District of Connecticut

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHASE DRALLE, also known as “Chevy,” 21, of Trumbull, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for a firearm offense.        

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 26, 2023, Stefan Bagley, Jr. was shot and wounded while traveling in his vehicle in Bridgeport.  Later that same day, Bagley’s vehicle was used in another shooting incident in Bridgeport.  An investigation revealed that, between October 2022 and October 2023, Bagley purchased approximately 20 9mm handguns from licensed firearm dealers and then trafficked the guns to a network of customers, including Dralle.  Bagley typically scratched the serial numbers off of the firearms before providing them to his customers, making the guns more difficult to trace.

During the investigation, a search of Bagley’s text messages revealed communications between him and Dralle in which the two discussed Bagley purchasing a firearm and ammunition for Dralle.  Dralle then paid Bagley more than $700 for a 9mm firearm.

Dralle was arrested on December 18, 2023.  On May 2, 2024, he pleaded guilty to receipt of a trafficked firearm.

Dralle, who had been released on bond, has been detained since August 21, 2024, when his bond was revoked.

Bagley pleaded guilty to a related charge and awaits sentencing.

Most of the firearms purchased by Bagley are unaccounted for.

U.S. Attorney Avery noted that this case is being prosecuted, in part, under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress enacted and the President signed in June 2022.  The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms.

This matter is being investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Bridgeport Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Gresham.

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.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ANTHONY ENGLEHARDT, 44, of Southbury, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing sawed-off shotguns and silencers.  Judge Williams ordered that Englehardt must serve his first six months of supervised release in home confinement.

According to court documents and statements made in court, shortly before midnight on March 13, 2023, Torrington Police received a report that Englehardt used a rifle and shot a hole in the ceiling of a Torrington residence, and then left the residence.  At the time, Englehardt was subject to a protective order issued by the Waterbury Superior Court that required him to surrender all of his firearms and ammunition.  At approximately 12:30 a.m. on March 14, 2023, Connecticut State Police stopped Englehardt’s vehicle, took him into custody, and charged him with multiple offenses.  Later that day, a search of Englehardt’s Southbury residence revealed 10 firearms, six silencers, more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition, and various firearms parts and accessories.  Three of the firearms were sawed-off shotguns and were not registered pursuant to the National Firearms Act.  The six silencers also were not registered.

Englehardt has been detained since his federal arrest on May 25, 2023.  On April 18, 2024, he pleaded guilty to possession of unregistered National Firearms Act firearms and silencers.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police, Torrington Police Department, and Southbury Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Boyles.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHAYQUAN GRAY, also known as “Scooby,” 23, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven to unlawfully possessing a firearm, ammunition, and narcotics in New Haven.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 14, 2024, Gray, who had an active state arrest warrant, was observed participating in a drug transaction and was arrested on the state warrant. At the time of the arrest, he was found to be in possession of a Ziploc bag containing 80 small individual bags of cocaine, a Polymer 80 “ghost gun” loaded with six rounds of ammunition in the magazine, and over $1,200 in cash.

Gray pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Possession with intent to distribute cocaine carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a consecutive mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and up to life imprisonment.

Gray has been detained since his arrest on March 14, 2024.  Sentencing is scheduled for November 12, 2024 in Hartford.

This matter is being investigated by the New Haven Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Lembo.

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.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHNNY MILNER, also known as “Blaze” and “O.G.,” 46, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 10 years of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department received information from various sources that Milner was distributing fentanyl to street-level narcotics dealers in the SANA apartment complex located on Main Street in Hartford, which is commonly referred to as the “Sands,” and that he was using locations on Prospect Avenue and Bellevue Street in Hartford to store and distribute narcotics.  On February 21 and March 15, 2023, investigators made controlled purchases of approximately 100 grams of fentanyl from Milner at a liquor store he operated on Hillside Avenue in Hartford.

On March 29, 2023, investigators conducted court-authorized searches of locations in Hartford and New Britain connected to Milner.  A search of the Bellevue Street apartment revealed packaged fentanyl, numerous items used to process and package narcotics, and a loaded .22 caliber Ruger rifle.  A search of an apartment on Chestnut Street in New Britain that Milner used revealed approximately 64 grams of xylazine-laced fentanyl, several digital scales, a money-counting machine, and $221,301 in cash.  Milner was arrested at the New Britain apartment.

Milner has been detained since his arrest.  On March 12, 2024, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

On January 22, 2024, Milner’s associate, James Jones, 42, who lived at the Bellevue Street apartment, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.  He awaits sentencing.

In July 2021, during a separate drug trafficking investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, investigators observed Milner carrying a shopping bag and entering the passenger side of a car that had just arrived at the Bellevue Street apartment.  He then exited the car without the bag, but carrying a backpack.  Investigators followed the car as it drove away, stopped it, and found the shopping bag.  It contained $141,030 in cash, and was seized as suspected narcotics proceeds.

This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force.  The FBI Task Force includes members of the 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 was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ruff.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSEPH WILK, JR., 53 of Norwich, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to three years probation including six months of home confinement, a $5,000 fine and a $100 special assessment; for trafficking methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2022, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service identified a series of parcels suspected to contain controlled substances that were being mailed to Wilk’s Norwich residence and a P.O. Box in Norwich that he opened.  On November 21, 2022, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of a suspicious USPS Priority Express parcel mailed from California to his P.O. Box and found that it contained more than one pound of pure methamphetamine.  Investigators determined that Wilk’s co-conspirator, Michael Mihalko, had been tracking the package.

On December 8, 2022, Wilk picked up the package in Norwich and drove to his residence.  Shortly thereafter, Norwich police officers arrived at his residence.  After Wilk gave his consent, investigators searched his home and seized approximately 2.575 kilograms of methamphetamine, approximately 16 grams of ecstasy, items used to process and package narcotics, two handguns, and $1,740 in cash.  Wilk was arrested on state charges at that time.

The investigation revealed that approximately 17 parcels suspected to contain narcotics were mailed to Wilk between May and December 2022.  After Wilk received methamphetamine that had been mailed to him, he would deliver some of it to Mihalko, who at the time was living in the Boston area, and distribute some of his to his own customers in Southeastern Connecticut and Rhode Island.  Wilk also trafficked liquid Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB).

On May 31, 2023, Wilk pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Mihalko, 41, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty to the same charge on October 12, 2023, 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 Norwich Police Department.  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.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KADER GAHMAAL BIWAKI EDMOND, 24, of Miami Gardens, Florida, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release and 125 hours of community service, for his role in a scheme that defrauded individuals who use the electronic payments system Zelle.

According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement has been investigating crimes against users of digital payment applications, including Zelle.  Typically, a scheme victim receives a fraudulent text message, purporting to be from the victim’s bank, asking the victim to confirm whether a Zelle transaction was authorized.  When the victim denies the transaction, the victim receives a response that a bank representative will be in contact.  The victim then receives a phone call from an individual impersonating a bank representative, who informs the victim that an unauthorized transaction has occurred and that they need to work together to reverse the transaction.  Without the victim’s knowledge, the fraudsters will link the victim’s actual phone number or email address via Zelle to a bank account that does not belong to the victim.  The victim is then instructed to “reverse” the fictional fraudulent transaction by making a Zelle payment to what they believe is their own account, but is, in fact, an account controlled by the fraudsters.

From approximately February 2021 through August 2023, Edmond and others defrauded numerous victims, including victims in Connecticut, of a total of more than $250,000 through this Zelle scheme and other fraud schemes.

Judge Shea ordered Edmond to pay $290,157 in restitution.

Edmond was arrested on August 31, 2023.  On May 21, 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

Edmond, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on October 21, 2024.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Chang.

Victims can report Zelle fraud to their bank or credit union, or to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), which is run by the FBI and serves as the country’s hub for reporting cybercrime, at www.ic3.gov.

