District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Meriden Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Selling Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
January 15, 2013David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that COREY WILLIAMS, JR., also known as “Little Corey,” 24, of Meriden, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 20 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for selling stolen firearms.
According to court documents and statements made in court, WILLIAMS told his father, Khalid Aziz, that he had stolen multiple firearms from a Meriden gun store and was having trouble selling some of the “big guns.” Aziz put WILLIAMS in touch with Airess Johnson, who knew someone interested in purchasing firearms. The potential purchaser was an individual cooperating with law enforcement, and that cooperator negotiated a purchase price for three firearms with Williams.
At approximately 8:30 p.m. on February 2, 2012, WILLIAMS, Aziz, and Johnson drove to the parking lot of a New Haven restaurant. After WILLIAMS and Aziz exited the vehicle and waited in front of a nearby store, the cooperator purchased two 12 gauge shotguns and a .308 caliber semi-automatic rifle from Johnson in exchange for $1,200. After the transaction, WILLIAMS, Aziz, and Johnson departed together. WILLIAMS then paid Aziz approximately $50 for his role in facilitating the sale of the three firearms.
Law enforcement officers later recovered the three firearms from the cooperator’s vehicle. All three had been reported stolen from a federal firearms licensee in Meriden on November 5, 2011.
The owner and employees of the Meriden gun dealer subsequently identified WILLIAMS as someone who had been in the store prior to the theft of nine firearms from the store. On May 25, 2012, at WILLIAMS’s residence, law enforcement officers recovered a gun box for one of the six additional stolen firearms, as well as two boxes of ammunition, a ballistic vest carrier, and two rifle magazines.
The six additional firearms that were stolen from the Meriden gun dealer have not been recovered.
On November 2, 2012, WILLIAMS, pleaded guilty to one count of sale of stolen firearms. He had no prior criminal history.
On October 22, 2012, Aziz pleaded guilty to the same charge. On January 10, 2013, Aziz, whose criminal history included at least 19 felony convictions, was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment.
Johnson, 35, of New Haven, pleaded guilty on July 3, 2012, to one count of possession of firearms by a previously convicted felon. On January 3, 2013, she was sentenced to 20 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with substantial assistance provided by the New Haven Police Department and the Meriden Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Marc H. Silverman.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Hartford Crack Dealer Sentenced to More Than Seven Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
January 14, 2013David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JUAN CARTAGENA, 28, of Hartford, was sentenced today by Chief United States District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 92 months of imprisonment for distributing crack cocaine in Hartford. CARTAGENA also was ordered to serve five years of supervised release and perform 250 hours of community service after his release from prison.
This matter stems from “Operation Vinefield,” a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in Hartford’s North End. As a result of the nine-month investigation, 38 individuals were charged with various offenses related to the distribution of crack cocaine and the unlawful possession and dealing of firearms in and around Hartford.
According to court documents and statements made in court, CARTAGENA and others conspired to distribute crack cocaine in Hartford’s lower Vine Street area, as well as in other locations in Hartford and East Hartford.
CARTAGENA, whose criminal history includes multiple felony convictions, has been detained since his arrest on March 9, 2012. On August 29, 2012, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, the Connecticut State Police, the Hartford Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]West Hartford Man Who Filed False Tax Returns Is SentencedRead the Press Release
January 11, 2013David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MICHAEL P. WEINSTEIN, 70, of West Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to two years of probation, the first six months of which WEINSTEIN must serve in home confinement, for filing false tax returns. WEINSTEIN also was ordered to pay a fine of $100,000 and to forfeit more than $143,000.
According to court documents and statements made in court, WEINSTEIN lawfully engaged in gambling in Connecticut and elsewhere. In 2009, WEINSTEIN had approximate gambling winnings of $448,400 and gambling losses of $268,990, resulting in net winnings of approximately $179,410. In April 2010, WEINSTEIN signed and filed his 2009 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, Form 1040, which under reported his income. Consequently, he failed to pay an additional $50,235 in federal taxes that were owed for 2009.
In 2010, WEINSTEIN had approximate gambling winnings of $475,800 and gambling losses of $475,800, resulting in net zero gambling winnings. On his 2010 tax return, WEINSTEIN failed to report his gambling winnings or losses, which affected the Alternative Minimum Tax on his return, and which resulted in his not paying $1,405 in federal taxes.
On October 3, 2012, WEINSTEIN waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false federal income tax return.
