District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Bridgeport Man Admits Participating in Gang-Related ShootingsRead the Press Release
DIOMIE BLACKWELL, also known as “Yamo,” 24, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today to a racketeering offense stemming from his participation in gang-related shootings, including a shooting in front of a state courthouse in Bridgeport in January 2020.
Today’s announcement was made by Leonard C Boyle, Acting 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. Blackwell has been a member of the “Greene Homes Boyz” (“GHB/Hotz”), a gang based in the Charles F. Greene Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeport’s North End, whose members and associates distributed heroin, crack cocaine, marijuana and Percocet pills; committed numerous acts of violence against rival gang members and other individuals, and celebrated their criminal conduct on social media websites such as Facebook and YouTube. GHB/Hotz members and associates also committed acts of intimidation and made threats to deter potential witnesses to their crimes and to protect gang members and associates from detection and prosecution by law enforcement authorities. From approximately 2017 until August 2020, GHB/Hotz members were aligned with members of the “Original North End” (“O.N.E.”), a gang based in the Trumbull Gardens area of Bridgeport, against rival groups in Bridgeport, including the East End, East Side and PT Barnum gangs, as well as 150, which is a geographic gang based on the West Side of Bridgeport.
In pleading guilty, Blackwell admitted that on February 7, 2018, he and an associate shot and attempted to kill “MJ,” a member or associate of the 150 gang. And, on January 27, 2020, he and others attempted to kill members and associates of the East End gang in a brazen afternoon shooting in front of a Bridgeport courthouse. At 12:11 p.m. on that date, Bridgeport Police responded to the area of 172 Golden Hill Street in Bridgeport after a Shot Spotter activation detected approximately 20 shots being fired in front of the state courthouse located there. Upon arrival, investigators discovered that four victims had been shot while sitting inside a black Chevrolet Impala. One victim was shot in the side of his chest and was left paralyzed and a second victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his back, shoulder and wrist. The victims’ vehicle had approximately 23 entry bullet holes in the driver’s side and windshield area.
Blackwell also appears in YouTube videos and in social media posts, where firearms are present, promoting the gang.
Blackwell pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton on December 28, 2021, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Blackwell has been detained since August 6, 2020.
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, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Rahul Kale, Peter D. Markle, 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.
Manchester Convenience Store Owner, Worker, Charged with Defrauding Federal Food Stamp ProgramRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging JAVED SAEED, 52, and DASTGIR SAEED, 68, both of South Windsor, with food stamp fraud offenses.
The indictment was returned on September 14, 2021, and the defendants were arrested on September 29. They are released on bonds pending trial.
The federal Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program (“SNAP”) is administered by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service and utilizes federal tax dollars to subsidize low-income households to provide them with the opportunity to achieve a more nutritious diet by increasing their food-purchasing power. SNAP recipients purchase eligible food items at retail food stores through the use of an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, and SNAP benefits may be accepted by authorized retailers only in exchange for eligible items. Items such as alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, paper goods and soaps are not eligible for purchase with Food Stamp benefits, and it is a violation of the rules and regulations governing the food stamp program to allow benefits to be used to purchase ineligible items. SNAP benefits may not lawfully be exchanged for cash under any circumstances. The program is designed so that the total amount of each purchase is electronically transferred to the retailer’s designated bank account.
As alleged in the indictment, Javed Saeed is the owner of Manchester Quick Mart, a convenience store and Mobil gas station located at 262 Oakland Street in Manchester, and Dastgir Saeed helped operate the store. Between November 2016 and January 2020, Javeed Saeed, Dastgir Saeed and others illegally allowed customers to redeem their food stamp benefits for cash and other ineligible items, including gasoline and male enhancement pills, and charged the customers’ food stamp cards a premium of nearly 50 percent for these transactions.
The indictment charges Javed and Dastgir Saeed with one count of conspiracy to commit food stamp fraud, and one count of food stamp fraud. Each charge carries maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.
Gang Member Admits Drug Trafficking, Role in Bridgeport Courthouse ShootingRead the Press Release
DESTINE CALDERON, 26, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today in federal court to a racketeering offense stemming from his participation in a Bridgeport gang, and his presence during a gang-related shooting that occurred in front of a state courthouse in Bridgeport in January 2020.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam occurred via videoconference.
Today’s announcement was made by Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport Acting Police Chief Rebeca Garcia; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Acting U.S. Marshal Lawrence Bobnick.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder and other acts of violence. Calderon has been a member of the “Greene Homes Boyz” (“GHB/Hotz”), a gang based in the Charles F. Greene Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeport’s North End, whose members and associates distributed heroin, crack cocaine, marijuana and Percocet pills; committed numerous acts of violence against rival gang members and other individuals, and celebrated their criminal conduct on social media websites such as Facebook and YouTube. GHB/Hotz members and associates also committed acts of intimidation and made threats to deter potential witnesses to their crimes and to protect gang members and associates from detection and prosecution by law enforcement authorities. Since approximately 2017, GHB/Hotz members have 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.
In pleading guilty, Calderon admitted that he participated in gang-related drug trafficking. He also was aware of the planning and present in a vehicle when GHB/Hotz and O.N.E. members attempted to kill members and associates of the East End gang in a brazen afternoon shooting in front of a Bridgeport courthouse on January 27, 2020. At 12:11 p.m. on that date, Bridgeport Police responded to the area of 172 Golden Hill Street in Bridgeport after a Shot Spotter activation detected approximately 20 shots being fired in front of the state courthouse located there. Upon arrival, investigators discovered that four victims had been shot while sitting inside a black Chevrolet Impala. One victim was shot in the side of his chest and was left paralyzed and a second victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his back, shoulder and wrist. The victims’ vehicle had approximately 23 entry bullet holes in the driver’s side and windshield area.
Calderon also appears in YouTube videos and in social media posts promoting the gang.
Calderon pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton on December 28, 2021, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Calderon has been detained since August 6, 2020.
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, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Rahul Kale, Peter D. Markle, 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 5 Years in Federal Prison for Gun OffenseRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ERICK E. GOMEZ, JR., 28, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 3, 2020, Gomez fled from his car after he was involved in a car accident in Woodbridge. A search of the car revealed a loaded .380 semi-automatic pistol, 15 baggies of crack cocaine and 12 folds of heroin and fentanyl. Gomez, who was on state probation, was subsequently charged with state offenses stemming from this incident, and another incident in April when he was found in a car with a convicted felon and a firearm. On July 31, 2020, Gomez, who was released on bonds in both of his state cases, was arrested on related federal charges. At the time of his arrest he possessed quantities of crack cocaine, heroin/fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Gomez has been detained since his federal arrest. On June 9, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Gomez has a criminal history that includes convictions for escape, interfering with arrest, possessing firearms, assault, and possession and sale of narcotics.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Haven Police Department and Woodbridge Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan, Peter D. Markle and Tara E. Levens.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Bridgeport Man Who Sold Fentanyl Involved in Overdose Death Sentenced to More Than 11 YearsRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN MATTHEWS, also known as “Jay” and “Gotti,” 36, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 136 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 1, 2018, a 35-year-old man in Trumbull died of a drug overdose. The investigation revealed that Matthews sold the victim the fentanyl that caused the victim’s death.
On November 2, 2018, law enforcement investigators, posing as the overdose victim and using the victim’s cell phone, placed an order for narcotics from Matthews. Matthews was arrested after he arrived at the victim’s residence to complete the transaction. At the time of his arrest, Matthews possessed 247 wax folds of fentanyl and $1,828 in cash.
Matthews’ criminal history includes multiple drug-related convictions, and he was on state parole when he distributed the fentanyl involved in the overdose death.
Matthews has been detained since in state custody since February 11, 2019, after he was arrested and charged with stealing a firearm, criminal weapon possession and possession of controlled substances offenses. On June 18, 2021, he pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl.
