District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Bridgeport Grocery Store Operators Charged with Food Stamp FraudRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that KHALID ABOUTAYEB, 45, of Bridgeport, and his sister, JAMILA ABOUTAYEB, 54, of Fairfield, were arrested yesterday on federal food stamp fraud charges.
On May 14, 2014, a grand jury in New Haven returned separate indictments charging KHALID and JAMILA ABOUTAYEB with engaging in food stamp fraud at the M&J Deli Market, a grocery and convenience store they operated at 988 State Street in Bridgeport. Following their arrests, the ABOUTAYEBS appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons in Bridgeport. Both defendants are currently detained.
The federal Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program (“SNAP”) is administered by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service and utilizes federal tax dollars to subsidize low-income households to provide them with the opportunity to achieve a more nutritious diet by increasing their food-purchasing power. SNAP recipients purchase eligible food items at retail food stores through the use of an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, and SNAP benefits may be accepted by authorized retailers only in exchange for eligible items. Items such as alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, paper goods and soaps are not eligible for purchase with Food Stamp benefits, and it is a violation of the rules and regulations governing the food stamp program to allow benefits to be used to purchase ineligible items. SNAP benefits may not lawfully be exchanged for cash under any circumstances. The program is designed so that the total amount of each purchase is electronically transferred to the retailer’s designated bank account.
The indictment against KHALID ABOUTABYEB alleges that he unlawfully exchanged customers’ food stamp benefits for ineligible items and cash at M&J Deli Market between approximately December 2011 and February 2013. The indictment against JAMILA ABOUTAYEB alleges that she unlawfully exchanged food stamp benefits for ineligible items and cash at the store between approximately June 2013 and March 2014.
According to statements made in court, the investigation has revealed that approximately $285,000 in illegal SNAP benefits were redeemed at the store.
If convicted, KHALID and JAMILA ABOUTAYEB face a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.
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.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Felice M. Duffy.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Branford Woman Who Structured Cash Transactions Is SentencedRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAWN M. GUARINO, also known as Dawn DeCapua Guarino, 54, of Branford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to two years of probation, during which she must perform 100 hours of community service, for structuring currency transactions to evade reporting requirements. GUARINO pleaded guilty to the offense on January 30, 2014.
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.
According to court documents and statements made in court, over the course of 18 days in October and November 2009, GUARINO cashed 18 checks made payable to her in the amount of $9,900 and totaling $178,200. The transactions occurred at 13 different branches of two banks in eight towns in the New Haven area. The checks, which were from her attorney, represented GUARINO’s portion of a settlement of a Connecticut civil lawsuit stemming from an automobile accident. At the time, GUARINO knew that the bank was required to issue a report for a currency transaction in excess of $10,000, and her intention was to evade the transaction reporting requirements.
On April 19, 2014, Judge Underhill ordered GUARINO to forfeit $13,000 based on the parties’ plea agreement. GUARINO paid the money prior to sentencing.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Waterbury Man Charged with Enticing Minor He Met at ChurchRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MIGUEL TORRES, 44, of Waterbury, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with enticing and attempting to entice a minor female to send him sexually explicit videos of herself and to engage in unlawful sexual activity.
According to the criminal complaint, TORRES met a minor female at the church they both attended. TORRES offered to mentor the minor, gave her his cell phone number, and they began communicating via text messages. In late June 2013, when the minor was 14 years old, TORRES began to ask the minor to send him sexually explicit videos and pictures. Their text message conversations became sexually explicit, and TORRES persuaded the minor to take sexually explicit videos and pictures of herself and send them to him. TORRES also sent the minor sexually explicit videos and pictures of himself, and he told her that he had engaged in sexual conduct with other girls so that the minor would be comfortable with it. In August 2013, TORRES and the minor discussed getting together to engage in sexual activity.
On August 30, 2013, TORRES was arrested on related state charges. A forensic examination of TORRES’s cell phone revealed several videos of the minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
TORRES has been detained since his state arrest. Today, he appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons in Bridgeport, who ordered TORRES detained.
If convicted of the federal enticement charge, TORRES faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
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 Waterbury Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. The Connecticut State’s Attorney’s Office in Waterbury is also providing critical assistance in this investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.
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.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Singapore Shipping Company and Crew Member Responsible for Oily Waste Discharge Are SentencedRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Singapore-based ODFJELL ASIA II PTE LTD. and a senior crew member of one of its ships were sentenced yesterday in federal court in Hartford, Conn., for violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS), announced United States Attorney Deirdre M. Daly, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division Robert G. Dreher, and Rear Admiral Daniel B. Abel, Commander of the First Coast Guard District in Boston. ODFJELL was sentenced to a term of probation and ordered to pay a $1.2 criminal penalty, and the crew member, Ramil Leuterio, was sentenced to three months of imprisonment. ODFJELL and Leuterio pleaded guilty on March 3, 2014.
According to court documents and statements made in court, ODFJELL ASIA II PTE LTD. (ODFJELL) operated the M/T Bow Lind, a 577-foot, 26,327 gross ton petroleum/chemical tanker ship. On November 6, 2012, the U.S. Coast Guard boarded the vessel in New Haven to conduct an inspection. The inspection and subsequent criminal investigation revealed that three times between October 2011 and October 2012, while in international waters, the vessel discharged machinery space bilge water directly into the sea. At the direction of senior engineer Leuterio, crew members bypassed pollution prevention equipment that was in place to ensure that any discharged bilge water contain less than 15 parts per million of oil. The illegal discharges were then concealed by misleading entries and omissions in the vessel’s oil record book.
According to several engine room crew members, Leuterio directed them to use a complex system to transfer the bilge water from the bilge holding tank to the sewage tank. From the sewage tank, the bilge water was dumped directly into the sea without passing through pollution prevention equipment. Once the bilge holding tank was emptied, Leuterio directed the lower ranking crew members to put clean fresh water and salt water into the tank. As the pollution prevention equipment automatically records the time it is being operated, Leuterio then processed the clean water through the prevention equipment, thereby creating an electronic record to account for the bilge water that had bypassed the equipment and been discharged directly overboard.
U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant sentenced ODFJELL to a three-year term of probation and ordered the company to pay a criminal penalty totaling $1.2 million, including $300,000 that will be directed to The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to fund projects aimed at the preservation and restoration of the marine environment of Long Island Sound.
As a condition of probation, ODFJELL will implement an environmental management plan which will ensure that any ship operated by ODFJELL calling on a port of the United States complies with all maritime environmental requirements established under applicable international, flag state, and port state laws. The plan ensures that ODFJELL’s employees and the crew of any vessel operated by ODFJELL that calls on a United States port are properly trained in preventing maritime pollution. An independent monitor will report to the court regarding ODFJELL’s compliance with these obligations during the period of probation.
Leuterio, 42, a citizen of the Philippines, will be deported after he serves his three-month prison term.
The government has requested that Judge Bryant award a portion of the criminal fine imposed to two M/T Bow Lind crew members who notified the Coast Guard of the criminal conduct on board the vessel, and whose information led directly to the convictions obtained in this matter. Judge Bryant will rule on the government’s motion after further court proceedings.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound, Coast Guard Investigative Service, and Coast Guard office of Investigations and Analysis (CG-INV). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul H. McConnell from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut and Trial Attorney Stephen Da Ponte in the Environmental Crimes Section of the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Connecticut Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Role in $3.2 Million Mortgage Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that DOMINGOS DIAS, 44, of formerly of Trumbull and currently residing in Easton, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his involvement in a mortgage fraud scheme that caused more than $3 million in losses to lenders.
According to court documents and statements made in court, DIAS participated in a conspiracy to fraudulently obtain real estate loans from banks and mortgage lenders through the use of straw buyers. As part of the scheme, DIAS recruited the straw buyers and then created false verifications of employment, false verifications of rent and other false documentation that was used to qualify the straw buyers for the fraudulent mortgages. Once the mortgage loans were closed, DIAS distributed some of the proceeds of the scheme to the straw buyers, and kept some of the money for himself.
DIAS sometimes used his wholly-owned limited liability company, Peoples Choice General Contractors, to falsely verify the employment of straw buyers, and also to receive mortgage funds for ”services rendered” when, in fact, no general contracting or other services had been provided to the seller or the buyer of the properties.
In 2006 and 2007, DIAS conspired to defraud lenders in relation to the purchase of three residential real estate properties in Bridgeport and one in Stratford. DIAS also admitted that the conspiracy involved the fraudulent purchase of at least 10 other properties in Connecticut and Indiana, causing a total of $3.2 million in losses to lenders.
Judge Underhill ordered DIAS to pay restitution of $3,208,450 to the victim mortgage lenders.
On November 18, 2010, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging DIAS and his alleged co-conspirator, Hector Natera, formerly of Bridgeport, with conspiracy, wire fraud and bank fraud offenses. On February 9, 2012, DIAS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, and seven counts of wire fraud.
Natera is currently being sought by law enforcement. Citizens with information that may be helpful to the investigation of this matter are urged to call the FBI at 203-333-3512.
As to Natera, 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.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Nevins.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Citizen of Israel Charged with Violating U.S. Arms Export LawsRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Bruce M. Foucart, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Boston, and Craig Rupert, Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service Northeast Field Office, today announced that ELIYAHU COHEN, also known as ELI COHEN, 63, of Bnei Brak, Israel, has been arrested on federal felony charges of conspiracy to export U.S. defense articles, unlawful export of U.S. defense articles, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. This matter stems from a long-term investigation into a network of military parts purchasers and brokers involved in an alleged conspiracy to export controlled military parts from the U.S. in violation of U.S. federal criminal law.
“The U.S. Attorney’s office in Connecticut is committed to working with our law enforcement partners here and abroad to ensure that sensitive military items built in the United States do not fall into the wrong hands,” said U.S. Attorney Deirdre Daly. “Willful and repeated violations of our export laws will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
“One of Homeland Security Investigations highest priorities is to prevent illicit procurement networks and foreign nations from illegally obtaining U.S. military products and sensitive dual-use technologies,” said Bruce Foucart, special agent in charge of HSI Boston. “The scope and magnitude of this case illustrates just how real that threat is, HSI will continue to aggressively pursue those who violate U.S. export laws, especially when our national security could be jeopardized.”
