District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Meriden Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Cocaine Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MIGUEL ACEVEDO, 42, of Meriden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for cocaine trafficking offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 7, 2021, Meriden Police arrested Acevedo on state crack cocaine distribution and firearm possession charges. On that date investigators seized from Acevedo approximately 390 grams of cocaine and $281,000 in cash.
In December 2022, while he was released on bond in his state case, investigators made two controlled purchases of cocaine from Acevedo.
Acevedo was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on February 14, 2023. On that date, a search of his residence on South Avenue in Meriden and his business on West Main Street in Meriden revealed approximately 40 grams of cocaine and more than $3,000 in cash. At the time of his arrest, investigators also seized two vehicles owned by Acevedo, an SUV and a minivan. A search of the minivan revealed a hidden trap that contained six kilograms of cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and a loaded firearm.
After his arrest, Acevedo was released on a $60,000 appearance bond, cosigned by three sureties. Within 24 hours of his release, Acevedo was observed meeting with several visitors at his home and receiving a paper bag from one visitor who was a known drug associate. Acevedo has been detained since March 1, 2023, when his bond was revoked. On July 25, 2023, Judge Dooley granted the government’s motion to forfeit Acevedo’s appearance bond.
On September 13, 2024, Acevedo pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
The state charges against Acevedo stemming from his June 2021 arrest are pending. The cash that was seized in June 2021 was previously forfeited.
Acevedo’s criminal history includes a 2008 federal narcotics trafficking conviction for which he was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment.
This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Meriden Police Department. The DEA New Haven Task Force includes members from the DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Waterbury, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Naugatuck, and Shelton Police Departments.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark and David C. Nelson through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Crystal MethRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GODFREY SMITH, also known as “Mike” and “Mikey,” 41, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and Middletown Police Department made a controlled purchase of approximately 53 grams of crystal methamphetamine from an individual in Middletown. During the transaction, investigators identified Smith as the source of the drugs. On August 22, 2024, investigators made a controlled purchase of approximately 240 grams of crystal methamphetamine from Smith in Hartford.
Smith was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on September 4, 2024. At the time of his arrest, law enforcement seized from Smith approximately 27 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 44 grams of cocaine, 32 grams of crack cocaine, $3,200 in cash, and a box of .45 caliber ammunition.
On December 5, 2024, Smith pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, five grams or more of methamphetamine.
Smith, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on April 30.
The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, Middletown, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) assisted the investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Reed Durham.
Ansonia Man Arrested in Stamford Charged with Fentanyl Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Stephen P. Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that DAQWON GRAHAM, also known as “Seagull” and “Energy,” 30, of Ansonia, was arrested yesterday on a federal criminal complaint charging him with fentanyl trafficking offenses.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and Stamford Police Department identified Graham as a large-scale fentanyl distributor in and around Fairfield County. Investigators also connected Graham’s drug trafficking activities to an overdose death of a male victim in Branford in March 2023, and an overdose death of a female victim in Shelton in October 2024. In January and February 2025, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl from Graham.
On February 26, 2025, Graham was arrested on High Ridge Road in Stamford. It is alleged that Graham possessed approximately 400 grams of fentanyl at the time of his arrest.
Following his arrest, Graham appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and was ordered detained.
The complaint charges Graham with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, and with use of a communications device to facilitate a drug trafficking felony, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of four years.
Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force. The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Danbury, Norwalk, Stamford, and Stratford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.
Woman Previously Convicted of Fraud and Identity Theft Offenses Sentenced to Additional Prison Time for Violating Supervised Release ConditionsRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JESSICA STUART, 42, last residing in Thomaston, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 10 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of her supervised release that followed convictions and prison term for health care fraud and identity theft offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Stuart does not have a college degree, was not a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or licensed medical practitioner, and did not have any formal training in applied behavior analysis for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Between approximately May 2019 and September 2020, Helping Hands Academy, LLC, a Bridgeport-based provider of applied behavior analysis services to children diagnosed with ASD, paid Stuart at least $146,0000 and submitted to Medicaid numerous fraudulent claims for applied behavioral analysis services that Stuart performed but was not qualified to provide. Stuart stole the professional identity of a legitimate BCBA so she could impersonate a BCBA and make a BCBA’s salary. Stuart caused Medicaid to pay out on over 1,900 fraudulent claims related to 12 children with ASD. Medicaid suffered a loss of approximately $369,439 as a result of Stuart’s conduct.
Stuart pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud and one count of using false identification in connection with health care fraud and, on October 15, 2021, was sentenced to 27 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay full restitution. She was released from federal prison in April 2023.
In January 2025, Stuart was arrested by Bristol Police for offenses related to her alleged misuse of a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits card that belonged to a resident of the Bristol Adult Resource Center (BARC) where Stuart had been employed. BARC is an organization that provides services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities that require full-time care. The investigation further revealed that Stuart had submitted weekly certifications for, and subsequently received, state unemployment benefits for nearly a month after she began working at BARC in June 2024. Stuart also failed to timely notify the U.S. Probation Office of her contact with Bristol Police.
Stuart has been detained in federal custody since January 23, 2025.
The original investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.
Waterbury Man Charged with Cocaine Distribution, Firearm Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, and Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned a three-count indictment charging FELIX NARVAEZ, 53, of Waterbury, with cocaine distribution and firearm possession offenses.
The indictment was returned on February 12, 2025. Narvaez appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and pleaded not guilty. He has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on November 7, 2024.
The indictment alleges that, on November 7, 2024, Narvaez possessed cocaine with the intent to distribute it, and a loaded silver Ruger P90 .45 A.C.P handgun.
The indictment further alleges that Narvaez’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for firearm, assault, and controlled substances offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
The indictment charges Narvaez with possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years.
Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. A charge is only an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Waterbury Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha Freismuth through Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.
Man Convicted of Fraud Offenses in 2017 Sentenced to 2 More Years in Prison for Violating Conditions of Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARC ANTHONY ALEXANDER, 44, recently residing in Milford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, the statutory maximum sentence, for violating the conditions of his supervised release that followed prior convictions for conspiracy offenses related to two separate fraud schemes.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2017, Alexander was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 96 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for his involvement in a scheme related to the theft and negotiation of postal money orders that defrauded the U.S. Postal Service of more than $300,000, and his role in a separate scheme that involved the fraudulent sale of financed vehicles, which defrauded lenders of more than $1 million. Alexander was released from federal prison in February 2023.
In February 2024, while on supervised release, Alexander was arrested by Stamford Police for illegal operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs, illegal operation of a motor vehicle under suspension, illegal operation of a motor vehicle without minimum insurance, and failure to drive in a proper lane. In November 2024, Alexander is alleged to have used a bank statement he manipulated with false information to facilitate the purchase of a vehicle from a car dealership in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. Alexander also falsely reported his address to his probation officer, left Connecticut without permission, and opened nine new lines of credit, all in violation of the terms and conditions of his supervised release.
Alexander, whose criminal history includes convictions for additional fraud offenses, has been detained in federal custody since January 13, 2025.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
Federal Jury Finds New Haven Man Guilty of Drug Trafficking and Firearm Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in New Haven has found WILLIE FRANCO, 36, of New Haven, guilty of narcotics trafficking and firearm possession offenses. The trial began on February 20 and the guilty verdicts were returned this afternoon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2016, Franco was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 80 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine and heroin. The investigation also revealed that, in January 2015, Franco distributed heroin to an individual in East Haven who died after ingesting the drug. Franco was released from federal prison in December 2020.
In December 2021, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force and Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating resumed narcotics trafficking activity by Franco and his then girlfriend, Daniella Fox. The investigation revealed that, beginning in approximately July 2021, parcels originating in Arizona and California that likely contained narcotics had been mailed to addresses associated with Franco and Fox. Investigators also determined that two overdose deaths in August 2021 in Branford and Guilford, and one overdose death in September 2021 in Milford, were connected to Franco’s drug activities.
According to the evidence introduced during the trial, in early March 2022, investigators intercepted a U.S. Postal Service parcel destined for an address in East Haven associated with Franco and Fox. A court-authorized search of the parcel revealed approximately one kilogram of cocaine and one kilogram of fentanyl. On March 7, 2022, investigators made a controlled delivery of the intercepted parcel to the East Haven address. Franco and Fox, who were waiting in a car that was parked on the street, were arrested after Fox retrieved the package. A subsequent search of Franco and Fox’s New Haven residence resulted in the seizure of more than one kilogram of fentanyl, a quantity of crack cocaine, digital scales and other narcotics packaging paraphernalia, a loaded Glock .40 pistol with an obliterated serial number, a drum extended magazine for a high-capacity rifle, a bulletproof vest, ammunition, and more than $300,000 in cash.
Subsequent analysis of cellphones seized from Franco revealed hundreds of videos, several of which were entered into evidence during the trial, depicting Franco’s drug trafficking activity and possession of firearms.
The jury found Franco guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Franco faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
Franco has been detained since his arrest.
Fox previously pleaded guilty to a related charge and awaits sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the New Haven Police Department, East Haven Police Department, and Connecticut State Police. The Task Force includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden, and Town of Groton Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Konstantin Lantsman and Hal Chen.
