District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
East Hartford Woman Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Role in Fentanyl Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARISOL FERRY, formerly known as “Marisol Hernandez,” 27, of East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force and Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division into the trafficking of narcotics and associated violence in Hartford’s South End by members and associates of the Almighty Latin Kings Nation (“Latin Kings”). The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that two members of the Latin Kings operated separate drug trafficking organizations that distributed fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine. The organizations used multiple locations to process, package, store and distribute narcotics, and possessed firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking activities.
Marisol Ferry’s husband, Nelson Ferry, led one of the drug trafficking organizations, and Marisol was an active participant in the processing, packaging and distribution of heroin/fentanyl from their East Hartford residence. Nelson Ferry also operated a “trap house” at 149 Wethersfield Avenue in Hartford as a distribution point for drug customers. Between February and April 2018, investigators made several controlled purchases of fentanyl and crack cocaine from Nelson Ferry’s associate at or near the trap house. On May 22, 2018, Ferry’s associate was shot and seriously wounded in an apparent robbery of the trap house. After the shooting, intercepted communications revealed that Nelson Ferry solicited his brother-in-law, Dannie Darling, to locate and likely harm the shooter. Marisol Ferry also threatened the shooter on Facebook. In order to prevent violence, investigators followed Nelson Ferry, sent uniformed police officers into targeted areas, and stopped Darling in his vehicle to identify him.
Nelson and Marisol Ferry were arrested on June 19, 2018. A search of their residence on that date revealed approximately 50 grams of fentanyl, assorted drug paraphernalia and more than $2700 in cash.
Marisol Ferry has been detained since her arrest. On August 19, 2019, she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl.
Nelson Ferry pleaded guilty to related charges and, on February 26, 2020, was sentenced to 87 months of imprisonment. Darling also pleaded guilty and, January 22, 2020, was sentenced to 51 months of imprisonment.
On January 27, 2020, Randy Parkman, of Hartford, pleaded guilty to federal robbery and firearm offenses related to the May 22, 2018, shooting at the Wethersfield Avenue trap house. On June 24, he was sentenced to 204 months (17 years) of imprisonment.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’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 Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division and Shooting Task Force have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Norwalk Felon Charged with Possessing Loaded Rifle with Obliterated Serial NumberRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging TYROME SAWYER, also known as “Tyrone Sawyer” and “Crack,” 30, of Norwalk, with one unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The indictment was returned on July 15, 2020. Sawyer appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector via videoconference and entered a plea of not guilty to the offense.
The indictment alleges that, on April 19, 2019, Sawyer possessed a loaded Hi-Point model 995, 9mm rile with an obliterated serial number, in Norwalk. Prior to that date, Sawyer was convicted in state court of felony firearm, drug and escape offenses.
It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Sawyer has been detained in state custody since his arrest by Norwalk Police on April 19, 2019.
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 Norwalk Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Keefe.
This prosecution has been brought through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Manchester Convenience Store Employee Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Federal Food Stamp ProgramRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SIDDIQ CHAUDHARY, 70, of South Windsor, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall to food stamp fraud offenses.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the guilty plea proceeding occurred via videoconference.
The federal Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program (“SNAP”) is administered by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service and utilizes federal tax dollars to subsidize low-income households to provide them with the opportunity to achieve a more nutritious diet by increasing their food-purchasing power. SNAP recipients purchase eligible food items at retail food stores through the use of an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, and SNAP benefits may be accepted by authorized retailers only in exchange for eligible items. Items such as alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, paper goods and soaps are not eligible for purchase with Food Stamp benefits, and it is a violation of the rules and regulations governing the food stamp program to allow benefits to be used to purchase ineligible items. SNAP benefits may not lawfully be exchanged for cash under any circumstances. The program is designed so that the total amount of each purchase is electronically transferred to the retailer’s designated bank account.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Chaudhary worked at Manchester Quick Mart, located at 262 Oakland Street in Manchester. From November 2016 to January 2020, Chaudhary and others at Manchester Quick Mart illegally allowed customers to redeem their food stamp benefits for cash and other ineligible items, including gasoline and male enhancement pills. Chaudhary and others charged the customers’ food stamp cards a premium of approximately 40 percent or more for these illegal transactions.
Chaudhary was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on January 23, 2020.
Chaudhary pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit food stamp fraud, and one count of food stamp fraud. Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for October 13, 2020, at which time Chaudhary faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Chaudhary is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia King.
Hartford Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NOEL PEREZ, 23, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 29, 2018, Hartford Police stopped a vehicle Perez was driving on Wadsworth Street. A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded Sig Sauer P2022 .40 caliber handgun, which had a laser sight attached to its barrel.
Perez’s criminal history includes felony convictions in state court for assault, burglary and larceny offenses.
It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
On December 4, 2018, Perez pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On November 20, 2019, while he was released on bond, Perez was arrested by Hartford Police. According the police report, when Perez was apprehended, a search of his person revealed wax paper sleeves containing a white powder substance that field-tested positive for heroin, and $892 in cash. In addition, a gun was discovered in the driveway where he and two associates stood before they ran from police. Perez’s bond was revoked on December 3, 2019.
This investigation was conducted by the Hartford Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crime Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.
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.
Branford Man Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Stealing from Non-Profit Employer and IndividualsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL VERZELLA, 41, of Branford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 33 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for stealing more than $240,000 from his non-profit employer and numerous individuals serviced by his employer.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Verzella was employed as the Supervisor of Recreation and Operations at Chapel Haven Schleifer Center (“Chapel Haven”), a private, non-profit entity that provides services and residential housing to individuals with developmental and social disabilities. As an employee of Chapel Haven, Verzella possessed a Chapel Haven credit card that was supposed to be used to pay for expenses related to Chapel Haven, including the purchasing of tickets to off-site events that students and community members of Chapel Haven could attend. These events included trips to dances, bingo nights, plays, shopping malls, and sporting events.
In pleading guilty, Verzella admitted that, between January 2012 and February 2018, he used his Chapel Haven credit card to purchase tickets for sporting and entertainment events that he attended with friends and family. He then submitted fraudulent purchase orders for these expenses to the Chapel Haven business office, representing them to be for recreational events for the students and community members of Chapel Haven. He also used the credit card to purchase gift cards for his personal use. Through this scheme, Verzella defrauded Chapel Haven of approximately $175,872.
In addition, Verzella directed Chapel Haven employees he supervised to collect cash from Chapel Haven students and community members to attend in-house events at Chapel Haven, even though the fees for attending such events were already included in the tuition for students and billed by invoice to community members. Verzella kept at least $68,000 in collected cash for himself.
Judge Dooley ordered Verzella to pay total restitution of $450,062.08, which includes expenses Chapel Haven incurred while investigating his criminal conduct.
Verzella was arrested on a criminal complaint on December 20, 2018. On February 27, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
Verzella, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on September 17, 2020.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah P. Karwan and Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.
Hartford Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing Sawed-Off ShotgunRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KEVIN BARCO, 36, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill to 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 October 6, 2018, Hartford Police encountered Barco sitting in a car that was parked on Albany Avenue. A subsequent search of the car revealed a Harrington and Richardson, Model 176, 10 gauge shotgun with a sawed-off barrel. Eight shotgun shells were also found in the car.
Barco’s criminal history includes state convictions for felony weapon, robbery, larceny and escape offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for October 9, 2020, at which time Barco faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Barco is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller
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.
Former USPS Employee Charged with Stealing Cash and Gift Cards 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, today announced that ELIZABETH URBANI, 42, of West Haven, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with theft of mail by a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employee.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Urbani appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector via videoconference.
As alleged in the criminal complaint, Urbani has been employed by the U.S. Postal Service since approximately 2015, and most recently was a mail carrier assigned to the New Haven Post Office. Beginning in December 2019, some USPS customers along Urbani’s mail route submitted complaints that their mail was missing or had been stolen. Subsequent investigation revealed that, in January and February 2020, Urbani opened approximately 125 pieces of mail and stole cash and gift cards contained within several of those mail pieces.
The charge of theft of mail by an employee carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
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.
Urbani, who resigned from the USPS, is released on a $50,000 bond.
This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Keefe.
Individuals who believe they are a victim of mail theft may file a complaint by calling 888-USPS-OIG or by visiting this link.