Additional information about digital payment application schemes is available at https://www.ic3.gov/Media/Y2022/PSA220414.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MAVANI COLEMAN, 44, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to three months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in the theft of funds from a retiree’s bank account.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2018, Gregory Ivy, of New Haven, began working for a retired woman (“the victim”), doing odd jobs for her.  In October 2018, Ivy began to steal checks from the victim’s checkbook while in her home.  He then wrote checks payable to himself, forged the victim’s signature on the checks, and deposited the checks into his personal credit union account.  Ivy subsequently gave stolen blank checks on which he had forged the victim’s signature to Coleman, and Coleman filled in the name of the payee and the amount to be paid.  Ivy and Coleman initially agreed that they would arrange to deposit the checks into other persons’ bank accounts, and Ivy would receive half of the proceeds.  Coleman, who worked with others to cash or deposit the stolen checks, would kick back to Ivy amounts typically ranging from $500 to $800.  At times, Ivy did not receive his agreed-upon share of the proceeds.

Coleman also used the routing number and account number of the victim’s bank account to arrange electronic funds transfers (EFTs) from the victim’s account to make payments for himself, his business, his family members, and other friends and acquaintances.

Coleman worked with other individuals, including Lamont Bethea, to cash or deposit stolen checks on which Ivy had forged the victim’s signature, and Bethea also used the routing and account number to arrange EFTs from the victim’s account to make payments for himself and others.  Bethea also provided the routing and bank account numbers to other individuals so they could arrange similar EFTs for themselves and others from the victim’s account.

Coleman, Ivy, Bethea and other participants attempted to obtain a total of $624,818.28 from the victim’s bank account.  Because the victim’s bank account became overdrawn, some attempted check deposits or EFTs were reversed, resulting in a loss to the victim of $479,569.08.  Coleman personally stole $33,869 from the victim during his involvement in the scheme.

Judge Dooley ordered Coleman to pay restitution of $248,423.09, which includes money stolen from the account by Coleman and other individuals working with Coleman.

Coleman was arrested on April 6, 2023.  On February 14, 2024, he pleaded guilty to bank fraud.

Coleman, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on October 16, 2024.

Ivy and Bethea previously pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon.

The Justice Department has established a National Elder Fraud Hotline to provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud.  The Hotline is staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers.  Case managers assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed.  When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller.  The Hotline’s toll free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).  For more information, please visit. https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/stop-elder-fraud/providing-help-restoring-hope.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TAD CARR, 22, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to charges stemming from a series of vehicle thefts from dealerships using personal information from identity theft victims.

According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in approximately September 2020, Carr’s alleged co-conspirator utilized personal information stolen from residents of Connecticut and other states to apply for vehicle loans at dealerships in Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Rhode Island for motorcycles, an all-terrain vehicle, and other performance vehicles.  Once the loan was approved by the dealership using the identity theft victim’s information, Carr’s co-conspirator would send a series of runners, including Carr, to pick up the vehicle utilizing a fictitious driver’s license that included the identity theft victim’s information and a photograph of the runner.  The vehicle was then transported back to Connecticut for resale on Facebook Marketplace.

Carr pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of two years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall on November 8, 2024.

Carr was arrested on December 7, 2023.  He is released on a $75,000 bond pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, the Bridgeport Police Department, the Hopkinton (R.I.) Police Department, the Westtown – East Goshen Regional (Pa.) Police Department, and the Washington Township (N.J.) Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and Heather M. Cherry.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ONIEL WILKS, 45, a citizen of Jamaica, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 384 months of imprisonment for narcotics trafficking, passport fraud, identity fraud, and money laundering offenses.

According to the evidence presented during his trial, in November 2018, members of the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force arrested several individuals, including Louie McDowell, who were distributing large quantities of heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine in and around Bridgeport.  The investigation subsequently revealed that McDowell was being supplied with heroin, fentanyl and cocaine by Wilks, who was using a false identity and living in California.  Wilks, who had been removed from the U.S. to Jamaica in February 2014 and then illegally reentered the U.S., used stolen identifying information of an individual to apply for and receive a Florida driver’s license in 2015, and a U.S. passport in 2016.  Investigators determined that Wilks had used his fraudulent passport to travel overseas, including to Japan and Thailand.

In April 2019, Wilks, using his stolen identity, was stopped by law enforcement officers in southern California with five kilograms of suspected cocaine in the car he was driving.  As the investigation into Wilks’ drug trafficking activities continued, in July 2019, investigators seized a package containing six kilograms of cocaine that was being mailed from California to Connecticut.  On August 5, 2019, Wilks was arrested and court-authorized searches of two residences and a vehicle connected to him revealed approximately four kilograms of fentanyl/xylazine, items used to process and package narcotics, false identifications and more than $160,000 in cash.

On December 22, 2021, a jury found Wilks guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, five kilograms or more of cocaine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl; one count of making a false statement in a passport application; one count of aggravated identity theft; and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Wilks has been detained since his arrest.

This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Stratford, Norwalk, Seymour and Trumbull Police Departments.  The investigation was assisted by law enforcement in California, including the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (“HIDTA”) Task Force Group 44, the Orange County Sheriff’s Regional Narcotics Suppression Program, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and the Culver City Police Department.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck and A. Reed Durham 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.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JONATHAN WILLIAMS, 33, of Hartford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to a child exploitation offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Homeland Security Investigations (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 Williams was an active member of one of these groups, and that Williams was convicted in 2015 in North Carolina of sexual exploitation of a minor in the third degree.

On June 1, 2023, investigators conducted a court authorized search of Williams’ residence.  Williams was arrested at that time after a preliminary review of his laptop revealed videos of child sex abuse.  Subsequent analysis of his laptop and iPhone revealed more than 1,500 videos and 7,000 images depicting child pornography, including videos and images of sadistic and masochistic conduct and other depictions of violence and sexual abuse of infants and toddlers.

Williams pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  The penalties in this matter are enhanced based on Williams’ prior conviction in North Carolina.

Williams has been detained since his arrest.

This matter has been investigated by HSI with the assistance of the Connecticut Center for Digital Investigations, the Connecticut State Police, and the Hartford and Westport Police Departments.  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.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, 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 RYAN CAMERON, 21, of Groton, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with receipt and distribution of child pornography, soliciting child pornography, and possession of child pornography.

Cameron appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven. He has been detained in state custody since his arrest on unrelated state charges on May 20, 2024.

As alleged in court documents, Cameron was convicted in 2023 in state court of illegal dissemination of intimate images of a 15-year-old female. In April 2024, while Cameron was on state probation, his state probation officer conducted a home visit and discovered Cameron was in possession of a cell phone in violation of the conditions of his probation. A subsequent forensic examination of the phone revealed that the phone contained videos and images constituting child pornography. Also located on the phone were messages between Cameron and individuals on messaging applications showing Cameron soliciting and distributing child pornography.

The charges of receipt and distribution of child pornography and soliciting child pornography carry a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of 20 years imprisonment. The charge of possession of child pornography carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the assistance of the New Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Lembo.

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.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CARL JONES, also known as “M.O.B.,” 43, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for a firearm offense stemming from a shooting incident in 2020.

According to the evidence disclosed during his trial and in court documents, in the early morning hours of February 16, 2020, Jones was involved in a gang-related shooting incident inside the Majestic Lounge on Franklin Avenue in Hartford.  During the incident, Jones, a member of Los Solidos, chased down, shot, and wounded fleeing gang member Joshua Saez and an unintended second victim.  Saez had just shot another gang member Marquis Treadwell, Treadwell’s girlfriend, and an unintended third victim.  Treadwell later succumbed to his injuries.  Jones used a .40 caliber Glock semiautomatic handgun, which he had retrieved from Treadwell after the initial shooting by Saez.  Jones fled the scene with the firearm, but Hartford Police later recovered it from a vehicle on Lawrence Street during an unrelated drug trafficking investigation in September 2021.

