SIWEK pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery in connection with a program receiving federal funds, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years; one count of bribery, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; and one count of tax evasion, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

As part of his plea, SIWEK has agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $1,503,096.91, and back taxes, penalties and interest in the amount of $363,781.70.

A sentencing date is not yet scheduled.

On November 6, 2013, Harry Miconi pleaded guilty to paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes to SIWEK.  He also awaits sentencing.

U.S. Attorney Daly stated that the investigation is ongoing.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Karwan.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LYNN A. SCHEUFLER, 36, formerly of Woodstock, Conn., and currently residing in Vermont, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 46 months of imprisonment for structuring hundreds of thousands of dollars in funds that she embezzled from her employer.  In addition, Judge Thompson sentenced SCHEUFLER’s husband, CRAIG L. GALLIGAN, 42, to 18 months of imprisonment for his role in the offense.  SCHEUFLER and GALLIGAN were also ordered to serve three years of supervised release, during which each are required to perform 150 hours of community service.

According to court documents and statements made in court, SCHEUFLER was the Controller and Chief Financial Officer of a company that owns and operates dining and nightlife venues in the northeastern United States, including locations at Foxwoods Casino and Resort.  In that role, she was responsible for filling ATM machines located in the company’s venues out of the cash that managers collected from daily business operations and deposited into nightly deposit bags.  Over the course of approximately two years, SCHEUFLER embezzled approximately $2.5 million by taking cash out of the company’s nightly deposit bags and by making unauthorized withdrawals from the company’s cash accounts using the company’s ATM cards.

SCHEUFLER, with the assistance of GALLIGAN, deposited approximately $600,000 in stolen cash into their personal bank accounts.  The deposits were illegally structured so that no individual deposit exceeded the $10,000 threshold that would have triggered bank reporting requirements.

Federal law requires all financial institutions to file a Currency Transaction Report (CTR) for currency transactions that exceed $10,000.  To evade the filing of a CTR, individuals will often structure their currency transactions so that no single transaction exceeds $10,000.  Structuring involves the repeated depositing or withdrawal of amounts of cash less than the $10,000 limit, or the splitting of a cash transaction that exceeds $10,000 into smaller cash transactions in an effort to avoid the reporting requirements.  Even if the deposited funds are derived from a legitimate means, financial transactions conducted in this manner are still in violation of federal criminal law.

The investigation revealed that SCHEUFLER and GALLIGAN lost a large portion of the embezzled funds gambling at Connecticut’s casinos.

As part of her sentence, SCHEUFLER was ordered to pay a money judgment of $614,390, approximately $47,000 of which has been satisfied from the sale of property.

On March 7, 2014, SCHEUFLER pleaded guilty to one count of illegally structuring financial transactions as part of a pattern of illegal activity.  On August 1, 2013, GALLIGAN pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to structure financial transactions.

SCHEUFLER and GALLIGAN were arrested on October 10, 2012, and are currently released on bond.  They were ordered to report to prison on October 7.

This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NATIVIDAD MENDEZ, also known as “Coca,” 38, of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for her role in a Hartford-based narcotics trafficking ring.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department into gang-related narcotics trafficking in Hartford’s South End.  The investigation specifically targeted a heroin and cocaine trafficking organization headed by Angel Rosa, also known as “Little” and “Daddy,” and his cousin, Angel Rosa, also known as “Mo Betta” and “Fab.”  Little supervised the drug trafficking ring, which included several other family members, through fear and intimidation.  Mo Betta managed the daily operations of the organization, facilitated the delivery and transportation of large quantities of heroin, and supervised numerous drug sellers who distributed heroin and other narcotics in the Zion Street area.  At times, Little and Mo Betta used, or threatened to use, violence to ensure the success of the organization.

MENDEZ, who is Little’s long-time girlfriend, sold cocaine out of the Silver Dollar Restaurant on Zion Street, delivered cocaine and heroin to various locations, and stored drugs and drug proceeds at her and Little’s New Britain residence.  She also acted as a go between with her brother, Luis Mendez, who supplied heroin to the drug trafficking organization.  In addition, she was fully aware that her and Little’s teenage son, Angel Rosa, also known as “Bebo,” was selling drugs for the organization while still attending high school.

