District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Jury Finds Uzbek National Guilty of Making False StatementsRead the Press Release
A federal jury in Bridgeport has found SIDIKJON MAMADJONOV, 36, a citizen of Uzbekistan formerly residing in New Britain, guilty of making false statements to federal law enforcement and in immigration proceedings.
The trial before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden began on March 1 and the jury returned the guilty verdicts yesterday.
U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery, Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, Special Agent in Charge Robert Fuller of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Haven Division, and Special Agent in Charge Matthew B. Millhollin of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement.
According to the evidence disclosed during the trial, Mamadjonov immigrated to the U.S. in February 2009 and became a lawful permanent resident in September 2010.
On May 27, 2013, Mamadjonov departed the U.S. on a flight to Istanbul, Turkey. During or before this trip, he learned that his brother, Saidjon Mamadjonov, had been killed while fighting in the civil war in Syria. Sidikjon Mamadjonov returned to the U.S. on June 11, 2013. In early July 2013, he received a DHL package that contained an iPhone 4. On the phone were several videos and photographs depicting Saidjon in Syria, including videos of Saidjon cleaning weapons in military dress while armed with a weapon, and a photograph of Saidjon after he was killed.
During three interviews with FBI special agents in 2014, Mamadjonov responded to questions about the trip he took to Turkey in 2013, and questions about his brother. Mamadjonov made multiple false statements, including that his brother was alive and living in Turkey or Dubai, that he met with his brother while he was in Turkey in 2013, and that his brother sent him a package after he returned from his trip.
In August 2016, Mamadjonov stated to FBI special agents that he had a received a package from Sidikjon, did not know the whereabouts of Saidjon, had not overheard any discussions of Uzbeks in the U.S. going over to Syria to fight, and was not aware of any Uzbeks travelling to Syria. At that time, Sidikjon knew that Saidjon was an Uzbek who had traveled from the U.S. to Syria and had died while fighting in the civil war, and that he died prior to the date the package was sent.
On October 27, 2016, in an interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer regarding his U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services an Application for Naturalization, Form N-400 that he had submitted in September 2014, Mamadjonov again provided false statements about his brother and whether he had previously lied to the FBI.
Mamadjonov was arrested on December 22, 2017.
The jury found Mamadjonov guilty of three counts of making a false statement to law enforcement, and one count of making a false swearing in an immigration matter. At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Mamadjonov faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 25 years.
Mamadjonov is released on a $200,000 bond and residing in Pennsylvania pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, New Britain Police Department and Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Chang and Trial Attorney Steven Ward of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Federal Inmate Who Trafficked Cocaine While Incarcerated Sentenced to 5 More YearsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that REINALDO COLON OLIVERAS, also known as “Chucho,” 38, formerly of Kissimmee, Florida, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by eight years of supervised release for arranging cocaine shipments to Connecticut while incarcerated in federal custody.
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 of Waterbury. In the summer of 2021, investigators intercepted phone calls during which Colon, while incarcerated in a federal prison in Atlanta and using a smuggled cell phone, arranged the shipment of cocaine to both Rodriguez and Thomas Marra of Ansonia. Rodriguez and Marra further distributed the drug to a networks of associates.
In 2015, Colon was sentenced in the District of Puerto Rico to 168 months of imprisonment for narcotics conspiracy, firearm possession and money laundering offenses related to his role as an enforcer for a drug trafficking organization that operated in Puerto Rico and Florida. Judge Hall ordered 60 months of the 78-month sentence to run consecutively to Colon’s prior sentence, which was scheduled to conclude in 2027.
On November 2, 2021, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Colon, Rodriguez, Marra and others with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Colon pleaded guilty to the charge on December 1, 2022.
Rodriguez and Marra have pleaded guilty and await 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 Haven Man Sentenced to Prison for Distributing Fentanyl and CrackRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KISHON SHIELDS, also known as “L.A.” and “Key,” 25, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in New Haven drug trafficking ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the fall of 2021, the New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force and New Haven Police Department began investigating a drug trafficking ring that was distributing fentanyl, heroin crack and cocaine in and around the West Hills neighborhood, including the McConaughy Terrace housing complex located on South Genesee Street in New Haven. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, fixed video surveillance and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that a member of the conspiracy was receiving heroin and fentanyl from an out-of-state supplier, and kilogram quantities of cocaine through the U.S. Mail from a source in Puerto Rico. Shields and his coconspirators packaged fentanyl and crack at the McConaughy Terrace housing complex, and referred customers to one another in order to distribute the drugs from that location.
During the investigation, law enforcement seized approximately 19 kilograms of cocaine, more than 7,000 bags of fentanyl, five firearms, and more than $780,000 in cash.
On February 15, 2022, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Shield and seven co-defendants. On November 28, 2022, Shields pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine base (“crack”) and cocaine.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The 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.
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.
###
Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Defrauding Investors of 2 Companies, Evading TaxesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRIAN HUGHES, 58, formerly of Madison, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for defrauding investors of two companies, and for tax evasion.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2015, Hughes founded Handcrafted Brands, LLC (“HCB”), for the purpose of raising money to purchase Salute American Vodka, (“Salute”) an alcoholic beverage company. Hughes subsequently solicited and received funds from dozens of investors ostensibly for the purchase and subsequent development of Salute. Hughes used the first investment he received, in the amount $150,000, to pay his taxes and his American Express credit card expenses. Although HCB purchased Salute in June 2016 for $450,000, Hughes continued to solicit investments from investors and used hundreds of thousands dollars in invested funds for expenses unrelated to Salute. He also used funds to pay off an earlier investor under the guise of a return on a prior investment made by the earlier investor, which is commonly known as a “lulling” payment.
Hughes also solicited investments purportedly on behalf of another company, which is identified in court documents as “Company-1.” In fact, Hughes had no official relationship with Company-1 and could not raise capital on its behalf. Hughes spent the money he received for this investment on personal expenses, to pay earlier investors, and on business related to Salute.
Finally, Hughes evaded the assessment of his tax obligations for the 2015 through 2018 tax years by substantially underreporting his income to the IRS, resulting in a tax loss of $470,880.
Hughes was arrested on January 14, 2021. On February 15, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, one count of making an illegal monetary transaction, and one count of tax evasion.
Judge Arterton ordered Hughes to pay full restitution to investors in both HCB and Company-1, and to the IRS, in the total amount of $2,991,880.
Hughes, who is released on a $250,000 bond and living in New Canaan, is required to report to prison on September 6.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.
Meriden Man Charged with Cocaine Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Meriden Police Chief Roberto Rosado today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging MIGUEL ACEVEDO, 40, of Meriden, with cocaine trafficking offenses.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on June 7, 2021, Meriden Police arrested Acevedo on state crack cocaine distribution and firearm possession charges. On that date investigators seized from Acevedo approximately 390 grams of cocaine and $281,000 in cash. In December 2022, while he was released on bond in his state case, investigators made two controlled purchases of cocaine from Acevedo.
Acevedo was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on February 14, 2023. A search of his residence on that date revealed approximately 50 grams of cocaine and more than $3,000 in cash.
The indictment, which was returned on March 1, charges Acevedo with two counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Each charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of two vehicles owned by Acevedo and the cash that was seized on the date of his arrest.
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.
Acevedo, who had been released on bond after his federal arrest, appeared on March 1 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven for a bond violation hearing and was ordered detained.
The state charges against Acevedo stemming from his June 2021 arrest are pending. The cash that was seized in June 2021 was previously forfeited.
This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Meriden 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.
This case is being prosecuted through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Jury Finds Waterbury Man Guilty of Narcotics Distribution and Firearm Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in New Haven has found RAMON OQUENDO, also known as “Mimo,” 46, of Waterbury, guilty of narcotics trafficking and firearm possession offenses.
The trial before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall began on February 24 and the jury returned the guilty verdicts yesterday afternoon.
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 Oquendo’s 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.
The jury found Oquendo 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. At sentencing, which is scheduled for May 25, Oquendo faces at least 10 years of imprisonment.
Oquendo has been detained since his arrest.
Rodriguez, Vann and Diaz have pleaded guilty and await 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.
Sex Offender Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Child Exploitation OffenseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PHILIP FROST, 33, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert M. Chatigny in Hartford to 180 months of imprisonment, followed by 15 years of supervised release, for a child exploitation offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2016, Frost was convicted in state court of possessing child pornography in the second degree. On October 1, 2019, while Frost was on special parole and residing in a halfway house in Hartford, a staff member at the halfway house discovered Frost was in possession of a smartphone, which was a violation of Frost’s parole conditions. The staff member secured the phone and contacted Frost’s parole officer. That evening, before the parole officer arrived the next morning, Frost used another resident’s phone to delete the history of his various online messaging accounts.
Subsequent analysis of Frost’s smartphone revealed images of child pornography, including images depicting the sexual abuse of prepubescent children.
The investigation further revealed that, between July 31, 2019 and October 1, 2019, Frost engaged in sexual conduct with a 15-year-old victim. Frost provided a cellphone to the minor victim so that they could communicate, and he enticed the minor victim to send him images of the minor victim engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Frost also received these images on his smartphone.
Frost was on the Connecticut Sex Offender Registry at the time this criminal conduct.
Frost has been detained since October 2, 2019. On October 30, 2020, he pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography.
State sexual assault charges against Frost are pending.
