District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Naugatuck Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing NarcoticsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JASON METZ, also known as “Jay,” 53, of Naugatuck, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and crack.
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. The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones used by members of the organization, physical surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, and motor vehicle stops that resulted in the seizure of drugs. The investigation revealed that Metz was working closely with Foster to distribute narcotics. Between October 2020 and January 2021, Metz was intercepted numerous times on a wiretap ordering distribution quantities of narcotics from his New York supplier, and coordinating the sale of narcotics to several associates who, in turn, sold the drugs to their own customers.
On March 1, 2021, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Metz. Foster, and 15 others. Metz and others were arrested on March 3, 2021. On that date, law enforcement executed seven search warrants and seized approximately 40,000 bags of heroin/fentanyl, 350 grams of cocaine, 50 grams of crack cocaine, and nine firearms.
Metz pleaded guilty on February 16, 2022.
Metz, who had been released on bond, was remanded to custody at the conclusion of today’s court proceeding.
Foster has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department. 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.
Gang Member Involved in Bridgeport Courthouse Shooting Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ASANTE GAINES, also known as “Santi,” 25, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 190 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his participation in a Bridgeport gang-related activity, including a brazen daytime shooting that occurred in front of a state courthouse in Bridgeport in January 2020.
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; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; 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. Gaines has been a member of the “Greene Homes Boyz” (“GHB/Hotz”), a gang based in the Charles F. Greene Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeport’s North End, whose members and associates distributed heroin, crack cocaine, marijuana and Percocet pills; committed numerous acts of violence against rival gang members and other individuals, and celebrated their criminal conduct on social media websites such as Facebook and YouTube. GHB/Hotz members and associates also committed acts of intimidation and made threats to deter potential witnesses to their crimes and to protect gang members and associates from detection and prosecution by law enforcement authorities. From approximately 2017 until August 2020, GHB/Hotz members were aligned with members of the “Original North End” (“O.N.E.”), a gang based in the Trumbull Gardens area of Bridgeport, against rival groups in Bridgeport, including the East End, East Side and PT Barnum gangs, as well as 150, which is a geographic gang based on the West Side of Bridgeport.
The investigation revealed that Gaines participated in gang-related drug trafficking, and helped plan the retaliation shootings of members of opposition gangs. On January 27, 2020, he assisted GHB/Hotz and O.N.E. members who attempted to kill East End gang members and associates in a brazen afternoon shooting in front of a Bridgeport courthouse. At 12:11 p.m. on that date, Bridgeport Police responded to the area of 172 Golden Hill Street in Bridgeport after a Shot Spotter activation detected approximately 20 shots being fired in front of the state courthouse located there. Upon arrival, investigators discovered that four victims had been shot while sitting inside a black Chevrolet Impala. One victim was shot in the side of his chest and was left paralyzed and a second victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his back, shoulder and wrist. The victims’ vehicle had approximately 23 entry bullet holes in the driver’s side and windshield area.
After the shooting, Gaines and others attempted to destroy a vehicle used during the shooting by setting it on fire in Naugatuck.
Gaines has been detained since February 13, 2020. On October 19, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, and one count of attempted murder and aiding and abetting, in violation of the Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering (“VCAR”) statute.
Gaines and seven associates were charged federally for their roles in the courthouse shooting and other gang activity, and Gaines is the last to be sentenced. His seven associates also pleaded guilty and are currently serving prison terms of between eight and 40 years. The prosecution of numerous other individuals involved in Bridgeport gang activity is ongoing.
This investigation has been conducted by ATF, the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and the Stratford and Naugatuck Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Stephanie T. Levick and Karen L. Peck.
This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.
PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it. If a group member elects to engage in gun violence, the focused attention of federal, state and local law enforcement will be directed at that entire group.
Gaines attended a Project Longevity “call-in’ in December 2019, but did not pursue services that were offered to him.
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.
Cocaine Trafficker Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARVIN LLOYD, 51, last residing in Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 87 months of imprisonment for trafficking cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service into individuals who were receiving shipments of cocaine from Puerto Rico and California and distributing the drug in and around Hartford. The investigation revealed that Lloyd coordinated the shipment of numerous parcels containing kilogram-quantities of cocaine, and also parcels containing large quantities of marijuana, from California to addresses in Hartford. When the drug parcels arrived, Jesus Rodriguez, a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier, delivered them to Lloyd. Rodriguez also distributed cocaine, some of which he received from Lloyd, to his own drug customers, and delivered parcels to other cocaine traffickers in the Hartford area.
Lloyd was arrested on May 21, 2019. On June 4, 2019, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Lloyd, Rodriguez and 17 others with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and related offenses. Lloyd pleaded guilty on August 18, 2021.
Lloyd, a citizen of Jamaica, has been detained since his arrest and faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.
Rodriguez has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
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 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.
Hartford Man Charged with Firearm Offense Stemming from April ShootoutRead 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, James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, and Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging KEJUAN WILLIAMS, 29, of Hartford, with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
The indictment was returned on May 24. Williams has been detained since his federal arrest on May 12.
As alleged in court documents, on April 18, 2022, after an unidentified shooter opened fire at individuals who were standing in a parking lot outside of a memorial gathering in Hartford, surveillance cameras at the location recorded at least nine individuals drawing firearms, and some of them returned fire. Shot Spotter technology recorded approximately 50 shots fired within approximately 90 seconds in and around the location, and law enforcement recovered at least 31 shell casings from the scene. Williams was present at the memorial gathering and was recorded on video brandishing a handgun and firing approximately eight times at the fleeing assailant. He then fled the scene in a black Acura.
It is further alleged that, on April 21, 2022, Hartford Police officers located Williams’ car parked near a restaurant on Westland Street. Williams was found inside the restaurant crouching behind a counter. Officers apprehended Williams and seized a loaded Taurus G2C 9mm handgun on the ground where Williams had been crouching. Investigators subsequently submitted to the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) a test-fired shell casing from the seized handgun. Analysis of the shell casing revealed that it matched shell casings that were recovered from the shooting on April 18.
It is alleged that Williams’ criminal history includes multiple felony convictions, including a conviction in 2015 for carrying a pistol or revolver without a permit. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
If convicted of the offense, Williams faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Another individual alleged to be involved in the shooting incident on April 18, Kyrin Jackson, 31, of Hartford, is currently detained in federal custody on a federal supervised release violation. It is alleged that surveillance video shows Jackson brandishing a handgun and holding a young child while facing oncoming gunfire.
“Gunfire erupting at a memorial service attended by families and young children cannot be tolerated in any community,” said U.S. Attorney Avery. “The reckless shooting event on April 18 may cause lasting trauma to all who witnessed it. Based on the number of shots fired, it is fortunate that no one lost their life and only one individual was injured. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners are committed to using the full weight of federal law to help bring an end to this senseless violence.”
“Some of those allegedly responsible for the blatant disregard of human life in this incident have been delivered to the judicial system,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sundberg. “We are steadfast in our conviction to seek out those who choose violence over peaceful communities. The FBI and all of our law enforcement partners remain in lockstep in our fight against gun crimes.”
“This investigation should send a clear message that this type of violence will not be tolerated” ATF Special Agent in Charge Ferguson. “ATF will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners at the Hartford Police and the FBI to take violent offenders off the street. The use of the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), which allowed us to match ballistic evidence to the firearm seized, has been critical in this investigation.”
“This is another great example of technology, forensics and great police work coming together to take dangerous persons off the street and make our community safer,” said Hartford Police Chief Thody. “We appreciate our federal partners for all that they do.”
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 ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.
U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the Hartford State Attorney’s Offices for its cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this matter.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Meriden Man Charged with Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging BIMAEL ACEVEDO-ROMAN, 28, of Meriden, with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in October 2020, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force began investigating a cocaine trafficking operation headed by Acevedo-Roman. The investigation revealed that Acevedo-Roman was coordinating the shipment of parcels containing kilogram quantities of cocaine from U.S. Post Offices in Puerto Rico to various “drop addresses” in Meriden, New Britain and Bristol, and the shipment of parcels of cash back to Puerto Rico. Acevedo-Roman and others picked up parcels from the drop addresses and delivered them to Acevedo-Roman’s Meriden residence.
During the investigation, it is alleged that investigators intercepted and seized mail parcels containing more than five kilograms of cocaine and $179,300 in cash, and have identified dozens of other suspicious parcels that likely contained kilogram quantities of cocaine and bulk currency.
Acevedo-Roman was arrested on May 18, 2022, and is currently released on a $100,000 bond. If convicted of the charge, he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of life imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the 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.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Konstantin Lantsman and Stephanie Levick.
Connecticut Companies Pay $5.2 Million to Resolve Allegations of False Claims Act Violations Concerning Fraudulently Obtained Small Business ContractsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that Numet Machining Techniques, LLC (“Numet”), Numet Industries, Inc., KCO Numet, Inc., and Kidd & Company, LLC (collectively the “Numet Entities”), have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the United States and have paid $5,227,355.28 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act when Numet improperly obtained set-aside contracts reserved for small businesses that it was ineligible to receive.
Numet is limited liability company located in Orange, Connecticut that manufactures and provides aerospace engine machined components for commercial and U.S. military purchases. On August 30, 2011, Numet was acquired by Numet Industries, Inc., which was owned by KCO Numet, Inc., which was ultimately owned by individuals associated with Kidd & Company, LLC, a family office investment company located in Greenwich, Connecticut.
The government contends that, after Numet’s acquisition in August 2011, it ceased to qualify as a “small business concern” within the meaning of the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) regulations relating to government contracts due to Numet’s affiliation through stock ownership with other businesses. Nevertheless, between August 2011 and February 2016, Numet falsely certified that it was a “small business concern” and, as a result, it was awarded 22 small business set-aside contracts that it was ineligible to receive. In addition, between September 2013 and February 2016, Numet falsely certified that it was a “women-owned small business concern.”
Government contractors are required to timely disclose to the government, in writing, whenever they have credible evidence that they have committed a violation of the False Claims Act. On November 4, 2019, in connection with due diligence performed relating to Numet’s sale to another entity, Numet voluntarily disclosed to the government facts concerning its potential affiliation with other businesses that the government contends made it ineligible to be awarded contracts set aside for small businesses. The Numet Entities received credit in the settlement for Numet’s voluntary disclosure and cooperation with the government during its investigation.
“Government contractors that make false representations to receive contracts for which they are not eligible will be held to account,” said U.S. Attorney Avery. “We thank our investigative partners for their efforts on this case and their ongoing work to protect government programs that exist to assist small or disadvantaged companies.”
