District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Waterbury Man Pleads Guilty to Theft of Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ZIMER KALICI, 55, of Waterbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of theft of public money related to his illegal receipt of Social Security benefits.
U.S. Attorney Durham noted that individuals are not eligible for Social Security benefits when they permanently relocate to live outside of the U.S., and eligibility for Social Security benefits terminates upon death.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Kalici’s father, a Social Security benefits recipient, relocated from the U.S. to Macedonia in 2009, and died in January 2010. Kalici did not report his father’s death to the Social Security Administration and, between 2009 and 2018, deposited approximately $52,417.84 worth of Social Security checks intended for his father into his own personal bank account.
In November 2018, Kalici was interviewed by investigators with the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (“SSA OIG”). During the interview, Kalici stated that his father was still alive and had left the U.S. for Macedonia in May 2018. Kalici subsequently provided SSA OIG with a false funeral internment certificate that represented his father had died on November 26, 2018.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for February 28, 2020, at which time Kalici faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Kalici is released on a $25,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret E. Maigret.
Quality Control Officer of Connecticut Meat Supplier Admits Fabricating E. Coli Test ResultsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Administrator Carmen Rottenberg, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, announced that DEBBIE L. SMITH, 60, of Ellington, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to a charge related to a Connecticut meat processing business’s falsification of numerous E. coli test results.
According to court documents and statements made in court, New England Meat Packing, LLC, located in Stafford Springs, is a federally inspected business engaged in the slaughtering, processing, selling and transporting of meat and meat food products for human consumption. Pursuant to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) approved Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan for New England Meat Packing, the company is required to perform one generic E. coli carcass swab for every 300 animals slaughtered and to periodically collect ground beef samples for E. coli testing.
Memet Bequiri is the owner and general manager of New England Meat Packing, and Smith is/was the HACCP Coordinator/Quality Control Officer for the company. Between November 3, 2016 and September 9, 2017, Smith prepared and submitted in the company’s Lab Sample Report binder, which the USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) reviews, a total of 36 documents relating to 52 separate carcass swabs and ground beef samples on behalf of New England Meat Packing. The 36 documents were each on the letterhead of a certified laboratory that tests food product samples to ensure safety and wholesomeness and signed by the laboratory director. The documents stated that the required E. coli testing of samples submitted by New England Meat Packing had been conducted and completed, and that all 52 samples tested negative for E. coli. In fact, none of the 52 carcass swabs and samples had been submitted or tested by the identified laboratory, or any other laboratory, and the 36 documents were fraudulently prepared using laboratory letterhead obtained from previous testing that New England Meat Packing had conducted with that laboratory.
The investigation revealed that Beqiri authorized the preparation and submission of the fabricated E. coli test results. During an interview with a USDA’s FSIS investigator, Beqiri admitted that the documents were fraudulent, and that his business did not collect and submit the samples to the certified laboratory because he did not correlate the potential impact on food safety with his sampling program and wanted to create the appearance he was compliant with all USDA HACCP testing requirements.
There have been no known instances of illnesses reported by anyone who consumed the meat in any of the states where the meat was distributed.
Smith pleaded guilty to one count of making and using a false document, a charge that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
Smith is released on bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for December 10, 2019.
On August 20, 2019, Beqiri pleaded guilty to one count of making and using a false document and aiding and abetting. He awaits sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Office of Investigations, Enforcement and Audit. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.
North Carolina Woman Who Embezzled More Than $130K from Connecticut Company Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SUSANNA KURUS, 44, of Garner, North Carolina, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 30 days of imprisonment, followed by 60 days of home confinement, for embezzling more than $130,000 from her former Connecticut employer. Kurus also must serve two years of supervised release, during which she is required to perform 100 hours of community service.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Kurus formerly resided in Connecticut and was employed as the accounting manager for a company based in Stratford. Between approximately October 2014 and June 2017, Kurus used the company’s financial accounting software to transfer customer credits to at least six personal debit card accounts, and then used the money for personal expenditures. Through this scheme, she stole $133,870.55.
Judge Shea ordered Kurus to make full restitution.
On March 13, 2019, Kurus pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
Kurus, who is released on $200,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 6, 2020.
This matter was investigated by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, U.S. Secret Service and Stratford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin Distribution and Firearm Possession OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAFAEL ARROYO, 34, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 26, 2018, a court-authorized search of Arroyo’s Broad Street apartment revealed approximately 400 bags of packaged heroin, a distribution quantity of cocaine, a Star S.A. 9mm semiautomatic pistol, an H&R “Sportsman” .22 caliber long rifle revolver, a Group Industries 9mm firearm, assorted ammunition, and three bulletproof vests.
Arroyo pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least five years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on December 18, 2019.
Arroyo’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for drug and firearm offenses. Arroyo has been detained since his arrest on July 26, 2018.
This matter has been investigated by the Hartford Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Gang Member Sentenced to 37 Months in Federal Prison for Distributing Fentanyl and Heroin in HartfordRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CRUZ FERNANDEZ, also known as “Blood,” 28, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl and heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division targeting gang violence and narcotics trafficking in Hartford. The investigation revealed that Wilson Velez, also known as “Wiso,” a member of the Almighty Latin Kings Nation (“Latin Kings”), was distributing heroin and fentanyl. Velez employed family members and other Latin Kings members and associates to process, package and distribute the drugs from apartment buildings on Hamilton Street and Elliot Street in Hartford. During the investigation, law enforcement conducted multiple controlled purchases of narcotics from Velez and other members of the drug trafficking organization.
Fernandez, who is originally from New York, is a member of the Bloods, not the Latin Kings. He relocated to Springfield, Massachusetts, and then to Hartford, where he began distributing fentanyl/heroin that he had acquired from Velez and other Latin Kings members.
At the time of the offense, Fernandez was on probation following a heroin related arrest in Springfield.
On May 1, 2018, a grand jury returned a 41-count indictment charging Velez, Fernandez and eight other members and associates of the Latin Kings. Fernandez was arrested on May 7, 2018. On February 26, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin and fentanyl.
Velez was arrested on federal narcotics offenses on December 7, 2017, and was subsequently released on bond. He has been detained since April 5, 2018, when his bond was revoked. On February 22, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and/or 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of conspiracy to use and carry a firearm in relation to, and furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime. He awaits sentencing.
The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
North Carolina Man Charged with Defrauding Employer's Charity Matching Gift ProgramRead 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, today announced that STEVEN KENT STRANGE, 49, of Bailey, North Carolina, was arrested yesterday on a federal criminal complaint charging him with defrauding his employer’s charity matching gift program.
According to the criminal complaint, Strange is employed by Collins Aerospace, which is a business unit of United Technologies Corporation (“UTC”), based in Farmington, Connecticut. UTC has a Matching Gift Program, through which the company will match an employee donation, up to $25,000 annually, to a charity. In 2008, Strange established the Housing Development Foundation of North Carolina, Inc., and listed his residence at the principal office for the charity. Strange began working for Collins Aerospace in 2014.
