District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Greenwich Resident Admits Defrauding Investors of Nearly $1.5 MillionRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SAMUEL KLEIN, 65, of Greenwich, pleaded guilty today to fraud and money laundering offenses stemming from an investment fraud scheme.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Klein controlled several different entities, including Visual Group LLC; O.S. Management, LLC; KF Pecksland LLC; Four Pines Holdings, LLC; and Payton Lane NH, Inc. In 2018, Klein made false representations to a victim investor, including that the victim’s funds would be invested in distressed debt, when Klein knew that all of the investment funds would not be used for the stated purposes. Based on these false representations, the victim investor wrote a check in the amount of $200,000 to Visual Group LLC for the purpose of making a purported investment in distressed debt. Klein caused the check to be transported from New York to Connecticut and deposited into a bank account in the name of Visual Group LLC. Klein subsequently solicited and received approximately $50,000 in additional funds from the victim investor.
The investigation further revealed that, from approximately July 2016 through at least June 2019, Klein defrauded three additional victim investors of a total of more than $1.2 million by making multiple false statements and misrepresentations.
Klein knew that all of the funds solicited from the victim investors would not be used for his stated purposes, and instead would be utilized by Klein for personal and other expenditures.
Klein pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of property taken by fraud and one count of money laundering. Each offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall on November 22, 2021, in New Haven.
Klein has agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $1,497,797.52.
Klein is released on a $500,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer R. Laraia and David T. Huang.
Bolton Man Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Tax OffensesRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that MARK PAGANI, 60, of Bolton, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to fraud and tax evasion offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2013 to at least August 2015, Pagani conspired with another person (“K.S.”), who is now deceased, to defraud a victim investor of more than $1 million. K.S. arranged investment deals with the victim, including the purported acquisition of mortgages on properties. Pagani drafted documents to memorialize certain investment deals, accepted funds from the victim and held the funds in accounts he controlled, and he transferred funds to entities controlled by K.S. and others. By the time the victim investor made a third investment, which was to acquire mortgages on properties in Springfield, Massachusetts, and Middletown, Connecticut, Pagani knew that the first two investments had not occurred, and that the third investment was not legitimate. In association with the third investment, the victim wired more than $1.3 million to an account Pagani controlled. These funds were comingled with other funds, which Pagani sent a portion of to an entity for the benefit of K.S. In order to conceal the fraud and to create the appearance that it was a legitimate investment, Pagani wired false interest payments to the victim.
In addition, for the 2014 through 2017 tax years, Pagani paid for personal and other expenses using his law firm account and underreported his income on his federal tax returns, resulting in a tax loss of $181,702. Pagani was previously a practicing attorney with a law office in Wethersfield.
Pagani pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and one count of tax evasion. Each offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. Pagani is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on December 15, 2021, in Hartford.
Pagani has agreed to pay restitution of $1,055,092.50 to the victim investor, and $181,702 in tax to the IRS.
This is Pagani’s third federal conviction.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael S. McGarry and Jennifer R. Laraia.
Waterbury Man Guilty of Cocaine Trafficking OffenseRead 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 Bridgeport has found LUIS CASTRO, 33, of Waterbury, guilty of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
The trial before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill began on August 24 and the jury returned its verdict yesterday.
According to the evidence and testimony at trial, a DEA Task Force investigation identified Castro as being involved in cocaine trafficking activity. On September 10, 2018, a court-authorized search of Castro’s residence on Delaware Avenue in Waterbury revealed approximately 566 grams of cocaine, a large kilogram press, narcotics paraphernalia, and $8,292 in cash.
Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for November 19, 2021, at which time Castro faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years. Castro is released on a $200,000 bond pending sentencing.
This is Castro’s second federal conviction. In March 2011, he was sentenced in the Southern District of New York to 18 months of imprisonment for distributing cocaine and crack cocaine, and illegally dealing firearms.
This matter has been investigated by the DEA Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale and Tara Levens.
Felon Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Loaded Handguns in HartfordRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYSHAWN TURNER, 36, formerly of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing two firearms.
According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 4:40 a.m. on August 5, 2018, Hartford Police dispersed an illegal after-hours party on Belden Street in Hartford. When police arrived, Turner agreed to take two firearms from an associate, who was on federal supervised release, and then attempted to hide them in a parked car. Turner was arrested on state charges after officers saw him, searched the car, and found a loaded .32 caliber semi-automatic pistol and a loaded .38 Special revolver. The revolver had been reported stolen in New Haven in 2011.
Prior to August 2018, Turner was convicted in state court of firearm and robbery 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 October 29, 2020, Turner pleaded guilty to possession of firearms by a felon.
Turner is currently released on a $75,000 bond and residing in Windsor. He is required to report to prison on October 27, 2021.
As a special condition of his supervised release, Turner is prohibited from entering Hartford without the permission of the U.S. Probation Office.
This matter was investigated by the Hartford Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Conor Reardon and 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.
Connecticut Resident Sentenced to Prison for Operating Immigration Marriage Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JODIAN STEPHENSON, also known as “Jodian Gordon,” 37, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to six months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for arranging fraudulent marriages so that non-U.S. citizens would receive U.S. immigration benefits.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Stephenson operated Stephenson Immigration and Legal Services, LLC, in Bridgeport. Between 2011 and 2017, Stephenson conspired with others to arrange 28 sham marriages between U.S. citizens and non-citizens residing in the U.S. for the purpose of the non-citizens’ applying for and obtaining “lawful permanent residence” (“LPR”) status, also known as a “green card.”
One of the 28 sham marriages was between Stephenson, who is a citizen of Jamaica, and a U.S. citizen. For each of the other 27 fraudulent marriages, Stephenson found and introduced a U.S. citizen to be the non-citizen’s purported spouse and helped the couple obtain a marriage license. She also organized the marriage ceremony and celebration, and coached the couple on how to make their marriage appear to be genuine despite their neither living together nor otherwise intending to remain actually married.
As part of the scheme, Stephenson prepared several immigration documents needed as part of the non-citizen’s LPR application. She had the applicant and spouse sign the documents and, in many cases, mailed the documents to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service immigration authorities for the applicant. In some cases, Stephenson or her assistants prepared other false documents for the couple, such as a false lease that portrayed the couple as living together.
Stephenson typically charged between $17,000 and $20,000 to complete this process for a non-citizen, and the citizen spouse received between $2,000 and $4,000 for his or her participation.
During the investigation, Stephenson offered to arrange a sham marriage for a federal law enforcement agent working in an undercover capacity, and help obtain a green card for the undercover agent, in exchange for a proposed fee of $20,000. In recorded conversations, Stephenson then introduced the undercover agent to a U.S. citizen and advised them about the ways they could create the appearance that they were validly married and living together as husband and wife.
Stephenson was arrested on June 22, 2018. On August 19, 2019, she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit immigration marriage fraud.
Stephenson, who is released on a $250,000 bond, is required to report to prison on October 25. She faces immigration proceedings when she completes her prison term.
A total of 10 individuals, including U.S. citizens who entered into one or more fraudulent marriages with non-citizens, have been charged with related offenses as a result of this investigation, and eight have pleaded guilty. Removal proceedings have been or are being commenced against all individuals whose green card applications were found to have been based on sham marriages.
This investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service’s Office of Fraud Detection and National Security. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry K. Kopel.
New York Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison for Hate Crime OffensesRead 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, announced that CHRISTOPHER RASCOLL, 49, of Blauvelt, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for making anti-Semitic death threats to a Jewish resident of Stratford, Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in November 2019, Rascoll began to threaten a woman, who is Jewish, through numerous text messages, voicemails and Facebook posts. In several text messages and voicemails, which continued until June 2020, Rascoll threatened to murder or seriously injure the victim. He also threatened to blow up the victim’s house and car. Some of Rascoll’s threatening text messages contained anti-Semitic references to the Holocaust.
