District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Owner of Connecticut Meat Supplier Who Fabricated E. Coli Test Results is SentencedRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MEMET BEQIRI, also known as Matt Beqiri, 33, of Tolland, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to two years of probation for fabricating E. coli test results at his meat processing business. Judge Thompson also ordered Beqiri to pay a $15,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Beqiri is the owner and general manager of New England Meat Packing, LLC, located in Stafford Springs, a federally inspected business engaged in the slaughtering, processing, selling and transporting of meat and meat food products for human consumption. Pursuant to the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan developed and implemented by New England Meat Packing to comply with regulatory requirements, the company is required to perform one generic E. coli carcass swab for every 300 animals slaughtered and to periodically collect ground beef samples for E. coli testing.
Between November 3, 2016 and September 9, 2017, Beqiri authorized the preparation and submission in the company’s Lab Sample Report binder, which the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) reviews, a total of 36 documents relating to 52 separate carcass swabs and ground beef samples on behalf of New England Meat Packing. The 36 documents were each on the letterhead of a certified laboratory that tests food product samples to ensure safety and wholesomeness and signed by the laboratory director. The documents stated that the required E. coli testing of samples submitted by New England Meat Packing had been conducted and completed, and that all 52 samples tested negative for E. coli. In fact, none of the 52 carcass swabs and samples had been submitted or tested by the identified laboratory, or any other laboratory, and the 36 documents were fraudulently prepared using laboratory letterhead obtained from previous testing that New England Meat Packing had conducted with that laboratory.
During the investigation of this matter, Beqiri admitted to an investigator with USDA’s FSIS that the documents were fraudulent, and that his business did not collect and submit the samples to the certified laboratory because he did not correlate the potential impact on food safety with his sampling program and wanted to create the appearance he was compliant with all USDA HACCP testing requirements.
There have been no known instances of illnesses reported by anyone who consumed the meat in any of the states where the meat was distributed.
On August 20, 2019, Beqiri pleaded guilty to one count of making and using a false document and aiding and abetting.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Office of Investigations, Enforcement and Audit. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.
Hartford Felon Admits Possessing Loaded Handgun While on Federal Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAKEEM GRANT, 32, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer to possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, and while he was on supervised release following a prior federal conviction for the same 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, in April 2017, Grant was convicted in state court of possession of a pistol without a permit. On April 23, 2018, Hartford Police arrested Grant after he was found in possession of a loaded .40 caliber handgun outside of nightclub that has been a hotspot for shootings and violence on Main Street in Hartford. He subsequently pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and, on March 28, 2019, was sentenced to six months of imprisonment, with credit for time served, and three years of supervised release. Grant was released from federal prison approximately one month later.
On August 28, 2020, Hartford Police arrested Grant after they found him in possession of a loaded Taurus G2S .40 caliber handgun. He has been detained since his arrest.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for February 16, 2021, at which time Grant faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and additional penalties for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
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.
Bristol Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography OffenseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham. United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JEFFREY L. BACON, 61, of Bristol, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before to one count of soliciting child pornography.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2018, Bacon began communicating with a 15-year-old girl through the Kik messaging application after he had met the girl in a Kik chat group for teens. Knowing that he was communicating with a minor, Bacon sent the girl sexually explicit pictures of himself and described various sexual acts that he wanted to engage in with the girl. The girl told her mother who reported the communications to the police.
On October 30, 2018, a law enforcement officer assumed the girl’s Kik identity to continue to correspond with Bacon. Bacon asked the undercover officer, who was posing as the girl, to remind Bacon of her age. The officer responded with “15.” From October 30 to November 1, Bacon repeatedly sent sexually explicit pictures and videos of himself to the undercover officer. Bacon also requested sexually explicit pictures in return. During their conversations, Bacon asked the undercover officer if he could pick her up from school so he could see her. Bacon suggested they could go to the mall where the girl could try on clothes while Bacon watched and engaged in a sexual act. Bacon also discussed going to a motel with the girl to engage in sexual acts with her.
On November 19, 2018, Bacon was arrested on related state charges. During a subsequent forensic examination of Bacon’s laptop computer, investigators found images of child pornography, including images depicting prepubescent females engaged in sexual acts with adults.
Bacon was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on July 26, 2019.
Bacon is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on March 3, 2021, at which time he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He is released on a $100,000 bond and is under electronic monitoring pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Enfield Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
U.S. Postal Employee in Hartford Charged with Stealing Cash and Gift Cards from LettersRead 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, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging NATHANIEL BONILLA, 31, of Bristol, with three counts of theft of mail by a postal employee.
Bonilla was arrested today. Following his arrest, he appeared via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish, entered a plea of not guilty, and was released on a $50,000 bond.
As alleged in the indictment, Bonilla, a mail processing clerk at the U.S. Postal Service’s Process and Distribution Center in Hartford, opened mail envelopes with a razor blade and removed cash and dozens of gift cards or prepaid debit cards for his own personal use.
If convicted, Bonilla faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years on each count.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.
U.S. Attorney Durham encouraged individuals who believe they are a victim of theft related to this case to file a complaint by calling 888-USPS-OIG, or by visiting https://www.uspsoig.gov/form/file-online-complaint.
Naugatuck Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking HeroinRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LARRY HALL, also known as “Chuito” and “Bobo,” 49, of Naugatuck, 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 sentencing 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 into a heroin and cocaine trafficking operation headed by Keith Jordan of Waterbury. 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, including Pedro Santos, of Waterbury, and selling to drug to other distributors and street-level customers. Jordan also purchased and distributed cocaine.
During the investigation, a wiretap identified Hall as Santos’ heroin supplier, and revealed that Hall was supplying other drug sellers with raw heroin on credit.
On March 13, 2019, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Hall, Jordan, Santos and 26 other individuals with various offenses related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine.
Hall 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.
Approximately $30,000 of the cash seized was found in Hall’s residence.
Hall has been detained since his arrest. On November 4, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, one kilogram or more of heroin.
Jordan and Santos pleaded guilty to related charges. On September 18, 2020, Santos was sentenced to 66 months of imprisonment. Jordan awaits sentencing.
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.
Employee of Middletown Used Car Dealership Admits Role in Auto Loan Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JUSTIN WILLIAMS, 42, of Rocky Hill, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of wire fraud arising from an auto loan fraud scheme.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Williams worked as a salesman and de facto general manager at a used car dealership located at 1075 Newfield Street in Middletown, known variously as Car Nation, LLC, Car Nation CT, LLC, and Middletown Motorcars, which was owned and operated by George Hajati. In connection with automobile loan applications for multiple borrowers, Williams, Hajati and others submitted documents and statements to victim lenders that falsely represented the borrower’s employment, salary, sources of income, and amount of a down payment. The false documents included fictitious or altered borrower pay stubs and income verification letters purportedly from the Social Security Administration. Williams submitted loan applications indicating that borrowers made salaries they did not make, worked at jobs they did not work, received income from the Social Security Administration they did not receive, and made down payments they did not make. In some instances, the borrower was not aware of, and did not authorize, Williams’ use of his or her personal identifying information to obtain automobile loans in these ways.
Between approximately November 2015 and June 2016, Williams defrauded lenders of $300,037.02 through this scheme.
Williams was arrested on a criminal complaint on January 16, 2020.
Williams was previously convicted of federal fraud charges related to a Hartford-area scheme to defraud mortgage lenders, and he was on federal supervised release at the time of the auto loan fraud.
At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Williams faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years. He also faces additional penalties for violating the conditions of his supervise release.
Williams has been released on a $100,000 bond since his arrest.
