District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
New London Heroin Dealer Sentenced to 70 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ORLANDO SANTIAGO, 38, of New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing heroin. He was also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine.
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.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on multiple occasions between October 2102 and February 2013, SANTIAGO was intercepted over a court-authorized wiretap ordering heroin from his drug supplier. Investigators also observed SANTIAGO after he traveled to a residence on Hawthorne Drive in New London to complete a number of these transactions.
SANTIAGO was arrested on April 3, 2013. On July 18, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
More than 100 individuals have been charged with federal and state offenses as a result of this investigation.
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]Citizen of Honduras Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering U.S. After DeportationRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE RAMON NAVARRO-HERNANDEZ, 33, a citizen of Honduras last residing in Manchester, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to six months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.
According to court documents and statements made in court, NAVARRO-HERNANDEZ was previously removed from the U.S. to Honduras on four separate occasions and returned to the U.S. after each removal without having lawful permission to enter the country.
NAVARRO-HERNANDEZ has been detained since July 29, 2012, when he was arrested by the Manchester Police Department. On July 31, 2013, he pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of illegally reentry.
Judge Arterton ordered that NAVARRO-HERNANDEZ begin serving his six-month federal sentence after he completes an 18-month state sentence he is currently serving.
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations. The case 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]Ten Charged After Investigation into Danbury-area Home Invasion Drug RobberiesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, John J. Arvanitis, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England, and Danbury Police Chief Alan D. Baker today announced that a federal grand jury sitting in Bridgeport has returned a superseding indictment charging 10 individuals with various conspiracy, robbery, firearms and drug offenses stemming from an investigation into a series of Danbury-area violent home invasion robberies of illegal drugs and drug trafficking proceeds. The indictment was returned on October 9.
Charged in the 13-count superseding indictment are:
MARLON PATTERSON, a.k.a. “Head,” 20, of Danbury
MICHAEL SPEARS, 23, of Danbury
ANTONIO PARKER, a.k.a. “Little Buddha,” 18, of Danbury
SCOTT MYRIE, a.k.a. “Venom,” 26, of Bedford Hills, N.Y.
CASEY KERSHAW, 25, of Danbury
ROBERT CHERRY, a.k.a. “Rob Base,” 43, of Danbury
PAUL WHITEHURST, a.k.a. “Juice,” 23, of Bridgeport
KEVIN LEMON, a.k.a. “Cheese,” 20, of Bridgeport
LAQUANNA BRIGGS, 21, of DanburyNine of the 10 defendants charged in the indictment have been arrested and one defendant is currently being sought by law enforcement.
The indictment alleges that PATTERSON, SPEARS, MYRIE, KERSHAW and another defendant committed the armed robbery of narcotics and narcotics trafficking proceeds from a victim on January 30, 2013, and subsequently possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of marijuana. The indictment further alleges that PATTERSON, SPEARS and another defendant committed the armed robbery of narcotics and narcotics trafficking proceeds from a victim on February 14, 2013, and that PATTERSON, SPEARS, PARKER, MYRIE and CHERRY committed the armed robbery of narcotics and narcotics trafficking proceeds from a victim on February 18, 2013.
PATTERSON, SPEARS, PARKER, MYRIE, KERSHAW and CHERRY are each charged with one or more counts of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, interference with commerce by robbery, and use of firearm during and in relation to crimes of violence. The robbery charges carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and the firearm charge carries a mandatory seven-year sentence consecutive to any other term of imprisonment imposed. The marijuana distribution charge against PATTERSON, SPEARS, MYRIE and KERSHAW carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
In addition, the indictment alleges that PATERSON, SPEARS, WHITEHURST, LEMON and BRIGGS conspired to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”), a charge that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
Finally, the indictment alleges that WHITEHURST and LEMON possessed with intent to distribute cocaine base, and that LEMON possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin. Each of these charges carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Acting 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 Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and the Danbury Police Department. The DEA Task Force includes personnel from the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia and Meriden Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Dayton.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Hartford Woman Who Illegally Received Social Security Benefits Is SentencedRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that THERESA FORD, 55, of Hartford, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to three years of probation for illegally receiving Social Security benefits.
According to court documents and statements made in court, FORD began receiving Social Security Administration (SSA) Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB) in May 2007. From approximately January 2007 through September 2011, FORD worked as a secretary for a small business, and her duties included managing time cards and payroll records for all of the business’s employees. During this time, FORD’s income from her work as a secretary was more than the SSA Monthly Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which, if known by the SSA, would have terminated her eligibility for SSA DIB payments. The payroll records prepared by FORD that her employer used to draft payroll checks accurately reflected her earnings. However, the payroll summary ledgers prepared and sent by FORD to the business’s accountants under reported the amount of money that she was actually paid. FORD’s earnings were reported to SSA based on the false payroll summary ledgers. By reporting less than the SGA limit to SSA, FORD was able to remain eligible and continue to unlawfully receive SSA DIB payments.
FORD stopped working at the business in September 2011 and she continued to unlawfully receive DIB payments through December 2012.
FORD received a total of $56,780 in DIB payments that she was not eligible to receive. Today, she was ordered to pay full restitution.
On June 13, 2013, FORD waived her right to indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government property.
This matter was investigated by the Office of the Inspector General for the Social Security Administration and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Felice Duffy.PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]East Haven Police Officers Found Guilty of Federal Civil Rights OffensesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and George Venizelos, the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal jury in Hartford has found East Haven Police Officer DENNIS SPAULDING, 30, and former East Haven Police Officer DAVID CARI, 36, guilty of conspiring to violate, and violating, the civil rights of members of the East Haven community. The trial before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson began on September 23 and the jury returned its verdict today.
“This prosecution and the jury’s swift and unambiguous verdict should send a very strong message that there is no place in law enforcement for anyone who abuses power or victimizes defenseless individuals,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Daly. “No one is above the law, and no one is beneath the law’s protection. The illegal behavior detailed during the course of this trial chips away at the public’s trust in all members of law enforcement, the vast majority of whom serve honorably and bravely each and every day. I want to thank the FBI agents who have tirelessly investigated this matter, and our prosecution team for achieving this successful result under especially difficult circumstances. Since these charges were announced, the East Haven Police Department, under the direction of the Justice Department, has made great strides to purge itself of unlawful and unethical behavior within it ranks and change the way it does business. It is our expectation that new policing policies will ensure that this kind of conduct is part of East Haven’s past, not its future.”
“As Mr. Spaulding and Mr. Cari learned today, no one is above the law,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Venizelos. “Law enforcement takes an oath to protect and serve our communities. We are, and rightfully should be, held to a higher standard. It is unconscionable when law enforcement, anywhere, breaks that vow. Today, these defendants find themselves guilty of violating the very rights for which this country was founded. There is no excuse for law enforcement who betrays the public’s trust.”
According to the evidence presented during the trial, from approximately 2007 through 2011, SPAULDING and CARI together with other East Haven Officers conspired to injure, threaten, and intimidate various members of the East Haven community in violation of their Constitutional rights. The defendant officers maintained and perpetuated an environment where the use of unreasonable force and unreasonable searches and seizures was tolerated and encouraged. Defendants SPAULDING and CARI engaged in unlawful arrests and searches, including the baseless arrests of a Catholic priest and several Latinos who lived or worked in the community. Additionally, SPAULDING used excessive force during arrests when victims were unarmed, neither resisting nor interfering with the police. Certain victims were particularly vulnerable because they were undocumented aliens and thus unlikely to raise objection to the abuse.
The evidence at trial further revealed that SPAULDING intimidated, harassed and humiliated members of the Latino community and their advocates, and conducted unreasonable and illegal searches at Latino-owned businesses. Trial testimony established that in November 2008, SPAULDING used excessive force against an individual in the parking lot of a Latino-owned restaurant and bar. SPAULDING then arrested the individual under false pretenses to cover-up the assault and prepared a false report to justify the false arrest. Later, in January 2009 in the same parking lot, SPAULDING and another officer arrested three individuals under false pretenses. SPAULDING also prepared a false report to justify these arrests.
In February 2009, the defendant officers illegally searched a vehicle parked outside of a Latino-owned grocery store. Inside the store, CARI then arrested a Catholic priest, who is also an advocate for Latinos, on false pretenses. The officers then conducted an illegal search of the back room of the store in an effort to unlawfully seize the store’s video recording equipment. In the days following the arrest, CARI drafted various false versions of an arrest report to cover up the false arrest of the religious leader.
The jury found SPAULDING and CARI guilty of one count of conspiracy against rights, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000. In addition, SPAULDING was found guilty of one count of use of unreasonable force by a law enforcement officer, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000. SPAULDING was found guilty of two counts and CARI of one count of deprivation of rights for making arrests without probable cause. Each of these counts carries a maximum term of imprisonment of one year and a fine of up to $100,000. Finally, SPAULDING was found guilty of two counts and CARI of one count of obstruction of a federal investigation for preparing false reports to justify the false arrests. Each of these counts carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000.
Judge Thompson has scheduled sentencing for January 21, 2014.
Two other former members of the East Haven Police Department have been convicted as a result of the investigation. On September 21, 2012, Sergeant John Miller pleaded guilty to one count of violating an individual's civil rights by using unreasonable force during the course of an arrest. On October 23, 2012, Officer Jason Zullo pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction stemming from his filing of a false police report in order to prevent a possible excessive force investigation.
Miller and Zullo await sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Civil Rights Squad of the FBI’s New York Field Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Krishna R. Patel and Senior Litigation Counsel Richard J. Schechter.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Three Men Charged with Committing Armed Bank Robberies in Southbury, Cromwell & WallingfordRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal grand jury sitting in New Haven has returned an indictment charging MICHAEL MORRIS, 59, of Bloomfield, LEROY McCOY, 47, of Manchester, and KEITH SUTHERLAND, 48, of Coventry, with conspiring to commit violent bank robberies in Southbury, Cromwell and Wallingford.
The four-count indictment was returned on October 2. MORRIS and McCOY were arrested on October 4 and are currently detained. SUTHERLAND is currently detained in state custody on unrelated charges.
