District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 66 Months in Prison for Dealing Fentanyl While on Federal Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that YACOV OCASIO, also known as “C-Low,” 24, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 66 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl while on federal supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2019, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and Hartford Police Department learned that Ocasio was selling fentanyl in Hartford. Since May 2019, Ocasio has been on federal supervised release following a conviction for possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin/fentanyl. In that case, Ocasio distributed heroin/fentanyl that caused the overdose death of a 28-year-old Middletown man in August 2016. In August 28, 2017, Ocasio was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 30 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for that offense.
Between December 2019 and March 2020, investigators conducted seven controlled purchases of fentanyl from Ocasio.
On April 15, 2020, Ocasio was arrested at a hotel in Hartford where he was staying. Occasion possessed 160 bags of fentanyl at the time of his arrest.
Ocasio has been detained since his arrest. On November 5, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl.
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 was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Alabama Man Sentenced to Prison for Violating Federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification ActRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that YAMIL DIAZ, 48, formerly of Alabama, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for failing to register as a sex offender.
The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”), which was passed by Congress in 2006 as part of the Adam Walsh Act, provides a comprehensive set of minimum standards for sex offender registration and notification in the United States and seeks to strengthen the nationwide network of sex offender registration and notification programs. In part, SORNA requires registered sex offenders to register and keep their registration current in each jurisdiction in which they reside, work, or go to school.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2019, Diaz was convicted in Alabama of attempted sexual abuse of a child less than 12 years of age. He received a sentence of 120 months of incarceration, suspended after seven months, and two years of supervised probation. In July 2019, Diaz registered as a sex offender with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Sex Offender Registration Unit. Diaz acknowledged in writing that he was required to register as a sex offender in each jurisdiction where he resided.
In August 2019, Diaz traveled from Alabama to Connecticut and, from at least November 2019 to February 24, 2020, he resided and worked as a mechanic in Waterbury. Diaz failed to register as a sex offender with the Connecticut Sex Offender Registry, as required under SORNA.
In September 2019, a court in Coffee County issued an arrest warrant for Diaz for violating his probation. On February 24, 2020, the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force located Diaz in Waterbury and arrested him on the outstanding Alabama warrant. He has been detained since his arrest.
On September 4, 2020, Diaz pleaded guilty to failing to register as a sex offender.
This matter was investigated by the United States Marshal Service. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.
Thompson Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Kidnapping and Sexually Assaulting Massachusetts GirlRead the Press Release
Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSHUA BESAW, 37, of Thompson, Connecticut, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 240 months of imprisonment, followed by 20 years of supervised release, for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 31, 2019, Besaw encountered a 12-year-old girl (“minor victim”) at a park in Webster, Massachusetts, and tricked the minor victim into entering his vehicle. Besaw, who identified himself as “Chuck,” then drove the minor victim to a wooded area in Thompson, Connecticut, where he sexually assaulted her. After the assault, Besaw drove the minor victim back to Massachusetts, where he released her in a neighborhood that was unfamiliar to her and refused to return her cellphone. The minor victim then borrowed a phone from a stranger to contact her parents who picked her up and brought her to the police station to report the incident. Later that day, a sexual assault examination of the victim was conducted at a medical facility.
Besaw was identified as a suspect after an extensive investigation led by Webster Police with support from the Connecticut State Police, which included analysis of surveillance video collected from numerous residences and businesses in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
On July 10, 2019, investigators conducting surveillance of Besaw collected cigarette butts that Besaw had discarded. The DNA evidence collected from the discarded cigarette butts matched DNA evidence collected from the minor victim on May 31, 2019.
Besaw was arrested on July 17, 2019. He pleaded guilty on March 13, 2020.
Besaw has been detained since his arrest.
This matter was investigated by the Webster Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.
Acting U.S. Boyle thanked the Windham State’s Attorney’s Office for its cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this case.
U.S. Attorney Durham Announces Departure from OfficeRead the Press Release
After serving as the United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut for more than three years, and as a federal prosecutor in Connecticut for more than 38 years, John H. Durham today announced his resignation from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, effective at midnight on February 28.
“My career has been as fulfilling as I could ever have imagined when I graduated from law school way back in 1975,” said U.S. Attorney Durham. “Much of that fulfillment has come from all the people with whom I’ve been blessed to share this workplace, and in our partner law enforcement agencies. My love and respect for this Office and the vitally important work done here have never diminished. It has been a tremendous honor to serve as U.S. Attorney, and as a career prosecutor before that, and I will sorely miss it.”
Prior to his appointment as an interim U.S. Attorney in November 2017 and subsequently as the presidentially appointed U.S. Attorney in February 2018, Mr. Durham served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in various positions in the District of Connecticut for 35 years, prosecuting complex organized crime, violent crime, public corruption and financial fraud matters. From 1978 to 1982, he served as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, and from 1977 to 1978, he served as a Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney in the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Leonard C Boyle will serve as Acting U.S. Attorney upon Mr. Durham’s departure.
“The Office will be in the extraordinarily capable hands of Len and our superb supervisory team who, together, guarantee that the proper administration of justice will continue uninterrupted in our District.”
Mr. Boyle has served as First Assistant U.S. Attorney since June 2018, when he returned to the U.S. Attorney’s Office after serving as Deputy Chief State’s Attorney in Connecticut for approximately nine years. He previously served in the U.S. Attorney’s Office from 1986 to 1998, and from 1999 to 2004.
Mr. Boyle is the 53rd U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut, an office that was established in 1789.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut and representing the federal government in civil litigation. The Office is composed of approximately 68 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and approximately 54 staff members at offices in New Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport.
Springfield Man Involved in 2014 Murder Sentenced to 16 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOEL JAQUEZ, 36, of Springfield, Massachusetts, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 192 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in the murder of a Connecticut man in 2014.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 30, 2014, Jesus Silva, 24, of Meriden, was murdered by a gunshot to the head as he sat in his car on Yeaton Street in New Britain. The investigation revealed that Hector Cardona-Diaz, of Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico, was a large-scale narcotics trafficker who regularly supplied Silva and others in the Hartford and Springfield area with distribution quantities of cocaine that he concealed in ceramic moldings and shipped in packages using the U.S. Mail. Silva and others then mailed cash proceeds of the sale of cocaine to Cardona-Diaz in Puerto Rico. In November 2014, investigators seized two packages containing a total of approximately $40,000 in drug proceeds that had been mailed to Cardona-Diaz.
After Cardona-Diaz learned that Silva had taken a large amount of cash generated from the drug trafficking enterprise, Cardona hired Jesus Sierra, of Springfield, to murder Silva with a promise to pay him $5,000 and supply him with future shipments of cocaine. Sierra then received a firearm from Jaquez and promised to pay Jaquez a portion of the money Sierra was going to be paid by Cardona-Diaz.
On December 30, 2014, Sierra arranged to meet Silva in Meriden, purportedly to purchase a car from him. Sierra and Jaquez then traveled to Connecticut to meet Silva. Sierra and Silva then drove together to New Britain under the ruse that Sierra needed a mechanic in New Britain to examine the car. Jaquez followed Sierra and Silva in a separate car. In New Britain, Sierra shot and killed and Silva.
Jaquez has been detained since his arrest in May 2015. On January 10, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of murder for hire by interstate travel resulting in death.
Sierra pleaded guilty to the same charge on January 6, 2017.
On September 26, 2017, a jury found Cardona-Diaz guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit murder for hire resulting in death, one count of murder for hire by interstate travel resulting in death, and one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
Sierra and Cardona-Diaz are detained and awaiting sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and the New Britain Police Department. The DEA Task Force includes personnel from the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Dave Vatti and Geoffrey M. Stone.
U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the New Britain State’s Attorney’s Office for its cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this case.
Hartford Man Admits Sexually Assaulting Young Girl, Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RONALD DANIEL, 51, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley to one count of production of child pornography stemming from his sexual assault of a young girl.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on at least two occasions in 2018, Daniel sexually abused a prepubescent female and took cellphone photos of his sexual abuse. He also distributed some of these images, as well as other images and videos of child pornography, through the Kik mobile application. Daniel’s Kik username was “letsgogetluv.”
Daniel has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on June 10, 2019.
Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for May 24, 2021, at which time Daniel faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.
This matter has been investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Connecticut State Police and the Vernon Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
U.S. Attorney's Office Settles Service Animal Dispute with Haddam RestaurantRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached a settlement agreement with the Brookside Bar and Grill in Haddam to resolve allegations that the restaurant was not operating in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”).
The settlement agreement resolves an ADA complaint filed by an individual with disabilities who relies on a service animal and who was a patron of the restaurant. The complainant alleged that the restaurant asked her to show identification for the services animal and, on one occasion, asked her to leave the restaurant because of her service animal.
Under federal law, private entities that own or operate places of “public accommodation,” including restaurants, are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of disability. The ADA requires that a public accommodation, such as a restaurant, modify its policies, practices, or procedures to permit the use of a service animal by an individual with a disability.
Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. The ADA requires restaurants and other places of public accommodation to permit individuals with disabilities to be accompanied by their service animals in all areas of the place of public accommodation where members of the public, customers, patrons or invitees are allowed to go.
The settlement agreement requires the Brookside Bar and Grill to permit service animals in all areas of the restaurant that members of the public and other patrons are permitted. Additionally, the restaurant will post signage indicating “Service Animals Welcome,” will implement a “Service Animal Policy,” and will train its managers and employees regarding the policy.
The ADA authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate complaints of disability discrimination and to 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.
U.S. Attorney Durham noted that the owners and operators of the Brookside Bar and Grill have worked cooperatively with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to address the matters raised in the complaint without the need for litigation.
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ndidi N. Moses of the District of Connecticut.
Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that any place of public accommodation or public entity in Connecticut is not accessible to persons with disabilities or does not permit service animals 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.
Hartford Gang Member Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Selling Fentanyl, CrackRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ELIAS GUZMAN, also known as “Bebo” and “Fat Boy,” 29, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl and crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an FBI Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and Hartford Police Department investigation into drug trafficking and related criminal acts committed by members and associates of the Los Solidos and Latin Kings street gangs in Hartford’s South End. Between November 2019 and March 2020, investigators made six controlled purchases of crack cocaine and/or fentanyl from Guzman, a member of the Latin Kings. Most of the drug sales occurred at Guzman’s residence on Benton Street.
Guzman has been detained since his arrest on April 8, 2020. On October 14, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl and cocaine base (“crack”).
Guzman’s criminal history includes four state convictions, the most recent of which was in 2016 and involved his possession of eight firearms, ammunition, gun paraphernalia, and assorted drugs, including crack and heroin/fentanyl. He was on special parole at the time of his federal arrest in April 2020.
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.
Father and Son Who Defrauded Numerous State Affordable Care Act Programs Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
Two California residents were sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford for defrauding Affordable Care Act programs in at least 12 states of more than $27 million. JEFFREY WHITE, 63, was sentenced to 36 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release, and NICHOLAS WHITE, 35, was sentenced to 13 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release. Both defendants reside in Twin Peaks, California.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the sentencings occurred via videoconference.
U.S. Attorney John H. Durham of the District of Connecticut, Special Agent in Charge Phillip Coyne of the Boston Regional Office of the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services, Special Agent in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI’s New Haven Division, Acting Special Agent in Charge Ramsey E. Covington of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, and Inspector in Charge Joseph W. Cronin of the Boston Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service made the announcement.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Jeffrey White and his son, Nicholas White, conspired to defraud health care plans operating under the Affordable Care Act (“ACA,” commonly referred to as “Obamacare”) in Connecticut and other states by fraudulently enrolling individuals in ACA plans in states where the individuals did not live. In order to further the conspiracy, the Whites created phony residential leases using fictitious landlords in various states, including locations in Danbury, Farmington, Hartford and Norwalk, Connecticut. The Whites also used an online application to obtain false cell phone numbers for the individuals with area codes that made it appear that the individuals lived at the fictitious addresses, and provided the false cell phone numbers to the ACA plans. If anyone at the ACA plan called the false local number, the call would ring through to a phone controlled by the Whites.
In order to enroll the individuals in an ACA plan, the Whites paid the insurance premiums for the individuals, and also paid to have the individuals transported to California where the individuals were placed in expensive residential substance abuse treatment programs. The treatment programs then billed the ACA plans for thousands of dollars of treatment each week, including claims for expensive laboratory tests such as blood or urine toxicology screenings.
The treatment programs paid the Whites thousands of dollars in kickbacks for each referral, and some programs arranged for the Whites to receive a percentage of the money the treatment programs received from the ACA health insurance plans. In order to maximize their proceeds from the fraud scheme, the Whites enrolled the individuals in ACA plans in states that paid the highest amount for substance abuse treatment, even though the individuals did not live in those states.
The Whites have admitted that their scheme resulted in more than $27 million in losses to ACA plans across the country, including plans in Connecticut, Arizona, California, Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas.
Although the Whites personally profited approximately $1 million through this scheme, they were ordered to pay restitution in the approximate amount of $27,617,000.
October 12, 2018, Jeffrey White and Nicolas White each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
Jeffrey and Nicholas White, who are released on bond, are required to report to prison on August 24 and May 5, respectively.
U.S. Attorney Durham noted that this case is believed to be the first of its kind involving fraudulent enrollment of individuals in ACA plans on a national scale.
This investigation has been conducted by the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health Human Services, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the Connecticut Affordable Care Act exchange, known as Access Health CT, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California for their assistance with the investigation.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon with the assistance of Auditor Susan N. Spiegel.
Indictment Charges 8 Gang Members with Drug Trafficking, Multiple Attempted MurdersRead the Press Release
As part of an ongoing investigation into gang-related drug trafficking and related violence in Bridgeport, a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a superseding indictment charging eight Bridgeport gang members with conspiring to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, including drug trafficking and multiple attempted murders.
Today’s announcement was made by John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport Acting Police Chief Rebeca Garcia; David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England.
The eight-count superseding indictment, which was returned on February 16 and unsealed today, charges
MARQUIS ISREAL, a.k.a. “Garf,” 24
ASANTE GAINES, a.k.a. “Santi,” 24
DESTINE CALDERON, 26
DIOMIE BLACKWELL, a.k.a. “Yamo,” 24
LAHEEM JONES, a.k.a. “Heemie,” 25
TYIESE WARREN, a.k.a. “Loose Screw,” 20
JACQUON BENEJAN, a.k.a. “Blick,” 19
UNDREA KIRKLAND, a.k.a. “Spooda,” 24Benejan was arrested on February 19. He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A.L. Merriam via videoconference and was ordered detained. The other defendants were previously charged with federal offenses and are detained pending trial.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address escalating violence in Bridgeport, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals, and Bridgeport Police are actively investigating multiple Bridgeport-based groups whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder and other acts of violence. Gaines, Calderon, Blackwell, Jones, Benejan and Kirkland are members of the “Greene Homes Boyz,” (“GHB/Hotz”), based in the Charles F. Greene Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeport’s North End. Isreal and Warren are members of the “Original North End” (“O.N.E.”), a Bridgeport gang whose members have been allies with GHB/Hotz members since approximately 2017. GHB/Hotz and O.N.E. have been aligned against rival groups in Bridgeport, including the East End, East Side and PT Barnum gangs, as well as 150, which is a is a geographic gang based on the West Side of Bridgeport
The indictment alleges that GHB/Hotz members and associates distributed heroin, crack cocaine, marijuana and Percocet pills; committed numerous acts of violence against rival gang members and other individuals, and celebrated their criminal conduct on social media websites such as Facebook and YouTube. GHB/Hotz members and associates also committed acts of intimidation and made threats to deter potential witnesses to their crimes and to protect gang members and associates from detection and prosecution by law enforcement authorities.
Among the violent acts committed by the defendants, the indictment alleges that:
- On May 22, 2015, Kirkland shot and attempted to kill “KJ,” a member or associate of the 150 gang;
- On February 7, 2018, Benejan and Blackwell shot and attempted to kill “MJ,” a member or associate of the 150 gang;
- On February 27, 2018, Kirkland shot and attempted to kill “TH,” a member or associate of the East End gang;
- On October 4, 2018, Kirkland and Benejan shot and attempted to kill “MS,” a member or associate of the East End gang;
- January 27, 2020, Gaines, Calderon, Blackwell, Jones, Isreal and Warren shot and attempted to kill members and associates of the East End gang.
As to the January 27, 2020, shooting, at 12:11 p.m. on that date, Bridgeport Police responded to the area of 172 Golden Hill Street in Bridgeport after a Shot Spotter activation detected approximately 20 shots being fired in front of the state courthouse located there. Upon arrival, investigators discovered that four victims had been shot while sitting inside a black Chevrolet Impala. The victims’ vehicle had approximately 23 entry bullet holes in the driver’s side and windshield area.
The indictment charges Gaines, Calderon, Blackwell, Jones, Benejan and Kirkland with one count of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
In addition, Gaines, Calderon, Blackwell, Jones, Isreal and Warren are charged with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, attempted murder/aiding and abetting in assault with a dangerous weapon, and attempted murder, all in violation of the Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering (“VCAR”) statute. The assault offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and the attempted offenses carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. The six defendants are also charged with conspiracy to commit murder/conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon. The conspiracy to commit murder offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and the conspiracy to commit assault offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years.
The indictment also charges Isreal with one count of using and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least 10 years. He is also charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine base (“crack”) and fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Each of the drug offenses carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Finally, the indictment charges Benejan with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least five years.
U.S. Attorney Durham noted that, in the past year, 22 members of the GHB/Hotz, O.N.E. and East End gangs have been charged with federal offenses as a result of this ongoing investigation.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s 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 Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and the Waterbury Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale, Jocelyn Courtney 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.