As a result of this investigation, 21 individuals were charged with various federal offenses, and law enforcement officers seized narcotics, one firearm, approximately $230,000 in cash, eight vehicles and jewelry. 

On April 11, 2013, a search of MENDEZ’s and Rosa’s residence revealed more than 500 grams of cocaine packaged for distribution, approximately 24 grams of crack cocaine, and $205,240 in cash.  The couple has forfeited the cash, as well as a 2006 Porsche Cayenne, a 2007 Lexus GS350 and a 2007 Acura RL.

On December 16, 2013, MENDEZ pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin.

Angel Rosa aka “Little” and Angel Rosa aka “Mo Betta” each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin.  On May 15, 2014, “Little” was sentenced to 235 months of imprisonment, and on April 29, 2014, “Mo Betta” was sentenced to 165 months of imprisonment.  Luis Mendez and Angel Rosa, aka “Bebo,” also pleaded guilty and are serving prison terms of 96 months and 66 months, respectively.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, which includes members of the Connecticut State Police, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut Department of Correction and Connecticut National Guard.  The Connecticut State Police’s Emergency Services Unit, Hartford Police Department’s Emergency Response Team, Capital Region Emergency Response Team, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and the New Britain, East Hartford, Wethersfield and Manchester Police Departments have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Leaming and Patrick Caruso.

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Deirdre M. Daly, the United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DEMENTRIUS NAVE, also known as Cunny, age 35, of Hartford, was sentenced on August 21, 2014, to 15 years of imprisonment by United States District Judge Alvin W. Thompson for his role in a narcotics conspiracy.  Upon completion of his prison term, NAVE will be placed on supervised release for five years. Federal agents arrested NAVE on February 12, 2012, following a wiretap investigation that targeted NAVE and his co-conspirators in the unlawful distribution of narcotics.  The co-conspirators charged with NAVE included Rakent BUNKLEY, also known as “Kent Street,” Tyrone CRUMP, also known as KT, Justin POWELL, also known as “Jus,” and KEVIN ALLEN, all of whom have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.  NAVE was held in custody since his arrest.

NAVE pleaded guilty in November 2013 to conspiring to distribute crack cocaine.  According to court filings and statements made in court, NAVE was indicted in 2012 as part of Operation Vinefield, an investigation conducted by the FBI-sponsored Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes and Gang Task Force into gang and narcotics activity on Vine and Enfield Streets in Hartford’s North End.  A total of 38 individuals were charged in multiple indictments as part of Operation Vinefield.  Federal, state and local investigators began investigating NAVE immediately after he was released from the Connecticut Department of Correction on November 4, 2011.

NAVE has an extensive criminal history that includes a prior federal conviction for unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.  NAVE also gained local notoriety in 2006 when two women were murdered on separate occasions while being with NAVE.  On January 30, 2006, Wendy Williams was shot and killed while she sat in a car in the Nelton Court housing project.  According to the Hartford Police Department, NAVE was in the car and the apparent target when Williams was murdered.  On February 23, 2006, Sara Palenza was killed when she was shot in the head while a passenger in a car driven by NAVE on Albany Avenue.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Hartford Police Department, and Connecticut State Police.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian P. Leaming.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN W. RICE, 41, of Windsor, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for producing and selling thousands of pirated CDs and DVDs.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2000 and 2013, doing business as “Dr. Jay’s Entertainment,” RICE manufactured copies of motion pictures, television shows, and music that were copyrighted works, using recordable blank DVDs and CDs.  RICE also produced labels for the discs and paper inserts for the cases in which the pirated works were sold.  RICE set up tables in various locations on which he displayed and sold the bootlegged merchandise, and also advertised and sold the materials over the Internet through Facebook.

The government seized a total of 8,913 DVDs and 11,410 CDs from RICE and Dr. Jay’s Entertainment.

For the past 13 years, the sale of counterfeit media has constituted RICE’s only source of income, and RICE has admitted that he could make up to $300,000 annually from the illegal sales.

RICE also structured cash deposits into his bank account.  In addition, in November 2012, RICE withdrew from his account $39,237.23 in cash derived from his criminal activity in order to purchase a cashier’s check payable to BMW of West Springfield.