According to the indictment, MORRIS, McCOY and SUTHERLAND are alleged to have participated in the armed robberies of the Naugatuck Savings Bank in Southbury on April 20, 2011, the Webster Bank in Cromwell on October 7, 2011, and the Connex Credit Union in Wallingford on April 19, 2012. The defendants are alleged to have stolen a mini-van in the New Haven area prior to each robbery.In each of these robberies, masked men armed with handguns burst into the victim banks and ordered tellers and patrons to the floor. After vaulting the counters and stuffing money from teller drawers into duffle bags, the suspects fled the banks and escaped in stolen vehicles.
A total of approximately $230,000 was taken during the three robberies.
MORRIS, McCOY and SUTHERLAND are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank robbery. In addition, MORRIS and McCOY are charged with three counts, and SUTHERLAND with one count, of bank robbery. Each of the charges carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
This case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford.Acting 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 FBI, the Connecticut State Police, and the Cromwell, Wallingford, Fairfield and Orange Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
This investigation is ongoing, and the FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of individuals involved in these and similar bank robberies. Anyone with additional information that may be helpful to the investigation is encouraged to call FBI Special Agent Lisa MacNamara at 203-996-4132.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Greenwich Doctor Pays $300,000 to Settle Allegations Under the False Claims ActRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JUN XU, M.D., and his professional corporation, REHABILITATON MEDICINE AND ACUPUNCTURE CENTER M.D., LLC., of Riverside, Conn., have entered into a civil settlement with the government in which they will pay $300,000 to resolve allegations that XU violated the False Claims Act.
Acting U.S. Attorney Daly explained that the allegations against Dr. Xu involve fraudulent billing to Medicare for physical therapy services. The government alleges that Dr. Xu submitted claims to Medicare for physical therapy services that were medically unnecessary and/or not performed in accordance with Medicare requirements. Specifically, the government alleges that Dr. Xu billed Medicare for one-on-one physical therapy services when the physical therapist was, in fact, providing group therapy, and that he submitted claims to Medicare for therapy services that were rendered by massage therapists.
Medicare regulations explicitly state “the services of…massage therapists…may not be billed as therapy services.”
To resolve their liability under the False Claims Act, Dr. Xu and his professional corporation paid $300,000 in order to reimburse the Medicare programs for conduct occurring during the time period January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2009.
“Health care providers that overcharge Medicare drain critical funds from the Medicare program and increase health care costs,” Acting U.S. Attorney Daly stated. “The U.S. Attorney’s office is committed to vigorously pursuing physicians and other health care providers who submit fraudulent claims to federal health care programs. Providers who submit false claims to the government face serious monetary and administrative sanctions.”
Under the False Claims Act, the government can recover up to three times its actual damages, plus penalties of $5,500 to $11,000 for each false claim.
In entering into the settlement agreement, Dr. Xu and his professional corporation did not admit liability.
This case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anne F. Thidemann, with the assistance of Auditor Kevin A. Saunders.
Acting U.S. Attorney Daly encourages individuals who suspect health care fraud to report it by calling the Health Care Fraud Task Force at (203) 777-6311 or 1-800-HHS-TIPS.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Westbrook Woman Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison for Role in Killingworth Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JENNIFER JACQUES, 32, of Westbrook, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for her role in the August 2012 robbery of the TD Bank in Killingworth.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the afternoon of August 6, 2012, JACQUES drove Marcus Dwyer and Dario Pabey to the TD Bank on Route 81 in Killingworth. Dwyer and Pabey then entered the bank wearing masks and demanded that everyone lie on the floor. Dwyer pointed a gun at bank employees and customers and then jumped over the teller door and ordered the employees to open the vault. He accompanied the employees to the vault while Pabey controlled the lobby area. Pabey used zip ties to tie the hands of one bank employee and demanded that the customers give him their wallets, mobile phones and car keys. As Pabey was starting to restrain a second person with zip ties, Dwyer ran past him with a bag of money that he had taken from the vault. Pabey followed and grabbed a patron who had surrendered his car keys to him and forced him out of the bank.
Dwyer and Pabey fled in the customer’s vehicle, which was abandoned a short distance from the bank at a pre-planned location where JACQUES was waiting. JACQUES then drove Dwyer and Pabey away from the bank while they changed out of the clothes they had worn during the robbery.
The investigation revealed that $43,573 was stolen from the bank and its patrons during the robbery.
In September 2012, after an indictment charging Dwyer and Pabey had been returned, JACQUES, without the knowledge of law enforcement, traveled to New York to meet Dwyer, who was a fugitive from justice, and drove him to Connecticut. On September 19, 2012, Dwyer was apprehended by the FBI and Connecticut State Police in New London.On October 17, 2012, JACQUES pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. Dwyer and Pabey previously pleaded guilty to the same charge and were sentenced to prison terms of 188 months and 180 months, respectively.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ray Miller and Sarala Nagala.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Ridgefield Man Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that LOUIS VUCCI, JR., 44, of Ridgefield, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty on October 3 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas P. Smith in Hartford to evading the payment of nearly $200,000 in federal taxes over a five-year period.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2005 through 2009, VUCCI was the president and CEO of Diamond Ranch Foods (“DRF”), a publicly-traded company in the business of selling and distributing meat products in the New York area. In pleading guilty, VUCCI admitted that he underreported his income by $112,310 in 2005, $109,473 in 2006, $174,300 in 2007, $187,704 in 2008, and $95,126 in 2009. The unreported income consisted of weekly pay checks from DRF in the amount of $2,500 that were made payable to VUCCI’s spouse, who did not work for DRF, and deposited into a bank account in his spouse’s name. Also, in 2008 and 2009, VUCCI had one of DRF’s customers pay him for purchases with blank checks, which checks he then completed and deposited into his personal bank account. The checks totaled $26,236 in 2008 and $65,387 in 2009.
In addition, large cash deposits totaling $16,100 in 2008 and $25,020 in 2009 were made into VUCCI’s personal bank accounts. These deposits were cash payments from another DRF customer for DRF sales to the customer.
VUCCI’s federal individual income tax returns reported income of $19,590 in 2005, $12,500 in 2006, $12,000 in 2007, $30,000 in 2008, $125,202 in 2009. The reported low income from 2005 to 2008 automatically qualified VUCCI for the Earned Income Credit yielding refunds rather than taxes owed.
The total tax loss to the government from 2005 to 2009 is $196,425.From mid-2005 to mid-2007, VUCCI and his spouse rented a home in Greenwich for $8,500 per month, had car expenses in excess of $1,000 per month, and paid a housekeeper for approximately 20 hours per week. In 2007, VUCCI purchased a house in Ridgefield for $975,000 and continued on with the car payments.
VUCCI pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on December 23, 2013, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to approximately $390,000. He has agreed to pay back taxes and applicable interest and penalties.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Former Hartford Resident Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking of A MinorRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that KAMAR JAMES, also known as “Sean Steppa,” “Sean Lawson” and “Akamar Lawson,” 31, a citizen of Jamaica last residing in Hartford, was sentenced on October 9 by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for sex trafficking of a minor.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2011, JAMES recruited a minor victim whom JAMES knew to be under the age of 18 to engage in prostitution. On multiple occasions, JAMES transported the minor victim from Connecticut to streets in New York City where the victim would meet men who would pay her for sexual encounters. JAMES also posted pictures of the minor victim on the Internet to advertise the victim’s prostitution services. He then transported the victim to hotels in the New York City area when the victim engaged in pre-arranged prostitution encounters. The victim turned over all of the proceeds from the prostitution encounters to JAMES.
Judge Bryant ordered JAMES to pay restitution of $12,750 to his victim.
JAMES has been detained since his arrest on February 3, 2012. On June 27, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of sex trafficking of a minor.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hartford Police Department, with the assistance of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Novick.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Employee of East Windsor Gun Store Is SentencedRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KRYSTOPHER DiBELLA, 25, of West Suffield, was sentenced today by U.S. Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons in Bridgeport to three years of probation for assisting in the transfer of firearms to individuals who failed to complete required forms at the gun store where he was employed. He also was ordered to pay a $250 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately 2008 to August 2012, DiBELLA was employed at Riverview Gun Sales, which used to be a federally-licensed firearms dealer in East Windsor. On several occasions during his employment at Riverview Gun Sales, DiBELLA transferred firearms to individuals who failed to respond to certain questions on the ATF Form 4473.
On June 24, 2013, DiBELLA pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting the failure to make a proper entry on an ATF Form 4473, a form that must be completed by individuals who purchase firearms from federally-licensed firearms dealers. The charge against DiBELLA stems from a sale that occurred on March 15, 2010. On that date, DiBELLA failed to have a purchaser of a firearm, who was a non-immigrant alien, answer a question on the form regarding U.S. citizenship.
As a special condition of his probation, DiBELLA will not apply for a Federal Firearms License (FFL) or to be a responsible party for an FFL for the entire probationary term.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted an investigation of Riverview Gun Sales and discovered approximately 300 examples of false or missing information in Riverview’s acquisition and disposition (“A&D”) records. The investigation also revealed at least two instances in which individuals received firearms prior to receiving approval from the national instant criminal background check system (“NICS”). Riverview also failed to report the theft of a firearm within 48 hours, and failed to report multiple sales of handguns to the same individuals.
On August 22, 2013, David Laguercia, the owner and operator of Riverview Gun Sales, pleaded guilty to one count of transfer of a firearm before completion of background check, and one count of failure to maintain proper firearm records. Laguercia also entered a guilty plea on behalf of Riverview Sales, Inc. to one count of making false entries in dealer’s records.
Laguercia and his business await sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]U.S. Attorney, Doj Announce Hiring Grants for Law Enforcement and School Safety OfficersRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), today announced funding awards for the District of Connecticut.
The grantees and amount awarded include:
City of Bridgeport $2,247,250
Farmington Police Department $125,000
City of Hartford $1,794,000
Norwich Police Department $500,000In addition to these COPS funding awards, earlier today the Justice Department announced that the Department’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) will provide $150,000 in Fiscal Year 2013 funding to the Town of Newtown to fund two positions to ensure school safety, such as school resource officers.
