District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Hartford Resident Who Illegally Possessed Firearms is SentencedRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GEORGE HARRIS, 40, last residing in Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 12 months and one day of imprisonment for illegally possessing firearms.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 12, 2020, Harris was transported by ambulance to Hartford Hospital in an intoxicated state. When the attending nurse began changing Harris out of his clothes and into hospital garments, a loaded .38 caliber semiautomatic pistol fell from one of his pants pockets.
Prior to July 2020, Harris had been convicted of a felony offense. 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.
Harris has been detained since his arrest on July 17, 2021. At the time of his arrest, he possessed another loaded semiautomatic pistol.
On October 20, 2021, Harris pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon.
Harris, a citizen of Jamaica, faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hartford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda S. Oakes.
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 Former State Rep, 3 Others, with Stealing West Haven's COVID Relief FundsRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Christina D. Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging former employee of the City of West Haven and his three alleged co-conspirators for their involvement in schemes that resulted in the theft of more than $1.2 million dollars in COVID relief funds and other funds from the City of West Haven.
The six-count indictment, which was returned yesterday, charges MICHAEL DiMASSA, 31, JOHN TRASACCO, 50, LAUREN KNOX, 37, and JOHN BERNARDO, 65, all of West Haven, with conspiracy and fraud offenses. Trasacco and Knox, who were arrested today, and DiMassa and Bernardo, who were previously arrested, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and pleaded not guilty to the charges. They are released on bond pending trial.
As alleged in the indictment, DiMassa was a Connecticut State Representative who was also employed by the City of West Haven, most recently serving as the Administrative Assistant to the City Council. In April 2020, the State of Connecticut was allocated money by the U.S. Department of the Treasury through the Coronavirus Relief Fund (“CRF”), which was established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) for the purpose of helping local governments pay costs incurred in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. From July 2020 through September 2021, the City of West Haven received approximately $1,150,257 in financial assistance from this fund. DiMassa, who was authorized to approve the designated relief funds for the reimbursement of COVID-related expenditures incurred by West Haven, conspired with Trasacco, Knox and Bernardo to steal these funds and other West Haven funds through the submission of fraudulent invoices, and subsequent payment, for COVID relief goods and services that were never provided.
The indictment alleges that DiMassa conspired with Trasacco through the submission of fraudulent invoices to L & H Company and JIL Sanitation Services, two entities controlled by Trasacco, for goods and services never received by West Haven, including thousands of units of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), HVAC maintenance at multiple municipal locations, COVID supplies for the Board of Education, and cleaning services for various municipal and school buildings, including one school building that had been vacant and abandoned for several years. L & H Company and JIL Sanitation Services received approximately $431,982 through this scheme.
The indictment also alleges that DiMassa and Knox, who are now married, submitted numerous fraudulent invoices to West Haven for services related to a Youth Violence Prevention Program and for Youth Violence COVID-19 Associated Expenses. These invoices listed charges for in-home counseling, cleaning supplies, special needs hourly service, wi-fi assistance for low/moderate income families, counseling services, license fees, a fall youth clinic, meals, support group supplies, equipment rental, and youth clinic support group. West Haven made at least 16 payments totaling approximately $147,776.10 to Knox, who never provided any services to the City of West Haven.
It is further alleged that in January 2021, DiMassa and Bernardo formed Compass Investment Group, LLC. Beginning in February 2021, Compass Investment Group LLC fraudulently billed the City of West Haven and its “COVID-19 Grant Department” for consulting services purportedly provided to the West Haven Health Department that were not performed. From February 2021 through September 2021, the City of West Haven paid Compass Investment Group a total of $636,783.70. Bernardo received at least $45,000 of these funds.
As disclosed previously in court documents, it is alleged that DiMassa made several large cash withdrawals from the Compass Investment Group LLC bank account, some of which were made shortly before or after he was recorded as having made a large cash “buy-in” of gaming chips at the Mohegan Sun Casino.
The indictment charges DiMassa with three counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and three counts of wire fraud. Trasacco, Knox and Bernardo are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit fraud and one count of wire fraud. Each charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
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.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General for Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
Individuals with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Felon Sentenced to 57 Months in Federal Prison for Multiple Firearm and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CEDRIC GOODWIN, also known as “Ceddyo,” 32, last residing in West Haven, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 57 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for firearm and drug offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning hours of September 22, 2019, Goodwin attempted to enter a bar located on Crown Street in downtown New Haven. During a pat-down search of Goodwin by a security worker, a firearm magazine fell from Goodwin’s right ankle area. Goodwin retrieved the magazine and left the establishment. The security worker notified nearby New Haven Police officers who subsequently located Goodwin. As they approached Goodwin, the officers heard the sound of an object hitting the ground. Goodwin was detained, and a search of the area revealed a firearm magazine containing eight rounds of .380 caliber ammunition. Goodwin was arrested on state charges at that time.
Goodwin’s criminal history includes felony convictions for narcotics, weapon, robbery and assault offenses. On March 10, 2020, Goodwin was arrested on a federal criminal complaint charging him with possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. Following his arrest, he was released on a $100,000 bond and other conditions, including that he reside at the home of a third-party custodian on Sanford Street in West Haven. Law enforcement subsequently received information that Goodwin was engaged in narcotics trafficking activity and was in possession of a firearm.
On May 14, 2020, Goodwin was arrested after investigators conducted a court-authorized search of his residence and, in the garage, found a Smith and Wesson revolver, several rounds of assorted ammunition, multiple baggies of suspected heroin, a quantity of marijuana, and items used to process and package drugs for street sale.
Goodwin has been detained since his arrest. On July 14, 2021, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon, possession with intent to distribute heroin and marijuana, and commission of an offense while on federal pretrial release.
This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the New Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.
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.
North Dakota Man Sentenced to More Than 3 Years in Prison for Traveling to Connecticut for Sex with MinorRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTOPHER J. BRERETON, 35, of Fargo, North Dakota, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for traveling to Connecticut to attempt to engage in sex with a minor.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2020, Brereton began chatting online with a minor female who had an online profile stating she was 18 years old. In February 2020, a law enforcement officer received permission to take over the minor’s account and, in an undercover capacity, the officer informed Brereton of the female’s true age of 15 years old. Brereton continued to chat with the “girl,” discussed engaging in sexual activity with her and made plans to drive to Connecticut meet her for sex.
On March 12, 2020, Brereton began driving from North Dakota and he arrived at a hotel in Meriden the next day. At the hotel, Brereton unpacked lingerie and sexual paraphernalia he had purchased for the planned sexual encounter. He was arrested later that day by New Haven Police on state charges after he drove to a location where he had arranged to meet the “girl.”
Brereton has been detained since his arrest. On July 19, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of traveling interstate with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the New Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.
U.S. Attorney Boyle thanked the New Haven State Attorney’s Office for its assistance in the prosecution of this case.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
New London Man Admits Role in Cocaine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting 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 ABRAHAM ROSADO, 33, of New London, pleaded guilty yesterday in Bridgeport federal court to a narcotics trafficking offense stemming from his role in a 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.
Rosado pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer on May 11, 2022. Rosado is detained pending sentencing.
Robles pleaded guilty to the same offense on September 21, 2021, and awaits sentencing.
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.
