District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Indictment Charges Brothers with Trafficking Narcotic PillsRead the Press Release
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 a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging KYLE PETERSEN, 38, of Newington, and ERIK PETERSEN, also known as “Peach,” 43, of New Britain, with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, controlled substances.
The indictment was returned on April 15, 2024, and each defendant appeared in Hartford federal court earlier this week and entered a plea of not guilty. They have been detained since April 3, 2024.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in May 2023, members of the DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad began investigating suspicious packages that were being delivered to Kyle Petersen’s Newington residence. At the time, Petersen was on federal supervised release following a federal conviction in 2017 involving the trafficking of fentanyl and prescription pills. During the investigation, a court-authorized search of a package mailed to Petersen contained more than 400 grams of pills containing Protonitazene, a synthetic opioid typically more potent than fentanyl. The investigation revealed that Petersen had received approximately 34 similar package mailed from the same source in Michigan, and also received approximately 46 packages from California and Oregon suspected to contain multiple pounds of marijuana. Investigators also made controlled purchases of counterfeit Percocet pills containing fentanyl from Kyle Petersen’s brother, Erik Peterson.
Kyle and Erik Petersen were arrested on federal criminal complaints on April 3, 2024. On that date, a search of Kyle Petersen’s residence revealed more than a kilogram of counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine, counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, counterfeit Xanax pills, a large quantity of Protonitazene approximately 40 grams of cocaine, and $76,650 in cash.
If convicted of the charge in the indictment, based on the type and quantities of controlled substances attributed to each defendant, Kyle Petersen faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and Erik Petersen faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of the cash seized from Kyle Petersen’s apartment, an additional $57,530 in cash seized from a bank account, and Kyle Petersen’s 2014 Porsche Cayenne.
Kyle Petersen faces additional penalties if he is found to have violated the conditions of his supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, which is composed of personnel from the DEA and the Bristol, East Windsor, Hamden, New Britain, West Haven, Newington, Manchester, Glastonbury, and Watertown Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Keefe.
Six Alleged Members of Norwalk-Area Drug Trafficking Ring ArrestedRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Norwalk Police Chief James Walsh today announced that the following six individuals have been charged with federal offenses stemming from their alleged involvement in narcotics trafficking in and around Norwalk:
JOSE ORJUELA, aka “Hov,” 35, of Norwalk
KIMBERLY DELACRUZ, aka “K,” 29, of Norwalk
JELSON PEREZ, aka “Spank,” 41, of Norwalk
CHRISTOPHER POMPONI, 58, of Darien
DARRELL SANDERS, aka “Deezo,” 54, of Norwalk
ALEJANDRO MARTIN DE LOS SANTOS, aka “Marcelino Lopez,” 45, of NorwalkAs alleged in court documents and statements made in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and Norwalk Police Department identified Orjuela as the leader of a drug trafficking organization that distributed large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine in the Norwalk area. The investigation, which has included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Orjuela and others transported kilogram-quantities of cocaine from Texas and Ohio, and kilogram-quantities of fentanyl and heroin from New York City, and distributed the narcotics in and around Norwalk through a network of individuals, including Perez, Pomponi, and Sanders. At times, De Los Santos supplied the Orjuela organization with narcotics. Orjuela and his girlfriend, Delacruz, stored narcotics and drug proceeds at their Marlin Drive residence in Norwalk, and also used Pomponi’s Pine Brook Lane residence in Darien to store narcotics and drug proceeds, convert cocaine into crack cocaine, and package narcotics for street sale.
On April 29, 2024, Orjuela, Delacruz, Perez, Pomponi, Sanders and De Los Santos were arrested on federal criminal complaints charging each with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances; possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; and use of a telephone to facilitate a narcotics trafficking felony. Pomponi is also charged with using or maintaining a drug-involved premises. Several additional individuals were arrested on related state charges.
In association with the arrests, investigators executed multiple federal search warrants and seized approximately 15,000 dose bags of suspected fentanyl, approximately 350 grams of raw heroin, quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine, a 9mm handgun and ammunition, and a 2021 Ford F-150.
Orjuela, Perez, Pomponi, Sanders, and De Los Santos are detained, and Delacruz is released on bond.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, the Norwalk Police Department, the Darien Police Department, the Stamford Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service. The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford, and Danbury Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and Kenneth L. Gresham 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.
Fugitive Felon Who Possessed Loaded Gun Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ELLIOTT OTERO, 34, of Manchester, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 25, 2021, Otero was charged in state court with failing to appear in connection with a probation violation as part of his sentence for a 2018 conviction for criminal possession of a pistol/revolver. On February 25, 2022, employees of a private bail enforcement company encountered Otero outside of a liquor store in Manchester and attempted to apprehend him. During a struggle, a loaded Smith & Wesson .38 caliber pistol fell from his waistband. Manchester Police arrived shortly thereafter and took custody of Otero and the pistol. Subsequent analysis of the firearm revealed that it been stolen from a pickup truck in Wolcott in December 2021.
Otero’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for firearm, robbery, and larceny offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Otero has been detained in state custody since his arrest. On February 15, 2023, he pleaded guilty in federal court to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
This matter was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation Connecticut Violent Crime Task Force and the Manchester Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Boyles.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Extradited Nigerian National Convicted of Business Email Compromise SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal jury in New Haven convicted a Nigerian national today for operating a business email compromise scheme out of multiple countries, including the United States.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Okechuckwu Valentine Osuji, 39, and his co-conspirators targeted specific individuals and businesses by masquerading as trustworthy entities in electronic communications to obtain money. They utilized unwitting and witting “money mules” to receive fraud proceeds in their bank accounts, and then transferred those funds to accounts under the control of Osuji and his co-conspirators or to convert the stolen proceeds to cash for further transfer. Over the course of the scheme’s years-long operation, numerous victims were tricked into transferring funds into bank accounts the victims believed were under the control of legitimate recipients of the funds as part of normal business operations, when in reality, the bank accounts were controlled by Osuji and his co-conspirators. The victims included a Connecticut-based financial company, a Colorado-based lending company, an Alaska-based nonprofit performing arts organization, a New York-based food and beverage company, and others.
As a result of the scheme, losses and intended losses totaled over $6.3 million.
“While it is often difficult to identify and bring to justice cybercriminals operating overseas, today’s verdict demonstrates the expertise of the FBI and Stamford Police in uncovering this criminal network, and the shared commitment of our counterparts in Malaysia to ensure that fraudsters are held accountable in a court of law,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery. “We will continue to work to root out those who engage in internet fraud schemes, no matter where in the world they operate, and achieve justice for victims of these crimes.”
“Osuji led a network of scammers in Malaysia and elsewhere in a sophisticated business email compromise scheme to defraud victims of millions of dollars,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s conviction is another example of how the Department’s collaboration with international law enforcement partners enables us to bring cybercriminals to justice in the United States.”
“The defendant perpetrated a complex international business email compromise scheme and laundered millions in stolen proceeds,” said Executive Assistant Director Timothy R. Langan Jr. of the FBI’s Criminal, Cyber, Response and Services Branch. “This conviction is the result of hard work and close collaboration between the FBI and our local and international partners. Together, we will work aggressively to bring to justice anyone who engages in fraud and theft against Americans, no matter where they are in the world.”
“Today’s verdict provides a bit of closure to some victims of these often financially crippling crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Fuller of the FBI New Haven Division. “It also displays our international ability to bring criminal actors to justice despite the complexities of their crimes. We want to thank all of our law enforcement partners here and abroad, as well as the U.S. Attorney’s office, for their dedication to serving justice.”
The jury convicted Osuji of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 24 and faces a mandatory minimum of two years on the identity theft count and a maximum penalty of 60 years in prison on the wire fraud and conspiracy counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Osuji was arrested in Malaysia and extradited to the United States in 2022. His alleged co-conspirator, John Wamuigah, remains in Malaysia and is pending extradition proceedings. Another co-conspirator, Tolulope Bodunde, pleaded guilty on February 16, 2024, and is awaiting sentencing.
As to Wamuigah, the charges in the indictment are only allegations and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The FBI New Haven Field Office and the Stamford Police Department investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, Royal Malaysia Police, and Malaysian Attorney General’s Chambers provided valuable assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Osuji.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret M. Donovan of the District of Connecticut and Trial Attorney Lydia Lichlyter of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are prosecuting the case, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Doherty and Law Student Interns Christopher D’Urso and Eli Scher-Zagier.
If you believe that you have been victimized by Valentine Osuji, John Wamuigah, or Tolulope Bodunde, please contact the FBI New Haven Field Office at 203-777-6311 and ask for FBI Task Force Officer Michael Stempien. Please note that defendants are believed to have used the following accounts in perpetuation of their crimes (partially redacted where necessary, to obscure the names of stolen identities):
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- [email protected] or [email protected]
To learn more about business email compromise scams, please visit www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/business-email-compromise and www.ic3.gov/Media/Y2023/PSA230609.
