District of Connecticut

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that OTILIO GREEN, 44, of Hamden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 72 months of imprisonment and seven years of supervised release for a child exploitation offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between January and March 2025, Synchronoss, a cloud storage provider for Verizon Wireless, submitted eight CyberTipline reports documenting 43 images and five videos of suspected child pornography uploaded to an account associated with Green.  A subsequent court-authorized search of Green’s cloud storage account revealed additional images and videos of suspected child sex abuse material.  The investigation further revealed that, for at least two years prior to his arrest on April 4, 2025, Green used the Telegram app, which he accessed through a hidden folder on his cellphone, and other online platforms to communicate with others to receive numerous sexually explicit images and videos depicting children.

At the time of the offense, Green was employed as an officer with the Yale University Police Department.

Judge Shea ordered Green to pay $5,000 pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015, and $5,000 pursuant to the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018.

On February 27, 2026, Green pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography.  Released on a $200,000 bond, he is required to report to prison on September 14.

This investigation was conducted by HSI New England, the Connecticut State Police, and the Connecticut Center for Digital Investigations, with the assistance of the Hamden Police Department and the Yale Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford with the assistance of Law Student Intern Noah Sullivan.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of New Haven for its assistance in the prosecution of this case.

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.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ELIZABETH JORDAN, 43, of West Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 144 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release for enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 12, 2024, Jordan, after sustained pressure from Joshua Bailey, engaged in sexual activity with a minor who was 17 and livestreamed the activity to Bailey using Facebook messenger.  A subsequent search of Bailey’s phone revealed a series of screenshots of Jordan and the minor engaged in sexual activity.  

Jordan and Bailey have been detained since August 2024 when they were arrested for related state offenses.  On November 3, 2025, they each pleaded guilty in federal court to enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.

Judge Nagala also ordered Jordan to pay $10,000 pursuant to the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018.

On March 27, 2026, Judge Nagala sentenced Bailey to 144 months of imprisonment and ordered him to pay $5,000 pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015, and $10,000 pursuant to the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the West Haven Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Chang with the assistance of Law Student Intern Reva Kale.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Ansonia/Milford for its cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.

This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that JOSE COLON, also known as “Uncle Benny,” 61, of Hartford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Sarah F. Russell in New Haven to a cocaine trafficking charge.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in January and February 2026, an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force revealed that Colon attempted to purchase several kilograms of cocaine and was in possession of a large amount of cash to complete a purchase.  On February 19, 2026, investigators arrested Colon and two associates at Colon’s residence on Pearl Street in Hartford.  A court-authorized search of the residence revealed approximately $52,000 in cash.

Colon pleaded guilty to attempting to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.  Judge Russell scheduled sentencing for November 12.

Colon has been detained since his arrest.

Colon’s criminal history includes a federal heroin trafficking conviction in October 2015, and he is currently on state probation following a conviction for sexual assault in the second degree.

This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force, which includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Reed Durham.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, and Michael Carpenter, Special Agent in Charge of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), today announced that EDISON JOVANNY DUTA PINDO, 43, a citizen of Ecuador unlawfully residing in the United States, has been charged in a seven-count indictment with offenses related to the theft of U.S. Treasury funds.

The indictment alleges that Pindo, who resided in Danbury, maintained accounts at Newtown Savings Bank in his name and in the name of Home Services Pro LLC, a business that was registered with the State of Connecticut.  On April 23, 2024, Pindo deposited a fraudulent U.S. Treasury check in the amount of $53,780.49, made payable to Home Services Pro LLC and Edison Jovanny Duta, into the Home Services Pro LLC account.  The following day he made two withdrawals, each in the amount of $15,000, from Newtown Savings Bank branches in Brookfield and Bethel.

The indictment further alleges that, on May 14, 2024, Pindo deposited a fraudulent U.S. Treasury check in the amount of $150,597.28, made payable to Home Services Pro LLC and Edison Jovanny Duta, into the Home Services Pro LLC account.  That same day, he transferred $50,000 from the business account to his personal account.

On December 3, 2025, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Pindo with two counts of bank fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years on each count, three counts of making illegal monetary transactions, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count, and two counts of passing counterfeit obligations, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.

Pindo has been detained since he was located and arrested in Danbury on July 16, 2026.  

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

This investigation is being conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, with the assistance of the Danbury Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather L. Cherry.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the FBI, announced that MATTHEW CRUZ, 36, of West Hartford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in February and March 2025, members of the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force made a series of controlled purchases of narcotics from Cruz.  On March 27, 2025, a court-authorized search of Cruz’s residence on Newington Road in West Hartford revealed thousands of bags of packaged fentanyl and loose fentanyl totaling more than 600 grams, approximately 184 grams of heroin, quantities of cocaine and crack, drug processing and packaging materials, six firearms, ammunition, gun magazines, and nearly $14,000 in cash.

Cruz’s criminal history includes multiple felony convictions for state drug offenses.  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.

Cruz pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of heroin, and other controlled substances, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.  At sentencing, which is scheduled for October 29, Cruz faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

Cruz has been detained since his arrest.

This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford and West Hartford Police Departments.  The Task Force includes members from the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, and the East Hartford, Hartford, New Britain, West Hartford, Wethersfield, and Newington Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Reed Durham.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JULIO CESAR FERNANDEZ-SALAZAR, 45, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 18 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the U.S. as a removed alien.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Fernandez-Salazar has used numerous aliases, including Julio Fernandez, Julio Cesar Salazar, J. Cesar Fernandez-Salazar, Paulo Cesar Salazar, Alejandro Lugo, Jorge Ortigoza, and Julio C. Fernandez-Salazar.  Fernandez-Salazar was first convicted of an immigration violation in October 2007 in the District of Arizona, was sentenced to 45 days of imprisonment, and was voluntarily returned to Mexico.  Prior to this conviction, he had already twice been removed from the United States and had twice returned illegally.  

Fernandez-Salazar again unlawfully returned to the U.S.  In June 2009, he was convicted in Tempe Municipal Court in Arizona of failure to appear and driving with a suspended license and was again deported to Mexico.  In July 2009, U.S. Border Patrol encountered and arrested Fernandez-Salazar near the U.S./Mexico border and he was again deported to Mexico.

Fernandez-Salazar illegally reentered the U.S. and, in October 2014, was convicted in Mesa Municipal Court in Mesa, Arizona, of driving under the influence.  In April 2017, he was convicted in Maricopa County, Arizona, of unlawful imprisonment and solicitation to commit misconduct involving weapons.  In April 2018, he was convicted in the U.S. District Court in Arizona of unlawful reentry and was again deported to Mexico.

On November 27, 2024, Fernandez-Salazar was arrested by the Connecticut State Police in Colchester and charged with illegal operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and other offenses.  He was subsequently released on bond.

On July 18, 2025, the U.S. District Court in New Haven issued a criminal complaint charging Fernandez-Salazar with unlawful reentry.  He was located and arrested in Arizona on February 25, 2026, and has been detained since that date.  On May 21, 2026, he pleaded guilty in the District of Connecticut to unlawful reentry of a removed alien.

This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Lembo and Daniel P. Gordon.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

DIMITRI BEIX, 28, a Dominican and French citizen and resident of Dominica, pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to an offense related to his role in the illegal trafficking and export of firearms and firearm components from the United States to Dominica.

U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan; Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg of the Justice Department’s National Security Division; Special Agent in Charge James Guanci of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement, Boston; Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeff Grimming of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New England; Acting Inspector in Charge J. Buck Buckley of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; Special Agent in Charge Thomas A. Greco, ATF Boston Field Division; and Special Agent in Charge Thomas Demeo of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, made the announcement.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from at least January 2021 through September 2024, Beix led a scheme to smuggle firearms, firearm components, and ammunition from the U.S. to Dominica without first having obtained the required licenses or authorization from the U.S. Department of Commerce, in violation of the Export Control Reform Act.  Beix used a network of suppliers, buyers, and shippers in Connecticut and elsewhere in the U.S. to facilitate his illicit procurement of firearms.  Beix provided to his U.S. suppliers a list of firearm parts to purchase on his behalf via eBay and other retailers.  Beix, using his own eBay accounts, also purchased more than 100 firearm parts himself and had the items shipped to individuals in the United States.  Firearms and parts were then shipped to Beix in Dominica.

In February 2023, Dominica authorities intercepted three parcels shipped from the U.S. to Beix in Dominica. The parcels contained six handguns, Glock slides, trigger assemblies, sight assemblies, rifle magazines, pistol magazines, AM15 rifle parts, a suppressor kit, ammunition, and other firearm components. 

Beix pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Export Control Reform Act, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Beix has been detained since November 27, 2024, when he was arrested in Sint Maarten at the request of the United States.  He was extradited to the United States in February 2026.

This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security; Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  HSI Caribbean, the Dominica Customs Excise Division, and the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force have assisted the investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Konstantin Lantsman and Sean P. Mahard, and Trial Attorney Yifei Zheng of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.  The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and Sint Maarten authorities provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s arrest and extradition to the United States.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion.  The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad.  Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders.  In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

HSTF New Haven comprises agents and officers from the FBI, DEA, HSI, ATF, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor, and Connecticut State Police, with prosecutions led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MOETIES BROWN, 32, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2024, the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and Bridgeport Police Department learned that Brown was selling narcotics in the vicinity of his residence on Maple Street in Bridgeport.  On November 20, 2024, investigators observed Brown and others engaging in suspected drug sales.  Brown was arrested on state charges after a search of his person revealed a distribution quantity of marijuana, and a search of his vehicle and residence revealed more than 100 grams of fentanyl, two handguns, and ammunition.

Brown’s criminal history includes nine felony convictions, including convictions for committing five gunpoint robberies of delivery workers and cashiers.

Brown has been detained since his federal arrest on May 9, 2025.  On May 19, 2026, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.

This investigation was conducted by the FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, the Bridgeport Police Department, and the Stratford Police Department.  The Task Force is composed of personnel from the FBI, Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Fairfield, Norwalk, Trumbull, and Westport Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mary G. Vitale and Daniel George.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in Hartford has found ONAI KEDAR WILBERT WRIGHT, 27, of Bridgeport, guilty of child exploitation offenses.

