District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Southeastern Connecticut Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Federal Prison for Gun and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DWAYNE JOHNSON, 46, of Norwich, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 130 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for gun and drug offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 14, 2017, Johnson, who had previously been convicted of several felony offenses and was prohibited from possessing firearms, possessed two 12 gauge shotguns, shotgun shells, and quantities of cocaine and marijuana. On June 5, 2018, as part of an overdose death investigation, members of the Waterford and Town of Groton Police Departments executed a state search warrant at Johnson’s former residence in Waterford and seized approximately 200 grams of fentanyl, approximately 100 grams of cocaine, smaller quantities of crack cocaine and heroin, items used to process and package narcotics, 24 cell phones, more than $11,000 in cash, and a loaded .45 caliber handgun.
On May 20, 2019, Johnson pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a controlled substance.
On August 20, 2019, while he was on released on bond, Johnson was arrested by officers from the Norwich Police Department after a shooting occurred at Johnson’s Norwich residence. A related search of the residence revealed approximately 105 grams of cocaine and a quantity of fentanyl. Johnson has been detained since that date.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Town of Groton, Norwich and Waterford Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia Stolfi Collins and Natasha Freismuth.
Shelton Man Charged with Possessing Gun and Ammo While Awaiting Trial in Another Federal CaseRead 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 an indictment charging MIGUEL RIVERA, also known as “Macho,” 30, of Shelton, with possessing a firearm and ammunition while released on bond and awaiting trial in another federal case involving the alleged unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The indictment was returned on September 27, 2022. Rivera appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven and pleaded not guilty. He has been detained since July 13, 2022.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on July 5, 2020, Rivera possessed a Romarm/Cugir, AK Type Model, 7.62 x 39mm caliber, semi-automatic rifle containing a fully-loaded large capacity 30-round magazine.
It is alleged that Rivera’s criminal history includes convictions for felony firearm, robbery and burglary offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
On September 22, 2020, Rivera was charged by indictment with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. He arrested on November 9, 2020, and was released on a $100,000 bond.
The new indictment alleges that, on June 21, 2022, while he was awaiting trial in his initial federal case, Rivera unlawfully possessed a Krieghoff K80 12-gauge shotgun, approximately 50 rounds shotgun ammunition, and approximately 26 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
The indictment charges Rivera with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, and committing the offense while on pretrial release. If convicted, he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. A charge is only an allegation, and 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), and the Connecticut State Police.
These cases are 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.
Manchester Man Charged with Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston, and Manchester Police Chief William Darby today announced that LUIS ROSADO, 29, of Manchester, was arrested yesterday and charged by federal criminal complaint with child exploitation offenses.
Following his arrest, Rosado appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and was released on a $100,000 bond into home confinement and under GPS monitoring.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in April and June 2022, Rosado used two separate Kik Messenger accounts to upload and distribute 83 video files depicting the sexual abuse of children, including prepubescent children.
The complaint charges Rosado with distribution of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 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 matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Connecticut State Police, the Manchester Police Department, and the Connecticut Center for Digital Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Cummings through 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.
Former Morris Resident Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Child Exploitation OffenseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KEVIN CURLEY, 41, formerly of Morris, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for a child exploitation offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, “Tor,” which is an acronym for “The Onion Router,” is a worldwide network of internet-connected computers that is designed to conceal the true IP addresses of the computers on the network and the identities of the network’s users. In 2020, HSI began investigating Curley for his involvement in an online community of individuals who sent and received child pornography images and videos via a hidden service website that operated on the Tor network. On August 5, 2020, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of Curley’s former residence in Morris and seized Curley’s desktop computer. Analysis of the seized computer revealed more than one hundred images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children.
Curley was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on October 8, 2020. On May 25, 2022, he pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography.
Curley, who is released on a $150,000 bond and residing in Naugatuck, is required to report to prison on November 30.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark 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.
Connecticut U.S. Attorney's Office Celebrates U.S. Attorney's AwardsRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office Law Enforcement Awards Ceremony was celebrated this afternoon in New Haven. The ceremony at the City of New Haven’s aldermanic chambers recognized approximately 190 individuals for their investigative efforts and other contributions to 30 significant federal criminal prosecutions and civil cases in Connecticut since 2019. The awards ceremony, typically an annual event, has not been held since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“During a time when the COVID-19 pandemic brought much of world to a standstill, the awardees we honor today, and countless other members of federal, state and local enforcement agencies, found a way to continue their critical work, often at great risk to their own health and safety, to ensure that the wheels of justice never stopped turning,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery. “Their important work has positively impacted communities across our state. They have served Connecticut and our nation with distinction, and we are proud to call them ‘partners.’”
In addition to the criminal and civil case awards, U.S. Attorney Avery presented several special awards during the ceremony.
The U.S. Attorney’s Award for Outstanding Investigator was presented to recently-retired Special Agent James Wines of the Federal Bureau of Investigation who distinguished himself as an invaluable criminal investigator with the FBI Cellular Analysis Survey Team (“CAST”). Special Agent Wines provided critical cell site analysis and testimony in numerous federal and state investigations and prosecutions, including 28 murder trials in Connecticut and neighboring states.
The U.S. Attorney’s Award for Outstanding Partnership was presented to Supervisory Attorney Patrick Ward and Senior Staff Attorneys Robert Ziemiecki and Stephanie Scannell-Vessella of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Attorneys Ward, Ziemicki and Scannell-Vessella have worked closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to defend litigation, including an 850-member class action, brought by medically-vulnerable inmates at FCI Danbury during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The U.S. Attorney’s Outstanding Community Award was presented to Stacy Spell for his superior service as the New Haven Project Manager of Project Longevity, a statewide group violence reduction initiative, and his prior work as a long-time member of the New Haven Police Department and as a community activist.
The Financial Fraud and Public Corruption Unit Award was presented to a team of investigators from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) whose work led to the successful prosecution of Farouq Fasasi and several associates in Connecticut who were involved in lottery scams and romance fraud scams that defrauded primarily elderly victims across the country of more than $5 million. Fasasi and five others were convicted of various charges stemming from the schemes and, in August 2022, Fasasi was sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment.
The Major Crimes Unit Award was given to members of the Town of Groton Police Department, FBI and Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), who jointly investigated Randall Tilton, a U.S. Navy mechanic who sexually assaulted seven infants and children over an eight-year period, and produced videos and images of his sexual abuse. In June 2021, Tilton was sentenced to 210 years of imprisonment.
The Violent Crimes and Narcotics Unit Award was presented an FBI special agent and FBI Task Force Officers from the New Haven Police Department and Milford Police Department who led “Operation Fantasy Island,” an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation targeting members and associates of the Island Brothers gang. The Island Brothers trafficked heroin, crack and cocaine in both the New Haven region and the area of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, and engaged in violence to protect its turf. Twenty-Five individuals were convicted of various drug and firearm offenses as a result of the investigation.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut and representing the federal government in civil litigation. The Office is composed of approximately 68 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and 57 staff members at offices in New Haven, Bridgeport and Hartford.
Bronx Man Sentenced to 87 Months in Federal Prison for Supplying Heroin and Cocaine to Waterbury Drug RingRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALGENYS PAULINO, also known as “Chico” and “Lying Queen,” 34, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 87 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for supplying narcotics to members of a Waterbury-area drug trafficking ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2020, the DEA New Haven Task Force and Waterbury Police Department began an investigation into a drug trafficking organization that was distributing large amounts of heroin, cocaine and crack in the Waterbury area, and was believed to be headed by Zachary Lee Foster, who worked closely with Jason Metz of Naugatuck. The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones used by members of the organization, physical surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, and motor vehicle stops that resulted in the seizure of drugs. In December 2020 and January 2021, Paulino was intercepted multiple times on a wiretap negotiating the sale of bulk quantities of heroin and cocaine to Foster and Metz.
