District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 14 Years 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 RALSTON WILLIAMS, also known as “Chris,” 43, of New Haven, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 168 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and crack cocaine. WILLIAMS also was ordered to pay a $100,000 fine.
On May 29, 2012, a jury found WILLIAMS guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
According to the evidence at trial, in August 2011, the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force initiated an investigation into a series of suspected heroin overdose cases in the greater New Haven area, including one that resulted in the death of a woman in Milford on August 16, 2011. The investigation revealed that WILLIAMS, his co-defendant, Jason Brodsky, and others rented hotel rooms in the New Haven area and sold prepackaged heroin to a variety of customers. The trial evidence included surveillance videos, hotel records, telephone records, recorded calls, seized narcotics, as well as testimony of law enforcement officers and cooperating witnesses.
WILLIAMS was arrested on September 7, 2011, at which time he was found in possession of approximately 140 bags of heroin and 40 bags of crack cocaine packaged for sale.
Judge Bryant found that WILLIAMS and Brodsky sold the heroin that caused the overdose death of the Milford woman.
Brodsky has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This matter was investigated by the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and the Milford Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport and Stamford Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah Karwan and Peter Markle.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]New Haven Man Admits Role in Killingworth Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MARCUS DWYER, 40, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday before United States Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons in Bridgeport to one count of bank robbery for his role in the August 2012 robbery of TD Bank in Killingworth.
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 has revealed that $43,573 was stolen from the bank and its patrons during the robbery.
DWYER is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall on August 20, 2013, in New Haven at which time DWYER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000.
DWYER has been detained since his arrest on September 19, 2012.
Pabey, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty on February 25, 2013. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 24, 2013. Jacques also has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This matter has been 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.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Jury Finds Florida Man Guilty of Role in Oxycodone Trafficking RingRead 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 WILNER CASTELIN, also known as “Castro,” 44, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., guilty of narcotics and money laundering charges stemming from his role in an oxycodone trafficking ring. The trial before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall began on May 7 and the jury returned the verdict yesterday.
This matter stems from “Operation Blue Coast,” an investigation headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force into the large-scale trafficking of oxycodone pills from Florida to Connecticut. The investigation revealed that an individual regularly purchased oxycodone from suppliers in Florida, transported the oxycodone to Connecticut by commercial airline or automobile, and sold the pills for profit to various Connecticut-based narcotics dealers. He then transported the proceeds of his oxycodone sales from Connecticut to Florida, either by having a courier drive the money or by using commercial airline flights.
The evidence at trial revealed that the narcotics trafficker met David Gaudiosi and Bruce Yazdzik, two large-scale oxycodone distributors in Connecticut, in early 2010. After the meeting, Gaudiosi and Yazdzik visited the narcotics trafficker in Florida on multiple occasions to obtain prescriptions for oxycodone from unscrupulous pain clinics, commonly referred to as “pill mills.” The trafficker paid CASTELIN to chauffeur Gaudiosi and Yazdzik during their Florida visits. CASTELIN subsequently agreed to travel to the northeastern U.S. to drive large amounts of U.S. currency, which were proceeds of the narcotics trafficker’s oxycodone sales in Connecticut, to Florida. CASTELIN was paid approximately $1,000 to $1,250 for each trip.
The jury found CASTELIN guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Judge Hall has scheduled sentencing for August 20, 2013, at which time CASTELIN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.
CASTELIN was arrested on September 13, 2011, and has been released on bond since February 28, 2012.
Twenty individuals, including two law enforcement officers and three Transportation Security Agency officers, have been charged as a result of this investigation.Gaudiosi and Yazdzik each pleaded guilty to oxycodone trafficking charges. On November 14, 2012, Yazdzik was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment. Gaudiosi awaits sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, which includes personnel from the Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport, Milford, Norwalk, Stamford and Westport Police Departments; the Drug Enforcement Administration in Florida and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General. In addition, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Greenwich, Monroe, Danbury and Waterbury Police Departments have assisted the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rahul Kale and Brian Leaming.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Manchester Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Drug and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT GENTILE, 76, of Manchester, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for controlled substances and firearms offenses. GENTILE also was ordered to spend the first three months of his supervised release in home confinement.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in October and November 2011, GENTILE and his associate, Andrew Parente, distributed Schedule II controlled substances, including oxycodone, in a form commonly known as OxyContin, and hydromorphone, in a form commonly known as Dilaudid.
GENTILE was arrested on February 10, 2012. Subsequent court-authorized searches of his Manchester residence resulted in the seizure of 200 Percocet tablets packaged for distribution, two .38 caliber Smith & Wesson revolvers, a .22 caliber North American Arms revolver, a .22 caliber derringer, a 12 gauge pistol-grip shotgun, numerous rounds of ammunition, boxes of 12 gauge shotgun shells, five handgun silencers, other items and approximately $22,000 in cash.
GENTILE is a previously convicted felon and, under federal law, it is illegal for a person with a previous felony conviction to possess any firearm or ammunition that has traveled in interstate or foreign commerce. Further, it is illegal under federal law for any person to possess a silencer for a firearm unless that silencer has been properly registered with the National Firearms Registry in Washington, D.C.
GENTILE has been detained since his arrest on February 10, 2012. On November 14, 2012, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance, five counts of possession with intent to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance, one count of possession of firearms by a previously convicted felon, one count of possession of ammunition by a previously convicted felon, and one count of possession of unregistered silencers.
On January 3, 2013, Parente, 76, of Hartford, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of a Schedule II controlled substance. He awaits sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John H. Durham.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Norwich Woman Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking of A MinorRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DANA RIVERA, 23, of Norwich, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by seven years of supervised release, for sex trafficking of a minor.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Dana Rivera and her former husband, Samuel Rivera, arranged for the prostitution of a 16-year-old girl. The Riveras posted advertisements on the Internet, took calls of prospective customers, booked hotel rooms, and transported the minor victim to and from prostitution calls in southeastern Connecticut, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. In May and June 2011, the minor victim saw approximately five or six customers a day. The Riveras split the money the victim earned and gave none of it to the victim.
Dana Rivera has been detained since her arrest on November 5, 2012. On February 14, 2013, she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.
Samuel Rivera, 23, of Groton, pleaded guilty to the same charge on February 19, 2013, and awaits sentencing. He has been detained since his arrest on November 16, 2012.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Stonington Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David E. Novick.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Cromwell Man Charged with Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Colonel Danny R. Stebbins of the Connecticut State Police today announced that SAMUEL DiPROTO, 61, of Cromwell, was arrested yesterday and charged by federal criminal complaint with possession of child pornography.
The criminal complaint alleges that on March 12, 2013 and April 10, 2013, a Connecticut State Police detective assigned to the Computer Crimes Unit logged onto a publicly available Internet file sharing network and downloaded images and videos of child pornography from a computer connected to the network with an Internet Protocol (IP) address assigned to DiPROTO. During a search of DiPROTO’s residence yesterday, law enforcement officers seized several items, including computers, hard drives and thumb drives.
DiPROTO was arrested yesterday at his residence after the search.
DiPROTO appeared today before United States Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford, who ordered DiPROTO detained pending a hearing that is scheduled for May 13.
If convicted of the charge of possession of child pornography, DiPROTO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000. The penalties in this matter are enhanced because it is alleged that the defendant possessed depictions of prepubescent minors and minors under the age of 12.
U.S. Attorney Fein 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 Connecticut State Police Computer Crimes Unit, the Federal Bureau of Investigation 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 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]Deirdre M. Daly to Become Acting U.S. AttorneyRead the Press Release
New Haven, Conn. – Deirdre M. Daly will become Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut when U.S. Attorney David B. Fein leaves the office on May 13, 2013.
Ms. Daly has served as First Assistant United States Attorney in Connecticut since July 2010. She led the prosecution of Hector Natal, who was found guilty last month after a four-week trial of committing the March 2011 New Haven arson that resulted in the deaths of two women and an 8-year-old boy.
“During her 15 years of Department of Justice service and another 13 years engaged in the private practice of law, Deirdre Daly has demonstrated great leadership, integrity and judgment,” stated U.S. Attorney Fein. “I’m proud to have served with her as a colleague, and the citizens of Connecticut are fortunate that Deirdre will lead this excellent United States Attorney’s Office.”
From 1985 to 1997, Ms. Daly was an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York, where she prosecuted cases ranging from racketeering, murder, narcotics and money laundering to fraud, corruption and police brutality, and served as the Assistant-In-Charge of White Plains Office for three years. After leaving the SDNY, Ms. Daly was a partner at Daly & Pavlis LLC, a Connecticut law firm with a practice focused on corporate and commercial litigation, white-collar criminal investigations, SEC enforcement actions and corporate internal investigations and monitoring. For over 10 years, she served as a monitor for Con Edison, Inc. conducting internal investigations of environmental, health and safety violations.
Ms. Daly served as a law clerk for the Honorable Lloyd F. MacMahon, U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of New York from 1984 to 1985. She is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Georgetown University Law Center.