As part of the resolution of this case, WEINSTEIN has paid more than $97,000 in back taxes, interest and penalties for the 2009 and 2010 tax years. WEINSTEIN also has forfeited $143,562.46, which the IRS seized in November 2011 from two of WEINSTEIN’s bank accounts pursuant to a court-authorized seizure warrant.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation with the assistance of the Stamford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Shelton Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
January 11, 2013David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ARTHUR GALLOWAY, 38, of Shelton, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography.
According to court documents and statement made in court, on March 14, 2012, the Connecticut State Police Computer Crimes Unit, Shelton Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted a court-authorized search of GALLOWAY’s residence and seized a laptop computer, an external hard drive and other items. Investigators determined that GALLOWAY used the Internet to trade numerous images and video of child pornography, and he was arrested at that time.
Subsequent forensic analysis of the seized items revealed that GALLOWAY possessed 11 printed photographs, 913 images and 45 videos of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Some of the videos exceeded 20 minutes in length.
Judge Arterton has scheduled sentencing for April 17, 2013, at which time GALLOWAY faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000.
GALLOWAY has been released on bond under electronic monitoring by the U.S. Probation Office since shortly after his arrest.
This matter is being investigated by the Connecticut State Police Computer Crimes Unit, the Shelton Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Felice M. Duffy.
The Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force, which is housed at the main FBI office in New Haven, investigates crimes against children occurring over the Internet, and provides computer forensic review services for participating agencies. For more information about the Task Force, or to report child exploitation crimes, please contact the FBI at 203-777-6311.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Former Tsa Officer Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Prison for Accepting Bribes from Drug TraffickerRead the Press Release
January 11, 2013David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTOPHER ALLEN, 47, of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., formerly a Transportation Security Administration officer based at Palm Beach International Airport, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 68 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for accepting cash in exchange for facilitating the transportation of illegal narcotics through airport security without detection. Two other former TSA officers, a former Westchester County Police officer and a former Florida State Trooper have also been charged and convicted as a result of this investigation.
“This defendant received cash payments to assist a known drug trafficker pass safely through airport security with oxycodone pills destined for illegal trafficking in Connecticut,” stated U.S. Attorney Fein. “Corruption within the ranks of those who are entrusted with the responsibility for screening air travelers and their baggage can never be tolerated. I commend the DEA Task Force for shutting down a pipeline of highly addictive prescription pills from Florida to Connecticut, and for bringing to justice this federal employee and others who participated in this illegal scheme.”
This matter stems from “Operation Blue Coast,” an investigation headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force into the large-scale trafficking of oxycodone pills from Florida to Connecticut. The investigation revealed that an individual regularly purchased oxycodone from suppliers in Florida, transported the oxycodone to Connecticut by commercial airline or automobile, and sold the pills to various Connecticut-based narcotics dealers. The narcotics trafficker purchased oxycodone pills in Florida for approximately $5.00 per pill, and traveled from Florida to Connecticut several times a week carrying up to 8,000 oxycodone pills per trip. He then used drivers to transport him to and from narcotics transactions during which he would sell the pills to Connecticut-based dealers for between $10.00 and $13.00 per pill. After exchanging low-denomination currency for larger notes, he transported the proceeds of his oxycodone sales from Connecticut to Florida, either by having a courier drive the money or by using commercial airline flights. The Connecticut-based dealers sold the pills to lower-level dealers and drug customers for between $23.00 and $30.00 per pill.
According to court documents and statements made in court, ALLEN, while employed as a TSA officer at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Fla., accepted cash payments from the narcotics trafficker to ensure that the trafficker would not be stopped by TSA officers as he carried oxycodone pills through airport security on his way to Connecticut. On four occasions between May and August 2011, the narcotics trafficker, who by this time was cooperating with law enforcement, paid ALLEN $500 in cash to allow the trafficker to travel safely through airport security. On two of these trips, the narcotics trafficker traveled with an undercover law enforcement officer.
As disclosed in court, the evidence in this case includes recorded conversations involving ALLEN, the cooperating narcotics trafficker and the undercover law enforcement officer.
ALLEN was arrested on September 13, 2011. On April 16, 2012, he pleaded guilty to one count of extortion under color of right and one count of receipt of a bribe by a public official.
Twenty individuals have been charged as a result of this investigation. Jonathan Best, a TSA officer based at Palm Beach International Airport, Brigitte Jones, a TSA officer based at Westchester County Airport in White Plains, Justin Kolves, a former Florida State Trooper and Michael Brady, a former Westchester County Police officer, also pleaded guilty and have been sentenced to prison terms of 76 months, 45 months, 84 months and 37 months, respectively.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, which includes personnel from the Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport, Milford, Norwalk, Stamford and Westport Police Departments; the Drug Enforcement Administration in Florida and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General. In addition, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Greenwich, Monroe, Danbury and Waterbury Police Departments have assisted the investigation.