Waterbury Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MELQUAWN JAMISON, 26, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for a firearm possession offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Jamison was arrested on August 23, 2023, after Waterbury Police had made controlled purchases narcotics from him, or from a third party acting at Jamison’s direction, at his residence. On that date, a court-authorized search of Jamison’s residence revealed cocaine and fentanyl that he intended to distribute, a loaded Ruger SR .45 caliber handgun, and a Glock 23 .40 caliber handgun with extended magazine and fitted with a Glock switch auto sear device, which converted the gun to an automatic weapon.
Jamison’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for sale of narcotics, escape in the first degree, burglary in the third degree, and larceny in the first degree. 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.
Jamison has been detained since his arrest. On September 26, 2024, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Waterbury Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha Freismuth.
This prosecution was brought through the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.
Waterbury Company Pays More Than $2.2 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Related to PPP LoanRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MacDermid Incorporated, a Waterbury-based company that provides chemical products and technical services, has paid $2,226,623.62 to settle False Claims Act allegations that Coventya Inc., a company MacDermid Incorporated acquired in 2021, falsely certified its eligibility to receive a Paycheck Protection Program loan.
Congress created the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) in March 2020 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The PPP was administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA), and was intended to support small businesses struggling to pay employees and other expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic. When applying for PPP loans, borrowers were required to certify that they were eligible for the requested loans and that the information they provided was true and accurate. In December 2020, Congress approved funding for a second round of forgivable PPP loans, which became available to borrowers beginning in January 2021. This “second-draw” loan program included additional eligibility requirements.
One of the eligibility requirements for receiving a second-draw PPP loan was that the entity could employ no more than 300 individuals. The applicant was required to include in its employee count the employees of any foreign and domestic affiliate entities.
The settlement resolves allegations that Coventya Inc., a company involved in the manufacture and international distribution of chemicals, falsely certified it was eligible to apply for and receive forgiveness of a second-draw PPP loan in 2021. In April 2021, Coventya applied for a second-draw PPP loan for $1,075,000, representing that it had fewer than 300 employees. The government contends that, together with its foreign affiliate, Coventya had more than 300 employees and was therefore ineligible for that loan. Based on its false certification, Coventya received the loan. After receiving this PPP loan, Coventya sought and received forgiveness of the total loan amount of $1,081,061.81, including $1,075,000 in principal and $6,061.81 in interest, which the SBA paid to the lender.
Coventya was acquired by MacDermid Incorporated in September 2021, and is now known as MacDermid, Incorporated.
“PPP loans were intended to help small businesses and their employees suffering the economic effects caused by the pandemic,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman. “This office is committed to pursuing those who violated the requirements of pandemic assistance programs and holding them accountable.”
The False Claims Act allegations resolved by the settlement were originally brought in a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court in Connecticut by a relator, or whistleblower, under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. These provisions allow private parties to bring suit on behalf of the government and to share in any recovery. The relator, GNGH2 Inc., will receive $222,662.36 as its share of the recovery.
The case resolved by this settlement is U.S. ex rel GNGH2 Inc. v. MacDermid Incorporated, as successor in interest to Coventya, Inc. (Docket No. 3:24-cv-1480).
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Kaczmarek, with assistance from SBA’s Office of General Counsel.
Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for 2 Gunpoint Robberies in 2023Read the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GARY GIBSON, JR., 25, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for a firearm offense stemming from his armed robberies of two convenience stores in May 2023.
According to court documents and statements made in court, shortly after midnight on May 7, 2023, Gibson, brandishing a Glock semiautomatic handgun, robbed the Star Food & Convenience Store, located at 193 Boston Post Road in West Haven. Gibson took approximately $1,860 cash from the register and took cash and an iPhone from an employee of the store.
In the afternoon of May 8, 2023, Gibson entered the 7th Haven Convenience Store, located at 129 Sylvan Avenue in New Haven, and forced an employee to the ground at gunpoint. After taking approximately $5,700 cash from the register and rent money, Gibson fired a shot into the ceiling during a struggle with the employee. Gibson then fled.
New Haven Police, with the assistance of West Haven Police, arrested Gibson in Milford shortly after the New Haven robbery and seized from him the handgun used during the robberies. The gun had an attached laser sight and a loaded 15-round magazine.
Gibson’s criminal history includes six felony convictions for weapon possession, robbery, and larceny offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Gibson has been detained since May 8, 2023. On July 15, 2024, he pleaded guilty to carrying, using, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Judge Chatigny ordered Gibson to pay $7,560 in restitution.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, the New Haven Police Department, and the West Haven Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ruff through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.
North Haven Counselor Sentenced to More Than 3 Years in Federal Prison for Defrauding Medicaid of More Than $1.6 MillionRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RACHEL COLLINS, 44, of Hamden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for defrauding Medicaid of more than $1.6 million.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Collins was a state-licensed professional counselor and owner of Rachel Collins, LPC Counseling Services LLC, located in North Haven. Collins provided psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults, but particularly children and adolescents with a variety of behavioral and mental health issues. She was enrolled individually as a Behavioral Health Clinician provider in the Connecticut Medicaid Program (“Medicaid”).
Between January 2018 and March 2024, Collins submitted and caused to be submitted fraudulent claims to Medicaid for psychotherapy services that were purportedly provided to her Medicaid clients. Specifically, Collins submitted claims under her own billing and performing provider identification number for dates of service when no services of any kind had been provided to the Medicaid clients identified in the claims. Collins submitted claims for purported dates of service when she was purportedly working as a full-time clinician for another provider; billed for 12 hours of purported services in a day and, in some cases, 24 or more hours in a day; submitted false claims for dates when she was traveling out of state, during national holidays, and on weekends; and submitted claims after she had stopped treating the claimed client, had never treated the claimed client, or the claimed client was in the hospital.
For example, during the week of March 9 to March 16, 2023, Collins submitted 96 claims to Medicaid representing that she provided approximately 12 hours of in-person psychotherapy per day. Medicaid paid Collins $9,349.90 for these claims. In truth, Collins did not treat a single patient that week and, as displayed by multiple posts and photos on her public Facebook account, was vacationing at Disney World.
During the scheme, Collins took several other trips around the U.S.; purchased expensive tickets to more than 30 concerts, shows, and sporting events; and, with others, spent more than $150,000 for food delivery services, including Uber Eats, DoorDash, and GrubHub.
Through this scheme, Collins submitted more than 17,000 false claims that defrauded Medicaid of $1,647,031.51.
Judge Nagala ordered Collins to pay full restitution. Collins previously agreed to forfeit $114,085.55 that was seized from a bank account during the investigation.
From January 2020 through May 2023, Collins was the highest paid behavioral health clinician in Connecticut enrolled in Medicaid. The investigation also revealed that from approximately November 2020 and September 2021, during which Collins made $826,355.91 in taxpayer-funded Medicaid reimbursements, she also received $41,182 in unemployment benefits from the state of Connecticut. Collins submitted weekly certifications that she had not performed any work and denied that she was self-employed.
On August 6, 2024, Collins pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud.
Collins, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on April 28.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Social Services.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.
People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS.
Hartford Man Admits Fraudulently Collecting Social Security, Unemployment, and Food Stamp BenefitsRead the Press Release
Marc. H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RICARDO SANTIAGO, 59, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to a fraud offense related to a scheme to fraudulently obtain Social Security, unemployment, and Food Stamp benefits.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2002 and 2024, Santiago held jobs with more than 20 employers and earned income totaling more than $580,000. Santiago concealed his income from federal and state government agencies by providing to employers false identification, including a Social Security number and card belonging to another individual, and, in at least one instance, a false Social Security card.
In 2002, Santiago applied for Retirement Survivors Disability Insurance (RSDI) benefits, representing to the Social Security Administration that he was unable to work due to disability. As a result, he began receiving RSDI payments in September 2002. In 2017, Santiago completed paperwork to maintain his benefits in which he asserted that he remained disabled and had not worked for the past two years. Santiago ultimately collected more than $316,000 in RSDI payments to which he was not entitled.
In February 2017, Santiago submitted to the Connecticut Department of Social Services (CT-DSS) an application for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (“Food Stamps”), representing to the CT-DSS and the U.S. Department of Agriculture that he earned no income from employment. He began receiving SNAP benefits in March 2017 and subsequently completed forms to renew his SNAP benefits on which he again represented that he had no change in his income and that he earned no money from employment. Santiago made more than $18,000 in purchases with SNAP benefits to which he was not entitled.
In April 2020, Santiago applied to the Connecticut Department of Labor (CT-DOL) for Unemployment Insurance benefits. On the application, Santiago used a Social Security number belonging to another individual, and he represented to the CT-DOL and U.S. Department of Labor that he was unemployed but available for work and physically able to work. He subsequently completed weekly certifications making the same representations. From April 2020 through February 2021, Santiago received more than $36,000 in payments to which he was not entitled.
Santiago has agreed to pay restitution of $371,686.
Santiago pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He is released on a $25,000 bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for May 22.
Santiago was arrested on May 7, 2024.
This matter is being investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of the Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan J. Guevremont.
Wolcott Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JOSE COLON, 37, of Wolcott, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 13, 2024, Waterbury Police arrested Colon after he discarded a privately made 9mm handgun (“ghost gun”) loaded with six rounds of ammunition during a foot pursuit.
Colon’s criminal history includes felony convictions in Connecticut for assault, weapon, and risk of injury offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Judge Oliver scheduled sentencing for May 13, at which time Colon faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.