Farmington Woman Sentenced to Prison for Stealing $103K from Bank CustomerRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LEE BLANCHETTE, 59, of Farmington, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for stealing more than $100,000 from a customer of the bank where she was employed.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Blanchette was employed by Bank of America as a relationship manager. As a relationship manager, Blanchette had the authority to cause temporary ATM cards to be activated and assigned to a customer’s account. Between August 2014 and March 2016, Blanchette caused multiple temporary ATM cards to be activated for bank accounts of a customer who Blanchette knew was experiencing cognitive decline. Without the customer’s authorization, Blanchette used the temporary ATM cards to withdraw significant funds from the customer’s accounts, keeping a significant portion for her own benefit, and causing a loss of $103,080.
Judge Meyer ordered Blanchette to pay full restitution to Bank of America, which covered the victim’s losses.
On May 25, 2021, Blanchette pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud.
Blanchette, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on April 4.
This matter was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer R. Laraia.
The Justice Department has established a National Elder Fraud Hotline to provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline is staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll-free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311). For more information, please visit: https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/stop-elder-fraud/providing-help-restoring-hope.
Waterbury Man Sentenced for Violating Federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification ActRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTOPHER POSKUS, 47, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 16 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for failing to register as a sex offender.
The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”), which was passed by Congress in 2006 as part of the Adam Walsh Act, provides a comprehensive set of minimum standards for sex offender registration and notification in the United States and seeks to strengthen the nationwide network of sex offender registration and notification programs. In part, SORNA requires registered sex offenders to register and keep their registration current in each jurisdiction in which they reside, work, or go to school.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2010, Poskus was convicted in state court of possession of child pornography and was sentenced to 14 years of incarceration, suspended after seven years, and 10 years of probation. He also was required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. While on probation, Poskus violated several mandatory and special conditions, had his probation revoked, returned to prison, and eventually was placed under house arrest with GPS monitoring.
In July 2019, Poskus removed his GPS monitoring device and fled to California. On August 29, 2019, the U.S. Marshals Service located and arrested Poskus in San Francisco, where he was residing in a homeless shelter. Poskus failed to update his Connecticut sex offender registration to reflect an interstate change of residence, and he failed to register as a sex offender in California.
Poskus was detained from the date of his arrest until December 21, 2020, when he began serving a seven-year term of probation. On January 7, 2021, state probation officers were unable to contact Poskus, and they subsequently discovered that Poskus had left Connecticut by train shortly after his release from prison. He was again located in San Francisco, and has been detained in federal custody on March 18, 2021. Poskus again had failed to update his Connecticut sex offender registration to reflect an interstate change of residence, and he failed to register as a sex offender in California.
On October 14, 2021, Poskus pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to register as a sex offender.
This matter was investigated by the United States Marshal Service and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Vizcarrondo.
Three Men Guilty in Scheme to Defraud Elderly and Vulnerable Victims of More Than $5 MillionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Leonard C Boyle, Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division, and J. Russell George, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, today announced that a federal jury in Bridgeport has found three men guilty of offenses related to their participation in lottery and romance scams that defrauded primarily elderly victims across the country of millions of dollars.
Yesterday, after a week-long trial before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill, FAROUQ FASASI, 27, RODNEY THOMAS, JR., 31, and RALPH PIERRE, 32, all formerly of New Haven, were convicted of conspiracy, fraud and money laundering offenses.
According to the evidence presented during the trial, in a lottery scam, scammers notify victims by telephone, through online communications, or by mail, that they have won the lottery. The victims are then told that in order to collect the prize they must pay fees for things like taxes, shipping and processing. Often, once a victim sends a small amount of money, a scammer will ask for larger sums of money with a promise of more winnings. The victims never receive winnings. In a romance scam, scammers take advantage of people looking for companionship by pretending to be prospective companions. Scammers typically create fake online profiles on dating websites that include false personal details such as the death of a spouse, or military service, to lure victims to trust them. Once they have gained the trust of victims, scammers will ask victims for money, falsely claiming to need money for medical or business emergencies, for travel to see the victim, or other purposes.
Between approximately August 2015 and March 2020, Fasasi, Thomas and others used lottery scams, romance scams and other fraudulent means to induce elderly victims to provide them with money, gifts and personal details. Victims sent cash, money orders or checks through the mail to various addresses in Connecticut, and also wired or deposited money into bank accounts in Connecticut controlled by conspiracy members and their associates.
Fasasi, Thomas, Pierre and other co-conspirators lived together for a time at a residence on Sherman Avenue in New Haven, where many packages containing cash, checks and money orders from victims were delivered. To help launder the money obtained from fraud victims, Pierre formed a fake charity, called “Global Protection Foundation,” and opened four bank accounts in the fake charity’s name.
The investigation revealed that these scams defrauded more than 200 victims across the U.S. of more than $5 million. Many of the victims were elderly and vulnerable, and some victims lost their life savings. One Connecticut victim lost more than $1 million.
The jury found Fasasi and Thomas guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and one count of mail fraud. Fasasi was also found guilty of three counts of money laundering. Pierre was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and one count of money laundering. Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for May 10.
Three other individuals have been charged and convicted of offenses stemming from their participation in this scheme.
“The Justice Department is committed to rooting out and prosecuting those who steal from seniors and other vulnerable victims,” said U.S. Attorney Boyle. “These verdicts will help to heal the many individuals who gave thousands of dollars to these predators. I encourage all to resist falling victim to these schemes and not send any money to anyone you haven’t met in person. Instead, call your local police department, or 833-FRAUD-11, for assistance and to report these crimes.”
“The verdicts exemplify the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s dedication to protecting those who have been victimized by scams that utilize the U. S. Mail to perpetuate fraud,” said Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division. “The financial loss suffered by some of our most vulnerable population is devastating, often unrecoverable. The teamwork exhibited between multiple federal law enforcement agencies ensured the success of this investigation.”
The Justice Department has established a National Elder Fraud Hotline to provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline is staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311). For more information, please visit: https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/stop-elder-fraud/providing-help-restoring-hope.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Army-CID, and New Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather L. Cherry and Stephanie T. Levick
Madison Man Admits Defrauding InvestorsRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRIAN HUGHES, 57, of Madison, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to multiple offenses stemming from a scheme to defraud investors of two companies.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2015, Hughes founded Handcrafted Brands, LLC (“HCB”), for the purpose of raising money to purchase Salute American Vodka, (“Salute”) an alcoholic beverage company. Hughes subsequently solicited and received funds from dozens of investors ostensibly for the purchase and subsequent development of Salute. Hughes used the first investment he received, in the amount $150,000, to pay his taxes and his American Express credit card expenses. Although HCB purchased Salute in June 2016 for $450,000, Hughes continued to solicit investments from investors and used hundreds of thousands dollars in invested funds for expenses unrelated to Salute. He also used funds to pay off an earlier investor under the guise of a return on a prior investment made by the earlier investor, which is commonly known as a “lulling” payment.
Hughes also solicited investments purportedly on behalf of another company, which is identified in court documents as “Company-1.” In fact, Hughes had no official relationship with Company-1 and could not raise capital on its behalf. Hughes spent the money he received for this investment on personal expenses, to pay earlier investors, and on business related to Salute.
Finally, Hughes evaded the assessment of his tax obligations for the 2015 through 2018 tax years by substantially underreporting his income to the IRS, resulting in a tax loss of $470,880.