U.S. Attorney Fein also acknowledged the cooperation of the Westchester County Department of Public Safety and the Florida Highway Patrol, and the substantial assistance provided by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
This case is being prosecuted in the District of Connecticut by Assistant United States Attorneys Rahul Kale and Tracy Lee Dayton.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]New Haven Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Selling Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
January 10, 2013David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KHALID AZIZ, also known as “Corey Williams, Sr.,” “Cory Williams,” “Avery Smith,” “Gregory Richardson,” “Andre Gorham,” and “Big Corey,” 43, of New Haven, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for selling stolen firearms.
According to court documents and statements made in court, AZIZ’s son, Corey Williams, Jr., told AZIZ that he had stolen multiple firearms from a Meriden gun store and was having trouble selling some of the “big guns.” AZIZ put Williams in touch with Airess Johnson, who knew someone interested in purchasing firearms. The potential purchaser was an individual cooperating with law enforcement, and that cooperator negotiated a purchase price for three firearms with Williams.
At approximately 8:30 p.m. on February 2, 2012, AZIZ, Williams and Johnson drove to the parking lot of a New Haven restaurant. After AZIZ and Williams exited the vehicle and waited in front of a nearby store, the cooperator purchased two 12 gauge shotguns and a .308 caliber semi-automatic rifle from Johnson in exchange for $1,200. After the transaction, AZIZ, Williams and Johnson departed together. Williams then paid AZIZ approximately $50 for his role in facilitating the sale of the three firearms.
Law enforcement officers later recovered the three firearms from the cooperator’s vehicle. All three had been reported stolen from a federal firearms licensee in Meriden on November 5, 2011. Six additional firearms that were stolen at the same time remain unaccounted for.
AZIZ’s criminal history includes at least 19 felony convictions.
On October 22, 2012, AZIZ pleaded guilty to one count of sale of stolen firearms.
Williams, 24, of Meriden, pleaded guilty to the same charge on November 2, 2012. He is scheduled to be sentenced on January 15.
Johnson, 35, of New Haven, pleaded guilty on July 3, 2012, to one count of possession of firearms by a previously convicted felon. On January 3, 2013, she was sentenced to 20 months of imprisonment.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with substantial assistance provided by the New Haven Police Department and the Meriden Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Marc H. Silverman.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Connecticut Man Admits Mailing Threatening LettersRead the Press Release
January 10, 2013David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROLAND PREJEAN, also known as “Gary Joseph Gravelle,” 45, formerly of Thomaston and Morris, Conn., pleaded guilty today before Senior United States District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport to federal charges stemming from his mailing of multiple threatening letters.
“We will vigorously investigate and prosecute hoax crimes that threaten violence,” stated U.S. Attorney Fein. “These crimes cause emotional distress for victims and waste the valuable time and resources of our law enforcement community.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, in early September 2010, PREJEAN mailed a threatening letter to the Thomaston Post Office claiming that he had planted a hidden bomb on a remote timer in the Post Office. The letter resulted in the evacuation of the Thomaston Post Office as well as the Thomaston Town Hall and a Thomaston Public School, which were in the immediate vicinity of the Post Office. Bomb technicians from the Connecticut State Police Emergency Services Unit searched the post office for explosive or incendiary devices with negative results.
In addition, PREJEAN mailed a letter to a Connecticut Superior Court Judge in New London that included a substance that was represented to be “Liquid Anthrax,” and he sent threatening letters to a private individual and a probation officer in Connecticut. In those letters PREJEAN threatened to kill numerous people, including a federal employee.
PREJEAN, who has been detained since his arrest in North Dakota on September 7, 2010, pleaded guilty to one count of using the U.S. Mail to communicate a bomb threat and four counts of mailing threatening communications.
Judge Eginton has scheduled sentencing for April 8, 2013, at which time PREJEAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years for making a bomb threat through the mail, a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years for mailing a threatening communication to federal employees and a maximum term of imprisonment of five years of each of the three counts of mailing a threatening communication.
At sentencing, the government will present evidence of more than 50 other threatening letters that PREJEAN mailed both prior to his arrest and while he was detained in federal custody.