Colon has been detained since his arrest.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Waterbury Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Gresham.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.
Three New Haven Men Guilty of Charges Related to Counterfeit Pill Production, Narcotics TraffickingRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a jury in Hartford has found AQUARIUS GUMBS, also known as “Q,” “Ice,” and “Diamond,” 50; GORDON LAURIA, 54; and MARKOS PAPPAS, also known as “Speedy,” 51; all of New Haven, guilty of offenses related to the large-scale trafficking of fentanyl and methamphetamine pills disguised as legitimate prescription medication, as well as other controlled substances.
According to court documents and the evidence presented during the trial, this matter stems from an investigation by the DEA New Haven’s Tactical Diversion Squad and the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force targeting the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit oxycodone tablets containing fentanyl and counterfeit Adderall tablets containing methamphetamine, and the distribution of heroin and cocaine, in the New Haven area. The investigation revealed that Willis Taylor, with the assistance of Lauria, Pappas, Gumbs, and others, coordinated the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit narcotic pills. Taylor distributed the pills to others and arranged counterfeit pill transactions between second and third parties, sometimes using Gumbs as a source of supply. Gumbs also distributed controlled substances to his own customers. After Taylor’s arrest in November 2022, Pappas conspired with others, including Lisa Fausel, of New Haven, to distribute controlled substances.
During the investigation, investigators seized more than two kilograms of fentanyl, including thousands of counterfeit Oxycodone tablets; approximately two kilograms of methamphetamine, including thousands of counterfeit Adderall pills; three kilograms of cocaine and other drugs; four pill-press machines; one industrial mixer; five firearms; and more than $200,000 in cash. Two of the firearms and $13,250 in cash were seized from Gumbs, a previously convicted felon, on November 18, 2022.
Fourteen individuals were charged as a result of this investigation.
Today, the jury found Lauria and Gumbs guilty of one count, and Pappas guilty of two counts, of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances. Gumbs was also found guilty of one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of cocaine; one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana; one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
The jury found a fourth defendant, Julio Echevarria, of New Haven, not guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances.
Gumbs, Lauria, and Pappas are detained pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.
Taylor previously pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing. On October 21, 2024, Fausel was sentenced to 42 months of imprisonment.
This matter is being investigated by the DEA New Haven’s Tactical Diversion Squad, the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the U.S. Marshals Service. The DEA Tactical Diversion Squad is composed of personnel from the DEA, the Connecticut State Police, and the West Haven, Hamden, Manchester, Bristol, Fairfield, and Seymour Police Departments. The FBI Task Force includes participants from the FBI, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, and the New Haven, Milford, East Haven, West Haven, and Wallingford Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ross Weingarten, John T. Pierpont, Jr., Konstantin Lantsman, and Katherine Boyles through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
West Hartford Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Participating in Catalytic Converter Theft RingRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that YANQUEE RODRIGUEZ, also known as “Yankster Rodriguez,” 28, of West Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 15 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in a catalytic converter theft conspiracy.
According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement has been investigating the theft of catalytic converters from motor vehicles across Connecticut. A catalytic converter contains precious metals, can easily be removed from its vehicle, and is difficult to trace, making it a desirable target for thieves. The average scrap price for catalytic converters currently varies between $300 and $1,500, depending on the model and type of precious metal component.
The investigation revealed that Alexander Kolitsas owned and operated Downpipe Depot & Recycling LLC (“Downpipe Depot”), which had a warehouse on Park Avenue in East Hartford. Kolitsas and Downpipe Depot purchased stolen catalytic converters from a network of thieves, including Rodriguez, and then transported and sold the catalytic converters to recycling businesses in New York and New Jersey. Kolitsas instructed his suppliers on the types of converters that would obtain the most profit upon resale, and he would often meet with them and transact business at his home in Wolcott late at night or behind a family member’s restaurant in Middlebury after hours.
Business records seized during the investigation revealed that Rodriguez was one of Downpipe Depot’s largest suppliers of stolen catalytic converters. Between January 2021 and May 2022, Downpipe Depot paid Rodriguez $411,845 for catalytic converters. Kolitsas paid Rodriguez and his other catalytic converter suppliers a total of more than $3.3 million during that time.
Rodriguez was arrested on November 15, 2023. On June 26, 2024, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property.
Rodriguez, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on May 19.
Kolitsas pleaded guilty to related charges and awaits sentencing.
This investigation is being led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI), and the East Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and A. Reed Durham.
Former Stamford Resident Sentenced to More Than 26 Years in Federal Prison for Recording His Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SERVIO BARROS-TERREROS, 58, a citizen of Ecuador last residing in Stamford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny to 320 months of imprisonment for taking pictures of his repeated sexual abuse of a minor.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2022, a minor female victim reported that, when she was nine and 10 years old, Barros-Terreros had sexually assaulted her multiple times. The victim reported that Barros-Terreros took sexually explicit pictures of her and threatened to publish the pictures and show them to the victim’s mother if the victim told anyone. Barros-Terreros also instructed the victim to undress during video calls he initiated with the victim, during which he also engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
On January 12, 2023, Stamford Police arrested Barros-Terreros on state sexual assault and risk of injury offenses, and seized Barros-Terreros’ iPhone. Analysis of the iPhone revealed sexually explicit images of the minor victim, and images of Barros-Terreros engaging in sexually explicit conduct with the minor victim.
Barros-Terreros has been detained since his arrest. On March 5, 2024, he pleaded guilty in federal court to production of child pornography.
Barros-Terreros faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Stamford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings with the assistance of the Office of the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Stamford-Norwalk.
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.
Honduran National with Sex Assault Conviction Sentenced to 20 Months in Prison for Illegally Reentering U.S.Read the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE PAVON-FERMIN, 40, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 20 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the United States after being deported.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2018, Pavon-Fermin was convicted in state court of sexual assault in the third degree and unlawful restraint in the first degree. For these offenses, he was sentenced to 10 years in jail, suspended after serving four and one-half years, and 10 years of probation. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life. In June 2021, after serving his state sentence, Pavon-Fermin was deported and removed from the U.S.
Pavon-Fermin reentered the U.S. and, on January 31, 2023, was arrested in Norwalk and charged with breach of peace, criminal trespass, and interfering with an officer. He was released on bond, but his rearrest was ordered in April 2023 when he failed to appear in state court. He never registered as a sex offender.
On October 4, 2023, Pavon-Fermin was charged by indictment with illegal reentry and failure to register as a sex offender. He was arrested on March 7, 2024, in Rustburg, Virginia, and has been detained since his arrest. On November 14, 2024, he pleaded guilty to illegal reentry.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the United States Marshals Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neeraj N. Patel and Alexis L. Beyerlein.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking, Gun Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUIS DeJESUS, 30, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 132 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, DeJesus’s criminal history includes felony convictions in state court for criminal possession of a firearm and burglary in the third degree.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2022, members of the Connecticut State Police’s Statewide Narcotics Task Force – North Central Office conducted a series of controlled purchases of narcotics from DeJesus. DeJesus was arrested on state charges on December 16, 2022, and, on that date, a court-authorized search of his Hartford residence revealed approximately 460 grams of fentanyl, approximately 90 grams of crack cocaine, nearly a kilogram of marijuana, drug processing and packaging materials, a loaded Glock 45 9mm handgun, a loaded 9mm magazine, and $52,579 in cash.
The case was adopted for federal prosecution and, on March 7, 2023, a grand jury returned an indictment charging DeJesus with one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of cocaine, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
After his federal arrest, DeJesus was released on a $100,000 bond and into home confinement at residence of a family member on Warren Street in Hartford. On November 20, 2023, DeJesus was again arrested after law enforcement executed a search warrant at the residence. As investigators entered the residence, DeJesus threw fentanyl out of a window. A search of the residence revealed an additional quantity of fentanyl, a small quantity of cocaine, and drug processing and packaging materials. In total, DeJesus possessed more than 490 grams of fentanyl on that date.
On February 20, 2024, the grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging DeJesus with an additional count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
DeJesus has been detained since November 20, 2023. On October 17, 2024, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Resident Office and the Connecticut State Police’s Statewide Narcotics Task Force – North Central Office, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Reed Durham.
Dominican National Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that OVIDALIS JIMINEZ PUJOLS, 39, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 48 months of imprisonment for a fentanyl trafficking offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration arranged the controlled purchase of two kilograms of fentanyl from a wholesale supplier of narcotics with multiple distribution points in the northeastern U.S. Jiminez Pujols and his co-defendant, Winifer Acosta Jiminez, were arrested on February 22, 2023, after they transported the two kilograms of fentanyl from New York to a meeting location in Milford, Connecticut.
Jiminez Pujols has been detained since his arrest on February 22, 2023. On November 26, 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
Jiminez Pujols faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.
Acosta Jiminez, who was released on $100,000 bond after federal arrest on January 31, 2024, removed her GPS monitoring equipment on July 31, 2024, and absconded. She is currently being sought by law enforcement.
