District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Armed Waterbury Drug Dealer Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CARLTON FOX, 37, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2021, Waterbury Police made two controlled purchases of heroin and one controlled purchase of fentanyl from Fox. On June 18, 2021, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of a Waterbury hotel room where Fox was staying and seized a loaded .22 caliber handgun; distribution quantities of heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine; items used to process and package narcotics for street sale; and $3,980 in cash.
Fox has been detained in federal custody since October 14, 2021. On April 19, 2022, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Waterbury Police Department. The case was being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc H. Silverman.
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.
New Britain Man Charged with Child Pornography OffensesRead 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 JOSHUA GLAESER, 34, of New Britain, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with possession and distribution of child pornography.
As alleged in court documents, in the summer of 2022, a Connecticut State Police detective investigating child exploitation offenses identified an IP address at Glaeser’s New Britain residence that was being used in the distribution of child pornography. In 2012, Glaeser was convicted in state court of possession of child pornography. Glaeser was arrested on December 9, 2022, after HSI special agents executed a court authorized search warrant at his residence and seized Glaeser’s Chromebook, tablet, smartphone and storage cards. Preliminary analysis of the seized items revealed images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, including prepubescent children.
After his arrest, Glaeser appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and was ordered detained.
If convicted of distribution of child pornography, Glaeser faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years. If convicted of possession of child pornography, Glaeser faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. The penalties in this matter are enhanced based on Glaeser’s prior conviction for possession of child pornography.
Avery stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Farmington Man Involved in Son's Drug Trafficking Ring Sentenced to Prison for Distributing CrackRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KEVIN JONES, SR., 58, of Farmington, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine. Judge Thompson also ordered Jones to serve 200 hours of community service while on supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the summer of 2017, members of the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and Bridgeport Police Department began investigating individuals who were distributing narcotics in and around Bridgeport. The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Kevin Jones Sr.’s son, Kevin Jones II, headed a Bridgeport-based drug trafficking network. Jones Sr. regular received distribution quantities of crack cocaine from his son and sold the drug to his own customer base.
The investigation resulted in federal charges against Jones Sr., Jones II, and 17 other defendants, and the seizure of narcotics, eight firearms, and more than $360,000 in cash.
Jones Sr. was arrested on November 6, 2018. On March 4, 2020, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, controlled substances.
Jones Sr., who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 27.
Jones II, also known as “Ox” and “Scott,” of Bridgeport, has pleaded guilty and is detained while awaiting sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department, as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut State Police, and the Stratford, Norwalk, Seymour and Trumbull Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck and Patrick J. Doherty 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.
Bristol Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Illegal Gun Possession, Absconding from SupervisionRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that XAVIER CRUZ, 28, of Bristol, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet B. Atterton in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 5, 2020, law enforcement found a backpack containing a loaded Smith and Wesson semiautomatic handgun in a parking lot in a residential area of Bristol. Investigators determined that Cruz had possessed the firearm before discarding it, and subsequent laboratory testing confirmed the presence of Cruz’s DNA on the gun.
Prior to September 2020, Cruz sustained felony convictions in state court for controlled substance 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 May 11, 2021, Cruz pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
On July 21, 2021, Cruz, who was released on a $100,000 bond, removed his ankle monitor and absconded. Cruz surrendered to law enforcement on April 12, 2022, shortly after the government moved to forfeit his bond, which was co-signed by his mother.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Bristol Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Scientific Services. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara Levens and Margaret Donovan.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Bridgeport Man Sentenced to 69 Months in Prison for Illegal Gun Possession, Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHARLES YOUNG, also known as “Cash,” 36, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 69 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing a firearm by a felon, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release that followed a conviction in 2016 for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 25, 2015, Young was arrested after he had engaged law enforcement officers in a high-speed car chase that began in Bridgeport’s east end, continued on I-95 South and ended when Young crashed into a snowbank after exited the highway in Fairfield. During the chase, a witness saw Young throw something from his car in the vicinity of Exit 24 in Fairfield. A search of the area revealed a loaded Glock 22 .40 caliber firearm. Young pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm by a felon and, on May 16, 2016, was sentenced by Judge Shea to 50 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release. In association with this incident, Young was also sentenced in state court to five years of imprisonment for violating his probation that followed a 2010 conviction for criminal possession of a firearm and possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle.
Young was released from federal prison in July 2019.
On December 28, 2020, Bridgeport Police officers, who were on high alert following the murder of a well-known gang member the day before, were patrolling the area of the PT Barnum housing complex in order to thwart retaliatory criminal activity. After observing an Audi SUV roll through a stop sign, officers attempted to stop the vehicle. The SUV sped away, crashed into two cars, and both the driver, Cole Hernandez, and passenger, Charles Young, fled on foot. Young ran eastbound on Fairfield Avenue where he was apprehended after he attempted to forcibly enter a vehicle that was stopped at a traffic light.
A search of the SUV revealed a .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol with an extended and partially loaded 50-round magazine, and 50 glassine envelopes containing fentanyl. Investigators also found a 9mm semi-automatic pistol with a mounted light and laser attachment and a fully loaded 17-round magazine on the ground next to the passenger door of the SUV.
DNA analysis of the seized firearms connected the .45 caliber pistol to Hernandez and the 9mm pistol to Young.
Young has been detained since his arrest. On April 27, 2022, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon.
Hernandez has been detained since his arrest on May 12, 2021. On January 12, 2022, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 13.
This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Scientific Services. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
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.
Waterbury Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Distribution and Firearm Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LENWOOD GATLING, 39, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 108 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between July and October 2020, a DEA New Haven Task Force investigation revealed that Gatling was using a storage unit he rented at a facility located on Meriden Road in Waterbury to store and distribute narcotics. Gatling was arrested on October 14, 2020. On that date, a court-authorized search of the storage unit revealed nine firearms, three of which were reported stolen; approximately 420 grams of fentanyl packaged in approximately 11,000 individual use bags; approximately 99 grams of heroin; approximately nine grams of cocaine; and approximately $30,000 in cash.
Gatling’s criminal history includes multiple felony 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.
Gatling has been detained since his arrest. On May 2, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
The Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, East Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby, Middletown, Naugatuck and Waterbury Police Departments.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia Stolfi Collins and Neeraj N. Patel.
Stafford Man Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID KAMAL, 60, of Stafford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to tax evasion.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Kamal, who formerly resided in Hebron, willfully evaded taxes for the 2012 tax year by filing a false tax return for that year. On the tax return, Kamal claimed false deductions, including deductions for moving expenses and medical expenses he had not incurred. Kamal subsequently provided false documentation for the moving expenses, including invoices and bank statements, to an attorney for the IRS in connection with U.S. tax court proceedings. Kamal also filed false tax returns for the 2013 through 2017 tax years by claiming false and inflated unreimbursed medical and dental expenses.
Kamal has agreed to cooperate with the IRS to pay $163,264 in back taxes, as well interest and penalties.
Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for March 2, at which time Kamal faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. Kamal is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.
Former President of Waterbury Credit Union Admits Embezzling $250KRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that TARA KEWALIS, 50, of Beacon Falls, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to embezzling from a Waterbury credit union where she was employed.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Kewalis was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Skyline Financial Federal Credit Union located in Waterbury. From approximately September 2016 until her employment was terminated in March 2021, Kewalis used her position to access the credit union’s accounting system to create fraudulent accounts and make fraudulent entries, and steal $254,532 in credit union funds.
Kewalis pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement by a credit union officer or employee, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years. Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for March 1.
Kewalis is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry.
Indictment Charges New Britain Man with Cocaine Trafficking and Gun Possession 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 in Hartford has returned an indictment charging NERICK DIAZ-QUESADA, 24, of New Britain, with cocaine trafficking and firearm possession offenses.
The indictment was returned on November 21, 2022. Diaz-Quesada appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish in Hartford and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He has been detained since his arrest on November 10, 2022.