Judge Thompson ordered that the 136-month sentence is in addition to the approximately 32 months Matthews has served in state custody.
This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Trumbull Police Department and Bridgeport Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha Freismuth.
Avon Man Charged with Child Exploitation OffensesRead 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 MICHAEL FERRO, 35, of Avon, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with multiple child exploitation offenses.
Ferro surrendered to law enforcement yesterday. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish in Hartford and was released on a $100,000 bond.
As alleged in the complaint, on August 18, 2021, Ferro, using the Kik social media application, began chatting in a Kik group with an FBI Online Covert Employee (“OCE”) who was posing as a father of a 12-year-old girl. After Ferro determined that the OCE was engaging in sexual activity with his “daughter,” he sent the OCE a “live photo” depicting the genitals of a child. Ferro then stated that he had more pictures to share, and expressed an interest in meeting the OCE’s daughter to engage in sexual activity. After confirming Ferro’s identity, investigators traveled to Ferro’s residence late in the evening of August 18, informed him of the investigation, and seized his cell phone.
The complaint charges Ferro with sexual exploitation of children, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years; attempted receipt of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; and attempted enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle stressed that a criminal complaint is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Avon Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Southeastern Connecticut Residents Charged in Cocaine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Joshua W. McCallister, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Town of Groton Police Chief Louis J. Fusaro, Jr., today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging CARLOS ANTONIO CRESPO-FEBUS, 40, of New London, and STEVEN COLLAZO, 30, of Groton, for their alleged involvement in a scheme to receive large quantities of cocaine from Puerto Rico through the U.S. Mail for distribution in Connecticut and elsewhere.
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, who served as the primary “runner” for Crespo-Febus, picked up parcels from the drop addresses and delivered them to Crespo-Febus at Crespo-Febus’s New London residence.
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 federal criminal complaints on September 20, 2021.
The indictment charges Crespo-Febus and Collazo with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life. Based on his prior conviction for a serious violent felony, namely second degree murder, Crespo-Febus faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years if he is convicted of the charge.
Crespo-Febus is currently detained and Collazo is released on a $100,000 bond.
Acting 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 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.
New Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Narcotics Distribution ChargeRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JAMES LEE, 24, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to possession with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”).
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 13, 2021, New Haven Police approached 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 April 5, 2021. Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for December 21, 2021, at which time Lee faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Russell, 32, of New Haven, has been detained since his arrest on 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on December 7, 2021.
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.
Southeastern Connecticut Drug Trafficker, Co-Conspirator, Found GuiltyRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and New London Police Chief Brian Wright, today announced that a federal jury in Bridgeport has found ANTHONY WHYTE, also known as “Jak Mac,” 47, of New London, and AMY SARCIA, 52, of Stonington, guilty of narcotics trafficking and money laundering offenses, and Whyte guilty of a firearm offense.
The trial before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden began on September 10 and the jury returned the guilty verdicts this afternoon.
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 included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases and seizures of heroin, cocaine and firearms.
According to the evidence introduced during the trial, Whyte obtained heroin, fentanyl and cocaine from various sources in Connecticut, New York and elsewhere, and distributed the narcotics to other members of the conspiracy. Whyte’s co-conspirators then sold the drugs to customers and other street-level drug dealers. Sarcia, who both distributed and used cocaine, accepted narcotics proceeds from Whyte and provided Whyte with weekly paychecks from her business, Two Wives Pizza, and a federal W-2 tax form, in an attempt to disguise the narcotics proceeds as employment wages. Sarcia also accepted cash from Whyte for allowing him to use three apartments in a building she managed to store and dispense narcotics.
On February 21, 2019, Whyte, Sarcia and several other co-conspirators were arrested. On that date, a search of Whyte’s New London apartment revealed more than 1.5 kilograms of cocaine; approximately 185 grams of heroin; approximately 100 grams of fentanyl and fentanyl pills; 10 firearms, several of which were stolen; and approximately $25,000 in cash. Investigators seized additional narcotics, another firearm, and nearly $200,000 in cash from other members of the conspiracy.
The jury found Whyte and Sarcia guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, various narcotics, and one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments (“money laundering”). Whyte was also found guilty of three counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, various narcotics, and one count possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Whyte faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and Sarcia faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 60 years.
Twenty-Three others charged as a result of this investigation previously pleaded guilty.
This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshals Service, 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. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and Angel M. Krull through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Distribution and Firearm Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KENDALL JONES, also known as “Wolf,” 32, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in September and October 2020, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force, along with state and local law enforcement officers, conducted an operation in response to a recent spike in drug-related violence in Hartford’s North End. Jones was identified during the operation as an active drug seller.
On October 7, 2020, investigators sought to arrest Jones on a state arrest warrant and observed him at a gas station on Albany Avenue in Hartford engaging in what appeared to be drug transactions. As task force officers approached Jones, Jones ran and discarded a black leather shoulder bag. Jones was apprehended after a short chase. A search of his person revealed approximately eight grams of crack cocaine and a quantity of marijuana, and the discarded shoulder bag contained a loaded .22 caliber Ruger semiautomatic handgun.
The handgun has been reported stolen in North Carolina in July 2020.
Jones’ criminal history includes state convictions for drug, firearm, robbery and larceny offenses.
Jones, while released on bond in this federal case, was arrested on state narcotics charges on April 9, 2021, after he was again observed making drug sales in Hartford. He has been detained since his arrest.
On April 29, 2021, Jones pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”), and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Keefe.
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.
Danbury Man Charged with Multiple Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston, today announced that WAYNE MARCELL, 35, of Danbury has been charged by federal criminal complaint with multiple child exploitation offenses.
Marcell appeared today via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector. He has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on June 23, 2021.
As alleged in court documents, in April 2021, a 14-year-old female in Georgia met Robert Fyke, 33, of Lubbock, Texas, on an online video/chat platform. Fyke and the minor victim then used Kik and other social media platforms to communicate. In May 2021, Fyke drove from Texas to Georgia, picked up the minor victim and drove her back to Lubbock. The minor victim resided with Fyke for approximately four weeks.
It is further alleged that, while living with Fyke, the minor victim began communicating with Marcell on video game and social media platforms. In June 2021, Marcell paid an individual $2,000 to drive the minor victim from Texas to Illinois. Marcell then drove from Connecticut to Illinois, picked up the minor victim, and brought her to his home in Danbury. Marcell engaged in multiple illicit sexual acts with the minor victim, and took photos and videos of the sexual abuse.
The complaint charges Marcell with sexual exploitation of a child, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years; receipt of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; and transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in illegal sexual activity, and conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
Fyke, who has been detained since his arrest on June 17, 2021, has been charged in the Northern District of Texas.
Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle stressed that a criminal complaint is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service and Danbury Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford with the cooperation of the Danbury State’s Attorney’s Office.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Hartford Man Sentenced to More Than 3 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Sawed-Off ShotgunRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KEVIN BARCO, 37, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 39 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a sawed-off shotgun.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 6, 2018, Hartford Police encountered Barco sitting in a car that was parked on Albany Avenue. A subsequent search of the car revealed a Harrington and Richardson, Model 176, 10 gauge shotgun with a sawed-off barrel. Eight shotgun shells were also found in the car.
Barco’s criminal history includes state convictions for felony weapon, robbery, larceny and escape offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
On July 17, 2020, Barco pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
Barco, who is released on $50,000 bond, is required to surrender to the U.S. Marshals Service on October 1 to begin serving his sentence.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hartford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Meriden Man Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Prison for Trafficking Heroin from Bridgeport MarketsRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDDY ANTONIO TORRES MOREL, 51, of Meriden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 78 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release for trafficking heroin. Judge Shea also ordered Torres to pay a $50,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation revealed that Torres was trafficking narcotics from Big Daddy’s Deli and Jamal’s Market, two stores he operated on East Main Street in Bridgeport. During the investigation, law enforcement made two controlled purchases of a half-kilogram of heroin from Torres, first at Jamal’s Market on October 29, 2019, and then at Big Daddy’s Deli on January 24, 2020.
