District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Middletown Man Admits Robbing 3 Supermarket BanksRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GINO RIZZO, 29, of Middletown, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to bank robbery.
According to court documents and statements made in court, using notes demanding cash, Rizzo robbed People’s United Bank branches located in Stop & Shop supermarkets in Glastonbury on July 16, 2022, in Newington on July 18, 2022, and in West Hartford July 20, 2022.
Rizzo was arrested on July 21, 2022.
On April 11, 2023, while on pre-trial release, Rizzo disconnected his GPS electronic monitoring bracelet and absconded from his court-mandated rehabilitation center. He has been detained since his re-arrest on May 22, 2023.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for October 17, at which time Rizzo faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Middletown, Glastonbury, Newington, and West Hartford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie T. Levick and Robert S. Dearington.
Drug Courier Sentenced to 37 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ARMANDO VARELA-PLAZA, 41, a citizen of Mexico last residing in Queens, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 37 months of imprisonment for his role in a drug trafficking ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a DEA New Haven Task Force and Waterbury Police Department-led investigation into drug trafficking in and around the city of Waterbury. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones, physical surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, and motor vehicle stops that resulted in the seizure of drugs and cash proceeds, revealed that Jose Duprey, also known as “Red” and “Colorado,” trafficked kilogram-quantities of cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. Duprey used his place of employment to supply narcotics to other drug distributors, and he used his girlfriend’s business, located on Straits Turnpike in Middlebury, to store narcotics and other items.
Varela-Plaza was a courier for Duprey’s drug supplier. On February 23, 2022, Varela-Plaza called Duprey and arranged to pick up and transport a large quantity of cash proceeds from Duprey. Later that day, after investigators observed Varela-Plaza meeting with Duprey, they stopped Varela-Plaza’s car and seized $88,000 in cash.
Varela-Plaza, Duprey, and 12 other individuals identified during this investigation were arrested on May 25, 2022. On that date, a search of Duprey’s Waterbury residence and his Middlebury stash location revealed approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine, two kilograms of heroin, two kilograms of fentanyl, and more than $107,000 in cash.
Varela-Plaza has been detained since his arrest. On April 25, 2023, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
Varela-Plaza faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.
Duprey has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department, with the assistance of DEA offices in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Connecticut State Police; Connecticut Department of Correction; Connecticut State Parole; and the Naugatuck, Ansonia, West Haven, Meriden and East Haven Police Departments.
U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the Waterbury State’s Attorney’s Office for its cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this matter.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan J. Keefe and Nathaniel J. Gentile through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Bridgeport Man Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Gun While on Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GIOVANNI CANDELARIO, 30, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 65 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm while on federal supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2015, Candelario was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 57 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. In July 2018, Candelario was arrested for criminal firearm possession and other offenses and, in addition to a state sentence, he received 12 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his federal supervised release.
On January 9, 2021, while he was still on supervised release, Candelario was arrested by the Connecticut State Police after a car he was driving on Route 8 in the Bridgeport area exceeded 115 miles per hour. Candelario eventually stopped his car near Exit 26 on Interstate 95, and a search of his person revealed a .357 revolver with an obliterated serial number.
Candelario has been detained since his arrest. On March 2, 2023, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
This matter was investigated by the Connecticut State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Two Connecticut Men Charged with Using Stolen Identities to Steal VehiclesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a nine-count indictment charging TYSHON WALKER, 38, of Naugatuck, and ELVIS PEREZ, also known as “Pops,” 58, of Bridgeport, with offenses related to a series of vehicle thefts from dealerships utilizing personal information from identity theft victims.
The indictment was returned on July 11, 2023. Perez was arrested on July 19 and Walker surrendered to law enforcement yesterday. They appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and entered pleas of not guilty. Perez was ordered detained and Walker was released on a $250,000 bond.
As alleged in the indictment, since at least September 2020, Walker, Perez, and others utilized personal information stolen from residents of Connecticut and other states to apply for vehicle loans at dealerships in Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Rhode Island for motorcycles, an all-terrain vehicle, and other performance vehicles. Once the loan was approved by the dealership using the identity theft victim’s information, Walker would send a series of runners, including Perez, Mark Goff, and Thomas Owen, to pick up the vehicle utilizing a fictitious driver’s license that included the identity theft victim’s information and a photograph of the runner. The vehicle was then transported back to Connecticut for resale on Facebook Marketplace.
The indictment charges Walker and Perez with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years. Walker is also charged with three counts of wire fraud, which carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count, two counts of aggravated identity theft, which carry a mandatory consecutive term of imprison of two years on each count, and two counts of interstate transportation of stolen vehicles, which carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count. Perez is also charged with one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property.
Goff, 48, and Owen, 26, both of Ansonia, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy and identity theft charges stemming from this scheme and await sentencing.
In a related case, Nuvar Foster, 30, of Waterbury previously pleaded guilty to interstate transportation of stolen vehicle stemming from the fraudulent purchase of a 2020 Harley Davidson motorcycle from a dealership in Warwick, Rhode Island in December 2020. On February 21, 2023, he was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay restitution of $20,000, the amount he received when he resold the motorcycle.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendants who are awaiting trial are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, the Bridgeport Police Department, the Hopkinton (R.I.) Police Department, the Westtown – East Goshen Regional (Pa.) Police Department, and the Washington Township (N.J.) Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and Heather M. Cherry.
Two Men Charged in Interstate Motor Vehicle Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging DARYL JONES, 53, of Atlanta, Georgia, and MARKOS PAPPAS, 49, of New Haven, with offenses related to a scheme to steal vehicles in other states, transport them to Connecticut, make efforts to conceal the fact they were stolen, and then sell them to customers.
The indictment was returned on June 20, 2023, and unsealed yesterday. Jones appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and pleaded not guilty. He was released on a $50,000 bond pending trial. Pappas has been detained in federal custody since March 28, 2023, when he was arrested on a narcotics charges stemming from a related investigation.
As alleged in the indictment, Jones, Pappas and others conspired to obtain stolen motor vehicles from car dealerships, car rental businesses, and other sources in Georgia, Illinois, elsewhere, and transported the vehicles to Connecticut. They altered the vehicle identifying number (VIN) of the stolen motor vehicles to hide the fact that they were stolen, and disabled the vehicles’ onboard communication services, often known as the telematics systems, including GPS systems, in order to thwart attempts to locate the vehicle after it was stolen. They used the altered VIN to create stickers and other means of identification to put on the stolen motor vehicles, and attempted to remove the VIN etched on the vehicles. They also created fake vehicle titles and bills of sale using the altered VIN to present to various state’s Departments of Motor Vehicles when registering the vehicles. The vehicles were sold to customers, often in cash transactions.
Among the stolen vehicles specifically referenced in the indictment are a 2021 Ford Expedition stolen from a rental car company in Oak Brook Village, Illinois, in January 2022, and two Ford F-150 Raptors that were stolen from car dealerships in Gainesville, Georgia, and Canton, Georgia, in November 2022.
It is further alleged that in April 2023, while detained in federal custody as part of a separate indictment, Pappas communicated by phone with co-conspirators about the stolen vehicles.
The indictment charges Jones and Pappas with one count of conspiracy, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and three counts of possession of a stolen vehicle, and offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, with the assistance of the DEA New Haven’s Tactical Diversion Squad, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Marshals Service, and the National Crime Insurance Bureau. The FBI Task Force includes participants from the FBI, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, and the New Haven, Milford, East Haven, West Haven and Wallingford Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah P. Karwan and Tara E. Levens, in coordination with the New Haven and Milford State’s Attorney’s Offices.
This case is being prosecuted through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Seymour Man Sentenced to More than 6 Years in Federal Prison for Stealing Cash and Cigarettes in Month-Long Robbery SpreeRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STEVEN GALARZA, 25, of Seymour, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for committing 11 robberies of convenience stores and smoke shops in Connecticut, New Hampshire, and New York in 2022.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between February 27 and March 22, 2022, Galarza and others, using facsimile firearms that are designed to appear similar to real firearms, robbed the following retail locations of cash, cigarettes and other items:
- February 27 – Scott’s Village Mobil Gas Station, 843 Farmington Avenue, Farmington
- March 2 – Mystic Mobil Gas Station, 66 Whitehall Avenue, Mystic
- March 3 – Shell Gas Station, 168 Bridge Street, East Windsor
- March 3 – Food Bag, 960 Meriden Waterbury Turnpike, Southington
- March 5 – Valero Gas Station, 1 Main Street, Ellington
- March 5 – Sunoco Gas Station, 446 Bloomfield Avenue, Windsor
- March 8 – Smoker’s Discount World, 636 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield
- March 16 – Cove Smoke Market, located at 841 Cove Road, Stamford
- March 19 – 7-Eleven in Salem, New Hampshire
- March 19 – Smoker’s Depot, located at 399 West Main Street, New Britain
- March 22 – 7-Eleven in Katonah, New York
Galarza was arrested on April 19, 2022. On January 9, 2023, he pleaded guilty to eight counts of Hobbs Act Robbery. Galarza is detained.