As to Acosta Jiminez, Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman 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 the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and the West Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie T. Levick and Nathan J. Guevremont through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Bridgeport Man Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison for Drug Robbery AttemptRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANDY MARTE, also known as “AD,” 31, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 51 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a drug robbery conspiracy.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 28, 2023, Marte, Kareem Porter, and Tyrone Allen drove to a Bridgeport apartment building where they intended to carry out a robbery at an apartment they believed contained a substantial quantity of drugs and drug proceeds. Marte separately contacted Jermaine Bethel, who arrived to participate in the robbery. Marte instructed Bethel, Porter, and Allen, who had a crowbar, to carry out the robbery, while Marte remained in the car, with two handguns, to serve as a getaway driver. After failing to enter the apartment, Bethel, Porter, and Allen returned to the vehicle where they were encountered by law enforcement. Investigators learned of the scheme by monitoring Marte’s phone, which was subject to a court-authorized wiretap related to alleged drug trafficking activity. Officers searched the vehicle and its occupants and seized the two handguns and the crowbar.
Marte’s criminal history includes convictions for multiple firearms offenses and a violent robbery.
Marte has been detained since his arrest on April 28, 2023. On March 28, 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery.
Porter, Allen, and Bethel pleaded guilty to the same charge. On October 28, 2024, Porter was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment. On December 2, 2024, Bethel was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment. Allen awaits sentencing.
This investigation was conducted by FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ross Weingarten and Karen Peck.
Violent Bridgeport Gang Member Sentenced to More Than 22 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
KEISHAWN DONALD, 23, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 270 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his involvement in a violent Bridgeport street gang and his murder of a rival gang member in 2018.
Today’s announcement was made by Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter; Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Acting U.S. Marshal Lawrence Bobnick.
According to court documents, statements made in court, and the evidence presented during a month-long trial, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder and other acts of violence. Donald has been a member of the “East End gang,” which began as a local street gang based in the East End of Bridgeport, but currently has members and associates who are either incarcerated or living throughout Bridgeport and surrounding towns. The East End gang has been aligned with other groups, including the PT Barnum Gang, the East Side gang and 150, which is a geographic gang based on the West Side of Bridgeport. These groups were aligned against rival organizations in Bridgeport, including the “Original North End” (“O.N.E.”) and the “Greene Homes Boyz,” (“GHB/Hotz”), based in the Charles F. Greene Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeport’s North End.
Due to the level of gun violence Bridgeport was experiencing, the investigation commenced shortly before East End members shot and killed Myreke Kenion and shot and attempted to kill D’Andre Brown, both members and associates of the GHB/Hotz gang, on January 26, 2020. The next day, in retaliation for these shootings, GHB/Hotz and O.N.E. members attempted to kill East End gang members and associates in a brazen afternoon shooting in front of a state courthouse on Golden Hill Street in Bridgeport that resulted in four victims being shot while sitting inside a car.
Donald and other East End members distributed heroin, crack cocaine, marijuana and Percocet pills; used and shared firearms; and committed at least six murders and other acts of violence against rival gang members and other individuals. East End members celebrated their criminal conduct on social media websites such as Facebook and YouTube, and committed acts of intimidation and made threats to deter potential witnesses to their crimes and to protect gang members and associates from detection and prosecution by law enforcement authorities.
On January 30, 2018, Donald shot and killed Eric Heard, also known as “Fetti,” a member and associate of the GHB/Hotz gang. On October 17, 2019, Donald and others attempted to kill Joshua Gilbert, a member and associate of the O.N.E. gang, in a drive-by shooting.
On December 5, 2023, a jury found Donald and three associates guilty of conspiring to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity.
Donald has been detained since October 17, 2019, when he was arrested on state charges after being found with a firearm shortly after the attempted murder of Joshua Gilbert.
Approximately 47 members and associates of the East End, O.N.E. and the GHB/Hotz gangs have been convicted of federal offenses stemming from this investigation, which has and solved eight murders and approximately 20 attempted murders.
This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and the Waterbury Police Department. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Stephanie T. Levick, and Karen L. Peck.
This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.
PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it. If a group member elects to engage in gun violence, the focused attention of federal, state and local law enforcement will be directed at that entire group.
OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Torrington Man Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation OffenseRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting U.S. Attorney of the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTOPHER JESUS CONSTANZO, 22, of Torrington, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to an offense stemming from his sexual exploitation of three different minors, including kidnapping and sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl, enticement and sexual assault of another 16-year-old girl, and production of child pornography involving a 17-year-old girl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 2, 2021, at approximately 7:27 a.m., Constanzo and a 16-year-old female arrived by car at the U.S. Port of Entry at Highgate Springs, Vermont. Just prior to their arrival, officials at the St-Armand/Philipsburg Border Crossing in Canada had refused Constanzo and the minor victim entry into Canada. After U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) officers separated Constanzo from the minor victim, the victim reported that she met Constanzo the night before at Stillwater Pond State Park in Torrington. Constanzo then sexually assaulted the minor victim, forced her into the trunk of the minor victim’s car, restrained her with a shoelace, and began driving. At some point during the night, Constanzo removed the minor victim from the trunk and sexually assaulted her again. As they neared the Canadian border, Constanzo had the minor victim sit in the front passenger seat of the car. Constanzo instructed her to “act normal” and “go along with the story.” Constanzo then told Canadian Border Services Agency officials that the minor victim was his sister and they intended to go into Canada for four days to visit friends. However, due to their lack of COVID tests, Constanzo and the minor victim were denied entry into Canada. Constanzo was arrested by CBP on December 2, 2021.
In July 2021, Constanzo used SnapChat to coerce a 16-year-old female to go to an abandoned warehouse in Torrington to record herself having sex with Constanzo, and, posing as two fictitious individuals on SnapChat, he threatened to kill the minor victim and kill her boyfriend if she did not comply. At the warehouse, Constanzo sexually assaulted the minor victim at knifepoint.
Also in July 2021, Constanzo used his iPhone to record sexually explicit Facetime videos of a 17-year-old female.
Constanzo pleaded guilty to production of child pornography and, as part of his plea agreement, admitted his conduct against all three victims. Constanzo is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on May 7, at which time he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.
Constanzo has been detained since his arrest.
State charges against Constanzo are pending.
This matter has been investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Vermont State Police, and the Torrington Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nancy V. Gifford and Neeraj N. Patel.
Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont and the State’s Attorney for the Litchfield Judicial District for their assistance in the investigation and prosecution of this matter.
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.
New Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Narcotics Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JOSHUWA DIAZ, 34, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to a narcotics trafficking offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Diaz was arrested on February 16, 2024, after a court-authorized search of his apartment on Orange Street in New Haven revealed approximately 75 grams of fentanyl, 278 grams of cocaine, 47 grams of crack cocaine, and a loaded P80 handgun with no serial number (“ghost gun”).
Diaz pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base (“crack”), and fentanyl, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Judge Oliver scheduled sentencing for May 7.
Diaz is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
In April 2013, Diaz was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 78 months of imprisonment for distributing heroin.
This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force, which includes members from the DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Waterbury, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Naugatuck, and Shelton Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Keefe.
Waterbury Man Who Possessed Guns and Drugs While on Supervised Release Sentenced to 5 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that D’METRIUS JOHNSON, formerly known as D’METRIUS WOODWARD, and also known as “Meech,” 30, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing firearms as a felon, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release that followed a prior federal conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 12, 2014, Johnson was sentenced in federal court to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his participation in a narcotics trafficking conspiracy. He was released from federal prison in January 2018. On November 21, 2022, while Johnson was on supervised release, Brookfield Police arrested him on state charges related to the theft of catalytic converters. On that date, a search of Johnson’s Waterbury residence revealed a Ruger 57 semiautomatic pistol, a Glock 31 semiautomatic pistol, a Ruger LCP handgun, ammunition, approximately 89 grams of cocaine, and pills containing MDMA (“ecstasy”).
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.
Johnson has been detained since his arrest. On November 14, 2024, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Waterbury Police Department, with the assistance of the Brookfield Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.
Newington Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARTIN DELGADO, 30, of Newington, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to a narcotics trafficking offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 13, 2024, members of the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force conducted a court-authorized search of Delgado’s Newington residence and seized approximately 2,500 wax paper sleeves containing fentanyl, a quantity of cocaine, and narcotics packaging materials. Delgado, who fled on foot when officers arrived at his residence, was apprehended a short time later in West Hartford. Officers located a 9mm handgun near Delgado’s residence that he appeared to have discarded as he fled. Delgado was charged with state offenses and released on bond.
Delgado pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of cocaine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years. A sentencing date is not yet scheduled.
Delgado has been detained since his federal arrest on August 2, 2024.
This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, the Connecticut State Police, and the West Hartford Police Department. The Task Force includes members of the FBI, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police, and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Lembo and Reed Durham.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.
Mexican National Who Participated in Timeshare Fraud Scheme is SentencedRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHADIA MELISSA AGUILAR SARMIENTO, 30, of Mexico, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to approximately 13 months of imprisonment, time already served, for conspiring with others to defraud owners of timeshare properties.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Aguilar Sarmiento and others participated in an advance fee scheme that targeted owners of timeshare properties at various Mexican resorts, including timeshare owners in the U.S. and Canada. The conspiracy operated as a business in Mexico that used several different company names in its communications with timeshare owners, including Club World Travel, Luxury Destinations, DeRemate, and Smart Travel.