Torres was arrested on February 5, 2020. On that date, investigators searched his residence and stores and seized two firearms, assorted firearm parts, ammunition, and approximately $22,000 in cash.
On June 28, 2021, Torres pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.
Torres, who is released on a $300,000 bond, is required to report to prison on February 10, 2022.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bridgeport Police Department and the Stamford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Vizcarrondo.
Jury Finds Hartford Man Guilty of Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in Hartford has found JOSE PEREZ, 40, of Hartford, guilty of possession of a firearm by a felon.
The trial before U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant began yesterday and the jury returned the verdict this afternoon.
According to the evidence and testimony at trial, on November 13, 2016, Hartford Police detectives responding to a ShotSpotter activation recovered a loaded revolver in a car last registered to Perez and containing documents addressed to Perez in the glove box. DNA analysis of the seized firearm indicated Perez had handled the firearm.
Prior to November 2016, Perez had sustained state felony convictions for narcotics and burglary offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Perez was apprehended on January 19, 2021.
At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Perez faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Perez is released on a $30,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter was investigated by the Hartford Police Department and the FBI’s Connecticut Violent Crime Task Force, with the assistance of the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara E. Levens and 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.
Shelton Doctor Charged with Selling Prescriptions for Cash, Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), announced that Dr. DAVID CIANCIMINO, 62, of Trumbull, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with health care fraud and controlled substances offenses related to the illegal distribution of prescription medication.
Ciancimino appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector and was released on a $500,000 bond.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, Ciancimino has been a sole practitioner practicing psychiatry and neurology/psychiatry from an office located at 4 Corporate Drive in Shelton. Since October 2020, law enforcement has been investigating Ciancimino’s prescribing practices of various benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, and stimulants, such as Adderall. The investigation, which has included the use of federal task force officers acting in an undercover capacity, revealed that Ciancimino was providing prescriptions for Adderall or Xanax to numerous individuals in exchange for $200 in cash, typically with little to no medical examination of his patients. Many of Ciancimino’s patients used Medicaid to pay for the prescriptions Ciancimino wrote for them.
It is alleged that between July 2020 to September 2021, Ciancimino deposited approximately $356,000 in cash into his bank account. Ciancimino also received dozens of payments of $200 through his Venmo account.
Ciancimino is charged with making false statements relating to health care matters, health care fraud, and distribution of controlled substances outside the scope of professional practice and not for legitimate medical purpose.
Acting 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 investigation is being 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.
Man Who Shot New Haven Restaurant Employee During Attempted Robbery in 2015 Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, and Acting New Haven Police Chief Renee Dominguez announced that TREIZY LOPEZ, 24, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to a charge stemming from the attempted robbery of a New Haven restaurant, during which he shot an employee, in April 2015.
According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 11:00 p.m. on April 11, 2015, Lopez, Tythrone Ford and another man entered the Smokin’ Wings restaurant, located on Congress Avenue in New Haven, and demanded money at gunpoint. Lopez subsequently discharged a firearm and shot a female employee in the stomach. Lopez, Ford and their associate then fled the restaurant. Responding New Haven Police officers subsequently located a .22 caliber revolver in a nearby trash can.
Approximately eight hours prior to the Smokin’ Wings robbery, Lopez and another individual, armed with handguns, entered Sapiaos Market, located on Lexington Avenue in Bridgeport, and demanded money. During the attempted robbery, the owner of the market, Jose Salgado, was shot and killed. Ford was waiting in a car outside of the market during the attempted robbery.
Forensic analysis of the revolver found in the trash can in New Haven, and projectiles collected from the scene of both attempted robberies, revealed that the gun was used in both shootings. DNA collected from the gun revealed that both Lopez and Ford possessed the gun.
Lopez pleaded guilty to one count of attempted interference with commerce by robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for December 16, 2021.
Ford pleaded guilty to the same charge on September 21, 2021, and awaits sentencing.
Lopez is currently incarcerated in state custody after being convicted of offenses related to his role in the robbery and homicide at Sapiaos Market.
This matter stems from a cold case investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the New Haven Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter D. Markle, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, and Nathaniel J. Gentile through the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program and Project Longevity,
PSN, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts, is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it.
Hartford Man Charged with Narcotics Distribution and Firearm Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, and Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody today announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment yesterday charging LUIS MIGUEL RODRIGUEZ, 23, of Hartford, with narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.
As alleged in the indictment, on November 19, 2020, a search of Rodriguez’s Hartford residence revealed distribution quantities of crack cocaine and fentanyl, two loaded semi-automatic handguns, and $9,436 in cash.
It is further alleged that Rodriguez’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for larceny and burglary offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
The indictment charges Rodriguez with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”) and fentanyl, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Acting 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.
Rodriguez has been detained in state custody since November 19, 2020.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Hartford Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Correction Division of Parole and Community Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Gresham.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Repeat Offender Pleads Guilty to Possessing Images Depicting Sexual Abuse of ChildrenRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT J. MOSLEY, 54, formerly of Bridgeport, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to possession of child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2016, Mosley was convicted in Connecticut Superior Court of possession of child pornography in the second degree. He was sentenced for that offense to 10 years in jail, execution suspended after six years, and 20 years of probation. Mosley was released on parole in November 2018.
On January 28, 2020, Connecticut parole officers and Connecticut state troopers conducted a home visit at Mosley’s residence. During the visit, Mosley was found in possession of an unapproved smart phone, and an approved mobile phone that contained suspected child pornography. Investigators seized both phones and Mosley was remanded to custody. Subsequent analysis of the seized phones and a cloud storage account maintained by Mosley revealed thousands of images and hundreds of video depicting the sexual abuse of children, primarily boys between the ages of 2 and 14. In addition, analysis of Mosley’s e-mail account revealed that he sent numerous e-mails soliciting child pornography, sent images of child pornography to others, and sent links to his cloud storage account.
Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for December 22, 2021, at which time Mosley faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. The penalties in this case are enhanced based on Mosley’s criminal history.
Mosley has been detained since January 28, 2020.
This matter has been investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Connecticut State Police, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Correction Division of Parole and Community Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
New London Man Who Received Cocaine Mailed from Puerto Rico Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Joshua W. McCallister, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, today announced that RAUL ROBLES, 38, of New London, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven 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 Robles and the seized package, and learned that Robles’ New London residence had received approximately 25 parcels from Puerto Rico since September 2019.
Investigators continued to monitor USPS deliveries of parcels mailed from Puerto Rico to Robles’ 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 Robles’ residence revealed approximately one kilogram of cocaine.
Robles was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on April 9, 2021.
Robles pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for December 14, 2021, at which time Robles faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.
Robles is released on a $50,000 bond pending 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.
Man Admits Role in Attempted Robbery of New Haven Restaurant Where Employee Was ShotRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, and Acting New Haven Police Chief Renee Dominguez announced that TYTHRONE FORD, 27, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to a charge stemming from the attempted robbery of a New Haven restaurant, during which an employee was shot, in April 2015.
According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 11:00 p.m. on April 11, 2015, Ford and two other men entered the Smokin’ Wings restaurant, located on Congress Avenue in New Haven, and demanded money at gunpoint. One of Ford’s associates subsequently discharged a firearm and shot a female employee in the stomach. Ford and his associates then fled the restaurant. Responding New Haven Police officers subsequently located a .22 caliber revolver in a nearby trash can.
Approximately eight hours prior to the Smokin’ Wings robbery, two of Ford’s associates, armed with handguns, entered Sapiaos Market, located on Lexington Avenue in Bridgeport, and demanded money. During the attempted robbery, the owner of the market, Jose Salgado, was shot and killed. At the time, Ford was waiting in a car outside of the market.
