District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Connecticut Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Charge Stemming from Kidnapping and Murder of Massachusetts ManRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that SHAMARI SMITH, also known as “Dakota,” 34, of Manchester, pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to a charge stemming from the kidnapping and murder of a Massachusetts man in 2020.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 24, 2020, Calvin Roberson and another individual kidnapped Francisco Roman, Jr., 28, at gunpoint from a residence in Chicopee, Massachusetts. Roberson and his associate threatened to harm Roman if he did not comply with their orders, handcuffed him, and stole cash, marijuana, and other items from Roman. Roberson and his associate forced Roman into the rear of Roman’s 2010 Acura ZDX, and transported Roman and the other stolen property to Connecticut. Roberson’s associate shot and killed Roman while the car was en route to Hartford. They then drove the car to Shultas Place in Hartford and left it parked on the street.
Roberson and his associate then drove to an apartment that Roberson shared with Smith in Waterbury, and took most of the property stolen during the robbery into the apartment. Smith subsequently learned that property was stolen during a robbery, and that the victim had been murdered. Smith then helped sell or dispose of the stolen property.
Roberson was arrested on February 11, 2021. In an interview with federal law enforcement agents on that date, Smith lied about her role in the sale or disposal of the stolen property.
Smith pleaded guilty to misprision of felony, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years. She is released on a $150,000 bond pending sentencing.
On April 27, 2023, Roberson, also known as “Cutty,” 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. At sentencing, he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life. He has been detained since his arrest.
As to Roberson’s associate, who is awaiting trial, U.S. Attorney Avery that charges are 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 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.
Waterbury Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Fentanyl Distribution and Gun Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that, on June 2, 2023, ALEX REYES, also known as “A.J.,” 26, of Waterbury, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to an effective term of imprisonment of 60 months, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.
Judge Shea sentenced Reyes to 39 months of imprisonment. Reyes has been detained in state custody since August 2021 and he will not receive credit on his federal sentence for his time served to date.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an ongoing investigation into gangs, drug trafficking and the illegal possession of firearms in Waterbury. The investigation revealed that Reyes and his associate, Julian Goodman, were distributing fentanyl and heroin. On August 26, 2021, Waterbury Police attempted to execute search warrants for Reyes’s residence and person. Reyes, who was sitting in his car as officers approached, fled the scene and struck two police vehicles. He was located later that day using Goodman’s vehicle. After Reyes was apprehended, a search of his person revealed a 9mm handgun and $1,433 in cash, and a search of Goodman’s vehicle revealed more than 80 grams of fentanyl, drug packaging materials, multiple cell phones, and $3,492 in cash. Goodman was apprehended a short distance away.
In 2016, Reyes was convicted in state court of drug and firearm offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
On December 13, 2022, Reyes pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Reyes has been detained since his arrest.
Goodman has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
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; the Connecticut State Police; the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Police; the Waterbury Police Department; the Wolcott Police Department; and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and John T. Pierpont, Jr.
U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Waterbury for its close 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.
Hartford Man Charged with Child Exploitation OffenseRead 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 JONATHAN WILLIAMS, 32, of Hartford, was arrested yesterday on a federal criminal complaint charging him with a child exploitation offense.
As alleged in court documents, HSI has been investigating a network of individuals who have been using private groups on an internet chat application to share images and videos of child sexual abuse. The investigation revealed that an account associated with Williams was an active member of one of these groups, and that Williams was convicted in 2015 in North Carolina of sexual exploitation of a minor in the third degree.
On June 1, 2023, investigators conducted a court authorized search of Williams’ residence. Williams was arrested after a preliminary review of his laptop revealed videos of child sex abuse.
The complaint charges Williams with receipt of child pornography. If convicted of the charge, Williams faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years. The penalties in this matter are enhanced based on Williams’ prior conviction in North Carolina.
Williams appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and was ordered detained.
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.
This matter is being investigated by HSI with the assistance of the Connecticut Center for Digital Investigations, the Connecticut State Police, and the Hartford and Westport Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Hamden Man Admits Mailing Numerous Threatening LettersRead the Press Release
GARRETT SANTILLO, 43, of Hamden, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to mailing numerous threatening letters to individuals in Connecticut and elsewhere.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately December 2021 and June 2022, Santillo mailed more than 100 letters containing threatening and hateful statements, including threats of violence, to journalists, judges and other public officials and individuals in Connecticut and elsewhere, including a Justice of the United States Supreme Court and a United States Supreme Court Justice Nominee. Several letters mailed by Santillo contained this or similar language: “If you don’t obey what this letter says, you along with others including [name redacted] and people in Washington DC and everywhere and you. You all will be killed!!”
Santillo pleaded guilty to one count of mailing threatening communications to a United States Judge, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. A sentencing date is not scheduled. He has been released on a $100,000 bond since his arrest on July 6, 2022.
Santillo has been federally prosecuted, convicted, and sentenced for mailing threatening letters three prior times, and he completed his most recent term of federal supervision in August 2021.
This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Hamden, Milford, Ridgefield, and New Haven Police Departments. The investigation has also been assisted by the offices of the Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney, the New Haven State’s Attorney and the Litchfield State’s Attorney.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry.
Former West Haven Employee and State Representative Sentenced to Prison for Stealing COVID Relief and Other City FundsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL DiMASSA, 32, of West Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 27 months of imprisonment, followed five years of supervised release, for his involvement in schemes that resulted in the theft of more than $1.2 million dollars in COVID relief funds and other funds from the City of West Haven. Judge Williams also ordered DiMassa to perform 100 hours of community service while on supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, DiMassa was a Connecticut State Representative who was also employed by the City of West Haven, most recently serving as the Administrative Assistant to the City Council. In April 2020, the State of Connecticut was allocated money by the U.S. Department of the Treasury through the Coronavirus Relief Fund (“CRF”), which was established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) for the purpose of helping local governments pay costs incurred in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. From July 2020 through September 2021, the City of West Haven received approximately $1,150,257 in financial assistance from this fund. DiMassa, who was authorized to approve the designated relief funds for the reimbursement of COVID-related expenditures incurred by West Haven, conspired with others to steal these funds and other West Haven funds through the submission of fraudulent invoices, and subsequent payment, for COVID relief goods and services that were never provided.
In one scheme, DiMassa conspired with John Bernardo, who was employed by the City of West Haven as a Housing Specialist in the office of Community Development Administration. In January 2021, DiMassa and Bernardo formed Compass Investment Group, LLC. Beginning in February 2021, Compass Investment Group LLC fraudulently billed the City of West Haven and its “COVID-19 Grant Department” for consulting services purportedly provided to the West Haven Health Department that were not performed. From February 2021 through September 2021, the City of West Haven paid Compass Investment Group a total of $636,783.70. DiMassa made several large cash withdrawals from the Compass Investment Group LLC bank account, some of which were made shortly before or after he made a large cash “buy-in” of gaming chips at the Mohegan Sun Casino.
DiMassa also conspired with his now wife, Lauren DiMassa, formerly known as Lauren Knox, through the submission of numerous fraudulent invoices to West Haven for services related to a Youth Violence Prevention Program and for Youth Violence COVID-19 Associated Expenses. These invoices listed charges for in-home counseling, cleaning supplies, special needs hourly service, wi-fi assistance for low/moderate income families, counseling services, license fees, a fall youth clinic, meals, support group supplies, equipment rental, and youth clinic support group. West Haven made at least 16 payments totaling approximately $147,776.10 to Lauren DiMassa, who never provided any services to the City of West Haven.
In a third scheme, DiMassa conspired with John Trasacco, of West Haven, through the submission of fraudulent invoices from L & H Company and JIL Sanitation Services, two companies controlled by Trasacco, to West Haven for goods and services, including thousands of units of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), HVAC maintenance at multiple municipal locations, COVID supplies for the Board of Education, and cleaning services for various municipal and school buildings, including one school building that had been vacant and abandoned for several years. Trasacco’s companies received approximately $431,982 through this scheme.
Judge Williams ordered Michael DiMassa to pay $856,844.45 in restitution.
Judge Williams noted the sentence takes into account extensive testimony DiMassa provided during Trasacco’s trial.
DiMassa was arrested on October 20, 2021. On November 1, 2022, he pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
DiMassa, who is released on a $250,000 bond, is required to report to prison on July 31.
On June 14, 2022, Bernardo pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On March 22, 2023, he was sentenced to 13 months of imprisonment and ordered to pay $58,927.25 in restitution.
On July 14, 2022, Lauren DiMassa pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On March 23, 2023, she was sentenced to six months of imprisonment and ordered to pay $147,776 in restitution.
On December 2, 2022, a jury found Trasacco guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud. On April 3, 2023, he was sentenced to 96 months of imprisonment and ordered to pay $143,994 in restitution.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General for Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ray Miller and David Sheldon.
Individuals with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Tax Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Preparing False ReturnsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KEYANTE PAUL, 34, of Florida, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for preparing false tax returns for numerous clients.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Paul, through her business Keys Tax Services, operated as a tax return preparer, and she traveled to the Norwich, Connecticut area for part of the year to prepare returns for Connecticut clients. For several years, Paul prepared numerous federal tax returns for clients that included false income “adjustments” that reduced taxpayers’ reported adjusted gross income or false expenses and losses in connection with sole proprietorship businesses that clients did not operate.