Ms. Daly, 53, has lived in Connecticut for most of her life. She and her husband, Alfred Pavlis, have three sons.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut, and with representing the federal government in civil litigation in the District. The Office employs approximately 64 Assistant United States Attorneys, 45 staff members and 13 contractors at offices in New Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Citizen of Mexico Who Illegally Reentered U.S. After Deportation Is SentencedRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROMAN PONCE, 36, a citizen of Mexico last residing in Norwich, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 10 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the United States after he was deported.
According to court documents and statements made in court, PONCE was deported from the U.S. to his native Mexico in 1999 after sustaining domestic assault, assault and disorderly conduct convictions in Rhode Island. PONCE illegally reentered the U.S. and, in 2001, was convicted in the U.S. District Court in Rhode Island of illegal reentry. He was sentenced to six months of imprisonment and deported to Mexico in 2002.
On September 30, 2012, PONCE was arrested by the Norwich Police Department for disorderly conduct.
PONCE has been detained in federal custody since February 6, 2013. On April 16, he pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien.
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Deborah R. Slater.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Three Men Involved in Illegal Sports Betting Ring Are SentencedRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut today announced that three men involved in illegal sports bookmaking have been sentenced in Hartford federal court. Today, U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant sentenced ANTHONY SANTORO, also known as “Skinny,” 49, of Staten Island, N.Y., to eight months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release, and MICHAEL VITTI, also known as “Peewee,” 33, of Stamford, to 10 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release. DANIEL DEGRUTTOLA, also known as “Dannyboy,” 33, of Stamford, was sentenced yesterday to three months of home confinement and three years of supervised release. In addition, SANTORO was ordered to forfeit $25,000, and VITTI and DEGRUTTOLA were each ordered to forfeit $100,000.
According to court documents and statements made in court, after a long-term investigation led by the FBI Fairfield County Organized Crime Task Force, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Stamford Police Department, 20 individuals were charged with various offenses related to their involvement in an illegal Internet sports bookmaking operation and illegal card gambling clubs in Stamford and Hamden. The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that SANTORO, VITTI and DEGRUTTOLA and others were involved in a large-scale sports bookmaking operation in which gamblers placed bets with offshore Internet sports-gambling websites, particularly www.44wager.com based in Costa Rica.
FBI analysis of the sports-betting web site utilized by the co-defendants has determined that the total gross revenues of the Stamford-based gambling operation were nearly $1.7 million from October 2010 to June 2011.
SANTORO, VITTI and DEGRUTTOLA each previously pleaded guilty to one count of operating an illegal gambling business.
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 United States Attorneys Hal Chen and Peter Jongbloed.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]New York Man Sentenced to 21 Months in Prison for Transporting Oxycodone Trafficking CashRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EMMANUEL BABE, also known as “Manny,” 40, of Mount Kisco, N.Y., was sentenced today by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for transporting cash proceeds of an oxycodone trafficking ring.
This matter stems from “Operation Blue Coast,” an investigation headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force into the large-scale trafficking of oxycodone pills from Florida to Connecticut. The investigation revealed that an individual regularly purchased oxycodone from suppliers in Florida, transported the oxycodone to Connecticut by commercial airline or automobile, and sold the pills for profit to various Connecticut-based narcotics dealers. He then transported the proceeds of his oxycodone sales from Connecticut to Florida, either by having a courier drive the money or by using commercial airline flights.
In early 2011, the Florida narcotics trafficker hired BABE to drive large amounts of U.S. currency from New York or Connecticut to Florida. BABE eventually learned that the money he was transporting were the proceeds of the narcotics trafficker’s oxycodone sales in Connecticut. BABE, who was paid approximately $750 for each trip, transported at least $150,000 in cash to Florida in an effort to disguise the source of the funds.
BABE has been detained since his arrest on September 13, 2011. On February 6, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Twenty individuals, including two law enforcement officers and three Transportation Security Agency officers, have been charged as a result of this investigation.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, which includes personnel from the Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport, Milford, Norwalk, Stamford and Westport Police Departments; the Drug Enforcement Administration in Florida and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General. In addition, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Greenwich, Monroe, Danbury and Waterbury Police Departments have assisted the investigation.
U.S. Attorney Fein also acknowledged the cooperation of the Westchester County Department of Public Safety and the Florida Highway Patrol, and the substantial assistance provided by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
This case is being prosecuted in the District of Connecticut by Assistant United States Attorneys Rahul Kale and Tracy Lee Dayton.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]New Haven Attorney Involved in Mortgage Fraud Scheme Sentenced to 21 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID KINNEY, 54, of Woodbridge, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for participating in a mortgage fraud scheme and for making false statements to federal law enforcement.
According to court documents and statements made in court, KINNEY, a New Haven-based attorney, participated in a mortgage fraud conspiracy in 2006 and 2007 by acting as the settlement agent in connection with fraudulent real estate transactions in New London County. As part of the scheme, KINNEY submitted, or caused to be submitted, materially false HUD-l settlement statements to lenders. In certain cases, KINNEY released a disbursement check before he had received the down payment listed on the HUD-1.
On November 5, 2007, in connection with the investigation of this matter, FBI special agents served KINNEY a subpoena at his New Haven office. On that date, KINNEY told agents that he had never given anyone a closing check prior to receiving the down payment money in connection with real estate closings that he handled when, in fact, he had done so on multiple occasions.
As part of his sentence, Judge Covello ordered KINNEY to pay restitution in the amount $507,155.24 and to forfeit $65,749.59.
On November 9, 2011, KINNEY pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and one count of making a false statement.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael S. McGarry and David T. Huang.
Today’s announcement is part of efforts underway by President Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force (FFETF) which was created in November 2009 to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Over the past three fiscal years, the Justice Department has filed more than 10,000 financial fraud cases against nearly 15,000 defendants including more than 2,700 mortgage fraud defendants.
To report financial fraud crimes, and to learn more about the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force, please visit www.stopfraud.gov.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Hartford Crack Dealer Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JAEQWAN SHEPPARD, also known as “Quanny” and “Q,” 20, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 108 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from “Operation Vinefield,” a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in Hartford’s North End. As a result of the nine-month investigation, 38 individuals were charged with various offenses related to the distribution of crack cocaine and the unlawful possession and dealing of firearms in and around Hartford.
SHEPPARD was identified as a member of the AVE street gang who operated a drug trafficking organization from his residence at 117-119 Enfield Street. Investigators made several controlled purchases of narcotics from SHEPPARD and subsequently obtained court authorization to intercept calls on two of his wireless phones.
In addition, investigators negotiated the purchase of a .38 caliber revolver from SHEPPARD in December 2011.
During the investigation, intercepted calls indicated that SHEPPARD’s associate, Kewan Woodson, may have been targeted by a rival group operating in the Garden Street area of Hartford. On January 10, 2012, four men were shot in front of SHEPPARD’s 117-119 Enfield Street residence. Images from fixed surveillance cameras revealed that two shooters arrived on the scene by foot and shot into a crowd with a rifle and a shotgun. Woodson was in the area before the shooting, but left moments before the gunmen arrived.
On January 4, 2013, SHEPPARD pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, the Connecticut State Police, the Hartford Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Newtown Man Sentenced to More Than 23 Years in Prison for Producing and Trading Child PornographyRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDWARD F. WILSON, 29, of Newtown, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 280 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for producing, trading and possessing child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, WILSON sexually abused a female child, filmed and photographed the abuse with an iPhone, and maintained the videos and images on his home computer. The victim was approximately four years old at the time of the abuse in 2011 and 2012.
In addition to filming, photographing and maintaining videos and images of the sexual abuse that he inflicted on the female child, WILSON traded via email hundreds of other images and videos of child pornography and maintained a collection of child pornography on his home computers.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is steadfastly committed to working with our state counterparts to use the full weight of federal child exploitation laws to prosecute those who commit these heinous crimes,” stated U.S. Attorney Fein. “Together we can protect society from dangerous offenders, often in ways that protect young victims from having to testify and being further victimized. I want to thank the Danbury State’s Attorney’s Office, the Connecticut State Police, the Newtown Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force for their critical assistance and cooperation during the course of this investigation.”
On February 13, 2013, WILSON pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography.
WILSON has been detained in state custody since his arrest on April 13, 2012, for first-degree possession of child pornography, obscenity and promoting a minor in an obscene performance. On July 10, 2012, he was arrested on 22 additional state charges, including six counts of first-degree sexual assault, five counts of fourth-degree sexual assault and 11 counts of risk of injury. The state charges are pending.
This matter was investigated by the Connecticut State Police Computer Crimes Unit, the Newtown 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]Hartford Man Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Federal Prison for Distributing CrackRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut today announced that JOVAN SMITH, also known as “Hood,” 35, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.