Drug Dealer Who Sold Fentanyl to Overdose Victim Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDGARDO RIVERA, also known as “Eggy,” 28, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 138 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for fentanyl distribution and firearm possession offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 17, 2017, the Southington Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a Southington residence on a report of an unresponsive male. At the residence, medical personnel pronounced a male victim deceased of a suspected drug overdose. Investigators collected bags, which were later found to contain fentanyl, from the scene.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner subsequently determined the victim’s cause of death to be “acute fentanyl toxicity.”
The investigation revealed that the victim purchased fentanyl from Rivera the day before the victim died from ingesting the drug.
In May and June 2018, law enforcement conducted controlled purchases of fentanyl and heroin from Rivera.
Rivera has been detained since October 5, 2018, when he was arrested on a criminal complaint. At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of approximately 300 grams of controlled substances containing heroin and fentanyl, a loaded 9mm pistol, and more than $14,000 in cash.
On May 23, 2019, Rivera pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a narcotics trafficking offense.
U.S. Attorney Durham noted that federal prisoners are required to serve at least 85 percent of their prison term and are not eligible for parole.
This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, U.S. Marshals Service and Southington Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Milford Man Who Distributed Drugs to Overdose Victim Sentenced to 21 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTHONY AMATO, 31, of Milford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl and heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 26, 2019, the Milford Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a Milford rooming house on a report of a drug overdose at the location. Inside the residence, a 28-year-old male was pronounced deceased. At the scene, investigators interviewed witnesses and collected evidence related to narcotics use, including needles and wax folds, some of which contained suspected heroin.
The investigation revealed that the overdose victim and Amato, who resided in another room in the rooming house, were together in the afternoon of August 24, 2019. On August 29, 2019, a court-authorized search of Amato’s room revealed multiple ripped wax folds and other narcotics-related evidence. Some of the wax folds were marked with the same stamp as the wax folds found in the victim’s room. Laboratory analysis of the wax folds revealed fentanyl and heroin residue.
Subsequent review of text communications between Amato and the victim revealed that Amato provided the victim with heroin on August 24, 2019.
Amato’s criminal history includes multiple convictions for narcotics-related offenses in Connecticut.
Amato has been detained since his federal arrest on September 10, 2019. On January 3, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin.
This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and the Milford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.
Former Missouri Resident Pleads Guilty to Charges Related to Vehicle Odometer Roll Back SchemeRead the Press Release
WILFRED J. ALBANESE, 49, formerly of Waterbury, Connecticut and Blue Springs, Missouri, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 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 48 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.
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, who has been detained since his arrest, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least two years. Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for October 9, 2020.
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.
East Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HANEEF BROOKS, 41, of East Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Victor A. Bolden to one count of possession for a firearm by a convicted felon.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the guilty plea proceeding occurred via videoconference.
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 July 15, 2019, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of a 7.62x39mm Norinco SKS rifle from Brooks for $300. Prior to that date, Brooks was convicted in state court of felony weapon possession and drug offenses.
It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Brooks was arrested on September 13, 2019.
At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Brooks faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Brooks is released on a $30,000 bond pending 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.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer R. Laraia.
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.
Clinton Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARK FELNER, 31, of Clinton, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to one count of receipt of child pornography stemming from his interactions with an underage victim in 2015 and 2016.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on multiple occasions in 2015, Felner, who was 26 at the time, traveled from Connecticut to North Carolina to engage in illegal sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl. In 2015 and 2016, when Felner and the minor victim were not physically together, the victim, at Felner’s instruction, sent pornographic images of herself through social media messaging services.
Felner was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on October 8, 2019. A memory card seized from Felner at the time of his arrest revealed pornographic images that he had received from the minor victim.
Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for October 7, 2020, at which time Felner faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Felner will also be required to register as a sex offender as a result of his conviction.
Felner is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New London and East Lyme Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Donovan and Neeraj 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.
Hartford Drug Dealer Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PEDRO RIVERA, also known as “Heavy,” 42, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking narcotics.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force launched an investigation into a drug trafficking organization that was selling large amounts of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine in Hartford. Julio Oliveras, also known as “Cuzzo Jay,” was identified as the leader of the organization. The investigation, which included approximately six months of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance, revealed that Oliveras and his associates supplied distribution quantities of narcotics to several Hartford-area drug dealers, including Rivera, and used multiple locations in Hartford to process, store and distribute narcotics.
Rivera was regularly intercepted on wiretaps ordering fentanyl and heroin, typically in 50-gram or 100-gram quantities, and wholesale quantities of cocaine, from Oliveras.
Rivera, Oliveras and other members of the organization were arrested on July 19, 2018. On that date, investigators executed 10 search warrants and seized approximately 2.7 kilograms of fentanyl, one kilogram of heroin, approximately 500 grams of crack cocaine, 100 grams of cocaine, eight firearms, more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition, cash, and other evidence of narcotics trafficking activity. The drugs and firearms were found at a stash house Oliveras maintained, a storage unit he rented, and the residences of his associates.
On August 2, 2018, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Rivera, Oliveras and 14 co-defendants with various offenses.
Rivera has been detained since his arrest. On August 29, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl and cocaine.
Oliveras pleaded guilty to narcotics and firearm offenses and, on January 15, 2020, was sentenced to 186 months of imprisonment.
This is Rivera’s second federal conviction. In September 2004, he was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment for distributing large quantities of crack cocaine. His sentence was subsequently reduced to 48 months of imprisonment pursuant to changes in the federal sentencing guidelines for crack cocaine offenses.
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. Agencies assisting the investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Connecticut Department of Correction, and the East Hartford, New Britain, Newington and West Hartford Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.
El Salvadoran National Involved in Bridgeport Shooting Death Sentenced for Immigration OffenseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DOUGLAS ALEXANDER RIVAS, 38, a citizen of El Salvador, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to six months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the U.S. Judge Underhill ordered Rivas to begin serving the prison term after he completes an unrelated state sentence connected to a Bridgeport homicide in 2016.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2003, Rivas was convicted in Connecticut state court of misdemeanor offenses, including criminal trespass in the first degree, criminal mischief in the second degree, and reckless endangerment in the first degree. For these convictions, he received an 11-month suspended sentence and three years of probation. In March 2007, Rivas was removed to El Salvador.
Rivas subsequently illegally reentered the U.S.
On April 25, 2017, Rivas was arrested, in Florida, in connection with the shooting death of a 36-year old man at the El Paraiso Restaurant in Bridgeport on September 25, 2016. On November 8, 2019, Rivas pleaded guilty in state court to manslaughter in the first degree, and criminal possession of a firearm.
On January 6, 2020, Rivas pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of illegal reentry by a removed alien.
Rivas has been detained since April 25, 2017.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.
Bronx Resident Sentenced to 71 Months in Federal Prison for Trafficking HeroinRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE LUIS REYES, also known as "Roberto Camacho Figueroa,” “Joselito” and “Gordo,” 50, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing the Bronx, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 71 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matters stems from a DEA Hartford Task Force investigation of a heroin trafficking organization that was operating in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and the Dominican Republic. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that Reyes oversaw the drug trafficking organization’s drug distribution and cash collection activities when the organization’s leader was residing in the Dominican Republic. On multiple occasions in 2017, Reyes was observed traveling from New York to meet with associates at a suspected narcotics stash location on Wethersfield Avenue in Hartford.
Reyes has been detained since his arrest on related New York state charges on April 12, 2017. On that date, a search of his residence revealed more than 1.4 kilograms of heroin and more than 750 grams of cocaine.
On April 27, 2017, a federal grand jury in Connecticut returned an indictment charging Reyes and nine other individuals with various heroin trafficking offenses stemming from this investigation. On October 3, 2018, Reyes pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram of heroin.
Reyes faces deportation proceedings when he completes his prison term.
The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.
Attorney Sentenced for Tax OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILLIAM S. PALMIERI, 56, of Bethany, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to three years of probation, the first six months of which Palmieri must serve in home confinement, for failing to pay all of the federal income taxes he owed over several years. Judge Underhill also ordered Palmieri to perform 150 hours of community service.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Palmieri is an attorney with a practice specializing in civil rights law. Between 2006 and 2014, Palmieri reported to the IRS, but did not pay, all the income taxes he owed, even though he had the ability to make substantially greater tax payments during that time. The investigation also revealed that Palmieri used his attorney IOLTA bank account to pay various personal expenses, including his home mortgage and private school tuition payments.