On December 23, 2019, the first day of Hannukah, Rascoll sent the victim a message that included the words “Suns about to go down. It would be a shame if your house were used to light the menorah. Or turned in a gas chamber.” On April 8, 2020, the first day of Passover, Rascoll wrote “I’m going to kill you. You better be gone because if you’re in [the victim’s housing community] Easter weekend I’m going to stick you in an oven. Or I’m going to shoot you . . . . I should send you to a concentration camp.”
On June 26, 2020, only a few hours before he was located and arrested by the FBI, Rascoll left the victim a voicemail message stating, “The police are not going to help you. The courts are not going to help you. . . . I will kill you.”
The FBI’s investigation also identified several other individuals who had been threatened and harassed by Rascoll.
“For seven months, this defendant’s hate-fueled threats made the victim in fear for her life, and she continues to suffer lingering effects of his vicious behavior,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle. “In addition to protecting the victim, this sentence sends an appropriate message that these crimes cannot be tolerated and will result in a lengthy prison term.”
“The courts have spoken very clearly: Hate crimes will not be tolerated and the consequences will be significant.” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sundberg. “We at the FBI, alongside our law enforcement partners, will continue to address threats based on race, religion, nationality or gender in order to end crimes of hate in our communities.”
Judge Dooley ordered Rascoll to serve the first three months of his supervised release in a residential reentry center.
Rascoll has been detained since his arrest on June 26, 2020. On April 27, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of interference with the right to fair housing, a hate crime, and one count of sending threatening communications.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Stratford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarala V. Nagala and Amanda S. Oakes.
Prisoner Pleads Guilty to Escaping from Hartford Halfway HouseRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Lawrence Bobnick. Acting United States Marshal, announced that JOSE SOSTRE, 41, of Hartford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to escaping from the custody of the Attorney General.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 28, 2012, Sostre was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 120 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for distributing heroin. In September 2020, Sostre was transferred to the Watkinson House Residential Reentry Center in Hartford to complete his prison term. On November 24, 2020, Sostre left the facility without permission and did not return. He surrendered to the U.S. Marshals Service on February 23, 2021.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for November 24, 2021, at which time Sostre faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Gresham.
East Haven Man Who Stole Social Security Benefits in SentencedRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOVON GAMBLE, 40, of East Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to three years of probation, the first three months of which Gamble must spend in home confinement, for stealing Social Security benefits.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Gamble’s mother lawfully received Social Security Administration (“SSA”) monthly benefit payments. Gamble’s mother died in June 2007. The SSA was never informed her death and Gamble continued to access the SSA funds that were deposited into his mother’s account. Between 2007 and 2017, the SSA deposited more than $88,000 into Gamble’s mother’s account.
Judge Shea ordered Gamble to pay $88,150.78 in restitution.
Gamble also must perform 75 hours of community service while on supervised release.
On May 10, 2021, Gamble pleaded guilty to one count of theft of public funds.
This matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan Keefe and Elena Coronado.
New Britain Man Arrested in Manchester Pleads Guilty to Firearm and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HILARY ANTHONY BROWNE, 31, of New Britain, pleaded guilty today to firearm possession and drug distribution offenses.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in late 2019, the Manchester Police Department, East Central Narcotics Task Force and Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force conducted an investigation of Browne for selling cocaine. Browne was arrested in Manchester on December 20, 2019. At the time of his arrest, he possessed a small quantity of cocaine. After Browne informed an officer that he possessed a firearm, ballistic vest and a quantity of cocaine at his New Britain apartment, a consent search of the apartment revealed a loaded semi-automatic Pieper, Model 1908/Basculant, 6.35mm pistol; a bullet proof vest; and a pill bottle containing 4.7 grams of cocaine.
Browne’s criminal history includes state convictions for robbery in the first degree with the threat of a firearm, burglary and failure to appear.
Browne pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; felon in possession of body armor, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years; and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
This matter has been investigated by the Manchester Police Department, East Central Narcotics Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being 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.
New Haven Man Charged with Crack Cocaine Distribution 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 ZAQUAWN ARRINGTON, 22, of New Haven, with three counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”).
The indictment was returned on July 27. Arrington appeared yesterday via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson and pleaded not guilty to the charge. Arrington has been detained since July 21.
As alleged in court documents, on January 9, 2021, Arrington was arrested by West Haven Police after they found him in possession of crack cocaine packaged for distribution and $763 in cash. Subsequent analysis of an iPhone seized from Arrington at the time of his arrest revealed multiple photos and videos of firearms, including photos of Arrington possessing firearms.
It is further alleged that on June 22, 2021, New Haven Police attempted to stop a vehicle being operated by Arrington, but Arrington fled at a high rate of speed. On July 6, 2021, New Haven Police located Arrington and arrested him. At the time of his arrest, Arrington possessed crack cocaine packaged for distribution and $580 in cash.
Arrington was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on July 21, 2021. A search of Arrington’s residence on the date of his arrest revealed crack cocaine packaged for distribution, a digital scale, and $2,075 in cash. It is further alleged that, the following day, a court-authorized search of a parked vehicle that Arrington had been seen accessing revealed a loaded ghost gun.
If convicted, Arrington faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count of the indictment.
Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This 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. Attorneys John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Natasha M. Fresimuth
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.
Man Involved in Bridgeport Restaurant Robbery Sentenced to 66 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JERMAINE OGRINC, 35, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 66 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in violent Bridgeport restaurant robbery in 2017.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 29, 2017, at approximately 8:00 p.m., Ogrinc and three other men entered the La Sabrosura Restaurant on East Main Street in Bridgeport. The robbers, two of whom were armed with firearms, forced two workers and a customer into the kitchen and ordered them to lie on the floor with their hands behind their heads. Another individual who was in a back room and heard screaming ran from the restaurant and flagged down the police. One of the robbers took a cellphone from one of the victims and cash from another, and the robbers attempted to break into an ATM in the restaurant. After spotting police, Ogrinc and his associates fled. Ogrinc was apprehended a short time later near the restaurant. In an interview with investigators, he admitted to his role in the robbery.
Ogrinc has been detained since his arrest. On March 11, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act Robbery.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bridgeport Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
Gang Member Sentenced to 37 Months in Federal Prison for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ARMANDO QUINONES, also known as “Yayo,” 40, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2018, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force began investigating Ricardo Reyes, also known as “Rick the Ruler,” a member of the Los Solidos street gang who was distributing fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and crack in the area of Park Street and Hungerford Street in Hartford. During the investigation, law enforcement conducted multiple controlled purchases of narcotics from Reyes. Court-authorized wiretaps confirmed that Reyes was distributing narcotics to numerous customers, and identified individuals who supplied drugs to Reyes and associates, including Quinones, who sold drugs on his behalf. Intercepted communications also revealed Reyes was acquiring and trafficking firearms.
Quinones, a member of Los Solidos, has a criminal history spans more than 20 years includes multiple convictions in Connecticut and New Jersey.
Quinones has been detained since his arrest on June 20, 2019. On June 27, 2019, a grand jury Hartford returned a 32-count indictment charging Reyes, Quinones and 13 associates with various narcotics trafficking and firearm possession offenses. On April 19, 2021, Quinones pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Reyes pleaded guilty and, on February 11, 2021, was sentenced to 18 years of imprisonment.
The FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Heroin and FentanylRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALEX SABO-SANTIAGO, also known as “Boricua,” 42, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin and fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2019, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force learned that Sabo-Santiago was expecting a delivery of a kilogram of heroin. On June 6, 2021, Sabo-Santiago was arrested after he met a drug courier in Hartford and took possession of what he thought was a kilogram of heroin. A subsequent search of his residence revealed nearly one kilogram of fentanyl, items used to process and package narcotics for sale, and a 9mm firearm.
On December 7, 2020, Sabo-Santiago pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
Sabo-Santiago, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on September 21.
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.