Efrain Deleon and Gilberto Deleon, both of New Britain, participated in most of these robberies and have pleaded guilty to related charges. They await sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police, and the Farmington, Stonington, East Windsor, Southington, Windsor, Wethersfield, Stamford, New Britain, Salem (N.H.), and Somers (N.Y.) Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan Keefe and Rahul Kale.
Hartford Man Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Prison for Drug Offense, Possessing Gun and Distributing Drugs While Awaiting SentencingRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that PEDRO GOMEZ, also known as “Nito,” 42, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 76 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing narcotics, and for possessing a firearm and distributing drugs while awaiting sentencing in his federal case.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2016, law enforcement made multiple controlled purchases of heroin/fentanyl from Gomez. On April 20, 2017, Gomez pleaded guilty in Hartford federal court to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
On May 6, 2022, Gomez, who was awaiting sentencing and released on bond, was arrested after he was found in possession of a stolen handgun and distribution quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana.
Gomez’s criminal history includes felony convictions. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Gomez has been detained since his arrest. On February 14, 2023, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
Judge Thompson sentenced Gomez to 30 months of imprisonment for his original narcotics offense, and a consecutive 46 months of imprisonment for the firearm offense.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts, is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally-based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Derby Man Charged with Distributing MethRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that ANDRE MESSAM, 46, of Derby, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
As alleged in the complaint, on May 10, 2023, the FBI’s Transnational Organized Crime Task Force conducted a controlled purchase of approximately 55 grams of methamphetamine from Messam. Laboratory analysis of the methamphetamine determined that it was 100 percent pure.
This morning, Messam fled from law enforcement officers who attempted to stop his car in North Haven. He was located and arrested at a rental car agency on the Berlin Turnpike in Newington. Messam possessed approximately $7,200 in cash at the time of his arrest.
Following his arrest, Messam appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven and was ordered detained.
If convicted of the charge in the complaint, Messam faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that a criminal complaint 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 Transnational Organized Crime Task Force, which includes members from the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the Brookfield and New Milford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.
U.S. Attorney and Federal Partners Address Gun Violence and Firearms Trafficking in ConnecticutRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery and the leadership of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Violent Crimes and Narcotics Unit convened a series of meetings last week with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to discuss continuing strategies to curb gun violence and firearms trafficking in Connecticut.
“While I and members of my office regularly meet with our law enforcement partners to share information, discuss crime trends, and coordinate investigations and prosecutions, these meetings take on an added significance during the summer months when cities in Connecticut and across the country traditionally experience an uptick of gun violence and related criminal activity,” said U.S. Attorney Avery. “Using a data-driven, intelligence, and evidence-based approach, we are able to focus on the small number of individuals who are driving the violence in our cities. Then, either through our violence prevention engagement initiatives, or through federal or state prosecution, we aim to stop the violence before it occurs. Our collective goal is to make our communities safer by freeing it of recurrent gun violence and the trauma it causes.”
“Working collaboratively with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, we continue to aggressively combat Connecticut gun violence and trafficking,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Fuller. “Our FBI violent crime and violent gang task forces, which are located throughout Connecticut, consistently prove to be very effective in addressing gun violence in our cities and towns. This violent threat plaguing our communities is a top priority for the FBI.”
“ATF is committed to our continued collaboration and support of our local, state and federal partners to address violent gun crime,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge James Ferguson.
“DEA is committed to investigating and dismantling violent drug trafficking organizations operating in Connecticut,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “As we all know, drug trafficking in our communities, along with the gun and physical violence that often accompanies it, is a serious threat to our families and communities. DEA and its local, state, and federal partners will continue to work collaboratively to bring to justice those that commit these crimes.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service stands with our federal, state, and local partners to confront the violence in our communities,” said Ketty D. Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “We will aggressively pursue the criminals who, through their misuse of the U.S. Mail, facilitate the crimes which fuel the violence on our streets.”
As the majority of violent crime in Connecticut occurs in heavily-populated Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven and Waterbury, the U.S. Attorney’s Office currently coordinates Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) programs in each of these cities. PSN, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts, focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has recently supplemented resources in these four PSN cities, and continues to focus on violent crime in other cities across the state.
Each PSN city’s police department is also an important participant in multiple federal law enforcement task forces that address crime throughout the region. Other Connecticut police departments also contribute significantly to federal task forces.
Another significant part of federal law enforcement’s gun violence reduction strategy involves long-term investigations that target members of gangs and groups responsible for much of the violence in Connecticut’s cities. In Bridgeport, more than 30 alleged gang members have been charged across multiple indictments with offenses related to narcotics trafficking, murders, and other acts of violence committed in recent years. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is also currently prosecuting alleged gang members and associates in New Haven and Waterbury.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is also focusing on the illegal straw purchasing of firearms, the trafficking of firearms into Connecticut and around the state, increasing numbers of privately-made firearms (“PMFs” or “ghost guns”), as well as firearms containing “switches,” which convert ordinary firearms into fully automatic machine guns.
“We are constantly challenged by the sheer number of illegal firearms on the streets, the destructive strength of many of them, and technologies that make their manufacture easier and their tracing harder,” said U.S. Attorney Avery. “These guns endanger the community and the officers who are sworn to protect us. This is why we are prioritizing the prosecution of individuals who help turn legal firearms into illegal firearms, and those who manufacture and traffic guns. Police departments are also increasing the use of the ATF-sponsored National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to help connect recovered firearms to shell casings found at shooting scenes, which leads to additional arrests and successful prosecutions.”
In addition to the prosecution of firearm and violent crime cases, and the violence prevention efforts that are a major component of PSN, members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office also actively participate in federal court-sponsored programs in an effort to reduce recidivist behavior and make communities safer, including Reentry Court, which offers assistance to formerly-incarcerated individuals on federal supervised release, and Support Court, which connects federal offenders with drug and alcohol addiction to treatment, other resources, and support networks. The Office has also reached thousands of teens through FED-UP and HEAT, which are anti-violence and drug prevention programs for middle school and high school students emphasizing the extreme dangers of joining groups engaged in violent crime, and of experimentation with fentanyl, including fake pills.
“Ultimately, we know that reducing gun violence requires a multi-pronged approach, which is why members of my office and our law enforcement partners devote much time and energy engaging with returning citizens who have been through the penal system, as well as with youth who we hope will take a different path, to reduce the cycle of violence and save countless lives,” said U.S. Attorney Avery.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Gun Offense Stemming from April 2022 ShootoutRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KEJUAN WILLIAMS, 30, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for a firearm offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 18, 2022, after an unidentified shooter opened fire at individuals who were standing in a parking lot outside of a memorial gathering in Hartford, surveillance cameras at the location recorded at least nine individuals drawing firearms, and some of them returned fire. Shot Spotter technology recorded approximately 50 shots fired within approximately 90 seconds in and around the location, and law enforcement recovered at least 31 shell casings from the scene. Williams was present at the memorial gathering and was recorded on video brandishing a handgun and firing approximately eight times at the fleeing assailant. He then fled the scene in a black Acura.
On April 21, 2022, Hartford Police officers located Williams’ car parked near a restaurant on Westland Street. Williams was found inside the restaurant crouching behind a counter. Officers apprehended Williams and seized a loaded Taurus G2C 9mm handgun on the ground where Williams had been crouching. Investigators subsequently submitted to the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) a test-fired shell casing from the seized handgun. Analysis of the shell casing revealed that it matched shell casings that were recovered from the shooting on April 18.
Williams’ criminal history includes multiple felony convictions, including a conviction in 2015 for carrying a pistol or revolver without a permit. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Williams has been detained since his federal arrest on May 12, 2022. On January 25, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.
U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the Hartford State Attorney’s Offices for its cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this matter.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Bridgeport Fentanyl Trafficker Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that KINSTON CUTHBERTSON, 31, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to a fentanyl trafficking offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 27, 2022, a court-authorized search of Cuthbertson’s residence on Waldorf Avenue in Bridgeport revealed approximately 1.2 kilograms of fentanyl; approximately 380 grams of cocaine; a quantity of crack cocaine; items used to process and package narcotics, including a kilogram press; a money counter; and $10,702 in cash.
Cuthbertson 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. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer on October 6.
Cuthbertson has been detained since his arrest on May 27, 2022.
This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Connecticut State Police’s Statewide Narcotics Task Force Southwest and Statewide Urban Violence Cooperative Crime Control Task Force, and the Bridgeport Police Department’s Emergency Services Unit. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia Stolfi Collins.