Jones’ criminal history includes convictions for felony narcotics, assault, larceny, and failure to appear 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.

Jones has been detained in federal custody since June 9, 2022.  On August 23, 2023, a jury found him guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.

Saez is serving a state sentence for the murder of Treadwell and the assault of Treadwell’s girlfriend.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the 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 was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Ruff and Geoffrey M. Stone.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MOHAMED NAJM KAMASH, also known as Mohamed Najm Mohamed Ali Kamash, 33, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to approximately two months of imprisonment, time already served, and two years of supervised release, for making false statements during his citizenship process.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Kamash is a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., having immigrated to the U.S. from Iraq in 2014.  On August 17, 2021, Kamash appeared in Hartford for a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) interview about his pending Application of Naturalization (Form N-400), and was placed under oath.  During the interview with a USCIS agent, Kamash knowingly and falsely stated that he did not know anyone involved with a terrorist organization and that no member of his family was involved with a terrorist organization.

Kamash was arrested on a criminal complaint on May 5, 2022, and was released on bond on June 30, 2022.  On March 25, 2024, he pleaded guilty to making a false statement in a naturalization proceeding.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Doherty and Konstantin Lantsman.

SAMUEL DOUGLAS, also known as “Blamm,” 25, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his participation in a violent New Haven street gang.

Today’s announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; John P. Doyle, Jr., State’s Attorney for the New Haven Judicial District; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England; and New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address violence in New Haven, the ATF, FBI, DEA and New Haven Police Department, working closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, have been investigating an ongoing gang war between members and associates of the Exit 8 street gang and rival gangs in the Hill section and other areas of the city.  The Exit 8 gang is named after the geographic area accessed by exiting Interstate 91 at Exit 8 in New Haven.  Recently, younger members of Exit 8 are identifying themselves with the word “Honcho,” which is derived from the street name of an Exit 8 member who was murdered on Quinnipiac Avenue in February 2020.

The investigation revealed that Douglas and other members of the Exit 8 gang engaged in drug trafficking, used and shared firearms, and, from 2018 to 2023, committed at least three murders and 16 attempted murders.  Exit 8 members and associates also stole vehicles, at times from outside of the state, and used those stolen vehicles when committing acts of violence.  Gang members also promoted, coordinated, facilitated, and celebrated their narcotics distribution and acts of violence through text messaging and the use of social media applications and websites including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube.

On April 22, 2024, Douglas pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, and specifically admitted that on June 16, 2018, he and fellow Exit 8 member Kiveon Hyman shot at and attempted to kill a member and associate of a rival gang in the area of Fountain Street, Davis Street, and Lakeview Terrace in New Haven.  In the shooting, the intended victim’s associate suffered seven gunshot wounds, but survived the attack.  Investigators found 15 spent ammunition casings at the scene.

Investigators subsequently recovered two handguns that fired the ammunition casings that were collected at the scene.  One handgun was seized in March 2019 from a now-deceased Exit 8 member.  National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) analysis of the second handgun, which was recovered during a New Haven Police investigation in January 2020, linked it to eight other shooting incidents in New Haven in 2018.

Douglas has been detained since November 10, 2022.

Hyman pleaded guilty and, on April 1, 2024, was sentenced to 78 months of imprisonment.

This investigation has been conducted by ATF, the FBI, the DEA, the New Haven Police Department, the Hamden Police Department, and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale and Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis.

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 a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.  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.  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.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL SZWARC, 36, of Derby, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to a child exploitation offense, and admitted that he violated the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Szwarc was convicted in 2013 in state court of possession of child pornography in the second degree, and in 2022 in federal court of receipt of child pornography.

In January 2024, while Szwarc was on federal supervised release, his federal probation officer conducted an unannounced visit to his home and discovered Szwarc in possession of an unauthorized laptop.  The probation officer seized the laptop.  A subsequent forensic examination of the device revealed multiple images of child pornography.  The investigation revealed that Szwarc used the dark web to access websites used to traffic and distribute child pornography.

Szwarc pleaded guilty to and accessing with intent to view child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  The penalties in this matter are enhanced because of Szwarc’s prior federal and state convictions for possessing child pornography.

Szwarc has been detained since his arrest on February 9, 2024.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  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.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDWIN CORDERO, 23, formerly of Stratford and Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to approximately 11 months of imprisonment, time already served, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing a stolen vehicle and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior conviction related to the theft of stolen vehicles.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 18, 2022, Cordero was sentenced in Bridgeport federal court to 30 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for his role in an auto theft ring.  The investigation revealed that Cordero and others stole numerous motor vehicles, and used the stolen vehicles to travel throughout Connecticut and to neighboring states to steal other vehicles and the valuables inside, including credit cards, cellular telephones, and firearms.  He was released from federal prison in March 2023.

On August 8, 2023, a 2016 lnfiniti Q50 and a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado were reported stolen from a residence in Westerly, Rhode Island.  The Silverado was located shortly thereafter near Exit 89 on I-95 South in Groton.  The vehicle was unoccupied and appeared to have run out of gas.  On August 13, 2023, a victim of the auto thefts contacted law enforcement to report that an iPhone that was in the Infinity Q50 when it was stolen was still being backed up to the iCloud account associated with the phone.  A review of the iCloud account revealed photos and videos taken after the theft of the Q50.  The photos include an image of Cordero with a pistol on his lap, an image of an individual posing on the hood of another stolen car parked near Cordero’s Bridgeport residence, and images of vape pens, cigarettes, bottles of alcohol, and marijuana.

Cordero was arrested by Bridgeport Police on August 14, 2023, after he and others attempted to flee from the Q50 after crashing it into multiple cars on Success Avenue in Bridgeport.  A search of a fanny pack Cordero possessed revealed various controlled substances.  Investigators subsequently found three bags that Cordero had attempted to hide after the crash.  The bags contained numerous vape pens and an unopened bottle of liquor.

Cordero, who was released after his state arrest, has been detained since his federal arrest on August 29, 2023.  On May 22, 2024, he pleaded guilty to possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

Judge Bolden ordered Cordero to pay $21,336.59 in restitution.  Cordero also has a restitution order of $75,198 from his prior federal case.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the Connecticut State Police, the Bridgeport Police Department, and the Westerly (R.I.) Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ruff.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, 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 a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging ELIJAH RAFFINGTON, 21; RAJONNE BLAKE, also known as “Ray Ray,” 25; SHASSON DANIELS, 20; and MICKYEEM PROFIT, 21, all of Bridgeport, with robbery and firearm offenses stemming from the gunpoint robberies of multiple retail stores and an Amazon delivery truck.

The indictment, which was returned under seal on July 11, 2024, alleges that:

• On December 15, 2022, Raffington and Profit committed a gunpoint robbery of Omega Deli, located at 999 Maplewood Avenue in Bridgeport;
• On December 21, 2022, Raffington, Daniels, and Profit committed a gunpoint robbery of Milford Convenience & Tobacco, located at 784 Boston Post Road in Milford;
• On December 23, 2022, Raffington, Daniels, Blake, Profit, and another individual committed a gunpoint robbery of an Amazon delivery truck and merchandise in Bridgeport;
• On December 23, 2022, Raffington, Daniels, and Profit, committed a gunpoint robbery of Smoke Shop, located at 2175 Boston Avenue in Bridgeport;
• On January 2, 2023, Raffington, Daniels, and Blake, committed a gunpoint robbery of Cumberland Farms, located at 1290 West Broad Street in Stratford.