Hartford Man Admits Recording His Sexual Abuse of Minor for Nearly 3 YearsRead the Press Release
Leonard C. Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERTO ACOSTA TORRES, 61, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to producing child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between April 2016 and February 2019, Acosta Torres coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct with him and videorecorded the sexual abuse. On December 18, 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Acosta’s Hartford residence and seized numerous electronic and storage devices. Analysis of the seized items revealed at least 18 videos of Acosta Torres sexually abusing the minor victim, and hundreds of videos of other adults and children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for November 9, 2021, at which time Acosta Torres faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.
Acosta Torres has been detained since his arrest on December 18, 2019.
This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Hartford and Manchester Police Departments, and the Connecticut Center for Digital Investigations (CDI). 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.
Hartford Optician and Business to Pay More Than $678K to Resolve False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, today announced that LISA AZINHEIRA and L.A. VISION LLC, have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments and have agreed to pay $678,901.21 to resolve allegations that they violated the federal and state False Claims Acts.
Azinheira is a licensed optician and an owner of L.A. Vision, a business located on South Whitney Street in Hartford that offers optical goods and services. The allegations against Azinheira and L.A. Vision concern the submission of claims for optical goods and services that were not medically necessary.
The government alleges that starting in January 2014, every time Azinheira and L.A. Vision billed Connecticut Medicaid for a pair of eyeglasses, they also submitted a claim to Medicaid for “miscellaneous vision services or items,” using procedure code V2799. Pursuant to the Department of Social Services (“DSS”) fee schedule, procedure code V2799 can only be billed for medically necessary vision services, and must be billed at actual acquisition cost. The United States and the State of Connecticut allege that Azinheira and L.A. Vision did not provide any services or items that would justify billing that procedure code, and if any services or goods were provided, they were not medically necessary, and not billed at acquisition cost.
The government also alleges that starting in January 2014, Azinheira and L.A. Vision encouraged Medicaid beneficiaries under the age of 21 to choose up to three pairs of eyeglasses at a time. Relevant Medicaid guidance indicates that spare pairs of eyeglasses are not medically necessary and are not covered. The federal and state governments contend that Azinheira and L.A. Vision knowingly submitted false claims to Medicaid for multiple pairs of eyeglasses that were not medically necessary.
To resolve the allegations under the federal and state False Claims Acts, Azinheira and L.A. Vision have agreed to pay $678,901.21 to the federal and state governments for conduct occurring between January 1, 2014, and November 10, 2018.
As part of the settlement, Azinheira and L.A. Vision have entered into a three-year billing Integrity Agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that is designed to ensure future compliance with the requirements of federal healthcare programs.
This matter was investigated by the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Kaczmarek, and by Assistant Attorney General Gregory O’Connell of the Attorney General’s Office.
People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS or the Health Care Task Force at (203) 777-6311.
Middletown Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Selling Cocaine and Crack While on State ProbationRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DERRICK STOKES, 29, of Middletown, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing cocaine and crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in July and August 2019, the DEA New Haven Task Force made four controlled purchases totaling more than 100 grams of crack cocaine from Stokes. Stokes was on state probation at the time of the sales. After Stokes was incarcerated on a state felony drug conviction and probation violation in early September 2019, he instructed his associate, Rayshon Frazier, to take over his drug distribution activity. Between September and November 2019, investigators made three controlled purchases of crack, totaling approximately 40 grams, from Frazier in Waterbury.
Subsequent analysis of Stokes’ cell phone records revealed that between January 2017 and September 2019, Stokes sold a total of nearly 600 grams of cocaine to two individuals.
Stokes has been detained since September 4, 2019. On March 24, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).
On December 22, 2020, Frazier pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base. On March 18, 2021, he was sentenced to 27 months of imprisonment.
This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Middletown Police Department. The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, East Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby, Middletown, Naugatuck and Waterbury Police Departments.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda S. Oakes and Sarala V. Nagala.
Felon Sentenced to More Than 3 Years in Prison for Illegally Possessing Handgun in New HavenRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALLEN LUSMAT, 30, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 10, 2019, Tyrell 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, 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. Lusmat was arrested at that time.
Prior to April 2019, Lusmat was convicted in state court of firearm, assault 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.
Lusmat has been detained since his arrest. On November 18, 2020, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon.
Cox-Henderson pleaded guilty to the same charge on September 14, 2020, and awaits sentencing. He also has been detained since April 10, 2019.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the New Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney 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.
New Haven Men Charged with Trafficking CocaineRead 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 JOSE L. GERENA, 31, and BRIAN I. CRUZ-RODRIGUEZ, 29, both of New Haven, were arrested yesterday and charged by federal criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
As alleged in court documents, in November 2020, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force executed a federal search warrant on a suspicious package that had been sent through the U.S. Mail from New Haven to an address in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. The package contained $102,450 in cash. The investigation revealed that Gerena, with the assistance of Cruz-Rodriguez and others, was supervising the receipt of numerous parcels containing kilogram quantities of cocaine that had been shipped from Puerto Rico, the resale of the cocaine to others, and the shipment of narcotics proceeds to individuals in Puerto Rico. During the investigation, the organization regularly received cocaine shipments at 365 Poplar Street, 206 Exchange Street and other addresses in New Haven.
Prior to yesterday’s arrests of Gerena and Cruz-Rodriguez, investigators intercepted two parcels each containing a kilogram of cocaine that had been sent through the U.S. Mail from Puerto Rico to 365 Poplar Street and 206 Exchange Street. Investigators then made a controlled delivery of a parcel containing a kilogram of cocaine to 365 Poplar Street before executing search warrants and making the arrests.
Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Gerena is currently detained and Cruz-Rodriguez is released on a $150,000 bond.
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 matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the New Haven Police Department. The Task Force includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden and Town of Groton Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Konstantin Lantsman through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Health Center Pays $350K to Settle Improper Billing Allegations Related to Medicaid Dental ServicesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Leonard C Boyle and Connecticut Attorney General William Tong today announced that CORNELL SCOTT HILL HEALTH CORPORATION (“CSH”) has entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments and has paid $350,000 to resolve allegations that CSH improperly billed the Connecticut Medicaid program for certain dental services.
CSH is a Federally Qualified Health Center (“FQHC”) that provides a variety of health care services, including dental services, to Connecticut Medicaid beneficiaries and other individuals. Pursuant to federal requirements, the State of Connecticut compensates FQHCs on an “encounter-based” reimbursement structure. For the provision of dental services, claims are limited to one all-inclusive encounter per day to include all dental services received by a patient on the same day.
The allegations against CSH arise out of improper billing for certain dental services, specifically prophylactic cleanings and dental exams. The government alleges that CSH implemented a policy that required Medicaid patients to receive prophylactic cleanings and dental exams on separate days, resulting in CSH getting paid two encounter rates instead of just one rate.
To resolve their liability, CSH paid $350,000 to the federal and state governments for conduct occurring between January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2019. In addition, CSH has agreed to change its policy and offer all Medicaid beneficiaries the option of scheduling a prophylactic cleaning and dental examination on the same day.
This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Molot and by Assistant Attorneys General Michael Cole and Joshua Jackson of the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.
People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS or the Health Care Fraud Task Force at (203) 777-6311.
Former CFO of Connecticut Healthcare Staffing Agency Sentenced for Tax OffenseRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PAMELA SMITH, 72, of Kirkland, Washington, formerly of Guilford, Connecticut, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden to two years of probation for aiding in the preparation of a false tax return. Judge Bolden also ordered Smith to perform 100 hours of community service.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the sentencing occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately 2009 and 2018, Smith was the Chief Financial Officer of Equinox Home Care, LLC (“EHC”), a home healthcare staffing agency based in Stratford, Connecticut. EHC was established as a partnership between 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.