Hughes pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, one count of making an illegal monetary transaction, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and one count of tax evasion, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
Hughes has agreed to pay full restitution to the IRS and to all investors in both HCB and Company-1 in the total amount of $2,991,880.
Hughes was arrested on January 14, 2021. He is released on a $250,000 bond pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.
Hartford Man Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALLEN EVANS, 35, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 16 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 23, 2020, Hartford Police stopped a car in which Evans was a passenger. Evans was arrested after a search of his person revealed a loaded Taurus Model 85 “.38 Special” handgun, and a search of the vehicle revealed additional ammunition.
At the time of his arrest, Evans was on state probation following a conviction in 2018 for possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle.
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.
Evans has been in custody since March 12, 2021. He pleaded guilty on September 21.
This matter was investigated by the Hartford Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Chang.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 46 Months for Narcotics Distribution OffenseRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMES LEE, 24, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin, cocaine and crack.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 13, 2021, New Haven Police encountered Lee as he was sitting in a car at a gas station. The car had fled from police on March 8. A search of Lee’s person revealed $3,815 and a search of the car revealed $3,443. Officers then found a hidden compartment in the vehicle’s center counsel that contained heroin, crack and cocaine packaged for distribution, and a loaded 9mm handgun.
On the morning of April 5, 2021, a New Haven Police detective traveling in an unmarked police cruiser in the area of Orange Street and Wall Street identified another car that had fled from West Haven Police during an attempted traffic stop on April 1. The detective followed the car to a location of Brown Street, where he observed occupants of the vehicle engage in what appeared to be street-level drug transactions, and then to a location on Elm Street. On Elm Street, James Lee, who had been released on bond, and Darryl Russell exited the car and entered a building. Lee was arrested after he exited the building. Russell ignored commands not to leave the scene but was apprehended a short distance away after he was found hiding in a trash can. A search of their car revealed heroin, crack and cocaine packaged for distribution, and more than $2,000 in cash.
Lee has been detained since his arrest. On September 28, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”).
Russell, of New Haven, has been detained since May 21, 2021. On that date, he possessed additional narcotics packaged for distribution.
On September 14, 2021, Russell pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute, heroin, cocaine and cocaine base. He awaits sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the New Haven Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.
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 Employee of Mechanical Contractor Admits Inflating Change OrdersRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILLIAM SACCO, 49, of Pelham, New Hampshire, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to a conspiracy charge stemming from his involvement in a construction project fraud scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Sacco was a project manager for a Massachusetts-based mechanical contractor. From June 2014 to December 2017, Sacco conspired to defraud his employer and the owners of certain projects he managed by inflating change orders on the projects. As part of the conspiracy, a co-conspirator subcontractor made more than $200,000 in payments to Sacco and also for Sacco’s benefit, including payments for Sacco’s children’s college tuition, a graduation party, a Mac laptop, airline tickets, hotels and Sacco’s rent. Sacco and the co-conspirator submitted inflated change orders to Sacco’s employer to offset some of the costs of the payments the co-conspirator made to Sacco.
Sacco pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Sacco has agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $41,195.85.
Sacco was arrested on November 22, 2021. He is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for May 9.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang, with assistance from the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, New York Office.
Bristol Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Engage in Sex with Minor, Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT MARLIN SELLERS, 61, of Bristol, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to child exploitation offenses related to his attempt to engage in 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.
Sellers pleaded guilty to one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and one count of distribution of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Boyle thanked the New Britain State’s Attorney’s Office for its cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this case.
This matter is being 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 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.
Hamden Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Heroin and CrackRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTOPHER RODRIGUEZ, also known as “Rico,” 33, last residing in Hamden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the summer of 2017, members of the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and Bridgeport Police Department began investigating individuals who were distributing narcotics in and around Bridgeport. The investigation has included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics, physical and video surveillance, and the execution of multiple search and seizure warrants. The investigation revealed that Rodriguez, Antonio Small, Evan Sheffield, Louis McDowell, Anthony Small and others were distributing large quantities of heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine in the Bridgeport area.
On January 13, 2020, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin and a quantity of cocaine base (“crack”).
Antonio Small, Sheffield, McDowell, and Anthony Small have pleaded guilty. On October 27, 2020, Judge Thompson sentenced Sheffield to 97 months of imprisonment. Antonio Small, McDowell and Anthony Small await sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department, as well as the DEA, Connecticut State Police, and the Stratford, Norwalk, Seymour and Trumbull Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck and Patrick J. Doherty through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Nurse Pleads Guilty to Tampering with Fentanyl VialsRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRYAN WILSON, 39, of Madison, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of tampering with a consumer product.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Wilson was employed as a nurse by The Vascular Experts, a Connecticut company that performs outpatient medical procedures. As part of his duties, Wilson was responsible for conducting sedations on patients and he had access to the secure area in his workplace that contained vials of drugs used as anesthetics, including fentanyl. In August and September 2021, Wilson took vials of fentanyl that were intended to be used to formulate infusion for patients. He used a syringe to withdraw the fentanyl from the vials and reinjected saline into the vials so that it would appear as if none of the narcotics were missing.
Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for May 5, 2022, at which time Wilson faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Wilson was released on bond pending sentencing. He has surrendered his nursing license.
This matter is being investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations; the DEA’s Hartford Diversion Control Division; and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Drug Control Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
New London Woman Charged with Conspiring to Distribute Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a superseding indictment charging GRISELLE ORTIZ ARCHILLA, 31, of New London, with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine.
The superseding indictment was returned on February 8. Ortiz Archilla appeared today via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector and is released on a $100,000 bond.
The superseding indictment also charges Carlos Antonio Crespo-Febus, 40, of New London, and Steven Collazo, 30, of Groton, with the same offense. Crespo-Febus and Collazo were originally charged by indictment in September 2021.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in April 2021, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating a cocaine trafficking operation headed by Crespo-Febus. The investigation revealed that Crespo-Febus was coordinating the shipment of parcels, typically containing two kilograms of cocaine, from U.S. Post Offices in Puerto Rico to various “drop addresses” in New London County. Collazo and Ortiz Archilla picked up parcels from the drop addresses and delivered them to Crespo-Febus at Crespo-Febus’s New London residence. Ortiz Archilla also recruited others into the conspiracy.
It is further alleged that investigators have intercepted and seized more than 12 kilograms of cocaine that were mailed from Puerto Rico to Connecticut, and have identified dozens of other suspicious parcels that likely contained kilogram quantities of cocaine.
Crespo-Febus and Collazo were arrested on September 20, 2021. Crespo-Febus is detained and Collazo is released to home detention on a $100,000 bond.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine carries a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
U.S. Attorney Boyle stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendants are 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 and the Drug Enforcement Administration, 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.
Waterbury Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Heroin and Fentanyl Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRYAN VINALES, also known as “Tiano,” 25, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a heroin and fentanyl trafficking ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department revealed that Nestor Sosa-Ortiz operated a Waterbury-based drug trafficking organization that received large quantities of heroin and fentanyl from suppliers in Connecticut and New York and distributed the narcotics throughout New Haven County. The organization used an apartment located at 330 Bishop Street in Waterbury to store kilogram-quantities of heroin and fentanyl, and to process and package the drugs for street sale.
On May 18, 2019, Sosa-Ortiz was arrested in New York City on a separate federal heroin and fentanyl trafficking charge. On that date, law enforcement intercepted a planned drug transaction and seized approximately two kilograms of fentanyl and two kilograms of heroin. Sosa-Ortiz continued to control his drug network while incarcerated by using smuggled cell phones to communicate with various co-conspirators.