The complaint alleges that, between approximately 2016 and June 2019, Strange defrauded UTC’s Matching Gift Program by submitting fraudulent records of donations, including fabricated cashiers checks, he and coworkers purportedly made to the Housing Development Foundation. Between 2017 and 2019, UTC transferred approximately $367,000 in matching funds to the Housing Development Foundation of North Carolina. A review of the foundation’s bank records reveal that a large portion of the foundation’s expenditures appears to be personal expenditures.
The complaint charges Strange with wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Strange appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Gates in Raleigh, North Carolina, and was released pending his court appearance in the District of Connecticut.
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 investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina for its assistance with yesterday’s arrest and court proceeding.
New Britain Woman Admits Role in Counterfeit Check Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LILIBETH PEREZ, 20, of New Britain, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to a conspiracy charge related to her role in a counterfeit check bank fraud scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately December 2017 and December 2018, Perez and others obtained access to bank accounts in the name of other individuals, deposited counterfeit checks into those accounts, and withdrew money from the accounts before the banks discovered the checks to be counterfeit. The investigation revealed that Perez and others obtained access to the bank accounts by recruiting individuals through social media and persuading the individuals to share their account information, including debit cards and associated PIN numbers.
Perez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years. She is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on January 3, 2020.
Perez was arrested on a criminal complaint on January 9, 2019. She is released on a $100,000 bond.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Secret Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.
Manchester Man Guilty of Lying to Federal Law Enforcement During InterviewRead 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, today announced that a jury in New Haven has found FAREED AHMED KHAN, 61, of Manchester, guilty of making a false statement during an interview with federal law enforcement. A trial before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer began on September 16 and the jury returned its verdict this morning.
According to the evidence presented during the trial, Khan was born in Pakistan and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in February 2003. Khan was a member of the Islamic Circle of North America (“ICNA”) and was responsible for collecting cash and check donations to ICNA for its various charitable events. In 2014, the Federal Bureau of Investigation learned that, over the course of approximately eight years, Khan received more than $200,000 in cash deposits into his bank account. Investigators also learned that Khan was transacting with an individual in Pakistan who was arranging for third parties to deposit cash into Khan’s account to fund medical equipment purchases for the individual in Pakistan. Khan then collected the purchased medical equipment, repackaged the items, and shipped them to Pakistan.
On June 26, 2015, the FBI interviewed Khan. During the interview, Khan made multiple false statements, including that he was not affiliated with ICNA, did not know anyone from ICNA, had never collected charitable donations for ICNA, and that the only packages he had ever sent to Pakistan were to his sister and brother and contained clothing.
On October 13, 2015, investigators conducted court-authorized search of Khan’s residence and seized numerous items related to Khan’s role in ICNA. In addition, a search of Khan’s cellular phone revealed WhatsApp messages between Khan and his associate in Pakistan detailing Khan’s involvement in multiple shipments of medical equipment to Pakistan.
At sentencing, Khan faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
Khan is released on a $50,000 bond.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Federal Air Marshal Service, and Manchester Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vanessa Richards and Rahul Kale, with the assistance of Trial Attorneys Troy Edwards and David Cora of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
Bridgeport Man Who Sold Heroin to Overdose Victim, and Again While Awaiting Sentencing, is SentencedRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DARRYCK NORRIS, 25, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 8:49 p.m. on October 27, 2016, Milford Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in Milford and found an unresponsive 37-year-old male slumped over in the downstairs living area of the residence. Emergency personnel attempted lifesaving measures and administered two doses of the opiate antidote Narcan, which had no effect. The victim was pronounced deceased. Officers searched the immediate area and seized four empty baggies and one full baggy that contained suspected heroin. Each of the bags was stamped with the same brand stamp.
Officers also seized the victim’s iPhone. Analysis of text messages revealed that the victim had ordered heroin from Norris earlier that day. Witness interviews and further cellphone analysis revealed that the victim had purchased heroin from Norris for several months prior to the victim’s overdose.
On November 1, 2016, members of the DEA and Milford Police Department conducted a controlled purchase of heroin from Norris in Bridgeport. The heroin bags purchased were stamped with the same stamp that was found on the bags seized from the overdose victim’s residence.
Norris was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on November 3, 2016, and was released on a $50,000 bond. On May 17, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of heroin.
Judge Underhill allowed Norris to remain released on bond pending sentencing, and granted Norris’ request to attend the U.S. District Court’s Support Court program.
On February 16, 2018, Norris was arrested by the Bridgeport Police Department and charged with possession of narcotics with intent to sell, and other offenses. Subsequent investigation revealed that Norris had been distributing heroin between approximately December 2017 and his arrest on February 16, 2018.
On October 11, 2018, Norris pleaded guilty to a second count of distribution of heroin.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport Resident Office, the DEA’s New Haven Task Force, and the Milford and Bridgeport Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Waterbury Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of Handgun and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTHONY MORALES, 30, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 19, 2019, Waterbury Police received a report that Morales had been involved in a domestic dispute and was in possession of a firearm. Investigators subsequently encountered Morales at a hotel Waterbury. A search of Morales’ room revealed a Taurus, Model 85, .38 caliber revolver loaded with five rounds of ammunition, and an additional 13 rounds of loose ammunition.
Morales’ criminal history includes state felony convictions for robbery, larceny, assault and narcotics offenses.
It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for December 12, 2019, at which time Morales faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Morales has been detained since his federal arrest on May 13, 2019.
This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and the Waterbury Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
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 Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARTIN NUNEZ, 41, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 15, 2018, state parole officers, with the assistance of Hartford Police, conducted a compliance check of Nunez at his residence. A search of the residence revealed a .380 caliber handgun, a firearm magazine, and five rounds of ammunition in a dresser drawer in Nunez’s bedroom. Nunez was arrested at that time.
Nunez’s criminal history includes a state conviction for assault in the first degree, and multiple convictions for distributing 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.
On June 27, 2019, Nunez pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Nunez has been detained in state custody since his arrest. He will begin serving his 21-month federal sentenced today.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.
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 Crack Dealer Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHARLES WILKERSON, 37, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statement made in court, in May and June 2018, law enforcement made four controlled purchases of crack cocaine from Wilkerson in Waterbury. One of the crack cocaine sales involved approximately 34 grams of crack.
Wilkerson was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on August 16, 2018. On May 2, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).
Wilkerson, who is released on a $200,000 bond, is required to report to prison on October 7.
Wilkerson’s criminal history includes several state convictions, including five convictions for distributing narcotics. At the time of the drug sales in May and June 2018, he was released on bond after being arrested in Torrington for distributing crack and other offenses.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Waterbury Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha Freismuth.
North Branford Woman Charged with Embezzlement, Fraud and Identity Theft OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MELISSA MEOLE, 34, of North Branford, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging her with multiple embezzlement, fraud and identity theft offenses.