Palmieri is required to pay $141,474.53 in back taxes, and $86,234.47 in interest and penalties, totaling $227,709.
On December 19, 2019, Palmieri pleaded guilty to two counts of willful failure to pay income taxes.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
New Haven Man Admits Illegal Possession of Two GunsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CARLOS BARNES, also known as “Buddha,” 29, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to possession of firearms by a previously convicted felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 12, 2019, Hamden Police arrested Barnes after they found him in possession of a Taurus Millennium G2 9mm handgun and a Springfield XD-40 .40 caliber handgun with an obliterated serial number. Prior to that date, Barnes was convicted in state court of carrying a pistol without a permit, sale of illegal drugs, and robbery in the first degree.
It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for October 5, 2020, at which time Barnes faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Barnes has been detained since his arrest.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hamden Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret M. Donovan.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Meriden Man Indicted on Narcotics and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging JONATHAN RIVERS, 38, of Meriden, with narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on February 26, 2020, Meriden Police arrested Rivers after a search of a disabled vehicle on his property revealed more than 500 grams of cocaine, more than 28 grams of crack cocaine, more than 40 grams of fentanyl, a Highpoint Model HCP .40 caliber handgun, a Smith and Wesson Model 629-1 44 Magnum Revolver, a Romanian Model TTC 9mm handgun, and 18 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition. A quantity of crack cocaine was also found in a vehicle Rivers had driven earlier that day.
It is further alleged that Rivers’ criminal history includes state convictions for robbery, kidnapping and drug offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
The indictment, which was returned on July 8 and unsealed today following Rivers’ federal arrest, charges Rivers with two counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, one count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon, and one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. The most serious drug possession charge carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, and the firearm offenses carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count.
Rivers appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven and was released on a $250,000 bond with a condition that he be confined to his home.
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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Meriden Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Donovan, Pilar Gonzalez and Konstantin Lantsman.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Hartford Man Admits Selling Fentanyl and CrackRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JOSHUA JENKINS, 27, of Hartford, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Jeffrey A. Meyer to distributing fentanyl and crack cocaine.
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 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. Between July and September 2019, investigators made three controlled purchases of fentanyl, followed by three controlled purchases of fentanyl and crack, from Jenkins.
Jenkins was arrested on September 13, 2019.
Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of fentanyl and cocaine base (“crack”), an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for October 2, 2020.
Jenkins is released on a $100,000 bond pending 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.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.
Five Charged as Part of Ongoing Investigation of Bridgeport Murder, Other Violent ActsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that an investigation of a Bridgeport murder in 2018 and other violent acts has resulted in federal charges against the following five individuals:
HENRY FLOY, a.k.a. “Mills,” 21, of Bridgeport
SHAKALE BRANTLEY, a.k.a. “Charlie Wilson,” “Kellz,” and “Man Man,” 20, of Bridgeport
ANTOINE SISTRUNK, 21, of Charlotte, North Carolina (formerly of Bridgeport)
TA’RON PHARR, a.k.a. “250,” 20, of Bridgeport
JAYLEN WILSON, a.k.a. “Jay-Dot,” 21, of Ansonia and DerbyAs alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address escalating violence in Bridgeport, the FBI, ATF, DEA and Bridgeport Police are actively investigating members of the Original North End (“ONE”), a group based in the Trumbull Gardens area of Bridgeport whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking and numerous acts of violence, including murder. In the early morning hours of August 13, 2018, a man was shot and killed and a woman was shot and seriously wounded while both were seated in a car parked on Union Avenue in Bridgeport. Surveillance video showed that the shots were fired from a white Jeep Grand Cherokee that had pulled up next to the car and then fled the scene. Approximately three hours later, a white Jeep Grand Cherokee was found burning in Indian Wells State Park in Shelton. The vehicle had been reported stolen from Newburgh, New York, on August 9, 2018. A purse belonging to the Jeep’s owner, which was in the Jeep at the time of the theft, was subsequently recovered on Grandview Avenue in Bridgeport, and the owner’s debit card was unlawfully used or attempted to be used at retail locations in Trumbull and Bridgeport.
It is alleged that Floy, Brantley, Pharr and Wilson stole the Jeep and drove it back to Bridgeport. It is further alleged that ONE members murdered the male victim on August 13, 2018, and seriously wounded his female companion. After the murder, Floy, Brantley and Sistrunk attempted to destroy the Jeep and other evidence used in the murder in order to hinder the investigation and prosecution of the murder.
On March 18, 2020, a federal grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment charging Floy, Brantley and Sistrunk with one count of accessory after the fact to murder, in violation of the Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering (VICAR) statute. The defendants were subsequently arrested on this charge and the investigation continued.
The investigation revealed, as alleged, that Brantley and other ONE members planned and executed robberies of drug dealers. Specifically, in October 2018 in Bridgeport, and in November 2018 in Stratford, Brantley and others attacked and stole marijuana from a marijuana dealer. After Brantley was arrested in March 2020, and while he was incarcerated, Brantley attempted to solicit others to kill the victim of the marijuana robberies in order to prevent Brantley’s prosecution for those offenses.
On July 8, 2020, a grand jury in New Haven returned a superseding indictment adding Pharr and Wilson as defendants, and adding additional charges. Pharr and Wilson were arrested on state charges on July 7 and are currently detained.
The superseding indictment charges Floy, Brantley and Sistrunk with one count of accessory after the fact to VICAR murder, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years. In addition, Floy, Brantley, Pharr and Wilson are charged with one count of interstate transportation of stolen property, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
The superseding indictment also charges Brantley with two counts of interference with commerce by robbery, one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, one count of solicitation of witness tampering, and one count of tampering with a witness by threat. Each of these charges carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 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 ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and the Waterbury Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter D. Markle, Karen L. Peck, Rahul Kale and Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis.
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.
New Haven Woman Pleads Guilty to Role in Heroin, Cocaine and Crack ConspiracyRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JENNA DEFELICE, 35, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson to conspiring to distribute heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine.
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 conducted by the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad revealed that Defelice’s associate, Musa Hill, was obtaining cocaine from a source in the Bronx, New York, and heroin from a source in New Haven. He converted some of the cocaine he received into crack cocaine, and then sold the narcotics to customers. He also provided narcotics to Defelice who distributed them to customers on his behalf.
During the investigation, law enforcement made controlled purchases of crack, heroin and hundreds of counterfeit oxycodone pills from Hill. The vast majority of the counterfeit pills contained fentanyl.
Defelice was arrested on June 25, 2019, and is currently released on a $100,000 bond.
Defelice pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for October 1, 2020.
On November 20, 2019, Hill pleaded guilty to the same offense. On March 5, 2020, Judge Thompson sentenced him to 72 months of imprisonment.
This case has been investigated by the DEA Tactical Diversion Squad, which includes officers from the Bristol, Hamden, Meriden, Monroe, New Britain, New Haven, Wallingford, Watertown and West Haven Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer R. Laraia and H. Gordon Hall.
Hartford Man Sentenced to More Than 11 Years for Distributing Fentanyl, Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSEPH GRIFFIN, 43, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 138 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.
Judge Shea sentenced Griffin to 120 months of imprisonment for distributing fentanyl, and a consecutive 18 months of imprisonment for violating his supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Griffin was arrested on January 17, 2019, in Hartford, after investigators made a controlled purchase of more than five grams of fentanyl from him. Griffin possessed an additional two grams of fentanyl at the time of his arrest.
In January 2019, Griffin was on federal supervised release for a 2009 conviction for distributing crack cocaine. Griffin was sentenced, as a career offender, to 10 years of imprisonment and five years of supervised release for that offense. He was released from federal prison in December 2017.
On November 13, 2019, Griffin pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl. He also admitted that he violated the conditions of his supervised release.
Griffin’s criminal history includes convictions for robbery, narcotics, larceny and assault offenses. While on supervised release, in addition to his federal arrest, Griffin was arrested three times for domestic violence offenses.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Hartford Police Department and U.S. Marshals Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Leonard C. Boyle.
Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Distribution and Firearm Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT ALLEN, 30, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden to fentanyl distribution and firearm possession offenses.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 23, 2019, Hartford Police conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle Allen was driving on Woodland Street. A search of the car revealed a loaded Ruger LCP .380 caliber handgun and approximately 48 wax paper sleeves containing a mixture of heroin and fentanyl. The firearm had been reported stolen in Louisiana.