During the investigation, Jeffrey Tavarez was intercepted on calls coordinating the purchase of heroin and fentanyl from both the Sosa-Ortiz organization and from other individuals who sometimes supplied the Sosa-Ortiz organization with narcotics. Vinales worked with Tavarez to acquire the drugs and then distribute them to their own customers.
Tavarez and several co-defendants were arrested on October 29, 2019. On that date, investigators executed five search warrants and seized approximately six kilograms of heroin and fentanyl, approximately 100,000 bags of heroin/fentanyl packaged for street distribution, approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills disguised as Percocet pills, one firearm and approximately $50,000 in cash. Tavarez possessed nearly 40 grams of fentanyl packaged for distribution at the time of his arrest.
Vinales, who was not arrested on October 29, 2019, continued to distribute narcotics after Tavarez’s arrest. In February 2020, investigators made controlled purchases of approximately 60 grams of fentanyl from Vinales.
Vinales was arrested on July 15, 2020. On July 23, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, heroin and fentanyl.
Seventeen individuals were charged as a result of this investigation. Sosa-Ortiz and Tavarez pleaded guilty. Sosa-Ortiz awaits sentencing, and Tavarez was sentenced to 48 months of imprisonment.
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, 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 Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis and Lauren Clark 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.
Stafford Man Charged with Tax Fraud, Obstruction and Identity Theft OffensesRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that DAVID KAMAL, 60, of Stafford, formerly of Hebron, was arrested this morning on tax fraud, obstruction of justice and identity theft charges.
Kamal appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and was released on a $50,000 bond.
On February 1, 2022, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an 11-count indictment charging Kamal. The indictment alleges that Kamal willfully evaded taxes for the 2012 and 2013 tax years by filing false tax returns for those years and providing false documentation, including invoices and bank statements, to an attorney for the IRS in connection with tax court proceedings. Kamal then filed false tax returns for the 2014 through 2017 tax years by claiming $153,400, $148,910, $49,300, and $50,247 in unreimbursed medical expenses, respectively. He also submitted false documents in a U.S. Tax Court proceeding, and, without authorization, used an individual’s personal information to file false tax returns and negotiate federal tax refund checks.
The indictment charges Kamal with two counts of tax evasion, and offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years; four counts of filing a false tax return, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years; one count of obstruction of an official proceeding, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and four counts of unlawful use of a means of identification, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.
U.S. Attorney Boyle 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 Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.
Norwich Drug Dealer Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ROBERT GRANT HALL, also known as “Chevy,” 41, of Norwich, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing cocaine, crack and heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2018, the FBI, Norwich Police Department and other law enforcement agencies began investigating a narcotics trafficking organization that was operating in southeastern Connecticut. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of crack, revealed that Hall and others were distributing heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine to drug users and other street-level dealers.
On March 5, 2019, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Hall and 12 other individuals with narcotics trafficking offenses. On July 29, 2021, Hall pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).
Hall has been detained in federal custody since March 27, 2019.
This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police and Norwich, Town of Groton and Waterford Police Departments, with the assistance of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office, Baltimore Police Department and Delaware State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth Marc H. Silverman through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Waterbury Man Sentenced to Prison for Distributing Heroin and CrackRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HECTOR DIAZ, 24, Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and crack cocaine.
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. The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones used by members of the organization, physical surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, and motor vehicle stops that resulted in the seizure of drugs. In November 2020, Diaz was intercepted multiple times on a wiretap ordering distribution quantities of heroin and crack cocaine from James Grant, also known as “Bobo,” “Bo,” and “Jimbo,” Diaz then sold the drugs to his own customers.
On March 1, 2021, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Diaz, Grant and 15 others with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, heroin, cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”). Diaz pleaded guilty on November 1, 2021.
Diaz 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
Grant 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 Boyle thanked the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Waterbury for its close cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.
Bridgeport Gang Member Involved in 2 Shootings Sentenced to More Than 8 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
JACQUON BENEJAN, also known as “Blick,” 20, 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 offenses stemming from his membership in a violent Bridgeport street gang.
Today’s announcement was made by Leonard C Boyle, 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. Benejan 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 had been 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 on February 7, 2018, Benejan and an associate shot and attempted to kill “MJ,” a member or associate of the 150 gang. On October 4, 2018, he and an associate shot and attempted to kill “MS,” a member or associate of the East End gang, inside the Greene Homes housing complex. In both of these shootings, innocent bystanders in their homes were either wounded or nearly wounded by stray bullets.
Benejan also appears in YouTube videos and in social media posts, where firearms are present, promoting the gang.
Law enforcement also made controlled purchases of narcotics from Benejan. On March 13, 2020, a court-authorized search of Benejan’s residence revealed two firearms and crack cocaine.
Benejan has been detained since February 19, 2021. On September 17, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and the Waterbury Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Karen L. Peck and Stephanie T. Levick.
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.
Norwich Man Sentenced to More Than 14 Years in Prison for Dark Web Fentanyl Distribution, Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BARRY DUCLOS, 43, of Norwich, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 170 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl analogues on the dark web and firearm offenses.
According to the evidence introduced during his trial, between approximately September 2017 and February 2018, Duclos operated a vendor page on the dark web “Dream Market.” Using the alias 1NOLEFB1, Duclos advertised the sale of fentanyl analogues on Dream Market. He then used the U.S. Mail to ship fentanyl analogues to customers who paid for the drugs using Bitcoin.
On September 21, 2017, a 39-year-old man in Tennessee fatally overdosed after using cyclopropyl fentanyl he ordered from Duclos.
Duclos was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on February 12, 2018. A search of his residence at the time of his arrest revealed a YHM rifle with multiple magazines, two of which were extended magazines. The firearm was loaded with a round in the chamber. Investigators also located and seized fentanyl and carfentanil from the residence, along with a computer used by Duclos to access Dream Market.
Duclos was convicted in state court, in February 2001, of sale of narcotics and, in March 2017, of larceny in the third degree. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
On July 30, 2021, a jury found Duclos guilty of seven counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl analogues; one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and carfentanil; one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon; and one count possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Duclos has been detained since his arrest.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Connecticut State Police, the Norwich Police Department, and the Robertson County (Tenn.) Sherriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and Patrick J. Doherty.
Former Waterbury Resident Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JESSICA PICKERING, 28, formerly of Waterbury, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 96 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervise release, for distributing child pornography through the Kik social media application.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2020, Pickering joined a Kik group geared toward those with a sexual interest in children and then corresponded with an FBI Online Covert Employee (“OCE”) who was monitoring the group. Pickering stated that she had access to three minors, aged 7 and younger. On October 20, 2020, Pickering posted two live videos to the Kik group that depicted child pornography of a male toddler. Pickering later sent the OCE two additional videos that depicted child pornography of the same child. The next day, Pickering withdrew from the Kik group, stating that she “felt an immense amount of disgust for [her]self after what [she] did the other night.”
Pickering was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on October 27, 2020. She pleaded guilty to the offense on May 5, 2021.
Pickering, who is released on bond while residing with family in Queens, New York, is required to report to prison on March 16.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Wolcott Police Department. The case was 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.