Paul’s criminal conduct caused losses totaling more than $550,000 to the U.S. Treasury and the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services.
Paul was arrested on June 16, 2022. On February 23, 2023, she pleaded guilty to aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false income tax return.
Restitution will be determined after additional court proceedings.
This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer R. Laraia and Lauren C. Clark.
New Haven Teen Pleads Guilty, Admits Role in 5 CarjackingsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TIHAJA ORTIZ-TUCKER, also known as “TJ,” 19, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to carjacking and conspiracy offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between March and July 2022, Ortiz-Tucker and others posed as interested buyers of motor vehicles advertised by Connecticut residents (the “victim-sellers”) on Facebook Marketplace. On three occasions, Ortiz-Tucker and his co-conspirators arranged to meet in person with the victim-sellers for the purported purpose of test driving and purchasing the motor vehicles. At the conclusion of the purported test drives, Ortiz-Tucker and his co-conspirators stole, at gunpoint, the vehicles, as well as certificates of title, bills of sale, and other ownership documents. On at least two occasions, Ortiz-Tucker posed as the legitimate owner of stolen motor vehicles, advertised them for sale on the OfferUp online platform, and sold them to unwitting purchasers.
Ortiz-Tucker also participated in two carjackings of Uber drivers in May 2022. In both instances, an Uber driver picked up the carjacker in New Haven and drove to Wallingford where the cars were taken from the Uber drivers at gunpoint. Both cars were later recovered in the same area of Hamden.
Ortiz-Tucker was arrested on July 22, 2022.
Ortiz-Tucker pleaded guilty to three counts of taking a motor vehicle from a person by force, violence, and intimidation (“carjacking”), an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years on each count, and one count of conspiracy, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for August 22.
Ortiz-Tucker, who had been released on bond and residing with family members in California, was remanded to custody at the conclusion of the sentencing proceeding.
On May 2, 2023, Ruben Montano, 20, of New Haven, pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking and admitted that he participated in one of these carjackings in July 2022, and the subsequent sale of the vehicle. Montano, who is detained in state custody on unrelated charges, is scheduled to be sentenced on July 31.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Violent Crime Task Force, the Connecticut State Police and the Wallingford, New Haven, Hamden, Waterbury, and Bridgeport Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah P. Karwan and Tara E. Levens.
U.S. Attorney Avery encouraged those who sell and purchase items online, and need to meet an individual in person to complete the sale, to use a visible, monitored location. Contact your local police department to see if it offers a monitored meeting location, or search online for a nearby monitored location.
Waterbury Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Narcotics Distribution and Firearm Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that RAMON OQUENDO, also known as “Mimo,” 46, of Waterbury, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for narcotics trafficking and firearm possession offenses.
According to the evidence disclosed during the trial, this matter stems from an investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force of a drug trafficking network led by Landdy Rodriguez of Waterbury. In August 2021, investigators intercepted phone calls during which Rodriguez arranged for Oquendo to supply fentanyl to other drug distributors, including Sylvester Vann, also known as “Bug,” of Waterbury, and Pedro Diaz of Red Lion, Pennsylvania. Between August and October 2021, investigators conducted physical surveillance and observed Oquendo engaging in multiple drug transactions with Vann and Diaz. After one transaction, in August 2021, a Pennsylvania State Trooper stopped Diaz’s car in Pennsylvania and seized 48 grams of fentanyl.
Oquendo was arrested on October 26, 2021. On that date, a court authorized search of his residence revealed approximately 100 grams of fentanyl, 64 grams of crack cocaine, 102 grams of methamphetamine, a large quantity of marijuana, a polymer 80 privately made firearm (“ghost gun”), ammunition, narcotics processing and packaging materials, and nearly $50,000 in cash.
Oquendo’s criminal history includes convictions for felony drug and firearm offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Oquendo has been detained since his arrest. On March 2, 2023, a jury found him guilty of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute 40 grams of fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”) and fentanyl; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon.
Rodriguez, Vann, and Diaz pleaded guilty to related charges and have been sentenced.
This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Connecticut State Police, and the Waterbury Police Department. The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Danbury, Milford, Norwalk, Stamford, and Stratford Police Departments.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth L. Gresham, John T. Pierpont, Jr., and Brendan J. Keefe 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.
Norwich Man Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Tax Offenses Stemming from Scheme that Victimized Women Through Social Media AccountsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that on May 23, 2023, DEXTER ENWEREM, 36, of Norwich, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty in Bridgeport federal court to fraud and tax offenses stemming from a scheme that defrauded women approached through their social media accounts.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately September 2019 and March 2021, Enwerem participated in a scheme to defraud individuals, primarily women, who were contacted through their Facebook and Instagram accounts. As part of the scheme, a co-conspirator of Enwerem would use a false identity and make false representations to approach and befriend victims through the social media platforms. As the relationship progressed, the co-conspirator would sometimes move the communication to Google Hangouts, an online platform that allows users to communicate by video call or direct chat message. Eventually, the co-conspirator would request money from the victim based on various false representations of need. The victims would then send money by wire transfers, checks, money orders, and cash. Some of the money was wired into bank accounts that Enwerem controlled, and some was sent in packages to an address where Enwerem could receive them.
Through this scheme, Enwerem and his co-conspirators defrauded victims of approximately $450,000. Enwerem wired approximately $220,000 of these funds to bank accounts in Nigeria. In response to bank officials who questioned the nature of these wire transfers, Enwerem falsely stated that the recipients were family members and that the funds were intended to take care of his grandmother, and for household expenses.
Enwerem also failed to pay taxes on the income he fraudulently obtained.
Enwerem pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of tax evasion, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. As part of his plea, he has agreed to pay restitution of $449,189 to his victims, and $127,299 in back taxes for the 2019 and 2020 tax years.
Enwerem was arrested on related state charges on March 24, 2021. He is released on a $200,000 bond pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Connecticut Cyber Task Force (CCTF), the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the Norwich Police Department, with the assistance of the Hartford Police Department.
The FBI’s CCTF is staffed with detectives from the Connecticut State Police’s Cyber Crimes Investigation Unit and the Bristol, Hartford, Stamford, and UConn Police Departments, as well as an agent from the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. To contact the CCTF or report a cyber incident, please call the FBI’s New Haven Field Office at 203-777-6311 or file a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at https://www.ic3.gov.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry.
New Britain Man Involved in Florida to Connecticut Gun Trafficking Scheme sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ERIC WOODIE, 32, of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 66 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking and possessing firearms, and for distributing cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 18, 2021, Woodie and Dominic Colon-Brown sold a .22 caliber firearm to an individual for $1,200. Woodie, Brown and Julian Judge then conspired to obtain stolen firearms in Florida and sell them in Connecticut. In late February 2021, Woodie rented a car, which Colon-Brown and Judge used to drive to Florida to obtain stolen firearms and bring them back to Connecticut. Woodie also provided Colon-Brown and Judge with cash to purchase firearms. Colon-Brown and Judge purchased three stolen handguns in Florida, transported them back to Connecticut, and provided them to Woodie.
Woodie was arrested on March 8, 2021, after he ran from New Britain Police officers and discarded a .40 caliber handgun, equipped with a laser and loaded high capacity magazine, during the chase. The firearm was recovered and a search of Woodie’s person revealed five knotted plastic baggies containing cocaine, as well as $1,038 in cash. A subsequent search of Woodie’s residence revealed the three stolen handguns they acquired in Florida, two extended magazines, more than 100 rounds of ammunition, and an additional distribution quantity of cocaine.
During the investigation, Woodie and his associates were captured in recorded conversations discussing the illegal acquisition and sale of firearms. Colon-Brown and Judge also posted photos of themselves on social media in possession of firearms.
Woodie has been detained since his arrest. On March 2, 2023, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Colon-Brown, of Farmington, and Judge, of New Britain, each pleaded guilty to one count of transporting stolen firearms across state lines. On May 27, 2022, Judge was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment and ordered to pay a $3,000 fine. On August 22, 2022, Colon-Brown was sentenced to 12 months of imprisonment and ordered to pay a $2,200 fine.
This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, the New Britain Police Department, the Farmington Police Department, the West Hartford Police Department, and the Pasco County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel M. Krull.
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.
Stamford Man Charged with Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New England, and Stamford Police Chief Timothy Shaw today announced that SERVIO BARROS-TERREROS, 56, of Stamford has been charged by federal criminal complaint with child exploitation offenses.
As alleged in court documents, in December 2022, a minor female victim reported that, when she was nine and 10 years old, Barros-Terreros had sexually assaulted her multiple times. The victim reported that Barros-Terreros took sexually explicit pictures of her, and threatened to publish the pictures and show them to the victim’s mother if the victim told anyone. Barros-Terreros also instructed the victim to undress during video calls he initiated with the victim, during which he also engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
On January 12, 2023, Stamford Police arrested Barros-Terreros on state sexual assault and risk of injury offenses, and seized Barros-Terreros’ iPhone. It is alleged that analysis of the iPhone revealed sexually explicit images of the minor victim, and images of Barros-Terreros engaging in sexually explicit conduct with the minor victim.
Barros-Terreros has been detained since his arrest. He made his initial appearance yesterday in Bridgeport federal court.