Forensic analysis of the revolver found in the trash can in New Haven, and projectiles collected from the scene of both attempted robberies, revealed that the gun was used in both shootings. DNA collected from the gun revealed that both Ford and one of his associates possessed the gun.
Ford pleaded guilty to one count of attempted interference with commerce by robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for December 14, 2021.
Ford has been detained since his arrest on December 10, 2019.
This matter stems from a cold case investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the New Haven Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter D. Markle, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, and Nathaniel J. Gentile through the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program and Project Longevity,
PSN, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts, is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it.
Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALLEN EVANS, 35, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 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 detained since his arrest.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for December 14, 2021.
This matter was investigated by the Hartford Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being 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.
Bridgeport Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin Distribution ChargeRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KEVIN LUCAS, also known as “Dutch,” 61, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.
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. A search of Lucas’ residence at the time of his arrest 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.
Lucas is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall on December 15, 2021, at which time he faces a maximum term of 20 years. Lucas is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force, which includes 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.
Indictment Charges Waterbury Gang Members with Murder and Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
As part of an ongoing investigation into gang-related drug trafficking and related violence in Waterbury, a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging 16 Waterbury gang members with engaging in numerous violent criminal acts, including murder and attempted murder, as well as firearm possession and drug trafficking offenses.
Today’s announcement was made by Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Maureen T. Platt, State’s Attorney for the Waterbury Judicial District; Waterbury Police Chief Fernando C. Spagnolo; David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division.
The 36-count indictment, which was returned on September 14, charges
GABRIEL PULLIAM, a.k.a. “G, ” 27
TAHJAY LOVE, a.k.a. “Goon,” 23
ZAEKWON McDANIEL, a.k.a. “Gap” and “Yung Gap,” 23
EZRA ALVES, a.k.a. “EJ” and “Ezzy,” 21
MALIK BAYON, a.k.a. “Pop” and “Dirt,” 25
D’ANDRE BURRUS, a.k.a. “Dopeman,” 27
JUSTIN CABRERA, a.k.a. “J.U.,” 22
LADERRICK JONES, a.k.a. “Lexus,” 29
JAIVAUN McKNIGHT, a.k.a. “Sav,” 23
JULIAN SCOTT, a.k.a. “Ju Sav,” 22
DAYQUAIN SINISTERRA, a.k.a. “Quan,” 24
AHMED ALVES, a.k.a. “Stones,” 23
ADRIAN FLEMMING, a.k.a. “Big A” and “Goldo,” 26
JAMES GRAHAM, a.k.a. “Little Cuz,” 21
TAVAUGHN WRIGHT, a.k.a. “Teddy,” 27
DIMITRI BLANDING, 23Pulliam, Love, McDaniel, Ezra Alves, Burrus, Jones, McKnight, Scott, Sinisterra and Graham have been detained in state custody, and Flemming is currently serving a federal sentence for a related drug charge. Bayon, Cabrera, Wright, Blanding, and Ahmed Alves were arrested yesterday. Blanding was released on bond, and Bayon, Cabrera, Wright and Alves are detained pending detention hearings that are scheduled beginning next week.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address escalating violence in Waterbury, the FBI, ATF, and Waterbury Police are actively investigating multiple Waterbury-based groups whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder and other acts of violence. The defendants charged in the indictment are members of the 960 gang – an active gang in the Waterbury area.
The indictment alleges that the 960 gang distributed narcotics and engaged in multiple violent acts, including murder, attempted murder and assault, as well as obstruction of justice.
Among the violent acts committed by the defendants, the indictment alleges that:
- On October 31, 2017, Cabrera attempted to murder members of a rival gang, which resulted in gunshot wounds to an individual with the initials J.B.;
- On November 22, 2017, McDaniel, Bayon and Love murdered Clarence Lewis and Antonio Santos;
- On December 29, 2017, McDaniel attempted to murder an individual believed to be related to a rival gang, which resulted in gunshot wounds to an individual with the initials J.S.;
- On September 21, 2018, Sinisterra attempted to murder individuals associated with an individual with the initials H.M. by shooting at an occupied residence on Lounsbury Street in Waterbury;
- On September 21, 2018, Ezra Alves, McKnight and Sinisterra attempted to murder individuals associated with an individual with the initials H.M. by shooting at an occupied residence on Scott Road in Waterbury;
- On October 6, 2018, Ezra Alves, Scott and Sinisterra attempted to murder individuals believed to be members of a rival gang, which resulted in gunshot wounds to an individual with the initials A.R.;
- On October 11, 2018, Pulliam, Scott and Sinisterra, in an attempt to murder individuals believed to be members of a rial gang, murdered Fransua Guzman and injured an individual with the initials D.M.
- On November 1, 2018, Sinisterra attempted to murder H.M., which resulted in gunshot wounds to H.M.
- On November 18, 2018, Ezra Alves, Scott and Sinisterra attempted to murder individuals believed to be members of a rival gang, which resulted in gunshot wounds to individuals with the initials M.A. and J.S.;
- On October 19, 2019, Love and Graham caused bodily injury to an individual with the initials J.A. in an attempt to obstruct the administration of justice.
“As alleged in the indictment and in related prosecutions, members of the 960 gang not only murdered and attempted to murder rival gang members, but also shot and maimed unintended victims whose lives have been forever changed by their reckless behavior,” said U.S. Attorney Boyle. This long-term investigation and prosecution of these 16 defendants represent our commitment to use federal resources to help dismantle violent groups and prosecute those whose drug trafficking and relentless acts of gun violence destroy the communities where they operate. I sincerely thank State’s Attorney Platt for coordinating this prosecution with our office, and Chief Spagnolo and the members of the Waterbury Police Department for their excellent work and close partnership with the FBI and ATF during this investigation.”
“The indictment of 16 members of the 960 gang in Waterbury is a product of the tireless work and collaboration of numerous law enforcement agencies,” said Waterbury State’s Attorney Platt. “Especially today given the recent escalation of gun violence and gang activity, this effort will undoubtedly make the Waterbury community a safer and better place in which to live. The Waterbury State’s Attorney’s office is so proud to be a part of this project, and we would like to extend and thanks and admiration to all those who worked so hard to put this case together, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Chief Spagnolo and the Waterbury Police Department, and numerous federal and state law enforcement agencies.”
“The 36-count indictment charging 16 members of the violent Waterbury gang 960 is due in part to the tireless efforts of so many in local and federal law enforcement,” said Chief Spagnolo. “I want to acknowledge our strong partnerships with the United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, the Waterbury State’s Attorney and the FBI. Our community is a safer place today because of the diligence displayed by law enforcement officers as well as federal and state prosecutors in this investigation.”
“Today’s arrests are a clear indication to all criminal actors in Waterbury and across Connecticut that we are in the community working around the clock to end senseless violence, reduce fear, and to do our part to improve quality of life,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sundberg.
The indictment charges Pulliam, Love, McDaniel, Ezra Alves, Bayon, Burrus, Jones, McKnight, Scott and Sinisterra with one count of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years for Pulliam, Ezra Alves, Burrus, Jones, McKnight, Scott and Sinisterra. Because it is alleged that Bayon, McDaniel and Love killed both Clarence Lewis and Antonio Santos in the course of a single transaction, they face a penalty of life imprisonment if convicted of this count.
In addition, McDaniel, Bayon, Love, Pulliam, Scott and Sinisterra are charged with murder in violation of the Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering (“VCAR”) statute. This offense carries a mandatory term of imprisonment of life, or death if the government seeks the death penalty in this matter.
Cabrera, McDaniel, Sinisterra, Ezra Alves, McKnight, Scott and Pulliam are charged with multiple counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, attempted murder/aiding and abetting in assault with a dangerous weapon, and attempted murder, all in violation of the VCAR statute. The assault offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and the attempted murder offenses carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. These defendants are also charged with using and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least 10 years.
Love and Graham are charged with obstruction of justice, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years.