Allen’s criminal history includes state convictions for assault, firearm, drug, larceny and witness tampering offenses. 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.
Allen pleaded guilty to one count of possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
Allen is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
This case has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Connecticut Violent Crime Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.
This prosecution has been brought through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Gang Leader Sentenced to 16 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILSON VELEZ, also known as “Wiso,” 35, of Newington, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 192 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for gang-related narcotics and firearm offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department’s Vice, Intelligence and Narcotics Division targeting gang violence and narcotics trafficking in Hartford. Velez was a member of the Almighty Latin Kings Nation (“Latin Kings”) and had achieved the rank of a Regional Officer for Connecticut, the second highest-ranking Latin King in the state. The investigation revealed that Velez was distributing large quantities of heroin and fentanyl. Velez employed other Latin Kings and associates, his 18-year-old nephew and other family members, and others, including a juvenile, to process, package and distribute the drugs from apartment buildings on Hamilton Street and Elliot Street in Hartford. During the investigation, law enforcement conducted multiple controlled purchases of narcotics from Velez and other members of the drug trafficking organization.
On April 28, 2017, Velez orchestrated the armed confrontation of a rival drug dealer who was selling drugs in the area of Franklin Avenue and Barker Street. On that date, Velez and four other Latin Kings were involved in a gunfire exchange that left multiple participants wounded.
Velez was arrested on federal narcotics offenses on December 7, 2017, and was subsequently released on bond. While released, he continued his criminal activity, and also notified other gang members to the ongoing federal investigation. He has been detained since April 5, 2018, when his bond was revoked.
On May 1, 2018, a grand jury returned a 41-count indictment charging Velez and nine other members and associates of the Latin Kings. On February 22, 2019, Velez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and/or 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of conspiracy to use and carry a firearm in relation to, and furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime.
U.S. Attorney Durham noted that federal prisoners are required to serve at least 85 percent of their prison term and are not eligible for parole.
The FBI 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.
Bridgeport Resident Charged with Possessing and Trading Images Depicting Sexual Abuse of ChildrenRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ROBERT J. MOSLEY, 53, of Bridgeport, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with child pornography offenses.
Mosley, who has been detained in state custody on a parole violation since January 28, 2020, appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel via video conference.
As alleged in the complaint, in 2016, Mosley was convicted in Connecticut Superior Court of possession of child pornography in the second degree. He was sentenced for that offense to 10 years in jail, execution suspended after six years, and 20 years of probation. Mosley was released on parole in November 2018.
It is further alleged that, on January 28, 2020, Connecticut parole officers and Connecticut state troopers conducted a home visit at Mosley’s residence. During the visit, Mosley was found in possession of an unapproved smart phone, and an approved mobile phone that contained suspected child pornography. Investigators seized both phones and Mosley was remanded to custody. Subsequent analysis of the seized phones and a cloud storage account maintained by Mosley revealed thousands of images and hundreds of video depicting the sexual abuse of children, primarily boys between the ages of 2 and 14. In addition, analysis of Mosley’s e-mail account revealed that he sent numerous e-mails soliciting child pornography, sent images of child pornography to others, and sent links to his cloud storage account.
The criminal complaint charges Mosley with receipt of child pornography and solicitation of child pornography, offenses that carry a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years. Mosley is also charged with possession of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. The penalties in this case are enhanced based on Mosley’s alleged criminal history.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that a criminal complaint is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Connecticut State Police, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Correction Division of Parole and Community Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile and Law Student Intern Nelson Barrette.
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.
Bridgeport Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Crack and Cocaine OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROCKY SAMAS, also known as “Twin,” 48, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing crack and powder cocaine.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the sentencing occurred via videoconference.
According to the evidence disclosed during a trial in this matter, between August and October 2018, investigators conducted three controlled purchases of crack cocaine from Samas in Bridgeport. On November 6, 2018, Samas was arrested on a federal criminal complaint. On that date, investigators searched his Bridgeport residence and seized approximately 46 grams of crack cocaine, approximately 120 grams of powder cocaine, approximately $14,000 in cash, and two digital scales.
On December 11, 2019, Samas was found guilty of one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”), and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
Samas’ criminal history includes multiple drug convictions, including a federal conviction in 2005 for possession with intent to distribute and distribution of crack and powder cocaine. On September 21, 2005, he was sentenced to 240 months of imprisonment for those offenses. He was subsequently resentenced pursuant to changes in the federal sentencing guidelines for crack cocaine offenses and was released from federal prison in December 2011.
Samas, who is released on a $200,000 bond, is required to report to prison on August 11, 2020.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, and the Stamford and Bridgeport Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria del Pilar Gonzalez, Hal Chen and Joseph Vizcarrondo.
Norwich Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm Charge Stemming from New London ShootingRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on July 2, 2020, TREMAINE DOWDELL, 27, of Norwich, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish to a federal firearm offense stemming from an assault and shooting in New London last year.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 14, 2019, Dowdell and three associates assaulted a man outside of the H&T Mart on Ocean Avenue in New London. Surveillance video captured Dowdell removing a gun from his pants and firing a single shot toward the victim of the assault. The bullet missed the victim. When police arrived a short time later, officers found a .40 caliber cartridge casing at the location where Dowdell fired the gun.
Dowdell’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for larceny, burglary and failure to appear offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
On October 3, 2019, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Dowdell with one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. After actively evading law enforcement, Dowdell was found and arrested at a residence in Sprague on November 5, 2019. He possessed a loaded .25 caliber handgun and approximately 33 grams of crack cocaine at the time of his arrest.
Dowdell pleaded guilty to possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton on September 24, 2020.
Dowdell is currently detained.
This matter is being investigated by the New London Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Norwich Police Department and Connecticut State Parole. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Paul Narducci of the New London State’s Attorney Office.
Indictment Charges 9 Individuals Connecticut to Statewide Drug RingRead 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 Norwich Police Chief Patrick J. Daley today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging nine individuals with narcotics offenses related to their alleged involvement in a statewide drug ring.
The indictment was returned on June 30 and unsealed yesterday after six of the defendants were arrested.
This matter stems from a joint investigation led by the FBI and the Norwich, New London and Hartford Police Departments into a narcotics distribution network that stretched from southeastern Connecticut to the Hartford, New Britain and Waterbury areas. The investigation has included court-authorized wiretaps, surveillance, search warrants, and seizures of cocaine and crack cocaine.
The four-count indictment charges each of the following individuals with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, various quantities of cocaine and/or cocaine base (“crack cocaine”):
LUIS CARRASQUILLO, a/k/a “Cuchi,” 49, of Hartford
JASHUA CARASQUILLO, a/k/a “Chuy,” 25, of Hartford
AARON CLAYTON, a/k/a “Ace,” 52, of New Britain
DARRICK SHELBY, a/k/a “Butch, and “Butchy Brown,” 60, of Norwich
HECTOR UMPIERRE, 57, of Waterbury
DARRIN HARRIS, 44, of Norwich
JERMAINE NEWELL, 34, of Waterbury
FRANK BIGGS, 62, of Hamden
KELLY MCGILL, 50, of NorwichThe indictment alleges that, between November 2019 and March 2020, each defendant conspired to distribute various narcotics. If convicted of this charge, based on the type and quantity of narcotics involved, seven of the nine defendants face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of at least five years. Based on his criminal history, Luis Carrasquillo faces a mandatory term of imprisonment of 15 years. Harris and Newell face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
On March 17, 2020, law enforcement conducted court-authorized searches of the residences of Luis Carrasquillo, Jashua Carrasquillo and Aaron Clayton and seized approximately three kilograms of cocaine and nearly $100,000 in cash. No arrests were made at the time due to concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Luis Carrasquillo, Jashua Carrasquillo, Clayton, Shelby, Umpierre and Newell were arrested yesterday. Harris, Biggs and McGill are being sought by law enforcement.
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Norwich, New London and Hartford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Donovan and Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.
Former Massachusetts Resident Involved in New Haven-Based Drug Ring Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHAVAR BELLAMY, also known as “Lil B,” “LB” and “Little Black,” 34, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking crack cocaine.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the sentencing occurred via videoconference.
This matter stems from an investigation headed by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force and New Haven Police Department that targeted drug trafficking and related acts of violence by members, former members and associates of the “Island Brothers” street gang in New Haven. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, also revealed that the drug trafficking organization had established a base of operation in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. The investigation subsequently identified a second drug trafficking network that involved the large-scale distribution of heroin.