On March 1, 2021, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Paulino, Foster, Metz and 14 others. Paulino was arrested on March 2, 2021.
Foster, Metz, and several associates were arrested on March 3, 2021. In association with these arrests, law enforcement executed seven search warrants and seized approximately 40,000 bags of suspected heroin, 350 grams of cocaine and 50 grams of crack cocaine, and nine firearms
Paulino has been detained since his arrest. On March 1, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
Foster and Metz also pleaded guilty. On June 8, 2022, Metz was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment. Foster awaits sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department. The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the 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.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick F. Caruso and Brendan Keefe through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Waterbury for its close cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.
Yale Agrees to Pay $308K to Resolve Allegations of Violations of Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that Yale University, on behalf of Yale Medicine and the Yale Fertility Center, has entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal government in which it will pay a total of $308,250 to resolve allegations that it violated civil provisions of the Controlled Substances Act.
The Yale Fertility Center is a fertility medical practice located on Yale University’s West Campus, in Orange, Connecticut. The Yale Fertility Center is operated by Yale Medicine, the clinical practice for the Yale School of Medicine, and a component of Yale University (collectively, “Yale”). The settlement resolves allegations that Yale failed to maintain complete and accurate records concerning the controlled substances it purchased and dispensed at the Yale Fertility Center, and failed to provide effective controls and procedures to guard against theft and diversion of controlled substances.
In November 2020, Donna Monticone, a nurse responsible for ordering and inventorying controlled substances at the Yale Fertility Center, was discovered to have tampered with vials of fentanyl. The fentanyl was kept at the Yale Fertility Center for patient use during out-patient surgical fertility procedures. A criminal investigation revealed that Monticone stole the fentanyl for her own use. She withdrew the fentanyl from the vials, reinjected saline into the vials and reintroduced the vials into the stock of the Yale Fertility Center to be used during surgical procedures.
In March 2021, Monticone pleaded guilty in federal court to tampering with a consumer product. A related civil investigation identified 685 separate occasions in which the record-keeping requirements of the Controlled Substances Act were allegedly violated by Yale. The DEA’s audit of the Yale Fertility Center’s inventory of controlled substances revealed discrepancies of 665 units of controlled substances, including vials of fentanyl 100mcg, ketamine 10mg, and midazolam 2mg. The investigation also found that Yale failed to maintain an initial inventory, failed to keep a record of destruction of controlled substances, and was unable to readily produce DEA e222 forms, which are required records for purchase and sale of Schedule II controlled substances.
Congress, with the passage of the Controlled Substances Act, took steps to create “a closed system” of distribution for controlled substances in which every facet of the handling of the substances – from their manufacture to their consumption by the ultimate user – was to be subject to intense governmental regulation. This mission was taken against the backdrop of trying to prevent the diversion and abuse of legitimate controlled substances, while still ensuring that an adequate supply of those substances meet the medical and scientific needs of the United States.
“This settlement highlights our office’s efforts to ensure compliance with the Controlled Substances Act,” said U.S. Attorney Avery. “Healthcare providers’ obligations to keep accurate records and safeguard access to controlled substances are key to prevent diversion of these powerful drugs, and to ensure the safety of our community.”
“The DEA is committed to ensuring that all registrants are in compliance with the required regulations, which are enforceable through the Controlled Substances Act,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England. “Failure to do so increases the potential for diversion and jeopardizes public health and public safety. DEA pledges to work with our law enforcement and regulatory partners to ensure these rules and regulations are followed.”
This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Office of Diversion Control. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Kaczmarek.
Massachusetts Man Sentenced to 66 Months in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TEVIN GONZALEZ, 25, of Holyoke, Massachusetts, was sentenced today by U.S. Circuit Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in Bridgeport to 66 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing firearms.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the summer of 2021, Gonzalez was involved in shooting and fire-bombing incidents in and around Springfield, Massachusetts. Gonzalez was arrested at a hotel in Enfield, Connecticut, on September 3, 2021. At the time of his arrest, he possessed two semiautomatic pistols.
Gonzalez’s criminal history includes convictions in Massachusetts for felony drug, firearm and resisting arrest 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.
Gonzalez has been detained since his arrest. On March 25, 2022, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of firearms by a felon.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Massachusetts State Police, Enfield Police Department and Springfield Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Keefe 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.
Connecticut U.S. Attorney’s Office Takes Part in Department’s Wide-Ranging Efforts to Protect Older AdultsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today announced the results of its efforts over the past year to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation. During the past year, the Department and its law enforcement partners tackled matters that ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made over the last year to return money to fraud victims. Today, the Department also announced it is expanding its Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to amplify efforts to combat scams originating overseas.
“We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”
“Elder fraud schemes are becoming more sophisticated and more dastardly, and our office will continue to prioritize the prosecution of individuals who victimize vulnerable individuals,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery. “We are also committed to engaging with older members of our community to help them avoid scams that put them at great financial risk.”
From September 2021 to September 2022, Justice Department personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged.
Elder fraud cases prosecuted in the District of Connecticut include:
- U.S. v. Clason – Matthew Clason, of Cheshire, was a registered investment advisor who stole more than $600,000 from an elderly client. In December 2021, he was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment.
- U.S. v. Fasasi, et al – Farouq Fasasi and several associates in Connecticut were involved in lottery scams and romance fraud scams that defrauded primarily elderly victims across the country of more than $5 million. One elderly Connecticut resident lost more than $1 million. Fasasi and five others were convicted of various charges stemming from the schemes. In August 2022, Fasasi was sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment.
- U.S. v. Senerth – Douglas Senerth, of South Windsor, stole approximately $679,000 from his grandparents by falsely claiming to be a college student and inducing them to give him money to pay for nonexistent college tuition and other related expenses, and funds that he claimed he would invest on their behalf. In July 2022, he was sentenced to 18 months of imprisonment.
- U.S. v. Singh – Jhanannie Singh, of Queens, New York, stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in U.S. Savings Bonds from an elderly woman for whom she provided home health services, and then enlisted others to help her sell the bonds. Singh pleaded guilty in August 2022 and awaits sentencing.
- U.S. v. Ivy – Gregory Ivy, of New Haven, stole blank checks from a retired woman for whom he performed odd jobs. Ivy forged the victims signature on some of the checks and deposit them into his personal account, and also provided checks to another individual, who further shared the victim’s bank account information. The victim lost more than $479,000 through this scheme, and Ivy personally stole more than $162,000. Ivy pleaded guilty in September 2022 and awaits sentencing.
As part of the District of Connecticut’s elder fraud efforts, it engages in outreach to the community and industry to raise awareness about scams and exploitation and preventing victimization. This year, members of the office have made presentations at several community senior centers in Connecticut, AARP-CT roundtables and law enforcement conferences.
The Justice Department also highlighted three other efforts: expansion of the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force, success in returning money to victims and efforts to combat grandparent scams.
The Department announced that, as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice, it is expanding the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, adding 14 new U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat largest and most harmful fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults.
In the past year, the Justice Department has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for remission payments. Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies prosecuted by the Department and were later victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. More than 150,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $52 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks. Also notified were consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union. In the past year, the Department has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission. Since March 2020, more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million as a result of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and its aiding and abetting of wire fraud.
Over the past year, the Justice Department pursued cases against the perpetrators of “grandparent scams,” otherwise known as “person-in-need scams.” These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member. Call recipients are told that their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money. When recently sentencing one of eight perpetrators of a grandparent scam indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal judge described such scams “heartbreakingly evil.” The Department is working with government partners and others to raise awareness about these schemes.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 833-372-8311. This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professional who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.[ET]. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.
Some of the cases that comprise today’s announcement are charges, which are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney Avery Commits Office to Ensuring Environmental Justice for All Connecticut ResidentsRead the Press Release
New Haven, Conn. – Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today affirmed the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s commitment to ensure environmental justice for all Connecticut residents.