Hajati pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud stemming from this scheme. He also was previously convicted of federal fraud charges related to the Hartford-area mortgage fraud scheme and was serving a term of supervised release. In June 2020, he was sentenced to 27 months of imprisonment and ordered to pay $654,952.56 in restitution for his role in the auto loan fraud scheme, and was sentenced to an additional 21 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Conor M. Reardon and David T. Huang.
East Hartford Man Who Operated Manchester Drug Mill Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Manchester Police Chief William Darby announced that LUIS CIURO, 36, of East Hartford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today to one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 15, 2019, Manchester Police received a call reporting that a woman was yelling and displaying a gun outside of an apartment building on John Olds Drive in Manchester. Law enforcement had previously received information that an individual was operating a fentanyl mill in an apartment within the same building.
Responding officers conducted surveillance of the building and saw Ciuro exit the building and place a black bag into the trunk of a car. After Ciuro and another individual entered the car and it drove away, officers conducted a traffic stop. An officer opened the trunk of car and retrieved the bag that Ciuro had carried from the building. The bag contained one shoebox that contained approximately $70,000 in cash, and a second shoebox that contained two loaded handguns, both of which had been reported stolen. After Ciuro admitted to law enforcement that used an apartment on John Olds Drive to store and process narcotics, a search of the apartment revealed approximately 687 grams of fentanyl, .69 grams of PCP, four grams of psilocybin mushrooms, and various drug-packaging materials.
Ciuro’s criminal history includes a federal conviction for conspiring to distribute crack cocaine. On January 4, 2008, he was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 84 months of imprisonment for that offense.
Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for February 12, 2021, at which time Ciuro faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
The penalties in this case are enhanced based on Ciuro’s criminal history.
Ciuro is detained pending sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and the Manchester Police Department. The 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 Nathaniel J. Gentile.
Five Men Charged with Distributing Narcotics in New HavenRead 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 five men were arrested yesterday on federal narcotics charges related to the distribution of heroin and crack cocaine in New Haven.
According to statements made in court, these prosecutions are part of a coordinated law enforcement effort to address rising drug-related violence in the Newhallville section of New Haven.
On November 9, 2020, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned indictments charging:
HERMAN BELLAMY, 43, of East Haven, with two counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin;
TYRONE DUPREE, 24, of Hamden, with three counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin, and one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base (“crack”) and heroin;
CORNELIUS IVORY, 34, of New Haven, with two counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin, and one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base and heroin;
SHANTE DAVIS, 44, of West Haven, with four counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base and heroin;
ELIGHI AGNEW, also known as “Lil Bro,” 32, with three counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base and heroin, and one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base.
Each charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Dupree is currently detained, and Bellamy, Ivory, Davis and Agnew are released under supervision by the U.S. Probation Office while awaiting trial.
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 investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force and the New Haven Police Department. The Task Force includes members from the New Haven, Milford, East Haven and West Haven Police Departments, the Connecticut State Police and the Connecticut Department of Correction.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile, S. Dave Vatti and Douglas P. Morabito through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Waterbury Man Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Prison for Role in Heroin and Fentanyl Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DARRY JOSE GUERRERO, also known as “Domi,” 29, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 87 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release for his role in a heroin and fentanyl trafficking ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department revealed that Nestor Sosa-Ortiz operated a Waterbury-based drug trafficking organization that received large quantities of heroin and fentanyl from suppliers in Connecticut and New York and distributed the narcotics throughout New Haven County. The organization used an apartment located at 330 Bishop Street in Waterbury to store kilogram-quantities of heroin and fentanyl, and to process and package the drugs for street sale. After Nestor Sosa-Ortiz was arrested in New York City on a separate federal heroin and fentanyl trafficking charge in May 2019, he continued to control his drug network while incarcerated by using smuggled cell phones to communicate with various co-conspirators.
The investigation revealed that Guerrero helped to maintain the Bishop Street apartment, and that he processed and packaged narcotics on behalf of the organization.
Guerrero 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.
On June 18, 2020, Guerrero pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, one kilogram or more of heroin and 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
Sosa-Ortiz pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
Guerrero, who was released on a $50,000 bond, was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service at the conclusion of today’s court proceeding.
This investigation is being 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.
Waterbury Man Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking HeroinRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FRANCISCO LOPEZ, 34, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall to 66 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the sentencing occurred via videoconference.
According to the evidence disclosed during Lopez’s trial earlier this year, 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 a Waterbury-based drug trafficking organization was receiving large quantities of heroin and cocaine from various suppliers and distributing narcotics in and around Waterbury. Intercepted communications indicated that, on two occasions in December 2018, Lopez ordered 150 grams of heroin from two other members of the conspiracy.
Three hundred grams of heroin is enough to produce 12,000 individual bags of heroin that can be sold for approximately $5 each on the street.
On February 3, 2020, a jury found Lopez guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin, and one count of using a telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking crime.
On March 13, 2019, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Lopez and 28 other individuals with various offenses related to the distribution of heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine. Lopez has been detained since his arrest on March 20, 2019.
On March 21, 2019, in association with the arrests of several of Lopez’s codefendants, 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.
All 29 defendants in this case have been convicted.
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.
Bridgeport Felon Admits Illegally Possessing Handgun in New HavenRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALLEN LUSMAT, 30, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill to one count of 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 10, 2019, Tyrell Cox-Henderson entered a convenience store in New Haven and placed a Smith & Wesson .357 caliber revolver behind some merchandise on a shelf. Approximately one hour later, Lusmat entered the store and retrieved the firearm from the shelf. Later that day, after New Haven police officers had reviewed the convenience store’s surveillance video, officers stopped a car in which Lusmat was a passenger. As officers approached the vehicle, Lusmat threw a black plastic bag out of the window. A search of bag revealed the firearm that Lusmat retrieved from the store. Lusmat was arrested at that time.
Prior to April 2019, Lusmat was convicted in state court of firearm, assault and burglary offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for February 10, 2021, at which time Lusmat faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Lusmat has been detained since his arrest.
Cox-Henderson pleaded guilty to the same charge on September 14, 2020, and awaits sentencing. He also has been detained since April 10, 2019.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the New Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.
This 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.
Indictment Alleges Rhode Island Man Stole and Then Sold Luxury Car Tires and RimsRead 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 a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging MICHAEL FARIAS, 54, of Providence, Rhode Island, with offenses related to his alleged role in a scheme to steal tires and rims from new vehicles at car dealerships in northeastern states and then sell the stolen items to individuals across the country.
The indictment was returned under seal on March 10, 2020, and Farias was arrested today. He appeared via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector and was released on a $100,000.
As alleged in the indictment, between May 2015 and August 2018, Farias and others stole tires and rims from numerous luxury vehicles at car dealerships in Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York and Maine. The co-conspirators then sold the stolen goods to others around the U.S.
The indictment charges Farias with one count of conspiracy to transport stolen property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and one count of interstate 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 each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Shelton, Milford, Waterbury, Stonington, Vernon, Darien, Westchester County (N.Y.), Bedford (N.Y.) and Portland (Maine) Police Departments, and the York County (Maine) Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Stratford Man Sentenced to 37 Months in Federal Prison for Distributing Heroin, Possessing Destructive DevicesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JESSE PAPCUN, also known as “Steve,” 32, formerly of Stratford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and possessing unregistered destructive devices.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the summer of 2017, members of the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and Bridgeport Police Department began investigating individuals who were distributing narcotics in and around Bridgeport. The investigation has included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics, physical and video surveillance, and the execution of multiple search and seizure warrants. The investigation revealed that Antonio Small, Evan Sheffield, Louis McDowell, Christopher Rodriguez, Anthony Small and others were distributing large quantities of heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine. The investigation further revealed that the co-conspirators were using Sheffield’s residence on Poplar Street in Bridgeport to store, process and package narcotics for street sale, and that they kept a firearm at his residence. Papcun regularly received distribution quantities of heroin and fentanyl from Small and others and sold the drug to his own customers.