As part of the scheme, members of the conspiracy contacted timeshare owners, claimed to be representatives of companies that were interested in purchasing timeshares, and offered to purchase the timeshares from the owners. To create the impression that the purchase offers were legitimate, the conspirators referred the timeshare owners to people they indicated were attorneys, who the conspirators indicated would represent the timeshare owners in the transaction. These purported attorneys were real licensed attorneys, including attorneys who practiced in Connecticut, whose names and identities were used without their knowledge or permission. The conspirators, while impersonating the attorneys, emailed purchase agreements on attorney letterhead to the timeshare owners. The purchase agreements listed the purchase price that the buyers were paying the timeshare owners, stated that the buyer would pay any associated fees, and indicated that any additional fees the timeshare owner needed to pay to sell and transfer the timeshare would be added to the purchase price, so that the owner would recoup those additional fees.
Many timeshare owners signed the purchase agreements believing that the purchase offers were legitimate. After a timeshare owner signed a purchase agreement, a member of the conspiracy would contact the timeshare owner falsely claiming to be a representative of a Mexican government agency or another authority requesting payment of fees, taxes, or other costs before the sale could be completed. Many timeshare owners paid these fees and taxes through international wire transfers to bank accounts in Mexico that were controlled by members of the conspiracy. Once the additional money was paid, the conspirators would often inform the timeshare owner of another fee that needed to be paid. Many timeshare owners then paid those additional fees, and the process repeated until the timeshare owner stopped paying the fees.
Timeshare owners never received any sales proceeds.
From approximately December 2018 until January 2021, when Aguilar Sarmiento was involved in the scheme, more than 50 timeshare owners were victimized and lost a total of approximately $2 million.
As part of her sentence, Aguilar Sarmiento was ordered to pay restitution of $2,065,852.85 to the victim timeshare owners.
Aguilar Sarmiento has been detained since January 12, 2024, when she was arrested in San Diego, California, after entering the U.S. on a visitor visa. On November 19, 2024, she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
Farmington Woman Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud, Public Corruption OffensesRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the FBI, and Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that HELEN ZERVAS, 57, of Farmington, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarah F. Russell in Bridgeport to health care fraud and public corruption offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Zervas, an optometrist, owned and operated Family Eye Care, located in Bristol, and was a participating provider in Medicaid and Medicare. Between approximately October 2015 and January 2020, Zervas repeatedly submitted claims to Medicaid and Medicare falsely representing that she had provided, or determined it was medically necessary to provide, certain treatment. For example, between approximately September 2016 and January 2020, Zervas made more than 300 false claims to Medicaid and more than 30 false claims to Medicare for insertion of an amniotic membrane to the eye surface of a patient when that treatment was either not provided or was not medically necessary.
In 2020, while the State of Connecticut was auditing Zervas’s and Family Eye Care’s Medicaid billings, Zervas conspired with both a senior official in the State’s Office of Policy and Management and a Connecticut State Representative to interfere with the audit. In exchange for payments from Family Eye Care, Zervas, and the state representative, the senior official agreed to advise and pressure other state employees to take official action concerning the pending Medicaid audit of Zervas and Family Eye Care.
Zervas pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and one count of conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Zervas is released pending sentencing, which is not yet scheduled.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan N. Francis and David E. Novick.
Enfield Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Producing and Possessing Child Sex Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KATRELL JOHNSON, 35, of Enfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 25 years of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for producing and possessing child sex abuse images and videos.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in April and May 2023, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (“NCMEC”) received CyberTipline reports from Google and WhatsApp that accounts, which were subsequently connected to Johnson, had been used to upload images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. A court-authorized search of two of Johnson’s Google accounts revealed approximately 1,500 child sex abuse images and videos, including images and videos of prepubescent children, and images that Johnson created of two minor victims he had abused.
Johnson has been detained since his arrest on July 13, 2023. On February 14, 2024, he pleaded guilty to two counts of production of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Enfield Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan J. Guevremont.
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.
Wethersfield Man Sentenced to More Than 8 Years in Prison for Distributing Fentanyl and Oxycodone to Overdose VictimRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JIMMY LASSUS, 40, of Wethersfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 100 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl and oxycodone to an overdose victim.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning of October 6, 2023, Meriden Police responded to a residence on a report of a suspected overdose and found a 27-year-old woman unresponsive in a bedroom. She was transported to the hospital where she was pronounced deceased. The investigation revealed that for several months before the victim’s death, the victim engaged in numerous drug-related text message conversations with Lassus. The text messages revealed that Lassus supplied the victim with oxycodone, and that he supplied her with fentanyl that she ingested in the hours before she died. The victim stated in text messages and in a journal entry that it was her first time using fentanyl.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the victim’s death to be caused by acute intoxication due to the combined effects of fentanyl, benzodiazepines, xylazine, and oxycodone.
Lassus has been detained since his arrest on April 11, 2024. On September 30, 2024, he pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl and oxycodone.
This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Meriden Police Department, with the assistance of the Wethersfield Police Department. The Task Force includes members from the DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Waterbury, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Naugatuck, and Shelton Police Departments.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan Keefe and Reed Durham.
Bridgeport Man Sentenced to 40 Months in Federal Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that QUINTEN McKOY, also known as “Quack,” 33, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 40 months of imprisonment for unlawfully possessing firearms. Judge Bolden ordered McKoy’s sentence to be served consecutive to a state sentence McKoy is currently service for unrelated offenses. Once released from federal custody, McKoy will serve a three-year term of supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, after a series of shootings and murders in Bridgeport and Stratford, the FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force began an investigation into McKoy and others who were associated with gangs in the South End of Bridgeport. On October 7, 2022, Task Force members conducted a court-authorized search of McKoy’s residence on Logan Street in Bridgeport and seized a stolen Glock .45 semi-automatic handgun; four gun magazines, including a high-capacity magazine loaded with 25 rounds of ammunition; a laser attachment; additional ammunition; and packages of suspected crack cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. McKoy was arrested at that time.
McKoy’s criminal history includes multiple felony convictions in state court for firearm and other offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
McKoy has been detained since his arrest. On September 12, 2024, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck and Ross Weingarten through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN)a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Returns $328,573 to Victim of Computer Support ScamRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New England, today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has returned approximately $328,573 to the victim of a computer support scam.
A computer support scam is a type of fraud scheme where an alert appears on the victim’s computer imitating a customer support alert, tricking the victim into contacting the bad actors. When the victim contacts the scammers, the scammers then take remote control of the computer and either directly transfer money from the victim to the scammers or trick the victim into sending money to the scammers.
According to the complaint (3:24cv840), in February 2024, an elderly woman who was tricked by a computer support scheme that mimicked Microsoft customer support transferred approximately $550,000 to the scammers in two wire transfers. Within two days of the transfers, the victim and a family member reported the incident to the Simsbury Police Department, who then partnered with HSI to investigate the crime. Fortunately, one of the wire transfers, in the amount of $221,000, was reversed by the bank and returned to the victim. HSI traced the remaining money, totaling approximately $328,573, and seized it. The U.S. Attorney’s Office then filed a civil asset forfeiture action to forfeit the money to the government, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office and HSI then worked with the Department of Justice’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) to return the money to the victim. MLARS initiated the return of the money on February 4, 2025.
Generally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office first forfeits the money, then returns it to the crime victims, so that the crime victims have clear title to the property without risk of further litigation.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to helping victims of crime, and civil asset forfeiture is a powerful tool that allows the government to return money to victims of fraud schemes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman. “As we continue to pursue criminal prosecution of the individuals responsible for this and other computer crimes, it is equally important to ensure that the government uses all of its tools to minimize, and in this case, undo, the financial impact these crimes have on victims. This case represents the best case scenario, where nearly every dollar taken from the victim was returned to her. While it can be difficult to come forward and admit that you have been victimized by online scammers, know that federal law enforcement and our state and local partners stand ready to help you to the fullest extent possible.”
“Cyber scams run by foreign malign actors are becoming more common and more sophisticated every day,” said HSI New England Special Agent in Charge Krol. “The victim in this case contacted authorities quickly resulting in the recovery of most of her money by the bank and by HSI – a best case scenario and rare result. It is essential for victims of these kinds of cybercrimes to come forward as soon as possible. We want the public to know that help is available and to reach out immediately if they’ve been victimized by international scammers.”
If you think you have been a victim of a computer support scam, immediately contact your bank or financial institution to request a recall or reversal as well as a Hold Harmless Letter or Letter of Indemnity, and contact local law enforcement. Additionally, file a detailed complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. The Internet Crime Complaint Center is run by the FBI and serves as the country’s hub for reporting cybercrime. Visit www.ic3.gov for updated information regarding cyber fraud schemes.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Nelson.
Bristol Man Who Made Interstate Threats is SentencedRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DENNIS JOHN HERNANDEZ, also known as “DJ Hernandez” and “Jonathan Hernandez,” 38, of Bristol, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to approximately 18 months of imprisonment, time already served, and three years of supervised release for making interstate threats.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 6 and 7, 2023, Hernandez communicated with an individual via Facebook Messenger and made multiple statements threatening to carry out a shooting incident at UConn. The statements included “I would recommend remaining away from there because when I go I’m taking down everything And don’t give a f--- who gets caught in the crossfire. I’ve died for years now and now it’s others people turn. I’m prepared to give my life. So if I don’t get to see you on the outside know I love you always Not all shootings are bad I’m realizing. Some are necessary for change to happen.”