The complaint charges Barros-Terreros with sexual exploitation of children, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, and with possession of child pornography, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Stamford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings with the assistance of the Office of the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Stamford-Norwalk.
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.
Dominican National Sentenced to 45 Months in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl and HeroinRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JEISSON AMARANTE-PEREZ, 30, of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 45 months of imprisonment for trafficking fentanyl and heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a joint investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department into a Waterbury-based drug trafficking operation headed by Nestor Sosa-Ortiz. The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance, and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Sosa-Ortiz’s organization received large quantities of fentanyl and heroin from suppliers in Connecticut and New York and distributed the narcotics through a network of co-conspirators, including Sanchez-Martinez. After Sosa-Ortiz was arrested in New York City on a separate federal heroin and fentanyl trafficking charge in May 2019, he continued to control his drug network while incarcerated by using smuggled cell phones to communicate with various co-conspirators.
The Sosa-Ortiz organization used an apartment located at 330 Bishop Street in Waterbury to store kilogram-quantities of fentanyl and heroin, and to process and package the drugs for street sale. On October 29, 2019, investigators arrested several members of the organization, executed search warrants at the Bishop Street apartment and four other locations, and seized approximately six kilograms of fentanyl and heroin, approximately 100,000 bags of fentanyl/heroin packaged for street distribution, approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills disguised as Percocet pills, one firearm, approximately $50,000 in cash, drug ledgers, and other items.
As the investigation continued, it revealed that Jeisson Amarante-Perez and his brother, Jeffrey Amarante-Perez, served as an alternate source of drug supply to the Sosa-Ortiz organization, and that Edwin Rivas-Cruz was a drug courier for the Amarante-Perez brothers. Jeisson Amarante-Perez and Rivas-Cruz were intercepted over a wiretap coordinating narcotics transactions, and drug ledgers seized from the Sosa-Ortiz organization in October 2019 indicated drug debts to Jeffrey Amarante-Perez of more than $30,000.
Jeisson Amarante-Perez has been detained since his arrest on April 11, 2022. On December 1, 2022, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl.
Jeffrey Amarante-Perez, Rivas-Cruz, and Sosa-Ortiz also pleaded guilty. Jeffrey Amarante-Perez was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment, and Rivas-Cruz and Sosa-Ortiz await sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department. 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 case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and 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.
Connecticut Naturopath and Practice Pay $400K to Settle False Claims, Improper Billing AllegationsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, and William Tong, Connecticut Attorney General, today announced that COREBELLA HEALTH, LLC, and its owner, MARCOS DeESCOBAR, have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments and have paid a total of $399,440.55 to resolve allegations that they submitted false claims to, and received overpayments from, the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Corebella Health (“Corebella”) is a practice that provides medical and wellness services to patients in Waterbury. DeEscobar is a naturopath and the owner of Corebella. The allegations against Corebella and DeEscobar arise out of improper billing for allergy immunotherapy preparation, and office visits, also known as evaluation and management (“E&M”) services.
Services performed by a nurse practitioner are typically reimbursed by Medicare and Medicaid at a lower rate than those performed by a physician. There are circumstances where nurse practitioner services are considered “incident-to” physician services, and may be properly billed and reimbursed at the higher physician rate. Among other requirements, incident-to services require a certain level of physician supervision. The government alleges that Corebella and DeEscobar submitted, or caused to be submitted, false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for services that were supposedly rendered by physicians. In reality, the services were rendered by nurse practitioners, did not meet incident-to supervision requirements, and should not have been reimbursed at the higher physician rate.
When billing for the preparation and provision of allergy immunotherapy, providers must specify the number of units prepared for the patient. The government alleges that Corebella and DeEscobar received overpayments from Medicare and Medicaid for allergy immunotherapy preparation services by submitting claims for more units than were actually prepared.
Medicare and Medicaid generally consider E&M services that occur on the same day as a procedure to be part of the work of the procedure, and do not allow a separate payment for the office visit. However, when a significant, separately identifiable service is performed by the same physician on the same date of the procedure, the provider can use “Modifier 25” to bill for both the procedure and the E&M services. The government alleges that Corebella and DeEscobar caused improper claims to be billed to Medicare and Medicaid by adding Modifier 25 to E&M claims when providing allergy injections when, in fact, no significant, separately identifiable E&M services were provided.
To resolve their liability, Corebella and DeEscobar paid $399,440.55 to the federal and state governments for conduct occurring between January 1, 2016, through December 31, 2018.
This matter was investigated by the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Kaczmarek and by Assistant Attorney General Joshua Jackson of the Attorney General’s Office.
People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS or the Health Care Task Force at (203) 777-6311.
Bronx Man Sentenced to More Than 14 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl and Cocaine Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LEONARDO HECTOR ROSADO, 52, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 170 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl and cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2021, members of the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and Bridgeport Police Department coordinated the acquisition of a kilogram of heroin from Rosado. On April 13, 2021, Rosado drove from the Bronx to a meeting location in Bridgeport where he provided a cooperating witness with nearly a kilogram of a substance containing fentanyl, heroin and cocaine, and another small bag containing more than four grams of fentanyl. Investigators arranged another narcotics transaction and, on May 16, 2021, arrested Rosado after he drove to a location in Bridgeport with nearly three kilograms of a substance containing fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, and an additional 983 grams of cocaine.
Rosado had also delivered a kilogram of fentanyl to the cooperating witness in 2019.
Rosado has been detained since his arrest. On February 23, 2023, a jury found him guilty of two counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Rosado has a prior narcotics trafficking conviction. In 2010, he was sentenced in the Middle District of North Carolina to 121 months of imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. His sentence was later reduced to 97 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara E. Levens and Daniel E. Cummings 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 10 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Heroin Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JONATHAN BROWN, 46, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 125 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a large-scale heroin trafficking ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Brown was a close associate of Ivan Rosario, also known as “Ghost,” who headed a Bridgeport-based heroin trafficking organization that, between approximately April 2015 and March 2017, received at least 30 kilograms of heroin that had been transported from Mexico to Bridgeport hidden inside motorcycles equipped with secret compartments. The organization then distributed the drug in the Bridgeport area. Brown, with the help of his girlfriend, a Bridgeport real estate agent, assisted Rosario in securing “stash houses” that were used by the organization to store and process narcotics. At times, he also helped package and distribute narcotics.
In October 2015, law enforcement stopped a car Wilfredo Rosado-Rodriguez was driving and seized approximately $120,000 in suspected drug proceeds that he was couriering to New York. On February 14, 2017, Jose David Silva Pestano, a Mexican national, was arrested in Nogales, Arizona, after he crossed the border on a motorcycle carrying nearly 12 kilograms of heroin in a concealed compartment.
Brown was arrested on March 3, 2017. On March 16, 2017, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Brown, Rosario, Rosado-Rodriguez, Silva Pestano, and three other individuals with heroin trafficking and related offenses.
Following his arrest, Brown was released on a $250,000 bond. He was scheduled to plead guilty on March 5, 2018, but failed to appear for his court proceeding. Brown was located and arrested in Mexico in September 2019, and has been detained since that time.
On December 22, 2022, Brown pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
Brown’s criminal history includes a federal conviction in November 2012 for possession of ammunition by a felon. He was sentenced to 34 months of imprisonment for that offense.
Rosario, Rosado-Rodriguez, and Silva Pestano were convicted of related charges. On July 18, 2019, Rosario was sentenced to 210 months of imprisonment, on April 19, 2023, Rosado-Rodriguez was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment, and on June 27, 2018, Silva Pestano was sentenced to 87 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Bridgeport Police Department and Stratford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Ruff and 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.
New Haven Man Sentenced to More than 7 Years in Federal Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JACKIE BROWN, 43, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 92 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing ammunition.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 7, 2021, Brown was involved in a car accident in New Haven. After a responding officer observed Brown attempting to hide an extended firearm magazine by sitting on top of it, Brown ran from the car, up the street, and through the backyard of a residence. Another officer apprehended Brown minutes later. A search of Brown’s path of travel revealed a .40 caliber handgun, a loaded gun magazine, and two loose rounds of ammunition.
In an interview with officers, Brown admitted that he had discarded a firearm with a loaded magazine during the chase. Analysis of the extended magazine that was found in the car revealed that it contained 25 rounds of ammunition.
Brown has an extensive criminal history that includes seven drug-related felony convictions, and a conviction for attempted assault in the first degree. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Brown has been detained since his arrest. On August 12, 2022, 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 Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Reed Durham 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.
Man involved in Violent Robberies of AT&T Stores Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALEX JOSEPHS, 23, 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, Josephs, Shaquille Raymond, Ronaldo Smith, 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 Josephs, Raymond, and Smith 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, Josephs 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. Josephs, Raymond, Smith, 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 Josephs 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.
Josephs has been detained since his arrest. On November 30, 2022, 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.
Raymond, Smith, 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. Raymond and Bourne were also ordered to pay restitution of $298,073.86. Smith awaits sentencing.
Josephs and Raymond, who are citizens of Jamaica, face immigration proceedings when they are released from prison.
This matter has been 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ruff.