This matter stems from “Operation Northern Strike,” a 15-month joint law enforcement investigation targeting members and associates of geographically-based street gangs engaging in criminal activity in Hartford’s Upper Albany and Northeast neighborhoods. The investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps on multiple telephones, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance. As a result of the investigation, 35 individuals were charged with various federal drug and firearms violations.
According to court documents and statements made in court, one of the initial targets of the investigation was Joseph Smith, also known as “Nitty.” Intercepted calls revealed that Joseph Smith regularly sold JOVAN SMITH eighth-ounce quantities (“8-balls”) of crack cocaine. JOVAN SMITH then sold the crack in smaller quantities in the area of Center and Chestnut Streets in Hartford.
On June 7, 2012, JOVAN SMITH pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 28 or more grams of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
JOVAN SMITH’s criminal history includes multiple narcotics convictions, multiple assault convictions, and convictions for violation of a protective order and threatening.
On June 29, 2011, Joseph Smith pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base. On September 27, 2012, he was sentenced to 146 months of imprisonment.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force – which includes representatives of the FBI, Connecticut State Police and Hartford Police Department – and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Geoffrey M. Stone.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Hartford Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Distributing CrackRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRANDON BAILEY-SANTOUSE, also known as “Bo,” 27, of Hartford, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement identified Errol Santouse, BAILEY-SANTOUSE’s cousin, as a significant distributor of crack cocaine in the Willimantic area. On five occasions in April and May 2012, Errol Santouse sold crack in quantities ranging from 3.5 grams to 42 grams to a cooperating witness and an undercover ATF agent. The investigation revealed that BAILEY-SANTOUSE supplied Santouse with the crack cocaine for some of these transactions.
BAILEY-SANTOUSE was arrested on June 28, 2012. On that date, he possessed approximately 50 grams of crack cocaine and a search of his residence revealed a scale with crack residue and narcotics packaging materials.
On December 13, 2012, SANTOUSE pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
Errol Santouse pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on November 27, 2012, he was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Hartford Police Department and the Willimantic Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Canton Man Admits Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL CRAWFORD, 35, of Canton, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of production of child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2012, law enforcement officers discovered that an individual from Connecticut had been posting photographs of children on a Russian file-sharing website. On July 5, 2012, officers executed a state search warrant at CRAWFORD’s residence. On that date, CRAWFORD admitted that he posted images to the Russian website, that he had taken photographs of a three-year-old minor victim and posted them on the site, and that he had exchanged photographs of the minor victim in order to get better photos from others in trade. A subsequent search of CRAWFORD’s email account revealed seven sexually explicit photographs of the minor victim taken by CRAWFORD. CRAWFORD had e-mailed four of the images to other individuals.
In addition to the pictures of the minor victim that he had taken, CRAWFORD’s email account contained approximately 777 images and 24 videos of child pornography.
Judge Shea has scheduled sentencing for July 24, 2013, at which time CRAWFORD faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.
CRAWFORD has been detained since his arrest on January 9, 2013.
This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Connecticut State Police and the Canton Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sarala V. Nagala and Anastasia E. King.
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]U.S. Attorney Fein Announces ResignationRead the Press Release
New Haven, Conn. – United States Attorney David B. Fein, 52, has announced his resignation, effective May 13, 2013, and his intention to return to the private sector.
Mr. Fein was appointed by President Obama and sworn in as the 50th U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut on May 10, 2010. As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Fein created the Connecticut Securities, Commodities and Investor Fraud Task Force, a multi-agency task force focused on matters related to investor fraud, Ponzi schemes, insider trading, FCPA and other financial crimes. He also initiated Project Longevity, a new state-wide anti-violence initiative aimed at reducing gun and gang violence.
“It has been an honor to serve as United States Attorney and to work alongside the fine women and men of this Office and of our partner federal, state and local law enforcement agencies as we serve the people of Connecticut and the country,” said U.S. Attorney Fein. “Personally, it is the right time for me and my family that I move on, but I do so humbly and profoundly grateful for the trust placed in me by the President and the Attorney General.”
As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Fein restructured the Office’s Criminal Division. Previously organized geographically, the Office’s Criminal Division was restructured so that it comprises three program-based units: National Security and Major Crimes, Violent Crimes and Narcotics, and Financial Fraud and Public Corruption.
Significant recent enforcement matters for the National Security and Major Crimes Unit include the extradition of Babar Ahmad and Syed Talha Ahsan, both British citizens who have been charged with terrorism-related offenses; the disabling of a network of hundreds of thousands of computers infected with a malicious software program known as Coreflood, which was the most complete and comprehensive enforcement action ever taken by U.S authorities to disable an international botnet; the prosecution of Hector Natal, who earlier this month was found guilty of committing the March 2011 New Haven arson that killed three individuals, including an 8-year-old boy; the prosecution of a Canadian subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation for violating the Arms Export Control Act in connection with its illegal export to China of U.S.-origin military software used in the development of China’s first modern military attack helicopter; and more than 60 child exploitation matters, including the prosecution of Douglas Perlitz, who was sentenced to more than 19 years in prison for sexually abusing several minor victims over the course of a decade in Haiti, Edgardo Sensi, who was sentenced to 85 years of imprisonment for sexual abusing minor girls in the U.S. and Nicaragua, and Jesse Osmun, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexually abusing young girls while he was a volunteer with the U.S. Peace Corps in South Africa.
The Violent Crimes and Narcotics Unit has focused on dismantling large-scale drug trafficking organizations, prosecuting gang and gun violence, and enforcement actions against prescription drug trafficking. Significant prosecutions include Bridgeport drug trafficker Azibo Aquart and his associates, who were convicted of brutally murdering three Bridgeport residents in August 2005; twenty individuals, including TSA and law enforcement officers, who were involved in a conspiracy to traffic oxycodone from Florida to Connecticut; Operation Bloodline, which targeted narcotics trafficking and gang violence in New Haven and resulted in charges against more than 100 individuals; and the recent arrest on federal and state charges of more than 100 individuals who were allegedly involved in the large-scale trafficking of heroin and cocaine from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico into and around southeastern Connecticut.
Priority enforcement matters out of the Financial Fraud and Public Corruption Unit include the prosecution of numerous individuals who engaged in investor fraud, including hedge fund manager Francisco Illarramendi who defrauded investors and creditors of hundreds of millions of dollars, which is the largest financial fraud case ever prosecuted in the District of Connecticut; the prosecution of dozens of individuals who participated in mortgage fraud schemes that preceded the real estate market crisis; and the investigation and prosecution of “Roll Your Own” smoke shop operators and others who were involved in a scheme to direct illegal contributions into the campaign of a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Office’s Civil Division recently negotiated a resolution to its civil enforcement action, which alleged racial profiling and civil rights abuses by members of the East Haven Police Department. The settlement agreement covers comprehensive reforms in seven core areas of policing and put in place an independent monitor.
In 2012, Mr. Fein was appointed Vice Chair of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee’s White-Collar Crime Subcommittee, where he and his colleagues developed the Justice Department’s Investor Fraud Initiative, which featured six regional summits, including the Northeast Regional Summit held in Stamford in October 2012. In addition, Mr. Fein convened public conferences in Connecticut on Civil Rights, Human Trafficking, Prescription Drug Abuse, and Violent Crime, and a public ceremony honoring Connecticut’s First Responders on the Tenth Anniversary of 9/11.
Prior to his appointment as United States Attorney, Mr. Fein was a partner at the law firm of Wiggin and Dana, where he co-chaired the firm’s White-Collar Defense, Investigations and Corporate Compliance Practice Group and served on the firm’s Executive Committee. From 1999 to 2010, Mr. Fein was Visiting Lecturer in Law at Yale Law School, where he created and co-taught a class on federal criminal investigations and prosecution. Previously, Mr. Fein served as an Associate White House Counsel from 1995 to 1996, where his portfolio included anti-crime initiatives, communications issues, the proposed victims’ rights constitutional amendment, and the Administration’s regulation to combat underage use of tobacco. From 1989 to 1995, Mr. Fein was an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, serving as Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division from 1993 to 1994 and Counsel to the United States Attorney from 1994 to 1995. From 1986 to 1989, Mr. Fein was an associate at Debevoise and Plimpton. He served as a law clerk for the Honorable Frank M. Coffin of the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit from 1985 to 1986. Mr. Fein graduated cum laude from Dartmouth College in 1982 and the New York University School of Law in 1985, where he was Order of the Coif and a member of the Senior Board of the N.Y.U. Law Review.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut, and with representing the federal government in civil litigation in the District. The Office employs approximately 64 Assistant United States Attorneys, 45 staff members and 13 contractors at offices in New Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]New Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Crack Cocaine Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAYREN WYNN, 23, also known as “Rich Boy,” of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford to two counts of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation conducted by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Task Force into drug distribution and related gang activity in The Hill neighborhood of New Haven. The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps and several purchases of crack directly from WYNN, revealed that members and associates of the Southside Bloods were distributing large quantities of crack cocaine. WYNN was involved in two separate drug distribution rings associated with the Southside Bloods.