At Foreman’s direction, Smith and EHC’s payroll manager helped Foreman receive money from EHC in a manner that hid the fact that Foreman was the true recipient of the funds. Beginning in 2012, EHC’s payroll included payments to “ghost employees” who did not work for EHC, and those funds were actually for Foreman’s benefit. As the CFO of EHC, Smith became aware that the payroll checks were being issued to the “ghost employees” and that EHC and its payroll manager were causing the false payroll checks to be issued. Smith also assisted Foreman by issuing or causing to be issued bonus checks from EHC to approximately 30 EHC employees. The employees cashed the checks and provided the cash to Foreman. Some of the employees later noticed that the amount of funds cashed had been included on their Forms W-2. Smith would issue a corrected W-2 only if an employee made a request. Several EHC employees did not request a corrected W-2 and, as a result, overpaid taxes to the IRS.
In addition, Foreman received funds through cashed mileage checks that were issued to two individuals who did not drive on behalf of EHC.
Smith interacted with the tax return preparer who prepared the partnership tax return in addition to Foreman’s own individual income tax returns, and she failed to inform the return preparer about funds that Foreman received through these various mechanisms. More than $600,000 of such funds were not reported on Foreman’s 2014 tax return alone.
Smith pleaded guilty to the offense on January 12, 2021.
Foreman pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion and, on January 6, 2020, was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment and ordered to pay $641,941.46 in restitution.
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.
Colchester Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing MachinegunRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that MICHAEL SHERIDAN, 27, of Colchester, pleaded guilty today to illegal possession of a machinegun.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Sheriden agreed with an associate who had manufactured a machinegun to deliver it to another individual who had purchased it. On January 29, 2021, Sheriden transferred the machinegun to the purchaser in a parking lot in Cromwell.
Possession of a machinegun carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Sheriden is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford on November 10, 2021.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Penobscot County (Maine) Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Donovan.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
West Haven Man Charged with Narcotics and Ammunition 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 CHAZ REDDICK, 38, of West Haven, with narcotics and ammunition offenses.
The indictment was returned on August 3 and Reddick appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and entered a plea of not guilty. He has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on April 20, 2021.
As alleged in statements made in court, on April 20, 2021, Reddick was arrested by West Haven Police after a court-authorized search of his apartment revealed a distribution quantity of crack cocaine and multiple rounds of ammunition.
It is alleged that Reddick’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for firearm, drug and larceny offenses. It is a violation of federal law for someone previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
The indictment charges Reddick with one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”), which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, and one count of possession of ammunition 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.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force and the West Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Conor M. Reardon.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Stamford Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Counterfeit Oxycodone Pills Containing Fentanyl AnaloguesRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ARBER ISAKU, 31, of Stamford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to a charge related to his manufacturing and distributing counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl analogues.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Isaku and his associate, Vincent Decaro, purchased fentanyl analogues from suppliers in China and, working out of Decaro’s residence at 77 West Hill Circle in Stamford, pressed the drug into counterfeit oxycodone pills, which they sold to customers on dark web markets. David Reichard, who lived for a short time at Decaro’s residence, helped Decaro and Isaku press pills and mail the pills to customers.
On April 3, 2018, a court-authorized search of Decaro’s residence revealed numerous pills containing approximately 330 grams of fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl, approximately 40 grams of fentanyl analogues in powder form, three pill presses, instructions on how to prepare the fentanyl analogue Carfentanil, a hazardous material suit, a gas/respirator-type mask, and numerous U.S. Postal mail envelopes.
At the time of the search of Decaro’s home in April 2018, Decaro and Isaku were in Europe. On September 21, 2018, Decaro and Isaku were arrested by Albanian State Police as they were attempting to cross the border from Albania into Kosovo. A search of an apartment in Tirana where they had been staying revealed alprazolam, fentanyl and other controlled substances; tools and dies for pressing pills, and instructions for synthesizing fentanyl.
Isaku pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of fentanyl analogues. Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for October 29, 2021.
Isaku is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
Decaro and Reichard pleaded guilty to related charges and await sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut State Police and Stamford Police Department, with the assistance of the Albanian State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Doherty.
Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle thanked the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of International Affairs for coordinating the extradition proceedings in this matter.
Institute of Living Settles ADA Complaint, Ensures Access for Deaf and Hard of Hearing IndividualsRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the government has reached a settlement agreement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) with the Institute of Living at Hartford Hospital, on behalf of itself and its professional emergency room and managed mental health center within Hartford Hospital. The Institute of Living is a mental health center that specializes in comprehensive patient care, research and education in the fields of behavioral, psychiatric and addiction disorders whose services are provided to the public.
This matter was initiated upon receipt of a complaint filed with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut by Disability Rights Connecticut. Disability Rights Connecticut filed the complaint on behalf of a complainant who is profoundly deaf. It is alleged that the complainant went to the Hartford Hospital Emergency Room and was then transferred to and treated by the medical staff at the Institute. On multiple occasions, the complainant requested a sign language interpreter during her several days of admission to understand treatment options and to attend group therapy sessions, and to understand and sign documents provided to her during her stay. She was not provided with a qualified interpreter and was not able to participate in group therapy sessions to treat her depression and suicidal ideations. The complainant also could not communicate with her treating psychiatrist and did not fully understand why she had been admitted into the hospital.
Title III of the ADA requires places of public accommodation, including hospital facilities, to take steps to ensure that individuals with disabilities are not excluded, segregated or otherwise treated differently due to the absence of auxiliary aids and services, such as qualified interpreters. The regulations to Title III prohibit places of public accommodation from requiring an individual with a disability to bring another individual to interpret for him or her. The regulations to Title III similarly prohibit places of public accommodation from charging a surcharge to individuals with disabilities for measures, including auxiliary aids and services like interpreters that are required to provide the individual with a disability with nondiscriminatory treatment under the ADA.
The settlement agreement resolves the complaint based on the above allegations that the Institute of Living violated Title III of the ADA by failing to provide effective communication to the complainant. The settlement agreement requires the Institute to provide free of charge appropriate auxiliary aids and services, including qualified interpreters, at all of its patient facilities to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing whenever it is necessary to ensure effective communication for those individuals. The Institute will provide ADA training to all staff members. In addition, the Institute will compensate the complainant in the amount of $10,000.
The ADA authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate complaints and undertake periodic reviews of compliance of covered entities. The Justice Department is also authorized to commence a civil lawsuit in federal court in any case that involves a pattern or practice of discrimination or that raises issues of general public importance, and to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, and civil penalties.
“This case demonstrates this office’s commitment to protecting the rights of those who are deaf or hard of hearing, and ensuring that these individuals are able to effectively communicate with health care professionals.” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle. “I thank the Institute of Living at Hartford Hospital for their cooperation during this investigation and for addressing these ADA issues without the need for litigation.”
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brenda M. Green of the District of Connecticut in coordination with the Disability Rights Section of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.
Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that the office of a health care provider or any other place of public accommodation or public entity in Connecticut is not accessible to persons with disabilities may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 203-821-3700.
Additional information about the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov, or by calling the Justice Department’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 and (800) 514-0383 (TTY). More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.
Rhode Island Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison for Credit Card Fraud and Identity Theft OffensesRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HENRY A. FELLELA, JR., 63, of Johnston, Rhode Island, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for credit card fraud and identity theft offenses, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2018, Fellela was released from federal prison following a 48-month sentence imposed in the U.S. District Court in Rhode Island for credit card fraud, aggravated identity theft and other offenses. Between March 2018 and March 2019, while he was on federal supervised release, Fellela stole credit cards from residents of Connecticut and other states and used the cards to make approximately $48,000 in fraudulent purchases at various retail stores in Connecticut and elsewhere.
On November 5, 2019, Fellela pleaded guilty to one count of access device fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
This is Fellela’s fourth federal conviction.
Fellela was detained from March 8, 2019, to March 23, 2020, when he was released on bond. Judge Meyer ordered him to report to prison on September 20, 2021.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Donovan and Sarala Nagala.