The six-count indictment charges each defendant with multiple counts of interference with commerce by robbery (“Hobbs Act robbery”), an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.  In addition, Daniels and Profit and charged with carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and Raffington and Blake are charged with aiding and abetting in the same, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of seven years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

The indictment was unsealed on August 1, 2024, after Blake was arrested.  Raffington, Daniels, and Profit had been detained in state custody.  Each of the defendants were arraigned in New Haven federal court, entered pleas of not guilty, and were ordered detained.

U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bridgeport Police Department, the Stratford Police Department, and the Milford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.

The case is being prosecuted 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.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that WAIRE, LLC, the owner of the medical practice known as ELLINGTON BEHAVIORAL HEALTH in Ellington, has entered into a settlement agreement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”).

This matter was initiated by a complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Justice by an individual who is deaf and speaks American Sign Language.  The complainant alleges that Ellington Behavioral Health did not provide them with an American Sign Language interpreter for several mental health counseling appointments.  Based on its investigation, the government confirmed that Ellington Behavioral Health failed to provide an American Sign Language interpreter for this individual for at least six appointments.  Under the ADA, public accommodations, including health care providers, are required to provide American Sign Language interpreters if needed to facilitate effective communication with persons with disabilities.

Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Ellington Behavioral health has agreed not to discriminate based on disability in the future and will provide persons with disabilities with full and equal enjoyment of its services.  As part of that obligation, Ellington Behavioral Health will provide auxiliary aids and services, including American Sign Language interpreters, to ensure effective communication with its patients and their companions who have disabilities.  Ellington Behavioral Health has also agreed to provide reasonable modifications to policies and procedures for individuals with disabilities consistent with the ADA.  Ellington Behavioral Health will also pay $5,000 to compensate the complainant.

U.S. Attorney Avery noted that Ellington Behavioral Health has worked cooperatively with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to make their mental health services more accessible without litigation.

The settlement agreement is effective for three years, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will monitor compliance during that time.

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 203-821-3700 and ask for the Civil Rights Intake Specialist.

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.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE DE JESUS VEGA-CERVANTES, 45, a citizen of Mexico last residing in Norwalk, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 48 months of imprisonment trafficking fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in July and August 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Norwalk Police Department made controlled purchases of fentanyl from Vega-Cervantes.  Vega-Cervantes was arrested on August 22, 2023, after he attempted to sell a kilogram of fentanyl to an individual working with law enforcement.

Vega-Cervantes has been detained since his arrest.  He pleaded guilty on May 7, 2024.

Vega-Cervantes faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Norwalk Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TIMOTHY TURMAN, also known as “Murder,” 37, of Manchester, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 54 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegal possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 9, 2022, Turman was arrested by Bloomfield Police after he was found in possession of a loaded Taurus, Millennium PT-145, .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol with an obliterated serial number.

Turman’s criminal history includes state felony convictions in 2005, for possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle and, in 2006, for robbery in the first degree.  In June 2011, Turman was charged with murder, firearm, and robbery offenses stemming from the shooting death of a 21-year-old man in Hartford.  The case against him was dismissed after a state trial, but he was found in violation of his probation and was sentenced to 10 and one-half years of incarceration.  He was released from state prison in February 2021.

It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.        

Turman has been detained since his arrest.  On April 4, 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 and the Bloomfield Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda S. Oakes 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.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ZAN HAIRSTON, JR., 26, of Bridgeport, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 57 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for illegally possessing firearms.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 9, 2023, the Bridgeport Police Department received a report that Hairston had unlawfully entered a residence of a former girlfriend, searched through her belongings and, during a subsequent FaceTime call with her, threatened her by brandishing what appeared to be a firearm.  When officers located and approached Hairston on Union Avenue in Bridgeport, he attempted to flee.  He was apprehended a short distance away, and officers recovered from the ground near Hairston a Taurus TX .22 firearm equipped with a mounted laser and loaded with an extended magazine containing 20 rounds of ammunition, a Glock 26 Gen4 firearm loaded with one round, and a Glock magazine with 13 rounds of ammunition.

Hairston’s criminal history includes felony convictions in Connecticut for conspiracy to commit robbery in the first degree with a firearm, burglary in the second degree, criminal possession of a firearm, and illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

Hairston has been detained since his federal arrest on February 22, 2023.  On March 13, 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 Bridgeport Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale and Lauren Clark 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.

D’ANDRE BURRUS, also known as “Dopeman,” 30, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 216 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for offenses related to his participation in a violent Waterbury street gang.

Today’s announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Maureen T. Platt, State’s Attorney for the Waterbury Judicial District; Robert Fuller, 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; and Waterbury Police Chief Fernando C. Spagnolo.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address drug trafficking and related violence in Waterbury, the FBI, ATF, and Waterbury Police have been investigating multiple Waterbury-based groups, including the 960 gang.  On September 14, 2021, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned a 36-count indictment charging Burrus and 15 other 960 gang members with racketeering, narcotics trafficking, firearm possession, murder, attempted murder and assault, and obstruction of justice offenses.

On March 4, 2024, Burrus pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, and admitted that he trafficked heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine in furtherance of the 960 enterprise.  He also admitted that he conspired to murder members of a rival gang in retaliation for the murder of a fellow 960 member.  On October 11, 2018, 960 members Gabriel Pulliam and Julian Scott shot into a crowd of people, killing an innocent bystander, 30-year-old Fransua Guzman, and paralyzing a second victim.  Burrus was in one of two cars 960 members drove to the scene of the shooting.  Guzman was the mother of four children. 

Burrus has been detained since his arrest on February 19, 2019.

This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, Waterbury Police Department, ATF, and U.S. Marshals Service, with the assistance of the Southington Police Department, Watertown Police Department, New Milford Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory, and the DEA Laboratory.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey M. Stone, John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Natasha M. Freismuth, and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Don E. Therkildesen, Jr. and Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney Alexandra Arroyo of the Waterbury State’s Attorney’s Office, who have been cross-designated as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys in this matter.

This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.

PSN is 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.

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.

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, and Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, announced that RACHEL COLLINS, 44, of Hamden, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to health care fraud.

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 his 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.

Through this scheme, Collins defrauded Medicaid of $1,647,031.51.  As part of her plea, Collins has agreed to pay full restitution.  She also has agreed to forfeit $114,085.55 that was seized from a bank account during the investigation.

Judge Nagala scheduled sentencing for October 30, at which time Collins faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Collins is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.

This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG).

This case is being 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.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced ANTHONY SANTOS, also known as “A-1,” 36, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to unlawful possession of firearms by a felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 17, 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and Hartford Police Department conducted a court-authorized search of Santos’ apartment on Park Street in Hartford.  When investigators entered the apartment, Santos ran to the window and threw a loaded Draco 7.62x39mm firearm with a high-capacity magazine containing 30 rounds of ammunition.  The firearm landed on a rooftop below and was recovered.  Inside the apartment, investigators seized, three firearm magazines, ammunition, a small amount of fentanyl, large bags containing bulk quantities of marijuana, thousands of bags of marijuana in pre-packaged sleeves, drug processing and packaging materials, jewelry, and cash.  A search of two vehicles associated with Santos that were parked near the apartment revealed a loaded Smith &Wesson .357 revolver and a loaded Glock .40 caliber pistol, both of which had been reported as stolen.

Santos’ criminal history includes state convictions for felony narcotics distribution 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 Dooley scheduled sentencing for October 29, at which time Santos faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.  Santos has been detained since October 17, 2023.

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments.  The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has assisted the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reed Durham and Geoffrey Stone.

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.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, 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 a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging MARTIN DELGADO, 29, of Newington, with narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.

The indictment was returned on July 31, 2024, and Delgado was arrested this morning.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and was ordered detained.

As alleged in 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.