Papcun was arrested on November 6, 2018. On that date, a search of a safe in Papcun’s residence revealed narcotics, items used to process and package drugs for street sale, and two destructive devices.
On January 9, 2020, Papcun pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, heroin, and one count of possession of an unregistered destructive device.
Papcun, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 7, 2021.
Antonio Small, Sheffield, McDowell, Rodriguez and Anthony Small have pleaded guilty. On October 27, 2020, Judge Thompson sentenced Sheffield to 97 months of imprisonment. Antonio Small, McDowell, Rodriguez and Anthony Small await sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department, as well as the DEA, Connecticut State Police, and the Stratford, Norwalk, Seymour and Trumbull Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck and Patrick J. Doherty.
Waterbury Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Federal Prison for Role in Heroin and Fentanyl Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JULIO PARIS, also known as “Moreno,” 24, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and fentanyl.
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, 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. After Nestor Sosa-Ortiz was arrested in New York City on a separate federal heroin and fentanyl trafficking charge in May 2019, he continued to control his drug network while incarcerated by using smuggled cell phones to communicate with various co-conspirators.
The investigation revealed that Paris purchased distribution quantities of heroin and fentanyl from another member of the organization and sold the drugs in smaller quantities to his own customer base.
Sixteen individuals were charged as a result of this investigation.
Paris has been detained since his arrest on state drug charges on August 14, 2019.
On October 29, 2019, in association with the arrest of several of Paris’ co-defendants, law enforcement officers 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.
On May 28, 2020, Paris pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl.
Paris’ criminal history includes multiple state convictions for narcotics and other offenses.
Sosa-Ortiz pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This investigation is being 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, Lauren Clark and Brendan Keefe.
Norwich Man Involved in Southeastern Connecticut Drug Ring Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EARLENE DUDLEY, JR, 39, of Norwich, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a southeastern Connecticut drug trafficking ring.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding occurred via videoconference.
This matter stems from an investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Taskforce East, Connecticut Department of Correction and the New London, Waterford, City of Groton and Stonington Police Departments, into the distribution of narcotics and illegal possession of firearms in southeastern Connecticut. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases and seizures of narcotics and firearms, revealed that Ramel General worked closely with an identified leader of a drug trafficking network, distributing cocaine on behalf of the organization and assisting in maintaining an apartment in New London that served as the organization’s primary narcotics distribution location. Dudley regularly purchased distribution quantities of cocaine from General and sold the drug in smaller quantities to his own customers.
On February 21, 2019, a search of the New London apartment maintained by General and others revealed more than 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, more than 350 grams of heroin, and 10 firearms.
On March 5, 2019, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Dudley, General and 22 other individuals with various offenses. Dudley was arrested on March 7, 2019.
On September 30, 2019, Dudley pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.
General pleaded guilty to a related charge and, on August 25, 2020, was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment.
This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Taskforce East, Connecticut Department of Correction and the New London, Waterford, City of Groton, Stonington, Norwich, Old Saybrook and UConn Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth.
Danbury Man Who Embezzled $1.1 Million Sentenced to 41 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTHONY TEIXEIRA, 51, of Danbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant to 41 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for embezzling $1.1 million from his employer.
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 more than 25 years, Teixeira was employed by Joseph Merritt & Company (“JMC”), a Hartford-based printing company. Teixeira most recently oversaw the JMC branch located in Danbury. Between approximately January 2012 and February 2019, Teixeira defrauded JMC and its customers by presenting sales orders, or test sales orders, to customers as though they were actually invoices. Customers, believing they were paying JMC for the work, then delivered payments into accounts that Teixeira controlled. Teixeira also stole printing-related inventory from JMC inventory and sold it online, but manipulated invoices to deceive JMC’s systems into thinking the company had sold the inventory. The loss attributable to Teixeira through these schemes is approximately $1.1 million.
Judge Bryant ordered Teixeira to make full restitution in an amount that is still to be determined.
Teixeira was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on December 12, 2019, and was subsequently released on a $50,000 bond. He has been detained since June 1, 2020, after Judge Bryant determined that Teixeira had violated the conditions of his release and revoked his bond. An investigation revealed that Teixeira spent more than $48,000 while released on bond, in violation of court-imposed restrictions on his financial activity.
On July 24, 2020, Teixeira pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Danbury Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Amanda S. Oakes.
East Hartford Man Charged with Illegally Possessing Gun in HartfordRead 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 GREGORY CRAWFORD, 36, of East Hartford, with unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The indictment was returned on October 20, 2020. Crawford appeared today via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel and entered a plea of not guilty to the offense.
The indictment alleges that, on June 29, 2020, Crawford possessed a Haskell Hi-Point .45 pistol in Hartford. Prior to that date, Crawford was convicted in state court of felony assault, robbery and narcotics charges.
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.
Crawford has been detained in state custody since his arrest by Hartford Police on June 29, 2020.
The charge of possession of 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 the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Connecticut Violent Crime Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.
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.
Attorney Who Stole $1.4 Million from Charity Founded to Help Veterans and Their Families is SentencedRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KEVIN E. CREED, 69, of Litchfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 42 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for stealing approximately $1.4 million from a charity he organized.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Creed was an attorney who operated the Creed Law Firm in Bristol. The Fisher House Foundation is a national organization that builds comfort homes on the grounds of military and Veteran Affairs medical centers where military veterans and their families can stay for no cost while undergoing treatment at Veteran Affairs hospitals. In 2010, Creed established a charity called the Friends of Fisher House Connecticut, the purported purpose of which was to raise funds to support the building and maintenance of a Fisher House comfort home in West Haven.
Creed solicited donations for the Friends of Fisher House from corporations and individuals. He solicited funds at fairs, carnivals and supermarkets, and also held fundraising events, including the Bristol half-marathon and a 10-kilometer foot race, based on the representation that the money raised would support the construction and operation of the West Haven Fisher House. While Friends of Fisher House Connecticut made a $1 million donation in 2015 to assist with the financing of the construction of the Fisher House West Haven, Creed used his position to take approximately $1.4 million that had been raised for the organization and use it for both personal and law firm expenses.
Judge Hall ordered Creed to make full restitution.
On August 28, 2019, Creed pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
Creed, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on February 10, 2021.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry.
U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney for its assistance in this matter.
Three Men Who Illegally Scuttled Abandoned Vessels in Long Island Sound Plead GuiltyRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JOHN MAGNESS, 71, of Southbury; PETER ALBRECHT, 70, of Norwalk; and CARLOS SANTOS, 60, of Westbrook, have each pleaded guilty to a federal charge related to the scuttling of several sailboats and motor boats between the Black Rock Harbor and the Pennfield Reef Lighthouse in Long Island Sound.
Magness pleaded guilty on November 2, and Albrecht and Santos each pleaded guilty today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Magness was the owner of Bluefish Cove Marina in Bridgeport. While preparing to sell the property in 2018, Magness and Albrecht, who worked at the marina, engaged Santos to sink several abandoned vessels in the Long Island Sound without a permit. Magness agreed to forgive Santos’ unpaid dockage fees in exchange for his help sinking the vessels. Investigators identified as least five vessels as having been scuttled at Magness’ request between October 2018 and April 2019.