This matter was investigated by the Connecticut State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret M. Donovan.
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.
Mexican Nationals Charged with Offenses Stemming from Smuggling and Labor Trafficking SchemeRead 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 Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody today announced that MARIA DEL CARMEN SANCHEZ POTRERO, also known as Maria Carmela Sanchez, 69, and APOLINAR FRANCISCO PAREDES ESPINOZA, also known as “Pancho,” 56, both of citizens of Mexico residing in Hartford, were arrested yesterday on federal criminal complaints charging each with offenses stemming from their smuggling of aliens into the U.S., harboring them at their Hartford residence, forcing them to work, and threatening to harm them in various ways if they failed to pay exorbitant fees, interest and other living expenses.
Sanchez and Paredes appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford who ordered them detained. A bond hearing for Sanchez is scheduled for March 8.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, beginning in September 2022, the FBI and Hartford Police interviewed approximately 10 Mexican nationals who disclosed that they were smuggled from Mexico into the U.S. and transported to Hartford. The victims typically stated that they had arranged with Sanchez and her associates in Mexico to cross the border into the U.S. in exchange for a fee of between $15,000 and $20,000 that each would need to pay once they were in the U.S. In most cases, the victims were required to turn over a property deed as collateral before leaving Mexico. They were then smuggled across the border and transported to Sanchez’s and Paredes’ residence on Madison Street in Hartford.
It is also alleged that after the victims arrived in Hartford, Sanchez informed them that they would have to pay $30,000, with interest, and that they would have to pay her for rent, food, gas and utilities. Sanchez and Parades created false documents for the victims, including Permanent Residence cards and Social Security cards, and helped the victims find employment in the Hartford area. In addition to their own jobs, some victims were required to perform work around the house, or to assist Paredes in his job responsibilities without compensation and without having their debt reduced.
It is further alleged that Sanchez rarely provided victims with an accounting of their debt. If victims failed to make regular payments, or in amounts that she expected, Sanchez and Paredes would threaten the victims, including threatening to harm family members in Mexico, to take property in Mexico that had been secured as collateral, to reveal victims’ immigration status to U.S. authorities, and to raise their interest payments. In one instance, Sanchez threatened to call police to say that a victim had tried to rape her.
Sanchez and Paredes are charged with conspiracy to smuggle, transport, harbor, and encourage or induce aliens to enter and reside in the U.S., an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; conspiracy to commit labor trafficking, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; and extortion, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that a criminal complaint is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Hartford Police Department, U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angel Krull and Shan Patel.
Man Who Robbed and Murdered Stamford Jeweler Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT RALLO, 59, of New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 480 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for offenses stemming from the robbery of Marco Jewelers in Stamford in March 2020, during which Rallo shot and killed the owner of the store.
“This sentence will protect society from a dangerous individual who brutally killed a much loved and respected man and small business owner,” said U.S. Attorney Avery. “I thank the FBI and the Stamford, Greenwich, Yonkers, New York and New Rochelle Police Departments for thoroughly investigating this crime and helping to bring these defendants to justice.”
“The system of justice in which the FBI and all of our law enforcement partners work within everyday has just spoken,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Fuller. “The joint efforts of the investigators and prosecutors has been recognized and justice has been served.”
“We are very pleased to see these three career criminals held accountable for this senseless murder, and we want to commend the tireless, cutting edge police work that led to this outcome, said Assistant Chief Richard Conklin of the Stamford Police Department. “While nothing we do can restore what the Vuono family has lost, we hope that this conviction and sentence can offer some solace. We are grateful for the expertise of our officers, as well as the collaboration with the FBI and our other law enforcement partners, that contributed to bringing this painful case to a positive conclusion.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 28, 2020, at approximately 2:48 p.m., Stamford Police Officers responded to Marco Jewelers, located at 16 Sixth Street in Stamford. When officers arrived, they found evidence of a robbery and encountered the storeowner, Mark Vuono, lying on the ground in front of an open safe. Emergency medical personnel arrived and pronounced Vuono deceased.
Investigators collected and analyzed surveillance video from Marco Jewelers, surrounding businesses and Stamford city cameras. Video obtained from Marco Jewelers revealed that, on March 28, Paul Prosano drove Robert Rallo and Thomas Liberatore in a black Jaguar to Marco Jewelers. Rallo and Liberatore then entered the store. Rallo, armed with a handgun, engaged in a physical altercation with Vuono, while Liberatore stole items from the display cases. Vuono, who also possessed a firearm, and Rallo struggled next to a large open safe. During the more than three-minute struggle, Rallo reached into the safe and pulled out a third firearm, a .357 Magnum revolver. Rallo subsequently shot and killed Vuono with the .357 revolver.
Following the robbery, law enforcement located the black Jaguar in Staten Island and maintained surveillance on the vehicle. On March 31, at approximately 5:30 p.m., a black BMW X3, driven by Prosano, pulled up beside the black Jaguar. Rallo exited the rear door of the BMW and entered the driver’s door of a black Jaguar. The two vehicles then left the area and rapidly accelerated. The Jaguar crashed on Tompkins Street. Rallo attempted to flee on foot, but was quickly apprehended. The BMW crashed into a tree and parked car at the intersection of Daniel Low Terrace and Corson Avenue. Prosano also attempted to flee and was apprehended.
A search of the BMW revealed 63 rings, eight bracelets, two tie pins, an earring and a cufflink, and a search of Prosano’s residence revealed 23 pairs of earrings and three rings. These items were stolen from Marco Jewelers on March 28.
Liberatore was arrested on April 1.
Rallo’s criminal history, which includes two prior murder convictions, spans approximately 40 years. He met Liberatore and Prosano while incarcerated within the New York State Department of Corrections, and had been released from prison in March 2019.
Rallo has been detained since his arrest. On April 5, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act robbery), one count of interstate transportation of stolen property, and one count of using a firearm to cause a death during a robbery.
On December 19, 2022, a jury found Liberatore and Prosano guilty of Hobbs Act robbery and interstate transportation of stolen property. Liberatore was also found guilty of aiding and abetting the use of a firearm to cause a death during a robbery. They are detained while awaiting sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Stamford Police Department and Greenwich Police Department, with the assistance of the New York Police Department, Yonkers (N.Y.) Police Department and New Rochelle (N.Y.) Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis, Rahul Kale and Margaret Donovan.
“This sentence will protect society from a dangerous individual who brutally killed a much loved and respected man and small business owner,” said U.S. Attorney Avery. “I thank the FBI and the Stamford, Greenwich, Yonkers, New York and New Rochelle Police Departments for thoroughly investigating this crime and helping to bring these defendants to justice.”
“The system of justice in which the FBI and all of our law enforcement partners work within everyday has just spoken,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Fuller. “The joint efforts of the investigators and prosecutors has been recognized and justice has been served.”
“We are very pleased to see these three career criminals held accountable for this senseless murder, and we want to commend the tireless, cutting edge police work that led to this outcome, said Assistant Chief Richard Conklin of the Stamford Police Department. “While nothing we do can restore what the Vuono family has lost, we hope that this conviction and sentence can offer some solace. We are grateful for the expertise of our officers, as well as the collaboration with the FBI and our other law enforcement partners, that contributed to bringing this painful case to a positive conclusion.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 28, 2020, at approximately 2:48 p.m., Stamford Police Officers responded to Marco Jewelers, located at 16 Sixth Street in Stamford. When officers arrived, they found evidence of a robbery and encountered the storeowner, Mark Vuono, lying on the ground in front of an open safe. Emergency medical personnel arrived and pronounced Vuono deceased.
Investigators collected and analyzed surveillance video from Marco Jewelers, surrounding businesses and Stamford city cameras. Video obtained from Marco Jewelers revealed that, on March 28, Paul Prosano drove Robert Rallo and Thomas Liberatore in a black Jaguar to Marco Jewelers. Rallo and Liberatore then entered the store. Rallo, armed with a handgun, engaged in a physical altercation with Vuono, while Liberatore stole items from the display cases. Vuono, who also possessed a firearm, and Rallo struggled next to a large open safe. During the more than three-minute struggle, Rallo reached into the safe and pulled out a third firearm, a .357 Magnum revolver. Rallo subsequently shot and killed Vuono with the .357 revolver.
Following the robbery, law enforcement located the black Jaguar in Staten Island and maintained surveillance on the vehicle. On March 31, at approximately 5:30 p.m., a black BMW X3, driven by Prosano, pulled up beside the black Jaguar. Rallo exited the rear door of the BMW and entered the driver’s door of a black Jaguar. The two vehicles then left the area and rapidly accelerated. The Jaguar crashed on Tompkins Street. Rallo attempted to flee on foot, but was quickly apprehended. The BMW crashed into a tree and parked car at the intersection of Daniel Low Terrace and Corson Avenue. Prosano also attempted to flee and was apprehended.
A search of the BMW revealed 63 rings, eight bracelets, two tie pins, an earring and a cufflink, and a search of Prosano’s residence revealed 23 pairs of earrings and three rings. These items were stolen from Marco Jewelers on March 28.
Liberatore was arrested on April 1.
Rallo’s criminal history, which includes two prior murder convictions, spans approximately 40 years. He met Liberatore and Prosano while incarcerated within the New York State Department of Corrections, and had been released from prison in March 2019.