Extradited Nigerian National Convicted of Business Email Compromise SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal jury in New Haven, Connecticut, convicted a Nigerian national today for operating a business email compromise scheme out of multiple countries, including the United States.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Okechuckwu Valentine Osuji, 39, and his co-conspirators targeted specific individuals and businesses by masquerading as trustworthy entities in electronic communications to obtain money. They utilized unwitting and witting “money mules” to receive fraud proceeds in their bank accounts, and then transferred those funds to accounts under the control of Osuji and his co-conspirators or to convert the stolen proceeds to cash for further transfer. Over the course of the scheme’s years-long operation, numerous victims were tricked into transferring funds into bank accounts the victims believed were under the control of legitimate recipients of the funds as part of normal business operations, when in reality, the bank accounts were controlled by Osuji and his co-conspirators. As a result of the scheme, losses and intended losses totaled over $6.3 million.
“Osuji led a network of scammers in Malaysia and elsewhere in a sophisticated business email compromise scheme to defraud victims of millions of dollars,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s conviction is another example of how the department’s collaboration with international law enforcement partners enables us to bring cybercriminals to justice in the United States.”
“While it is often difficult to identify and bring to justice cybercriminals operating overseas, today’s verdict demonstrates the expertise of the FBI and Stamford Police in uncovering this criminal network, and the shared commitment of our counterparts in Malaysia to ensure that fraudsters are held accountable in a court of law,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery for the District of Connecticut. “We will continue to work to root out those who engage in internet fraud schemes, no matter where in the world they operate, and achieve justice for victims of these crimes.”
“The defendant perpetrated a complex international business email compromise scheme and laundered millions in stolen proceeds,” said Executive Assistant Director Timothy R. Langan Jr. of the FBI’s Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch. “This conviction is the result of hard work and close collaboration between the FBI and our local and international partners. Together, we will work aggressively to bring to justice anyone who engages in fraud and theft against Americans, no matter where they are in the world.”
“Today’s verdict provides a bit of closure to some victims of these often financially crippling crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Fuller of the FBI New Haven Field Office. “It also displays our international ability to bring criminal actors to justice despite the complexities of their crimes. We want to thank all of our law enforcement partners here and abroad, as well as the U.S. Attorney’s office, for their dedication to serving justice.”
The jury convicted Osuji of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 24 and faces a mandatory minimum of two years on the identity theft count and a maximum penalty of 60 years in prison on the wire fraud and conspiracy counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Osuji was arrested in Malaysia and extradited to the United States in 2022. His alleged co-conspirator, John Wamuigah, remains in Malaysia and is pending extradition proceedings. Another co-conspirator, Tolulope Bodunde, pleaded guilty on Feb. 16.
The FBI New Haven Field Office and the Stamford Police Department investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, Royal Malaysia Police, and Malaysian Attorney General’s Chambers provided valuable assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Osuji.
Trial Attorney Lydia Lichlyter of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret M. Donovan for the District of Connecticut are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Doherty for the District of Connecticut provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
If you believe that you have been victimized by Valentine Osuji, John Wamuigah, or Tolulope Bodunde, please contact the FBI New Haven Field Office at 203-777-6311 and ask for FBI Task Force Officer Michael Stempien. Please note that defendants are believed to have used the following accounts in perpetuation of their crimes (partially redacted where necessary, to obscure the names of stolen identities):
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- [email protected] or [email protected]
To learn more about business email compromise scams, please visit www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/business-email-compromise and www.ic3.gov/Media/Y2023/PSA230609.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Pharmacy Technician Pleads Guilty to Tampering with Hospital Pain MedicationRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Fernando P. McMillan, Special Agent in Charge of the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office; and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, announced that TIFFANY MOSS, 34, of Montville, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to a charge related to her tampering with pain medication at the hospital where she worked.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Moss was employed as a pharmacy technician at Backus Hospital in Norwich. On January 11, 2024, she used her employee ID badge to access the secure storage area at the hospital. She then removed three bags that contained a solution of hydromorphone, took a portion of the hydromorphone solution from each bag for her own use, and replaced the portion she took with saline. She then returned the bags to the storage area in a location where they could be distributed for patient use.
Moss pleaded guilty to tampering with a consumer product, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
Moss is released on a $50,000 bond, and is prohibited from working in any location with access to narcotics while awaiting sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigation; the DEA’s Hartford Diversion Control Division; the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Drug Control Division; and the Norwich Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
Former Connecticut Resident Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud OffenseRead the Press Release
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 KEVIN BIEBEL, 71, of Hardeeville, South Carolina, formerly of New Milford, Connecticut, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to a tax offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Biebel operated Art Metal Industries, LLC (“AMI”), a metal fabrication business. In 2017, AMI had total gross receipts of more $1.5 million and a net profit of more than $550,000. That year, Biebel transferred more than $350,000 from AMI to his personal bank account for various personal expenditures. In 2018, the IRS sought to collect delinquent payroll taxes from Biebel for AMI and instructed Biebel to file delinquent Individual Income Tax Returns (Forms 1040) for the 2016 and 2017 tax years. In September 2018, Biebel filed the returns, which fraudulently reported that he had zero total income and zero total tax due for both years.
In 2018, AMI received more than $2.7 million in gross receipts and had a profit of more than $1.2 million. That year, Biebel transferred funds from an AMI bank account to his personal bank account and another bank account held in the name of Diego Trust LLC, a limited liability company for which Biebel was the sole listed member. Biebel used in excess of $750,000 in funds from those accounts to purchase a home in South Carolina and other assets.
Biebel also failed to file individual income tax returns for 2018, 2019, and 2020 tax years.
Between 2016 and 2020, Biebel failed to report more than $2.8 million in business income from AMI, resulting in a tax loss of approximately $900,000. In addition, he failed to withhold and pay over approximately $300,000 in employment taxes.
Biebel pleaded guilty to filing a false tax return, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years. He has agreed to pay restitution of $1,208,801.
Biebel is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Danbury Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PAUL MIGNANI, 58, of Danbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A Meyer in New Haven to 18 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his federal supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 20, 2017, Judge Meyer sentenced Mignani to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing cocaine and heroin. Judge Meyer also found that Mignani had distributed narcotics involved in the overdose deaths of two women in 2016.
Mignani was released from federal prison in June 2020. On September 12, 2022, while Mignani was on supervised release, a court-authorized search of his Danbury residence revealed approximately 48 grams of loose fentanyl, 79 dose bags of fentanyl, 69 grams of cocaine, various prescription pills, items used to process and package narcotics, and firearm parts and ammunition.
Mignani is being prosecuted by the Danbury State’s Attorney’s Office for his new criminal conduct, and has agreed to a sentence of 15 years of incarceration, suspended after six years. Judge Meyer imposed the 18-month federal sentence to run consecutively to Mignani’s state sentence.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Danbury Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel George.
Asset Forfeiture Actions Result in More Than $2.28 Million Returned to Victims of 2 Business Email Compromise ScamsRead the Press Release
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, through civil asset forfeiture actions, the government has recovered approximately $2,288,385 for victims of two separate business email compromise scams.
A business email compromise (“BEC”) scam, which usually involves email spoofing, involves the creation of email messages with a deceptive sender display name. When a bad actor engages in an email spoofing attack, the bad actor sends an email header that displays an inaccurate sender address, which can deceive the receiver unless the receiver inspects the header closely. This inaccurate sender address is usually someone the receiver knows and trusts, so the receiver might open malicious links or engage in risky behavior that the receiver would otherwise not engage in. In each of these cases, the bad actors impersonated one of the parties to the real transactions and replaced the intended beneficiary account with their own just prior to payment. By changing the intended beneficiary account, the bad actors commit a business email compromise scam.
In the first scam, criminal actors compromised an email account associated with a member of management team of the City of New Haven’s Board of Education. In June 2023, these actors created a fake email account that mimicked the email of a bus company that held a contract with the Board of Education for bussing. The criminal actors used the compromised email address to send test emails between the compromised email address and the newly created fake bus company email address. Using the fake bus company email address, the criminal actors then were able to change the bus company’s payment information from the real bus company to an account held by the criminal actors, and New Haven sent approximately $5.9 million dollars to the account. The government successfully seized and forfeited approximately $1,187,691 of the stolen money that was contained in two bank accounts. When combined with an additional approximately $3.6 million dollars that was returned by the financial institutions with the assistance of law enforcement, the government was able to significantly mitigate the loss to the City.
The second forfeiture action involved a New Haven-based healthcare company that was a victim of a BEC attack. In April 2023, the company’s yearly medical malpractice insurance payment was set to be paid. Shortly before the due date, the company received a fraudulent email, purportedly from its malpractice insurance company, with new wire instructions. The company sent approximately $1,652,254 via a wire transfer using the newly provided instructions. The company discovered the fraud in late May 2023 after it received a payment reminder from its insurance company. The investigation revealed that the unknown actor had created an email address that mimicked that of a known employee of the insurance company. By the time the BEC scam was discovered, approximately $551,000 had been transferred out of the account that the victim wired the money into. The government successfully seized and forfeited approximately $1,100,694 remaining in the account, and the company was reimbursed by insurance for the remaining loss.