“Protecting Department of Defense contracts set aside for small businesses is a priority for the DoD Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service,” said Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty, DCIS Northeast Field Office. “Today’s announcement reflects our commitment to working with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut to investigate allegations of false representations made during the DoD procurement process.”
“SBA procurement programs must be preserved for contractors that are truly small businesses” said Therese Meers, Acting General Counsel of SBA. “The settlement in this matter demonstrates the excellent results achieved in the government’s forceful response to procurement fraud. SBA is strongly committed to identifying and aggressively pursuing instances of fraud perpetrated by those participating in SBA’s procurement programs.”
“Contractor abuse of government set-aside programs not only undermines the federal acquisition process, but also harms the legitimate small businesses these programs are intended to support,” said Special Agent in Charge William W. Richards, Air Force Office of Special Investigations. “AFOSI, our joint investigative partners, and the DOJ will continue to combat fraud threatening the Department of Defense’s procurement process and ensure wrongdoers are held accountable for their actions.”
This investigation was conducted by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, the Defense Contract Audit Agency Operations Investigative Support Division, and the SBA Office of General Counsel. This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Gruber, with the assistance of Auditor Susan N. Spiegel.
Bridgeport Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LAMAIN HEARD, 31, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, June 15, 2021, law enforcement attempted to stop a car in which Heard was a passenger. The car drove at police officers, crashed into multiple vehicles, and then crashed into a pole. When the car stopped, Heard dropped a semiautomatic pistol in the car and then attempted to flee the scene before he was apprehended. Subsequent forensic analysis of the firearm revealed that it contained Heard’s DNA.
Heard has previously been convicted of a felony offense and he attended a Project Safe Neighborhoods presentation at which he was informed that a felon caught with a firearm could be prosecuted in federal court.
Heard has been detained since his federal arrest on January 21, 2022. Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for August 24, at which time Heard faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Vernon Man Admits Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RONDELL CHAMBERS, 31, of Vernon, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.
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.
Chambers is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on September 22, at which time Chambers faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Chambers is released on a $150,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elena L. Coronado and David Sheldon.
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.
School and Owner Pay over $1 Million to Resolve Allegations of Attempts to Improperly Influence the School's Student Loan Default RateRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CAREER TRAINING SPECIALISTS, LLC, doing business as STONE ACADEMY, and its owner, MARK SCHEINBERG, have paid more than $1 million to resolve allegations that they violated the federal False Claims Act by concealing a series of money order payments made by Scheinberg to prevent certain loans from being counted in Stone Academy’s student loan default rate, and for failing to disclose Stone Academy’s actual, higher default rate to the U.S. Department of Education.
Stone Academy is a for-profit school with campuses in East Hartford, Waterbury and West Haven that awards career diplomas in various medical fields, and it participates in federal student loan and grant programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. One measure that determines an institution’s eligibility to participate in Title IV programs is the institution’s “cohort default rate” (“CDR”), which is the percentage of the institution’s federal student loan borrowers who default (or are deemed to default) within a specified time after entering repayment status. If an institution’s CDR is too high – an indicator that too many of an institution’s graduates are unable to repay their student loans – the institution faces administrative consequences that may include termination of eligibility to participate in certain Title IV programs. For purposes of calculating an institution’s CDR, a borrower is considered to be in default if an institution – or an institution’s owner, agent or affiliated individual – makes a payment to prevent a borrower’s default on a loan included in a cohort.
This settlement resolves allegations that, between February 2015 and March 2019, Scheinberg and Stone Academy mailed 154 small, direct payments to loan servicers on behalf of 102 students in attempts to prevent those students from defaulting on their loans and being counted in Stone Academy’s CDR. The payments were made with money orders purchased and filled out by Scheinberg without the students’ knowledge or consent, and in a manner intended to conceal the fact that these payments were made by Scheinberg and Stone Academy. Stone Academy then failed to disclose to the Department of Education its actual, higher CDR reflecting the deemed default of numerous borrowers given Scheinberg’s concealed payments.
In addition to making payment of $1,023,950, plus interest, under a civil settlement agreement, Stone Academy and Scheinberg also entered into an administrative agreement with the Department of Education in which Scheinberg agreed to cease involvement and participation in the operations, and divest direct ownership, of both Stone Academy and another for-profit school, Creative Workforce LLC, doing business as Paier College of Art. The administrative agreement also governs Scheinberg’s agreed-to retirement from Goodwin University and the University of Bridgeport.
“The cohort default rate is an important metric that students can use to research whether a school provides a valuable education because it can show whether the degree they would earn will help them find employment that allows them to stay current on their student loans,” said U.S. Attorney Avery. “Educational institutions – especially private, for-profit schools – that attempt to hide high student loan default rates from the Education Department and their students not only risk forfeiting their and their students’ eligibility to receive federal funds, but they risk federal enforcement by our office and our investigative agency partners.”
“Today’s settlement is a result of the work and effort of the Office of Inspector General and the Department of Justice to protect and maintain the integrity of federal student aid programs,” said Terry Harris, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General’s Eastern Regional Office. “We will continue to work together to ensure that federal student aid funds are used as required by law. America’s taxpayers and students deserve nothing less.”
This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Education – Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. This matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Gruber with the assistance of Auditor Susan N. Spiegel, along with assistance from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of General Counsel and Federal Student Aid.
New Haven Man Admits Possessing Firearm While on Federal Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL STANLEY, 33, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to possessing a firearm while on supervised release following a prior federal conviction for illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Stanley was arrested on September 7, 2021, after New Haven Police conducted a court-authorized search of Stanley’s New Haven hotel room and seized a fanny pack containing his driver’s license, a small quantity of narcotics and a loaded Ruger SR9, 9mm pistol. Stanley’s DNA was recovered from swabs taken from the gun.
Stanley’s criminal history includes multiple felony convictions, including a federal conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. In October 2014, Stanley was sentenced to 70 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for that offense. He was released from prison in May 2019.
Stanley pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford on August 8, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. He also faces additional penalties for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
This investigation has been conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
New Britain Man Sentenced to Prison for Florida to Connecticut Gun Trafficking SchemeRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JULIAN JUDGE, 24, of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking firearms that were stolen in Florida to Connecticut. Judge Meyer also ordered Judge to pay a $3,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in late February 2021, Judge and Dominic Colon-Brown drove to Florida to obtain firearms and bring them back to Connecticut. In Florida, Judge and others obtained three handguns, which Judge knew were stolen or otherwise illegally obtained.
On March 8, 2021, law enforcement recovered a .40 caliber handgun and a high capacity magazine that Judge’s associate discarded during a foot chase in New Britain. A subsequent search of a New Britain apartment where Judge and his associate resided revealed three additional loaded firearms, two extended magazines, more than 100 rounds of ammunition and approximately 60 grams of cocaine. The serial number on one of the firearms found in the apartment matched the serial number of a firearm that had been stolen in Florida in February 2021.
During the investigation, Judge and his associates were captured in recorded conversations discussing the illegal acquisition and sale of firearms. Judge and Colon-Brown also posted photos of themselves on social media in possession of firearms.
Judge was arrested on May 27, 2021. He has been detained since September 23, 2021, when his bond was revoked after he was arrested for domestic violence offenses. On November 22, 2021, Judge pleaded guilty to one count of transporting stolen firearms across state lines
Colon-Brown also pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, New Britain Police Department, Farmington Police Department, West Hartford Police Department and Pasco County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel M. Krull.
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 Involved in Drug Trafficking Ring Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that TAHIR BRUFF, also known as “Gangster” and “G,” 46, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 65 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing narcotics.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2018, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force began investigating Ricardo Reyes, also known as “Rick the Ruler,” a member of the Los Solidos street gang who was distributing fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and crack in the area of Park Street and Hungerford Street in Hartford. During the investigation, law enforcement conducted multiple controlled purchases of narcotics from Ricardo Reyes. Court-authorized wiretaps confirmed that he was distributing narcotics to numerous customers, and identified individuals who supplied drugs to him, including Bruff, as well as associates who sold drugs on his behalf. Intercepted communications also revealed that Ricardo Reyes was acquiring and trafficking firearms.
Bruff, a member of Los Solidos and a close associate of Reyes, supplied cocaine and crack to Reyes for both his personal use and distribution. Bruff also sold narcotics to other customers in the area of Hungerford Street.
Bruff has been detained since his arrest on June 17, 2019.
On June 27, 2019, a grand jury Hartford returned a 32-count indictment charging Bruff, Reyes, and 13 associates with various narcotics trafficking and firearm possession offenses. Bruff pleaded guilty on March 29, 2022.
All of Bruff’s co-defendants pleaded guilty to related charges, and Bruff is the last to be sentenced.
On February 11, 2021, Reyes was sentenced to 18 years 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 Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. 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.
New Haven Man Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl and HeroinRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that QUENTINE DAVIS, 31, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 63 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl and heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in late 2019, the DEA New Haven Task Force began an investigation into the distribution of heroin and fentanyl in New Haven and Waterbury. The investigation, which included thousands of intercepted communications over court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that Wilton Reynoso was receiving large quantities of fentanyl and heroin from a source in New York and then selling the narcotics to other drug distributors in Connecticut. Reynoso supplied Tyson Quinones with heroin and fentanyl, which Quinones then sold to his own customers in Waterbury, and also distributed to other dealers, including Deeshawn Pittman in New Haven. Davis worked with Pittman to sell fentanyl, heroin and crack cocaine to a large customer base in and around New Haven.
On June 13, 2020, investigators sought to arrest Reynoso and Quinones, of Waterbury, after intercepting a series of calls indicating that Reynoso and Quinones were planning to conduct a 200-gram heroin transaction. On that date, Quinones was arrested at the anticipated meeting place. Reynoso fled from the meeting scene in his vehicle, which was found abandoned nearby. He was arrested a short time later after he returned to the vehicle. A search of a location in Waterbury that Reynoso used to store narcotics revealed more than kilogram of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin, and items used to process and package narcotics.
Davis has been detained since his arrest on August 17, 2020. On December 15, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
Reynoso, Quinones and Pittman also pleaded guilty. On September 13, 2021, Reynoso, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment. He faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.
Quinones and Pittman await sentencing.
This investigation was conducted by the DEA New Haven Task Force with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The 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 John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Elena L. Coronado 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.