New Milford Gun Manufacturer and Dealer Sentenced for Violating Federal Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JON VICTOR BENSON, 62, of New Milford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny to five years of probation and a $5,000 fine for violating federal firearms laws. Benson owned and operated The Freedom Shoppe, a former federally-licensed firearms manufacturer and dealer located in New Milford.
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, The National Firearms Act (“NFA”) provides that it is unlawful for any person or entity to possess any NFA-regulated firearm that is not registered to that person or entity. In December 2017, ATF Industry Operations Investigators (IOIs) began a firearms compliance inspection of The Freedom Shoppe in New Milford. At the time, Benson held a firearm manufacturers and dealer’s license and was the “responsible person” with respect to the business. ATF IOIs determined that Benson and The Freedom Shoppe had manufactured, possessed and transferred several NFA-regulated firearms that were not registered to it in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR) maintained by ATF. Benson admitted to investigators that he had not kept a record of manufacture for any firearms that had been converted from a pistol or from a frame/receiver, as required for all licensed manufacturers.
The ATF’s inspection confirmed that Benson did not maintain proper Acquisition and Disposition (A&D) records for the firearms he manufactured, and that he did not properly complete Firearms Transaction Records (Form 4473s) for firearms sold to customers. The ATF IOIs reviewed more than 750 Form 4473s and discovered that more than a third of the forms had blank or incomplete information.
On October 27, 2020, Benson pleaded guilty to one count of failure to maintain firearms records. As part of his guilty plea, Benson agreed not to challenge the administrative revocation of his federal firearms licenses to manufacture firearms and to deal firearms.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.
Bristol Man Charged with Attempting to Sex Traffic Minor, Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, 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 ROBERT MARLIN SELLERS, 60, of Bristol, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with child exploitation offenses related to his attempt to engage in commercial sex with a minor.
Sellers appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson via videoconference. He has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on February 4, 2021.
As alleged in court documents, law enforcement launched an investigation in late 2020 after receiving information that Sellers was sharing videos of child sex abuse on a website that is focused on incest. In November 2020, an undercover FBI employee began interacting with Sellers on the social media application Kik. In the chats, Sellers made statements that he had sexually abused children, and that he had trafficked a child to engage in commercial sex acts. He also said that he had recently traveled out of state to have sex with another 12-year-old girl. The undercover investigator told Sellers that he had a 12-year-old daughter (“Doe”). After Sellers introduced the idea that Doe could be trafficked for sex, and offered suggestions to the undercover investigator about how it could be accomplished, Sellers arranged to have sex with Doe in exchange for $200.
It is further alleged that, in January 2021, Sellers sent the undercover investigator videos of child sex abuse that Sellers maintained on a file sharing website.
On February 4, 2021, Sellers was arrested at a hotel in Southington shortly after he provided the undercover investigator $200, as alleged, to engage in sex with Doe.
The complaint charges Sellers with one count of attempted commercial sex trafficking of a minor, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and one count of distribution of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the New Britain State’s Attorney’s Office for its cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this case.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI New Haven Child Exploitation Task Force and the Southington Police Department. The task force includes members from the Connecticut State Police and the Naugatuck, East Windsor, New London and Southington Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarala V. Nagala.
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.
U.S. Attorney John H. Durham Congratulates 3 AUSAs Nominated to be Connecticut Superior Court JudgesRead the Press Release
“I heartily congratulate Michael Gustafson, Gordon Hall and Ndidi Moses on being nominated by Governor Lamont for judgeships on the Connecticut Superior Court. These nominations speak to the hard work, superior legal skills and professionalism that these colleagues have displayed over their entire legal careers, and especially during their time as Assistant United States Attorneys. While the departures of Mike, Gordy and Ndidi will create a big hole in our office’s operations, and their wisdom and guidance will be sorely missed, their elevation to the bench greatly benefits the people of Connecticut and the Rule of Law.”
Gang Member Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Prison for Gun and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JASON FIGUEROA, also known as “Hood” and “Hoodie,” 31, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley to 87 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for crack cocaine distribution and firearm possession offenses.
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, this matter stems from an investigation conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and Hartford Police Department into the trafficking of narcotics and associated violence in Hartford’s South End by members and associates of the Almighty Latin Kings Nation (“Latin Kings”). In December 2019, investigators learned that Figueroa, a member of the Latin Kings, was distributing crack cocaine, and that he possessed several firearms at his Franklin Avenue residence. Between December 2019 and March 2020, law enforcement made six controlled purchases of crack from Figueroa.
On March 23, 2020, Figueroa was the victim of shooting on Bond Street and suffered gunshot injuries to his face. On April 8, 2020, while Figueroa was hospitalized, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of his residence and seized eight firearms, numerous rounds of ammunition, and assorted gun paraphernalia. The firearms included a handgun capable of discharging shotgun shells, and a “ghost” gun with a laser sight. Four of the firearms recovered from the residence were reported stolen.
Figueroa was arrested on April 23, 2020. While incarcerated, Figueroa was recorded on a prison call discussing retaliation for the shooting on March 23.
Figueroa’s criminal history includes two state felony firearm convictions.
Figueroa has been detained since his arrest. On November 23, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base (“crack”), and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Dominican National Sentenced to 46 Months in Federal Prison for Role in Waterbury Drug RingRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRAYAN GONZALEZ, 26, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant to 46 months of imprisonment for distributing heroin and fentanyl in and around Waterbury.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department revealed that Nestor Sosa-Ortiz operated a Waterbury-based drug trafficking organization that received large quantities of heroin and fentanyl from suppliers in Connecticut and New York and distributed the narcotics throughout New Haven County. The organization used an apartment located at 330 Bishop Street in Waterbury to store kilogram-quantities of heroin and fentanyl, and to process and package the drugs for street sale.
On May 18, 2019, Sosa-Ortiz was arrested in New York City on a separate federal heroin and fentanyl trafficking charge. On that date, law enforcement intercepted a planned drug transaction and seized approximately two kilograms of fentanyl and two kilograms of heroin. Sosa-Ortiz continued to control his drug network while incarcerated by using smuggled cell phones to communicate with various co-conspirators.
During the investigation in Connecticut, Gonzalez was intercepted on calls coordinating the purchase and distribution of heroin and fentanyl. He sold the drugs to his own customers and other distributors in the greater Waterbury area.
Gonzalez and several co-defendants were arrested on October 29, 2019. On that date, investigators executed five search warrants and seized approximately six kilograms of suspected heroin/fentanyl, approximately 100,000 bags of suspected heroin/fentanyl packaged for street distribution, approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills disguised as Percocet pills, one firearm and approximately $50,000 in cash. A search of Gonzalez’s residence alone revealed approximately 117 grams of fentanyl, approximately 100 grams of heroin, numerous blue pills with “M/30” (oxycodone) markings, and items used to process and package narcotics, including a kilogram press.
Gonzalez has been detained since his arrest. On June 25, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, heroin and fentanyl.
Gonzalez faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.
Sixteen individuals were charged as a result of this investigation. Sosa-Ortiz pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department. The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby, Middletown, Naugatuck and Waterbury Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis and Lauren Clark through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Career Criminal Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Credit Card Fraud and Identity Theft OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STEVEN A. FINKLER, also known as Andrew Finkler, 56, last residing in New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill to 96 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for credit card fraud and identity theft offenses.
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, in August 2017, Finkler stole credit cards from two of his employer’s customers and used the cards to make more than 40 fraudulent charges in Connecticut and New York. The charges included Finkler’s purchase of jewelry for his girlfriend, Apple products and electronic devices, and other high-end consumer and retail goods for either himself or his friends. The total loss to the victims was $20,867.73.
In September 2018, Finkler, using another individual’s identity, opened a membership at a fitness center with gym locations throughout Connecticut. Finkler also used the same stolen identity to create accounts with mobile device payment applications. Between September 2018 and May 2019, Finkler visited multiple gym locations and stole credit cards from lockers and other locations while the victims were located elsewhere in the gym. Using the stolen credit cards, and the mobile device payment applications, he made approximately $144,000 in fictitious charges to bank accounts that he created and controlled. He then returned the credit cards to the victims’ wallets before the victims returned to the locker room. Approximately 50 individuals were victimized through this scheme.
Judge Underhill ordered Finkler to pay restitution of $145,657.06.
Finkler has been detained since his arrest on August 15, 2019. On January 15, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of access device fraud (credit card fraud), one count of wire fraud, and two counts of aggravated identity theft.
Finkler has a criminal history that spans nearly 40 years and includes numerous convictions, including five prior federal convictions stemming from various fraud schemes.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, and the Wallingford, Avon, North Haven, Madison, Glastonbury and Branford Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarala Nagala and Margaret Donovan.