Rallo has been detained since his arrest. On April 5, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act robbery), one count of interstate transportation of stolen property, and one count of using a firearm to cause a death during a robbery.
On December 19, 2022, a jury found Liberatore and Prosano guilty of Hobbs Act robbery and interstate transportation of stolen property. Liberatore was also found guilty of aiding and abetting the use of a firearm to cause a death during a robbery. They are detained while awaiting sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Stamford Police Department and Greenwich Police Department, with the assistance of the New York Police Department, Yonkers (N.Y.) Police Department and New Rochelle (N.Y.) Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis, Rahul Kale and Margaret Donovan.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Violent Robberies of AT&T StoresRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DESHAWN BAUGH, 20, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 108 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for committing violent robberies of AT&T stores in Connecticut and western Massachusetts.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2021, Baugh, Alex Josephs, Ronaldo Smith and Shaquille Raymond 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. A fifth co-conspirator, Saviana Bourne, helped plan the robberies, served as a getaway driver, and coordinated the sale of the stolen merchandise.
The investigation revealed that Baugh’s associates robbed AT&T stores in Newington on January 29, 2021, and Enfield on February 24, 2021. Baugh then joined the conspiracy and he and his associates 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, Baugh 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. Baugh, Josephs, Smith, Raymond 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.
Baugh has been detained since his arrest. On November 29, 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.
Josephs, Smith, Raymond and Bourne have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
Judge Underhill ordered Baugh to pay restitution of $124,842.45, which reflects the loss from the Canton robbery.
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.
South Carolina Man Who Trafficked Guns into Connecticut Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARQUIS JEROME POLLARD, 42, of Yemassee, South Carolina, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 96 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for firearm offenses related to an illegal gun trafficking operation.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the spring of 2021, ATF Task Force officers learned that Pollard used straw purchasers to obtain firearms in South Carolina, and sold the firearms in Connecticut. On April 19, 2021, investigators made a controlled purchase of a 9mm Glock handgun and a drum magazine from Pollard and Quinn Mooring in New Haven in exchange for $1,500. The firearm was one of five 9mm handguns that had been purchased by an individual at a pawn shop in Port Royal, South Carolina, in the month prior to the transaction in Connecticut.
On May 3, 2021, investigators surveilled the firearm purchaser as he picked up two additional handguns from the Port Royal firearm dealer and traveled to a restaurant parking lot in Beaufort, South Carolina, where he transferred them to Pollard. When law enforcement attempted to arrest Pollard, he fled in his vehicle at a high rate of speed. Pollard drove on sidewalks and over curbs during the pursuit, and was eventually apprehended in a residential neighborhood after abandoning his car and attempting to flee on foot. Investigators recovered three firearms from his vehicle, including the two handguns that he received in the restaurant parking lot, and a loaded .40 caliber pistol with a 30-round magazine.
The investigation revealed that Pollard paid two separate straw purchasers to acquire at least 17 firearms for him. In addition to the two handguns that were seized from Pollard’s vehicle and the 9mm handgun that investigators purchased from Pollard in New Haven in April 2021, five additional firearms have been recovered by law enforcement. One was recovered from a felon in New Haven in June 2021; one was recovered from the scene of a shooting in Hamden; one was recovered after it was used in a shooting in New Haven; one was recovered from a juvenile in South Carolina after it had been used in multiple crimes; and one was recovered earlier this month in Hamden from an individual who was fleeing from law enforcement in possession of the firearm and a distribution quantity of crack cocaine. Nine firearms have not been recovered.
Pollard’s criminal history includes multiple felony convictions. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Pollard was charged by indictments in both the District of Connecticut and in the District of South Carolina. The South Carolina case was transferred to Connecticut for further prosecution.
Pollard has been detained since his arrest. On October 28, 2022, he pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
On January 13, 2022, Mooring, of New Haven, pleaded guilty of possession of a firearm by a felon. He awaits sentencing.
The individuals who purchased firearms for Pollard in South Carolina were charged and convicted in the District of South Carolina.
This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), West Haven Police Department, New Haven Police Department, Beaufort Police Department, and Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Konstantin Lantsman. The South Carolina case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Carra J. Henderson in the District of South Carolina.
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.
Armed Waterbury Gang Member Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Distribution OffenseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JERRELL JAMISON, also known as “Rell” and “Big Bro,” 30, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing narcotics.
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. On April 16, 2019, the Waterbury Police Department’s Vice and Intelligence Unit conducted a court-authorized search of Jamison’s residence and seized more than 1,400 individual dose bags of fentanyl/heroin; distribution quantities of cocaine, crack and marijuana; a loaded .40 caliber pistol, and more than 40 rounds of ammunition. Jamison fled his residence when investigators entered, but was apprehended in the rear yard.
Jamison has been identified as a member of the Paybacc Crips street gang. Subsequent analysis of the seized firearm via the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) connected it to shell casings recovered from five prior events, including an assault in December 2016.
After it was determined that Jamison was continuing to engage in criminal activity while released on bond in his state case, his case was adopted for federal prosecution. Jamison has been detained since his federal arrest on March 10, 2022. On September 22, 2022, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, cocaine base (“crack”), and 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Federal Bureau of Investigation 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.
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.
Newtown Contractor Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that THOMAS R. SAINT, 67, of Newtown, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday in Bridgeport federal court to one count of 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 agreed to cooperate with the IRS to pay all outstanding taxes, interest and penalties.
Tax evasion carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. Saint in scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on May 22 in Hartford.
Saint is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Wines.
Man Who Supplied Heroin to Waterbury Drug Ring 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 JESUS NIEVES, also known as “Pop,” 39, formerly of Waterbury, Connecticut, and Springfield, Massachusetts, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 63 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for supplying heroin to a member of a Waterbury-area drug trafficking ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2020, the DEA New Haven Task Force and Waterbury Police Department began an investigation into a drug trafficking organization that was distributing large amounts of heroin, cocaine and crack in the Waterbury area, and was believed to be headed by Zachary Lee Foster, who worked closely with Jason Metz of Naugatuck. The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones used by members of the organization, physical surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, and motor vehicle stops that resulted in the seizure of drugs. The investigation revealed that Nieves supplied Metz with pre-packaged heroin that Metz redistributed to others.
On March 1, 2021, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Nieves, Foster, Metz and 14 others.
Nieves, Foster, Metz, and several associates were arrested on March 3, 2021. In association with these arrests, law enforcement executed seven search warrants and seized approximately 40,000 bags of suspected heroin, 350 grams of cocaine and 50 grams of crack cocaine, and nine firearms.
Nieves has been detained since his arrest. On April 26, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
Foster and Metz also pleaded guilty. On June 8, 2022, Metz was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment. Foster awaits 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 Patrick F. Caruso and Brendan 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.
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.
Hartford Man Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing CocaineRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUIS CARRASQUILLO, also known as “Cuchi,” 52, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a joint investigation led by the FBI and the Norwich, New London and Hartford Police Departments into a narcotics distribution network that stretched from southeastern Connecticut to the Hartford, New Britain and Waterbury areas. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, surveillance, search warrants, and seizures of cocaine and crack cocaine, revealed that Carrasquillo was acquiring large quantities of cocaine and selling the drug to other distributors, some of whom converted the cocaine to crack.
On March 17, 2020, law enforcement conducted a court-authorized search of Carrasquillo’s Adelaide Street residence and seized approximately three kilograms of cocaine and $71,340 in cash.
On June 30, 2020, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Carrasquillo and eight other individuals with offenses related to their involvement in this drug ring. Carrasquillo was arrested on July 1, 2020.
On June 9, 2022, Carrasquillo pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Carrasquillo, who is released on a $270,000 bond, is required to report to prison on April 6.
This is Carrasquillo’s second federal conviction for a cocaine trafficking-related offense.
This matter has been investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Norwich, New London and Hartford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret M. Donovan 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.
Bronx Man Guilty of Fentanyl and Cocaine Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in Hartford has found LEONARDO HECTOR ROSADO, 52, of the Bronx, New York, guilty of fentanyl and cocaine distribution offenses.
The trial before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson began on February17 and the jury returned verdicts of guilty on all counts of a three-count superseding indictment this morning.
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.
The jury found Rosado 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. Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for May 18, at which time Rosado faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
Rosado has been detained since his arrest.
This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara E. Levens and Daniel E. Cummings.
U.S. Attorney Avery Announces Implementation of New Voluntary Self-Disclosure PolicyRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut has implemented the new United States Attorney’s Offices’ Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy released earlier today. The policy, which is effective immediately, details the circumstances under which a company will be considered to have made a voluntary self-disclosure (VSD) of misconduct to a United States Attorney’s Office (USAO), and provides transparency and predictability to companies and the defense bar concerning the concrete benefits and potential outcomes in cases where companies voluntarily self-disclose misconduct, fully cooperate and timely and appropriately remediate.
The goal of the policy is to standardize how VSDs are defined and credited by USAOs nationwide, and to incentivize companies to maintain effective compliance programs capable of identifying misconduct, to expeditiously and voluntarily disclose and remediate misconduct, and to cooperate fully with the government in corporate criminal investigations. The policy was developed pursuant to the Deputy Attorney General’s September 15, 2022 memorandum, “Further Revisions to Corporate Criminal Enforcement Policies Following Discussions with Corporate Crime Advisory Group” (Monaco Memo), which directed each Department of Justice (DOJ) component that prosecutes corporate crime to review its policies on corporate voluntary self-disclosure and, if there was no formal written policy to incentivize self-disclosure, draft and publicly share such a policy.