WYNN is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on August 2, 2013, at which time WYNN faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, including the New Haven, Hamden and Milford Police Departments, and the State of Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and H. Gordon Hall.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Meriden Man Involved in Home Invasion Admits Illegal Firearm Possession, Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHANE LEVERETTE, also known as Shane Baltas, 44, of Meriden, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. LEVERETTE also admitted that he violated 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 had been 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.
Judge Hall has scheduled sentencing for July 23, 2013, at which time LEVERETTE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000 for illegally possessing the firearm. He also faces up to five years in prison for violating his supervised release.
LEVERETTE has been detained since his arrest.
This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, the Connecticut State Police and the Middletown Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Stamford Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Distributing CocaineRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ELLIOT CHIAPPETTA, 61, of Stamford, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, CHIAPPETTA was part of a drug-trafficking ring based in Stamford in 2009 and 2010. The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps and physical surveillance, revealed that CHIAPPETTA and his co-conspirators acquired cocaine and sold it in smaller quantities to customers in Fairfield County. In April 2010, CHIAPPETTA traveled with a co-conspirator to southern Florida to obtain a kilogram of cocaine from their source of supply.
On January 28, 2013, CHIAPPETTA pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine.
CHIAPPETTA’s criminal history includes state felony convictions in 1992 for sale of narcotics and possession of narcotics, and a federal conviction in 2004 for conspiring to conduct an illegal gambling business.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI Fairfield County Organized Crime Task Force and the Stamford Police Department. The Task Force is composed of members of the FBI, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Stamford Police Department, the Bridgeport Police Department and the Connecticut State Police.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hal Chen.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Federal Jury Finds Meriden Grocery Store Operator Guilty of Food Stamp FraudRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in New Haven has found MYRACHID ELQUAFAI, 51, a citizen of Morocco last residing in New Haven, guilty of defrauding the federal Food Stamp Program while operating a Meriden grocery store. The jury returned the verdict today following a five-day trial before United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven.
According to the evidence disclosed during the trial, the federal Food Stamp Program, which is now known as the Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program (“SNAP”), is administered by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service and utilizes federal tax dollars to subsidize low-income households to provide them with the opportunity to achieve a more nutritious diet by increasing their food-purchasing power. SNAP recipients purchase eligible food items at retail food stores through the use of an EBT card, which is similar to an ATM card. SNAP benefits may be accepted by authorized retailers only in exchange for eligible items. Items such as alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, paper goods and soaps are not eligible for purchase with Food Stamp benefits, and it is a violation of the rules and regulations governing the food stamp program to allow benefits to be used to purchase ineligible items. SNAP benefits may not lawfully be exchanged for cash under any circumstances. The program is designed so that the total amount of each purchase is electronically transferred to the retailer’s designated bank account.
ELQUAFAI operated CJ Express and Groceries, LLC, located at 145 West Main Street in Meriden. From approximately June 2010 to July 2012, ELQUAFAI conspired with Carlos Dominguez, the owner of CJ Express and Groceries, to redeem SNAP benefits at the store at a significantly discounted rate in exchange for cash and cigarettes. Since February 2010, it is estimated that $820,000 in illegal SNAP benefits were redeemed at the store.
The jury found ELQUAFAI guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit food stamp fraud and one count of food stamp fraud. Judge Hall has scheduled sentencing for July 19, 2013, at which time ELQUAFAI faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
ELQUAFAI has been detained since his arrest on August 2, 2012.
Dominguez has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General and the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Neeraj Patel and Anastasia King.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Woman Who Threatened Violent Attack at Community College Pleads Guilty to Federal Hoax ChargeRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the FBI, announced that AMANDA C. BOWDEN, 19, of East Haven, waived her right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport to threatening to carry out a violent attack at Gateway Community College in New Haven.
“In text messages and recorded conversations, this defendant explicitly detailed her threats which included a planned shooting and bombing at Gateway Community College,” stated U.S. Attorney Fein. “Our Office takes all such threats with utmost seriousness and will prosecute them to the fullest extent of federal law. I commend the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the New Haven and East Haven Police Departments for quickly identifying and neutralizing this threat.”
“FBI New Haven’s Joint Terrorism Task Force acted immediately to investigate Bowden’s threats and make an arrest,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Mertz. “The investigation was very thorough and supported a successful prosecution. Most importantly, however, was that the JTTF was able to monitor and assess the threats in real-time, with the safety and security of Gateway students, the City of New Haven and the general public always being our first priority.”
According to court filings and statements made in court, between approximately February 4 and February 16, 2013, BOWDEN made numerous telephonic threats, initially through text messaging with a cooperating witness and subsequently through text messaging and verbal conversations with an undercover law enforcement agent, discussing her plans to commit a suicidal mass shooting and bombing at Gateway Community College in New Haven. In these communications, BOWDEN claimed to possess firearms and to have constructed at least two napalm-based bombs at her residence.
BOWDEN has been detained since her arrest on February 19, 2013. On that date, investigating agents conducted a court-authorized search of BOWDEN’s East Haven residence. No firearms or explosive devices were found during the search.
BOWDEN pleaded guilty to one count of false information and hoaxes, a charge that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000. She is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Michael P. Shea on July 13, 2013, in Hartford.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, the New Haven Police Department and the East Haven Police Department. The FBI’s JTTF includes participants from the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Connecticut State Police, Bridgeport Police Department, Norwich Police Department and the New York Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Henry K. Kopel.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Jury Finds New Haven Man Guilty of Participating in Crack Cocaine Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in New Haven has found JAMES DICKERSON, also known as “Jim Jim,” 30, of New Haven, guilty of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”) and distribution of crack cocaine. The jury returned the verdict today following a four-day trial before Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns.
According to statements made in court and the evidence disclosed during the trial, this matter stems from a joint law enforcement investigation conducted in 2010 by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, the DEA New Haven Task Force, the New Haven Police Department and the Hamden Police Department. Through the use of court-authorized wiretaps, investigating officers identified and dismantled a large drug trafficking organization that was headed by Joseph Jackson, also known as “Mighty” and “M.I.,” and centered in the Newhallville section of New Haven and Hamden. The investigation revealed that Jackson used “young boys,” some of whom were still in high school, to distribute large quantities of crack cocaine.
In July and August 2010, DICKERSON was regularly intercepted over the wiretap arranging to meet one of Jackson’s associates at locations in Newhallville to purchase two “8-balls” (7 grams) of crack cocaine each time. DICKERSON then divided the crack into $20 baggies, which he sold to his own customers.
On October 13, 2010, DICKERSON was videotaped selling $300 worth of crack cocaine to an undercover police officer.
At trial, DICKERSON maintained that he bought crack cocaine from the members of the conspiracy, but was not a conspirator himself. The jury rejected this defense, and convicted DICKERSON on both the conspiracy count and the distribution count.
Judge Burns has scheduled sentencing for July 18, 2013. Based on the government’s filing of a second offender notice indicating that DICKERSON has a previous conviction for a felony drug offense, DICKERSON faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
Forty-seven individuals have been charged in federal court with various narcotics offenses as a result of this investigation. All have been convicted.
This matter was investigated by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Task Force (composed of members of the New Haven, Milford and Hamden Police Departments and the Connecticut Department of Correction), the Drug Enforcement Administration's New Haven Task Force (composed of members of the New Haven, West Haven, Meriden, Ansonia, Hamden and Branford Police Departments), along with substantial participation by members of the New Haven and Hamden Police Departments. The United States Marshals Service also has assisted the investigation.
The investigation was funded in significant part by the United States Attorney's Office Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and supported by the Office's Project Safe Neighborhoods and Anti-Gang programs.
This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert M. Spector and Christopher M. Mattei.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Head of New Haven Heroin Distribution Ring Sentenced to Six Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TARULUS GLASS, also known as “Dred,” 39, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.
This matter stems from a Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force investigation dubbed “Operation Brick House,” which targeted a heroin distribution organization based in New Haven that was headed by GLASS. The investigation employed several law-enforcement techniques, including the use of confidential informants, controlled purchases of heroin, physical surveillance, and the use of court-authorized wiretaps on cellular telephones utilized by some of the defendants.
The investigation revealed that GLASS and his associates obtained prepackaged heroin from sources of supply in the New York metropolitan area and distributed it to drug sellers in and around New Haven.
During the course of the investigation, DEA Task Force officers seized heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine, four firearms and three vehicles.
On March 2, 2011, GLASS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
Eleven individuals were charged as a result of the investigation. All have pleaded guilty.
This matter was investigated by the DEA New Haven Task Force, which includes participants from the New Haven, Meriden, Hamden, West Haven, Branford and Ansonia Police Departments, and the United States Marshals Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick F. Caruso and H. Gordon Hall.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]New Haven Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JAVON FLOYD, also known as “Twin,” 23, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.
FLOYD is one of 108 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 FLOYD conspired with others to purchase and redistribute heroin.