“The arrest of Eli Cohen represents the culmination of a long-term collaborative effort amongst investigators and prosecutors in bringing an alleged international arms trafficker to justice,” said Craig Rupert, Special Agent in Charge of the DCIS Northeast Field Office. “As long as there are those who seek to illegally acquire sensitive U.S. military technology, DCIS will remain committed to combating their efforts and protecting America’s Warfighters.”
On February 6, 2007, a grand jury in the District of Connecticut returned an indictment charging COHEN, his companies, Q.P.S. Ltd., Wheels, Inc., P. AD. Ltd. and R.S. P. Spare Parts Ltd., and others, with conspiring to violate the Arms Export Control Act (“AECA”), and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”), violating those laws, and engaging in a conspiracy to commit money laundering, and aiding and abetting. On May 8, 2013, a grand jury returned a nine-count superseding indictment, which includes five counts charged in 2007, two additional AECA violations and two violations of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”).
COHEN was arrested in Israel on May 12, 2014, and a redacted superseding indictment was ordered unsealed yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport, Connecticut. COHEN is currently detained in Israel and the U.S. government is seeking his extradition.
According to the indictment, the export from the U.S. of arms, munitions, and related military components, and the technology to build such items, is heavily regulated by federal statutes and corresponding regulations. The indictment alleges that between 2000 and 2004, COHEN, working with brokers in the U.S., arranged for the export of several defense articles, including U.S. origin Hawk Missile System components, from the U.S. The Hawk Missile System is a medium range surface-to-air missile system designed to destroy missiles in flight. It is no longer used by the United States but is used by the Islamic Republic of Iran. At no time did COHEN or any of his co-conspirators apply for or receive a license or other authorization from the U.S. Department of State to export the defense articles.
The indictment further alleges that in 2012 and 2013, COHEN conspired to ship U.S. origin defense articles, specifically F-4C and F-14 aircraft fighter jet replacement parts, from Israel to Iran, via Athens, Greece, without U.S. government authorization.
If convicted of all of the counts of the superseding indictment in which he is charged, COHEN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 130 years and a fine of up to $7.5 million.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by HSI New Haven, HSI Attaché Tel Aviv, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and the Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security’s Office of Export Enforcement, with the cooperation and assistance of the Israeli National Police, the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Directorate of Security for the Defense Establishment, the Israel Tax Authority and the International Department of the Israeli State Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarala V. Nagala and Paul H. McConnell, and Trial Attorney David Recker of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, Counterespionage Section.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Three Men Charged with Operating Stolen Check-cashing SchemeRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Shelly Binkowski, Inspector in Charge for the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service, today announced that a federal grand jury sitting in New Haven has returned an indictment charging LANGSTON XAVIER NEAL, 36, of Charlotte, North Carolina, BENJII CARR, also known as Rodrick Lawon Davis, 39, of New Haven and North Carolina, and BRANDON KEY BENTLEY, 30, of New Haven, with conspiring to commit bank fraud through a stolen check-cashing scheme. The indictment was returned on May 8, 2014, and the three defendants were arrested yesterday.
The indictment alleges that, between July 2010 and May 2011, NEAL, CARR, and BENTLEY obtained stolen checks, recruited “runners” who would cash the checks, and altered the checks to list the runners as the lawful payees. The defendants 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.
The indictment alleges that more than $100,000 in stolen checks were altered and cashed through this scheme.
If convicted of the charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, each defendant faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years and a fine of up to $1 million. All three defendants are currently detained.
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, the Connecticut Financial Fraud Task Force, and the Branford, Madison, Middlebury, Milford, New Britain, New Haven, New Milford, North Branford, Southbury, Waterbury and Woodbridge Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry K. Kopel.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Milford Resident Admits Embezzling $108k from EmployerRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID LIPTAK, 49, of Milford, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in Bridgeport to one count of interstate transportation of money obtained by fraud.
According to court documents and statements made in court, LIPTAK was employed by Consolidated Management Group (“CMG”) of Westport. CMG provided management services to condominium associations, including managing the bank accounts and expenses of the associations. From approximately June 2008 to March 2012, LIPTAK embezzled approximately $108,000 from CMG.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for August 6, 2014, at which time LIPTAK faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.
This matter is being investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Westport Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Richard J. Schechter.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Federal Employee Pleads Guilty to Stealing Government Property for Home Improvement ProjectsRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that VENITA GODFREY-SCOTT, 47, of New Haven, 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, which she used for various home improvement projects.
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. Some of the projects were performed during regular work hours.
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.
GODFREY-SCOTT is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford on August 4, 2014, at which time she faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.
This case is being 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, Office of Investigations, New England Regional Investigations Office in Boston. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Oxford Resident Charged with Running Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
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 ROBERT E. LEE, JR., 50, of Oxford, was arrested yesterday on a federal criminal complaint charging him with defrauding multiple investors via a Ponzi scheme.
As alleged in the criminal complaint, LEE was employed as a broker and financial advisor for various financial investment firms until July 2013 when he was terminated by his most recent employer, Rockwell Global Capital, LLC. Between January 2011 and March 2014, LEE defrauded individuals by claiming that he was investing their money in various investment vehicles when, in fact, he was maintaining custody of their funds in his personal bank account. He then used the money to make distributions to other investors, and for personal expenses. To conceal the scheme, LEE fabricated account statements and other documents, which he delivered to his victims. Victims lost several million dollars as a result of this scheme.
LEE was arrested yesterday at his residence. He then appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis in New Haven and was released on $250,000 bond.
The criminal complaint charges LEE with wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that a complaint is only a charge and 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher M. Mattei.
Citizens with information that may be helpful to this ongoing investigation are encouraged to contact the FBI at (203) 777-6311.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Former Wethersfield Resident Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE NEGRON, also known as “Chino,” 29, formerly of Wethersfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.
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 drug trafficking organization headed by Angel Rosa, aka “Little” and “Daddy,” who is a member of the Los Solidos street gang. Rosa’s cousin, Angel Rosa, aka “Mo Betta” and “Fab,” supervised the daily operations of the organization, which distributed heroin and other narcotics in the Zion Street area.
The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, further revealed that Iran Negron, aka “Face,” “Cara” and “Pete,” stored large quantities of the organization’s heroin at his Gilman Street residence, and also sold heroin and cocaine to his own customers. JOSE NEGRON, who is Iran Negron’s nephew, supplied heroin to Iran Negron and Angel Rosa, aka Mo Betta.
As a result of the 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.
NEGRON was arrested on April 12, 2013. On January 24, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin.
NEGRON’s criminal history includes convictions for sale of narcotics, larceny and failure to appear.
NEGRON, who has been residing in Manchester while released on a $150,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on June 10.
Angel Rosa, aka “Little” and “Daddy,” Angel Rosa, aka “Mo Betta” and “Fab,” and Iran Negron have pleaded guilty. On April 29, 2014, “Mo Betta” was sentenced to 165 months of imprisonment. “Little” and Iran Negron await sentencing.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, which included 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.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Former School Teacher Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Possessing and Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RICHARD DOYLE, 65, formerly of Litchfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for possessing and distributing child pornography. At the time of his arrest in December 2012, DOYLE was employed as a teacher at a private school in Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in late October 2012, a law enforcement agent logged into a publicly available Internet file sharing program and downloaded images of child pornography from shared directories maintained by DOYLE. On December 4, 2012, the FBI executed a search warrant at DOYLE’s Litchfield residence. DOYLE was arrested after he admitted that he had used the file sharing program to obtain and trade child pornography. DOYLE further admitted that he had been viewing child pornography since the 1970’s, had used other computer programs to trade child pornography, and had purchased magazines containing child pornography.
DOYLE indicated that he had thousands of child pornography images in his collection, with some of boys as young as five, six or seven years old. He directed the FBI to a plastic container hidden under his workbench in the basement of his home, and indicated that the thumb drives in that container comprised his collection of child pornography, with the exception of some magazines that were still in the attic.
DOYLE stated that he only used his home computer system to download and view child pornography and never used his computer at the school where he was employed.
Pursuant to the search warrant, law enforcement seized a desktop computer and seven thumb drives. Examination of the computer and thumb drives revealed in excess of 4,000 image files and approximately six video files of child pornography.
On December 16, 2013, DOYLE waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography.
DOYLE has been released on a $200,000 bond and residing with family members since shortly after his arrest on December 4, 2012. He was ordered to report to prison on July 7.
This case was 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 assisted the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
The Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force, which is housed at the main FBI office in New Haven, investigates crimes against children occurring over the Internet, and provides computer forensic review services for participating agencies. For more information about the Task Force, or to report child exploitation crimes, please contact the FBI at 203-777-6311.
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.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]New London Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Trafficking HeroinRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MIGUEL MORALES, also known as “Neow,” 54, of New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role for trafficking heroin.
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 Luis Ariel Capellan Maldonado, also known as “Ariel,” and his associates were receiving heroin from sources in the Dominican Republic and distributing it throughout New London County. At times, Capellan Maldonado also obtained large quantities of raw heroin from co-conspirators in New York City and Providence. Court-authorized wiretaps revealed that MORALES was one of Capellan Maldonado’s most frequent customers of heroin, and sometimes cocaine. MORALES then sold the narcotics from his Colman Street residence to other drug distributors and customers.
MORALES has been detained since his arrest on April 3, 2013. On January 6, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
As part of this case, MORALES also forfeited a 2004 Pontiac GTO, a 1995 Nissan truck and a 2004 Acura TSX.
More than 100 individuals have been charged with federal and state offenses as a result of this investigation.
Capellan Maldonado has 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.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]New Haven Crack Dealer Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CHARLES JOHNSON, also known as “CJ,” 33, of New Haven, was sentenced on Friday, May 9, by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from 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. In February and March 2012, JOHNSON was intercepted over a wiretap ordering distribution quantities of crack cocaine from other members of the conspiracy.