MEOLE appeared this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and was released on a $200,000 bond.
As alleged in the criminal complaint, Meole was employed by Bridgeport Health Care Center Inc. (“BHCC-INC”), a corporation that operates a nursing and rehabilitation facility in Bridgeport known as Bridgeport Health Care Center (“BHCC”). Prior to November 2018, BHCC-INC also operated a second nursing and rehabilitation facility in Bridgeport known as Bridgeport Manor. Meole worked in BHCC-INC’s business office and was responsible for processing payroll and for handling the finances of the Bridgeport Manor resident trust account. Between approximately January and October 2018, Meole embezzled approximately $150,000 from the BHCC and Bridgeport Manor resident trust accounts.
In addition, the complaint alleges that Meole stole more than $29,000 from BHCC-INC in the form of payroll checks, which she deposited into her personal bank account.
It is further alleged that, after Meole’s employment with BHCC-INC was terminated in October 2018, Meole defrauded another employer of more than $9,000, and she defrauded multiple banks in an identity theft and check kiting scheme.
The complaint charges Meole with theft or embezzlement in connection with health care, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; health care fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; bank fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years; and aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory two-year term of imprisonment.
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 U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor – Employee Benefits Security Administration, Boston Regional Office, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David E. Novick and Neeraj N. Patel.
Hamden Deli Owner Sentenced to Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAYMOND GEORGE, 53, of Hamden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to nine months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for tax evasion. Judge Underhill also ordered George to pay a $5,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, George owns and operates a Ray & Mike’s, LLC, a delicatessen located at 3030 Whitney Avenue in Hamden. For the 2012 and 2013 tax years, George evaded payment of his federal income taxes in multiple ways. First, George failed to deposit all of the cash receipts of the business into his business bank account. He used a portion of the cash to fill an in-store ATM and failed to report the cash as income.
In addition, George used the Ray & Mike business account to pay personal expenses. He also deposited three large checks totaling nearly $300,000 from the Ray & Mike’s business account into his personal investment account, without reporting the funds as income in any capacity, and then withdrew funds from the investment account to purchase personal investment properties. He also deposited a $25,800 check from the Ray & Mike’s lottery account into his personal investment account without reporting the funds as income.
On his federal tax returns, George underreported his income by approximately $365,065 for the 2012 tax year and by $273,108 for the 2013 tax year, and failed to pay a total of approximately $220,000 in taxes for those two years.
George has paid the IRS approximately $480,000 in back taxes, interest and penalties.
On May 17, 2019, George pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion.
George, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on March 17, 2020.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry with the assistance of Law Student Intern Virginia Manoyan.
New Haven Man Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal Prison for Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that VINCENT JONES, 51, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 63 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for bank robbery offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Jones attempted to rob the Key Bank located at 245 Main Street in East Haven on July 31, 2017; robbed the Webster Bank located at 247 Boston Post Road in Orange of $5,469 on July 31, 2017, and robbed the Bank of America located at 1331 Boston Post Road in Milford of $6,578 on August 8, 2018.
On January 31, 2019, Jones pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery.
Jones, who has an extensive criminal history, has been detained since August 9, 2018, when he was arrested on related state charges.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the East Haven, Orange, Milford, New Haven and Waterbury Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Indictment Charges Middletown Business, Owner, with Making and Selling Adulterated Dietary SupplementsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Jeffrey Ebersole, Special Agent in Charge of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging ROBERT J. TRIGO, 75, of Middletown, and his business, NATUREMOST OF NEW ENGLAND, INC., with manufacturing and selling adulterated dietary supplements.
The indictment was returned on September 6, 2019, and Trigo surrendered to law enforcement this morning. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and was released on a $250,000 bond.
As alleged in the indictment, Trigo owns NatureMost of New England, Inc. (“NatureMost”), located in Middletown. NatureMost manufactures, among other things, vitamins and dietary supplements, which it sells and distributes to wholesalers, distributors and retailers, as well as to individual consumers throughout the U.S. and several foreign countries. On December 4, 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) held a meeting with Trigo to discuss NatureMost’s violations of current good manufacturing practice regulations. Trigo informed the FDA that NatureMost had ceased production and distribution of all products as of that date, and he promised to meet with the FDA before resuming operations.
It is further alleged that Trigo never contacted the FDA about resuming operations and, in 2017, NatureMost and Trigo fraudulently sold adulterated dietary supplements that were not prepared, packed or held in accordance with current good manufacturing practice regulations.
The indictment charges Trigo and NatureMost with three counts of introducing adulterated dietary supplements into interstate commerce. If convicted of the charges, Trigo faces maximum term of imprisonment of three years and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count, and NatureMost faces a fine of up to $500,000 on each count.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
Hamden Man Charged with Illegally Possessing ExplosivesRead 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, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging KENNETH LUPOLI, 57, of Hamden, with one count of possession of explosives by a convicted felon.
The indictment was returned on September 6, 2019, and Lupoli was arrested this morning at his home in Hamden. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and was released on a $100,000 bond.
As alleged in the indictment, on May 28, 2019, Lupoli possessed several explosives, including fireworks, fuses, and salutes. Lupoli’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for illegal possession of explosives and criminal possession of a pistol or revolver.
It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of an offense punishable by more than one year of imprisonment to possess any explosive that has been transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
If convicted of the charge, Lupoli faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
11 Charged after Investigation into Gang-Related Drug Distribution and Violence in HartfordRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney John H. Durham, Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Jason Thody, Interim Chief of the Hartford Police Department, today announced that 11 men have been charged with various federal offenses related to the distribution of fentanyl and other narcotics in Hartford and, the illegal possession of firearms.
In July 2019, after a spate of gun violence in Hartford, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force, DEA, Hartford Police Department and other law enforcement agencies, including the East Hartford Police Department and Connecticut State Police, initiated an investigation targeting gang-related drug distribution and associated violence in north Hartford. The investigation has included numerous controlled purchases of narcotics.
On September 11, 2019, a grand jury in Hartford returned seven indictments charging 10 of the defendants. Nine defendants were arrested this morning, one defendant was previously arrested on a state parole violation, and one defendant was arrested and indicted in August. All are presently detained.
In association with today’s arrests, law enforcement conducted four federal search warrants and recovered two firearms in the home of one of the defendants.
During today’s operation, several individuals also were arrested on various state charges.
Unless otherwise noted, the following individuals are Hartford residents and were arrested today:
PEDRO ALVARADO, 43, is charged in a two-count indictment with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that, on July 24, 2019, Alvarado possessed a loaded Smith & Wesson, Model 422, .22 caliber handgun, and marijuana. Prior to that date, Alvarado was convicted in state court of felony risk of injury, assault, larceny and narcotics offenses.
HANEEF BROOKS, 40, is charged in an indictment with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The indictment alleges that, on July 15, 2019, Brooks possessed a 7.62x39mm Norinco SKS rifle. Prior to that date, Brooks was convicted in state court of felony weapon possession and drug offenses.