The U.S. Department of Justice’s comprehensive Environmental Justice Enforcement Strategy aims to ensure that all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, receive fair treatment and meaningful involvement with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies. In coordination with local, state, federal and tribal partners, as well as members of the community, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is identifying areas of environmental justice concern in Connecticut. The Office will use all available federal civil and criminal enforcement tools, including environmental protection laws, civil rights laws, the False Claims Act, and worker safety and consumer protection statutes, to advance environmental justice by seeking timely and effective remedies for injury to natural resources, and to correct systemic environmental violations and contaminations in underserved communities that have been historically marginalized and overburdened, including low-income communities and communities of color.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to delivering justice to the residents of Connecticut who are disproportionately burdened by the health and economic impacts of environmental hazards,” said U.S. Attorney Avery. “Every resident of the State of Connecticut benefits from rigorous enforcement of federal environmental laws that safeguard a healthy environment.”
U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery has appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne F. Thidemann as the District of Connecticut’s Environmental Justice Coordinator, and encourages Connecticut residents to report environmental justice concerns to Assistant U.S. Attorney Thidemann at [email protected]. Environmental, health and safety concerns can also be reported to the following agencies:
- For concerns about air quality, climate change, chemicals and toxics, or health, land, waste, and cleanup, report the violation to the Environmental Protection Agency at https://echo.epa.gov/report-environmental-violations
- For concerns about workplace conditions such as chemicals or noxious fumes, contact the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) at 800-321-6742 or https://www.osha.gov/ords/osha7/eComplaintForm.html
- For concerns about the destruction of wetlands, contact your local district branch of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Office at 978-318-8338 or [email protected] (USACE, New England District)
- For concerns about discriminatory environmental and health impacts caused by recipients of federal funds, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut’s Civil Rights Unit at [email protected]
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut and representing the federal government in civil litigation. The District is composed of approximately 68 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and approximately 57 staff members at offices in New Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport.
Manchester Man Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking FentanylRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID CINTRON, 26, of Manchester, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl.
In July 2019, the DEA’s Hartford Task Force began investigating a Mexican-based drug trafficking organization that was distributing fentanyl and heroin in Connecticut. The investigation revealed that Cintron, Armando Gonzalez and other members of the organization received kilogram-quantities of narcotics, primarily fentanyl, from a source in Mexico, and then distributed the drug to street-level distributors. Members of the organization delivered cash generated from the sale of narcotics to a money broker in Brooklyn, New York, who assisted in laundering the narcotics proceeds before they were transferred to leaders of the drug trafficking organization. Between August and October 2019, investigators seized more than $200,000 in cash from members of the drug trafficking organization.
Cintron and Gonzalez used several locations to store, process and package fentanyl for street stale, including office space on Pratt Street in Hartford, an apartment in the Asylum Hill neighborhood in Hartford, and an apartment in New Britain.
Cintron, Gonzalez and three associates were arrested on federal charges on April 28, 2020. On that date, investigators searched the New Britain apartment and seized numerous bags of suspected fentanyl, items used to process and package narcotics, a 9mm firearm, 9mm ammunition, and cash. Cintron was located in the bathroom of his Manchester residence, flushing suspected fentanyl in the toilet.
On June 3, 2020, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Cintron, Gonzalez and eight others with narcotics distribution and money laundering offenses. On May 11, 2022, Cintron pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. He has been detained since his arrest on April 28, 2020.
Gonzalez, of New Britain, pleaded guilty to related charges and, on June 27, 2022, was sentenced to 120 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. Agencies assisting the investigation include the DEA New York Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Strike Force and the New York Police Department.
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.
Plainville Man Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation 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, announced that KYLE FASOLD, 52, of Plainville, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to child exploitation offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 6, 2020, after an investigation revealed that Fasold had uploaded images of child pornography to the dark web, HSI special agents, with the assistance of the Plainville Police Department and Connecticut State Police, executed a court-authorized search of Fasold’s residence and seized numerous electronic devices. Analysis of the seized devices revealed that between June 2017 and February 2020, Fasold surreptitiously recorded at least 29 minors, as well as several adults, by placing video-recording devices in locations where he knew minors would likely be partially or fully naked, including bathrooms in his residence, the girl’s locker room in Plainville High School, and the bathroom adjacent to the coach’s office in Plainville High School. Fasold edited the videos to produce approximately 391 images depicting lascivious exhibition of the victims’ genitals or pubic area, and uploaded numerous images to the dark web.
At time of the offense, Fasold was a parent volunteer for a youth recreational swim program in Plainville.
Fasold pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, and one count of distribution of child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for December 22.
Fasold has been detained since his arrest on March 6, 2020.
This investigation has been conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Plainville Police Department and the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
New Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ROY REID, also known as “Jama,” 34, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to a fentanyl trafficking offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the fall of 2021, the New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force and New Haven Police Department began investigating a drug trafficking ring that was distributing fentanyl, heroin crack and cocaine in and around the West Hills neighborhood, including the McConaughy Terrace housing complex, in New Haven. The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps, fixed video surveillance and controlled purchases of narcotics. Between June 2021 and January 2022, investigators made five controlled purchases of fentanyl from Reid.
Reid pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution, of fentanyl, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Judge Nagala scheduled sentencing for December 20.
Reid was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on April 5, 2022. He is released on a $150,000 bond pending sentencing.
In November 2013, Reid was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 26 months of imprisonment for a heroin trafficking offense.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The Task Force includes participants from the New Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, East Haven Police Department, West Haven Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Connecticut Department of Correction.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Kenneth L. Gresham through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
New Haven Man Charged with Gun and Drug 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 an indictment charging TEEJAY JOHNSON, 37, of New Haven, with unlawful firearm possession and fentanyl distribution offenses.
The indictment was returned on September 6, 2022. Johnson, who has been detained since his federal arrest on April 21, 2022, appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in count, on March 9, 2022, members of the New Haven Police Department Shooting Task Force and other law enforcement officers executed a state search warrant at Johnson’s residence. Johnson was found coming out of the bathroom and suspected narcotics had been flushed down the toilet. Investigators collected samples of suspected narcotics from the bathroom, and found in other areas of the residence fentanyl and other suspected narcotics, suspected marijuana, more than $8,600 in cash, and a loaded .40 caliber handgun with an extended magazine and 16 rounds of ammunition.
Johnson’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for firearm and assault related offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
The indictment charges Johnson with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that charges are not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the New Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia King.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Hartford Man Sentenced for Drug Distribution and Gun Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHANNON DAVIS, 29, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to approximately 34 months of imprisonment, time already served, and three years of supervised release, for drug distribution and firearm possession offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2019, an investigation revealed that Davis was selling drugs from his Franklin Avenue residence. Davis was arrested on November 25, 2019, after a court-authorized search of his residence revealed approximately 100 dose bags of fentanyl, approximately 28 grams of crack cocaine, items used to process and package narcotics for distribution, and two loaded handguns.
Davis’ criminal history includes state felony convictions for firearm possession and assault 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.
Davis has been detained since his arrest. On March 23, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Hartford Police Department’s Vice, Intelligence and Narcotics Unit. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret M. Donovan and 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.
Armed Norwich Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMES BAKER, 37, of Norwich, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four 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 February 3, 2021, Norwich Police stopped Baker for a motor vehicle violation and found a loaded, .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol under the driver’s seat of the vehicle, and more than 600 bags of fentanyl on his person.
Baker’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for assault, burglary, weapon and drug offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Baker has been detained since February 3, 2021. On June 27, 2022, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Norwich 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.
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 New Haven Teen with Carjacking, Firearm and Conspiracy 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, today announced that, on September 22, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned a superseding indictment charging TIHAJA ORTIZ-TUCKER, also known as “TJ,” 19, of New Haven, with carjacking, firearm and conspiracy offenses.