RICE has forfeited $48,195.42 seized from his bank account, as well as a 2005 Chevrolet Corvette and a 2012 BMW 650i that he had purchased, but had registered in the names of third-parties.

On April 25, 2014, RICE pleaded guilty to one count of criminal copyright infringement and one count of money laundering.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Homeland Security Investigations and the Hartford Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EILEEN BRENNAN, 77, of Branford, pleaded guilty on August 19, 2014, before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to a federal tax charge related to her participation in an illegal pyramid scheme known as “Gifting Tables.”

According to court documents and statements made in court, a Gifting Table is configured as a four-level pyramid, with eight participants assigned to the bottom row, four participants assigned to the third row, two participants assigned to the second row, and one participant assigned to the top row.  The top row participant is referred to as the “Dessert,” the two participants on the second row as “Entrees,” the four participants on the third row as “Soup and Salads,” and the eight participants on the bottom row as “Appetizers.”  To join a Gifting Table, new participants were required to pay $5,000, typically cash, to the Dessert, that is, the participant occupying the top position on the pyramid.  The $5,000 payment, which was fraudulently characterized as a gift, secured the new participant a position as an Appetizer on the bottom row.  Participants progressed from the bottom row of the pyramid by recruiting additional people to join the Gifting Table.  When eight new participants joined a Gifting Table, each having made a $5,000 “gift” to the person occupying the Dessert position at the top of the pyramid, the Dessert left the Gifting Table and kept the $40,000 paid by the eight new participants.  That particular Gifting Table was then split, with the two participants occupying the Entree position on the second row moving to the top position (Dessert) of two new pyramids.  The other incumbent members of the Gifting Table moved up a row on one of the two newly-formed pyramids, and the search for 16 new participants began.  The success of the Gifting Tables depended on new participants joining and making the $5,000 “gift.”

In 2008, 2009 and 2010, BRENNAN received $100,000 while participating in the Gifting Tables scheme.  Even though she had been advised by an attorney that the money was taxable income and not a gift, she failed to pay federal income taxes on the money she received.

BRENNAN pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to file a return, supply information or pay tax, a charge that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of one year and a fine of up to $25,000.  Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for November 17, 2014.

This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas P. Morabito and Peter S. Jongbloed.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, todayannounced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a 13-count indictment charging DAYQUAN JACKSON, 26, of Bridgeport, and ERIC WATKINS, 25, of Stratford, with theft of mail, mail fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy in connection with a stolen check scheme.  The indictment was returned on August 20, 2014.  JACKSON and WATKINS were arrested and presented on August 22, 2014, at which time the indictment was unsealed, JACKSON was ordered detained in federal custody, and WATKINS was released on a set of conditions.

According to the indictment, the scheme arose out of the theft of mail by JACKSON and others from residences in Fairfield County throughout 2013 and 2014, the purpose of which was to obtain either blank checks or credit card “convenience checks.”  JACKSON and WATKINS then used the stolen checks in two separate ways.  First, JACKSON and WATKINS used the stolen checks to purchase vehicles—cars, motorcycles, and all-terrain vehicles—listed for sale on the Internet from unsuspecting victims in surrounding states.  Second, JACKSON provided the stolen checks to “runners” to deposit in the runners’ accounts and then JACKSON withdrew money from the runners’ accounts. 

If convicted, JACKSON and WATKINS face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count of mail fraud.   If convicted of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and bank fraud, JACKSON and WATKINS face a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years and a fine of up to $1 million.  JACKSON also faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 5 years and a fine of up to $250,000 in connection with one count of theft of mail and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years and a fine of up to $1 million on each count of bank fraud.

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

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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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANN HILS, 54, of East Hampton, pleaded guilty on Friday, August 22, 2014 before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and bank fraud related to a real estate appraisal scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, HILS was not a provisional or certified real estate appraiser in the state of Connecticut at any time.  From in or about December 2006 to in or about March 2008, HILS knowingly and willfully conspired with her daughter and co-defendant, Brandy Gomez, to obtain real estate appraisal fees to which they were not entitled. 