Former CEO of Connecticut Non-Profit Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL MEAKEM, 59, of Norwich, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 24 months imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release, a $100,000 fine, and $683,202 in restitution for embezzling from his former employer.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Meakem was the president and chief executive officer of the Center for Financial Training (“CFT”), a Farmington-based non-profit organization that provided continuing education to employees in the financial services industry. Between approximately 2013 and 2020, Meakem embezzled $683,202 from CFT’s credit card accounts and bank accounts and used the funds on personal expenses, including alimony payments, meals, cruises, other vacations, and gambling at Connecticut’s casinos.
On April 30, 2021, Meakem pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
Meakem, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on October 1, 2021.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation amd the Norwich Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan N. Francis.
Norwich Man Guilty of Distributing Fentanyl Analogues on Dark Web; Possessing Drugs, Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in Bridgeport has found BARRY DUCLOS, 42, of Norwich guilty of fentanyl analogue trafficking, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and carfentanil and firearm possession offenses.
The trial before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden began on July 21 and the jury returned guilty verdicts this afternoon.
According to the evidence introduced during the trial, between approximately September 2017 and February 2018, Duclos operated a vendor page on the dark web “Dream Market.” Using the alias 1NOLEFB1, Duclos advertised the sale of fentanyl analogues on Dream Market. He then used the U.S. Mail to ship fentanyl analogues to customers who paid for the drugs using Bitcoin.
Duclos was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on February 12, 2018. A search of his residence at the time of his arrest revealed a YHM rifle with multiple magazines, two of which were extended magazines. The firearm was loaded with a round in the chamber. Investigators also located and fentanyl and carfentanil from the residence, along with a computer used by Duclos to access Dream Market.
Duclos was convicted in state court, in February 2001, of sale of narcotics and, in March 2017, of larceny in the third degree. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
The jury found Duclos guilty of seven counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl analogues; one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and carfentanil; one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon; and one count possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Duclos has been detained since his arrest. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, Connecticut State Police, Norwich Police Department, and Robertson County Tennessee Sherriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and Patrick J. Doherty.
Windsor Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Northeast "Grab and Go" Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that AYSIA RYAN, 22, of Windsor, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in an extensive commercial larceny spree.
This case stems from “Operation American Steal,” a long-term multi-agency investigation into numerous “grab and go” thefts from various retail fashion stores in Connecticut and nearby states. A “grab-and-go” scheme is a type of theft where one or more perpetrators enter a retail store, grab as many items of clothing or other goods as they can carry, leave the store without paying for the merchandise, and depart in a waiting getaway vehicle.
Ryan was part of a network of individuals who in 2019 and 2020 committed more than 50 grab and go thefts from Polo Ralph Lauren, T.J. Maxx, Balenciaga, Burberry, Macy’s, Marshalls, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Tommy Hilfiger and other stores in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York. They then transported the stolen merchandise to Connecticut and sold the items on the internet or the street.
Ryan participated in at least 23 thefts resulting in losses of more than $40,000.
Judge Bryant ordered Ryan to pay $22,900 in restitution.
On September 15, 2020, a grand jury returned a six-count indictment charging Ryan and seven other individuals. Ryan has been detained since November 6, 2020. On April 28, 2021, she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport and possess stolen property.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hartford, New Canaan, Wrentham (Mass.), Auburn (Mass.) and Nassau County (N.Y.) Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Donovan and Brendan Keefe.
Bridgeport City Council Member Charged in Vote Theft ConspiracyRead 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 a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment yesterday charging Bridgeport City Council member MICHAEL DEFILIPPO, 35, with multiple election crimes related to DeFilippo’s run for City Council in 2017 and 2018.
DeFilippo appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven, entered a plea of not guilty to the charges, and was released on a $250,000 bond.
As alleged in the indictment, DeFilippo has been a member of the Bridgeport City Council since 2018, representing the 133rd District, and owns several rental properties in Bridgeport that he leases to students at Sacred Heart University. Although Bridgeport’s City Council elections are held in odd-numbered years, because of repeated absentee ballot irregularities in the Democratic primary for the 133rd District, the September 2017 primary was re-run in November 2017, then re-run again in April 2018, and the general election took place in June 2018. In 2017 and 2018, in connection with the 133rd District’s primaries and general election for City Council, DeFilippo and others conspired to interfere with and obstruct Bridgeport citizens’ right to vote by falsifying his tenants’ voter registration applications and absentee ballots applications, then stealing tenants’ absentee ballots and forging their signatures in order to fraudulently vote for DeFilippo.
“The right to vote and have one’s vote counted in a fair and impartial election is the foundation of our democracy,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle. “It is alleged that this defendant violated that right to help himself win election to the Bridgeport City Council, including by stealing ballots and forging signatures. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our FBI partners will continue to vigorously enforce federal laws to safeguard our elections.”
“Combatting public corruption in all forms continues to be a priority of the FBI,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sundberg. “Our mission to protect and serve will always include ensuring our public officials are held to the same standards as every member of our communities.”
DeFilippo is charged with one count of conspiracy against rights, four counts of identity theft, and 11 counts of fraudulent registration. The conspiracy offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and the identity theft and fraudulent registration offenses carry a maximum term of imprisonment of five years on each count.
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 case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan N. Francis and David E. Novick.
Hartford Man Charged with Illegally Possessing Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging LAMONT FIELDS, 23, of Hartford, with unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition.
The indictment was returned on July 20 and Fields was arrested last night. He appeared today via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish who ordered Fields detained.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on March 24, 2021, Hartford Police arrested Fields after officers found him in possession of a loaded .357 Glock 31 pistol. The investigation revealed that the firearm had been reported stolen in Atlanta, Georgia.
It is further alleged that, on May 13, 2021, while Fields was released on bond in his state case related to his March 24 arrest, Hartford Police arrested Fields after officers found him in possession of a loaded 9mm “ghost gun.” Fields was again released on bond.
It is alleged that analysis by the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) determined that the ghost gun seized from Fields is likely the firearm that was used on May 4, 2021, to shoot three victims in Hartford, killing one and seriously wounding the other two.
It is alleged that Fields’ criminal history includes state felony convictions in 2017 for carrying a dangerous weapon, and in 2018 for criminal possession of a weapon. 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 Fields with one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, and one count of possession of ammunition by a felon. Each offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 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 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’s Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ruff.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
East Hartford Man Sentenced to More Than 3 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CURON JOHNSON, also known as “Buck,” 31, of East Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 37 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, Johnson and Jabari Walcott, of Hartford.
Johnson has been detained since his arrest on November 4, 2020. On April 29, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl. This is Johnson’s second federal narcotics-related conviction.
Pitts and Walcott pleaded guilty to the same charge and await 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.
Waterbury Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ALEJANDRO VELEZ, 41, of Waterbury, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 60 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 January 2020, Waterbury Police made two controlled purchases of cocaine from Velez. Velez was arrested on January 29, 2020. On that date, a search of his residence revealed more than 200 grams of cocaine, quantities of crack cocaine and marijuana, and approximately $5,900 in cash. A search of Velez’s car, which was parked at the residence, revealed approximately 840 grams of cocaine, two loaded firearms, gun magazines, and five boxes of ammunition.
Velez’s criminal history includes convictions for felony drug and firearm offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
On March 24, 2021, Velez pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and 500 grams or more of cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Velez, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on August 25, 2021.
This matter was investigated by the Waterbury Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha Freismuth.
New Haven Gang Member Sentenced to 27 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAQUAN GRAY, 27, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny to 27 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a loaded firearm. Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the sentencing occurred via videoconference.