The three defendants each pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of navigable waters by sinking a vessel, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of one year and a fine of up to $100,000. They are released pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.
New York Woman Sentenced to Prison for Role in Counterfeit Check Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MEEM JANNAT, 25, of Brooklyn, New York, formerly of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to seven months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for her role in a counterfeit check bank fraud scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately December 2017 and January 2019, Jannat and her co-conspirators, including Jonell Bonilla, Tania Cruz and Lilibeth Perez, obtained access to bank accounts by recruiting individuals through social media and persuading the individuals to share their account information, including debit cards and associated PIN numbers. The account holders were paid for providing access to their bank accounts. Jannat and her co-conspirators misrepresented to the account holders that U.S. Postal Service money orders or authentic checks would be deposited into their accounts. After the co-conspirators had access to the accounts, they deposited counterfeit checks into those accounts, and withdrew money from the accounts before the banks discovered the checks to be counterfeit.
The co-conspirators attempted to steal more than $500,000 through this scheme, and were successful in defrauding at least 12 banks of approximately $319,000.
Jannat has agreed that the loss attributable to her role in the scheme is $50,389.05. Judge Bryant will order restitution after additional court submissions.
Jannat was arrested on January 14, 2019. On July 1, 2020, she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
Jannat, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on December 16, 2020.
Bonilla, Cruz and Perez previously pleaded guilty to related charges and await sentencing. On September 12, 2020, Bonilla was sentenced to 46 months of imprisonment. Cruz and Perez await sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Secret Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.
Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 57 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALEXIS VELEZ, 56, formerly of Connecticut and Maine, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 57 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking narcotics.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2018, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department received information that Danny Castillo and Pascual Ivan Medina were distributing large quantities of fentanyl in and around Hartford. An investigation revealed that Castillo used his family business, the Albany Grocery Store located at 1160 Albany Avenue in Hartford, to conduct narcotics transactions. Between October 2018 and January 2019, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of distribution quantities of fentanyl from Castillo, sometimes with Medina’s assistance, at both the Albany Grocery Store and Castillo’s apartment on Woodland Street in Hartford.
On January 25, 2019, investigators conducting surveillance observed Velez arrive by car at Castillo’s apartment building, interact with Castillo, enter his apartment, exit the apartment and then drive away from the location. After a Hartford Police cruiser conducted a traffic stop of Velez’s vehicle, a search of Velez’s person revealed quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine, and a search of a bag that Velez was seen carrying as he entered and exited Castillo’s apartment revealed approximately 102 grams of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin, 46 grams of cocaine, 15 grams of crack, two ounces of marijuana, and $4060 in cash. Velez was arrested at that time.
Castillo was arrested a short time later at his Woodland Street apartment. A search of the residence revealed approximately 436 grams of fentanyl, 229 grams of heroin, 231 grams of a mixture with both fentanyl and heroin, 543 grams of a mixture of tramadol and methamphetamine, numerous items used to process and package narcotics for distribution, a loaded short-barrel shotgun, and a loaded Smith & Wesson .357 revolver. Investigators later recovered a third firearm from Castillo’s residence.
U.S. Attorney Durham noted that the quantity of the fentanyl and heroin seized from Castillo would have produced at least 35,000 dose bags of the drugs.
On February 28, 2020, Velez pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”). He is currently detained.
Castillo and Medina pleaded guilty to related charges. On August 25, 2020, Castillo was sentenced to 128 months of imprisonment and, on January 23, 2020, Medina was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Supervisor at Fairfield Post Office Pleads Guilty to Stealing Cash from MailRead 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 JESSICA GILES, 37, of West Haven, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today to theft of mail by a postal employee.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A.L. Merriam occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between October 2019 and May 2020, while she was employed as a supervisor at the U.S. Post Office in Fairfield, Giles used the flashlight feature on her phone to examine the content of various envelopes that had been placed in the mail. When she believed that an envelope contained U.S. currency, she opened the envelope, stole the cash that was found inside and, on multiple occasions, tore up and disposed of the envelope.
Giles’ illegal conduct was recorded by video surveillance at the Fairfield post office.
Giles is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on February 4, 2021, at which time she faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
Giles is released pending sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Konstantin Lantsman.
U.S. Attorney Durham encouraged individuals who believe they are a victim of theft related to this case to file a complaint by calling 888-USPS-OIG, or by visiting https://www.uspsoig.gov/form/file-online-complaint.
Sex Offender Who Fled with Girlfriend to Mexico Admits Violating Sex Offender LawRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LESTER B. JOY, 40, formerly of Waterbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to failing to register as a sex offender.
The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”) 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, on October 25, 2002, Joy was convicted in the State of New Jersey of sexual assault in the second degree, endangering the welfare of a child in the third degree and theft in the third degree. For these offenses, he was sentenced to three years of imprisonment, lifetime community supervision and was subject to lifetime registration as a sex offender. On January 4, 2006, Joy was convicted in Suffolk County, New York, of three counts of rape in the third degree, two counts of criminal sexual acts in the third degree and two counts of disseminating indecent material to a minor. For these offenses, he was sentenced to a period of 42 to 84 months of incarceration and lifetime probation.
On November 30, 2013, Joy was released from the Morris County, New Jersey jail following service of a sentence for violation of his lifetime term of community supervision in New Jersey. However, he did not register as a sex offender in either New Jersey or New York, and moved to Connecticut. He failed to notify New Jersey, New York and Connecticut officials of his move to Connecticut, as required. On February 23, 2015, Joy pleaded guilty in the District of Connecticut to failing to register as a sex offender. On May 18, 2015, he was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 27 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for that offense.
In January 2017, after he was released from federal prison, Joy failed to report to parole in New Jersey and failed to seek permission to change his address or advise New Jersey of his new address Connecticut. He also failed to comply with treatment requirements of his federal supervised release. In April 2017, Joy was sentenced to an additional seven months of federal imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release. He was released from federal custody in August 2017.
On February 17, 2019, Joy’s girlfriend, who did not have physical or legal custody of her three minor children, participated in a Department of Children and Families’ supervised visit with the children at a restaurant in Waterbury. During the visit, Joy’s girlfriend was given permission to take the children to the restroom. Instead, Joy’s girlfriend took her children out the back door of the restaurant into a waiting vehicle determined to have been used by Joy in the past.
On March 7, 2019, Joy, his girlfriend and her three children were located by Mexican law enforcement authorities in Mazatlán, Mexico, and Joy and his girlfriend were arrested. Joy had failed to provide information to the Connecticut Sex Offender Registry, as required by SORNA, about his travel to Mexico.
Joy has been detained since his arrest.
Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for January 26, 2021, at which time Joy faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
On October 29, 2020, Joy pleaded guilty in Waterbury Superior Court to three counts of risk of injury, and was sentenced to three years of incarceration followed by seven years of special parole.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Waterbury Police Department, with the assistance of Mexican law enforcement authorities. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater and Nancy V. Gifford.
Hartford Man Sentenced to Prison for Distributing Fentanyl, Possessing GunsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRIAN EVANS, 21, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for fentanyl distribution and firearm possession offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 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. On August 7, 2019, investigators made a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Evans.
Evans was arrested on September 13, 2019. On that date, investigators searched his residence and seized a loaded semiautomatic pistol, a loaded handgun with no serial number, and $1,025 in cash.
In May 2014, Evans was convicted in state court of first degree robbery and conspiracy to commit first degree robbery. 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 June 10, 2020, Evans pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of fentanyl, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Evans, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 6, 2021.
The FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.
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.
Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation OffenseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PHILIP FROST, 30, formerly of Waterbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today to one count of receipt of child pornography.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2016, Frost was convicted in state court of possessing child pornography in the second degree. On October 1, 2019, while Frost was on special parole and residing in a halfway house, a staff member at the halfway house discovered Frost was in possession of a smartphone, which was a violation of Frost’s parole conditions. The staff member secured the phone and contacted Frost’s parole officer. That evening, before the parole officer arrived the next morning, Frost used another resident’s phone to delete the history of his various online messaging accounts.
Subsequent analysis of Frost’s smartphone revealed images of child pornography, including images depicting the sexual abuse of prepubescent children. Frost had received the images on his smartphone after searching for them on the internet.
The investigation further revealed that, between July 31, 2019 and October 1, 2019, Frost engaged in sexual conduct with a 15-year-old victim. Frost provided a cellphone to the minor victim so that they could communicate, and he enticed the minor victim to send him images of the minor victim engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Frost also received these images on his smartphone.
Frost was on the Connecticut Sex Offender Registry at the time this criminal conduct.
Frost is scheduled be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on January 28, 2021, at which time he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.
The minimum and maximum penalties in this case are enhanced based on Frost’s criminal history.
Frost has been detained since October 2, 2019.
This matter is being investigated by the Connecticut State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret M. Donovan.
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.
Nurse Admits Illegally Writing Prescriptions for Oxycodone and XanaxRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, announced that LISA M. ALEXANDER, 54, of Cheshire, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to a charge stemming from her writing prescriptions for controlled substances outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Alexander was a licensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (“APRN”) and held a DEA controlled substance registration that allowed her to prescribe Schedule II through V controlled substances. Between approximately April 2017 and February 2020, Alexander wrote illicit prescriptions to distribute and dispense more than 3,600 oxycodone pills, a Schedule II controlled substance, and nearly 3,000 alprazolam pills (which is sold and marketed under the trade name Xanax), a Schedule IV controlled substance, to multiple individuals. Alexander did not have a legitimate practitioner-patient relationship with these individuals, did not conduct medical examinations with these individuals, and did not confirm conditions that would medically require treatment using these controlled substances. Alexander also knew that at least some of these individuals were selling the pills instead of taking them.
In addition, Alexander knew that some of the individuals who received prescriptions from Alexander were on Medicare or Medicaid. Most of the illicit prescriptions that Alexander wrote were paid for by Medicaid or Medicare.
Alexander pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful distribution and dispensing of controlled substances by a practitioner, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for January 22, 2021.
Alexander is released pending sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by HHS-OIG’s Office of Investigations and the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection – Drug Control Division and the Manchester, Meriden and Cheshire Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.
Heroin Trafficker Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRIAN HANNA, also known as “Zo,” 52, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.
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 into a heroin and cocaine trafficking operation headed by Keith Jordan of Waterbury. 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, including Hanna, and selling to drug to other distributors and street-level customers. Jordan also purchased and distributed cocaine.
On March 13, 2019, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Hanna, Jordan, and 27 other individuals with various offenses related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine.
On March 21, 2019, in association with the arrest of several of Hanna’s codefendants, 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.
Hanna was arrested in Texas on April 19, 2019. On November 7, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin.
Hanna, who is released on a $200,000 bond, is required to report to prison on December 16, 2020.
Jordan pleaded guilty to related charges and awaits sentencing.
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.
Windsor Man Sentenced to 41 Months in Federal Prison for Selling Heroin and Fentanyl to Overdose VictimRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TIMOTHY CHARLEMAGNE, also known as “Red,” 44, of Windsor, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall to 41 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and fentanyl to an overdose victim.
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, on April 11, 2015, members of the Enfield Police Department and medical personnel responded to an untimely death at a residence in Enfield. The victim was located in a bedroom of the residence. Investigators seized 30 empty wax folds from the bedroom where the victim was found, and the victim’s cell phone.
Analysis of the victim’s cellphone and witness interviews confirmed that the victim purchased heroin combined with fentanyl from Charlemagne shortly before the victim died.
Charlemagne was arrested on December 20, 2017. On August 30, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribution, and distribution of, controlled substances.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Enfield Police Department, Windsor Police Department, Hartford Police Department and Connecticut’s Office of Adult Probation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.
Enfield Man Charged with Defrauding the Department of Veterans Affairs to Receive BenefitsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Veteran Affairs, Office of the Inspector General, Northeast Field Office; and James M. Noble, Special Agent in Charge, Coast Guard Investigative Service, Northeast Region, announced that DERRICK BREWER, 35, of Enfield, was arrested today on a criminal complaint charging him with offenses related to his submission of altered documents to the Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”).
As alleged in the criminal complaint, in March 2018, Brewer submitted paperwork to the VA offices in Hartford as part of an application for service-connected disability benefits. Specifically, Brewer submitted a form known as a “DD-214,” which indicated that his discharge from his former service in the U.S. Coast Guard was characterized as “Honorable.” The DD-214 had been altered prior to its submission, as official Coast Guard records show that Brewer’s discharge was characterized as “Other Than Honorable Conditions” following Brewer’s convictions under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. There is no record of the discharge characterization ever having been upgraded. As a result of this submission, Brewer collected approximately $69,584.16 in VA benefits up until September 30, 2020.
The complaint charges Brewer with theft of government funds, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and making false statements, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
Brewer appeared today via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson and was released on a $10,000 bond.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General, Northeast Field Office, and the Coast Guard Investigative Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Maigret Donovan.
Citizen of Honduras with Multiple Drunk Driving Convictions Sentenced for Illegally Reentering U.S.Read the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JORGE ALBERTO RODRIGUEZ RODRIGUEZ, 33, a citizen of Honduras last residing in Stamford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 18 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the U.S.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 20, 2010, Rodriguez Rodriguez was arrested in Stamford on a charge of operating under the influence. He was subsequently arrested in Westport for failure to appear. Rodriguez Rodriguez was convicted in Stamford Superior Court of operating under the influence and sentenced to four months of incarceration.
On August 30, 2010, Rodriguez Rodriguez was released from state custody and was served with a Notice to Appear by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) based on a charge that he entered the U.S without documentation. While released on bond and awaiting his immigration hearing, Rodriguez Rodriguez was arrested in Stamford on a charge of operating under the influence. He was convicted of the offense and sentenced to one year of incarceration, suspended after 150 days. On June 13, 2011, he was removed from the U.S. following service of his state sentence.
On December 18, 2018, Rodriguez Rodriguez was arrested by Stamford Police on a charge of operating under the influence and evading injury/property damage. A biometric fingerprint match subsequently confirmed Rodriguez Rodriguez’s unlawful reentry into the U.S. He has been detained in state custody since July 28, 2019, when he was arrested by Stamford Police on a charge of failure to appear. He was convicted of these offenses and, on September 26, 2019, was sentenced in state court to three years of incarceration, suspended after one year, and three years of probation.
On February 25, 2020, he pleaded guilty in federal court to unlawful reentry of a removed alien.
This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.
Springfield Man Admits Defrauding Companies of More Than $176K in Flexible Spending Account SchemeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JASON WHITEHEAD, 41, of Springfield, Massachusetts, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to a charge related to his defrauding multiple companies through a flexible spending account scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Whitehead worked at PayFlex, a company that administered health care and dependent care spending accounts for corporate employees. PayFlex was acquired by Aetna Inc. in 2011. Whitehead worked at the PayFlex division until approximately August 2017, when he transferred to another division at Aetna. However, he retained his employee access to PayFlex’s computer systems via his login credentials.