“In the wake of past tragedies, it's clear that we need to be willing to take all possible steps to ensure that our kids are safe when they go to school,” said Attorney General Eric Holder. “These critical investments represent the Justice Department’s latest effort to strengthen key law enforcement capabilities, and to provide communities with the resources they need to protect our young people. Especially in a time of increased challenges and limited budgets, our top priority must always be the safety and well-being of our children.”
Overall the COPS Office funded awards to 263 cities and counties, aimed at creating 937 law enforcement positions. More than $125 million will be awarded nationally, including nearly $45 million to fund 356 new school resource officer positions.
“Protecting our children and maintaining our schools as a safe and enriching learning environment are critically important, and I am pleased to join the Attorney General, the COPS Office and BJA in announcing these grants,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daly. “This funding will help provide Bridgeport, Farmington, Hartford, Newtown and Norwich with the resources needed to accomplish this vital mission.”
“The COPS Office is pleased to assist local law enforcement agencies throughout the country address their most critical public safety issues,” said Joshua Ederheimer, Acting Director of the COPS Office. “Funding from this year’s program will allow many cities and counties to apply new sworn personnel to issues related to violent crime, property crime, and school safety.”
The COPS Hiring Program offers grants to state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to hire or rehire community policing officers. The program provides the salary and benefits for officer and deputy hires for three years.
Grantees for the 2013 hiring program were selected based on their fiscal needs, local crime rates, and their community policing plans. There was an additional focus this year on agencies requesting assistance in developing school safety programs that would include the hiring of a school resource officer. School resource officer positions funded by the COPS Office are sworn law enforcement positions that work within a school district or facility, interacting directly with school administrators and students.
The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1995, COPS has awarded over $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 125,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training, and technical assistance.
For the entire list of grantees and additional information about the 2013 COPS Hiring Program, visit the COPS website at www.cops.usdoj.gov.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]New Haven Man Sentenced to 63 Months in Federal Prison for Distributing Heroin and Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JESUS MORALES, also known as “Cano,” 41, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 63 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and crack cocaine.
MORALES is one of more than 100 individuals charged as a result of “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. The investigation revealed that MORALES conspired with others to purchase and redistribute heroin and cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
MORALES has been detained since his arrest on May 21, 2012. On April 4, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin and cocaine base (“crack”).
MORALES’s criminal history includes five felony convictions for drug offenses and one felony conviction for robbery in the second degree.
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 United States Attorneys S. Dave Vatti and Marc Silverman.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Stamford Man Pleads Guilty to Leading Illegal Gambling RingRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STEPHEN JOYCE, 45, of Stamford, pleaded guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to one count of operating an illegal gambling business.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between January 2008 and August 2011, JOYCE led a lucrative illegal sports bookmaking operation in Stamford that involved at least five other bookmakers.
On July 27, 2011, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of JOYCE’s Stamford residence and seized extensive gambling records, a laptop computer and other items.
Judge Covello has scheduled sentencing for December 17, 2013, at which time JOYCE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.
JOYCE also has agreed to forfeit $175,000 in gambling proceeds.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI Fairfield County Organized Crime Task Force, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Stamford Police Department, the Bridgeport Police Department and the Connecticut State Police. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]South Windsor Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing High-powered Rifle from East Windsor Gun StoreRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JORDAN MARSH, 27, of South Windsor, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of theft of a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 11, 2012, MARSH stole a Windham Weaponry 5.56 mm caliber semi-automatic rifle from the front counter of Riverview Gun Sales, a former federal firearms dealer located in East Windsor. The theft was captured on the store’s video surveillance system, but no employee at Riverview observed the theft or realized the firearm was missing until the Hartford Police retrieved it from MARSH’s hotel room on December 17. On December 15, 2012, MARSH had been arrested for attempting to steal a Bushmaster .50 caliber rifle from Riverview.
Earlier in 2012, MARSH was convicted of a state felony stemming from his prior thefts of approximately 12 firearms from Riverview.
Judge Shea has scheduled sentencing for December 17, 2013, at which time MARSH faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
On August 27, 2013, MARSH pleaded guilty in state court to firearms and probation violation offenses stemming from his attempted theft of the Bushmaster .50 caliber rifle, and was sentenced to eight years of incarceration. He is currently detained in state custody.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Hartford and East Windsor Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert M. Spector.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Meriden Police Officer Sentenced to 14 Months in Prison for Using Unreasonable Force, Obstructing JusticeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Rhonda M. Glover, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that former Meriden Police Officer EVAN COSSETTE, 26, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 14 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release.
On June 3, 2013, a jury found COSSETTE guilty of one count of using unreasonable force and one count of obstructing a federal investigation by preparing a false report.
According to evidence at trial, on May 1, 2010, COSSETTE and another Meriden Police officer responded to a reported hit-and-run incident. After identifying “P.T.” as the driver likely involved in the hit-and-run incident, the officers placed him under arrest. COSSETTE transported P.T. to the Meriden Police Department and escorted a compliant and handcuffed P.T. from the squad car to the holding cell. Once inside the holding cell, COSSETTE firmly shoved a retreating and still handcuffed P.T., causing him to fall backward and strike his head on a cement cell bench. P.T. suffered a 12-centimeter gash to the back of his head and lost consciousness. P.T. was then transported to the hospital for treatment.
COSSETTE obstructed justice by making false and misleading statements, as well as material omissions, in his report relating to the arrest and processing of P.T. in order to cover up and create a false justification for his assault upon P.T.
“Law enforcement officers have an incredibly difficult job, one in which they must exercise good judgment and restraint at all times,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Daly. “When they fail to do so, they should never try to cover their tracks, file false reports and lie about their conduct. A prison term is appropriate for any police officer who inflicts injury on a restrained and compliant victim and then attempts to obstruct the ensuing investigation. It is our hope that this prosecution will help to instruct all law enforcement officers how not to conduct themselves, and will fortify the integrity of a profession that is entrusted with protecting our liberties as well as our safety.”
“Law enforcement officers, throughout the state and the country, need to remember that the dishonorable and criminal actions of a single police officer will never define them as people, as a department and, most importantly, as police officers,” stated Acting FBI Special Agent in Charge Glover. “Because the defendant broke his solemn oath to protect and to serve and, in doing so, endangered the public’s confidence in law enforcement, today’s sentence is fair and just.”
Judge Arterton ordered COSSETTE to pay restitution to the victim in an amount to be determined within 90 days.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut State Police. The case was being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul H. McConnell and David E. Novick.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Wallingford Woman Charged with Producing and Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Rhonda M. Glover, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that ANGELA D. MARTIN, also known as Angela Haussmann, 29, of Wallingford, was arrested yesterday and charged by federal criminal complaint with production, distribution, and possession of child pornography.
The criminal complaint alleges that, in August 2013, MARTIN sexually abused a female child, filmed the abuse with her cell phone, and then emailed the video to another individual in California. The victim was approximately three years old at the time of the abuse.
In addition, it is alleged that between August 2013 and September 19, 2013, MARTIN possessed and distributed other child pornography that she received from other individuals.
The complaint further alleges that MARTIN is a registered sex offender as the result of a prior felony conviction in the state of Connecticut for second degree sexual assault of a minor.
MARTIN appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis in New Haven and was ordered detained.
If convicted of the charge of production of child pornography, MARTIN faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 25 years, a maximum term of imprisonment of 50 years and a fine of up to $250,000. If convicted of the charge of distribution of child pornography, MARTIN faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years, a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years and a fine of up to $250,000. If convicted of the charge of possession of child pornography, MARTIN faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000. The penalties in this matter are enhanced based on MARTIN’s criminal history.
Acting 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, the Wallingford Police Department, and the Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Neeraj Patel.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]New Haven Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DANIEL HARRISON, 32, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by 20 years of supervised release, for possessing child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2011, a Connecticut State Police Trooper assigned to the Computer Crimes Unit logged into a publicly available Internet file sharing program and downloaded images and videos of child pornography from a system connected to the network with an Internet Protocol address assigned to HARRISON. On November 28, 2011, law enforcement agents conducted a court-authorized search of HARRISON’s residence and seized several items, including a laptop computer and a video game console. Forensic analysis of HARRISON’s laptop and video game console revealed approximately 4,496 image files and 387 video files of child pornography.
HARRISON was arrested on November 28, 2011. On December 14, 2012, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.
In September 2002, in Connecticut Superior Court in New Haven, HARRISON was convicted of possession of child pornography. As a result of this prior conviction, HARRISON faced a mandatory minimum prison term of 10 years.
This matter was investigated by the Connecticut State Police Computer Crimes Unit, the New Haven Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]New Haven Felon Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JERMAINE McGEE, 35, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 11, 2012, McGEE possessed a Bryco Arms .380 automatic handgun. Prior to July 2012, he had sustained felony convictions in New York and Connecticut.
It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
On June 26, 2013, McGEE pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
This matter was investigated by the New Haven Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to EscapeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ENRIQUE LUCIANO, also known as “Pucho,” 26, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before Senior United States District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport to one count of escape from the custody of the Attorney General.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 27, 2010, LUCIANO was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 60 months of imprisonment for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On February 20, 2013, he was transferred to Watkinson House Residential Reentry Center, a halfway house in Hartford. On July 11, 2013, after being denied a job search pass by Watkinson staff, LUCIANO was seen leaving the halfway house with most of his belongings. He did not return.
On July 19, 2013, LUCIANO was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service. At the time of his escape, LUCIANO had a projected release date of August 18, 2013.
Judge Eginton has scheduled sentencing for December 12, 2013, at which time LUCIANO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.