Ansonia Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing and Selling Catalytic ConvertersRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FRANCISCO AYALA, 22, of Ansonia, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for offenses related to his participation in a stolen catalytic converter trafficking ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation into the coordinated theft of catalytic converters from motor vehicles across Connecticut. A catalytic converter contains precious metals, can easily be removed from its vehicle, and is difficult to trace, making it a desirable target for thieves. The average scrap price for catalytic converters currently varies between $300 and $1,500, depending on the model and type of precious metal component.
The investigation revealed that Ayala engaged in numerous catalytic converter thefts throughout Connecticut, and he was caught on surveillance video stealing converters from two vans at a business in Stratford on March 9, 2022. Between December 2021 and May 2022, Ayala and an associate sold approximately $150,000 worth of stolen catalytic converters to a co-conspirator who transported the converters to other businesses, including businesses in New York and New Jersey, for further resale and profit.
On April 4, 2023, Ayala pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property, and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property.
Ayala has been detained in state custody for unrelated theft offenses since May 2022.
This investigation is being led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI), and the East Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and A. Reed Durham.
Manchester Man Sentenced to More Than 8 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Distribution and Gun Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDUARDO COLON, 34, of Manchester, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 100 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for fentanyl distribution and firearm possession offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 3, 2022, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force made a controlled purchase of 1,000 wax sleeves of fentanyl from Colon in front of his Manchester residence on Buckland Hills Road. Later that day, a court-authorized search of Colon’s residence revealed a loaded 9mm semiautomatic handgun, approximately 2,100 sleeves of fentanyl, approximately 230 grams of unpackaged fentanyl, items used to process and package narcotics, a money counter, and approximately $11,000 in cash.
Colon’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for narcotics offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Colon has been detained since June 3, 2022. On March 27, 2023, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
The FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Manchester Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Reed Durham.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Hartford Man Who Possessed Loaded Guns and Drugs While on State Parole Sentenced to 32 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUIS MIGUEL RODRIGUEZ, 25, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to approximately 32 months of imprisonment, time already served, and three years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing firearms.
According to court documents and statements made, on November 19, 2020, Rodriguez’s state parole officer, with the assistance of Hartford Police, conducted an unannounced search of Rodriguez’s Hartford residence and found distribution quantities of crack cocaine and fentanyl, two loaded semi-automatic handguns, and $9,436 in cash. One for the handguns had been reported stolen in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Rodriguez’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for larceny and burglary offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Rodriguez has been detained since November 19, 2020. On May 9, 2022, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Hartford Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Correction Division of Parole and Community Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Gresham.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Farmington Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Selling Oxycodone PillsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTHONY HARRIS, 53, of Farmington, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally distributing oxycodone.
According to court documents and the evidence disclosed during a trial in this matter, Harris, who was prescribed oxycodone for a medical condition, unlawfully sold hundreds of oxycodone pills to another individual approximately every three weeks over the course of more than three years. The individual who purchased the pills sold them to customers in the Bristol area.
The investigation revealed that Harris sold a total of approximately 9,000 oxycodone pills prescribed to him in exchange for approximately $200,000.
Harris was arrested on June 3, 2021. On November 9, 2022, a jury found him guilty of four counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, oxycodone, and not guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, oxycodone.
Harris has been detained since November 17, 2022.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Bristol Police Department. The Tactical Diversion Squad included officers from the Bristol, East Windsor, Hamden, New Britain, West Haven, Newington, Manchester, Glastonbury, and Watertown Police Departments. Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Conor M. Reardon and Nathaniel J. Gentile.
Connecticut Dentist Admits Evading TaxesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that BOULOS HANNA, also known as “Paul Hanna,” 66, of East Lyme, waved his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to tax evasion.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Hanna is the sole owner of Paul Hanna DMD PC, a dental practice in New London. Hanna takes fees from dental patients in the form personal checks, cash, and credit card payments. Hanna owns the building where his dental practice is located and the practice pays rent to Hanna individually.
For each of the 2000 through 2009 tax years, Hanna filed a Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return for himself and his wife, and paid the tax due and owing for those years, typically by having withholdings during the year sufficient to cover his tax liability. For the 2010 through 2012 tax years, Hanna filed a Form 1040 for himself and his wife, but did not pay the tax due and owing. As a result, from approximately April 2012 through 2017, Hanna was subject to IRS collections enforcement for the 2010 through 2012 tax years, including forced collection activity, such as liens placed on property and seized payments taken by way of levy.
From 2013 through 2020, Hanna earned approximately $1.6 million in taxable income from his work as a dentist and from rental income. However, he failed to file tax returns for any of those years, resulting in a loss to the IRS of $244,541. In addition to failing to file personal federal income tax returns, Hanna attempted to evade the assessment of tax by paying himself “management fees” instead of a reasonable wage, operating in cash by self-endorsing business checks to himself and cashing these checks to keep money out of his personal bank accounts, and paying personal expenses directly from his business accounts without reflecting those payments as income.
Judge Williams scheduled sentencing for October 18, at which time Hanna faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. Hanna is released pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Wines.
Waterbury Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison for Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that AARON THOMPSON, 50, last residing in Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 48 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his federal supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 10, 2010, Thompson was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 168 months of imprisonment for his leadership of a Danbury-area crack cocaine distribution ring. He was released from federal prison in May 2020 and began serving a four-year term of supervised release.
On May 5, 2021, Danbury Police arrested Thompson for risk of injury and sexual assault offenses. On April 28, 2022, while Thompson’s state case and federal supervised release violation matter were pending, Danbury Police arrested Thompson for narcotics distribution offenses. He has been detained since that date.
Thompson subsequently pleaded guilty nolo contendere in state court and, on March 20, 2023, received an effective sentence of approximately five years of imprisonment. Thompson will begin serving his four-year federal sentence when he completes his state sentence, which is currently due to end in April 2027.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.
Man Admits Theft from Newington Gun StoreRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TROY HARRIS, 28, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to a firearm offense stemming from a Newington gun store theft in September 2021.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 7, 2021, Harris drove a car through the entrance of Hoffman’s “Guns for the Good Guys,” a federal firearms licensee located in Newington, and stole two Kimber Micro 9 9mm semiautomatic pistols, two Kimber Pro Carry .45 ACP semiautomatic pistols, and one Kimber Super Match .45 ACP semiautomatic pistol.
Harris pleaded guilty to theft of firearms from a licensee, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 5.
Harris has been detained since his arrest on September 7, 2021.
This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Newington and Bristol Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings through the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program.
PSN, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts, is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of New Britain for its close cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.
Two New Haven Men Charged with Offenses Stemming from Multiple Gunpoint Robberies in 2022Read the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging CHRISTIAN BORRERO, 20, and ROBERT SMITH, also known as “Robbie,” 20, both of New Haven, with offenses related to the gunpoint robberies of Connecticut convenience stores and an armed carjacking last summer.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, ATF and the New Haven Police Department have been investigating a series of gunpoint robberies and a carjacking that occurred in late June and early July 2022. The investigation revealed that Borrero committed an armed robbery of a Citgo Gas Station located at 957 Foxon Road in East Haven on June 29, 2022; an armed carjacking followed by an armed robbery of a 7-Eleven Convenience Store located at 1089 Campbell Avenue in West Haven on July 3, 2022; and an armed robbery on an Xpress Mart Gas Station located at 180 Wakelee Avenue in Ansonia on July 7, 2022. In addition, on July 6, 2022, Borrero and Smith committed an armed robbery of a Shell Gas Station located at 195 State Street in North Haven.
The indictment, which was returned on June 28, 2023, charges Borrero with four counts of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act robbery), an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count; one count of carjacking, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years; and two counts of carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, an offense that mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least seven years.
The indictment charges Smith with one count of aiding and abetting Hobbs Act robbery and one count of aiding and abetting the carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Borrero and Smith appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and entered pleas of not guilty. Borrero has been detained in state custody since July 13, 2022, and Smith has been detained in state custody since January 3, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), with the assistance of the New Haven, East Haven, West Haven, Ansonia, and North Haven Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.
U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the State’s Attorneys for the Judicial Districts of New Haven and Ansonia/Milford for their cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.
The prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Montville Man Charged with Federal Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging NICHOLAS DeFELICE, 31, of Montville, with engaging in the business of dealing in and manufacturing firearms, and possession of unregistered National Firearms Act firearms.
As alleged in the indictment, between approximately January 2020 and February 2022, DeFelice manufactured and sold firearms without a license to do so. On February 17, 2022, DeFelice possessed two rifles with barrels of less than 16 inches, and one silencer, which were not registered pursuant to the National Firearms Act.