U.S. Attorney Fein commended the substantial efforts and cooperation of the several agencies involved in this investigation including the Federal Bureau of Investigation in New Haven, Minneapolis, and Bismarck; the United States Postal Inspection Service in Connecticut and North Dakota; the United States Marshals Service in Connecticut; the Connecticut State Police Emergency Services Unit and the Thomaston Police Department.
U.S. Attorney Fein also acknowledged the critical assistance provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David E. Novick.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Romanian Citizen Involved in Phishing Scheme Sentenced to Four Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
January 9, 2013David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that DRAGOS RAZVAN DAVIDESCU, 39, a citizen of Romania, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 48 months of imprisonment for participating in an extensive Internet “phishing” scheme.
A phishing scheme uses the Internet to target large numbers of unwary individuals, using fraud and deceit to obtain private personal and financial information such as names, addresses, bank account numbers, credit card numbers and Social Security numbers. Phishing schemes often work by sending out large numbers of counterfeit e-mail messages that are made to appear as if they originated from legitimate banks, financial institutions or other companies. The fraudulent email messages ask individuals to click on a hyperlink contained in the email message, which would take the individual to a counterfeit site on the Internet that purports to be the Internet site of the particular bank, financial institution or company. At the counterfeit Internet site, the individual is then asked to enter information such as the individual’s name, address and credit or debit card numbers.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2005 a resident of Madison, Conn., contacted the FBI in New Haven about a suspicious email that she had received that purported to be from Connecticut-based People’s Bank. The email stated that the recipient’s online banking access profile had been locked and instructed the recipient to click on a link to a web page where the recipient could enter information to “unlock” his or her profile. The web page appeared to originate from People’s Bank, but, as the investigation revealed, was actually hosted on a compromised computer in Minnesota. Any personal identifying and financial information provided by the individual would be sent by email to individuals in Romania, or to a “collector” account, which was an email account used to receive and collect the information obtained through phishing.
DAVIDESCU and others were part of a loose-knit conspiracy of individuals from Craiova, Romania, and neighboring areas that shared files, tools, and stolen information obtained through phishing. The co-conspirators used and shared a number of collector accounts, which contained thousands of email messages that contained credit or debit card numbers, expiration dates, CVV codes, PIN numbers, and other personal identification information such as names, addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers. The co-conspirators then used the personal and financial information to access bank accounts and lines of credit and to withdraw funds without authorization, often from ATMs in Romania.
The investigation revealed that DAVIDESCU was heavily involved in the phishing conspiracy between 2004 and 2006, and he possessed personal and financial information of more than one thousand victims. He also shared a program for harvesting email addresses with another co-conspirator, and possessed phishing emails and files for creating counterfeit Internet sites.
In addition to People’s Bank, financial institutions and companies targeted by the defendants included Citibank, Capital One, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Comerica Bank, Regions Bank, LaSalle Bank, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo & Co., eBay and PayPal.
This seven-year investigation has resulted in criminal charges against 19 Romanian citizens. On January 18, 2007, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging seven defendants with various offenses stemming from this scheme. On November 10, 2010, a grand jury returned a second superseding indictment charging an additional 12 defendants, including DAVIDSECU.
The first three defendants to face charges were extradited from Bulgaria, Croatia and Canada. Following the ratification in 2010 of an amended treaty on mutual legal assistance between Romania and the United States, DAVIDESCU and six other defendants were extradited from Romania. DAVIDESCU was extradited in December 2011.
On October 10, 2012, DAVIDESCU pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud. Eight of the other extradited defendants also have pleaded guilty, and one was convicted after trial in December 2012. Nine defendants are still being sought.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in New Haven, Conn.
U.S. Attorney Fein and Special Agent in Charge Mertz also acknowledged the critical assistance provided by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of International Affairs, the FBI Legal Attaché in Bucharest, Interpol, the Romanian National Police and the United States Marshals Service.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Edward Chang and Sarala Nagala.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Five Bridgeport Men Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
January 9, 2013David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that five Bridgeport men charged as a result of an FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force investigation into narcotics trafficking activity and violent criminal activity in and around the Trumbull Gardens housing complex in Bridgeport have been sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford.
Today, MICHAEL NEWSOME, also known as “Cream” and “DooDoo,” 29, was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment, and RAHSHIM CARTER, also known as “Jinks” and “Mace,” 24, was sentenced to 18 months of imprisonment. On Monday, January 7, HASSAN ROGERS, also known as “Boobie,” 41, was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment, JAMIEL THOMPSON, also known as “Jamil” and “Tre,” 23, was sentenced to 18 months of imprisonment, and ALEX SANTANA, 19, was sentenced to 10 months of imprisonment followed by four months of community detention.