Bellamy, who resided in Fitchburg during the investigation, regularly received crack cocaine from co-conspirators in Connecticut and distributed the drug in the Fitchburg area. He also wire-transferred proceeds of his drug sales to his Connecticut associates.
On July 9, 2019, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 15-count indictment charging Bellamy and 24 other individuals with various offenses.
Bellamy has been detained since May 30 2019, when he was arrested on state drug charges in Massachusetts. On November 22, 2019, he pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).
Bellamy’s criminal history includes multiple convictions.
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 and Elena L. Coronado.
New York Woman Admits 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, 24, of Brooklyn, New York, formerly of Waterbury, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel to one count of one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud stemming from her role in a counterfeit check scheme.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately 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.
Through this scheme, the co-conspirators defrauded at least 12 banks of a total of approximately $240,000. In pleading guilty, Jannat agreed that the loss attributable to her role in the scheme is $50,389.05.
Jannat is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on October 21, 2020, at which time she faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.
Jannat was arrested on January 14, 2019. She is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.
Bonilla, Cruz and Perez previously pleaded guilty to related charges and 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.
West Hartford Pharmacy to Pay $150K to Settle Controlled Substances Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that SUBURBAN PHARMACY LTC INC., (“Suburban Pharmacy”), a pharmacy located in West Hartford, Connecticut, has entered into a civil settlement with the federal government in which it will pay a penalty of $150,000 to resolve allegations that it violated civil provisions of the Controlled Substances Act.
The allegations against Suburban Pharmacy include claims that it failed to keep complete and accurate records regarding the receipt and dispensing of controlled substances, and that it failed to maintain effective controls against the diversion of controlled substances.
Suburban Pharmacy dispenses prescription drugs, including controlled substances, to approximately 200 long-term care centers, assisted living facilities, group homes, and other in-patient facilities. In October 2018, the DEA commenced an investigation of Suburban Pharmacy following a reported loss of more than 6,000 dosage units of alprazolam 2mg, a Schedule IV controlled substance. An internal investigation indicated that employee theft likely contributed to the loss. The DEA then conducted an audit of Suburban Pharmacy’s inventory of controlled substances, which revealed a total discrepancy of more than 22,000 doses of controlled substances. The government alleges that this discrepancy is due in part to lax controls against diversion, and the failure to maintain accurate inventories of the controlled substances Suburban Pharmacy received, sold, dispensed, or otherwise disposed of.
Congress passed the Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”) to combat the illegal distribution and abuse of controlled substances, including prescription medications. Under the CSA, entities registered with the DEA who purchase, distribute, dispense, transfer or sell controlled substances must comply with strict inventory and documentation requirements. Regulations promulgated under the CSA require that each DEA registrant, including pharmacies, maintain complete and accurate records of each substance manufactured, received, sold, delivered, dispensed or otherwise disposed of by the registrant for two years. These requirements play a vital role in ensuring the appropriate handling, accounting and distribution of controlled substances.
“It is no secret that there has been a tremendous amount of damage caused by prescription drug abuse in our state and across the country,” said U.S. Attorney Durham. “Pharmacies must keep accurate records and maintain strong controls when handling controlled substances. Those that fail to do so open the door to the potential for diversion of drugs by pharmacy employees, the illegal distribution and abuse of these drugs, and a federal investigation.”
“DEA registrants are responsible to handle controlled substances and ensure that complete and accurate records are being properly kept and accounted for in compliance with the Controlled Substances Act,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Failure to do so increases the potential for diversion and jeopardizes the public health and safety. Today’s settlement demonstrates DEA’s pledge to ensure that DEA registrants maintain the records required under the CSA and are able to account for all the controlled substances they purchase.”
This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Office of Diversion Control and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Kaczmarek.
New York Man Arrested for Hate CrimeRead 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 CHRISTOPHER RASCOLL, 48, of Blauvelt, New York, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with making anti-Semitic death threats to a resident of Stratford, Connecticut.
Rascoll was arrested on June 26 in New York City. He appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport and was ordered detained.
As alleged in the criminal complaint, on December 23, 2019, the first day of Hanukkah, Rascoll began sending the victim, who is Jewish, threatening text messages. In several messages, which continued into May 2020, Rascoll threatened to murder or seriously injure the victim. He also threatened to blow up the victim’s house and car. Some of Rascoll’s threatening text messages contained anti-Semitic references to the Holocaust. On December 23, 2019, Rascoll sent a message that included the words “Suns about to go down. It would be a shame if your house were used to light the menorah. Or turned in a gas chamber.” On April 8, 2020, Rascoll wrote “I’m going to kill you. You better be gone because if you’re in [the victim’s housing community] Easter weekend I’m going to stick you in an oven. Or I’m going to shoot you.”
The complaint charges Rascoll with one count of interference with the right to fair housing, a hate crime, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; and two counts of threatening communications, an offense that carries a maximum term of five years of imprisonment on each count.
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Stratford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarala V. Nagala and Amanda S. Oakes.
New Britain Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Gun TransactionRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JULIO MARTINEZ, 41, of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in the illegal purchase of two 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 that Norman Klosek of Enfield was acting as a “straw purchaser” of firearms for Reyes. Klosek, who was addicted to heroin/fentanyl, purchased and then illegally sold, or “loaned,” a total of 47 handguns to support his drug addiction.
On April 22, 2019, multiple intercepted communications revealed that Reyes and Carlos Soto, also known as “Puchie,” were brokering a gun deal where Martinez arranged to purchase two firearms from Reyes and Soto for $800. On that date, Reyes picked up Klosek in Enfield and drove to a licensed gun dealer in Newington where Klosek, who had a valid state firearm permit, purchased two handguns. Klosek then provided the guns to Reyes. After the purchase, law enforcement observed Reyes, Soto and Martinez at a location on High Street in New Britain. Martinez then left the High Street location and traveled by car to a nearby grocery store. Investigators believed that Martinez was in possession of the two firearms, but Martinez, in fact, had traveled to the grocery store to use an ATM to retrieve cash for the firearms purchase. Investigators stopped and searched Martinez as he attempted to exit the store. The search revealed $850 in cash. Later that day, investigators conducted a traffic stop of Reyes’ vehicle in New Britain and seized the two firearms.
Martinez, 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.
On June 27, 2019, a grand jury Hartford returned a 32-count indictment charging Martinez, Reyes, Soto and 12 associates with various narcotics trafficking and firearm possession offenses.
Martinez has been detained since his arrest. On December 18, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to unlawfully possess firearms by a felon.
Martinez’s criminal history includes multiple firearm and drug convictions and, in April 2019, he was on special parole for stealing a firearm during a burglary.
Reyes, Klosek and Soto have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
To date, approximately 10 of the 47 guns 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.
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.
New Haven Teen Charged with Obstructing JusticeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DIAVION HUTCHINGS, also known as “Avi,” 19, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall to obstruction of justice.
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 February 2019, the New Haven Police Department conducted a video-recorded interview with an individual who had just been arrested. During the interview, the individual provided information that led to the state arrest of Hutchings’ significant other (“L.W.”). A copy of the interview video was provided to L.W.’s lawyer.
In April 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against the individual whose interview was video recorded.
On April 24, 2019, Hutchings viewed the interview video at the office of L.W.’s lawyer, and recorded at least 15 separate portions of the interview using her iPhone. Hutchings transmitted portions of the recordings that she made of the interview video to others via text message and through the use of Facebook Live. In those transmissions, Hutchings communicated threats of harm toward the individual who provided information about L.W.
Hutchings was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on June 3, 2019.
Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for September 23, 2020, at which time Hutchings faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Hutchings is released on a $10,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria del Pilar Gonzalez and Sarah P. Karwan.
Cromwell Man Involved in Auto Loan Fraud Scheme Receives Additional Prison TimeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GEORGE HAJATI, 41, of Cromwell, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson to 21 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction. Judge Thompson ordered the sentence to run consecutively with a 27-month federal sentence imposed on Hajati last week, for a total effective sentence of 48 months of imprisonment.
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, Hajati was previously convicted of federal conspiracy and fraud offenses related to a Hartford-area mortgage fraud scheme that defrauded various lenders of more than $1 million. In August 2015, Judge Thompson sentenced Hajati to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. He was released from federal prison in August 2016.