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 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 Fairfield Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Manufacturing and Distributing MarijuanaRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that SEAN SALASEVICIUS, 32, of New Fairfield, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for manufacturing and distributing marijuana.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a Drug Enforcement Administration and Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force investigation into a large-scale marijuana growing and trafficking organization that operated in the greater Danbury area and had ties to New York, Massachusetts, and Vermont. Between June 2011 and June 2012, the drug trafficking organization conspired to manufacture, sell, and distribute more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana.
The investigation revealed that SALASEVICIUS maintained a marijuana growing operation at his residence on Linda Lane in New Fairfield.
SALASEVICIUS and six other individuals were charged a result of the investigation. During the course of the investigation, investigators seized marijuana, more than $350,000 in cash, 10 firearms, vehicles and real property.
On January 14, 2013, SALASEVICIUS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute between 100 and 400 kilograms of marijuana.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force Northwest Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tracy L. Dayton and David X. Sullivan.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Citizen of Jamaica Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Illegally Reentering the U.S. After DeportationRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HAROLD ANTHONY SOLTAU, 43, a citizen of Jamaica last residing in Bridgeport, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the United States after being deported.
According to court documents and statements made in court, SOLTAU was deported from the United States to Jamaica in June 1990 after he was convicted of a felony drug trafficking offense. He subsequently reentered the United States without first obtaining the consent of the Attorney General of the United States or his successor, the Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, to reapply for admission into the United States.
SOLTAU has been detained since his arrest on July 31, 2012. On January 29, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Felice M. Duffy.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]East Hampton Man Admits Placing Fake Bomb in Front of East Hampton Middle SchoolRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the FBI, announced that SEAN DORAN, 21, of East Hampton, pleaded guilty today before Chief United States District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to one count of intentionally conveying false or misleading information and a hoax by leaving a fake bomb device at the front doors of East Hampton Middle School on January 12, 2013.
“This type of crime threatens the sense of security that children and teachers are entitled to enjoy at their schools,” stated U.S. Attorney Fein. “Hoax crimes and threats to schools will be thoroughly investigated by our law enforcement partners and prosecuted by this office to the fullest extent permitted by law.”
“Public safety is critical in any civilized society,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Mertz. “To that end, the FBI will investigate and bring to justice those who threaten the sanctity of public life. The FBI wants to assure the citizens of the State of Connecticut and the Nation, that together with our federal, state and local partners, we are truly committed to identifying threats to public safety, as that is our first obligation.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 8:00 a.m. on January 12, 2013, custodians at the East Hampton Middle School arrived to find a device leaning against the front doors of the school. The device was a rectangular box, approximately 12 inches by eight inches by four inches in size, taped together with orange and red duct tape, and a white egg timer on top. School employees contacted the East Hampton Police Department, which subsequently notified the Connecticut State Police Bomb Squad. The Bomb Squad arrived on the scene and determined that the device did not contain any explosives.
A review of the East Hampton Middle School’s surveillance video revealed that DORAN placed the fake bomb at the doors of the school at approximately 1:47 a.m. that day.
Chief Judge Thompson has scheduled sentencing for August 1, 2013, at which time DORAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s JTTF, the East Hampton Police Department, the New Haven Police Department and the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Anjna R. Kapoor.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Wolcott Man Admits Role in Illegal Campaign Contribution SchemeRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut announced that GEORGE TIRADO, 36, of Wolcott, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to a federal conspiracy charge stemming from a scheme to direct illegal campaign contributions into the campaign of a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives.
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.
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 a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives. The candidate was also a member of the Connecticut General Assembly. 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 Campaign Committee submitted to the Federal Election Commission (“FEC”) a report of the 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.
In the spring of 2012, the conspirators made additional illegal campaign contributions totaling $17,500.
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. Judge Arterton has scheduled sentencing for July 23, 2013, at which time TIRADO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.
Rogers, Soucy and four others, including Joshua Nassi, who served as the campaign manager for the campaign of the candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, have also pleaded guilty to charges related to this scheme and 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]West Haven Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DARRELL DAVIS, also known as “Baller,” 34, of West Haven, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.
DAVIS is one of 108 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 DAVIS conspired with others to purchase and redistribute heroin.
On January 17, 2013, DAVIS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin.
DAVIS’s criminal history includes multiple felony convictions, including four drug trafficking convictions. He is currently in state custody serving an 18-month sentence for possession of narcotics.
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]Hartford Crack Dealer Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that VASHAWN RAY, 25, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from “Operation Vinefield,” a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in Hartford’s North End. As a result of the nine-month investigation, 38 individuals were charged with various offenses related to the distribution of crack cocaine and the unlawful possession and dealing of firearms in and around Hartford. RAY sold crack cocaine in the Enfield Street area of Hartford.
RAY has been detained since his arrest on May 8, 2012. On December 12, 2012, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
RAY’s criminal history includes a conviction for robbery in the first degree stemming from RAY’s robbing a victim at gunpoint.
This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, the Connecticut State Police, the Hartford Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Virginia Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Firearms to ConnecticutRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CHARLES MATTHEW WILSON, also known as “Matt,” 26, of Roanoke, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his participation in a conspiracy to traffic firearms from Virginia to Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation conducted by the New Haven Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Between June and August 2012, Jawawn Ricardo Hale, of Roanoke, sold a total of seven firearms and a quantity of ammunition to an individual in Connecticut. Hale acquired the firearms from WILSON and others in Virginia, and then transported the firearms to Connecticut. Leshel Branch, of New Haven, assisted Hale in the transportation and distribution of the firearms.
On August 23, 2012, WILSON, Hale and Branch traveled to a location in New Haven where Hale sold two firearms to an individual in exchange for $2,400. Shortly after the transaction, the car carrying the three defendants was stopped by law enforcement. $2000 was recovered from the interior of the car and $400 was seized from WILSON’s person.
WILSON has been detained since his arrest on August 23, 2012. On December 14, 2012, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing in firearms without a license.
WILSON’s criminal history includes a 2006 conviction for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and a 2012 conviction for possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, and he faces violation of probation proceedings in Virginia.
Hale and Branch have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]New Haven Man Found Guilty of Setting Fire That Killed Three Individuals, Including 8-year Old BoyRead the Press Release
New Haven – A federal jury in New Haven has found HECTOR NATAL, also known as “Boom” and “Boom Boom,” 27, of New Haven, guilty of committing the March 9, 2011 arson of a multi-family house located at 48-50 Wolcott Street in New Haven. The arson caused the deaths of three residents, 42-year-old Wanda Roberson, her 8-year-old son Quayshawn Roberson, and her 21-year-old niece Jaquetta Roberson. The jury also found Natal, together with his father, HECTOR MORALES, 51, of New Haven, guilty of participating in a narcotics distribution business, which led to the arson, and tampering with witnesses in an effort to obstruct the grand jury investigation of the arson. Morales further aided Natal by altering evidence in order to obstruct the investigation. The trial of Natal and Morales began on March 25, 2013 and, this afternoon, the jury returned a verdict of guilty on all counts of an 11-count indictment. The announcement of today’s verdict was made by David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the FBI, New Haven Police Chief Dean Esserman and New Haven Fire Chief Michael Grant.
“Today, a unanimous jury found that Hector Natal set fire to a home where families and children lived, three of whom tragically perished, and that he was guilty as charged,” stated U.S. Attorney Fein. “The jury also unanimously found that Natal’s father, Hector Morales, assisted his son’s narcotics trafficking and then helped his son try to cover-up this terrible crime. Today, our thoughts are with the victims and their families. Justice has been served, and we thank our law enforcement partners, particularly the FBI, Connecticut State Police, New Haven Police Department, and New Haven Fire Department, who have worked tirelessly during the investigation and prosecution of this matter.”
“Today’s guilty verdict will hopefully provide some level of comfort to the Fair Haven community and especially to those who lost loved ones as a result of the 2011 arson on Wolcott Street,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Mertz. “Dedicated investigators and prosecutors have worked together diligently since day one to ensure justice for the victims of that horrific crime.”
“The New Haven Police Department is gratified for the strong working relationship with the United States Attorney’s Office in bringing justice to all the victims in this case,” stated Chief Esserman.
“I couldn’t be more proud of our firefighters’ outstanding efforts in responding so bravely to this deadly arson and our law enforcement partners who brought this case to justice,” stated Chief Grant.
According to the evidence presented during trial, Natal was a New Haven drug dealer who sold cocaine, crack cocaine, pills and marijuana. Morales served as Natal’s driver, facilitating his sales of narcotics and collection of drug proceeds. Early on the morning of March 9, 2011, Natal set fire to the two-family house located on Wolcott Street in retaliation for a customer’s failure to pay a drug debt. After the fire was set, Morales drove Natal away from the scene in his blue van. Morales thereafter painted his van black in an effort to obstruct the investigation. Natal and Morales then schemed with other family members to testify falsely before the grand jury in order to prevent the grand jury from developing evidence regarding Natal’s and Morales’ complicity in the arson.