This prosecution is part of a coordinated federal, state and local law enforcement effort to address rising gun violence in New Haven. Participating in this effort are the New Haven Police Department; the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 31, 2020, law enforcement received information that several members of the “Exit 8” group were in possession of firearms near the entrance of the Essex Townhouses complex at 1134 Quinnipiac Avenue in New Haven. Members of the New Haven Police and the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force entered the housing complex at approximately 10 p.m. and identified several Exit 8 members, including Gray. Gray ran from the scene as law enforcement arrived and ignored commands to stop. He was quickly apprehended, and a search of a fanny pack he was wearing revealed a loaded Smith and Wesson Model 469, 9mm handgun.
The handgun seized from Gray was reported stolen in Hamden in 2018, and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) determined that it was used in a shooting between rival gangs in New Haven on July 14, 2020, 17 days before it was recovered.
Gray’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for firearm and drug offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Gray has been detained since his federal arrest on September 1, 2020. On April 30, 2021, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.
Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle noted that this prosecution is a part of 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.
Former Police Officer Sentenced to Prison for Unlawfully Possessing and Transferring FirearmsRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSEPH RYAN, 58, of Trumbull, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to six months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawful possession and transfer of five firearms on behalf of his drug dealer. Judge Meyer also ordered Ryan to pay a $5,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 27, 2018, Ansonia Police executed a state search warrant at an address in Ansonia in order to locate and seize 12 firearms that were registered to a pistol permit holder at the residence. Investigators could only locate five firearms during the search. The five firearms were then transported to the Ansonia Police Department for safekeeping. On April 3, 2019, Ryan, who at the time was a police officer with the Greenwich Police Department, went to the Ansonia Police Department and took custody of the five firearms that had been seized.
In August and September 2019, members of ATF and the New Haven Police Department made controlled purchases of four firearms from Malique Martin. Three of the four firearms purchased were among the firearms that Ryan took into his custody from the Ansonia Police Department on April 3, 2019. The investigation revealed that Ryan, who was addicted to heroin, transferred firearms to an individual who helped facilitate heroin transactions between Ryan and a heroin supplier. Some of the firearms were then transferred to Martin.
Ryan was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on February 21, 2020. On April 12, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of firearms by an unlawful user of a controlled substance.
Ryan, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on September 15, 2021.
Martin, of Ansonia, previously pleaded guilty to one count of dealing firearms without a license and one count of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. On June 16, 2020, he was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment.
This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), New Haven Police Department, Ansonia Police Department, and Connecticut State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Stratford Man Admits Role in Heroin Trafficking OperationRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NADYAR MALAKA, 34, of Stratford, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation revealed that Eddy Antonio Torres Morel 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.
Malaka assisted Torres’ drug trafficking operation by storing and packaging narcotics at his residence, storing drug proceeds at his residence, and transporting narcotics and drug proceeds to Torres and others.
The investigation also revealed that Malaka engaged in the interstate trafficking of untaxed cigarettes.
Malaka was arrested on February 27, 2020. He is released on a $250,000 bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for October 14, 2021, in Hartford federal court.
Torres, 50, of Meriden, pleaded guilty to the same charge on June 28, 2021. He awaits sentencing.
This matter is being 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Vizcarrondo.
Milford Man Admits Receiving Child Sex Abuse Images Through the InternetRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT C. HARRINGTON, 55, of Milford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to receipt of child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2019, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received information from Australian and Canadian law enforcement authorities that two usernames associated with an Internet Protocol (IP) address at Harrington’s Milford residence were sending and receiving images depicting the sexual abuse of girls through a web-based application. On May 15, 2019, investigators searched Harrington’s residence and seized his tablet computer. The tablet contained images and videos depicting child sex abuse.
Harrington has been detained since his arrest on May 15, 2019. Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for October 14, 2021, at which time Harrington faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
This investigation is being conducted by HSI with the assistance of the Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team (JACET), South Australia Police, Australian Federal Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney 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.
Hartford Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role n Northeast "Grab and Go" Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PAIGE JAMES, also known as “Ishaya James,” 28, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in an extensive commercial larceny spree.
This case stems from “Operation American Steal,” a long-term multi-agency investigation into numerous “grab and go” thefts from various retail fashion stores in Connecticut and nearby states. A “grab-and-go” scheme is a type of theft where one or more perpetrators enter a retail store, grab as many items of clothing or other goods as they can carry, leave the store without paying for the merchandise, and depart in a waiting getaway vehicle.
James was part of a network of individuals who in 2019 and 2020 committed more than 50 grab and go thefts from Polo Ralph Lauren, T.J. Maxx, Balenciaga, Burberry, Macy’s, Marshalls, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Tommy Hilfiger and other stores in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York. They then transported the stolen merchandise to Connecticut and sold the items on the internet or the street.
James participated in at least 28 thefts resulting in losses of more than $90,000. Restitution will be determined after additional court proceedings.
On September 15, 2020, a grand jury returned a six-count indictment charging James and seven other individuals. James was arrested in Georgia on October 20, 2021. On May 14, 2021, she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport and possess stolen property.
James has been detained since her arrest.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hartford, New Canaan, Wrentham (Mass.), Auburn (Mass.) and Nassau County (N.Y.) Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Donovan and Brendan Keefe.
Glastonbury Business Owner Admits Filing False Income Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that GEORGE LEE, 50, of Glastonbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today to a federal tax offense.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Lee own and operates American U.S.A. Paving. For the 2015 through 2018 tax years, Lee provided his tax return preparer with information that substantially understated the gross receipts for the paving business. As a result, Lee’s personal income tax returns for the 2015 through 2018 tax years, which Lee authorized his preparer to file with the IRS, underreported his income by a total of more than $588,000, resulting in a tax loss of $154,238.
Lee pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on October 13, 2021, in Hartford.
Lee 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.
Owner of Mental Health Services Agency Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal Prison for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WALI MUHAMMAD, 46, of Branford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for defrauding Connecticut’s Medicaid Program.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2010 to 2019 Muhammad owned and operated Happy Family Clinical Services LLC (“Happy Family”), a mental health and social services agency. At various times, Happy Family’s office was located in East Haven and Branford, before moving to New Haven in 2014.
From 2013 through 2019, Muhammad engaged in a scheme to defraud the Connecticut Medicaid Program by submitting fraudulent claims for psychotherapy services that were purportedly provided to Medicaid clients. The claims were for occasions and dates of service when no psychotherapy services of any kind had been provided to the Medicaid clients identified in the claims. The claims also were submitted using the names and identities of licensed clinical social workers and other licensed health care providers who purportedly worked for Happy Family, and represented that the psychotherapy services were personally rendered by the licensed providers, when, in fact, the licensed providers had not personally rendered the services, had not supervised the services that were billed, and were unaware that Muhammad was billing or causing the services to be billed as if the providers had personally rendered the services. When services were provided, they were usually rendered by unlicensed individuals and billed as licensed psychotherapy.
Judge Bryant ordered Muhammad to pay $527,034 in restitution to Medicaid.
On March 11, 2021, Muhammad pleaded guilty today to one count of health care fraud.
Muhammad, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on September 27, 2021.
This case was investigated by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) of the Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney’s Office. Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle also thanked the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office, the Connecticut Department of Social Services, and the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for their assistance in the investigation.
The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon and Auditor Susan Spiegel.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, and Attorney General’s Office meet regularly as part of The Medicaid Fraud Working Group. The Working Group also includes representatives from the Connecticut Department of Social Services; the Connecticut Department of Public Health; the Drug Control Division of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection; the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Working Group reviews pending issues and cases, identifies trends that might indicate fraudulent activity, and coordinates efforts for maximum results.
People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS.
North Dakota Man Who Traveled to Connecticut for Sex with Minor Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, Boston, announced that CHRISTOHER J. BRERETON, 34, of Fargo, North Dakota, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to traveling interstate with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2020, Brereton began chatting online with a minor female who had an online profile stating she was 18 years old. In February 2020, a law enforcement officer received permission to take over the minor’s account and, in an undercover capacity, the officer informed Brereton of the female’s true age of 15 years old. Brereton continued to chat with the “girl,” discussed engaging in sexual activity with her and made plans to drive to Connecticut meet her for sex.