As alleged in court documents, on November 10, 2022, members of the DEA’s Hartford Task Force and New Britain Police Department executed a court-authorized search warrant at an apartment located on LaSalle Street in New Britain suspected of being used as a location to store, process and package narcotics for distribution. Diaz-Quesada was apprehended after he attempted to flee from investigators when they entered the apartment. A search of bedroom that Diaz-Quesada used revealed more than two kilograms of cocaine, a loaded Glock 9mm handgun, narcotics packaging materials, and a large amount of cash.
The indictment charges Diaz-Quesada with one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40years, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activity, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and 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.
Queens Resident Sentenced to Prison for Helping to Sell U.S. Savings Bonds Stolen from Elderly WomanRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GLEN CAMPBELL, also known as “Nick,” 41, a citizen of Guyana residing in Queens, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 12 months and one day of imprisonment for helping to sell U.S. Savings Bonds that had been stolen from an elderly woman who had purchased the bonds for her grandchildren and other family members.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Jhanannie Singh, also known as “Jasmine” and “Sharmala Persaud,” stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in U.S. Savings Bonds from an elderly woman for whom she provided home health services. The victim had purchased the bonds for her grandchildren and other relatives. After the victim died, Singh contacted Campbell who enlisted the help of another individual to redeem the stolen bonds at a financial institution and provide Singh and Campbell with a portion of the proceeds. Between October 2020 and January 2021, as part of an undercover investigation, law enforcement coordinated the purchase of more than 100 savings bonds, with face values ranging from $50 to $1,000, from Singh and Campbell. Campbell traveled to Connecticut to complete the transactions.
Singh and Campbell were arrested on January 29, 2021. At the time of the arrests, the value of the bonds they had delivered during the undercover investigation was $287,312.39.
On June 15, 2022, Campbell pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy.
Singh, also a citizen of Guyana, pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on November 28, 2022, was sentenced to 57 months of imprisonment.
Singh and Campbell face immigration proceedings when they complete their prison terms.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara E. Levens, Michael S. McGarry and Robert S. Ruff.
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).
West Haven Man Guilty of Role in Scheme to Steal City's COVID-19 Relief FundsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a jury in Hartford federal court has found JOHN TRASACCO, 50, of West Haven, guilty of conspiracy and fraud offenses. The trial before U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams began on November 21 and the jury returned the guilty verdicts this afternoon.
According to the evidence presented during the trial, Michael DiMassa was a Connecticut State Representative who was also employed by the City of West Haven, most recently serving as the Administrative Assistant to the City Council. In April 2020, the State of Connecticut was allocated money by the U.S. Department of the Treasury through the Coronavirus Relief Fund (“CRF”), which was established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) for the purpose of helping local governments pay costs incurred in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. From July 2020 through September 2021, the City of West Haven received approximately $1,150,257 in financial assistance from this fund. DiMassa, who was authorized to approve the designated relief funds for the reimbursement of COVID-related expenditures incurred by West Haven, conspired with others to steal these funds and other West Haven funds through the submission of fraudulent invoices, and subsequent payment, for COVID relief goods and services that were never provided.
The investigation revealed that DiMassa conspired with Trasacco through the submission of fraudulent invoices from L & H Company and JIL Sanitation Services, two companies controlled by Trasacco, to West Haven for goods and services, including thousands of units of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), HVAC maintenance at multiple municipal locations, COVID supplies for the Board of Education, and cleaning services for various municipal and school buildings, including one school building that had been vacant and abandoned for several years. Trasacco’s companies received approximately $431,982 through this scheme.
The jury found Trasacco guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud. Each charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
Trasacco, who had been released on a $100,000 bond, was remanded to custody at the conclusion of today’s court proceedings pending his ability to meet his increased bond requirements.
On November 1, 2022, DiMassa pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud, admitting that he defrauded the City of West Haven of more than $1.2 million through this scheme and two other schemes. He awaits sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General for Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ray Miller and David Sheldon.
Individuals with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Wallingford Attorney 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 MARK CARBUTTI, 48, of Wallingford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to tax evasion.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Carbutti is an attorney specializing in personal injury law. For the 2013 through 2017 tax years, Carbutti reported approximately $585,025 in income taxes owed to the Internal Revenue Service as a result of his legal practice and certain rental income. During that time period and thereafter, Carbutti made only limited payments of his taxes due and owing, and interest and penalties accrued as a result of his non-payment.
Between December 2014 and May 2019, Carbutti received at least 12 notices from the IRS advising him of his tax amounts due and instructions on how to pay his overdue taxes. When the IRS levied certain personal bank accounts used by Carbutti, he closed those accounts and evaded the payment of taxes, interest, and penalties by writing checks from his law firm’s operating account payable to his paralegal, which subsequently were converted to cash and deposited into the bank accounts of limited liability companies (“LLCs”) that Carbutti had created in association with his real estate holdings. Carbutti also took substantial additional cash withdrawals from his law firm bank accounts and redeposited the monies in the LLCs bank accounts. Between approximately 2013 and 2019, Carbutti paid approximately $600,000 in personal expenses from the LLCs bank accounts, including expenditures for gambling at casinos, restaurants, vacations and the purchase of a BMW automobile.
Carbutti pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. Judge Nagala scheduled sentencing for March 2.
Carbutti has agreed to pay the IRS $750,180 in back taxes, interest and penalties.
This investigation has been conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Granby Man Sentenced to Prison for Embezzling from EmployerRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID McMANUS, 57, of Granby, was sentenced today by U.S. Circuit Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in Bridgeport to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for fraud and tax offenses stemming from his embezzlement of funds from his employer.
According to court documents and statements made in court, McManus was the Chief Financial Officer for a Hartford-based company for nearly 14 years. Between 2012 and 2018, McManus embezzled approximately $433,584 from the company by using company funds to pay off his personal credit card expenses, and by issuing reimbursements to himself for personal expenses unrelated to the company.
McManus also filed federal income tax returns that omitted the embezzled income for the 2015 through 2018 tax years, resulting in a tax loss of $104,094 to the IRS.
Judge Merriam ordered McManus to pay full restitution to his former employer, as well as all back taxes owed to the IRS.
On May 12, 2022, McManus pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of tax evasion.
McManus, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on February 8.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Hartford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Donovan.
Massachusetts Man Suspected in Multiple Bank Robberies in New England ArrestedRead the Press Release
TAYLOR DZICZEK, 40, of Chicopee, Massachusetts, was arrested today on federal criminal complaint charging him with robbing a Connecticut bank earlier this year. As alleged in the complaint, Dziczek is also a suspect is several additional bank robberies that have occurred in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire since September 2021.
Today’s announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery, Special Agent in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI’s New Haven Division, Special Agent in Charge Joseph R. Bonavolonta of the FBI’s Boston Division, and Special Agent in Charge Janeen DiGuiseppi of the FBI’s Albany Division.
Dziczek appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and was ordered detained.
As alleged in the complaint, the FBI and state and local law enforcement have been investigating 14 robberies and one attempted robbery of banks and credit unions in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont and New Hampshire, which were committed by what appears to be the same individual, that occurred between September 2021 and August 2022. During the investigation, Dziczek was identified as a suspect who robbed the Peoples United Bank, located at 117 East Street in Plainville, Connecticut, on May 26, 2022. On that date, Dziczek entered the bank, approached the teller counter and gave the teller a note stating words to the effect of, “I have a gun. Don‘t call 911. Don‘t set off any alarms.“ When the teller stated she did not have any more money, Dziczek pulled what appeared to be a black firearm from the front pocket of his sweatshirt and made additional statements including “Give me all the money,” “I have a gun,” and “Don‘t be a hero.”
It is alleged that Dziczek removed some of the paper money wrappers from the money he received from the teller and discarded them at the bank before he fled the scene. Plainville Police detectives collected the discarded money wrappers as evidence.
It is further alleged that on October 21, 2022, FBI special agents surveilled Dziczek while he was in the MGM Casino in Springfield, Massachusetts, and retrieved a Red Bull energy drink can with a black straw from which Dziczek was observed drinking. Laboratory analysis connected DNA found on the black straw to DNA found on discarded money wrappers from the Plainville bank robbery.