The evidence at trial also showed that, months before the fatal fire, Natal attempted to set a fire in the same Wolcott Street house.
Natal was found guilty of three counts of arson resulting in death. This charge carries a mandatory minimum term of seven years imprisonment and a maximum term of life imprisonment on each count. He also was found guilty of one count of attempted arson, which carries a mandatory minimum term of five years of imprisonment and a maximum term of 20 years.
Natal and Morales were both convicted of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute narcotics, conspiring to tamper with witnesses and witness tampering. Each of these charges carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Additionally, Morales was found guilty on three counts of being an accessory after the fact to the arson, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, and one count of destruction and concealment of evidence, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
A sentencing date has not been scheduled.Natal has been detained since his arrest on June 14, 2011, and Morales has been detained since his arrest on July 19, 2012.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Haven Police Department, the Connecticut State Police Major Crimes Unit, Office of the State Fire Marshal, the New Haven Fire Department – Office of Fire Marshal, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Deirdre M. Daly and Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Gustafson, with assistance and support from the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Fairfield County Couple Charged with Smuggling Infant from Guatemala into the United StatesRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MARIA GONZALEZ, 42, of Stamford, and her husband, HENRY FERNANDO LOPEZ, 36, of Fairfield, have been charged in a federal criminal complaint with conspiring to smuggle an infant from Guatemala into the United States. GONZALEZ, who is a citizen of Argentina and a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., is also charged with passport fraud offenses.
GONZALEZ appeared on April 16 before United States Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons in Bridgeport and was released on a $100,000 bond. LOPEZ is currently being sought by law enforcement.
As alleged in the complaint, GONZALEZ traveled to Guatemala in March 2009 and met with a pregnant girl who was 14-years-old at that time. The birth mother agreed to give her child to GONZALEZ, and GONZALEZ agreed to pay for the birth mother’s delivery and some additional costs. The child was born on April 18, 2009, and the birth mother gave the child to GONZALEZ and LOPEZ.
The complaint further alleges that GONZALEZ visited the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City after the child’s birth and attempted to acquire travel documents for the infant, but was unsuccessful as she was not able to provide the necessary medical documents demonstrating that she was the mother of the infant. GONZALEZ subsequently made contact with an individual in Guatemala, provided him with the child’s photo and date of birth and, in exchange for $6,000, received a fraudulent U.S. passport in the child’s name.
GONZALEZ and the child, using the fraudulent passport, entered the U.S. at the Port of San Ysidro in California on July 14, 2009.
GONZALEZ and LOPEZ are charged with bringing into the U.S. and harboring an alien child, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and conspiring to do so, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. In addition, GONZALEZ is charged with misuse of a U.S. passport, and forgery or false use of a passport, offenses that carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count.
The child has been in the custody of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families since October 2012.
U.S. Attorney Fein 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 Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security in Connecticut and its Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City, Guatemala. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Krishna R. Patel.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Stratford Man Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion ChargeRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LENWORTH HAYNES, 55, of Stratford, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to one count of tax evasion.
According to court documents and statements made in court, HAYNES was employed as a cook at a nursing home in Trumbull and, since approximately 1996, operated his own tax preparation business. From 2006 to 2008, HAYNES evaded his personal federal income taxes by failing to declare income he earned from his tax preparation business. During those three years, HAYNES should have reported total taxable income of $255,071.38. Instead, he reported taxable income of negative $3,761, resulting in a loss to the government of $82,704.
Judge Underhill has scheduled sentencing for July 10, 2013, at which time HAYNES faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $100,000. HAYNES also has agreed to pay back taxes, plus interest and penalties.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Susan L. Wines.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Georgia Man Admits Mailing More Threatening Letters to Espn EmployeesRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EVAN P. CHAGGARIS, 42, of Atlanta, Ga., waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to mailing numerous threatening communications to ESPN in Bristol, Conn.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between September 2011 and June 2012, CHAGGARIS mailed approximately 24 handwritten letters to ESPN. All of the letters contained threats to injure or kill certain ESPN personalities.
CHAGGARIS was previously prosecuted in the District of Connecticut for the same offense. In 2004, he mailed 31 threatening letters to ESPN in which he threatened to injure and kill ESPN personalities, and also made six threatening phone calls to one ESPN personality. CHAGGARIS pleaded guilty and, on May 8, 2006, he was sentenced to five years of probation. His term of probation concluded on May 8, 2011.
CHAGGARIS was arrested on a criminal complaint on September 21, 2012, in Atlanta.
Judge Chatigny has scheduled sentencing for July 10, 2013, at which time CHAGGARIS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Paul H. McConnell and Sarala V. Nagala.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Two Plead Guilty to Crack Cocaine Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that two individuals involved in a New Haven drug distribution ring have pleaded guilty in Hartford federal court. RUFUS HUNTER, also known as “Triple Black,” 30, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”). WILONDA MATTHEWS-GARY, also known as “Woo,” 32, of West Haven, pleaded guilty to the same charge yesterday.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation conducted by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Task Force into drug distribution and related gang activity in The Hill neighborhood of New Haven. The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that members and associates of the Southside Bloods were distributing large quantities of crack cocaine.
HUNTER and MATTHEWS-GARY are scheduled to be sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in July 2013, at which time each faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.
This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, including the New Haven, Hamden and Milford Police Departments, and the State of Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony Kaplan and Gordon Hall.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Enfield Man Who Mailed Threatening Letters Is SentencedRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DANIEL SARNO, 54, of Enfield, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to five years of probation for mailing numerous threatening letters.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from November 2011 to May 2012, SARNO mailed approximately 300 letters to the executive director of a public advocacy group located in Hartford. The letters contained vexatious language and, in a number of instances, explicit threats to kill or injure the victim.
On August 21, 2012, SARNO pleaded guilty to two counts of mailing threatening communications.
As special conditions of his probation, SARNO was ordered to receive mental health treatment, and to have no contact with his victims.
This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John H. Durham.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Rochdale Securities Trader Admits to Fraudulent Scheme Involving Nearly $1 Billion Purchase of Apple StockRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that DAVID MILLER, 40, of Rockville Centre, N.Y., waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford to conspiracy and fraud offenses related to his role in a fraudulent scheme to make large purchases of stock in Apple Inc. as an institutional sales trader for Rochdale Securities LLC of Stamford.
“This defendant participated in a fraudulent scheme in which he would either reap huge profits through the unauthorized purchase of approximately $1 billion of Apple stock or, if he faced huge losses, explain it away as simple human error,” stated U.S. Attorney Fein. “This scheme caused catastrophic losses for his former employer and was unraveled promptly by the FBI. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our many partners on the Connecticut Securities, Commodities and Investor Fraud Task Force are committed to protecting investors and the integrity of American capital markets. This investigation is ongoing.”
“Risk is inherent in the investment world, but that risk should never be borne from the actions of investment professionals who choose to serve their own financial agendas rather than those of their clients,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Mertz. “As this guilty plea demonstrates, the FBI and its partners on the Connecticut Securities, Commodities and Investor Fraud Task Force will act swiftly to investigate and bring to justice those who violate securities laws.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, MILLER, while working as an institutional sales trader at Rochdale Securities LLC (“Rochdale”) in Stamford, conspired with another individual to execute a trade to buy 1,625,000 shares of stock in Apple Inc. (“Apple”) on behalf of a Rochdale customer whose account Miller handled. As part of the scheme, MILLER and his co-conspirator had agreed that the co-conspirator would submit an order for Apple stock on October 25, 2012, the day Apple was scheduled to announce its earnings for the quarter, and would write the order in such a way that MILLER could later claim he misinterpreted it. MILLER would then execute a trade for 1,000 times the number of shares written in the order. If the trade proved profitable, MILLER and his co-conspirator would share in the profits. If the trade proved unprofitable, MILLER would claim human error, leaving Rochdale holding the losing position.
At approximately 9:31 a.m. on October 25, 2012, MILLER’s co-conspirator submitted an order for Apple that read: “b 125 ok (per 1/2 hr).” MILLER then began executing orders to buy 125,000 shares of Apple stock, purportedly on behalf of the Rochdale customer. Over the course of the day, MILLER entered multiple, separate orders in Rochdale’s order management system in the amount of 125,000 shares. After Apple announced its earnings later that day, the stock price began dropping and it became clear that the trade would not be profitable. When confronted, MILLER falsely claimed that he had made a mistake in ordering many multiples of what was written in a client’s order.
As a result of this scheme, Rochdale was left holding approximately 1,623,375 shares of Apple. It promptly traded out of the position, but suffered a loss $5,292,202.50.
While he was executing the scheme at Rochdale, MILLER also defrauded another broker-dealer into taking on a significant short position in Apple stock. Through a series of misrepresentations made over the course of several weeks, MILLER convinced the broker-dealer to sell 500,000 shares of Apple stock, falsely claiming that he was trading for the account of a company, which he had no relationship with and for which he was not authorized to trade. MILLER engaged in this part of the scheme to hedge against the large purchase of Apple stock he was executing at Rochdale. As a result of the scheme, MILLER placed the broker-dealer at risk of sustaining substantial losses. In the end, the broker was able to trade out of the position at a profit.