The investigation revealed that several individuals were selling narcotics from parking lots within Trumbull Gardens and utilized lookouts to detect the presence of law enforcement. Between June 2011 and May 2012, Task Force officers made dozens of controlled purchases of narcotics from ROGERS, his sons THOMPSON and CARTER, and NEWSOME, who is THOMPSON’s uncle. During the investigation, officers also purchased a semi-automatic handgun, through ROGERS, from SANTANA.
On May 9, 2012, one individual was killed by multiple gunshots and another was shot in the chest and abdomen while visiting the Trumbull Gardens housing complex. On May 24, 2012, federal arrest warrants were issued after the government adopted pending state charges against the five defendants. To date, no one has been charged in the shooting incident.
NEWSOME, CARTER, ROGERS and THOMPSON each previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin. SANTANA pleaded guilty to one count of illegally engaging in the business of dealing in firearms.
Each of the defendants will serve a three-year term of supervised release following their release from prison. They have been detained since their arrests on May 24, 2012.
This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, which includes the Bridgeport, Norwalk, and Trumbull Police Departments, in coordination with the Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tracy Lee Dayton and Rahul Kale.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Colchester Man Charged with Possessing Fake U.S. Marshals Service BadgeRead the Press Release
January 9, 2013David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN W. CARROLL, 42, of Colchester, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with the unauthorized possession of an imitation United States Marshals Service badge.
The criminal complaint alleges that, on October 9, 2012, CARROLL possessed a fake U.S. Marshals Service badge that was substantially similar to an authentic badge, and two fake U.S. Marshals Service identification cards.
CARROLL was arrested this morning. Following his arrest, he appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis in New Haven and was released on a $10,000 bond.
If convicted of the charge, CARROLL faces a maximum term of imprisonment of six months and a fine of up to $5,000.
U.S. Attorney Fein stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being investigated by the United States Marshals Service and state and local law enforcement agencies. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Anjna R. Kapoor and Assistant United States Attorney David E. Novick.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Citizen of Mexico Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Reentering the U.S. After DeportationRead the Press Release
January 9, 2013David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JESUS ROJAS-REYES, 22, a citizen of Mexico recently residing in Brooklyn, N.Y., was sentenced today by Chief United States District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to six months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the United States following his deportation.
According to court documents and statements made in court, ROJAS-REYES has been deported from the United States to Mexico on three prior occasions. In September 2011, he illegally reentered the United States through Arizona. On November 14, 2011, ROJAS-REYES was arrested by the Norwalk Police Department on a charge of unlawful restraint.
ROJAS-REYES, who has been detained since his arrest, pleaded guilty to the state charge on September 5, 2012. On September 6, 2012, he waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien.
This case was investigated by ICE Homeland Security Investigations and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hal Chen.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Citizen of Mexico Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Illegally Reentering the U.S.Read the Press Release
January 9, 2013David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CARLOS GONZALEZ-VALDOVINOS, 45, a citizen of Mexico recently residing in New Haven, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 30 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the United States following his deportation.
According to court documents and statements made in court, GONZALEZ-VALDOVINOS was deported from the United States to Mexico after he was convicted of state sexual assault and narcotics offenses. In 2000, GONZALEZ-VALDOVINOS illegally reentered the United States without first obtaining the consent of the Attorney General of the United States or his successor, the Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, to reapply for admission into the United States.
GONZALEZ-VALDOVINOS has been detained in federal custody since his arrest on March 27, 2012. On August 30, 2012, he waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien.
This case was investigated by ICE Homeland Security Investigations and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hal Chen.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Canton Man Charged with Producing, Distributing and Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
January 9, 2013David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Bruce M. Foucart, Special Agent in Charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations in New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging MICHAEL CRAWFORD, 35, of Canton, with one count of production of child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of receipt of child pornography.
CRAWFORD was arrested today. Following his arrest, he appeared before United States Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport. CRAWFORD is detained pending a hearing that is scheduled for January 14.
The indictment alleges that, between September and December 2011, CRAWFORD produced depictions of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct, and then distributed the images. The indictment also alleges that CRAWFORD received visual depictions of other minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
If convicted of the charge of production of child pornography, CRAWFORD faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years. The charges of distribution of child pornography and receipt of child pornography carry a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Fein stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case has been assigned to United States District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford.