Under the new VSD policy, a company is considered to have made a VSD if it becomes aware of misconduct by employees or agents before that misconduct is publicly reported or otherwise known to the DOJ, and discloses all relevant facts known to the company about the misconduct to a USAO in a timely fashion prior to an imminent threat of disclosure or government investigation. A company that voluntarily self-discloses as defined in the policy and fully meets the other requirements of the policy, by – in the absence of any aggravating factor – fully cooperating and timely and appropriately remediating the criminal conduct (including agreeing to pay all disgorgement, forfeiture, and restitution resulting from the misconduct), will receive significant benefits, including that the USAO will not seek a guilty plea; may choose not to impose any criminal penalty, and in any event will not impose a criminal penalty that is greater than 50 percent below the low end of the United States Sentencing Guidelines (USSG) fine range; and will not seek the imposition of an independent compliance monitor if the company demonstrates that it has implemented and tested an effective compliance program.
The policy identifies three aggravating factors that may warrant a USAO seeking a guilty plea even if the other requirements of the VSD policy are met: (1) if the misconduct poses a grave threat to national security, public health, or the environment; (2) if the misconduct is deeply pervasive throughout the company; or (3) if the misconduct involved current executive management of the company. The presence of an aggravating factor does not necessarily mean that a guilty plea will be required; instead, the USAO will assess the relevant facts and circumstances to determine the appropriate resolution. If a guilty plea is ultimately required, the company will still receive the other benefits under the VSD policy, including that the USAO will recommend a criminal penalty of at least a 50 percent and up to a 75 percent reduction off the low end of the USSG fine range, and that the USAO will not require the appointment of a monitor if the company has implemented and tested an effective compliance program.
In cases where a company is being jointly prosecuted by a USAO and another DOJ component, or where the misconduct reported by the company falls within the scope of conduct covered by VSD policies administered by other DOJ components, the USAO will coordinate with, or, if necessary, obtain approval from, the DOJ component responsible for the VSD policy specific to the reported misconduct when considering a potential resolution. Consistent with relevant provisions of the Justice Manual and as allowable under alternate VSD policies, the USAO may choose to apply any provision of an alternate VSD policy in addition to, or in place of, any provision of its policy.
“Corporate crime can negatively impact our health, safety and financial security,” said U.S. Attorney Avery. “This Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy not only details the benefits a company will receive for making a voluntary disclosure of misconduct and cooperating during a resulting investigation, but it also establishes a standard across U.S. Attorney’s Office nationwide for evaluating and crediting the self-disclosure. We encourage all companies who uncover wrongdoing within to come forward, save valuable law enforcement investigative resources, and receive the benefit of being a good corporate citizen.”
The Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC), under the leadership of United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams, requested that the White Collar Fraud Subcommittee of the AGAC, under the leadership of United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Breon Peace, develop policies in response to the Deputy AG’s memo. The policy announced today was prepared by a Corporate Criminal Enforcement Policy Working Group comprised of U.S. Attorneys from geographically diverse districts, including U.S. Attorney Peace, as well as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Jessica Aber, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut Vanessa Roberts Avery, U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii Clare Connors, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California Stephanie Hinds, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia Christopher Kavanaugh, and U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Philip Sellinger. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Riedel, White Collar Crimes Coordinator for the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, also participated in the development of the policy.
Old Saybrook Contractor Sentenced to Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DIMITRIOS KASSIMIS, also known as Jimmy Kassimis, 58, of Old Saybrook, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 15 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for tax evasion.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Kassimis owns and operates various entities related to his construction business, including Allstate Contracting and JRC Renovations. In 2018 and 2021, Kassimis received substantial income from his businesses but did not file any personal or business federal income tax returns, and also did not file any employment tax returns for his businesses. The investigation revealed that Kassimis did not have any personal bank accounts. He paid all of his personal expenses through his business bank accounts and made cash withdrawals from the business accounts at casinos for personal expenses. He also cashed checks made payable to his businesses at a check cashing business in New York and failed to report that income. In addition, he did not issue IRS Forms 1099 or W-2 to his employees and paid at least some employees in cash.
The tax loss to the IRS for the 2018 through 2021 tax years was $233,086.87. Judge Williams ordered Kassimis to cooperate with the IRS to pay all outstanding tax liabilities.
On November 9, 2022, Kassimis pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion.
Kassimis, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on April 24.
This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.
Senior Oil and Gas Trader and Brazil-Based Intermediary Charged in Bribery and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed today in the District of Connecticut charging a Connecticut man and a foreign national with conspiracy, multiple counts of violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), and money laundering in connection with an alleged scheme to pay bribes to Brazilian officials to win contracts with Brazil’s state-owned and state-controlled energy company, Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. – Petrobras (Petrobras).
According to court documents, Glenn Oztemel, 64, of Westport, worked as a senior oil and gas trader at two Connecticut-based trading companies (Trading Company #1 and Trading Company #2). Eduardo Innecco, 73, a dual Brazilian and Italian citizen, worked as an oil and gas broker and agent for Trading Company #1 and Trading Company #2 in Brazil. Between approximately mid-2010 and continuing into 2018, Oztemel, Innecco, and others allegedly paid bribes to Petrobras officials for their assistance in helping Trading Company #1 and Trading Company #2 obtain and retain business with Petrobras, including by providing Oztemel, Innecco, and others with confidential information regarding Petrobras’ fuel oil business. As alleged, Oztemel and his co-conspirators caused Trading Company #1 and Trading Company #2 to make corrupt payments – disguised as purported consulting fees and commissions – to Innecco, knowing that Innecco would pay a portion of those funds to Brazilian officials as bribes. To conceal the scheme, Oztemel, Innecco, and their co-conspirators allegedly used coded language to refer to the bribes and communicated using personal email accounts, fictitious names, and encrypted messaging applications.
Oztemel and Innecco are each charged with conspiracy to violate the FCPA, conspiracy to commit money laundering, three counts of violating the FCPA, and two counts of money laundering. They face up to five years in prison for each of the bribery conspiracy and bribery charges, and up to 20 years in prison for each of the money laundering conspiracy and money laundering charges.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Avery for the District of Connecticut, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Assistant Director in Charge Donald Alway of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Clayton P. Solomon and Assistant Chiefs Derek J. Ettinger and Jonathan P. Robell of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael McGarry for the District of Connecticut are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting FCPA matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
New Haven Man Charged with Narcotics Distribution OffenseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Jean Pierre Njock, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson announced that ZAQUAWN ARRINGTON, also known as “Dreads,” 23, of New Haven, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, controlled substances.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in April 2022, Arrington began serving a three-year term of supervised release, which followed a federal conviction for a crack cocaine distribution offense. Between October and December 2022, investigators made controlled purchases of suspected crack cocaine and fentanyl from Arrington and his associates. When he was arrested this morning, Arrington possessed a quantity of suspected crack and $500 in cash.
Arrington appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven and was ordered detained.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, controlled substances carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that a criminal complaint is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force and the New Haven Police Department. The Task Force includes members from the Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction and the New Haven, Milford, East Haven and West Haven Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Nathaniel J. Gentile.
Armed Drug Dealer Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVON THOMAS, 29, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 26, 2020, Hartford Police stopped a car Thomas was operating for motor vehicle violations. A search of the car revealed a loaded 9mm handgun and approximately 18 grams of crack cocaine packaged for distribution. Thomas was arrested on state charges at that time.
Prior to July 2020, Thomas was convicted in Connecticut and Georgia state courts of robbery offenses. In December 2020, while he was released on bond in his state case, Thomas was arrested in Massachusetts for possessing with intent to distribute narcotics. He was subsequently convicted and sentenced for that offense.
Thomas has been detained since his federal arrest on June 9, 2021. On September 14, 2022, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”).
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret M. Donovan 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.
Former Wethersfield Resident Pleads Guilty to Meth, Fentanyl and Cocaine Distribution ChargeRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, and Wethersfield Police Chief Rafael Medina, announced that SHANE J. SAWICKI, 28, formerly of Wethersfield, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation revealed that Sawicki was connected to a drug trafficking organization in Illinois that was coordinating the sale and shipment of Xanax and crystal methamphetamine from California, and that he was receiving mailed packages containing Farmapram, which is a Mexican brand of alprazolam (Xanax). In April 2022, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of a package that was mailed from California to Sawicki’s Wethersfield address. The package contained two bottles containing a total of 180 Farmapram pills. Investigators also identified four similar parcels that had been mailed to Sawicki’s address prior to April 2022.
On April 29, 2022, investigators conducted a court authorized search of Sawicki’s apartment and seized thousands counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine, a small quantity of counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, a distribution quantity of cocaine, numerous other bags and containers of assorted pills of different colors and shapes, a container of MDMA, and three bottles of Farmapram pills. A subsequent search of Sawicki’s cell phone revealed photographs of large quantities of pills, a large amount of U.S. currency, and numerous text message conversations regarding the sale of illicit substances.
Sawicki was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on July 7, 2022. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on May 17.
Sawicki is released on a $100,000 bond and residing in Farmington pending sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Wethersfield Police Department. The DEA Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Reed Durham.