Pulliam, Ezra Alves, Bayon, Burrus, Jones, McKnight, Ahmed Alves, Flemming, Wright and Blanding are charged with conspiring to distribute narcotics, including heroin and fentanyl. If convicted on this count they face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years
Finally, the indictment charges Ezra Alves, Bayon and Wright with possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, which carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years.
Acting 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 ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, ATF and Waterbury Police Department, with the assistance of the Watertown Police Department, New Milford Police Department and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey M. Stone, John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Natasha M. Freismuth, and Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Cynthia S. Serafini and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Don E. Therkildesen, Jr. of the Waterbury State’s Attorney’s Office, who have been cross-designated as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys in this matter.
This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) 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.
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 Teen Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Charge, Admits 2 Gang-Related ShootingsRead the Press Release
JACQUON BENEJAN, also known as “Blick,” 19, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to a racketeering offense stemming from his participation in two gang-related shootings.
Today’s announcement was made by Leonard C Boyle, Acting 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. Since approximately 2017, GHB/Hotz members have 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.
In pleading guilty, Benejan admitted that on February 7, 2018, he and an associate shot and attempted to kill “MJ,” a member or associate of the 150 gang; and 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.
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 pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for December 10, 2021, at which time Benejan faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Benejan has been detained since February 19, 2021.
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, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Rahul Kale, Peter D. Markle, 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.
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 Admits Multiple Gang-Related ShootingsRead the Press Release
UNDREA KIRKLAND, also known as “Spooda,” 25, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to a racketeering offense related to his participation in multiple gang-related shootings.
Today’s announcement was made by Leonard C Boyle, Acting 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. Kirkand 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. Since approximately 2017, GHB/Hotz members have 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.
In pleading guilty, Kirkland admitted that on May 22, 2015, he shot and attempted to kill “KJ,” a member or associate of the 150 gang, at the intersection of Park Street and Shelton Street on Bridgeport’s East Side; on February 27, 2018, he and others shot and attempted to kill “TH,” “RF” and “GS,” members or associates of the East End gang, at 1306 Stratford Avenue in Bridgeport; and on October 4, 2018, he and others shot and attempted to kill “MS,” a member or associate of the East End gang, inside the Greene Homes housing complex.
Kirkland also appears in a YouTube video, surrounded by other GHB/Hotz and O.N.E. members, possessing a firearm with a 50-round drum, discussing acts of violence, and celebrating a jury acquittal in his state trial for attempted murder.
Kirkland pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for December 9, 2021, at which time Kirkland faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Kirkland has been detained since April 11, 2019.
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, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Rahul Kale, Peter D. Markle, 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.
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.
Uncasville Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting 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 KATHRYN POCOCK, 58, of Uncasville, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of 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.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for December 8, 2021, at which time Pocock faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
Pocock has agreed to pay $213,965 in restitution to the IRS, and $33,514 to the State of Connecticut.
Pocock is released pending sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Texas Cocaine Trafficker GuiltyRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that a federal jury in New Haven has found RAUL CHAVEZ, 62, of El Paso, Texas, guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
The trial before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer began on September 7 and the jury returned its verdict this morning.
According to the evidence and testimony at trial, Chavez headed a cocaine trafficking operation that smuggled cocaine from Mexico into El Paso, Texas, and then transported the drug to Connecticut and elsewhere. The investigation revealed that the Chavez organization supplied multiple kilograms of cocaine to Hartford-area distributors for approximately 10 years. The shipments, which would typically be in the range of 30 to 40 kilograms, were sent regularly from El Paso multiple times per year.
In 2014, the Chavez organization attempted to find an additional source of supply for its Hartford area cocaine customers. In July 2014, a DEA confidential source met Andrew Duron, also known as “Chavo,” in North Carolina. During the meeting, Duron told the confidential source that he wanted to purchase up to 50 kilograms of cocaine for $28,000 per kilogram. In August 2014, Duron, the confidential source and an undercover DEA agent met in New Jersey where Duron agreed to purchase 25 kilograms of cocaine for $700,000.
The investigation revealed that this cocaine shipment was destined for Tyshawn Welborn, also known as “Black,” of Bloomfield, and Todd Vernon of Hartford, the latter of whom prepaid for approximately 13 kilograms of cocaine.
On August 22, 2014, Chavez and others met with Welborn at a restaurant in East Windsor where they discussed the pick-up of money from Welborn the following day and its delivery to a location to be determined.
On August 23, 2014, Duron met the undercover DEA agent at a location in Wethersfield. Duron told the undercover agent that his associates were in Connecticut and that Duron and the undercover agent would need to travel to a location near Bradley International Airport to verify that the money was in place. Duron and the undercover agent then drove in separate vehicles to a store parking lot on Kennedy Road in Windsor. Duron met with Chavez and another associate in the store. A short time later, a third associate arrived in a Jeep Wrangler, met the undercover agent in the parking lot, showed him a duffel bag and said it contained “half” of the money. Shortly thereafter, investigators arrived at the scene and arrested Duron, Chavez and his associates.
Investigators recovered from the Jeep a duffel bag containing approximately $284,000 in cash, and a loaded .38 caliber revolver. The cash had been picked up from Welborn earlier that day.
After word reached Chavez’s son, Christopher Chavez, that his father and others had been arrested, Christopher Chavez coordinated the diversion of a shipment of 34 kilograms of cocaine, which was en route to Connecticut, to a high-level drug distributor in Cleveland, Ohio.
Chavez has been detained since his arrest. Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for December 8, 2021, at which time Chavez faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
Chavez initially admitted his role in this conspiracy and pleaded guilty to the charge in March 2016. In January 2017, shortly before Chavez was scheduled to be sentenced, he moved to withdraw his guilty plea. Judge Meyer denied the motion and sentenced Chavez to 12 years of imprisonment and ordered him to pay a $250,000 fine. Chavez successfully appealed the decision, the conviction and sentenced were vacated, and the case proceeded to trial.
Duron, Welborn, Vernon and Christopher Chavez were convicted of related charges.
This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force, including officers from the Wethersfield, Bristol, Hartford, Manchester, New Britain and Newington Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and A. Reed Durham 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 Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug-Related OffensesRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that KEILAH BORIA, 40, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to nine months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for narcotics trafficking and money laundering offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2019, the DEA New Haven Task Force began an investigation into a New Haven-based drug trafficking network headed by Michael Smith, also known as “Head.” The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that Smith and others were distributing heroin and crack cocaine throughout the New Haven area, and that Boria maintained bank accounts that Smith used to launder the cash proceeds of his drug trafficking activity. From 2016 to 2019, Boria deposited more than $200,000 in cash into the bank accounts. Smith spent some of the drug proceeds to pay for rental cars that he used to transport narcotics and to travel to meet his drug customers.
In December 2019, Smith was intercepted on a wiretap describing having shot at a rival drug dealer. New Haven Police collected 31 shell casings from a location in the Fair Haven neighborhood where the shooting occurred. Smith was arrested on December 23, 2019.
Boria was arrested on September 16, 2020. On April 14, 2021, she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess and distribute heroin and cocaine base (“crack”), and one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.
Boria, who is released on a $150,000 bond, is required to report to prison on November 12, 2021.
Smith, who has been detained since his arrest, pleaded guilty to drug, firearm and money laundering charges on April 15, 2021. He awaits sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by the DEA New Haven Task Force, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the New Haven, West Haven, Hamden, East Haven, North Haven, Ansonia, Meriden and Derby Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Elena L. Coronado through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Montville Man Sentenced to 52 Months in Prison for Robbing Norwich Bank While on Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ANTHONY HALL, 60, of Montville, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 52 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for robbing a Norwich bank while he was on supervised release for a prior federal bank robbery conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2011, Anthony Hall was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 87 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for robbing four Connecticut banks in 2008 and 2009. He was released from federal custody in January 2016. On September 13, 2019, while on federal supervised release, Hall robbed the Eastern Savings Bank, located at 666 West Main Street in Norwich, of approximately $2,400.