This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Connecticut State Police and the Canton Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sarala V. Nagala and Anastasia E. King.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]New Haven Man Sentenced to 21 Months in Federal Prison for Distributing MarijuanaRead the Press Release
January 8, 2013David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BERNARD BYRD, also known as “BB” and “Chip,” 26, of New Haven, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing marijuana.
BYRD is one of 108 individuals charged as a result of “Operation Bloodline,” a joint law enforcement investigation targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in the Dwight-Kensington and Fair Haven sections of New Haven. Led by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the New Haven and Hamden Police Departments, the year-long investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps on numerous telephones, extensive physical surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, execution of search warrants and seizures of narcotics and firearms.
The investigation revealed that in September 2011, BYRD conspired with others to purchase and redistribute between five and 10 kilograms of marijuana.
BYRD was on state probation at the time of the offense.
BYRD has been detained since his arrest on May 22, 2012. On October 16, 2012, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute marijuana.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia and Meriden Police Departments. The United States Marshals Service, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, Parole and Community Services and the Milford, Hartford, New Britain, North Branford and Stratford Police Departments have provided invaluable assistance to the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys S. Dave Vatti and Marc Silverman.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Fci Danbury Prisoner Admits Assaulting Another InmateRead the Press Release
January 8, 2013David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PATRICIA A. BROWN, 22, a prisoner at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Danbury, pleaded guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 4, 2012, BROWN assaulted another Danbury FCI inmate with two padlocks placed in a white athletic sock. The victim suffered a laceration close to her right ear and required three stitches to close the wound, and also suffered from headaches.
BROWN is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on April 4, 2013, at which time BROWN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.
BROWN is currently serving a 30-year sentence after having been convicted of murder in 2009 in the District of Minnesota.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Neeraj N. Patel and Special Assistant United States Attorney Anjna R. Kapoor.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Wallingford Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
January 7, 2013David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PETER C. JOHNS, 39, of Wallingford, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 24, 2010, a detective assigned to the Richmond (Va.) Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and acting in an undercover capacity logged into a publicly available Internet file sharing program and downloaded several images and videos of child pornography from a shared directory maintained by JOHNS.
On March 25, 2011, JOHNS was arrested at his residence. On that date, law enforcement agents also seized his computer and related components. Forensic analysis of the seized computer and components revealed that JOHNS used the Internet to trade thousands of images and videos of child pornography. Included in his collection of child pornography were images of children under the age of 12 engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and images of children engaging in sadistic or masochistic conduct.
Judge Chatigny has scheduled sentencing for April 4, 2013, at which time JOHNS faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000.
JOHNS has been released on bond under electronic monitoring by the U.S. Probation Office since shortly after his arrest.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The Connecticut State Police and Wallingford Police Department provided assistance to the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarala V. Nagala.
The Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force, which is housed at the main FBI office in New Haven, investigates crimes against children occurring over the Internet, and provides computer forensic review services for participating agencies. For more information about the Task Force, or to report child exploitation crimes, please contact the FBI at 203-777-6311.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]New York Man Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering Charge Stemming from Oxycodone InvestigationRead the Press Release
February 6, 2013David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EMMANUEL BABE, also known as “Manny,” 39, of Mount Kisco, N.Y., pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
This matter stems from “Operation Blue Coast,” an investigation headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force into the large-scale trafficking of oxycodone pills from Florida to Connecticut. The investigation revealed that an individual regularly purchased oxycodone from suppliers in Florida, transported the oxycodone to Connecticut by commercial airline or automobile, and sold the pills for profit to various Connecticut-based narcotics dealers. He then transported the proceeds of his oxycodone sales from Connecticut to Florida, either by having a courier drive the money or by using commercial airline flights.
In early 2011, the Florida narcotics trafficker hired BABE to drive large amounts of U.S. currency from New York or Connecticut to Florida. BABE eventually learned that the money he was transporting were the proceeds of the narcotics trafficker’s oxycodone sales in Connecticut. BABE, who was paid approximately $750 for each trip, transported at least $150,000 in cash to Florida in an effort to disguise the source of the funds.
BABE has been detained since his arrest on September 13, 2011.
Judge Hall has scheduled sentencing for May 1, 2013, at which time BABE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Twenty individuals, including two law enforcement officers and three Transportation Security Agency officers, have been charged as a result of this investigation.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, which includes personnel from the Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport, Milford, Norwalk, Stamford and Westport Police Departments; the Drug Enforcement Administration in Florida and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General. In addition, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Greenwich, Monroe, Danbury and Waterbury Police Departments have assisted the investigation.