It is alleged that Delgado’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for drug distribution 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 Delgado with 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, and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.

U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the 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.

DONELL ALLICK, JR., also known as “D-Nice,” 25, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to a racketeering offense related to his participation in a violent New Haven street gang and the murder of an individual in September 2022.

Today’s announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; John P. Doyle, Jr., State’s Attorney for the New Haven Judicial District; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England; and New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address violence in New Haven, the ATF, FBI, DEA and New Haven Police Department, working closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, have been investigating a gang war between members and associates of the Exit 8 street gang and rival gangs in the Hill section and other areas of the city.  The Exit 8 gang is named after the geographic area accessed by exiting Interstate 91 at Exit 8 in New Haven.  Recently, younger members of Exit 8 are identifying themselves with the word “Honcho,” which is derived from the street name of an Exit 8 member who was murdered on Quinnipiac Avenue in February 2020.

The investigation revealed that Allick and other members of the Exit 8 gang engaged in drug trafficking, used and shared firearms, and, since June 2018, have committed at least three murders and 16 attempted murders.  Exit 8 members and associates also stole vehicles, at times from outside of the state, and used those stolen vehicles when committing acts of violence.  Gang members also promoted, coordinated, facilitated, and celebrated their narcotics distribution and acts of violence through text messaging and the use of social media applications and websites including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube.

Allick pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, including acts of violence, narcotics trafficking, and gun sales, and specifically admitted that, on September 16, 2022, he and others shot Kenneth Cloud, 46, who was sitting on the porch of an Atwater Street residence in New Haven.  The victim was paralyzed as a result of the shooting and died approximately three months later.  Forty-three shell casings were found at the scene of the shooting.  Ballistics analysis revealed that 19 had been fired from a handgun later found in Allick’s vehicle, and 24 had been fired from a handgun later found inside Allick’s residence.

At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Allick faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

Allick has been detained since his arrest on November 10, 2022.  On July 15, 2024, he was sentenced to 115 months of imprisonment in a separate federal case.

This investigation is being conducted by ATF, the FBI, the DEA, the New Haven Police Department, the Hamden Police Department, and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale and Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis.

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 a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.

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.

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.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTWANE WILLIAMS-BEY, also known as “Buck,” 33, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 432 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for committing the drug-related murder of Valentin Santos Jr., 21, in Hartford on August 12, 2013.

According to the evidence presented during his trial, on August 12, 2013, Williams-Bey, a member of the Orange Street Killas (OSK) street gang, shot and killed Santos, also known as “Macho” and “Ubby,” on Linnmoore Street in Hartford in retaliation for a theft of Williams-Bey’s drug stash/money.  Santos was shot approximately 12 times, mostly in the back.

Williams-Bey was found guilty of the offense on November 2, 2022.

Williams-Bey has been detained in federal custody since February 2017 and had been serving an 84-month sentence for distributing heroin and crack cocaine.  While awaiting trial in this murder case, Williams-Bey was charged in the District of Rhode Island for participating in a conspiracy to smuggle synthetic marijuana into the Rhode Island detention center where he was held.  He pleaded guilty and, in February 2024, was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment for that offense.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department’s Major Crimes Division.  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 was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ruff and Trial Attorney Brian P. Leaming of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ENRIQUE PAULO PUCHA-JIMENEZ, 33, of Danbury, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to production of child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on multiple occasions between November 2020 and August 2023, Pucha-Jimenez sexually abused a minor girl, who was between the approximate ages of nine and 12, and used his cell phone to take photographs and videos of his sexual abuse of the victim.

On August 16, 2023, Danbury Police arrested Pucha-Jimenez on state sexual assault and risk of injury offenses.  He has been detained since his arrest.

Pucha-Jimenez is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven on October 24, at which time he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.

Pucha-Jimenez’s state charges are pending.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Danbury 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 Danbury.

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.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHARLES M. AMEER, 65, of Weston, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for embezzling $890,000.  Judge Underhill ordered Ameer to perform 150 hours of community service while on supervised release.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2017 through 2022, Ameer was the Chief Financial Officer at Indeco North America, a wholly owned subsidiary of Indeco Ind. S.P.A, headquartered in Milford.  From 2014 until February 2018, Ameer served as the treasurer of the Weston Soccer Club (“WSC”), located in Weston.  Beginning in 2016, Ameer misappropriated at least $38,500 from the WSC and used the funds for personal expenses.  In October 2017, Ameer created a $40,000 check, which was drafted on Indeco’s bank account and made payable to the order of “WSC,” and used the check to reimburse the WSC for the funds he had taken.  Ameer subsequently opened a line of credit at a bank in WSC’s name, without WSC’s authorization or knowledge, and transferred funds into the WSC account that he had stolen from to further conceal his theft.

Between October 2018 and July 2022, Ameer created 14 additional checks, in the total amount of $850,000, which were drafted on Indeco’s bank account and made payable to him.  He deposited the checks into bank accounts he controlled and used the funds for his own benefit.

Judge Underhill ordered Ameer to make full restitution.

Ameer was arrested on August 31, 2023.  On March 28, 2024, he pleaded guilty to wire fraud.

Ameer, who is released on a $500,000 bond, is required to report to prison on October 9.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherry.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ISSACHAMIL TORRES, also known as “Chamil,” 38, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 66 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation revealed that Torres was trafficking fentanyl from his residence on Crown Street in Hartford, and that he was using an apartment on Nutmeg Lane in East Hartford to store, process and package narcotics for street sale.  On January 25, 2023, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of the East Hartford apartment and seized approximately 5,400 dose bags of fentanyl, approximately one kilogram of unpackaged fentanyl, and items used to process and package narcotics.  Torres, Efrain Cheverez, and Enrique Rodriguez Rivera, who were present in the apartment, were arrested at that time.  That same day, a search of Torres’s Hartford residence revealed distribution quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine, and approximately $30,000 in cash.

On May 7, 2024, Torres pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

Torres, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on September 30.

Cheverez and Rodriguez pleaded guilty to related charges.  On December 19, 2023, Rodriguez was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, and on May 13, 2024, Cheverez was sentenced to 28 months of imprisonment.

This investigation was conducted by the DEA’s Hartford Task Force, which includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone 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.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FRANK JAMONT BEST, also known as “JB,” and “Cash,” 50, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to approximately 37 months of imprisonment, time already served, and three years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl and heroin.  The government sought a sentence within the advisory guidelines range of 168 to 210 months of imprisonment.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2019, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force began investigating an organization that was distributing heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine in and around Bridgeport.  During the investigation, Task Force members made four controlled purchases of heroin and fentanyl from Best.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and hundreds of consensual recordings, revealed that Frank Best’s uncles, Wallace Best and Jeffrey Thomas, were supplying Frank Best and others with narcotics.

The investigation further revealed that Jeffrey Thomas worked with Jason Cox to establish a connection to Mexican-sourced drug suppliers in California who could provide kilogram quantities of narcotics for distribution on the East Coast.  In December 2019, a cooperating source working in conjunction with Wallace Best, Thomas, and Cox, traveled to a Home Depot parking lot in San Diego and purchased from their suppliers 1.1 kilograms of fentanyl, cut with Xylazine, which is a veterinary sedative, and Tramadol, in exchange for $27,000.  After this successful transaction, the conspirators arranged to purchase five kilograms of heroin from their Mexican suppliers.  On February 10, 2020, four individuals were arrested after they arrived at the same parking lot to conduct the transaction and investigators seized a box containing approximately 4.9 kilograms of heroin.  A related search of a storage locker in San Diego revealed an additional five kilograms of heroin.

Frank Best was arrested on September 30, 2020.  He has been detained since August 27, 2021, after he violated conditions of his pretrial release and his bond was revoked.