“These cases demonstrate the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s commitment to helping victims of crime,” said U.S. Attorney Avery. “Working with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to pursue criminal prosecution of the individuals responsible for these crimes, and by using civil asset forfeiture, we can expeditiously recover as much stolen money as possible and return this money to victims prior to criminal convictions. Although it can be difficult to come forward and admit that you were a victim of a crime, we stand ready to help you to the fullest extent possible. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will work with the victims in these cases and with the Department of Justice’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section to properly return the forfeited money to the victims.”
“To avoid becoming the victim of a BEC scheme, verify email addresses are accurate when checking mail on a cellphone or other mobile device before you open any attachments or follow any instructions,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Fuller. “Never make any payment changes without verifying with the intended recipient by phone or in person. If you think you have been a victim of a BEC scheme, immediately contact your bank to request a recall or reversal as well as a Hold Harmless Letter or Letter of Indemnity, and file a detailed complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.”
The Internet Crime Complaint Center, is run by the FBI and serves as the country’s hub for reporting cybercrime. Visit www.ic3.gov to report a crime, and for updated information regarding BEC trends and other cyber fraud schemes.
These cases are being investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Marshals Service, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Nelson.
New Haven Gang Member Admits Role in Murders, Other ShootingsRead the Press Release
TYJON PRESTON, also known as “TJ,” 21, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to a racketeering offense stemming from his role 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 Preston 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.
Preston pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, and specifically admitted that he took part in the following violent acts:
- On April 27, 2021, Preston and other Exit 8 members attempted to kill a rival gang member and shot him in the leg.
- On May 19, 2021, Preston and other Exit 8 members conspired to kill rival gang members, including one who was shot and killed on that date by another Exit 8 member.
- On May 20, 2021, Preston and other Exit 8 members shot and attempted to kill rival gang members.
- On July 5, 2021, Preston and another Exit 8 member shot and killed a 22-year-old woman after she made a rap song containing derogatory comments about Exit 8.
At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Preston faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life. Under the terms of a binding plea agreement, if accepted by the court, the parties have agreed that a sentence of between of between 264 months and 360 months of imprisonment is appropriate in this case.
Preston has been detained since September 9, 2021.
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.
East Hartford Man Charged with Narcotics Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
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 a five-count indictment charging BRANDON SPENCE, also known as “Spun,” 36, of East Hartford, with fentanyl and cocaine trafficking offenses.
As alleged in court documents, in March and April 2024, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force made controlled purchases of fentanyl and crack cocaine from Spence. On April 3, 2024, a court-authorized search of Spence’s residence and vehicles revealed distribution quantities of fentanyl.
The indictment, which was returned on April 16, charges Spence with three counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, controlled substances, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Each charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Spence appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He has been detained since his arrest on April 3, 2024.
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 investigation is being conducted by the FBI’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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shan Patel.
Drug Trafficker Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JASON COX, 50, formerly of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Savannah, Georgia, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 125 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl and heroin.
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 an around Bridgeport. During the investigation, Task Force members made four controlled purchases of heroin and fentanyl from Frank 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.
On October 14, 2022, a jury found 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.
Wallace Best, Thomas and Frank Best await sentencing.
Cox has been detained since his arrest on February 11, 2020.
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 is being 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.
Armed Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CARLYLE HENRY, 39, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for a drug trafficking and firearm possession offense.
According to court documents and statement made in court, shortly before midnight on October 12, 2022, Henry crashed his vehicle on a retaining wall on the Yale University campus. Carlyle was arrested after Yale Police found a loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun, and a bag containing distribution quantities of cocaine, packaged heroin and fentanyl, and counterfeit pills containing fentanyl.
Carlyle has been detained since his arrest. On November 15, 2022, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Henry’s criminal history includes state convictions for firearms possession and narcotics distribution offenses, and a federal narcotics conviction in 2006 for which he received a sentence of 50 months of imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Yale Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Clark through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
New York Man Charged with Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
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, announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment today charging NICOLAS BROWN, also known as “Breezy,” 28, of New York, New York, with child exploitation offenses.
As alleged in court documents, on multiple occasions in March 2024, Brown arranged Uber trips to pick up one to three teenage girls, two of whom were under the age of 18, from a state-run group home in Connecticut and deliver them to him at various Connecticut hotels and shopping malls where he engaged in explicit sexual conduct with one of the minor victims. On one occasion, an Uber trip that Brown arranged took the two minors to meet him at the Bridgeport train station. Brown and the two minors traveled to Manhattan, and then to a hotel in South Hackensack, New Jersey, where they stayed for several days.
On March 20, 2024, Brown was located at a hotel in Danbury and arrested on state charges. It is alleged that an iPhone seized from Brown at the time of his arrest revealed videos depicting child sex abuse, including videos that that he took engaging in sexually explicit conduct with a minor victim.
The indictment charges Brown with production of child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, and with possessing and accessing with intent to view child pornography, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Brown has been detained in state custody since his arrest.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the West Hartford Police Department, and the Danbury Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families. 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.
Member of Violent New Haven Gang Pleads Guilty to Racketeering ChargeRead the Press Release
SAMUEL DOUGLAS, also known as “Blamm,” 25, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to a racketeering offense stemming from his role 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, 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.
Douglas pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, and specifically admitted that on June 16, 2018, he and another Exit 8 member 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.
Judge Bolden scheduled sentencing for August 6, at which time Douglas faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He is currently detained.
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.
Indictment Charges New Haven Man on Federal Supervised Release with Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson, and West Haven Police Chief Joseph Perno announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment today charging ELBERT LLORRENS, 31, of New Haven, with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
As alleged in the indictment, on March 1, 2024, Llorrens possessed a loaded Smith & Wesson, model SD40 VE, .40 caliber pistol. In March 2017, Llorrens was convicted in Connecticut federal court of carjacking, and he was on federal supervised release when he possessed the firearm.
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.
If convicted of the charge in the indictment, Llorrens faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.
Llorrens has been detained since his arrest on state charges since March 1, 2024.
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 New Haven Police Department, and the West Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Dominican National Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering U.S.Read the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE OZUNA CRUZ, also known as Jose Cruz-Cruz, Jose Chapulin, Jose Ozuna-Montero, and Jose Ozun-Cruz, 48, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 12 months and one day of imprisonment for illegally reentering the United States after being deported.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Ozuna was deported from the U.S. to the Dominican Republic in February 2010 following a felony conviction in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, and a 37-month prison sentence. Ozuna subsequently illegally reentered the U.S. On November 21, 2022, he was arrested by Waterbury Police in Waterbury and charged with various state drug distribution and firearm possession offenses.
Ozuna has been detained since his federal arrest on November 9, 2023. On January 30, 2024, he pleaded guilty to illegal reentry.
The state charges against Ozuna are pending.
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.
New Haven Pharmacy and Owner Agree to Pay $120,000 to Settle Controlled Substances Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
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 Cornerstone Pharmacy, Inc. (doing business as “Whalley Drug”), and its owner, Yong Kwon, have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal government and paid $120,000 to resolve allegations that they violated civil provisions of the Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”).
On June 22, 2021, the DEA served an Administrative Inspection Warrant on Whalley Drug, a retail pharmacy located in New Haven, owned by Kwon, a pharmacist. During execution of the warrant, the DEA interviewed Kwon concerning patients who overdosed after filling prescriptions at Whalley Drug prescribed by certain area practitioners, and Kwon’s practices in filling prescriptions for controlled substances prescribed by area practitioners. The DEA also audited Whalley Drug for its compliance with CSA recordkeeping requirements, which the government alleges revealed recordkeeping discrepancies for several controlled substances.
The government alleges that, between September 2017 and June 2021, Kwon and Whalley Drug filled prescriptions for controlled substances that had been issued without a legitimate medical purpose, in violation of the pharmacist’s corresponding responsibility to ensure that only valid prescriptions are dispensed. The invalid prescriptions included prescriptions for controlled substances to individuals displaying red flags of abuse and addiction; prescriptions to individuals who received dangerous combinations of controlled substances, including the high-risk “holy trinity” drug combination of at least one opioid, benzodiazepine, and a muscle relaxant; excessive and unsafe amounts of benzodiazepines, including for extended periods of time; and one dosage unit of a controlled substance to an individual who was already concurrently receiving two additional dosage units of the same controlled substance from a different provider.
On June 22, 2021, Kwon agreed to voluntarily surrender the DEA license for Whalley Drug, which no longer operates as a retail pharmacy.