LUCIANO has been detained since his arrest.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan S. Freimann.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Felon Who Illegally Possessed Firearm in Stamford Sentenced to More Than Seven Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARCELLUS CATCHINGS, 27, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 90 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 18, 2011, CATCHINGS engaged a Stamford Police officer in a foot chase in the vicinity of Pacific Street. During the chase, CATCHINGS pointed a firearm at the officer, and then dropped it. CATCHINGS was apprehended and officers recovered a Browning 9mm handgun. The gun’s chamber contained two bullets, indicating that someone had attempted to fire it, but that it had jammed when two bullets had simultaneously entered the chamber.
Prior to March 2011, CATCHINGS had been convicted of multiple felony offenses, including first degree robbery, possession of narcotics and carrying a dangerous weapon. 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.
CATCHINGS has been detained since his arrest. On January 24, 2012, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Judge Chatigny ordered the 90-month federal sentence to be served concurrent with a 15-year state sentence CATCHINGS is currently serving.
This matter was investigated by the Stamford Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rahul Kale.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Campaign Manager Sentenced to 28 Months in Prison for Role in Conduit Contribution SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Rhonda M. Glover, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that JOSHUA NASSI, 35, formerly of Fairfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 28 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for his role in a scheme to direct illegal campaign contributions into the campaign of a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives. NASSI also was ordered to pay a $6,000 fine.
“Seeking to gain an edge in a high-pressure congressional campaign, this defendant traded promises of legislative action in exchange for illegal campaign contributions,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Daly. “His criminal behavior undermines the principles of transparency and fairness that are the bedrock of our electoral and political processes. We are confident that this prison term, along with those previously imposed in this case, send a clear message to campaign workers whose ethics may be tested.”
“Good honest government, for the people and by the people, has no room for the actions of political insiders like Mr. Nassi, who was willing to trade influence over pending legislation in exchange for contributions to a federal campaign that he was steering,” stated Acting FBI Special Agent in Charge Glover. “The election process in this country is the very foundation of democratic society and the integrity of that process must be protected. Today’s sentence is appropriate and just, and serves as notice that the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are fully committed to investigating and prosecuting corruption at all levels of government.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2011, the State of Connecticut applied for a court order enjoining Roll Your Own (“RYO”) smoke shops from continuing to operate without complying with state law governing tobacco manufacturers. RYO smoke shops are retail businesses that sell loose smoking tobacco and cigarette-rolling materials and offer customers the option of paying a “rental” fee to insert the loose tobacco and the rolling materials into a RYO machine, which is capable of rapidly rolling large quantities of cigarettes. Customers did not pay a tax on the RYO cigarettes when rolled by the RYO machines, in contrast to cigarettes purchased over-the-counter.
Fearing that the Connecticut General Assembly would enact legislation harmful to RYO smoke shop owners’ business interests during the 2012 legislative session, certain RYO smoke shop owners and their associates engaged in a scheme to direct conduit campaign contributions into the campaign of Christopher Donovan, a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives. At the time, Donovan was also the Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives. As part of the scheme, the co-conspirators recruited multiple individuals to serve as conduit contributors to the campaign. These individuals permitted checks to be written in their own names to the campaign and were then reimbursed with cash, thereby concealing the fact that RYO smoke shop owners were contributing to the campaign.
At the time, NASSI was the campaign manager for the Chris Donovan for Congress campaign.
In November and December 2011, participants in the scheme made four $2,500 conduit contributions to the Chris Donovan for Congress campaign. On approximately January 31, 2012, the campaign submitted to the Federal Election Commission (“FEC”) a report of campaign committee’s receipts and disbursements for the period October 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011. The report falsely stated the source and amount of the four $2,500 contributions that were received and deposited by the campaign committee during that time period.
On April 3, 2012, Harry “Ray” Soucy, who had helped facilitate the scheme, contacted NASSI and told him that RYO owners wanted to provide additional contributions to the campaign. That same day, the Connecticut General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Finance, Revenue and Bonding voted in favor of Senate Bill 357, legislation that would have deemed RYO smoke shop owners to be tobacco manufacturers under Connecticut law, a designation that would have subjected RYO smoke shop owners to a substantial licensing fee and tax increase. Later that day, Soucy contacted NASSI again to state his displeasure with the vote.
Approximately one week later, Soucy, RYO smoke shop owner Paul Rogers and an FBI special agent working in an undercover capacity delivered four $2,500 checks in the names of conduit contributors to NASSI. On April 23, 2012, NASSI advised Soucy that one of the checks had bounced and Soucy indicated that the contributor had been given cash to deposit. NASSI stated that the campaign needed the check by midnight the following day, and Soucy delivered a replacement check by that deadline. On May 2, 2012, the campaign submitted a fundraising report to the FEC stating that the four contributions given in April were from the conduit contributors when, in fact, they were not.
Over the next two weeks, NASSI continued to advise Soucy on the status of the RYO legislation and Soucy told NASSI that he would be delivering $10,000 if the legislation died. On May 9, 2012, the legislative session ended and the legislation had not been called for a vote by either chamber of the General Assembly.
On May 14, 2012, Soucy provided Rogers with $10,000 in cash to be used to reimburse additional conduit contributors. Soucy then collected three $2,500 checks made payable to the Donovan for Congress campaign from conduit contributors, and, at Nassi’s request, one $2,500 check from a conduit contributor that was payable to a political party. Soucy delivered the four checks to Nassi at a political event later that day.
On May 16, 2012, Soucy informed the Donovan for Congress campaign finance director Robert Braddock that one of the contributions had been made in the name of an RYO shop owner and should not be deposited, and Braddock stopped the check from being deposited. Soucy then met NASSI and provided him with a replacement $2,500 check in the name of someone who was not affiliated with any RYO shops.
On April 12, 2013, NASSI pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to make false statements to the Federal Election Commission and to impede the FEC’s enforcement of federal campaign finance laws.
Rogers, Soucy, Braddock and four others have also been convicted of charges stemming from this scheme.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher M. Mattei and Eric J. Glover.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Hartford Drug Dealer Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that OBED FRANCO, also known as “Obie,” 23, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 66 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for illegally possessing firearms.
According to court documents and statements made in court, FRANCO was a member of a drug trafficking organization that sold heroin in the Hartford area. One of FRANCO’s heroin customers held a Connecticut pistol permit. On five occasions between February 2011 and May 2011, FRANCO and others drove the drug customer to a federally-licensed firearms dealer in East Hartford and identified a total of eight guns for the customer to purchase. FRANCO and his other co-conspirators, including Wilson Morillo, then provided the customer with money to complete the purchases. After purchasing the firearms and leaving the store, FRANCO and his co-conspirators gave the drug customer heroin and cash in exchange for the firearms.
In May 2011, FRANCO also purchased a firearm from another heroin customer in exchange for cash and heroin.
FRANCO has been detained since his arrest on June 15, 2011, on unrelated state charges. On June 26, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
On May 28, 2013, Morillo pleaded guilty to the same charge. He awaits sentencing.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Freimann and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha Dye.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Branford Man Admits Defrauding Investors Out of More Than $2 MillionRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JUAN JOSE ALVAREZ DE LUGO AZPURUA, 53, of Branford, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport to one count of wire fraud stemming from his operation of a real estate investment scheme that defrauded individuals out of more than $2 million.
According to court documents and statements made in court, ALVAREZ DE LUGO held himself out as the president of multiple successful businesses specializing in real estate development programs. ALVAREZ DE LUGO represented to victim investors that his business was acquiring houses from the City of New Haven and from local banks, which houses would be remodeled and sold, and that invested funds would be used for this project. At times, ALVAREZ DE LUGO represented to victim investors that he was working jointly with New Haven on the Livable City Initiative, and he stated that the remodeled homes would be used and occupied by low income families that secured financing from a local bank and State of Connecticut agencies. ALVAREZ DE LUGO also told investors that he was developing a senior housing facility in New Haven. ALVAREZ DE LUGO provided investors with Promissory Notes and other documentation that promised to pay investors interest of 20 percent per year, and a full return of principal in one year.
In pleading guilty, ALVAREZ DE LUGO admitted that the representations he made to victims were materially false, and that he did not invest his victims’ money as promised. He did not own and develop the large number of properties he represented to investors, and he had no relationship with the City of New Haven or the State of Connecticut. ALVAREZ DE LUGO spent investment money on his own personal expenses, and enriched himself and his relatives.
Between approximately 2005 and 2010, ALVAREZ DE LUGO defrauded more than 10 victims out of least $2 million.
ALVAREZ DE LUGO’s three companies, Arquin Decoraciones LLC, Arquin Development LLC, and Juko Investments, LLC, and the investment instruments he provided, were never registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission or Connecticut Department of Banking.
Judge Eginton has scheduled sentencing for December 11, 2013, at which time ALVAREZ DE LUGO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
ALVAREZ DE LUGO has been detained since January 18, 2013, when he was arrested on a federal criminal complaint.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the State of Connecticut Department of Banking. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Waterbury Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Distributing MethRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KENNETH DeVRIES, also known as “Lyme,” 53, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 27 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a meth distribution ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Connecticut State Police’s Statewide Narcotics Task Force. The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of meth, physical surveillance and the use of an undercover officer, revealed that Kevin Wallin of Waterbury received shipments of meth from individuals in California on consignment with the understanding that he would pay his sources with proceeds generated by his distribution of the drug. After receiving the shipments of meth, he distributed the drug to other dealers and sold it to his own customers.
On six occasions between September 2012 and January 2013, Wallin sold meth to the undercover officer.
DeVRIES resided in an apartment located across the hall from Wallin’s apartment. At Wallin’s direction, DeVRIES sold meth to Wallin’s customers when Wallin was unavailable.
DeVRIES has been detained since his arrest on January 3, 2013. On June 17, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine (“meth”).
Wallin and three other defendants have also pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick Caruso and H. Gordon Hall.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Former Ledyard Resident Sentenced to More Than Eight Years in Federal Prison for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MATTHEW WALLACE, 32, formerly of Ledyard, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport to 100 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release. On March 6, 2013, a jury found WALLACE guilty of one count of receiving child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography.