The charge of engaging in the business of dealing in and manufacturing firearms carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and the charge of possession of unregistered National Firearms Act firearms carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of more than 50 additional firearms seized from DeFelice on February 17, 2022.
DeFelice appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and entered a pleas of not guilty to the charges. He was released on a $100,000 bond.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.
Man Who Possessed Stolen Gun and Participated in Catalytic Converter Theft Ring Sentenced to 37 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that THEODORE ROOSEVELT OWENS, 22, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for offenses related to his possession of a stolen firearm and his role in a catalytic converter theft ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 21, 2021, Vernon Police arrested Owens in a hotel parking lot on outstanding warrants. An investigation revealed that, shortly before his arrest, Owens possessed a loaded Zigana, Model PX-9 G2, 9mm pistol, which he had cause to believe was stolen, and approximately five grams of crack cocaine. The firearm was part of a shipment of 50 Zigana PX-9G2 pistols that was stolen from an R&L Carriers warehouse in South Windsor in August 2021.
The investigation further revealed that Owens had conspired with others in the theft and sale of catalytic converters. Between September 24 and October 17, 2021, Owens sold a co-conspirator $26,320 worth of catalytic converters, including converters that Owens knew were stolen. Owens’ co-conspirator transported the converters to other businesses, including businesses in New York and New Jersey, for further resale and profit.
Owens has been detained since his arrest. On February 9, 2023, he pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a stolen firearm and one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property.
The firearm theft investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the South Windsor Police Department and East Hartford Police Department. The catalytic converter investigation is being led by the ATF, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI), and the East Hartford Police Department. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and A. Reed Durham.
New York Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Offenses Related to Robbery and Murder of Stamford JewelerRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PAUL PROSANO, also known as “Tony Pro,” 63, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 360 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for offenses stemming from the robbery of Marco Jewelers in Stamford in March 2020. During the robbery, the owner of Marco Jewelers was shot and killed.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 28, 2020, at approximately 2:48 p.m., Stamford Police Officers responded to Marco Jewelers, located at 16 Sixth Street in Stamford. When officers arrived, they found evidence of a robbery and encountered the storeowner, Mark Vuono, lying on the ground in front of an open safe. Emergency medical personnel arrived and pronounced Vuono deceased.
Investigators collected and analyzed surveillance video from Marco Jewelers, surrounding businesses and Stamford city cameras. Video obtained from Marco Jewelers revealed that, on March 28, 2020, Prosano drove Robert Rallo and Thomas Liberatore in a black Jaguar to Marco Jewelers. Rallo and Liberatore then entered the store. Rallo, armed with a handgun, engaged in a physical altercation with Vuono, while Liberatore stole items from the display cases. Vuono, who also possessed a firearm, and Rallo struggled next to a large open safe. During the more than three-minute struggle, Rallo reached into the safe and pulled out a third firearm, a .357 Magnum revolver. Rallo subsequently shot and killed Vuono with the .357 revolver.
Between $360,000 and $430,000 worth of jewelry was stolen during the robbery.
Following the robbery, law enforcement located the black Jaguar in Staten Island and maintained surveillance on the vehicle. On March 31, 2020, at approximately 5:30 p.m., a black BMW X3, driven by Prosano, pulled up beside the black Jaguar. Rallo exited the rear door of the BMW and entered the driver’s door of a black Jaguar. The two vehicles then left the area and rapidly accelerated. The Jaguar crashed on Tompkins Street. Rallo attempted to flee on foot, but was quickly apprehended. The BMW crashed into a tree and parked car at the intersection of Daniel Low Terrace and Corson Avenue. Prosano also attempted to flee and was apprehended.
A search of the BMW revealed 63 rings, eight bracelets, two tie pins, an earring and a cufflink, and a search of Prosano’s residence revealed 23 pairs of earrings and three rings. These items were stolen from Marco Jewelers.
Liberatore was arrested on April 1, 2020.
Prosano has been detained since his arrest. On December 19, 2022, a jury found Prosano and Liberatore guilty of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act robbery) and interstate transportation of stolen property. Liberatore was also found guilty of aiding and abetting the use of a firearm to cause a death during a robbery.
Prosano’s criminal history, which includes multiple robbery convictions, spans more than 40 years. He met Rallo and Liberatore while incarcerated within the New York State Department of Corrections.
On April 5, 2022, Rallo pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery, interstate transportation of stolen property, and using a firearm to cause a death during a robbery. On March 1, 2023, he was sentenced to 40 years of imprisonment.
Liberatore awaits sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Stamford Police Department and Greenwich Police Department, with the assistance of the New York Police Department, Yonkers (N.Y.) Police Department and New Rochelle (N.Y.) Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis, Rahul Kale and Margaret Donovan.
Bridgeport Gun Trafficker Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAQUAN LAMONT WRIGHT, 26, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to a firearm offense stemming from his illegal trafficking of firearms.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation determined that Wright was illegally selling firearms without a license. In January and February 2023, investigators made three controlled purchases of handguns from Wright. One of the handguns had been reported stolen in North Carolina. During the investigation, Wright indicated that he possessed, and had access to, other firearms and firearm parts.
Wright was arrested on March 13, 2023. On that date, a search of his Bridgeport residence revealed a Glock Model 43 handgun, ammunition, and various gun parts.
Wright was previously convicted in state court of theft of a firearm, and possession with intent to sell narcotics. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Wright pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
Wright has been detained since his arrest.
This investigation has been conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Fairfield, and Stamford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis through the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program.
PSN, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts, is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Springfield Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Kidnapping and Murder ChargesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRANDON BATISTE, also known as “B,” 35, of Springfield, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to offenses stemming from his role in the kidnapping and murder of a Massachusetts man in 2020.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 24, 2020, Batiste and Calvin Roberson, also known as “Cutty,” kidnapped Francisco Roman, Jr., 28, at gunpoint from his residence in Chicopee, Massachusetts. Batiste and Roberson threatened to harm Roman if he did not comply with their orders, handcuffed him, and stole cash, marijuana, and other items from Roman. Batiste and Roberson forced Roman into the rear of Roman’s 2010 Acura ZDX, and transported Roman and the other stolen property to Connecticut. Batiste shot and killed Roman while the car was en route to Hartford. They then drove to the car Shultas Place in Hartford and left it parked on the street.
Shortly before 9 p.m. on December 26, 2020, Hartford police and fire personnel responded to Shultas Place and found the car engulfed in flames. After the fire was extinguished, investigators discovered Roman’s body with multiple gunshot wounds in the rear of the vehicle.
Batiste pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit kidnaping, and one count of causing the death of a person through the use of a firearm. Under the terms of a binding plea agreement, if accepted by the court, Batiste will be sentenced to between 30 and 45 years of imprisonment. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford on September 22.
Batiste has been detained since his arrest on February 11, 2021.
Roberson pleaded guilty to the same charges on April 27, 2023, and is detained while awaiting sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, FBI’s Springfield Gang Task Force, Massachusetts State Police, Hampden County (Mass.) District Attorney’s Office, Hartford Police Department’s Major Crimes Division, Chicopee Police Department and Springfield Police Department, with the assistance of the Waterbury Police Department and the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Angel M. Krull.
U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts for their assistance in this matter.
New Haven Drug Trafficker Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JASHON SPEARMAN, also known as “J ” and “Deuce,” 35, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to a narcotics conspiracy offense stemming from his leadership of a New Haven area drug trafficking ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the fall of 2021, the New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force and New Haven Police Department began investigating Spearman and others for the distribution of fentanyl, heroin crack and cocaine in and around the West Hills neighborhood, including the McConaughy Terrace housing complex located on South Genesee Street in New Haven. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, fixed video surveillance and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Spearman was receiving fentanyl and heroin from James Hillard, of New York, and shipments of kilogram quantities of cocaine through the U.S. Mail from Puerto Rico, which were arranged by Jean Mangual-Castro, also known as “Mangui,” of West Haven. Spearman then distributed the drugs to others, several of whom processed, packaged, and sold fentanyl and crack at the McConaughy Terrace housing complex.
On February 4, 2022, investigators arrested Spearman and Hillard after they met in the Bronx and a search of Hillard’s car revealed more than 7,000 folds of heroin/fentanyl and approximately $30,000 in cash.
On February 8, investigators executed court-authorized search warrants at several locations, including a residence on Ward Street in New Haven where Spearman distributed narcotics, and vehicles in which Spearman was suspected of storing narcotics. A search of a minivan revealed approximately 19 kilograms of cocaine; a search of a vehicle registered to Spearman revealed $750,400 in cash, assorted jewelry and a quantity of fentanyl; and a search of the Ward Street residence revealed additional cash, several money counters, and numerous cellphones. The search also found and seized five firearms.