As alleged in court documents, on at least three occasions between March 2022 and July 2022, Ortiz-Tucker and others posed as interested buyers of motor vehicles advertised by Connecticut residents (the “victim-sellers”) on Facebook Marketplace. Ortiz-Tucker and his co-conspirators then arranged to meet in person with the victim-sellers for the purported purpose of test driving and purchasing the motor vehicles. At the conclusion of the purported test drives, Ortiz-Tucker and his co-conspirators stole, at gunpoint, the vehicles, as well as certificates of title, bills of sale, and other ownership documents. Ortiz-Tucker and his co-conspirators then posed as the legitimate owners of the stolen motor vehicles and advertised them for sale on the OfferUp online platform.
It is further alleged that Ortiz-Tucker was involved in two carjackings of Uber drivers in May 2022. In both instances, an Uber driver picked up the carjacker in New Haven and drove to Wallingford where the cars were taken from the Uber drivers at gunpoint. Both cars were later recovered in the same area of Hamden.
Ortiz-Tucker was arrested on a criminal complaint on July 22, 2022.
The indictment charges Ortiz-Tucker with one count of conspiracy, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years; three counts of taking a motor vehicle from a person by force, violence and intimidation (“carjacking”), an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years on each count; and one count of carrying, using and brandishing a firearm in connection with a crime of violence, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least seven years.
Ortiz-Tucker has been detained since September 2, 2022, when his bond was revoked.
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 matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Violent Crime Task Force, the Connecticut State Police and the Wallingford, New Haven, Hamden, Waterbury, and Bridgeport Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah P. Karwan and Tara E. Levens.
U.S. Attorney Avery encouraged those who sell and purchase items online, and need to meet an individual in person to complete the sale, to use a visible, monitored location. Contact your local police department to see if it offers a monitored meeting location, or search online for a nearby monitored location.
Two Maryland Men Charged with Trafficking Thousands of Fentanyl Pills into ConnecticutRead 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 yesterday charging OSCAR FLORES, 34, of Mount Rainier, Maryland, and SEVERO ALELAR, 25, of Hyattsville, Maryland, with fentanyl trafficking offenses.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on September 8, 2022, Flores, Alelar and others arrived in an SUV at a meeting location in Wethersfield to sell approximately 15,000 fentanyl pills to an undercover DEA agent. After Flores showed the undercover agent a sample on the fentanyl pills, the agent indicated that he needed to travel to another location to pick up the money. Flores, Alelar and the others followed the undercover agent’s vehicle as they traveled south into Rocky Hill. When a Rocky Hill police officer attempted to stop the SUV for a traffic violation, the SUV sped and ran over a roadside curb onto a grass area along the side of the road where law enforcement vehicles boxed it in. Investigators searched the SUV and found numerous Nerds candy boxes and Skittles candy bags containing thousands of fentanyl pills.
“Trafficking fentanyl is already and undoubtedly a serious offense, but one doesn’t have to stretch their imagination too far to consider how disguising fentanyl pills in children’s candy packaging, as we allege, can result in even more tragic consequences in the community,” said U.S. Attorney Avery. “I thank the DEA Task Force members for their work in this investigation and for taking this substantial quantity of fentanyl off the street.”
“Fentanyl is causing deaths in record numbers and DEA’s top priority is to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes this poison in order to profit and destroy people’s lives,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Boyle. “Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities so every time we take pills containing fentanyl off the streets, lives are undoubtedly saved. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative local, county and state law enforcement efforts in Connecticut and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices.”
The indictment charges Flores and Alelar with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Each charge carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 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.
Flores and Alelar have been detained since September 8, 2022.
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. The 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.
Norwalk Drug Distributor Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that KOUDRIS POUNDER, 38, formerly of Norwalk, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing controlled substances.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the fall of 2019, Norwalk Police made controlled purchases of cocaine and MDMA (“ecstasy”) from Pounder. On November 19, 2020, a court-authorized search of Pounder’s residence revealed distribution quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, phencyclidine (PCP) and marijuana; items used to process and package drugs for street sale; and firearm parts.
Pounder was federally arrested on January 30, 2020. On February 24, 2022, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
This is Pounder’s second federal conviction.
Pounder, who is released on a $50,000 bond and residing in the Bronx, New York, is required to report to prison on November 16.
This investigation was conducted by the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and the Norwalk Police Department. The HIDTA Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford and Danbury Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Boyles.
Federal Inmate Involved in Fentanyl Trafficking Ring Sentenced to Years More in PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FELIX CANCEL, JR., 49, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 108 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in a fentanyl ring while incarcerated in a federal prison.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2008, Cancel was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 240 months of imprisonment for narcotics distribution and money laundering offenses stemming from his leadership on an extensive Hartford-based heroin trafficking organization. Cancel has been detained in federal custody since March 2007.
In July 2019, the DEA’s Hartford Task Force began investigating a Mexican-based drug trafficking organization that was distributing fentanyl and heroin in Connecticut. The investigation revealed that Armando Gonzalez, David Cintron and other members of the organization received kilogram-quantities of narcotics, primarily fentanyl, from a source in Mexico, and then distributed the drug to street-level distributors. Members of the organization delivered cash generated from the sale of narcotics to a money broker in Brooklyn, New York, who assisted in laundering the narcotics proceeds before they were transferred to leaders of the drug trafficking organization. Between August and October 2019, investigators seized more than $200,000 in cash from members of the drug trafficking organization.
Gonzalez and Cintron used several locations to store, process and package fentanyl for street stale, including office space on Pratt Street in Hartford, an apartment in the Asylum Hill neighborhood in Hartford, and an apartment in New Britain.
The investigation revealed that, while he was incarcerated at a federal prison in New Hampshire, Cancel used a contraband cellphone to help coordinate large-scale fentanyl transactions between the Mexican source and Gonzalez and Cintron in Connecticut.
On June 3, 2020, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Cancel, Gonzalez, Cintron and seven others with narcotics distribution and money laundering offenses. On April 18, 2022, Cancel pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Gonzalez and Cintron pleaded guilty to related charges. On June 27, 2022, Gonzalez, of New Britain, was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment. Cintron, of Manchester, is scheduled to be sentenced on September 30.
Judge Hall imposed the 108-month prison term concurrently with Cancel’s prior federal sentence, which has an anticipated completion date in August 2024.
The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments. Agencies assisting the investigation include the DEA New York Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Strike Force and the New York Police Department.
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.
Bloomfield Man Sentenced to 87 Months in Federal Prison for Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PHILLIP GARCIA, also known as “Flip,” 50, last residing in Bloomfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 87 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, an investigation by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force revealed that Garcia sold cocaine, as well as fentanyl disguised as oxycodone pills, through a network of associates in the Hartford area. The investigation also revealed that Garcia unlawfully possessed firearms. Between July and December 2020, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl pills and cocaine from Garcia and his associates. Investigators also acquired from Garcia two handguns, one of which was stolen, and firearm magazines.
Garcia was arrested on December 16, 2020. On February 14, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
Garcia has been detained since his arrest.
Judge Shea also ordered Garcia to forfeit his 2018 Cadillac XTS, and $19,472 in cash.
The FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Konstantin Lantsman and Brian Leaming, 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.
Vernon Man Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RONDELL CHAMBERS, 32, of Vernon, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 33 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing a loaded firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 17, 2020, Hartford Police stopped a vehicle in which Chambers was a passenger in order to arrest Chambers on outstanding warrants. When Chambers stepped out of the vehicle, he dropped a satchel containing a loaded Bersa Firestorm .40 caliber pistol. Chambers was arrested and the firearm was seized.
Chambers’ criminal history includes multiple state felony convictions for drug and gun 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 27, 2022, Chambers pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.
Chambers, who is released on a $150,000 bond, is required to report to prison on November 11.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elena L. Coronado and David Sheldon 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.