Stonington Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Child Exploitation OffenseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MATTHEW X. SMITH, 29, of Stonington, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffery A. Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for a child exploitation offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 12, 2021, Smith, using the Kik social media application, initiated contact with an FBI Online Covert Employee (“OCE”) who was posing as a 14-year-old girl. Smith sent sexually explicit messages to the OCE, requested the OCE send him sexually explicit pictures, and discussed meeting the OCE to engage in sexual conduct. As the Kik communication continued in the following days, investigators also determined that Smith, using a different Kik user account, had engaged in sexually explicit exchanges with the OCE in 2020. Smith and the OCE agreed to meet on August 18, 2021.
On August 18, 2021, Smith was arrested by New London Police on state charges after he arrived at the agreed upon meeting location. He was charged by federal criminal complaint in February 2022. On January 10, 2023, he pleaded guilty to soliciting child pornography.
Smith, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on June 26.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the New London Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.
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.
Waterbury Man Who Trafficked Cocaine and Fentanyl Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LANDDY RODRIGUEZ, also known as “Oso,” 37, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine and fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and the Connecticut State Police determined that a drug trafficking organization headed by Rodriguez was obtaining kilogram-quantities of cocaine through the U.S. Mail from Puerto Rico. In the summer of 2021, investigators also intercepted phone calls during which Reinaldo Colon Oliveras, while incarcerated in a federal prison in Atlanta and using a smuggled cell phone, arranged the shipment of cocaine to Rodriguez and his associate, Thomas Marra. Rodriguez and Marra further distributed the drug to a network of associates.
During the investigation, Rodriguez also directed his cousin, Jaime Rodriguez, to deliver to him five kilograms of cocaine from Florida. Landdy Rodriguez was also supplied with cocaine from Salvador Crespo, who ran an underground bar in Bridgeport.
The investigation further revealed that Landdy Rodriguez facilitated multiple transactions of fentanyl.
Landdy Rodriguez has been detained since his arrest on October 18, 2021. On December 21, 2022, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
Colon, Marra, Jaime Rodriguez and Crespo pleaded guilty to related charges. On March 7, 2023, Colon, of Kissimmee, Florida, was sentenced to 78 months of imprisonment. On May 18, 2023, Marra, of Ansonia, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment. On December 22, 2022, Jaime Rodriguez, of Red Lion, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment. Crespo awaits sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, and the Connecticut State Police, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Waterbury Police Department. The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Danbury, Milford, Norwalk, Stamford, and Stratford Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth L. Gresham, John T. Pierpont, Jr., and Brendan J. Keefe 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.
Indictment Charges Bridgeport Man with Bank Fraud and Mail Theft 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 RONALD BOYD, 37, of Bridgeport, has been charged in an 18-count indictment with offenses related to the depositing of stolen and counterfeit checks at the Newtown Savings Bank.
On March 7, 2023, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment alleging that, between approximately November 2021 and April 2022, Boyd and others recruited individuals (“runners”) to open bank accounts at Newtown Savings Bank. Boyd and others then used the bank accounts to conduct transactions so that the accounts appeared legitimate, known as “seasoning” the account. Boyd deposited stolen and counterfeit checks into the runners’ accounts and then withdrew and attempted to withdraw money from the various accounts.
The indictment charges Boyd with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years; 10 counts of bank fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years on each count; and seven counts of possession of stolen mail, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years on each count.
Boyd has been detained since May 8 when he was arrested on unrelated state charges. He appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and entered pleas of not guilty to the federal charges.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Dearington.
Former Board Member of Connecticut Energy Cooperative Sentenced to Prison for Misusing FundsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney, for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN BILDA, 59, former City of Norwich representative on the Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Corporation (“CMEEC”) Board of Directors, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to six months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for misusing CMEEC funds.
CMEEC is a cooperative public corporation that permits municipal electric utilities in Connecticut to join together to furnish electric power in the municipalities’ areas of operation. CMEEC’s members included the City of Norwich, the City of Groton, the Borough of Jewett City, the Second Taxing District of the City of Norwalk, the Third Taxing District of the City of Norwalk, and the Town of Bozrah. As the owners of CMEEC, each member town executed an agreement through its respective municipal electric utility outlining the terms and conditions under which the CMEEC members participated together in CMEEC. The CMEEC membership agreement provides that excess revenues are designated as “CMEEC Margin,” and that the excess revenues are to be returned to the member towns to help keep electricity costs stable for ratepayers.
Between 2010 and 2015, CMEEC received more than $9 million dollars from the U.S. Department of Energy. CMEEC member towns also received funds from federal grants.
According to the evidence and testimony presented during a trial in 2021, Drew Rankin, who was the former chief executive officer of CMEEC, Bilda, and other members of the CMEEC Board of Directors, planned, organized, and directed lavish trips outside of Connecticut, including trips to the Kentucky Derby in 2015 and 2016, and to a luxury golf resort in West Virginia in 2015. These trips did not relate to CMEEC business, but were intended to personally benefit, compensate and reward Rankin, Bilda, CMEEC Board members, their family members, friends, and associates. Costs for the trips, which totaled more than $800,000, included travel expenses, private chartered airfare, first-class hotel accommodations, meals, tickets to sporting events, golf fees, souvenirs and gifts.
For the Kentucky Derby trip in 2015, which had an average cost of approximately $9,000 per guest, Bilda brought his wife, his parents, and two friends. In August 2015, Rankin, Bilda, and two other CMEEC Board members traveled, at CMEEC expense and a cost of more than $21,000, to the Greenbrier golf resort in West Virginia. In October 2015, Rankin, Bilda, and several others returned to the Greenbrier at a cost to CMEEC of more than $100,000.
In response to reporter inquiries about the Kentucky Derby and golf trips, Rankin underreported the costs of the trips, omitted the names of attendees who were not CMEEC employees or board members, and made other false statements related to how the trips were funded. After the trips were known to the general public, CMEEC canceled a reservation it had made for the 2017 Kentucky Derby, and was refunded only approximately $90,000 of the $298,960 it had prepaid for the trip in May 2016.
On December 10, 2021, a jury found Rankin, Bilda, and James Sullivan, the former chairperson of the CMEEC Board of Directors, guilty of one count of theft concerning a program receiving federal funds.
Judge Meyer previously sentenced Rankin to 12 months of imprisonment, and Sullivan to six months of imprisonment.
Restitution will be determined after additional court proceedings.
Bilda is required to report to prison on July 12.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division; with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Energy. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah P. Karwan, Michael S. McGarry and Tara E. Levens.
Wallingford Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Child Exploitation OffenseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JASON GORISS, 49, last residing in Wallingford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 144 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for possessing images and videos of child sex abuse.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in November and December 2018, Goriss possessed four images and five videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The images and videos included depictions of prepubescent children, and at least one image of bondage. Goriss shared some of the images and videos on an internet-based blog.
On February 8, 2023, Goriss pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography.
Goriss previously was convicted in state court of having illegal sexual contact with a minor, and was sentenced to eight years of incarceration, with three years to serve, and 15 years of probation for that offense. He has been incarcerated in state custody since March 9, 2021, for violating his probation, and also has other charges for sexual assault and risk of injury to a minor pending in state court.
The federal penalties were enhanced based on Goriss’s prior conviction.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Wallingford Police Department, with the assistance of the Office of Adult Probation. The case was prosecuted by Nancy V. Gifford with cooperation from the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office.
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.
Wallingford Attorney Sentenced to Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARK CARBUTTI, 48, of Wallingford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 15 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for tax evasion.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Carbutti is an attorney specializing in personal injury law. For the 2013 through 2017 tax years, Carbutti reported approximately $585,025 in income taxes owed to the Internal Revenue Service as a result of his legal practice and certain rental income. During that time period and thereafter, Carbutti made only limited payments of his taxes due and owing, and interest and penalties accrued as a result of his non-payment.
Between December 2014 and May 2019, Carbutti received at least 12 notices from the IRS advising him of his tax amounts due and instructions on how to pay his overdue taxes. When the IRS levied certain personal bank accounts used by Carbutti, he closed those accounts and evaded the payment of taxes, interest, and penalties by writing checks from his law firm’s operating account payable to his paralegal, which subsequently were converted to cash and deposited into the bank accounts of limited liability companies (“LLCs”) that Carbutti had created in association with his real estate holdings. Carbutti also took substantial additional cash withdrawals from his law firm bank accounts and redeposited the monies in the LLCs bank accounts. Between approximately 2013 and 2019, Carbutti paid approximately $600,000 in personal expenses from the LLCs bank accounts, including expenditures for gambling at casinos, restaurants, vacations, and the purchase of a BMW automobile.
Judge Nagala ordered Carbutti to pay $750,180 in back taxes, interest and penalties.
On December 1, 2022, Carbutti pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion.
Carbutti is required to report to prison on July 17.
This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Former Board Chair of Connecticut Energy Cooperative Sentenced to Prison for Misusing FundsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney, for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMES SULLIVAN, 56, former chairperson of the Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Corporation (“CMEEC”) Board of Directors, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to six months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for misusing CMEEC funds.
CMEEC is a cooperative public corporation that permits municipal electric utilities in Connecticut to join together to furnish electric power in the municipalities’ areas of operation. CMEEC’s members included the City of Norwich, the City of Groton, the Borough of Jewett City, the Second Taxing District of the City of Norwalk, the Third Taxing District of the City of Norwalk, and the Town of Bozrah. As the owners of CMEEC, each member town executed an agreement through its respective municipal electric utility outlining the terms and conditions under which the CMEEC members participated together in CMEEC. The CMEEC membership agreement provides that excess revenues are designated as “CMEEC Margin,” and that the excess revenues are to be returned to the member towns to help keep electricity costs stable for ratepayers.