JOHNSON has been detained since his arrest on September 20, 2012. On December 12, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, including the New Haven, Hamden and Milford Police Departments, and the State of Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Kaplan and Gordon Hall.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Two New York Women Admit Trafficking Fraudulent Federal Tax Refund ChecksRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PRICILLA BRITO, 38, of New York, N.Y., and YOWANDY DeLEON, 38, of the Bronx, N.Y., pleaded guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to federal offenses related to the trafficking of fraudulent federal tax refund checks.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation into individuals who, through various means, obtained fraudulent U.S. Treasury tax refund checks using stolen identities. After obtaining the checks, individuals typically deposited them into bank accounts that had been opened using fraudulent identifying documents. The funds were then quickly withdrawn. At times, co-conspirators sold the fraudulent checks to others for less than face value of the checks. The government alleges that millions of dollars were lost as result of this scheme.
BRITO and DeLEON obtained several fraudulent tax refund checks, subsequently delivered some of the checks to co-conspirators in Connecticut, and received proceeds from the negotiation or sale of fraudulent checks.
In 2013, BRITO provided at least nine checks, with a total face value of $59,802, to an individual in Waterbury. In an undercover operation, the checks were then purchased by an individual working with law enforcement for $35,590.
In October 2013, DeLEON traveled to Connecticut to provide co-conspirators with one fraudulent check with a face value of $7,580.38. In addition, a law enforcement search of DeLEON’s cell phone revealed images of names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and amounts of refunds for 32 individuals whose identities had been used in filing fraudulent federal tax returns. In total, the intended loss to the U.S. Treasury resulting from the checks that DeLEON provided to co-conspirators, as well as the refunds issued to the 32 individuals whose personal information was found on her phone, was $240,450.
BRITO pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. She is scheduled to be sentenced on August 6, 2014, at which time she faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
DeLEON pleaded guilty to one count of theft of public funds, and aiding and abetting the theft of public funds. She is also scheduled to be sentenced on August 6, 2014, at which time she faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Four other individuals have been charged as a result of this investigation:
On February 12, 2014, Ramon Mena, 25, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of public money and one count of distribution of heroin. He has been detained since his arrest on November 23, 2013, and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 1, 2014.
On February 20, 2014, Jerry de los Santos Rodriguez, 23, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in Waterbury, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. On May 1, 2014, he was sentenced to approximately five months of imprisonment, time already served, and he will be deported.
Julio Lara Trinidad, 27, of Waterbury, and Cesar Penson-Perez, 27, of New York, N.Y., are awaiting trial.
Trinidad is charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the U.S., six counts of theft of public money and aiding and abetting the same, one count of Social Security fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. He has been detained since his arrest on November 23, 2013.
Penson-Perez is charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the U.S., three counts of theft of public money and one count of aggravated identity theft. He has been detained since his arrest by the Darien Police Department on March 17, 2014.
As to Trinidad and Penson-Perez, 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.
This matter is being investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, the United States Secret Service and Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Danbury and Darien Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarala V. Nagala.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Physical Therapist Facing Additional Health Care Fraud and Tax Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that DANIELLE FAUX, 46, of Weston, has been charged in a 54-count superseding indictment with federal health care fraud and income tax fraud offenses. The superseding indictment was returned by a grand jury in Bridgeport on April 16, 2014, and FAUX appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons in Bridgeport and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.
According to the superseding indictment, FAUX owned and operated Danielle Faux PT, LLC, a physical therapy clinic located at 27 Lois Street in Norwalk, and was a part owner of Achieve Rehab and Fitness, a gym located at the same address in Norwalk. The indictment alleges that FAUX engaged in a scheme to defraud Medicare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Aetna by referring some of her patients for personal training sessions at Achieve Rehab and Fitness and then billing the sessions as if they were physical therapy procedures. The indictment also alleges that FAUX created and altered patient records when Medicare audited her practice in August 2009, and that she made false statements on her 2008, 2009, and 2010 federal income tax returns.
FAUX was arrested on February 24, 2014, based on an indictment charging her with 46 counts of health care fraud and one count of obstruction of a federal audit. The superseding indictment includes four additional counts of health care fraud and three counts of making a false statement on a federal income tax return.
If convicted, FAUX faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000 on each of the health care fraud counts, a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of $250,000 on the obstruction count, and a maximum term of three years and a fine of $100,000 on each of the tax counts.
The case has been assigned to Senior U.S. District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport, who has scheduled trial for October.
FAUX is released on a $50,000 bond.
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Stamford Man Admits Role in Mortgage Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut announced that TAIMUR AURORA, 40, of Stamford, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in Bridgeport to conspiring to defraud financial institutions through an extensive mortgage fraud scheme that involved dozens of properties in Fairfield County.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2005 and 2013, AURORA participated in a mortgage fraud conspiracy that involved the purchase of numerous single and multi-family properties, primarily in Bridgeport and Stamford. As part of the scheme, AURORA and his co-conspirators provided to mortgage lenders materially false information, including false verifications of mortgage applicants’ income, false verifications of down payments for real estate transactions and false HUD-1 Forms. AURORA also directed the actions of various “straw buyers,” or individuals who fraudulently applied for and obtained mortgage loans but did not have an actual financial investment or stake in the mortgage loan transactions. At times, AURORA acted as a straw buyer himself.
Many of the properties involved in this mortgage fraud scheme ended up in foreclosure, or in short sale transactions, and lenders suffered losses of more than $7 million. The loss attributed to AURORA’s role in this scheme totals approximately $4.2 million.
AURORA pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 17, 2014, and faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Nevins and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney John McReynolds.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Two Semi-automatic RiflesRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that EDWIN CARTER, 51, of Hartford, pleaded guilty yesterday before Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to possession of firearms by a previously convicted felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 6, 2013, members of the Hartford Police Department’s Special Operations Group and Shooting Task Force executed a court authorized search of CARTER’s Plainfield Street residence and recovered an FNH PS90 5.7x28 caliber assault rifle with a high capacity magazine containing 15 live rounds, and one Sarko SAR-I (AK-47) 7.62x39 caliber assault rifle with two high capacity magazines, one containing 27 live rounds and the other containing 26 live rounds.
The FNH PS90 assault rifle had been reported stolen out of East Hartford.
Prior to November 2013, CARTER had sustained three felony convictions in the Connecticut Superior Court, including convictions for assault, weapons in a motor vehicle and possession of narcotics. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
CARTER has been detained since his arrest on November 26, 2013.
Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for August 18, 2014, at which time CARTER 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’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, which includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John H. Durham.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Milford Man Charged with Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging RYAN RUSSOW, 29, of Milford, with heroin distribution offenses.
According to statements made in court, on March 12, 2014, a 26-year-old male died at a residence in Milford. In the decedent’s room, law enforcement officers located two empty bags of heroin stamped “Much Better,” and two full bags bearing the same stamp. Drug Enforcement Administration analysis confirmed that the full bags contained heroin with a purity level of approximately 76 percent, and the Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has concluded that the decedent died of heroin toxicity.
It is alleged that, on the morning of March 12, RUSSOW and the decedent exchanged a series of text messages in which the decedent sought to purchase heroin from RUSSOW. Video surveillance confirms that the decedent then arrived at RUSSOW’s residence and departed after approximately 15 minutes.
On March 19, 2014, the DEA executed a search warrant at RUSSOW’s residence and seized more than $19,000 in cash, a digital scale and drug packaging materials.
On April 23, 2014, the grand jury returned an indictment charging RUSSOW with one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, heroin, and one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin. RUSSOW was arrested the next day.
RUSSOW has been detained since his arrest. He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis in New Haven and was ordered detained pending trial.
If convicted, RUSSOW faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and the Milford Police Department. The Task Force is composed of members of the Milford, Stamford, Norwalk and Stratford Police Departments and the Connecticut State Police. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Partner in Liquor Store Businesses Sentenced to 21 Months in Prison for Embezzling More Than $300,000Read the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PETER TURNER, 58, of Burlington, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for embezzling more than $300,000.
According to court documents and statements made in court, TURNER was the managing partner of Two Buck Ring, LLC, a nine-member LLC that is the majority stake holder of The Bridge Fine Wine Spirits & Beer in New Milford. He also was a member of Spirited Endeavor, LLC, a 13-member LLC that does business as Town Line Fine Wine, Spirits & Beer in Stratford. As managing partner of Two Buck Ring (“TBR”), TURNER was responsible for the day-to-day operation of The Bridge Fine Wine Spirits & Beer and had access to the TBR business accounts.
Between November 2010 and February 2012, TURNER, without the authority of other TBR members, wrote numerous checks from the TBR business accounts to himself and used the money for various personal expenses. TURNER also prepared and disseminated to investors a fraudulent ledger in an effort to conceal his fraud.
Through this scheme, TURNER embezzled approximately $322,500.
TURNER was ordered to make full restitution.
On November 1, 2013, TURNER pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
This investigation was conducted by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, which includes members of the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police, and the Greenwich, Hartford, Stamford, Shelton and Stratford Police Departments. U.S. Attorney Daly specifically recognized the efforts of the Greenwich Police Department for its assistance in the investigation and prosecution of this matter.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Former Hartford Police Detective Admits Stealing Nearly $30k in Gun Permit FeesRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that former Hartford police detective TISHAY JOHNSON, 40, of Windsor, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford to one count of theft from a local government receiving federal funds.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Hartford residents seeking a permit to carry a concealed weapon are required to submit an application to the City of Hartford through the Hartford Police Department. The application includes a municipal application processing fee of $70 to Hartford and a background check fee of $66.50 to the State of Connecticut. JOHNSON administered the Hartford Police Department’s concealed weapons permit program and was responsible for processing citizens’ applications, collecting the application fees and depositing the fees into the appropriate city or state accounts. Between October 2009 and January 2014, JOHNSON embezzled $29,426.75 that had been paid in connection with permit applications by altering checks and money orders to make it appear that the checks and money orders were payable to him. He also forged signatures on checks to make it appear that the intended payee had endorsed the check over to him. JOHNSON then deposited the funds into a personal checking account.
JOHNSON is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on August 4, 2014, at which time he faces a maximum term of a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000. JOHNSON also has agreed to make restitution of $17,442.50 to the City of Hartford and $11,984.25 to the State of Connecticut. He is released on a $150,000 bond pending sentencing.