From September 2016 through July 2019, Whitehead defrauded multiple corporate victims of monies intended to be paid to the victims’ employees for dependent care reimbursements. Using access he had to PayFlex’s systems, Whitehead created multiple fictitious employees at three different victim companies. He then submitted to PayFlex dozens of fraudulent reimbursement claims for dependent care expenses by the fictitious employees. Through this scheme, PayFlex made $176,200 in payments to Whitehead and to third parties that Whitehead designated.
Whitehead is scheduled to be sentenced on January 19, 2021, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. As part of his plea agreement, Whitehead agreed to pay $176,200 in restitution.
Whitehead is released pending sentencing.
This investigation is being led by a Hartford Police Department detective in his capacity as a member of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Connecticut Cyber Task Force (CCTF). The FBI’s CCTF is staffed with detectives from the Connecticut State Police’s Cyber Crimes Investigation Unit and the Bristol, Hartford, New Canaan, Orange, Stamford, Torrington, Watertown and UConn Police Departments. To contact the CCTF, please call the FBI’s New Haven Field Office at 203-777-6311.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Loaded FirearmRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DURE DANCY, 25, 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 illegally possessing a loaded gun in Hartford.
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, on April 16, 2019, Hartford Police arrested Dancy after they found him in possession of a loaded Sig Sauer .45 caliber pistol that contained seven live .45 caliber rounds of ammunition. The gun had been reported stolen in North Carolina.
In 2017, Dancy was convicted in state court of carrying a pistol without a permit. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Dancy has been detained since his arrest. On June 17, 2020, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The case was 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.
Felon Sentenced to 45 Months in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Gun in HartfordRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NATHANIEL RODRIGUEZ, 24, formerly of Enfield, Connecticut and Holyoke, Massachusetts, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 45 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 2:00 a.m. on January 27, 2019, Hartford Police received reports of a fight outside of the Vanish Bar and Grille Club on Meadow Street in Hartford. After responding to the scene, a detective saw Rodriguez arguing with several individuals in an SUV, and then produce a handgun. Hartford Police officers secured Rodriguez and recovered a loaded M&P Bodyguard .380 caliber handgun that he dropped on the ground.
The gun had been reported stolen in Massachusetts in 2017.
Rodriguez’s criminal history includes felony convictions in Massachusetts for firearms, assault, drug, and witness intimidation offenses.
Rodriguez has been detained since March 29, 2019, when he was arrested in Enfield in an unrelated case. On January 28, 2020, he pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hartford Police Department. This case was 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.
Felon Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison for Possessing Loaded RifleRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MANUEL A. GOMEZ, 31, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 17, 2019, Gomez was involved in a one-car motor vehicle accident in East Hartford. As East Hartford Police responded to the accident, Gomez ran from the scene. He was apprehended after a short foot chase. A subsequent search of Gomez’s vehicle revealed a loaded AM-15 .223 caliber rifle.
In 2008, Gomez was convicted in state court of two counts of assault in the first degree, on which he was sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment, execution suspended after seven years.
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.
Gomez has been detained since his arrest. On June 16, 2020, he pleaded guilty today to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the East Hartford Police Department. The case was 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.
Bridgeport Drug Trafficker Sentenced to More Than 8 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EVAN SHEFFIELD, also known as “Smooth,” 34, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 97 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the summer of 2017, members of the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and Bridgeport Police Department began investigating individuals who were distributing narcotics in and around Bridgeport. The investigation has included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics, physical and video surveillance, and the execution of multiple search and seizure warrants. The investigation revealed that Sheffield, Antonio Small, Louis McDowell, Anthony Small, Michael Munn, Christopher Rodriguez and others were distributing large quantities of heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine. The investigation further revealed that the co-conspirators were using Sheffield’s residence on Poplar Street in Bridgeport to store, process and package narcotics for street sale, and that Sheffield and his associates kept a firearm at his residence.
Sheffield was arrested on November 6, 2018. On January 14, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin and a quantity of cocaine base (“crack”).
Sheffield, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 5, 2021.
Antonio Small, McDowell, Anthony Small, Munn and Rodriguez have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department, as well as the DEA, Connecticut State Police, and the Stratford, Norwalk, Seymour and Trumbull Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck and Patrick J. Doherty.
New London Heroin Dealer Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT WINSTON, also known as “Bobbo,” 35, of New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 28 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.
This matter stems from an investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Taskforce East, Connecticut Department of Correction and the New London, Waterford, City of Groton and Stonington Police Departments, into the distribution of narcotics and illegal possession of firearms in southeastern Connecticut. The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases and seizures of heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine, and firearms. The investigation revealed that Winston received heroin from a co-conspirator and distributed the drug to his own customers.
On March 5, 2019, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging 24 individuals with various offenses. On August 6, 2019, the grand jury returned a superseding indictment adding Winston and another defendant. On June 4, 2020, Winston pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute heroin.
Winston has been detained in state custody since August 14, 2019, for an unrelated drug offense.
This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Taskforce East, Connecticut Department of Correction and the New London, Waterford, City of Groton, Stonington, Norwich, Old Saybrook and UConn Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth.
New Haven Man Charged with Drug Distribution and Gun Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging JOEL MARTINEZ, JR., 22, of New Haven, with narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.
This prosecution is part of a coordinated federal, state and local law enforcement effort to address rising gun violence in New Haven. Participating in this effort are the New Haven Police Department; the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
As alleged in court documents, on September 17, 2020, during a court-authorized search of a New Haven hotel room being used by Martinez to process and package narcotics, law enforcement seized a loaded Glock model 26, 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number; a box of 9mm ammunition; approximately 74 grams of crack cocaine including packaging; approximately 150 grams of heroin including packaging; 12 digital scales; three blenders; other items used to process and package narcotics; and $1,825 in cash. Martinez was arrested on state charges at that time.
Martinez was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on October 14, 2020. On October 19, the grand jury returned a four-count indictment charging Martinez with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack cocaine”), which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years; one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; one count of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five 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 stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, New Haven Police Department and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara E. Levens.
Indictment Charges 7 Hartford Women for Participating in Victoria's Secret Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Boston, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging DEBRAN MOORE, also known as Debran Chanel, 21; SHAMONIQUE MACKEY, 21; DAIJAH FAGAN, 20; TAMIJAH HUNTER, 21; SHARNICE JACKSON, 19; LEONNA JONES, 21; and IMANI AITCHESON, 21, all of Hartford, with conspiracy and fraud offenses related to a scheme to defraud Victoria’s Secret stores in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
The indictment was returned on October 6, 2020, and was unsealed after the defendants were arrested. Each defendant is released on a $100,000 bond.
As alleged in the indictment, beginning at least as early as February 2019 and continuing through at least October 2019, the co-conspirators devised a scheme through which they stole thousands of dollars from L Brands, the parent company of Victoria’s Secret stores. As part of the scheme, the co-conspirators shoplifted merchandise from Victoria’s Secret stores in Connecticut and Massachusetts. They then returned the shoplifted Victoria’s Secret merchandise through a “No Original Receipt” return, which allowed them to obtain gift cards for Victoria’s Secret in the value of the stolen merchandise (the “Return Step”). The co-conspirators then redeemed the gift cards at Victoria’s Secret stores for merchandise that slightly exceeded the value of the gift card, so that the excess amount was charged to a debit card connected to a co-conspirator (the “Redeem Step”). They then returned the merchandise purchased in the Redeem Step, with the refund for the entire amount credited to the co-conspirator’s debit card (the “Refund Step”).
It is alleged that the loss to L Brands from this scheme exceeds $100,000.
The indictment charges each defendant with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and one count of wire fraud. Both charges carry 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 each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police, Hartford Police Department and L Brands Loss Prevention. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarala V. Nagala.