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.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBI New Haven Division’s Violent Crimes Task Force, FBI Boston Division, FBI Albany Division, Connecticut State Police, Massachusetts State Police, Athol (Mass.) Police Department, Avon (Conn.) Police Department, Brattleboro (Vt.) Police Department, Chicopee (Mass.) Police Department, East Windsor (Conn.) Police Department, Enfield (Conn.) Police Department, Greenfield (Mass.) Police Department, Keene (N.H.) Police Department, Meriden (Conn.) Police Department, Montague (Mass.) Police Department, Nashua (N.H.) Police Department, Plainville (Conn.) Police Department, Somers (Conn.) Police Department, and Springfield (Mass.) Police Department. The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Scientific Services has provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel E. Cummings, Stephanie T. Levick and Nancy V. Gifford. U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Districts of Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire for its close cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.
Honduran National Charged with Illegally Reentering the U.S.Read the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MARLON AMAYA-LOPEZ, also known as Elder Figueroa, 33, a citizen of Honduras residing in Bridgeport, was arrested yesterday on an indictment charging him with one count of illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.
The indictment was returned on May 11, 2021 and unsealed yesterday after Amaya-Lopez was located and arrested. He appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport, entered a plea of not guilty to the charge, and was ordered detained pending trial.
As alleged in the indictment, Amaya-Lopez was previously deported and removed from the U.S. to Honduras following a felony conviction in April 2007 in Connecticut Superior Court for attempted robbery in the second degree. He reentered the U.S. and returned to Connecticut without obtaining the consent of the Attorney General of the United States or his successor, the Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, to reapply for admission into the U.S.
If convicted of the charge of illegal reentry, Amaya-Lopez faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. The penalties in this matter are enhanced based on his prior conviction for a felony.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial at which it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neeraj N. Patel and Stephanie T. Levick.
West Haven Man Admits Attempting to Travel to the Middle East to Join and Fight for ISISRead the Press Release
AHMAD KHALIL ELSHAZLY, 25, of West Haven, pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham(ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization.
U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery, Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, and Special Agent in Charge David Sundberg of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement.
According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in approximately September 2018, Elshazly, a U.S. citizen, expressed a desire to travel to Syria and the surrounding area to fight on behalf of ISIS. In numerous conversations online and in person, he pledged allegiance to ISIS and its leader, Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi. For example, in October 2019, Elshazly sent a message pledging allegiance (bayat) to the new leader of ISIS, saying “I pledge my allegiance...to the Khilafah (the successor of the leadership) of the Muslims Abu Ibrahim Al Husseini Al Hashami Al Qurashi…” (after Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi’s death).
On December 14, 2019, Elshazly paid $500 to a person he believed was an ISIS facilitator who would be able to smuggle him out of the U.S. to Turkey. He further believed that travelling to Turkey would enable him to connect with ISIS members overseas who, in turn, would assist him with traveling to ISIS within Syria. On December 15, 2019, Elshazly was arrested after he arrived in Stonington, Connecticut, where he expected to board a boat to begin his trip.
“There is no higher priority than the security of our nation,” said U.S. Attorney Avery. “My office works closely with our law enforcement partners to prevent and apprehend those who wish to cause violence and other harm, both in the U.S. and abroad, before they are successful. Much of this vitally important work is done behind the scenes and without public recognition. I thank the FBI’s JTTF and all the agencies involved in this investigation.”
“Today, the diligent efforts of law enforcement has culminated in a guilty plea of a conspirator of potential terrorist crimes against the people of the United States,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sundberg. “Our top priority of the FBI remains the disruption of would be terrorists and the havoc they attempt to cause here and abroad. Justice has been served.”
Elshazly has been detained since his arrest. The charge of conspiring to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
This matter has been investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) with the assistance of the Stonington Police Department, New Haven Police Department and Connecticut State Police. The FBI’s JTTF includes participants from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction, Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department, Norwich Police Department, Hartford Police Department, Stamford Police Department, Norwalk Police Department, Town of Groton Police Department, UConn Police Department, Yale Police Department, and New York Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret M. Donovan and Trial Attorneys Justin Sher and Daniel Gardner of from the Counterterrorism Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
Waterbury Man Charged with Theft of Pandemic Unemployment BenefitsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that OLAJUWON HARRINGTON, also known as “OJ Harrington,” 30, of Waterbury, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with fraud and identity theft offenses related to his alleged theft of pandemic unemployment benefits.
Harrington appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and was released on a $50,000 bond.
As alleged in court documents, in March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was signed into law. The CARES Act created a new temporary federal unemployment insurance program for pandemic unemployment assistance (“Pandemic Unemployment Assistance”). Pandemic Unemployment Assistance provided unemployment insurance (“UI”) benefits for employed individuals who are not eligible for other types of UI due to their employment status. The CARES Act also created a new temporary federal program called Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (“FPUC”) that provided additional weekly benefits to those eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance or regular UI. The Connecticut Department of Labor (CT-DOL) administers UI benefits for residents of Connecticut.
It is alleged that, using identifying information of real persons (“victims”) without their knowledge, Harrington and/or others submitted to CT-DOL numerous fraudulent applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. Relying on the applications, CT-DOL awarded unemployment assistance in the form of debit cards in the names of the victims and mailed the debit cards to addresses provided in the applications. Thereafter, Harrington obtained the debit cards issued in victims’ names and unlawfully used the cards for his own benefit.
The complaint charges Harrington with access device fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, and aggravated identify theft, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General and the Connecticut Department of Labor. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
New Britain Man Involved in Theft of 14 Guns from Portland Firearm Dealer Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KENNEY COTTO, 25, of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for firearm offenses stemming from his participation in the burglary of a Portland firearms dealer in December 2020.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning of December 31, 2020, Cotto and Christopher Matos burglarized Central Connecticut Arms, a federally-licensed firearms dealer in Portland, and stole 14 firearms. On January 5, 2021, investigators searched an SUV that Cotto and Matos used during the burglary and recovered clothing that Cotto wore during the burglary, a hammer and tire iron Cotto and Matos used to break into Central Connecticut Arms, and other evidence. Investigators also found Matos’s DNA at the crime scene, and a subsequent search of his residence revealed clothing he wore during the burglary.
On January 4, 2021, Hartford Police arrested Cotto on unrelated firearm and drug possession charges. He has been detained since his arrest.
To date, three of the firearms stolen from Central Connecticut Arms have been recovered by law enforcement. Two were recovered by the FBI in an unrelated narcotics investigation, and the third was seized by Waterbury Police after it was fired into the air during an altercation. The remaining 11 firearms are unaccounted for.
On April 21, 2022, Cotto pleaded guilty to theft of firearms from a licensee, and unlawful possession of firearms by a felon.
Matos, 34, of New Britain, pleaded guilty to the same charges and, on October 31, 2022, was sentenced to 100 months of imprisonment.
Judge Dooley ordered Cotto and Matos to pay $21,528.91 in restitution.
This investigation was conducted by ATF and the Portland, New Britain, Berlin and East Longmeadow (Mass.) Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ruff.
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.
Connecticut Man Admits to Attempting to Travel to the Middle East to Join and Fight for ISISRead the Press Release
Ahmad Khalil Elshazly, 25, of West Haven, Connecticut, pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization.
According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in approximately September 2018, Elshazly, a U.S. citizen, expressed a desire to travel to Syria and the surrounding area to fight on behalf of ISIS. In numerous conversations online and in person, he pledged allegiance to ISIS and its leader, Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi. For example, in October 2019, Elshazly sent a message pledging allegiance (bayat) to the new leader of ISIS, saying “I pledge my allegiance...to the Khilafah (the successor of the leadership) of the Muslims Abu Ibrahim Al Husseini Al Hashami Al Qurashi…” (after Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi’s death).
On Dec.14, 2019, Elshazly paid $500 to a person he believed was an ISIS facilitator who would be able to smuggle him out of the U.S. to Turkey. He further believed that travelling to Turkey would enable him to connect with ISIS members overseas who, in turn, would assist him with traveling to ISIS within Syria. On Dec. 15, 2019, Elshazly was arrested after he arrived in Stonington, Connecticut, where he expected to board a boat to begin his trip.
Elshazly has been detained since his arrest. The charge of conspiring to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery for the District of Connecticut and Special Agent in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI New Haven Field Office made the announcement.