On February 15, 2022, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Spearman, Hilliard and six co-defendants with narcotics trafficking offenses. On April 19, 2022, Spearman, Mangual-Castro, and two others were charged in a separate indictment with offenses related to the trafficking of cocaine through the mail from Puerto Rico.
Spearman pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and a quantity of cocaine base (“crack”) and heroin. Judge Nagala scheduled sentencing for October 16, at which time Spearman faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life. He has been detained since his arrest.
Spearman has agreed to forfeiture of the seized cash, firearms, and three vehicles.
All 11 defendants charged during this investigation have now pleaded guilty. On May 11, 2023, Mangual-Castro was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment. Hilliard and several other defendants await sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force, and the New Haven Police Department. The FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force includes participants from the New Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, East Haven Police Department, West Haven Police Department, Connecticut State Police, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden, and Town of Groton Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Kenneth L. Gresham through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Member of Violent Bridgeport Gang Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
JAUWAN EDWARDS, also known as “Yaya,” 25, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to a racketeering offense stemming from his involvement in a violent Bridgeport street gang.
Today’s announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter; Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Acting U.S. Marshal Lawrence Bobnick.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Connecticut State Police and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder and other acts of violence. Edwards was a member of the Original North End (“O.N.E.”), a gang based in the Trumbull Gardens area of Bridgeport that committed acts of violence against rival gangs, including the East End gang, the East Side gang, and the PT Barnum gang. O.N.E. members also robbed drug dealers, customers and others, sold narcotics, and stole cars from inside and outside Connecticut, often using the cars to commit crimes. They frequently used social media to promote and coordinate their criminal activities.
Analysis of numerous social media posts and text messages revealed that Edwards possessed firearms, and that he sold a variety of drugs, including fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, crack, Percocet pills, and marijuana. Edwards also participated with other O.N.E. members in the theft and possession of stolen vehicles, including a Lexus Rx350 that was stolen from Rye, New York.
In early December 2019, O.N.E. members were involved in multiple shots-fired incidents in Bridgeport. In one incident, the mother of two East End gang members was shot outside of her Bridgeport home. In another incident, on December 8, 2019, O.N.E. members used the stolen Lexus in a shooting incident at the P.T. Barnum Housing Complex, and then drove it to Newfield Avenue in Bridgeport, considered the turf of the East End/East Side gang, where they shot and killed Ty’Quess Moore, also known as “Breezo,” 18.
Edwards has been detained since his arrest on July 27, 2021.
Edwards pleaded guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for September 27.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and the Naugatuck Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck, Tara E. Levens, Patrick J. Doherty, Rahul Kale, and Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis.
This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.
PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it. If a group member elects to engage in gun violence, the focused attention of federal, state and local law enforcement will be directed at that entire group.
OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Stratford Man Charged with Distributing Methamphetamine and OxycodoneRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Stratford Police Department Chief Joseph McNeil today announced that EDWARD JOHNSON, 31, of Stratford, has been charged by indictment with unlawfully distributing methamphetamine and oxycodone.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in April 2022, the Stratford Police Department’s Narcotics, Vice and Intelligence Unit and the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating Johnson and others for distributing controlled substances in the Stratford and Bridgeport area.
Johnson was arrested on state charges on August 2, 2022. On that date, investigators conducted a court authorized search of Johnson’s residence on Thompson Street in Stratford and seized approximately 967 grams of methamphetamine in both pill form and powder form, approximately 13 grams of oxycodone pills; other prescription pills, more than six pounds of marijuana, and $32,151 in cash.
On June 20, 2023, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Johnson with one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of oxycodone, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.
Johnson, who has been detained since his arrest, appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven and entered a plea of not guilty.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Stratford Police Department’s Narcotics, Vice and Intelligence Unit and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force. The HIDTA Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford, and Danbury Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie T. Levick.
New Britain Man Sentenced to 42 Months in Federal Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that LUIS JAVIER LOPEZ, 24, of New Britain, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 42 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release for unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 26, 2022, Hartford Police attempted to stop a car that Lopez was driving, and which was reported to be involved in two shots fired incidents in the weeks prior. After Lopez fled, police deployed tire deflation devices during the pursuit to disable Lopez’s car. Lopez continued to drive his disabled car for several miles before he crashed into a vehicle stopped at a red light on the Berlin Turnpike in Wethersfield. Lopez ran from his car and was arrested in the vicinity of a motel on Arrow Road.
At the time of his arrest, Lopez possessed a high-capacity magazine loaded with 16 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Officers also located a 9mm firearm on the other side of a fence where Lopez had been running, and two spent 9mm shell casings by Lopez’s car. Analysis of the firearm and recovered shell casings via the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) connected them to each other, and to the two shots fired incidents involving his car.
Lopez was previously convicted in state court of possession with intent to sell a controlled substance. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Lopez has been detained since his arrest. On February 16, 2023, he pleaded guilty to possession of ammunition by a felon.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Hartford Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie T. Levick and Angel M. Krull through the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program.
PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
New London Man Sentenced to 40 Months in Federal Prison for Gun OffenseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that SHAQUAN SAUNDERS, also known as “Sosa Da Billy,” 28, of Uncasville, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 40 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 7, 2020, New London Police officers investigating a string of shootings conducted a court-authorized search of a car that Saunders had occupied and recovered a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, a spent .45 caliber shell casing, and a live .380 caliber round. Subsequent forensic analysis of the handgun revealed the presence of Saunders’ DNA, and additional analysis of the firearm and recovered shell casing via the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) connected them to a shooting incident that occurred on Blydenburg Avenue in New London on August 5, 2020.
Saunders’ criminal history includes multiple felony convictions.
Saunders has been detained since September 21, 2020. On April 4, 2023, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon.
This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the New London Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth through the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program
PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 42 Months for Fentanyl Distribution and Gun Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUIS ROBLES, also known as “Lou,” 26, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 42 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for fentanyl distribution and gun possession offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation into gang-related drug trafficking and firearm possession by members of Los Solidos. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that Luis Feliciano, also known as “Louminaty,” distributed fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack to customers and other distributors in the Hartford area, including Jose Tirado, also known as “Joselito” and “Leet,” and also to individuals in New York and Maine. Tirado further distributed fentanyl to Robles, who sold the drug to customers in Hartford’s North End, including the SANA apartment complex located on Main Street in Hartford, which is commonly referred to as the “Sands,” where Robles lived.
Robles was arrested on March 9, 2022. On that date, a court-authorized search of his residence revealed approximately 850 wax sleeves of fentanyl, 12 grams of loose fentanyl, approximately 15 grams of crack cocaine, assorted drug paraphernalia, a loaded 9mm pistol that had been reported stolen in December 2020, a loaded .357 magnum revolver with an obliterated serial number, a loaded .22 caliber pistol, and more than 100 rounds of ammunition.
On June 8, 2022, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Robles, Feliciano, Tirado, and 13 others with various narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.
On January 31, 2023, Robles pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Robles has been detained since his arrest.
Feliciano and Tirado have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The Task Force includes members of the FBI, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Robert S. Ruff. through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
East Hartford Man Sentenced to Nearly 6 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE RIVERA, also known as “Chepo,” 43, last residing in East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 71 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for narcotics and firearm offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2021, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and Hartford Police Department made controlled purchases of distribution quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine from Rivera and his associate, Elvin Gonzalez, also known as “Peewee.”
Rivera and Gonzalez were arrested on June 25, 2021. On that date, a search of Rivera’s East Hartford residence revealed approximately 162 grams of loose fentanyl, 300 dose bags of fentanyl, items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, a handgun and a loaded magazine, and more than $19,000 in cash. A search of Gonzalez’s Hartford residence revealed approximately 4,000 dose bags of fentanyl, approximately 139 grams of crack, approximately 18 grams of cocaine, two loaded handguns, a loaded rifle, and additional rounds of ammunition.
At the time of his arrest, Rivera was on parole after having served approximately 20 years in prison for committing a gang-related murder and a separate non-fatal shooting in 1997.
It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
On January 5, 2023, Rivera pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
Gonzalez pleaded guilty to the same charges on November 10, 2021. On February 1, 2023, he was sentenced to 87 months of imprisonment.
The FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: Fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
New Milford Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Tax OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MELISSA PEZZOLO, 66, of New Milford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 13 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for tax offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, for nearly 20 years, Pezzolo was employed as the office manager and bookkeeper for a nursery and landscaping services company in Bethel. Pezzolo was responsible for managing the company’s books and invoices, paying the company’s bills, and handling the company’s payroll and employment tax obligations. She also was responsible for coordinating with the company’s tax return preparer who prepared the yearly filed corporate tax returns.