U.S. Attorney Fein also acknowledged the cooperation of the Westchester County Department of Public Safety and the Florida Highway Patrol, and the substantial assistance provided by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
This case is being prosecuted in the District of Connecticut by Assistant United States Attorneys Rahul Kale and Tracy Lee Dayton.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Madison Woman Who Made False Statements About Use of Federal Funds Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
January 4, 2013David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that AMY KUHNER, 55, formerly of Madison, was sentenced today by Chief United States District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 15 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for making false statements about her use of federal grant monies. KUHNER also was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
“At a time when every dollar of federal spending is precious, we will not hesitate to act to protect the money taxpayers provide for worthy causes,” said U.S. Attorney Fein. “Any failure to fully and accurately account for such funds will be subject to investigation, and where merited, vigorous prosecution.”
“Individuals who handle federal grant funds have an obligation to the government and taxpayers to exercise the utmost care in accounting for those funds,” said Susan J. Waddell, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Regional Office of the Office of the Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “The most basic and obvious obligation is simply to tell the truth about how those funds are used. This prosecution serves notice that where appropriate, we will not hesitate to investigate and prosecute those who violate that basic obligation.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, KUHNER was the Executive Director of Sunshine House, an organization formed for the purpose of constructing a facility in Madison to care for seriously ill children. In September 2001, Sunshine House received an $836,190 federal grant to pay part of the construction costs of the center from the Health Resources Services Administration (“HRSA”), a program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. As Executive Director of Sunshine House, KUHNER was the only person who handled the grant money and exercised exclusive control over the use of the grant funds.
In July 2007, after all of the grant funds had been drawn down, HRSA asked Sunshine House to provide documentation of costs incurred by Sunshine House during the grant period. In pleading guilty, KUHNER admitted sending to HRSA documents that falsely stated that Sunshine House had incurred architectural and engineering costs to date in the amount of $594,225. The documents also omitted the fact that, from September 2001 through September 2006, KUHNER had received a gross salary of $417,932 and health insurance benefits totaling $22,294, and that most of this salary and benefits had been paid using grant funds.
In addition, KUHNER used grant funds to pay her salary in 2007 and 2008, after the grant had closed.
On July 25, 2012, KUHNER pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements about her use of federal funds.
This investigation was conducted by special agents from the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Sheldon and Auditor Susan Spiegel.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Derby Man Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Illegal Gun Possession, Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
January 4, 2013David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALBERT LOPEZ, 42, of Derby, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a previous federal conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 2, 2011, a Connecticut State Trooper seized a loaded 9 millimeter pistol from LOPEZ’s waistband. LOPEZ was released on bond but failed to appear for his state court hearing. On April 15, 2011, LOPEZ was arrested by the United States Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force as he tried to flee from another person’s residence.
Prior to April 2011, LOPEZ had been convicted of multiple felony offenses in Connecticut state court and federal courts in both Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Specifically, LOPEZ has been convicted of second degree assault with a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit, conspiracy to distribute cocaine, possession of contraband by an inmate, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
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.
LOPEZ has been detained since his arrest on April 15, 2011. On September 4, 2012, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
On March 3, 2008, LOPEZ was sentenced to 47 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. He was released from prison in March 2010 and was on supervised release at the time of his arrest in April 2011.
Judge Underhill sentenced LOPEZ to five years of imprisonment for being a felon in possession of a firearm, and a consecutive one-year prison term for violating his supervised release.
This matter was investigated by the Connecticut State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan S. Freimann and Ndidi Moses.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Current and Former Tribal Officials Charged with Stealing from the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal NationRead the Press Release
January 4, 2013David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury sitting in Hartford has returned two separate indictments charging STEVEN THOMAS, 38, and MICHAEL THOMAS, 44, each with one count of theft from an Indian tribal organization and two counts of theft from an Indian tribal government receiving federal funds. STEVEN THOMAS is the current Treasurer of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council, and MICHAEL THOMAS is the former Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council.
The indictment against STEVEN THOMAS alleges that, from January 2005 through June 2008, he stole Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (“MPTN”) funds while he was the Assistant Director of MPTN’s Department of Natural Resources Protection.
The indictment against MICHAEL THOMAS alleges that, from October 2007 through April 2009, he stole MPTN funds while serving as the Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council.
If convicted of stealing from an Indian tribal organization, both men face a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000. If convicted of stealing from an Indian tribal government receiving federal funds, both men face a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count.