Dominican National Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILLIAN LEONARDO SANCHEZ MATA, 33, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 37 months of imprisonment for illegally possessing a firearm.
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 into a drug trafficking organization that was distributing heroin and fentanyl in and around Hartford. After investigators made controlled purchases of fentanyl from a member of the organization, they obtained a search warrant for an apartment on Crown Street in Hartford.
On October 23, 2019, investigators searched the Crown Street apartment and seized a loaded .380 caliber Smith and Wesson handgun with an obliterated serial number from Sanchez Mata’s bedroom. Investigators also seized approximately 100 grams of fentanyl, as well as items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, from other locations within the apartment.
The investigation revealed that Sanchez Mata had illegally entered the U.S. twice and was unlawfully residing in the country.
Sanchez Mata has been detained since his arrest on October 23, 2019. On June 3, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by an alien who is illegally in the U.S.
Sanchez Mata faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.
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.
Postal Supervisor in Middletown Admits Stealing PackagesRead 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 ZOHEB A. DEURA, 34, of Stratford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to embezzlement of mail by a U.S. Postal Service employee.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between February and April 2020, while he was employed as a supervisor at the U.S. Post Office in Middletown, Deura stole numerous packages, including packages containing an Apple computer, PlayStation and Nintendo gaming devices, an iPhone, footwear, and clothing items.
Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for January 13, 2021, at which time Deura faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
Deura is released pending sentencing. He has resigned from the U.S. Postal Service.
This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, and the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ruff.
U.S. Attorney Durham encouraged individuals who believe they are a victim of theft related to this case to file a complaint by calling 888-USPS-OIG, or by visiting https://www.uspsoig.gov/form/file-online-complaint.
Norwich Man Charged with Child Exploitation OffensesRead 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, on October 5, 2020, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging WILLIAM MEIER, 38, of Norwich, with one count of use of the internet to attempt to persuade a minor to engage in sexual activity, and one count of attempted transfer of obscene materials to a minor.
The indictment alleges that, on August 5, 2020, Meier transferred an obscene image to a person that he believed was under the age of 16, and that he used a cellphone and an internet-based messaging application in an attempt to solicit illicit sex with a minor.
Meier appeared today via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He has been detained since his arrest by the New London Police Department on related state charges on August 6, 2020.
If convicted of the charges, Meier faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
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 New London Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Doherty.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Waterbury Man Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Federal Prison for $1.5 Million Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LEON C. VACCARELLI, 43, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 90 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for operating an investment scheme that defrauded individuals of approximately $1.5 million.
According to court documents and the evidence presented during his trial last year, Vaccarelli was a registered representative of The Investment Center (“TIC”), a brokerage company, and was an investment adviser associated with IC Advisory Services, Inc. (“IC Advisory”). He also was the owner and only member of LWLVACC, LLC, and conducted business through an entity named Lux Financial Services (“Lux Financial”). Using these various entities, Vaccarelli operated a financial advisory and brokerage service through which he offered investment advice and sold investments and securities to individuals and families in the Waterbury area.
Between approximately 2011 and 2017, Vaccarelli defrauded approximately 15 victim investors of approximately $1.5 million by falsely representing that he would invest his clients’ money in IRA rollover accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit (“CDs”), or other types of interest-earning investments. However, instead of investing customers’ funds as he had represented, Vaccarelli deposited customer funds into his own personal account and business bank accounts, commingled those funds with his own money, and used the funds to pay both business and personal expenses, including tuition and mortgage payments. In some instances, he also used customer funds to make bogus “interest payments” to other victim-investors.
Vaccarelli’s victims include an elderly woman who Vaccarelli coerced into transferring approximately $300,000 in funds from a safe investment portfolio into a bank account that Vaccarelli controlled. Vaccarelli subsequently spent the money on personal expenses and to pay off another investor who threatened to sue him. Vaccarelli also stole nearly $500,000 from a trust, which was established in 1991 to care for a woman with diminished capacity. Other victims include a retired schoolteacher, a retired construction worker, and medical professionals.
Vaccarelli is required to pay full restitution, and Judge Arterton will issue a restitution order after additional court proceedings.
On May 2, 2018, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Vaccarelli with three counts of mail fraud, six counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering. On March 5, 2019, a superseding indictment against Vaccarelli added three counts of wire fraud and six counts of securities fraud.
On May 29, 2019, a jury found Vaccarelli guilty of all counts of the superseding indictment.
Vaccarelli, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 5, 2021.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael S. McGarry and Jennifer R. Laraia.
New Haven Man Sentenced to Prison for Committing Multiple Armed Robberies in 2016Read the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that VINSON SINGLETON, JR., 26, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for committing several armed robberies in March 2016.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the sentencing occurred via videoconference.
According court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation into a series of armed and attempted armed robberies of commercial establishments in Ansonia, North Haven and New Haven in March 2016. The investigation revealed that, in the evening of March 22, 2016, an individual entered the Shell gas station at 696 Main Street in Ansonia, attempted to rob the store and stabbed a store employee in his back. After the victim was stabbed, the victim saw a metal blade on the ground and the assailant holding a black handle in his hand. The assailant then ran from the store. The victim suffered a small puncture wound in his lower back.
Investigators collected the knife handle and a hat and sweatshirt that the assailant discarded as he ran from the store. DNA collected from these items matched DNA that was collected from Singleton after investigators had identified Singleton as a suspect.
The investigation revealed that Singleton also robbed or attempted to rob a Dunkin Donuts in New Haven on March 8, 2016; a Valero in North Haven on March 9, 2016; a Papa John’s in New Haven on March 17, 2016; a Shell in New Haven on March 17, 2016, and a 7-11 in New Haven on March 21, 2016.
On November 7, 2019, Singleton pleaded guilty to one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery. At the time of his guilty plea, Singleton was serving a state sentence for possessing a sawed-off shotgun and an attempted robbery in late 2016.
Singleton has been detained in federal custody since January 24, 2020.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Connecticut Violent Crime Task Force and the Ansonia, New Haven and North Haven Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.
Meth Dealer Sentenced to 32 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL BOBOWSKI, 45, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 32 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervise release, for distributing d-methamphetamine hydrochloride, also known as “meth,” “ice” and other street names.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in August and September 2018, investigators conducted two controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Bobowski at his former residence in Hartford. The investigation revealed that, between May and October 2018, Bobowski conspired to distribute between 100 and 150 grams of d-methamphetamine hydrochloride.
Bobowski was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on October 4, 2018. A search of his residence on the date of his arrest revealed approximately 106 grams of ice and more than $3,000 in cash.
On December 20, 2018, Bobowski pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 50 grams or more of d-methamphetamine hydrochloride.
Bobowski, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on December 16, 2020.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and Middletown Police Department, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer R. Laraia.
New Haven Man Charged with Gun and Drug OffensesRead 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 a three-count indictment charging WILLIE JACKSON, 25, of New Haven, with firearm possession and narcotics distribution offenses.
The indictment was returned on September 29, 2020. Jackson appeared today via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. Jackson has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on March 27, 2020.
This prosecution is part of a coordinated federal, state and local law enforcement effort to address rising gun violence in New Haven. Participating in this effort are the New Haven Police Department; the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The indictment alleges that, on February 26, 2020, Jackson possessed and distributed a quantity of crack cocaine and, on March 27, 2020, possessed a loaded Ruger SR40 .40 caliber handgun and a quantity of heroin that he intended to distribute.
It is alleged that Jackson’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for assault, robbery and firearm offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
The indictment charges Jackson with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base (“crack”), which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
If convicted, Jackson faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on the firearm charge, and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years of each of the controlled substances charges.