Between 2010 and 2015, CMEEC received more than $9 million dollars from the U.S. Department of Energy. CMEEC member towns also received funds from federal grants.
According to the evidence and testimony presented during a trial in 2021, Drew Rankin, who was the former chief executive officer of CMEEC, Sullivan, and other members of the CMEEC Board of Directors, planned, organized, and directed lavish trips outside of Connecticut, including trips to the Kentucky Derby in 2015 and 2016, and to a luxury golf resort in West Virginia in 2015. These trips did not relate to CMEEC business, but were intended to personally benefit, compensate and reward Rankin, Sullivan, CMEEC Board members, their family members, friends, and associates. Costs for the trips, which totaled more than $800,000, included travel expenses, private chartered airfare, first-class hotel accommodations, meals, tickets to sporting events, golf fees, souvenirs and gifts.
For the Kentucky Derby trip in 2015, which had an average cost of approximately $9,000 per guest, Sullivan brought his son, his brother, his sister-in-law, a young woman he knew through her work as a bartender, and the woman’s friend. In August 2015, Rankin, Sullivan, and two other CMEEC Board members traveled, at CMEEC expense and a cost of more than $21,000, to the Greenbrier golf resort in West Virginia. When Rankin initially proposed the trip to Sullivan, Sullivan responded, “Is your name ‘I deserve a raise?’”
In response to reporter inquiries about the Kentucky Derby and golf trips, Rankin underreported the costs of the trips, omitted the names of attendees who were not CMEEC employees or board members, and made other false statements related to how the trips were funded. After the trips were known to the general public, CMEEC canceled a reservation it had made for the 2017 Kentucky Derby, and was refunded only approximately $90,000 of the $298,960 it had prepaid for the trip in May 2016.
On December 10, 2021, a jury found Rankin; Sullivan, and John Bilda, the former City of Norwich representative on the CMEEC Board of Directors, guilty of one count of theft concerning a program receiving federal funds.
On May 16, 2023, Judge Meyer sentenced Rankin to 12 months of imprisonment. Bilda is scheduled to be sentenced tomorrow.
Restitution will be determined after additional court proceedings.
Sullivan is required to report to prison on July 12.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division; with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Energy. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah P. Karwan, Michael S. McGarry and Tara E. Levens.
Wallingford Man Sentenced to More Than 20 Years in Prison for Child Exploitation, Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTOPHER LISCIO, 40, of Wallingford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 251 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for child sexual exploitation and drug trafficking offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between January 2016 and February 2020, Liscio used Snapchat to entice two minor girls to take sexually explicit photographs and videos of themselves and send them to him via the social media application. The communication with one of the minor victims started when she was approximately 13 years old and continued until she was approximately 16 years old, and the communication with the second minor victim occurred when she was 15 and 16 years old. Liscio also engaged in sexual acts with the second minor victim on multiple occasions when she was 15 and 16 years old.
In February 2020, Liscio was arrested on state charges related to the sexual assault of another minor. Between February and April 2020, while he was released on bond in his state case, Liscio sold 2,000 30mg oxycodone pills.
Liscio has been detained since his federal arrest on May 26, 2021. On that date, a search of his Wallingford residence revealed approximately 500 grams of cocaine, items used to process and package narcotics, and $22,440 in cash.
On January 3, 2023, Liscio pleaded guilty to one count of enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
The state case against Liscio is pending.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, with the assistance of the Wallingford Police Department, Middletown Police Department and Fremont (N.H.) Police Department. The Tactical Diversion Squad includes personnel from the DEA and the Manchester, Glastonbury, West Haven, Hamden, Newington, and Bristol Police Departments.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda S. Oakes.
U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the State’s Attorney’s Offices for the Judicial Districts of New Haven and Middlesex for their close cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Newtown Contractor Sentenced to Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that THOMAS R. SAINT, 67, of Newtown, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to six months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for tax evasion.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Saint is the sole owner of Tom Saint Painting and Remodeling LLC, a Schedule C business engaged in painting and home renovation services. From 2013 through 2019, Saint attempted to evade the assessment of federal taxes by cashing business checks instead of depositing them into his business’s bank account, depositing cash and business checks into his personal bank account, and failing to inform his tax preparer of this conduct, which resulted in the filing of false returns with the IRS that substantially understated his gross receipts and income.
For the 2013 through 2019 tax years, Saint failed to report a total of $2,163,645 in gross receipts, resulting in a tax loss to the government of $791,500.
Saint has paid restitution of $791,500, and has agreed to cooperate with the IRS to pay interest and penalties.
On February 22, 2023, Saint pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion.
Saint, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on August 4.
This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Wines.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 54 Months in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Distribution and Firearm Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JAMIE PATTERSON, also known as “Diddy,” 25, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 54 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for fentanyl distribution and firearm possession offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 4, 2021, New Britain Police responded to Devens Street on reports of shots fired. At the scene, officers found numerous empty shell casings near a disabled vehicle containing an abandoned firearm. Patterson was located hiding underneath a nearby car, and an officer found a loaded 9mm handgun in the spare tire well of car. Forensic analysis of the handgun revealed the presence of Patterson’s DNA.
On July 13, 2021, Hartford Police arrested Patterson after they observed him placing items into a parked car on Hazel Street, and a subsequent search of the car revealed 170 sleeves (doses) of fentanyl and a loaded .380 pistol.
Patterson’s criminal history includes state convictions for felony drug and firearm offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
On February 27, 2023, Patterson pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Patterson has been detained in state custody since his arrest on July 13, 2021. He will not receive credit on his federal sentence for his time served to date in state custody.
This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the New Britain Police Department, and the Hartford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ruff through the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative, 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.
Former CEO of Connecticut Energy Cooperative Sentenced to Prison for Misusing FundsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney, for the District of Connecticut, announced that DREW RANKIN, 62, the former chief executive officer of the Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Corporation (“CMEEC”), was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 12 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for misusing CMEEC funds.
CMEEC is a cooperative public corporation that permits municipal electric utilities in Connecticut to join together to furnish electric power in the municipalities’ areas of operation. CMEEC’s members included the City of Norwich, the City of Groton, the Borough of Jewett City, the Second Taxing District of the City of Norwalk, the Third Taxing District of the City of Norwalk, and the Town of Bozrah. As the owners of CMEEC, each member town executed an agreement through its respective municipal electric utility outlining the terms and conditions under which the CMEEC members participated together in CMEEC. The CMEEC membership agreement provides that excess revenues are designated as “CMEEC Margin,” and that the excess revenues are to be returned to the member towns to help keep electricity costs stable for ratepayers.
Between 2010 and 2015, CMEEC received more than $9 million dollars from the U.S. Department of Energy. CMEEC member towns also received funds from federal grants.
According to the evidence and testimony presented during a trial in 2021, Rankin and certain members of the CMEEC Board of Directors others planned, organized, and directed lavish trips outside of Connecticut, including trips to the Kentucky Derby in 2015 and 2016, and to a luxury golf resort in West Virginia in 2015. These trips did not relate to CMEEC business, but were intended to personally benefit, compensate and reward Rankin, CMEEC Board members, their family members, friends, and associates. Costs for the trips, which totaled more than $800,000, included travel expenses, private chartered airfare, first-class hotel accommodations, meals, tickets to sporting events, golf fees, souvenirs and gifts.
In response to reporter inquiries about the Kentucky Derby and golf trips, Rankin underreported the costs of the trips, omitted the names of attendees who were not CMEEC employees or board members, and made other false statements related to how the trips were funded. After the trips were known to the general public, CMEEC canceled a reservation it had made for the 2017 Kentucky Derby, and was refunded only approximately $90,000 of the $298,960 it had prepaid for the trip in May 2016.
Restitution will be determined after additional court proceedings.
On December 10, 2021, a jury found Rankin; James Sullivan, former chairperson of the CMEEC Board of Directors; and John Bilda, former City of Norwich representative on the CMEEC Board of Directors; guilty of one count of theft concerning a program receiving federal funds.
Rankin, who is released on $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on July 11.
Sullivan is scheduled to be sentenced tomorrow, and Bilda is scheduled to be sentenced on May 18.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division; with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Energy. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah P. Karwan, Michael S. McGarry and Tara E. Levens.
West Haven Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Cocaine through the U.S. MailRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JEAN MANGUAL-CASTRO, also known as “Mangui,” 35, of West Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation headed by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force revealed that Mangual-Castro was orchestrating shipments of cocaine through the U.S. Mail from Puerto Rico. On December 20, 2021, after investigators identified a suspicious package that had been delivered to the West Haven residence of Mangual-Castro’s mother, Enid Castro, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of the residence and seized approximately two kilograms of cocaine, a Rolex watch, more than $200,000 in jewelry, and approximately $2,900 in cash. During the investigation, law enforcement also found at another location approximately three kilograms of cocaine that had been mailed from Puerto Rico to Connecticut at Mangual-Castro’s direction. Investigators identified numerous other suspicious parcels that had been shipped from Puerto Rico to addresses connected to Mangual-Castro in Connecticut.