After his release from prison, and while he was on supervised release, Hajati owned and operated a used car dealership located at 1075 Newfield Street in Middletown known as Car Nation, LLC, Car Nation CT, LLC, and Middletown Motorcars. In connection with automobile loan applications for multiple borrowers, Hajati, and employees at his direction, submitted documents and statements to victim lenders that falsely represented the borrower’s employment, salary, sources of income, and the fact 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. Hajati falsely indicated 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 consent to, Hajati using his or her personal identifying information to obtain automobile loans in these ways.
Between approximately April 2016 and July 2019, Hajati defrauded victim lenders of $654,952.56 through this scheme. Hajati is required to pay full restitution.
Hajati was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on July 2, 2019. On December 20, he pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
On June 25, 2020, Hajati was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny to 27 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for operating the auto loan fraud scheme. Judge Chatigny also ordered Hajati to serve the first six months of his supervised release in home confinement, and to perform 120 hours of community service.
Hajati, who is released on a $560,000 bond, is required to report to prison on September 25, 2020.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David T. Huang and Conor M. Reardon.
U.S. Attorney's Office Reaches ADA Settlement with Connecticut and Pennsylvania Child Care CentersRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached a settlement agreement with Bradford Child Care Services, Inc., which owns Tender Care Learning Centers (“Tender Care”), to resolve allegations that Tender Care was not operating in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”). Tender Care provides child care services at more than 20 locations in Connecticut and western Pennsylvania.
The settlement agreement addresses an ADA complaint filed by the parents of a child with epilepsy alleging that Tender Care established a policy to prevent staff from administering prescribed emergency rescue medication. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Tender Care will implement new nondiscriminatory policies, practices and procedures regarding the administration of medication for children with disabilities who wish to attend their day care centers, camp, before care program, after care program or any other educational programs owned or operated by Tender Care in the United States. Tender Care also will train its managers, teachers and other staff on compliance with Title III of the ADA. Additionally, Tender Care will evaluate each request for reasonable modifications on an individualized basis, relying on objective evidence and current medical standards and will adopt, maintain and enforce an Emergency Anti-Seizure Medication Administration (EASMA) Policy and Procedure. The revised materials for parents of children with disabilities will be posted in a general location at the center and will post to its website the nondiscrimination policy approved by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Tender Care also has agreed to pay a total of $20,000 in compensatory damages to certain individuals identified during the government’s investigation of this matter.
Under federal law, private entities that own or operate places of “public accommodation,” including learning centers and other places of education and recreation, are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of disability. The ADA authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate complaints and undertake periodic reviews of compliance of covered entities. The Justice Department is also authorized to commence a civil lawsuit in federal court in any case that involves a pattern or practice of discrimination or that raises issues of general public importance, and to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, and civil penalties.
U.S. Attorney Durham noted that the counsel and management of Tender Care were cooperative with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and are committed to addressing the issues raised by the ADA investigation without litigation.
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ndidi N. Moses of the District of Connecticut in coordination with the Disability Rights Section of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that any place of public accommodation or public entity in Connecticut is not accessible to persons with disabilities may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 203-821-3700. Additional information about the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov, or by calling the Justice Department’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 and (800) 514-0383 (TTY).
The Justice Department also has a Civil Rights Reporting Portal, an online tool that allows the public to report a civil rights violation. The Reporting Portal – located at www.civilrights.justice.gov – is fully accessible to people with disabilities. It is also available in both English and Spanish, with more languages to be added in the future.
Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of civil rights violations should contact the department by visiting www.civilrights.justice.gov. Those who believe they are a victim of criminal violation of their civil rights, such as misconduct by law enforcement officers, a hate crime, or human trafficking, should contact their local FBI office.
Hartford Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Narcotics Distribution and Firearm Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DYZHAE RICHARDSON, 23, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2019, after a spate of gun violence in Hartford, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, DEA, Hartford Police Department and other law enforcement agencies initiated an investigation targeting gang-related drug distribution and associated violence in north Hartford. During the investigation, investigators made two controlled purchases of heroin/fentanyl from Richardson in August and September 2019. Richardson was on state probation at the time of these drug sales.
Richardson was arrested on September 13, 2019. On that date, a court-authorized search of his residence revealed a loaded Taurus G2C 9mm handgun, additional loose rounds of 9mm ammunition, approximately 100 wax folds of heroin, a quantity of crack cocaine and approximately $2,500 in cash. A search of Richardson’s person also revealed approximately $1,000 in cash.
Richardson’s criminal history includes felony convictions for narcotics and firearm possession 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.
Richardson has been detained since his arrest. On January 21, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl and cocaine base (“crack”), and one count possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
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 as 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.
Springfield Man Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking HeroinRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JONATHAN VELEZ, also known as “Jay” and “King Jay,” 26, of Springfield, Massachusetts, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden to 78 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 court documents and statements made in court, in October 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force began an investigation of an organization that was trafficking large quantities of heroin, fentanyl and other narcotics in Connecticut and western Massachusetts. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance, revealed that members of the organization were receiving bulk quantities of heroin and fentanyl from out-of-state suppliers. They then stored, processed and packaged the heroin/fentanyl in multiple locations, including apartments located at 280 Collins Street in Hartford where some members of the organization also resided, and then distributed the drug in the Hartford area, and also the Springfield and Holyoke, Massachusetts area. A significant amount of drug trafficking activity occurred at the Neighborhood Supermarket, located at 316 Farmington Avenue in Hartford.
Fourteen individuals have been charged with various narcotics, firearms and immigration offenses as a result of this investigation. During the investigation, law enforcement seized approximately 10 kilograms of heroin and fentanyl, much of which was packaged for resale in hundreds of thousands of bags. Seven firearms were also seized.
Velez was intercepted numerous times on wiretaps discussing narcotics trafficking activity, and in April 2017, investigators made a controlled purchase of heroin from Velez in Springfield. The investigation also revealed that, although Velez was on Massachusetts state probation and prohibited from traveling outside of Massachusetts, he regularly traveled to Hartford to obtain large quantities of heroin from other members of the organization. For example, on June 3, 2017, Velez traveled to Hartford to purchase 200 grams of heroin in exchange for $13,000.
The investigation further revealed that the drug trafficking organization was using xylazine, a horse tranquilizer, as an additive to the heroin and fentanyl it distributed. In June 2017, investigators intercepted a package containing 72 (100 mg) vials of xylazine that had been shipped from Puerto Rico to Velez’s residence.
Velez has been detained since his arrest on June 29, 2017. On that date, a search of his Springfield residence revealed approximately 116 grams of compressed heroin, numerous wax folds of heroin, and a loaded .38 caliber revolver.
On August 6, 2018, Velez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
Velez’s criminal history includes multiple criminal convictions, including three prior convictions for felony narcotics offenses.
The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments. Agencies assisting the investigation include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Marshals Service and Connecticut State Police.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JESUS SEGUINOT, also known as “Chuchi,” 30, of New Haven, 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 drug distribution and gun possession offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 16, 2018, New Haven Police officers executed a state search warrant at Seguinot’s apartment on Congress Avenue and seized approximately 65 grams of cocaine, approximately 114 grams of marijuana, other items used to process and package drugs for distribution, and $5,480 in cash. Seguinot was arrested on state charges at that time.
On April 20, 2018, Stamford Police officers arrested Seguinot in Stamford after they found him in possession approximately 80 grams of cocaine and crack cocaine, a quantity of marijuana, a digital scale, drug packaging materials, and $1,613 in cash.
On May 17, 2018, a search of Seguinot’s new residence on Stevens Street in New Haven revealed approximately 20 grams of crack cocaine, drug packaging materials, a scale with white residue, a .38 caliber bullet on his bedroom nightstand, and a loaded .38 Special Taurus revolver with an obliterated serial number. He was arrested on state charges on May 26, 2018.
Prior to May 2018, Seguinot had been convicted in state court of felony drug, weapon and other offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
On July 22, 2018, Seguinot sold a quantity of cocaine to another individual for $20 on Liberty Street in New Haven. He was arrested on state charges on July 27, 2018.
Seguinot has been detained since his federal arrest on April 11, 2019. On November 14, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New Haven Police Department and Stamford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.