Nurse Sentenced to Prison for Tampering with Fentanyl VialsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRYAN WILSON, 40, of Madison, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for tampering with fentanyl vials at the company where he was employed. Judge Shea also ordered Wilson to pay a $5,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Wilson was employed as a nurse by The Vascular Experts, a Connecticut company that performs outpatient medical procedures. As part of his duties, Wilson was responsible for conducting sedations on patients and he had access to the secure area in his workplace that contained vials of drugs used as anesthetics, including fentanyl. In August and September 2021, Wilson took vials of fentanyl that were intended to be used to formulate infusion for patients. He used a syringe to withdraw the fentanyl from the vials and reinjected saline into the vials so that it would appear as if none of the narcotics were missing. When another nurse at the company noticed that vials had been tampered with, and Wilson was subsequently questioned by company officials, Wilson admitted that he stole the fentanyl and used it to treat a medical condition.
On February 10, 2022, Wilson pleaded guilty to one count of tampering with a consumer product.
Wilson, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on January 9, 2023.
Wilson has surrendered his nursing license.
This matter was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations; the DEA’s Hartford Diversion Control Division; and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Drug Control Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
Manchester Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Fentanyl in HartfordRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAYMOND JURADO, 36, of Manchester, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2017, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and Hartford Police Department received information that Jurado’s associate, Randy Texidor, was distributing significant quantities of heroin. Between October and December 2017, investigators made eight controlled purchases of escalating quantities of heroin and/or fentanyl from Texidor, and on another four occasions purchased heroin/fentanyl from Jurado. The investigation revealed that Texidor and Jurado used an apartment on Wadsworth Street in Hartford to process, package and store heroin. On February 13, 2018, a court-authorized search of the apartment revealed approximately 92 grams of fentanyl, 23 grams of heroin, 500 dose bags of suspected heroin/fentanyl, items used to process and package narcotics, a .380 caliber pistol, and $5,981 in cash.
Jurado and Texidor were arrested on February 13, 2018. On April 28, 2022, Jurado pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Jurado, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on November 9.
Texidor pleaded guilty to fentanyl distribution and gun possession offenses and, on March 18, 2021, was sentenced to 72 months of imprisonment.
The FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case was being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
East Hartford Resident Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Federal Prison for Child Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOEL LINDSAY, also known as “Joey Guapo,” 24, a citizen of Jamaica last residing in East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 135 months of imprisonment for child sex trafficking.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2019, Lindsay conspired with his associate, Joseph Pina, to recruit, entice and transport a 16-year-old girl to engage in commercial sex acts. Specifically, on October 17, 2019, Lindsay, Pina and another individual picked up the minor victim and took her to a hotel in East Windsor. At the hotel, they took photographs of the minor victim and posted her photos on a website to advertise her sexual services. Lindsay and Pina then arranged prostitution appointments for the minor victim. On that night, the minor victim earned at least $100 from prostitution appointments, all of which she gave to Lindsay.
On October 18, 2019, Lindsay and Pina posted more advertisements on the same web site and arranged prostitution appointments for the minor victim at a hotel in Windsor Locks. The following two days, Lindsay and Pina posted advertisements on the website and the minor victim saw additional prostitution customers. The victim again gave all of the money earned through these appointments to Lindsay.
The investigation further revealed that Lindsay and Pina engaged in sexual activity with the minor victim, even though they knew that she was under the age of 18. The minor victim also reported to investigators that Lindsay physically assaulted her.
Lindsay, a citizen of Jamaica, has been detained since arrest on August 20, 2020. On October 15, 2021, he pleaded to sex trafficking of a minor.
Lindsay faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.
Pina pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor and, on March 2, 2022, was sentenced to 96 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel M. Krull.
Bridgeport Man Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation OffenseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL NASTU, 63, of Bridgeport, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to a child exploitation offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2021, Nastu, using the Kik social media application, initiated a chat with an FBI Online Covert Employee who was posing as a 14-year-old girl from Connecticut. Between March 31 and June 25, 2021, Nastu sent the OCE sexually explicit messages and several pictures and videos of male genitalia, and he attempted to entice the OCE to send him child pornography in return. Although they had multiple text exchanges about meeting in person, Nastu never travelled to meet the OCE.
Nastu pleaded guilty to one count of attempted transfer of obscene materials to a minor, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Nastu was arrested on a criminal complaint on June 30, 2021. He is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda S. Oakes 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.
Newington Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody today announced that GLEN DAUPHIN, 50, of Newington, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to a firearm offense stemming from his unlawful possession of numerous firearms, firearm components and ammunition.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2021, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and Hartford Police Department learned that Dauphin was a user of crack cocaine who had amassed at his Tremont Street residence a large collection of firearms, some of which he knew were unlawful to possess, and numerous rounds of ammunition. Investigators also received information that Dauphin possessed firearm components, ammunition, “ghost guns” and parts used to manufacture ghost guns.
On June 24, 2021, investigators made a controlled purchase of more than 100 rounds of ammunition and a ghost gun “kit” from Dauphin. Dauphin was arrested later that day after investigators conducted a court authorized search of his residence and seized more than 40 firearms, including handguns, shotguns and assault-type rifles; firearm components, including two silencers; other weapons and devices, including a flamethrower; and more than 30,000 rounds of ammunition.
Dauphin pleaded guilty to one count of possession of an unregistered silencer, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Dauphin is released on a $200,000 bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for December 21.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department’s Vice Intelligence and Narcotics Division, with the assistance of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Newington Police Department. The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Margaret M. Donovan.
Indictment Charges Hamden Man with Drug and Gun 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 LATRELL ROUNTREE, 27, of Hamden, with drug and firearm offenses.
The indictment was returned on September 14, 2022, and Rountree was arrested yesterday. He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven, entered a plea of not guilty to the charges, and was ordered detained.
As alleged in the indictment and statements made in court, on May 24, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Rountree’s residence and seized quantities of crack cocaine and fentanyl, three semi-automatic pistols, and ammunition. As police arrived, Rountree attempted to flee by jumping over the railing of the apartment’s balcony. He was arrested and charged with related state offenses.
It is further alleged that Rountree’s criminal history includes felony convictions for firearm offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
The indictment charges Rountree with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base (“crack”), which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years; and unlawful possession of firearms by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Haven and Hamden Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Gresham 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.
Bolton Man Sentenced to 45 Months in Federal Prison for Fraud and Tax OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MARK PAGANI, 61, of Bolton, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 45 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for fraud and tax evasion offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2013 to at least August 2015, Pagani conspired with another person (“K.S.”), who is now deceased, to defraud a victim investor of more than $1 million. K.S. arranged investment deals with the victim, including the purported acquisition of mortgages on properties. Pagani drafted documents to memorialize certain investment deals, accepted funds from the victim and held the funds in accounts he controlled, and he transferred funds to entities controlled by K.S. and others. By the time the victim investor made a third investment, which was to acquire mortgages on properties in Springfield, Massachusetts, and Middletown, Connecticut, Pagani knew that the first two investments had not occurred, and that the third investment was not legitimate. In association with the third investment, the victim wired more than $1.3 million to an account Pagani controlled. These funds were comingled with other funds, which Pagani sent a portion of to an entity for the benefit of K.S. In order to conceal the fraud and to create the appearance that it was a legitimate investment, Pagani wired false interest payments to the victim.
In addition, for the 2014 through 2017 tax years, Pagani paid for personal and other expenses using his law firm account and underreported his income on his federal tax returns, resulting in a tax loss of $181,702. Pagani was previously a practicing attorney with a law office in Wethersfield.
Judge Bryant will issue a restitution order at a later date.
On August 20, 2021, Pagani pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and one count of tax evasion.
This is Pagani’s third federal conviction.
Pagani, who is released on bond, was ordered to report to prison on January 13, 2023.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer R. Laraia and Michael S. McGarry.