Hall has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on October 28, 2019. On April 13, 2021, he pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of bank robbery.
Judge Hall sentenced Anthony Hall to 40 months of imprisonment for the bank robbery, and an additional 12 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Norwich Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Gresham.
Meriden Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking FentanylRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAVIER MARTINEZ, 41, of Meriden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2020, law enforcement coordinated a controlled purchase of 100 grams of fentanyl from Martinez. On February 13, 2020, investigators stopped Martinez’s vehicle after he arrived at an agreed upon location in West Haven. A search of the car revealed approximately 100 grams of fentanyl, and a subsequent search of Martinez’s Meriden residence revealed approximately 180 grams of fentanyl, more than 300 fentanyl pills, and items used to process and package narcotics for street sale.
On April 22, 2021, Martinez pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
Martinez, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on October 18.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force, Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force and West Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth.
Former Waterbury Resident Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl and HeroinRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILTON REYNOSO, also known as Manuel Jose Echevarria-Lugo, 47, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment for trafficking fentanyl and heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in late 2019, the DEA New Haven Task Force began an investigation into the distribution of heroin and fentanyl in New Haven and Waterbury. The investigation, which included thousands of intercepted communications over court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that Reynoso was receiving large quantities of fentanyl and heroin from a source in New York and then selling the narcotics to other drug distributors.
On June 13, 2020, investigators sought to arrest Reynoso and Tyson Quinones, of Waterbury, after intercepting a series of calls indicating that Reynoso and Quinones were planning to conduct a 200-gram heroin transaction. On that date, Quinones was arrested at the anticipated meeting place. Reynoso fled from the meeting scene in his vehicle, which was found abandoned nearby. He was arrested a short time later after he returned to the vehicle. A search of a location in Waterbury that Reynoso used to store narcotics revealed more than kilogram of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin, and items used to process and package narcotics.
Reynoso has been detained since his arrest. On June 19, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
Reynoso faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.
Quinones pleaded guilty on July 23, 2021, and awaits sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the DEA New Haven Task Force with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, 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 John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Elena L. Coronado through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Bridgeport Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges Stemming from Courthouse ShootingRead the Press Release
MARQUIS ISREAL, also known as “Garf” or “Gbaby,” 25, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to racketeering offenses related to his participation in a gang-related shooting in front of a state courthouse in Bridgeport in January 2020.
Today’s announcement was made by Leonard C Boyle, Acting 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. Isreal has been a member of the “Original North End” (“O.N.E.”), a gang based in the Trumbull Gardens area of Bridgeport whose members sold narcotics, laundered narcotics proceeds, robbed drug dealers, stole cars from inside and outside Connecticut and used them to commit crimes, and tampered with witnesses who might testify against them. Since approximately 2017, O.N.E. members have been aligned with the “Greene Homes Boyz” (“GHB/Hotz”), a gang based in the Charles F. Greene Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeport’s North End, 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.
In pleading guilty, Isreal admitted that he and his associates attempted to kill members and associates of the East End gang on January 27, 2020, in a brazen afternoon shooting in front of a Bridgeport courthouse. At 12:11 p.m. on that date, Bridgeport Police responded to the area of 172 Golden Hill Street in Bridgeport after a Shot Spotter activation detected approximately 20 shots being fired in front of the state courthouse located there. Upon arrival, investigators discovered that four victims had been shot while sitting inside a black Chevrolet Impala. One victim was shot in the side of his chest and was left paralyzed and a second victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his back, shoulder and wrist. The victims’ vehicle had approximately 23 entry bullet holes in the driver’s side and windshield area.
As alleged in court documents in a related case, Isreal had previously been shot and seriously wounded by one of his victims in a restaurant at 1653 Barnum Avenue in the East End of Bridgeport on September 15, 2019.
Isreal pleaded guilty to one count of attempted murder and aiding and abetting, and one count of conspiracy to commit murder, both in violation of the Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering (“VCAR”) statute. Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for December 3, 2021, at which time Isreal faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Isreal has been detained since August 6, 2020.
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, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Rahul Kale, Peter D. Markle and Karen L. Peck.
This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.
PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it.
OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Vernon Man Involved in Firearm Burglary of Stafford Pawn Shop is SentencedRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAMIEN GARCIA, 34, of Vernon, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to five years of probation for a firearm offense stemming from a Stafford pawn shop robbery in 2019.
Garcia also has pleaded guilty to related charges in state court, where he faces a 66-month sentence.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 15, 2019, the Connecticut State Police received a report that the Simon Says Pawn Shop, a Federal Firearms Licensee in Stafford, had been burglarized the previous evening and that several firearms had been stolen. Investigators subsequently determined that seven handguns were missing from the store. On September 17, Vernon Police developed information that Garcia was involved in the burglary and was in possession of a firearm. That evening, after officers approached Garcia and his associate, Lawrence McEwen, on West Main Street in Vernon, Garcia and McEwen attempted to flee before. After both were apprehended, officers recovered a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson pistol that McEwen discarded as he ran away. The firearm was one of the seven stolen from the Simon Says Pawn Shop on September 14.
The investigation revealed that Garcia sold the other stolen firearms to three separate drug dealers in Hartford in exchange for drugs and cash.
Garcia has been detained since his federal arrest on September 23, 2019. On December 9, 2020, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
On May 12, 2021, McEwen, of Vernon, pleaded guilty to possession of a stolen firearm. He is scheduled to be sentenced on November 2.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Connecticut State Police, Vernon Police Department and Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Meriden Woman Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Federal Prison for Child Exploitation OffenseRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that AMBER FOLEY, 33, formerly of Meriden, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 90 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for distributing sexually explicit images of a four-year old girl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement began investigating Foley in October 2017 after she sent a sexually explicit photo of a four-year-old girl to a man with whom she was chatting on MeetMe, a mobile dating application. The investigation revealed that she had previously sent sexually explicit images of both the minor victim and a two-year-old boy to other men on MeetMe. She also initiated conversations about sexual activity involving the minor victim and asked the men to describe in explicit detail the sexual acts they would perform on the minor victim.
Investigators did not uncover any evidence that Foley and the minor victim met the men with whom Foley chatted.
Foley was arrested on January 18, 2018. On May 11, 2021, she pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Meriden and Hartford Police Departments, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nancy V. Gifford and Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.
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.
Branford Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child Sex Abuse ImagesRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL HOLM, 42, of Branford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to one count of possession of child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately September 1, 2014 to March 8, 2021, Holm knowingly possessed child pornography, including on his iPhone and in his online Dropbox account. He also used various other websites and mobile applications, such as ChatStep, Kik, Discord, Skype, and others, to distribute child pornography to others, sometimes in exchange for other child pornography in return. A review of Holm’s iPhone and online accounts revealed that, during this time period, he possessed at least 142 unique image files and 118 unique video files of child pornography, including images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers.
Holm engaged in some of this conduct while he was on federal supervised release for a prior child pornography offense. In August 2011, Holm was sentenced to three months of imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release for possession of child pornography.
Because of his prior conviction, Holm is a registered sex offender on the Connecticut Sex Offender Registry.
Holm was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on May 24, 2021. He has been detained since his arrest.
Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for December 2, 2021, at which time Holm faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. The penalties in this matter are enhanced based on Holm’s prior federal conviction for possession of child pornography.
This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Stratford Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Car Theft OffenseRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDWIN CORDERO, 20, of Stratford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to a federal car theft offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI, Connecticut State Police and local police have been investigating multiple car theft rings in Connecticut, and violent crimes that are being committed using stolen vehicles.