Court documents allege that Hernandez’s vehicle was identified on UConn’s campus on July 7.
On July 18 and 19, 2023, Hernandez made multiple Facebook posts threatening to harm or kill three individuals who reside out of state, including a state court judge. In addition, on July 19, in a conversation via text message with one of the victims, Hernandez stated “We’re taking lives if s--- isn’t paid up. It’s been years in planning just taking notes, names and locations. They talked their way into this and it’s almost point game. I know we don’t play in my family. If we have to take lives or buildings we will. So just letting you know so you can be prepared for a media circus one way or another.”
Hernandez has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on July 19, 2023. On December 18, 2024, he pleaded guilty to transmitting interstate communications containing a threat to injure.
While on supervised release, Hernandez must continue mental health and substance abuse treatment and allow his electronic devices to be monitored by the U.S. Probation Office, and he is prohibited from visiting UConn and other locations that he targeted in his threats.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bristol Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects More Than $26 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2024Read the Press Release
New Haven – Acting U.S. Attorney Marc H. Silverman today announced that the District of Connecticut collected $26,212,307 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2024. Of this amount, approximately $14,110,085 was collected in criminal actions and approximately $12,102,222 was collected in civil actions.
The Connecticut U.S. Attorney’s Office also worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $20,069 in cases pursued jointly by these offices.
“In the last fiscal year, our dedicated attorneys and staff have helped to recover more than $26 million,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman. “These funds are returned directly to crime victims, used to support victim services, and bolster federal, state, and local law enforcement efforts. Through our criminal prosecutions and civil enforcement actions, we remain steadfast in our commitment to seeking justice, removing illicit profits from wrongdoers, and safeguarding the integrity of crucial government programs.”
Significant criminal recoveries included more than a $1 million in restitution from multiple defendants involved in a bid rigging scheme related to insulation contracts, and the satisfaction of a restitution obligation from a Connecticut business owner who was required to pay more than $2 million in back taxes, interest, and penalties to the IRS. Large civil recoveries included approximately $4.5 million from a network of healthcare companies who are alleged to have submitted false claims to Medicare and Connecticut Medicaid for telehealth psychological care services, and more than $1 million from the operators of Connecticut dental practices who are alleged to have paid patient recruiters to steer Connecticut Medicaid patients to their practice, in violation of federal and state laws.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
Additionally, the Connecticut U.S. Attorney’s Office, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $5,525,420 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2024. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut and representing the federal government in civil litigation. The Office is composed of approximately 68 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and 57 staff members at offices in New Haven, Bridgeport, and Hartford.
Stamford Man Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Federal Prison for Robbing 3 Banks in 2020Read the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FRANCESCO PENSIERO, also known as Frank Pensiero, 52, of Stamford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for robbing three Connecticut banks in 2020.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 13, 2020, Pensiero and an associate robbed the Chase Bank located at 2855 Main Street in Stratford. During the robbery, Pensiero’s associate displayed a handgun on the teller counter and presented the teller with a note that read “this is a robbery give me all your money.” The teller provided Pensiero’s associate with approximately $1,000 and Pensiero and his associate exited the bank.
Later on October 13, 2020, Pensiero robbed the People’s United Bank located at 1160 Kings Highway Cutoff in Fairfield. During the robbery, he pulled out a handgun and presented the teller a note that stated “This is a robbery.” The teller provided Pensiero with $5,458 and Pensiero exited the bank.
On October 28, 2020, Pensiero and his associate robbed the People’s United Bank located at 95 Main Street in New Canaan. Pensiero displayed a handgun, provided the teller with a note demanding money, verbally threatened to kill the teller and other employees, and ordered the bank employees to lie on the floor. Pensiero and his associate stole $9,130 during the robbery, and fled from the bank in a red Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS. The following day, the car was set on fire on Green Avenue in New Canaan.
Pensiero was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on January 27, 2023. On June 3, 2024, he pleaded guilty to bank robbery.
Pensiero’s criminal history includes convictions for bank robbery and other offenses.
Pensiero’s associate was convicted of related state offenses stemming from these robberies.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Stratford, Fairfield, and New Canaan Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Gordon.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Handgun Fitted with Glock SwitchRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KENDALL CAMBY, also known as “KB,” 35, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm as a felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 22, 2023, Hartford Police received information that Camby was in possession of a firearm while distributing drugs in the area of 1631 Main Street. After officers observed Camby engaging in suspected hand-to-hand drug transactions and then entering the passenger seat of a car, they stopped the car and found him in possession of a .45 caliber Glock 30 handgun with a magazine loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition, and fitted with a Glock switch auto sear device, which converted the gun to an automatic weapon. Camby also possessed approximately 650 wax paper sleeves containing fentanyl and approximately 50 bags of crack cocaine.
Camby’s criminal history includes state convictions for felony firearm, drug, robbery, and burglary offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
On July 10, 2024, Camby pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Hartford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ruff.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Gun Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALGELLY DIAZ, 42, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his participation in a firearm trafficking conspiracy.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2023, members of the FBI Waterbury Safe Streets Task Force conducted three controlled purchases of a total of nine firearms from Diaz’s associate in Waterbury. A joint investigation revealed that Diaz’s associate was acquiring numerous firearms, most of which were purchased by straw purchasers from licensed gun dealers in Kansas and then shipped through the U.S. Mail to a stash location that Diaz maintained in Hartford. Diaz’s associate then obtained the firearms, which included assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, from Diaz and sold them to others throughout Connecticut. Diaz is a previously convicted felon who cannot lawfully purchase or possess firearms.
The investigation further revealed that, between August 2020 and May 2023, one of Diaz’s co-conspirators purchased at least 73 firearms from a licensed gun dealer in Deerfield, Kansas.
Diaz and multiple co-conspirators were arrested on May 19, 2023. On that date, investigators executed search warrants at locations in Connecticut, Kansas, and California. A search of Diaz’s residence revealed approximately 90 rounds of ammunition. In addition, a court-authorized search of a package that was shipped to Diaz and seized from the mail stream revealed an additional three firearms.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Waterbury Police Department, the Connecticut State Police, and the Chino (Calif.) Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California for their assistance in the investigation and prosecution of this case.
Willimantic Man Who Stole 38 Guns from Newington Store Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KWITZPATRICK DUFFANY, 37, formerly of Willimantic, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to firearm and drug offenses stemming from his theft of 38 firearms from a Newington gun store in 2023.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 27, 2023, during non-business hours, Duffany entered Hoffman’s Gun Store in Newington by climbing onto the balcony over the main entrance, cutting into the siding with a knife, and dropping down from the ceiling. Surveillance footage showed Duffany walking through the store and filling duffel bags with 38 guns. He then exited the store through the same hole. After stealing the guns, Duffany and two other individuals traveled to Hartford where Duffany traded several of the stolen guns for cash and drugs. In the following days, Duffany sold most of the remaining guns in exchange for cash and narcotics, or he provided guns to other individuals to sell.
Duffany was arrested by the Connecticut State Police in Ashford in the early morning of June 1, 2023. Surveillance footage from a nearby gas station showed Duffany hiding a satchel in a soda display case shortly before his arrest. Investigators recovered the satchel and found a loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun and drugs inside the bag. The gun had been stolen from Hoffman’s Gun Store.
Duffany pleaded guilty to one count of theft of firearms from a licensee, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Sentencing is scheduled for April 28.
Duffany has been detained since his arrest.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Newington Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and the Willimantic Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Dearington.
Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman thanked the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of New Britain for its cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.
Hartford Substance Abuse Counselor Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Health Care Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on January 31, 2025, THELMA “WENDY” EPPS, 60, of Hartford, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 27 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for health care fraud.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Epps was a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADC) with an office located at 330 Main Street in Hartford. In April 2013, she enrolled as a participating provider in the Connecticut Medicaid program along with an entity affiliated with Epps called Miracles to Destiny LLC. In July 2018, the Medicaid program suspended Epps from participating as a provider in the program based on a finding of a credible allegation of fraud. Medicaid told Epps that any attempt to circumvent her suspension by submitting claims for services performed by Epps or Miracles to Destiny LLC through other agencies or other billing numbers would result in termination of her provider agreement.
In 2019, Epps entered into an agreement with Dennis Tomczak, a Connecticut LADC who was a participating provider in Medicaid. Epps and Tomczak agreed that Tomczak would bill Medicaid using his Medicaid provider number for psychotherapy counseling services purportedly provided by Epps. These claims falsely represented that Tomczak had personally provided the services. In return for Tomczak billing the services, Epps agreed to pay Tomczak 25 percent of the amount Medicaid paid Tomczak. Between approximately April 2019 and November 2022, Medicaid paid Tomczak $330,547.71 for fraudulent claims for services purportedly provided by Epps that were billed under Tomczak’s provider number.
At some point during their scheme, Tomczak expressed concerns to Epps about the number and frequency of services that Epps told Tomczak she was providing. At about this time, Epps entered into a similar agreement with Shawn Tyson, a LADC in Connecticut, whereby Tyson would use his Medicaid provider number to submit claims to Medicaid for services Epps purportedly provided to Medicaid clients.