On March 12, 2020, Brereton began driving from North Dakota and he arrived at a hotel in Meriden the next day. At the hotel, Brereton unpacked lingerie and sexual paraphernalia he had purchased for the planned sexual encounter. He was arrested later that day by New Haven Police on state charges after he drove to a location where he had arranged to meet the “girl.”
Bererton has been detained since his arrest.
Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for October 8, 2021, at which time Brereton faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.
This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the New Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.
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.
Indictment Charges 4 Ecuadorian Nationals for Participating in Tax Refund Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston; and Joshua W. McCallister, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, today announced that four Ecuadoran nationals living in Connecticut were arrested today on federal charges stemming from their alleged participation in a tax refund fraud scheme.
On July 6, 2021, a grand jury in Hartford returned a five-count indictment charging OLGA AUCAPINA, a.k.a. Olga Aucapina Paredes, 51, last residing in Woodbridge; DIEGO AUCAPINA, a.k.a. Diego Aucapina Paredes, 33, last residing in Woodbridge; JAIRO SANTIAGO SARANGO SOLANO, a.k.a. Jairo Santiago Sarango, 33, last residing in Hamden; and EDWIN F. GUTIERREZ, 43, last residing in East Haven. The indictment was unsealed after the defendants were arrested this morning.
As alleged in the indictment, from approximately May 2013 to April 2017, the four defendants conspired to file fraudulent federal tax returns, in the names of other foreign nationals (“claimants”), with the IRS in order to illegally obtain tax refunds. The fraudulent tax returns stated that the claimants resided in the U.S., earned wages from companies in the U.S., and had federal income tax withheld from the claimants’ wages. In truth, the claimants never worked for or earned income from those companies. In addition, U.S. Customs and Border Protection have no records of the claimants even being present in the U.S. during the tax years for which the returns were filed. Based on these false tax returns, the IRS issued tax refunds, which were then deposited into bank accounts that were controlled by some of the defendants.
It is further alleged that the IRS received at least 34 false tax returns for the 2012 through 2016 tax years, resulting in illegally obtained tax refunds in excess of $103,000. The defendants spent some of the proceeds for their personal use, and they wired some of the proceeds to relatives in Ecuador.
The indictment charges all four defendants with one count of conspiracy to commit theft of public money, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years; one count of conspiracy to defraud the government with respect to claims, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. In addition, the indictment charges Olga Aucapina and Gutierrez with one count of theft of public money, 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 each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with the assistance of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and the East Haven, Hamden, New Haven, Woodbridge and Wilton Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
Bristol Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Trafficking Cocaine from Puerto Rico to ConnecticutRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MIGUEL FREYTES, 42, of Bristol, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine from Puerto Rico to Connecticut through the U.S. Mail.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service developed evidence regarding a drug trafficking organization that was sending USPS parcels containing kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Connecticut and Massachusetts. Between July and December 2018, law enforcement intercepted and seized five suspect parcels that were being mailed to addresses in Bristol, Meriden and Burlington, Connecticut, and in Worcester, Massachusetts. All five of the suspect parcels contained multiple kilogram-sized bricks of cocaine. On several occasions, investigators conducted surveillance of the delivery of suspect parcels and the scheduled delivery of seized parcels. During surveillance, investigators observed Freytes, Marcos Mendez, Omar Mendez and others picking up or attempting to pick up parcels that had been seized. The investigation revealed that the cocaine was being sent from Puerto Rico by Roberto Muniz and others.
On January 9, 2019, investigators arrested Freytes and other members of this drug trafficking organization and seized approximately 2.5 kilograms of cocaine, items used to process and package narcotics, and more than $150,000 in cash. Approximately one kilogram of cocaine was found in Freytes’ residence.
On January 23, 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging, Freytes, Marcos Mendez, Omar Mendez, Muniz and two others with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and related offenses.
On February 27, 2020, Freytes pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Marcos Mendez, 31, of Bristol; Omar Mendez, 43, of Bristol; and Muniz, 37, of Puerto Rico, also have pleaded guilty. Two defendants are awaiting trial.
Freytes, who had been released on bond, was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service at the conclusion of the sentencing proceeding.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments. The DEA Puerto Rico Caribbean Corridor Strike Force and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Newark Division, San Juan (P.R.) Office, have assisted the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Man Who Was Released from Prison Due to Pandemic Sent Back to Prison for Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTHONY WHITLEY, 38, of New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 18 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his federal supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 3, 2017, a court-authorized search of a New London apartment connected to Whitley revealed approximately 14 grams of heroin, approximately 27 grams of cocaine, approximately 150 grams of crack cocaine, items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, a .380 caliber semiautomatic handgun, ammunition and $9,180 in cash. Whitley pleaded guilty and, on October 23, 2018, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release.
Whitley, who had been detained since March 3, 2017, was released from prison on September 24, 2020, after Judge Meyer granted Whitley’s motion for compassionate release due to factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and modified Whitley’s sentence to time served and four years of supervised release.
On March 15, 2021, New London Police arrested Whitley and charged him with interfering with officers/resisting arrest. The charge followed Whitley’s flight from police after an alleged controlled purchase of narcotics from him.
Whitley has been detained since May 5, 2021, when his supervised release was revoked.
In addition to his prior federal conviction, Whitley has eight prior state convictions, including felony convictions for drug and firearm offenses.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth.
Norwalk Felon Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID BURDEN, 40, of Norwalk, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegal possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 30, 2020, Bridgeport Police officers arrested Burden after he fired a gun in the area of Kossuth Street and Nichols Street in Bridgeport. Investigators seized a loaded 9mm Smith and Wesson semi-automatic pistol from Burden.
Burden’s criminal history includes multiple state felony convictions and federal convictions in 2003 for crack cocaine distribution, racketeering, racketeering conspiracy and committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering 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.
Burden has been detained since is arrest. On April 21, 2021, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon.
This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Bridgeport Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
This prosecution has been brought through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Former USPS Employee Sentenced to Prison for Stealing MailRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL McGUIRK, 37, of Windham, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to three months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for theft of mail by a postal employee.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between September 2019 and May 2020, while he was employed as a sales associate at the U.S. Post Office in Columbia, McGuirk stole numerous pieces of mail, including packages and greeting cards that contained gift cards or other items of value. Surveillance camera footage depicted McGuirk in the Columbia Post Office rifling through the mail, concealing mail in his clothing, opening packages and envelopes, and taking cash from the reserve cash register.
The investigation further revealed that McGuirk attempted to sell some of the items he stole from the mail on eBay.
Judge Bryant ordered McGuirk to pay $5,774.70 in restitution.
McGuirk resigned from the USPS in May 2020. He pleaded guilty to the offense on March 30, 2021.
McGuirk, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on September 14, 2021.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara E. Levens.
Individuals who believe they are a victim of mail theft are encouraged to file a complaint by calling 888-USPS-OIG, or by visiting https://www.uspsoig.gov/form/file-online-complaint.
Mexican National Living in Meriden Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking HeroinRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JESUS GOMEZ, 58, a citizen of Mexico last residing in Meriden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 48 months of imprisonment for trafficking heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2019, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force learned that Gomez and Abisael Perez, of the Bronx, New York, were involved in the distribution of multi-kilogram quantities of heroin in the Meriden area. In November 2019, investigators made a controlled purchase of approximately 50 grams of heroin from Gomez and Perez.
Investigators next arranged to purchase two kilograms of heroin from Gomez and Perez. On November 17, 2019, investigators observed Gomez, Perez and a third individual, Heriberto Borrero, of Meriden, meeting at a construction site in Berlin. After the three individuals drove away from the site together, Berlin Police stopped their car. A subsequent search of a car that Perez had driven to and parked at the construction site revealed two packages containing a total of approximately two kilograms of heroin.