The investigation revealed that Cordero, Christopher Mulkern and others have stolen numerous motor vehicles, and used the stolen vehicles to travel throughout Connecticut and to neighboring states to steal other vehicles and the valuables inside, including credit cards, cellular telephones, and firearms. Cordero and Mulkern typically frequented upper middleclass neighborhoods to go “car-checking” or “jigging,” which involves an attempt to open the door of a motor vehicle and, if successful, steal the vehicle and/or valuables inside.
On December 1, 2020, Cordero and Mulkern stole a Porsche Panamera from a residence in Westport, Connecticut. Shortly after midnight on December 2, law enforcement in Westerly, Rhode Island, identified the stolen Porsche and attempted to stop the car. The Porsche drove recklessly, at speeds of at least 86 mph, between Rhode Island and Connecticut, and evaded police who, for safety reasons, were forced to terminate pursuit.
At approximately 4 a.m. on December 2, Cordero, Mulkern and others used the stolen Porsche to steal a Dodge Challenger from a residence in Milford, Connecticut. In the evening of December 2, Stratford Police spotted and attempted to stop the Porsche, which was being driven by Mulkern and in which Cordero was a passenger. During the pursuit, Mulkern rammed a car stopped at a red light at an intersection, drove up on the sidewalk and through the red light, and then struck a second vehicle, causing the second vehicle to flip onto its roof. Mulkern drove the damaged Porsche onto I-95 into Bridgeport, where he and Cordero were apprehended as they attempted to enter another stolen Audi A4 that was parked on Gregory Street. A search of the stolen Audi revealed approximately 13 key fobs for other vehicles, and a search of the Porsche revealed five cellphones. In addition, Cordero possessed a key fob for the stolen Dodge Challenger, which was subsequently located parked on Main Street in Bridgeport, and Mulkern possessed two stolen credit cards.
Cordero pleaded guilty to one count of transportation of a stolen vehicle, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for December 3, 2021.
Mulkern pleaded guilty to the same charge on April 30, 2021, and awaits sentencing.
Cordero and Mulkern, who are both detained, have also agreed to pay restitution to at least seven owners of vehicles they stole and/or damaged.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Connecticut State Police and the Stratford, Milford, Stonington, Westport, Bridgeport, New Haven, Meriden, and Westerly (R.I.) Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan.
New Haven Man Charged with Crack Cocaine Distribution and Ammunition Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging BRIAN WARD, 29, of New Haven, with narcotics distribution and ammunition possession offenses.
The indictment was returned on August 31, 2019. Ward appeared today via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He has been detained since August 18.
As alleged in court documents, on July 21, 2021, law enforcement arrested Ward’s associate, Zaquawn Arrington, on a federal criminal complaint at Arrington’s West Haven residence. Ward was present at Arrington’s residence at the time of the arrest. A search of the residence revealed crack cocaine, a digital scale, and $2,075 in cash. During the search, investigators observed Ward throw a bag from the house. The bag contained crack cocaine packaged for distribution. Later that day, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of Ward’s New Haven residence and seized a pistol box containing four ammunition magazines, and a box of 39 9mm rounds.
It is alleged that Ward was previously convicted of state felony drug and assault offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
It is further alleged that Ward is seen on surveillance video firing a gun at a group of individuals immediately after one of the individuals shot and killed his associate on August 8, 2021, in Hamden.
The indictment charges Ward with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”), which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of possession of ammunition by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Arrington has been charged separately with federal narcotics offenses and is awaiting trial.
Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, the New Haven Police Department and the West Haven Police Department. The Task Force includes members from the Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction and the New Haven, Milford, East Haven and West Haven Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.
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.
Felon Who Illegally Possessed Handgun in New Haven is SentencedRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYRELL COX-HENDERSON, 28, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to approximately 29 months of imprisonment, time already served, and three years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing a firearm. Cox-Henderson will serve his first three months of supervised release in home confinement.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 10, 2019, Cox-Henderson entered a convenience store in New Haven and placed a Smith & Wesson .357 caliber revolver behind some merchandise on a shelf. Approximately one hour later, Allen Lusmat entered the store and retrieved the firearm from the shelf. Later that day, after New Haven police officers had reviewed the convenience store’s surveillance video, officers stopped a car in which Lusmat was a passenger. As officers approached the vehicle, Lusmat threw a black plastic bag out of the window. A search of bag revealed the firearm that Lusmat retrieved from the store.
Cox-Henderson’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for burglary in the third degree, possession of a weapon or a dangerous instrument in a correctional facility, and conspiracy to commit robbery 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.
Cox-Henderson has been detained since April 10, 2019. On September 14, 2020, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon.
Lusmat, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty to the same offense and, on August 12, 2021, was sentenced to 37 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the New Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney 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.
Hartford Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JABARI WALCOTT, also known as “Jabari Walcott-Greene,” 23, of Hartford was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the summer of 2020, Hartford Police learned that Kyle Pitts, also known as “Bark,” and others, were selling fentanyl, and that Pitts was using his apartment on Farmington Avenue in West Hartford to store fentanyl. Between August and October 2020, Hartford Police and the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force made multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl from Pitts, Walcott and Curon Johnson, also known as “Buck,” of East Hartford.
Walcott has been detained since his arrest on state charges on October 14, 2020. At the time of his arrest, he possessed distribution quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine, a digital scale and $1060.
On June 7, 2021, Walcott pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl.
Pitts and Johnson pleaded guilty to the same charge. On July 22, 2021, Johnson was sentenced to 37 months of imprisonment. Pitts awaits sentencing.
The FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Distributing Synthetic Opioids on Federal Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SETH WATSON, 36, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing synthetic opioids and violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 4, 2015, Judge Chatigny sentenced Watson to 51 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of ammunition by a previously convicted felon. Watson, who had been detained since his arrest in July 2012, was released from prison in April 2016.
In 2017, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and Hartford Police Department received information that Watson was selling heroin and cocaine from a grocery store on Mather Street in Hartford. In February and March 2017, investigators made four controlled purchases of purported heroin from Watson. Laboratory testing of purported heroin purchased during the first two transactions determined that the substance was fentanyl, furanylfentanyl and U-47700. The substance purchased during the third transaction was fentanyl and U-47700, and the substance purchased during the fourth transaction was fentanyl and heroin.
On March 28, 2017, Watson was arrested after investigators conducted a controlled purchase of narcotics from Watson and found him in possession of approximately 781 bags containing a total of approximately 21 grams of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin.
Watson has been detained since his arrest. On April 29, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl, furanylfentanyl and U-47700.
Judge Chatigny sentenced Watson to 72 months of imprisonment for the drug distribution offense and a consecutive 12 months of imprisonment for violating his supervised release conditions.
The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.
Yale Med School Employee Charged with Stealing and Selling Millions of Dollars in Computer HardwareRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting 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 JAMIE PETRONE-CODRINGTON, 41, of Naugatuck, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with fraud and money laundering offenses related to her alleged theft of millions of dollars in computer hardware from the Yale University School of Medicine where she was employed.
Petrone-Codrington surrendered to law enforcement today and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven. She was released on a $1 million bond.
As alleged in the complaint, beginning in approximately 2008, Petrone-Codrington was employed by the Yale University School of Medicine (“Yale Med”), Department of Emergency Medicine, and most recently served as the Director of Finance and Administration for the Department of Emergency Medicine. As part of her job responsibilities, Petrone-Codrington had authority to make and authorize certain purchases for departmental needs as long as the purchase amount stayed below $10,000. Beginning at least as early as 2013, Petrone-Codrington engaged in a scheme whereby she ordered, or caused others working for her, to order millions of dollars of computer hardware from Yale vendors using Yale Med funds and arranged to ship the stolen hardware to an out-of-state business in exchange for money.
It is further alleged that Petrone-Codrington falsely represented on Yale internal forms and in electronic communications that the hardware was for specified Yale Med needs, such as particular medical studies, and she broke up the fraudulent purchases into orders below the $10,000 threshold that would require additional approval. The out-of-state business, which resold the computer hardware to customers, paid Petrone-Codrington by wiring funds into an account of a company in which she is a principal.