JOHNSON resigned from the Hartford Police Department in January 2014.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hartford Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher M. Mattei.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Florida Man Involved in $80 Million Drug Theft from Eli Lilly Warehouse in Enfield Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut today announced that AMAURY VILLA, 39, a citizen of Cuba last residing in Miami, Florida, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to federal conspiracy and theft charges stemming from his participation in the March 2010 theft of approximately $80 million in pharmaceuticals from an Eli Lilly Company warehouse and storage facility in Enfield, Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between January and March 2010, AMAURY VILLA, his brother Amed Villa and others conspired to steal pharmaceuticals from the Eli Lilly Company warehouse and storage facility in Enfield. In early 2010, AMAURY VILLA and others traveled from the Miami area to Connecticut to gather information about the warehouse facility and the surrounding area. In the evening of March 13, 2010, a tractor trailer was driven to the parking lot of the Eli Lilly warehouse facility. Later that evening, AMAURY VILLA and Amed Villa checked for security in the front area, climbed onto the roof, used tools to cut a hole in the facility roof, dropped down into the facility and disabled the alarm system. Thereafter, AMAURY VILLA and his co-conspirators loaded approximately 49 pallets of pharmaceuticals into the tractor trailer, which they had backed up to the loading dock of the warehouse. The tractor trailer then traveled to Florida.
The pallets of pharmaceuticals included thousands of boxes Zyprexa, Cymbalta, Prozac, Gemzar and other medicines, valued at approximately $80 million.
AMAURY VILLA, who has been in federal custody since May 2012, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, four counts of theft from an interstate shipment, each of which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for July 24, 2014.
On October 14, 2011, a search of a storage facility in Florida recovered pharmaceuticals that had been stolen from the Enfield warehouse. AMAURY VILLA subsequently pleaded guilty in the Southern District of Florida to conspiracy and possession of stolen goods charges and, on November 26, 2012, he was sentenced to 140 months of imprisonment.
Amed Villa has pleaded guilty in the District of Connecticut to conspiracy and theft charges related to the Enfield theft and multimillion dollar warehouse burglaries in Illinois, Virginia, Florida and Kentucky. He awaits sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Enfield Police Department, with the assistance of several other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and federal, state and local law enforcement agencies that have been investigating large-scale thefts of pharmaceuticals and other products.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anastasia E. King and Douglas P. Morabito, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]TitleRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
PASTE TEXT HERE
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Hebron Man Who Filed False Tax Returns Is SentencedRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALAN MISKUNAS, 52, of Hebron, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to three years of probation for filing false tax returns. MISKUNAS also was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service.
According to court documents and statements made in court, MISKUNAS formerly owned Bolton Flooring Center in Bolton. During the 2003 and 2004 tax years, MISKUNAS filed income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service that under-reported Bolton Flooring Center’s gross business receipts by approximately one-half, resulting in his failure to pay more than $64,000 in personal income taxes due on that unreported income. MISKUNAS also did not file tax returns for the 2005 and 2006 tax years and failed to pay more than $88,000 in taxes owed for those years.
MISKUNAS is required to pay $152,417 in back taxes, plus applicable interest and penalties.
On February 6, 2013, MISKUNAS pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry K. Kopel.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]25 Charged After Fbi Task Force Investigation into Hartford Gang-related Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Hartford Police Chief James C. Rovella, today announced that 25 individuals have been charged with federal narcotics offenses related to the gang-related distribution of crack cocaine in Hartford’s North End.
According to allegations made in court, this matter stems from a year-long joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force into narcotics trafficking by members and associates of West Hell street gang, and gang-related violent activity. The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance, identified MELKUAN SCOTT, also known as “Young God,” “Mel,” “Young” and “YG,” 23, as the alleged leader of the West Hell street gang who, along with his associates, distributed crack cocaine in the Westland Street area of Hartford.
SCOTT and five co-defendants were arrested on April 15, 2014, after they allegedly participated in a quarter-kilogram crack cocaine transaction. The investigation culminated yesterday with the arrest of nine individuals.
Charged in a 52-count indictment, which was returned by a federal grand jury in New Haven on April 24, 2014, are:
MELKUAN SCOTT, a.k.a. “Young God,” “Mel,” “Young” and “YG,” 23, of Eastford Street, Hartford, and Lake Road, Andover
ARTHUR STANLEY, a.k.a. “Wigs,” “P,” and “Peno,” 24, of Townley Street, Hartford
JEFF ANTOINE, a.k.a. “Little Homie,” 19, of Barbour Street, Hartford
RASHAWN DUBOSE, a.k.a. “Chubbs,” and “Trev,” 22, of Love Lane, Hartford
GREGORY THOMAS, a.k.a. “Quanny” and “Jim,” 23, of Earle Street, Hartford
TYSHAWN McDADE, a.k.a. “S Dot” and “S Diddy,” 29, of Homestead Avenue, Hartford
AKEEM MANOO, a.k.a. “Keeme,” 23, of Pliny Street, Hartford,
RICARDO HOWE, a.k.a. “Dino” and “Tyson,” 25, of Cornwall Street, Hartford
NEHELIAH BARNETT, a.k.a. “Neagmiah,” “Nelly,” “Ney” and “Nehemiah,” 26, of Love Lane, Hartford
RAYMOND RIVERA, a.k.a. “White Boy,” 24, of Sheldon Street, Hartford
KYRIN-ROBERT JACKSON, a.k.a. “Ky,” 23, of Martin Street, Hartford
*GABRIEL HORACE WILLIAMS-BEY, a.k.a. “G Money,” “Money” and “Mugga,” 25, of Manchester Street, Hartford
TAFARIE GREEN, a.k.a. “Farie,” 24, of Grandview Terrace, Hartford
IRIS PEREZ, 40, of Dudley Street, Manchester,
AFESHA MANOO, a.k.a. “Fesha” and “Fee,” 23, of Pliny Street, Hartford
HORACE STARKS, JR., a.k.a. “Head” and “Little Head,” 22, of Burnside Avenue, East Hartford,
JAMIE COLEMAN, a.k.a. “City,” 23, of New Britain Avenue, West Hartford
ARNOLD THOMPSON, a.k.a. “B,” 24, of Garden Street, Hartford
JERROD HALL, a.k.a. “Slime,” 20, of Winchester Street, Hartford
RAQUIM SMITH, a.k.a. “Bud,” “Butter” and “Rakim,” 21, of Westland Street, Hartford
JAMAL HOWELL, a.k.a. “Squizzy,” 28, of Eggleston Street, Bloomfield
RASHAWN HILL, 32, of Winchester Street, Hartford
JASON WATSON, a.k.a. “Noggin,” 26, of Earle Street, Hartford
SHAQILLE BROWN, a.k.a. “Shaq,” 21, of Oakland Terrace, Hartford
*MICHAEL MORRISON, a.k.a. “Nazzie,” 24, of Norfolk Street, Hartford(*WILLIAMS-BEY and MORRISON are currently being sought by law enforcement. Citizens with knowledge of their whereabouts, or with information that may be helpful the investigation of this matter, are encouraged to call the FBI at 203-777-6311.)
“Gang-related drug activity terrorizes and tears apart the fabric of our communities,” stated U.S. Attorney Daly. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners are prepared to use the full weight of federal law to prosecute individuals involved in gangs and related activity. I commend the work of the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, which is committed to investigating serious criminal behavior in Hartford and rooting out violent individuals from our communities. This investigation is ongoing. We will continue to work closely with our state counterparts to investigate acts of violence that may relate to this alleged drug trafficking activity.”
“The distribution of narcotics allegedly undertaken by members and associates of the West Hell street gang has been seriously disrupted as a result of this successful long-term investigation by the Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Ferrick. “It is our hope that this continuing investigation will break West Hell’s stronghold on some of Hartford’s north end neighborhoods. Any group that attempts to fill the void created by these arrests will suffer the very same fate.”
“This effort is a perfect demonstration of the benefits of all our law enforcement partners, local, state and federal, all working in concert to achieve the same objective of stemming violence in our city streets,” stated Chief Rovella. “Law enforcement believes that the group targeted in this operation not only distributes drugs, but has had a propensity for gun violence. We are committed to working together with both the community and our law enforcement partners to make our neighborhoods safer.”
The indictment charges SCOTT, STANLEY, ANTOINE, DUBOSE, THOMAS, McDADE, AKEEM MANOO, HOWE, BARNETT, RIVERA, JACKSON, WILLIAMS-BEY, GREEN, PEREZ, AFESHA MANOO, and STARKS with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack cocaine”). If convicted of this charge, based on the quantity of narcotics charged, SCOTT, STANLEY, ANTOINE, DUBOSE, THOMAS, McDADE, AKEEM MANOO and HOWE face a minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and BARNETT, RIVERA, JACKSON, WILLIAMS-BEY, GREEN, PEREZ, AFESHA MANOO and STARKS, face a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.
SCOTT, STANLEY, ANTOINE, DUBOSE, THOMAS, McDADE, AKEEM MANOO, HOWE, RIVERA, WILLIAMS-BEY, and STARKS are charged with one or more counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, various quantities of crack cocaine. SCOTT and STANLEY are also charged with multiple counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, crack cocaine and powder cocaine.
COLEMAN, THOMPSON, HALL, SMITH, HOWELL, BROWN and MORRISON are charged with use of telephone to facilitate the distribution of crack cocaine, and HILL and WATSON, are charged with use of a telephone to facilitate the distribution of heroin. If convicted of this charge, each defendant faces a maximum term of imprisonment of four years.
SCOTT, DUBOSE and BARNETT are charged with one count of maintaining a premise to manufacture a controlled substance. These defendants are alleged to have used an apartment at 33-35 Love Lane in Hartford to convert, or “cook,” cocaine into crack cocaine. If convicted of this charge, each defendant faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Finally, the indictment charges SCOTT, with one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. A loaded Heckler & Koch, model P2000, .40 caliber handgun was found during a search of SCOTT’s residence on April 15, 2014.