This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) with the assistance of the Stonington Police Department, New Haven Police Department and Connecticut State Police. The FBI’s JTTF includes participants from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), IRS – Criminal Investigation, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction, Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department, Norwich Police Department, Hartford Police Department, Stamford Police Department, Norwalk Police Department, Town of Groton Police Department, UConn Police Department, Yale Police Department and New York Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret M. Donovan for the District of Connecticut and Trial Attorneys Justin Sher and Daniel Gardner of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.
Woodstock Man Pleads Guilty to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that MARIUSZ KALINOWSKI, 47, of Woodstock, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to a tax fraud offense
According to court documents and statements made in court, Kalinowski owns and operates Kalinowski General Construction, Inc., based in Webster, Massachusetts, which provides residential and commercial construction services in Connecticut and Massachusetts. For the 2010 through 2013 tax years, Kalinowski failed to report on his personal federal tax returns $927,828 in income from his business and, as a result, failed to pay approximately $174,746 in taxes on that income.
Kalinowski pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on February 22, 2023, in Hartford.
Kalinowski has agreed to pay the IRS $174,746, plus penalties and interest that have accrued on his unpaid taxes.
This investigation has been conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.
Shoreline Business Owner Who Failed to Pay Taxes Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTOPHER JARDINE, 55, of Guilford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 15 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for failing to pay business and personal taxes. Judge Dooley also ordered Jardine to pay a $10,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Jardine is a part owner of D&A Construction Management, Inc. (“D&A”), a Branford-based company in the construction business. Jardine was responsible for D&A’s financial affairs, and for collecting and paying over certain federal taxes from D&A’s employees, namely federal income taxes and Federal Insurance Contribution Act (“FICA”) taxes, which include Medicare and social security taxes. He was also responsible for ensuring that D&A, as an employer, paid its own share of FICA taxes.
An investigation revealed that although Jardine and D&A withheld employees’ federal income and FICA taxes over multiple tax periods between 2016 and 2019 and reported those withholdings to the IRS, they failed to pay over the withheld amounts, totaling approximately $868,000. Jardine also represented to the IRS that D&A lacked the ability to pay, but he used more than $1 million in company funds to pay personal expenses, including purchases of a 52-foot cigarette boat, a Range Rover, high-end clothing, and auto parts, and to make payments on behalf of Straight Jacket USA, LLC, a Guilford business controlled by Jardine.
On April 28, 2022, Jardine pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to pay over withholding taxes. Jardine admitted that he evaded payment of the withheld employee taxes, as well as D&A’s share of FICA taxes, for multiple quarters during the 2016 through 2019 tax years, and he also acknowledged that he evaded the payment of personal income tax liabilities for multiple tax years between 2007 and 2015.
Jardine agreed to pay approximately $2,070,000 in restitution to the IRS, an amount that includes interest and penalties. To date, he has paid most of his restitution obligation.
Jardine, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on February 28.
This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Conor M. Reardon.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 42 Months in Federal Prison for Cocaine Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAVIER ACEVEDO, 42, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 42 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for a cocaine trafficking offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force has been investigating the shipment of parcels containing controlled substances from Puerto Rico to Connecticut. In May 2021, investigators identified a suspicious package that was destined for an address on Giddings Street in Hartford. On May 15, 2021, investigators made a controlled delivery of the package. Approximately one hour after it was delivered, Acevedo picked up the package and then drove it to his residence on South Street, where he was encountered by law enforcement. A subsequent court-authorized search of the package revealed approximately two kilograms of cocaine.
The investigation revealed that Acevedo regularly received packages of cocaine that were shipped from Puerto Rico to his home address or other addresses associated with him, and held the packages until they were picked up by another individual. Acevedo received at least $500 for each package he received.
Acevedo was arrested on July 7, 2021. On April 27, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Acevedo, who is released on a $200,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 17.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden and Town of Groton Police Departments.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ruff.
Armed New London 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 GIOVANNI SIERRA, 29, of New London, 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, for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 15, 2021, New London Police observed Sierra conducting what appeared to be a narcotics transaction from his car. Investigators subsequently stopped Sierra’s car for a motor vehicle violation. A search of the car revealed a privately made handgun (“ghost gun”) loaded with an extended magazine, distribution quantities of crack cocaine and fentanyl, two digital scales, and other narcotics paraphernalia.
Sierra has been detained since his federal arrest on May 11, 2021. On February 16, 2022, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the New London Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth through the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program
PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Sex Offender Who Possessed Millions of Child Sex Abuse Images and Videos Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RICHARD E. SMITH, 67, of Southington, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to possession of child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Smith’s criminal history includes convictions related to his sexual assault of boys in 1990 and 1998.
On October 1, 2020, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents conducted a court-authorized search of Smith’s Southington residence. At the time of the search, Smith’s computer was running and connected to a website dedicated to child pornography, and one of Smith’s four computer monitors displayed a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet containing numerous child pornography filenames and internet hyperlinks. Investigators seized Smith’s computer and electronic devices. Forensic analysis of the seized devices revealed millions of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children.
Smith has been detained since his arrest on October 1, 2020.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for February 17, 2023, at which time Smith faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. The penalties in this case are enhanced based on Smith’s criminal history.
This matter has been investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the assistance of the Southington Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick J. Doherty and Nancy V. Gifford through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Repeat Offender Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Child Sex Abuse ImagesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT J. MOSLEY, 55, formerly of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 121 months of imprisonment for possessing and distributing numerous images depicting the sexual abuse of children.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2016, Mosley was convicted in Connecticut Superior Court of possession of child pornography in the second degree. He was sentenced for that offense to 10 years in jail, execution suspended after six years, and 20 years of probation. Mosley was released on parole in November 2018.
On January 28, 2020, Connecticut parole officers and Connecticut state troopers conducted a home visit at Mosley’s residence. During the visit, Mosley was found in possession of an unapproved smart phone, and an approved mobile phone that contained suspected child pornography. Investigators seized both phones and Mosley was remanded to custody. Subsequent analysis of the seized phones and a cloud storage account maintained by Mosley revealed thousands of images and hundreds of video depicting the sexual abuse of children, primarily boys between the ages of 2 and 14. In addition, analysis of Mosley’s e-mail account revealed that he sent numerous e-mails soliciting child pornography, sent images of child pornography to others, and sent links to his cloud storage account.
Mosley has been detained since January 28, 2020. On September 22, 2021, he pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography.
The penalties in this case were enhanced based on Mosley’s criminal history.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Connecticut State Police, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Correction Division of Parole and Community Services. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.
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.
Home Health Aide Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Stealing U.S. Savings Bonds from Elderly WomanRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JHANANNIE SINGH, also known as “Jasmine” and “Sharmala Persaud,” 52, a citizen of Guyana last residing in Queens, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 57 months of imprisonment for stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in U.S. Savings Bonds from an elderly woman who had purchased the bonds for her grandchildren and other family members.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Singh stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in U.S. Savings Bonds from an elderly woman for whom she provided home health services. The victim had purchased the bonds for her grandchildren and other relatives. After the victim died, Singh contacted Glen Campbell, also known as “Nick,” who enlisted the help of another individual to redeem the stolen bonds at a financial institution and provide Singh and Campbell with a portion of the proceeds. Between October 2020 and January 2021, as part of an undercover investigation, law enforcement coordinated the purchase of more than 100 savings bonds, with face values ranging from $50 to $1,000, from Singh and Campbell. Campbell traveled to Connecticut to complete the transactions.
Singh and Campbell were arrested on January 29, 2021. At the time of Singh’s and Campbell’s arrests, the value of the bonds they had delivered during the undercover investigation was $287,312.39.
In June and July 2021, Singh attempted to obstruct the investigation and prosecution of this matter by offering to pay a witness if he agreed to lie and provide false testimony. Singh has been detained since August 4, 2021. On August 19, 2022, she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy.
Campbell pleaded guilty to the same charge on June 15, 2022, and awaits sentencing.
Singh faces immigration proceedings when she completes her prison term.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara E. Levens, Michael S. McGarry and Robert S. Ruff.
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).