New Haven Man Admits Stealing More Than $160K from Retired Woman's Bank AccountRead 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 GREGORY IVY, 23, of New Haven, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to one count of bank fraud.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2018, Ivy began working for a retired woman (“the victim”), doing odd jobs for her. In October 2018, Ivy began to steal checks from the victim’s checkbook while in her home. He then wrote checks payable to himself, forged the victim’s signature on the checks, and deposited the checks into his personal credit union account. Ivy also gave stolen blank checks on which he had forged the victim’s signature to another individual, who then cashed or deposited the checks. That individual then recruited other individuals, including Lamont Bethea, to cash or deposit stolen checks on which Ivy had forged the victim’s signature.
Bethea used the information on the stolen checks, including the bank routing number and the victim’s bank account number, to arrange electronic funds transfers (EFTs) from the victim’s bank account to make payments for himself, his family members, and other friends or acquaintances. Bethea used these EFTs to pay credit cards bills, rent, car insurance, student loans, cell phone bills, and other payments for himself and others. Bethea also provided the victim’s routing and bank account numbers to other individuals so they could arrange similar EFTs for themselves and others from the victim’s account.
Ivy, Bethea and other participants attempted to obtain a total of $624,818.28 from the victim’s bank account. Because the victim’s bank account became overdrawn, some attempted check deposits or EFTs were reversed, resulting in a loss to the victim of $479,569.08. Ivy personally stole $162,942 from the victim during his involvement in the scheme, which lasted until May 2021.
Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for December 21, at which time Ivy faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.
Ivy was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on November 8, 2021. He is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
Bethea and his family members and friends stole more than $131,000 from the victim. On September 1, 2022, Bethea pleaded guilty to fraud offenses stemming from this scheme and a separate, unrelated scheme. He awaits sentencing.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of Bank of America. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon.
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). For more information, please visit. https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/stop-elder-fraud/providing-help-restoring-hope.
Citizen of Jamaica Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding MedicaidRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARVEL JOHNSON, 50, a citizen of Jamaica residing in Derby, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 12 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for making false statements to receive Medicaid benefits.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately 2008 and 2020, Johnson used false social security numbers to enroll and maintain his enrollment in the Connecticut Medicaid health care benefits program known as “Husky.” In November 2015, called Access Health CT, the agency responsible for administering Medicaid/Husky enrollment for Connecticut, and provided false social security numbers in an attempt to receive retroactive insurance coverage for his recently-born son. Johnson did not receive the retroactive coverage for his son, but he and his family continued to remain enrolled in Husky. In 2018, following a verification request by Access Health CT for a citizenship document, Johnson mailed a false New Jersey birth certificate bearing his name. Johnson was, in fact, born in Jamaica.
Judge Meyer ordered Johnson to pay restitution of $150,380.83
Johnson was arrested on November 19, 2020. On April 28, 2022, he pleaded guilty to making false statements in health care matters.
Johnson, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on December 1.
This investigation was conducted by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG); Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service’s Office of Fraud Detection and National Security; the U.S. Department of State, Office of Inspector General; and the Connecticut Department of Social Services. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Gresham.
Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing Stolen Gun, Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAVON MOORNING, 43, of New Haven, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to possession of a stolen firearm. Moorning also admitted that he violated the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2011, Moorning was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 100 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine. In December 2014, Moorning’s sentence was reduced to 84 months of imprisonment.
Moorning was released from federal prison in June 2018. Shortly after his release, and while on supervised release, he sold heroin and crack cocaine to an individual working with law enforcement. When Moorning was arrested on July 24, 2018, he possessed additional amounts of heroin and crack cocaine. Moorning pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin and cocaine base (“crack”), and he admitted that he had violated his supervised release. On January 9, 2019, he was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release.
Moorning was released from prison in April 2020. On May 17, 2022, he was a passenger in a car that crashed into a tree behind a residence on Whitney Avenue in Hamden after he and an associate attempted to flee from state probation and Hamden Police officers who were serving probation violation warrants. Moorning ran from the vehicle, removed a 9mm handgun from his waistband and tossed it to the ground. State probation officers apprehended Moorning and found him in possession of approximately 20 individual-dose bags of suspected heroin, and quantities of crack cocaine and MDMA pills. A Hamden Police officer recovered the firearm that Moorning had discarded. The handgun, which was loaded, and had been reported stolen in South Carolina in 2020.
Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for December 7, at which time Moorning faces a maximum term of imprisonment 10 years for possessing the stolen firearm, and up to two years of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
Moorning has been detained since June 3, 2022.
This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Hamden Police Department, the Connecticut Office of Adult Probation, and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan.
Dominican National Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that REGINO MORILLO-ESPINAL, 40, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in Allentown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 48 months of imprisonment for a fentanyl trafficking offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force identified Morillo-Espinal as a member of a fentanyl trafficking ring. On March 26, 2021, investigators stopped Morillo-Espinal’s vehicle on I-91 South after he had traveled from Allentown to multiple locations in Hartford. He was arrested after a search of the vehicle revealed approximately two kilograms of suspected fentanyl.
Morillo-Espinal has been detained since his arrest. On October 27, 2021, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
Morillo-Espinal faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.
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.
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.
West Haven Man Admits Trafficking Cocaine Through the U.S. MailRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JEAN MANGUAL-CASTRO, 35, of West Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to a cocaine trafficking offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation headed by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force revealed that Mangual-Castro was orchestrating shipments of cocaine through the U.S. Mail from Puerto Rico. On December 20, 2021, after investigators identified a suspicious package that had been delivered to the West Haven residence of Mangual-Castro’s mother, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of the residence and seized approximately two kilograms of cocaine, a Rolex watch, jewelry, and approximately $2,900 in cash. During the investigation, law enforcement also found at another location approximately three kilograms of cocaine that had been mailed from Puerto Rico to Connecticut at Mangual-Castro’s direction. Investigators identified more than 30 suspicious parcels that had been shipped from Puerto Rico to addresses connected to Mangual-Castro in Connecticut.
Mangual-Castro pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life. Judge Nagala scheduled sentencing for December 5.
Mangual-Castro has been detained since his arrest on December 20, 2021.
The FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force includes participants from the New Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, East Haven Police Department, West Haven Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden and Town of Groton Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Kenneth L. Gresham through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Waterbury Man Charged with Drug Distribution and Gun Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, and Waterbury Chief of Police Fernando C. Spagnolo today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging CHRISTOPHER POLLER, 28, of Waterbury, was drug distribution and firearm possession offenses.
The indictment was returned on August 9. On September 6, Poller appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and pleaded not guilty to the charges. Poller has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on May 3.
The indictment alleges that, on May 3, 2022, Poller possessed quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine that he intended to distribute, and two loaded handguns.
The indictment further alleges that Poller’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for narcotics distribution, larceny, assault, escape, and weapons possession offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
The indictment charges Poller with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base (“crack”), an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Waterbury Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Boyles 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.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Gun and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILLIE JACKSON, 27, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for firearm possession and narcotics distribution offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Jackson was arrested on March 27, 2020, after he had absconded from a halfway house while on state parole. At the time of his arrest, he possessed a loaded .40 caliber Ruger handgun with an obliterated serial number, 111 wax folds of fentanyl, and quantities of oxycodone pills and marijuana. The handgun was reported stolen in Bridgeport in 2019.
Jackson’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for assault, robbery and firearm offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Jackson has been detained since his arrest. On April 29, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of firearm by a felon and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Keefe 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.
Dominican National Sentenced to 38 Months in Prison for Selling Oxycodone from New Britain GroceryRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Jose Lugo, also known as “Domi,” 34, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 38 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing oxycodone from a New Britain grocery store.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the summer of 2019, the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the New Britain Police Department began investigating individuals who were selling oxycodone pills from Elzier Grocery, located at 1485 Corbin Avenue in New Britain. Between July and December 2019, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of oxycodone pills from Lugo, Eliezer Perez and Elzier Grocery’s owner, Raul Cabrera-Vasquez.