Armed Bank Robber Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BOMANI AFRICA, 62, last residing in Philadelphia, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for committing armed bank robberies.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Africa met his associate, George Bratsenis, when they were both incarcerated on robbery convictions in a New Jersey state prison. On April 20, 2014, Africa and Bratsenis robbed a People’s United Bank branch located on Old Kings Highway Road in Darien, Connecticut. Bratsenis, driving his pick-up truck, dropped Africa off in downtown Darien. Africa then entered the bank, pulled out a gun, jumped over the teller counter and ordered a teller to open drawers, saying “I will shoot you if you don’t give me all your money!” Africa took a substantial amount of cash and then left the bank. Bratsenis picked up Africa a short distance away and they left the scene.
In September 2014, Africa, Bratsenis, and Africa’s son, Randi Feliciano, conspired to rob another bank. In the early morning hours of September 25, 2014, Feliciano drove Africa from Philadelphia to a parking lot in Trumbull, Connecticut, where, at approximately 8:30 a.m., Africa stole a car from a victim a gunpoint. The next morning, Africa and Bratsenis, both wearing masks and brandishing firearms, robbed a People’s United Bank branch located on Madison Avenue in Trumbull, taking nearly $30,000 in cash. After they drove from the scene in the car Africa had carjacked, they parked in a nearby parking lot and set fire to the car. Feliciano drove Africa from the scene and followed Bratsenis to a Norwalk restaurant where the three men divided the proceeds of the robbery. Feliciano then drove Africa back to Philadelphia.
On December 13, 2014, Africa and Feliciano, both wearing masks and brandishing firearms, robbed a First Niagara Bank branch located on Hawley Lane in Stratford, taking more than $15,000 in cash.
Africa, who has a lengthy criminal history that includes multiple convictions for robbery offenses, has been detained since his arrest on May 28, 2015. On December 16, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery.
Bratsenis and Feliciano pleaded guilty to the same charge. On April 5, 2022, Bratsenis was sentenced to 96 months of imprisonment and, on February 21, 2017, Feliciano was sentenced to 51 months of imprisonment.
In addition to this prosecution, Africa and Bratsenis have each pleaded guilty to murder-for-hire charges in the District of New Jersey for committing a contract killing of an individual in New Jersey on May 22, 2014. They await sentencing in that case.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Darien, Trumbull, Stratford, and Bridgeport Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Cocaine Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANGEL CORREA-ORTIZ, 38, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his involvement in a cocaine trafficking ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in November 2020, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force executed a federal search warrant on a suspicious package that had been sent through the U.S. Mail from New Haven to an address in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. The package contained $102,450 in cash. The investigation revealed that Jose L. Gerena, of New Haven, was supervising the receipt of numerous parcels containing kilogram quantities of cocaine that had been shipped from Puerto Rico to addresses in and around New Haven, the resale of the cocaine to others, and the shipment of narcotics proceeds to individuals in Puerto Rico. During the investigation, law enforcement intercepted multiple parcels of cocaine and U.S. currency that was sent through the U.S. Mail.
Correa-Ortiz helped identify addresses for the organization to use to receive parcels, moved parcels once they were received, and he accompanied other members of the organization during drug transactions.
Most of the parcels containing cocaine were transported to a stash house on Exchange Street in New Haven that Gerena, Jose Rodriguez-Caraballo and others used as a hub to distribute wholesale quantities of cocaine.
Rodriguez-Caraballo, also known as “Puma,” was arrested on March 18, 2021, after he traveled with another co-conspirator to a location in Milford to sell two kilograms of cocaine for $86,000. Investigators seized the cocaine and a loaded 9mm handgun from their vehicle. Correa-Ortiz, who had traveled to the same location in another vehicle, was not arrested at that time.
Gerena was arrested on August 10, 2021, after investigators made a controlled delivery of a parcel containing a kilogram of cocaine to his New Haven residence.
Correa-Ortiz was arrested on September 30, 2021. On August 26, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
Correa-Ortiz, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on March 22.
Gerena and Rodriguez-Caraballo also pleaded guilty. Gerena awaits sentencing. On November 2, 2022, Rodriguez-Caraballo was sentenced to 12 years of imprisonment.
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 New Haven Police Department. The Task Force includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden and Town of Groton Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Konstantin Lantsman and Karen Peck through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Indictment Charges 3 Men 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 a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging ISSACHAMIL TORRES, also known as “Chamil,” 35, of Hartford; EFRAIN CHEVEREZ, 32, of Hartford; and ENRIQUE RODRIGUEZ RIVERA, 23, of East Hartford, with fentanyl trafficking offenses.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, an investigation revealed that Torres was using an apartment on Nutmeg Lane in East Hartford to store, process and package narcotics for street sale. On January 25, 2023, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of the apartment and seized approximately 5,400 dose bags of fentanyl, approximately one kilogram of unpackaged fentanyl, and items used to process and package narcotics. Torres, Cheverez and Rodriguez, who were present in the apartment, were arrested at that time. That same day, a search of Torres’s residence on Crown Street in Hartford revealed distribution quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine, and approximately $30,000 in cash.
On February 8, 2023, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging the three defendants with one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. These offenses carry a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years. The indictment also charges Torres with one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Rodriguez appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish in Hartford and pleaded not guilty to the charges. Torres and Cheverez are scheduled to be arraigned next week.
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 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.
Brookfield Restaurant Agrees to Permit Service Animals and Improve Accessibility in ADA SettlementRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached a settlement agreement with Lake Shore Lounge, Inc., doing business as Down the Hatch restaurant in Brookfield, to resolve allegations that the restaurant was not operating in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”).
The settlement agreement resolves an ADA complaint filed by an individual with disabilities alleging that Down the Hatch required the removal of a service animal from the restaurant as a condition of service. An additional complaint alleged that the restrooms and parking spaces were inaccessible to individuals with physical disabilities.
As a result of the settlement agreement, the restaurant is in the process of posting signage indicating “Service Animals Welcome,” implementing a “Service Animal Policy,” which includes the types of legally permissible inquiries employees may make of a customer who enters the restaurant with a service animal, and training employees regarding the policy. Down the Hatch has also made a compensation payment to the complainant as required by the agreement. In addition, Down the Hatch agreed to make significant improvements that will increase accessibility to restrooms and parking spaces on the premises.
Under federal law, private entities that own or operate places of “public accommodation,” including restaurants, are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of disability. The ADA authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate complaints and undertake periodic reviews of compliance of covered entities. The Justice Department is also authorized to commence a civil lawsuit in federal court in any case that involves a pattern or practice of discrimination or that raises issues of general public importance, and to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, and civil penalties.
U.S. Attorney Avery noted that the owner of Down the Hatch has worked cooperatively with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to promptly address the ADA issues without litigation.
“We enforce the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure that individuals are able to access and enjoy the state’s restaurants, service establishments, retail stores and other places of public accommodation,” said U.S. Attorney Avery. “The ADA requires businesses to appropriately serve the diverse populations of patrons who live, work, and visit Connecticut. We appreciate Down the Hatch’s commitment to increasing access to its restaurant for individuals with disabilities who require service animal assistance and those with mobility challenges.”
Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that any place of public accommodation or public entity in Connecticut is not accessible to persons with disabilities may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 203-821-3700.
Additional information about the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov, or by calling the Justice Department’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 and (800) 514-0383 (TTY). More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys William M. Brown, Jr. and Stewart Dearing of the District of Connecticut in coordination with the Disability Rights Section of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
New Britain Man Indicted for Scheme Targeting Elderly VictimsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a 10-count indictment charging ALRICK ANTHONY GARDNER, 32, of New Britain, with fraud offenses stemming from his alleged participation in a sweepstakes scam that defrauded primarily elderly victims across the country of millions of dollars.
Gardner was arrested yesterday. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford, entered pleas of not guilty to the charges, and was released on a $50,000 bond pending trial.
The indictment alleges that, since at least 2020, Gardner and his associates used a sweepstakes scheme to induce elderly victims to provide them with money. As part of this scheme, scammers notified victims, primarily by telephone, that they won a Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes. The victims were told that in order to collect their winnings, they must pay fees and taxes. Following the initial phone call, Gardner sometimes mailed the victims fake documents, including a “winning notification” letter from Publishers Clearing House and a letter from the Internal Revenue Service stating that the victims were required by law to pay taxes on their winnings. Victims sent cash, money orders or checks through the mail to various addresses in Connecticut and throughout the U.S. Gardner deposited some of that money into his personal bank account.
The indictment charges Gardner with six counts mail fraud and four counts of wire fraud. Each of these charges carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with the assistance of the New Britain Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather L. Cherry.
The Justice Department has established a National Elder Fraud Hotline to provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline is staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll-free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
Meriden Man Sentenced to More Than 4 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 JEAN CARLOS MERCADO, 34, of Meriden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 50 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his participation in a drug trafficking organization that used the U.S. Mail to ship kilogram quantities of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2020, law enforcement identified suspicious parcels that were being mailed from Puerto Rico to an address in Meriden. On October 26, 2020, investigators identified Mercado after he picked up a parcel from that location. After Mercado picked up another parcel from the location on November 6, 2020, investigators coordinated a traffic stop of his vehicle, which was unregistered, and towed the vehicle and seized the parcel. A court-authorized search of the parcel revealed two kilograms of cocaine. In the following months, Mercado conspired with others to pick up postal parcels, and law enforcement seized four more kilograms of cocaine linked to Mercado.