Judge Nagala ordered the forfeiture of the Mangual-Castro’s interest in the watch, jewelry and cash that were seized.
Mangual-Castro has been detained since his arrest on December 20, 2021. On September 12, 2022, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
Enid Castro pleaded guilty to a related charge and awaits sentencing.
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.
Waterbury Man Admits Theft of Pandemic Unemployment BenefitsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that OLAJUWON HARRINGTON, also known as “OJ Harrington” 31, of Waterbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to a fraud offense related to his theft of pandemic unemployment benefits.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was signed into law. The CARES Act created a new temporary federal unemployment insurance program for pandemic unemployment assistance (“Pandemic Unemployment Assistance”). Pandemic Unemployment Assistance provided unemployment insurance (“UI”) benefits for employed individuals who are not eligible for other types of UI due to their employment status. The CARES Act also created a new temporary federal program called Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (“FPUC”) that provided additional weekly benefits to those eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance or regular UI. The Connecticut Department of Labor (CT-DOL) administers UI benefits for residents of Connecticut.
Using identifying information of real persons (“victims”) without their knowledge, Harrington submitted to CT-DOL numerous fraudulent applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. Relying on the applications, CT-DOL awarded unemployment assistance in the form of debit cards in the names of the victims and mailed the debit cards to addresses provided in the applications. Thereafter, Harrington obtained the debit cards issued in victims’ names and unlawfully used the cards for his own benefit.
The government contends that the loss attributable to Harrington through this scheme is as much as $793,254.
Harrington was arrested on a criminal complaint on November 30, 2022.
Harrington pleaded guilty to access device fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years. Judge Williams scheduled sentencing for August 23.
Harrington is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General and the Connecticut Department of Labor. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Individuals with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Mexican National Admits Illegally Reentering U.S.Read the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JOSE GUADALUPE CASTILLO LARA, also known as Jose Castillo, Jose Latta, Francisco Rodriguez, and Jose Ruiz, 41, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford federal court to illegally reentering the United States after being deported.
According to court documents, Castillo previously was deported from the U.S. to Mexico in April 2009 following a felony conviction in Texas for assault. He reentered the U.S. shortly thereafter and was encountered by law enforcement in Texas. On July 13, 2009, he was sentenced to two years of imprisonment for violating the terms of his probation from his assault conviction. He was again removed to Mexico in June 2010.
On November 17, 2018, Castillo was arrested by Stamford Police. On March 6, 2019, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging him with reentry of a removed alien. On March 7, 2019, Castillo was convicted in state court of disorderly conduct related to his November 2018 arrest, and he was released from state custody. He remained at large until March 17, 2023, when he was apprehended in Massachusetts.
Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for August 3, 2023, at which time Castillo faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
This matter is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Casey.
Meriden Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Cocaine through the MailRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BIMAEL ACEVEDO-ROMAN, 29, of Meriden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine into Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force revealed that Acevedo-Roman was coordinating the shipment of parcels containing kilogram quantities of cocaine from U.S. Post Offices in Puerto Rico to various “drop addresses” in Meriden, New Britain and Bristol, and the shipment of parcels of cash back to Puerto Rico. Acevedo-Roman and others picked up parcels from the drop addresses and delivered them to Acevedo-Roman’s Meriden residence.
During the investigation, investigators intercepted and seized mail parcels containing more than five kilograms of cocaine and $179,300 in cash, and identified dozens of other suspicious parcels that likely contained kilogram quantities of cocaine and bulk currency.
Acevedo-Roman was arrested on May 18, 2022. On February 15, 2023, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Acevedo-Roman, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on July 12.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s 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 was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Konstantin Lantsman and Stephanie Levick.
Man Sentenced to Additional Prison Time for Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DANIEL CAY, 35, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 9, 2014, Cay was sentenced in the Western District of New York to 120 months of imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release for possession of child pornography. The investigation revealed that Cay was convicted in Connecticut Superior Court in March 2006 of sexual assault of a minor in the second degree, and was sentenced to eight years of imprisonment and 10 years of probation for that offense. After he was released from state prison, Cay relocated to New York, but failed to register as a sex offender. In 2013, forensic analysis of a tablet computer used by Cay reveled several hundred images depicting the sexual abuse of children.
Cay was released from federal prison on March 25, 2022, and resided in Bristol, Connecticut. Nine days after his release, U.S. Probation officers found Cay in possession of three unauthorized internet-capable devices, including a laptop. Forensic analysis of the laptop revealed multiple images of child pornography, evidence of internet searches for child pornography, and an internet search for “How to remove Bureau of Prisons firmware on a Sandisk Mp3 player.”
Cay has been detained since May 11, 2022.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara E. Levens.
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.
Hospital Owner and Hospitalist Group Agree to Pay $560K to Settle False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut and the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General today announced that YALE NEW HAVEN HEALTH SERVICES CORP. and NORTHEAST MEDICAL GROUP, INC. have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments and have paid $560,718.48 to resolve allegations that they violated the federal and state False Claims Acts for submitting false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for services billed by physicians when, in fact, the services should have been billed by mid-level providers at a lower reimbursement rate.
Yale New Haven Health Services Corp. (“Yale”) is a nonprofit health system that owns several acute-care hospitals, including Bridgeport Hospital. Northeast Medical Group, Inc. (“Northeast Medical”) employs internal medicine hospitalist physicians and mid-level providers (i.e., advanced practice nurse practitioners and physician assistants) at Bridgeport Hospital. Northeast Medical is an affiliate of Yale, and outsources its billing, coding, and compliance to Yale.
The federal and state governments allege that, between July 2014 and June 2020, Yale and Northeast Medical violated the federal and state False Claims Acts by submitting false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for evaluation and management services billed by Northeast Medical hospitalist physicians to Bridgeport Hospital patients that did not satisfy certain billing requirements and, instead, should have been billed by mid-level providers. As a result, Yale and Northeast Medical improperly received 10 to 15 percent higher in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements for the allegedly falsely billed hospitalist physician services. To resolve their liability, Yale and Northeast Medical have paid $560,718.48.
The False Claims Act allegations resolved by the settlement were originally brought in a lawsuit filed by a whistleblower under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act, which allow private parties to bring suit on behalf of the government and to share in any recovery. The relator (whistleblower), a former employee of Northeast Medical, will receive $106,536.51 as her share of the recovery. The case resolved by this settlement was captioned U.S. ex rel. Cadariu v. Northeast Medical Group et al. (Docket No. 19-cv-904).
This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Gruber, and by Assistant Attorney General Rick Porter of the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.
People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 50 Months in Prison for Gun Possession Offense, Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSEPH STEELE, 36, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 50 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing a firearm and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2017, Steele was arrested by Hartford Police after a search of his vehicle revealed a stolen .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol, 50 wax folds of fentanyl, and two knotted plastic bags containing approximately 6.5 grams of crack cocaine. On April 16, 2018, a federal jury found Steele guilty of drug distribution and firearm possession offenses. On July 9, 2018, Judge Shea sentenced him to 36 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release.
Steele was released from federal prison in February 2020. On January 28, 2022, while on federal supervised release, he was arrested by Hartford Police after they found him in possession of a loaded 9mm handgun.
Steele’s criminal history also includes a 2016 state conviction for possession of a firearm 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.
Steele has been detained since January 28, 2022. On February 10, 2023, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon.
Judge Shea sentenced Steele to 37 months of imprisonment for unlawfully possessing a firearm, and a consecutive 13 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
This investigation was conducted by the Hartford Police Department and the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force. The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins through the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is 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.
East Windsor Man Sentenced to Prison for Oxycodone Prescription Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAYSON KEMP, 46, of East Windsor, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for operating a scheme to acquire and distribute oxycodone obtained through fraudulent prescriptions.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Kemp obtained blank prescription paper from employees of various Connecticut medical practices. He kept some of the prescription paper for himself and also sold some of the prescription paper, for thousands of dollars, to other individuals. Kemp and his co-conspirators recruited “runners,” who typically were individuals who received Medicaid and Medicare benefits, to fill fraudulent prescriptions at various pharmacies. Kemp and his co-conspirators filled out each prescription with the runner’s identifying information and forged a doctor’s signature on the prescription. The runner then filled the fraudulent prescription at a pharmacy, generally using their Medicaid or Medicare benefits, and provided the pills to Kemp and his co-conspirators in exchange for approximately $50 per prescription. Kemp and his co-coconspirators then sold the pills to individuals suffering from opioid addictions.
Kemp and his co-conspirators were responsible for filling at least 150 fraudulent prescriptions for oxycodone, almost all of which were for 150 30-mg oxycodone pills.
Judge Bolden ordered Kemp to pay $48,836.14 in restitution.
Kemp was arrested on August 2, 2019. On July 5, 2022, he pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, oxycodone.
Kemp, who is released on a $150,000 bond, is required to report to prison on July 5.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, and the Vernon Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.