Former Doctor Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Illegally Prescribing Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID CIANCIMINO, 63, of Trumbull, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally distributing prescription medication. Judge Williams also ordered Ciancimino to pay a $25,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Ciancimino was a sole practitioner practicing psychiatry and neurology/psychiatry from an office located at 4 Corporate Drive in Shelton. In October 2020, law enforcement began investigating Ciancimino’s prescribing practices of various benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, and stimulants, such as Adderall. During the investigation, federal task force officers acting in an undercover capacity paid Ciancimino $200 during visits to receive prescriptions for Xanax or Adderall, or their generic equivalents, with little to no medical examination.
Ciancimino was arrested on September 23, 2021. On January 24, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of a controlled substance without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the scope of professional practice.
In addition to his fine, Ciancimino has forfeited $175,773.45 seized at the time of his arrest.
Ciancimino, who is released on a $500,000 bond, is required to report to prison on July 25.
Ciancimino surrendered his medical license in January.
This investigation was conducted by the DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and HHS-OIG’s Office of Investigations, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection – Drug Control Division and the Middlebury Police Department. The DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad includes personnel from the DEA and the Bristol, East Windsor, Glastonbury, Hamden, Manchester, New Britain, Newington, Watertown and West Haven Police Departments.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather L. Cherry.
14 Arrested after Federal, State and Local Investigation into Waterbury Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery, Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England and Waterbury Police Chief Fernando C. Spagnolo today announced that the following 14 individuals were arrested yesterday on federal narcotics trafficking charges related to the distribution of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine and oxycodone in and around Waterbury:
JAVIER GONZALEZ, a.k.a. “Jay” and “The Crazy One,” 50, of Waterbury
FRANCISCO GONZALEZ, a.k.a. “Sisco,” 51, of Waterbury
CHRISTOPHER CAMMILLETTI, 30, of Southington
JOHN STEFERAK, a.k.a. “Jack,” 43, of Milford
JOSE DUPREY, a.k.a. “Red” and “Colorado,” 51, of Waterbury
WANDA LORA, a.k.a. “Wanda Lopez,” 47, of Waterbury
ROBERT AMATRUDA, a.k.a. “Bubba” and “Spanky,” 38, of Bristol
VICTOR DURAN-BARRERA, a.k.a. “Mexico,” 41, of Bridgeport
GARRY GEBEAU, 56, of Ansonia
THOMAS SANTOS, a.k.a. “White Boy,” 33, of Waterbury
JOSE RAMOS, 40, of Waterbury
ARMANDO VARELA-PLAZA, 40, of New York
BIANCA RODRIGUEZ-CANCEL, 36, of New York
MICHELE CRUZ, 36, of WaterburyAs alleged in court documents and statements made in court, the DEA New Haven Task Force, Waterbury Police Department and other law enforcement agencies have been conducting a long-term investigation into drug trafficking in and around the city of Waterbury by Javier Gonzalez and his associates, and by Jose Duprey and his associates. The investigation has included court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones, physical surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, and motor vehicle stops that resulted in the seizure of drugs and cash proceeds.
In association with yesterday’s arrests, investigators executed 11 search warrants and seized more than 18 kilograms of narcotics, approximately $290,000 in cash, and approximately $400,000 in jewelry. Specifically, a search of a business location on Straits Turnpike in Middlebury, which, as alleged, Duprey used as a stash location for narcotics and other items, revealed approximately 12 kilograms of a mixture containing suspected fentanyl, one kilogram of suspected heroin, one kilogram of suspected black tar heroin, and $40,000 in cash. A search of Francisco Gonzalez’s residence on Geddes Terrace in Waterbury revealed approximately two kilograms of a mixture of suspected cocaine and fentanyl, two kilograms of suspected heroin, and $200,000 in cash. A search of Javier Gonzalez’s residence on Enoch Street in Waterbury revealed approximately one kilogram of marijuana, $30,000 in cash, and $400,000 in jewelry. Quantities of cocaine and heroin, and approximately $20,000 in cash, were seized from other locations.
Each defendant is charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, narcotics, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Certain defendants face stronger penalties, including mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment, based on the type and quantity of drug attributable to them. Javier Gonzalez and his brother, Francisco Gonzalez, are also charged with bulk cash smuggling, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
“As too many Connecticut residents continue to lose their battle with drug addiction, and too many families and communities are impacted by the resulting trauma that addiction causes, we in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners are steadfast in our commitment to stop the flow of these deadly drugs into and around our state, and we will prosecute those involved to the full extent of federal law,” said U.S. Attorney Avery. “I thank the DEA and their task force members, notably the Waterbury Police, for their work in identifying and apprehending these individuals, and seizing such a significant quantity of narcotics and drug proceeds. Their efforts have unquestionably saved lives.”
“Fentanyl, heroin and cocaine are causing great damage to our communities and DEA’s top priority is to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes this poison in order to profit and destroy lives,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Let these arrests and seizures be a warning to those traffickers who are distributing drugs to the people of Connecticut. The DEA and its local, state and federal partners will do everything in our power to bring you to justice.”
“We are thankful that our ongoing work with the DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to thwart drug trafficking in Waterbury and remove those involved from our community,” said Chief Spagnolo. “We look forward to continuing this important work with our federal partners.”
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department, with the assistance of DEA offices in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Connecticut State Police; Connecticut Department of Correction; Connecticut State Parole; and the Naugatuck, Ansonia, West Haven, Meriden and East Haven Police Departments.
U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the Waterbury State’s Attorney’s Office for its cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this matter.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys 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.
Naugatuck Tax Preparer Who Filed False Tax Returns Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANA NUNEZ, also known as Ana Pagoaga, 51, of Naugatuck, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for filing false tax returns for clients of her tax preparation service.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2011 to 2016, Nunez owned and operated Nunez MultiServices, LLC, a tax return preparation service located in Naugatuck. During that time, Nunez filed approximately 6,000 returns for approximately 2,600 different individual taxpayers. On numerous tax returns she prepared for clients, Nunez routinely inflated income or created fictitious income; falsified expenses, including education and childcare expenses, and falsified deductions, such as business mileage.
Judge Shea ordered Nunez to pay $501,933 in restitution to the IRS, and $78,829 to the State of Connecticut.
On December 6, 2018, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Nunez with multiple counts of filing false tax returns. Nunez subsequently obstructed the prosecution of this matter by creating false invoices to clients, which she provided to the government in an apparent attempt to justify additional monies she took from her clients’ refunds, and by attempting to intimidate a potential witness.
On January 7, 2020, Nunez pleaded guilty to two counts of aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return.
Nunez, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on July 25.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, with the assistance of the State of Connecticut’s Department of Revenue Services. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Susan L. Wines and John T. Pierpont, Jr.
Man Sentenced to 57 Months for Illegal Gun Possession, and then Distributing Fentanyl While Released on BondRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRIAN VELEZ, also known as “Whites,” 33, formerly of Hartford and West Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 57 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for illegally possessing of a firearm, and then distributing fentanyl while released on bond.
According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 10:20 a.m. on November 27, 2018, a car Velez was operating sped away from Hartford Police officers who were attempting to stop the vehicle in Hartford’s South End. Velez parked in a driveway of a residence on Newbury Street and then ran from the car while carrying a duffel bag. After Velez was apprehended, a detective located the duffel bag in Velez’s path of travel. The bag contained a disassembled Ruger AR 556 semi-automatic rifle, which Velez was prohibited from possessing due to a prior felony conviction.
Velez was detained from the date of his arrest until April 2, 2019, when he was released on bond.
In January 2020, law enforcement received information that Velez was involved in ongoing criminal activity, including the distribution of narcotics. On January 28, 2020, investigators made a controlled purchase of 20 bags of fentanyl from Velez in Hartford.
On January 29, 2020, Velez pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon, stemming from his arrest in November 2018.
Velez has been detained since March 12, 2020, after he was arrested on a criminal complaint charging him with distributing fentanyl. On April 12, 2021, he pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl while on release in a pending federal case.
This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, the FBI’s Connecticut Violent Crime Task Force, and the Hartford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Former Morris Resident Pleads Guilty to 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, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 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 hundreds of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children.
Curley was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on October 8, 2020.
Curley pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for August 30.
Curley is released on a $150,000 bond and residing in Naugatuck while awaiting sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The case is being 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.
Hartford Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Fentanyl Distribution and Firearm Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MAICO TURELL, 49, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for fentanyl distribution and firearm possession offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2020, law enforcement made two controlled purchases of distribution quantities of heroin/fentanyl from Turell at his Franklin Avenue residence. On December 22, 2020, a court-authorized search of Turell’s residence revealed a loaded 9mm semiautomatic firearm, a 9mm magazine and additional 9mm ammunition, and $17,980 in cash. Turell arrived at his home after the search was completed, and a search of his person revealed approximately 250 bags of heroin/fentanyl.
Turell was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on February 3, 2021. At the time of his arrest, investigators found additional narcotics on his person and in his car.
Turell’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for robbery, burglary 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.
On February 16, 2022, Turell pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of fentanyl, 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration and Hartford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick F. Caruso.
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.
Glencore Entered Guilty Pleas to Foreign Bribery and Market Manipulation SchemesRead the Press Release
Glencore International A.G. (Glencore) and Glencore Ltd., both part of a multi-national commodity trading and mining firm headquartered in Switzerland, each pleaded guilty today and agreed to pay over $1.1 billion to resolve the government’s investigations into violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and a commodity price manipulation scheme.
These guilty pleas are part of coordinated resolutions with criminal and civil authorities in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Brazil.
“The rule of law requires that there not be one rule for the powerful and another for the powerless; one rule for the rich and another for the poor,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department will continue to bring to bear its resources on these types of cases, no matter the company and no matter the individual.”
The charges in the FCPA matter arise out of a decade-long scheme by Glencore and its subsidiaries to make and conceal corrupt payments and bribes through intermediaries for the benefit of foreign officials across multiple countries. Pursuant to a plea agreement, Glencore has agreed to a criminal fine of more than $428 million and to criminal forfeiture and disgorgement of more than $272 million. Glencore has also agreed to retain an independent compliance monitor for three years. The department has agreed to credit nearly $256 million in payments that Glencore makes to resolve related parallel investigations by other domestic and foreign authorities.
Separately, Glencore Ltd. admitted to engaging in a multi-year scheme to manipulate fuel oil prices at two of the busiest commercial shipping ports in the U.S. As part of the plea agreement, Glencore Ltd. agreed to pay a criminal fine of over $341 million, pay forfeiture of over $144 million, and retain an independent compliance monitor for three years. The department has agreed to credit up to one-half of the criminal fine and forfeiture against penalties Glencore Ltd. pays to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in a related, parallel civil proceeding.