According to the evidence introduced during the trial, on March 14, 2025, an Online Covert Employee (OCE) with the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force in Cleveland, Ohio, monitored a live video stream on the internet application “Fambase” and observed Wright engaging in sexually explicit activity with a 15-year-old female (“minor victim”).  Analysis of mobile communications and geo-location data, and information from AirBnB, led investigators to a residence located in Norwich, Connecticut, where they took Wright into custody.  The minor victim and two adult females were also present in the residence.

An investigation revealed that Wright met the minor victim when she was 14, and that they sometimes recorded themselves engaging in sexual activity and shared the recordings with each other.  Wright also created an OnlyFans account, uploaded sexually explicit videos of the minor victim to the account, and pressured the minor victim to create content for the account.  In early March 2025, Wright and the minor victim traveled to Ohio with the intent on creating more sexually explicit online conduct.  On March 6, 2025, police in Vermilion, Ohio, acting on a tip, conducted a welfare check on the minor victim.  Vermilion Police subsequently contacted the FBI.

Today, the jury found Wright guilty of one count of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in prostitution or criminal sexual activity, one count of production of child pornography, two counts of receipt of child pornography, and one count of transportation of child pornography.

At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Wright faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

Wright been detained since his arrest on related state charges on March 14, 2025.

This investigation has been conducted by the FBI in New Haven and Cleveland, with the assistance of the Norwich Police Department, Bridgeport Police Department, Cromwell Police Department, Ansonia Police Department, the New London State’s Attorney’s Office, the Vermilion (Ohio) Police Department, and the Norwalk (Ohio) Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angel M. Krull and Katherine E. Boyles.

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.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport has returned an indictment charging HARRY BATCHELOR, JR., 29, of Bridgeport, with illegal transport and disposal of used oil.

The indictment alleges that on or about May 12, 2025, Batchelor and others violated federal and state environmental laws by transporting to, and disposing of, 11 55-gallon drums containing used oil, among other substances, at an abandoned property at 203-205 Homestead Avenue in Hartford.  The location was not an approved recycling or disposal facility for used oil.  The drums leaked used oil onto the neighboring property of a non-profit community organization at 255 Homestead Avenue, which necessitated an environmental cleanup by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

The indictment was returned on July 22, 2026.  Batchelor, who is currently detained in federal custody for alleged violations of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction, appeared today in Hartford federal court and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.

If convicted of the offense, Batchelor faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan 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.  

This matter is being investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency – Criminal Investigation Division and the Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General, with assistance provided by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MICHAEL CABASSA, 48, of Torrington, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to a narcotics trafficking offense and also admitted that he violated the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2007, Cabassa was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 240 months of imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release for trafficking crack cocaine.  He was released from prison after receiving an executive grant of clemency on January 17, 2025.  Connecticut State Police arrested Cabassa on December 27, 2025, after he was involved in a one-car motor vehicle accident while driving under the influence, and a search of his vehicle revealed distribution quantities of cocaine and fentanyl.

Cabassa pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, which, based on his prior federal drug conviction, carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.  He faces additional penalties for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

Cabassa has been detained since his federal arrest on May 21, 2026.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that three Missouri men have been charged by indictment for their alleged involvement in an attempted robbery of Bitcoin in August 2024.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 25, 2024, Danbury Police arrested six Florida men who were involved in a violent carjacking and the beating and kidnapping of two occupants of the vehicle on that date.  The investigation revealed that the kidnapping victims are the parents of an individual who participated in the theft of hundreds of millions of dollars in Bitcoin.

It is alleged that, in an attempt to steal some of that Bitcoin, the individuals who coordinated the attempted robbery and kidnapping first recruited SEDRIC LOUIS, 32, JOHN DAVIS, 34, and MARTEL WILLIAMS, 27, all of St. Louis, Missouri, to carry out the plan.  Between approximately August 21 and August 24, 2024, Louis, Davis, Williams, and others traveled to Connecticut and obtained rental vehicles and supplies, including air rifles and walkie talkies.  They then stalked the intended target and his parents over the course of two days, waiting for the opportunity to force their way into their home where they would threaten the target and demand that he transfer the stolen cryptocurrency into accounts controlled by the scheme’s coordinators.  Fearing that they had been captured on home security cameras and frustrated by the plan and a lack of communication with their co-conspirators, Louis, Davis, and Williams left Connecticut.  Shortly thereafter, another crew from Florida arrived to carry out the plan.

On May 22, 2026, a grand jury in New Haven returned a second superseding indictment charging Louis, Davis, and Williams with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery (“Hobbs Act Robbery”), an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Louis and Davis have been detained since each was arrested on June 25, 2026.  On July 30, 2026, they each appeared in Bridgeport federal court and enter a plea of not guilty.  Williams appeared in Bridgeport federal court on July 17, 2026, entered a plea of not guilty, and was released on bond.

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

This matter is being investigated by the FBI New Haven Violent Crimes Task Force, FBI Los Angeles, FBI St. Louis, and the Danbury Police Department.  The FBI Task Force includes members from the Connecticut State Police and several local police departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck and Daniel George.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Central District of California, the Eastern District of Missouri, the District of Columbia, and the District of New Jersey, and the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Danbury, for their assistance in the investigation and prosecution of this matter.

David X, Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that HEATHER BROWN, 50, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for robbing three Connecticut banks in 2024.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Brown robbed the Wells Fargo Bank located at 800 Wolcott Street in Waterbury on February 6, 2024; the Liberty Bank located at 1030 Hamilton Avenue in Waterbury on February 7, 2024; and the Webster Bank located at 575 Farmington Avenue in Bristol on February 9, 2024. 

Judge Oliver ordered Brown to pay $8,328 in restitution.

Brown, who last resided in New Haven, has been detained since her arrest on February 9, 2024.  She pleaded guilty on October 7, 2025.

Brown was convicted of state bank robbery offenses in 2006 and again in 2010, and she served more than 15 years in prison for those offenses.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Waterbury, Bristol, and Southington Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan J. Guevremont.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, announced that FELIX JIMENEZ, 38, a citizen of the Dominican Republic unlawfully residing in the U.S., pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to a cocaine trafficking offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, members of the DEA New Haven District Office (NHDO) Task Force coordinated a purchase of cocaine with an individual in New York.  On April 9, 2026, Jiminez drove to the meeting location in Waterbury and provided approximately one kilogram of cocaine to an undercover officer.  After the transaction, task force officers converged on the location.  Jimenez drove his car into several law enforcement vehicles and fled at a high rate of speed.  He was found a short distance away hiding in a closet in an autobody shop in Waterbury and was taken into custody.

Jimenez has been detained since his arrest.  While incarcerated, he was overheard on a phone call with his girlfriend discussing the possession of firearms at a residence they shared in Ansonia.  Law enforcement subsequently conducted a court-authorized search of the residence and seized two handguns.

Jimenez pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 23.

Jimenez was deported to the Dominican Republic in 2019 after he was convicted of a prior federal offense.

The NHDO Task Force includes members from the DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police, and the New Haven, Waterbury, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Naugatuck, and Shelton Police Departments.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Lembo.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HAROLD RAMIREZ CAGUA, also known as “Gordo,” 42, a citizen of Colombia last residing in Miami, Florida, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 57 months of imprisonment for his involvement in an organized jewelry theft ring that targeted mall-based stores and kiosks across the country.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from May 2023 through April 2024, Ramirez Cagua and several other Colombian nationals burglarized jewelry stores and kiosks in malls in Connecticut and other states and then transported the stolen property or the proceeds from it across state lines.  Before the burglaries, the co-conspirators surveilled the stores and kiosks to formulate game plans and, as part of that reconnaissance, posed as legitimate customers to examine the desired merchandise and assess the establishment’s security measures.

Ramirez Cagua served as the crime ring’s logistics operative, booking flights for co-conspirators to travel for the burglaries, securing rental cars, and reserving lodging.  During the burglaries, he and his associates forced his way into closed businesses, sometimes by cutting a hole through a wall, and then pried open and smashed locked display cases.  They then carted off the stolen merchandise.

Ramirez Cagua and his co-conspirators burglarized jewelry establishments in Paterson, New Jersey, on May 17, 2023; in Mentor, Ohio, on July 21, 2023; in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on August 14, 2023; in Greece, New York, on September 20, 2023; at the Connecticut Post Mall in Milford, Connecticut, on October 5, 2023; in Lombard, Illinois on October 17, 2023; in Hamilton Township, New Jersey, on October 27, 2023; in Henrico, Virginia on November 4, 2023; and in Horseheads, New York on April 18, 2024.  The total losses from these burglaries exceed $4.4 million.

Members of the conspiracy also cased additional jewelry stores and kiosks in Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Delaware.

To date, none of the stolen jewelry has been recovered by law enforcement.  The investigation revealed that much of the stolen jewelry was sold to the owner of a jewelry store in Queens, New York, who then sold it to others, including those he knew would melt down the gold.

Ramirez Cagua has been detained since July 18, 2024.  On March 5, 2025, he pleaded guilty to interstate transportation of stolen property.

This investigation has been conducted by the FBI New Haven’s Transnational Organized Crime Task Force with the assistance of the Milford (Conn.) Police Department, the Hamilton Township (N.J.) Police Division, the Delaware State Police, the Henrico County (Va.) Police Division, the New York State Police, the New York Police Department, the Pensacola (Fla.) Police Department, the Paterson (N.J.) Police Department, the Mentor (Ohio) Police Department, the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Police Department, the Greece (N.Y.) Police Department, and the Lombard (Ill.) Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David T. Huang and Conor M. Reardon.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, and FBI Field Offices in New York, Dallas, Miami, and Tampa for their assistance.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion.  The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad.  Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders.  In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

HSTF New Haven comprises agents and officers from the FBI, DEA, HSI, ATF, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor, and Connecticut State Police, with prosecutions led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ORONDE JEFFERSON, 42, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for a drug-related firearm offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2024, the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and Bridgeport Police Department learned that Jefferson’s associate, Moeties Brown, was selling narcotics in the vicinity of Brown’s residence on Maple Street in Bridgeport.  On November 20, 2024, investigators observed Jefferson and Brown at Brown’s residence, and Brown and others engaging in suspected drug sales.  Jefferson was arrested on state charges after he was searched and officers found him in possession of 32 individual glassine folds of fentanyl, a ziplock bag containing 71 capsules of crack cocaine, and a loaded Glock 9mm handgun equipped with a loaded high-capacity magazine.  Brown was also arrested after a search of his person revealed a distribution quantity of marijuana, and a search of his vehicle and residence revealed more than 100 grams of fentanyl, two handguns, and ammunition.