This investigation was conducted by the DEA’s Office of Diversion Control and the DEA New Haven’s Tactical Diversion Squad, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Drug Control Division. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Gruber.
Milford Man Who Threatened Federal Law Enforcement Officer Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HAMILTON CLARK SMITH, 59, of Milford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to an offense related to his threatening a federal law enforcement officer.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 10 and 11, 2023, Smith sent a series of threatening text messages to a Deputy U.S. Marshal, including threats to harm and kill the Deputy U.S. Marshal, and to harm the Deputy U.S. Marshal’s family. In addition, on January 11, 2023, Smith called the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center in Virginia and made a statement threatening to kill the Deputy U.S. Marshal.
Smith was arrested on January 12, 2023.
Smith pleaded guilty to making repeated harassing communications, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of two years. Judge Nagala scheduled sentencing for July 16.
Smith is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.
Southbury Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of Sawed-Off Shotguns and SilencersRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, announced that ANTHONY ENGLEHARDT, 44, of Southbury, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to a firearm offense related to his unlawful possession of sawed-off shotguns and silencers.
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 pleaded guilty to possession of unregistered National Firearms Act firearms and silencers, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
Englehardt has been detained since his federal arrest on May 25, 2023.
This matter is being 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret M. Donovan and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis, with the assistance of Law Student Intern Eli Scher-Zagier.
New Haven Gang Member Admits Role in 2 Murders, 2 Other ShootingsRead the Press Release
ANTWAN HILL, also known as “Bandz,” 21, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to a racketeering offense stemming from his role 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 Hill 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.
Hill pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, and specifically admitted that he took part in four gang-related shootings, which resulted in two deaths. On September 26, 2020, Hill and another Exit 8 gang member shot and attempted to kill a member and associate of a rival gang. On May 19, 2021, Hill and other Exit 8 members conspired to kill rival gang members, including a rival gang member who was shot and killed on that date by another Exit 8 member. On July 5, 2021, Hill and another Exit 8 member shot and killed an individual. On April 12, 2022, Hill and another Exit 8 member shot and attempted to kill rival gang members.
At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Hill faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He has been detained since August 3, 2023.
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.
Wilton Man Sentenced to 14 Months in Federal Prison for Operating Art Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NICHOLAS P. HATCH, 29, of Wilton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 14 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for selling counterfeit works of art.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Hatch was the owner of Hatch Estate Services LLC, an estate sales company based in Norwalk. Between approximately April 2020 and January 2022, Hatch used various websites, including Estatesales.org, a website specializing in estate sales and auctions, to offer for sale purported paintings by the artist Peter Max. Hatch, who knew that the paintings were not authentic Peter Max paintings, used multiple aliases when interacting with purchasers through email during the sale process, and he made various representations as to the paintings’ authenticity, including providing certificates of the works’ authenticity.
Through this scheme, Hatch sold 145 fraudulent Peter Max paintings and defrauded 43 purchasers out of a total of $248,600. Judge Nagala ordered Hatch to make full restitution.
Hatch was arrested on a criminal complaint on May 9, 2023. On August 7, 2023, he pleaded guilty to mail fraud.
Hatch, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on June 17.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Middletown Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Robbing 3 Supermarket Banks in 2022Read the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GINO RIZZO, 29, of Middletown, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for robbing three banks in 2022.
According to court documents and statements made in court, using notes demanding cash, Rizzo robbed People’s United Bank branches located in Stop & Shop supermarkets in Glastonbury on July 16, 2022, in Newington on July 18, 2022, and in West Hartford July 20, 2022. Rizzo’s girlfriend, Jalania Pantano, also participated in the West Hartford robbery (photo attached).
Rizzo was arrested on July 21, 2022. On April 11, 2023, while on pre-trial release, he disconnected his GPS electronic monitoring bracelet and absconded from his court-mandated rehabilitation center. He has been detained since his re-arrest on May 22, 2023. On January 25, 2023, Rizzo pleaded guilty to bank robbery.
Pantano was arrested on August 30, 2022, and she pleaded guilty to bank robbery on August 23, 2023. On December 5, 2023, she was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Middletown, Glastonbury, Newington, and West Hartford Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie T. Levick and Robert S. Dearington.
Federal Indictment Charges Willimantic Man with Stealing More Than 30 Guns from Newington Gun StoreRead the Press Release
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 returned an indictment yesterday charging KWITZPATRICK DUFFANY, 36, formerly of Willimantic, with firearm and drug offenses stemming from an investigation into the theft of more than 30 firearms from a Newington gun store last year.
As alleged in the indictment, on May 27, 2023, Duffany stole more than 30 firearms from Hoffman’s “Guns for the Good Guys,” a federal firearms licensee located in Newington. On that date, Duffany also possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, and used a firearm in relation to that offense.
It is alleged that Duffany’s criminal history includes two state convictions for burglary in the third degree. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
The indictment charges Duffany with theft of firearms from a licensee, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; unlawful possession of firearms by a felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years; possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; and use of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least five years.
Duffany has been detained since his arrest on unrelated state charges on May 31, 2023.
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) and the Newington Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and the Willimantic Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Dearington.
U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of New Britain for its cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.
Bridgeport Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KIMANI WILLIAMS, 31, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 27 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statement made in court, on April 7, 2022, after Bridgeport Police had secured search warrants for Williams’ residence, vehicle, and person, officers stopped a vehicle in which Williams was a passenger. As officers removed Williams from the vehicle, a loaded Smith and Wesson .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol fell to the ground. Two loaded handguns were also discovered in the vehicle’s glovebox.
Williams’ criminal history includes felony convictions in Connecticut and New York for criminal possession of a weapon, carrying a dangerous weapon, and assault of public safety or emergency personnel. 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.
Williams has been detained since his arrest on April 7, 2022. On November 13, 2023, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth L. Gresham and Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Three Waterbury Residents Face Federal Carjacking ChargesRead the Press Release
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 EMILY RODRIGUEZ, also known as “Emy,” 28; RICARDO VERDEJO, also known as “Risk” and “Ricky,” 26; and LUIS CRUZ, also known as “Goldo,” 26, all of Waterbury, with offenses stemming from a violent carjacking last year.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning hours of June 18, 2023, two all-terrain vehicles (“ATVs”) were stolen from Rodriguez’s Waterbury residence. After the theft, Rodriguez, Verdejo, Cruz, and others identified an individual (“Victim 1”) who they believed was involved in the theft. Later that night, Victim 1’s friend, (“Victim 2”), picked up Victim 1 from work and drove him home. As they arrived at Victim 1’s residence, three vehicles followed them and surrounded the victims. Verdejo, Cruz, and others exited the vehicles. Verdejo carried an assault-style rifle. Verdejo, Cruz, and others demanded the return of the stolen ATVs, threatened both victims, and physically assaulted them. They then stole Victim’s 2 vehicle, which was owned by Victim 2’s relative, and other items and cash belonging to the victims.
It is further alleged that Rodriguez and others continued to threaten and harass the victims, and their friends and relatives, after the carjacking. There is no indication that Victim 1 was, in fact, involved in the theft of the ATVs.
The indictment, which was returned on April 10, 2024, charges Rodriguez, Verdejo, and Cruz, with carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 25 years, and with conspiracy, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. The indictment also charges Verdejo with carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least seven years.
Rodriguez was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on March 21, 2024. She appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven, pleaded not guilty, and is released on a $100,000 bond.
Verdejo and Cruz are currently detained in federal custody on unrelated charges.
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 ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force with the assistance of the Waterbury Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David T. Huang and Nathan J. Guevremont.
Individuals with information that may be helpful to the investigation and prosecution of this matter are encouraged to contact the FBI’s New Haven Division at 203-777-6311.
Glastonbury Man Charged with Federal Gun OffenseRead the Press Release
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 ANDREW PAYNE, 40, of Glastonbury, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with unlawfully possessing a firearm while being a user of a controlled substance.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, an ATF investigation identified Payne as a possible purchaser of machinegun conversion devices. In March 2023, investigators interviewed Payne and explained that these devices were illegal under federal law. Payne arranged through his attorney to turn in to ATF all of the illegal devices he claimed he had in his possession.
It is also alleged that, in the early morning hours of November 29, 2023, Hartford Police responded to a hotel on Brainard Road after hotel employees found a firearm in a hotel hallway. A hotel employee stated that the hotel guest who possessed the firearm, identified as Payne, had been acting erratically and crawling on the hallway floor. During a search of Payne’s room, police found used hypodermic needles and other evidence of drug use, and the investigation revealed that the firearm was registered to Payne. Payne was charged with state offenses and was ordered to surrender his firearms to a Federal Firearms Licensee (“FFL”). In addition, his state pistol permit was revoked.