Mercado was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on July 21, 2021. On July 26, 2022, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
At the conclusion today’s court proceeding, Mercado, who was released on bond, was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to begin serving his sentence.
This matter was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Meriden Police Department. The DEA New Haven Task Force includes personnel from the DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Waterbury, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Naugatuck, and Shelton Police Departments.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Konstantin Lantsman 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.
Wallingford Man Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation ChargeRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston, today announced that JASON GORISS, 49, last residing in Wallingford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to one count of possession of child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in November and December 2018, Goriss 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.
Goriss previously was convicted in Connecticut Superior Court of risk of injury to a minor.
Goriss is currently incarcerated in state custody for a violation of probation, he has other charges for sexual assault and risk of injury to a minor pending in Connecticut Superior Court.
Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for May 17, at which time Goriss faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. The penalties in this matter are enhanced based on Goriss’s prior conviction for risk of injury to a minor.
This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Wallingford Police Department, with the assistance of the Office of Adult Probation. The case is being prosecuted by Nancy V. Gifford and Neeraj N. Patel, 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.
Man Who Possessed Stolen Gun and Participated in Catalytic Converter Theft Ring Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that THEODORE ROOSEVELT OWENS, 22, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to offenses related to his possession of a stolen firearm and his role in a catalytic converter theft ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 21, 2021, Vernon Police arrested Owens in a hotel parking lot on outstanding warrants. An investigation revealed that, shortly before his arrest, Owens possessed a loaded Zigana, Model PX-9 G2, 9mm pistol, which he had cause to believe was stolen, and approximately five grams of crack cocaine. The firearm was part of a shipment of 50 Zigana PX-9G2 pistols that was stolen from an R&L Carriers warehouse in South Windsor in August 2021.
The investigation further revealed that Owens had conspired with others in the theft and sale of catalytic converters. Between September 24 and October 17, 2021, Owens sold a co-conspirator $26,320 worth of catalytic converters, including converters that Owens knew were stolen. Owens’ co-conspirator transported the converters to other businesses, including businesses in New York and New Jersey, for further resale and profit.
Owens pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a stolen firearm, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
Owens has been detained since his arrest.
The firearm theft investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the South Windsor Police Department and East Hartford Police Department. The catalytic converter investigation is being led by the ATF, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI), and the East Hartford Police Department. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and A. Reed Durham.
Hearing Aid Dealer Pleads Guilty to Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Jean Pierre Njock, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, announced that DENNIS DELLAGHELFA, 53, of Waterbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to health care fraud.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Dellaghelfa is a licensed hearing instrument specialist and the owner of General Hearing, a Waterbury-based hearing aid dealer. Since approximately 2013, General Hearing has been a participating provider enrolled in the Connecticut Medical Assistance Program (CTMAP), Connecticut Department of Social Services-administered program that provides medical assistance to low income persons. CTMAP’s benefit packages, referred to as “HUSKY” or “Connecticut Medicaid,” are jointly funded by the State of Connecticut and the federal government.
From approximately June 2016 to April 2022, Dellaghelfa submitted, or caused to be submitted, false and fraudulent claims for payment for services and equipment that were not provided or were medically unnecessary. For example, in November 2018, Dellaghelfa submitted claims to Connecticut Medicaid for services provided to six patients during a period of time that Dellaghelfa was traveling outside the U.S. In 2019 and 2020, some of the fraudulent claims involved services that were purportedly provided by his three employees. However, Dellaghelfa knew that the employees performed hearing tests without having the required professional permit, and submitted paperwork for hearing tests and services that did not occur or were not medically necessary.
In addition, in violation of the CTMAP provider agreement, Dellaghelfa paid third-party “patient recruiters” for each Medicaid patient they brought to General Hearing for a hearing test, and that then failed the hearing test and received hearing aids. He also submitted false claims to Connecticut Medicaid for testing and hearing aids for five of the patient recruiters who did not need hearing aids.
As part of his plea agreement, Dellaghelfa has agreed to make restitution of $6,141,857 to the Connecticut Medicaid program. As part of his restitution obligation, Dellaghelfa has agreed to forfeit $332,675 currently held in personal and business bank accounts.
Dellaghelfa pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for May 16.
Dellaghelfa is released pending sentencing.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), with the assistance of the Waterbury Police Department.
The matter is being 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.
Operator of Aircraft Supply Businesses Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison for $7 Million Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KYLE J. WINE, 42, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 132 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for fraud and money laundering offenses stemming from a $7 million scheme related to his commercial aircraft supply businesses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Wine owned and operated various companies engaged in the business of commercial aircraft supply, including JetPro International, LLC (“JetPro”), Nexus Aviation, and Turbotech Partners. From at least 2018 through 2021, Wine defrauded investors in aircraft-related transactions. Wine used victims' money to purchase aircraft airframes and engines, sold the aircraft airframes and engines, hid the resulting profits from his investors, and diverted invested funds for his personal use.
As part of the scheme, Wine induced an investment firm based in Darien, Connecticut, to invest $4.5 million in the purported acquisition and sale of an Airbus A320-231 airframe and two aircraft engines. Wine sent fictitious correspondence to the victim investor and created fake domain names and email accounts. He then used those email accounts to send fraudulent correspondence to the victim investor to trick the investor into believing that JetPro was attempting to sell the Airbus airframe and the two aircraft engines to certain buyers. In fact, Wine had already sold one engine for $2.45 million and the Airbus airframe for $1.3 million. He never informed the victim investor of those sales and shared none of the proceeds of the sales with the investor. Wine also used some of these invested funds to purchase another aircraft engine without the knowledge of the victim investor.
In total, Wine’s fraud scheme caused $7,152,666.67 in losses to 13 separate victims.
Judge Williams will issue a restitution order after additional court proceedings. Wine’s restitution obligation will be reduced to reflect money recouped through the sale of any asset that was part of his fraud scheme.
On July 19, 2022, Wine pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. In November 2022, while he was released on bond pending sentencing, Wine created and submitted counterfeit bank statements in an attempt to obtain a loan to purchase a Cadillac Escalade from a Kansas auto dealership. He has been detained since December 20, 2022, when his bond was revoked.
This is Wine’s second federal conviction. In 2010, Wine pleaded guilty in the Western District of Missouri to fraud and money laundering offenses stemming from a mortgage fraud scheme that involved approximately $4.4 million in fraudulent loans on 86 properties. He received a sentence of probation for those offenses.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan N. Francis.
Man Sentenced to More Than 22 Years in Federal Prison for Video Recording His Sexual Assault of a ChildRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SAEED MUSTAPHA MOUSSA, 33, a citizen of Ghana last residing in East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. Circuit Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven to 274 months of imprisonment for video recording his sexual assault of a minor.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in September 2020, East Hartford Police received a report that Moussa’s cell phone contained videos of Moussa engaging in sexual activity with a young child. East Hartford Police subsequently conducted a court-authorized search of Moussa’s residence and seized Moussa’s cell phone, computer equipment and computer storage media. Investigators also executed a search warrant on Google for the contents of Moussa’s Google Photos account. The cell phone and Google Photos account contained videos, taken between 2018 and 2020, of Moussa sexually assaulting a girl who was under the age of 12.
Moussa has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on October 27, 2020. On November 15, 2021, he pleaded guilty in federal court to production of child pornography. The state charges are pending.
Moussa faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the East Hartford Police Department and the West Chester Township (Ohio) Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.
U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the Hartford State’s Attorney’s Office for its cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this case.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Fairfield Woman Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal Prison for Embezzling $1.5 MillionRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CAROLINA GUERRENO, 50, of Fairfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for embezzling approximately $1.5 million from her employer.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Guerreno served as the Chief Financial Officer of a financial services company located in Shelton. As part of her job responsibilities, she had access to her employer’s bank accounts and was allowed to initiate financial transactions, including wiring company funds to other bank accounts. From January 2019 and continuing until her fraud was detected by the company in February 2021, Guerreno stole $1,532,207.24 by altering company financial transactions and directing electronic payments from her employer’s bank account to her credit card accounts, her personal bank accounts, and to pay her home equity line of credit. Guerreno used the stolen funds for home improvements, furniture, a luxury automobile, European vacations, a time-share condominium at a Vermont ski resort, jewelry, to pay off her home mortgage, and to fund her children’s college savings accounts.
Judge Shea ordered Guerreno to make full restitution. To date, Guerreno has repaid her employer approximately $400,000.
On August 30, 2022, Guerreno pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, the Wallingford Police Department and the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
Waterbury Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Gun OffenseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DOUGLAS LARA, also known as “Spaz,” 25, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.
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. On May 6, 2021, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Police attempted to apprehend Lara after he had driven a stolen 2021 Mercedes Benz SUV to a garage at the Foxwoods Resort Casino. As Lara ran from police, he discarded a loaded 9mm handgun with an obliterated serial number, keys to the stolen SUV, and a backpack that contained 9mm ammunition. Officers arrested Lara and subsequently seized the items he discarded.
Lara’s criminal history includes felony state convictions, including multiple larceny convictions related to the theft of vehicles, and a conviction related to a shooting incident. 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.
Lara has been detained since his arrest. On October 27, 2022, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; 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.