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.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Squad, Major Crimes Unit and Shooting Task Force are providing valuable assistance to the investigation, and the Capitol Region Emergency Response Team (CREST) assisted with the arrest of certain defendants. The Office of the Chief State’s Attorney is also assisting with this ongoing investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John H. Durham and Peter S. Jongbloed.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]West Haven Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDWIN CHARON, 30, of West Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing stolen firearms. CHARON also was ordered to pay a $7,500 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 8, 2012, Elliot Perez stole three boxes containing a total of 111 firearms from the Smith & Wesson manufacturing plant in Springfield. Perez and his cohort, Michael Murphy, were arrested later that month on charges stemming from the theft, but not before they had sold the majority of the firearms into the illicit gun market in and around Bridgeport.
On April 2, 2013, the Bridgeport Police Department arrested an individual who possessed one of the stolen Smith & Wesson handguns. The investigation revealed that the individual had purchased the gun from CHARON in a storage locker in West Haven to which CHARON had access. A subsequent search of the storage locker revealed four handguns, including another of the stolen Smith & Wesson handguns, and a stolen Ruger 9mm pistol loaded with a high capacity magazine and containing 17 rounds of ammunition.
CHARON was previously convicted of felony offenses, and 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.
CHARON has been detained since his arrest on April 24, 2013. On January 15, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of firearms by a previously convicted felon.
Perez and Murphy have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bridgeport Police Department and the Stratford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Hartford Heroin Trafficker Sentenced to More Than 13 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANGEL ROSA, also known as “Mo Betta” and “Fab,” 43, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 165 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a heroin trafficking ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from “Operation Solid Sweep,” 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 drug trafficking organization headed by Angel Rosa, also known as “Little” and “Daddy,” who is a member of the Los Solidos street gang, and his cousin, ANGEL ROSA, also known as “Mo Betta” and “Fab.” ROSA, aka Mo Betta, managed the daily operations of the organization, facilitated the delivery and transportation of large quantities of heroin, and supervised numerous drug sellers, including his own son, who distributed heroin and other narcotics in the Zion Street area. At times, he also used violence to ensure the success of the organization.
As a result of the 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.
ROSA was arrested on April 11, 2013. On December 19, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin.
As part of his case, ROSA forfeited $8,767 in cash that was seized from his residence at the time of his arrest, a 2007 Mercedes E550 and a 2006 Harley Davidson XLH1200.
During the investigation, ROSA was on state probation for a similar offense. In 2006, he was convicted of selling heroin and was sentenced to 17 years of incarceration, suspended after seven years.
Mo Betta’s son, Angel Rosa, aka “Booby” and “Little Booby,” pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 66 months of imprisonment. Mo Betta’s cousin, Angel Rosa, aka “Little” and “Daddy,” also pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This matter is being 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.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Windsor Man Admits Making and Selling Bootlegged Dvds and Cds for More Than A DecadeRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN W. RICE, 40, of Windsor, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport to one count of criminal copyright infringement and one count of money laundering related to his production and sale of 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 has 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 is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford on July 25, 2014, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a fine of up to $500,000. RICE also has agreed to forfeit $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.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Homeland Security Investigations and the Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Jewett City Man Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison for Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that AARON MOORE, also known as “Natural Perfection Be-Allah,” 36, of Jewett City, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 41 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.
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 Luis Ariel Capellan Maldonado, also known as “Ariel,” and his associates were receiving heroin from sources in the Dominican Republic and distributing it throughout New London County. MOORE was identified as a heroin customer of Emmanuel Blanco Balbuena, who regularly obtained distribution quantities of heroin from Capellan Maldonado.
On January 24, 2013, members of the Norwich Police Department arranged to make a controlled purchase of heroin from MOORE at a Goodwill Store in Norwich. After entering the store, MOORE apparently identified officers and quickly discarded a plastic bag onto one of the shelves in the store. Using the store’s video surveillance system, officers were able to find the plastic bag, which contained approximately 24 grams of heroin packaging material. A subsequent search of MOORE vehicle revealed $20,020 in cash that had been hidden in a computer tower in the car.
MOORE has been detained since his arrest. On January 6, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin.
MOORE’s criminal history includes multiple drug-related convictions, and convictions for robbery and assault.
More than 100 individuals have been charged with federal and state offenses as a result of this investigation.
Capellan Maldonado and Balbuena have pleaded guilty. On April 23, 2014, Balbuena was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment. Capellan Maldonado 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.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Hartford Crack Dealer Sentenced to 70 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JEROME WILLINGHAM, 32, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the summer of 2012, in response to a series of shootings in the area of Bond Street and Franklin Avenue in Hartford, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force began an investigation targeting gang and narcotics activity in that area. In October 2012, investigators began to make controlled purchases of multi-gram quantities of crack cocaine from Joshua Suarez, also known as “Tizzo.” WILLINGHAM was subsequently identified as Suarez’s source for crack cocaine.
WILLINGHAM has been detained since his arrest on April 28, 2013. On December 16, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
WILLINGHAM has prior felony convictions, and previously served more than seven years in state custody for criminal possession of a firearm.
The sentence in this case was enhanced after Judge Shea found that WILLINGHAM, in advance of his sentencing, had submitted a forged letter to the U.S. Probation Office purporting to confirm his participation in an apprenticeship program. The letter was submitted to corroborate WILLINGHAM’s assertion that he sold drugs because he had three children and needed to support them, and that he was involved in an ironworker’s apprenticeship program for which he was not receiving compensation. WILLINGHAM never participated in the apprenticeship program.
Suarez has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, the Connecticut State Police, the Hartford Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Waterford Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Possesing Firearms Stolen in Burglary SpreeRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARK MISSINO, also known as “Mark Houston” and “Mark Serano,” 46, formerly of Waterford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 204 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for stealing and possessing numerous firearms.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in November 2010, MISSINO and Bernard McAllister possessed 19 firearms that they had stolen during a string of residential burglaries that took place between 2008 and 2010. The firearms were discovered in an East Lyme storage locker with more than 8,000 other items believed to have been taken during the burglaries.
Prior to November 2010, MISSINO had been convicted of multiple felony offenses in Connecticut and Florida, including convictions for larceny, burglary, robbery, grand theft and escape. 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.
MISSINO and McAllister have been detained since November 18, 2010, when they were arrested in Massachusetts. On January 30, 2014, MISSINO pleaded guilty to one count of possession of firearms by a previously convicted felon. McAllister pleaded guilty to the same charge on June 6, 2013.
MISSINO and McAllister also pleaded guilty in state court to several charges related to the series of residential burglaries.
Judge Underhill recommended that MISSINO’s 204-month federal sentence run concurrently with his state sentence. MISSINO is scheduled to be sentenced in state court on April 30, at which time he is expected to receive a sentence of 40 years, execution suspended after 25 years.
On March 21, 2014, McAllister was sentenced in federal court to 108 months of imprisonment, concurrently with a state sentence of 25 years, execution suspended after 16 years.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Connecticut State Police, the Massachusetts State Police, and the East Lyme, Greenwich, Madison, Guilford, Glastonbury, North Branford and Wallingford Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]New London Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that EMMANUEL BLANCO BALBUENA, also known as “Manny,” 29, of New London, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.
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 Luis Ariel Capellan Maldonado, also known as “Ariel,” and his associates were receiving heroin from sources in the Dominican Republic and distributing it throughout New London County. Court-authorized wiretaps and physical surveillance revealed that BALBUENA regularly purchased distribution quantities of heroin from Capellan Maldonado and then sold the drug to his own customers in New London and Norwich.
BALBUENA has been detained since his arrest on April 3, 2013. On January 6, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute heroin.
More than 100 individuals have been charged with federal and state offenses as a result of this investigation. Maldonado has 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.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]New Haven Man Sentenced to 66 Months in Federal Prison for Drug Offense, Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, the United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARVIN OGMAN, 37, of New Haven was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 30 months of imprisonment for violating the terms and conditions of his supervised release from a previous federal conviction. Earlier this month, OGMAN was sentenced to 36 months of imprisonment for using a telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. The sentences will run consecutively.
In December 2005, MARVIN OGMAN was sentenced in federal court to 95 months of imprisonment, followed by six years of supervised release, for his role in a narcotics distribution conspiracy. He was released from federal prison in May 2011.
On April 9, 2012, a grand jury returned an indictment charging MARVIN OGMAN and 17 other individuals with narcotics distribution and related offenses stemming 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. Two additional individuals were later charged in the case. During the investigation, MARVIN OGMAN was identified over a court-authorized wiretap arranging crack cocaine transactions with his nephew, Donald Ogman, who has been identified in court proceedings as the alleged leader of the Grape Street Crips.
On December 22, 2012, MARVIN OGMAN pleaded guilty to one count of using a telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. On April 11, 2014, in Bridgeport, Senior U.S. District Judge Warren W. Eginton sentenced MARVIN OGMAN to 36 months of imprisonment.
Today, Chief Judge Hall ordered MARVIN OGMAN to serve a four-year term of supervised release after serving an effective sentence of 66 months of imprisonment.
Donald Ogman has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, the New Haven, Hamden and Milford Police Departments, the Connecticut State Police and the State of Connecticut Department of Correction. The investigation has been assisted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Westerly (R.I.) Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and H. Gordon Hall.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Florida Man Who Possessed Stolen Gun Silencers Is SentencedRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that RICHARD SLEEVA, 51, of Naples, Florida, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to three years of probation for possessing stolen firearms silencers. SLEEVA was also ordered to perform 450 hours of community service.
According to court documents and statements made in court, SLEEVA was a Federal Firearms Licensee and had obtained silencers as a member of Gemtech’s Board of Directors prior to his removal from the Board in 2001. When he was removed from the Board, SLEEVA failed to return the silencers after Gemtech repeatedly demanded that he do so. Gemtech then reported the firearms as stolen.
SLEEVA’s Federal Firearms License expired in 2003.
On September 22, 2011, SLEEVA pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a stolen firearm and admitted that, from 2001 through September 2009, he unlawfully possessed three Gemtech firearms silencers at a former residence in Pennsylvania.