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 our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Middletown Used Car Dealer Sentenced to 27 Months in Federal Prison for Defrauding LendersRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GEORGE HAJATI, 41, of Cromwell, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny to 27 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for operating an auto loan fraud scheme while he was on federal supervised release from a prior federal conviction. Judge Chatigny also ordered Hajati to serve the first six months of his supervised release in home confinement, and to perform 120 hours of community service.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the sentencing occurred via videoconference.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Hajati owned and operated a used car dealership located at 1075 Newfield Street in Middletown known as Car Nation, LLC, Car Nation CT, LLC, and Middletown Motorcars. In connection with automobile loan applications for multiple borrowers, Hajati, and employees at his direction, submitted documents and statements to victim lenders that falsely represented the borrower’s employment, salary, sources of income, and the fact 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. Hajati falsely indicated 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 consent to, Hajati using his or her personal identifying information to obtain automobile loans in these ways.
Between approximately April 2016 and July 2019, Hajati defrauded victim lenders of $654,952.56 through this scheme. Hajati is required to pay full restitution.
Hajati was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on July 2, 2019. On December 20, he pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
Hajati was previously convicted of federal conspiracy and fraud offenses related to a Hartford-area mortgage fraud scheme that defrauded various lenders of more than $1 million. In August 2015, Hajati was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. He was released from federal prison in August 2016, and was on supervised release at the time of the auto loan fraud.
Hajati’s supervised release hearing is scheduled for June 29, at which time he faces a maximum additional sentence of two years of imprisonment.
Hajati who is released on a $560,000 bond, is required to report to prison on September 25, 2020.
This matter is being 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 David T. Huang and Conor M. Reardon.
Westbrook Man Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that KEVIN BRAZA, 48, of Westbrook, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall to one count of tax evasion.
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, Braza operates K.E. Braza Construction, a construction and excavation business based in Old Saybrook, For the 2013 through 2017 tax years, Braza failed to report to the IRS approximately $565,161 in income earned through his business, and through gambling winnings. As a result, he failed to pay a total of $184,579 in federal income taxes.
Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for September 16, 2020, at which time Braza faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
Braza has paid full restitution, including penalties and interest, of $394,474.
Braza is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherry.
Member of Car Theft Ring Sentenced to Federal Prison for Selling Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAY QUAN SANTOS, 22, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 13 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for stealing and selling firearms.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation of motor vehicle thefts and motor vehicle break-ins in and around Hartford County. The property stolen from vehicles included firearms, ammunition and firearm-related items. The investigation revealed that Santos and others stole firearms and other items from vehicles, including vehicles that were parked outside of residences in Newington and Ellington, and then sold the firearms to other individuals.
Santos was arrested on related state charges on May 1, 2019, and was charged by federal criminal complaint on May 22, 2020. Santos had been detained from the date of his state arrest until he was released on bond in his federal case on September 16. On December 19, he pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of possession of a stolen firearm.
On December 23, 2019, Santos was arrested in Rocky Hill after he crashed a stolen vehicle he was driving on I-91, and subsequently attempted to run from police. The vehicle had been reported stolen in East Hartford on December 22. Santos has been detained since January 29, 2020, when his bond was revoked.
State charges against Santos are pending.
This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Connecticut State Police, and the Hartford, Newington and Windsor Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 17 Years for Robbery and Gun Offenses Stemming from Drug-Related ShootingRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RANDY PARKMAN, 43, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 204 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for robbery and firearm offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 22, 2018, Parkman shot and seriously wounded an individual after he robbed that individual of drugs and money at 149 Wethersfield Avenue in Hartford. At the time, the location was being used as a “trap house” by a drug trafficking organization. After the shooting, Parkman sold the gun he used.
In August 2018, Parkman stole a Taurus, Model 444, .44 caliber revolver from a motor vehicle in Hartford. It is alleged that he then used the stolen gun on October 5, 2018, in a shooting incident at 183 Wethersfield Avenue, and then again on October 8, 2018, when he shot and wounded an individual in Hartford’s South Green Park.
On October 22, 2018, Parkman was arrested at an apartment where he had been staying. Investigators recovered the stolen .44 caliber firearm during a search of the apartment
Parkman has been detained since his arrest. On January 27, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery, and one count of possession and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Parkman’s criminal history includes numerous felony convictions for larceny, burglary and other offenses.
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 Hartford Police Department’s Major Crimes Division, Shooting Task Force and Vice, Intelligence and Narcotics Division provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
This case was being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Margaret M. Donovan.
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.
East Hartford Man Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EYISIEL ORTEGA, also known as “EG,” “D” and “E,” 21, of East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden to 90 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for drug distribution and gun possession offenses. Judge Bolden ordered Ortega to serve the first six months of his supervised release in home confinement.
Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the sentencing occurred via videoconference.
This matter stems from an investigation headed by the ATF and East Hartford Police Department into drug trafficking and related acts of violence by a group of individuals operating out of the Mayberry Village housing complex in East Hartford. The investigation revealed that certain members of the group had obtained firearms in North Dakota and transported them to Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between September and November 2017, investigators conducted controlled purchases of crack cocaine from Ortega. Ortega was arrested on November 7, 2017. On that date, a court-authorized search of his residence revealed a loaded .380 caliber Ruger LCP semi-automatic pistol, 20 loose rounds of ammunition, approximately 30 grams of crack cocaine, a quantity of fentanyl and $4,530 in cash. The firearm had been reported stolen in Georgia.
Ortega has been detained since his arrest. On November 25, 2019, Ortega pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”), and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
This investigation is being conducted by the ATF and East Hartford Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Correction and the Minot (N.D.) Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.
Courier for Southeastern Connecticut Drug Ring Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JACKIE HERNANDEZ, 42, of Norwich, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for her role in a southeastern Connecticut drug trafficking ring.
This matter stems from an investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Taskforce East, Connecticut Department of Correction and the New London, Waterford, City of Groton and Stonington Police Departments, into the distribution of narcotics and illegal possession of firearms in southeastern Connecticut. The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases and seizures of heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine, and firearms. Hernandez, who served as a drug courier for another member of the conspiracy, would transport kilogram-quantities of cocaine from a source in New York to Connecticut.
In December 2018, Hernandez was arrested on related state charges after she was found in possession of approximately one kilogram of cocaine.
Hernandez was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on February 21, 2019. On March 5, 2019, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Hernandez and 23 other individuals with various offenses. On August 6, 2019, a superseding indictment included charges against an additional two defendants.
On September 13, 2019, Hernandez pleaded guilty to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
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.
North Carolina Man Admits Defrauding Employer's Charity Matching Gift ProgramRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STEVEN KENT STRANGE, 50, of Bailey, North Carolina, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today to one count of wire fraud related to his defrauding his former employer’s charity matching gift program of nearly $600,000.
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, Strange was employed by Collins Aerospace in North Carolina, which, at the time, was a business unit of United Technologies Corporation (“UTC”), based in Farmington, Connecticut. UTC had a Matching Gift Program, through which the company matched an employee donation, up to $25,000 annually, to a charity. In 2008, Strange established the Housing Development Foundation of North Carolina, Inc. (“the Housing Development Foundation”), and listed his residence at the principal office for the charity. Strange began working for Collins Aerospace in 2014.
Between approximately 2015 and September 2019, Strange defrauded UTC’s Matching Gift Program by submitting to UTC fraudulent records of donations purportedly made by him and by certain employees that worked with him at Collins Aerospace. The records included fabricated cashiers checks of payments supposedly made to the Housing Development Foundation, when no such payments had been made. As a result, UTC transferred approximately $585,000 in matching funds to the Housing Development Foundation, and an additional $5,257 to third party vendors to process the requests. A review of the Housing Development Foundation’s bank records reveal that a large portion of the Foundation’s expenditures appears to be Strange’s personal expenditures.
Strange is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford on September, 14, 2020, at which time Strange faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a maximum fine of more than $1.1 million, and restitution of $591,877.
Strange is released on bond pending sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
New York Man Sentenced for Counterfeiting OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL A. STEVENS, 26, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to approximately one year of imprisonment, time already served, and three years of supervised release, for counterfeiting offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 7, 2019, Enfield Police arrested Stevens and another individual after they attempted to pass counterfeit currency at a Dick’s Sporting Goods store in Enfield. A subsequent search of their vehicle revealed more than $600 in counterfeit currency, 33 pages of paper with uncut $50 and $20 counterfeit notes, an unopened box of paper, and a printer.