According to the evidence disclosed during the trial, on January 19, 2010, a Milford Police detective assigned to the Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force logged into a peer-to-peer Internet file sharing network and downloaded several images of child pornography from an Internet Protocol (“IP”) address assigned to WALLACE at his Ledyard residence. On May 28, 2010, law enforcement agents conducted a court-authorized search of WALLACE’s residence and seized computers and hard drives. Forensic examination of the seized items revealed more than 500 images and videos of children, some as young as five years old, engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
WALLACE was arrested on December 16, 2010. He has been detained since March 13, 2013.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Milford Police Department. The Connecticut State Police and the Ledyard Police Department provided valuable assistance to the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Neeraj Patel and 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]Bridgeport Man Involved in Southeastern Connecticut Drug Ring Sentenced to 37 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LARRY HARRIS, 57, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 37 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.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 16, 2012, HARRIS traveled to a residence on Belden Street in New London, entered the house, exited approximately two minutes later and then drove away in his car. New London Police officers stopped the car a short distance away. During the traffic stop, officers found HARRIS with approximately 40 grams of heroin packaged in four separate plastic bags, and approximately $972 in cash on his person. HARRIS has admitted that some of the heroin was for personal use, and some he intended to sell to others.
On June 17, 2013, HARRIS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute heroin.
Judge Arterton ordered the sentence to be served concurrent with a state sentence that HARRIS is currently serving.
More than 100 individuals have been charged with federal and state offenses as a result of this investigation.
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]Arizona Man Admits Role in Fraudulent Federal Income Tax Refund SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHARLES ROSS, 41, of Surprise, Ariz., pleaded guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport to one count of wire fraud stemming from his role in an extensive federal income tax refund scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between November 2012 and May 2013, ROSS and others conspired to file false federal income tax returns in the names of individuals in Connecticut and elsewhere without the individuals’ knowledge. As part of the scheme, ROSS and others recruited victims by advertising that individuals were eligible for government funding. ROSS’s co-conspirator, who held herself out falsely to be a certified public accountant, used the victims’ names, dates of birth, and Social Security Numbers to prepare and file false federal income tax returns, and then directed a portion of the resulting tax refunds to herself, to ROSS, and to the victims through a prepaid debit card. ROSS also paid another co-conspirator who helped recruit victims.
When he is sentenced, ROSS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.
This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service, and 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]Former Head of Boston Fbi Charged with Violating Criminal Ethics LawRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael E. Horowitz, Inspector General for the Department of Justice, today announced that a former Assistant Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Criminal Investigative Division has been charged with violating a federal ethics law that prohibits senior executive branch personnel from making professional contacts with the agency in which they were employed for one year after leaving government service.
In an Information that was filed today in U.S. District Court in Boston, KENNETH W. KAISER, 57, of Hopkinton, Mass., is charged with one count of making prohibited post-employment contacts. KAISER, a 27-year employee of the FBI, served as the Special Agent in Charge of the Boston office of the FBI from April 2003 through December 2006, and then as an Assistant Director at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C., until his retirement in July 2009.
According to the Information, on July 3, 2009, the same day that he retired from the FBI, KAISER was hired as a consultant by LocatePlus to handle an internal investigation regarding corporate wrongdoing by the company’s former Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and to help generate government sales for the company’s products and services. In March 2010, KAISER became a full-time employee of LocatePlus, holding the title Director of Government Sales. Beginning just 17 days after his retirement, KAISER had numerous prohibited electronic, telephonic and in-person contacts with FBI employees regarding a then-ongoing FBI investigation involving LocatePlus and the actions of its former executives. During the one-year ban period, KAISER also had prohibited contacts with FBI employees in an effort to gauge the FBI’s interest in LocatePlus’ products and services in an attempt to generate sales to the FBI.
As further alleged in the Information, in August 2009, KAISER was hired by a corporate executive living in Gloucester, Mass., who had received a threatening letter in the mail. Working on behalf of this individual, KAISER had additional improper contacts with the FBI Boston office.
If convicted, KAISER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of one year and a fine of up to $100,000.
This matter is being investigated by the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane C. Freniere.
Acting U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that the details contained in the Information are allegations, and a defendant is presumed to be 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]Former Old Saybrook Resident Sentenced to Nearly Six Years in Prison for Operating Multiple Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PAUL E. BRENNAN, 45, formerly of Old Saybrook, Conn., and Phoenix, Ariz., was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 71 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for operating multiple fraud schemes.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately March 2009 to August 2011, BRENNAN convinced women with whom he was romantically involved, and other acquaintances, to cash checks for him at financial institutions knowing that the checks were drawn on closed or underfunded accounts and would be returned for nonpayment. BRENNAN also cashed, or had others cash for him, fraudulent checks at check cashing businesses in Connecticut.
Also, from approximately November 2010 to June 2011, BRENNAN defrauded individuals by pitching phony investment deals and soliciting money from victims for fraudulent business ventures. During the scheme, BRENNAN convinced one victim to give him more than $100,000 for property deals and stock market investments, and he convinced other victims to give him money for investments in fraudulently-operated businesses, including BC Property Management and B&D Powerwashing. BRENNAN also persuaded certain victims to grant him authorization to use their credit cards and lines of credit.
In total, BRENNAN’s fraud schemes victimized more than 10 individuals and caused more than $370,000 in losses to those victims. BRENNAN used much of the money he received from his victims to pay personal expenses.
BRENNAN has been detained since his arrest on February 27, 2013. On June 18, he waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of mail fraud.
BRENNAN’s criminal history dates to 1986, and includes more than 35 convictions for various state offenses, including including assault, weapons possession, trespass, check fraud, forgery, and larceny.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Old Saybrook Police Department and the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of New London. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Kerry L. Quinn.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Brookfield Podiatrist Sentenced to 41 Months in Federal Prison for Defrauding MedicareRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SAMIR ZAKY, 38, of Brookfield, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 41 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for defrauding Medicare.
On June 14, 2013, a jury found ZAKY guilty of 14 counts of health care fraud and 14 counts of making false statements relating to health care matters. According to the evidence at trial, ZAKY is a podiatrist who operated Affiliated Podiatrists, LLC in Brookfield. From August 2010 to July 2011, ZAKY submitted numerous claims to the Medicare program stating that he had performed nail avulsions, a surgical procedure that requires use of an injectable anesthetic and removes the entire border of a patient’s toenail. In fact, ZAKY had only clipped or trimmed the patient’s toenails.
Judge Covello ordered ZAKY to pay $134,139 in restitution to Medicare, which includes restitution for fraudulent claims dating back to 2005.
ZAKY has been detained since June 17, 2013, after U.S. Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons determined that ZAKY had violated the conditions of his bond by traveling to the house of a 93-year-old patient shortly after his conviction to ask his patient why he had testified against him during the trial.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David J. Sheldon and Christopher W. Schmeisser, and Auditor Kevin Saunders.
Acting U.S. Attorney Daly encouraged individuals who suspect health care fraud to report it by calling the Health Care Fraud Task Force at 203-777-6311 or 1-800-HHS-TIPS.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Bristol Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JENNIFER CARRION-SEGARRA, 29, of Bristol, pleaded guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge Donna Martinez in Hartford to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 22, 2012, CARRION-SEGARRA sold a pink Kahr .380 pistol, which she had nicknamed “Pinky,” to an undercover agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Fireworks and Explosives (ATF). The firearm was previously purchased by CARRION-SEGARRA’s husband.
Prior to May 22, 2012, CARRION-SEGARRA had been convicted of possession of narcotics and sale of narcotics, both felony offenses. 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.
CARRION-SEGARRA is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on December 11, 2013, at which time she faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.
CARRION-SEGARRA has been released on a $150,000 bond since her arrest on March 26, 2013.
This case is being investigated by ATF and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan S. Freimann and Special Assistant United States Attorney Natasha Dye.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Eli Lilly Warehouse Thief Admits Participating in Additional Multimillion Dollar BurglariesRead the Press Release
New Haven, Conn. – The United States Attorney’s Offices for the District of Connecticut, Eastern District of Virginia, Middle District of Florida and Western District of Kentucky announced that Amed Villa pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis in New Haven to federal conspiracy and theft charges stemming from his participation in warehouse burglaries in Virginia, Florida and Kentucky. On July 1, 2013, Villa pleaded guilty in the District of Connecticut to charges stemming from the theft of approximately $90 million in pharmaceuticals from the Eli Lilly Company warehouse and storage facility in Enfield, Conn., in March 2010, and more than $8 million in cigarettes and a cargo trailer from a warehouse in East Peoria, Ill., in January 2010.
In pleading guilty to the additional charges, Villa, 49, admitted that he and others stole more than $13.3 million in pharmaceuticals from the GlaxoSmithKline warehouse in Colonial Heights, Va., in August 2009, approximately $7.8 million in cellular telephones and multimedia tablets from the Quality One Wireless warehouse in Orlando, Fla., in January 2011, and more than $1.5 million in cigarettes from the Coremark Cigarette Warehouse in Leitchfield, Ky., in March 2011.
Villa was charged with the additional thefts in the Eastern District of Virginia, Middle District of Florida and Western District of Kentucky, respectively, and the cases were transferred to the District of Connecticut for further prosecution.
During each of the thefts, Villa and his co-conspirators gained entry into the warehouse through the roof, disabled the alarm system and loaded the stolen goods into tractor trailers.
Villa’s DNA was identified on items discarded during the thefts in Connecticut, Illinois, Florida and Virginia.
To date, Villa has pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit theft from an interstate shipment and five counts of theft from an interstate shipment. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven on December 4, 2013, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years on each of the conspiracy counts, and a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each of the theft counts.
Villa, a citizen of Cuba who last resided in Miami, has been detained since his arrest on May 3, 2012.