On October 14, 2022, a jury found Frank Best, Wallace Best, Thomas and Cox guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute kilogram quantities of heroin and fentanyl, and Wallace Best, Thomas, and Frank Best guilty of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl and cocaine base (“crack”).  In addition, Frank Best was found guilty of five counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base.

Frank Best’s criminal history includes multiple felony convictions, including a federal conviction in 1999 for trafficking narcotics, for which he was sentenced to 41 months of imprisonment, and a federal conviction in 2006 for possession of a firearm by a felon, for which he was sentenced to 70 months of imprisonment, and an additional 10 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

On April 24, 2024, Cox was sentenced to 125 months of imprisonment; on May 14, 2024, Wallace Best was sentenced to 180 months of imprisonment; and on May 17, 2024, Thomas was sentenced to 125 months of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by the DEA’s Bridgeport HIDTA Task Force with the assistance of the DEA San Diego Field Division.  The DEA’s Bridgeport HIDTA Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford, and Danbury Police Departments.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck, Lauren C. Clark, and Katherine E. 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.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMES KEATING, 52, of Paoli, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to an offense stemming from a fraud scheme against his former employer.

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.

Keating pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Keating has agreed 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.

Keating is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Novick.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CRUZ J. BONILLA, 40, of New London, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to a narcotics trafficking offense, and admitted that he violated the conditions of supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2014, Bonilla was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 68 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for distributing heroin.  He was released from federal prison in October 2019.

On four occasions between March and May 2020, while he was on federal supervised release, Bonilla sold heroin to an undercover law enforcement officer.  He was arrested on related state charges on June 25, 2020.

Bonilla pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, a controlled substance.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford on October 31, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years for the offense, and additional penalties for the violating the conditions of his supervised release.

Bonilla has been detained since his federal arrest on August 26, 2020.

This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Connecticut State Police, and the Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Taskforce East.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Konstantin Lantsman and Natasha M. Freismuth.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAFAEL MUZZI, 27, a citizen of Brazil residing in Naugatuck, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to an offense stemming from an investment fraud scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2017 and 2018, Muzzi, at times using two entities he formed, Solace Investments LLC and Asseno LLC, induced victim-investors to provide him funds based on the representation he would use the funds for trading currencies in foreign exchange markets using a trading software program that he told his victims he had developed.  Muzzi represented to victims that his software program had a feature that would cause trading to cease in the event of a certain loss in value, thus minimizing downside risk.  Muzzi failed to invest a substantial portion of invested funds as he represented, and instead diverted those funds for his own personal use, and to pay other individuals who had invested with him.  Through this scheme, Muzzi defrauded at least 10 victim-investors out of what the government alleges totaled more than $550,000.

Muzzi sent victims fabricated monthly account statements that falsely overstated their return on investment and their account balances.  These misrepresentations induced some victim-investors to provide him with additional investment funds.  Muzzi also provided victims with purported tax documents reflecting fictitious investment profits, causing victims to report and pay taxes on profits that they had not realized.

In response to victim complaints, the State of Connecticut’s Department of Banking investigated Muzzi’s conduct, issued orders finding that Muzzi and Solace Investments had violated state securities laws, ordered them to make restitution to victims, and fined Muzzi $300,000.  On September 6, 2020, Muzzi traveled to Brazil and did not return.

On August 23, 2022, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Muzzi with fraud and money laundering offenses.  Muzzi was arrested on April 1, 2023, in Panama, and subsequently waived his right to contest his extradition to the U.S. 

Muzzi pleaded guilty to wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for October 22.  Muzzi is released on a $150,000 pending sentencing.

This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Banking, Securities Division.

U.S. Attorney Avery thanked Interpol and Panamanian authorities for their assistance in apprehending this defendant, and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs for coordinating the extradition proceedings in this matter.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Conor M. Reardon and Michael S. McGarry.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JONATHAN BONAPARTE, 36, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 80 months of imprisonment, followed by seven years of supervised release, for drug distribution and firearm possession offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 30, 2022, law enforcement stopped Bonaparte’s vehicle after he was observed conducting hand-to-hand drug transactions.  Bonaparte was arrested after a search of his person revealed fentanyl, cocaine, and $2,382 in cash, and a search of his vehicle revealed 100 rounds of 9mm ammunition.  The next day, a court-authorized search of a home in Derby where Bonaparte resided revealed six firearms, eight extended magazines, ammunition, fentanyl, cocaine, and items used to process and package narcotics.

Bonaparte’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for robbery and firearm 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 March 20, 2024, Bonaparte pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition by a felon.  He is currently detained.

This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco, and Explosives (ATF), and the Bridgeport Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins, 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.

DEVIN SUGGS, also known as “JB,” 20, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 168 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his involvement in a violent New Haven street gang and several gang-related shootings.

Today’s announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; John P. Doyle, Jr., State’s Attorney for the New Haven Judicial District; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England; and New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address violence in New Haven, the ATF, FBI, DEA and New Haven Police Department, working closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, have been investigating an ongoing gang war between members and associates of the Exit 8 street gang and rival gangs in the Hill section and other areas of the city.  The Exit 8 gang is named after the geographic area accessed by exiting Interstate 91 at Exit 8 in New Haven.  Recently, younger members of Exit 8 are identifying themselves with the word “Honcho,” which is derived from the street name of an Exit 8 member who was murdered on Quinnipiac Avenue in February 2020.

The investigation revealed that Suggs and other members of the Exit 8 gang engaged in drug trafficking, used and shared firearms, and, since June 2018, have committed at least three murders and 16 attempted murders.  Exit 8 members and associates also stole vehicles, at times from outside of the state, and used those stolen vehicles when committing acts of violence.  Gang members also promoted, coordinated, facilitated, and celebrated their narcotics distribution and acts of violence through text messaging and the use of social media applications and websites including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube.

On February 20, 2024, Suggs pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, and specifically admitted that he took part in five shootings between April 2021 and January 2023.  As a result of these shootings, on April 27, 2021, a rival gang member was shot in the leg; on May 14, 2021, a rival gang member was shot in the leg and torso; and on May 20, 2021, one victim was shot in the back and another victim was shot in the leg.  On January 20, 2023, Suggs and other Exit 8 members stole an SUV in Scarsdale, New York, and, later that day, he and Exit 8 member Nyzaire Barnes committed a drive-by shooting of a rival gang member in New Haven.  The victim was shot in the head, but survived the attack.

Suggs has been detained since August 3, 2023.

Barnes, also known as “Melo,” pleaded guilty and, on June 20, 2024, was sentenced to 125 months of imprisonment.

This investigation is being conducted by ATF, the FBI, the DEA, the New Haven Police Department, the Hamden Police Department, and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara E. Levens, Rahul Kale and Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis.

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 a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.  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.  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.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KARINA CINTRON SANTIAGO, 25, of San Juan, Puerto Rico, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 16 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine into Connecticut.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 4, 2023, a search of a luggage bag that Santiago checked prior to boarding a JetBlue flight from San Juan Airport to Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, revealed approximately 12 kilograms of cocaine.  When Santiago arrived in Connecticut and discovered that her bag was not at baggage claim, she reported it lost.  JetBlue personnel informed Santiago that when her bag was located they would deliver it to her, but she indicated that she would rather pick it up at the airport.  On June 7, 2023, undercover investigators posing as JetBlue personnel contacted Santiago to inform her that her bag had been located and would be arriving on a flight to Bradley International Airport the next day.

On June 8, 2023, investigators placed Santiago’s bag, which contained its original contents, on a luggage carousel at Bradley International Airport.  Cintron Santiago was arrested after she arrived at the airport and removed her bag from the luggage carousel.

On January 16, 2024, Santiago pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine.  Santiago, who is released on a $75,000 bond, is required to report to prison on September 23.