Sentencing has been scheduled in the market manipulation case for June 24, and a control date for sentencing in the FCPA case has been set for Oct. 3.
“Glencore’s guilty pleas demonstrate the Department’s commitment to holding accountable those who profit by manipulating our financial markets and engaging in corrupt schemes around the world,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “In the foreign bribery case, Glencore International A.G. and its subsidiaries bribed corrupt intermediaries and foreign officials in seven countries for over a decade. In the commodity price manipulation scheme, Glencore Ltd. undermined public confidence by creating the false appearance of supply and demand to manipulate oil prices.”
“The scope of this criminal bribery scheme is staggering,” said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York. “Glencore paid bribes to secure oil contracts. Glencore paid bribes to avoid government audits. Glencore bribed judges to make lawsuits disappear. At bottom, Glencore paid bribes to make money – hundreds of millions of dollars. And it did so with the approval, and even encouragement, of its top executives. The criminal charges filed against Glencore in the Southern District of New York are another step in making clear that no one – not even multinational corporations – is above the law.”
“Glencore’s market price manipulation threatened not just financial harm, but undermined participants’ faith in the commodities markets’ fair and efficient function that we all rely on,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery of the District of Connecticut. “This guilty plea, and the substantial financial penalty incurred, is an appropriate consequence for Glencore’s criminal conduct, and we are pleased that Glencore has agreed to cooperate in any ongoing investigations and prosecutions relating to their misconduct, and to strengthen its compliance program company-wide. I thank both our partners at the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for their hard work and dedication in investigating this sophisticated set of facts and unraveling this scheme, and the Fraud Section, with whom we look forward to continuing our fruitful partnership of prosecuting complex financial and corporate criminal cases.”
“Today’s guilty pleas by Glencore entities show that there is no place for corruption and fraud in international markets,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “Glencore engaged in long-running bribery and price manipulation conspiracies, ultimately costing the company over a billion dollars in fines. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate criminal financial activities and work to restore the public’s trust in the marketplace.”
“The idea of fair and honest trade is at the bedrock of American commerce. It is insult to our shared traditions and values when individuals and corporations use their power, wealth, and influence to stack the deck unfairly in their own favor,” said Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “The resulting guilty plea by Glencore Limited demonstrates the tenacity of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and its law enforcement partners in holding criminals accountable who try to enrich themselves by undermining the forces of supply and demand.”
The FCPA Case
According to admissions and court documents filed in the Southern District of New York, Glencore, acting through its employees and agents, engaged in a scheme for over a decade to pay more than $100 million to third-party intermediaries, while intending that a significant portion of these payments would be used to pay bribes to officials in Nigeria, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, Brazil, Venezuela, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Between approximately 2007 and 2018, Glencore and its subsidiaries caused approximately $79.6 million in payments to be made to intermediary companies in order to secure improper advantages to obtain and retain business with state-owned and state-controlled entities in the West African countries of Nigeria, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Equatorial Guinea. Glencore concealed the bribe payments by entering into sham consulting agreements, paying inflated invoices, and using intermediary companies to make corrupt payments to foreign officials. For example, in Nigeria, Glencore and Glencore’s U.K. subsidiaries entered into multiple agreements to purchase crude oil and refined petroleum products from Nigeria’s state-owned and state-controlled oil company. Glencore and its subsidiaries engaged two intermediaries to pursue business opportunities and other improper business advantages, including the award of crude oil contracts, while knowing that the intermediaries would make bribe payments to Nigerian government officials to obtain such business. In Nigeria alone, Glencore and its subsidiaries paid more than $52 million to the intermediaries, intending that those funds be used, at least in part, to pay bribes to Nigerian officials.
In the DRC, Glencore admitted that it conspired to and did corruptly offer and pay approximately $27.5 million to third parties, while intending for a portion of the payments to be used as bribes to DRC officials, in order to secure improper business advantages. Glencore also admitted to the bribery of officials in Brazil and Venezuela. In Brazil, the company caused approximately $147,202 to be used, at least in part, as corrupt payments for Brazilian officials. In Venezuela, Glencore admitted to conspiring to secure and securing improper business advantages by paying over $1.2 million to an intermediary company that made corrupt payments for the benefit of a Venezuelan official.
In July 2021, a former senior trader in charge of Glencore’s West Africa desk for the crude oil business pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the FCPA and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, which remains subject to court approval, Glencore pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the FCPA, agreed to a criminal fine of $428,521,173, and agreed to criminal forfeiture and disgorgement in the amount of $272,185,792. Glencore also had charges brought against it by the U.K.’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and reached separate parallel resolutions with the Brazilian Ministério Público Federal (MPF) and the CFTC. Under the terms of the plea agreement, the department has agreed to credit nearly $256 million in payments that the company makes to the CFTC, to the court in the U.K., as well as to authorities in Switzerland, in the event that the company reaches a resolution with Swiss authorities within one year.
The department reached its agreement with Glencore based on a number of factors, including the nature, seriousness, and pervasiveness of the offense conduct, which spanned over a 10-year period, in numerous countries, and involved high-level employees and agents of the company; the company’s failure to voluntarily and timely disclose the conduct to the department; the state of Glencore’s compliance program and the progress of its remediation; the company’s resolutions with other domestic and foreign authorities; and the company’s continued cooperation with the department’s ongoing investigation. Glencore did not receive full credit for cooperation and remediation, because it did not consistently demonstrate a commitment to full cooperation, it was delayed in producing relevant evidence, and it did not timely and appropriately remediate with respect to disciplining certain employees involved in the misconduct. Although Glencore has taken remedial measures, some of the compliance enhancements are new and have not been fully implemented or tested to demonstrate that they would prevent and detect similar misconduct in the future, necessitating the imposition of an independent compliance monitor for a term of three years.
The Commodity Price Manipulation Case
According to admissions and court documents filed in the District of Connecticut, Glencore Ltd. operated a global commodity trading business, which included trading in fuel oil. Between approximately January 2011 and August 2019, Glencore Ltd. employees (including those who worked at Chemoil Corporation, which was majority-owned by Glencore Ltd.’s parent company and then fully-acquired in 2014) conspired to manipulate two benchmark price assessments published by S&P Global Platts (Platts) for fuel oil products, specifically, intermediate fuel oil 380 CST at the Port of Los Angeles (Los Angeles 380 CST Bunker Fuel) and RMG 380 fuel oil at the Port of Houston (U.S. Gulf Coast High-Sulfur Fuel Oil). The Port of Los Angeles is the busiest shipping port in the U.S. by container volume. The Port of Houston is the largest U.S. port on the Gulf Coast and the busiest port in the United States by foreign waterborne tonnage.
As part of the conspiracy, Glencore Ltd. employees sought to unlawfully enrich themselves and Glencore Ltd. itself, by increasing profits and reducing costs on contracts to buy and sell physical fuel oil, as well as certain derivative positions that Glencore Ltd. held. The price terms of the physical contracts and derivative positions were set by reference to daily benchmark price assessments published by Platts — either Los Angeles 380 CST Bunker Fuel or U.S. Gulf Coast High-Sulfur Fuel Oil — on a certain day or days plus or minus a fixed premium. On these pricing days, Glencore Ltd. employees submitted orders to buy and sell (bids and offers) to Platts during the daily trading “window” for the Platts price assessments with the intent to artificially push the price assessment up or down.
For example, if Glencore Ltd. had a contract to buy fuel oil, Glencore Ltd. employees submitted offers during the Platts “window” for the express purpose of pushing down the price assessment and hence the price of the fuel oil that Glencore Ltd. purchased. The bids and offers were not submitted to Platts for any legitimate economic reason by Glencore Ltd. employees, but rather for the purpose of artificially affecting the relevant Platts price assessment so that the benchmark price, and hence the price of fuel oil that Glencore Ltd. bought from, and sold to, another party, did not reflect legitimate forces of supply and demand.
Between approximately September 2012 and August 2016, Glencore Ltd. employees conspired to and did manipulate the price of fuel oil bought from, and sold to, a particular counterparty, Company A, through private, bilateral contracts, by manipulating the Platts price assessment for Los Angeles 380 CST Bunker Fuel. Between approximately January 2014 and February 2016, Glencore Ltd. employees also undertook a “joint venture” with Company A, which involved buying fuel oil from Company A at prices artificially depressed by Glencore Ltd.’s manipulation of the Platts Los Angeles 380 CST Bunker Fuel benchmark. Finally, between approximately January 2011 and August 2019, Glencore Ltd. employees conspired to and did manipulate the price of fuel oil bought and sold through private, bilateral contracts, as well as derivative positions, by manipulating the Platts price assessment for U.S. Gulf Coast High-Sulfur Fuel Oil.
A former Glencore Ltd. senior fuel oil trader, Emilio Jose Heredia Collado, of Lafayette, California, pleaded guilty in March 2021 to one count of conspiracy to engage in commodities price manipulation in connection with his trading activity related to the Platts Los Angeles 380 CST Bunker Fuel price assessment. Heredia’s sentencing is scheduled for June 17, 2022.
Glencore Ltd. pleaded guilty, pursuant to a plea agreement, to one count of conspiracy to engage in commodity price manipulation. Under the terms of Glencore Ltd.’s plea agreement regarding the commodity price manipulation conspiracy, which remains subject to court approval, Glencore Ltd. will pay a criminal fine of $341,221,682 and criminal forfeiture of $144,417,203. Under the terms of the plea agreement, the department will credit over $242 million in payments that the company makes to the CFTC. Glencore Ltd. also agreed to, among other things, continue to cooperate with the department in any ongoing investigations and prosecutions relating to the underlying misconduct, to modify its compliance program where necessary and appropriate, and to retain an independent compliance monitor for a period of three years.
A number of relevant considerations contributed to the department’s plea agreement with Glencore Ltd., including the nature and seriousness of the offense, Glencore Ltd.’s failure to fully and voluntarily self‑disclose the offense conduct to the department, Glencore Ltd.’s cooperation with the department’s investigation, and the state of Glencore Ltd.’s compliance program and the progress of its remediation.
Additionally, the CFTC today announced a separate settlement with Glencore and its affiliated companies in connection with its investigation into FCPA and market manipulation conduct in a related, parallel proceeding. Under the terms of the CFTC resolution, Glencore agreed to pay over $1.1 billion, which includes a civil monetary penalty of over $865 million, as well as disgorgement totaling over $320 million.