Two Queens Residents Charged with Selling U.S. Savings Bonds that had been Stolen from an Elderly WomanRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment today charging JHANANNIE SINGH, also known as “Jasmine” and “Sharmala Persaud,” 51, and GLEN CAMPBELL, also known as “Nick,” 39, both citizens of Guyana residing in Queens, New York, with offenses relating to the theft of numerous U.S. Savings Bonds from an elderly woman who had purchased the bonds for her grandchildren and other family members.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, Singh stole numerous U.S. Savings Bonds from an elderly woman for whom she provided home health services. The victim had purchased the bonds for her grandchildren and other relatives. After the victim died, Singh contacted Campbell, who enlisted the help of another individual to redeem the stolen bonds at a financial institution and provide Singh and Campbell with a portion of the proceeds. Between October 2020 and January 2021, as part of an undercover investigation, law enforcement coordinated the purchase of more than 100 savings bonds, with face values ranging from $50 to $1,000, from Singh and Campbell. Campbell traveled to Connecticut to complete the transactions.
Singh and Campbell were arrested on criminal complaints on January 29, 2021. They are released on bonds in the amount of $250,000 and $100,000, respectively.
The indictment charges Singh and Campbell with one count of conspiracy, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years; three counts of exchanging, receiving, or concealing stolen U.S. Saving Bonds, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count, and one count of transportation of stolen property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara E. Levens and Michael S. McGarry.
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).
Two Charged with Kidnapping and Murder of Massachusetts Man Whose Body was found in HartfordRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, 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 two men have been charged for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping and murder of a Massachusetts man whose body was found in a burning vehicle in Hartford on December 26. BRANDON BATISTE, also known as “B,” 33, of Springfield, Massachusetts, and CALVIN ROBERSON, also known as “Cutty,” 38, of Waterbury, were arrested yesterday on federal criminal complaints charging each with kidnapping resulting in death, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, and causing the death of a person through the use of a firearm.
Batiste was arrested in Athens, Georgia, and Roberson was arrested in Waterbury. Both are detained.
Shortly before 9 p.m. on December 26, 2020, Hartford police and fire personnel responded to Shultas Place in Hartford where a black 2010 Acura was engulfed in flames. After the fire was extinguished, investigators discovered a male body in the rear of the vehicle. The victim was subsequently identified as Francisco Roman, Jr., 28, of Chicopee, Massachusetts. He had suffered several gunshot wounds, which the State of Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined as his cause of death.
It is alleged that Batiste and Roberson kidnapped Roman in Massachusetts on December 24, 2020, killed Roman, and attempted to dispose of his body in Hartford.
If convicted of the charges, the defendants face a maximum term of imprisonment of life, or death if the government seeks the death penalty in this matter.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, FBI’s Springfield Gang Task Force, Massachusetts State Police, Hampden County (Mass.) District Attorney’s Office, Hartford Police Department’s Major Crimes Division, Chicopee Police Department and Springfield Police Department, with the assistance of the Waterbury Police Department and the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Angel M. Krull.
U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts for their assistance in this matter.
Stamford Contractor Pleads Guilty to Federal Tax ChargeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that PAVEL TEPLY, 45, of Stamford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill to a federal tax offense.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Teply owned and operated a remodeling and roofing company known as Five Stars Remodeling. For the 2013 through 2015 tax years, Teply used a tax return preparer for the preparation of his personal income tax returns. Teply provided his preparer with a schedule that underreported the gross receipts of his business, certain business expenses, and his income. As a result, Teply’s tax returns for the 2013 through 2015 tax years, which Teply authorized his preparer to file with the IRS, underreported Teply’s income, resulting in a tax loss of $175,812
Teply pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years. Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for May 6, 2021.
Teply 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.
Hartford Gang Member Sentenced to 18 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RICARDO REYES, also known as “Rick the Ruler,” 41, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 216 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking narcotics and firearms.
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, in 2018, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force began investigating Reyes, 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. On September 9, 2018, Reyes was arrested by Hartford Police on state charges after they found him in possession of a firearm and approximately 250 bags of heroin/fentanyl. Between January and June 2019, while Reyes was released on bond in his state case, investigators 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 who sold drugs on his behalf.
Intercepted communications also revealed that Norman Klosek of Enfield was acting as a “straw purchaser” of firearms for Reyes. On April 22, 2019, Reyes picked up Klosek in Enfield and drove to a licensed gun dealer in Newington, where Klosek, who had a valid state firearm permit, purchased two handguns. Klosek then provided the guns to Reyes after the purchase. Later that day, investigators conducted a traffic stop of Reyes’ vehicle in New Britain and seized the two firearms. A search of the vehicle also revealed approximately 450 bags of suspected heroin/fentanyl, more than one pound of marijuana, and $1,160 in cash. Reyes was charged with state offenses, released on bond, and resumed his drug trafficking activity.
Reyes and several co-defendants were arrested on a federal criminal complaints on June 17, 2019. On that date, investigators seized two additional guns that had been purchased by Klosek, one that was in Reyes’ car and one that was in a Rowe Avenue residence that Reyes’ used as a stash location. Investigators also seized approximately 3,500 bags of fentanyl from the stash house, and approximately $6,000 from Reyes’ residence.
Reyes has been detained since his federal arrest.
On June 27, 2019, a grand jury Hartford returned a 32-count indictment charging Reyes and 14 associates with various narcotics trafficking and firearm possession offenses. On March 4, 2020, Reyes pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”), and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Reyes’ criminal history includes state drug convictions, and a federal conviction for dealing firearms without a license. The previous federal case involved Reyes and an associate, who had a valid state firearm permit, purchasing at least 13 firearms and selling them to drug dealers. Reyes was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for that offense.
On March 2, 2020, Klosek pleaded guilty to one count of dealing firearms without a license, and one count of making a false statement during the acquisition of a firearm. Klosek, who was addicted to heroin/fentanyl, admitted that he had purchased a total of 47 handguns, and that he had sold or “loaned” the guns he had purchased to support his drug addiction. On October 14, 2020, Klosek was sentenced to 46 months of imprisonment.
To date, approximately 11 of the 47 handguns purchased by Klosek have been recovered by law enforcement. One gun was recovered after it was used in a shooting in Hartford on August 22, 2019. In September 2020, handguns purchased by Klosek were recovered as part of criminal investigations in Brimfield, Massachusetts, and Riverside, California. In October 2020, another firearm was recovered by Hartford Police.
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.
East Haven Resident Admits Stealing from Town's Board of Education Child Care ProgramRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, 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 CATHERINE FINKLE, 58, of East Haven, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today to one count of wire fraud related to her theft of more than $38,000 from East Haven’s Board of Education child care program.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from January 2000 to November 2018, Finkle was the East Haven Board of Education Program Director for the School Age Child Care Program, commonly called the Little Jackets Program. As the program director, Finkle had access to the Little Jacket Program’s bank accounts and received tuition payments on behalf of the program. From January 2011 to November 2018, Finkle defrauded the East Haven Board of Education by taking more than $38,000 in tuition payments, in the form of money orders and cash, that had been made for students in the Little Jackets Program. She then diverted the payments for her own benefit.
Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for May 6, 2021, at which time Finkle faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Finkle also has agreed to pay restitution of $38,554.50.
Finkle is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
Norwalk Fitness Club Agrees to Comply with the ADA and Improve AccessibilityRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached a settlement agreement with Fitness International, LLC, doing business as L.A. Fitness, to resolve allegations that an L.A. Fitness club in Norwalk was not operating in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”).
The settlement agreement resolves an ADA complaint filed by an individual with disabilities alleging that the L.A. Fitness club located at 761 Main Avenue in Norwalk was not accessible to individuals with physical disabilities. L.A. Fitness is in the process of making required changes to the location, including improving the accessibility of the facility’s fitness equipment areas, adding accessible features to restrooms and locker rooms, ensuring access to all guests in the pool area, and making improvements in the “Kids Klub” area to ensure access for individuals with disabilities.
Fitness International, LLC will continue to make improvements over the next three years.
Under federal law, health club facilities are considered “public accommodations” and are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of disability. 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.
U.S. Attorney Durham noted that the Fitness International, LLC has worked cooperatively and collaboratively with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to address the ADA issues without litigation and to make comprehensive changes to the Main Avenue health club facility to improve accessibility.
Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that a health club facility 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.
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 Civil Rights Division.
Hartford Man Involved in Cocaine Trafficking Ring Sentenced to 27 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALEX NEGRON, 37, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 27 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a cocaine trafficking ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service into a drug trafficking organization that was receiving shipments of cocaine from Puerto Rico and California, and distributing the drug in and around Hartford. The investigation revealed that a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier was facilitating the shipment of parcels containing kilograms of cocaine through the USPS to addresses that were on his delivery route in Hartford. The letter carrier distributed cocaine to his own drug customers, and also delivered parcels to other large-scale cocaine traffickers in the Hartford area.
On March 17, 2019, Negron received a parcel containing approximately 500 grams of cocaine. The cocaine was delivered to his co-conspirators.