The investigation of the Connecticut warehouse theft is being led by the FBI in New Haven and the Enfield Police Department, the investigation of the Illinois theft is being led by ATF and the East Peoria Police Department, the investigation of the Virginia theft is being led by the FBI, the investigation of the Florida theft is being led by the FBI and the Orlando Police Department, and the investigation of the Kentucky theft is being led by ATF.This case is being prosecuted in the District of Connecticut by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Tate Chambers of the Central District of Illinois, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber of the Eastern District of Virginia, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher LaForgia of the Middle District of Florida and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Judd of the Western District of Kentucky.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Debt Collection Agency Executive Who Bribed Bank Official Is SentencedRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PATRICK PINTO, 45, of Bohemia, N.Y., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to two years of probation, the first six months of which PINTO must spend in home confinement, for bribing an executive of U.S. Bank. PINTO also was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine and perform 100 hours of community service.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Oxford Collection Agency (“Oxford”) was a private financial services company that engaged in accounts receivables management, primarily debt collecting, with offices in New York, Pennsylvania and Florida. Between 2007 and 2011, Oxford executives engaged in a multi-year scheme to defraud its lender, Connecticut-based Webster Bank, as well as its investors, clients and the commercial debtors that Oxford collected from. Oxford’s victims lost more than $12 million as a result of this scheme.
The investigation also revealed that Oxford sometimes obtained and retained business with its banking clients by paying bribes and kickbacks to bank officials. As part of the scheme, PINTO, a Vice President of Oxford, and other Oxford executives made monthly payments of between $2,500 and $3,500, which were hidden in cigar boxes, to an Assistant Vice President of U.S. Bank in Ohio. The bank official received at least $24,000 in bribes from Oxford.
U.S. Bank and Webster Bank received funds through the U.S. Department of the Treasury Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).
PINTO was arrested on December 7, 2012. On June 17, 2013, he waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to commit bank bribery.
In May 2012, Richard Pinto, Oxford Collection Agency’s Chairman of the Board, and his son, Peter Pinto, Oxford’s President and Chief Executive Officer, each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering and one count of wire fraud stemming from this scheme. In December 2012, Oxford Vice-President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer Randall Silver, Executive Vice President Charles Harris, and Chief Operations Officer Carlos Novelli, also pleaded guilty to various charges.
On January 30, 2013, Richard Pinto, who is now deceased, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment. The other defendants await sentencing.
PATRICK PINTO is the son of the late Richard Pinto.
This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP), and the Connecticut Securities, Commodities, and Investor Fraud Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Liam Brennan and Special U.S. Attorney John McReynolds.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Three Charged with Operating Fraudulent Federal Income Tax Refund SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury sitting in New Haven has returned an 18-count indictment charging three individuals with operating an extensive federal income tax refund scheme. The indictment, which was returned yesterday, charges KENYA MALCOLM, 34, and CHARLES ROSS, 40, both of Surprise, Ariz., and BERNARD BRANTLEY, 43, of Waterbury, Conn., with various conspiracy, fraud, theft and identity theft offenses.
The indictment alleges that between November 2012 and May 2013, MALCOLM, BRANTLEY, ROSS and others conspired to file false federal income tax returns in the names of individuals without the individuals’ knowledge. As part of the scheme, BRANTLEY, ROSS and others advertised to victims that they were eligible for “Obama stimulus money” or “government funding” through a prepaid debit card, and then obtained personal identifying information from the victims. MALCOLM, who operated a business in Arizona called “Biggest Refund Taxes,” used the victims’ names, dates of birth, and Social Security Numbers to prepare and file false federal income tax returns. MALCOLM then directed tax refunds totaling more than $2.5 million to be deposited partially into bank accounts controlled by MALCOLM, her family members, her employees, and ROSS, and partially into bank accounts linked to prepaid debit cards that were sent to the victims.
The indictment charges MALCOLM, BRANTLEY and ROSS with one count of conspiracy, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. The indictment also charges each defendant with six counts of mail fraud and six counts of wire fraud, which carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years on each count. The defendants are also charged with theft of public money, a charge that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Finally, MALCOLM and BRANTLEY are each charged with one count of aggravated identity theft, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive two-year prison term.
The case has been assigned to Senior U.S. District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport.
This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarala V. Nagala.
Acting 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.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Indictment Charges New Haven Man with Heroin Distribution OffenseRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury sitting in Hartford returned an indictment today charging RAFAEL ORTIZ, also known as “Rizz,” 48, of New Haven, with trafficking heroin.
The indictment alleges that on August 2, 2013, ORTIZ possessed with intent to distribute heroin.
ORTIZ was arrested yesterday on a criminal complaint. He is currently detained.
If convicted, ORTIZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years and a fine of up to $2 million.
This case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford.This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Haven Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John H. Durham.
Acting 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.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Waterbury Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms ConvictionRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FRANCISCO TELLADO, 37, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by six years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a previous federal conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 24, 2012, TELLADO used a 9 millimeter handgun to shoot his brother and his cousin in Naugatuck. He was subsequently apprehended in Waterbury.
TELLADO has prior state felony convictions for criminal possession of a firearm and possession of narcotics, and a prior federal conviction for conspiring to distribute crack cocaine. He was released from federal prison on November 1, 2011 and was serving a six-year term of supervised release at the time of the shootings.
It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
On January 23, 2013, TELLADO pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and admitted to having violated the terms of his supervised release.
Judge Chatigny sentenced TELLADO to 96 months of imprisonment for illegally possessing a firearm and a consecutive 24 months of imprisonment for violating his supervised release.
TELLADO was also charged with state offenses as a result of these shootings and, in February 2013, was sentenced to 10 years of incarceration. Judge Chatigny ordered the 10-year federal sentence to be served concurrent with the state sentence.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Waterbury Police Department and the Naugatuck Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert M. Spector.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Wolcott Man Sentenced to 26 Months in Federal Prison for Role in Illegal Campaign Contribution SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that GEORGE TIRADO, 36, of Wolcott, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 26 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release for his participation in a scheme to direct illegal campaign contributions into the campaign of a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives. TIRADO was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine. At the time of the offense, TIRADO was the co-owner of a Roll Your Own (“RYO”) smoke shop while also serving as a detective with the Waterbury Police Department.
“A substantial prison term is warranted for any individual who violates federal campaign finance laws in order to influence elected officials for personal gain,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Daly. “That this defendant was a veteran police detective who ignored his oath and broke the law makes this sentence even more appropriate.”
“Today’s sentence sends a clear message to those of us who are sworn to uphold the law, that no one is above the law,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Mertz. “It should be an honor and privilege to protect and serve the public. Instead, George Tirado betrayed his oath of honor when he conspired with others to direct illegal campaign contributions. This conduct threatens to undermine both the public’s faith in the election process and in law enforcement.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2011, the State of Connecticut applied for a court order enjoining RYO smoke shops from continuing to operate without complying with state law governing tobacco manufacturers. RYO smoke shops are retail businesses that sell loose smoking tobacco and cigarette-rolling materials and offer customers the option of paying a “rental” fee to insert the loose tobacco and the rolling materials into a RYO machine, which is capable of rapidly rolling large quantities of cigarettes. Customers did not pay a tax on the RYO cigarettes when rolled by the RYO machines, in contrast to cigarettes purchased over-the-counter.
TIRADO and Paul Rogers co-owned Smoke House Tobacco, a RYO smoke shop with two locations in Waterbury. Fearing that the Connecticut General Assembly would enact legislation harmful to RYO smoke shop owners’ business interests during the 2012 legislative session, TIRADO, Rogers, Harry Raymond “Ray” Soucy and others engaged in a scheme to direct conduit campaign contributions into the campaign of Christopher Donovan, a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives. At the time, Donovan was also the Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives. As part of the scheme, the co-conspirators recruited multiple individuals to serve as conduit contributors to the campaign. These individuals permitted checks to be written in their own names to the campaign and were reimbursed with cash, thereby concealing the fact that RYO smoke shop owners were contributing to the campaign.
On November 15, 2011, TIRADO obtained a signed blank check from one of his smoke shop employees. TIRADO then made the check payable to the campaign in the amount of $2,500, and assured the employee that she would be reimbursed. That same evening, TIRADO attended a campaign fundraising event where he completed a contribution form in the employee’s name. The contribution form contained a representation that the contribution was being funded by the individual named on the form. He then provided the check to Rogers who delivered it to a campaign employee.
The next morning, TIRADO provided another conduit contribution in the amount of $2,500 to Soucy prior to a meeting that they had scheduled with the candidate. Soucy then gave the check to a campaign employee.
On November 21, 2011, TIRADO deposited $2,500 in cash into the checking account of the employee who had served as a conduit contributor on November 15. The $2,500 came from the business proceeds of Smoke House Tobacco.
In December 2011, Rogers, Soucy and others attended another fundraising event and delivered two more $2,500 conduit contributions to the campaign.
On approximately January 31, 2012, the Christopher Donovan for Congress campaign committee submitted to the Federal Election Commission (“FEC”) a report of the committee’s receipts and disbursements for the period October 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011. The report falsely stated the source and amount of the four $2,500 contributions that were received and deposited by the campaign committee during that time period.
In the spring of 2012, the conspirators made additional illegal campaign contributions totaling $17,500.
During today’s sentencing, Judge Arterton also found that TIRADO lied to FBI special agents investigating this scheme during an interview that was conducted on June 4, 2012.On April 19, 2013, TIRADO pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to make false statements to the FEC and to impede the FEC’s enforcement of federal campaign finance laws.
Rogers, Soucy and five others, including two employees of the Donovan for Congress campaign, have also been convicted of charges stemming from this scheme.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher M. Mattei and Eric J. Glover.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Southington Man Involved in Illegal Campaign Contribution Scheme Sentenced to 21 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BENJAMIN HOGAN, 34, of Southington was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for participating in a scheme to direct illegal contributions into the campaign of a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives. HOGAN also was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2011, the State of Connecticut applied for a court order enjoining Roll Your Own (“RYO”) smoke shops from continuing to operate without complying with state law governing tobacco manufacturers. RYO smoke shops are retail businesses that sell loose smoking tobacco and cigarette-rolling materials and offer customers the option of paying a “rental” fee to insert the loose tobacco and the rolling materials into a RYO machine, which is capable of rapidly rolling large quantities of cigarettes. Customers did not pay a tax on the RYO cigarettes when rolled by the RYO machines, in contrast to cigarettes purchased over-the-counter. HOGAN was an employee and part-owner of Smoke House Tobacco, a RYO smoke shop with two locations in Waterbury.