More specifically, HILS and Gomez knowingly submitted falsified work logs to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection purporting to show that Gomez, a provisional appraiser, completed dozens of real estate appraisals under the supervision of a certified appraiser when, in fact, Gomez had not performed such work and was not entitled to such appraisal fees. 

Moreover, HILS knowingly and wilfully used the individual names, certified appraiser license numbers, business names, and, in some instances, signatures, of three certified appraisers without their authorization in dozens of materially false real estate appraisals. 

HILS and Gomez obtained fees in connection with these false appraisals and split approximately $47,908 in proceeds. 

Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for November 14, 2014, at which time HILS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.

On March 19, 2014, Gomez plead guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and bank fraud in the same appraisal scheme.  She awaits sentencing.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.

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Deirdre M. Daly, the United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that, GERALD COLEY, 44, of Stamford, was sentenced  on August 20, 2014, by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 48 months in jail and 3 years of supervised release for his conviction of being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm and his violation of the terms of his federal supervised release.  COLEY pleaded guilty to the charges on May 28, 2014. 

According to statements made in court and admissions by COLEY under oath, on February 3, 2014, the Stamford police were called to the home of COLEY’s girlfriend on a report that he was holding her at gunpoint.  Their three daughters had also been in the residence.  The police arrived at the residence and quickly confirmed that a family friend had come there and had escorted the children outside.  After the police arrived, COLEY’s girlfriend was permitted to leave the residence, and, eventually, COLEY himself came outside and turned himself in to the police. He advised the police that there was a gun behind a radiator in the living room.  The police subsequently located a loaded Glock .40 caliber handgun in that location.

COLEY is a six-time prior convicted felon and was most recently convicted in 2002 in federal court in Connecticut of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base.  He finished serving his 151-month sentence on that conviction in September 2012 and started serving a term of supervised release.  He admitted to violating the terms of that release by possessing the handgun.  He also admitted to having possessed the handgun in connection with another felony offense.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Stamford Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert M. Spector.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge William P. Offord, announced that MICHAEL S. VASATURO, 56, of Seymour, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to filing a false tax return.

According to court filings and statements made in court, VASATURO, a business executive, earned supplemental income of approximately $132,500 in 2007 based on a private sale of copper to a scrap metal dealer, but failed to report any of the copper sale income on his 2007 federal income tax return. 

VASATURO has paid the Internal Revenue Service $80,964.81 for the taxes plus interest and penalties due and owing on that unreported income.  VASATURO also agreed to forfeit an additional $144,888.39 in cash that he admits to having “structured” into his bank account to avoid federal cash transaction reporting requirements.

VASATURO faces maximum penalties of three years imprisonment and a $100,000 fine.  He is scheduled to be sentenced before Judge Thompson on November 14, 2014.

This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Henry K. Kopel.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JAQUAN PRICE, 23, of New Haven, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on May 27, 2014, Price was arrested on state drug charges.  Subsequently, a search was conducted of his house and a Jimenez Arms, 9mm pistol, loaded with 8 rounds of ammunition was seized from Price’s bedroom. Price later admitted that the weapon belonged to him.  In August of 2011, PRICE was convicted in state court of possession with intent to distribute 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.

Price’s sentencing has been scheduled for November 13, 2014, before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport.  PRICE has been detained since his arrest on June 18, 2014.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the New Haven Police Department and the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter D. Markle. 

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KRISTEN LASCHOBER, 49, formerly of Laguna Niguel, Calif., was sentenced yesterday by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for her role in a methamphetamine distribution ring.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Connecticut State Police’s Statewide Narcotics Task Force. The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of methamphetamine, physical surveillance an undercover officer, revealed that LASCHOBER and her boyfriend, Chad McCluskey, sent shipments of methamphetamine to Kevin Wallin of Waterbury for four years. After receiving the shipments, Wallin distributed the methamphetamine to other dealers as well as to his own customers.  Some of the shipments were sent on consignment with the understanding that Wallin would pay LASCHOBER and McCluskey with proceeds generated from his distribution of the drug.

McCLUSKEY and Laschober were arrested in Las Vegas, Nev., on January 10, 2013.  On April 23, 2013, LASCHOBER pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.