Former Stamford Attorney Admits Defrauding Clients of More Than $700KRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that WILLIAM McCULLOUGH, 62, of Westerly, Rhode Island, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of wire fraud stemming from an embezzlement scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court today, prior to his resignation from the Connecticut bar in March 2019, McCullough operated a law practice in Stamford for several years. As part of his practice, McCullough worked on real estate transactions for clients. In that capacity, McCullough received funds from clients and knew he was required to deposit those funds in an Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Account (“IOLTA Account”) and use them in accordance with his duties to each client. In March 2018, the Connecticut Statewide Grievance Committee audited McCullough’s IOLTA Account and found that he had failed to maintain required documents for several years. The audit revealed that more than $1.27 million was due to clients, but the IOLTA Account held less than $600,000. A subsequent criminal investigation revealed that McCullough defrauded clients by using funds in his IOLTA Account to cover funds owed to others, and for his own use. McCullough made false representations to clients, including providing a false and inaccurate closing statement to at least one individual, to prevent the scheme from being uncovered.
McCullough’s clients lost approximately $720,851.05 through this scheme.
As sentencing, which is not yet scheduled, McCullough faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He is released pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the Wallingford Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer R. Laraia.
Waterbury Man on Supervised Release Charged with Gun Possession and Drug Distribution OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a three-count indictment charging RAEKWON OVERSTREET, 27, of Waterbury, with firearm possession and drug distribution offenses.
The indictment was returned on October 26, 2022. Overstreet appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and entered a plea of not guilty. He has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on October 5, 2022.
The indictment alleges that on October 5, 2022, Overstreet possessed a loaded Taurus 9mm handgun and distribution quantities of heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine.
It is further alleged that Overstreet’s criminal history includes a state conviction for conspiracy to commit robbery in the first degree, and a federal conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. On February 4, 2020, Overstreet was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 30 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for the firearm offense. He was released from federal prison on June 24, 2022.
The indictment charges Overstreet with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years; one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least five years. Overstreet also faces additional penalties if he is found to have violated the conditions of his federal supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. A charge is only an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Waterbury Police Department and Connecticut State Police.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha Freismuth through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: Fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Meriden Man Sentenced to Nearly 8 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KERVIN DIAZ, 39, of Meriden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 95 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad determined that Harvey Lapan, of East Haven, illegally distributed a variety of prescription and non-prescription drugs, including oxycodone, steroids and cocaine. The investigation also revealed that Diaz coordinated shipments of kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico and also received from cocaine from another source in New York, and distributed the cocaine to New Haven-area drug sellers, including Lapan. In March 2020, Lapan purchased 250 grams of cocaine from Diaz, and in May 2020, he purchased 500 grams of cocaine from Diaz.
Diaz and his girlfriend, Alba Nieves, distributed cocaine and marijuana from Diaz’ business, Nino’s Mini Market, located on Washington Avenue in New Haven, and from Nieves’ business, Middletown Café, located on Middletown Avenue in New Haven.
Diaz was arrested on August 24, 2020. On that date, a search of his and Nieves’ Meriden residence revealed narcotics trafficking paraphernalia, including a large scale hydraulic press, an electronic money counter, and 10 digital scales, many of which that contained cocaine residue. Investigators also seized from the residence a loaded high capacity 9mm gun magazine, and $5,130 in cash.
Diaz has been detained since his arrest. On February 28, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
Lapan and Nieves pleaded guilty to related charges. Lapan awaits sentencing. On May 19, 2022, Nieves was sentenced to three years of probation.
his investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the New Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Pierpont, Jr., Amanda S. Oakes, and Conor M. Reardon.
East Haven Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUIS SALAMAN, JR., also known as “J,” “Lou Benz,” “Louie Benz” and “Benz,” 20, of East Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 22, 2020, New Haven Police officers arrested Salaman on an outstanding state arrest warrant after he entered a store on the corner of Ferry Street and Sanford Street in New Haven. At the time of his arrest, Salaman possessed a loaded Sig Sauer 1911 .45 caliber firearm with an obliterated serial number, and heroin and marijuana that he intended to distribute.
The investigation also revealed that, in the summer of 2020, Salaman provided marijuana to an individual in exchange for two handguns.
Salaman has been detained since his federal arrest on October 2, 2020. He pleaded guilty on July 14, 2022.
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. Attorneys Konstantin Lantsman and Natasha Freismuth.
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.
East Hartford Resident Sentenced to Prison for Making Ghost GunsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that AUDLEY REEVES, 30, of East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 18 months of imprisonment for fabricating “ghost guns.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, in late 2021, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force learned that John Lee Ortiz and others were selling “ghost guns,” which are homemade firearms that do not contain serial numbers or other identifying markings that prevent them from being traced to the owner, seller or manufacturer of the firearm. In December 2021, investigators made controlled purchases of seven handguns, a Bushmaster .223 caliber rifle, and numerous rounds of ammunition from Ortiz. Most of the handguns had no serial numbers and had plastic lower receivers that appeared to be made with a 3D printer. Reeves was identified during the investigation as the fabricator of the ghost guns.
Reeves and Ortiz were arrested on January 5, 2022. On that date, a court-authorized search of an apartment on Church Street in East Hartford revealed six fully assembled firearms, approximately 25 partially assembled firearms, three high-capacity magazines, various firearm parts, and tools used to construct firearms. Reeves was present in the apartment at the time of the search, and a 3D printer in the apartment was in the process of printing a stock of an AR-15 style rifle.
On August 24, 2022, Reeves pleaded guilty to engaging in the business of manufacturing firearms without a license.
Reeves, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 6.
Reeves is a citizen of Jamaica and faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.
On November 8, 2022, Ortiz pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license, and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 3.
This 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 case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Bridgeport Felon with 3 Prior Federal Convictions Admits Possessing Loaded GunRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, today announced that RAHSHIM CARTER, 33, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2013, Carter was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 18 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for distributing heroin in and around the Trumbull Gardens housing complex in Bridgeport. He was released from prison in September 2013. In February 2014, Carter was arrested by Bridgeport Police after he was found in possession of a loaded .380 caliber handgun and heroin that he intended to distribute. He pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and, on January 30, 2015, was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 62 months of imprisonment for the offense, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
In November 2016, while Carter was incarcerated in a federal prison in New Hampshire, he was found in possession of a homemade weapon (“shank”) and a quantity of Suboxone, a controlled substance. He was charged in the District of New Hampshire, pleaded guilty and, on January 22, 2018, was sentenced to an additional 18 months of imprisonment. He was released from prison in March 2020.
On April 20, 2022, members of the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force, Connecticut State Police and Bridgeport Police Department sought to arrest Carter for violating his supervised release. Carter was located and arrested in an apartment in the Green Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeport. At the time of his arrest he possessed a loaded .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and quantities of heroin and crack cocaine.
Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for February 9, 2023, at which time Carter faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Carter has been detained since his arrest.
This investigation has been conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force, Connecticut State Police and Bridgeport Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Indictment Charges 3 New Haven Men with Narcotics and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that DONELL ALLICK, JR., also known as “D-Nice,” 23; SAMUEL DOUGLAS, also known as “Blamm,” 24; and JOURDIN SENIOR, also known as “G,” 30, all of New Haven, have been charged with federal narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.
A seven-count indictment was returned by a grand jury in Hartford on November 2, 2022, and the three defendants were arrested on November 10, 2022.
As alleged in an indictment and statements made in court, between April and October 2022, Allick, Douglas and Senior conspired with one another, and with others, to distribute fentanyl and crack cocaine in the New Haven area. In June 2022, Douglas was arrested on state charges after he was found in possession of narcotics while on state probation. In September and October 2022, law enforcement made controlled purchases of fentanyl from Allick and Senior. On October 24, 2022, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of a residence shared by Allick and Senior and seized three handguns, extended magazines, and quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine, some of which was packaged for street-level distribution. A related search of Allick’s car, which had been observed in suspected drug transactions, resulted in the seizure of another handgun, a 33-round extended magazine, and quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine.
The indictment charges Allick, Douglas and Senior with one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base (“crack cocaine”), and Allick and Senior with additional counts related to the distribution of narcotics. These offenses carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count. The indictment also charges Allick with unlawful possession of firearms by a felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years.