The indictments also include forfeiture allegations. If convicted, STEVEN THOMAS faces forfeiture of approximately $739,743.64, and MICHAEL THOMAS faces forfeiture of $102,393.34 and two personal computers.
The defendants are scheduled to appear before United States Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis in New Haven on Monday, January 7, at 3:45 p.m.
U.S. Attorney Fein stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and United States Department of Interior – Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Mattei.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]New Haven Heroin Dealer Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
January 3, 2013David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that FRANK CARR, also known as “FL,” 45, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by Chief United States District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 63 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 20, November 28, and December 22, 2011, CARR sold heroin to an individual working with law enforcement.
CARR was arrested on February 24, 2012. At the time of his arrest, he possessed approximately 67 grams of heroin packaged for street-level distribution.
On July 2, 2012, CARR pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin.
CARR has been detained since his arrest.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Marc H. Silverman.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Distribution ChargesRead the Press Release
January 3, 2013David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANDREW PARENTE, 76, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance, and one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of a Schedule II controlled substance.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in October and November 2011, PARENTE and Robert Gentile conspired to distribute and distributed Schedule II controlled substances, including oxycodone, in a form commonly known as OxyContin, and hydromorphone, in a form commonly known as Dilaudid.
Judge Chatigny has scheduled sentencing for March 22, 2013, at which time PARENTE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.
PARENTE has been released on a $50,000 bond since his arrest on February 10, 2012.
Gentile has been detained since his arrest on February 10, 2012. On November 14, 2012, he pleaded guilty to multiple drug and firearms offenses. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 12.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John H. Durham.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Greenwich Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing Unregistered Machine GunsRead the Press Release
January 3, 2013David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that THOMAS BELLUCI, 51, of Greenwich, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing unregistered machine guns. BELLUCI also was ordered to serve two months of home confinement immediately after his release from prison, perform 100 hours of community service and pay a $6,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 22, 2011, Greenwich Police officers encountered BELLUCI at his residence on Cutler Road in Greenwich after a neighbor had reported that shots had been fired on BELLUCI’s property. BELLUCI, who was alone in the house, initially stated that he did not hear any gunshots and he allowed officers to enter his home. BELLUCI then showed officers only one side of the house, claimed that the living room encompassed the entire house and that there was no second floor to the house. After BELLUCI led the officers through a door, which he at first stated was to a closet but, in fact, led to a hallway that opened into other rooms, BELLUCI ran into a room and locked the door. Two officers then forced opened the door and spotted BELLUCI bent over several long gun cases that were on the floor.
When the officers asked BELLUCI if he had fired a weapon earlier, he admitted that he had fired a handgun out of his kitchen window. However, he would not tell the officers where the firearm was. The officers then attempted to restrain BELLUCI, but he resisted, struggled with one officer and was tased by the other. BELLUCI was placed into an ambulance and was taken to the hospital.
A subsequent search of BELLUCI’s home revealed more than 160 firearms, including 10 machine guns, at least eight of which were operational and fired multiple rounds with a single squeeze of the trigger. Officers seized the firearms, as well as thousands of rounds of ammunition and other accessories. None of the machine guns were registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
BELLUCI was arrested on federal charges on May 11, 2012, and was detained until his release on a $500,000 surety bond on July 30, 2012. On October 9, 2012, he pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a machine gun. He has been ordered to report to prison on February 14, 2013.
This matter was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Greenwich Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rahul Kale.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]Ansonia Man Sentenced to More Than Nine Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
February 1, 2013David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DERRICK FOGLE, 33, of Ansonia, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 110 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing firearms.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 21, 2010, FOGLE possessed a Ruger P-89 nine millimeter handgun that was reported stolen. The firearm had an extended clip loaded with 16 rounds of ammunition. After subsequent investigation into FOGLE’s crack cocaine trafficking, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at his residence on June 22, 2011. The search revealed a Charter Arms Inc. Police Undercover .38 Special handgun loaded with six rounds of .38 caliber ammunition, an additional nine millimeter bullet, numerous plastic bags consistent with those used in packaging controlled substances for street-level distribution, three metal razor blades, a digital scale containing powder residue, several small pieces of crack cocaine, and four cellular telephones.
FOGLE has nine prior felony convictions. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
FOGLE was detained in state custody from June 22, 2011 until approximately January 8, 2012 on related state charges. He has been detained in federal custody since January 19, 2012.
On June 7, 2012, FOGLE pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
This case was investigated by the Ansonia Police Department, the Shelton Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with substantial assistance provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Marc H. Silverman.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
[email protected]