As part of the resolution of this case, SLEEVA agreed to forfeit approximately 117 firearms that he owned and possessed at residences in Pennsylvania and Newtown, Connecticut. The firearms, which SLEEVA voluntarily turned over to ATF agents in 2009, include more than 40 firearms silencers, more than 40 short-barreled shotguns, as well as several machine guns, semi-automatic handguns and semi-automatic rifles.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance of Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Waterbury Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JESUS F. GONZALEZ, SR., 37, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 180 months of imprisonment, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for producing child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, GONZALEZ had sexual intercourse with a minor female victim on several occasions between approximately February 2012 and August 2012. On approximately August 9, 2012, GONZALEZ used his cell phone to take multiple pictures of the victim, naked, in sexually explicit positions. GONZALEZ then maintained the pictures on his phone. The victim was approximately 14 years old at the time the sexually explicit pictures were taken.
On February 3, 2014, GONZALEZ pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of production of child pornography. GONZALEZ has been detained in state custody since his arrest on August 11, 2012 on related state charges.
This matter was investigated by the Waterbury Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The Connecticut State’s Attorney’s Office in Waterbury also provided critical assistance in this investigation.
The case was being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.
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.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Bridgeport Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Distributing CrackRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LAWRENCE BLUE, 36, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by six years of supervised release, for distributing crack.
In December 2002, BLUE was sentenced by Judge Hall to 92 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. He was released from federal prison in June 2009.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 20, 2012, the U.S. Marshals Service and members of the Connecticut Violent Fugitive Task Force arrested BLUE at his Bridgeport residence on a federal violation of supervised release warrant. On that date, a search of BLUE’s bedroom revealed narcotics, two loaded firearms and approximately $2,500 in cash.
On April 17, 2012, Judge Hall sentenced BLUE to 21 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release stemming from his prior federal conviction.
On October 23, 2013, BLUE pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”).
BLUE has been detained since his arrest in March 2012.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alina P. Reynolds.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Three More Florida Men Charged in $80 Million Drug Theft from Eli Lilly Warehouse in EnfieldRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut today announced that three more Florida men have been arrested for their alleged participation in the March 2010 theft of approximately $80 million in pharmaceuticals from an Eli Lilly Company warehouse and storage facility in Enfield, Conn.
On April 10, 2014, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a second superseding indictment charging AMAURY VILLA, 39, of Miami, YOSMANY NUNEZ, also known as “El Gato,” 41, of Southwest Ranches, Fla., ALEXANDER MARQUEZ, 40, of Hialeah, Fla.,and RAFAEL LOPEZ, 49, of Miami, on federal conspiracy and theft charges. The indictment was unsealed yesterday.
NUNEZ, MARQUEZ and LOPEZ, who are citizens of Cuba, were arrested last week in Florida. VILLA was originally charged by indictment in March 2012 and has been in federal custody since May 2012.
The second superseding indictment alleges that, between January and March 2010, VILLA, NUNEZ, MARQUEZ, LOPEZ and another individual conspired to steal pharmaceuticals from the Eli Lilly Company warehouse and storage facility in Enfield. The investigation revealed that, in early 2010, VILLA, NUNEZ and others traveled from the Miami area to Connecticut to gather information about the warehouse facility and the surrounding area. Shortly before the theft, LOPEZ and another individual traveled to Flushing, N.Y., where they purchased tools needed to break into the warehouse facility, and then traveled to Connecticut.
The indictment alleges that, in the evening of March 13, 2010, MARQUEZ drove a tractor trailer to the parking lot of the Eli Lilly warehouse facility. Later that evening, VILLA and a co-conspirator carried a ladder to the warehouse, checked for security in the front area, climbed onto the roof, used the tools to cut a hole in the facility roof, dropped down into the facility and disabled the alarm system. Thereafter, VILLA and others loaded approximately 49 pallets of pharmaceuticals into the tractor trailer, which they had backed up to the loading dock of the warehouse.
The indictment alleges that LOPEZ was in the vicinity of the Enfield warehouse at the time of the theft and communicated by cell phone with a co-conspirator who was inside the warehouse.
The pallets of pharmaceuticals included thousands of boxes Zyprexa, Cymbalta, Prozac, Gemzar and other medicines, valued at approximately $80 million.
It is alleged that MARQUEZ drove the tractor trailer containing the stolen pharmaceuticals from Connecticut to Florida. VILLA, NUNEZ, MARQUEZ and a co-conspirator then met in Florida, unloaded the stolen pharmaceuticals from the tractor trailer and stored them in public storage facility in Miami area.
As part of an investigation in the Southern District of Florida, on October 14, 2011, a search of a storage facility in Florida recovered pharmaceuticals that had been stolen from the Enfield warehouse.
The defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, four counts of theft from an interstate shipment, each of which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
NUNEZ and MARQUEZ were arrested on April 17 in Florida. Both are detained pending hearings that are scheduled for April 24 in Fort Lauderdale. LOPEZ surrendered to authorities yesterday. He was released on bond and is scheduled to be arraigned in the District of Connecticut on May 1.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Enfield Police Department, with the assistance of several other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and federal, state and local law enforcement agencies that have been investigating large-scale thefts of pharmaceuticals and other products.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anastasia E. King and Douglas P. Morabito, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
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.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]New Haven Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PIERRE GALAN, also known as “P.L.O.,” 28, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from “Operation Bloodline,” a joint law enforcement investigation targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in the Dwight-Kensington and Fair Haven sections of New Haven. Led by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the New Haven and Hamden Police Departments, the year-long investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps on numerous telephones, extensive physical surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, execution of search warrants, and seizures of narcotics and firearms. More than 100 individuals were charged as a result of the investigation.
On December 6, 2013, GALAN pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin.
GALAN’s criminal history includes one prior felony firearms conviction.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia and Meriden Police Departments. The United States Marshals Service, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, Parole and Community Services and the Milford, Hartford, New Britain, North Branford and Stratford Police Departments have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Dave Vatti and Marc Silverman.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]New Haven Man Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Escaping from Federal CustodyRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MICHAEL BEVERLY, 37, formerly of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by Senior U.S. District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 15 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for escaping from federal custody.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 17, 2013, BEVERLY escaped from custody in the Watkinson House Residential Reentry Center in Hartford. BEVERLY was serving a 77-month term of imprisonment imposed following his 2008 conviction in federal court for possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. He was apprehended approximately two weeks later by the U.S. Marshals Service and returned to custody.
The 15-month sentence imposed yesterday will run consecutively to the undischarged term of imprisonment BEVERLY was serving on his 2008 conviction.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the New Haven Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Mattei.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]West Hartford Woman, New Haven Man, Charged with Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that STEPHANIE ELLIOTT, 41, of West Hartford, and MICHAEL CARTER, 50, of New Haven, have been indicted for tax evasion.
This matter stems from an Internal Revenue Service investigation into high income taxpayers who have had little or no federal withholding taken out of their paychecks. The investigation revealed that individuals allegedly submitted fraudulent W-4 forms claiming numerous exemptions and had no money withheld from their wages.
The six-count indictment against ELLIOTT alleges that, during the 2007 through 2012 tax years, she paid no federal income taxes on approximately $482,912 in income she received, resulting in a federal tax loss of approximately $100,011.
The three-count indictment against CARTER alleges that, during the 2010 through 2012 tax years, he paid no federal income taxes on approximately $254,332 in income he received, resulting in a federal tax loss of approximately $52,679.
ELLIOTT and CARTER are employed as nurses with the State of Connecticut’s Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
The indictments were returned under seal by a federal grand jury in New Haven on April 9. ELLIOTT appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Garfinkel in Bridgeport yesterday, and CARTER appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Smith in Hartford today. ELLIOTT entered a plea of not guilty. CARTER’s arraignment is scheduled for next week.
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.
This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Wines.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Florida Woman Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Role in Real Estate Investment SchemeRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LORETTA SENECA, 51, of Boynton Beach, Fla., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 27 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for her role in a real estate investment scheme. SENECA was also ordered to serve the first six months of supervised release in home confinement, and to perform 120 hours of community service.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately November 2006 and December 2007, Robert Rivernider, Robert Ponte and SENECA engaged in a real estate investment conspiracy that defrauded both lenders and individuals they recruited. Rivernider is SENECA’s brother. As part of the scheme, Rivernider, Ponte and others recruited victim borrowers to take out financing to purchase various investment properties, primarily in Tennessee and Florida, with financing from victim lenders. Rivernider and Ponte typically represented to borrowers that these properties would be passive investments and that Rivernider and Ponte would be responsible for the details of the purchase, rental, maintenance and payment of the mortgages on the properties. The co-conspirators made false representations to the victim borrowers that Rivernider and Ponte would arrange for the purchase of the properties by the borrowers at markedly discounted values. In fact, Rivernider and Ponte frequently marked up the purchase price of the properties to the victim borrowers, often by as much as 25 percent, without disclosing the increase in the purchase price. Rivernider, Ponte and others also falsely represented that the investment properties would return to the victim borrowers sufficient monies to cover the carrying costs, as well as reduce the borrowers’ other debt burden.
Rivernider, Ponte, SENECA and others victimized lenders by making multiple false representations in loan applications and other documents provided to the victim lenders. SENECA, a trained mortgage broker, was actively involved in the real estate transactions, including organizing and gathering many of the materials needed by the victim lenders, gathering certain information from the victim borrowers, providing certain comparables based on properties brokered by Rivernider to be used for purportedly independent appraisals, and a range of other background tasks necessary for the lenders to make the loans.
This scheme involved at least 100 properties, and the victim lending institutions suffered more than $21 million in losses.
On February 25, 2013, SENECA pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and one count of wire fraud.
Rivernider and Ponte pleaded guilty to multiple charges stemming from both this scheme and a separate scheme that defrauded investors out of approximately $2.2 million. They are currently serving prison terms of 144 months and 90 months, respectively.
Judge Chatigny ordered SENECA to pay restitution in the amount of $5 million, and the government is seeking an order of full restitution against Rivernider and Ponte.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John H. Durham and Christopher W. Schmeisser.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]New London Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Distributing Heroin, Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE MORALES, 53, of New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and illegally possessing firearms.
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 Luis Ariel Capellan Maldonado, also known as “Ariel,” and his associates were receiving heroin from sources in the Dominican Republic and distributing it throughout New London County. MORALES purchased raw heroin from Maldonado’s associate and sold it to his own customers, typically in quantities of five to ten grams at a time.