Indictment Charges Brothers with Fentanyl Trafficking 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, today announced that DAVID QUINTANA, 35, of East Hartford, and EDGAR QUINTANA, 33, of Hartford, have been charged by indictment with fentanyl distribution offenses. The indictment also charges David Quintana with possession of a firearms by a felon.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in March and April, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl from David Quintana, and his brother, Edgar Quintana. David and Edgar Quintana were arrested on April 17, 2023. On that date, a search of David Quintana’s residence revealed two .40 caliber handguns that had been reported stolen, and one 9mm handgun with an obliterated serial number. A search of Edgar Quintana’s residence revealed distribution quantities of fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine.
David Quintana’s criminal history includes 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.
On April 25, 2023, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging David and Edgar Quintana with one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years. The indictment also charges them with multiple counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. David Quintana is also charged with possession of firearms by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.
David and Edgar Quintana appeared today before in Hartford federal court and pleaded not guilty to the charges. David Quintana is detained and Edgar Quintana is released on a $150,000 bond.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the DEA’s Hartford Task Force, which includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan J. Keefe and Robert S. Dearington 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.
Connecticut Psychologist Pays $658K to Settle Allegations She Received Payments from Medicare and Medicaid for Services Not ProvidedRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and William Tong, Connecticut Attorney General, today announced that Dr. EVELYN LLEWELLYN has entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments in which she will pay $658,294 to settle allegations that she received payments from the Medicare and Medicaid programs for psychology services that were not provided.
Llewellyn is a psychologist licensed by the State of Connecticut. She is married to Dr. Michael Lonski, PhD, who is also a psychologist licensed by the State of Connecticut. Llewellyn and Lonski maintained separate medical practices in psychology operated out of their home offices in Greenwich. Lonski was responsible for submitting claims for reimbursement to insurance programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, for the psychology services allegedly performed by Lewellyn and Lonski.
The government alleges that Llewellyn received payment for claims submitted by Lonski to the Medicare and Medicaid programs for psychology services allegedly provided by Llewellyn to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries that were, in fact, not provided.
To resolve the governments’ allegations, Llewellyn has agreed to pay $658,294, which covers the time-period from November 11, 2014, through and including February 5, 2020.
On December 12, 2022, Lonski pleaded guilty in Hartford federal court to health care fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 12.
This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard M. Molot and Susan L. Wines, and by Assistant Attorney General Joshua Jackson of the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.
People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS.
Former Naugatuck Resident Charged with Offenses Stemming from Alleged Investment Fraud 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 RAFAEL MUZZI, 27, a citizen of Brazil formerly residing in Naugatuck, has been charged in a 14-count indictment with fraud and money laundering offenses stemming from an alleged investment fraud scheme.
As alleged in the indictment, in 2017 and 2018, Muzzi, at times using two entities he formed, Solace Investments LLC and Asseno LLC, induced victim-investors to provide him funds based on the representation he would use the funds for trading currencies in foreign exchange markets using a trading software program that he told his victims he had developed. Muzzi represented to victims that his software program had a feature that would cause trading to cease in the event of a certain loss in value, thus minimizing downside risk. Muzzi failed to invest a substantial portion of invested funds as he represented, and instead diverted those funds for his own personal use, and to pay other individuals who had invested with him.
It is alleged that, through this scheme, Muzzi defrauded at least 12 victim-investors out of a total of more than $550,000.
The indictment further alleges that Muzzi sent victims fabricated monthly account statements that falsely overstated their return on investment and their account balances. These misrepresentations induced some victim-investors to provide him with additional investment funds. Muzzi also provided victims with purported tax documents reflecting fictitious investment profits, causing victims to report and pay taxes on profits that they had not realized.
As alleged in court documents, in response to victim complaints, the State of Connecticut’s Department of Banking investigated Muzzi’s conduct, issued orders finding that Muzzi and Solace Investments had violated state securities laws, ordered them to make restitution to victims, and fined Muzzi $300,000. On September 6, 2020, Muzzi traveled to Brazil and did not return.
On August 23, 2022, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Muzzi with 12 counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering.
Muzzi was arrested on April 1, 2023, in Panama, and subsequently waived his right to contest his extradition to the U.S. He appeared in Hartford federal court on April 28, pleaded not guilty to the charges in the indictment, and was ordered detained. A detention hearing is scheduled for tomorrow.
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 investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Banking, Securities Division.
U.S. Attorney Avery thanked Interpol and Panamanian authorities for their assistance in apprehending this defendant, and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs for coordinating the extradition proceedings in this matter.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Conor M. Reardon and Michael S. McGarry.
Armed Waterbury Drug Dealer Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on April 28, 2023, CORNELIUS CONEY, also known as “C Nizzy,” 35, of Waterbury, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2021, Waterbury Police retrieved a bag from Coney’s vehicle, which had been towed by a private towing company. The bag contained a loaded 9mm semiautomatic handgun that had been reported stolen, approximately 50 grams of crack cocaine, approximately 50 does bags containing fentanyl, a digital scale, and other items. Subsequent lab analysis revealed the presence of Coney’s DNA on the firearm.
Coney was arrested on September 21, 2021. On January 3, 2023, he pleaded guilty to possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Coney has been detained since his arrest.
This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Waterbury Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and John T. Pierpont, Jr.
U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Waterbury for its close 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.
Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PEDRO DIAZ, 45, of Red Lion, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force of a drug trafficking network led by Landdy Rodriguez, also known as “Oso,” of Waterbury. In August 2021, investigators intercepted phone calls during which Rodriguez arranged for Ramon Oquendo, also known as “Mimo,” of Waterbury, to supply fentanyl to other drug distributors, including Diaz. After Diaz engaged in a drug transaction with Rodriguez and Oquendo in Waterbury in August 2021, a Pennsylvania State Trooper stopped Diaz’s car in Pennsylvania and seized 48 grams of fentanyl.
Diaz was arrested on November 14, 2021. On January 6, 2023, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
Rodriguez and Oquendo are awaiting sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Connecticut State Police and the Waterbury Police Department. The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Danbury, Milford, Norwalk, Stamford and Stratford Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth L. Gresham, John T. Pierpont, Jr., and Brendan J. Keefe 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.
New Britain Man Involved in Drug Ring Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDWIN REYES, 40, of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin and fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force began an investigating an organization that was trafficking large quantities of heroin, fentanyl and other narcotics in Connecticut and western Massachusetts. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance, revealed that Reyes and other members of the organization were receiving bulk quantities of heroin and fentanyl from out-of-state suppliers. They then stored, processed and packaged the heroin/fentanyl in multiple locations, including apartments located at 280 Collins Street in Hartford where some members of the organization also resided, and then distributed the drug in the Hartford area, and also the Springfield and Holyoke, Massachusetts area. A significant amount of drug trafficking activity occurred at the Neighborhood Supermarket, located at 316 Farmington Avenue in Hartford.
The investigation also revealed that members of the drug trafficking organization possessed and used firearms in connection with their drug trafficking activity.
During the investigation, law enforcement executed 12 search warrants in Connecticut and Massachusetts and seized approximately 10 kilograms of heroin and fentanyl, much of which was packaged for resale in hundreds of thousands of bags. Investigators also seized numerous vials of Xylazine, which is a horse tranquilizer used by narcotics traffickers as a heroin/fentanyl additive. Seven firearms, gun magazines, numerous rounds of ammunition, and a bullet proof vest were also seized.
Fourteen individuals were charged with various narcotics, firearms and immigration offenses as a result of this investigation.
Reyes was arrested on June 29, 2017, and was released on a $200,000 bond in December 2017. On October 15, 2021, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl. He failed to appear for his sentencing on September 19, 2022, and was located and arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol in Texas on November 22, 2022. He has been detained since that date.
The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments. Agencies assisting the investigation include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Marshals Service and Connecticut State Police.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession, Manufacture, and Sale of FirearmsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, today announced that ANDREW FRANCOEUR, 36, of Manchester, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to offenses related to his illegal possession, manufacture, and sale of firearms.
According to court documents and statements made in court, as part of an ongoing investigation into the proliferation of privately made firearms (“PMFs” or “ghost guns”) in Connecticut, ATF investigators determined that Francoeur was buying firearm parts from a Missouri company, having the parts shipped to him, and manufacturing guns inside a shipping container on a property in Suffield. Francoeur sold some of the firearms he manufactured.
In August 2022, while Francoeur was incarcerated in state custody for drug and firearm offenses, investigators retrieved two storage bins used by Francoeur that contained firearm parts, a .22 caliber rifle, more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition, 25 high-capacity magazines, M-80 explosives, firearm gear, and other items.
Francoeur’s criminal history includes felony convictions for firearm, drug, burglary, and failure to appear offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Francoeur pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, and one count of manufacturing and dealing in firearms without a license, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 6, 2023.
This investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Reed Durham.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Bristol Man Involved in Gun Trafficking Scheme Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSHUA BENTZ, 39, of Bristol, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for illegally trafficking firearms from South Carolina to Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2020, ATF and Hartford Police recovered multiple firearms that had been purchased in South Carolina. In July 2020, one of the firearms was found in the possession of a convicted felon. In September and October 2020, additional firearms were recovered at the scenes of two separate homicides in Hartford. The investigation revealed that Alberto Vazquez, of Hartford, conspired with Bentz and others to purchase firearms from a licensed gun dealer in Columbia, South Carolina, transport them to Connecticut, and sell them to felons and other customers in the Hartford area.