The FCPA case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Leila Babaeva and James Mandolfo of the Justice Department’s Fraud Section, Trial Attorney Michael Khoo of the Justice Department’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael McGinnis and Juliana Murray of the Southern District of New York. The case is being investigated by the FBI.
The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in this case. The department also expresses its appreciation for the assistance provided by law enforcement authorities in Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Cyprus, and Luxembourg
The commodity price manipulation case is being prosecuted by Deputy Chief Avi Perry and Trial Attorneys Matthew F. Sullivan and John J. Liolos of the Justice Department’s Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Francis of the District of Connecticut. The case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
The Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting FCPA matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/foreign-corrupt-practices-act.
The Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative is led by a team of dedicated prosecutors in the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, in partnership with federal law enforcement agencies, and often with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, to forfeit the proceeds of foreign official corruption and, where appropriate, to use those recovered assets to benefit the people harmed by these acts of corruption and abuse of office.
Bristol Man Admits Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, announced that ALEXANDER PATTERSON, 34, of Bristol, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to unlawful possession of firearms by a felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 9, 2021, law enforcement conducted a court-authorized search of Tyrone Brown’s residence on Stevens Street in New Haven and seized a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol. Brown, who was a convicted felon and was prohibited by federal law from purchasing or possessing a firearm or ammunition, was arrested at that time. The investigation revealed that the firearm was registered to a family member of Leah Boucher, of Bristol, and that Boucher had purchased 10 other firearms at four different gun stores in Connecticut between March and July 2021. When investigators interviewed Boucher on August 26, 2021, Boucher admitted that she had purchased firearms for other individuals, and that she was no longer in possession of any of the 10 firearms that were registered to her. A search of Boucher’s iPhone revealed photos, taken in July 2021, of Patterson and Brown. In some of the photos, Patterson is seen handling the handgun that was recovered from Brown’s residence on August 9, 2021, and another handgun that investigators determined was registered to Boucher’s family member.
Patterson’s criminal history includes felony convictions in Connecticut and Georgia for firearm, burglary, home invasion 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.
At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Patterson faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Patterson has been detained since his arrest on January 12, 2022.
Brown and Boucher pleaded guilty to related charges and also detained while awaiting sentencing.
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 Kenneth L. Gresham.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Windsor Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Role in Northeast "Grab and Go" Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on May 20, 2022, JAHLIIL PARROTT, also known as “Stretch,” 24, of Windsor, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in an extensive commercial larceny spree.
This case stems from “Operation American Steal,” a long-term multi-agency investigation into numerous “grab and go” thefts from various retail fashion stores in Connecticut and nearby states. A “grab-and-go” scheme is a type of theft where one or more perpetrators enter a retail store, grab as many items of clothing or other goods as they can carry, leave the store without paying for the merchandise, and depart in a waiting getaway vehicle.
Parrott was part of a network of individuals who in 2019 and 2020 committed more than 50 grab and go thefts from Polo Ralph Lauren, T.J. Maxx, Balenciaga, Burberry, Macy’s, Marshalls, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Tommy Hilfiger, Sephora and other stores in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York. They then transported the stolen merchandise to Connecticut and sold the items on the internet or the street. Victim retailers suffered more than $100,000 in losses during the scheme.
Parrott participated in at least 34 thefts resulting in losses of more than $98,000. During one of the thefts, he bit a loss prevention officer who apprehended Parrott as he attempted to steal merchandise.
On September 15, 2020, a grand jury returned a six-count indictment charging Parrott and seven other individuals. Parrott was apprehended on November 16, 2020. On December 22, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport and possess stolen property. He has been detained since August 2021.
Parrott’s seven co-defendants also pleaded guilty and were previously sentenced.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hartford, New Canaan, Wrentham (Mass.), Auburn (Mass.) and Nassau County (N.Y.) Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Donovan and Brendan Keefe.
U.S. Attorney Names Alfred U. Pavlis as First Assistant U.S. AttorneyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery today announced that Alfred U. Pavlis will serve the District of Connecticut as First Assistant United States Attorney, the office’s second-ranking position. U.S. Attorney Avery swore in Mr. Pavlis, 64, of Fairfield, this morning in New Haven.
“More than just being an excellent and well-respected attorney with decades of professional experience, Al Pavlis is a person of strong integrity and great judgment with a commitment to equal justice, fairness and the rule of law,” said U.S. Attorney Avery. “We are fortunate that Al has returned to public service, and I am confident that he will engender the trust and respect of every member of the office, our law enforcement partners, community leaders, and all the people of Connecticut.”
For more than 30 years, Mr. Pavlis has been in private practice, most recently at Finn Dixon & Herling LLP in Stamford, representing corporate and individual clients in a variety of complex civil litigation matters, SEC enforcement actions, and federal criminal investigations involving securities fraud, commodities fraud, accounting fraud, FCPA violations and insider trading.
From 1985 to 1990, Mr. Pavlis was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York, where he investigated and prosecuted narcotics trafficking, organized crime, corruption and securities fraud offenses.
Mr. Pavlis served as a law clerk for the Honorable T.F. Gilroy Daly, Chief U.S. District Judge for the District of Connecticut, from 1983 to 1985. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Virginia School of Law.
Leonard C Boyle, who served as First Assistant U.S. Attorney from June 2018 to March 2021 when he became the Acting U.S. Attorney upon the departure of U.S. Attorney John H. Durham, retired from federal service on May 20, 2022.
“Len Boyle represented the United States of America with dignity and distinction, and he dedicated not only his federal career, but his prior work in state and local law enforcement, to making our communities safer,” said U.S. Attorney Avery. “While all of us in the U.S. Attorney’s Office will miss his everyday presence, wisdom and decency, we thank Len for his dedicated service and wish him a very happy and healthy retirement.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut and representing the federal government in civil litigation. As U.S. Attorney, Ms. Avery supervises a staff of approximately 68 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and approximately 57 staff members at offices in New Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport.
For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut, please visit www.justice.gov/ct.
Stratford Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting ChildrenRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDWARD GALPIN, 40, of Stratford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 216 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for offenses related to the sexual exploitation of multiple children.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Galpin was an administrator of a private Kik messaging app chat group that provided a forum for members to discuss their sexual interest in young children and exchange images and videos of child sexual abuse. As a group administrator, Galpin distributed child pornography, requested it from other group members, and removed from the group certain members who did not share child pornography. Galpin possessed and shared a significant amount of child pornography, including images and videos of prepubescent minors and content portraying sadistic and masochistic conduct and the sexual abuse of toddlers.
The investigation also revealed that Galpin used Instagram to identify young girls for the purpose of soliciting or producing child pornography. In one instance, Galpin arranged to meet with a 17-year-old girl, picked her up at her house, and engaged in sexually explicit conduct with her. Galpin recorded the sexual encounter and then shared images and videos on Kik. In another instance, Galpin identified a 15-year-old girl via Instagram and enticed her to send him sexually explicit images of herself. The victim did so using Instagram’s “self-destruct” feature, which automatically deletes an image after a short time. However, Galpin recorded video of his conversation with the victim so he could retain the images he received. In a third instance, Galpin contacted an eighth-grade girl via Instagram direct message and subsequently received from her a video and other images of her engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Galpin also used spy cameras to record videos of women and girls while they were undressing. He then distributed the videos, including video of a minor girl, via Kik.
In June 2020, Galpin contacted a Kik account operated by an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 14-year-old girl. Galpin asked the “girl” when her “mom” would be away from home and arranged to meet the “girl” at a coffee shop in Connecticut. On June 25, 2020, after Galpin arrived at the scheduled time and place, law enforcement approached him and seized his iPhone. He was arrested later that day. Forensic analysis of Galpin’s iPhone revealed nearly 2,000 child sexual abuse videos and images, included videos and images that Galpin had produced.
Galpin was originally charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The case was then transferred to the District of Connecticut.
On March 10, 2021, Galpin pleaded guilty to two counts of production of child pornography and two counts of distribution of child pornography. He has been detained since his arrest.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in New Haven and Washington, D.C., and the Metropolitan Police Department’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ruff 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.
New Haven Man Admits Role in Mail Theft, Identity Theft and Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, today announced that MARQUIS WILLIAMS, 45, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to a charge stemming from a mail theft, identity theft and bank fraud scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, since at least 2018 through November 2019, Williams and his associate, Dara Morrison, stole mail from hundreds of residential mailboxes in Connecticut. The mail pieces contained checks, driver’s licenses, passports, social security cards, banking information, and other personally identifying information from businesses and individuals throughout Connecticut, including elderly nursing home residents. Williams and Morrison used stolen identities to produce fake identification, and then used the fake identification to cash or deposit stolen checks. Williams and Morrison also used the stolen checks to create additional, forged copies of checks that they then cashed or deposited into accounts they opened using stolen identities. Morrison also used and attempted to use stolen credit cards.
More than 70 bank fraud victims have been identified during this investigation. The government contends that Williams and Morrison stole $118,452.26 through this scheme, and they attempted to steal another $58,416.
Williams pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on September 14.
Morrison, 41, of New Haven, pleaded guilty to the same offense on May 12, 2021. She also awaits sentencing.
Williams and Morrison are detained pending sentencing.
Williams’ and Morrison’s criminal histories include prior federal convictions for similar crimes. In 2002, Williams was sentenced to 51 months of imprisonment for conspiracy, identity fraud and credit card fraud offenses.
This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service and the Hamden, Wallingford, Waterford, Guilford and Old Saybrook Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda Oakes and Hal Chen.
Bristol Man Sentenced to 13 Years for Attempting to Engage in Sex with Minor, Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT MARLIN SELLERS, 62, of Bristol, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 156 months of imprisonment, followed by 15 years of supervised release, for child exploitation offenses related to his attempt to engage in commercial sex with a minor.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2020, law enforcement received information that Sellers was sharing videos of child sex abuse on a website that is focused on incest. In November 2020, an undercover FBI employee began interacting with Sellers on the social media application Kik. In the chats, Sellers made statements that he had sexually abused children, and that he had trafficked a child to engage in commercial sex acts. He also said that he had recently traveled out of state to have sex with another 12-year-old girl. The undercover investigator told Sellers that he had a 12-year-old daughter (“Doe”). After Sellers introduced the idea that Doe could be trafficked for sex, and offered suggestions to the undercover investigator about how it could be accomplished, Sellers arranged to have sex with Doe in exchange for $200.