It is further alleged that on March 18, 2024, Simsbury Police arrested Payne for violating the conditions of his release after it was determined that Payne had access to numerous firearms, firearm components, and firearm manufacturing equipment found in two units of a business complex at 2 Tunxis Road in the Tariffville section of Simsbury (See photos below). Investigators conducted searches of the locations on March 19 and March 20, 2024, and seized these items, which included machinegun conversion devices that ATF had advised Payne were illegal to possess. Payne had also represented in court after his November 2023 arrest that he did not have access to firearms. A search of Payne’s vehicle also revealed glassine envelopes containing suspected fentanyl, empty glassine envelopes, and used hypodermic needles.
Payne, who was released after his arrest on March 18, has been detained in state custody since March 20, when he was arrested after arriving at 2 Tunxis Road while investigators were executing a search warrant.
Payne made his initial appearance in Hartford federal court on April 11, 2024.
The charge of unlawfully possessing a firearm while being a user of a controlled substance carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years imprisonment.
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 ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Simsbury Police Department, the Hartford Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Donovan and Christopher Lembo.
New Britain Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm Offense Stemming from Ghost Gun InvestigationRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRIAN McMANUS, 55, of New Britain, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, as part of an investigation into the proliferation of privately made firearms (“PMFs” or “ghost guns”) in Connecticut, ATF investigators determined that Andrew Francoeur, a resident of Manchester, was buying firearm parts from a Missouri company, having the parts shipped to him, and manufacturing guns inside a shipping container on a property in Suffield. Francoeur sold some of the firearms he manufactured.
While he was incarcerated in state custody for firearm and drug offenses, Francoeur arranged for McManus to take possession of his guns and ammunition. McManus sold some of the firearms, broke some into pieces when he learned of the ATF investigation, and ultimately stored Francoeur’s property in two storage bins. In November 2022, investigators retrieved the storage bins and found firearm parts, a .22 caliber rifle, more than 1,800 rounds of ammunition, 25 high-capacity magazines, M-80 explosives, firearm gear, and other items.
McManus’ criminal history includes felony convictions for drug, firearm, 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.
McManus is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport on July 8, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.
On April 27, 2023, Francoeur pleaded guilty in federal court to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, and manufacturing and dealing in firearms without a license. On September 6, 2023, he was sentenced to 33 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Reed Durham.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
California Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl and Cocaine to ConnecticutRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that VICTOR RODRIGUEZ-GOMEZ, also known as “Calami,” 49, of Desert Hot Springs, California, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 156 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine to Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2022, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s (USPIS) Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force identified suspicious packages that were being mailed to a New Britain address connected to Rodriguez-Gomez and his associate, Ramon Ramos-Acevedo, who resided in New Britain. A court-authorized search of one package, which had been mailed from California, revealed approximately one kilogram of fentanyl and one kilogram of heroin. In July 2022, USPIS investigators in San Bernardino, California, contacted Connecticut investigators to report that a court-authorized search of a package that was addressed to a residence on Willow Street in New Britain revealed eight cell phones. On August 1, 2022, investigators conducted a controlled delivery of the package in New Britain and observed Rodriguez-Gomez and Ramos-Acevedo take possession of it.
Investigators identified several additional suspicious packages associated with Ramos-Acevedo and, on August 11, 2022, observed Ramos-Acevedo in California mailing packages to an address in New Britain.
Investigators also developed evidence that Rodriguez-Gomez had an associate who used a van to transport narcotics from California, or another location in the southwestern United States, to addresses in Connecticut associated with Ramos-Acevedo. On August 25, 2022, investigators observed Ramos-Acevedo unloading items from the van in New Britain.
On September 7, 2022, the Connecticut State Police, which was assisting with surveillance, stopped a vehicle that Ramos-Acevedo was driving in Newington for a motor vehicle violation. Rodriguez-Gomez was a passenger in the vehicle. After a K-9 alerted to several items within the vehicle, a search revealed $179,578 in cash and nine cellphones. A subsequent search of a house in Farmington where Ramos-Acevedo claimed he was living resulted in the seizure of an additional $30,426 in cash.
On November 30, 2022, the Iowa State Patrol stopped Rodriguez-Gomez’s associate, Martin Cooper, who was driving the van that had been identified in August 2022. A search of the van revealed approximately 22 kilograms of cocaine and two kilograms of fentanyl, which was destined for Ramos-Acevedo in New Britain.
Rodriguez-Gomez has been detained since his arrest on December 4, 2022. On December 4, 2023, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and five kilograms or more of cocaine.
Ramos-Acevedo pleaded guilty to the same charge on January 22, 2024, and is detained while awaiting sentencing.
Cooper pleaded guilty to a related charge in the Southern District of Iowa and also awaits sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the DEA’s Hartford Task Force and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force. The DEA 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 USPIS 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. Attorneys Geoffrey M. Stone and Shan Patel.
Meriden Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Violent Robbery SpreeRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that KENNETH MICHAEL STROTHERS, 27, of Meriden, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to an effective sentence of 168 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for a violent armed robbery spree in 2021.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation by the FBI and several local police departments into a series of armed robberies that occurred across Connecticut in early 2021. The investigation revealed that Strothers committed at least 10 robberies over an approximately two-week period in Meriden, Cromwell, West Hartford, Newington, Wethersfield and New Britain. The robberies typically involved Strothers stealing a vehicle, selecting and entering a store, threatening victims with a firearm, making demands, and, in some instances, beating victims with the gun before robbing them, causing significant injury and trauma.
The robbery spree ended shortly after Strothers robbed locations in Wethersfield and New Britain. On February 9, 2021, Strothers entered the Valero gas station store at 930 Silas Deane Highway in Wethersfield, used a firearm to pistol-whip the store clerk in the head, stole approximately $260 from two cash registers, and fled the scene in a stolen car. The store clerk was hospitalized with a serious head wound. On February 10, 2021, Strothers entered Broad Street Pawn at 210 Broad Street in New Britain, used a firearm to pistol-whip a store employee in the head, stole approximately $2,000, and fled the scene with two associates in a stolen truck. Three children of the store owner hid in a bathroom during the robbery.
Strothers was arrested on February 12, 2021, and investigators seized from him the handgun he used during the robberies. He has been detained in state custody since his arrest.
On February 26, 2024, Strothers pleaded guilty to two counts of interference with commerce by robbery (“Hobbs Act robbery”).
The 14-year federal sentence includes the more than three years Strothers has spent in state custody since his arrest.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Britain Police Department, the Wethersfield Police Department, the Newington Police Department, the Cromwell Police Department, the West Hartford Police Department, the Meriden Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Peck.
New Haven Man Charged with Firearm and Narcotics OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, and New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a three-count indictment charging SHAYQUAN GRAY, also known as “Scooby,” 23, of New Haven, with firearm and ammunition possession and cocaine distribution offenses.
The indictment was returned on March 26, 2024, and Gray appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He has been detained since his arrest on March 14, 2024.
As alleged in the indictment and statements made in court, on March 14, 2024, New Haven Police observed Gray, who had an active state arrest warrant, participating in a drug transaction. Gray was arrested, and he was found in possession of 80 individual bags of cocaine, a Polymer 80 “ghost gun” loaded with seven rounds of ammunition, and more than $1,200 in cash.
It is alleged that Gray’s criminal history includes multiple felony convictions, including a state conviction for a firearm offense. 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 Gray with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years.
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 New Haven Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara E. Levens and Christopher Lembo.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Massachusetts Woman Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Kidnapping and MurderRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that NATASHA GARCIA, 29, formerly of Chicopee, Massachusetts, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 132 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for offenses related to her role in the kidnapping and murder of a Massachusetts man in 2020.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 24, 2020, Garcia lured Francisco Roman, Jr. to her Chicopee apartment knowing that Brandon Batiste and Calvin Roberson were waiting for Roman, armed with firearms, and intended to kidnap, rob, and murder him. When Roman arrived at the apartment, Batiste and Roberson confronted him, threatened to harm him if he did not comply with their orders, and handcuffed him. Garcia left the apartment, and Batiste and Roberson stole cash, marijuana, and other items from Roman. Batiste and Roberson forced Roman into the rear of Roman’s car and transported him and the stolen property to Connecticut. Batiste shot and killed Roman while the car was en route to Hartford. They then drove the car to Shultas Place in Hartford and left it parked on the street.
Batiste and Roberson then drove a separate car to an apartment that Roberson shared with Shamari Smith in Waterbury, and took most of the property stolen during the robbery into the apartment.
Shortly before 9 p.m. on December 26, 2020, Hartford police and fire personnel responded to Shultas Place and found Roman’s car engulfed in flames. After the fire was extinguished, investigators discovered Roman’s body with multiple gunshot wounds in the rear of the vehicle.
On July 12, 2021, Garcia pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting a Hobbs Act robbery, and aiding and abetting the discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Garcia, who had been released on bond since the date of her guilty plea, was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service at the conclusion of the sentencing proceeding.
Batiste and Roberson were arrested on February 11, 2021, and each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit kidnaping, and causing the death of a person through the use of a firearm. On December 20, 2023, Batiste was sentenced to 42 years of imprisonment and, on March 19, 2024, Roberson was sentenced to 29 years of imprisonment.