Jefferson was arrested on federal charges on May 9, 2025.  On March 23, 2026, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Jefferson’s criminal history includes convictions for robbery, firearms, burglary, and larceny offenses.

Jefferson, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on August 25.

On May 19, 2026, Brown pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 5.

This investigation has been conducted by the FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, the Bridgeport Police Department, and the Stratford Police Department.  The Task Force is composed of personnel from the FBI, Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Fairfield, Norwalk, Trumbull, and Westport Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mary G. Vitale and Daniel George.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE LUIS RODRIGUEZ, 46, a citizen of the Dominican Republic unlawfully residing in the United States, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 50 months of imprisonment for passport fraud and identity theft offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2025, an individual who had been recently released from prison (the “victim”) applied for a Connecticut identification card at the Waterbury branch of the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (“DMV”).  When processing the victim’s application, the DMV determined that there was already an active driver’s license for the victim that had been issued in 2001 and renewed multiple times.  An investigation determined that Rodriguez, who lived in Waterbury, was the unlawful holder of the driver’s license and had assumed the victim’s identity.  Investigators discovered that the victim’s identity had two different FBI fingerprint profiles, and that the Waterbury Police Department had arrest records and booking photographs of Rodriguez posing at the victim.

On March 5, 2020, Rodriguez used the name, date of birth, and place of birth of the victim to apply for a U.S. passport in Waterbury.  He received the passport and used it for travel and identification purposes.

Rodriguez was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on December 30, 2025, after he submitted the false passport to the U.S. Department of State and falsely represented himself as the victim and as a U.S. citizen.  He has been detained since his arrest.

On April 28, 2026, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to one count of using a passport secured by a false statement and one count of aggravated identity theft.

Rodriguez will be removed to the Dominican Republic when he completes his prison term.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles and the Waterbury Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that REBECCA BARBERA, 44, of Guilford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 24 months of imprisonment and two years of supervised release for assisting the commission of numerous violent robberies across Connecticut in September and October 2022.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between September 5 and October 13, 2022, Barbera’s associate, Lonny Cross, committed 37 robberies and attempted robberies of gas station convenience stores, mini-markets, and liquor stores in North Branford, Waterbury, Wolcott, Plymouth, New Haven, North Haven, Orange, West Haven, Wethersfield, Bristol, Southington, Naugatuck, Watertown, Franklin, Norwich, Waterford, Groton City, Stonington, Ledyard, Darien, Norwalk, Stratford, and Seymour, Connecticut, and Port Chester, New York.  In total, Cross stole more than $58,000 in cash.  Several of the robberies occurred on the same day, only minutes apart.

For at least 24 of the robberies, Cross traveled to the store with Barbera, who would sometimes enter the store to determine the number of employees and customers in the store, exit the store, and then report that information to Cross.  Cross then entered the store, displayed a knife or facsimile firearm while threatening employees with statements including “I know where you work” and “if you call the police I’ll come back and blow your head off,” and stole cash and other items.

Cross grabbed some victims and held a knife to them.  During a robbery in Wethersfield on September 24, 2022, Cross threatened the 12-year-old son of the store owner with a knife and robbed the register.  The boy was alone behind the counter while his father was in a back office when Cross entered the store.

On October 14, 2022, investigators conducted court-authorized searches of Cross’s residence and a black 2014 Chevrolet Impala that Cross was known to drive.  The search of the residence revealed clothing consistent with clothing worn by Cross in several of the robberies, as well as quantities of heroin, crack cocaine, and narcotics paraphernalia.  A search of the car revealed 120 bags heroin, approximately 14 grams of crack, and a knit hat matching the description of one worn by Cross during a robbery the day before.  Cross, who was on state parole for prior robbery convictions, was arrested on state charges on that date.  The morning after his arrest, from jail, Cross directed Barbera and others to go to a storage unit and dispose of a weapon he had used in the robberies.

Barbera was arrested on October 28, 2022.  On May 24, 2024, she pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence.

Barbera, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on September 4.

Cross pleaded guilty to robbery offenses and, on March 5, 2025, was sentenced to 188 months of imprisonment.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police, Orange Police Department, Port Chester (N.Y.) Police Department, and numerous other police departments from the municipalities where the robberies occurred, with the assistance of Connecticut State Parole.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Robert S. Ruff.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSUE MUNIZ, 35, of Ansonia, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for distributing fentanyl and cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Stamford Police Department learned that an individual, subsequently identified as Muniz, was trafficking fentanyl and cocaine in the Naugatuck Valley, and that a 32-year-old woman had died from an overdose after using drugs obtained from Muniz.  Investigators conducted multiple undercover purchases of narcotics from Muniz in November and December 2024.  On December 20, 2024, after investigators coordinated a purchase of narcotics, Muniz was arrested at a car dealership in Milford where he was employed.  Muniz possessed approximately 58 grams of fentanyl at time of his arrest, and related searches of his vehicle and Ansonia residence revealed quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine.

Muniz, whose criminal history includes state felony convictions for narcotics offenses, has been detained since his arrest.  On April 9, 2026, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of cocaine.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Stamford Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Lembo with the assistance of Law Student Intern Isabelle Kennedy.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that DAVID L. JOHNSON, 66, of Greenwich, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Sarah F. Russell in New Haven to an offense stemming from his embezzlement of more than $2 million from an elderly victim and his estate.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Johnson operated an antiques business, Antique Treasures LLC, and an auction business, Greenwich Auction, both based in Stamford.  In approximately October 2018, an individual (“the victim”) executed a power of attorney, will, and trust naming Johnson as the victim’s agent, executor, and successor trustee, respectively.  Johnson was not a beneficiary of the victim’s estate or trust.  The victim died at the age of 87 in August 2020.  After the victim’s death, Johnson stole more than $436,000 from one of the victim’s federal tax refund checks.  The investigation revealed that Johnson stole a total of $2,168,719.24 from the victim and his estate.

To date, Johnson has paid approximately $1.1 million in restitution.

Johnson pleaded guilty to money laundering, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 30.

Johnson has been released on a $250,000 bond since his arrest on December 18, 2025.

This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the FBI, announced that AMILY COLON, 31, of Wethersfield, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging her offenses related to her alleged sexual coercion of a minor she met online.

As alleged in court documents, Colon, who identified herself as “Alice,” initiated an online relationship with a 13-year-old boy in New York (the “minor victim”).  Communicating primarily through the Discord app, the conversations became sexually explicit, and Colon coerced the minor victim to send her a sexually explicit video of himself.  In turn, Colon sent sexually explicit images and videos of herself to the minor victim.  On June 26, 2026, Colon traveled to Long Island, picked up the minor victim, brought him to her residence in Wethersfield, and attempted to engage in sexual activity.  Colon drove the minor victim back to Long Island the next day, dropping him off a few blocks away from his home.

The criminal complaint charges Colon with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, and with transportation of a minor to engage in sexual activity.  Each offense carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years imprisonment and a maximum of life.  

Colon appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish in Hartford and was ordered detained.

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

This investigation is being conducted by the FBI New Haven Child Exploitation Task Force, the FBI’s Long Island Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, and the Suffolk County (N.Y.) Police Department, with the assistance of the Wethersfield Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexis L. Beyerlein and Nancy V. Gifford.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York for its assistance in the investigation and prosecution of this matter.

This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England; J. Buck Buckley, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and Thomas A. Greco, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, today announced that HECTOR GONZALEZ, 42, of Ansonia, and DAREL EDWARDS, also known as “Woo,” 48, of New Haven, have been charged by indictment with narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, a long-term investigation revealed that Gonzalez, Edwards, and others were involved in the manufacture and distribution of pills containing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other substances.  Gonzalez used multiple tableting/pill pressing machines to manufacture counterfeit pills resembling pharmaceutical grade Oxycodone and Adderall pills and containing fentanyl and methamphetamine, and generic pills in various shapes, colors, and sizes, and bearing logos and designs, which contained various illicit substances, including fentanyl, carfentanil, xylazine, methamphetamine, and cocaine.  Gonzalez distributed the pills through a network of associates, including Edwards, who sold them to customers in Connecticut and, using the U.S. Mail, to others out of state.

It is further alleged that on March 14, 2025, New Haven Police arrested Edwards after finding him in possession of more than 200 grams of narcotics pills that had been produced by Gonzalez.  On May 8, 2025, while he was released on bond in his state case, investigators observed Edwards meeting with Gonzalez for the purpose of acquiring additional pills.  Connecticut State Police attempted to stop Edwards’ vehicle after the meeting, but Edwards fled at a high rate of speed before abandoning his vehicle in New Haven.

It is also alleged that, in June 2025, Edwards and an associate sold narcotics pills and a short-barreled rifle to an undercover ATF agent.

Gonzalez and Edwards were arrested on federal criminal complaints on June 30, 2026.  On that date, a search of Gonzalez’s residence revealed three mechanical pill pressing machines, more than two kilograms of fentanyl in both powder and counterfeit pill form, more than two kilograms of methamphetamine, two firearms, approximately $280,000 in cash, and diamond encrusted jewelry.

On July 14, 2026, a federal grand jury returned a seven-count indictment charging Gonzalez and Edwards with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances.  If convicted of this charge, based on the type and quantity of drug narcotics attributed to each defendant, Gonzalez faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and Edwards faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.

The indictment also charges Gonzalez with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and Edwards with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, controlled substances.