On June 4, 2019, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Negron and 18 co-defendants with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and related offenses. Negron was arrested on May 6, 2020. On October 28, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
Negron, who is released on a $175,000 bond, is required to report to prison on April 5, 2021.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to Gun Possession and Drug Distribution ChargesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that GLADSTONE BENJAMIN, JR., 29, of Hartford, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley to drug distribution and firearm possession offenses.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2019, Hartford Police made two controlled purchases of marijuana from Benjamin at his Collins Street residence. On April 23, 2019, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of Gladstone’s residence and found a loaded Taurus 9mm handgun with an extended clip; two loaded Taurus .45 caliber handguns; a loaded semiautomatic handgun that did not contain a make, model or serial number stamp; a Remington Arms 12 gauge shotgun with an unreadable serial number; more than 1,000 rounds of loose and boxed ammunition, and distribution quantities of heroin and marijuana.
Benjamin’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.
Benjamin pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and marijuana, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for May 3, 2021.
Benjamin is released on a $75,000 bond pending sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.
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.
Gang Member Sentenced to 46 Months in Federal Prison for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Anthony Esposito, also known as “Mafia,” 52, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for narcotics trafficking and firearm possession offenses.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding occurred via videoconference.
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 who sold drugs on his behalf. Intercepted communications also revealed Reyes was acquiring and trafficking firearms.
The investigation revealed that Reyes supplied Esposito, also a member of Los Solidos, with fentanyl that Esposito sold to his own customers in the New Haven area.
Esposito was arrested on June 17, 2019.
On June 27, 2019, a grand jury Hartford returned a 32-count indictment charging Reyes, Esposito and 13 associates with various narcotics trafficking and firearm possession offenses.
Esposito has been detained since his arrest. On August 6, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, fentanyl.
Esposito’s criminal history spans 30 years and includes convictions for firearm, drug and violent crime offenses, including a 1998 federal conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and a 2003 state conviction for first degree sexual assault.
Reyes has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
The FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The 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.
Clinton Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALEXANDER LUONG, 31, of Clinton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegal possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 14, 2020, law enforcement conducted a court-authorized search of Luong’s residence and found a stolen Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol, a loaded Glock .40 caliber pistol, and a large capacity magazine.
In 2012, Luong was convicted in state court of first degree unlawful restraint. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
On September 17, 2020, Luong pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Luong, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on March 16.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Clinton Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria del Pilar Gonzalez 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 Missouri Resident Admits Role in Odometer Roll Back SchemeRead the Press Release
SUSAN L. CUNNINGHAM, 48, of Monroe, Connecticut, formerly of Blue Springs, Missouri, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea to one count of wire fraud stemming from the sale of numerous used vehicles with altered odometers.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately August 2014 and October 2015, Cunningham and Wilfredo J. Albanese, while residing in Missouri, sold more than 40 vehicles with altered odometers to unsuspecting purchasers. As part of the scheme, Cunningham and Albanese purchased high-mileage used vehicles and then used a variety of means to alter or reduce the mileage shown on the vehicles’ odometers. They also concealed mechanical issues with those vehicles by removing “check engine” lights from the instrument panels, providing buyers with phony maintenance receipts and vehicle history reports, and concealing rust and other damage to the vehicle through paint or other means. Cunningham and Albanese obtained Certificates of Title for the used vehicles they purchased. Under the assumed identities of the persons listed on those Certificates of Title, they advertised and sold the vehicles to customers on Craigslist.org. Most of the victim purchasers resided in Missouri.
On May 22, 2019, a grand jury in the Western District of Missouri returned a 20-count indictment charging Cunningham and Albanese with offenses related to this scheme. The case was subsequently transferred from the Western District of Missouri to the District of Connecticut for further prosecution.
Wire fraud carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for April 30, 2021. Cunningham is released pending sentencing.
On July 15, 2020, Albanese pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. On October 9, 2020, he was sentenced to 42 months of imprisonment and ordered to pay $51,600 in restitution.
This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Office of Odometer Fraud Investigation, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha Freismuth of the District of Connecticut, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Casey of the Western District of Missouri.
NHTSA estimates that odometer fraud in the U.S. results in consumer losses of more than $1 billion annually. Individuals with information relating to odometer tampering should call NHTSA’s odometer fraud hotline at (888) 327-4236 or (202) 366-4761. More information on odometer fraud is available on the NHTSA website at https://www.nhtsa.gov/odometer-fraud.
Norwalk Felon Admits Possessing Loaded Rifle with Obliterated Serial NumberRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYROME SAWYER, also known as “Tyrone Sawyer” and “Crack,” 30, of Norwalk, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill to unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 19, 2019, Sawyer was arrested after Norwalk Police executed a search warrant at his apartment and located a Hi-Point model 995, 9mm carbine rifle with an obliterated serial number and a loaded magazine.
Sawyer’s criminal history includes state convictions for felony firearm, drug and escape offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for April 30, 2021, at which time Sawyer faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Sawyer has been detained since his arrest.
This investigation is being conducted by the Norwalk Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Keefe.
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.
Healthcare Company and Lab Pay $845K to Resolve Federal and State False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney John H. Durham and Special Agent in Charge Phillip Coyne of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, today announced that SECON OF NEW ENGLAND, LLC, d/b/a SECON LABORATORIES, and STERLING HEALTHCARE OPCO, LLC, d/b/a CORDANT HEALTH SOLUTIONS (collectively, “Cordant”) have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments and have paid $845,108 to resolve allegations that they violated the federal and state False Claims Acts.
Cordant Health Solutions, which is based in Denver, Colorado, provides healthcare testing and monitoring services nationwide, including laboratory services for drug testing. Cordant’s subsidiary, Secon Laboratories, is a laboratory located in Worcester, Massachusetts. Secon’s client, Crossroads, Inc., was a behavioral health residential treatment center located in New Haven, Connecticut. Many of the residents of Crossroads were enrolled in the Connecticut Medicaid program.
In 2015, Crossroads implemented a policy requiring its residents to submit to regular urine drug testing, largely for residential monitoring purposes. Crossroads ordered presumptive (screening) drug tests and definitive (confirmatory) drug tests for each resident weekly. In many cases, Crossroads ordered duplicative tests for its residents more than two times a week, and as often as three, four, or five times a week. These drug tests were performed by Cordant, and were billed by Cordant to Connecticut Medicaid.
The government alleges that Cordant knew or should have known that the tests that Crossroads ordered for its residents more than two times a week were not medically necessary. The United States and the State of Connecticut contend that Cordant failed to report and return overpayments for the claims Connecticut Medicaid paid Cordant for performing these medically unnecessary tests.
To resolve allegations under the federal and state False Claims Acts, Cordant has paid $845,108 to the government for overpayments occurring between October 6, 2015, and February 8, 2017.
“Government funded tests must be ordered based on each patient’s medical needs,” said U.S. Attorney Durham. “Laboratories have a responsibility to ensure that the claims they submit to government health care programs are for medically necessary testing services. If a laboratory discovers that it has performed and billed for tests that were not medically necessary, it has a duty and to report and return any overpayments, and to modify its practices.”
“This settlement demonstrates OIG’s commitment to ensuring that taxpayer dollars are not wasted on medically unnecessary services,” said Special Agent in Charge Phillip M. Coyne of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “I appreciate the continued partnership between our Office, the Connecticut U.S Attorney's Office and the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office to investigate fraud and to protect public funds.”
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.
Waterbury Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Fentanyl and Heroin Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JEFFREY TAVAREZ, 22, of Waterbury, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a heroin and fentanyl trafficking ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department revealed that Nestor Sosa-Ortiz operated a Waterbury-based drug trafficking organization that received large quantities of heroin and fentanyl from suppliers in Connecticut and New York and distributed the narcotics throughout New Haven County. The organization used an apartment located at 330 Bishop Street in Waterbury to store kilogram-quantities of heroin and fentanyl, and to process and package the drugs for street sale.
On May 18, 2019, Sosa-Ortiz was arrested in New York City on a separate federal heroin and fentanyl trafficking charge. On that date, law enforcement intercepted a planned drug transaction and seized approximately two kilograms of fentanyl and two kilograms of heroin. Sosa-Ortiz continued to control his drug network while incarcerated by using smuggled cell phones to communicate with various co-conspirators.
During the investigation, Tavarez was intercepted on calls coordinating the purchase of narcotics from both the Sosa-Ortiz organization and from other individuals who sometimes supplied the Sosa-Ortiz organization with narcotics. Tavarez then sold the drugs to his own customers.
Tavarez and several co-defendants were arrested on October 29, 2019. On that date, investigators executed five search warrants and seized approximately six kilograms of suspected heroin/fentanyl, approximately 100,000 bags of suspected heroin/fentanyl packaged for street distribution, approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills disguised as Percocet pills, one firearm and approximately $50,000 in cash. Tavarez possessed nearly 40 grams of fentanyl packaged for distribution at the time of his arrest.