Smith, who lied to law enforcement about what she knew about the robbery, kidnapping, and murder, and her role in the disposal of the stolen property, pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony. On October 13, 2023, she was sentenced to 25 months of imprisonment.
This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, FBI’s Springfield Gang Task Force, Massachusetts State Police, Hampden County (Mass.) District Attorney’s Office, Hartford Police Department’s Major Crimes Division, Chicopee Police Department and Springfield Police Department, with the assistance of the Waterbury Police Department and the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel M. Krull and Trial Attorney Brian P. Leaming of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section.
Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that TIMOTHY TURMAN, also known as “Murder,” 36, of Manchester, pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to a firearm offense.
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. 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 pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on July 2, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. He has been detained since his arrest.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Bloomfield Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda S. Oakes through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Indictment Charges Connecticut Operator of Prize Insurance Business with Fraud OffensesRead the Press Release
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 Bridgeport returned a six-count indictment yesterday charging KEVIN KOLENDA, 66, of Norwalk, with fraud offenses related to his operation of a prize insurance business.
Kolenda was arrested this morning. He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport, pleaded not guilty, and was released on a $50,000 bond.
As alleged in the indictment, Kolenda owns and operates Hole-In-Won LLC (“Hole In Won”), which has provided prize insurance to customers who offered promotions or prizes at events, including golf tournaments and fishing contests. Hole In Won also used a promotional website, www.hole-in-won.com, to claim it to be “the most successful prize insurance company in the world” that had “paid out 1000’s of awards” to winners throughout the world.
The indictment alleges that Kolenda has defrauded dozens of organizations and individuals out of nearly $1 million, including approximately $850,000 in insurance premiums paid under false pretenses and more than $100,000 in prize costs that Hole In Won failed to pay. As part of the scheme, victims, often charitable or civic organizations, obtained insurance from Kolenda and Hole In Won for one or more prizes at an event. For example, the host of a golf tournament might include a lucrative prize, such as a new car, for any player who hits a hole in one on a specific hole. The victim would complete an insurance contract and pay the insurance premium to Kolenda and Hole In Won, and Kolenda and Hole In Won would promise to pay out the insurance claim for the cost of the insured prize if there was a winner at the event. If no one won the insured prize at the event, Kolenda and Hole In Won would keep the premium.
The indictment further alleges that if someone won the insured prize, Kolenda often used various fraudulent techniques to avoid payment of the claim. For example, Kolenda made excuses to victims as to why Hole In Won did not have to pay out the cost of the claim; referred victims to the Hole In Won “claims department,” at an office in Washington, D.C., which did not exist; and threatened victims with bogus legal action and reputational harm if they continued to seek payment of the claim. Ultimately, Kolenda would often stop responding to correspondence from victims and refused to pay out the cost of the insured prize. The victim host or organization, or its partners, often paid for the cost of the insured prize themselves in order to avoid reputational harm and potential legal action.
The indictment charges Kolenda with six counts of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ross Weingarten.
Individuals and organizations who believe that they may be victims of this alleged scheme are encouraged to contact the FBI’s New Haven Division at 203-777-6311.
Groton Man Charged with Producing and Possessing Child Sex Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
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 MICHAEL W. LANDON, 37, of Groton, with child exploitation offenses.
The indictment charges Landon with production of child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, and with possessing and accessing with intent to view child pornography, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
The indictment was returned on March 27, 2024, and Landon appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven and pleaded not guilty. He has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on June 28, 2023.
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Groton Town Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean P. Mahard through 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.
U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the New London State Attorney’s Office for its cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this case.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Waterbury Man Admits Role in Bridgeport Drug Robbery AttemptRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that KAREEM PORTER, also known as “Reem,” 25, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to a federal robbery offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 28, 2023, Porter, Andy Marte, and Tyrone Allen drove to a Bridgeport apartment building where they intended to carry out a robbery at an apartment in which they believed they would find drugs and drug proceeds. Marte instructed Porter and Allen, who had a crowbar, to carry out the robbery while Marte remained in the car and to serve as a getaway driver. Marte also contacted Jermaine Bethel, who arrived to participate in the robbery. After failing to enter the apartment, Porter, Allen, and Bethel returned to the vehicle where they were encountered by law enforcement. Officers searched the vehicle and its occupants and seized two handguns, which Marte had brought to the robbery, and the crowbar.
Porter pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for July 2.
Porter is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
Marte, Allen, and Bethel previously pleaded guilty to the same charge and await sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ross Weingarten and Karen Peck.
Three Men Charged with Trafficking Counterfeit Luxury Watches Imported from ChinaRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New England, Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, today announced that IZEDIN KIMCA, 24, of Waterbury, DENIS NAKO, 24, of Worcester, Massachusetts, and his brother, KLEVIS NAKO, 23, of Worcester, were arrested yesterday on federal criminal complaints charging them with selling and conspiring to sell counterfeit luxury and designer brand watches through websites and social media accounts.
Kimca appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven, and Denis Nako and Klevis Nako appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford. All three were released on $50,000 bonds.
As alleged in court documents, Kimca, Denis Nako, and Klevis Nako operated various websites, Instagram pages, and Facebook pages through which they advertised and sold counterfeit luxury watches that they had imported from China. During the investigation, law enforcement made multiple undercover transactions in which they purchased counterfeit Rolex watches from several of the Instagram accounts for approximately $200 to $300 per watch. The proceeds of the sales were deposited into bank accounts belonging to Kimca, Denis Nako, and Klevis Nako.
It is further alleged that, between April 2020 to July 2022, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized approximately 74 parcels addressed to Kimca, or his aliases, that contained counterfeit luxury watches, including counterfeit Rolex, Audemars, and Panerai watches, having a total estimated manufacturers’ suggested retail price of more than $16 million had the watches been authentic. In addition, between February 2021 to April 2022, CBP seized approximately 22 parcels addressed to the residence of Denis and Klevis Nako that contained counterfeit luxury watches, including counterfeit Rolex and Cartier watches, having a total estimated manufacturers’ suggested retail price of more than $3 million had the watches been authentic.
According to court documents, Klevis Nako is employed as a police officer with the Framingham State University Police Department in Framingham, Massachusetts.
It is alleged that, in January 2023, HSI agents interviewed Kimca about trafficking counterfeit watches and told him that selling counterfeit watches was illegal. Kimca also had received several notices from CBP that watches had been seized and detailing potential violations associated with the importation of the items. Kimca continued to sell counterfeit watches after the interview and after receiving the CBP notices.
The complaints charge Kimca, Denis Nako, and Klevis Nako with trafficking in and conspiring to traffic in counterfeit goods and services, offenses that carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Kimca is also charged with engaging in illegal monetary transactions, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division; and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has assisted the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neeraj N. Patel and Shan Patel.
Guilford Man Sentenced to 26 Years in Prison for Coercing and Threatening Children to Produce Sexually Explicit MaterialRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTOPHER MICHAELSON, 39, of Guilford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 312 months of imprisonment, followed by 20 years of supervised release, for coercing and threatening minors to send him sexually explicit images of themselves.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 9, 2019, the Guilford Police Department assisted Burrillville (R.I.) Police with the arrest of Michaelson at his residence in Guilford on Rhode Island state charges for child molestation, solicitation, and enticement. During the arrest, officers seized Michaelson’s cellphone. A court-authorized search of the seized phone revealed thousands of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, primarily boys between the ages of five and 15, and communications between Michaelson and minor victims whom he coerced, and often verbally abused and threatened, to send sexually explicit images of themselves to him. Michaelson shared some of these images with others.
Michaelson has been detained since his arrest. On March 16, 2023, he pleaded guilty to production of child pornography.
The Rhode Island state charges against Michaelson are pending.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, the Guilford Police Department, and the Burrillville Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie T. Levick and Nancy V. Gifford.
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.
El Salvadoran National Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Illegally Reentering the U.S.Read the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SALVADOR HERRERA MORALES, 30, a citizen of El Salvador last residing in East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the United States after being deported.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2014, Herrera Morales stabbed a victim in East Hartford. In August 2015, he was convicted in state court of assault in the first degree and sentenced to seven years of incarceration. After serving his sentence, Herrera Morales was removed to El Salvador in April 2021. In 2022, he illegally reentered the U.S.
In April 2022, Herrera Morales was arrested by East Hartford Police following an incident at a bar where he was intoxicated, punched a security guard, and kicked and shattered a glass door. In June 2022 he was sentenced in state court of criminal mischief and received a sentence of 364 days of imprisonment, execution suspended, and one year of probation.
In April 2023, East Hartford Police arrested Herrera Morales for disorderly conduct, assault in the third degree, risk of injury to a child, and threatening in the second degree. These state charges are pending.