This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the assistance of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean P. Mahard and Geoffrey M. Stone.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, 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 a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging LUIS RODRIGUEZ, also known as “Plum” and “Minnie,” 37, of Branford; JERMAINE MONTEETH, also known as “Skee” and “Maine,” 35, of New Haven; and ASHLEY CORDOVA, 27, of Branford; with fentanyl and cocaine trafficking offenses.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, an FBI New Haven Safe Streets Gang Task Force investigation identified a drug trafficking organization led by Rodriguez.  Between February and July 2024, investigators made more than 20 controlled purchases of narcotics, including fentanyl laced with xylazine, and cocaine, from Rodriguez, Monteeth, Cordova, and others.

Rodriguez, Monteeth, and Cordova were arrested on federal criminal complaints on July 12, 2024.  On that date, investigators conducted court-authorized searches of Rodriguez’s and Cordova’s Branford residence, and other locations, and seized more than $97,000 in cash, drug ledgers, scales, and additional items used to process and package narcotics.

On July 16, 2024, the grand jury returned a five-count indictment charging Rodriguez, Monteeth, and Cordova with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl and cocaine.  Each defendant is also charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl.  Each charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Rodriguez, Monteeth, and Cordova appeared today in New Haven federal court and entered pleas of not guilty.  Rodriguez is detained, and Monteeth and Cordova are released on $100,000 bonds.

U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the New Haven Police Department, and the East Haven Police Department.  The Task Force includes members from the FBI, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, and the New Haven, Milford, East Haven, and Wallingford Police Departments.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie T. Levick 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.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that AURELIA CAROLINA LARA-DIAZ, 30, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in Boston, Massachusetts, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 50 months of imprisonment for trafficking fentanyl and crystal methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, a Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force investigation revealed that Lara-Diaz was trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine.  Between November 2022 and January 2023, investigators made controlled purchases of fentanyl pills and crystal methamphetamine from Lara-Diaz.  On January 26, 2023, investigators arranged the purchase of 3,000 fentanyl pills and 10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine from Lara-Diaz for a total price of $65,000.  Lara-Diaz was arrested after she arrived at a meeting location in Norwalk in possession of the drugs.

Lara-Diaz has been detained since her arrest.  On November 8, 2023, she pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl and methamphetamine,

Lara-Diaz, who was removed from the U.S. to the Dominican Republic in 2019, again faces immigration proceedings when she completes her prison term.

This matter was investigated by the DEA’s Bridgeport HIDTA Task Force, which includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford, and Danbury Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Peck.

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, and Connecticut State Police Colonel Daniel Loughman today announced that ALYSON CRANICK, 43, of Columbia, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity.

Cranick’s initial appearance in federal court is scheduled for tomorrow at 10:00 am in New Haven.  Cranick was arrested on related state charges on November 14, 2023, and has been detained in state custody since November 28, 2023.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, Cranick, first using text messaging and Snapchat, and then using the internet chat service Discord, enticed an 11-year-old boy to engage in sexually explicit conduct with her.  Several times during the summer of 2022, the minor victim sneaked out his house after midnight to meet up with Cranick to engage in sexual activity.  Between July and October 2022, Cranick exchanged more than 4,700 messages with the minor victim on Discord.

The charge of enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force and the Connecticut State Police’s Eastern District Major Crime Unit.  The FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force includes federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.

U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Tolland for its close cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that OSCAR PENA-CRESPO, also known as “Boti,” 29, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking narcotics.  

According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI’s Waterbury Safe Streets Gang Task Force and other law enforcement agencies investigated two drug trafficking organizations based in the city of Waterbury.  One organization operated in the area of William Street and the other operated in the area of Maple Avenue.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones, video surveillance, GPS tracking of vehicles, and numerous controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that the two organizations distributed cocaine, crack, and fentanyl through a network of sellers.  The organizations shared sources of supply and worked together to further their operations.

Pena-Crespo coordinated the distribution of narcotics for the Maple Avenue-based organization.  Between January and June 2023, investigators conducted multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl and crack cocaine from Pena-Crespo.

Seventeen individuals were charged with federal offenses as a result of the investigation.  Pena-Crespo and several codefendants were arrested on November 29, 2023.  In association with the arrests, investigators executed multiple search warrants and seized approximately 700 grams of crack cocaine, more than 900 vials (“caps”) of crack, approximately 200 grams of loose fentanyl, more than 1,600 dose bags of fentanyl/heroin, two stolen firearms, numerous rounds of ammunition, and more than $39,000 in cash.

Pena-Crespo has been detained since his arrest.  On April 3, 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

The FBI’s Waterbury Safe Streets Gang Task includes members from the FBI, the Waterbury Police Department, the Naugatuck Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction.  The DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Connecticut State Police, Wolcott Police Department, and Meriden Police Department have assisted the investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Freismuth and Shan Patel 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.

U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the Waterbury State Attorney’s Office for its cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this case.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that MICHELLE ANN GILSON, 38, of Guilford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to a federal tax offense stemming from her failure to pay business payroll taxes.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Gilson co-owned and co-operated B&M Package Solutions, Inc. and formerly owned and operated Epic Empirez, Inc., both Guilford-based package delivery companies.  As co-owner, Gilson was responsible for company books, payroll, and invoices, and for collecting and paying over certain federal taxes from her employees, namely federal income taxes and Federal Insurance Contribution Act (“FICA”) taxes, which include Medicare and Social Security taxes.  She was also responsible for ensuring that B&M Package Solutions and Epic Empirez, as employers, paid their own share of FICA taxes.  An investigation revealed that, beginning in 2017, Gilson failed to report employees’ federal income and FICA taxes, and failed to pay over withheld amounts.

Gilson pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to pay over withholding taxes.  In pleading guilty, Gilson admitted that she failed to pay over the withheld employee taxes, as well as the employers’ share of FICA taxes, for multiple quarters during the 2017 through 2022 tax years.  Gilson has agreed to pay approximately $1,407,831 in restitution to the IRS.

Judge Oliver scheduled sentencing for October 9, at which time Gilson faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  She is released on bond pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elena L. Coronado.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CONNECTICUT INSTITUTE FOR THE COMMUNITIES, INC. (“CIFC”) has entered into a civil settlement agreement and has paid $85,600 to resolve allegations that two of its now-former employees falsely claimed to be homeless while enrolling their children in CIFC’s Head Start programs.

CIFC is a Danbury-based non-profit corporation that receives federal grants to operate Head Start programs in several locations in Connecticut.  The Head Start program supports children’s growth from birth to age five through services centered around early learning and development, health, and family well-being.  Services are available for children from birth to age three (“Early Head Start”) and ages three to five (“Head Start”) in center-based, home-based, or family child care settings.

Head Start programs are intended primarily for “children from low-income families” and “homeless children.”  Head Start rules also permit programs to enroll children whose families are not “low income,” receiving public benefits, homeless, or in foster care, but the total number of children from such families cannot exceed 10 percent of all program slots.  Grantees, such as CIFC, are required to verify applicants’ program eligibility and to keep paper records of those eligibility determinations.

The government alleges that, between September 4, 2013 through August 31, 2016, CIFC enrolled into its Head Start programs the children of two now-former CIFC employees – including the now-former Manager of Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance for CIFC’s Head Start programs – which were falsely documented as homeless and for which false supporting documents were created.  The CIFC employees were not homeless.

To resolve its liability, CIFC has paid $85,600.  CIFC received credit in the settlement for its cooperation with the government during its investigation.

The False Claims Act allegations resolved by the settlement were originally brought in a lawsuit filed by two whistleblowers under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act, which allow private parties to bring suit on behalf of the government and to share in any recovery.  The relators (whistleblowers), former employees of CIFC, will receive $18,832 as their share of the recovery.  The case resolved by this settlement was captioned U.S. ex rel. Nichols et al. v. Connecticut Institute for Communities, Inc. (Docket No. 3:20-CV-00262).