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 New Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Keefe.
U.S. Attorney Durham noted that this prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program and Project Longevity. 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.
Avon Man Allegedly Involved in Wide-Ranging Health Care Fraud Schemes ArrestedRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that CORTNEY DUNLAP, 36, of Avon, was arrested yesterday on a federal criminal complaint charging him with health care fraud and making false statements relating to health care matters.
As alleged in court documents and statements in court, Dunlap, a licensed professional counselor, engaged in a scheme to defraud the Connecticut Medicaid program by submitting fraudulent claims for psychotherapy sessions that were never provided. Specifically, Dunlap billed Medicaid for having provided more than 24 hours of psychotherapy services on 67 different dates between January 1 and April 4, 2020. He also billed Medicaid for having provided 60-minute psychotherapy sessions to each of 44 patients every day from February 13 to March 19, 2020. In addition, he billed Medicaid for providing psychotherapy services while he was on a cruise to the Bahamas in July 2019.
It is also alleged that Dunlap billed Medicaid for fraudulent psychotherapy services for employees of Inspirational Care, Inc., a company Dunlap owns that has provided in-home and community-based services to individuals with disabilities. Through Inspirational Care and a subsidiary, KEYS Program, Inc., Dunlap has operated group homes in five locations in Connecticut, including residences for women and children who may be victims of domestic abuse or violence. Dunlap required residents of the group homes to provide copies of Medicaid identification cards for themselves and their children when they signed housing agreements. He then fraudulently billed Medicaid for psychotherapy services that were never provided to residents of two group homes in Hartford, and their children.
It is further alleged that, in February 2020, Dunlap was employed as a guidance counselor at New Haven Adult and Continuing Education, a program administered by New Haven Public Schools. Dunlap accessed a computer database to obtain students’ dates of birth and Social Security numbers, then used that information to identify students who were insured by Medicaid. He then billed Medicaid for psychotherapy services that were never provided to those students.
The complaint alleges that the Connecticut Medicaid program suspended Dunlap as a Medicaid provider on approximately April 28, 2020, and, on May 7, 2020, federal law enforcement agents executed a court-authorized search of Dunlap’s offices located on Brainard Road in Hartford. Dunlap subsequently hired a licensed clinical social worker and used that person’s Medicaid provider number to bill for psychotherapy services that were not provided.
Dunlap appeared yesterday via video conference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson and was released on a $100,000 bond.
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.
This investigation is being conducted by the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Office of the Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Office of the Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Education, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office and the Connecticut Department of Social Services.
U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the U.S. Marshals Service and Avon Police Department for their assistance in arresting Dunlap.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon with the assistance of Auditor Susan N. Spiegel.
Enfield Man Sentenced to Prison for Putting Dozens of Guns on the Street to Feed Drug AddictionRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NORMAN KLOSEK, also known as Rich Klosek, 36, of Enfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally purchasing and selling numerous firearms.
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, and that Klosek, who had a valid state pistol permit, was acting as a “straw purchaser” of firearms for Reyes. Klosek was addicted to heroin/fentanyl, and he purchased and transferred the firearms to support his drug addiction.
On April 22, 2019, Reyes picked up Klosek in Enfield and drove to the Newington Gun Exchange, a licensed gun dealer in Newington, where Klosek purchased two handguns. During the purchase, Klosek completed and signed an ATF Form 4473 form in which he falsely represented that he was the actual purchaser of the firearms and was not acquiring the firearms for another person. He also represented that he was not an unlawful user, or addicted to, any controlled substances. Klosek provided the guns to Reyes after the purchase. Later that day, investigators conducted a traffic stop of Reyes’ vehicle and recovered the two firearms.
Reyes and several co-defendants were arrested on federal criminal complaints on June 17, 2019. On that date, investigators seized two additional guns that had been purchased by Klosek.
The investigation revealed that Klosek first purchased and registered a firearm with the State of Connecticut on November 6, 2018. Since that date, Klosek purchased a total of 47 handguns. Twenty-five of the guns were purchased in a six-week period between March 8 and April 22, 2019.
On April 24, 2019, a search of Klosek’s residence revealed empty gun boxes and receipts for firearm purchases, but no firearms. Klosek was arrested the following day in Hartford. He possessed fentanyl/heroin at the time of his arrest.
To date, approximately 10 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.
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 is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on November 17, 2020.
On June 27, 2019, a grand jury Hartford returned a 32-count indictment charging Reyes and 14 other members and associates of Los Solidos with various narcotics trafficking and firearm possession offenses. 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, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division and the New Britain Police Department have provided valuable assistance to the investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Yesterday, the Justice Department announced that more than 14,200 defendants were charged with federal firearms-related offenses during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020. “The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Justice Department is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms.”
New Britain Man Admits Distributing Fentanyl and CrackRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JORDAN FLYTHE, also known as “T,” 28, of New Britain, pleaded guilty today to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl and cocaine base (“crack”).
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and Hartford Police Department identified Flythe as a narcotics distributor who supplied various gang members in the Hartford’s South End. On February 3, 2020, after investigators conducted a controlled purchase of approximately six grams of crack cocaine from Flythe in exchange for $300 in Hartford, Hartford Police stopped Flythe’s vehicle and arrested Flythe on state narcotics charges. A search of Flythe’s vehicle and person at the time of his arrest revealed approximately 20 grams of crack, a digital scale and $3,450 in cash.
While Flythe was released on bond in his state case, investigators made controlled purchases from Flythe of approximately 12 grams of crack on February 12, and 100 sleeves of fentanyl and approximately eight grams of crack on February 17.
Flythe has been detained since his federal arrest on February 26, 2020.
Flythe is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on January 20, 2021, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
The FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Former Missouri Resident Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding Dozens in Odometer Roll Back SchemeRead the Press Release
WILFRED J. ALBANESE, 50, formerly of Waterbury, Connecticut and Blue Springs, Missouri, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 42 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for fraud and identity theft offenses stemming from the sale of numerous used vehicles with altered odometers.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately August 2014 and October 2015, Albanese, while residing in Missouri, sold approximately 43 vehicles with altered odometers to unsuspecting purchasers. As part of the scheme, Albanese purchased high-mileage used vehicles and then used a variety of means to alter or reduce the mileage shown on the vehicles’ odometers. He 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. Albanese obtained Certificates of Title for the used vehicles he purchased. Under the assumed identities of the persons listed on those Certificates of Title, he advertised and sold the vehicles to customers on Craigslist.org. Most of the victim purchasers resided in Missouri.
Judge Shea ordered Albanese to pay $51,600 in restitution.
On May 22, 2019, a grand jury in the Western District of Missouri returned a 20-count indictment charging Albanese and his accomplice with offenses related to this scheme. Albanese was located and arrested in New London, Connecticut, on July 18, 2019. The case was subsequently transferred from the Western District of Missouri to the District of Connecticut for further prosecution.
Albanese has been detained since his arrest. On July 15, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Albanese’s criminal history includes 12 convictions for fraud, larceny, burglary and other offenses.
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.
New Haven Drug Dealer Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GERARD SENIOR, 21, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing cocaine, crack and heroin.
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 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.
Numerous conversations and text messages intercepted during the investigation revealed that Senior was distributed cocaine, crack and heroin.
On July 9, 2019, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 15-count indictment charging Senior and 24 other individuals with federal narcotics offenses related to the distribution of crack cocaine, cocaine and heroin. Two defendants were added in a superseding indictment that was returned on November 25, 2019.
Senior has been detained since his arrest on July 10, 2019. On November 22, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base (“crack”) heroin,
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.