On October 20, 2020, Tavarez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, heroin and fentanyl.
Tavarez, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on March 17, 2021.
Sixteen individuals were charged as a result of this investigation. Sosa-Ortiz pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department. The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby, Middletown, Naugatuck and Waterbury Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Clark and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis 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 85 Months in Prison for Possessing Loaded Handgun While on Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAHEEN THOMPSON, 41, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 85 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm while on federal supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning of August 7, 2016, Hartford Police officers arrested Thompson after they encountered him in a parked car outside of a nightclub in possession of a loaded .380 caliber pistol and distribution quantities of marijuana and pentylone.
Thompson’s criminal history includes multiple state felony convictions, and a federal conviction in 2007 for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”). Thompson was on federal supervised release at the time of his arrest.
Thompson has been detained since his arrest. On November 4, 2020, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Judge Thompson sentenced Thompson to 60 months of imprisonment for the firearm offense, and a consecutive 25 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crime Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.
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.
Norwich Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Firearm Offense Stemming from New London ShootingRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TREMAINE DOWDELL, 27, of Norwich, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton to 57 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for a federal firearm offense stemming from an assault and shooting in New London in 2019.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 14, 2019, Dowdell and three associates assaulted a man outside of the H&T Mart on Ocean Avenue in New London. The H&T Mart was open and had customers coming in and out of the store. Surveillance video captured Dowdell and three others physically attack the victim outside the storefront. Later, video footage showed Dowdell remove a gun from his pants and fire a single shot toward the victim of the assault, who was standing near the front door of the store. The bullet missed the victim. When police arrived a short time later, officers found a .40 caliber cartridge casing at the location where Dowdell fired the gun.
Dowdell’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for larceny, burglary and failure to appear offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
On October 3, 2019, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Dowdell with one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. After actively evading law enforcement, Dowdell was found and arrested at a residence in Sprague on November 5, 2019. He possessed a loaded .25 caliber handgun with an obliterated serial number and approximately 33 grams of crack cocaine, which agents found floating in a toilet tank, at the time of his arrest.
Dowdell has been detained since his arrest. On July 2, 2020, Dowdell pleaded guilty to one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
This matter was investigated by the New London Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Norwich Police Department and Connecticut State Parole. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathaniel J. Gentile and Sarah P. Karwan, in coordination with the New London State’s Attorney’s Office.
Man Admits Operating Lottery Scam that Defrauded Connecticut Victim of Nearly $1.2 MillionRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, 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 STIEVE FERNANDEZ, 35, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to a conspiracy charge stemming from a lottery scam that defrauded an elderly Connecticut victim of 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 to Morris and Crooks. 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.
On October 16, 2018, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 10-count 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.
Fernandez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for April 29, 2021.
Morris and Crooks previously pleaded guilty to the same charge and await 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.
U.S. Attorney Durham 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).
Danielson Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding the U.S. Postal ServiceRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, announced that ABILIO PEDROSO, 41, of Danielson, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden to theft of government property related to his receipt of more than $66,000 in fraudulent postal insurance claims.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from June 2018 through August 2019, Pedroso mailed hundreds of packages through the U.S. Postal Service to people he did not know, insured each package for $300, and then made indemnity claims falsely stating that the packages were missing or that the contents were damaged. Although Pedroso purported the contents of the packages to be valuables, such as watches and iPads, he actually mailed items of little value, such as DVDs and telephone chargers.
Pedroso filed more than 240 indemnity claims and received $66,640.43 through this scheme. Most of the claims were in Pedroso’s name, but he also used other names to mail the packages, make the false indemnity claims, and deposit the proceeds of the insurance checks.
Theft of government property carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Pedroso is released pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.
Connecticut Behavioral Health Clinician Group Pays $100K to Settle False Claims AllegationsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that NEIL QUATRANO, and his business, BEHAVIORAL MANAGEMENT, LLC, have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments and will pay more than $100,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the federal and state False Claims Acts.
Behavioral Management is a private behavioral health practice located in North Haven, that provided after school and school break programs for children with behavioral and mental health issues. Behavioral Management is enrolled as both a Behavioral Health Clinician Group and a Professional Counselor Group in the Connecticut Medical Assistance Program (“CMAP”), which includes the state’s Medicaid program. Quatrano has a bachelor’s degree in social work, but he is not a licensed behavioral health provider in Connecticut.
It is alleged that Quatrano and Behavioral Management submitted fraudulent claims to Medicaid under CPT code 90876 for participants of the after-school and school-break program. CPT code 90876 requires “individual psychophysiological therapy incorporating biofeedback training by any modality (face-to-face with patient), with psychotherapy (e.g., insight oriented, behavior modifying or supported psychotherapy); 45 minutes.” Quatrano and Behavioral Management falsely represented that a licensed provider had rendered the services when, in fact, an unlicensed individual rendered the services. Quatrano and Behavioral Management also falsely represented that 45 minutes of one-on-one psychotherapy services were provided when in fact 20 minutes of group services were provided. Finally, Quatrano and Behavioral Management falsely represented that the services provided included biofeedback when, in fact, they did not.
To resolve the allegations under the federal and state False Claims Acts, Quatrano and Behavioral Management LLC have agreed to pay $100,842.86 in order to reimburse the Medicaid program for conduct occurring from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.
Under the False Claims Act, the government can recover up to three times its actual damages, plus penalties of $11,665 to $23,331 for each false claim.
This case stems from a larger investigation into fraudulent activity in the area of behavioral health services, which has been jointly conducted by the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office and the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General, with support from the Connecticut Department of Social Services.
This case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Thidemann, and Assistant Attorney General Joshua L. 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.
Five New Haven Residents Charged with Distributing CrackRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, 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 New Haven Police Chief Otoniel Reyes today announced that, on January 19, 2021, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned two indictments charging five New Haven residents with federal narcotics offenses related to the distribution of crack cocaine. The five defendants were arrested on January 26.
This matter stems from an investigation headed by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force and New Haven Police Department. The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps and multiple controlled purchases of crack.
JERRY ROLLINS, a.k.a. “Prank,” 36; BENITA FLEMMING, 33, and ORLANDO MOORE, 49, are charged in a 14-count indictment alleging that they conspired to distribute crack from approximately July 2020 to January 2021. DEVARO TAYLOR, 30, and TASHAUN FAIR, 27, are charged in an eight-count indictment alleging that they conspired to distribute crack between approximately September and December 2020.
Each defendant is charged with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”), a charge that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years. Rollins and Taylor are also charged with multiple counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count. In addition, the five defendants are charged with one or more counts of use of a telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking felony, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of four years.
U.S. Attorney Durham 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.
In association with the arrests of the defendants, investigators seized approximately 300 grams of crack and packaging, 50 grams of heroin and packaging, 100 grams of cocaine and packaging, and more than $17,000 in cash.
The FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force includes members from the New Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, Hamden Police Department, East Haven Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and West Haven Police Department have assisted the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile and Marc H. Silverman through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Waterbury Woman Sentenced to Prison for Theft of Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that OMAYRA SANTIAGO, 44, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall to three months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally receiving Social Security benefits. Judge Hall ordered Santiago to serve the first three months of her supervised release in home confinement.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, for approximately 13 years, Santiago received monthly Social Security benefits from the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) in the form of Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”). Santiago was the representative payee of her children’s SSI benefits, and she represented to the SSA that her household’s income, resources and living arrangements caused the children to be eligible for SSI benefits.
From 2005 to 2018, Santiago made multiple false statements to the SSA in order to qualify for and receive SSI benefits. She failed to disclose that the father of her children owned the Waterbury property in which their family lived, and that the father of her children had claimed their children as dependents on his tax returns. Santiago also had received cash and electronic deposits and she did not report as income to the SSA. In addition, in January 2017, Santiago received approximately $220,000 from the settlement of civil lawsuit, but never disclosed her receipt of the money to the SSA as she knew she was required to do.
Between 2005 and 2018, Santiago collected more than $146,752.86 worth of SSI benefits that she was not entitled to received. Judge Hall ordered Santiago to make full restitution.
On October 3, 2019, Santiago pleaded guilty to one count of theft and conversion of public money.
This matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret M. Donovan.
New Haven Man on Federal Supervised Release Charged with Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging RONNELL ROGERS, 27, of New Haven with narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.
The indictment was returned on January 25 and Rogers was arrested today. He appeared via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector, entered a plea of not guilty to the charges, and was ordered detained.
As alleged in the indictment, on January 17, 2021, Rogers possessed distribution quantities of heroin and crack cocaine, and a loaded Smith & Wesson .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol.
It is further alleged that Rogers’ criminal history includes state convictions for firearm, larceny and risk of injury offenses, and a federal conviction in 2019 for possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
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 Rogers with one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base (“crack”), which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least five years.
Rogers, who is on federal supervised release, also faces additional penalties if he is found to have violated the conditions of his supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Haven Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan.
This prosecution has been brought though 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.