Easton Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Recording His Repeated Sexual Abuse of a ChildRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT McGUIRE, 42, of Easton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 30 years of imprisonment, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, for producing photographs and videos of his sexual abuse of a young child.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between February 2019 and June 2020, McGuire repeatedly sexually abused a prepubescent child and took photographs and videos of the sexual assaults. The investigation also revealed that McGuire sexually assaulted a second prepubescent child on at least one occasion.
McGuire has been detained since his arrest by the Easton Police Department on related state charges on July 10, 2020. On June 8, 2021, he pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of production of child pornography.
The state charges against McGuire are pending.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Easton Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Konstantin Lantsman.
U.S. Attorney Boyle thanked the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Fairfield for its close cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of 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.
Uncasville Business Owner Sentenced to Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KATHRYN POCOCK, 59, of Uncasville, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for tax evasion.
According to court documents and statements made in court, since 1991, Pocock has operated Sunshine Cleaners, LLC, a home cleaning business. Between 2015 and 2019, Pocock withdrew approximately $855,000 from the business and failed to report those proceeds on the relevant tax forms for the business and on her federal income tax returns. The investigation revealed that Pocock regularly cashed numerous client checks that had been paid to her business, deposited some checks into her personal bank account, and paid her employees “under the table.” Pocock wrote checks payable to cash from her personal and business bank accounts, and paid employees in cash without properly collecting and paying over employment tax to the IRS or sales and use taxes owed to the State of Connecticut.
The investigation also revealed that Pocock provided her tax preparer with false spreadsheets and supporting documentation that significantly understated her income and employee-related expenses.
Pocock’s criminal conduct resulted in a total tax loss of $213,965, comprising unreported taxes of $180,451 owed to the IRS and $33,514 owed to the State of Connecticut. Judge Meyer ordered Pocock to pay full restitution.
Pocock pleaded guilty to the offense on September 15, 2021.
This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher W. Schmeisser and Katherine E. Boyles.
Norwich Man Involved in Southeastern Connecticut Drug Ring Sentenced to 43 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that VICTOR ENCARNACION, 34, of Norwich, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 43 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a southeastern Connecticut drug trafficking ring.
This matter stems from an investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Taskforce East, Connecticut Department of Correction and the New London, Waterford, City of Groton and Stonington Police Departments, into the distribution of narcotics and illegal possession of firearms in southeastern Connecticut. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases and seizures of narcotics and firearms, revealed that Royshawn Allgood, also known as “Boy Roy,” received narcotics from another member of the conspiracy and then distributed the drugs to users and other street-level distributors. Encarnacion, while on state probation for a narcotics distribution offense, acquired distribution quantities of heroin from Allgood and sold the drug to other dealers and his own customers.
Encarnacion has been detained since his arrest on February 21, 2019. On March 5, 2019, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Encarnacion, Allgood and 22 other individuals with various offenses. A subsequent superseding indictment charged an additional two defendants.
On May 6, 2021, Encarnacion pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Allgood pleaded guilty to a related charge and, on January 3, 2020, was sentenced to 71 months of imprisonment.
This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Taskforce East, Connecticut Department of Correction and the New London, Waterford, City of Groton, Stonington, Norwich, Old Saybrook and UConn Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 41 Months in Federal Prison for Role in New Haven Drug RingRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TOMMY JULIUS, also known as “General” and “J,” 39, of New Haven, was sentenced today via videoconference by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny to 41 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a New Haven-based drug trafficking ring. Judge Chatigny ordered Julius to serve the first six months of his supervised release in home confinement.
This matter stems from an investigation headed by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force and New Haven Police Department that targeted drug trafficking and related acts of violence by members, former members and associates of the “Island Brothers” street gang in New Haven. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics from Julius and others, also revealed that the drug trafficking organization had established a base of operation in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. The investigation subsequently identified a second drug trafficking network that involved the large-scale distribution of heroin. Julius regularly distributed heroin and crack cocaine to street sellers who, in turn, provided Julius with proceeds from their drug sales.
Twenty-five individuals were convicted as a result of this investigation.
Julius was arrested on July 10, 2019. On September 2, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substance. He has been detained since October 5, 2021, when his bond was revoked after he violated conditions of his release.
Julius’ criminal history dates to 1998 and includes several convictions, including a federal firearm conviction in 2011 for which he received a sentence of 10 years in prison. In January 2018, he received an additional 14 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his federal supervised release.
This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, New Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, Hamden Police Department, East Haven Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan, Elena L. Coronado and Tara E. Levens 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 Admits Role in Cocaine Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE RODRIGUEZ-CARABALLO, also known as “Puma,” 32, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today via videoconference before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer to cocaine trafficking offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in November 2020, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force executed a federal search warrant on a suspicious package that had been sent through the U.S. Mail from New Haven to an address in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. The package contained $102,450 in cash. The investigation revealed that an associate of Rodriguez-Caraballo was supervising the receipt of numerous parcels containing kilogram quantities of cocaine that had been shipped from Puerto Rico to addresses in and around New Haven, the resale of the cocaine to others, and the shipment of narcotics proceeds to individuals in Puerto Rico. During the investigation, law enforcement intercepted multiple parcels of cocaine and U.S. currency that was sent through the U.S. Mail.
The investigation revealed that Rodriguez-Caraballo picked up cocaine parcels from the addresses they were shipped to, repackaged the cocaine, and helped distribute it to other drug sellers and customers.
Rodriguez-Caraballo was arrested on March 18, 2021, after he traveled with a co-conspirator to complete a cocaine transaction. Investigators seized approximately two kilograms of cocaine and a firearm from their vehicle.
Rodriguez-Caraballo pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for April 21, at which time Rodriguez-Caraballo faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
Rodriguez-Caraballo has been detained since his arrest.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the New Haven Police Department. The Task Force includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden and Town of Groton Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Konstantin Lantsman and Karen Peck through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Stamford Man Who Fraudulently Obtained More Than $4 Million in Covid-19 Relief Funds Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
Moustapha Diakhate, 46, of Stamford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today via video conference before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea to offenses related to his receipt of more than $4 million in COVID-19 relief funds guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Today’s announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Leonard C Boyle, Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite of the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General’s Eastern Region, Special Agent in Charge David Sundberg of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Special Agent in Charge Joleen D. Simpson of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2020, the CARES Act provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). In April 2020, Congress authorized more than $300 billion in additional PPP funding. The PPP allowed qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive unsecured loans at an interest rate of 1%. PPP loan proceeds must be used by businesses on payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. The PPP allowed the interest and principal to be forgiven if businesses spent the proceeds on these expenses within a certain period of time of receipt and used at least a certain percentage of the amount to be forgiven for payroll.
The PPP was overseen by the Small Business Administration, which has authority over all PPP loans. Individual PPP loans, however, were issued by private approved lenders, such as Citibank, which received and processed PPP applications and supporting documentation, and then made loans using the lenders’ own funds, which were guaranteed by the SBA.
Diakhate maintained an ownership or management interest in certain small business entities, including Ansonia Developers LLC, Winsbay Inc., Buyers Association Group LLC, Washington Management LLC, Diakhate Capital, Inc., and Poulson & Gold Inc. Beginning in May 2020, Diakhate provided Citibank and M&T Bank with false and fraudulent information during the PPP loan application process in order to obtain PPP loans for each of his six entities totaling more than $4 million. Diakhate then used a portion of the funds for various personal expenses, including to pay off a loan he had been provided to purchase of a 2010 Porsche Panamera Turbo, and to purchase both a Mercedes and BMW. He also purchased a $50,000 certificate of deposit with PPP funds, and disbursed funds to various and individuals unrelated to his business entities.