This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS-OIG) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Gruber, with the assistance of Auditor Susan N. Spiegel.

People who suspect fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS.

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, announced that DYLAN MEISSNER, 31, of Westport, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to a fraud offense stemming from his theft of more than $4 million from his former employer.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Meissner was employed at a cryptocurrency research firm as Vice President of Finance with access to the firm’s cryptocurrency wallets and bank accounts.  In approximately January 2022, Meissner obtained a 50 Ethereum (approximately $170,000) loan from his employer, stating that he would use the funds in an attempt to avoid a substantial loss in certain cryptocurrency investments he had made using his personal funds.  Then, from February 2022 until his termination in November 2022, in continued attempts to counteract significant personal trading losses, Meissner fraudulently diverted his employer’s funds to his own use and covered up his conduct through false entries in the firm’s books and records.  Through this scheme, Meissner stole approximately $4,461,828 from his employer. 

Meissner pleaded guilty to wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on October 11.

Meissner faces a restitution order of $4,633,424.99, which includes the money he stole from his employer and the loan he failed to repay.

Meissner is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.

 This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Novick.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging TYSSAN WOODS, also known as “Tigger,” 18, and EDUARDO CRUZ, 18, both of Waterbury, with offenses related to the theft of firearms from a licensed gun dealer in Salem, the trafficking of stolen firearms, and two armed carjackings.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on March 15, 2024, Woods, Cruz, and others stole 21 firearms from Statewide Pawn Shop, a federal firearms licensee in Salem.  Cruz trafficked some of the firearms before he was arrested on March 18, 2024.  After the burglary, Woods, using a firearm, and another individual committed two carjackings.  Woods was arrested on March 28, 2024.

To date, eight of the stolen firearms have been recovered by law enforcement.

The indictment, which was returned on June 25, 2024, charges Woods and Cruz with theft of firearms from a licensee, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; Cruz with two counts of firearms trafficking, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years on each count; Woods with two counts of carjacking, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years on each count; and Woods with using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, an offense that carries a mandatory term of imprisonment of seven years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

Woods and Cruz have been detained since their arrests. They each appeared yesterday in Hartford federal court and entered pleas of not guilty.

U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.          

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Connecticut State Police, and the Waterbury, Stamford, and Wolcott Police Departments.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Mahard 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 Avery noted that this case is being prosecuted, in part, under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress enacted, and the President signed in June 2022.  The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking of firearms.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that JASON FABEL, 46, of Middletown, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 16, 2022, Fabel was arrested after the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a court-authorized search of his Middletown residence and seized approximately 100 grams of methamphetamine, a quantity of ketamine, narcotics paraphernalia, and a loaded 9mm handgun.

On April 27, 2023, while Fabel was released on bond and awaiting trial, he was arrested for violating conditions of his pretrial release.  At the time of his arrest, he possessed approximately 24 grams of methamphetamine, six grams of ketamine, and 10 grams of MDMA (“ecstasy”). 

At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Fabel faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.  He has been detained since April 27, 2023.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Keefe.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JONATHAN McEWEN, 34, formerly of Vernon, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to escaping from the custody of the Attorney General.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 14, 2022, McEwen was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 42 months of imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.  On August 1, 2023, McEwen was transferred from a federal prison in Berlin, New Hampshire, to the Drapelick Center, a Residential Reentry Center (halfway house) in Bloomfield, to complete his custodial sentence.  On November 27, 2023, McEwen was authorized to leave the halfway house to attend a state court hearing in Manchester.  He failed to return to the halfway house as required.  On December 6, 2023, McEwen was arrested by the Connecticut State Police and the Hartford Police Department on state charges unrelated to his escape.  He has been detained since his arrest and was transferred into federal custody on January 26, 2024.

At sentencing, McEwen faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ANTHONY NIRO, 61, of Newington, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to three years of probation and ordered to pay a fine of $1.75 million for tax evasion.  Judge Williams noted Niro’s medical condition and family circumstances when imposing the sentence.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Anthony Niro was a co-owner of A. Niro Landscape Contractors, Inc. (“ANLC”), a business that provided landscaping and snowplowing services for large commercial properties and for personal residences.  Nanette Niro, who is married to Anthony Niro, was the bookkeeper for ANLC and maintained ANLC’s financial records.  For the 2006 through 2010 tax years, Anthony Niro, his business partner, and Nanette Niro conspired to evade both corporate and individual income tax by causing a large portion of ANLC’s receipts to be deposited into two non-interest-bearing checking accounts, and transferring money out the accounts to themselves for their benefit.  Anthony Niro, his business partner, and Nanette Niro failed to provide information about these non-interest-bearing accounts to the tax return preparer who prepared ANLC’s federal income tax returns.  In their 2006 through 2009 personal tax returns, the Niros failed to reflect accurately monies received from ANLC and other sources.  A 2010 tax return was not filed.

For the 2006 through 2010 tax years, Anthony and Nanette Niro failed to report to the IRS more than $7.8 million in income, resulting in a tax loss to the IRS of $1,451,725.  As an example, on their 2009 federal individual tax return, Anthony and Nanette Niro reported taxable income of $131,895 when their correct taxable income for that year was $1,891,955.

Anthony Niro has paid restitution of $1,472,735 to the IRS, and has forfeited an additional $127,300.  He is still required to pay substantial interest and penalties to the IRS.

On January 4, 2024, Anthony Niro pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion.  Nanette Niro pleaded guilty to the same charge on January 9, 2024, and awaits sentencing.

This investigation has been conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DONELL ALLICK, JR., also known as “D-Nice,” 25, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 115 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.

According to the evidence presented during his trial, between April and October 2022, Allick conspired with others to distribute fentanyl and crack cocaine in the New Haven area.  In September and October 2022, law enforcement made controlled purchases of fentanyl from Allick and an associate.  On October 24, 2022, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of a Hamden apartment that Allick used and seized three loaded handguns with extended magazines, approximately 73 grams of fentanyl, approximately 34 grams of crack cocaine, items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, and $15,000 in cash.  A related search of Allick’s car, which had been observed in suspected drug transactions, resulted in the seizure of another loaded handgun with a 30-round extended magazine, quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine, and $2,144 in cash.

Ballistics analysis of the three handguns found in Allick’s residence revealed that they had been used in six shootings, including two homicides, that occurred between September 13, 2021, and September 16, 2022.

On March 21, 2023, Allick was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl and cocaine base (“crack cocaine”); one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl; and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base.  The jury found Allick not guilty of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, a quantity of fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

After the trial, and before the jury returned its verdict, Allick pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of firearms by a felon.

Allick’s criminal history include state convictions for escape in the first degree, assault in the second degree-serious injury, and carrying a pistol or revolver without a permit.

Allick has been detained since his arrest on November 10, 2022, and is currently awaiting trial in a separate federal case.

This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); the New Haven Police Department; and the Hamden Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara E. Levens and Rahul Kale 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.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that PATRICK ELMORE, 32, of Norwalk, pleaded guilty yesterday in Bridgeport federal court to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, which has been investigating gang violence in Bridgeport, Norwalk, and Stamford, assisted local law enforcement in executing a state arrest warrant for Elmore on April 12, 2023.  At the time of his arrest, Elmore possessed a loaded SCCY, model CPX-2, 9mm semiautomatic handgun with an obliterated serial number.

Elmore’s criminal history includes state convictions for felony drug distribution and weapon possession 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.

Elmore has been detained since his federal arrest on May 25, 2023.

Unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.

This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, the Bridgeport Police Department, and the Norwalk Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Gresham with the assistance of Law Student Intern Michael Fording.

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.