Waterbury Heroin Trafficker Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KEITH JORDAN, also known as “Knowledge,” 52, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a joint investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury and Naugatuck Police Departments. The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Jordan was receiving large quantities of heroin from various suppliers and selling the drug to other drug distributors and street-level customers. Jordan also purchased and distributed cocaine.
On March 13, 2019, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Jordan and 28 other individuals with various offenses related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine.
Jordan and several codefendants were arrested on March 20, 2019. In association with the arrests, investigators seized approximately 3,000 bags of heroin, 400 grams of cocaine, 350 grams of fentanyl/heroin mixed, 400 grams of heroin, 10 grams of crack, 20 pounds of marijuana, fentanyl patches, a one-kilogram press, four handguns, approximately $120,000 in cash and four vehicles.
On January 23, 2020, Jordan pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, one kilogram or more of heroin.
Jordan, who is released on a $250,000 bond, is required to report to prison on March 31, 2021.
This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force, Waterbury Police Department and Naugatuck Police Department, with the critical assistance of the U.S. Secret Service, New York Field Office. The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby, Middletown, Naugatuck and Waterbury Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Dave Vatti and Nathaniel J. Gentile 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.
Tolland Resident Pleads Guilty to Federal Tax ChargeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that KENNETH W. SWEENEY, 58, of Tolland, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden to a federal tax offense.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Sweeney owned and operated a construction business known as K&S Construction LLC. For the 2013 through 2016 tax years, Sweeney typically used a tax return preparer for the preparation of his personal income tax returns. When meeting with his return preparer, Sweeney did not provide documents reflecting the gross receipts or expenses for his business and, instead, orally provided figures of income and expenses that he knew significantly underreported the gross receipts of his business and his income. Sweeney’s personal tax returns for the 2013 through 2016 tax years, which Sweeney authorized his preparer to file with the IRS, underreported Sweeney’s income, resulting in a tax loss of at least $100,000.
Sweeney pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
Sweeney 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.
Man Sentenced to More Than 9 Years in Prison for Making Hoax Threats, Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GARY JOSEPH GRAVELLE, also known as Roland Prejean, 53, last residing in New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 110 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for making numerous hoax threats, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release that followed his earlier federal convictions for sending threatening communications.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 19, 2013, Gravelle was sentenced in Bridgeport federal court to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for mailing numerous threatening letters in 2010. He was released from prison in 2015.
In September 2018, while he was on federal supervised release, Gravelle used the U.S. mail, e-mail and telephone to threaten to harm people and explode property in Connecticut, Vermont and Washington. Certain letters that Gravelle mailed contained a white powdery substance and statements that the substance was Anthrax, a biological agent and toxin. Gravelle made threats to various mental health providers and facilities in New Haven, U.S. Probation Officers, a U.S. District Court Judge, an international airport in Vermont, a federal prison in Washington, occupants of a building in Old Saybrook, a credit union in Bristol, and organizations and religious centers in Connecticut. He also sent a letter threatening to kill the President of the United States.
Gravelle has been detained since his arrest on September 8, 2018. On January 6, 2020, he pleaded guilty to five counts of maliciously conveying false information about an explosive, one count related to the sending of hoax Anthrax letters, and one count of making threats against the President. He also admitted that he failed to comply with conditions of his supervised release.
Judge Dooley sentenced Gravelle to 86 months of imprisonment for his conduct in 2018, and a consecutive 24 months of imprisonment for violating his supervised release conditions.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Secret Service, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with the assistance of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and many local police and fire departments, including departments from Bristol, Guilford, Groton, Hartford, Middletown, New Haven, Old Saybrook, Southington and Stamford, Yale University, and Burlington, Vermont. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.
Stratford Man Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUIS MARTINEZ, also known as “Macho,” 55, of Stratford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson to 63 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for narcotics distribution and ammunition possession offenses.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the summer of 2017, members of the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and Bridgeport Police Department began investigating individuals who were distributing narcotics in and around Bridgeport. The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, resulted in federal charges against 19 defendants and the seizure of narcotics, items used to process and package drugs for street sale, eight firearms, and more than $360,000 in cash. The investigation revealed that Martinez was supplying another narcotics distributor with cocaine and opioid pills.
A subsequent investigation of an unrelated drug distributor revealed that Martinez was also acquiring and distributing heroin.
Martinez was arrested on November 6, 2018. On that date, investigators searched Martinez’s residence and seized boxes of .45 caliber hollow-point ammunition and $11,132 in cash.
Martinez has been detained since his arrest. On October 25, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, and one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
Martinez’s criminal history includes state convictions for manslaughter, assault, weapons and larceny offenses, and a federal conviction stemming from his role in a crack cocaine distribution ring.
Judge Thompson ordered Martinez to forfeit the cash and ammunition seized on the date of his arrest. Martinez previously forfeited more than $56,000 in cash that he had shipped to a drug supplier in California, but was seized by law enforcement at a parcel delivery hub.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department, as well as the DEA, Connecticut State Police, and the Stratford, Norwalk, Seymour and Trumbull Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck and Patrick J. Doherty through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
New Haven Man Sentenced for Role in Drug RingRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYRESE STANLEY, also known as “Scoot,” 30, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a New Haven-based drug trafficking ring. Judge Chatigny ordered Stanley to serve the first three months of his supervised release in home confinement.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding occurred via videoconference.
This matter stems from an investigation headed by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force and New Haven Police Department that targeted drug trafficking and related acts of violence by members, former members and associates of the “Island Brothers” street gang in New Haven. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, also revealed that the drug trafficking organization had established a base of operation in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. The investigation subsequently identified a second drug trafficking network that involved the large-scale distribution of heroin.
During the investigation, Anderson “Barry” Atkinson of Hamden was identified as a supplier of heroin to members of the drug trafficking organization. Investigators intercepted calls between Stanley and Atkinson in which Stanley arranged for Atkinson to provide him with heroin for resale. On certain calls, Stanley explained to Atkinson that he needed to raise funds through his drug sales to pay an attorney in a state court matter.
Twenty-seven individuals were charged as a result of this investigation.
Stanley has been detained since his arrest on July 10, 2019. On September 21, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin.
Atkinson has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, New Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, Hamden Police Department, East Haven Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan, Peter D. Markle, Elena L. Coronado and Tara E. Levens. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan, Peter D. Markle, Elena L. Coronado and Tara E. Levens through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Bridgeport Felon Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison for Federal Gun OffenseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARQUES MILTON, also known as “Biz,” 36, of Bridgeport, 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 illegally possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 1, 2018, Bridgeport police officers arrested Milton in connection with a gunpoint threatening incident that occurred in February 2018. At the time of his arrest, Milton possessed a fully loaded Beretta 9mm pistol, an additional 18 rounds of ammunition, and a quantity of marijuana.
Prior to March 2018, Milton was convicted in state court of robbery in the first degree and unlawful restraint in the first degree. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
State forensic examiners have connected the Beretta 9mm pistol to shell casings recovered after a shooting incident on Linwood Avenue in Bridgeport on February 19, 2018. On that date, one of approximately 10 shots that were fired grazed a cable company employee who was working on a nearby utility pole. Milton has been charged in state court in connection with this incident, and also in connection with alleged shooting incidents on April 25, 2018, in Bridgeport, and on June 2, 2018, in Waterbury, both of which caused serious injuries to victims.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with the assistance of the Bridgeport Police Department, Waterbury Police Department, and the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Vizcarrondo.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
New York Accountant Pleads Guilty to Federal Tax ChargeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, 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 JAMES G. GUERRA, 58, of Dix Hills, New York, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden to a federal tax offense.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Guerra worked as an accountant for Bruno DeFabio, an owner of several pizza restaurants in Connecticut and New York, including Pinocchio Pizza LLC, doing business as Pinocchio Pizza in New Canaan, Connecticut; Top Oven Restaurant Corp., doing business as Pinocchio Pizza in Wilton, Connecticut; DiFabio Brothers Pizza Corp., doing business as Amore Pizza in Scarsdale, New York; Odell Pizza, Inc., doing business as Amore Cucina and Bar in Stamford, Connecticut; Nepperhan Restaurants Group, Inc., doing business as ReNapoli Pizza, in Old Greenwich, Connecticut, and Homefield Restaurant Corp., doing business as Pinocchio Pizza in Pound Ridge, New York.
DiFabio and his businesses engaged in a practice whereby cash was removed from the cash registers and not deposited into the restaurants’ operating bank accounts, and Guerra knew that DiFabio had a practice of paying his employees in cash. Although Guerra was aware that DiFabio was failing to collect required withholding taxes from his employees and, in turn, not paying over these taxes to the IRS, Guerra reviewed and approved DiFabio’s quarterly tax returns that DiFabio subsequently signed and filed with the IRS.
Guerra pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to collect and pay over withholding taxes, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
Guerra is released pending sentencing.