In 2012, Gomez was encountered by immigration authorities in Connecticut and, in March 2014, was removed to Mexico. Three months later, he illegally reentered the U.S. and was removed to Mexico a second time. He again illegally returned to the U.S. and was living in the country under an assumed identity at the time of his arrest.
Gomez has been detained since his arrest on November 17, 2019. On January 22, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
Perez and Borrero also pleaded guilty. On March 16, 2021, Perez was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment and, on April 20, 2021, Borrero was sentenced to three years of probation and 100 hours of community service.
This matter was investigated by the DEA’s Bridgeport HIDTA Task Force with the assistance of the Berlin Police Department. The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford and Danbury Police Departments.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria del Pilar Gonzalez through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 27 Months for Distributing Cocaine and Marijuana on Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL LEDBETTER, 30, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 27 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing cocaine and marijuana while on federal supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 17, 2017, Judge Underhill sentenced Ledbetter to 15 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for possession of ammunition by a felon. In April 2014, Ledbetter had been convicted in state court of six counts of accessory to first degree assault.
Ledbetter was released from federal prison in April 2018. While on federal supervised release, Ledbetter was arrested on state domestic violence charges and he failed multiple drug tests. On October 30, 2019, Ledbetter cut off his GPS monitoring device and failed to respond to messages from the U.S. Probation Office. On November 20, 2019, the U.S. Marshals Service arrested Ledbetter in a motel room in Hartford with approximately 11 pounds of marijuana, 119 grams of cocaine and $4,750 in cash.
Ledbetter has been detained since his arrest. On November 9, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana.
This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Connecticut Violent Crime Task Force and the U.S. Marshals Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Bridgeport Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Racketeering and Witness Tampering ChargesRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHAKALE BRANTLEY, also known as “Charlie Wilson,” “Kellz,” and “Man Man,” 21, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to racketeering and witness tampering charges.
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. Wilson was a member of the Original North End (“O.N.E.”), a gang based in the Trumbull Gardens area of Bridgeport that committed acts of violence against rival gang, including the East End gang, the East Side gang, and the PT Barnum gang. O.N.E. members also robbed drug dealers, sold narcotics, laundered narcotics proceeds, stole cars from inside and outside Connecticut and used them to commit crimes, and tampered with witnesses who might testify against them.
On August 8, 2018, Brantley and other O.N.E. members stole a white Jeep Grand Cherokee in Newburgh, New York, and drove it back to Bridgeport. In the following days, Brantley conspired to use the car to kill East End gang members who he had learned through social media were at a deli on Stratford Avenue in Bridgeport. Although that plan fell through, in the early morning hours of August 13, 2018, O.N.E. members drove the stolen Jeep to Union Avenue in Bridgeport where they shot and killed Len Smith, 25, who they mistook for a rival East End group member, and shot and seriously wounded Smith’s female companion, both of whom were seated in a parked car. After the shooting, Brantley and other O.N.E. members transported the Jeep to Indian Wells State Park in Shelton where they burned the vehicle in an effort to destroy evidence of the murder.
In October 2018 in Bridgeport, and in November 2018 in Stratford, Brantley and other O.N.E. members and associates attacked a marijuana dealer and stole marijuana from him. After Brantley was arrested on federal charges on March 23, 2020, and while he was incarcerated, he attempted to solicit others to kill the victim of the marijuana robberies, who Brantley had learned had become a federal witness, in order to prevent Brantley’s prosecution for those offenses. Specifically, Brantley reached out by prison call to associates and by letters addressed to those associates in an effort to have his associates kill the robbery victim and then cover his nose with fentanyl to make it appear as if he overdosed.
In pleading guilty, Brantley also admitted that he distributed controlled substances, including heroin and marijuana.
Brantley pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity and one count of solicitation of witness tampering. At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Brantley faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 35 years.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and the Waterbury Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, 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 a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. 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.
Man Sentenced to 71 Months for Operating Lottery Scam that Defrauded Connecticut Victim of $1.2 MillionRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STIEVE FERNANDEZ, 35, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 71 months of imprisonment for operating lottery scams that defrauded victims of more than $1.8 million, including an elderly Connecticut victim who lost nearly $1.2 million.
In a lottery scam, a perpetrator fraudulently convinces a victim that the victim has won a lottery or sweepstakes, and needs to make certain payments before collecting the winnings.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately 2015 to 2018, Fernandez and others, including Minique Morris and Horace Crooks, defrauded an elderly Mystic resident in a lottery scam. As part of their scheme, Fernandez spoke to the victim on the telephone and used various pseudonyms, including “Damian Jackson,” “Jesse Jackson,” and “Huckleberry Finn.” During the phone calls, Fernandez falsely claimed that the victim had won a lottery or sweepstakes and was required to pay fees purportedly to cover taxes, insurance, handling and other charges related to the winnings. Fernandez directed the victim to pay fees in various ways, including by mailing checks and money orders to Morris in Brampton, Ontario, and Crooks in Orlando, Florida; wiring funds to bank accounts controlled by Morris and Crooks; and purchasing and sending precious metals products Crooks and other co-conspirators. Fernandez instructed his co-conspirators how to transfer or deliver the fraud proceeds to him in Argentina or Jamaica, where Fernandez resided.
Through this scheme, the victim was defrauded of $1,196,207. Judge Dooley ordered Fernandez to pay restitution in that amount.
On October 16, 2018, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Fernandez, Morris and Crooks with conspiracy and fraud offenses. Fernandez was arrested in Jamaica on May 9, 2019, and was subsequently extradited to the United States. He has been detained since his arrest.
After Fernandez and his co-conspirators were charged in the case, further investigation revealed that Fernandez participated in similar lottery frauds against four additional victims, defrauding them of $684,500.
On February 3, 2021, Fernandez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.
Morris and Crooks pleaded guilty to the same charge. On June 28, 2021, Crooks was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, and ordered to pay $1,196,207 in restitution. Morris awaits sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service’s Jamaica Foreign Field Office, the Jamaica Lottery Scam Task Force, the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Francis.
Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle thanked the Justice Department’s Fraud Section for its assistance in this case, and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Jamaican Ministry of Justice for coordinating the extradition proceedings in this matter.
The Justice Department has established a National Elder Fraud Hotline to provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline is staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
Another Bridgeport Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Charge Related to 2018 MurderRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAYLEN WILSON, also known as “Jay-Dot,” 22, of Ansonia and Derby, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to a racketeering charge stemming from a gang-related murder in Bridgeport’s East End in August 2018.
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. Wilson was a member of the Original North End (“O.N.E.”), a gang based in the Trumbull Gardens area of Bridgeport that committed acts of violence against rival gang, including the East End gang, the East Side gang, and the PT Barnum gang. O.N.E. members also robbed drug dealers, sold narcotics, laundered narcotics proceeds, stole cars from inside and outside Connecticut and used them to commit crimes, and tampered with witnesses who might testify against them.
On August 8, 2018, Wilson and other O.N.E. members stole a white Jeep Grand Cherokee in Newburgh, New York, and drove it back to Bridgeport. In the following days, Wilson conspired to use the car to kill East End gang members who he had learned through social media were at a deli on Stratford Avenue in Bridgeport. Although that plan fell through, in the early morning hours of August 13, 2018, O.N.E. members drove the stolen Jeep to Union Avenue in Bridgeport where they shot and killed Len Smith, 25, who they mistook for a rival East End group member, and shot and seriously wounded Smith’s female companion, both of whom were seated in a parked car. After the shooting, O.N.E. members transported the Jeep to Indian Wells State Park in Shelton where they burned the vehicle in an effort to destroy evidence of the murder.
In pleading guilty, Wilson also admitted that he distributed controlled substances, including heroin and marijuana, and possessed firearms.
Wilson pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He has been detained since July 7, 2020.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and the Waterbury Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, 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 a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. 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.