The indictment also alleges that each defendant faces enhanced penalties based on a prior conviction in Connecticut state court for a serious violent felony.  In 2007, Gonzalez was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and, in 2004, Edwards was convicted of assault in the first degree.

Gonzalez and Edwards have been detained since their arrests.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with the assistance of Homeland Securities Investigation (HSI), the Connecticut State Police, and the New Haven, Hamden, and Ansonia Police Departments.  The DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad is composed of personnel from the DEA, and the Bristol, West Haven, Fairfield, Glastonbury, Seymour, and Torrington Police Departments.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FERNANDO GONCALVES DOS SANTOS, 38, a citizen of Brazil, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to unlawful reentry of a removed alien.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2023, Danbury Police arrested Goncalves, who did not have lawful status in the U.S., in connection with multiple domestic violence offenses.  Goncalves was subsequently arrested by Danbury Police in March 2023 for violating a protective order, and in May 2023 for threatening and for violating a protective order.  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Goncalves on June 22, 2023.  On November 17, 2023, he was removed to Brazil.

Goncalves subsequently illegally reentered the U.S.  In 2025, he was convicted in Connecticut Superior Court for violation of conditions of release – second degree.

ICE arrested Goncalves on a federal criminal complaint on March 27, 2026, in Bethel.

Goncalves, who has been detained since his arrest, is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on October 9 in Hartford, at which time Goncalves faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years.

This matter has been investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KUTTINO JAMAL SCOTT, 24, of Miami, Florida, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 32 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for his role in a scheme that defrauded numerous individuals who used the electronic payments system Zelle.  Judge Shea also ordered Scott to perform 125 hours of community service while on supervised release.

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

From approximately February 2021 through August 2023, Scott and others, including Kader Gahmaal Biwaki Edmond, stole $657,680.79 from approximately 140 victims, including victims in Connecticut, through this Zelle scheme and other fraud schemes.  The investigation revealed that Edmond had more direct contact with victims, and Scott managed at least eight “money mules,” individuals who allowed their bank accounts to receive and transfer proceeds of the fraud scheme.

Judge Shea ordered Scott to pay full restitution.

Scott was arrested on August 31, 2023.  On January 13, 2026, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

Scott, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on September 15.

Edmond pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on August 19, 2024, was sentenced to three years of imprisonment.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Chang with the assistance of Law Student Intern Lucas Alexander.

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

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that YOVANI DE JESUS ALVAREZ MURILLO, 42, a citizen of Honduras, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with illegal reentry of a removed alien.

The criminal complaint alleges that Alvarez was first encountered in the U.S. in February 2005 when he was arrested by the New York State Police in Tarrytown, New York, and charged with driving while ability impaired by the consumption of alcohol.  In August 2008, Greenwich (Conn.) Police arrested Alvarez, under the name “Geovany Alvares-Murillo,” on a charge of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs/alcohol.  In December 2008, Stamford Police arrested Alvarez, under the names “Geovany Alvarez-Murillo” and “Geovany Alvares-Murillo,” for two counts of failure to appear in the second degree.  In November 2009, Stamford Police arrested Alvarez, under the name “Geovany Alvares-Murillo,” on a charge of larceny in the third degree.  In December 2011, Stamford Police arrested Alvarez, under the name “Geovany Alvares,” on a charge of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs/alcohol.  In June 2012, Stamford Police arrested Alvarez, under the name “Geovany Alvares-Murillo,” on a charge of failure to appear in the first degree.  In October 2012, Stamford Police arrested Alvarez, under the name Geovany Alvares-Murillo, on a charge of forgery in the second degree.  Alvarez was convicted of, and sentenced for, these offenses.

The complaint further alleges that, in October 2012, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) interviewed Alvarez while he was serving a sentence in the custody of Connecticut Department of Correction.  During the interview, Alvarez admitted that had illegally entered the U.S. in approximately 2002 by crossing the border from Mexico.  Alvarez was removed to Honduras in October 2013.

The complaint further alleges that, Alvarez illegally reentered the U.S. and, in August 2021, under the name “Geovany Alvares-Murillo,” was arrested by Stamford Police on a charge of breach of peace in the second degree.  He was convicted of the offense and ordered to pay a $150 fine.  In May 2023, Alvarez, under the name “Geovany Alvares Murillo,” was arrested by Stamford Police on a charge of criminal trespass in the third degree.  He was convicted of the offense and was ordered to pay a $300 fine.

The complaint further alleges that, in November 2024, Connecticut State Police arrested Alvarez, under the name “Geovanny Alvares,” on a charge of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.  In August 2025, Stamford Police arrested Alvarez, also under the name “Geovanny Alvares,” for operating a motor vehicle without an ignition interlock device (breathalyzer).  Alvarez was convicted of these offenses on May 14, 2026, in Stamford Superior Court.  He served a 60-day state sentence and was transferred to ICE custody today.

Alvarez appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and was ordered detained.

If convicted of the charge of unlawful reentry, Alvarez faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan 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 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael S. Deel and Neeraj N. Patel.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the FBI, and Hartford Police Chief James C. Rovella today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging KIJUAN TERRELL, 40, of Hartford, with firearm possession and fentanyl distribution offenses.

The indictment alleges that, on March 11, 2026, Terrell possessed a Smith & Wesson .38 Special revolver with an obliterated serial number, and fentanyl that he intended to distribute.

It is alleged that Terrell’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for criminal possession of a firearm, possession of narcotics, and escape.  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.

The indictment, which was returned on May 13, 2026, charges Terrell with unlawful possession of a firearm by felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years; possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years; and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. 

Terrell has been detained since his arrest.  He appeared yesterday in Hartford federal court and pleaded not guilty to the charges in the indictment.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan 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 investigation is being conducted by the Hartford Police Department and the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, which includes members from the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, and the East Hartford, Hartford, New Britain, West Hartford, Wethersfield, and Newington Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Dearington.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTHONY PRIMAVERA, 22, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 18 months of imprisonment and two years of supervised release for trafficking firearms.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2024, the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Task Force investigated a drug trafficking organization led by Primavera’s associate.  The investigation included controlled purchases and the seizure of various narcotics, including multi-colored pills pressed to look like ecstasy and containing methamphetamine and metonitazene, a synthetic opioid with a potency similar to or greater than fentanyl.  During the investigation, law enforcement seized more than six kilograms of methamphetamine pills, approximately 600 grams of metonitazene pills, and approximately 300 grams of pills containing a synthetic amphetamine.  In October 2024, Primavera’s associate also sold a stolen pistol and a Polymer 80 handgun (“ghost gun”) to a convicted felon.  The investigation revealed that Primavera had supplied the two firearms involved in the transaction.

Primavera was arrested on May 20, 2025.  On March 10, 2026, he pleaded guilty to engaging in a firearms trafficking conspiracy.

Primavera, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on October 14.

This matter is being investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the New Haven Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie T. Levick and Brendan J. Keefe.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that NICOLAS BROWN, also known as “Breezy,” 30, of New York, New York, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 180 months of imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release for child exploitation offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, 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 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.  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 sexual conduct with a minor victim.

Brown has been detained since his state arrest.  On December 20, 2024, he pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of production of child pornography and one count of possessing and accessing with intent to view child pornography.

This matter was 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 was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Lembo.

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

This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JASON GIBSON, 46, of Ledyard, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment and 20 years of supervised release for possession of child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2020, Gibson was convicted in state court of possession of child pornography and sentenced to 10 years of incarceration, suspended after 30 months, and 10 years of probation.  He was released from state custody in January 2021.  In April 2023, Gibson’s probation was revoked for violating the conditions of his release and he was sentenced to 90 months of incarceration, suspended after six months, and 94 months of probation.  He was released from state custody in August 2023.

On March 6, 2024, state probation officers made a routine home visit to Gibson’s residence and seized an unapproved cellphone that also contained a dark web application.  Subsequent analysis of the phone revealed more than 200 child sex abuse images and videos, and numerous text messages with links to access child pornography on the dark web.  On April 2, 2025, probation officers made another home visit to Gibson’s residence and seized an external hard drive.  Analysis of the hard drive revealed more than 18,000 images and 1,400 videos depicting child sex abuse.  Gibson has been detained since that date.

Judge Williams ordered Gibson to pay a total of $181,500 in restitution to 24 victims depicted in the images and videos he possessed.

On January 13, 2026, Gibson pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography.  The penalties in this matter were enhanced because of Gibson’s prior state convictions.

This investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the New Haven Police Department, with the assistance of the Town of Groton Police Department, the Watertown Police Department, the Westport Police Department, and the Connecticut Court Support Services Division – Adult Probation Services.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Gordon 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.

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

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that BELIN ANTONIO GONZALEZ-GARCIA, also known as Belin Garcia and Belin Gonzalez, 39, a citizen of Honduras, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with illegal reentry of a removed alien.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in October 2009, Gonzalez-Garcia, under the name Belin Gonzalez, was convicted in Connecticut state court of assault in the first degree and sentenced to 18 years of imprisonment, suspended after seven years, and three years of probation.  In April 2015, Gonzalez-Garcia was removed from the U.S. to Honduras.  In September 2016, U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) encountered and arrested Gonzalez-Garcia in Brownsville, Texas.  He was subsequently convicted in the Southern District of Texas of illegal reentry of a removed alien and sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment.  In December 2018, Gonzalez-Garcia was again removed to Honduras.

The complaint further alleges that, in August 2020, USBP encountered and arrested Gonzalez-Garcia in La Joya, Texas.  In January 2021, he was convicted in the Southern District of Texas of illegal reentry of a removed alien and sentenced to 37 months of imprisonment.  In June 2023, he was again removed to Honduras.  In December 2023, USBP encountered and arrested Gonzalez-Garcia in Eagle Pass, Texas.  In January 2024, he was again removed to Honduras.

The complaint further alleges that, on June 7, 2026, Connecticut State Police arrested Gonzalez-Garcia, who identified himself as “Belin Garcia,” in Andover, Connecticut, following a car accident.  Gonzalez-Garcia was charged in Connecticut Superior Court in Rockville with illegal operation of motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs, evading responsibility – injury/property damage, failure to drive in proper lane, and operating a motor vehicle without a license.  He was released on a $2,500 bond.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) took Gonzalez-Garcia into custody on June 23, 2026.