Diakhate was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on May 7, 2021. Today, he pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, and one count of making an illegal monetary transaction, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for April 21.
Diakhate is released on a $450,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Individuals with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Bridgeport Man Sentenced to More Than 3 Years n Federal Prison for Gang-Related Drug SalesRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTHONY GILCHRIST, 32, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and fentanyl.
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, including 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.
In January and February 2020, investigators made controlled purchases of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl from Gilchrist at the Greene Homes Housing Complex. Gilchrist was a member or associate of GHB/Hotz who had recently been released from state custody after receiving a 15-year jail sentence, suspended after eight years, for selling narcotics.
Gilchrist was arrested on March 13, 2020. On November 20, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl.
This ongoing 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 Naugatuck Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Rahul Kale, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Karen L. Peck and Stephanie T. Levick.
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.
Bridgeport Gang Member Sentenced to More Than 24 Years for Racketeering and Witness Tampering OffensesRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHAKALE BRANTLEY, also known as “Charlie Wilson,” “Kellz,” and “Man Man,” 22, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 292 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for racketeering and witness tampering offenses.
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. Brantley was a member of the Original North End (“O.N.E.”), a gang based in the Trumbull Gardens area of Bridgeport that committed acts of violence against rival gang, including the East End gang, the East Side gang, and the PT Barnum gang. O.N.E. members also robbed drug dealers, sold narcotics, laundered narcotics proceeds, stole cars from inside and outside Connecticut and used them to commit crimes, and tampered with witnesses who might testify against them.
On August 8, 2018, Brantley and other O.N.E. members stole a white Jeep Grand Cherokee in Newburgh, New York, and drove it back to Bridgeport. In the following days, Brantley conspired to use the car to kill East End gang members and their allies who Brantley had learned through social media were at a deli on Stratford Avenue in Bridgeport. Although that plan fell through, in the early morning hours of August 13, 2018, O.N.E. members drove the stolen Jeep to Union Avenue in Bridgeport where they shot and killed Len Smith, 25, who they mistook for a rival East End group member, and shot and seriously wounded Smith’s female companion, both of whom were seated in a parked car. After the shooting, Brantley and other O.N.E. members transported the Jeep to Indian Wells State Park in Shelton where they burned the vehicle in an effort to destroy evidence of the murder.
In October 2018 in Bridgeport, and in November 2018 in Stratford, Brantley and other O.N.E. members and associates attacked a marijuana dealer and stole marijuana from him. After Brantley was arrested on federal charges on March 23, 2020, and while he was incarcerated, he attempted to solicit others to kill the victim of the marijuana robberies, who Brantley had learned had become a federal witness, in order to prevent Brantley’s prosecution for those offenses. Specifically, Brantley reached out by prison call to associates and by letters addressed to those associates in an effort to have his associates kill the robbery victim and then cover his nose with fentanyl to make it appear as if he overdosed.
On July 12, 2021, Brantley pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity and one count of solicitation of witness tampering.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and the Waterbury Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Karen L. Peck and Stephanie T. Levick.
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.
New Haven Man Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL WEINSTEIN, 28, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 65 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for a federal firearm offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2020, law enforcement observed Facebook video posts of Weinstein firing a handgun at a Connecticut shooting range, and possessing ammunition. Specifically, on October 14, 2020, he possessed .40 caliber ammunition, manufactured by Speer in Idaho, at the shooting range. A subsequent court-authorized search of Weinstein’s cellphone revealed a photo and multiple videos of Weinstein handling additional firearms.
Weinstein’s criminal history includes convictions in state court for criminal possession of a gun, conspiracy to commit robbery in the third degree, and robbery in the first degree. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Weinstein was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on November 18, 2020. On July 23, 2021, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon.
Weinstein, who had been released on bond, has been detained since November 18, 2021, when he was arrested in New Haven and charged with state drug offenses.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Conor M. Reardon.
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.
Shelton Doctor Admits Illegally Prescribing Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID CIANCIMINO, 62, of Trumbull, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today via videoconference before U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams to a controlled substance offense related to his illegal distribution of prescription medication.
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 a prescriptions for Xanax or Adderall, or their generic equivalents, with little to no medical examination.
Ciancimino pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of a controlled substance without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the scope of professional practice, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment 20 years.
As part of his plea, Ciancimino has agreed to forfeit $175,773.45.
Ciancimino is released on a $500,000 bond pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.
As disclosed during today’s court proceedings, Ciancimino surrendered his medical license last week.
This investigation has been 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather L. Cherry.
Norwich Man Sentenced to 23 Years in Federal Prison for Recording his Repeated Sexual Abuse of ChildRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TRAVIS M. WILLIAMS, 34, of Norwich, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 23 years of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for photographing and video recording his repeated sexual abuse of a child.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on more than 100 occasions, Williams engaged in sexual acts with a child who was approximately 9 years old. In July 2019, Williams used his iPhone to photograph himself sexually abusing the child, and he subsequently sent the photographs to a woman via text message. On July 27, 2019, Williams filmed 10 videos depicting him sexually abusing the child.
Investigators recovered numerous text messages between Williams and the woman. In certain text messages, Williams told the woman that he wanted to engage in sexual acts with her while the child watched, and that he wanted the child to take part in these sexual acts.
Williams has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on August 30, 2019. On October 28, 2021, he pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of production of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography.
The state charges against Williams are pending.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Norwich Police Department and the Connecticut State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda S. Oakes and Neeraj N. Patel.
U.S. Attorney Boyle thanked the New London State’s Attorney’s Office for its cooperation and assistance in the investigation and prosecution of this case.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Former State Court Victim Advocate Admits Distributing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT ECCLESTON, 58, of Canton, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today via videoconference to one count of distribution of child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2020, covert FBI personnel in two different field offices outside of Connecticut were monitoring various public groups on the social medial application Kik. In August and September 2020, Eccleston, using the Kik usernames “hartfordctguy” and “Mowgli100,” distributed numerous pornographic images and videos of children in these Kik groups, including images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of toddlers and prepubescent children. Eccleston also served as an administrator of one Kik group and required prospective members to send him videos of child sexual abuse for group access.
Eccleston was arrested on December 11, 2020. At the time of the offense, he was employed as a Victim Services Advocate for the Hartford Superior Court in Hartford.
Eccleston is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford on April 19, at which time he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Eccleston has been detained since his arrest.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Avon Police Department. 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.
Waterbury Man Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Prison for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that LUIS CASTRO, 34, of Waterbury, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 68 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.
On August 27, 2021, a jury found Castro guilty of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. According to the evidence and testimony at trial, in September 2018, a DEA Task Force investigation revealed that Castro was attempting to purchase two kilograms of cocaine. On September 10, 2018, task force officers conducted surveillance on individuals who were suspected of being the source of the cocaine as they traveled by car to Castro’s residence on Delaware Avenue in Waterbury. Investigators later stopped the car and recovered $67,000 in cash. A search of Castro’s residence that evening revealed more than 500 grams of a mixture containing cocaine, a kilogram press, items used to process narcotics for redistribution, and $8,292 in cash.