Fearing that the Connecticut General Assembly would enact legislation harmful to RYO smoke shop owners’ business interests during the 2012 legislative session, HOGAN and others engaged in a scheme to direct conduit campaign contributions into the campaign of Christopher Donovan, a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives. At the time, Donovan was also the Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives. As part of the scheme, the co-conspirators recruited multiple individuals to serve as conduit contributors to the campaign. These individuals permitted checks to be written in their own names to the campaign, and HOGAN and other conspirators reimbursed them with cash, thereby concealing the fact that RYO smoke shop owners were contributing to the campaign.
In November and December 2011, participants in the scheme made four $2,500 conduit contributions to the Chris Donovan for Congress campaign. HOGAN was aware of the purpose of the contributions and that the contributions were being made in the names of others.
On approximately January 31, 2012, the Chris Donovan for Congress campaign submitted to the Federal Election Commission (“FEC”) a report of campaign committee’s receipts and disbursements for the period October 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011. The report falsely stated the source and amount of the four $2,500 contributions that were received and deposited by the campaign committee during that time period.
On May 14, 2012, HOGAN, Harry “Ray” Soucy and Paul Rogers met at Smoke House Tobacco where Soucy provided Rogers with $10,000 in cash to be used to reimburse additional conduit contributors. Prior to the meeting, HOGAN had approached Waterbury business owner Daniel Monteiro and an employee of Monteiro’s and asked them to serve as conduit contributors. Monteiro subsequently wrote a $2,500 check to the Donovan for Congress campaign, and his employee obtained a bank check in the amount of $2,500. Both were assured that they would be reimbursed. These two checks, and another $2,500 bank check drawn on HOGAN’s own account but not in his name, were given to Soucy at the meeting. Rogers also gave Soucy a fourth $2,500 check from a conduit contributor that was payable to a political party. Soucy then delivered the four checks to Donovan for Congress campaign manager Joshua Nassi.
On April 12, 2013, HOGAN pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to make false statements to the Federal Election Commission and to impede the FEC’s enforcement of federal campaign finance laws.
Rogers, Soucy, Monteiro, Nassi and three others have also been convicted of charges stemming from this scheme.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher M. Mattei and Eric J. Glover.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]New Haven Man Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Prison for Robbing Killingworth BankRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARCUS DWYER, 41, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 188 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for robbing a Killingworth bank.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the afternoon of August 6, 2012, Jennifer Jacques drove DWYER and Dario Pabey to the TD Bank on Route 81 in Killingworth. DWYER and Pabey then entered the bank wearing masks and demanded that everyone lie on the floor. DWYER pointed a gun at bank employees and customers and then jumped over the teller door and ordered the employees to open the vault. He accompanied the employees to the vault while Pabey controlled the lobby area. Pabey used zip ties to tie the hands of one bank employee and demanded that the customers give him their wallets, mobile phones and car keys. As Pabey was starting to restrain a second person with zip ties, DWYER ran past him with a bag of money that he had taken from the vault. Pabey followed and grabbed a patron who had surrendered his car keys to him and forced him out of the bank. DWYER and Pabey fled in the customer’s vehicle, which was abandoned a short distance from the bank at a pre-planned location where Jacques was waiting. Jacques then drove DWYER and Pabey away from the bank while they changed out of the clothes they had worn during the robbery.
The investigation revealed that $43,573 was stolen from the bank and its patrons during the robbery.
DWYER has been detained since his arrest on September 19, 2012. On May 13, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery.
Pabey pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on May 24, 2013, he was sentenced to 180 months of imprisonment. Jacques also has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ray Miller and Sarala Nagala.
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U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
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[email protected]Meriden Man Involved in Middlefield Home Invasion Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHANE LEVERETTE, also known as Shane Baltas, 44, formerly of Meriden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 126 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a previous federal conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 16, 2011, at approximately 10:40 p.m., LEVERETTE and an accomplice, who was armed with a handgun, entered a residence in Middlefield for the purpose of stealing money and drugs. LEVERETTE and his accomplice were dressed in black and wearing baseball hats with a DEA logo and gloves, and had bandannas covering their faces. Inside the residence, LEVERETTE located and stole a semi-automatic rifle. He and his accomplice then threatened two adults with their firearms and directed them to remain seated on the bed. After demanding money, the accomplice struck a male victim with the handgun, causing the victim’s head to bleed, and the handgun discharged. LEVERETTE and his accomplice then searched the bedroom for drugs and money.
After receiving a 911 call, the Connecticut State Police and Middletown Police Department arrived at the scene and surrounded the residence. LEVERETTE and his accomplice surrendered and were arrested and charged with state offenses. Law enforcement officers also seized the accomplice’s handgun and the semi-automatic rifle that LEVERETTE had stolen.
Prior to February 2011, LEVERETTE had sustained multiple federal and state felony convictions. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce. The rifle that LEVERETTE possessed was manufactured in Hungary.
In February 1999, LEVERETTE was sentenced in federal court in Massachusetts to 151 months of imprisonment for racketeering, narcotics and firearm offenses. He was released from federal prison on April 23, 2007, and was serving a five-year term of supervised release at the time of the Middlefield home invasion.
On April 30, 2013, LEVERETTE pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. On that date, he also admitted to violating the conditions of her supervised release.
Judge Hall sentenced LEVERETTE to 96 months of imprisonment for illegally possessing a firearm, and a consecutive 30 months of imprisonment for violating his supervised release.
LEVERETTE has been detained since his arrest. His accomplice was prosecuted in state court.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, the Connecticut State Police and the Middletown Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
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[email protected]Former Madison Art Gallery Owner Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that DAVID J. CRESPO, 59, of Guilford, pleaded guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to one count of mail fraud stemming from his sale of fraudulent artwork. CRESPO was an art dealer who conducted business under the name Brandon Gallery in Madison.
In August 2012, CRESPO was charged in a 12-count indictment alleging that he defrauded his customers by falsely representing that artwork he sold were original pieces by Pablo Picasso and original signed lithographs by Marc Chagall. CRESPO pleaded guilty to Count 12 of the indictment, which relates to the fraudulent sale of an imitation Marc Chagall lithograph.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Marc Chagall is widely considered to be among the greatest and most influential artists of the 20th Century, and original lithographs of his work can be of substantial valuable. An original lithograph is an authorized reproduction of a piece of artwork, map, or text that has been created using a distinctive printing process. They may be signed by the artist or author and, depending on their condition, can be of substantial value. Unlike other reproduction techniques that rely on the negative image being etched or raised on the print, lithography uses a smooth surface, typically, stone tablets or a metal plate, to transfer the image.
CRESPO obtained reproductions of original Chagall lithographs, but represented to potential customers that they were, in fact, original lithographs that had been produced through an artistic lithographic method, and under the direction and authority of Marc Chagall.
In January 2010, CRESPO met with an undercover FBI agent at Brandon Gallery. During the course of the conversation with the undercover agent, which was recorded, CRESPO held himself out to be an expert in high-end art. CRESPO and the agent discussed a lithograph known as “The Presentation of Chloe,” which CRESPO represented, among other things, was an “original lithograph” that was part of a limited edition collection made from “stone plates” from which multiple impressions were made from “the same plate.” The agent agreed to purchase the purported lithograph for $2,000.
In May 2010, CRESPO shipped the purported lithograph along with a “Certificate of Authenticity,” which valued the piece at $12,750 “for insurance purposes,” stated that piece was “hand signed by Chagall in crayon after the artist personally examined this particular example,” and represented that “[t]his work came from the collection of Richard Riskin, a longtime friend of the artist.”
In fact, CRESPO had not obtained the purported Chagall lithograph from the estate of Richard Riskin, as no such person existed, and CRESPO knew that the piece was not a limited edition original lithograph manufactured under the artist’s direction using stone plates, but was a photo-mechanical production that was removed from a common edition book.
In November 2010, the FBI conducted a search of the Brandon Gallery and found packages of Chagall prints and practiced Chagall signatures.
Judge Burns has scheduled sentencing for November 26, 2013, at which time CRESPO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. CRESPO also may be ordered to pay restitution to any victims of his offense.
CRESPO has been released on bond since his arrest on April 3, 2012.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Madison Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Liam Brennan.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Former Danielson Resident Sentenced to 54 Months in Federal Prison for Trading Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DANIEL CARRIER, 34, formerly of Danielson, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 54 months of imprisonment, followed by seven years of supervised release, for possessing and distributing child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2012, FBI special agents acting in an undercover capacity logged into a publicly-available Internet file sharing program used by CARRIER to trade child pornography. During these sessions, the FBI browsed CARRIER’s shared files, downloaded images from his shared directories and observed file titles suggestive of child pornography.
On March 6, 2012, law enforcement officers searched CARRIER’s Danielson residence and seized a desktop computer and related components. A forensic search of the computer revealed more than 850 images and 187 videos of child pornography, including numerous images of children under the age of 12 engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and images of children engaging in sadistic or masochistic conduct.
CARRIER was arrested on March 7, 2012. On May 15, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography.
CARRIER, who was released on a $250,000 bond after his arrest, has been residing with family members in Rhode Island as a condition of his bond.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Connecticut State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Felice M. Duffy.
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]Place Title HereRead the Press Release
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PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]New Haven Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Distributing CrackRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FREEMAN LEWIS, also known as “Free,” 31, of New Haven, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.
LEWIS is one of more than 100 individuals charged as a result of “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. The investigation revealed that LEWIS conspired with others to purchase and redistribute crack cocaine.
On January 17, 2013, LEWIS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).
LEWIS’ criminal history includes multiple felony convictions, including felony drug convictions.
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 United States 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 More Than Seven Years in Federal Prison for Distributing CrackRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARK FULLER, 50, of New Haven, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 90 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.
FULLER is one of more than 100 individuals charged as a result of “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. The investigation revealed that FULLER conspired with others to purchase and redistribute crack cocaine.