On October 25, 2018, DiFabio pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to file false income tax returns and payroll tax returns. When he pleaded guilty, he agreed that the loss to the IRS in income taxes and employment taxes for the 2013 through 2015 tax years was $816,954.
On September 24, 2018, DiFabio’s business partner in some of his restaurants, Steven Cioffi, pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting in the filing of a false tax return.
On June 4, 2019, Idalecia Lopes Santos, a bookkeeper who worked for DiFabio, pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion.
DiFabio, Cioffi and Santos await 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.
Hartford Man Sentenced to Prison for Fentanyl and Crack Distribution OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NATHANIEL DeJESUS, 21, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for fentanyl and crack cocaine distribution offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2019, after a spate of gun violence in Hartford, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, DEA, Hartford Police Department and other law enforcement agencies initiated an investigation targeting gang-related drug distribution and associated violence in north Hartford. During the investigation, investigators made controlled purchases of fentanyl and crack cocaine from DeJesus.
DeJesus was arrested on state charges on August 28, 2019. At the time of his arrest he possessed fentanyl and crack packaged for distribution.
On September 13, 2019, DeJesus was arrested on federal narcotics distribution charges. On that date, a search of his Andover Street residence revealed approximately 73 grams of fentanyl, more than two grams of crack, and items used to process and package narcotics for street sale.
DeJesus has been detained since September 13, 2019. On February 26, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base (“crack”).
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 was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.
Indictment Charges Bridgeport Gang Members with Drug Trafficking, Committing 4 MurdersRead the Press Release
As part of an ongoing investigation into gang-related drug trafficking and related violence in Bridgeport, a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging four Bridgeport men with conspiring to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, including drug trafficking, murder and attempted murder.
Today’s announcement was made by John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport Acting Police Chief Rebeca Garcia; David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England.
The indictment, which was returned on January 19 and unsealed yesterday, charges
KEISHAWN DONALD, 19
TREVON WRIGHT, also known as “Tre,” 19
KYRAN DANGERFIELD, 24,
ERIC HAYES, also known as “Heavyweight Champ,” 24Wright was arrested yesterday. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel via videoconference and is detained. Donald, Dangerfield and Hayes were previously detained and are in federal or state custody.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address escalating violence in Bridgeport, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals, and Bridgeport Police are actively investigating multiple Bridgeport-based groups whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder and other acts of violence. Donald, Wright, Dangerfield and Hayes are members or associates of the “East End gang,” which began as a local street gang based in the East End of Bridgeport, but currently has members and associates who are either incarcerated or living throughout Bridgeport and surrounding towns. The East End gang has been aligned with other groups, including the PT Barnum Gang, the East Side gang and 150, which is a geographic gang based on the West Side of Bridgeport. These groups were aligned against rival organizations in Bridgeport, including the “Original North End” (“O.N.E.”) and the “Greene Homes Boyz,” (“GHB/Hotz”), based in the Charles F. Greene Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeport’s North End.
The indictment alleges that the East End gang distributed heroin, crack cocaine, marijuana and Percocet pills; used and shared firearms; and committed murder and other acts of violence against rival gang members and other individuals. East End members celebrated their criminal conduct on social media websites such as Facebook and YouTube, and committed acts of intimidation and made threats to deter potential witnesses to their crimes and to protect gang members and associates from detection and prosecution by law enforcement authorities.
Among the violent acts committed by the gang, the indictment alleges that:
- On January 30, 2018, Donald shot and killed Eric Heard, a.k.a. “Fetti,” a member and associate of the GHB/Hotz gang;
- On September 18, 2019, Wright shot and attempted to kill Marquis Isreal, a.k.a. “Garf” or “Gbaby,” a member and associate of the O.N.E. gang;
- On December 8, 2019, Wright shot and attempted to kill Arvan Smith, a.k.a. “Arv Barkley,” an associate of the O.N.E. gang;
- On January 26, 2020, Wright and “JW,” an East End associate who is now deceased, shot and killed Myreke Kenion and shot and attempted to kill D’Andre Brown, both associates of the GHB/Hotz gang;
- On June 24, 2020, Dangerfield, JW and a juvenile shot and killed Tyler Ballew, a member and associate of the O.N.E. gang;
- On October 17, 2019, Donald agreed with other East End gang members to shoot and attempt to kill Joshua Gilbert, a member and associate of the O.N.E. gang;
If convicted, Donald, Wright and Dangerfield face a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and Hayes faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
“This ongoing investigation is methodically getting to the roots of much of the violent activity Bridgeport has experienced during the last few years,” said U.S. Attorney Durham. “The allegations in this indictment, combined with charges announced in previous indictments, detail numerous, senseless violent acts committed by members and associates of warring street gangs. As gun violence continues to menace not only Bridgeport but other Connecticut cities, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will employ the full weight of federal law to neutralize these violent groups and remove their members who murder and maim from the community. I thank our counterparts in the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, who are supervising this investigation with our office, and the Bridgeport Police Department, FBI, ATF, DEA and U.S. Marshals Service, for their collaborative effort in bringing these individuals to justice.”
U.S. Attorney Durham noted that, in the past year, 21 members of the East End, O.N.E. and GHB/Hotz gangs have been charged with federal offenses as a result of this ongoing investigation.
“The cooperation of federal, state, and local law enforcement in the Fairfield Judicial District continues to be a model for the protection of the life, liberty, and property of the citizens we serve through our focus on the small number of individuals who threaten the safety and security of so many,” said State’s Attorney Corradino. “I am grateful to Mr. Durham and his staff as well as the federal agents for their commitment to the greater Bridgeport community, and pledge the full resources of my office to continue these efforts.”
“The Bridgeport Police Department is committed to an ongoing partnership with varying agencies to focus on violent crime incidents that have occurred in our city and to prevent similar incidents from reoccurring,” said Acting Chief Garcia. “Gun violence, group member violence, drug activity, etc., have been an expressed concern of the residents within our communities; therefore, we have taken an even greater proactive approach by applying resources to and collaborating with these agencies, and are now witnessing the benefits of these partnerships. These indictments should be a clear message that we will not allow our communities to continue being plagued by violence.”
“Addressing gang violence head on continues to be a top priority for the FBI and our law enforcement partners,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sundberg. “These recent arrests are just a peek into our overall strategy to reduce gun violence, prevent and dismantle gangs in Connecticut.”
“This investigation is an example of ATF’s commitment to working with our law enforcement partners at the Bridgeport Police Department, FBI and DEA,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Brady. “Together we identified, targeted, investigated and arrested alleged violent criminals. This indictment should serve as a warning that we will not tolerate gang related violence and those who cause it.”
“Drug trafficking, along with the violence that all too often accompanies it, is a serious threat to the safety and security of our communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Boyle. “Drug dealers and street gangs value their own profits over human life, and are responsible for fueling drug addiction and much of the violent crimes across New England. These crimes hold law abiding citizens of Connecticut hostage to drug-fueled lawlessness. This is unacceptable and will not be allowed to happen. DEA and its local, state and federal partners are dedicated to bringing to justice those that commit these crimes.”
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s 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 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.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing 2 HandgunsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CARLOS BARNES, also known as “Buddha,” 29, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer to 57 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing two firearms.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 12, 2019, Hamden Police arrested Barnes after they found him in possession of a Taurus Millennium G2 9mm handgun and a Springfield XD-40 .40 caliber handgun with an obliterated serial number.
Prior to October 2019, Barnes was convicted in state court of carrying a pistol without a permit, sale of illegal drugs, and robbery in the first degree. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Barnes has been detained since his arrest. On July 9, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hamden Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret M. Donovan.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Hartford Man Admits Assaulting U.S. Postal Service EmployeeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DEMORSE KELLEY, 39, of Hartford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to assaulting a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 7, 2019, a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier was sorting mail inside her postal delivery van that was parked on Sigourney Street in Hartford. Kelley approached the van from the sidewalk, slid the side door of the van so that it was fully open and then spoke to the letter carrier. Kelley commented the letter carrier on her appearance and asked her for a hug and for her phone number. Kelley then climbed into the postal van and allowed the door to close behind him. He then touched the letter carrier’s leg below her shorts, made sexual advances and obstructed the letter carrier’s ability to exit. The letter carrier was eventually able to exit the van and called Hartford Police, who arrested Kelley later that day.
Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for April 15, 2021, at which time Kelley faces a maximum term of imprisonment of eight years.
Kelley, who has unrelated state charges pending, has been detained since his arrest.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.
Norwalk Man Charged with Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging DAVID BURDEN, 40, of Norwalk, with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The indictment was returned on December 21, 2020. Burden appeared today via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel and entered a plea of not guilty. Burden has been detained in state custody since his arrest on September 30, 2020.
As alleged in 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.
It is alleged that Burden’s criminal history includes federal convictions in 2003 for crack cocaine distribution, racketeering, racketeering conspiracy and committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering offenses, and multiple state felony convictions. 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 charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Bridgeport Police Department. The case is being 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.