Gonzalez-Garcia appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish in Hartford and was ordered detained.

If convicted of the charge of unlawful reentry, Gonzalez-Garcia faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan 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 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neeraj N. Patel and Michael S. Deel.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the FBI, today announced that ABISAI RODRIGUEZ, 38, of Hartford, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with multiple child exploitation offenses.

As alleged in court documents, in December 2010, Rodriguez was convicted in Connecticut state court of possession of child pornography in the first degree.  In November 2018, Rodriguez was convicted in Connecticut state court of illegal sexual contact with a minor and, in February 2019, was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment, suspended after five years, and 10 years of probation for the offense.  He was released from state custody in January 2023.  On March 23, 2026, Rodriguez was arrested by Manchester Police for failure to register as a sex offender.  Following Rodriguez’s arrest for this offense and for violating his state probation related to his arrest, investigators searched Rodriguez’s two cellphones and his laptop computer.  One of the cellphones contained approximately 211 images and 154 videos depicting the sexual abuse of children.  Rodriguez was using encrypted messaging apps to trade and store the child sex abuse material.

The criminal complaint charges Rodriguez with both receipt and distribution of child pornography, offenses that each carry a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, and with possession of child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  The penalties in this matter are enhanced because of Rodriguez’s prior state convictions.

Rodriguez has been detained since his federal arrest on June 11, 2026.

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

This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, with the assistance of the Connecticut Court Support Services Division – Adult Probation Services, the Connecticut Computer Crimes and Electronic Evidence Laboratory, and the Farmington Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexis L. Beyerlein.

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.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE RAUL MAITA, 55, a citizen of Ecuador, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 18 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the United States.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 1996, Maita was granted status as a legal permanent resident in the United States following approval of an application based on his marriage to a U.S. citizen.  In February 1998, Maita was convicted in Westchester County Court in New York of sexual abuse first degree involving sexual contact by forcible compulsion.  The victim of the offense was nine years old.  Maita was sentenced to five years of probation and was required to register as a sex offender.  In November 2000, Maita was convicted in New York of failure to register as a sex offender.  In August 2001, he was convicted of driving while intoxicated and for violating his probation stemming from his sexual abuse conviction.  Maita’s probation was revoked and he was sentenced to one year of incarceration.  In October 2003, Maita was deported to Ecuador.

Maita illegally reentered the U.S. and, in November 2006, he was convicted in Westchester County Court of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.  In April 2007, he was convicted in New York of failure to register as a sex offender.  In April 2008, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Maita and, in October 2008, he was convicted in the Southern District of New York of unlawful reentry.  In August 2009, Maita was again removed to Ecuador.  He subsequently unlawfully reentered the U.S.

On September 20, 2025, Maita, who identified himself as “Jose P. Maita” and provided a false date of birth, was arrested by the Connecticut State Police in Southbury on charges of illegal operation of a motor vehicle without a license and illegal operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and drugs.  Maita was subsequently released on bond.

On November 4, 2025, the U.S. District Court in New Haven issued a criminal complaint charging Maita with unlawful reentry.  Maita was located and arrested by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations on March 18, 2026, in Waterbury.  He pleaded guilty to the offense on April 8, 2026.

Maita has been detained since his arrest.

This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JONY GALEANO LOPEZ-GARCIA, also known as Yoni Lopez Garcia, 27, a citizen of Guatemala last residing in Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to unlawful reentry of a removed alien.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in November 2017, Lopez-Garcia was encountered by U.S. Border Patrol in Arizona.  He was deported to Guatemala in December 2017 and warned that he could not return to the U.S. for a period of five years.  Lopez-Garcia subsequently reentered the U.S. in January 2018.  He was convicted in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas of illegally entering the U.S.  In February 2018, he was deported to Guatemala and warned that he could not return to the U.S. for a period of 20 years.  Lopez-Garcia subsequently unlawfully reentered the U.S.

On November 27, 2025, Hartford Police arrested Lopez-Garcia under the name Yoni Lopez Garcia and charged him with assault first degree, conspiracy to commit assault first degree, assault third degree, carrying a dangerous weapon, threatening second degree by physical threat, and other offenses.  He was released on bond in his state case.

On April 27, 2026, the U.S. District Court in Hartford issued a criminal complaint charging Lopez-Garcia with unlawful reentry.  He was located and arrested by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations on April 28, 2026, in Hartford, and has been detained since his arrest.

At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Lopez-Garcia faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years.

This matter has been investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, announced that FERNANDO TORIBIO, also known as “Fernando Toribio-Balbuena,” 32, of Waterbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to theft of government funds.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2019, Toribio agreed to become a cooperating source with the Drug Enforcement Administration in an effort to avoid prosecution for narcotics offenses.  Under the terms of an agreement Toribio entered with the DEA, any unauthorized criminal activity by him would constitute a breach of the agreement, exposing him to criminal prosecution.

In November 2022, Toribio told DEA special agents and task force officers in Connecticut about a female from the Dominican Republic who was living in Massachusetts.  According to Toribio, the female had left a sample of fentanyl pills for him in a mailbox in Waterbury.  Investigators retrieved approximately 10 pills from the mailbox, and testing confirmed they contained fentanyl.  The DEA and Toribio subsequently coordinated the following transactions with the female:

• On December 2, 2022, the female provided 1,000 fentanyl pills and a sample of powder fentanyl at a meeting in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, and was paid $5,000 in government funds provided by the DEA.
• On December 16, 2022, the female provided 1,000 fentanyl pills at a meeting in Manchester, Connecticut, and was paid $5,000 in government funds provided by the DEA.
• In January 2023, the female provided approximately one pound of crystal methamphetamine and was paid $5,000 in government funds provided by the DEA.
• On January 26, 2023, at a meeting in Norwalk, Connecticut, the female provided approximately 10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine and 3,000 fentanyl pills, and was expecting to receive a payment of $65,000.  However, DEA special agents seized the drugs and did not make the agreed-upon payment.

In pleading guilty, Toribio admitted that he had arranged with the female to receive a cut of the government funds paid by the DEA for the drugs.  After the December 2, 2022, transaction, the female and Toribio met in Boston where she paid him $1,200.  After the December 16, 2022, transaction, the female met Toribio in Revere, Massachusetts, and paid him $1,800.  After the first January 2023 transaction, the female paid Toribio $1,200 at location in Massachusetts.  The female also sent funds over CashApp to an account controlled by Toribio’s wife.

In addition, Toribio and the female had agreed that he would receive $18,000 of the $65,000 anticipated payment for the January 26, 2023, transaction.

Toribio was arrested on a criminal complaint on January 8, 2026.

Theft of government funds carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for September 23.

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

This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Peck.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAJONNE BLAKE, also known as “Ray Ray,” 26, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 121 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for his participation in the violent armed robberies of an Amazon delivery truck in December 2022 and a Cumberland Farms store in January 2023.

According to court documents and statements made court, Blake and others committed gunpoint robberies of an Amazon delivery truck and merchandise in Bridgeport on December 23, 2022, and a Cumberland Farms, located at 1290 West Broad Street in Stratford, on January 2, 2023.  

During the Amazon truck robbery, Blake’s accomplices forced the driver into the back of the truck at gunpoint where they assaulted him.  Blake supplied the firearm for the robbery and served as the getaway driver.  During the Cumberland Farms robbery, where Blake again served as the getaway driver, Blake’s accomplices entered the store with firearms, threatened employees, forced victims to the ground, and stole $1,200 from the cash registers and personal items from the customers, including an iPhone.

In addition, Blake’s associates committed the gunpoint robberies of Omega Deli, located at 999 Maplewood Avenue in Bridgeport, on December 15, 2022; Milford Convenience & Tobacco, located at 784 Boston Post Road in Milford, on December 21, 2022; and Smoke Shop, located at 2175 Boston Avenue in Bridgeport, on December 23, 2022.

Blake has been detained since August 1, 2024.  On January 27, 2026, he pleaded guilty to interference with commerce by robbery (“Hobbs Act robbery”) and carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

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

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAVON MORSE, 30, of Norwich, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 90 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for cocaine distribution and firearm possession offenses, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 13, 2017, Morse was sentenced in Bridgeport federal court to 60 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for trafficking cocaine.  He was released from prison in January 2021.

On October 14, 2024, while on federal supervised release, Morse fled from Norwich Police during a traffic stop.  After he fled, Morse went to a storage facility where he maintained a storage unit.  As Norwich Police again attempted to stop Morse’s vehicle, Morse threw a backpack from the vehicle and sped away.  Morse’s vehicle became disabled a short distance away and he was taken into custody.  Morse possessed $2,356 in cash at the time of his arrest.

A search of the backpack Morse discarded revealed nearly a kilogram of cocaine, numerous narcotic pills, items used to process and package narcotics, and other items.  A search of Morse’s storage unit revealed four handguns, including two “ghost guns;” loaded gun magazines, including high-capacity magazines; ammunition; and other items.  A subsequent search of Morse’s vehicle revealed approximately 10 pounds of marijuana, narcotic pills, quantities of methamphetamine and crack cocaine, items used to process and package narcotics, and $4,449 in cash.

Morse has been detained in federal custody since December 12, 2024.  On March 19, 2026, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

Judge Nagala sentenced more to 78 months of imprisonment for the drug and firearm offenses, and a consecutive 12 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

This investigation was conducted by the Norwich Police Department, the Connecticut State Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TERRENCE DAVIS, 41, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarah F. Russell in New Haven to a narcotics trafficking offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, members of the FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force developed evidence that David was selling fentanyl and crack cocaine from a hotel in Branford.  On October 15, 2025, investigators made a controlled purchase of narcotics from Davis.  On October 17, 2025, a court-authorized search of Davis’ hotel room revealed nearly 700 grams of cocaine, more than 70 grams of fentanyl, drug packaging materials, and $13,867 in cash.  Davis was arrested on state charges at that time and was subsequently released on bond.