NATHANIEL DEJESUS, 19, is charged in a three-count indictment with one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base (“crack”), one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl and cocaine base; and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base. It is alleged that DeJesus possessed and/or distributed the narcotics on three occasions in August 2019.
BRIAN EVANS, 20 and JORDAN MADDOX, 22, are charged in a five-count indictment with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl. The indictment alleges that Evans and Maddox distributed the drug on multiple occasions in July and August 2019. During one of the transactions, Maddox also distributed a quantity of crack cocaine. A search of Evans’ residence today revealed two firearms.
JOSHUA JENKINS, 26, KENDALL FAIR, 20, and TRELIQUE WARD, 20, are charged in a 10-count indictment with various offenses related to the distribution of fentanyl and crack cocaine between July and September 2019. Ward was previously arrested for a state parole violation and is currently in state custody.
SHAUN HAWKINS, 42, is charged in an indictment with three counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base, related to his distribution of the drug on three occasions in August and September 2019.
CHRISTIAN PATTERSON, 19, is charged in a three-count indictment with one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution, of cocaine base, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of fentanyl and cocaine base. It is alleged that Patterson distributed the drugs in August and September 2019.
On August 21, 2019, a grand jury returned an indictment charging McCLENDON JONES, 39, of Bloomfield, with two counts of possession with intent to distribute multiple controlled substances, including, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine base, cocaine, PCP and marijuana. On August 8, 2019, it is alleged that Jones sped away from investigators who were conducting a traffic stop in Hartford. Jones’ vehicle struck a city transit bus and then another vehicle before it crashed into a fence on Mahl Avenue. After Jones was apprehended, a search of the vehicle revealed approximately 47 grams of crack cocaine, a half-pound of marijuana, 100 bags of packaged fentanyl, and 60 bags of packaged heroin. A subsequent search of Jones’ residence revealed a glass jar containing approximately 28 grams of liquid PCP, 1,000 bags of packaged fentanyl/heroin, 145 grams of powder cocaine, 350 grams of crack, 27 grams of fentanyl, 230 grams of raw heroin, 12 pounds of marijuana, and $8,000 in cash. Jones has been detained since his arrest.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that charges are not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Manchester Police Department, West Hartford Police Department and the North Central SWAT Team assisted today’s arrests.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Gustafson, S. Dave Vatti and Geoffrey M. Stone.
Woodstock Man Who Posed as Deceased Sister to Steal VA Benefits Sentenced to 6 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN DEPPERT, 64, of Woodstock, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to six months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for stealing benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (the “VA”).
According to court documents and statements made in court, Deppert’s sister received disability compensation benefits from the VA through a direct deposit to her bank account. After Deppert’s sister died in January 2015, Deppert had access to her sister’s bank account, which continued to receive regular deposits of VA benefits.
In September 2017, the VA identified that Deppert’s sister had died and terminated the benefits payments. In October 2017, Deppert called the VA and, posing as his sister, explained that “she” was not deceased. As a result, the VA reinitiated the benefits payments to the bank account, and also issued a back payment of benefits.
In April 2018, after the VA again identified that Deppert’s sister had died, a VA employee contacted the telephone number it had for Deppert’s sister. Deppert, again posing as his sister, answered the call, provided his sister’s date of birth and social security number, and stated that “she” was alive.
In May 2018, Deppert, posing as his sister, left a message on a VA employee’s voicemail system requesting that all future contact be by fax or email. He subsequently sent a fax with a change of address form attached to the VA. The coversheet for the fax stated: “I am alive and living in Woodstock Valley, CT!” Deppert signed his sister’s name on the coversheet.
Through this scheme, Deppert stole $77,292. Judge Bryant ordered Deppert to pay full restitution.
On April 4, 2019, Deppert pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government property.
Deppert, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on October 23.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan.
Three Individuals Plead Guilty to Participating in Drug-Related RobberyRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RON CHRISTOPHER SPEAR-ZULETA, also known as “Chris,” 46, of Woodbridge; ANINHA SPEAR-ZULETA, 32, of Woodbridge, and MARITZA TORRES, also known as “Lisy,” 35, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to offenses stemming from a drug-related robbery.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Chris Spear-Zuleta, his wife, Aninha Spear-Zuleta, and Torres robbed an associate of Chris Spear-Zuleta, who Chris Spear-Zuleta claimed owed him money in relation to narcotics transactions. On November 28, 2017, Aninha Spear-Zuleta lured the associate’s girlfriend to the Spear-Zuleta’s Woodbridge residence, where Chris Spear-Zuleta physically assaulted the girlfriend. At Chris Spear-Zuleta’s instruction, Aninha Spear-Zuleta and Torres then transported the girlfriend to a residence she shared with the associate in Milford, where Aninha Spear-Zuleta and Torres stole several items, including cash, a firearm and several items of expensive clothing.
Chris Spear-Zuleta and Aninha Spear-Zuleta each pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. They are scheduled to be sentenced on December 4 and December 6, respectively
Torres pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. She is scheduled to be sentenced on December 12.
Chris Spear-Zuleta has been detained since his arrest on December 22, 2018. Aninha Spear-Zuleta and Torres are released on bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police and Woodbridge Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Leonard C. Boyle and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Vizcarrondo.
Hartford Man Sentenced to More Than 5 Years for Supplying Heroin to Southeastern CT Drug RingRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDWIN DeJESUS, 48, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 64 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.
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 DeJesus supplied heroin to a codefendant who distributed the drug to his own customer in southeastern Connecticut.
DeJesus has been detained since his arrest on February 20, 2019. On March 5, a grand jury returned an indictment charging DeJesus and 12 other individuals with narcotics trafficking offenses. On May 31, DeJesus pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin.
DeJesus’ criminal history spans 30 years and includes a federal conviction for conspiracy to assault a federal officer. In March 1995, he was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment for that offense.
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.
Hartford Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Loaded Semiautomatic RifleRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TORREN BOYD, 38, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 33 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a loaded semiautomatic rifle.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 27, 2018, Boyd was arrested in Hartford after he was found in possession of a loaded Hi-Point, Model 995, 9mm rifle.
Boyd’s criminal history includes a federal felony conviction in the District of Vermont in 2007 for distributing crack cocaine. He was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment for that offense.
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.
Boyd has been detained since his arrest. On April 9, 2019, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hartford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Citizen of Peru Admits Illegally Reentering U.S.Read the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CESAR RUBEN YLLESCAS, 45, a citizen of Peru last residing in Hartford, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 1, 2014, Yllescas was arrested by Hartford Police for possession of narcotics. On December 21, 2015, he pleaded guilty in state court to the drug offense and to a charge of failing to appear for a related court appearance. Yllescas served approximately six months of imprisonment and was removed to Peru in June 2016.
Yllescas was arrested on May 8, 2019, in Hartford.
Yllescas is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on December 2, 2019, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years. He has been detained since his arrest.
This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret E. Maigret.
Beacon Falls Man Involved in Marijuana Trafficking Ring Sentenced to 55 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TERRELL GIVENS, 34, of Beacon Falls, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 55 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his involvement in a large-scale marijuana trafficking conspiracy.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2016, the Federal Aviation Administration began investigating a Piper single-engine aircraft, owned by Donald Burns of Milford, that was making regular flights between Stratford, Connecticut, and northern California via the southwest United States. On June 28, 2017, Burns flew the aircraft from northern California to Lubbock, Texas. The next day, Burns flew the aircraft from Texas to Arkansas, and then to West Virginia and Connecticut, where he landed in the evening at Sikorsky Airport in Stratford. After it landed, a law enforcement search of the plane revealed approximately 400 pounds of marijuana in vacuum-sealed packages, and Burns was arrested. Investigators determined that the marijuana was intended for Robert Capelli, Scott Bodnar, Terrell Givens and others to distribute in Connecticut.
The investigation revealed that, for more than two years, Capelli and his associates earned millions of dollars by trafficking nearly two tons of marijuana from California to Connecticut. Members of the conspiracy also laundered more than $6 million to purchase marijuana in California, maintain properties for distribution in Connecticut, pay Burns to transport the marijuana, and for other expenses related to the conspiracy.
Givens was arrested on June 12, 2018. On May 3, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana, and one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.
Judge Arterton also ordered Givens to forfeit his 2009 Jaguar XF and jewelry valued at approximately $8,000, which were seized during the investigation.
Givens, who is released on a $300,000 bond, is required to report to prison on October 23, 2019.
On May 2, 2019, Bodnar, of Ansonia, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana, and one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. On September 4, 2019, he was sentenced to 55 months of imprisonment and ordered to forfeit his 2012 Toyota Camry.
On July 26, 2019, a jury found Capelli, of Milford, guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. He was found not guilty of one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, and one count of money laundering. Capelli has forfeited approximately $90,000 to date, and additional forfeiture proceedings are pending.
On May 6, 2019, Burns, of Milford, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana. He also has agreed to forfeit the Piper aircraft.
Capelli and Burns await sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, the Federal Aviation Administration’s Law Enforcement Assistance Program (LEAP), the Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations Center, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Stratford, Derby and West Haven Police Departments, and the Second Judicial Drug Task Force in Jonesboro, Arkansas.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale and Marc Silverman.
Stamford Man Sentenced to Prison for Cocaine Distribution OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NORMAN PETERS, also known as “Ski,” 38, of Stamford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for cocaine distribution offenses.
According to court documents and the evidence presented during his trial, between approximately September 2015 and May 2016, Bobby Gutierrez, also known as “B.O.,” and others, including his brother Wilfredo Gutierrez, conspired to distribute at least 10 kilograms of heroin in Fairfield County. Bobby Gutierrez and others also acquired kilogram quantities of cocaine from sources located in Florida and New York and sold the drug locally.
On April 1, 2016, Peters was intercepted over a court-authorized wiretap arranging to purchase 14 grams of cocaine from Gutierrez. Peters was then observed meeting with Gutierrez at B & B Deli in Bridgeport, which was owned by the Gutierrez family and served as a hub for drug dealing. Investigators stopped Peters after he drove from Bridgeport to Stamford. A search of his person revealed approximately 14 grams of cocaine.
On February 21, 2019, Peters was convicted after trial of one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of use of a telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking felony.
On November 21, 2016, Bobby Gutierrez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. On April 24, 2017, he was sentenced to 160 months of imprisonment and was ordered to forfeit $171,462 in cash that was seized during the investigation.
On March 16. 2017, Wilfredo Gutierrez was sentenced to 180 months of imprisonment.
This investigation was conducted by the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Stamford Police Department, Norwalk Police Department and Connecticut State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Elena L. Coronado.
Stamford Man Arraigned on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that KEVIN GENIS, 26, of Stamford, has been charged by indictment with one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
The indictment was returned by a grand jury in New Haven on August 20, 2019. Genis appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge. Genis has been detained since his arrest on June 27, 2019.
As alleged in court documents, on May 28, 2019, an individual working with law enforcement purchased a Century Arms International 7.62 caliber AK pistol and 10 rounds of ammunition from Genis for $900.
It is further alleged that, in November 2015, Genis was convicted in state court of three counts of possession with intent to sell 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.
If convicted of the offense, Genis faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Stamford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.
This prosecution has been brought through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Member of New Haven Drug Ring Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that NIGEL JONES, 37, of West Haven, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a heroin and cocaine trafficking ring. Judge Underhill also ordered Jones to serve the first six months of his term of supervised release in home confinement.
This matter stems from a joint investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force, FBI and New Haven Police Department into a New Haven-based drug trafficking organization that acquired and distributed heroin and cocaine.
During the investigation, law enforcement officers seized more than 500 grams of heroin, more than 300 grams of fentanyl, more than one kilogram of cocaine, three firearms, over $90,000 in cash, vehicles, jewelry and precious metals.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Jones purchased heroin from another member of the organization and sold the drug in smaller quantities to his own customers.
On April 19, 2018, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Jones and 18 other individuals with narcotics trafficking offenses. Jones and several other members of the conspiracy were arrested on April 25, 2018.
On September 13, 2018, while he was released on bond, Jones was arrested by New Haven Police and charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell after he was found in possession of distribution quantities of heroin and marijuana.
Jones’ federal bond was revoked and, on January 15, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine.
Jones criminal history includes a federal conviction in April 2014 for using a telephone to facilitate the commission of a drug trafficking felony. He was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment for that offense.
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 Connecticut Department of Correction, Milford Police Department and East Haven Police Department have assisted the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney H. Gordon Hall.
Hartford Gang Member Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Fentanyl and HeroinRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FRANKIE VEGA, also known as “Lips,” 35, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl and heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division targeting gang violence and narcotics trafficking in Hartford. The investigation revealed that Wilson Velez, also known as “Wiso,” a member of the Almighty Latin Kings Nation (“Latin Kings”), was distributing heroin and fentanyl. Velez employed family members and other Latin Kings members and associates to process, package and distribute the drugs from apartment buildings on Hamilton Street and Elliot Street in Hartford. During the investigation, law enforcement conducted multiple controlled purchases of narcotics from Velez and other members of the drug trafficking organization.
In May 2017, investigators conducted two controlled purchases of fentanyl from Vega at his residence on Broad Street. On May 3, 2017, a court-authorized search of Vega’s residence revealed more than 1,000 bags of fentanyl/heroin and other items used to process and package narcotics for distribution. Vega was arrested on state charges on that date.
In November 2017, while he was released on bond in his state case, Vega was intercepted on a wiretap negotiating the purchase of 500 bags of fentanyl/heroin from Velez.
On May 1, 2018, a grand jury returned a 41-count indictment charging Velez, Vega and eight other members and associates of the Latin Kings.
Vega has been detained since his arrest on May 7, 2018. On March 4, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin and fentanyl
In 2008, Vega was arrested after he fired his gun at Hartford Police officers pursuing him in a foot chase. Vega was sentenced to 15 years in prison, suspended after nine years, for that offense. He was released from state prison in April 2016.
Velez was arrested on federal narcotics offenses on December 7, 2017, and was subsequently released on bond. He has been detained since April 5, 2018, when his bond was revoked. On February 22, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and/or 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of conspiracy to use and carry a firearm in relation to, and furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime. He awaits sentencing.
The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking Minors, Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTOPHER HAMLETT, also known as “Cadi” and “Cadillac Black,” 26, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 180 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for multiple offenses related to the sex trafficking of minors.
According to the evidence presented during his trial, between August and November 2017, Hamlett recruited and enticed two minor female victims to engage in prostitution at hotels in Hartford and Wethersfield. In order to solicit clients for the minors, Hamlett took sexually explicit photographs of each minor and submitted them to the website Backpage.
Hamlett began to recruit a 17-year-old minor into prostitution during their first meeting. He agreed that the minor victim could keep 60 percent of the money she made from prostitution customers, and he would take 40 percent. The minor victim saw customers for approximately three months. The evidence at trial included text messages in which Hamlett told the minor victim how much to charge, and threatened the victim when he thought she had not given him his full share of the money.
The trial evidence also showed that Hamlett facilitated the prostitution of a second minor victim who was then 16 years old, using Facebook Messenger to send her clients and explain particular sexual acts.
Hamlett also posted Backpage advertisements for an adult woman who worked for him in prostitution.
Hamlett has been detained since his arrest on February 8, 2018. On October 16, 2018, a jury found him guilty of two counts of sex trafficking of a minor, five counts of using a facility of interstate commerce to promote commercial sex, and two counts of production of child pornography.
This matter was investigated by the Hartford Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nancy V. Gifford and Sarala V. Nagala.
Derby Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL VADAKIN, 28, of Derby, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to one count of possession of child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Vadakin was arrested on December 13, 2018, after an investigation revealed that he had used the Kik smartphone application to possess and share videos of child pornography. Forensic analysis of a tablet seized during a search of Vadakin’s residence revealed additional images of child pornography.
Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for December 4, 2019, at which time Vadakin faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Vadakin is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with assistance from the Derby Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.
Attorney Charged with Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging DERON D. FREEMAN, 45, of Glastonbury, with two counts of filing false tax returns.
As alleged in the indictment, Freeman is attorney who owns and operates The Law Offices of Deron Freeman in Hartford. Freeman has practiced primarily in the areas of personal injury and criminal law. In 2011 and 2012, Freeman filed false tax returns that understated his income and, in turn, his tax liability.
If convicted of the charges, Freeman faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years on each count.
Freeman’s arraignment is scheduled for September 10 at 1:30 before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport.
The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden.
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 Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan L. Wines.
New Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Gun and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KEVIN McFARLANE, also known as “Jabari McBurn” and “Dexter Creque,” 41, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to firearm possession and crack cocaine distribution offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 8, 2018, in New Haven, McFarlane possessed a loaded Glock model 43 9mm semiautomatic handgun and approximately 97 grams of crack cocaine. The firearm had been reported stolen in Florida.
McFarlane’s criminal history includes a 2004 conviction in Connecticut for sale of a hallucinogen/narcotic, and a 2007 conviction in Florida for murder in the second degree.
McFarlane pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”), an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years.
A sentencing date is not scheduled.
McFarlane has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on July 11, 2018.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the New Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.
This prosecution has been brought through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Hartford Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Gang-Related Drug Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NOEL CORTES, 55, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 27 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes 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.
In May and June 2015, investigators conducted several controlled purchases of suspected fentanyl from Richard Colon, also known as “Droopy,” of Hartford. On May 15, 2018, Cortes delivered 200 bags of fentanyl on behalf of Colon to complete one of the transactions.
Cortes has been detained since his arrest on July 24, 2018. On April 24, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl.
Cortes’ criminal history dates to 1985 and includes convictions for robbery, assault, narcotics and firearms offenses.
On August 20, 2019, Colon pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. He awaits sentencing.
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.
Two Charged with Illegally Distributing Prescription NarcoticsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging JOHN CAVANAUGH, also known as “Big John,” 67, of East Windsor, and THOMAS TROUGHTON, 54, of Agawam, Massachusetts, with offense related to the illegal distribution of prescription narcotics.
The indictment was returned on August 21, 2019.
Cavanaugh and Troughton were originally arrested on criminal complaints on August 13. Cavanaugh appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and enter a plea of not guilty to the charges. Cavanaugh is released on a $100,000 bond pending trial.
Troughton was arraigned yesterday and also entered a plea of not guilty. He is detained pending trial.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in 2018 and 2019, investigators conducted surveillance of Cavanaugh and observed him conducting what appeared to be hand-to-hand drug deals on numerous occasions. In July 2019, investigators stopped narcotics customers after they conducted drug deals with Cavanaugh and seized pills from these customers. The investigation revealed that Troughton was a source of supply of pills for Cavanaugh.
The indictment charges with Cavanaugh and Troughton with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. The indictment also charges Cavanaugh with four counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, oxycodone, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and the Windsor Locks Police Department. The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.
New Britain Man Who Shot Girlfriend and Her Two Children Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JERMAINE SCOTT, also known as “Maine G,” 40, formerly of New Britain, pleaded guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the morning of March 29, 2017, New Britain Police responded to a residence in New Britain after a report that Scott had shot and seriously wounded his girlfriend and two of his girlfriend’s children at the residence. The victims subsequently reported that Scott, who was lying in bed, became angry when he thought the children were being too loud as they were getting ready for school. After an argument ensued, Scott retrieved a gun from behind the headboard of the bed, chased his girlfriend’s 17-year-old daughter into the bathroom and shot her in the stomach and thigh. He then shot his girlfriend’s 12-year-old son in his leg, and then his girlfriend in her stomach. Scott then fled the residence.
All three victims survived their injuries
Investigators conducted a search of the residence and recovered a .40 caliber pistol, four spent .40 caliber bullet shell casings, and more than 63 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition.
Scott was apprehended in Middletown on September 18, 2017. On May 16, 2019, he pleaded guilty in New Britain Superior Court to three counts of assault in the first degree. On July 24, 2019, he was sentenced to a 30-year term of imprisonment, no portion of which is suspended.
Scott has a criminal history that spans 20 years and includes convictions for firearm, drug, burglary, larceny 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.