In January 2021, Sellers, using an encrypted instant messenger application, sent the undercover investigator a link to videos of child sex abuse that Sellers maintained on a file sharing website.
On February 4, 2021, Sellers was arrested at a hotel in Southington shortly after he provided the undercover investigator $200 to engage in sex with Doe.
Sellers has been detained since his arrest. On February 14, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, and one count of distribution of child pornography.
U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the New Britain State’s Attorney’s Office for its cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this case.
This matter was investigated by the FBI New Haven Child Exploitation Task Force and the Southington Police Department. The task force includes members from the Connecticut State Police and the Naugatuck, East Windsor, New London and Southington Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel M. Krull through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Hartford Man Charged with Firearm Possession and Crack Distribution OffensesRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, and Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment today charging CHRISTOPHER GASKIN, 46, of Hartford, with firearm possession and narcotics distribution offenses.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on January 1, 2022, Hartford Police stopped a car Gaskin was operating on Irving Street in Hartford. Gaskin was arrested on state charges after a search of his person revealed a loaded .380 caliber handgun and a distribution quantity of crack cocaine.
It is alleged that Gaskin’s criminal history includes at least eight felony convictions, including convictions for assault, robbery and witness tampering 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 Gaskin with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. For this offense, based on his alleged criminal history, Gaskin is subject to the Armed Career Criminal Act, a federal law imposing severe penalties for firearm or ammunition possession by an individual who has been convicted of at least three violent felonies or serious drug offenses. A defendant who qualifies as an Armed Career Criminal faces a minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life. Gaskin is also charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”), an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Gaskin was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on April 28, 2022. He is currently released on a $150,000 bond.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel M. Krull.
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 North Branford Man with Child Exploitation OffenseRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston, today announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport has returned an indictment charging JOSEPH AMADEO, 37, of North Branford, with receipt of child pornography.
The indictment was returned on May 5, 2022. Amadeo appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge. Amadeo was originally arrested on a federal criminal complaint on June 3, 2021.
As alleged in court documents, in 2020, HSI began investigating Amadeo for his involvement in an online community of individuals who sent and received child pornography images and videos on the dark web. On March 24, 2021, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of Amadeo’s residence and seized Amadeo’s computer and other electronic devices. Analysis of the devices revealed thousands of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, many as young as infants.
Receipt of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Amadeo is a registered sex offender on the Connecticut Sex Offender Registry based on a 2013 state conviction involving child pornography. He is released on a $100,000 bond pending trial.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda S. Oakes.
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.
Bronx Man Involved in Brazen Burglary Ring Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALEXANDER J. SANTIAGO, 27, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 90 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his participation in a brazen burglary ring that resulted in the theft of millions of dollars in vehicles, phones, ATMs and other merchandise from numerous locations in Connecticut, New York and elsewhere.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Santiago was a member of a theft ring that, between June 2020 and January 2021, primarily burglarized car dealerships and mobile phone stores in Connecticut and New York. From dealerships they stole vehicle key fobs and vehicles, and from mobile phone stores they stole cell phones, electronics and other merchandise. Conspiracy members also stole ATMs from check cashing businesses and burglarized video game stores. Santiago and his associates committed more than 180 burglaries and stole more than $4 million in property.
Santiago and his associates often burglarized multiple locations in one night and, on numerous occasions, escaped from police by engaging the police in high-speed chases that had to be terminated for safety reasons. An apparent tally found on Santiago’s phone after his arrest indicated that he had engaged police in 89 chases.
The investigation also revealed that Santiago and some of his associates possessed firearms during the conspiracy.
On January 15, 2021, when investigators sought to conduct a court-authorized search of Santiago’s residence, Santiago’s pit bull attacked an FBI agent and badly wounded his arm. Santiago was arrested, and a search of the residence revealed approximately 20 new cell phones in boxes, approximately 40 vehicle key fobs, a police radio, a glass-punch device, two firearms and a substantial amount of ammunition.
On February 16, 2021, Santiago and three co-conspirators were charged in a 13-count superseding indictment. A fourth co-conspirator was subsequently charged.
Santiago has been detained since his arrest. On February 22, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of stolen property.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Connecticut State Police, with the assistance of approximately 30 local police departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Ruff and Ray Miller.
Gang Member Sentenced to More Than 8 Years for Drug Trafficking, Role in Bridgeport Courthouse ShootingRead the Press Release
DESTINE CALDERON, 27, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 97 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his participation in a Bridgeport gang, and his role in a gang-related shooting that occurred in front of a state courthouse in Bridgeport in January 2020.
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; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; 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. Calderon has been a member of the “Greene Homes Boyz” (“GHB/Hotz”), a gang based in the Charles F. Greene Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeport’s North End, whose members and associates distributed heroin, crack cocaine, marijuana and Percocet pills; committed numerous acts of violence against rival gang members and other individuals, and celebrated their criminal conduct on social media websites such as Facebook and YouTube. GHB/Hotz members and associates also committed acts of intimidation and made threats to deter potential witnesses to their crimes and to protect gang members and associates from detection and prosecution by law enforcement authorities. From approximately 2017 until August 2020, GHB/Hotz members were aligned with members of the “Original North End” (“O.N.E.”), a gang based in the Trumbull Gardens area of Bridgeport, against rival groups in Bridgeport, including the East End, East Side and PT Barnum gangs, as well as 150, which is a geographic gang based on the West Side of Bridgeport.
On October 1, 2020, Calderon pleaded guilty pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity and admitted that he participated in gang-related drug trafficking, and that he was aware of the planning and was present in a vehicle when GHB/Hotz and O.N.E. members attempted to kill members and associates of the East End gang in a brazen afternoon shooting in front of a Bridgeport courthouse on January 27, 2020. At 12:11 p.m. on that date, Bridgeport Police responded to the area of 172 Golden Hill Street in Bridgeport after a Shot Spotter activation detected approximately 20 shots being fired in front of the state courthouse located there. Upon arrival, investigators discovered that four victims had been shot while sitting inside a black Chevrolet Impala. One victim was shot in the side of his chest and was left paralyzed and a second victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his back, shoulder and wrist. The victims’ vehicle had approximately 23 entry bullet holes in the driver’s side and windshield area.
Calderon also appears in YouTube videos and in social media posts promoting the gang.
Calderon has been detained since August 6, 2020.
This investigation is being conducted by ATF, the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and the Stratford and Naugatuck Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Stephanie T. Levick and Karen L. Peck.
This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.
PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it. If a group member elects to engage in gun violence, the focused attention of federal, state and local law enforcement will be directed at that entire group.
OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
U.S. Attorney Avery Recognizes Law Enforcement Officers During National Police WeekRead the Press Release
New Haven – In honor of National Police Week, which this year is observed from May 11 to May 17, U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement.
“This week, we gather to pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who sacrificed their lives in service to our country,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “We remember the courage with which they worked and lived. And we recommit ourselves to the mission to which they dedicated their lives. On behalf of a grateful Justice Department and a grateful nation, I extend my sincerest thanks and gratitude to the entire law enforcement community.”
“We in the U.S. Attorney’s Office are fortunate to work closely with members of federal, state and local law enforcement on a daily basis and, every day, we see first-hand their professionalism, courage and commitment to keeping our communities safe,” said U.S. Attorney Avery. “It is an understatement to say that being a law enforcement officer is challenging, stressful work. Please join me honoring their commitment to service, and remember those officers who have given their life to protect ours.”
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund, 472 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2021. Of that number, 319 succumbed to COVID-19.
Additionally, according to 2021 statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 73 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2021 were killed as a result of felonious acts, whereas 56 died in accidents. Deaths resulting from felonious acts increased in 2021, rising more than 58 percent from the previous year. In 2021, unprovoked attacks were the cause of 24 deaths significantly outpacing all other line of duty deaths resulting from felony acts and reaching the highest annual total in over 30 years of reporting. Additional LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website for the LEOKA program.
Tonight, beginning at 8:00 p.m., the names of the 619 fallen officers added this year to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read during a Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C. Those who wish to view the vigil live online, can watch on the NLEOMF YouTube channel found at https://www.youtube.com/TheNLEOMF. The schedule of National Police Week events is available on NLEOMF’s website.
Norwalk Man Charged with Child Pornography 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 JAKE SCOTT FLEWELLYN, 24, of Norwalk, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with child pornography offenses.
Flewellyn surrendered to law enforcement yesterday afternoon. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and was released on a $100,000 bond under electronic monitoring.
As alleged in court documents, in December 2021, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (“NCMEC”) received a report from the provider of the smartphone messaging application Kik about a Kik user who was distributing videos of child pornography through its service. Kik deactivated the user’s account. In early April 2022, while federal law enforcement was investigating this matter to determine the Kik user’s identity, Kik submitted to NCMEC another report of a user account that was being used to distribute videos of child pornography. The investigation revealed that Flewellyn created both Kik accounts and used them to distribute images and videos depicting child sex abuse
The complaint charges Flewellyn with 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, and accessing with intent to view child pornography, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Norwalk Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Dearington and Neeraj N. Patel.
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.
Granby Man Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Tax Evasion Offenses Stemming from Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that DAVID McMANUS, 56, of Granby, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to fraud and tax offenses stemming from his embezzlement of funds from his employer.
According to court documents and statements made in court, McManus was the Chief Financial Officer for a Hartford-based company for nearly 14 years. Between 2012 and 2018, McManus embezzled approximately $433,584 from the company by using company funds to pay off his personal credit card expenses, and by issuing reimbursements to himself for personal expenses unrelated to the company.
McManus also filed federal income tax returns that omitted the embezzled income for the 2015 through 2018 tax years, resulting in a tax loss of $104,094 to the IRS.
McManus pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of tax evasion, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam on August 8.
McManus has agreed to pay full restitution to his former employer, as well as all back taxes, interest and penalties.
McManus is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Donovan.
New London Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Cocaine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ABRAHAM ROSADO, 33, of New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release for his role in a narcotics trafficking conspiracy in which cocaine was mailed through the U.S. Postal Service from Puerto Rico to southeastern Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2020, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force in Connecticut intercepted a suspicious package that was destined for a location in Puerto Rico. A court-authorized search of the package revealed $158,900 in cash. Investigators established a connection between Raul Robles, who is Rosado’s cousin, and the seized package, and learned that Robles’ and Rosado’s residence on Blackhall Street in New London had received approximately 25 suspicious parcels from Puerto Rico since September 2019.