MORALES was arrested on April 3, 2013. A search of his Willets Avenue residence on that date revealed a shotgun, a .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol, several rounds of ammunition, heroin packaging material and $940 in cash.
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.
MORALES has been detained since his arrest. On January 6, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute heroin.
MORALES has multiple prior felony convictions, including convictions for sexual assault, violating a protective order, threatening, robbery and larceny.
More than 100 individuals have been charged with federal and state offenses as a result of this investigation. Maldonado has 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.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Indictment Charges Former Governor with Illegal Activity in Two Congressional CampaignsRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut and the United States Postal Inspection Service announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a seven-count indictment today charging JOHN G. ROWLAND, 56, of Middlebury, with offenses stemming from his efforts to conceal the extent of his involvement in two federal election campaigns. ROWLAND served as governor of Connecticut from 1995 to 2004, and in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1985 to 1991.
The indictment alleges that 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 the fact 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, referred to in the indictment as the “Animal Center.” By proposing to run the campaign-related payments to ROWLAND through the Animal Center, ROWLAND sought to prevent actual campaign contributions and expenditures from being reported to the FEC and the public.
The indictment further alleges that during the 2011 and 2012 election cycle, Lisa Wilson-Foley was a candidate for 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. It is alleged that 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.
The indictment alleges that 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. In furtherance of the scheme, ROWLAND, Foley and others created and executed a fictitious contract outlining an agreement purportedly for consulting services between ROWLAND and the law offices of an attorney who worked for Foley’s nursing home company. Foley made regular payments to ROWLAND for his work on behalf of Wilson-Foley’s campaign and routed those payments from his real estate company through the law offices of the attorney and on to ROWLAND. 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.
It is alleged that 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 indictment charges ROWLAND with 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 expected to be arraigned tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. in New Haven.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Investigation Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Liam Brennan and Christopher Mattei.
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.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Stamford Man Who Possessed Sawed-off Shotguns and Drugs Sentenced to 66 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that RICHTER RINVIL, also known as “Ricky, 20, of Stamford, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 66 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing two sawed-off shotguns and narcotics.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2013, the Stamford Police Department conducted a controlled purchase of heroin from RINVIL. RINVIL was arrested on January 30, 2013, and a search of his Custer Street residence on that date revealed two sawed-off shotguns, one of which was loaded, as well as 4.2 grams of heroin packaged for distribution, approximately 293 grams of marijuana, a personal use quantity of cocaine, drug packaging materials and $3,470 in cash.
RINVIL has been detained since his arrest. On January 13, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of unregistered firearms.
This matter was investigated by the Stamford Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Richards.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]New Haven Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Gun and Narcotics OffensesRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ALPHONZO DIXON, also known as “Fonz,” 26, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by Senior U.S. District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm and distributing 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, 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. DIXON was identified over a court-authorized wiretap communicating with Donald Ogman, who has been identified in court proceedings as the alleged leader of the Grape Street Crips, and discussing narcotics transactions and shootings.
In February 2012, DIXON purchased eighth-ounce quantities of crack cocaine from members of the conspiracy for distribution purposes. On March 12, 2012, investigators also recovered a revolver that was identified as belonging to DIXON.
DIXON had been convicted in August 2011 of possessing a weapon in a motor vehicle, and 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.
DIXON has been detained since March 26, 2012.
On April 9, 2012, a grand jury returned an indictment charging DIXON and 17 other individuals with narcotics distribution and related offenses stemming from this investigation. Two additional individuals were later charged in the case.
All of the defendants have pleaded guilty. On August 8, 2012, DIXON pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, and one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
DIXON will begin service of his federal sentence after he completes a six-month term of incarceration for contempt ordered in state court on December 13, 2013, following DIXON’s refusal to testify at trial.
Ogman awaits sentencing.This matter was investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, the New Haven, Hamden and Milford Police Departments, the Connecticut State Police and the State of Connecticut Department of Correction. The investigation has been assisted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Westerly (R.I.) Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and H. Gordon Hall.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]East Hartford Man Sentenced to 66 Months in Prison for Role in Heroin Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANGEL ROSA, also known as “Booby” and “Little Booby, 21, of East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 66 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a heroin trafficking ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from “Operation Solid Sweep,” 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 drug trafficking organization headed by Angel Rosa, also known as “Little” and “Daddy,” who is a member of the Los Solidos street gang. Rosa’s cousin, Angel Rosa, also known as “Mo Betta” and “Fab,” supervised the daily operations of the organization, which distributed heroin and other narcotics in the Zion Street area.
ROSA, who is Mo Betta’s son, distributed heroin from 584 Zion Street almost every day during the course of the investigation.
As a result of the 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.
ROSA was arrested on April 11, 2013. On December 19, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin.
Angel Rosa, aka “Little” and “Daddy,” and Angel Rosa, aka “Mo Betta” and “Fab,” have each pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This matter is being 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.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Federal Judge Strips Child Sex Offender of U.S. CitizenshipRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Bruce M. Foucart, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England, today announced that a federal judge in Hartford has revoked the citizenship of RORY DECORDOVA GAYLE, 44, formerly of Windsor and West Hartford.
According to court documents, GAYLE was born in Jamaica in 1969 and entered the United States in 1979 as a lawful permanent resident. In January 1999, GAYLE applied to become a U.S. citizen. On his Application for Naturalization, GAYLE answered “no” in response to the question “Have you ever . . . knowingly committed any crime for which you have not been arrested?” In an oral interview with a U.S. immigration official in June 1999, GAYLE swore that all of the information provided on his application was true and correct. GAYLE’s application was approved and, on August 6, 1999, he was sworn in as a naturalized U.S. citizen.
On October 30, 2000, GAYLE pleaded guilty in Connecticut Superior Court to two counts of first degree sexual assault of a minor for crimes committed between November 1996 and September 1999. GAYLE was sentenced to 20 years of incarceration, suspended after 15 years, a 10-year period of probation and lifetime registration as a sex offender. He is currently incarcerated with a maximum release date of July 14, 2014.
After an investigation by ICE Homeland Security Investigations uncovered GAYLE’s misrepresentations to immigration authorities, the U.S. Attorney’s Office initiated a denaturalization action against GAYLE in October 2012.
On January 29, 2014, U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant ordered GAYLE’s citizenship revoked on the ground that he lacked the good moral character necessary for citizenship, and that his application for naturalization concealed material facts and included willful misrepresentations.
ICE has initiated removal proceedings against GAYLE on the basis of his criminal history. On April 4, ICE issued an immigration detainer for GAYLE, requesting that the Connecticut Department of Correction transfer GAYLE to ICE custody upon the conclusion of his state sentence.
“For foreign-born individuals, citizenship is a privilege, not a right,” stated U.S. Attorney Daly. “Mr. Gayle corrupted the naturalization process by concealing his criminal past, a past that included the repeated sexual abuse of a minor. The revocation of his citizenship is entirely appropriate.”
“Someone who chooses to sexually abuse a child and then lie in order to gain U.S. citizenship possess a serious threat to the community, and we support the judge’s decision to revoke his citizenship,” said Bruce Foucart, special agent in charge of HSI Boston.
This matter was investigated by ICE Homeland Security Investigations and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn A. Ikari
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Connecticut Construction Company Agrees to Pay $2.4 Million, Admits Making False Statements to U.S.Read the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Ted Doherty, regional Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General, Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Cheryl Garcia, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations, New York Region, today announced that Plainville-based construction company MANAFORT BROTHERS, INC. (Manafort) will pay $2.4 million and implement internal reforms subject to independent monitoring to resolve a multi-agency joint criminal and civil investigation into alleged fraud committed by the company in connection with a public works project that commenced in 2007. As part of the resolution, Manafort admitted that it made false statements to the United States and the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation that disadvantaged business enterprises (DBE) performed subcontracted work on the federally and state funded relocation of Route 72 when, in fact, non-DBE performed the work.
The joint investigation revealed that, in 2007, Manafort submitted a bid to ConnDOT to serve as the general contractor on a federally and state funded project that involved a two-mile relocation of Route 72 in Bristol and Plainville, as well as the reconstruction of 2.4 miles of existing secondary roads. All qualifying bids were required to designate a percentage of work that would be performed by DBE, a requirement designed to provide socially and economically disadvantaged contractors, who have faced historical barriers to entry in the construction industry, with fair opportunities to compete for federally funded work.
In April 2007, the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) determined that Manafort was the apparent low bidder for the project with bid of approximately $39,663,000. According to the pre-award bid documents, Manafort represented to ConnDOT that a particular DBE, identified as “Company #1,” would perform work under the contract totaling approximately $3,064,372, or 70 percent of the overall DBE goal. In its pre-award submission package, Manafort stated that Company #1 would furnish all supervision, labor and materials in respect to the work covered by the subcontract agreement. This work involved being responsible for the project’s reinforcing steel, materials for structural steel, furnishing a pedestrian bridge that would span the new roadway and the majority of work for a large retaining wall adjacent to the new highway.
The contract for the project was officially awarded to Manafort in August 2007 based, in part, on its representations that Company #1 would perform the work described in Manafort’s pre-award submission. During the course of the project, it was determined Company #1 was not performing most of the work that Manafort claimed it was performing. In fact, the investigation revealed that Manafort was utilizing Company #1 essentially as a pass-through entity. That is, Manafort would negotiate with and supervise subcontractors that it procured to perform work that Company #1 was supposed to perform or procure and supervise. The Government maintains that Manafort arranged to pay those contractors through Company #1 to skirt DBE regulations.
Under the terms of a non-prosecution agreement and civil settlement agreement with the government, Manafort represented that it has undertaken various remedial measures to ensure compliance with the DBE programs for its current and future federally funded construction projects. These measures include establishing a position for an Ethics and Compliance Officer at Manafort, forming a DBE compliance committee that meets regularly to review and address DBE-related issues, mandating DBE compliance training for Manafort employees, deploying software to insure that DBE are qualified to perform the work that they bid, removing the Manafort personnel directly involved in the misconduct, and continuing to assist law enforcement in its investigation. Manafort has also agreed to pay a civil fine of $2,460,722.02.