Lugo was arrested on February 26, 2020. On that date, court authorized searches of Elzier Grocery and a nearby residence revealed more than 1000 oxycodone pills, drug packaging materials, drug ledgers, and approximately $10,000 in cash. The search of Elzier Grocery also revealed a handgun that was wrapped in Lugo’s shirt.
Lugo has been detained since his arrest. On February 8, 2022, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, oxycodone.
Lugo faces immigration proceeding when he completes his prison term.
Perez and Cabrera-Vasquez pleaded guilty and were each sentenced to 48 months of imprisonment.
This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the New Britain Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.
Indictment Charges Hartford Man with Illegally Possessing and Selling FirearmsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging JAIME DIAZ, 29, of Hartford, with illegally possessing and selling firearms.
The indictment was returned on August 31 and Diaz was arrested today. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish in Hartford, pleaded not guilty to the charges, and was released on a $25,000 bond.
As alleged in the indictment and statements made in court, between August 2020 and November 2021, Diaz purchased approximately 17 handguns from two Connecticut firearm dealers. After obtaining the firearms, he sold them to others in exchange for cash, as well as narcotics.
It is further alleged that, on November 30, 2021, ATF special agents interviewed Diaz and seized the only firearm that remained in his possession. A second firearm that Diaz purchased was recovered by the Hartford Police Department from an individual charged with drug trafficking. The remaining guns have not been located.
The indictment charges Diaz with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and one count of dealing in firearms without a license, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 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 matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Reed Durham.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: Fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Hartford Man Charged with Drug Distribution 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 a seven-count indictment charging JAHQUAN BLACKWIN, also known as “Mula,” 25, of Hartford, with narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.
Blackwin appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and pleaded not guilty to the charges. Blackwin has been detained since his arrest on August 17.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in June 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force began investigating Blackwin and others for distributing fentanyl and cocaine in the Hartford area. In July and August 2022, investigators made four controlled purchases of fentanyl from Blackwin.
Blackwin was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on August 17. On that date, a search of Blackwin’s Judson Street apartment revealed approximately 300 grams of fentanyl, 600 grams of heroin, 100 grams of crack, 500 grams of cocaine, as well as other drugs. Investigators also found and seized two loaded Polymer 80 handguns (“ghost gun”), one of which was fitted with a high-capacity magazine, and a loaded Glock 43X handgun.
On August 31, 2022, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Blackwin with four counts of possession with intent to distribution, and distribution of, fentanyl, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count; one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”) and 100 grams or more of heroin, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years; one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and 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 each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Keefe.
Hartford Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTHONY DONES, also known as “Ant,” 41, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl and unlawfully possessing a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and Hartford Police Department into drug trafficking and related criminal acts being committed by members and associates of the Los Solidos and Latin Kings street gangs in Hartford’s South End. Between January and April 2020, investigators conducted multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl from Dones and his associate, Juan Laureano, in the vicinity of Dones’ Montrose Street residence.
Dones and Laureano were arrested on April 8, 2020. When investigators arrived at Dones’ residence on that date, they found that Dones had just flushed an unknown quantity of fentanyl down the toilet. A search of Dones’ residence revealed that he was using his basement to process and package fentanyl for street sale. The search revealed a small quantity of fentanyl, narcotics processing materials, and a loaded .45 caliber pistol.
On March 15, 2022, Dones pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution, of fentanyl, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
Dones, who had been released on bond, was remanded to custody at the conclusion of today’s court proceeding.
Laureano, of Hartford, pleaded guilty and, on March 30, 2022, was sentenced to 18 months of imprisonment.
This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Former Children's Museum Director Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ROBERT ECKERT, 56, of West Hartford, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to distribution of child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Eckert used multiple internet platforms, including MeWe and Kik, to solicit, receive and distribute images of child sexual abuse and to communicate with others about the distribution of child pornography. He accessed the online platforms on his phone, at his residence, and at the Lutz Children’s Museum in Manchester where he was employed as its executive director. Between September 2019 and May 2020, Eckert possessed 1,837 image files and 73 videos depicting child sex abuse, including the abuse of prepubescent minors.
Eckert was arrested on April 8, 2021.
Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for November 28, at which time Eckert faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Eckert is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and the Manchester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nancy V. Gifford and Daniel 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.
South Windsor Woman Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Defrauding Immigrant Clients, USCISRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KHATIJA KHAN, 41, of South Windsor, 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 conspiracy and fraud offenses related to a scheme through which individuals seeking immigration services were defrauded.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Khan and her husband, Babar Khan, operated JLLAS CORP. and EIMAAN LLC, which were created to provide services to clients involved in proceedings with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). From 2015 to 2020, the Khans recruited clients who sought some form of immigration status, relief or benefit. Many of these clients were aliens residing in the U.S. without legal status and had limited education, a limited ability to understand English, and little to no knowledge of the documents that the Khans were filing with USCIS on their behalf.
Khatija Khan represented herself as an attorney with a background in immigration matters, even though she was not an attorney. The Khans prepared petitions and applications for their clients that contained information that they knew to be false. They also fabricated false documents to support their clients’ applications with USCIS without their clients’ knowledge. They then mailed, or caused to be mailed, these fraudulent applications and documents to USCIS, where they were received and made part of the official Alien file of each respective client.
Many of the Khans’ clients received no relief from USCIS despite paying the Khans significant amounts of money. To generate fees from clients, Khatija Khan filed applications with USCIS even when the submissions lacked merit or a legitimate basis.
Khatija and Babar Khan were arrested on December 19, 2019. After her arrest, Khatija Khan continued to defraud multiple clients.
Victims identified to date have lost at least $326,212 as a result of this scheme. Judge Underhill ordered Khatija Kahn to pay full restitution.
On November 19, 2021, Khatija Khan pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and one count of mail fraud.
Khatija Khan, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on December 14.
On February 28, 2022, Babar Khan pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and one count of making and subscribing a false tax return. He is scheduled to be sentenced tomorrow.
This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, with assistance from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.
New Haven Man Sentenced to Prison for Distributing Fentanyl and CrackRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAYQUAN GORY, also known as “Wavy,” 26, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 15 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in New Haven drug trafficking ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the fall of 2021, the New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force and New Haven Police Department began investigating a drug trafficking ring that was distributing fentanyl, heroin crack and cocaine in and around the West Hills neighborhood, including the McConaughy Terrace housing complex, in New Haven. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, fixed video surveillance and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that a member of the conspiracy was receiving heroin and fentanyl from an out-of-state supplier, and kilogram quantities of cocaine through the U.S. Mail from a source in Puerto Rico. Gory sold fentanyl and crack cocaine to customers in the McConaughy Terrace complex.
During the investigation, law enforcement seized approximately 19 kilograms of cocaine, more than 7,000 bags of fentanyl, five firearms, and more than $780,000 in cash.
On February 15, 2022, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Gory and seven co-defendants. Gory was arrested on February 17. On June 8, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine base (“crack”) and cocaine.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The Task Force includes participants from the New Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, East Haven Police Department, West Haven Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Connecticut Department of Correction.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Kenneth L. Gresham through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Hamden Man Pleads Guilty to Fraud 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 LAMONT BETHEA, 31, of Hamden, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to fraud offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Bethea took part in two separate criminal schemes. In the first scheme, Bethea was employed as a Patient Care Associate at Yale New Haven Health Systems (YNHHS). In June 2020, Bethea and Lorita Fair, who worked in the YNHHS payroll department, began to embezzle YNHHS payroll funds. Fair made fraudulent entries in the YNHHS payroll system that resulted in Bethea, Fair and another individual receiving direct-deposited payroll payments that they were not entitled to. Bethea and the other individual then kicked back to Fair a portion of the fraudulent payroll payments they received. As a result of this scheme, which lasted until December 2020, YNHHS sustained a loss of more than $116,260. Approximately $106,000 of this amount was paid into Bethea’s bank account.