Investigators continued to monitor USPS deliveries of parcels mailed from Puerto Rico to the Blackhall Street residence, including multiple parcels addressed to names of individuals who did not reside there. A court-authorized search of one parcel that had been mailed to a fictitious individual at the residence revealed more than a kilogram of cocaine.
Rosado was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on April 8, 2021. On February 16, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Robles also pleaded guilty and, on March 17, 2022, was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force, with assistance from the New London and Town of Groton Police Departments. The Task Force includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden and Town of Groton Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Konstantin Lantsman.
Naugatuck Man Sentenced to 33 Months in Federal Prison for Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ADAM MINES, 38, of Naugatuck, 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 distributing heroin.
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. The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones used by members of the organization, physical surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, and motor vehicle stops that resulted in the seizure of drugs. The investigation revealed that Foster was working closely with Jason Metz, of Naugatuck, to distribute narcotics. Between November 2020 and January 2021, Mines was intercepted multiple times on a wiretap ordering distribution quantities of heroin from Metz. Mines then sold the drugs to his own customers.
On March 1, 2021, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Mines, Foster, Metz and 14 others. On December 10, 2021, Mines pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin.
Mines has been detained since his arrest on March 3, 2021. On that date, 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
Metz and Foster have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department. The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the 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.
Hartford Man Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Cocaine Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KENDALL HOOKS, 50, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 66 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service into individuals who were receiving shipments of cocaine through the U.S. Mail from Puerto Rico and California, and distributing the drug in and around Hartford. The investigation revealed that Pedro Rivera arranged to have a cocaine source in Puerto Rico send parcels containing kilograms of cocaine to addresses in Hartford. When the cocaine parcels arrived, Jesus Rodriguez, a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier, delivered the cocaine to Rivera. Rodriguez also distributed cocaine to his own drug customers, including Hooks, in the Hartford area. Hooks also facilitated cocaine transactions between Rodriguez and other narcotics traffickers.
On June 4, 2019, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Hooks, Rivera, Rodriguez and 16 others with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and related offenses. Hooks was detained in state custody when the indictment was returned.
On August 20, 2021, Hooks pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Rivera and Rodriguez also pleaded guilty. On April 13, 2022, Rivera was sentenced to 100 months of imprisonment. Rodriguez awaits sentencing.
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 Geoffrey M. Stone through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Manchester Convenience Store Owner, Worker, Admit Defrauding Federal Food Stamp ProgramRead the Press Release
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAVED SAEED, 52, and DASTGIR SAEED, 68, both of South Windsor, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to food stamp fraud offenses.
The federal Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program (“SNAP”) is administered by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service and utilizes federal tax dollars to subsidize low-income households to provide them with the opportunity to achieve a more nutritious diet by increasing their food-purchasing power. SNAP recipients purchase eligible food items at retail food stores through the use of an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, and SNAP benefits may be accepted by authorized retailers only in exchange for eligible items. Items such as alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, paper goods and soaps are not eligible for purchase with Food Stamp benefits, and it is a violation of the rules and regulations governing the food stamp program to allow benefits to be used to purchase ineligible items. SNAP benefits may not lawfully be exchanged for cash under any circumstances. The program is designed so that the total amount of each purchase made with SNAP benefits is electronically transferred to the retailer’s designated bank account.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Javed Saeed is the owner of Manchester Quick Mart, a convenience store and Mobil gas station located at 262 Oakland Street in Manchester. His father, Dastgir Saeed, and others, including Siddiq Chaudhary and Mohammed Khan, helped operate the store. Between January 2017 and January 2020, Javeed Saeed, Dastgir Saeed, Chaudhary, Khan and others illegally allowed customers to redeem their food stamp benefits for cash and other ineligible items, including gasoline and male enhancement pills, and charged the customers’ food stamp cards a premium of nearly 50 percent for these transactions.
Javed and Dastgir Saeed have agreed to pay restitution in the total amount of $211,208.
Javed and Dastgir Saeed each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit food stamp fraud, an offense that carries maximum term of imprisonment of five years. Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for August 2.
Chaudhary and Khan, both of South Windsor, previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit food stamp fraud and one count of engaging in food stamp fraud, and they are scheduled to be sentenced on September 8 and 9, respectively.
This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.
Vanessa Roberts Avery Sworn in as United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
New Haven – Vanessa Roberts Avery, 47, of West Hartford, was sworn in today as the United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut by Chief U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in New Haven. President Joe Biden nominated Ms. Avery to serve as U.S. Attorney on January 26, 2022, and the U.S. Senate confirmed her nomination on April 27, 2022.
“It is an honor to return to this office, in the city where I was raised, to serve as Connecticut’s U.S. Attorney,” said U.S. Attorney Avery. “I look forward to working with the many talented members of this office, as well as our dedicated law enforcement partners, to enforce federal criminal and civil laws, protect our communities, and ensure justice for all who live in our state.”
Prior to her appointment as U.S. Attorney, Ms. Avery served as the Associate Attorney General and Chief of the Division of Enforcement and Public Protection at the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General. Since January 2019, she led the affirmative litigation and investigations on behalf of the State of Connecticut in the areas of antitrust, opioids, government program fraud, consumer protection, child protection, environment, energy, finance, privacy and cybersecurity, and civil rights. Ms. Avery served on the Attorney General’s Litigation Management Committee, represented the Attorney General on the Connecticut Bar Association Policing Task Force, and led the COVID-19 Fraud Task Force in coordination with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Chief State’s Attorney’s Office.
From 2014 to 2019, Ms. Avery was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Civil Division in this District, prosecuting a variety of complex civil fraud cases under the False Claims Act, asset forfeiture cases, environmental violations, civil rights matters, and defending Bivens and medical malpractice cases.
From 2006 to 2014, Ms. Avery was a litigation attorney at McCarter & English LLP, where she focused on business and financial litigation, intellectual property, trust and probate, and product liability cases. From 2003 to 2005, Ms. Avery was a Trial Attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice in the Commercial Litigation Branch of the Civil Division in Washington, D.C. From 1999 to 2003, she was an attorney in the Hartford Trial Group at Cummings & Lockwood LLC.
Ms. Avery is a graduate of Yale University and the Georgetown University Law Center. She is a New Haven native and a graduate of the New Haven Public Schools.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut and representing the federal government in civil litigation. As U.S. Attorney, Ms. Avery supervises a staff of approximately 68 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and approximately 57 staff members at offices in New Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport.
Ms. Avery is the 54th U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut, an office that was established in 1789.
Four Charged with Trafficking Cocaine Through the U.S. MailRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Leonard C Boyle, Special Agent in Charge David Sundberg of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging the following four individuals with cocaine trafficking offenses:
JEAN MANGUAL-CASTRO, 34, of West Haven
JASHON SPEARMAN, also known as “J ” and “Deuce,” 34, of New Haven
ENID CASTRO, 52, of West Haven
MARIA ALEJANDRA PEREZ TORRES, also known as “Alej” and “Alejandra Perez,” 21, of Villalba, Puerto RicoAs alleged in 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 that a suspicious package had been delivered to the West Haven residence of Enid Castro, who is 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 seized at another location approximately three kilograms of cocaine that had been mailed from Puerto Rico to Connecticut at Mangual-Castro’s direction.
It is further alleged that Perez Torres mailed packages containing cocaine to Connecticut, and that Spearman received and distributed cocaine that he had acquired from Mangual-Castro.
The indictment, which was returned on April 19, 2022, charges Mangual-Castro, Spearman, Castro and Perez Torres with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted of this offense, based on the quantity of cocaine attributable to each defendant, Mangual-Castro faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and Spearman, Castro and Perez Torres each faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years. The indictment also charges Mangual-Castro, Castro and Perez Torres with one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.
Mangual-Castro has been detained since his arrest on a federal criminal complaint on December 20, 2021. He is scheduled to be arraigned via videoconference this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti.
Spearman has been detained since his arrest on February 4, 2022. He and seven others were subsequently charged with narcotics distribution offenses in a related case during which law enforcement seized approximately 19 kilograms of cocaine, more than 7,000 bags of fentanyl, and more than $780,000 in cash. He appeared today before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford and pleaded not guilty to the new charges.
Enid Castro was arrested on April 22, 2022, and was released on a $50,000 bond pending trial.
Perez Torres was arrested in Puerto Rico on April 21, 2022, and is released on a $10,000 bond. She is scheduled to be arraigned in Hartford on May 10.
U.S. Attorney Boyle 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 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 Sentenced to 57 Months in Federal Prison for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARBIN JIMENEZ, also known as “Rabia,” 33, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 57 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a joint investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department into a Waterbury-based drug trafficking operation headed by Nestor Sosa-Ortiz. The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance, and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Sosa-Ortiz’s organization received large quantities of heroin and fentanyl from suppliers in Connecticut and New York and distributed the narcotics throughout New Haven County. After Sosa-Ortiz was arrested in New York City on a separate federal heroin and fentanyl trafficking charge in May 2019, he continued to control his drug network while incarcerated by using smuggled cell phones to communicate with various co-conspirators, including his sisters, Isamelis Sosa-Ortiz and Imirici Sosa-Ortiz, in Waterbury.
On November 6, 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging 15 members of the Sosa-Ortiz drug trafficking organization with conspiring to distribute heroin and fentanyl. A superseding indictment returned in January 2020 added a sixteenth defendant.
Jimenez was subsequently identified as a redistributor for the Sosa-Ortiz drug trafficking organization. On three occasions in July and August 2020, investigators conducted controlled purchases of fentanyl from Jimenez.
Jimenez has been detained since his arrest on August 31, 2020. At the time of his arrest, he possessed approximately 150 grams of fentanyl, kilogram presses, digital scales, and a drug ledger. Jimenez pleaded guilty on November 1, 2021.
Nestor Sosa-Ortiz, Isamelis Sosa-Ortiz and Imirici Sosa-Ortiz have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This investigation was 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, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby, Middletown, Naugatuck, and Waterbury Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara E. Levens, Lauren C. Clark and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.
Waterbury Man Involved in Connecticut-to-Maine Drug and Gun Trafficking Sentenced to 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LONNIE JOYNER, also known as “Flo,” 37, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking firearms and narcotics between Connecticut and Maine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating Joyner and other Connecticut residents who were driving to northeastern Maine with 100-gram quantities of heroin, and sometimes crack cocaine, and selling the drugs to customers in Maine. In exchange for the narcotics, Joyner received money or firearms from his customers. On September 27, 2017, a court-authorized search of a storage unit that Joyner rented at a Waterbury storage facility revealed two .38 caliber revolvers.