Wallin was arrested on January 3, 2013.  On April 2, 2013, he pleaded guilty to the same charge.
In June of this year, McCluskey was sentenced to 65 months of imprisonment.  Wallin awaits sentencing.
This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Caruso and H. Gordon Hall.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that EDGARDO CENTENO, 43, of New London, pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to conspiring to distribute cocaine in southeastern Connecticut. 

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, CENTENO, who pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, received quantities of cocaine from Juan Cheverez in deals arranged over their cellular telephones.  Cheverez received kilogram-quantities of cocaine through the United States Mail via a source in Puerto Rico. 

CENTENO is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on November 5, 2014, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  

Cheverez pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges on March 19, 2014, and awaits 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 Alina P. Reynolds, Sarah P. Karwan 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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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that GIOVANNI CANDELARIO, 21, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty to  one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 10 p.m. on February 1, 2014, a vehicle in which CANDELARIO was a passenger engaged in a chase with Bridgeport Police.  The vehicle eventually stopped on Ogden Street in Bridgeport and CANDELARIO fled on foot.  CANDELARIO was apprehended after he was found hiding in a trash can behind an apartment building on Hallet Street.  Officers subsequently traced the route of CANDELARIO’s flight and located a Smith and Wesson MP .40 caliber pistol on the driveway of an Ogden Street residence.  The firearm had been previously reported stolen. In March 2012, CANDELARIO was convicted in state court of possession with intent to distribute 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.

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 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.  CANDELARIO attended a call-in on October 30, 2013, in Bridgeport, and was offered services.  Subsequently, CANDELARIO and his group committed acts of violence, which in turn drew the full and focused attention of local, state and federal law enforcement.

CANDELARIO’s sentencing has been scheduled for November 10, 2014 before U.S. Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford. CANDELARIO has been detained since his arrest on February 1.

This matter was investigated by the Bridgeport Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WAYNE WRIGHT, also known as “Crueger,” 29, formerly of the Bronx, New York, and ANAJE AMIN, also 29, formerly of New Haven, Connecticut, were sentenced yesterday by Senior U.S. District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport.  Judge Eginton sentenced WRIGHT to 57 months of imprisonment and AMIN was sentenced to 64 months of imprisonment, following their guilty pleas for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine.  Judge Eginton also ordered both men be placed on supervised release following their release from prison and included, as conditions of that release, that there be no association with gang members and that they submit to searches by the U.S. Probation Office.

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, the New Haven Police Department and the Connecticut State Police into drug distribution and related violence allegedly being committed by members and associates of the Grape Street Crips in New Haven.  According to documents filed and statements made in court, both WRIGHT and AMIN were members of the Crips.

Twenty individuals, including WRIGHT and AMIN, were charged with narcotics distribution and related offenses stemming from this investigation.  All of the defendants pleaded guilty. 

This case was being investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, which includes officers from the New Haven, Hamden and Milford Police Departments, and the State of Connecticut Department of Correction.  The investigation was significantly assisted by the Connecticut State Police, the United States Marshals Service and the Westerly (R.I.) Police Department.

The investigation was funded in significant part by the United States Attorney’s Office Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and supported by the Office’s Project Safe Neighborhoods and Anti-Gang programs.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and H. Gordon Hall.

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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 MARIA ROSA ESTEVES, 40, of Bridgeport, waived her right to indictment and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons in Bridgeport to one count of embezzlement from a federally insured bank.

According to court documents and statements made in court, ESTEVES was employed by People’s United Bank from 1993 to 2014.  Beginning in 2006, ESTEVES worked primarily in the bank’s Adjustments Department, ultimately holding the title of Lead Adjuster with responsibilities that included arranging for bank cashiers’ checks to be issued to customers when a customer’s account needed to be adjusted.  ESTEVES used her position in the Adjustments Department to embezzle more than $400,000 from the bank by causing the bank to issue cashiers’ checks that ESTEVES would then use to pay persons or entities that she owed money to, including her utility company, homeowner’s insurance company and mortgage providers.  ESTEVES also embezzled money by depositing cashiers’ checks into bank accounts she controlled and from which she was able to access the funds.  In total, ESTEVES misappropriated more than 300 cashiers’ checks.

ESTEVES is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford on November 7, 2014, at which time she faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, a fine of up to $1 million and an order of restitution.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Greenwich Police Department and is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Richard J. Schechter.