MILLER pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and securities fraud, and one count of wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on July 8, 2013, at which time MILLER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 25 years.
MILLER has been released on a $300,000 bond since his arrest on December 4, 2012.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
U.S. Attorney Fein acknowledged the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) for their substantial assistance and cooperation during the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul A. Murphy.
In December 2010, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and several law enforcement and regulatory partners announced the formation of the Connecticut Securities, Commodities and Investor Fraud Task Force, which is investigating matters relating to insider trading, market manipulation, Ponzi schemes, investor fraud, financial statement fraud, violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and embezzlement. The Task Force includes representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation; U.S. Secret Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, Fraud Section and Antitrust Division; U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC); Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP); Office of the Chief State’s Attorney; State of Connecticut Department of Banking; Greenwich Police Department and Stamford Police Department.
Citizens are encouraged to report any financial fraud schemes by calling, toll free, 855-236-9740, or by sending an email to [email protected].
Today’s announcement is part of efforts underway by President Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force (FFETF) which was created in November 2009 to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Over the past three fiscal years, the Justice Department has filed more than 10,000 financial fraud cases against nearly 15,000 defendants including more than 2,700 mortgage fraud defendants.
To report financial fraud crimes, and to learn more about the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force, please visit www.stopfraud.gov.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Two Participants in Illegal Campaign Contribution Scheme Plead GuiltyRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that two individuals pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to conspiracy charges stemming from a scheme to direct illegal campaign contributions into the campaign of a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives. JOSHUA NASSI, 34, of Fairfield, and BENJAMIN HOGAN, 33, of Southington, each pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Janet Bond Arterton 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.
“With today’s guilty pleas, six individuals have now acknowledged their involvement in a scheme to disguise the source of contributions to a federal campaign, contributions that were given to influence legislation pending before the Connecticut General Assembly,” stated U.S. Attorney Fein. “The Department of Justice is committed to prosecuting those who corrupt our system of government, our campaign finance laws and the electoral process.”
“Today’s guilty pleas serve as a reminder that there are consequences for those who undermine the integrity of the legislative process by engaging in a concealed pay-to-play system,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Mertz. “The public interest was not being served. The only interests being served were those of the defendants who put their own interests above all. This investigation demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to the investigation of 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, HOGAN, Paul Rogers, Harry Raymond “Ray” Soucy, David Moffa and others engaged in a scheme to direct conduit campaign contributions into the campaign of a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives. The candidate was also a member of the Connecticut General Assembly. 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 Rogers, HOGAN and other conspirators reimbursed them 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 campaign of the candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, and HOGAN was an employee of Smoke House Tobacco, an RYO smoke shop with two locations in Waterbury, which was co-owned by Rogers. Soucy had a pre-existing relationship with NASSI and the member of the General Assembly who was running for Congress.
In November and December 2011, HOGAN, Rogers, Soucy, Moffa and others made four $2,500 conduit contributions to the 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 Campaign Committee submitted to the Federal Election Commission (“FEC”) a report of the 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, 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.
Approximately one week later, 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. 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, 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 then delivered the four checks to NASSI at a political event.
On May 16, 2012, after Soucy informed the Campaign that one of the contributions had been made in the name of an RYO shop owner and should not be deposited, 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.
HOGAN and NASSI are scheduled to be sentenced on July 9 and July 16, 2013, respectively. Both face a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.
Rogers, Soucy, Moffa and Monteiro have also pleaded guilty to charges related to this scheme and await sentencing.
As to the two other individuals who have been charged as a result of this investigation, U.S. Attorney Fein stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant 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 Charged with Tax Fraud OffensesRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury sitting in New Haven has returned a 15-count indictment charging WILLIE E. McKAY, 38, of New Haven, with aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of false federal income tax returns. The indictment was returned on April 9 and unsealed today.
According to the indictment, McKAY, the pastor of The Love Temple Church, Inc. in West Haven, provided individual tax preparation services to members of his church and others. In the course of preparing numerous individual federal income tax returns for clients in 2007 and 2008, McKAY improperly reduced the amount of tax due in a variety of ways, including falsely reporting wages and withholdings, and falsely claiming deductions for state taxes, personal property taxes, real estate taxes, mortgage interest payments, qualified mortgage insurance payments, charitable contributions, and business expenses.
The indictment further alleges that McKAY altered wage and withholding amounts appearing on the W-2 forms he received from his clients.
The indictment charges McKAY with 15 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of false federal income tax returns, a charge that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years and fine of up to $250,000 on each count.
McKAY appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport, pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on a $150,000 bond.
U.S. Attorney Fein 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.
The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven.This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the United States Secret Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Nineteen Charged After Fbi Task Force Investigation into Gang-related Drug Trafficking in HartfordRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Hartford Police Chief James C. Rovella, today announced that 19 individuals have been charged with federal narcotics offenses related to the distribution of heroin and cocaine in and around Hartford. Seventeen individuals were arrested this morning, and two are currently being sought by law enforcement.
Today’s arrests stem from “Operation Solid Sweep,” a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Squad targeting gang-related narcotics trafficking in Hartford’s South End. The investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance.
In association with today’s arrests, law enforcement officers executed multiple search warrants and seized narcotics, one firearm, approximately $200,000 in cash, and three vehicles.
“I want to commend the excellent work and full commitment of the FBI, Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police, and all of our law enforcement partners who participated in this successful investigation and assisted with today’s arrests,” stated U.S. Attorney Fein. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to using the full weight of federal law to prosecute narcotics traffickers to make our communities safer.”
“Operation Solid Sweep has effectively disrupted a criminal enterprise that, as we allege, involved members of the Los Solidos gang and others who were responsible for an extensive narcotics trafficking operation in Hartford’s south end,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Mertz. “Together with our federal, state and local partners, the FBI led Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force will continue to combat gang activity in order to reduce violence throughout the region.”
As alleged in a criminal complaint unsealed today in Hartford federal court, the investigation revealed that Angel Rosa, also known as “Little,” of New Britain, is a member of the Los Solidos street gang and the head of a drug trafficking organization that distributed heroin and cocaine from 584 Zion Street in Hartford. Little’s brother, Angel Rosa, also known as “Mo Betta” and “Fab,” oversaw and supervised the narcotics operation by ensuring that organization’s distribution locations were adequately supplied, and by coordinating a network of individuals who sold heroin and cocaine to customers. The investigation also revealed that the organization used residences on Gilman Street, Campfield Avenue and Zion Street in Hartford to store and distribute narcotics.
The criminal complaint charges the following 19 individuals with conspiring to distribute heroin and/or cocaine:
ANGEL ROSA, a.k.a. “Mo Betta” and “Fab,” 42 of Sherbrooke Ave., Hartford,
ANGEL ROSA, a.k.a “Little,” 36, of Maple Street, New Britain,
ANGEL ROSA, a.k.a. “Booby,” 20 of Park Ave., East Hartford,
ANGEL ROSA, a.k.a. “Bebo,” 18, of Maple Street, New Britain,
JOSE ROSA, a.k.a. “Joselito,” 25, of Zion Street, Hartford
HECTOR QUINONES, a.k.a. “Jumbe,” 51 of Wethersfield Ave., Hartford,
OTILIA DIAZ, 37, of Campfield Ave., Hartford,
JOSE NEGRON*, a.k.a. “Chino,” 28, of Folly Brook Drive, Wethersfield,
IRAN NEGRON, a.k.a. “Face,” “Cara,” and “Pete,” 44, of Gilman Street, Hartford,
JARED PENNELL, 29, of Norwich-New London Turnpike, Uncasville,
ANDREW MORRISON, 23 of Zion Street, Hartford,
ORLANDO TORRES, a.k.a. “Menor,” 26, of Zion Street, Hartford,
NORMA TORRES, 56, of Zion Street, Hartford,
NATIVIDAD MENDEZ, a.k.a. “Coca,” 36, of Maple Street, New Britain,
LUIS ANTONIO MENDEZ*, 31 of Brown Street, Hartford,
ANTONIO SANCHEZ, a.k.a. “Cano,” 38, of Madison Street, Hartford,
FLORENCIO ORTIZ, a.k.a. “Pacheco,” 55, of Ellis Street, New Britain,
JERRY MERCADO, 27, of Zion Street, Hartford,
NORMAN BARNABY, 32, of Robin Road, Windsor Locks.(*Jose Negron and Luis Antonio Mendez are currently being sought by law enforcement.)
The individuals arrested today appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Thomas P. Smith in Hartford. Based on the quantity of narcotics involved in this conspiracy, the government is seeking pre-trial detention on the majority of the defendants who, if convicted, face mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment of five or ten years.