This matter was adopted for federal prosecution and, on January 7, 2026, Davis was charged by indictment.  He was arrested federally on January 8, 2026, and, on that date, a search of the same hotel room where Davis was staying revealed approximately 60 grams of fentanyl, 25 grams of crack cocaine, and seven grams of powder cocaine.

Davis pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.  Sentencing is scheduled for September 30.

Davis has been detained since his arrest.

This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the New Haven Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathan Guevremont and Christopher Lembo.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion.  The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad.  Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders.  In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

HSTF New Haven comprises agents and officers from the FBI, DEA, HSI, ATF, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor, and Connecticut State Police, with prosecutions led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that YUNIOR BENAVIDES, 50, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to unlawful reentry of a removed alien.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2009, Benavides and others were charged with federal offenses related to their participation in a Hartford area narcotics distribution conspiracy.  He pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment and, in November 2013, was deported to the Dominican Republic.  Benavides subsequently illegally reentered the U.S.

On March 6, 2026, HSI agents stopped a car in West Hartford in connection with a drug trafficking investigation.  Benavides, the driver of the car, was identified as being unlawfully present in the U.S. and was taken into custody.  He was also in possession of a false identification document.

Judge Oliver scheduled sentencing for September 22, 2026, at which time Benavides faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  He has been detained since March 6.

This matter has been investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHAWN STEPHENS, 35, of West Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 97 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for his participation in the large-scale manufacture and trafficking of counterfeit pills containing synthetic opioids and other substances.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation led by the DEA New Haven’s Tactical Diversion Squad and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service targeting the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit oxycodone, Xanax, and Adderall tablets containing methamphetamine, protonitazene, dimethylpentylone, xylazine, and other substances.  Protonitazene is a Schedule I synthetic opioid that is three times more potent than fentanyl.

In June 2023, law enforcement received information that Stephens’ co-conspirator, Kelldon Hinton, was using a pill press to manufacture large quantities of counterfeit pills containing controlled substances.  Through the use of physical and electronic surveillance, the seizure and searches of parcels sent through the U.S. Mail and commercial delivery services, undercover purchases of counterfeit pills, trash pulls, and other investigative methods, investigators determined that Hinton, with the assistance of Stephens and others, was purchasing protonitazene, dimethypentalone, xylazine, other substances, and pill press parts from China and elsewhere, using tableting machines (“pill presses”) to manufacture counterfeit pills in a garage he rented in East Haven, marketing and selling the pills on the dark web, and mailing pills to customers around the U.S.  In text messages, Hinton referred to the rented garage as his “lab.”  Between February 2023 and February 2024, Hinton shipped more than 1,300 packages through the U.S. Mail.  Hinton also distributed the counterfeit pills to associates in Connecticut, who sold them to their own customers.

Hinton, Stephens, and other co-conspirators were arrested on September 5, 2024.  On that date, investigators conducted court-authorized searches of several locations, including the garage located on Tyler Street Extension in East Haven, which yielded approximately one million narcotic pills weighing nearly 100 kilograms, approximately 300 grams of cocaine, two large pill presses, pill manufacturing equipment, drug ledgers, and other items.  One of the pill presses seized was capable of producing 100,000 pills per hour.

The investigation subsequently revealed that Hinton rented a unit at a storage facility in West Haven.  On September 18, 2024, a court-authorized search of the storage unit revealed hundreds of thousands of additional narcotic pills weighing nearly 100 kilograms.

Stephens helped Hinton maintain both his garage lab and storage facility, and he mailed customer orders for Hinton.

On October 21, 2025, Stephens pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.  Stephens, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on July 30.

Hinton pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.

This investigation has been conducted by the DEA New Haven’s Tactical Diversion Squad and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with the assistance of the DEA Chicago Cyber Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the East Haven Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and Konstantin Lantsman.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that the following four individuals have been charged with federal offenses related to the theft of more than $500,000 in an ATM “jackpotting” scheme:

EUCLIDES MORENO ITANARE, 28, of Raleigh, North Carolina
WILLIAN RICARDO FLORES, 49, of the Bronx, New York
ALBERTO JOSE FREITES ARVILLA, 41, of Queens, New York
LUIS JOSE FREITES ARVILLA, 38, of Lynn, Massachusetts

The four defendants are citizens of Venezuela.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in August 2025, Itanare, Flores, Alberto Freites Arvilla, Luis Freites Arvilla, and others conspired to steal cash from at least nine ATM’s in Connecticut through what is known as a “jackpotting” scheme.  Jackpotting often involves using specialized hardware and malware that forces an ATM to dispense its stored cash.

It is alleged that the defendants accessed ATMs in Milford and Ansonia, and at I-95 rest stops in Fairfield, Branford, Madison, and Darien.  For each of the thefts, the pattern of behavior was similar.  Surveillance video shows that while Luis Freites Arvilla acted as a lookout, Alberto Freites Arvilla opened the hood of the ATM, accessed the internal components of the ATM, and then left the area.  Over the course of several hours, Luis Freites Arvilla, Itanare, and Flores then took turns withdrawing cash from the ATM.  The defendants sometimes changed clothes in an attempt to avoid suspicion when approaching the same ATM multiple times.

It is alleged that the defendants stole $529,220 from eight ATMs between August 8 and August 18, 2025.  They were prevented from stealing any money from the ATM in Ansonia due to a software patch that protected the ATM against this type of theft.

The four defendants were arrested on June 25, 2026, on federal criminal complaints charging each with interstate transportation of stolen property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and with conspiracy, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  They are currently detained.

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

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police, the Raleigh (N.C.) Police Department, and the New York City Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel George.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of North Carolina for its assistance.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion.  The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad.  Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders.  In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

HSTF New Haven comprises agents and officers from the FBI, DEA, HSI, ATF, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor, and Connecticut State Police, with prosecutions led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that BENJAMIN DOZIER, also known as “Ace” and “Blanco, 44, of Bridgeport, was sentenced on June 26, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for trafficking narcotics in southwestern Connecticut.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and Stamford Police Department identified Rodney Canada as the leader of a drug trafficking organization that was distributing large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine in Stamford and elsewhere in southwestern Connecticut.  An investigation in 2024, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Canada and others orchestrated the street level distribution of narcotics through other members of the conspiracy.  Investigators intercepted more than 5000 text messages and calls in which Canada coordinated his drug trafficking activities.  

Dozier was identified during the investigation as supplier on fentanyl to Canada.

Dozier, Canada, and other members of the conspiracy were arrested on May 14, 2024.  On that date, investigators conducted court-authorized searches at locations in Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, and Darien, and seized approximately three kilograms of cocaine, nearly 400 grams of raw fentanyl, more than 500 bags of fentanyl, five firearms, a bulletproof vest, and seven vehicles.

A subsequent search of a storage unit that Dozier rented revealed a loaded Taurus 9mm handgun, drug-packaging materials, and ledgers documenting drug trafficking activity.

Dozier’s criminal history includes felony convictions for narcotics distribution and weapon possession offenses.

On December 30, 2025, Dozier pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

Dozier, who is released on a $150,000 bond, is required to report to prison on September 9.

Canada pleaded guilty and, on December 15, 2025, was sentenced to 110 months of imprisonment.

This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, the Stamford Police Department, the Bridgeport Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Connecticut State Police, and the Norwalk, Danbury, and Darien Police Departments.  The DEA HIDTA 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 Patricia Stolfi Collins and Geoffrey M. Stone.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New England, today announced that MARCOS FRANCISCO JAVIER GOMEZ, 23, of Norwalk, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with multiple child exploitation offenses.

As alleged in court documents, on April 3, 2024, Gomez was arrested by the Putnam County (N.Y.) Sheriff’s Office after he had traveled to New York to meet with a 13-year-old girl with whom Gomez had engaged in sexually explicit communications via text messages, FaceTime, and various social media applications.  Subsequent court-authorized searches of Gomez’s cellphone revealed evidence that Gomez had been communicating with at least five minor females in Connecticut, had recorded himself engaging in sexual activity with four of these minor victims, had requested that the minor victims send him videos depicting them engaging in sexually explicit conduct, and had sent obscene images of himself to at least one of the minor victims.  Gomez typically met his minor victims through Snapchat.

The complaint charges Gomez with production of child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of life; receipt or attempted receipt of child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; possession or attempted possession of child pornography, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; and transfer of obscene materials to a minor, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Gomez, who has been serving a New York state prison sentence related to his conduct with the 13-year-old minor victim in New York, appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and was ordered detained.

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

This investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Putnam County (N.Y.) Sherrif’s Office, the Norwalk Police Department, the Bridgeport Police Department, the Watertown Police Department, and the Waterbury Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Stamford/Norwalk for their assistance in the investigation and prosecution of this case.

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.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that CHANEL AYBAR-PENA, 31, a citizen of the Dominican Republic unlawfully present in the U.S., pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to a fentanyl trafficking offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration identified Aybar-Pena as a significant fentanyl distributor.  Aybar-Pena was arrested on March 19, 2026, after a court-authorized search of a house on Chipper Drive in East Hartford where he was living revealed approximately five kilograms of fentanyl.

Aybar-Pena pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.  A sentencing date is not scheduled

Aybar-Pena has been detained since his arrest.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the East Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Reed Durham.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, and J. Buck Buckley, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, today announced that the following six individuals have been charged with federal fraud and money laundering offenses stemming from their alleged participation in a sweepstakes scam that defrauded primarily elderly victims across the country of millions of dollars:  

ANDRE-JON GAYLE, 33, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida
AALIYAH MAYNE, 25, of Dania, Florida
ONAJE CHEVERS, 29, of Dania, Florida
MATTHEW HUTCHINSON, 24, of Williamsburg, Virginia, COURTNEY REYNOLDS, 31, of Miami, Florida
ROSHAUN THOMPSON, 24, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Gayle, Mayne, Chevers, Hutchinson, and Reynolds are citizens of Jamaica.  Thompson is a U.S. citizen.