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Deirdre M. Daly, the United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID LILLY, age 34, formerly of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet B. Arterton to 14 months of imprisonment for violating the terms and conditions of his supervised release.  Judge Arteron ordered that his sentence run consecutively to LILLY’s  effective 66 months sentence in State Superior Court.  Judge Arteron also ordered that LILLY be placed on supervised release for an additional one year following his release from federal prison.  If found guilty of another violation while on supervision, LILLY can be sentenced to up to an additional two years in jail. 

LILLY was originally sentenced by Judge Arteton to 87 months in October 2005 for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  He was released from federal prison and placed on supervision in November 2011.  In June 2012, he was arrested in separate cases by the New Haven and Hartford Police Departments.   In  November 2012, Judge Arterton sentenced LILLY to ten months of imprisonment for violating the terms of his supervision. 

LILLY was again released from federal custody to supervison in April 2013 and, according to documents filed  in the case, in August 2013, he engaged in a gun battle with another individual in Hamden. In April 2014, LILLY pleaded guilty and was sentenced  to 12 years, suspended after 66 months, for attempted assault in the first degree, criminal possession of a firearm and reckless endangerment in the first degree.   It was the commission of that offense that led to Judge Arteron’s sentence today.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WELLINGTON BROWN, also known as “Jamal,” 25, a Jamaican citizen formerly residing in Hartford, and SHEENA DUME, 21, formerly of Stratford and Greenwich, were charged by indictment with Sex Trafficking of a Minor and Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking of a Minor.  The Indictment was returned on July 22, 2014.  BROWN was arraigned on the indictment yesterday, and DUME was arraigned on August 7, 2014.

According to the criminal indictment, between June 2013 and February 2014, BROWN and DUME conspired with each other and with other individuals to recruit, entice, harbor, transport, provide, obtain, and maintain five different minor victims, knowing that the minors would be caused to engage in a commercial sex act.

BROWN and DUME were both arrested in Glen Burnie, Maryland, on July 30, 2014.  They were presented before a United States Magistrate Judge in Baltimore and ordered removed to Connecticut.  DUME was arraigned on August 7, 2014 and was ordered detained.  BROWN was arraigned yesterday, and was also ordered detained pending trial.

If convicted, each defendantfaces a maximum term of imprisonment of life imprisonment and a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years imprisonment.

The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven.

 This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, aided by the Milford Police Department and the Stratford Police Department.  US Attorney Daly recognized the significant assistance provided by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families, particularly its Human Anti-Trafficking Response Team (“HART”).  The case is being prosecuted by AUSA’s David Novick and Marc Silverman

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that AARON MOORE, also known as “S-K,” 29, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack cocaine”). 

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.

MOORE is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on October 31, 2014, at with time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.

On September 19, 2012, a federal grand jury sitting in New Haven returned a 13-count indictment charging MOORE and eight co-defendants with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine, and various counts of distribution of crack cocaine.  MOORE was a fugitive until his arrest in June 2014 in Troy, N.Y.  He has been detained since his arrest.

All of the charged defendants have pleaded guilty.

This matter has been 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.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an eight-count indictment charging KEVIN BETTS, also known as “KK,” 28, of Hartford, with narcotics distribution and firearms offenses.  The indictment was returned on August 6, 2014.

The indictment alleges that in July 2014, BETTS manufactured PCP in an apartment at 57 Sumner Street in Hartford, and then distributed the drug on multiple occasions.  The indictment further alleges that on August 1, 2014, BETTS possessed three loaded firearms: a Glock, model 22, .40 caliber handgun; a Taurus, model Judge, .45 caliber handgun, and a Taurus, model Millennium PT-140, .40 caliber handgun.

BETTS is charged with five counts of distributing Phencyclidine (“PCP”), one count of possessing PCP, one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking.

The charge of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of PCP carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $1 million. BETTS faces an additional five-year consecutive term of incarceration if convicted of possessing the firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.  He also faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $500,000 if convicted of maintaining a drug distribution premises.

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.  The alleged criminal activity engaged in by BETTS occurred after a call-in that was held on April 1, 2014, and was attended by BETTS’ associates.

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 ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Hartford Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.