U.S. Attorney Fein stressed that a complaint is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, which includes members of the Connecticut State Police, Hartford Police Department, Connecticut Department of Correction and Connecticut National Guard. The Connecticut State Police’s Emergency Services Unit, Hartford Police Department’s Emergency Response Team, Capital Region Emergency Response Team, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and the New Britain, East Hartford and Wethersfield Police Departments have provided valuable assistance to the investigation by assisting with today’s arrests.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Federal Jury Finds New York Man Guilty of Passing Counterfeit $100 Bills at Connecticut StoresRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in Hartford has found SHAUN WHITEHEAD, 26, of Brooklyn, N.Y., guilty of using counterfeit U.S. currency to purchase items at five Connecticut stores. The trial before Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello began on April 8 and the jury returned its verdict late yesterday after deliberating for approximately one hour.
According to the evidence presented during the trial, in January and February 2011, WHITEHEAD used counterfeit $100 bills to purchase iPads and Bose headsets from retail stores in Windsor, Waterford, Lisbon, South Windsor and Naugatuck.
WHITEHEAD was found guilty of five counts of passing counterfeit obligations. When he is sentenced, he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.
WHITEHEAD has been detained since March 9, 2011, when he was arrested in Massachusetts on a state larceny charge. He has been in federal custody since August 24, 2012.
This matter was investigated by the United States Secret Service, with the assistance of the police departments of Windsor, Waterford, South Windsor, Naugatuck and North Attleborough (Mass.), and the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Felice Duffy and Ray Miller.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Norwich Man Charged with Federal Narcotics and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury sitting in New Haven returned a three-count indictment today charging THEODORE JONES, also known as “Ish,” and “William Wooley,” 28, of Norwich, with heroin and firearms related offenses.
As alleged in the indictment, on October 2, 2012, JONES possessed heroin, which he intended to distribute, a .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol and seven rounds of .45 caliber ammunition. Prior to October 2012, JONES had been convicted of felony drug, burglary and assault offenses.
The indictment charges JONES with one count of possession of heroin with intent to distribute, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $1 million, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, which carries a mandatory consecutive prison term of at least five years and a fine of up to $250,000. The indictment also charges JONES with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.
JONES has been detained in state custody since his arrest on October 2, 2012.
This matter has been assigned to United States District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford.
U.S. Attorney Fein stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the assistance of the Norwich Police Department and the Office of the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of New London. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John H. Durham.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]New Haven Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Collecting and Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL MARTARANO, 34, of New Haven, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for trading child pornography on the Internet.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between June 2007 and April 2009, MARTARANO traded and bartered child pornography with other individuals over the Internet through the use of an online instant messaging program, and later via a peer-to-peer filing sharing program.
On July 2, 2009, law enforcement agents executed a federal search warrant at MARTARANO’s residence and seized a desktop computer, a laptop computer and an external hard drive. Subsequent forensic examination of the seized items revealed approximately 5,100 images and videos of child pornography.
MARTARANO was arrested on August 3, 2010. On December 11, 2012, he pleaded guilty to one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography. He is currently detained.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force and the New Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anastasia E. King and Neeraj N. Patel.
The Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force, which is housed at the main FBI office in New Haven, investigates crimes against children occurring over the Internet, and provides computer forensic review services for participating agencies. For more information about the Task Force, or to report child exploitation crimes, please contact the FBI at 203-777-6311.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]New Haven Man Sentenced to 78 Months in Federal Prison for Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSHUWA DIAZ, also known as “Fot,” 22, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.
DIAZ is one of 108 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 DIAZ conspired with others to purchase and redistribute heroin.
DIAZ is currently in state custody serving concurrent sentences for violation of probation and criminal possession of a firearm. His maximum release date is December 1, 2013.
Judge Burns ordered DIAZ to begin serving his 78-month federal sentence after his release from state custody.
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]Hartford Crack Dealer Sentenced to Three Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that KEWAN WOODSON, also known as “Piggy” and “Pig,” 20, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from “Operation Vinefield,” a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in Hartford’s North End. As a result of the nine-month investigation, 38 individuals were charged with various offenses related to the distribution of crack cocaine and the unlawful possession and dealing of firearms in and around Hartford.
According to court documents and statements made in court, WOODSON sold crack cocaine in the Enfield Street area of Hartford.During the investigation, intercepted calls over a court-authorized wiretap indicated that WOODSON may have been targeted by a rival group operating in the Garden Street area of Hartford. On January 10, 2012, four men were shot in front of a residence at 117-119 Enfield Street. Images from fixed surveillance cameras revealed that two shooters arrived on the scene by foot and shot into a crowd with a rifle and a shotgun. WOODSON was in the area before the shooting, but left moments before the gunmen arrived. At the time, WOODSON was the subject of an ongoing unrelated investigation into a shooting incident in the summer of 2010. Hartford Police detectives obtained a warrant for WOODSON and arrested him that day to remove him as a target of further violence.
On April 11, 2012, WOODSON pleaded guilty in state court to attempted assault in the first degree and carrying a pistol without a permit. He was sentenced to three years of incarceration and seven years of special parole.
On December 6, 2012, WOODSON pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
Judge Hall ordered WOODSON to begin serving his 36-month federal sentenced after he completes his state sentence.
This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, the Connecticut State Police, the Hartford Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Easton Man Involved in Mortgage Fraud Scheme Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut announced that FRED STEVENS, 56, of Easton, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a Fairfield County mortgage fraud scheme. STEVENS also was ordered to serve three months in home confinement after his release from prison, and to pay a $7,500 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, STEVENS, a mortgage broker based in Westport, participated in a mortgage fraud scheme with William A. Trudeau, Jr. and others. As part of the scheme, Trudeau and his co-conspirators submitted false mortgage loan applications to financial institutions to obtain mortgages on various properties in Fairfield County in order to develop and sell the properties for profit, and to pay off debts owed to “hard money” lenders from whom they had previously obtained high interest loans. The mortgage applications, which included false income information and omitted the mortgage applicants’ true indebtedness, caused the financial institutions to issue mortgage loans on properties that Trudeau and his co-conspirators would not have otherwise been qualified to purchase, allowing the applicants to qualify for mortgages that far exceeded their ability to repay the loans.
STEVENS submitted eight fraudulent mortgage applications on behalf of Trudeau and others in exchange for $130,142.38 in fees, and mortgage lenders lost approximately $2 million as a result of this scheme.
STEVENS has been ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,070,000.
On November 25, 2008, STEVENS pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud.
STEVENS testified extensively at Trudeau’s trial. On October 9, 2012, a jury found Trudeau guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, mail fraud and wire fraud, and one count of wire fraud. On February 12, 2013, he was sentenced to 188 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rahul Kale and Christopher Schmeisser.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Stratford Woman Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Embezzling $1 Million from Greenwich Investment FirmRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CLAIRE BALDUCCI, 47, of Stratford, was sentenced today by Chief United States District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for embezzling approximately $1 million from her Greenwich employer.
According to court documents and statements made in court, BALDUCCI worked as the office manager for a private investment company based in Greenwich. As office manager, she had access to six business bank accounts. Between approximately September 2008 and November 2011, BALDUCCI issued numerous checks from the firm’s business accounts payable to herself, to “cash” and to third-party vendors, all of which she deposited in her personal bank account. BALDUCCI also opened a credit card account in the name of the managing partner of the victim company and authorized herself as a co-user of the account. She then made unauthorized charges for personal expenses on the account. Through these schemes, BALDUCCI embezzled approximately $1 million.
Chief Judge Thompson ordered BALDUCCI to pay restitution in the amount of $995,000.
On December 12, 2012, BALDUCCI pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. She began serving her sentence today.
This investigation was conducted by the Greenwich Police Department and the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, which includes members of the United States Secret Service; the United States Postal Inspection Service; the United States Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security; the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation; the Connecticut State Police; and the Greenwich, Hartford, Shelton and Stamford Police Departments.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Citizen of Honduras Who Illegally Reentered U.S. After Deportation Is SentencedRead the Press Release
David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAMON MATAMORO-MEJIA, also known as Ramon Majano-Guzman, 34, a citizen of Honduras last residing in Norwalk, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport to 10 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the United States after he was deported.
According to court documents and statements made in court, MATAMORO-MEJIA was deported from the U.S. to his native Honduras in February 2002 after he had served a prison sentence in California for attempted murder. He returned to the U.S., was prosecuted in federal court for illegally reentering the U.S., and was deported to Honduras in June 2003. MATAMORO-MEJIA again illegally reentered the U.S. and was deported a third time in July 2007.
MATAMORO-MEJIA again illegally reentered the U.S. in 2011 and, in October 2012, was arrested by the Norwalk Police Department and charged with third-degree assault, disorderly conduct, illegal use of a fake gun, threatening, interfering/resisting arrest, breach of peace and criminal trespass.
On February 7, 2013, MATAMORO-MEJIA pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien.
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Deborah R. Slater.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]