The investigation revealed that, in late April 2019, Stevens and others passed hundreds of dollars in counterfeit currency at retail locations in New Britain and Vernon. Investigators also learned that there was an active federal warrant for Stevens’ arrest in the Eastern District of Virginia. On February 21, 2019, a federal grand jury in Richmond, Virginia, had returned as indictment charging Stevens and four other individuals with counterfeiting offenses. The case against Stevens was transferred to the District of Connecticut for further prosecution.
On January 31, 2020, Stevens pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to falsely make, forge, counterfeit and pass Federal Reserve Notes. In pleading guilty, Stevens admitted that, in January 2019, he and others passed approximately $21,800 in counterfeit currency at locations in Fredericksburg and Richmond, Virginia.
Stevens was detained from May 7, 2019, to January 31, 2020, when he was released on bond. Approximately three weeks after his release, Stevens and others were arrested in New York after police found $3,800 in counterfeit notes in an envelope under Stevens’ car seat. He has been detained since March 6, 2020, when his bond was revoked.
This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Secret Service with the assistance of several local police departments. The case in the District of Connecticut was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.
New Haven Man Sentenced for Possessing Firearms in StamfordRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOEL CRUZ-BERRIOS, also known as “Krack,” 23, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to approximately 15 months of imprisonment, time already served, and three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing firearms.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2019, Cruz-Berrios arranged to trade firearms with an individual in Stamford. On January 22, 2019, Stamford Police officers arrested Cruz-Berrios, Nyejire Redmond and Victor Berrios-Sanchez after they traveled from New Haven to a parking garage in Stamford. At the time the arrests, Berrios-Sanchez possessed a loaded .22 caliber revolver, a .25 caliber semi-automatic handgun and three .25 caliber rounds of ammunition, and Redmond possessed a loaded .45 caliber automatic handgun that had been reported stolen in New Britain in December 2018. Redmond was sitting in the backseat of the vehicle next to a sleeping, unrestrained child who was approximately two years old.
Cruz-Berrios has three prior convictions, and he was on probation from a prior felony conviction when he was arrested in this case.
Cruz-Berrios has been detained in state custody since March 13, 2019. On November 4, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of firearm by a convicted felon.
Redmond previously pleaded guilty to possessing a stolen firearm and, on April 16, 2020, was sentenced to approximately 15 months of imprisonment, time served. Berrios-Sanchez, of New Haven, pleaded guilty in state court to firearm offenses and was sentenced to 31 months of incarceration.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Stamford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.
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.
Indictment Charges Three Men with Violent Robbery of Stamford JewelerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney John H. Durham, Chief State’s Attorney Richard J. Colangelo, Jr., FBI Special Agent in Charge David Sundberg, Stamford Police Chief Timothy Shaw and Greenwich Police Chief James J. Heavey, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a superseding indictment yesterday charging ROBERT RALLO, 56, of Brooklyn, New York, THOMAS LIBERATORE, 62, of White Plains, New York, and PAUL PROSANO, also known as “Tony Pro,” 60, of Brooklyn, with federal offenses in connection with the March 28 robbery of Marco Jewelers in Stamford, Connecticut. During the robbery, the owner of Marco Jewelers was shot and killed.
As alleged in court documents, on March 28, 2020, at approximately 2:48 p.m., Stamford Police Officers responded to Marco Jewelers, located at 16 Sixth Street in Stamford. When officers arrived, they found evidence of a robbery and encountered the storeowner, Mark Vuono, lying on the ground in front of an open safe. Emergency medical personnel arrived and pronounced Vuono deceased.
It is further alleged that investigators collected and analyzed surveillance video from Marco Jewelers, surrounding businesses and Stamford city cameras. Video obtained from Marco Jewelers revealed that, on March 28, Prosano drove Rallo and Liberatore in a black Jaguar to Marco Jewelers. Rallo and Liberatore then entered the store. Rallo, armed with a handgun, engaged in a physical altercation with Vuono, while Liberatore stole items from the display cases. Vuono, who also possessed a firearm, and Rallo struggled next to a large open safe. During the more than three-minute struggle, Rallo reached into the safe and pulled out a third firearm, a .357 Magnum revolver. Rallo subsequently shot and killed Vuono with the .357 revolver.
It is alleged that, following the robbery, law enforcement located the black Jaguar in Staten Island and maintained surveillance on the vehicle. On March 30, at approximately 5:30 p.m., a black BMW X3, driven by Prosano, pulled up beside the black Jaguar. Rallo exited the rear door of the BMW and entered the driver’s door of a black Jaguar. The two vehicles then left the area and rapidly accelerated. The Jaguar crashed on Tompkins Street. Rallo attempted to flee on foot, but was quickly apprehended. The BMW crashed into a tree and parked car at the intersection of Daniel Low Terrace and Corson Avenue. Prosano also attempted to flee and was apprehended.
A search of the BMW revealed 63 rings, eight bracelets, two tie pins, an earring and a cufflink, and a search of Prosano’s residence revealed 23 pairs of earrings and three rings. It is alleged that these items were stolen from Marco Jewelers on March 28. Liberatore also was arrested on March 30.
The defendants have been detained in New York on state parole violation charges since their arrests.
The superseding indictment charges Rallo, Liberatore and Prosano with interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act robbery), an offense that carries a maximum term imprisonment of 20 years, and with interstate transportation of stolen property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
The indictment also charges Rallo, aided and abetted by Liberatore, with using a firearm to cause a death during a robbery. If convicted of this offense, Rallo and Liberatore face a mandatory term of imprisonment of life, or death if the government seeks the death penalty in this matter.
It is alleged that prior to the Marco Jewelers robbery, on March 18, 2020, Liberatore drove a Honda Civic he had stolen from a car dealer in Yonkers, New York, to Byram Jewelers in Greenwich, Connecticut. He entered the store at approximately 4:45 p.m. and asked a store employee to show him engagement rings. He then pointed a pistol at the employee, stole several rings, smashed a display case with his pistol and stole other items before exiting the store.
On June 3, 2020, Liberatore was charged in a separate indictment with one count of interference with commerce by robbery, one count of possession and brandishing of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle. If convicted of the firearm charge, Liberatore faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years, which must be imposed consecutively to any other sentence.
It is alleged that each defendant has an extensive criminal history and the three men met while serving their respective sentences within the New York State Department of Corrections.
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, Stamford Police Department and Greenwich Police Department, with the assistance of the New York Police Department, Yonkers (N.Y.) Police Department and New Rochelle (N.Y.) Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis and Rahul Kale.
Indictment Charges 3 Men with Trafficking HeroinRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that a grand jury New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging WILTON REYNOSO, also known as Manuel Jose Echevarria-Lugo, 47, a citizen of the Dominican Republic residing in Waterbury; TYSON QUINONES, also known as “Ty,” 34, of Waterbury; and DEESHAWN PITTMAN, also known as “Low,” 30, of New Haven, with trafficking heroin.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in late 2019, the DEA New Haven Task Force began an investigation into the distribution of heroin in New Haven. The investigation, which included thousands of intercepted communications over court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that Pittman and others were distributing heroin and crack cocaine to a large customer base in New Haven County. Pittman was supplied with heroin by Quinones, who also distributed heroin and cocaine to his own customers in and around Waterbury. Quinones was supplied with heroin from Reynoso, who received large quantities of heroin from a source in New York.
On June 13, 2020, investigators sought to arrest the three defendants after intercepting a series of calls that, as alleged, indicted that Reynoso and Quinones were planning to conduct a 200-gram heroin transaction, with a portion of the drugs possibly destined for Pittman. On that date, Pittman was arrested at his residence, a search of which revealed approximately 50 grams of a mixture of suspected heroin and fentanyl, and more than $15,000 in cash. Quinones was arrested at the anticipated meeting place. A subsequent search of his residence revealed a stolen, loaded 9mm pistol. Reynoso fled from the meeting scene in his vehicle, which was found abandoned nearby. He was arrested a short time later after he returned to the vehicle. A search of a location in Waterbury that Reynoso used to store, process and package narcotics revealed more than kilogram of a mixture of suspected heroin and fentanyl.
Each of the defendants, who are detained, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams of more of heroin, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.
U.S. Attorney Durham noted that the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are possible. He further noted 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.
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 H. Gordon Hall and John T. Pierpont, Jr.