Vazquez, Bentz, and their coconspirators purchased approximately 37 firearms through this scheme. Twenty-eight of these firearms were purchased by Bentz’s wife, Tywonda Bentz, in South Carolina between May and July 2020.
Bentz was arrested on April 21, 2021. On November 23, 2021, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to deal in firearms without a license, to unlawfully transport firearms, and to make false statements to law enforcement.
Bentz, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on August 24.
Vazquez, whose criminal history includes convictions for felony weapon possession, robbery, and larceny offenses, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to deal in firearms without a license and to unlawfully transport firearms, unlawful transportation of firearms, and unlawful possession of firearms by a felon. On October 11, 2022, he was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment.
Tywonda Bentz pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Hartford Police Department; the Columbia (S.C.) Police Department; and the Richland County (S.C.) Sheriff’s Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara E. Levens 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.
Waterbury Man Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal Prison for Lying to Federal Agents Investigating Waterbury Gang ViolenceRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHAN THOMPSON, 25, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for making false statements to federal law enforcement agents investigating gang-related violence in Waterbury.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI, ATF, and Waterbury Police have been conducting a long-term investigation into drug trafficking and numerous acts of violence being committed by gang members in Waterbury. In November 2018 and September 2019, Thompson made false statements to FBI special agents about a shooting incident that occurred in the area of Wolcott Street in Waterbury on November 22, 2017, which resulted in the deaths of two individuals.
Thompson has been detained in state custody since February 2018. On February 2, 2023, he pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of making a false statement to a government agent.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, ATF and Waterbury Police Department, with the assistance of the Watertown Police Department, New Milford Police Department and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey M. Stone, John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Natasha M. Freismuth, and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Don E. Therkildesen and Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney Alexandra Arroyo of the Waterbury State’s Attorney’s Office, who have been cross-designated as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys in this matter.
This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.
PSN is 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.
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.
Waterbury Man Admits Role in Kidnapping and Murder of Massachusetts Man Whose Body was Found in HartfordRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CALVIN ROBERSON, also known as “Cutty,” 40, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to offenses related to the kidnapping and murder of a Massachusetts man in 2020.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 24, 2020, Roberson and another individual kidnapped Francisco Roman, Jr., 28, at gunpoint from a residence in Chicopee, Massachusetts. Roberson and his associate threatened to harm Roman if he did not comply with their orders, handcuffed him, and stole cash, marijuana, and other items from Roman. Roberson and his associate forced Roman into the rear of Roman’s 2010 Acura ZDX, and transported Roman and the other stolen property to Connecticut. Roberson’s associate shot and killed Roman while the car was en route to Hartford. They then drove the car to Shultas Place in Hartford and left it parked on the street.
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.
Roberson was arrested on February 11, 2021.
Roberson 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. At sentencing, Roberson faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life. He has been detained since his arrest.
As to Roberson’s associate, who is awaiting trial, U.S. Attorney Avery that charges are 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 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.
Stratford Doctor Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Health Care Fraud and Illegal Kickback OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANANTHAKUMAR THILLAINATHAN, MD, 45, of Stratford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for health care fraud and illegal kickback offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Thillainathan is a medical doctor and the owner and president of MDCareNow LLC, a medical practice with offices in Stratford and Milford. MDCareNow has been a participating provider enrolled as both an internal medicine group and as a behavioral health clinician group in the Connecticut Medicaid program. Between approximately June 2019 and May 2022, Thillainathan submitted or caused to be submitted to Connecticut Medicaid approximately $839,724 in fraudulent claims for psychotherapy services that he knew patients did not receive from his employees. Thillainathan knew that the billed psychotherapy Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes, which identify the nature and complexity of the services provided, were not supported by medical records provided by his employees, and that the services were not provided. The investigation revealed that Thillainathan submitted fraudulent claims to Medicaid for reimbursement that falsely represented his employees had rendered 60-minute psychotherapy sessions when, in fact, his employees only had very brief conversations with patients, had only left a voicemail for patients, or had no contact with patients at all.
In addition, in violation of his Connecticut Medical Assistance Program (CTMAP) provider agreement, Thillainathan paid a third-party “patient recruiting” company for each Connecticut Medicaid patient the company recruited and provided with transportation to MDCareNow for medical services. Thillainathan paid the patient recruiting company approximately $100 per patient for an initial visit to MDCareNow and approximately $40 per patient for any subsequent visit. Between approximately November 2019 and May 2021, Thillainathan paid the patient recruiting company for the recruitment of approximately 1,018 Connecticut Medicaid patients, and Connecticut Medicaid reimbursed MDCareNow a total of approximately $1,071,328 for services provided to these patients.
Judge Underhill ordered Thillainathan to pay $1,674,880 in restitution, with $500,000 due within 60 days.
On November 3, 2022, Thillainathan pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud and one count of kickbacks involving federal health care programs.
While he was released on bond and awaiting sentencing, Thillainathan surrendered his Connecticut Controlled Substance Certificate of Registration. Despite no longer holding a valid controlled substance license, Thillainathan wrote at least 34 prescriptions for controlled substances, including 14 prescriptions for oxycodone. Thillainathan’s bond was revoked, and he has been detained since January 13, 2023.
Thillainathan, a citizen of Sri Lanka and a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office and the Connecticut Department of Social Services. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather L. Cherry and Elena L. Coronado.
People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS.
Indictment Charges Postal Employee with Cocaine Distribution, Mail TheftRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment yesterday charging SHAWN R. FULLER, 36, of Hamden, with cocaine distribution and mail theft offenses.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, Fuller, a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier in Meriden, was under investigation for stealing mail packages. On April 17, 2023, an investigator observed Fuller at the Meriden post office opening two mail packages, removing two items from the packages, and placing the items in the trunk of his car. He then notified his supervisors that he had to leave work for the day. Hamden Police subsequently stopped Fuller’s car for a motor vehicle violation. After a police K9 alerted officers to the possible presence of narcotics, a search of the trunk of the car revealed approximately four kilograms of a substance containing cocaine. Fuller was arrested at that time.
The indictment charges Fuller with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and three counts of theft of mail by a postal employee, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years on each count.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Fuller is released on a $100,000 bond.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the Hamden and West Haven Police Departments. The Task Force includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden, and Town of Groton Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Dearington and Brendan J. Keefe.
Woodstock Man Sentenced to Prison for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARIUSZ KALINOWSKI, 48, of Woodstock, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to seven months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for a tax fraud offense. Judge Bryant also ordered Kalinowski to pay a $16,500 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Kalinowski owns and operates Kalinowski General Construction, Inc., based in Webster, Massachusetts, which provides residential and commercial construction services in Connecticut and Massachusetts. For the 2010 through 2013 tax years, Kalinowski failed to report on his personal federal tax returns $927,828 in income from his business and, as a result, failed to pay approximately $174,746 in taxes on that income.
On November 29, 2022, Kalinowski pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return.
Kalinowski has paid the IRS the $174,746 in taxes he owed.
Kalinowski, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on June 20.
This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer R. Laraia and Peter S. Jongbloed.
New Haven Man Sentenced to More Than 6 years in Federal Prison for Mail Theft, Identity Theft and Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARQUIS WILLIAMS, 46, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for operating a mail theft, identity theft, and bank fraud scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from at least 2018 through November 2019, Williams and his then-girlfriend, Dara Morrison, stole mail from hundreds of residential mailboxes in Connecticut. The mail pieces contained checks, driver’s licenses, passports, social security cards, banking information, and other personally identifying information from businesses and individuals throughout Connecticut, including elderly nursing home residents. Williams and Morrison used stolen identities to produce fake identification, and then used the fake identification to cash or deposit stolen checks. Williams and Morrison also used the stolen checks to create additional, forged copies of checks that they then cashed or deposited into accounts they opened using stolen identities. Morrison also used and attempted to use stolen credit cards.
Williams was arrested on November 14, 2019. In association with his arrest, investigators searched his residence and vehicles and found numerous drivers’ licenses and identification cards with photographs of Williams or Morrison, but with different names and addresses; multiple passports, social security cards, drivers’ licenses, and other documents in the names of victims; approximately 50 debit and credit cards in the names of victims; notebooks containing handwritten identifying information of victims; approximately 130 checks, some showing signs of alteration, written from and to potential victims; items used to alter checks and make false identifications; and trash bags filled with stolen mail.
More than 70 bank fraud victims were identified during the investigation.
Judge Bryant ordered Williams to pay $116,152.26 in restitution to his victims.
On May 19, 2022, Williams pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
Morrison pleaded guilty to the same offense. On April 18, 2023, after Morrison had been detained for approximately 37 months, Judge Bryant sentenced her to time served.
Williams’ and Morrison’s criminal histories include prior federal convictions for similar crimes. In 2002, Williams was sentenced to 51 months of imprisonment for conspiracy, identity fraud and credit card fraud offenses.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service and the Hamden, Wallingford, Waterford, Guilford, and Old Saybrook Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda Oakes and Hal Chen.
U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the State’s Attorneys for the Judicial Districts of New Haven, Fairfield, Middlesex, Ansonia/Milford, New London, Norwich, and Stamford/Norwalk for their cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.
Individuals who believe they are a victim of mail theft may file a complaint by calling 888-USPS-OIG or by visiting https://www.uspsoig.gov/form/file-online-complaint.