“Manafort sought an unfair and illegal advantage over its competitors and deprived disadvantaged businesses of an opportunity to perform work on this taxpayer funded construction project,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “The fine and the remedial measures mandated by this resolution demonstrate this Office’s commitment to ensuring fairness, transparency and equal opportunity in taxpayer funded projects. By entering into this agreement, Manafort recognized that it made false statements to the Government and committed to change. While our investigation of individuals continues, we agreed to this corporate resolution in order to reflect the company’s efforts to reform itself and to avoid further damage to its many blameless employees. We thank the U.S. Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General, Connecticut FBI and the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General for their excellent work on this important case.”
“The DBE program is a business assistance program of the U.S. DOT which helps economically and socially disadvantaged small businesses compete in the marketplace,” said Ted Doherty, regional Special Agent-in-Charge for the DOT’s Office of Inspector General. “DBE fraud harms the integrity of the program and adversely impacts law-abiding, small business contractors trying to compete on a level playing field. Working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutorial partners, we will vigorously pursue those who violate the law, and expose and shut down fraud schemes that adversely affect public trust and DOT-assisted programs.”
“Manafort Brothers, Inc. sought to circumvent, misrepresent and outright deceive the U.S. government,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Ferrick. “Contractors that work on government-funded projects, such as those with disadvantaged business enterprise requirements, need to operate above-board or be excluded from the bidding process. Manafort has agreed to undertake remedial compliance measures and that is a step in the right direction. The DOT, DOL and FBI will continue to investigate this matter until all outstanding issues are addressed.”
The non-prosecution agreement announced today addresses only the corporate criminal liability of Manafort, not potential criminal charges for any individual.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, with assistance from the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Mattei and William Collier.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Unilever Pays $4.5 Million for Violating Clean Water Act at Connecticut FacilityRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Cynthia Giles, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, and Commissioner Robert Klee of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announced that CONOPCO, INC., doing business as UNILEVER HOME & PERSONAL CARE USA, (“Unilever”) was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to three years of probation and a $1 million fine for violating the Clean Water Act at its former manufacturing site in Clinton in 2008. As part of the resolution of this case, Unilever also is contributing $3.5 million to state and local environmental programs, and instituting a new environmental compliance program at its U.S. manufacturing facilities.
“The environmental integrity of Connecticut’s rivers and the Long Island Sound are of essential importance to our state and all of us,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “As this prosecution so clearly demonstrates, we will pursue all violations of federal laws to protect our waters. We recognize and thank the EPA for their invaluable work in this investigation, and commend Unilever for redressing their violations by contributing $2.5 million to fund research, outreach and education projects related to the effects of rising sea levels, and $1 million to construct a fishway in Clinton and for other environmentally projects in the lower Hammonasset River watershed. The Company’s contributions will directly assist the State of Connecticut in its efforts to protect and preserve our environment.”
“This case started with Unilever’s criminal conduct and is ending with a big return to the communities,” said Cynthia Giles, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Unilever is taking responsibility for its illegal actions by funding important environmental research and development. This work is critical to protect communities, and help them prepare for the effects of climate change.”
“This case sends a strong message that everyone must obey our environmental laws and regulations – they are designed to protect natural resources and the public health and will be enforced,” said DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee. “In addition, this resolution provides funding for important local projects as well as supports the launch of the Connecticut Institute for Resiliency and Climate Adaptation at the University of Connecticut’s Avery Point campus, where important work will be done to help our residents and communities address challenges being posed by the changing climate.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, Unilever’s Clinton manufacturing facility produced a variety of health and beauty products for sale in the United States. The wastewater produced by the plant was regulated by a permit that prohibited the company from bypassing any portion of its wastewater treatment system unless the bypass was unanticipated, unavoidable, and necessary to prevent loss of life, personal injury or severe property damage. The permit further required that Unilever notify authorities within two hours of becoming aware of any bypass, and submit a written report within five days setting forth the cause of the problem, the duration of the event including dates and times, and corrective actions taken or planned to prevent future occurrences.
On December 5, 2008, at approximately 3:00 p.m., a third party contract employee noticed that a hose was being used to bypass the industrial process wastewater treatment system by allowing the contents of a 4,500 gallon vacuum filter filtrate tank to discharge directly to a storm drain pipe that led to Hayden Creek. Upon making this discovery, the contract employee alerted the junior wastewater treatment operator for the Clinton facility and showed him the hose and ongoing wastewater bypass. These two individuals then shut off the hose at approximately 3:10 p.m.
At 3:30 p.m., the contract employee notified his non-Unilever supervisor about his observations, and was urged to notify the Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) manager of the Clinton facility. The SHE manager received a call from the contract employee between 3:30 and 3:45 p.m. After asking the contract employee to send her an email describing his observations, the SHE manager went to the waste treatment area between 3:45 and 4:00 p.m. and observed foamy water and signs of recent discharge at the inlet of the storm drain pipe. The SHE manager notified the plant manager, took pictures, and observed the downstream oil/water separator. Despite the requirement that the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) be notified within two hours of the detection of such a bypass, Unilever chose not notify the DEEP within this two-hour window.
On December 6, 2008, the SHE manager referred the matter to counsel for Unilever for further investigation and notification of DEEP. The next day, in response to the SHE manager’s request, the contract employee sent the SHE manager an email detailing his observations of the bypass and stating “[t]his is not the first time I’ve seen this done at your facility, I’ve seen this on two previous occasions. At that time, however, I was still trying to learn the system as quickly as possible and didn’t understand the significance of what I was viewing.” In the email, the contract employee opined that the senior operator had performed the intentional bypass and had “done this on several occasions, and perhaps more often than we care to know.”
On December 8, 2008, three days after being notified of the illegal discharge, the Unilever plant manager interviewed the two wastewater treatment operators and the contract employee who had initially discovered the bypass. All three individuals denied any responsibility for the bypass and indicated that they did not know who was responsible, although the contract employee again stated that he believed that the senior operator was responsible. From these interviews, the plant manager did not determine who was responsible for the bypass or confirm whether any prior bypasses had occurred. Later that day, the plant manager sent an email to his superior within the organization indicating that “we had somebody by pass [sic] the waste treatment process and put water into the storm water system . . .working with legal on how to handle the DEP [sic], if at all.”
On December 8, a DEEP compliance inspector was on-site at the Clinton facility for an unrelated reason. Unilever again failed to notify the on-site DEEP representative of the bypass that had occurred. On approximately December 10, Unilever notified the DEEP for the first time of the discharge that occurred five days earlier on December 5. This written notification occurred within the required five-day time period for the mandatory written report. Unilever also disclosed the discharge to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in a written submission dated December 16, 2008.
Unilever conducted its own internal investigation of the December 2008 incident. In subsequent conversations and written communications with federal and state authorities throughout 2009 and 2010, Unilever claimed it was unable to conclusively determine who was responsible for the bypass, and mischaracterized the incident as an isolated, “one-off” incident that may have been the work of unknown “vandals.”
An extensive EPA investigation revealed the truth about what had happened. The junior operator admitted to the EPA that he intentionally bypassed the system on December 5. EPA further concluded that for an extended period of time, perhaps as long as two years prior to December 2008, the wastewater treatment operators routinely bypassed the system on a weekly basis, discharging approximately 1,500 gallons of partially treated wastewater at a time to the storm drain that led to Hayden Creek. EPA’s investigation established that these bypasses were concealed from and unknown to Unilever management, including the SHE manager and the plant manager. Unilever’s management was aware, however, both that the operators were not properly overseeing the wastewater treatment system and that the system was not properly functioning:
- The strength, flow, and variability of the facility’s wastewater made it difficult to treat. System upsets and capacity limitations often necessitated that wastewater be trucked off-site for treatment at a cost of approximately $1500 per truckload. The treatment system operators had authority to call for trucking if needed for wastewater treatment.
- Portions of the treatment system were old and in need of repair and maintenance. Equipment replacements and system improvements recommended by outside consultants were not fully implemented, although some corrective measures were completed.
- The treatment system required constant operator attention and adjustment. Nevertheless, during 2008, the senior operator was often absent. The junior operator did not possess the required license or training to qualify him to operate the system independently for extended periods of time without supervision, yet he was allowed by Unilever to do so.
- Although the waste treatment operators were licensed by the State of Connecticut and subject to applicable permit requirements, they required oversight to properly operate the plant. That oversight was inconsistent and the operators were allowed to act autonomously.
In December 2012, Unilever ceased manufacturing operations at the Clinton facility.
On December 5, 2013, Unilever pleaded guilty to two counts of knowingly violating, or causing to be violated, the Clean Water Act.
Today, Unilever made a $3.5 million payment to the Connecticut Statewide Supplemental Environmental Project Account (SEP) administered by DEEP. Of that money, $2.5 million will be directed to the Connecticut Institute for Resiliency and Climate Adaptation at the University of Connecticut’s Avery Point campus, which will conduct research, outreach and education projects related to the effects of rising sea levels. In addition, $500,000 will be used to design and construct a fishway at the Chapman Mill Pond in Clinton, and $500,000 will be used to fund various water quality or ecosystem restoration projects in the lower Hammonasset River watershed.
Unilever also has agreed to periodic environmental compliance inspections by an outside auditor at all of its manufacturing locations in the U.S, and to certify, within one year of sentencing, that all of its employees at these facilities who perform or manage work subject to environmental compliance requirements have received basic environmental compliance training. In addition, all Unilever employees who are responsible for advising these facilities with respect to mandatory notifications to be made to state and federal environmental agencies must complete additional training to ensure they understand the legal notification requirements under applicable environmental laws.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Kenyon.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]New London Heroin Dealer Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Follow @USAO_CT
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that EDDIE RODRIGUEZ, also known as “Joel,” 30, of New London, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 77 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.
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 Luis Ariel Capellan Maldonado, also known as “Ariel,” and his associates were receiving heroin from sources in the Dominican Republic and distributing it throughout New London County. RODRIGUEZ purchased heroin from Maldonado’s associate and sold the drug to his own customers.
RODRIGUEZ has been detained since his arrest on April 3, 2013. On January 2, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
RODRIGUEZ has several prior felony convictions.
More than 100 individuals have been charged with federal and state offenses as a result of this investigation. Maldonado has 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 case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States 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.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]