The indictment alleges that, beginning in approximately 2022, the defendants participated in a “Publishers Clearing House scam.”  As part of the scheme, the defendants and others purchased lists of names of elderly individuals located in Connecticut and throughout the U.S.  Claiming to represent Publishers Clearing House, they then contacted individuals on the lists and informed them that they won millions of dollars in the Publisher Clearing House sweepstakes.  Victims were told that to claim their prize they had to pay upfront fees or taxes and were directed to send checks, cash, and money orders to the defendants and others.  At times, victims were told to send money to other victims of the scheme who believed that, as part of a “sponsor program,” the money was coming from previous winners who were “sponsoring” them by helping to pay their taxes and fees.  The “sponsored” victims were then directed to send the money they received on to other victims, the defendants, and their associates.

The indictment further alleges that certain victims also provided scheme participants with their driver’s license, other personal identifying information, and banking and credit card information, which scheme participants used to make personal expenditures.  Scheme participants also diverted victims’ social security benefits into Green Dot banking accounts that scheme participants opened and controlled.

On June 2, 2026, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging each of the six defendants with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, five counts of mail fraud, four counts of wire fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.  Each of these offenses carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Mayne, Chevers, and Reynolds were arrested on June 4, Thompson was arrested on June 5, Hutchinson was arrested on June 9, and Gayle was arrested on June 10.

Gayle, Hutchinson, Reynolds, and Thompson appeared today in Bridgeport federal court, pleaded not guilty to the charges in the indictment, and were released on $ 250,000 bonds.  Mayne and Chevers are currently detained.

“As alleged, this was an organized sweepstakes scam that ruthlessly preyed upon the vulnerability of our elderly citizens to defraud them out of millions of dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Sullivan.  “Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our federal and local law enforcement partners, we have dismantled this illicit operation and will hold those responsible accountable for their actions.  It is crucial for the public to know that legitimate sweepstakes winners will never need to pay upfront fees or taxes in order to claim a prize.  Anyone who demands money to release a lottery or sweepstakes payout is a fraudster, plain and simple.”

“The indictment of these six individuals demonstrates IRS-CI’s ongoing commitment to investigate all those that prey upon the American public,” said Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office.  “These individuals attempted to not only steal the life savings of the elderly to enrich themselves but took it a step further by siphoning off their Social Security benefits, a financial safety net that many older Americans depend on to survive.  IRS-CI is committed to our continued cooperation with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to identify any and all individuals that victimize the nation’s elderly population.”

“These charges demonstrate our unwavering commitment to holding fraudsters accountable,” said Acting Inspector in Charge J. Buck Buckley.  “Exploiting vulnerable communities through these schemes is a cruel crime, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to aggressively investigate operations that target vulnerable citizens for personal gain.  We are deeply grateful to our law enforcement partners and prosecutors whose dedication and teamwork made these charges possible.”

U.S. Attorney Sullivan 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 investigation is being conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with the assistance of the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, the West Saint Paul (Minn.) Police Department, and the Southborough (Mass.) Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather L. Cherry.

As a result of a long-term Homeland Security Task Force investigation into gang violence in New Haven, a federal grand jury in Bridgeport has returned a 19-count indictment charging 16 alleged members and associates of the “Stand On Business” or “SOB” street gang in New Haven with various offenses, including conspiring to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, murder, attempted murder, drug trafficking, firearms trafficking, and related offenses.

Today’s announcement was made by David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; John P. Doyle, Jr., State’s Attorney for the New Haven Judicial District; Thomas A. Greco, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England; New Haven Police Chief David Zannelli; and Hamden Police Chief Edward Page Reynolds.

The indictment, which was returned on June 17, charges

BRIAN BACKMAN, a.k.a. “Bri” and “Lil Bri,” 19
EMANUEL LOWERY, a.k.a. “Flip,” 24
SHAQUAN RAGHUBIR, a.k.a. “Quando,” 21
KERWIN ROMERO, a.k.a. “Kerbo,” 20
BRIAN REDD, 18
MAURICE BEVERLY, a.k.a. “Mo Dizz,” 21
LAMONT QUADIR SMITH-REED, a.k.a. “Steph Curry,” 23
SHYON EDWARDS, 20
GIOVANNI CABASQUINI, a.k.a. “Gio,” 22
TAQUORE GOMES,  a.k.a. “Poppa,” 23
WADE JOHNSON, a.k.a. “G-wade,” 20
JOHN BROWN, a.k.a. “Man,” and “Hot Head Man,” 21
ANTWAN BALDWIN, a.k.a. “Ant” and “Lil A,” 20
OMARI MUNDLE, a.k.a. “Mari,” 19
JA’TWAN ROBINSON, a.k.a. “Foolie,” 20
JAIVON WILLIAMS, a.k.a. “Jay,” 21

The indictment was unsealed after Romero, Redd, Edwards, and Robinson were arrested yesterday. They appeared in federal court and are detained.  The other defendants are presently in state custody and will be arraigned in federal court at a later date.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address violence in New Haven, the ATF, FBI, DEA, New Haven Police Department, Hamden Police Department, and Connecticut Department of Correction, working closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, have been investigating an ongoing gang war. The Stand On Business or SOB street gang, which during its existence has also referred to itself as “Get Back Gang,” “Everybody Killers,” and “EBK,” originated in the geographic area of New Haven known as the “Hill” in the southwestern-most neighborhood of New Haven.  In addition to the Hill, SOB has members and associates who are incarcerated, living in other areas of New Haven, and in other Connecticut cities and towns.  The SOB gang has long-standing rivalries with other neighborhood gangs in New Haven, including the “Exit 8” gang, which based in the geographic area accessed by exiting Interstate 91 at Exit 8 in New Haven, as well as “24-Hour Shorty,” “Sleepy Land Bitches” or “SLB,” and “the 3s.”  Violence between these groups is retaliatory in nature, and members of SOB are responsible for fatal and non-fatal shootings in the Exit 8 section and other areas of New Haven.

The indictment alleges that members and associates of SOB engaged in drug trafficking, used and shared firearms and machine gun conversion devices, and, since 2019, have committed at least two murders and numerous attempted murders.  SOB members and associates promoted, coordinated, facilitated, and celebrated their criminal conduct, including acts of violence, through text messaging and the use of social media applications, and in rap songs and videos posted online.

The indictment specifically alleges that SOB members and associates committed the following violent acts:

• On January 26, 2019, Lowery shot and attempted to kill an associate of a rival gang; 
• On May 7, 2020, Backman, Cabasquini and others shot and attempted to kill a member and associate of the Exit 8 gang;
• On July 18, 2020, Backman and others shot and killed Kaymar Tanner after mistaking him for a member of the Exit 8 gang;
• On November 19, 2020, Backman, Beverly, and others shot and attempted to kill an individual they mistook for a member of the Exit 8 gang; 
• On December 3, 2020, Romero, Lowery, and Johnson shot and attempted to kill a member and associate of the Exit 8 gang;
• On May 8, 2021, Cabasquini, Smith-Reed, Gomes, and others shot at and attempted to kill a member and associate of the Exit 8 gang; 
• On May 30, 2021, Backman, Smith-Reed, and Brown shot and killed Semaj Reddick, a member and associate of the rival SLB gang.
• On July 33, 2022, Raghubir and others shot at and attempted to kill a member and associate of the 24-Hour Shorty gang;
• On February 18, 2023, Beverly and others shot and attempted to kill a member and associate of the Exit 8 gang;
• On May 14, 2023, in the early morning, Backman, Raghubir, and Gomes shot at and attempted to kill Exit 8 gang members in downtown New Haven; 
• On May 14, 2023, in the evening, Backman and others shot at and attempted to kill Exit 8 gang members and struck an unintended victim in the head;
• On June 23, 2024, Beverly shot and attempted to kill and individual based on a mistaken belief that the victim had provided information to law enforcement leading to the arrest of an SOB associate;
• On November 16, 2024, Edwards shot at and attempted to kill individuals in order to protect SOB drug territory;
• On October 8, 2025, in the early morning, Backman and Redd directed Mundle to shoot at and attempt to kill an individual in retaliation for the murder of an SOB member.  Later that day, Backman directed SOB members and associates to shoot at and attempt to kill the same individual;
• On October 8, 2025, in the early evening, Backman directed SOB members and associates to shoot at and attempt to kill an individual for disrespecting SOB and a deceased SOB member.

The indictment charges Backman, Lowery, Raghubir, Romero, Redd, Beverly, Smith-Reed, Edwards, Cabasquini, Gomes, Johnson, and Brown with racketeering conspiracy.  If convicted of this charge, Backman, Smith-Reed, and Brown face a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and the others face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

The indictment also charges Backman, Redd, and Mundle with one or more counts of conspiracy to commit murder in aid racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, all related to attempted murders on October 8, 2025.  The racketeering offenses carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and the firearm offense carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least 10 years.

In addition, the indictment charges Backman with illegal possession of a machine gun, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and with possession of a machine gun during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least 30 years; Robinson and Johnson with firearms trafficking related to their receipt of machine gun conversion devices, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years; and Cabasquini with use of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years.

The indictment also charges each defendant, with the exception of Mundle, with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Cabasquini and Backman are also charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, which also carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan 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 indictment describes a cycle of gang warfare that has plagued the streets of New Haven for years,” said U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan.  “What is truly alarming, and tragic, is the collective ages of these young men who have chosen a path of extreme, unchecked violence.  Their alleged actions demonstrate a reckless disregard for human life and the safety of innocent bystanders.  Alongside our federal, state, and local partners, this office remains unyielding in our commitment to dismantle these violent networks and restore peace and safety to our neighborhoods.”

“This investigation and prosecution represent the hard work and shared ongoing commitment of federal, state and municipal partners in using all resources available to stem violent crime in our cities,” said New Haven State’s Attorney John P. Doyle, Jr.

“These charges reflect ATF’s unwavering commitment to reducing violent crime by targeting the individuals and criminal organizations responsible for driving gun violence in our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Thomas A. Greco.  “Through relentless investigation and strong partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement, we will continue to identify, disrupt, and dismantle those who use firearms to intimidate, injure, and kill.  Today’s charges demonstrate that those who choose violence will be held accountable, and that ATF remains steadfast in its mission to protect the public and deliver justice for victims.”