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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 New Haven has returned an indictment charging Bridgeport Police officer CLIVE HIGGINS with violating an individual’s civil rights by using unreasonable force during the course of an arrest.

The indictment was returned yesterday.  HIGGINS, 48, is expected to appear today at 2:30 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis in New Haven.

As alleged in the indictment, HIGGINS has been an officer with the Bridgeport Police Department since 2002.  On May 20, 2011, two other Bridgeport Police officers engaged in a pursuit of a van driven by an individual who was suspected of having a firearm.  During the vehicle pursuit, HIGGINS heard radio transmissions indicating the pursuing officers were seeking back-up.  As the pursuit approached Beardsley Park and the sector HIGGINS was assigned, HIGGINS responded.  The vehicle pursuit ended in an open field in Beardsley Park prior to HIGGINS’s arrival.  The individual fled from the van and was pursued a short distance by the two officers.  One of the officers deployed his department-issued Taser and effectively incapacitated the individual.  HIGGINS then arrived at the scene, exited his police cruiser, approached the individual who was lying prone on the ground, and kicked him in the head and neck area.

If convicted, HIGGINS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anastasia E. King and David E. Novick.

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.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury sitting in New Haven returned an indictment today charging CHRISTOPHER BYAN COLEMAN, 25, of Waterbury, with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

As alleged in the complaint that was previously filed in this case, 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, it is alleged that COLEMAN had sustained felony convictions.  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.

If convicted, COLEMAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000 in fines.  He has been detained since his arrest on April 22.

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Waterbury Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.

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

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDWARD HOGAN, 38, and his brother, JUSTIN HOGAN, 34, both of Waterbury, pleaded guilty today to federal narcotics trafficking and mail theft charges.

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.  Beginning in approximately January 2012, HOGAN used his position with the U.S. Postal Service to remove parcels containing cocaine and marijuana from the mail stream.  EDWARD and JUSTIN HOGAN then distributed the drugs to third parties for profit.

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.

EDWARD HOGAN pleaded guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven 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.  JUSTIN HOGAN pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford 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.  The defendants face a maximum term of imprisonment of 25 years when they are sentenced.

EDWARD HOGAN has also agreed to forfeit $22,364 in cash that was seized at the time of his arrest.

This case is being 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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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ELLIS THOMAS, also known as “L” and “Big Homey,” 30, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in an armed robbery scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 18, 2008, two individuals were lured to a house on Case Street in Hartford for the purpose of buying stolen jewelry.  When one of the individuals entered the residence, he immediately had a gun pointed in his face, was thrown to the floor, had his head covered and his hands bound.  The second individual, who had been waiting in the car, subsequently entered the residence and was also thrown to the floor, blindfolded, and had his hands bound.  Shortly thereafter, the second victim was removed from the house and placed in a vehicle parked at the residence by his kidnappers.  While in the vehicle, the kidnappers stole the victim’s cell phone, earrings and a ring.

The kidnappers forced the first victim to set up his friend, a known cocaine trafficker, in order to rob him.  The victim then arranged to meet the intended third victim at a location in East Hartford.  The first victim was ordered by his kidnappers to drive his rented vehicle to the location in East Hartford, and was instructed to enter his friend’s vehicle and remove the keys from the ignition so that the kidnappers could kidnap the third victim.  After meeting the third victim and entering his vehicle, the first victim told the third victim to drive off as they were about to be robbed.  The third victim drove away to a safe location where the first victim called police.

The kidnappers stole from the first victim jewelry, money, his rental vehicle and several televisions that were in the back of the car.  The car was later recovered by police.

The second victim also escaped from the vehicle in which he was being held.  He was encountered by police officers on Case Street after the Hartford Police Department received the 911 call.

The Case Street house was THOMAS’ mother’s residence.   The investigation revealed that THOMAS used the first victim’s relationship with THOMAS’ mother to lure him to the house to rob him.

THOMAS has been detained since his arrest on November 7, 2012.  On May 29, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of attempt to interfere with commerce by robbery.

THOMAS’ criminal history includes convictions relating to felony assault, unlawful possession and discharge of firearms, burglary, larceny, escape, and fleeing from police.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hartford Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and H. Gordon Hall.

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