The criminal complaint charges Petrone-Codrington with mail fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; and money laundering, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Acting 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 investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Yale Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Novick.
New Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TERRENCE COLEMAN, 20, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to a firearm offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in September 2020, Coleman, an habitual user of marijuana, possessed a Beretta .22 caliber pistol, which he subsequently traded to another individual in exchange for marijuana.
Coleman, who was arrested on April 16, 2021, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by an individual who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.
Coleman is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall on November 29, 2021, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. He is released on a $10,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and 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.
Former Payroll Manager of Stratford Home Healthcare Company Charged with Federal Tax OffenseRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that a grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging INNIS FREDERICK, 61, of Saint Cloud, Florida, with a federal tax offense stemming from him employment at a Stratford-based home healthcare company.
The indictment was returned on August 10. Frederick appeared today via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector and pleaded not guilty. He is released on a $20,000 bond.
As alleged in the indictment, Frederick worked as the payroll manager for Equinox Home Care, LLC (“ECH”), a home healthcare company based in Stratford that was originally established as a partnership between Frederick’s sister, Theresa Foreman, and another individual. In September 2012, the partnership ended, and, by court order, Foreman was obligated to make payments to her partner for the purchase of the partner’s interest in EHC. Between approximately 2012 and 2016, Frederick assisted Foreman by processing payroll that caused checks to be issued to “ghost employees,” who did not actually work for ECH. The money paid to the ghost employees was actually paid to Foreman, who did not report the hundreds of thousands of dollars of income on her tax returns. By submitting false payroll data, Frederick also caused false Forms W-2 and W-3 to be submitted to the Internal Revenue Service.
The indictment charges Frederick with conspiracy to defraud the United States and impede and impair the IRS, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A charge is only an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Foreman was previously charged and convicted in relation to this scheme.
This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer R. Laraia and Peter S. Jongbloed.
Citizen of the Dominican Republic Sentenced to 70 Months for Drug Trafficking and Immigration OffensesRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE PAULINO, 46, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in the Bronx, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for narcotics trafficking and immigration offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Paulino supplied large quantities of cocaine and counterfeit oxycodone pills to Musa Hill, of New Haven, who also received heroin from a source in New Haven. Hill converted some of the cocaine he received into crack cocaine, sold narcotics to customers, and also provided narcotics to an associate for distribution to a network of customers. During the investigation, investigators made controlled purchases of crack, heroin and hundreds of counterfeit oxycodone pills from Hill. The vast majority of the counterfeit pills contained fentanyl.
Paulino has been deported to the Dominican Republic, and subsequently illegally reentered the U.S., on three occasions.
Paulino has been detained since his arrest on June 25, 2019. On November 20, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances, and one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien.
Hill pleaded guilty to related charges and, on March 4, 2020, was sentenced to 72 months of imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer R. Laraia.
New Haven Man Admits Possessing Gun and Drugs While on Federal Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RONNELL ROGERS, 28, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today via videoconference before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall to narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.
In July 2019, Rogers was released from federal prison after serving approximately 17 months for unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon. On January 17, 2021, while he was on federal supervised release, Rogers was arrested in New Haven on related state charges after officers searched his car and found distribution quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine, and a loaded Smith & Wesson .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol. The firearm had been reported stolen in Virginia.
In addition to his prior federal conviction, Rogers’ criminal history includes state convictions for firearm, larceny and risk of injury offenses.
Rogers pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. He also faces additional penalties for violating the conditions of his federal supervised release. Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for December 1, 2021.
Rogers has been detained since his federal arrest on January 28, 2021.
This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Haven Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Waterbury Man Charged with Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, and Waterbury Police Chief Fernando C. Spagnolo, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging DEANDRE GREENE, 32, of Waterbury, with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
The indictment was returned under seal on May 4, 2021. Greene appeared today via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam and entered a plea of not guilty. He has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on January 31, 2021.
As alleged in the indictment, on January 31, 2021, Greene possessed a loaded Diamondback DB9 9mm handgun with an obliterated serial number.
It is further alleged that Greene’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for criminal possession of a firearm, possession of firearm without a permit, attempted assault in the second degree, and forgery in the first 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.
If convicted of the charge, Greene faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Acting 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Waterbury Police Departments. The case is being 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.
Bridgeport Man Charged with Federal Robbery and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting 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 Hartford returned an indictment yesterday charging DIJON CHAMPAGNIE, 21, of Bridgeport, with robbery and firearm offenses stemming from a violent drug-related robbery in West Haven.
As alleged in the indictment, on July 1, 2019, Champagnie robbed narcotics from an individual by means of actual and threatened force, violence and fear of injury. During the robbery, Champagnie brandished and discharged a firearm.
Champagnie has been detained in state custody since his arrest on related state charges on July 20, 2019.
The indictment charges Champagnie with one count of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act robbery), which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of possession and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of life imprisonment.
Acting 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the West Haven, New Haven and Hartford Police Departments. 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 Machinegun OffenseRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, announced that ANGEL REYES-RODRIGUEZ, 29, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to unlawful possession and transfer of machineguns.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 3, 2019, Reyes-Rodriguez communicated with an individual over Instagram about a photo of a Glock pistol that Reyes-Rodriguez had posted. Reyes-Rodriguez asked the individual if he had a Glock, and said that he had a friend with a “chip” to make the gun shoot automatically. At the direction of law enforcement, the individual arranged to purchase two Glock conversion devices from Reyes-Rodriguez. On May 9, 2019, Reyes-Rodriguez met the individual at a store parking lot in New Haven and transferred two conversion devices in exchange for $500.
Under federal law, a conversion device that changes a gun into an automatic weapon is considered a machinegun.
Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for November 23, 2021, at which time Reyes-Rodriguez faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Reyes-Rodriguez is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.
This is Reyes-Rodriguez’s second federal conviction. In 2016, he was sentenced to probation for delivering a package containing two kilograms of cocaine to a co-conspirator.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Hartford Man Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Prison for Gun Possession, Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that TAFARIE GREEN, 31, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 62 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2016, Green was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 60 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for his role in a gang-related crack cocaine distribution ring in Hartford. Green, who had been detained since his arrest in April 2014, was released from federal prison in April 2019.
On June 2, 2020, Hartford Police detectives conducting a narcotics investigation approached a Dodge Durango that was parked on Kenneth Street in Hartford. 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. A second occupant of the vehicle, who possessed a loaded handgun, was immediately apprehended. A search of the Durango revealed a Ruger 9mm pistol and approximately 144 grams of fentanyl, as well as Green’s wallet and iPhone.
Forensic analysis of the Ruger 9mm pistol revealed the presence of Green’s DNA.
In addition to his previous federal narcotics conviction, Green’s criminal history includes state convictions for assault, robbery, attempted burglary and criminal possession of a firearm.
Green was arrested on July 13, 2020. On April 1, 2021, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. He has been detained since his arrest.
Judge Dooley sentenced Green to 50 months of imprisonment for unlawfully possessing a firearm, and an additional 12 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
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.
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 East Hartford Resident Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking FentanylRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MARCO RIVERA-MEJIA, 36, a citizen of Honduras last residing in East Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 36 months of imprisonment for trafficking fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2019, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force developed evidence that Rivera-Mejia was a narcotics courier for an individual who was living in Mexico. In September 2019, investigators stopped Rivera-Mejia’s vehicle and seized approximately $6,000 in cash he was carrying in suspected narcotics proceeds. Rivera-Mejia was released after the traffic stop.
On October 24, 2020, at approximately 4:30 p.m., Rivera-Mejia was arrested after he arrived at a parking lot in Manchester in possession of a kilogram of fentanyl that he intended to deliver to another individual.
Rivera-Mejia has been detained since his arrest. On June 1, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
Rivera-Mejia, who entered the U.S. illegally in 2007, faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.
The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.