Allick, Douglas and Senior are currently detained.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); the New Haven Police Department; and the Hamden Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara E. Levens.
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.
Georgia Man Who Supplied Bridgeport Gang Members with Firearms Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that STEPHFAN SANDERSON, also known as “Birdy” and “Beans, 24, of Covington, Georgia, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to a firearms trafficking offense.
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. From at least 2017 until his arrest on November 12, 2020, Sanderson, who formerly resided in Bridgeport, procured at least 25 firearms in Georgia and Alabama and distributed them to individuals he had reason to know would commit felonies with those firearms, including members of the “Greene Homes Boyz” (“GHB/Hotz”) and Original North End (“O.N.E.”) street gangs in Bridgeport. Some of the firearms he trafficked were capable of firing multiple bullets with the single pull of the trigger.
Sanderson pleaded guilty to one count of crossing state lines with the intent to engage in the unlicensed dealing of firearms, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. A sentencing is not scheduled.
Sanderson has been detained since his arrest.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and the Stratford and Naugatuck Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Stephanie T. Levick and Karen L. Peck.
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.
Trumbull Felon Admits Possessing Firearms, Including Ghost Guns, and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, today announced that JACK JAKUPS, 39, of Trumbull, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to possession of firearms and ammunition by a felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Jakups’ criminal history includes state felony convictions for narcotics possession, burglary, robbery, larceny and escape offenses. In January 2019, Jakups was released from prison to Connecticut’s Special Parole program. On November 30, 2021, Jakups’ parole officer, with the assistance of ATF, conducted a search of Jakups’ residence and seized a Diamondback 9mm handgun, a Ruger 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number, a privately made Glock-19-style firearm, a privately made AR-15-style firearm, and more than 300 rounds of ammunition.
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.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for February 6, 2023, at which time Jakups faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Jakups has been detained in state custody since November 30, 2021.
This investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), with the assistance of Connecticut State Parole. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and A. Reed Durham.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
New Haven Cocaine Trafficker Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE L. GERENA, 33, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
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 Gerena was the leader of an extensive drug trafficking organization and supervised the receipt of numerous parcels containing kilogram quantities of cocaine that had been shipped from Puerto Rico, the resale of the cocaine to others, and the shipment of narcotics proceeds to Puerto Rico. Gerena was responsible for trafficking more than 100 kilograms of cocaine.
During the investigation, the organization regularly received cocaine shipments at 365 Poplar Street, 206 Exchange Street and other addresses in New Haven. In August 2021, investigators intercepted two parcels, each containing a kilogram of cocaine, that had been sent through the U.S. Mail from Puerto Rico to 365 Poplar Street and 206 Exchange Street. Gerena was arrested on August 10, 2021, after investigators made a controlled delivery of a parcel containing a kilogram of cocaine to 365 Poplar Street.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for March 20, 2023, at which time Gerena faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
Gerena has been detained since his arrest.
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. 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.
Bristol Man Charged with Sex Trafficking, Related OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment today charging DAVID MARSHALL, also known as “Saint,” 37, of Bristol, with sex trafficking and related offenses.
As alleged in court documents, between January and April 2022, Marshall trafficked an adult female victim. He sold the victim for commercial sex and repeatedly raped and beat the victim if she did not follow his orders. Marshall also controlled the victim by plying her with fentanyl and threatening to harm her family. In March 2022, the victim attempted to escape from Marshall and obtained an order of protection against him after he was arrested by Cromwell Police for threatening to kill her. On April 27, 2022, Marshall was arrested by police in Freeport, Maine, after he severely beat the victim. While in jail, Marshall contacted the victim in violation of the protection order, and attempted to convince her not to cooperate with the police and to continue to prostitute herself to earn money to bail him out of jail. Marshall also contacted another person from jail in an attempt to remotely erase the evidence on his cell phone, but he was unable to do so because the FBI had already secured the phone.
The indictment charges Marshall with one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life; one count of attempted obstruction of sex trafficking enforcement, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 25 years; and one count of interstate violation of a protection order, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, but the maximum penalty may be increased to 10 years if the conduct resulted in serious bodily injury to the victim, or to life imprisonment if the conduct constituted sexual abuse or aggravated sexual abuse.
Marshall has been detained since his arrest on a federal criminal complaint in Maine on October 31, 2022. He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Newington Police Department, Cromwell Police Department, Freeport (Maine) Police Department, and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angel M. Krull and Amanda S. Oakes.
U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine for its assistance in this case.
Branford Sex Offender Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison for Possessing & Distributing Child Sex Abuse ImagesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL HOLM, 43, of Branford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 156 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for possessing child sex abuse images.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately September 1, 2014 to March 8, 2021, Holm possessed images and videos of child pornography on his iPhone and in his online Dropbox account. He also used various other websites and mobile applications, such as ChatStep, Kik, Discord, Skype, and others, to distribute child pornography to others, sometimes in exchange for child pornography in return. A review of Holm’s iPhone and online accounts revealed that, during this time period, he possessed at least 142 unique image files and 118 unique video files of child pornography, including images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers.
Holm engaged in some of this conduct while he was on federal supervised release for a prior child pornography offense. In August 2011, Holm was sentenced to three months of imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release for possession of child pornography.
The penalties in this matter were enhanced based on Holm’s prior conviction.
Holm has been detained since his arrest on May 24, 2021. On September 9, 2021, he pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography.
Judge Dooley ordered Holm to pay $29,000 in restitution to victims whose images he possessed and distributed.
This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neeraj N. Patel and Katherine E. Boyles.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Middlefield Man Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding State Jobs ProgramsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID KANIA, 63, of Middlefield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to two months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for offenses stemming from his fraud against several state-run wage subsidy and job training programs.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Kania was the owner and operator of three small businesses, principally in the dietary supplement and beverage industry. Between 2013 and 2018, through his companies, Kania applied for and received state subsidies for employing unemployed jobseekers, including veterans, and for providing training to employees. In order to receive funds, Kania submitted false documents to the Connecticut Department of Labor and two Connecticut-based Workforce Investment Boards, which administered the wage subsidy programs, showing that he had hired certain workers and they worked for his businesses for a certain period of time, when he knew that to be false. Kania also submitted false invoices to the Manufacturing Innovation Fund (“MIF”) Program for training that was never done. Through this scheme, Kania caused $941,723.24 in loss to the wage subsidy programs and $115,000 in loss to the MIF Program.
Judge Bolden ordered Kania to make full restitution.
Kania also underreported his total income on his 2014 through 2018 federal tax returns by failing to account for $299,201.50 in business funds that he used for personal expenses.
On November 15, 2021, Kania pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of filing a false tax return.
Kania, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on December 1.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of the Inspector General, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Labor. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Novick.
Guatemalan National Arrested in Stamford Admits Illegally Reentering the U.S.Read the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JULIO BAYRON-ARRIOLA, 49, a citizen of Guatemala last residing in Stamford, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on six occasions between 2009 and 2020, Bayron-Arriola was encountered in the U.S. and subsequently removed to Guatemala. During that time, he was charged federally and convicted in the District of Arizona three times: In 2010 he was convicted of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and in 2012 and 2017, he was convicted of illegal reentry.
On December 25, 2021, Bayron-Arriola was arrested by Stamford Police. He was subsequently convicted of a state threatening offense.
Bayron-Arriola is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton on January 9, at which time his faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Bayron-Arriola has been detained since his arrest.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with the assistance of the Stamford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.
Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on November 10, 2022, ANGEL LUIS RODRIGUEZ, also known as “Lou Rock,” 45, last residing in Newington, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervise release, for trafficking cocaine. Judge Bryant also ordered Rodriguez to pay a $3,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force first identified Rodriguez’s connection to drug trafficking in January 2018 when a DEA undercover agent posing as a money broker picked up $118,070 in heroin trafficking proceeds from an individual who was subsequently identified as Rodriguez. In April 2018, the undercover agent picked up $130,950 in drug trafficking proceeds from Rodriguez’s associate, Ismael Roman, also known as “Poochie” and “Pete.” On May 1, 2019, after investigators observed Rodriguez and Roman meet at an associate’s apartment in Enfield, they stopped Roman’s car and seized $27,000 in suspected narcotics proceeds. That same day, investigators searched the associate’s apartment and seized more than $1.1 million in cash.