Bridgeport Gang Member Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
JAMAR TRAYLOR, also known as “J-Hop,” 23, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 168 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for offenses related to his participation in a violent Bridgeport street gang.
Today’s announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter; Jean Pierre Njock, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Acting U.S. Marshal Lawrence Bobnick.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder and other acts of violence. Traylor was a member of the Original North End (“O.N.E.”), a gang based in the Trumbull Gardens area of Bridgeport that committed acts of violence against rival gang, including the East End gang, the East Side gang, and the PT Barnum gang. O.N.E. members also robbed drug dealers, sold narcotics, and stole cars from inside and outside Connecticut and used the cars to commit crimes.
On August 8, 2018, Traylor and other O.N.E. members stole a Jeep Grand Cherokee in Newburgh, New York, and drove it back to Bridgeport. In the following days, Traylor and others conspired to use the car to kill East End gang members and their allies who they had learned through social media were at a deli on Stratford Avenue in Bridgeport. Although that plan fell through, in the early morning hours of August 13, 2018, O.N.E. members drove the stolen Jeep to Stratford and Union Avenues in Bridgeport where they shot and killed Len Smith, 25, who they mistook for a rival East End group member, and shot and seriously wounded Smith’s female companion, both of whom were seated in a parked car. After the shooting, O.N.E. members transported the Jeep to Indian Wells State Park in Shelton where they burned the vehicle in an effort to destroy evidence of the murder.
On October 22, 2018, Traylor and other O.N.E. members committed a violent robbery of a marijuana dealer.
On June 1, 2021, Bridgeport Police arrested Traylor, who at the time was on state probation following a weapons conviction, when a search of his residence revealed five Glock handguns; 14 gun magazines, including a 50-round drum and three extenders; speed loaders; laser attachments; ammunition; body armor; bags of marijuana; and items use to process and package narcotics.
Traylor has been detained since his arrest. On June 10, 2022, he pleaded guilty to conspiring to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and the Waterbury Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck, Rahul Kale, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis and Tara E. Levens.
This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.
PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it. If a group member elects to engage in gun violence, the focused attention of federal, state and local law enforcement will be directed at that entire group.
OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
East Lyme Agrees to Increase Town Hall Accessibility to Comply with Americans with Disabilities ActRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached a settlement agreement with the Town of East Lyme to resolve allegations that the East Lyme Town Hall was not operating in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”).
The settlement agreement resolves an ADA complaint filed by an individual with physical disabilities alleging that multiple aspects of East Lyme’s Town Hall facility were inaccessible to individuals with mobility disabilities. East Lyme is in the process of making significant improvements, as required by the settlement agreement, including improving the accessibility of the Town Hall parking lot, main entrance, multi-level access routes to connect the main upper floor to the basement, visitor and employee interaction counters, public restrooms and drinking fountains.
Under federal law, public entities are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of disability. The ADA authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate complaints and undertake periodic reviews of compliance of covered entities. The Department is also authorized to commence a civil lawsuit in federal court in any case that involves a pattern or practice of discrimination or that raises issues of general public importance, and to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, and civil penalties.
U.S. Attorney Avery commended the leadership of the Town of East Lyme for having worked cooperatively and collaboratively with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to expeditiously address the ADA issues without litigation.
“Among the most important protections provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act are those ensuring individuals with disabilities have access to public services, especially key local government facilities such as Town Hall,” said U.S. Attorney Avery. “Our Office is committed to enforcing the ADA, which requires public entities, including municipalities, to provide access to individuals with disabilities. We greatly appreciate the willingness of the Town of East Lyme and the commitment of its First Selectman to greatly increase the accessibility and usability of East Lyme’s Town Hall.”
Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that a public entity or place of public accommodation in Connecticut is not accessible to persons with disabilities may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 203-821-3700.
Additional information about the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov, or by calling the Justice Department’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 and (800) 514-0383 (TTY). More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Brown, Jr., in coordination with the Disability Rights Section of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
Hartford Man Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ELVIN GONZALEZ, also known as Peewee,” 45, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 87 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for narcotics and firearm offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2021, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and Hartford Police Department made controlled purchases of distribution quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine from Gonzalez and his associate, Jose Rivera, also known as “Chepo.”
Gonzalez and Rivera were arrested on June 25, 2021. On that date, a search of Gonzalez’s Wethersfield Avenue residence revealed approximately 4,000 dose bags of fentanyl, approximately 139 grams of crack, approximately 18 grams of cocaine, two loaded handguns, a loaded rifle, and additional rounds of ammunition. The rifle and one of the handguns had been reported stolen. A search of Rivera’s East Hartford revealed approximately 162 grams of loose fentanyl, 300 dose bags of fentanyl, items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, a handgun and a loaded magazine, and more than $19,000 in cash.
Gonzalez’s lengthy criminal history includes convictions in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont for narcotics, robbery and other 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 November 10, 2021, Gonzalez pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. Gonzalez, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on June 7.
Rivera, 43, pleaded guilty to the same offenses on January 5, 2023, and is detained while awaiting sentencing.
The FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: Fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Behavioral Health Provider Pays $384K to Settle Allegations it Overbilled Connecticut MedicaidRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery and Connecticut Attorney General William Tong today announced that COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH AFFILIATES, INC. (“CMHA”), has entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments in which it will pay $384,322 to resolve allegations it overbilled the Connecticut Medicaid program for certain behavioral health services.
CMHA is a behavioral health provider with a headquarters in New Britain and has 10 locations in northwestern and central Connecticut. At one of its locations, Harvest House in New Britain, CMHA runs a group home for clients with serious and persistent mental illness.
CMHA provides Medicaid Rehabilitation Option (MRO) services to its clients residing at Harvest House. MRO services are designed to help clients who have functional disabilities secondary to serious and persistent mental illness achieve maximum functioning in self-care and independent living. In order to receive monthly MRO payments, a behavioral health provider, such as CMHA, must furnish clients with at least 40 hours of MRO services per month and document such services in accordance with Medicaid requirements.
The government alleges that CMHA submitted claims for MRO services to Connecticut Medicaid for certain clients for certain months at Harvest House and were paid the monthly fee for those services, but failed to document at least 40 hours of covered MRO services per month for the clients in question.
To resolve the governments’ common law claims, CMHA agreed to pay $384,322, which covers the time-period from January 2015 through December 2019.
The investigation of CMHA was initiated through the filing of a complaint under the whistleblower provisions of the federal and state False Claims Acts. The relator (whistleblower) will receive 15 percent of the settlement, in the amount of $57,648.
The case related to this settlement is captioned United States and State of Connecticut ex rel. Lugli v. Community Mental Health Affiliates, Inc. (Docket No. 20-cv-1483).
This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard M. Molot, 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.
New Haven Man Sentenced to More Prison Time for Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ERRIE McCLENDON, also known as “Buck,” 32, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 11, 2019, New Haven Police received information that an individual was in possession of a firearm in Goffe Street Park in New Haven. After officers arrived at the park and identified McClendon, a convicted felon, they approached him and instructed him to remove his hand from his sweatshirt pocket. McClendon then removed a handgun from his pocket and tossed it toward a bystander. The bystander, refusing to catch the gun, put his hands in the air and the gun fell to the ground. McClendon then struggled with the officers before he was subdued. A loaded Ruger, model P85, 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number, was recovered from the scene.
McClendon pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and, on September 23, 2020, Judge Bryant sentenced him to 41 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release.
McClendon was released from prison in June 2022.
In October 2022, Hamden Police arrested McClendon for assault, threatening, and risk of injury to a minor offenses stemming from a domestic incident in September 2022. In addition, on multiple occasions between June and December 2022, McClendon tested positive for cocaine and marijuana. McClendon also violated his supervised release conditions in other ways, including having unauthorized contact with another convicted felon.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.
Hartford Woman Sentenced to Prison for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARIA MALDONADO, 50, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force identified Maldonado’s husband as a distributor of heroin and cocaine in Connecticut, New York and elsewhere. Maldonado’s husband was arrested on federal charges on January 13, 2021, and a search of his and Maldonado’s residence on that date revealed approximately 13,000 wax folds of fentanyl, more than 300 grams of loose fentanyl, approximately one kilogram of cocaine, quantities of crack cocaine and marijuana, items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, a .40 caliber handgun equipped with a loaded 30-round high-capacity magazine, a separate loaded 50-round “drum” magazine, and assorted ammunition.
While Maldonado’s husband was detained in federal custody, he continued to coordinate the distribution of fentanyl through Maldonado, as well as Maldonado’s son, Carlos Santiago, Jr., and a drug supplier, Henry DeJesus-Morales. On June 2, 2021, a court-authorized search of Maldonado’s residence revealed approximately 71 grams of loose fentanyl, approximately 1,800 wax folds of fentanyl, distribution quantities of marijuana, drug packaging supplies, a loaded pistol, a loaded shotgun, and approximately $13,000 in cash. The same day, a court-authorized search of Maldonado’s father-in-law’s house revealed approximately $60,000 in U.S. currency and assorted jewelry, which were seized as proceeds of drug trafficking.
Maldonado pleaded guilty on March 17, 2022.
Maldonado, who is released on a $75,000 bond, is required to report to prison on March 1.
DeJesus-Morales and Santiago pleaded guilty to related charges and were sentenced to 44 months and six months of imprisonment, respectively.
As to Maldonado’s husband, who is awaiting trial, 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.