Joyner’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for firearm, narcotics, strangulation and failure to appear offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
After his arrest in this case and while released on bond, Joyner threatened his probation officer and failed to appear for a court proceeding. He has been detained since May 11, 2021, when he was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Connecticut Violent Fugitive Task Force. On June 4, 2021, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of firearms by a felon.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration in Connecticut and Maine, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police 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 was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
Stratford Man Charged with Child Exploitation Offenses, Victimizing Teen Through SnapchatRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston, today announced that ALEXANDER DILELLA, 22, of Stratford, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with multiple child exploitation offenses.
Dilella appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and is detained pending the completion of his detention hearing, which was continued until May 6.
As alleged in court documents, Dilella has used various online applications, including Snapchat, Omegle and FaceTime, to communicate with minor girls, some as young as 13 or 14 years old, and entice them to engage in illegal sexual activity. During one Snapchat exchange with a 14-year-old victim, Dilella referred to the girl as a “child porn slave” and demanded that she send him a sexually explicit image of herself, which she did.
It is further alleged that, on May 24, 2021, investigators seized Dilella’s iPhone. Analysis of the phone revealed videos of prepubescent children being sexually abused.
The complaint charges Dilella with enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life; receipt 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 Boyle 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), with the assistance of the Stratford and Milford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel M. Krull.
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.
Woman Awaiting Sentencing in Health Care Fraud Case again Charged with Committing Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that NICOLE STEINER, formerly known as Nicole Balkas, 32, of Stratford, was arrested yesterday on a criminal complaint charging her with committing health care fraud after pleading guilty and while released on bond in another health care fraud case.
Following her arrest, Steiner appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and was released on a $250,000 bond into home detention and under electronic monitoring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 28, 2021, Steiner pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud related to her operation of Helping Hands Academy, LLC, in Bridgeport, which provided applied behavior analysis services to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and was enrolled as a participating provider in the Connecticut Medicaid Program (“Medicaid”). From December 2018 to October 2020, Steiner submitted and caused to be submitted fraudulent claims to Medicaid for applied behavior analysis services that were purportedly provided to Medicaid clients. She submitted claims for dates of service when no applied behavior analysis services of any kind had been provided to the Medicaid clients identified in the claims, and she inflated the number of hours for certain claims even when applied behavior analysis had been provided to the Medicaid clients identified in the claims. Steiner also submitted false Medicaid claims in 2020 using a former employee’s name and performing provider number.
After the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS), which administers the Medicaid program in Connecticut, terminated Helping Hands Academy as a provider, Steiner made several false statements and submitted an altered document to DSS in an effort to rescind the termination and to receive payment for previously submitted claims.
Medicaid suffered a loss of $551,311.85 as a result of Steiner’s admitted conduct.
After her guilty plea, Steiner was released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
It is alleged that, while she was awaiting sentencing in her case, Steiner was a silent partner in another company that provided applied behavior analysis services to children diagnosed with ASD called New Beginnings Children’s Behavioral Health LLC. Steiner was responsible for billing claims to Medicaid, managing payroll, and recruiting and screening potential employees, and she and had access to and used her business partner’s email and other online accounts to operate the company. Steiner and the company engaged in health care fraud by billing Medicaid for thousands of dollars in services not rendered and, in particular, billing for services not rendered by Steiner.
If convicted of the new charge, Steiner faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, which must be imposed consecutively to the sentence she receives in her initial health care fraud case.
This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
U.S. Attorney Boyle acknowledged the valuable cooperation of the Connecticut Department of Social Services in the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.
People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS.
New Haven Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing Sawed-Off RifleRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANGEL RODRIGUEZ-MENDEZ, 25, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 27 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegal possession of an unregistered sawed-off rifle.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Rodriguez-Mendez was arrested on August 26, 2020, after a court-authorized search of his residence on East Street in New Haven revealed a loaded sawed-off rifle, a loaded handgun, ammunition, approximately 37 wax folds containing a mixture of heroin and cocaine, and approximately 74 grams of cocaine. Rodriguez also possessed approximately 20 grams of cocaine on his person.
On November 10, 2021, Rodriguez-Mendez pleaded guilty to one count of possession of an unregistered firearm.
Rodriguez-Mendez, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on June 28.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration and New Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Gresham.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Greenwich Resident Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison for Defrauding Investors of Nearly $1.5 MillionRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SAMUEL KLEIN, 66, of Greenwich, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for defrauding investors of nearly $1.5 million.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Klein controlled several different entities, including Visual Group LLC; O.S. Management, LLC; KF Pecksland LLC; Four Pines Holdings, LLC; and Payton Lane NH, Inc. In 2018, Klein made false representations to a victim investor, including that the victim’s funds would be invested in distressed debt, when Klein knew that all of the investment funds would not be used for the stated purposes. Based on these false representations, the victim investor wrote a check in the amount of $200,000 to Visual Group LLC for the purpose of making a purported investment in distressed debt. Klein caused the check to be transported from New York to Connecticut and deposited into a bank account in the name of Visual Group LLC. Klein subsequently solicited and received approximately $50,000 in additional funds from the victim investor.
The investigation further revealed that, from approximately July 2016 through at least June 2019, Klein defrauded three additional victim investors of a total of more than $1.2 million by making multiple false statements and misrepresentations.
Klein knew that all of the funds solicited from the victim investors would not be used for his stated purposes, and instead would be utilized by Klein for personal and other expenditures.
Judge Hall ordered Klein to pay restitution in the amount of $1,497,797.52.
On August 30, 2021, Klein pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of property taken by fraud and one count of money laundering.
Klein, who had been released on bond, was remanded to custody at the conclusion of today’s court proceeding.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer R. Laraia and David T. Huang.
Waterbury Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Distribution and Firearm Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LENWOOD GATLING, 38, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between July and October 2020, a DEA New Haven Task Force investigation revealed that Gatling was using a storage unit he rented at a facility located on Meriden Road in Waterbury to store and distribute narcotics. Gatling was arrested on October 14, 2020. On that date, a court-authorized search of the storage unit revealed nine firearms, three of which were reported stolen; approximately 420 grams of fentanyl packaged in approximately 11,000 individual use bags; approximately 99 grams of heroin; approximately nine grams of cocaine; and approximately $30,000 in cash.
Gatling’s criminal history includes multiple felony offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Gatling pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
Gatling has been detained since his arrest.
The Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, East Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby, Middletown, Naugatuck and Waterbury Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia Stolfi Collins and Neeraj N. Patel.
New York Man Involved in Burglary Ring Sentenced to 54 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DOUGLAS NOBLE, 28, of New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 54 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his participation in the theft of millions of dollars in vehicles, phones, ATMs and other merchandise from numerous locations in Connecticut, New York and elsewhere.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Noble was a member of a theft ring that, between June 2020 and January 2021, primarily burglarized car dealerships and mobile phone stores in Connecticut and New York. From dealerships they stole vehicle key fobs and vehicles, and from mobile phone stores they stole cell phones, electronics and other merchandise. Conspiracy members also stole ATMs from check cashing businesses and burglarized video game stores.
Noble and his co-conspirators often burglarized multiple locations in one night and, on numerous occasions, escaped from police by engaging the police in high-speed chases that had to be terminated for safety reasons. Some of Noble’s co-conspirators also possessed firearms.
Members of the theft ring are suspected to have committed more than 180 burglaries and stolen more than $4 million in property.
On January 3, 2021, Noble was arrested on related state charges on Long Island after Nassau County Police responded to the scene of a burglary in progress. Noble was a passenger in a stolen Chevy Silverado that attempted to flee police and struck two cars before it came to a stop. Investigators found several stolen iPads and iPhones inside the vehicle, and a stolen ATM in the truck bed.
On February 16, 2021, Noble and three co-conspirators were charged in a 13-count superseding indictment. A fourth co-conspirator was subsequently charged.
Noble was arrested on March 22, 2021. On February 7, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of stolen property.
Noble, who was living in the Bronx at time of his arrest and is currently residing in Brooklyn while released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on July 6.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Connecticut State Police, with the assistance of approximately 30 local police departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Ruff and Ray Miller.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RONALD DANIEL, 52, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 324 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for producing child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on at least two occasions in 2018, Daniel had sexual contact with a prepubescent female and took cellphone photos of his conduct. He also distributed some of these images, as well as other images and videos of child pornography, through the Kik mobile application under the username “letsgogetluv.”
Daniel has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on June 10, 2019. On February 24, 2021, he pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of production of child pornography.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Connecticut State Police and the Vernon Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.
U.S. Attorney Boyle thanked the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Tolland for its close cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Bristol Woman Admits Straw Purchasing Several FirearmsRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, today announced that, on April 29, 2022, LEAH BOUCHER, 30, of Bristol, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector to one count of making a false statement to a firearms dealer.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 9, 2021, law enforcement conducted a court-authorized search of Tyrone Brown’s residence on Stevens Street in New Haven and seized a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol. Brown, who was a convicted felon and was prohibited by federal law from purchasing or possessing a firearm or ammunition, was arrested at that time. The investigation revealed that the firearm was registered to a family member of Boucher, and that Boucher had purchased 10 other firearms at four different gun stores in Connecticut between March and July 2021. When investigators interviewed Boucher on August 26, 2021, Boucher admitted that she had purchased firearms for other individuals, and that she was no longer in possession of any of the 10 firearms that were registered to her.
Boucher was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on October 15, 2021.
At sentencing, which is scheduled for July 25, before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arteron in New Haven, Boucher faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Boucher has been detained since February 23, 2022, when her bond was revoked.
On April 25, 2022, Brown pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. He is detained while awaiting sentencing.
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 Kenneth L. Gresham.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Wethersfield Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FABIO VARGAS-GONZALEZ, 46, of Wethersfield, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to a fentanyl trafficking offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the DEA’s Hartford Task Force developed information that Vargas-Gonzalez was involved in narcotics trafficking activities in the Hartford area. On March 11, 2020, investigators conducted surveillance of Vargas-Gonzalez as he drove a minivan from Connecticut to New Jersey and then back to Connecticut. In Danbury, investigators stopped Vargas-Gonzalez’s minivan for a motor vehicle violation and, after Vargas-Gonzalez consented to a search, found approximately two kilograms of fentanyl hidden in the minivan’s spare tire compartment.
Vargas-Gonzalez pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer on July 29.
Vargas-Gonzalez is released on a $175,000 bond pending sentencing.
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 Geoffrey M. Stone.