During the investigation, investigators learned that Rodriguez and Roman conspired to traffic cocaine, and that Rodriguez used tractor trailer drivers to transport narcotics to Connecticut. On December 1, 2020, Rodriguez arranged with a tractor trailer driver to pick up approximately 15 kilograms of cocaine in the Chicago area, transport the cocaine back to Connecticut, and then return to Chicago with payment for the cocaine. On December 3, 2020, the individual picked up 15 brick-shaped packages of cocaine, weighing a total of approximately 14.5 kilograms, at a truck stop in the Chicago area. Rodriguez and Roman were arrested the next day.
Rodriguez has been detained since his arrest on December 4, 2020. On July 15, 2022, he pleaded guilty to attempting to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, cocaine.
Roman, 43, of Hartford, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and, on October 13, 2022, was sentenced to 41 months of imprisonment.
The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments. The investigation was assisted by the DEA Chicago Field Division and the Newington Police Department.
This case was 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.
Bristol Man Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison for Trafficking Cocaine from Puerto Rico to ConnecticutRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on November 10, 2022, JORGE FREYTES, 37, of Bristol, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine from Puerto Rico to Connecticut through the U.S. Mail.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service developed evidence regarding a drug trafficking organization that was sending USPS parcels containing kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Connecticut and Massachusetts. Between July and December 2018, law enforcement intercepted and seized five suspect parcels that were being mailed to addresses in Bristol, Meriden and Burlington, Connecticut, and in Worcester, Massachusetts. All five of the suspect parcels contained multiple kilogram-sized bricks of cocaine. On several occasions, investigators conducted surveillance of the delivery of suspect parcels and the scheduled delivery of seized parcels. During surveillance, investigators observed Freytes and others picking up or attempting to pick up parcels that had been seized. The investigation revealed that the cocaine was being sent from Puerto Rico by another member of the conspiracy
On January 9, 2019, investigators arrested Freytes and other members of this drug trafficking organization and seized approximately 2.5 kilograms of cocaine, items used to process and package narcotics, and more than $150,000 in cash.
Freytes has been detained since November 1, 2021, after his bond was revoked following his arrest on narcotics distribution charges while he was awaiting trial in his federal case. On November 4, 2021, he pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. His state charges are pending.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments. The DEA Puerto Rico Caribbean Corridor Strike Force and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Newark Division, San Juan (P.R.) Office, have assisted the investigation.
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.
Physician and Medical Office to Pay over $2.6 Million to Settle False Claims Act and Kickback AllegationsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery and Connecticut Attorney General William Tong today announced that FEEL WELL HEALTH CENTER OF SOUTHINGTON, P.C. (formerly doing business as “Feel Well Health Center”) and KEVIN P. GREENE, M.D. (“Greene”) have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments and agreed to pay more than $2.6 million to resolve allegations that they violated the federal and state False Claims Acts by improperly billing federal and state healthcare programs, and that they received illegal kickbacks.
Greene is a physician and the principal member and owner of Feel Well Health Center (now doing business as “Confidia Health Institute”), a primary care medical practice with offices in Southington and Bristol. Greene also operated a medical practice in Indialantic, Florida until mid-2019.
The federal and state governments allege that Greene and Feel Well Health Center violated the federal and state False Claims Acts by improperly billing Medicare, Connecticut Medicaid, and the State of Connecticut Comptroller Healthcare Programs. Between April 2016 and January 2020, Greene and Feel Well Health Center submitted false claims for payment for medical visits when, in fact, the patients had received fitness-related services with no legitimate medical component at a gym they operated that was staffed by a medically unlicensed coach and yoga instructor. Greene and Feel Well Health Center created false medical records for these gym visits and attached false diagnoses in association with these claims.
In addition, the governments allege that between April 2016 and March 2020, Greene and Feel Well Health Center submitted false claims for services allegedly rendered by Greene in an office setting when he was not physically present in the office suite, including when he was out of the country, on vacation, or in a different office at the time. For instances where Greene and Feel Well Health Center submitted claims for alleged telemedicine, they did not meet applicable telemedicine requirements for office location or use an interactive telecommunications system.
It is also alleged that Greene and Feel Well Health Center also submitted false claims for medically unnecessary testing or procedures for neurofeedback, ultrasounds, and autonomic function testing between April 2016 and August 2021.
The governments further allege that Greene and Feel Well Health Center violated the Anti-Kickback Statute by receiving remuneration from Boston Heart Diagnostics Corp. in return for ordering from the company clinical laboratory services for Medicare patients. The payments were in the form of purported “processing and handling” fees between October 2012 and June 2014, and “speaker” fees, which were for rates greater than fair market value, between January 2017 and December 2018.
To resolve their liability, Greene and Feel Well Health Center agreed to pay $2,656,685.52, plus interest. Greene and Feel Well Health Center have also entered into a three-year billing Integrity Agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services designed to ensure future compliance with the requirements of federal healthcare programs.
“We allege in this case that Dr. Greene and his medical practice fraudulently billed federal and state healthcare programs for several years, and also received illegal kickbacks involving laboratory services ordered for Medicare patients,” said U.S. Attorney Avery. “Physicians and medical practices who participate in taxpayer funded healthcare plans have an obligation to bill for services honestly and accurately, and comply with other federal laws. Those who don’t will be held accountable.”
“Dr. Greene and Feel Well Health Center billed the state both for services he did not provide as well as for costly tests that were medically unnecessary,” said Attorney General Tong. “He falsified records and diagnoses to bill the state for fitness services with no legitimate medical component. He accepted illegal kickbacks for lab testing, enriching himself in violation of federal law. Our settlement forces him to pay $2.6 million, as well as commit to a series of rigorous oversight measures to ensure this unacceptable misconduct never happens again.”
This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Gruber, and by Deputy Associate Attorney General Gregory O’Connell of the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.
The allegations resolved by today’s settlement stem from an investigation based on a critical analysis of Medicare claims data. People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS.
New Jersey Woman Sentenced to Prison for Immigration Marriage FraudRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on AUDREY BONET JOHNSON, 34, of Irvington, New Jersey, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to seven months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for an immigration marriage fraud offense. Judge Shea also ordered Johnson to serve 45 days in a halfway house when she is released from prison.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 1, 2012, Johnson, a U.S. citizen, and Shanon St. Aubyn Stephenson, a citizen of Jamaica, entered into a fraudulent marriage. Shortly thereafter, Johnson and Stephenson applied to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (“USCIS) for Stephenson to become a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., often called a “green card.” Following an interview with the USCIS in 2012, Stephenson was issued a temporary, two-year green card. In subsequent submissions and statements to the USCIS, Johnson and Stephenson claimed to be married and living together in Brooklyn, New York. In fact, Stephenson married Jodian Stephenson, also known as Jodian Gordon, in 2010, and lived with her, and not Johnson, in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
This investigation revealed that Jodian Stephenson, a citizen of Jamaica, operated Stephenson Immigration and Legal Services, LLC, in Bridgeport. Between 2011 and 2017, she conspired with others to arrange 28 sham marriages between U.S. citizens and non-citizens residing in the U.S. for the purpose of the non-citizens’ applying for and obtaining green cards. One of the sham marriages was between Johnson and Shanon Stephenson, and another was between Jodian Stephenson and a U.S. citizen.
On October 1, 2021, Johnson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit immigration marriage fraud. Johnson, who was released on bond, was remanded to custody at the conclusion of the sentencing proceeding.
Jodian Stephenson and Shanon Stephenson pleaded guilty to the same charge. On August 26, 2021, Jodian Stephenson was sentenced to six months of imprisonment. Shanon Stephenson awaits sentencing.
Ten individuals were charged as a result of this investigation, and all pleaded guilty. Removal proceedings have been or are being commenced against all individuals whose green card applications were found to have been based on sham marriages.
This investigation has been conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service’s Office of Fraud Detection and National Security. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Boyles.