“Violent gangs thrive when they believe they can operate without consequence,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge P.J. O’Brien. “This investigation demonstrates that law enforcement agencies working together can penetrate these organizations, disrupt their criminal activity, and pursue justice.  The FBI remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting the citizens of Connecticut by targeting those responsible for violent crime, while building lasting partnerships with the communities we serve. We will continue to bring every available resource to make our neighborhoods safer.”

“Today’s indictment alleges a shocking pattern of violence that includes murders, attempted murders, drug trafficking, and the illegal use of firearms,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget. “These charges underscore the devastating impact that violent gangs have on our communities, where narcotics trafficking and gun violence often go hand in hand.  The individuals charged are accused of using violence and intimidation to further their criminal enterprise, placing countless innocent lives at risk.”

“The results of this long-term investigation demonstrate once again that only a small number of people commit the majority of gun violence in our community,” said New Haven Police Chief David Zannelli. “This indictment proves that we do not forget, and that those who perpetrate the most serious offenses will be identified and held accountable for their actions.  We are extremely proud of NHPD Detective Cunningham and NHPD Officer Borges for all their hard work throughout this investigation.  We are also grateful to the ATF, FBI and DEA New Haven field offices for their collaboration, as well as the US Attorney’s Office and our local law enforcement colleagues.”

“This investigation reflects the determination, faith, and unwavering commitment of our detectives and law enforcement partners,” said Hamden Police Chief E.P Reynolds.  “Although years have passed, those involved never gave up on seeking justice for the victims and their families.  Today is the result of countless hours of hard work and perseverance. While our hearts and prayers remain with the victims’ loved ones, we hope this outcome brings some measure of peace and serves as a reminder that justice may take time, but we will never stop pursuing it.”

This investigation is being conducted by ATF, the FBI, the DEA, the New Haven Police Department, the Hamden Police Department, the Connecticut Department of Correction and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service and the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory. 

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion.  The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad.  Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders.  In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

HSTF New Haven comprises agents and officers from the FBI, DEA, HSI, ATF, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor, and Connecticut State Police, with prosecutions led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie T. Levick and Nathan J. Guevremont.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ONIEL ACOSTA-REYES, 27, a citizen of the Dominican Republic residing in Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 48 months of imprisonment and two years of supervised release for a fentanyl trafficking offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force revealed that members of a Hartford-area drug trafficking ring were using an apartment on Franklin Avenue in Hartford as a stash location for narcotics.  On August 25, 2025, investigators stopped Acosta-Reyes and an associate as they exited the apartment carrying a large cooler.  On August 25, 2025, investigators stopped Acosta-Reyes and an associate after they exited the apartment and placed a large cooler in their car.  When investigators searched the cooler, they found a kilogram brick of fentanyl, bags of powder fentanyl, cutting agent, and parts for a mechanical press.  A subsequent search of the apartment revealed additional drug trafficking paraphernalia, a kilogram drug press, and two firearms.

Acosta-Reyes has been detained since his arrest on August 25, 2025.  On March 24, 2026, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.

This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force, which includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Dearington.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAIME SANTIAGO, 44, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for distributing fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2024, the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and Bridgeport Police Department investigated an open-air drug market that was operating in the area of Noble Avenue and Shelton Street in Bridgeport.  Between March and September 2024, investigators made 11 controlled purchases of narcotics from various sellers.  The investigation, which also included court-authorized wiretaps and physical surveillance, revealed that Santiago and others supplied fentanyl to the drug sellers.

Santiago was arrested on February 12, 2025.  On January 22, 2026, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

Santiago, who is released on a $25,000 bond, is required to report to prison on September 24.

This investigation has been conducted by the FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, the Bridgeport Police Department, and the Stratford Police Department.  The Task Force is composed of personnel from the FBI, Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Norwalk, and Trumbull Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JIMMY SMITH, 31, a citizen of Jamaica residing in Hinesville, Georgia, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 46 months of imprisonment for operating a sweepstakes scam.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in a sweepstakes scam, scam participants contact victims by telephone and falsely inform them that they have won large sums of money.  Victims are told that they need to pay fees or taxes to claim their winnings and they are instructed to send money through the mail to various addresses controlled by scam participants, or to various bank accounts through wires. 

Smith and others defrauded at least four victims residing in Connecticut, New York, Texas, and California, by telling them they had won a Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes and needed to pay taxes or money to claim the prize. Smith recruited others to use their bank accounts to deposit money that had been mailed by scam victims.  Smith’s co-conspirators then withdrew cash and gave it to Smith, or sent Smith money using bank transfer applications.

For example, in July 2022, a Connecticut victim was contacted by telephone and told that she had won a $2.5 million sweepstakes prize and needed to pay taxes to claim her winnings.  In August 2022, the victim mailed a $75,000 check paid to the order of Keshelski & K Transport to an address in Brooklyn, New York.  The account was deposited into an account in the name of Keshelski&K Transports LLC, which was controlled by Keshelski Bates, a co-conspirator of Smith.

Smith also participated in a separate scheme that defrauded an Arkansas resident who believed he was paying for farm equipment.

Victims lost more than $2.6 million through these schemes.

Smith was arrested on March 17, 2025.  On November 18, 2025, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud.

Smith, who is released on bond and is on electronic monitoring, must report to prison on August 24.

Bates pleaded guilty to the same charge and awaits sentencing.

This investigation has been conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with the assistance of Army CID, the Hinesville (Ga.) Police Department, and the Orlando (Fla.) Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather M. Cherry.

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

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MONTEL CAPLE, also known as “Forbes,” 30, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for his involvement in a southwestern Connecticut narcotics trafficking ring.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2022, the FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, which was investigating gang activity in the South End and West Side of Bridgeport, identified Christian Pichardo as a supplier of various narcotics to gang members and other drug distributors.  During the investigation, investigators intercepted calls and text messages over court-authorized wiretaps between Pichardo and his associates, made controlled purchases of narcotics, and seized drugs from members of the conspiracy and their drug customers.  Some of the drugs seized during the investigation had been cut with fentanyl analogues, nitazines, and xylazine.  Nitazines are synthetic opioids stronger than fentanyl, and xylazine is a large animal tranquilizer.

Pichardo supplied fentanyl to Caple, which Caple sold to his own customers.  Caple also sometimes supplied narcotics to Pichardo.

Caple was arrested on August 5, 2024.  On December 11, 2025, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Caple, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on August 24.

Pichardo pleaded guilty to a related charge and, on July 14, 2025, was sentenced to 12 years of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bridgeport, Stratford, and Norwalk Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Peck.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that HABROON HABIB, 30, a citizen of Pakistan and lawful permanent resident of the U.S. residing in Middletown, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday in Bridgeport federal court to operating an unlawful money transmitting business.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2025, Habib registered “Around The World Solutions LLC” with the State of Connecticut and rented shared commercial office space at 386 Main Street in Middletown.  In February 2025, Habib opened a bank account for Around The World.  Shortly thereafter, Around The World Solutions began to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare Advantage (also known as “Medicare Part C”) plans in Connecticut for durable medical equipment, including orthotics and braces, that Medicare beneficiaries did not ask for, consent to, or receive.  The claims were submitted by an individual in Pakistan.

Between March 12, 2025, and May 14, 2025, a total of approximately $680,571.28 in payments from Medicare Advantage plans operated by private insurers were deposited into Around The World Solutions’ bank account, based on fraudulent claims for orthotics purportedly provided to approximately 413 Medicare beneficiaries residing in 36 states.  None of the Medicare beneficiaries resided in Connecticut.  Payments for some of the claims were stopped by the Medicare Advantage programs when they discovered the fraud.  The total amount of fraudulent claims Around The World Solutions submitted to Medicare Advantage plans was approximately $1,901,200.

Habib sent a total of 14 wire transfers totaling $425,000 from the Around the World Solutions bank account to bank accounts located in Pakistan.  At no time were Habib or Around The World Solutions licensed by the Connecticut Department of Banking to engage in the business of money transmission in Connecticut.  Under Connecticut state law, knowingly engaging in the business of money transmission in the State of Connecticut without obtaining a license is a class D felony, and engaging in unlicensed money transmitting without a state license is a violation of federal law.

Habib was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on August 24, 2025, shortly after federal investigators learned that he was scheduled to fly, using a one-way ticket, from JFK Airport to Pakistan the following day.

Habib is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford on September 8, at which time Habib faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  He is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.

This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon.

This announcement is part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in charges against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, including death.

Today’s Takedown represents a new era in federal, state, and international cooperation to combat health care fraud: cases in 56 federal districts and 45 U.S. states and territories, with 50 state Medicaid Fraud Control Units participating, the most in Justice Department history.  In addition, unprecedented international cooperation over the two-week Takedown resulted in the apprehension and return to the United States of the following health care fraudsters: one defendant in Kyrenia in connection with an over $3.7 billion scheme; two defendants in Estonia in connection with a previously charged $10.6 billion scheme; and, in the Philippines, one of FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters in connection with a previously-charged $1.2 billion telemedicine fraud scheme.

The Takedown involves the cutting-edge use of data analytics to target the worst actors; the seizure of over $182 million in cash, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other assets; and full-spectrum accountability for all criminal actors from doctor’s offices to corporate boardrooms.

Today’s coordinated enforcement action involves a whole-of-government approach, including:

• Actions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to suspend 1,079 providers and revoke billing privileges for 1,403 providers.
• 48 Civil Monetary Payment settlements amounting to over $73 million, over 1,400 provider exclusions, and 25 actions by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”) under the Civil Monetary Penalties Law seeking more than $10 billion in payments to the Medicare Trust Fund from payments that CMS caught and suspended before the funds were paid to the fraudulent providers.
• Civil charges against 13 defendants for $14.8 million in health care fraud schemes, as well as civil settlements with 31 defendants totaling $23 million.
• 928 administrative cases by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seeking the revocation of authority to handle and/or prescribe controlled substances since October 1, 2025.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.