Beginning in or before 2014 and continuing through 2018, Pezzolo willfully failed to file any employment tax returns (Forms 941) and failed to make any related payments of withholding taxes on behalf of the company. Nevertheless, she continued to distribute paychecks to employees that withheld employees’ income and FICA taxes. She accounted for the withholdings on the employees’ annual W-2 forms, which she continued to issue, though she did not provide the W-2 forms or pay the related withholding taxes to the IRS or the Social Security Administration. She also failed to pay the company’s own share of FICA taxes.
With respect to her own withholdings, Pezzolo neither withheld nor paid her withholding taxes to the IRS, nor issued herself any W-2 forms between approximately 2010 and 2018.
Pezzolo also has admitted that she stole more than $400,000 from her employer by giving herself raises that were not authorized and by paying personal expenses using the company’s corporate bank account and company credit card.
Judge Bolden ordered Pezzolo to pay to the IRS restitution of $1,329,314, which reflects $1,170,992 in unpaid company payroll taxes and $158,322 in unpaid personal income taxes for the 2014 through 2018 tax years.
On January 17, 2023, Pezzolo pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to collect or pay over tax, and one count of tax evasion of assessment.
Pezzolo, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on August 1.
This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elena L. Coronado and Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Indictment Charges Puerto Rico Woman with Trafficking Cocaine into ConnecticutRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New England, today announced that KARINA CINTRON SANTIAGO, 24, of San Juan, Puerto Rico, had been charged with trafficking 12 kilograms of cocaine into Connecticut.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on June 4, 2023, a search of a luggage bag that Cintron Santiago checked prior to boarding a JetBlue flight from San Juan Airport to Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, revealed approximately 12 kilograms of cocaine. When Cintron Santiago arrived in Connecticut and discovered that her bag was not at baggage claim, she reported it lost. JetBlue personnel informed Cintron Santiago that when her bag was located they would deliver it to her, but she indicated that she would rather pick it up at the airport. On June 7, undercover investigators posing as JetBlue personnel contacted Cintron Santiago to inform her that her bag had been located and would be arriving on a flight to Bradley International Airport the next day.
On June 8, 2023, investigators placed Cintron Santiago’s bag, which contained its original contents, on a luggage carousel at Bradley International Airport. Cintron Santiago was arrested after she arrived at the airport and removed her bag from the luggage carousel.
On June 20, 2023, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Cintron Santiago with possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Cintron Santiago, who had been detained since her arrest, appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford, entered a plea of not guilty to the charge, and was released on a $75,000 bond.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. A charge is only an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the assistance of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.
Bridgeport Felon Found with Loaded Ghost Gun While on Supervised Release Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TIMOTHY STATON, 28, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon, and to violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in September 2018, Bridgeport Police officers arrested Staton after he discarded a 9mm handgun during a pursuit. Staton, who had previously been convicted in state court of narcotics, firearm, and racketeering offenses, subsequently pleaded guilty in federal court to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and, on June 3, 2019, was sentenced to 37 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release. He was released from federal prison in May 2022.
On December 13, 2022, Bridgeport Police officers arrested Staton after they found him in possession of a loaded semi-automatic 9mm privately manufactured firearm (“ghost gun”).
At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Staton faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years for the firearm offense, and an additional penalty for the violating the conditions of his supervised release. Staton has been detained since his arrest.
This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Bridgeport Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis through the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program.
PSN, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts, is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
New Haven Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DUANE FILYAW, 40, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine and heroin.
This matter stems from a joint investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force, FBI and New Haven Police Department that included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of heroin and cocaine, and seizures of bulk heroin and cocaine. The investigation revealed that Filyaw operated a heroin and cocaine trafficking ring in which he conspired with others to purchase narcotics from suppliers and then distribute the drugs to other suppliers of street-level dealers in and around New Haven.
During the investigation, law enforcement officers seized more than 500 grams of heroin, more than 300 grams of fentanyl, more than one kilogram of cocaine, three firearms, over $90,000 in cash, vehicles, jewelry and precious metals.
On April 19, 2018, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Filyaw and 18 other individuals with narcotics trafficking offenses.
Filyaw was arrested on April 25, 2018. On February 13, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and five kilograms or more of cocaine.
The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Waterbury, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Naugatuck, and Shelton Police Departments. The Connecticut Department of Correction, Milford Police Department and East Haven Police Department have assisted the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Member of Violent Bridgeport Gang Sentenced to More Than 20 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
TYRONE MOORE, also known as “Ty Ralph Lauren,” 21, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 250 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his involvement in a violent Bridgeport street gang and his role in the murder of a rival in July 2019.
Today’s announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter; Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Acting U.S. Marshal Lawrence Bobnick.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder and other acts of violence. Moore has been a member of the “East End gang,” which began as a local street gang based in the East End of Bridgeport, but currently has members and associates who are either incarcerated or living throughout Bridgeport and surrounding towns. The East End gang has been aligned with other groups, including the PT Barnum Gang, the East Side gang and 150, which is a geographic gang based on the West Side of Bridgeport. These groups were aligned against rival organizations in Bridgeport, including the “Original North End” (“O.N.E.”) and the “Greene Homes Boyz,” (“GHB/Hotz”), based in the Charles F. Greene Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeport’s North End.
Moore and other East End members distributed heroin, crack cocaine, marijuana and Percocet pills; used and shared firearms; and committed at least six murders and other acts of violence against rival gang members and other individuals. East End members celebrated their criminal conduct on social media websites such as Facebook and YouTube, and committed acts of intimidation and made threats to deter potential witnesses to their crimes and to protect gang members and associates from detection and prosecution by law enforcement authorities.
On July 5, 2022, Moore pleaded guilty to one count conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity and specifically admitted that, on July 12, 2019, he and another East End member shot and killed Sean Warren, also known as “Kujoe,” a member and associate of the O.N.E. gang.
Moore has been detained since October 4, 2019.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and the Waterbury Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie T. Levick, Rahul Kale, and Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis.
This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.
PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it. If a group member elects to engage in gun violence, the focused attention of federal, state and local law enforcement will be directed at that entire group.
OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Hamden Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RASHAWN SAMMS, 30, of Hamden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 4, 2022, New Haven Police officers arrested Samms on state charges after he conducted a hand-to-hand drug transaction from his car and officers found him in possession of a loaded Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun, distribution quantities of cocaine, crack, fentanyl, and marijuana; two digital scales; and $628 in cash.
Analysis of the seized handgun, which was not registered to Samms, revealed that it had been purchased at a pawn shop in South Carolina in November 2018, and had been used in two shots-fired incidents in Hartford in 2021.
On April 3, 2023, Samms pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Samms has been detained since that date.
This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara E. Levens through the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program.
PSN, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts, is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Brookfield Counselor Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Defrauding Medicaid of More than $1 MillionRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GREGORY C. BANKS, 50, of Brookfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for health care fraud.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Banks owned and operated North East Counseling & Trauma Services and Gregory Banks Counseling, LLC. North East Counseling & Trauma Services, which had an office in Danbury, provided counseling services to individual patients, including those with mental health and trauma issues. Banks was enrolled individually as a Behavioral Health Clinician provider in the Connecticut Medicaid Program (“Medicaid”), but North East Counseling & Trauma Services and Gregory Banks Counseling LLC were never enrolled as providers in Medicaid.
Between January 2018 and July 2022, Banks submitted and caused to be submitted fraudulent claims to Medicaid for counseling services that were purportedly provided to Medicaid clients. Specifically, Banks submitted claims for dates of service when no services of any kind had been provided to the Medicaid clients identified in the claims.
In October 2020, the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) audited Banks and his businesses and requested documentation from Banks for six sample clients. In response, Banks made multiple false statements for the purpose of delaying the progress of DSS’s audit and to conceal his offense. For example, in February 2021, Banks sent an email to DSS in which he falsely represented that one of the files DSS requested was destroyed by a water leak above his office when, in fact, no such water leak had occurred.
Through this scheme, Banks defrauded Medicaid of $1,044,387.08. Judge Shea ordered Banks to pay full restitution.
Banks, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on September 8.
This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. U.S. Attorney Avery acknowledged the valuable cooperation of the Connecticut Department of Social Services in the investigation.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.
People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS.
Norwalk Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Distribution and Firearm Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GREGORY T. WILLS, also known as “G Money,” “G” and “Greg Jamison,” 41, of Norwalk, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 120 months, followed by five years of supervised release, for fentanyl distribution and firearm possession offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the summer of 2020, members of the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and Norwalk Police Department made multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl from Wills. On September 23, 2020, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of a Norwalk residence that Wills used as a “stash” location and seized approximately 60 grams of fentanyl, items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, four handguns, and numerous rounds of ammunition. Investigators located Wills later that day at another location in Norwalk. He discarded a loaded handgun as he attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended.
The investigation also revealed that in May 2018, one of Wills’ drug customers died of an overdose of fentanyl and heroin.