Maine Resident Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Tax Offenses Stemming from $1.8 Million Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDWARD F. ZIEGLER II, 63, of Bridgton, Maine, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to fraud and tax offenses stemming from a 15-year embezzlement scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Ziegler was employed as the office manager for a small, family-owned business, identified in court documents in “Company A,” based in Berlin, Connecticut. In approximately 2006, Ziegler opened a bank account in his name and with the qualifying language “Doing Business As [Company A].” Over the course of approximately 15 years, Ziegler diverted more than 400 checks, totaling approximately $1.8 million, from Company A’s customers and deposited them into the secret bank account he had established. Ziegler also made fraudulent entries in Company A’s books and record keeping system to cover up the fact that he had diverted the checks and used the funds for his own benefit.
In addition, Ziegler failed to pay $173,003 in federal income taxes on his embezzled income for the 2015 through 2019 tax years.
Ziegler was arrested on March 16, 2022.
Ziegler pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of tax evasion, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for February 3.
Ziegler is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, with the assistance of the Bridgton (Maine) Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry.
Farmington Man Guilty of Selling Prescribed Oxycodone PillsRead 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, on November 9, a federal jury in New Haven found ANTHONY HARRIS, 53, of Farmington, guilty of multiple count involving the illegal distribution of oxycodone.
According to the evidence disclosed during the trial, Harris, who was prescribed oxycodone for a medical condition, unlawfully sold hundreds of oxycodone pills to another individual approximately every three weeks over the course of more than three years. The individual who purchased the pills sold them to customers in the Bristol area.
The jury found Harris guilty of four counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, oxycodone, and not guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, oxycodone.
Harris is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer on February 2, 2023, at which time Harris faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count of conviction.
Harris was arrested on June 3, 2021. He released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Bristol Police Department. The Tactical Diversion Squad includes officers from the Bristol, East Windsor, Hamden, New Britain, West Haven, Newington, Manchester, Glastonbury and Watertown Police Departments. Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Conor M. Reardon and Nathaniel J. Gentile.
ADA Settlement with Greater Waterbury YMCA Ensures Access to Programs for Children with Autism Spectrum DisorderRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that Greater Waterbury YMCA of Waterbury has entered into a settlement agreement with the government to resolve allegations that Greater Waterbury YMCA’s childcare programs and other services were not accessible to a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”).
The matter was initiated by a complaint filed with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut alleging violations of Title III of the ADA. Specifically, the complaint alleges that Greater Waterbury YMCA failed to adequately assist a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder who requires reasonable modifications in order to fully participate in the after-school program.
Title III of the ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities and privileges of any place of public accommodation. Greater Waterbury YMCA is a private entity that operates childcare facilities that are places of “public accommodation” within the meaning of Title III of the ADA.
The settlement agreement resolves the complaint that Greater Waterbury YMCA was discriminating against the child on the basis of disability by failing to conduct an adequate individualized assessment of the child’s specific needs, refusing to make certain reasonable modifications to allow the child to participate in the program, and ultimately disenrolling the child. Under the agreement, Greater Waterbury YMCA is obligated to take critical steps toward improving access for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, including revising its policies and procedures, conducting mandatory training for all employees, and performing initial and ongoing assessments of the need for reasonable accommodations. Greater Waterbury YMCA will evaluate each request on an individualized basis, relying on objective evidence and current medical standards. In addition, Greater Waterbury YMCA will make a compensation payment to the child’s family and will re-enroll the child into the 2022 after-school program for one year at no cost to the family. Finally, the Greater Waterbury YMCA Chief Executive Officer will oversee the implementation of an appropriate childcare plan and will work directly with the family.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to investigate and aggressively enforce violations of the Americas with Disabilities Act, especially violations that affect children and other vulnerable residents of Connecticut,” said U.S. Attorney Avery. “Parents rely on dependable childcare in order to work or go to school, and every child should have equal access to childcare and educational facilities. I thank Greater Waterbury YMCA’s management for their full cooperation during this investigation and for addressing these ADA issues without the need for litigation. Their actions will ensure that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder can enjoy the same benefits that other children enjoy, while giving their parents the confidence that staff will be trained to ensure that their children are well cared for.”
The agreement is effective for two years, during which time the U.S. Attorney’s Office will monitor Greater Waterbury YMCA’s compliance.
A copy of the settlement agreement will be found on www.ada.gov.
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney William M Brown, Jr.
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 Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.
Shelton Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding AmazonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that OSHANE STEWART, 30, of Shelton, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to a charge stemming from his fraud against Amazon.com, Inc. (“Amazon”).
According to court documents and statements made in court, Stewart created multiple vendor accounts with Amazon allowing him to sell merchandise through the website on a third-party basis. He often opened the accounts using false names, email addresses and other identifying information. After setting up the accounts, Stewart represented to Amazon that he was shipping it valuable merchandise to be held for sale by the company. In reality, he would not ship the merchandise, and would later falsely claim that it had been lost, supporting his false claims with fabricated documents. Amazon sent Stewart a series of refunds for the purportedly lost merchandise.
Stewart admitted that his criminal conduct resulted in a loss to Amazon of approximately $742,231.16.
Stewart pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for January 23, 2023. Stewart is released on bond pending sentencing.
Stewart is the third individual to plead guilty in connection with this scheme. On February 10, 2022, Stewart’s brother, Kenoy Stewart, pleaded guilty and admitted that his conduct resulted in a loss to Amazon exceeding $1 million. Rajhni Yankana pleaded guilty on August 26, 2022. Each awaits sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Conor M. Reardon and Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Old Saybrook 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, announced that DIMITRIOS KASSIMIS, also known as Jimmy Kassimis, 58, of Old Saybrook, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to one count of 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 Group and JRC Renovations. Between 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 and paid all of his personal expenses through his business bank accounts, and also 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.
At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Kassimis faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
This investigation has been conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.
Bristol Man and Girlfriend Charged with Committing Numerous Violent Robberies Across ConnecticutRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment today charging LONNY CROSS, 44, and REBECCA BARBERA, 40, both of Bristol, with conspiring to commit numerous violent robberies across Connecticut in September and October of this year. Cross is also charged with a narcotics distribution offense.
As alleged in court documents, the FBI and Connecticut State Police have been working with state and local law enforcement agencies to investigate more than 30 robberies of gas station convenience stores, mini-markets and liquor stores that occurred from September 5 to October 13 in North Branford, Waterbury, Wolcott, Plymouth, New Haven, North Haven, Orange, West Haven, Wethersfield, Bristol, Southington, Naugatuck, Watertown, Franklin, Norwich, Waterford, Groton City, Stonington, Ledyard, Darien, Norwalk, Stratford and Seymour. Several of the robberies occurred on the same day, often minutes apart. Surveillance videos from the stores show what appears to be the same suspect, identified as Cross, entering the stores, brandishing a knife or gun, and robbing the stores. Witnesses to several of the robberies reported that they saw the suspect flee in a dark-colored sedan.
The indictment alleges that Cross would travel to a victim-store with Barbera, who would enter the store to determine the number of employees and customers in the store, exit the store, and then report that information to Cross. Cross would then enter the store, display a knife or firearm while threatening employees, and steal cash and other items.
On October 14, 2022, investigators conducted court-authorized searches of Cross’s and Barbera’s residence, and a black 2014 Chevrolet Impala that Cross was known to drive. The search of the residence revealed clothing consistent with clothing worn by the suspect in several of the robberies, as well as 54 bags of suspected heroin, a quantity of suspected crack cocaine, and narcotics paraphernalia. A search of the car revealed 120 bags of suspected heroin, approximately 14 grams of crack, and a knit hat matching the description of one worn by the suspect during a robbery the day before. Cross, who was on state parole, was arrested on state charges on that date. He has been detained since his arrest.
Barbara was arrested on October 28 on a federal criminal complaint and is currently released on a $10,000 bond.
The indictment charges Cross and Barbera with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Cross is also charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”) and heroin, an offense that also 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 each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI, Connecticut State Police, Orange Police Department, Port Chester (N.Y.) Police Department, and numerous other police departments from the municipalities where the robberies occurred, with the assistance of Connecticut State Parole. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan.