District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Dominican National Involved in Drug Importation Schemes Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ARRINSON DE LA CRUZ, 40, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 144 months of imprisonment for his role in the large-scale importation of cocaine and other controlled substances into the U.S.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2016, De La Cruz, who was residing in Wolcott, Connecticut, on a tourist visa, conspired with others to transport approximately 1600 kilograms of cocaine from South America to the U.S. On August 6, 2016, a private jet, which was registered in the U.S., flew from the Dominican Republic to Venezuela where the cocaine was to be loaded onto the jet. From there, the jet was to fly Honduras where the cocaine would be loaded onto trucks for transport through Mexico into the U.S. De La Cruz had worked at an airport in the Dominican Republic and helped to coordinate the travel of the jet through the airport uninterrupted. A fake flight plan filed with Dominican authorities reported that the plane was traveling to Brazil. Ultimately, the plane crash-landed in Venezuela, the crew evaded capture by Venezuelan authorities, and the cocaine was diverted back to Colombia.
After the collapse of the cocaine importation scheme, De La Cruz attempted to coordinate additional shipments of drugs into the U.S, and also contacted others in and around Connecticut to sell heroin, cocaine and 2C-B, a synthetic psychedelic drug.
On September 18, 2016, De La Cruz was arrested in Milford, Connecticut, after a search of a car he was traveling in revealed 2C-B that De La Cruz intended to distribute in Massachusetts.
In November 2016 and December 2017, while he was released on bond, De La Cruz continued to conspire to distribute cocaine. He has been detained since his arrest on December 20, 2017.
On March 27, 2019, De La Cruz pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, on board an aircraft registered in the U.S., five kilograms or more of cocaine; one count of possession with intent to distribute 2C-B, and one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Wolcott Police Department. The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby, Middletown, Naugatuck and Waterbury Police Departments.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
ADA Settlement Ensures Access for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals at Concentra Facilities NationwideRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the government has reached a settlement agreement under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”) with CONCENTRA, which will ensure access to effective communication for deaf and hard of hearing individuals at Concentra’s patient-facing facilities throughout the U.S.
Concentra, based in Addison, Texas, is a national health care company that, through its affiliated clinicians, provides occupational medicine, urgent care, physical therapy and wellness services at more than 520 medical centers in 44 states, and serves employers at an additional 140 onsite medical facilities. The settlement agreement applies to Concentra Health Services, Inc. and its managed professional medical entities situated throughout the United States.
This matter was initiated upon receipt of a complaint filed with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut by Disability Rights Connecticut, a non-profit advocacy organization based in Hartford. Disability Rights Connecticut filed the complaint on behalf of the complainant who is profoundly deaf. The complaint alleges that the complainant required physical therapy related to a workplace injury and went to Concentra’s location in Norwich, Connecticut. At his initial appointment at Concentra, the complainant informed his physical therapist that he was deaf and required an interpreter to communicate effectively. In response to this request, the complainant was told that he would have to provide his own interpreter. The complainant requested that an interpreter be provided to him for his subsequent visits to Concentra. At each follow up appointment, the complainant renewed his request for an interpreter. Throughout his course of treatment at Concentra, the complainant was never provided with interpreter services.
Title III of the ADA requires places of public accommodation to provide appropriate auxiliary aids and services, such as qualified interpreters, where necessary to ensure effective communication with individuals with disabilities. Places of public accommodation are prohibited from requiring an individual with a disability to bring another individual to interpret for him or her. Similarly, places of public accommodation may not charge a surcharge to individuals with disabilities for measures, including auxiliary aids and services like interpreters, that are required to provide the individual with a disability with nondiscriminatory treatment under the ADA. As a network of professional offices providing healthcare services, Concentra is a public accommodation under Title III of the ADA and its facilities are places of public accommodation.
The settlement agreement resolves the complaint received by the government that Concentra violated Title III of the ADA by failing to provide effective communication to the complainant. The terms of the settlement agreement require Concentra to provide appropriate auxiliary aids and services free of charge, including qualified interpreters, at all of its patient facilities to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing whenever it is necessary to ensure effective communication for those individuals. Concentra will also submit an effective communication policy, which includes a grievance procedure, to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for approval and, following approval, will implement the policy nationwide and post the policy on its website. Concentra will designate a national ADA coordinator who will be responsible for implementing the terms of the settlement agreement and who will be the point person for investigating patient complaints as part of the newly established grievance process outlined in the effective communication policy. Concentra will provide ADA training to staff members nationwide. In addition, Concentra will compensate the complainant in the amount of $7,500.
The ADA authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate complaints and undertake periodic reviews of compliance of covered entities. The Justice Department is also authorized to commence a civil lawsuit in federal court in any case that involves a pattern or practice of discrimination or that raises issues of general public importance, and to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, and civil penalties.
“This case reflects this office’s steadfast commitment to protecting the rights of those who are deaf or hard of hearing and ensuring that these individuals are able to effectively communicate with health care professionals throughout the State of Connecticut and the nation,” said U.S. Attorney Durham. “I thank Concentra’s management for their cooperation during this investigation and for addressing these ADA issues without the need for litigation.”
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica H. Soufer 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 the office of a health care provider or any other place of public accommodation or public entity in Connecticut is not accessible to persons with disabilities may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 203-821-3700.
Additional information about the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov, or by calling the Justice Department’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 and (800) 514-0383 (TTY). More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.
Superseding Indictment Charges Doctor and Alleged Co-Conspirator with Oxycodone Distribution OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a 36-count superseding indictment charging JENNIFER FARRELL and JIMIESHA McKOY with narcotics distribution offenses.
As alleged in the superseding indictment, Farrell was a medical resident at Yale New Haven Health (“YNHH”) in the Emergency Department from July 2017 until June 2019. From March 2018 to March 2019, Farrell wrote numerous prescriptions for oxycodone for non-legitimate medical purposes outside the scope of her professional practice in the name of at least five individuals, including McKoy. Farrell did not see McKoy or any of the other individuals for any medical purpose at any YNHH facility during the entire period of her residency.
The superseding indictment, which was returned on November 6, charges Farrell and McKoy with one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, controlled substances. The indictment also charges Farrell with 35 counts of distribution of narcotics outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. Each charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Farrell, 37, was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on July 31, 2019, and was charged by indictment in August. Farrell, who was living in New Haven at the time of her arrest, is released on a $200,000 bond and residing in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
McKoy, 30, of New Haven, is currently being sought by law enforcement. Citizens with knowledge of McKoy’s whereabouts, or with information that may be helpful the investigation of this matter, are encouraged to call the FBI at 203-777-6311.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration, Diversion Control Group. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherry.
House Painting Company Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges Related to Illegal Removal of Lead PaintRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Tyler C. Amon, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division in New England, announced that COLLEGIATE ENTREPRENEURS, INC., a Massachusetts-based house painting company, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to violating the Toxic Substances Control Act and subsequently falsifying records.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Collegiate Entrepreneurs, Inc., LLC, of Braintree, Massachusetts, provides house-painting services in Connecticut and other New England states. Some of the houses painted by Collegiate Entrepreneurs in 2015 contained lead-based paint. For those jobs, the company was subject to the lead-based paint requirements of the Toxic Substances Control Act and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule.
Under the RRP Rule, Collegiate Entrepreneurs was required to ensure that its certified renovators complied with provisions governing training and supervision of painters, post-renovation cleaning, physical presence on-site, and preparation of required records. The company was also responsible for ensuring that all renovation activities were performed in compliance with RRP Rule work practice standards governing occupant protection, containment of the work area, prohibited and restricted practices, waste from renovations, cleanup of the work area, and post-renovation cleaning verification. Collegiate Entrepreneurs knowingly failed to ensure such compliance by its renovators during the 2015 painting season.
On October 13, 2015, in response to a federal grand jury subpoena, an employee of Collegiate Entrepreneurs produced records for 12 painting jobs in Connecticut that involved lead-based paint. Included in the production were records that appeared to have been prepared and signed by certified renovators to document that RRP Rule work practice standards and training requirements had been met at each lead paint job. Records for at least 10 of the 12 jobs were false. The signatures of the certified renovators were forged and the records falsely represented that the jobs were performed in compliance with the RRP Rule.
Collegiate Entrepreneurs pleaded guilty to one count of falsification of records, which carries a maximum penalty of a $500,000 fine and five years of probation, and one count of violating the Toxic Substances Control Act, which carries a maximum penalty of a $200,000 fine and five years of probation.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 5, 2020, before U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny.
As part of the plea agreement, Collegiate Entrepreneurs and the government have agreed that a fine of $50,000 and a term of probation of five years is reasonable in this case.
Collegiate Entrepreneurs also will pay $30,000 in restitution to a victim homeowner in West Hartford, Connecticut, and will pay restitution to any other Connecticut victims with legally sufficient claims related to the improper removal of lead paint from their homes.
Collegiate Entrepreneurs has represented to the government that it is no longer engaged, and will not engage, in projects that involve the remediation of lead paint and are subject to the RRP Rule.
“Collegiate Entrepreneurs purposely violated the requirements of safely removing lead from homes and in doing risked the health of families whose houses were being renovated,” said EPA-CID Special Agent in Charge Amon. “EPA remains focused on holding accountable companies and individuals that cut corners and fail to put public health and safety first.”
This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 69 Months in Prison for Gang-Related Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that HECTOR SANTIAGO, also known as “Bebo,” 25, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 69 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes 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 alleged 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. Santiago, who used an apartment at 876 Broad Street to store narcotics, distributed fentanyl, heroin and crack cocaine in the area of Broad Street and Park Street in Hartford.
The investigation also revealed that Santiago possessed firearms and was involved in acts of violence. On June 10, 2018, City of Hartford surveillance cameras captured Santiago pistol-whipping a victim.
Santiago was arrested on July 6, 2018. At the time of his arrest, a search of an apartment on Marshall Street where Santiago was residing revealed a loaded .40 caliber handgun.
Santiago has been detained since his arrest. On April 18, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes 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.
Former CEO of New Haven County Credit Union Sentenced for Bank Fraud OffenseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMES FARRELL, 55, of, East Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to approximately one day of imprisonment, time already served, and two years of supervised release, for defrauding the New Haven County Credit Union. Judge Underhill also ordered Farrell to perform 50 hours of community service.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Farrell was the Chief Executive Officer of the New Haven County Credit Union (“NHCCU”) from approximately 1992 to June 2015. He was then retained by NHCCU’s Board of Directors to provide assistance to the new CEO of NHCCU until March 2016. From 2010 until 2016, Farrell also provided financial and bookkeeping services to The Rib House, a restaurant located in East Haven. The Rib House maintained a business account at NHCCU, and Farrell was primarily responsible for depositing cash sales and paying invoices for the restaurant. In pleading guilty, Farrell admitted that he defrauded NHCCU by transferring funds from NHCCU’s general ledger account to the account held by The Rib House.
As part of the scheme, when Farrell knew that The Rib House had a financial obligation it could not meet, he transferred funds from the NHCCU general ledger account into The Rib House account. This allowed The Rib House to pay its operating costs, including paying for taxes, food, liquor and other operating expenses. Between July 2011 and March 2016, Farrell fraudulently transferred $602,908.96 from the NHCCU general ledger account primarily to The Rib House account and, to a lesser extent, for his personal benefit. Over time, Farrell replenished $370,278.18 to the NHCCU general ledger account, leaving a shortfall of $232,630.78.
Farrell has paid full restitution to NHCCU.
On August 28, 2019, Farrell pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
Bridgeport Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Committing Multiple RobberiesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALVIN ROBERTSON, 56, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for committing three bank robberies and two Subway store robberies in Connecticut last year.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 20, 2018, Robertson robbed a Subway store located at 9 Ethan Allen Highway in Ridgefield. During the robbery Robertson brandished a knife, pointed it at the store clerk and stated, “Give me all your money or I will kill you.”
On July 22, 2018, Robertson robbed a Subway store located at 447 Monroe Turnpike in Monroe. During the robbery, Robertson indicated that he had a gun.
Robertson also robbed a People’s United Bank branch at 470 Monroe Turnpike in Monroe on August 29, 2018; a People’s United Bank branch at 763 Straits Turnpike in Watertown on September 21, 2018, and a People’s United Bank branch at 1135 Farmington Avenue in Berlin on September 25, 2018.
Robertson has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on September 27, 2018. On May 21, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery.
Robertson has prior federal and state bank robbery convictions.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Watertown, Ridgefield, Monroe and Berlin Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
New York Man Who Victimized Immigrants in Kidnapping and Extortion Scheme Sentenced to 8 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CARLOS ANTONIO HERNANDEZ, 57, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 96 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a kidnapping and extortion scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on several occasions, Hernandez and his co-conspirators targeted individuals after they exited buses at the Port Authority in New York. The victims included women, men and children from Central American countries who did not speak English and were seeking asylum in the U.S. Some of the victims planned to travel from New York to Connecticut. After the victims were told that their connecting bus was not available and that they would provide transportation, Hernandez and others coerced the victims into vehicles. Hernandez and others would then drive the victims around, sometimes for hours, and refused to release them until they or their families agreed to pay the co-conspirators an exorbitant amount of money, on average more than a $1000.
At times, co-conspirators posed as an immigration officer to intimidate the victims further.
Hernandez has been detained since his arrest on December 14, 2016. On March 9, 2018, a federal jury in Bridgeport found Hernandez and two co-conspirators, Francisco Betancourt and Lucilo Cabrera, guilty of kidnapping, extortion and conspiracy offenses. On November 14, 2019, Betancourt was sentenced to 168 months of imprisonment. Cabrera awaits sentencing.
On October 12, 2018, a fourth defendant, Pascual Rodriguez, pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping. On July 2, 2019, he was sentenced to 135 months of imprisonment.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Richards.
New Haven Man Sentenced to More Than 3 Years for Illegal Gun Possession, Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHAQUILLE PEARSON, 25, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 39 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal firearm conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 23, 2017, Pearson was sentenced in federal court to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was released from federal prison in May 2018.
On March 21, 2019, Pearson led New Haven police officers in a foot chase. Officers apprehended Pearson and then retrieved a loaded Taurus PT25, .25 caliber handgun that Pearson had discarded on Wilson Street during the chase.
In addition to his prior federal conviction, Pearson’s criminal history includes state convictions for burglary and for carrying a dangerous weapon.
On June 17, 2019, Pearson pleaded guilty to one count of possession for a firearm by a convicted felon.
Judge Thompson sentenced Pearson to 27 months of imprisonment for the firearm offense, and a consecutive 12 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah P. Karwan and Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.
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.
Owner of California Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities Charged in Scheme to Defraud ACA ProgramsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney John H. Durham of the District of Connecticut, Special Agent in Charge Phillip Coyne of the Boston Regional Office of the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services, Special Agent in Charge Brian C. Turner of the FBI’s New Haven Division, and Special Agent in Charge Kristina O’Connell of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in Connecticut has returned an indictment charging R. JEFFREY YATES, 52, of Santa Ana, California, with conspiracy and fraud offenses related to a scheme to defraud several state Affordable Care Act programs of millions of dollars.
The indictment was returned under seal on October 31, 2019, and Yates was arrested on November 6 in California. The indictment was unsealed in the District of Connecticut on November 13. Yates is released on bond pending his arraignment in Connecticut, which is not yet scheduled.
As alleged in the indictment, Yates owned and operated Morningside Recovery, a business that operated substance abuse treatment facilities in California. Yates conspired with others, including Jeffrey White and his son, Nicholas White, to defraud health care plans operating under the Affordable Care Act (“ACA,” commonly referred to as “Obamacare”) in Connecticut and other states by fraudulently enrolling individuals in ACA plans in states where the individuals did not live. In order to maximize their proceeds from the fraud scheme, the Whites would enroll the individuals in ACA plans in states that paid the highest amount for substance abuse treatment, even though the individuals did not live in those states. The Whites and Yates then arranged to have the individuals admitted to Morningside Recovery facilities for treatment. Morningside Recovery then billed ACA plans in Connecticut and elsewhere for thousands of dollars for treatment services. Yates and Morningside Recovery then paid the Whites for each patient that had been placed in a Morningside facility.
The indictment charges Yates with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and mail fraud, seven counts of health care fraud, and five counts of mail fraud. If convicted, Yates faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each of the conspiracy and mail fraud counts, and a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each health care fraud count.
On October 12, 2018, Jeffrey White and Nicholas White each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and admitted that their scheme resulted in more than $27 million in losses to ACA plans across the country, including ACA plans in Connecticut, Arizona, California, Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas. They await sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Durham noted that this case is believed to be the first of its kind involving fraudulent enrollment of individuals in ACA plans on a national scale.
This investigation is being conducted by the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health Human Services, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the Connecticut Affordable Care Act exchange, known as Access Health CT, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California for their assistance with the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon.
New Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JESUS SEGUINOT, also known as “Chuchi,” 30, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 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 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.
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.
Seguinot has been detained since his federal arrest on April 11, 2019.
Seguinot pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
This investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New Haven Police Department and Stamford Police Department. The case is being 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.
Man Who Victimized Immigrants in Kidnapping and Extortion Scheme Sentenced to 14 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FRANCISCO BETANCOURT, 70, a citizen of Cuba last residing in New York, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 168 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a kidnapping and extortion scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on numerous occasions, Betancourt and his co-conspirators targeted individuals after they exited buses at the Port Authority in New York. The victims included women, men and children from Central American countries who did not speak English and were seeking asylum in the U.S. Some of the victims planned to travel from New York to Connecticut. Telling the victims that a connecting bus was not available and that they would provide transportation, Betancourt and others coerced the victims into vehicles. The co-conspirators would then drive the victims around, sometimes for hours, and refused to release them until they or their families agreed to pay the co-conspirators an exorbitant amount of money, on average more than a $1000.
At times, co-conspirators posed as an immigration officer to intimidate the victims further.
Betancourt has been detained since his arrest on December 15, 2016. On March 9, 2018, a federal jury in Bridgeport found Betancourt and his co-conspirators, Lucilo Cabrera and Carlos Antonio Hernandez, guilty of kidnapping, extortion and conspiracy offenses. Cabrera and Hernandez await sentencing.
On October 12, 2018, a fourth defendant, Pascual Rodriguez, pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping. On July 2, 2019, Judge Underhill sentenced him to 135 months of imprisonment.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Richards.
Alleged Kidnapper Sentenced to 18 Months for Making False Statements to Receive Federal BenefitsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALLAN MANN, JR., also known as “Hailee Randolph DeSouza” and “Hailey R. DeSouza,” 67, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 18 months of imprisonment for receiving federal benefits while living in the U.S. under an assumed name for approximately 30 years.
As alleged in court documents, Allan Mann, who is a Canadian citizen, abducted his 21-month-old son, Jermaine Allan Mann, on June 24, 1987, during a court-ordered visit in Toronto, Canada. Allan Mann and his son subsequently entered the U.S. Allan Mann changed his name to Hailee Randolph DeSouza, changed the name of his son, and acquired counterfeit birth certificates for him and his son. Allan Mann has never applied for nor received citizenship status in the U.S.
In June 1990, Mann, using the name Hailee Randolph DeSouza, applied for and received a Social Security Number. In support of this application, Mann presented his counterfeit birth certificate. In May 2018, Mann, using his alias, applied for a replacement Social Security card.
Mann also participated in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) Section 8 subsidized housing program at various times since 2004. Mann, who most recently resided in Section 8 subsidized housing in Vernon, Connecticut, made multiple false statements on HUD forms he signed in connection with his participation in the Section 8 program. HUD has paid approximately $126,744 in housing assistance payments on Mann’s behalf.
Mann also made multiple false statements on applications to participate in the State of Connecticut’s Medicaid program. Since January 2014, Medicaid has paid $52,970.19 in claims on behalf of Mann, and approximately $2,876.37 on behalf of his son.
Mann has been detained since his arrest on October 26, 2018. On August 22, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement.
Judge Hall ordered Mann to pay restitution of $18,512.05 to the Medicaid program and $34,744 to HUD.
An immigration detainer has been issued, and Mann faces removal proceedings at the conclusion of his sentence. Canadian authorities have advised the U.S. government that Canada will seek to extradite Mann based on an outstanding warrant for abduction.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services –Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General, Toronto Police Service, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Vernon Police Department. The Missing Children Society of Canada and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children have provided critical assistance to the investigation.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Karwan and Hal Chen.
New Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ERRIE McCLENDON, also known as “Buck,” 28, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, McClendon was arrested on May 11, 2019, in New Haven, after he possessed a loaded Ruger, model P85, 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number. McClendon attempted to discard the firearm and then struggled with the arresting officers, but was eventually subdued and the firearm was immediately recovered.
Prior to May 2019, McClendon had been convicted in state court of felony narcotics 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.
McClendon is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on March 25, 2020, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
McClendon has been detained since June 19, 2019, when he was arrested on a state probation violation charge.
This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Haven Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter D. Markle and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.
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.
Hartford Man Admits Distributing Fentanyl, Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSEPH GRIFFIN, 42, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl. Griffin also admitted that he violated the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.
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 to 10 years of imprisonment and five years of supervised release for that offense. He was released from federal prison in December 2017.
Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for February 10, 2020, at which time Griffin faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years for distributing fentanyl, and additional penalties for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
Griffin is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, Hartford Police Department and U.S. Marshals Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Leonard C. Boyle.
Bristol Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAYSON BRUNO, 36, of Bristol, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to gun and drug offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement identified Bruno as a significant cocaine trafficker in Bristol. On April 17, 2019, investigators arrested Bruno after a court-authorized search of his Colony Street residence revealed a 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a stolen .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, approximately 55 grams of cocaine, approximately 30 grams of crack cocaine, and items used to process and package narcotics for distribution.
Bruno’s criminal history includes multiple state felony convictions related to the possession and sale of narcotics. 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.
Bruno pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”) and cocaine, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for February 13, 2020.
Bruno has been detained since his arrest.
This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and the Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force. The DEA 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.
Man Involved in New Haven Drug Ring Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL MILLER, 38, 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 distributing heroin and cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and New Haven Police Department revealed that Malbin Rubiera-Herrera, also known as “Chaca,” acquired heroin and cocaine from sources in Connecticut and New Jersey and distributed the drugs through a network of associates, including Miller, in the greater New Haven area. Between October and December 2018, investigators made controlled purchases of heroin and cocaine from Rubiera-Herrera. Subsequent court-authorized wiretaps revealed a widespread narcotics trafficking conspiracy that involved the trafficking of kilogram-quantities of heroin into Connecticut.
In January and February 2019, Miller was intercepted numerous times on recorded calls and text messages ordering distribution quantities of heroin and cocaine from Rubiera-Herrera. At the time, Miller was on escape status with the State of Connecticut. On September 10, 2018, Miller failed to return to a halfway house where he was serving a state sentence. He has been detained since April 5, 2019.
On June 5, 2019, a grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Miller, Rubiera-Herrera and 12 other individuals with heroin, cocaine and fentanyl trafficking offenses. On August 19, Miller pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with the intent, to distribute heroin and cocaine.
A search of Rubiera-Herrera’s residence at the time of arrest on April 30, 2019, revealed approximately 300 grams of fentanyl. He pleaded guilty on June 20.
This matter is being investigated by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the New Haven Police Department, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Marshals Service, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction, East Haven Police Department, Easton Police Department, Orange Police Department, and the Cape May County (N.J.) Prosecutor’s Office, Gangs, Guns and Narcotics Task Force.
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.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis and S. Dave Vatti.
Waterbury Man Sentenced for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RYAN GRAY, 24, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 15 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 30, 2019, Gray possessed two loaded handguns in Waterbury.
Grays’ criminal history includes state felony convictions for firearms, robbery 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.
Gray has been detained since his arrest by Waterbury Police on January 30, 2019. On August 8, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and the Waterbury Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherry.
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.
New Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Robbery ChargeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that VINSON SINGLETON, JR., 25, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to a federal robbery offense.
According court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation into a series of armed and attempted armed robberies of commercial establishments in Ansonia, North Haven and New Haven in March 2016. The investigation revealed that, in the evening of March 22, 2016, an individual entered the Shell gas station at 696 Main Street in Ansonia, attempted to rob the store and stabbed a store employee in his back. After the victim was stabbed, the victim saw a metal blade on the ground and the assailant holding a black handle in his hand. The assailant then ran from the store. The victim suffered a small puncture wound in his lower back.
Investigators collected the knife handle and a hat and sweatshirt that the assailant discarded as he ran from the store. DNA collected from these items matched DNA that was collected from Singleton after investigators had identified Singleton as a suspect.
Singleton pleaded guilty to one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on January 28, 2020.
At sentencing, the government will argue that Singleton also robbed or attempted to rob a Dunkin Donuts in New Haven on March 8, 2016; a Valero in North Haven on March 9, 2016; a Papa John’s in New Haven on March 17, 2016; a Shell in New Haven on March 17, 2016, and a 7-11 in New Haven on March 21, 2016.
Singleton is currently serving a state sentence for possessing a sawed-off shotgun and an attempted robbery.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Connecticut Violent Crime Task Force and the Ansonia, New Haven and North Haven Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.
Mexican National Deported 13 Times Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALBERTO SILVA-GARCIA, 44, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 18 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release that followed a conviction for illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported. The sentence will run consecutively to a 42-month prison term that Silva-Garcia is currently serving.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Silva-Garcia was deported from the U.S. to his native Mexico in March 1999 after sustaining a domestic violence conviction in California. Between March 1999 and April 2004, Silva-Garcia was encountered multiple times in California by immigration agents, twice while in custody following his apprehension and conviction for controlled substance violations, and on several other occasions following his apprehension at the U.S. border for falsely claiming U.S. citizenship. On 11 documented occasions prior to 2005, Silva-Garcia was removed to Mexico by foot.
In August 2009, Silva-Garcia was arrested for motor vehicle offenses in Norwalk. He was subsequently charged with illegal reentry in U.S. District Court in Connecticut and was sentenced to 12 months of imprisonment. In December 2010, Silva-Garcia was again removed to Mexico.
Silva-Garcia again illegally reentered the U.S. and, in March 2015, was charged with larceny and burglary offenses in superior court in Norwalk. The charges stemmed from a crime spree involving the theft of construction tools and equipment from job sites and parked construction vehicles. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years of incarceration.
In January 2017, again Silva-Garcia pleaded guilty in federal court to illegal reentry. On April 25, 2017, Judge Meyer sentenced him to 15 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release.
On December 13, 2017, Silva-Garcia was deported to Mexico. On September 1, 2018, he was apprehended as he attempted to reenter the U.S. by scaling a fence at the border of Mexico and California.
Silva-Garcia pleaded guilty in the Southern District of California to attempted reentry of a removed alien, and was sentenced to 42 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release.
Judge Meyer ordered Silva-Garcia to begin serving his 18-month prison term after he completes his 42-month sentence for his more recent illegal reentry conviction.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.
Former Senior Alstom Executive Convicted at Trial of Violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, Money Laundering and ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A former senior executive with Alstom S.A. (Alstom), a French power and transportation company, was found guilty today for his role in a multi-year, multimillion-dollar foreign bribery scheme and a related money laundering scheme.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney John H. Durham of the District of Connecticut and Assistant Director in Charge Timothy R. Slater of the FBI’s Washington Field Office made the announcement.
After a two-week trial, Lawrence Hoskins, 69, of the United Kingdom, was convicted of six counts of violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), three counts of money laundering and two counts of conspiracy. Sentencing has been scheduled for Jan. 31, 2020, before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton of the District of Connecticut.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Hoskins was a senior vice president for Alstom’s International Network, who engaged in a conspiracy to pay bribes to officials in Indonesia – including a high-ranking member of the Indonesian Parliament and the President of Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), the state-owned and state-controlled electricity company in Indonesia – in exchange for assistance in securing a $118 million contract, known as the Tarahan project, for Alstom Power Inc. of Connecticut and its consortium partner, Marubeni Corporation, to provide power-related services for the citizens of Indonesia. To conceal the bribes, Hoskins and his co-conspirators retained two consultants purportedly to provide legitimate consulting services on behalf of Alstom Power Inc., in connection with the Tarahan project. The primary purpose of hiring the consultants was to conceal the bribes to Indonesian officials, the evidence showed.
The first consultant retained by Hoskins and other members of the conspiracy received hundreds of thousands of dollars in his Maryland bank account to be used to bribe the member of Parliament, the evidence showed. The consultant then transferred the bribe money to a bank account in Indonesia for the benefit of the official. According to emails admitted at trial, Hoskins and other co-conspirators discussed in detail the use of the first consultant to funnel bribes to the member of Parliament and the influence that the member of Parliament could exert over the Tarahan project, including referring to him as a “cashier.”
The trial evidence further showed that, in the fall of 2003, Hoskins and his co-conspirators determined that the first consultant was not effectively bribing key officials at PLN, who expressed concerns that the first consultant was just going to give them “pocket money” and “disappear” after Alstom Power Inc. won the project. As a result, the co-conspirators retained a second consultant to more effectively bribe PLN officials. Evidence revealed that Hoskins and his co-conspirators pressed Alstom Power Inc. to front-load the second consultant’s terms of payment in order to “get the right influence” due to upcoming elections. Hoskins and his co-conspirators were successful in securing the Tarahan project and subsequently made payments to the consultants for the purpose of bribing the Indonesian officials.
The FBI’s Washington Field Office is investigating the case with assistance from the FBI’s Meriden, Connecticut, Resident Agency. The Department appreciates the significant cooperation provided by its law enforcement colleagues in Indonesia, Switzerland's Office of the Attorney General and the United Kingdom, as well as authorities in France, Germany, Italy, Singapore and Taiwan.
Senior Deputy Chief Daniel S. Kahn and Assistant Chief Lorinda Laryea of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Novick of the District of Connecticut are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting all FCPA matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/foreign-corrupt-practices-act.
Former Senior Alstom Executive Convicted at Trial of Violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, Money Laundering and ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A former senior executive with Alstom S.A. (Alstom), a French power and transportation company, was found guilty today for his role in a multi-year, multimillion-dollar foreign bribery scheme and a related money laundering scheme.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney John H. Durham of the District of Connecticut and Assistant Director in Charge Paul D. Delacout of the FBI’s Los Angeles Office made the announcement.
After a two-week trial, Lawrence Hoskins, 69, of the United Kingdom, was convicted of six counts of violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), three counts of money laundering and two counts of conspiracy. Sentencing has been scheduled for Jan. 31, 2020, before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton of the District of Connecticut.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Hoskins was a senior vice president for Alstom’s International Network, who engaged in a conspiracy to pay bribes to officials in Indonesia – including a high-ranking member of the Indonesian Parliament and the President of Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), the state-owned and state-controlled electricity company in Indonesia – in exchange for assistance in securing a $118 million contract, known as the Tarahan project, for Alstom Power Inc. of Connecticut and its consortium partner, Marubeni Corporation, to provide power-related services for the citizens of Indonesia. To conceal the bribes, Hoskins and his co-conspirators retained two consultants purportedly to provide legitimate consulting services on behalf of Alstom Power Inc., in connection with the Tarahan project. The primary purpose of hiring the consultants was to conceal the bribes to Indonesian officials, the evidence showed.
The first consultant retained by Hoskins and other members of the conspiracy received hundreds of thousands of dollars in his Maryland bank account to be used to bribe the member of Parliament, the evidence showed. The consultant then transferred the bribe money to a bank account in Indonesia for the benefit of the official. According to emails admitted at trial, Hoskins and other co-conspirators discussed in detail the use of the first consultant to funnel bribes to the member of Parliament and the influence that the member of Parliament could exert over the Tarahan project, including referring to him as a “cashier.”
The trial evidence further showed that, in the fall of 2003, Hoskins and his co-conspirators determined that the first consultant was not effectively bribing key officials at PLN, who expressed concerns that the first consultant was just going to give them “pocket money” and “disappear” after Alstom Power Inc. won the project. As a result, the co-conspirators retained a second consultant to more effectively bribe PLN officials. Evidence revealed that Hoskins and his co-conspirators pressed Alstom Power Inc. to front-load the second consultant’s terms of payment in order to “get the right influence” due to upcoming elections. Hoskins and his co-conspirators were successful in securing the Tarahan project and subsequently made payments to the consultants for the purpose of bribing the Indonesian officials.
The FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office is investigating the case with assistance from the FBI’s Meriden, Connecticut, Resident Agency. The Department appreciates the significant cooperation provided by its law enforcement colleagues in Indonesia, Switzerland's Office of the Attorney General and the United Kingdom, as well as authorities in France, Germany, Italy, Singapore and Taiwan.
Senior Deputy Chief Daniel S. Kahn and Assistant Chief Lorinda Laryea of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Novick of the District of Connecticut are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting all FCPA matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/foreign-corrupt-practices-act.
East Hartford Doctor Admits Illegally Prescribing Oxycodone, Failing to Pay TaxesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that Dr. SHEIKH AHMED, 56, of Orange, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to offenses related to his illegal prescribing of oxycodone, and his failure to pay federal withholding taxes.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Ahmed is a pediatrician who operated a medical practice, under the name East Hartford Medical Center, at 580 Burnside Avenue in East Hartford. Despite being a pediatrician, Ahmed’s practice did not only focus on children. Between December 2017 and May 2018, Ahmed prescribed controlled substances, including Oxycodone, to two individuals outside the scope of professional medical practice. The individuals paid Ahmed $500 to issue prescriptions for 30-day supplies of Oxycodone, and Ahmed agreed to increase the patients’ dosage in the future, without discussion as to the medical justification for the increase. Ahmed counseled the patients about the need to increase dosages gradually to avoid scrutiny from pharmacies regarding the prescribed medications. Ahmed also had the patients bypass normal financial intake procedures and took cash payments directly from the patients. Ahmed failed to perform sufficient examinations to assess the patients’ pain levels prior to issuing the prescriptions.
The investigation also revealed that Ahmed failed to pay over to the Internal Revenue Service $117,893 in employee withholding taxes from five of his businesses, including East Hartford Medical Center, between 2013 and 2016.
Ahmed pleaded guilty to one count of prescribing outside the scope of medical practice, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of willful failure to pay withholding taxes, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
Ahmed was arrested on a criminal complaint on November 28, 2018. He is released on a $200,000 bond pending sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The DEA Task Force includes officers from the Bristol, Milford, Monroe, New Haven, Shelton, Wallingford and Wilton Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Waterbury Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that DESNY SOSA-HERNANDEZ, 40, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty yesterday in Bridgeport federal court to a federal cocaine trafficking offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2019, law enforcement arranged two controlled purchases of cocaine in Bridgeport from Sosa-Hernandez and his co-conspirator, Edgard Martinez.
On March 20, 2019, after investigators coordinated the purchase of 300 grams of cocaine from Sosa-Hernandez and Martinez, Martinez drove from his residence in Tolland to pick up Sosa-Hernandez at his residence in Waterbury. The pair then intended to drive together to Bridgeport to consummate the drug transaction. When Martinez arrived at Sosa-Hernandez’s residence, investigators apprehended Martinez and Sosa-Hernandez and seized a brown paper bag containing 300 grams of cocaine inside Martinez’s vehicle. A subsequent search of Sosa-Hernandez’s residence revealed shoeboxes containing a total of $18,111 in cash, and a search of Martinez’s residence revealed a .45 caliber handgun, a quantity of cocaine, and items used to process and package narcotics.
Sosa-Hernandez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill on January 29, 2020.
Sosa-Hernandez is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.
On September 3, 2019, Martinez, 39, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. Martinez, who is detained, is scheduled to be sentenced on January 20, 2020.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (HIDTA) and Milford Police Department. The Task Force includes participants from the Connecticut State Police and the Milford, Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford and Bridgeport Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.
Newington Man Who Embezzled Union Funds is SentencedRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that THOMAS POPILLO, 62, of Newington, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to two years of probation, the first six months of which Popillo must serve in home confinement, for embezzling from the Communications Workers of America Local 81266.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2003 through 2017, Popillo served as the president of the Communications Workers of America Local 81266 (“CWA 81266”). He also served as the secretary-treasurer of CWA 81266 from approximately 2003 until 2015. During his tenure as a CWA 81266 officer, Popillo embezzled approximately $37,568.68 of labor union funds by receiving unauthorized checks from CWA 81266’s bank account, and by making unauthorized purchases with CWA 81266’s debit card.
Judge Bolden ordered Popillo to make full restitution.
On August 7, 2019, Popillo pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement and theft of labor union funds.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret M. Donovan.
New Haven Man Sentenced to More Than 3 Years in Prison for Illegally Possessing Loaded HandgunRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MAHDI HENDERSON, 25, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possesses a loaded handgun.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 22, 2017, as part of an unrelated investigation, members of the New Haven and Hamden police departments executed a search warrant at a New Haven residence and encountered Henderson and three other individuals inside the residence. During the search, law enforcement discovered a loaded .22 caliber Smith & Wesson handgun under the couch where Henderson had been sitting. Subsequent forensic analysis of the handgun revealed Henderson’s DNA on the trigger of the gun.
Henderson’s criminal history includes felony convictions for assault in the first degree, possession of a pistol without a permit, and burglary in the second 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.
Henderson has been in state custody for a violation of probation since October 23, 2018. On July 30, 2019, he pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, New Haven Police Department and Hamden Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.
New Haven Man Arrested on Firearm and Narcotics ChargesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that SHANNON WICKER, also known as “Bishop,” 33, of New Haven, was arrested yesterday on a federal criminal complaint charging him with narcotics and firearm offenses.
As alleged in the complaint, on October 16, 2019, law enforcement conducted a court-authorized search of a Chapel Street apartment and found a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol; additional rounds of .45 caliber ammunition; quantities of heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine and marijuana; items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, and other items. Wicker, who was present during the search, was arrested on related state charges at that time.
It is alleged that Wicker’s criminal history includes multiple state felony convictions, including convictions for weapon in a motor vehicle, sale of illegal hallucinogens or narcotics, sale of a controlled substance, possession of narcotics, tampering with evidence, and failure to appear.
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 complaint charges Wicker with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, a controlled substance; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. If convicted of the charges, Wicker faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
Wicker is detained pending a bond hearing that is scheduled for November 14, 2019.
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 New Haven Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosive. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney 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.
Ledyard Man Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing CocaineRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JERROD STEELE, 31, of Ledyard, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2018, the FBI, Norwich Police Department and other law enforcement agencies began investigating a drug trafficking organization that was distributing heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine in southeastern Connecticut. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Steele received cocaine from a co-conspirator and then sold the drug to his own customers.
On March 5, 2019, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Steele and 12 other individuals with narcotics trafficking offenses. Steele has been detained since his arrest on April 25, 2019. On July 31, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, cocaine.
Steele’s criminal history includes state convictions for attempted first degree assault, conspiracy to commit first degree robbery, burglary third degree, assault third degree, and running from police.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police and Norwich, Town of Groton and Waterford Police Departments, with the assistance of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office, Baltimore Police Department and Delaware State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and S. Dave Vatti.
Two Plead Guilty to Federal Charges Stemming from Overdose InvestigationRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MARILYN VEGA, 35, and BEKIM MUCA, 46, both of Waterbury, have pleaded to federal offenses stemming from an investigation of a drug overdose death in Plymouth.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 10, 2017, the Plymouth Police Department and emergency personnel responded to a residence after a 24-year-old male had suffered an apparent drug overdose. Responders attempted lifesaving measures on the victim and transported him to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. At the scene, officers found white powder, which was determined to be a synthetic fentanyl, on a nightstand in close proximity to the overdose victim.
The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner found that the victim’s death was caused by multiple synthetic fentanyls.
Investigators analyzed the victim’s cell phone and identified numerous text messages between the victim and Muca, and between the victim and Vega. The investigation revealed that the victim first purchased purported oxycodone pills from Muca, and then purchased pills from Vega, who was Muca’s source of supply for pills.
The day before his death, the victim drove from Plymouth to Waterbury to purchase narcotics. At least some of the pills the victim purchased were counterfeit and contained synthetic fentanyl.
Vega and Muca were arrested on March 11, 2019. Vega pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, oxycodone. Muca pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to the same offense.
At sentencing, Vega and Muca face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Plymouth, Milord and Southington Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.
Member of Southeastern Connecticut Drug Ring Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BENJAMIN GREGOR, 34, of Uncasville, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 66 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his 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.
Gregor and 10 co-conspirators were arrested on February 21, 2019. On that date, a search of Gregor’s residence revealed approximately 470 grams of cocaine.
On March 5, 2019, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Gregor and 23 other individuals with various offenses.
Gregor has been detained since his arrest. On July 10, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Gregor’s criminal history includes a prior federal narcotics conviction, and state convictions for domestic violence-related offenses.
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.
Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Distribution ChargeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYLON CEASAR, 19, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of distribution of heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on five occasions in November and December 2018, law enforcement made five controlled purchases of heroin and crack cocaine from Ceasar in the vicinity of his Putnam Street residence. Some of the purchased heroin contained fentanyl. In pleading guilty, Ceasar also admitted that he sold a firearm to a government witness in January 2019.
Ceasar was arrested on criminal complaint on January 17, 2019. He has been detained since August 13, 2019.
Ceasar is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on March 11, 2020, at which time Ceasar faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.
Syrian National Sentenced for Stalking OffenseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALAA HASAN QALB ALLOUZ, 34, a citizen of Syria last residing in New Haven, 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 stalking in violation of a protective order.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2016, Allouz, his wife and their children emigrated from Syria and settled in New Haven. In April 2017, Allouz’s wife filed a petition for dissolution of marriage, after incidents of domestic violence and Allouz’s state arrests for risk of injury, assault, breach of peace, and violation of a protective order offenses. In July 2017, Allouz’s wife obtained a Standing Criminal Protective Order ordering Allouz not to contact his wife. In August 2017, after Allouz threatened his wife, Allouz’s wife withdrew her petition for dissolution of marriage.
On February 2, 2018, Allouz was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on a federal arrest warrant and order of deportation, and he was transferred from a Connecticut state prison to a detention center in Massachusetts. While he was detained in ICE custody, Allouz made multiple phone calls to his wife during which he repeatedly harassed, threatened and intimidated her. He also made calls to other individuals during which he threatened to harm his wife and her family members. Allouz also threatened his wife and her family members in letters and e-mails.
Allouz has been detained, first in state and then federal custody, since January 10, 2017. On February 5, 2019, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging him with one count of stalking in violation of a protective order. He pleaded guilty to the offense on May 15, 2019.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Rhode Island Man Pleads Guilty to Credit Card Fraud and Identity Theft OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HENRY FELLELA, JR., 61, of Johnston, Rhode Island, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to credit card fraud and identity theft offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2018, Fellela was released from federal prison following a 48-month sentence imposed in the U.S. District Court in Rhode Island for credit card fraud, aggravated identity theft and other offenses. Between March 2018 and March 2019, while he was on federal supervised release, Fellela stole credit cards from Connecticut residents and used the cards to make approximately $48,000 in fraudulent purchases at various retail stores throughout Connecticut and elsewhere.
Fellela pleaded guilty to one count of access device fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory term of imprisonment of two years. Fellela also faces additional penalties for violating the conditions of his supervised release. Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for February 13, 2020.
Fellela has been detained since his arrest on March 8, 2019.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Donovan and Sarala Nagala.
Norwich Man Arrested in Connection with New London ShootingRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TREMAINE DOWDELL, 26, of Norwich, was arrested today on an indictment charging him with a federal firearm offense related to his alleged participation in an assault and shooting in New London in September.
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.
According to the indictment and statements made in court during Dowdell’s initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven, video surveillance from the H&T Mart on Ocean Avenue in New London on September 14, 2019, shows four individuals assaulting a customer as the customer left the store. Video captured Dowdell removing a gun from his pants and firing a single shot toward the victim of the assault. When police arrived a short time later, officers found a .40 caliber cartridge casing at the location where Dowdell fired the gun.
It is alleged that Dowdell has prior 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.
If convicted of the offense charged in the indictment, Dowdell faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Dowdell is currently detained.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the 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 Sarah P. Karwan and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Paul Narducci of the New London State’s Attorney Office.
Justice Department Resolves Disability Discrimination Lawsuit against the Housing Authority of the City of BridgeportRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced today that it has reached a settlement with the Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport, Connecticut (HACB), doing business as Park City Communities, to resolve allegations that the housing authority discriminated against persons with disabilities in violation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Fair Housing Act.
The Consent Order, filed today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut, requires HACB to institute broad reforms to safeguard the rights of individuals with disabilities, including revising its policies and processes for handling reasonable accommodation requests and developing an inventory of accessible units for tenants with mobility, vision, and hearing-related disabilities. The settlement also requires HACB to pay $1,500,000 to those hurt by its discriminatory practices and a $25,000 civil penalty to the United States.
“This settlement will ensure that tenants with disabilities have the same opportunity to use and enjoy their homes as everyone else,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “Individuals who seek reasonable accommodations from the Housing Authority of Bridgeport will now have access to a process that is easier to navigate, provides timely responses, and includes all of the protections afforded by federal civil rights laws. In addition, by bringing its housing inventory into compliance with accessibility requirements for tenants with mobility, vision, and hearing-related impairments, the Housing Authority will be better able to meet the needs of its residents and community.”
“Our public housing authorities should be in the business of making life easier for people with disabilities, not harder,” said U.S. Attorney John H. Durham of the District of Connecticut. “We are pleased with this settlement and consent order, and we remain committed to pursuing violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Fair Housing Act in Connecticut.”
HACB owns and manages more than 2,500 units of public housing and administers more than 2,800 vouchers under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD’s) Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. The lawsuit arose from a compliance review initiated by HUD. After issuing a determination of noncompliance and attempting resolution, HUD referred the case to the Justice Department.
The complaint, filed on Nov. 15, 2017, alleged that HACB failed to properly process, decide, and fulfill requests for reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities. Federal law requires HACB to provide reasonable accommodations, such as physical modifications to public housing units, changes to program rules, or transfers to appropriate housing, when requested to meet a tenant or applicant’s disability-related needs. The complaint also alleged that HACB failed to provide a sufficient number of public housing units that are accessible to tenants with mobility, vision, or hearing-related disabilities.
Individuals who may have been victims of discrimination by HACB or who have information relevant to this case are encouraged to contact the Civil Rights Division at 1-800-896-7743 (for English, press 1, then mailbox 992; for Spanish, press 2, then mailbox 2) or by email at [email protected]. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the civil rights laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.
Justice Department Resolves Disability Discrimination Lawsuit Against the Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport, ConnecticutRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has reached a settlement with the Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport, Connecticut (HACB), doing business as Park City Communities, to resolve allegations that the housing authority discriminated against persons with disabilities in violation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Fair Housing Act.
The Consent Order, filed today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut, requires HACB to institute broad reforms to safeguard the rights of individuals with disabilities, including revising its policies and processes for handling reasonable accommodation requests and developing an inventory of accessible units for tenants with mobility, vision, and hearing-related disabilities. The settlement also requires HACB to pay $1,500,000 to those hurt by its discriminatory practices and a $25,000 civil penalty to the United States.
“This settlement will ensure that tenants with disabilities have the same opportunity to use and enjoy their homes as everyone else,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “Individuals who seek reasonable accommodations from the Housing Authority of Bridgeport will now have access to a process that is easier to navigate, provides timely responses, and includes all of the protections afforded by federal civil rights laws. In addition, by bringing its housing inventory into compliance with accessibility requirements for tenants with mobility, vision, and hearing-related impairments, the Housing Authority will be better able to meet the needs of its residents and community.”
“Our public housing authorities should be in the business of making life easier for people with disabilities, not harder,” said U.S. Attorney John H. Durham of the District of Connecticut. “We are pleased with this settlement and consent order, and we remain committed to pursuing violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Fair Housing Act in Connecticut.”
HACB owns and manages more than 2,500 units of public housing and administers more than 2,800 vouchers under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD’s) Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. The lawsuit arose from a compliance review initiated by HUD. After issuing a determination of noncompliance and attempting resolution, HUD referred the case to the Justice Department.
The complaint, filed on Nov. 15, 2017, alleged that HACB failed to properly process, decide, and fulfill requests for reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities. Federal law requires HACB to provide reasonable accommodations, such as physical modifications to public housing units, changes to program rules, or transfers to appropriate housing, when requested to meet a tenant or applicant’s disability-related needs. The complaint also alleged that HACB failed to provide a sufficient number of public housing units that are accessible to tenants with mobility, vision, or hearing-related disabilities.
Individuals who may have been victims of discrimination by HACB or who have information relevant to this case are encouraged to contact the Civil Rights Division at 1-800-896-7743 (for English, press 1, then mailbox 992; for Spanish, press 2, then mailbox 2) or by email at [email protected]. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the civil rights laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt
Another Member of Violent New Haven Gang Sentenced to Long Federal Prison TermRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CLIFFORD BRODIE, also known as “Cliff G,” 23, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 168 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a violent street gang.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2016, the New Haven Police Department’s Shooting Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating numerous unsolved shootings that had occurred in New Haven and Hamden. Ballistic examination of recovered cartridge cases determined that three firearms were used in 18 shootings committed in or around New Haven in 2016. The investigation revealed that the firearms were possessed by members and associates of the Goodrich Street Boys (“GSB”), a New Haven street gang, and that GSB members also were involved in a number of other shootings in 2016, many of them retaliatory against rival gang members.
On August 3, 2017, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 13-count indictment charging Brodie and five other GSB members with racketeering, attempted murder, firearm and narcotics trafficking offenses. The indictment alleged that, between September 2015 and May 2016, GSB members and associates were involved in six gang-related shootings that caused injuries to five individuals.
Brodie previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity and one count of brandishing of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. In pleading guilty, Brodie admitted that he and other GSB members conspired to kill an individual who they believed had been disrespectful to a GSB member. On May 27, 2016, Brodie and other GSB members ambushed the individual and his friend as the pair were walking on a busy street in New Haven. The individual, who survived the attack, identified Brodie’s brother, Milton Westley, as an assailant. Westley first shot the victim in the stomach. After the victim collapsed to the ground, Westley stood over him and shot him in the head. Another GSB member shot the second victim in the hand as he attempted to shield his face. Brodie chased the second victim with his car in an attempt to drive over him and kill him.
The victim who was shot in the stomach and head continues to recover from his injuries. He was in a coma for several weeks and had to learn to walk and talk again. This victim had been shot at by GSB members twice prior to May 27, 2016.
Brodie also has admitted that was involved in the shootings of rival gang members in January and April 2016.
GSB members also shot at rival gang members on February 6, 2016, in a densely populated residential area; March 13, 2016, during a heavily attended St. Patrick’s Day parade in downtown New Haven; and July 21, 2016, during which an innocent bystander was shot in the chest through her bedroom window.
GSB members also used social media to post pictures and videos of themselves with firearms, and used social media to threaten rivals, including individuals who might cooperate with law enforcement.
The investigation further revealed that Brodie and other GSB members were involved in the acquisition and distribution of heroin, cocaine and marijuana.
Brodie has been detained since his arrest on August 9, 2017.
Brodie is the fourth GSB member to be sentenced. On October 24, 2019, Michael Via, also known as “Mike Live,” was sentenced to 78 months in prison. On October 30, 2019, Michael Belle, also known as “MB,” was sentenced to 87 months in prison. On October 31, 2019, Milton Westley, also known as “Reese,” was sentenced to 156 months in prison. Two other GSB members have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
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.
U.S. Attorney Durham further noted that federal law prohibits any retaliation against a federal witness. If persons retaliate against a federal witness “because of attendance at or testimony in a criminal case, the maximum term of imprisonment which may be imposed for the offense under this section shall be the higher of that otherwise provided by law or the maximum term that could have been imposed for any offense charged in that case.” Because the maximum term charged in the case was life imprisonment, anyone who tampers with a federal witness in this case faces life imprisonment.
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.
This investigation is being conducted by ATF and the New Haven Police Department. The FBI, Hamden Police Department and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office have provided critical assistance in the investigation.
An instrumental component of this investigation has been the work of the Connecticut State Crime Laboratory in utilizing the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to analyze ballistics evidence.
This matter is being prosecuted in the District of Connecticut by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter D. Markle, Rahul Kale and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.
Violent New Haven Gang Member Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MILTON WESTLEY, also known as “Reese,” 21, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 156 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a violent street gang.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2016, the New Haven Police Department’s Shooting Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating numerous unsolved shootings that had occurred in New Haven and Hamden. Ballistic examination of recovered cartridge cases determined that three firearms were used in 18 shootings committed in or around New Haven in 2016. The investigation revealed that the firearms were possessed by members and associates of the Goodrich Street Boys (“GSB”), a New Haven street gang, and that GSB members also were involved in a number of other shootings in 2016, many of them retaliatory against rival gang members.
On August 3, 2017, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 13-count indictment charging Westley and five other GSB members with racketeering, attempted murder, firearm and narcotics trafficking offenses. The indictment alleged that, between September 2015 and May 2016, GSB members and associates were involved in six gang-related shootings that caused injuries to five individuals.
Westley previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity and admitted that he and other GSB members conspired to kill an individual who they believed had been disrespectful to a GSB member. On May 27, 2016, GSB members ambushed the individual and his friend as the pair were walking on a busy street in New Haven. The individual, who survived the attack, identified Westley as an assailant. Westley first shot the victim in the stomach. After the victim collapsed to the ground, Westley stood over him and shot him in the head. Another GSB member shot the second victim in the hand as he attempted to shield his face.
The victim who was shot in the stomach and head continues to recover from his injuries. He was in a coma for several weeks and had to learn to walk and talk again.
This victim had been shot at by GSB members twice prior to May 27, 2016.
Another shooting incident occurred after GSB members believed that an individual had disrespected them over social media and GSB members sought to retaliate. In the early morning hours of January 23, 2016, GSB members fired multiple shots into the individual’s house in New Haven. Westley used his cell phone to record himself at the scene while shots were being fired and sent the video to other GSB members.
GSB members also shot at rival gang members on February 6, 2016, in a densely populated residential area; March 13, 2016, during a heavily attended St. Patrick’s Day parade in downtown New Haven; and July 21, 2016, during which an innocent bystander was shot in the chest through her bedroom window.
GSB members also used social media to post pictures and videos of themselves with firearms, and used social media to threaten rivals, including individuals who might cooperate with law enforcement.
The investigation further revealed that Westley and other GSB members were involved in the acquisition and distribution of heroin, cocaine and marijuana.
Westley has been detained since his arrest on August 9, 2017.
U.S. Attorney Durham noted that federal law prohibits any retaliation against a federal witness. If persons retaliate against a federal witness “because of attendance at or testimony in a criminal case, the maximum term of imprisonment which may be imposed for the offense under this section shall be the higher of that otherwise provided by law or the maximum term that could have been imposed for any offense charged in that case.” Because the maximum term charged in the case was life imprisonment, anyone who tampers with a federal witness in this case faces life imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Durham further 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.
This investigation is being conducted by ATF and the New Haven Police Department. The FBI, Hamden Police Department and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office have provided critical assistance in the investigation.
An instrumental component of this investigation has been the work of the Connecticut State Crime Laboratory in utilizing the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to analyze ballistics evidence.
This matter is being prosecuted in the District of Connecticut by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale, Peter D. Markle and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.
Member of Violent New Haven Gang Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MICHAEL BELLE, also known as “MB,” 21, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 87 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a violent street gang.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2016, the New Haven Police Department’s Shooting Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating numerous unsolved shootings that had occurred in New Haven and Hamden. Ballistic examination of recovered cartridge cases determined that three firearms were used in 18 shootings committed in or around New Haven in 2016. The investigation revealed that the firearms were possessed by members and associates of the Goodrich Street Boys (“GSB”), a New Haven street gang, and that GSB members also were involved in a number of other shootings in 2016, many of them retaliatory against rival gang members.
On August 3, 2017, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 13-count indictment charging Belle and five other GSB members with racketeering, attempted murder, firearm and narcotics trafficking offenses. The indictment alleged that, between September 2015 and May 2016, GSB members and associates were involved in six gang-related shootings that caused injuries to five individuals.
Belle previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity and admitted that he and other GSB members conspired to kill an individual who they believed had been disrespectful to a GSB member. On May 27, 2016, GSB members ambushed the individual and his friend as the pair were walking on a busy street in New Haven. The individual, who survived the attack, identified GSB member Milton Westley as an assailant. Westley, also known as “Reese,” shot the victim in the stomach. After the victim collapsed to the ground, Westley stood over him and shot him in the head. Another GSB member shot the second victim in the hand as he attempted to shield his face.
The victim who was shot in the stomach and head continues to recover from his injuries. He was in coma for several weeks and had to learn to walk and talk again.
This victim had been shot at by GSB members twice prior to May 27, 2016, including once by Belle in January 2016.
Belle was also present at the attempted murder of a rival gang member on January 23, 2016. On that date, a GSB member recorded cell phone video of nine shots being fired at the rival gang member’s house.
GSB members also shot at rival gang members on February 6, 2016, in a densely populated residential area; March 13, 2016, during a heavily attended St. Patrick’s Day parade in downtown New Haven; and June 21, 2016, during which an innocent bystander was shot in the stomach through her bedroom window.
GSB members also used social media to post pictures and videos of themselves with firearms, and used social media to threaten rivals, including individuals who might cooperate with law enforcement.
The investigation further revealed that Belle and other GSB members were involved in the acquisition and distribution of heroin, cocaine and marijuana.
Belle has been detained since his arrest on August 9, 2017.
Westley and the four other defendants pleaded guilty to various charges. Westley awaits sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Durham noted that federal law prohibits any retaliation against a federal witness. If persons retaliate against a federal witness “because of attendance at or testimony in a criminal case, the maximum term of imprisonment which may be imposed for the offense under this section shall be the higher of that otherwise provided by law or the maximum term that could have been imposed for any offense charged in that case.” Because the maximum term charged in the case was life imprisonment, anyone who tampers with a federal witness in this case faces life imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Durham further 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.
This investigation is being conducted by ATF and the New Haven Police Department. The FBI, Hamden Police Department and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office have provided critical assistance in the investigation.
An instrumental component of this investigation has been the work of the Connecticut State Crime Laboratory in utilizing the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to analyze ballistics evidence.
This matter is being prosecuted in the District of Connecticut by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter D. Markle, Rahul Kale and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.
Connecticut Rheumatologist Sentenced to More Than 3 Years in Federal Prison for Defrauding MedicaidRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CRISPIN ABARIENTOS, M.D., 45, of Middletown, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for defrauding Connecticut’s Medicaid program.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Abarientos owned and operated Middlesex Rheumatology in Middletown. One of the medications that Abarientos prescribed to his Middlesex Rheumatology patients is Remicade, a prescription medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. When treating Medicaid patients with Remicade, Abarientos was required to submit a claim to Connecticut Medicaid for Remicade on behalf of each member patient. Medicaid then sent payment to Caremark Massachusetts Specialty Pharmacy in Massachusetts, which delivered the quantity of Remicade contained in the claim directly to Middlesex Rheumatology for the Medicaid patient without any out-of-pocket cost to Abarientos.
Between September 2013 and January 2018, Abarientos and his medical practice submitted to Medicaid false claims for the delivery to Middlesex Rheumatology of Remicade that Abarientos represented was to be provided to his Medicaid patients, when he knew that those Medicaid patients were not being treated with Remicade. Through this scheme, Abarientos obtained approximately $894,789 of Remicade to which he was not entitled. Abarientos then proceeded to infuse the fraudulently obtained Remicade into Medicare patients or patients with commercial insurers, and submitted claims to those insurers for reimbursement, which he was able to keep as profit for himself.
Abarientos subsequently attempted to hide the scheme from investigators by submitting false medical records to make it appear as if the patients he utilized to obtain the Remicade from Medicaid were being treated with the medication when they were not.
On June 26, 2019, Abarientos pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud.
Abarientos, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 8, 2020.
Abarientos has paid $894,789 in restitution. He is also engaged in negotiations with the federal and state governments to resolve additional civil fraud allegations.
This matter is being investigated by Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and David J. Sheldon
People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS or the Health Care Fraud Task Force at (203) 777-6311.
Bridgeport Man Charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment today charging SHANNON CALHOUN, 47, of Bridgeport, with unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
As alleged in the indictment, on May 22, 2019, Calhoun possessed a .40 caliber handgun. Prior to that date, Calhoun sustained state felony convictions for sale of narcotics, assault in the first degree, larceny in the second degree, weapon in a motor vehicle; burglary in the third degree, carrying a dangerous weapon, possession of narcotics, criminal possession of a weapon, and failure to appear.
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.
If convicted of the charge in the indictment, Calhoun faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Calhoun has been detained since his arrest by the Bridgeport Police Department on May 22, 2019.
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 Bridgeport Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.
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.
Waterbury Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing CrackRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MIGUEL TORRES, 39, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between February and May 2018, the Naugatuck Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a series of controlled purchases of crack from Torres. Torres was arrested on a state warrant on May 8, 2018. On that date, a court-authorized search of his residence revealed approximately 47 grams of crack, other controlled substances, a digital scale that contained drug residue, and $5,746 in cash.
Torres has been detained since his arrest. On April 25, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force with the assistance of the Naugatuck Police Department. The Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby and Middletown Police Departments, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc H. Silverman.
Former Pain Foundation Founder and CEO Who Embezzled $1.5 Million Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PAUL GILENO, 47, of Brewster, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for embezzling approximately $1.5 million from a Connecticut nonprofit organization, and for failing to pay federal income taxes.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Gileno was the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the United States Pain Foundation, a Middletown-based nonprofit organization designed to find support and resources for individuals with pain issues. Between approximately 2015 and 2017, Gileno embezzled more than $1.5 million from the foundation. He also failed to pay more than $532,943 in federal income taxes on the embezzled income, and other income, for the 2015 through 2017 tax years.
Gileno is required to pay full restitution to both the United States Pain Foundation and the Internal Revenue Service, as well as tax penalties and interest.
On June 17, 2019, Gileno pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of tax evasion.
Gileno, who is released on bond, was ordered to report to prison on January 6, 2020.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
DEA Task Force and Waterbury Police Investigation Takes Down Heroin Trafficking Ring; 15 ChargedRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Waterbury Police Chief Fernando C. Spagnolo today announced that 15 individuals have been charged with federal narcotics offenses related to the distribution of heroin and fentanyl in and around Waterbury.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, the arrests stem a joint investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department. The investigation, which has included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Nestor Sosa-Ortiz has operated a Waterbury-based drug trafficking organization that received large quantities of heroin and fentanyl from suppliers in Connecticut and New York and distributed the narcotics throughout New Haven County. After Nestor Sosa-Ortiz was arrested in New York City on a separate federal heroin and fentanyl trafficking charge in May 2019, he continued to control his drug network while incarcerated by using smuggled cell phones to communicate with various co-conspirators, including his sisters, Isamelis Sosa-Ortiz and Imirici Sosa-Ortiz, in Waterbury.
The following individuals have been charged by federal criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, heroin and fentanyl:
NESTOR SOSA-ORTIZ, 35, of Waterbury
ISAMELIS MARIAN SOSA-ORTIZ, a.k.a. “Marian,” 29, of Waterbury
IMIRICI SOSA-ORTIZ, a.k.a. “Mimi,” 31, of Waterbury
ELIAS SANCHEZ-MARTINEZ, 27, of Waterbury
FRANCIS AYBAR-PEGUERO, a.k.a. “Grena,” 27, of Waterbury
ERICA ORAMA, a.k.a. “Wifey,” 39, of Waterbury
RONEY SOSA, 23, of Waterbury
IVANNY ANTONIO FRANCISCO-ESTRELLA, 34, of Waterbury
BRAYAN GONZALEZ, 35, of Waterbury
JEFFREY TAVAREZ, 21, of Waterbury
ORLANDO MARTINEZ, a.k.a. “Bolo,” 51, of Watertown
JUAN CARLOS CASTELLANO, 41, of Bridgeport
ERIK RAFAEL POLANCO, a.k.a. “Chino,” 23, of Waterbury
DARRY JOSE GUERRERO, a.k.a. “Domi,” 27, of Waterbury
JEISSON AMARANTE-PEREZ, a.k.a. “Smart Yeii,” 25, of WaterburyThirteen defendants were arrested today, and one defendant, Jeisson Amarante-Perez, is currently being sought. Nestor Sosa-Ortiz has been detained in federal custody since May 18, 2019.
In association with today’s arrests, law enforcement officers executed five search warrants at locations in Waterbury, including an apartment at 330 Bishop Street and the Corner Mini Market at 52 East Farm Street, and seized approximately six kilograms of suspected heroin/fentanyl, approximately 100,000 bags of suspected heroin/fentanyl packaged for street distribution, approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills disguised as Percocet pills, one firearm and approximately $50,000 in cash.
“Heroin and fentanyl continue to destroy too many lives in our state, and we are committed to using federal law enforcement resources to prosecute those responsible for distributing these deadly drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Durham. “This investigation has closed the door on one drug trafficking network, but we know our work is not done, in Waterbury and throughout Connecticut. We thank the members of the DEA Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department for their great work. Every time a heroin dealer is arrested, we believe that lives are saved.”
“DEA is committed to investigating and dismantling large scale Drug Trafficking Organizations like this one operating in the greater Waterbury area,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Boyle. “DEA and Waterbury Police will continue to aggressively pursue those responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl and heroin to the citizens of Connecticut and hold them accountable for their actions.”
“In recent years, the flow of opioids in Waterbury has had a devastating impact on our community as a whole,” said Chief Spagnolo. “We are grateful for the support from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and for our partnership with the DEA. We will continue to work side by side with these agencies to combat the opioid trade in Waterbury.”
The 13 individuals who were arrested today appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department. The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby, Middletown, Naugatuck and Waterbury Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis, Lauren C. Clark, H. Gordon Hall, Peter D. Markle and Anthony E. Kaplan.
Tax Preparer Sentenced to 15 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GELIN STERLING, 31, of Berlin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 15 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for preparing false tax returns.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Sterling owned and operated Sterling Tax Plus, LLC, a tax preparation business. For the 2014 through 2017 tax years, Sterling prepared tax returns for numerous clients that included false mileage expenses, false charitable donations, and other false income items.
Judge Dooley ordered Sterling to pay restitution of $250,000 to the IRS. As a result of his fraudulent conduct, many of his clients’ filed tax returns will need to be amended. The amount of Sterling’s restitution may be reduced as his clients resolve their own tax liability with the IRS.
On May 2, 2019, Sterling pleaded guilty to one count of aiding in the preparation of false tax returns. Sterling, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on December 30.
Sterling is a citizen of Haiti and faces immigration proceedings when he is released from prison.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer R. Laraia.
New Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin Trafficking Charge, Faces 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRIAN K. BACKMAN, also known as “B,” “NYB” and “New York B,” 54, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to a heroin trafficking offense.
This matter stems from an investigation headed by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force and New Haven Police Department that targeted drug trafficking and related acts of violence by members, former members and associates of the “Island Brothers” street gang in New Haven. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, also revealed that the drug trafficking organization had established a base of operation in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. The investigation subsequently identified a second drug trafficking network that involved the large-scale distribution of heroin.
During the investigation, Backman was identified as a supplier of heroin to members of the New Haven drug trafficking organization. Backman was intercepted over multiple wiretaps discussing the acquisition of heroin from a supplier in New York for redistribution in and around New Haven. On June 16, 2019, Backman sent a courier to pick up approximately 10,000 bags of heroin from a New York supplier. The courier and another co-conspirator were arrested after the courier arrived with the drugs at a Hamden parking lot.
On July 9, 2019, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 15-count indictment charging Backman and 24 other individuals with various offenses. Backman has been detained since his arrest on July 10, 2019.
Backman pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on January 13, 2020, in Hartford.
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.
Dentist Charged with Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that SCOTT DAVID COHEN, 39, of Stratford, was arrested today and charged by federal criminal complaint with multiple child sexual exploitation offenses.
As alleged in the criminal complaint, earlier this month, Cohen, using the username “drpinstripe13,” began communicating on Instagram with an individual whom he believed was a 15-year-old girl. In numerous chat conversations, Cohen expressed in graphic detail his desire to engage in sexual activity with the “minor.” Cohen described a variety of sexual activities he wanted to have with the minor and sent her sexually explicit images of himself.
The complaint further alleges that the minor told Cohen that she lived out of state and had plans to travel to New York to visit a relative. Cohen, who is a dentist with a practice in Trumbull, expressed a willingness to reschedule patients at his dental practice in order to meet the girl.
Cohen was arrested this afternoon after he traveled to the Stratford train station to meet the “girl.”
Following his arrest, Cohen appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport and was ordered detained pending a detention hearing that is not yet scheduled,
The complaint charges Cohen with enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, transfer of obscene material to minors, and sexual exploitation of children.
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 the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Shelton Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing OxycodoneRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SALVATORE PERRY, 45, of Shelton, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, oxycodone.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between September 2017 and November 2018, law enforcement made five controlled purchases of 30mg oxycodone pills from Perry. Perry sold between 30 and 60 pills each transaction. Perry had obtained the pills from at least two other individuals who had prescriptions for the drugs.
Perry was arrested on December 4, 2018. On that date, investigators searched his residence and seized oxycodone pills, along with Perry’s cell phone, which contained evidence of the drug sales.
Judge Bolden scheduled sentencing for January 22, 2020, at which time Perry faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Perry is released on a $250,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan.
Member of Violent New Haven Gang Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL VIA, also known as “Mike Live,” 22, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a violent street gang.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2016, the New Haven Police Department’s Shooting Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating numerous unsolved shootings that had occurred in New Haven and Hamden. Ballistic examination of recovered cartridge cases determined that three firearms were used in 18 shootings committed in or around New Haven in 2016. The investigation revealed that the firearms were possessed by members and associates of the Goodrich Street Boys (“GSB”), a New Haven street gang, and that GSB members also were involved in a number of other shootings in 2016, many of them retaliatory against rival gang members.
On August 3, 2017, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 13-count indictment charging Via and five other GSB members with racketeering, attempted murder, firearm and narcotics trafficking offenses. The indictment alleged that, between September 2015 and May 2016, GSB members and associates were involved in six gang-related shootings that caused injuries to five individuals.
Via previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity and admitted that he and other GSB members conspired to kill an individual who they believed had been disrespectful to a GSB member. On May 27, 2016, GSB members ambushed the individual and his friend as the pair were walking on a busy street in New Haven. The individual, who survived the attack, identified GSB member Milton Westley as an assailant. Westley, also known as “Reese,” shot the victim in the stomach. After the victim collapsed to the ground, Westley stood over him and shot him in the head. Another GSB member shot the second victim in the hand as he attempted to shield his face.
The victim who was shot in the stomach and head continues to recover from his injuries. He was in coma for several weeks and had to learn to walk and talk again.
This victim had been shot at by GSB members twice prior to May 27, 2016.
GSB members also shot at rival gang members on February 6, 2016, in a densely populated residential area; March 13, 2016, during a heavily attended St. Patrick’s Day parade in downtown New Haven; and June 21, 2016, during which an innocent bystander was shot in the stomach through her bedroom window.
The investigation further revealed that Via regularly distributed marijuana. Via and other GSB members also used social media to post pictures and videos of themselves with firearms. Via also used social media to threaten rivals, including individuals who might cooperate with law enforcement.
Via has been detained since his arrest on August 9, 2017. On July 31, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity.
Westley and the four other defendants also have pleaded guilty to various charges and are detained while awaiting sentencing.
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.
This investigation is being conducted by ATF and the New Haven Police Department. The FBI, Hamden Police Department and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office have provided critical assistance in the investigation.
An instrumental component of this investigation has been the work of the Connecticut State Crime Laboratory in utilizing the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to analyze ballistics evidence.
This matter is being prosecuted in the District of Connecticut by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter D. Markle, Rahul Kale and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.
Hartford Man with Violent Criminal History Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYSHAWN COLEMAN, 30, of Hartford pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning hours of August 5, 2017, Hartford Police stopped a car after a witness had reported that the car was involved in a fatal shooting on Edgewood Street less than 30 minutes earlier. Coleman was sitting in the front passenger seat. An officer conducted a pat-down of Coleman and retrieved two clear zip-lock bags from his pocket. One of the bags contained marijuana, and the other contained a .45 caliber bullet.
Prior to August 2017, Coleman had sustained two felony convictions for conspiracy to commit murder, three felony convictions for accessory to first-degree assault, one felony conviction for first degree assault, and one felony conviction for sale of a controlled substance.
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.
Coleman has been detained since his arrest. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on January 16, 2020, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
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 Michael J. Gustafson.
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.