In November 2019, Epps assisted Tyson with the process of enrolling Tyson as a participating provider in Medicaid. Tyson’s provider application listed the location at which Tyson would provide services as 330 Main Street, Third Floor, in Hartford, the location of Epps’s and Miracles to Destiny LLC’s office. Once Tyson was enrolled as a Medicaid provider, Tyson provided Epps with his login information to the online portal for submitting claims to Medicaid, which Epps then used to submit claims. For a brief period before Tyson was enrolled as a Medicaid provider, unbeknownst to Tomczak, Epps submitted claims through Tomczak’s provider number for services purportedly provided by Tyson, by representing to Tomczak that she had performed these services. Medicaid paid Tomczak a total of $7,879.40 for these services.
During the scheme involving Epps and Tyson, Tyson would provide Epps the names of Medicaid patients and dates that Tyson purportedly provided psychotherapy counseling services to the patients, and Epps would then bill Medicaid for these services using Tyson’s provider number. Epps would also submit claims using Tyson’s provider number for services she purportedly provided to Medicaid patients. These claims falsely represented that Tyson had personally provided the services to the patients.
Epps and Tyson submitted and caused to be submitted claims for hundreds of thousands of dollars of psychotherapy services that neither Epps nor Tyson had actually provided to Medicaid clients. When Epps warned Tyson that he should not bill Medicaid for having provided psychotherapy to patients on holidays, such as July 4 and Thanksgiving, Tyson would typically change the dates of services and resubmit the list of services to Epps.
Medicaid paid Tyson $663,081.32 for claims that falsely represented that Tyson had personally provided services, or falsely represented that services had been provided when, in fact, they were not provided at all.
Judge Dooley ordered Epps to pay $1,001,058.43 in restitution to the Connecticut Medicaid program.
On November 8, 2024, Epps pleaded guilty to health care fraud. Epps, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prion on March 3.
Tomczak and Tyson pleaded guilty to related charges and await sentencing.
This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Social Services. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon and Auditor Susan Spiegel.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, and Connecticut Attorney General’s Office meet regularly as part of The Medicaid Fraud Working Group. The Working Group also includes representatives from the Connecticut Department of Social Services; the Connecticut Department of Public Health; the Drug Control Division of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection; the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the FBI. The Working Group reviews pending issues and cases, identifies trends that might indicate fraudulent activity, and coordinates efforts for maximum results.
People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that OSIRIS MUHAMMAD, 24, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, shortly after midnight on January 26, 2024, Muhammad fired several shots at an intended victim in the area of Belden Street and Albany Avenue in Hartford. On January 28, 2024, Hartford Police spotted Muhammad at a liquor store on Albany Avenue. After a brief pursuit, he was taken into custody. Officers found him in possession of a Ruger P89 pistol. Subsequent analysis by the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) connected the firearm to shell casings collected at the scene of the shooting the day before.
In 2020, Muhammad was convicted in state court of robbery in the first degree. 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.
Muhammad has been detained since his arrest. On June 28, 2024, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
This investigation was conducted by the Hartford Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Konstantin Lantsman and Daniel Gordon .
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.
Waterford Woman Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Stealing from Addiction and Mental Health Services NonprofitRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHELE DEVINE, 51, of Waterford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for embezzling from the Southeastern Regional Action Council on Substance Abuse, Inc. (“SERAC”), where she was employed as its executive director. Judge Underhill also ordered Devine to pay a $2,000 fine and perform 300 hours of community service while on supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, SERAC, headquartered in Norwich, is a 501(c)(3) organization that serves 41 towns in southeastern and northeastern Connecticut with substance abuse, problem gambling, and mental health related services. SERAC is primarily funded through hundreds of thousands of dollars in state and federal grants from the State of Connecticut’s Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Devine was the executive director of SERAC until July 2022. Beginning in approximately 2008, Devine spent thousands of dollars on purchases that did not relate SERAC but instead were personal expenses for Devine and her family, including thousands of dollars spent on home appliances; travel; timeshare fees at a Connecticut resort; stays at the Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires, Massachusetts; and private school donations.
Judge Underhill ordered Devine to pay $397,064.93 in restitution.
Devine was arrested on August 3, 2023. On October 21, 2024, she pleaded guilty to wire fraud.
Devine, who is released on a $25,000 bond, is required to report to prison on March 12.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, with the assistance of the New London State’s Attorney’s Office and the State of Connecticut Office of the Attorney General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
Waterbury Felon Sentenced to 46 Months in Federal Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANFERNEE D. DANCY, 28, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by 30 months of supervised release, for unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 22, 2023, Waterbury Police attempted to stop an SUV Dancy was driving in Waterbury. Dancy reversed the SUV, collided with one of the police cruisers, and attempted to flee on foot. After a struggle, he was taken into custody. A search of the SUV revealed a loaded Jimenez Arms, Inc. 9mm handgun, a quantity of crack cocaine, a digital scale, and $282 in cash.
Dancy’s criminal history includes felony convictions in Connecticut for burglary in the first degree, risk of injury to children, and failure to appear in the first degree. 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.
Dancy has been detained since his arrest. On October 7, 2024, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Waterbury Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean P. Mahard.
This prosecution was brought through the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.
Pennsylvania Resident Who Defrauded Allied World Insurance Company Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMES KEATING, 52, of Paoli, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 20 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for defrauding his former employer of more than $1.4 million.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Keating was an Assistant Vice President and surety bond claims handler at Allied World Insurance Company (“Allied World”). He later served in the same capacity at Crum and Forster subsidiary U.S. Fire Insurance Company, where he also handled claims on Allied World surety bonds. All surety bond claims were handled through Allied World’s offices in Farmington, Connecticut.
Between 2017 and 2021, Keating defrauded Allied World in two ways. First, he used a shell company, American Construction & Industrial LLC, to bill Allied World for unnecessary claims work that was not performed and took the proceeds for himself. Second, he solicited and received kickbacks from Allied World vendors through another Keating-owned company, Surety Risk Solutions (also known as “SRS” or “SR5”), without the knowledge of his employer. Keating also caused these vendors to use another company in which he had an undisclosed ownership interest, Kodiak Asset Recovery, for asset searches at vastly inflated prices. Keating profited nearly $1 million through American Construction & Industrial LLC, more than $350,000 in kickbacks through Surety Risk Solutions, and nearly $125,000 through Kodiak Asset Recovery.
Judge Bolden ordered Keating to pay restitution of $1,226,603.97, which represents the loss to Allied World of $1,446,491.95, less $219,887.98 that he previously repaid as part of a civil judgment.
On July 30, 2024, Keating pleaded guilty to wire fraud.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Novick.
Waterbury Drug Trafficker Sentenced to More Than 18 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GAWAYNE FISHER, also known as “Fruit” and “Tank,” 49, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 217 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for heading a large-scale drug trafficking ring while on federal supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2009, Fisher was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 10 years of imprisonment and eight years of supervised release for cocaine trafficking offenses. He was released from prison in February 2015.
In 2022, the DEA New Haven Task Force, the DEA Tactical Diversion Squad, the Waterbury Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies determined that Fisher was trafficking narcotics while on federal supervised release. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones, physical surveillance, and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Fisher and others were selling large quantities of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, as well as counterfeit oxycodone and alprazolam (Xanax) pills.
Fisher and three of his associates were arrested on April 13, 2023. On that date, a search of a West Main Street apartment in Waterbury that Fisher used as a stash location revealed approximately 16 kilograms of cocaine, three kilograms of fentanyl, 125,000 individual glassine bags containing fentanyl, and $7,574 in cash. A search of Fisher’s residence on Beverly Avenue in Waterbury, and his vehicle, revealed approximately $175,110 in cash. In addition, a search of a residence on Yale Street in Waterbury that Fisher’s co-conspirator used as a stash location revealed drug-processing equipment, approximately three kilograms of loose fentanyl, and approximately 75,000 individual bags containing fentanyl.
Fisher has been detained since his arrest. On January 11, 2024, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and five kilograms or more of cocaine, and one count of money laundering.
Judge Bolden sentenced Fisher to 180 months of imprisonment for the narcotics trafficking and money laundering offenses, and a consecutive 37 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
This investigation was conducted by the DEA New Haven Task Force, the DEA Tactical Diversion Squad, and the Waterbury Police Department, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, Connecticut State Police, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the New Haven, Naugatuck, Ansonia, West Haven, Meriden, East Haven, Branford, Shelton, and Bristol Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Bridgeport Man Charged with Narcotics Distribution OffensesRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that DARREN EBRON, also known as “D,” 32, of Bridgeport, was arrested yesterday on a criminal complaint charging him with narcotics distribution offenses.
Ebron appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and was ordered detained.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement identified Ebron as a distributor of various controlled substances in and around Bridgeport. Between August 2024 and January 2025, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of distribution quantities of fentanyl from Ebron, intercepted numerous calls and text messages through a court-authorized wiretap during which Ebron coordinated the sale of fentanyl and crack cocaine to others, and observed Ebron conducting narcotics transactions.
The complaint charges Ebron with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years; conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; and use of a communications facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of four years.
Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, the Bridgeport Police Department, and the Stratford Police Department. The Task Force is composed of personnel from the FBI, Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Norwalk, and Trumbull Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.
Stamford Hotel to Make Significant Changes to Comply with the ADARead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has entered into a settlement agreement with Stamford Hotel Propco, LLC and MJ Hotels of Stamford, LLC, owner and manager of Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa (“Stamford Marriott”), located in Stamford, to resolve allegations that the hotel was not in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”).