Wills has been detained since his arrest. On January 23, 2023, Wills pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
Wills’ criminal history includes a 2003 federal conviction, under the name Greg Jamison, for distributing crack cocaine, which resulted in a 108-month prison term.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Norwalk Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah P. Karwan and Karen L. Peck through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Monroe Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Offenses Related to His Sexual Abuse of 3 GirlsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that HECTOR TORRES, 34, of Monroe, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 300 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for child exploitation offenses related to his sexual abuse of three minor girls.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Torres used Snapchat, FaceTime and text messaging to communicate with three minor girls, ages 11 and 12, and coerce them to send him naked pictures of themselves and to engage in sexual activity with him. On multiple occasions in February 2021, Torres picked up the girls in his car and brought them to a shopping plaza parking lot in Hartford where they each engaged in sexual activity with Torres at his direction. Torres promised to give the girls money, sneakers, vaping supplies, and/or food if they sent him photos of their bodies and/or engaged in sex acts with him. In March 2021, investigators reviewed at least three videos of Torres’s sexual abuse of the girls.
Torres has been detained since his arrest on April 13, 2021. On March 8, 2023, he pleaded guilty to two counts of coercion and enticement of minors to engage in sexual activity, and one count of production of child pornography.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Hartford Police Department, the Monroe Police Department, and the Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel M. Krull 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.
Wolcott Man Admits Unlawful Manufacture and Dealing of AR-15-Style Assault RiflesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, and Colonel Stavros Mellekas of the Connecticut State Police today announced that GREGORY LEARY, 35, of Wolcott, pleaded guilty yesterday before Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to manufacturing and dealing AR-15-style firearms without a license.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between January and March 2022, Leary received Polymer80 firearms kits from another individual and assembled them in the basement of his Wolcott residence. On three occasions during that period, Leary provided to that individual eight AR-15-style assault rifles with collapsible stocks and 30-round magazines; a “P80” 9mm semi-automatic handgun with a fully loaded, 10-round magazine; 190 rounds of .223 ammunition; one “Magtec” box containing 50 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition; and one “Independence” box containing 50 rounds of 9mm ammunition. The assault rifles and 9mm handgun contained no serial numbers.
In pleading guilty, Leary admitted that he manufactured and dealt a total of more than 25 firearms to the same individual knowing that the individual was selling the firearms to others.
Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for September 25, at which time Leary faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. Leary is released on a $20,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Connecticut State Police Statewide Firearms Trafficking Task Force (SFTTF) and Statewide Urban Violence Cooperative Crime Control Task Force (SUVCCCTF/Gangs Unit), assisted by the Statewide Narcotics Task Force (SNTF) Southwest and North Central Offices, and the Bridgeport, Shelton, Orange, Waterbury, and Hartford Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara E. Levens and Rahul Kale through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Earlier today, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco convened a meeting with the Criminal Division, FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, and all 93 U.S. Attorneys to discuss ongoing efforts to reduce violent crime and combat the gun violence that fuels it. To learn more about these efforts, visit https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/fact-sheet-update-justice-department-s-ongoing-efforts-tackle-gun-violence.
East Windsor Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Recording His Sexual Abuse of MinorRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARK ROMAN, 54, of East Windsor, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 400 months of imprisonment*, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, for recording his repeated sexual abuse of a minor.
According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement began investigating Roman after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a report that Roman’s email account was transmitting images of child sexual abuse. Investigators determined that Roman’s email account also contained voyeuristic images and videos of naked children that appeared to be homemade.
On November 2, 2021, the Connecticut State Police and East Windsor Police Department executed a state search warrant at Roman’s residence and seized Roman’s iPhone, laptop, and computer storage devices. Analysis of the seized revealed more than 1,000 images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, including images and videos of Roman sexually abusing a girl who was between the ages of six and eight. The seized images also included numerous voyeuristic videos that Roman secretly took of the minor victim, another minor female who was between the ages of two and four, and adult victims.
Roman has been detained since his arrest on November 29, 2021. On January 11, 2023, he pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Connecticut State Police, with the assistance of the East Windsor Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.
U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the Hartford State’s Attorney’s Office for its cooperation 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.
*On June 29, 2023, Judge Bryant issued an amended judgment correcting Roman's sentence to 360 months of imprisonment.
Bridgeport Felon Caught with Loaded Gun Receives 54 Months in Prison for Fourth Federal ConvictionRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAHSHIM CARTER, 34, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 54 months of imprisonment, followed by three years for supervised release, for unlawfully possessing a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2013, Carter was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 18 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for distributing heroin in and around the Trumbull Gardens housing complex in Bridgeport. He was released from prison in September 2013. In February 2014, Carter was arrested by Bridgeport Police after he was found in possession of a loaded .380 caliber handgun and heroin that he intended to distribute. He pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and, on January 30, 2015, was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 62 months of imprisonment for the offense, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
In November 2016, while Carter was incarcerated in a federal prison in New Hampshire, he was found in possession of a homemade weapon (“shank”) and a quantity of Suboxone, a controlled substance. He was charged in the District of New Hampshire, pleaded guilty and, on January 22, 2018, was sentenced to an additional 18 months of imprisonment. He was released from prison in March 2020.
On April 20, 2022, members of the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force, Connecticut State Police and Bridgeport Police Department sought to arrest Carter for violating his supervised release. Carter was located and arrested in an apartment in the Green Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeport. At the time of his arrest he possessed a loaded .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and quantities of heroin and crack cocaine.
Carter has been detained since his arrest. On November 17, 2022, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force, Connecticut State Police and Bridgeport Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Earlier today, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco convened a meeting with the Criminal Division, FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, and all 93 U.S. Attorneys to discuss ongoing efforts to reduce violent crime and combat the gun violence that fuels it. To learn more about these efforts, visit https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/fact-sheet-update-justice-department-s-ongoing-efforts-tackle-gun-violence.
Violent Robbery Crew Member Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RONALDO SMITH, 25, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 120 months of imprisonment for his involvement in a spree of violent robberies of AT&T stores in Connecticut and western Massachusetts.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2021, Smith, Alex Josephs, Shaquille Raymond, and Deshawn Baugh committed several violent armed robberies of AT&T stores in Connecticut and western Massachusetts. The perpetrators typically entered the stores shortly before closing, pointed weapons at employees, and, at times, pistol-whipped, dragged and shoved employees toward the back inventory room. They then held the employees at gunpoint while loading large bags with cell phones and other electronics. The group stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in merchandise. Saviana Bourne, who worked at AT&T stores, helped plan the robberies, served as a getaway driver, and coordinated the sale of the stolen merchandise.
The investigation revealed that Smith, Josephs, and Raymond robbed AT&T stores in Newington on January 29, 2021, and Enfield on February 24, 2021. Baugh then joined the conspiracy and together they robbed an AT&T store in Canton on April 15, 2021, and attempted to rob stores in Torrington and Glastonbury in May 2021, but were locked out of the stores.
On June 6, 2021, Smith and his associates, armed with a semiautomatic pistol, two revolvers, and a semiautomatic rifle, robbed an AT&T store in West Springfield, Massachusetts. After the robbery, they fled in a vehicle driven by Bourne, who led police on a high-speed chase that ended when their vehicle collided with a Massachusetts State Police cruiser. Smith, Josephs, Raymond, Baugh, and Bourne were arrested, and a search of the vehicle revealed more than $150,000 in stolen merchandise, as well as the firearms used during the robbery.
Judge Underhill ordered Smith to pay restitution of $298,073.86, which reflects the losses from the Newington, Enfield, and Canton robberies. The property stolen in the West Springfield robbery was recovered.
Smith has been detained since his arrest. On January 5, 2023, he pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Josephs, Raymond, Baugh, and Bourne also pleaded guilty. On March 1, 2023, Baugh was sentenced to 108 months of imprisonment and was ordered to pay restitution of $124,842.45, which reflects the loss from the Canton robbery. On March 29, 2023, Raymond was sentenced to 72 months of imprisonment and Bourne was sentenced to 78 months of imprisonment. On May 23, 2023, Josephs was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment. Josephs, Raymond, and Bourne were also ordered to pay restitution of $298,073.86.
Josephs and Raymond, who are citizens of Jamaica, face immigration proceedings when they are released from prison.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force with the assistance of the Massachusetts State Police and the Newington, Enfield, Canton, Torrington, Glastonbury, and West Springfield Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ruff.
New Britain Man Admits Stealing and Selling Catalytic ConvertersRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERTO ALICEA, 31, of New Britain, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to offenses related to his participation in a stolen catalytic converter trafficking ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement has been investigating the theft of catalytic converters from motor vehicles across Connecticut. A catalytic converter contains precious metals, can easily be removed from its vehicle, and is difficult to trace, making it a desirable target for thieves. The average scrap price for catalytic converters currently varies between $300 and $1,500, depending on the model and type of precious metal component.