Herrera Morales has been detained since his federal arrest on April 26, 2023. On January 9, 2024, he pleaded guilty to illegal reentry.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Dearington.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Announces Surge of Resources to Fight Violent Crime in Three Additional CitiesRead the Press Release
Today, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced that the Justice Department is adding three new cities to its Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), building on the successful model launched in Houston, Texas, in September 2022, and expanded to Memphis, Tennessee, in November 2023. The VCI surges law enforcement tools and resources to target gangs and other violent groups that are threatening the safety and security of communities in cities across the nation.
As the Attorney General noted in his remarks this morning in Chicago, today’s announcement comes as the Justice Department is working to replicate the successes that communities across the country have seen in driving down the violent crime that spiked during the pandemic. That includes cities like Detroit, where 2023 marked the fewest homicides in 57 years; Baltimore, where there was a 20% reduction in homicides in 2023 and a 7% reduction in non-fatal shootings; New Orleans, where 2023 marked a 25% decline in homicides; Philadelphia, where there was a 20% reduction in homicides in 2023; and Chicago, where homicides decreased by 13% in 2023.
“The Justice Department will not rest until every person, in every neighborhood, in every community is safe from violent crime,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The FBI reports that last year we saw a significant decrease in overall violent crime across the country compared to the previous year—including an over 13% decline in homicides. That is the largest one-year decline in homicides in 50 years. The Justice Department is not easing up on our efforts to reduce violent crime. In fact, today, we are doubling down. In Houston and Memphis, we launched a Violent Crime Initiative that brought prosecutors from the Department’s Criminal Division to work closely with prosecutors already on the ground to target those responsible for the greatest violence. Today, we are launching the next phase of our Violent Crime Initiative in St. Louis, Missouri; Jackson, Mississippi; and Hartford, Connecticut.”
“No matter where violent crime occurs, it leaves a devastating impact on victims and communities,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The FBI, as part of the Violent Crime Initiative, is renewing our focus on violent crime in three additional cities and surging tools and resources to make our streets safer. Every day, our field offices work to tear down violent criminals and gangs and this initiative will only serve to magnify their successes.”
“Violent crime demands our urgent attention,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Through our Violent Crime Initiative, the Criminal Division works in partnership with local U.S. Attorneys and federal and state law enforcement to use data to focus on the worst of the worst violent offenders, to engage with the communities in which we work, and to make our neighborhoods safer. As our work in Houston and Memphis has shown, together we can make a difference.”
To focus the Justice Department’s resources on communities most in need, the Criminal Division has identified St. Louis, Missouri; Jackson, Mississippi; and Hartford, Connecticut, as the next VCI cities. The VCI utilizes prosecutors from the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section—the nation’s foremost experts in racketeering prosecutions—to work alongside prosecutors from the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, as well as dedicated investigative agents, analysts, and forensic experts from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Through the VCI, the Criminal Division also works with community leaders in each city to best understand citizens’ concerns and to work to support them. Since the start of Houston VCI, Houston saw reductions of 9% in violent crime and 20% in homicides. In Memphis, when compared to 2023, official counts of murders, robberies, and aggravated assaults have decreased since the VCI has been operational.
“We have long had a focus in the Eastern District of Missouri on violent crime and complex criminal conspiracies, and the addition of two experienced prosecutors will allow us to expand that,” said U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming for the Eastern District of Missouri. “We look forward to working with them to make the St. Louis region safer.”
“As a resident of Jackson, I know it is a great place to live and work, but it also suffers from violent crime that is largely driven by a small number of violent individuals and gangs,” said U.S. Attorney Todd Gee for the Southern District of Mississippi. “I am excited to have experts from the Justice Department join with federal, state, and local law enforcement here in Jackson to help us investigate and prosecute these sources of violent crime.”
“This office and our federal law enforcement partners have a long and successful history of working with the Hartford Police Department and our state counterparts to make our capital city safer,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery for the District of Connecticut. “We welcome these additional Justice Department resources, which supplement our efforts to focus on the groups and individuals in Hartford that are chiefly responsible for Hartford’s gun violence and prosecute offenders to the full extent of federal law.”
“With crime rates down in so many places in 2023, now is not the time to back off. Now is the time to double and triple down on strategies that have been shown to work,” said ATF Director Steven Dettelbach. “ATF’s expertise in Crime Gun Intelligence allows our agents—and our law enforcement partners—to follow the crime gun. This leads to more impactful arrests both of those who are actually doing the shooting and those unlawfully supplying the shooters with their guns. By combining this intelligence and data with traditional techniques, ATF produces evidence-driven cases on the most dangerous offenders. We are proud to work with all our partners on this important initiative in cities around the country.”
“Drug-related crimes and violence continue to have a significant impact on our communities and demand a new approach,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “Two years ago, DEA implemented Operation Overdrive, a data-driven, intelligence led approach to identifying and dismantling criminal drug networks doing the most harm in communities, including in St. Louis, Missouri; Hartford, Connecticut; and Jackson, Mississippi. This approach allows us to map the threats and shift our resources so that our drug enforcement efforts will have the greatest impact in our communities. Expanding the Violent Crime Initiative further extends our potential to successfully investigate and prosecute criminals by harnessing the full potential of state, local, and federal partnerships.”
Honduran National Charged with Illegally Reentering U.S., Violating Federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification ActRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging JOSE PAVON-FERMIN, 40, a citizen of Honduras who previously resided in Norwalk, with illegally reentering the United States after being deported and failing to register as a sex offender.
The indictment was returned on October 4, 2023. Pavon-Fermin was arrested on March 7, 2024, in Rustburg, Virginia. He appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport, entered a plea of not guilty to the charges, and was ordered detained pending trial.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in 2018, Pavon-Fermin was convicted in state court for sexual assault in the third degree and unlawful restraint in the first degree. For those offenses, he was sentenced to 10 years in jail, suspended after serving four and one-half years, and 10 years of probation. He also was ordered to register as a sex offender for life. In June 2021, after serving his state sentence, Pavon-Fermin was deported and removed from the United States. He illegally reentered the U.S. and, in January 2023, was arrested in Norwalk on unrelated state charges. Pavon-Fermin failed to register or update his registration in Connecticut’s sex offender database, as required under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”).
SORNA, which was passed by Congress in 2006 as part of the Adam Walsh Act, provides a comprehensive set of minimum standards for sex offender registration and notification in the United States and seeks to strengthen the nationwide network of sex offender registration and notification programs. In part, SORNA requires registered sex offenders to register and keep their registration current in each jurisdiction in which they reside, work, or go to school.
The indictment charges Pavon-Fermin with one count of illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of failing to register as a sex offender, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the United States Marshals Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Gunpoint Robberies, CarjackingRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTIAN BORRERO, 20, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 168 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for committing gunpoint robberies of convenience stores and an armed carjacking in 2022.
According to court documents and statements made in court, ATF and the New Haven Police Department investigated a series of gunpoint robberies and a carjacking that occurred in late June and early July 2022. The investigation revealed that Borrero committed an armed robbery of a Citgo Gas Station located at 957 Foxon Road in East Haven on June 29, 2022; an armed carjacking followed by an armed robbery of a 7-Eleven Convenience Store located at 1089 Campbell Avenue in West Haven on July 3, 2022; and an armed robbery on an Xpress Mart Gas Station located at 180 Wakelee Avenue in Ansonia on July 7, 2022. In addition, on July 6, 2022, Borrero and his associate, Robert Smith, committed an armed robbery of a Shell Gas Station located at 195 State Street in North Haven.
Borrero has been detained since July 13, 2022. On January 3, 2024, he pleaded guilty to two counts of carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
On September 28, 2023, Smith, of New Haven, pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting Hobbs Act robbery and one count of aiding and abetting the carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. He awaits sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) with the assistance of the New Haven, East Haven, West Haven, Ansonia, and North Haven Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.
U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the State’s Attorneys for the Judicial Districts of New Haven and Ansonia/Milford for their cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.
The prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Member of Violent New Haven Gang Sentenced to 78 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
KIVEON HYMAN, also known as “Tiny, ” 26, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for a racketeering offense stemming from his role 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, including murders and attempted murders, 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 Hyman 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 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.
Specifically, on June 16, 2018, Hyman and other Exit 8 members 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.
Hyman has been detained since his arrest on March 24, 2023. On October 12, 2023, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity.
This investigation is being conducted by ATF, the FBI, the DEA, the New Haven 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.
Weston Man Pleads Guilty to Fraud Offense Stemming from $890K Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CHARLES M. AMEER, 64, of Weston, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to a fraud offense stemming from an $890,000 embezzlement scheme.
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 his personal bank account and used the funds for his own benefit.
Ameer pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for June 20.
Ameer was arrested on a criminal complaint on August 31, 2023. He is released on a $500,000 bond pending sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherry.
Coventry Man Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Fraudulently Obtaining COVID-19 Relief FundsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN MATAVA, 60, of Coventry, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for offenses related to his receipt of COVID-19 relief funds.