This is Castro’s second federal conviction. In March 2011, he was sentenced in the Southern District of New York to 18 months of imprisonment for trafficking cocaine, crack and firearms.
Castro, who had been released on bond, was remanded to custody at the conclusion of the court proceeding to begin serving his sentence.
This matter has been investigated by the DEA Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale and Tara Levens.
Rocky Hill Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Distribution ChargeRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SEAN THOMAS, 32, of Rocky Hill, pleaded guilty today via videoconference to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2020, Hartford Police were investigating Thomas and others for distributing fentanyl and marijuana. As part of the investigation, an undercover officer purchased marijuana from an employee at Puff Paradise, a smoke shop on New Britain Avenue owned by Thomas. On June 2, 2020, in anticipation of executing multiple search warrants, investigators surveilled Thomas as he drove his car from his Rocky Hill residence to Kenneth Street in Hartford, where he entered a parked Dodge Durango. Believing that Thomas was conducting a narcotics transaction, detectives approached the Durango. Tafarie Green, the driver of the vehicle, accelerated and drove straight at the detectives who leaped out of the way. He then drove at a high rate of speed onto a sidewalk and through two chain link fences before he crashed into a tree. Green fled the scene on foot, but Thomas was immediately apprehended. A subsequent search of Puff Paradise revealed approximately three pounds of marijuana, and a search of Thomas’s residence revealed more than 100 grams of unpackaged fentanyl, approximately 3,500 bags of packaged fentanyl, items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, and $16,511 in cash.
Thomas is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford on April 20, 2022, at which time he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.
Thomas is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.
Green, who was on federal supervised release, was arrested on July 13, 2020. He pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon and, on August 31, 2021, was sentenced to 62 months of imprisonment.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department’s Vice, Intelligence and Narcotics Unit, with the assistance of the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Canterbury Man Charged with Illegally Possessing Machinegun and Other 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 a federal grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment yesterday charging ANDRES VASQUEZ, 34, of Canterbury, with offenses related to the unlawful possession of a machinegun and other firearms.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on April 28, 2020, federal agents executed a search warrant at an apartment in New Britain and seized drugs, drug paraphernalia, a 9mm handgun and ammunition. The handgun was registered to Vasquez and had not been reported stolen. The investigation revealed that Vasquez had several other firearms registered to him. On June 5, 2020, a search of Vasquez’s Canterbury residence revealed five semi-automatic rifles, three handguns, a machinegun bearing no serial number, additional unserialized firearms, firearm parts, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia. Vasquez was a heroin user when he was in possession of the firearms.
The indictment charges Vasquez with one count of possession of firearms by a user of a controlled substance, and one count of unlawful possession of a machinegun. Each offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
U.S. Attorney Boyle 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.
Vasquez was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on December 14, 2020. He is released on a $25,000 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned on January 27.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Connecticut State Police, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration. 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 Indicted on Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, 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 a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging MICHAEL DAVIS, 33, of Hartford, with narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.
The indictment was returned on October 21, 2021. Davis, who has been detained in state custody since April 2021, appeared today via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector and pleaded not guilty.
According to the indictment, on February 10, 2021, Davis possessed crack cocaine and ecstasy that he intended to distribute, and a Remington Arms, model RP9, 9mm handgun.
It is further alleged that Davis’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for firearm and narcotics offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
The three-count indictment charges Davis possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”) and MDMA (“ecstasy”), which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; possession of a firearm by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory minimum five-year term of imprisonment and up to life imprisonment.
The indictment also seeks forfeiture of the handgun and $1,020 seized from Davis at the time of his arrest.
U.S. Attorney Boyle stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Connecticut Violent Crime Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Konstantin Lantsman.
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.
Hamden Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing Cocaine and CrackRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that FRANK BIGGS, 63, of Hamden, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 27 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing powder and crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a joint investigation led by the FBI and the Norwich, New London and Hartford Police Departments into a narcotics distribution network that stretched from southeastern Connecticut to the Hartford, New Britain and Waterbury areas. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, surveillance, search warrants, and seizures of cocaine and crack cocaine, revealed that Biggs purchased cocaine and crack from his supplier, Aaron Clayton, and then sold the drugs to his own network of drug dealers and users.
On March 17, 2020, law enforcement conducted court-authorized searches of Clayton’s residence and two other residences connected to this drug trafficking organization and seized approximately three kilograms of cocaine and nearly $100,000 in cash.
On June 30, 2020, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Biggs, Clayton and seven other individuals with offenses related to their involvement in this drug ring. Biggs was arrested on July 6, 2020.
On September 22, 2021, Biggs pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”).
Biggs, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on March 18.
Clayton, of New Britain, has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Norwich, New London and Hartford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Donovan and Maria del Pilar Gonzalez 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.
Glastonbury Business Owner Sentenced to Prison for Filing False Federal Income Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GEORGE LEE, 51, of Glastonbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to six months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for filing false tax returns. Judge Bryant also ordered Lee to pay a $5,500 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Lee owns and operates American U.S.A. Paving. For the 2015 through 2018 tax years, Lee provided his tax return preparer with information that substantially understated the gross receipts for the paving business. As a result, Lee’s personal federal income tax returns for the 2015 through 2018 tax years, which Lee authorized his preparer to file with the IRS, underreported his income by a total of more than $588,000, resulting in a tax loss of $154,238.
Lee has paid full restitution to the IRS.
On July 20, 2021, Lee pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return.
Lee who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on March 30.
This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Bridgeport Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking NarcoticsRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KEVIN LUCAS, also known as “Dutch,” 62, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today via videoconference by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervise release, for trafficking narcotics.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between May and August 2019, law enforcement made a series of controlled purchases of redistribution quantities of heroin from Lucas. Lucas was arrested on August 22, 2019, and a search of his residence on that date revealed additional distribution quantities of heroin, approximately 139 grams of crack cocaine, approximately 365 grams of cocaine, items used to process and package narcotics, a 9mm handgun, two loaded magazines, ammunition, and $35,220 in cash.
On September 21, 2021, Lucas pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.
This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force, including participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the New Haven, East Haven, West Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Middletown, Naugatuck and Waterbury Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.
Waterbury Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Downloading Thousands of Child Sex Abuse ImagesRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL SCHMEER, 52, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for downloading thousands of child sex abuses images and videos over the internet.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation revealed that an IP address at Schmeer’s residence was being used to download child sex abuse images and videos from a peer-to-peer file sharing network. On August 12, 2020, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of Schmeer’s residence and seized computer equipment, including multiple external storage devices. Schmeer, who was present during the search, was arrested on state charges after he admitted to investigators that he downloaded and possessed child pornography. Analysis of the seized storage devices revealed more than 54,000 images and 5,000 videos depicting the sexual abuse of children.
On August 4, 2021, Schmeer pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography.
Schmeer, who has released on bond since his federal arrest on April 6, 2021, is required to report to prison on February 18.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police, Watertown Police Department and Waterbury Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Keefe.
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.
Norwich Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NNAMDII ROSS, 34, of Norwich, was sentenced today via videoconference by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing ammunition.
According to court documents and statements made in court, shortly after midnight on August 2, 2020, New London Police responded to a report of shots fired on Ann Street in New London during a large gathering of individuals. One shooting victim was found at the scene and transported to the hospital. At the scene officers located and collected .40 caliber, .45 caliber, and 9 mm rounds of ammunition. Ross was also shot at the gathering and was transported to the hospital by his fiancée. At the hospital, investigators took possession of some of Ross’s personal effects, including six rounds of .22 caliber ammunition.