Judge Covello scheduled sentencing for December 10, 2019, at which time Scott faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
This matter was investigated by the New Britain Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Exposives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alina M. Reynolds.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 54 Months in Prison for Trafficking Heroin, Fentanyl and Other DrugsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ANGEL GONZALEZ, also known as “Spider” and “June,” 41, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 54 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing large quantities of heroin and fentanyl in Hartford.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force launched an investigation into an organization that was selling large amounts of heroin, fentanyl and other narcotics in Hartford. The investigation, which included approximately six months of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance, revealed that members of the organization supplied distribution quantities of narcotics to several Hartford-area drug dealers, and used multiple locations in Hartford to process, store and distribute narcotics. Gonzalez made street-level sales of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine on behalf of this organization.
Gonzalez and other members of the organization were arrested on July 19, 2018. On that date, investigators executed 10 search warrants and seized more than five kilograms of heroin and/or fentanyl, approximately 600 grams of crack cocaine, eight firearms, cash, and other evidence of narcotics trafficking activity. A search of Gonzalez’s residence revealed 33 grams of fentanyl that was packaged for street sale, approximately 19 grams of crack cocaine, $4,147 in cash, and other items.
On August 2, 2018, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Gonzalez and 15 co-defendants with various offenses.
Gonzalez has been detained since his arrest. On June 10, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”).
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments. Agencies assisting the investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Connecticut Department of Correction, and the East Hartford, New Britain, Newington and West Hartford Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.
Ansonia Man Involved in Marijuana Trafficking Ring Sentenced to 55 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SCOTT BODNAR, also known as “Pep,” 40, of Ansonia, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 55 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his involvement in a large-scale marijuana trafficking conspiracy.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2016, the Federal Aviation Administration began investigating a Piper single-engine aircraft, owned by Donald Burns of Milford, that was making regular flights between Stratford, Connecticut, and northern California via the southwest United States. On June 28, 2017, Burns flew the aircraft from northern California to Lubbock, Texas. The next day, Burns flew the aircraft from Texas to Arkansas, and then to West Virginia and Connecticut, where he landed in the evening at Sikorsky Airport in Stratford. After it landed, a law enforcement search of the plane revealed approximately 400 pounds of marijuana in vacuum-sealed packages, and Burns was arrested. Investigators determined that the marijuana was intended for Robert Capelli, Scott Bodnar, Terrell Givens and others to distribute in Connecticut. Capelli and Bodnar were arrested later that day.
The investigation revealed that, for more than two years, Capelli and his associates earned millions of dollars by trafficking nearly two tons of marijuana from California to Connecticut. Members of the conspiracy also laundered more than $6 million to purchase marijuana in California, maintain properties for distribution in Connecticut, pay Burns to transport the marijuana, and for other expenses related to the conspiracy.
On May 2, 2019, Bodnar pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana, and one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.
Judge Arterton also ordered Bodnar to forfeit his 2012 Toyota Camry, which was seized during the investigation.
Bodnar, who is released on a $250,000 bond, is required to report to prison on October 16, 2019.
On July 26, 2019, a jury found Capelli, of Milford, guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. He was found not guilty of one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, and one count of money laundering. Capelli has forfeited approximately $90,000 to date, and additional forfeiture proceedings are pending.
On May 3, 2019, Givens, of Beacon Falls, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana, and one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. He also agreed to forfeit his 2009 Jaguar XF and approximately $8,000 in jewelry.
On May 6, 2019, Burns, of Milford, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana. He also has agreed to forfeit the Piper aircraft.
Capelli, Givens and Burns await sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, the Federal Aviation Administration’s Law Enforcement Assistance Program (LEAP), the Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations Center, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Stratford, Derby and West Haven Police Departments, and the Second Judicial Drug Task Force in Jonesboro, Arkansas.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale and Marc Silverman.
Hamden Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm and Narcotics ChargesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CLEMENTE HOLMES, also known as “Cavali” and “Vali,” 30, of Hamden, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to firearm and narcotics offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2019, law enforcement made two controlled purchases of narcotics from Holmes at his Goodrich Street residence. On January 22, 2019, a court-authorized search of the residence revealed distribution quantities of fentanyl, heroin and crack cocaine, as well as a loaded 9mm handgun. Holmes was arrested on state charges on that date.
In February 2019, investigators made a controlled purchase of crack cocaine from Holmes, who had posted bond after his state arrest.
Holmes was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on February 26, 2019. At the time of his arrest, a search of his residence revealed more heroin packaged for distribution. He has been detained since his arrest.
In 2012, Holmes was convicted in state court of sale of narcotics and possession pistol without a permit.
Holmes pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; one count of possession of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine base (“crack”) with intent to distribute, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, an offense that carries maximum term of life imprisonment.
A sentencing date is not scheduled.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Haven Safe Streets Gang Task Force and the East Haven, Hamden and New Haven Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.
Felon Arrested in East Hartford Pleads Guilty to Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ELVIN GONZALEZ, 38, of Norwich, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 9, 2018, East Hartford Police arrested Gonzalez after he was found in possession of a Charter Arms .44 caliber revolver and a quantity of marijuana.
Gonzalez’s criminal history includes state convictions for sale of hallucinogen/narcotics and escape, and a federal conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. In August 2005, he was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment for the federal firearm offense.
When he is sentenced, Gonzalez faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
Gonzalez is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the East Hartford Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 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.
Ohio Woman Admits ATM Skimming Activity that Victimized Banks in Connecticut, Other StatesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MAYA FLORINA LUIZA DeSTEFFANO, also known as “Maya-Luisa Pastorelli” and “Maria,” 61, of Cleveland, Ohio, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to conspiracy and identity theft charges stemming from ATM skimming activity that defrauded banks in Connecticut and other states.
According to court documents and statements in court today, between February and June 2017, a Connecticut bank experienced approximately 35 incidents of ATM skimming at locations in Stratford, Monroe, Trumbull, Greenwich, Fairfield and elsewhere in Connecticut. As part of the scheme, conspiracy members placed skimming devices at the ATMs to capture account numbers and personal identification numbers (“PIN numbers”) from customers who used their ATM cards at the ATMs while the devices were in place. Conspiracy members then used the captured information to make substitute ATM cards, and obtained money and made purchases using those cards. The bank suffered losses of approximately $286,069 during the scheme.
In pleading guilty, DeSteffano admitted that she installed and removed ATM skimming equipment at several locations, and used re-encoded cards and PINs to obtain money from several bank locations. She further admitted that, in December 2017, she participated in ATM skimming activity in Virginia and Maryland and, in September and October 2018, she participated in skimming activity Georgia. The banks victimized in these schemes suffered total losses of more than $191,000.
DeSteffano was arrested in Cleveland, Ohio, on December 14, 2018. She has been detained since her arrest.
DeSteffano pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive prison term of imprisonment of two years. She is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on November 22, 2019.
On August 23, 2019, George Dragusin, a co-conspirator of DeSteffano in the Connecticut ATM skimming activity, pleaded guilty to the same charges. Dragusin, a citizen of Romania, also admitted that, between March and September 2018, he participated in ATM skimming activity in Nevada, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana and California, causing multiple banks to suffer total losses of more than $645,000. He is detained pending sentencing.