The settlement agreement, which resolves an ADA complaint filed by an individual with a disability alleging that the Stamford Marriott was not accessible for individuals with physical disabilities, requires the hotel to make a suite accessible for individuals with mobility disabilities, make 14 additional rooms accessible for individuals with hearing disabilities, and make numerous changes in other accessible rooms to bring them into compliance with the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design. The hotel will also add accessible dining surfaces to its lobby restaurants and make changes in the restrooms located on the lobby, lower level, and mezzanine to make them more accessible. It will also make changes to its parking garage, including by adding signs and access aisles to accessible parking spaces and adjusting several curb ramps so that they are accessible.
The Stamford Marriott is in the process of making the changes required by the settlement agreement and will continue to make improvements over the next 30 months.
Under federal law, private entities that own or operate places of “public accommodation,” including hotels and inns, are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of disability. The ADA authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate complaints and undertake periodic reviews of compliance of covered entities. The Justice Department is also authorized to commence a civil lawsuit in federal court in any case that involves a pattern or practice of discrimination or that raises issues of general public importance, and to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, and civil penalties.
Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that any place of public accommodation or public entity in Connecticut is not accessible to persons with disabilities may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 203-696-3000.
Additional information about the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov, or by calling the Justice Department’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 and (800) 514-0383 (TTY). More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stewart C. Dearing.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Robbing Victims Who Advertised Goods on Internet MarketplacesRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JALEN LASALLE, 20, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for committing a series of gunpoint robberies targeting individual sellers of luxury goods over online marketplaces.
According to court documents and statements made in court, ATF, the Hartford Police Department, and the Middletown Police Departments investigated a series of gunpoint robberies of individuals who advertised items for sale on internet marketplaces, such as Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp. At an arranged meeting place to sell their items, which included cell phones and luxury sneakers and accessories, the purported purchaser would brandish a firearm, force the victim to hand over the luxury goods, and flee. The investigation revealed that Lasalle and John Villegas, also known as “Kirby,” committed five armed robberies in Hartford in late August and early September 2022. Villegas, with his sister Valerie Meneses, also committed an armed robbery in August 2022 in Middletown.
Lasalle was arrested on February 3, 2023. On September 18, 2024, he pleaded guilty to two counts of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act robbery), and two counts of carrying and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Lasalle, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on February 24.
Villegas and Meneses pleaded guilty to related charges. On January 8, 2025, Villegas was sentenced to 156 months of imprisonment and, on October 16, 2024, Meneses was sentenced to 63 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Hartford Police Department, and the Middletown Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie T. Levick and A. Reed Durham.
Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman encouraged those who sell and purchase items online, and need to meet an individual in person to complete the sale, to use a visible, monitored location. Contact your local police department to see if it offers a monitored meeting location, or search online for a nearby monitored location.
New Haven Man Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Gun While on Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that SHAQUIL GARY, 31, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 66 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing a firearm while on federal supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2016, Gary was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 96 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release for committing an armed robbery of an ATF informant in August 2014. After pleading guilty to the offense and while awaiting sentencing, Gary attempted to send a copy of a non-public case report to friends and family members with instructions to post it on Facebook and tell others that an individual identified in the report was cooperating with law enforcement officers.
In April 2022, a white SUV was identified as being involved in shooting incidents in New Haven and Hamden. On April 19, 2022, investigators saw Gary exit the SUV after parking it on Shelton Avenue. Gary ran from pursuing officers and discarded a firearm during the chase. Gary was apprehended on Hazel Street, and officers recovered a loaded Glock model 17, 9mm pistol, that he had thrown.
The handgun had been reported stolen in Waterbury in 2018. Subsequent analysis of the gun using the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) connected it to multiple gang-related shooting incidents in early 2019 while Gary was incarcerated in federal custody, including a shooting near Eastern Street in New Haven on January 23, 2019, where a suspected member of the Exit 8 gang of New Haven was found suffering from a gunshot wound; a shots fired incident near Eastern Street in New Haven on January 28, 2019, where a witness observed a male firing a handgun from a car and into the front window of an apartment; and the shooting of two individuals near Shelton Avenue in New Haven on February 5, 2019.
Gary’s criminal history also includes state felony convictions for the sale and possession of narcotics. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
On September 4, 2024, Gary pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the New Haven Police Department, and the Hamden Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Dearington.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.
New Britain Man Admits Recording His Sexual Abuse of a ChildRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New England, announced that ORLANDO GUZMAN, 73, of New Britain, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to child exploitation offenses stemming from his sexual abuse of a minor and his using an app to share and receive child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents and statements made in court, HSI has been investigating a network of individuals who have been using private groups on an internet chat application to share images and videos of child sexual abuse. The investigation revealed that an account associated with Guzman was an active member of two of these groups. The investigation further revealed that, between February and August 2022, Guzman sexually abused a minor female and used mobile devices to record and store images and videos of the abuse.
On September 2, 2022, investigators conduct a court-authorized search of Guzman’s mobile devices. Analysis of the devices revealed more than 4,000 video files and more than 7,000 image files of child pornography, including images and videos depicting Guzman’s abuse of the minor victim.
Guzman has been detained since his arrest on September 7, 2022.
Guzman pleaded guilty to production of child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, and possession of child pornography, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
This matter has been investigated by HSI with the assistance of the New Britain Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings.
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.
Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JASON BARBER, 40, of Hartford, pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 2, 2022, law enforcement received information that Barber, while seated in a vehicle, was streaming on Facebook Live and showing off a loaded pistol magazine. Officers located the vehicle, which parked on Barbour Street, and then followed Barber into a package store. Officers approached Barber and retrieved from his coat pocket a Kahr Arms P45 handgun containing a magazine with five rounds of .45 caliber ammunition.
Barber’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for firearm, robbery, drug, and escape offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Barber faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years. He is released on a $100,000 bond.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.
Two Charged with Defrauding Connecticut’s Medicaid ProgramRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General; and Chief State’s Attorney Patrick J. Griffin today announced that RAMON APELLANIZ, also known as “Kristopher Rockefeller” and “Kris,” 39, of Middletown, and SUHAIL APONTE, 38, of Wethersfield, were arrested yesterday on federal criminal complaints charging each with health care fraud offenses stemming from an alleged scheme that defrauded Connecticut’s Medicaid program.
Apellaniz and Aponte appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish in Hartford. Aponte was released on a $100,000 bond and Apellaniz was detained pending a hearing that is scheduled for January 23.
The Connecticut Medical Assistance Program (CTMAP) is a Connecticut Department of Social Services-administered program that provides medical assistance to low income persons. CTMAP’s benefit packages, referred to as “HUSKY” or “Connecticut Medicaid,” are jointly funded by the State of Connecticut and the federal government.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, Apellaniz previously operated The Gemini Project, LLC (“Gemini”), a Newington-based business that offered counseling to patients with mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders. According to the State of Connecticut’s public license database, Apellaniz is not a licensed provider. In 2020, Apellaniz was charged by the state with larceny, health care fraud, and identity theft offenses related to his providing services to numerous Medicaid beneficiaries as a non-licensed provider, and Gemini billing Medicaid for those services, or for services that were not rendered at all. Medicaid paid Gemini and Apellaniz $909,268 for the false claims. Apellaniz pleaded nolo contendere and, on April 17, 2024, was sentenced in Hartford Superior Court to eight years in prison, execution suspended after 15 months, and five years of parole. He was released from Department of Correction custody on November 19, 2024.
It is further alleged that in June 2021, Minds Cornerstone LLC, dba Minds Cornerstone Behavior Therapy Services (“Minds Cornerstone”), an Autism Specialist Group, was registered with the State of Connecticut. Aponte, who is not a licensed provider, was listed as its manager and registered agent. Beginning in approximately November 2021, Apellaniz, Aponte, and Minds Cornerstone defrauded the Connecticut Medicaid Program by submitting fraudulent claims for applied behavior analysis (“ABA”) services to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (“ASD”). Although Apellaniz does not appear on any of Minds Cornerstone’s Medicaid enrollment forms, has no ownership interest in the company, and has no signatory authority to any of its bank accounts, Apellaniz conspired with Aponte and ran the company under a pseudonym, including while he was incarcerated in state custody.
The complaint specifically alleges that Apellaniz and Aponte billed Medicaid for services purportedly rendered to patients when company payroll records indicate employees were not compensated for the associated services; direct supervision services purportedly provided by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (“BCBA”) of a behavioral technician, when the corresponding procedure code for behavioral technician services was not billed; services purportedly rendered to patients who were actually in an inpatient hospital; and services purportedly rendered when parents of patients and former employees of Minds Cornerstone confirmed those services did not occur.
It is alleged that between November 2021 and December 2024, Apellaniz and Aponte submitted or caused to be submitted to Medicaid fraudulent claims that exceeded $1.8 million in losses to the Connecticut Department of Social Services. The ongoing investigation indicates that Apellaniz used some of the funds Minds Cornerstone received to pay a portion of the restitution he owes as a result of his state prosecution.
From approximately May 2022 until November 2024, Aponte was also employed by the State of Connecticut in the Office of Policy and Management.
Apellaniz and Aponte are charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and health care fraud. Each offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that a complaint is only a charge and 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 investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Social Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.