On August 7, 2021, law enforcement recovered a .45 caliber handgun that was found at a residence in New London. Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Scientific Service analysis of the handgun revealed Ross’s DNA, and analysis by the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) revealed a link between the handgun and the .45 caliber ammunition found on Ann Street on November 2, 2020.
Ross’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for robbery 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.
Ross was arrested on September 10, 2020. On October 7, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New London Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
New Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm Charge Related to Gun Trafficking SchemeRead 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 QUINN MOORING, 40, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday via videoconference before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2021, ATF Task Force officers learned that Mooring was receiving firearms from a source in South Carolina and selling them in Connecticut. On April 19, 2021, investigators made a controlled purchase of a 9mm Glock handgun and a drum magazine from Mooring and a co-conspirator in New Haven in exchange for $1,500. The firearm was one of five 9mm handguns that had been purchased by an individual at a pawn shop in Port Royal, South Carolina, in the month prior to the transaction in Connecticut.
On April 22, 2021, investigators made a controlled purchase of 9mm ammunition from Mooring in New Haven.
Mooring’s criminal history includes state convictions for felony robbery, unlawful restraint 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.
Mooring was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on June 14, 2021.
The offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Mooring is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), West Haven Police Department and New Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Konstantin Lantsman.
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.
Woodstock Man Sentenced to 41 Months in Federal Prison for Distributing Cocaine and CrackRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ANDRE SMITH, also known as “Dre,” 42, of Woodstock, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 41 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing cocaine and crack.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2018, the FBI, Norwich Police Department and other law enforcement agencies began investigating a drug trafficking organization that was distributing heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine in southeastern Connecticut. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and six controlled purchases of crack from Harold Butler, revealed that Butler and others were distributing narcotics to drug users and other street-level dealers, including Smith, in southeastern Connecticut. Butler also used his Norwich business, Hat Boyz, to store and distribute narcotics.
Smith was arrested on February 20, 2019. On March 5, 2019, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Smith, Butler and 11 other individuals with narcotics trafficking offenses. On October 12, 2021, Smith pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”).
Smith, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on March 23.
Butler pleaded guilty and, on October 9, 2019, was sentenced to 77 months of imprisonment.
This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police and Norwich, Town of Groton and Waterford Police Departments, with the assistance of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office, Baltimore Police Department and Delaware State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Putnam Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm ChargeRead 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 NICHOLAS SCHNEIDER, 32, of Putnam, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven to unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 5, 2020, ATF agents searched a residence in Canterbury where Schneider was living. In Schneider’s bedroom, investigators located numerous rounds of ammunition, various firearm parts, a firearm kit, and firearm magazines.
Schneider’s criminal history includes state convictions for felony narcotics offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Schneider was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on December 14, 2020.
Judge Merriam scheduled sentencing for April 6, 2022, at which time Schneider faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Schneider is released on bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Connecticut State Police, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration. 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.
New Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Distribution ChargeRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TASHUAN MINOR-DAVIS, 24, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 10:00 p.m. on September 25, 2020, members of the West Haven Police Department’s Street Crime Unit conducting surveillance observed Minor-Davis engage in what appeared to be a street-level drug transaction from his vehicle while parked at a gas station in West Haven. Officers attempted to stop on the car that Minor-Davis was operating, but Minor-Davis fled the scene. Officers located the car a short time later, apprehended Minor-Davis after a brief foot chase, and recovered from him approximately 34 grams of cocaine and 19 grams of fentanyl.
Minor-Davis is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on April 5, 2022, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Minor-Davis is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the West Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara E. Levens.
Hartford Man Sentenced for Theft of Government Property and Fentanyl Distribution OffensesRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE NUNEZ-TORRES, also known as “Jose Nunez” and “J-Money,” 21, of Hartford, was sentenced today via videoconference by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny to approximately 16 months of imprisonment, time already served, followed by three years of supervised release, for theft and narcotics offenses. Judge Chatigny ordered Nunez-Torres to serve the first four months of supervised release in home confinement.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 29, 2019, Nunez-Torres and Dominque Perry stole a 2016 Honda Accord from a residence in Newington. The vehicle was the property of a federal law enforcement agency and contained fully loaded firearm magazines for multiple weapons, ammunition, handcuffs and other restraints, a ballistic vest and its component parts, and raid jackets. After stealing the vehicle, Perry drove the Accord to a location in Bloomfield where he Nunez-Torres removed the vehicle’s tires and rims. Nunez-Torres and Perry subsequently sold the tires and rims, and advertised the sale of loaded firearm magazines, ammunition, ballistic vest and other items.
Nunez-Torres was arrested on March 1, 2019. The vehicle and its tires and rims have been recovered, but some of the law enforcement equipment that was in the car has not been located.
In the afternoon of November 14, 2020, while he was released on bond in his federal case, Nunez-Torres was arrested on state charges after law enforcement officers encountered him sleeping in a stolen car that was parked on an I-91 off ramp in Hartford. A search of the car revealed two stun guns, a black metal collapsible baton, and distribution quantities of fentanyl and marijuana. He has been detained in state custody since that date.
On May 11, 2021, Nunez-Torres pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of theft of government property and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Nunez-Torres subsequently pleaded guilty in state court to risk of injury of a minor related to his intending to impair the morals of a minor under the age of 16, and to larceny offenses related to his earlier theft of two additional vehicles, a 2016 Nissan Maxima valued at $17,000 and a 2012 BMW 528 valued at $22,000. Nunez-Torres is expected to be released from state custody on February 8.
Perry pleaded guilty in federal court to theft of government property and, on February 3, 2020, was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by four months of home confinement.
Judge Chatigny ordered Nunez-Torres and Perry to pay $1,560 in restitution for the missing equipment.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Newington Police Department, the Hartford Police Department and the Connecticut State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.
East Hartford Residents Charged with Fabricating and Selling Numerous Ghost GunsRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, 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 JOHN LEE ORTIZ, 28, and AUDLEY REEVES, 30, both of East Hartford, have been charged with federal firearm offenses related to the illegal fabrication and sale of firearms.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in late 2021, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force learned that Ortiz and others were selling “ghost guns,” which are homemade firearms that do not contain serial numbers or other identifying markings that prevent them from being traced to the owner, seller or manufacturer of the firearm. In December 2021, investigators made controlled purchases of seven handguns, a Bushmaster .223 caliber rifle, and numerous rounds of ammunition from Ortiz. Most of the handguns had no serial numbers and had plastic lower receivers that appeared to be made with a 3D printer. Reeves was identified during the investigation as the fabricator of the ghost guns.
Ortiz and Reeves were arrested on January 5, 2022. On that date, a court-authorized search of an apartment on Church Street in East Hartford revealed six fully assembled firearms, approximately 12 partially assembled firearms, three high-capacity magazines, various firearm parts, and tools used to construct firearms. Reeves was present in the apartment at the time of the search, and a 3D printer in the apartment was in the process of printing a stock of an AR-15 style rifle.
Ortiz and Reeves are each charged by criminal complaint with engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. Ortiz is also charged with selling firearms to a prohibited person, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Ortiz and Reeves are currently detained.
U.S. Attorney Boyle stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.