On January 28, 2013, FULLER pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).
FULLER’s criminal history includes multiple felony convictions, including four felony drug convictions.
FULLER has been detained in federal custody since his arrest on May 17, 2012.
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 United States 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 Guilty of Federal Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in New Haven has found TYRON HAMMOND, 31, of New Haven, guilty of possession of ammunition by a previously convicted felon. The trial before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall began on August 26 and the jury returned the verdict yesterday afternoon.
According to the trial evidence, on December 11, 2012, the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force, executing a state arrest warrant, arrested HAMMOND at an apartment on Chambers Street in New Haven. A subsequent court-authorized search of the apartment revealed a fully-loaded .22 caliber revolver with one expended casing.
The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Forensic Science Laboratory determined that HAMMOND’s DNA was on both the firearm and the ammunition.
Although the revolver was manufactured in Connecticut and could not be traced due to its age, the ammunition in the firearm was manufactured in Idaho.
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.
HAMMOND’s criminal history includes a 2004 federal conviction for possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. That conviction stemmed from an incident in November 2003 when HAMMOND shot and injured an individual with a .44 caliber revolver in the Farnam Court housing complex in New Haven. HAMMOND was also convicted in state court of first degree assault in relation to the shooting.
In December 2004, HAMMOND was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 10 years of imprisonment. He was released from federal prison in July 2012.
Judge Hall has scheduled sentencing for November 21, 2013, at which time HAMMOND faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. HAMMOND also faces up to two years of imprisonment for violating the terms and conditions of his supervised release from his prior federal conviction.
This matter was investigated Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force and the New Haven Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan, with the assistance of law student intern Allison Gorsuch.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Hartford Man Sentenced to 37 Months in Federal Prison for Role in Illegal Gun SalesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MIGUEL ORTIZ, 48, of Hartford, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing firearms and ammunition.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between December 2011 and April 2012, ORTIZ stored firearms for his 19-year-old nephew, Johnny Rosa, and assisted Rosa in the illegal sale of those firearms. ORTIZ is a felon who has prior convictions for firearms and narcotics offenses.
In May 2012, a search of ORTIZ’s Maple Avenue residence revealed an assortment of ammunition.
It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
On January 17, 2013, ORTIZ pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
On November 9, 2012, Rosa, also known as “Johnny J,” pleaded guilty to one count of transferring a firearm to a prohibited person. On May 28, 2013, he was sentenced to 36 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, which includes members of the Connecticut State Police, Hartford Police Department, Connecticut Department of Correction and Connecticut National Guard.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Woodbridge Doctor Pays $45,000 to Settle Allegations Under the Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that AVIJIT MITRA, M.D., with an office at 270 Amity Road in Woodbridge, has entered into a civil settlement agreement with the government in which he will pay $45,000 to resolve allegations that he violated civil provisions of the Controlled Substances Act.
The allegations against MITRA involve claims that he wrote 13 prescriptions that were outside the normal scope of his medical practice. The prescriptions were for Opana and Oxycontin, both Schedule II controlled substances.
Congress, with the passage of the Controlled Substances Act, took steps to attempt to create “a closed system” of distribution for controlled substances in which every facet of the handling of the substances, from their manufacture to their consumption by the ultimate user, was to be subject to intense governmental regulation. This mission was taken against the backdrop of trying to prevent the diversion and abuse of legitimate controlled substances while at the same time ensuring an adequate supply of those substances needed to meet the medical and scientific needs of the United States.
This investigation was conducted by investigators from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Office of Diversion Control in Rocky Hill, the Drug Control Division of Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection, and the Clinton Police Department. The prosecution was led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan M. Soloway.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
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[email protected]Campaign Worker Sentenced to 38 Months in Prison for Role in Illegal Contribution SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that ROBERT BRADDOCK, JR., 34, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 38 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for participating in a scheme to direct illegal campaign contributions into the campaign of a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives. BRADDOCK was also ordered to pay a $7,500 fine.
“In imposing this sentence, the Court has made clear the risks of violating federal campaign laws,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Daly. “These corrupt acts erode our trust in the integrity of our democratic electoral system. Transparency in our elections and the legislative process is critical to ensuring honest government. Federal law enforcement will not sit by as individuals attempt to buy the influence of elected officials for personal gain. I applaud the excellent work of the FBI and our prosecution team in bringing this case to justice.”
“This sentence sends a message that knowingly concealing the origin of campaign contributions is a serious crime which cannot and will not be tolerated,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Mertz. “Hopefully, those inclined to disregard campaign finance laws and diminish the voting public’s faith in our election process will be deterred by taking notice that federal prison is a very real possibility.”
On May 21, 2013, a jury convicted BRADDOCK of one count of conspiring to make false statements to the FEC and to defraud the U.S. by impeding the function of the FEC, one count of accepting more than $10,000 in federal campaign contributions made by persons in the names of others and one count of causing a false report to be filed with the FEC.
According to the trial evidence, court documents and statements made in court, in August 2011, the State of Connecticut applied for a court order enjoining Roll Your Own (“RYO”) smoke shops from continuing to operate without complying with state law governing tobacco manufacturers. RYO smoke shops are retail businesses that sell loose smoking tobacco and cigarette-rolling materials and offer customers the option of paying a “rental” fee to insert the loose tobacco and the rolling materials into a RYO machine, which is capable of rapidly rolling large quantities of cigarettes. Customers did not pay a tax on the RYO cigarettes when rolled by the RYO machines, in contrast to cigarettes purchased over-the-counter.
Paul Rogers and George Tirado co-owned Smoke House Tobacco, a RYO smoke shop with two locations in Waterbury. Fearing that the Connecticut General Assembly would enact legislation harmful to RYO smoke shop owners’ business interests during the 2012 legislative session, Rogers, Tirado, Harry Raymond “Ray” Soucy, David Moffa, Benjamin Hogan and others engaged in a scheme to direct conduit contributions into the campaign of Christopher Donovan, a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives. At the time, Donovan was also the Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives. As part of the scheme, the co-conspirators recruited multiple individuals to serve as conduit contributors to the campaign. These individuals permitted checks to be written in their own names to the campaign, and certain conspirators reimbursed them with cash, thereby concealing the fact that RYO smoke shop owners were contributing to the campaign.
BRADDOCK, the Finance Director of the Donovan for Congress campaign, and Joshua Nassi, the Campaign Manager, knew that Soucy, Rogers and others opposed legislation that would harm the business interests of the RYO smoke shop owners. In November and December 2011, Rogers, Soucy, Tirado, Moffa, Hogan and others made four $2,500 conduit contributions to the Donovan for Congress campaign.
On April 3, 2012, Soucy contacted Nassi and told him that RYO owners wanted to provide additional contributions to the campaign. That same day, the Connecticut General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Finance, Revenue and Bonding voted in favor of Senate Bill 357, legislation that would have deemed RYO smoke shop owners to be tobacco manufacturers under Connecticut law, a designation that would have subjected RYO smoke shop owners to a substantial licensing fee and tax increase. Later that day, Soucy contacted Nassi again to state his displeasure with the vote.On April 11, 2012, Soucy, Rogers and an FBI special agent working in an undercover capacity delivered four $2,500 checks in the names of conduit contributors to Nassi and Braddock. On April 23, 2012, Nassi advised Soucy that one of the checks had bounced and Soucy indicated that the contributor had been given cash to deposit. Nassi stated that the campaign needed the check by midnight the following day, and Soucy delivered a replacement check by that deadline. On May 2, 2012, the Campaign submitted a fundraising report to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) stating that the four contributions given in April were from the conduit contributors when, in fact, they were not.
Over the next two weeks, Nassi continued to advise Soucy on the status of the RYO legislation and Soucy told Nassi that he would be delivering an additional $10,000 if the legislation died. On May 9, 2012, the legislative session ended and the legislation had not been called for a vote by either chamber of the General Assembly.
On May 14, 2012, Soucy, Rogers and Hogan met at Smoke House Tobacco where Soucy provided Rogers with $10,000 in cash to be used to reimburse additional conduit contributors. Prior to the meeting, Hogan had approached Waterbury business owner Daniel Monteiro and an employee of Monteiro’s and asked them to serve as conduit contributors. Monteiro subsequently wrote a $2,500 check to the campaign, and his employee obtained a bank check in the amount of $2,500. Both were assured that they would be reimbursed. These two checks, and another $2,500 bank check drawn on Hogan’s own account but not in his name, were given to Soucy at the meeting. Also, at Nassi’s request, Rogers gave Soucy a fourth $2,500 check from a conduit contributor that was payable to a political party. Soucy delivered the four checks to Nassi at a political event later that day. As he was exiting the event, Soucy encountered BRADDOCK and stated that “twenty thousand was well worth it….And another ten grand.” BRADDOCK responded, “You’re the man.”
On May 15, 2012, BRADDOCK and Soucy had a telephone conversation related to the four conduit checks that Soucy had delivered the previous day, and BRADDOCK indicated that he needed additional identifying information for Benjamin Hogan for FEC reporting purposes. During the conversation, Soucy stated that a previous contributor “had bounced a check even though you put the money right in their hands.” He later stated, “…grabbing these drunks and drug addicts and say ‘Here, write this check…,” to which BRADDOCK responded, while laughing, “Hey, it works.”
Later that day, Soucy called BRADDOCK to inform him that Hogan was a RYO smoke shop “owner,” his check should not be deposited and that Soucy would provide a replacement check. BRADDOCK stopped the check from being deposited.
On May 16, 2012, Soucy met Nassi and provided him with a replacement $2,500 check in the name of someone who was not affiliated with any RYO shops.
In addition to the testimony of Soucy, Rogers, the undercover FBI special agent and others, the trial evidence included numerous audio and video conversations that were recorded during the course of the investigation.
Soucy, Rogers, Nassi, Moffa, Tirado, Hogan and Monteiro each pleaded guilty to charges related to this scheme. On June 12, 2013, Moffa was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment and a $5,000 fine. The other defendants await sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher M. Mattei and Eric J. Glover.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]