The DEA's Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office 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 Robert S. Ruff through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Connecticut Tax Return Preparer Charged with Tax Fraud OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a 25-count indictment charging DAVID ETIENNE, 48, of Norwich, with tax fraud offenses.
The indictment was returned on January 25, 2023. Etienne appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven and pleaded not guilty. He is released on a $100,000 bond pending trial.
As alleged in the indictment, Etienne operated as a tax return preparer through several businesses, including Los Maestros Inc, Los Maestros Group, Tax Experts USA, and Tax Experts USA Inc. For the 2015 through 2019 tax years, Etienne prepared numerous federal tax returns for clients that included false expenses and losses in connection with sole proprietorship businesses when he knew the taxpayers had not operated sole proprietorship businesses, false unreimbursed employee expenses, and, in certain instances, false medical, dental or education-related expenses.
The indictment charges Etienne with 25 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false income tax returns, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years on each count.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer R. Laraia and Lauren C. Clark.
Maryland Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Trafficking Narcotics into Southeastern ConnecticutRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KAREEM SWINTON, also known as “K,” 41, last residing in Owings Mills, Maryland, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by six years of supervised release, for narcotics trafficking offenses.
According to the evidence presented during a trial last year, in 2018, the FBI, the Norwich Police Department and other law enforcement agencies began investigating a narcotics trafficking organization that was operating in southeastern Connecticut. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of crack, revealed that Swinton, who formerly resided in Norwich, regularly traveled to Connecticut and other states to supply co-conspirators with narcotics, primarily cocaine and crack. Swinton’s co-coconspirators in Connecticut distributed the drugs in the Norwich area.
On August 3, 2022, a jury found Swinton guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”), and one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, a controlled substance.
Ten other individuals were convicted of narcotics trafficking offenses stemming from this investigation.
Swinton has been detained in federal custody since February 21, 2019.
Swinton’s criminal history includes a prior federal conviction for trafficking cocaine and crack. In June 2008, Swinton was arrested by the Texas Highway Patrol after he was found in possession of approximately two kilograms of cocaine and more than two pounds of marijuana that he was transporting from Arizona to Connecticut. In August 2009, he was sentenced in Bridgeport federal court to 100 months of imprisonment for that offense.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Connecticut State Police, and the Norwich, Town of Groton, and Waterford Police Departments, with the assistance of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office, the Baltimore Police Department, and the Delaware State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and Marc H. Silverman 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.
Stamford Man Charged with Robbing 3 Banks in 2020Read the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Jean Pierre Njock, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that FRANCESCO PENSIERO, also known as Frank Pensiero, 50, of Stamford, was arrested today on federal criminal complaint charging him with robbing three Connecticut banks in October 2020.
Pensiero appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and was ordered detained.
As alleged in the complaint, on October 13, 2020, Pensiero and an associate robbed the Chase Bank located at 2855 Main Street in Stratford. During the robbery, Pensiero’s associate displayed a handgun on the teller counter and presented the teller with a note that read “this is a robbery give me all your money.” The teller provided Pensiero’s associate with approximately $1,000 and Pensiero and his associate exited the bank.
It is also alleged that, later on October 13, 2020, Pensiero robbed the People’s United Bank located at 1160 Kings Highway Cutoff in Fairfield. During the robbery, he pulled out a handgun and presented the teller a note that stated “This is a robbery.” The teller provided Pensiero with $5,458 and Pensiero exited the bank.
It is further alleged that, on October 28, 2020, Pensiero and his associate robbed the People’s United Bank located at 95 Main Street in New Canaan. Pensiero displayed a handgun, provided the teller with a note demanding money, verbally threatened to kill the teller and other employees, and ordered the bank employees to lie on the floor. Pensiero and his associate stole $9,130 during the robbery, and fled from the bank in a red Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS. The following day, the car was set on fire on Green Avenue in New Canaan.
The charge of bank robbery carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that a criminal complaint is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Pensiero’s associate was charged with, and convicted of, related state offenses stemming from these robberies.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Stratford, Fairfield and New Canaan Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel E. Cummings and Amanda S. Oakes.
Woman Who Trafficked Guns is SentencedRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRANDI WIGGINS, 36, of Hartford, formerly of Glastonbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven for a firearm trafficking offense. Judge Meyer ordered Wiggins to serve three years of supervised release and pay a $3,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Wiggins came to the attention of the ATF after several firearms that she purchased in North Carolina were recovered in Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts. The investigation revealed that, between April 2016 and November 2019, Wiggins purchased seven firearms in North Carolina. She later sold the firearms at pawn shops and also through a website that specializes in firearm sales.
With the government’s consent, Judge Meyer sentenced Wiggins below the recommended sentencing guidelines range based on Wiggins’ extraordinary family circumstances, including her prior involvement in an abusive relationship with her former husband.
On August 18, 2022, Wiggins pleaded guilty to engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license, a felony offense.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Keefe.
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.
Preston Man Charged with Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Jean Pierre Njock, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that JOEL HUNTSMAN, also known as “Jay Huntsman, “Joel Feser,” and “Jay Blackburn”), 34, of Preston, was arrested yesterday on a federal criminal complaint charging him with child exploitation offenses.
After his arrest, Huntsman appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and was ordered detained.
As alleged in court documents, in June 2022, the Kik mobile messenger application submitted a CyberTip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (“NCMEC”) that a user, subsequently identified as Huntsman, had distributed child sex abuse images and videos to another Kik user. On November 2, 2022, the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted a court-authorized search of Huntsman’s residence and seized multiple items, including two mobile phones. Analysis of the seized phones revealed images of child pornography.
The complaint charges Huntsman with distribution of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and with possession of child pornography, which 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 the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel E. Cummings and Nancy V. Gifford.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
New Britain Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Distribution and Firearm Possession ChargesRead 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 RAFAEL MARTINEZ, 31, of New Britain, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to fentanyl distribution and firearm possession offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force identified Martinez as a large-scale distributor of fentanyl. The investigation revealed that Martinez used an apartment on Sargeant Street in Hartford to store and process fentanyl for distribution, and he also distributed the drug from his residence on Hayes Street in New Britain. On August 3, 2022, investigators executed a court-authorized search warrant at Martinez’s New Britain residence and encountered Martinez, who they observed throwing a white powder substance from the living room window. A search of the residence revealed approximately 3,000 wax folds of fentanyl, additional loose quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine, narcotics paraphernalia, two handguns, ammunition, and $28,777 in cash. Investigators subsequently recovered another approximately 200 grams of fentanyl, as well as items used to process and package narcotics, that Martinez had thrown from the window.
Martinez’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for narcotics offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Martinez pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment, of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on April 13.
Martinez has been detained since August 3, 2022.
This investigation is being conducted by the DEA’s Hartford Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney 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.
Indictment Charges Stamford Man with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a FelonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Jean Pierre Njock, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Stamford Police Chief Timothy Shaw today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging RICARDO GEORGES, 32, of Stamford, with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
The indictment was returned on January 19, 2023. Georges appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia and entered a plea of not guilty. Georges has been detained since his arrest by Stamford Police on related state charges on May 7, 2022.
As alleged in the indictment, on May 7, 2022, Georges possessed a loaded Para USA, model Expert Commander 1911, .45 ACP caliber, semi-automatic pistol.
It is further alleged that Georges’ criminal history includes felony convictions in Connecticut and New York for assault on public safety personnel, robbery in the first degree, criminal possession of a firearm, and multiple drug 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.
If convicted of the charge, Georges faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, the Stamford Police Department, and the Office of the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Stamford-Norwalk. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: Fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
New Haven Gang Member Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHAVARIUS SMITH, 22, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for a firearm offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 8, 2021, at approximately 11:15 p.m., New Haven Police recovered a 9-millimeter privately made firearm (“ghost gun”) equipped with a 31-round high-capacity magazine, and distribution quantities of heroin and crack cocaine, from a parked stolen vehicle that Smith had been driving. Smith, a known Bloods gang member, had been released from state incarceration on September 2, 2021, was serving a term of probation, and was wearing a GPS ankle monitor as a condition of his probation. Officers located and arrested Smith a short time later.
Smith’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for larceny and drug 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.
Smith has been detained since his arrest. On June 24, 2022, he pleaded guilty to possession of ammunition by a felon.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis through the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program and Project Longevity.
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.
Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it.
Norwalk Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Fentanyl Distribution and Firearm Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that GREGORY T. WILLS, also known as “G Money,” “G” and “Greg Jamison,” 40, of Norwalk, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to fentanyl distribution and firearm possession offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the summer of 2020, members of the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and Norwalk Police Department made multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl from Wills. On September 23, 2020, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of a Norwalk residence that Wills used as a “stash” location and seized approximately 60 grams of fentanyl, items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, four handguns, and numerous rounds of ammunition. Investigators located Wills later that day at another location in Norwalk. He discarded a loaded handgun as he attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended.
Wills pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, which carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years.
Under the terms of a binding plea agreement, if accepted by the court, the parties have agreed that 10 years of imprisonment is a reasonable sentence in this case.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for April 10. Wills has been detained since his arrest.
Wills’ criminal history includes a 2003 federal conviction, under the name Greg Jamison, for distributing crack cocaine, which resulted in a 108-month prison term.
This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Norwalk Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah P. Karwan and Karen L. Peck through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.