In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). In April 2020, Congress authorized more than $300 billion in additional PPP funding. The PPP allowed qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive unsecured loans at an interest rate of 1%. PPP loan proceeds were to be used by businesses on payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. The PPP allowed the interest and principal to be forgiven if businesses spent the proceeds on these expenses within a certain period of time of receipt and used at least a certain percentage of the amount to be forgiven for payroll.
The PPP was overseen by the Small Business Administration, which has authority over all PPP loans. Individual PPP loans, however, were issued by private approved lenders, such as Celtic Bank, which received and processed PPP applications and supporting documentation, and then made loans using the lenders’ own funds, which were guaranteed by the SBA.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2020, Matava applied to Celtic Bank for a $100,000 PPP loan for J.M. Builders LLC. The application submission included several false representations, including that J.M. Builders LLC had eight employees and an average monthly payroll of $40,000; that the monies would be used for payroll, lease, mortgage, interest, and utilities; and that the business owner was not subject to pending formal criminal charges. At the time of the PPP loan application, there were no records of payroll or employees with the Connecticut Department of Labor for J.M. Builders LLC, and Matava was subject to criminal charges in two pending cases related to arrests in 2017 and 2018.
On April 22, 2020, Celtic Bank disbursed $100,000 to a bank account for J.M. Builders LLC on which Matava was the signatory. The account was opened on April 21, 2020, and had a balance of $0 immediately prior to the loan funds being disbursed. Between April 2020 and January 2021, Matava used the funds primarily for personal expenditures, including $3,498 to pay a dog breeder, $4,777 for payments to an RV superstore in Connecticut, and legal fees, including a $2,000 retainer, for four court cases in Rockville, Connecticut.
In January 2021, Matava sought $100,000 in additional PPP funds from Celtic Bank, and included with the application several additional false statements and fraudulent tax documents. Celtic Bank denied the application.
Judge Dooley ordered Matava to pay restitution of $100,000.
Matava was arrested on January 7, 2023. On January 2, 2024, he pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud affecting a financial institution and one count of making an illegal monetary transaction.
Matava is released on a $60,000 bond, in home detention. He is required to report to prison on May 13.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher W. Schmeisser and Sean P. Mahard.
Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Justice Department’s Investigation into International Commodities Trading Companies’ Foreign Bribery Schemes Results in Six Corporate Resolutions and 20 Individuals ConvictedRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that its long-running investigation into international commodities trading companies that paid bribes to win business with state-owned and state-controlled oil companies in Latin America and Africa has resulted in six corporate resolutions, 20 convictions of individuals, and total fines, forfeitures, and other penalties of more than $1.7 billion.
Since 2017, the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section’s Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) Unit, in partnership with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, and the FBI, has been investigating corruption committed by international commodities trading companies, which paid millions of dollars in bribes to corrupt government officials to secure billions of dollars in business with state-owned enterprises.
Through this work, the Criminal Division has entered into six corporate resolutions, which have included mandatory cooperation, disclosure, and compliance obligations and resulted in total fines, forfeitures, and other penalties of more than $1.7 billion:
- In September 2020, Sargeant Marine Inc., an asphalt company based in Boca Raton, Florida, with an asphalt trading arm, pleaded guilty in the Eastern District of New York to schemes to bribe government officials in Brazil, Venezuela, and Ecuador;
- In December 2020, Vitol Inc., entered into a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) in the Eastern District of New York, admitting to schemes to pay bribes to government officials in Brazil, Ecuador, and Mexico;
- In May 2022, Glencore International AG pleaded guilty in the Southern District of New York to a scheme to pay bribes to government officials in seven countries across Africa and Latin America;
- In December 2023, Freepoint Commodities LLC entered into a DPA in the District of Connecticut and admitted to a scheme to bribe government officials in Brazil;
- In March, Gunvor S.A. pleaded guilty in the Eastern District of New York to a scheme to bribe government officials in Ecuador; and
- Today, Trafigura Beheer B.V. pleaded guilty in the Southern District of Florida to a scheme to bribe government officials in Brazil.
These corporate resolutions are connected to the guilty pleas of 19 culpable individuals, including six government officials, eight corrupt intermediaries, and five trading company employees. In addition, last month, Javier Aguilar, a former trader at Vitol Inc., was convicted on FCPA and money laundering charges following a seven-week trial in the Eastern District of New York.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, thanked the Criminal Division’s partners in these matters, including U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York, U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery for the District of Connecticut, and U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Argentieri also thanked the Criminal Division’s law enforcement partners, including the FBI’s International Corruption Unit, New York Field Office, Miami Field Office, and Los Angeles Field Office.
The Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting FCPA matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa.
Jamaican National Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the U.S.Read the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GARFIELD ANTHONY PATTERSON, 49, a citizen of Jamaica residing in East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to six months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the United States after being deported.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Patterson was deported from the U.S. to Jamaica in January 1997 and again in April 2000, and he has sustained convictions in Broward County, Florida, in 1997, for grand larceny in the third degree, and, in 1999, for possession of marijuana, possession of a fraudulently issued driver’s license, and obstruction. Patterson again illegally reentered the U.S. and, in June 2019, was arrested in Middletown, Connecticut, for larceny in the first degree. He was convicted of that offense and, in March 2021, he was sentenced in state court to 18 months of imprisonment, execution suspended after four months, and three years of probation.
On June 15, 2021, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Patterson with illegally reentering the U.S. On February 23, 2023, a jury in New Haven found him guilty of the offense.
Patterson, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on May 15. He faces deportation when he completes his prison term.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with the assistance of the Middletown Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj Patel.
Bridgeport Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Robbery OffenseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANDY MARTE, also known as “AD,” 30, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to a federal robbery offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 28, 2023, Marte and two associates drove to a Bridgeport apartment building where they intended to carry out a robbery at an apartment where they believed they would find drugs and drug proceeds. Marte instructed his two associates, one of whom carried a crowbar, to carry out the robbery while he remained in the car and to serve as a getaway driver. He subsequently contacted a third associate, who arrived to participate in the robbery. After failing to enter the apartment, Marte’s three associates returned to the vehicle, where they were encountered by law enforcement. Officers searched the vehicle and its occupants and seized two handguns, which Marte had brought to the robbery, and the crowbar.
Marte pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for June 20.
Marte has been detained since his arrest on April 28, 2023.
This investigation is being conducted by FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ross Weingarten and Karen Peck.
Bridgeport Man Charged with Narcotics Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
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 returned an indictment yesterday charging JERMEL BATES, also known as “Mel Kitty” and “Kitty,” 28, of Bridgeport, with narcotics trafficking offenses.
As alleged in the indictment, court documents, and statements made in court, in the early morning hours of June 25, 2023, Bates crashed his vehicle into a parked car in Bridgeport and fled the scene on foot. Law enforcement conducted an inventory search of Bates’ vehicle and found plastic bags containing approximately 550 blue/green fentanyl pills stamped “M/30,” more than 500 wax paper folds containing heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, and approximately 78 grams of crack cocaine.
Bates was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on March 19, 2024. It is further alleged that, in conjunction with his arrest, investigators searched his person and his Newfield Avenue apartment and found plastic bags with thousands of blue-green fentanyl pills, hundreds of wax paper sleeves containing fentanyl, and a bag containing crack cocaine.
The indictment charges Bates with two counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, based on the type and quantities of controlled substances identified in each count of the indictment, Bates faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, on each count.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment 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.
Bates has been detained since his arrest.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, the Bridgeport Police Department, and the Norwalk Police Department. The Task Force is composed of personnel from the FBI, Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Norwalk, and Trumbull Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Gordon.
Two Peruvian Nationals Charged with Credit Card Fraud, Identity Theft Offenses Related to Distraction Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
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 returned an indictment yesterday charging ANGEL GIANCARLO BELLIDO COSIO, also known as “Jesus Requejo,” 34, a citizen of Peru last residing in Paterson, New Jersey, and ANGEL EUGENIO BANCES CHAPONAN, 60, a citizen of Peru last residing in Queens, New York, with credit card fraud and identity theft offenses.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, the FBI and local law enforcement agencies in Connecticut and elsewhere have been investigating a series of distraction thefts of wallets from victims at Trader Joe’s grocery stores and other retail stores. The investigation revealed that Bellido Cosio and Bances Chaponan rented vehicles using a fraudulent passport, traveled throughout the U.S., stole wallets from unwary victims at Trader Joe’s and other stores, and then used the victims’ credit and debit cards to purchase electronic devices and other items.
Bellido Cosio and Bances Chaponan were arrested on March 13, 2024, and are currently detained.
The indictment charges Bellido Cosio and Bances Chaponan with access device fraud, and offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and with aggravated identity theft, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of two years.
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 ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Manchester (Conn.) Police Department, the Fairfax County (Va.) Police Department, the Spartanburg County (S.C.) Sheriff’s Office, and the Spartanburg Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Nathan J. Guevremont.