The investigation revealed that Downpipe Depot & Recycling LLC (“Downpipe Depot”), which had a warehouse on Park Avenue in East Hartford, purchased stolen catalytic converters from a network of thieves, including Alicea, and then transported and sold the catalytic converters to recycling businesses in New York and New Jersey. Business records seized during the investigation revealed that, between December 2021 and May 2022, Downpipe Depot paid Alicea approximately $540,000 for catalytic converters.
Alicea pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Judge Nagala scheduled sentencing for September 5.
Alicea has been detained since his arrest on August 23, 2022.
This investigation is being led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI), and the East Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and A. Reed Durham.
East Hartford Man Charged with Fentanyl Distribution OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, announced that OMARI LEWIS, 24, of East Hartford, was arrested today on an indictment charging him with fentanyl distribution offenses.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in December 2021, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad began investigating Lewis and others for distributing fentanyl in the East Hartford and Manchester area. In December 2021 and January 2022, investigators made two controlled purchases of fentanyl from Lewis.
On June 7, 2023, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Lewis with two counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lewis is released on a $75,000 bond pending trial.
This matter is being investigated by the DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad. The DEA Tactical Diversion Squad is composed of personnel from the DEA and the Manchester, Glastonbury, West Haven, Hamden, Newington, and Bristol Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and Stephanie T. Levick.
Bloomfield Man Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, today announced that, a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging JOSEPH GIOVANNI SOTO, 32, of Bloomfield, with narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.
The indictment was returned on June 7, and Soto was arrested yesterday.
As alleged in an indictment and statements made in court, beginning in April 2021, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force began investigating a cocaine trafficking operation headed by Soto. The investigation revealed that Soto was coordinating the shipment of parcels containing kilogram quantities of cocaine from U.S. Post Offices in Puerto Rico to various “drop addresses” in New Britain and Meriden, Connecticut, as well as addresses in Holyoke and West Springfield, Massachusetts. Soto and others picked up parcels from the drop addresses and delivered them to stash houses in Bloomfield and New Britain. It is alleged that investigators intercepted and seized more than five kilograms of cocaine and have identified numerous other suspicious parcels that likely contained kilogram quantities of cocaine.
On May 1, 2023, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of Soto’s residence and seized two firearms, a drum magazine, various ammunition, approximately two kilograms of cocaine, and approximately $12,000 in cash. Soto was arrested on state charges on that date.
It is alleged that Soto’s criminal history includes a state felony conviction for assault. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
The indictment charges Soto with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life; one count of possession 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; and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Soto is released on a $100,000 bond pending trial.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force, which includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden, and Town of Groton Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Levick.
New Jersey Man Charged with Using Postal Keys to Steal Mail from Mail Collection Boxes in New Haven and West HavenRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, announced that IXAVIER HOLMAN, JR., 31, of Secaucus, New Jersey, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with mail theft offenses.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on at least six occasions between December 2022 and June 2023, Holman used stolen mail collection box keys to steal mail from blue collection boxes at post offices located at 95 Fountain Street in New Haven and 589 Campbell Avenue in West Haven. Holman was arrested this morning after he returned to the West Haven post office and accessed the collection box in an attempt to steal mail.
It is alleged that, at the time of his arrest, Holman possessed two mail collection box keys.
The complaint charges Holman with possession of a postal key, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; theft of mail, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years; and theft of U.S. Postal Service property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Holman appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven and was released on bond.
This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the West Haven and New Haven Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings.
Individuals who believe they are a victim of mail theft may file a complaint by calling 877-876-2455 or by visiting https://www.uspis.gov/report.
Indictment Charges Connecticut, Kansas, and California Men with Operating Gun Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
An investigation into an organization that trafficked numerous firearms into Connecticut has resulted in federal charges against residents of Connecticut, Kansas, and California.
Today’s announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New England; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division.
On May 31, 2023, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned a 19-count indictment charging the following men with engaging in a firearms trafficking conspiracy, and additional offenses:
LUIS PEREZ, 44, of Waterbury, Connecticut
ALGELLY DIAZ, 40, of Hartford, Connecticut
BRIAN BAKER, 46, of Scott City, Kansas
RAMON PICHARDO, 33, of Elkhart, Kansas
FERNANDO SOTO, JR., 51, of Diamond Bar, CaliforniaU.S. Attorney Avery noted that this case is being prosecuted, in part, under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress enacted and the President signed in June 2022. The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, a joint investigation revealed that Perez was acquiring firearms that were purchased by co-conspirators in Kansas and shipped through the U.S. Mail to a stash location that Diaz maintained in Hartford. Perez coordinated the purchase of the firearms through Baker in Kansas and Soto in California. Perez then obtained the firearms from Diaz and sold them to others throughout Connecticut. Perez, Diaz, Baker, and Soto are all convicted felons who cannot not lawfully purchase or possess firearms. Baker used straw purchasers, including Pichardo, to purchase firearms from licensed gun dealers in Kansas. In May 2023, members of the FBI Waterbury Safe Streets Task Force conducted controlled purchases of a total of nine firearms from Perez.
It is further alleged that between August 2020 and May 2023, Pichardo purchased at least 73 firearms from a licensed gun dealer in Deerfield, Kansas. To date, six of these firearms have been recovered by law enforcement in Connecticut, Michigan, and California. A firearm purchased by Pichardo in July 2022 was recovered on August 27, 2022, in San Bernardino, California, at the scene of the homicide of a juvenile.
Perez, Diaz, Baker, and Pichardo were arrested on federal criminal complaints on May 19, 2023. On that date, investigators executed search warrants at locations in Connecticut, Kansas, and California. A search of Perez’s Waterbury residence and vehicle revealed nine firearms; more than 200 rounds of ammunition; distribution quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl/heroin; items used to process and package narcotics for street sale; and more than $7,000 in cash. A search of Diaz’s residence revealed approximately 90 rounds of ammunition, and a search of Pichardo’s residence revealed six firearms. In addition, a court-authorized search of a package that was shipped to Diaz and seized from the mail stream revealed an additional three firearms.
The charge of engaging in a firearms trafficking conspiracy carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years. The indictment also charges Perez, Baker, and Diaz with multiple counts of firearms trafficking, an offense that also carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years. In addition, Perez, Baker, and Soto are charged with unlawfully mailing firearms, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of two years.
The indictment also charges Perez with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least five years; possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and quantities of heroin and fentanyl, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.
In addition, Diaz is charged with unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.
Perez, Diaz, and Pichardo appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and entered pleas of not guilty to the charges against them. Perez and Diaz are detained, and Pichardo is released on a $25,000 bond.
Soto, who was arrested on June 5 and currently released on a $60,000 bond, and Baker, who is detained, are scheduled to be arraigned in Connecticut on June 16.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. A charge is only an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Waterbury Police Department, the Connecticut State Police, and the Chino (Calif.) Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan for their assistance in the investigation and prosecution of this case.
Suffield Man Sentenced to Nearly 8 Years in Prison for Trafficking Cocaine While on Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SERGIO HORTA-MOLINA, 47, of Suffield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 94 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior narcotics trafficking conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2021, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force began investigating a drug trafficking organization, with ties to a Mexican drug cartel, operating in the area of Enfield, Connecticut, and Springfield, Massachusetts. The organization was believed to be trafficking multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine, as well as heroin. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases and seizures of narcotics, revealed that Horta-Molina arranged the shipment of cocaine and other narcotics to Connecticut, and then distributed the drugs to other members of the organization who, in turn, sold the drugs to street-level traffickers and drug customers.
During the investigation, Horta-Molina arranged the shipment of a package from California to Juan Sanchez-Razon’s residence in Enfield. On April 27, 2022, Sanchez-Razon delivered the package to another individual. Law enforcement subsequently stopped that individual as he was attempting to deliver the package to Horta-Molina. A search of the package revealed a kilogram of cocaine.
Horta-Molina was previously convicted in the District of New Jersey of conspiring to distribute cocaine and heroin. He was charged with the offense after a search of his Suffield residence in September 2017 revealed approximately 23 kilograms of cocaine and one kilogram of heroin. In November 2019, Horta-Molina was sentenced to 40 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release for that offense. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he was released from prison early in May 2020, and he was on federal supervised release at the time of his criminal conduct in this case.
Horta-Molina has been detained since his arrest on May 5, 2021. On March 10, 2023, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Judge Dooley sentenced Horta-Molina to 70 months of imprisonment for the cocaine offense, and a consecutive 24 month of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
Sanchez-Razon pleaded guilty to a related charge and awaits sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the DEA’s Hartford Task Force and the Enfield Police Department. The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Reed Durham through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.