In the second fraud scheme, beginning in July 2020, Bethea received personal checks that had been stolen from an individual who lived in New Haven. The victim’s signature was forged on the checks, which were made payable to Bethea, and Bethea deposited them into his personal bank account. Using the routing and account numbers on the checks, Bethea also arranged electronic transfers from the victim’s bank account and used these transfers to pay personal expenses for himself, his family members, and friends. The expenses included credit card bills, rent, car insurance payments, student loans, cell phone bills, and other payments. Through this scheme, Bethea and others stole more than $317,000, of which Bethea and his family members and friends received a total of more than $131,000.
On October 21, 2021, Bethea was arrested on a criminal complaint charging him with offenses arising from the YNHHS fraud scheme.
Bethea pleaded guilty to one count wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of bank fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years. Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for November 23.
Bethea is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
On April 27, 2022, Fair, of Rock Hill, South Carolina, pleaded guilty to one count of theft in connection with health care for her role in the YNHHS fraud. She awaits sentencing and is also released on a $50,000 bond.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of YNHHS and Bank of America. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon.
Armed Drug Dealer Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TREA FRASER, 27, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2020, the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Gang Task Force and the West Haven Police Department began investigating the narcotics trafficking activity of Fraser and another individual. Between October and December 2020, investigators made controlled purchases of crack cocaine from Fraser. On February 9, 2021, a search of Fraser’s residence revealed quantities of crack cocaine and heroin items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, ammunition, and $3,900 in cash. A search of his vehicle revealed approximately 100 grams of cocaine and a loaded .45 caliber Glock 41 handgun that was reported stolen in Alabama.
Fraser has been detained since his federal arrest on March 1, 2021. On November 17, 2021, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Fraser’s criminal history includes state convictions for firearm and drug offenses, and for witness tampering related to his attempt to have a witness to a shooting incident change his statement.
This matter was investigated by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Gang Task Force and the West Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Konstantin Lantsman.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: Fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Two Middletown Residents Charged with Robbing People's United Banks at Stop & Shop SupermarketsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Special Agent in Charge David Sundberg of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Middletown Police Chief Erik M. Costa, Glastonbury Police Chief Marshall Porter, Newington Police Chief Stephen Clark, and West Hartford Police Chief Vernon Riddick, Jr., today announced that GINO RIZZO, 28, and JALANIA PANTANO, 27, both of Middletown, were arrested yesterday on an indictment charging them with bank robbery offenses.
The FBI and several local police departments have been investigating multiple robberies that occurred this summer at People’s United Bank branches located in Stop & Shop supermarkets in Connecticut. The indictment alleges that Rizzo robbed People’s United Bank branches located in Stop & Shop supermarkets in Glastonbury on July 16 and in Newington on July 18, and that Rizzo and Pantano robbed a People’s United Bank branch located in a Stop & Shop in West Hartford on July 20.
The three-count indictment was returned by a grand jury in Bridgeport on August 17. Rizzo and Pantano appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven and were ordered detained.
The charge of bank robbery carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Middletown, Glastonbury, Newington and West Hartford Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie T. Levick and Robert Dearington.
Manchester Man Sentenced to Prison for Distributing Fentanyl PillsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MATTHEW GASTRINGER, 35, of Manchester, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 28 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl pills.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2020, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force began investigating the drug trafficking activities of Phillip Garcia, also known as “Flip,” who was distributing cocaine, as well as fentanyl disguised as oxycodone pills, in the Hartford area through a network of associates. In July 2020, investigators made two controlled purchases of fentanyl pills from Garcia and Gastringer. The investigation further revealed that Garcia supplied Gastringer with fentanyl pills that he sold at profit to customers, and also consumed himself.
Gastringer was arrested on May 12, 2021. On April 28, 2022, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl. He has been detained since December 3, 2021, when his bond was revoked.
Garcia pleaded guilty to narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses and awaits sentencing.
The FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Konstantin Lantsman and Brian Leaming, 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.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Firearm While on Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANDRE HUDSON, 43, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing a firearm while on federal supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 8, 2021, a Connecticut State Police trooper stopped a vehicle that Hudson was driving at a high rate of speed and found Hudson in possession of a loaded Kel-Tec, Model P-11 9mm pistol and a distribution quantity of marijuana. He was arrested at that time.
Hudson’s criminal history includes a 2007 federal conviction in Connecticut for distributing crack cocaine, for which he was sentenced to 108 months of imprisonment, and a 2019 federal conviction in Vermont for distributing crack and heroin, for which he was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment and an additional 24 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release in the Connecticut case.
In June 2020, Hudson was granted compassionate release from prison due to the coronavirus pandemic. He was on supervised release at the time of his arrest in September 2021.
On April 28, 2022, Hudson pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon and he admitted that he violated the conditions of his supervised release.
Judge Meyer sentenced Hudson to 100 months of imprisonment for the firearm offense and a consecutive 20 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Connecticut State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: Fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Fairfield Woman Admits Embezzling $1.5 MillionRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CAROLINA GUERRENO, 49, of Fairfield, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to a fraud charge related to her embezzlement of approximately $1.5 million from her employer.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Guerreno served as the Chief Financial Officer of a financial services company located in Shelton. As part of her job responsibilities, she had access to her employer’s bank accounts and was allowed to initiate financial transactions, including wiring company funds to other bank accounts. From January 2019 and continuing until her fraud was detected by the company in February 2021, Guerreno stole $1,532,207.24 by altering company financial transactions and directing electronic payments from her employer’s bank account to her credit card accounts, her personal bank accounts, and to pay her home equity line of credit.
Guerreno pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for November 28.
Guerreno is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, the Wallingford Police Department and the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
Bridgeport Gang Member Sentenced to 18 Years in Federal Prison for Role in 2018 MurderRead the Press Release
TA’RON PHARR, also known as “250,” 22, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 216 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for gang-related activity, including his role in a murder in Bridgeport’s East End in August 2018.
Today’s announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport Acting Police Chief Rebeca Garcia; David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Acting U.S. Marshal Lawrence Bobnick.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder and other acts of violence. Pharr was a member of the Original North End (“O.N.E.”), a gang based in the Trumbull Gardens area of Bridgeport that committed acts of violence against rival gang, including the East End gang, the East Side gang, and the PT Barnum gang. O.N.E. members also robbed drug dealers, sold narcotics, laundered narcotics proceeds, and stole cars from inside and outside Connecticut and used the cars to commit crimes.
On August 8, 2018, Pharr and other O.N.E. members, including Shakale Brantley, Jaylen Wilson and Jamar Traylor, stole a white Jeep Grand Cherokee in Newburgh, New York, and drove it back to Bridgeport. In the following days, O.N.E. members conspired to use the car to kill East End gang members and their allies who O.N.E. members had learned through social media were at a deli on Stratford Avenue in Bridgeport. Although that plan fell through, in the early morning hours of August 13, 2018, O.N.E. members drove the stolen Jeep to Union Avenue in Bridgeport where they shot and killed Len Smith, 25, who they mistook for a rival East End group member, and shot and seriously wounded Smith’s female companion, both of whom were seated in a parked car. After the shooting, Pharr, Brantley and other O.N.E. members transported the Jeep to Indian Wells State Park in Shelton where they burned the vehicle in an effort to destroy evidence of the murder.
During the investigation, three individuals told law enforcement that Pharr admitted to them that he participated in the shooting.
Pharr and Wilson were arrested on July 7, 2020. A search of a car they both occupied just prior to their arrests revealed three loaded handguns, one of which had an extended magazine, as well as quantities of crack, heroin and marijuana.
Pharr has been detained since his arrest. On July 6, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity.
Brantley pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity and one count of solicitation of witness tampering and, on January 26, 2022, was sentenced to 24 years of imprisonment.
Wilson and Traylor have pleaded guilty to related charges and await sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and the Waterbury Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Karen L. Peck and Tara E. Levens.
This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.
PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it. If a group member elects to engage in gun violence, the focused attention of federal, state and local law enforcement will be directed at that entire group.
OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.