The investigation is being conducted by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force; the U.S. Secret Service in New Haven and Las Vegas; the Greenwich Police Department; the Monroe Police Department; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the New York Police Department; the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department; the Lawrenceville (Georgia) Police Department; the Dixon (Calif.) Police Department, and the Hayward (Calif.) Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.
Hartford Felon Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Illegal Gun Possession, Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAMON HILL, 40, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 23, 2018, Hill was involved in a motor vehicle accident on Laurel Street in Hartford. Responding officers discovered a loaded Smith and Wesson .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol on the floor in front of the driver’s seat. Hill was the only occupant of the car.
Hill’s criminal history includes multiple state convictions and a 2006 federal conviction for conspiring to distribute cocaine base (“crack”).
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.
In September 2006, Hill was sentenced in federal court to 120 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release. He was released from prison in May 2014, and was on supervised release when he possessed the firearm.
Hill has been detained since his arrest on October 23, 2018. On July 16, 2019, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm a by a convicted felon.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Connecticut Violent Crime Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.
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 Teen Pleads Guilty to Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ARMOND TROUTMAN, 19, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 7, 2019, Troutman was arrested by New Haven Police after a search of his bedroom revealed a Colt .45 caliber handgun and an unloaded 9mm Sig Sauer magazine. Later that day, officers conducted a search of the basement of Troutman’s home and located a .40 caliber Taurus semi-automatic pistol with an obliterated serial number. A subsequent search of Troutman’s phone revealed numerous videos and pictures of Troutman holding the Taurus firearm.
Troutman is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on January 22, 2020, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
This matter is being investigated by the New Haven Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the assistance of the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria del Pilar Gonzalez and Sarah P. Karwan.
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.
New Haven Crack Dealer Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARQUIS PARKER, 26, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a New Haven drug trafficking ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2017, the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force initiated an investigation into a New Haven drug trafficking organization headed by Jermayne Butler. The investigation, which included physical surveillance, 13 controlled purchases of narcotics, and court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones, revealed that members of the organization were distributing crack cocaine and oxycodone in the New Haven area.
Parker was intercepted on a wiretap communicating with Butler. The conversations confirmed that Butler supplied crack cocaine to Parker, who sold the drug to customers in New Haven.
Butler, Parker and several other members of the organization were arrested on federal criminal complaints on February 6, 2018. On February 8, 2018, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 30-count indictment charging 19 individuals with various offenses.
Parker has been detained since his arrest. On April 29, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 28 grams or more of cocaine base. (“crack”).
Butler pleaded guilty to the same offense on August 9, 2019. He awaits sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, which includes members from the New Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, West Haven Police Department and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick F. Caruso and David C. Nelson.
Norwalk Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSEPH DANIELS, also known as “Sean,” 36, of Norwalk, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by eight years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Norwalk Police arrested Daniels on May 15, 2018, after officers had made multiple controlled purchases of narcotics from him. On that date, investigators conducted court-authorized searches of Daniels’ residence, car, and storage units he rented, and seized approximately 190 grams of heroin, other drugs, drug paraphernalia, and more than $59,000 in cash.
Daniels has been detained since his arrest. On February 1, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
Daniels’ criminal history includes state drug convictions and a federal conviction for distributing crack cocaine. In June 2003, he was sentenced in Bridgeport federal court to 43 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Norwalk Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.
New Haven Man Charged with Credit Card Fraud, Wire Fraud and Identity Theft OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a 10-count indictment charging STEVEN A. FINKLER, 55, of New Haven, with credit card fraud, wire fraud and identity theft offenses.
The indictment was returned on August 8, 2019, and Finkler was arrested on August 15. He appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport and pleaded not guilty to the charges. Finkler is detained pending trial.
As alleged in the indictment, in August 2017, Finkler, who has a prior federal conviction for access device fraud (credit card fraud), made more than $1,000 worth of fraudulent purchases using the credit cards of two victims.
The indictment further alleges that Finkler, using another individual’s identity, opened a membership at a fitness center with gym locations throughout Connecticut. Finkler also used the same stolen identity to create accounts with mobile device payment applications. Between September 2018 and May 2019, Finkler visited multiple gym locations and stole credit cards from lockers and other locations while the victims were located elsewhere in the gym. Using the stolen credit cards, and the mobile device payment applications, he made thousands of dollars in fictitious charges to internet bank accounts that he created and controlled. He then returned the credit cards to the victims’ wallets before the victims returned to the locker room.
The indictment charges Finkler with one count of access device fraud and four counts of wire fraud. Each of these charges carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. The indictment also charges Finkler with five counts of aggravated identity theft, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of two years on each count.
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 U.S. Secret Service, Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, and the Wallingford, Avon, North Haven, Madison, Glastonbury and Branford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarala Nagala and Margaret Maigret.
U.S. Attorney Durham noted that Steven Finkler has also used the name “Andrew Finkler,” as well as other aliases. Individuals who believe they have been victimized by this scheme, or by this defendant, are encouraged to call the U.S. Secret Service at 203-865-2449.
Former Credit Union CEO Pleads Guilty to Bank FraudRead 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 JAMES FARRELL, 55, of East Haven, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to one count of bank fraud.
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 of 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.
Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for November 20, 2019, at which time Farrell faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.
Farrell has paid full restitution to NHCCU.
Farrell is released on bond pending sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
Father and Son Sentenced to Prison for Making Fraudulent Titanium Sales to Defense SubcontractorRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a father and son who pleaded guilty to offenses stemming from the fraudulent sale of titanium to a Connecticut defense subcontractor were sentenced today in Bridgeport federal court. U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill sentenced JOHN J. PALIE, JR., 64, of Tiverton, Rhode Island, to 10 months of imprisonment and two years of supervised release, and JOHN J. PALIE III, 43, of Plymouth, Massachusetts, to six months of imprisonment and two years of supervised release. Judge Underhill also ordered Palie Jr. to pay a $10,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, John Palie, Jr. is the owner and Chief Executive Officer of A&P Alloys, Inc. (“A&P”), a company in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, that acquired and sold specialty metals, including titanium. John Palie III was a manager at A&P, having responsibilities for, among other things, the purchase and sale of titanium, and the preparation of titanium orders for shipment and delivery to customers. Palie Jr. and Palie III have admitted that they arranged two separate titanium sales to Lewis Machine, a Connecticut-based aircraft parts manufacturer, that involved false representations about the source and quality of the titanium. Lewis Machine supplies titanium parts to Pratt & Whitney, which manufactures aircraft engines, including engines for U.S. Air Force fighter jets.
In April and May 2012, Palie Jr. and Palie III arranged a sale of 11 pieces of titanium to Lewis Machine, representing that the titanium had been certified as meeting an advanced aerospace quality standard when, in fact, it had never been certified as such. The order listed Pratt & Whitney as the end buyer of the titanium.
In 2013, Palie Jr. and Palie III arranged another sale of titanium to Lewis Machine with Pratt & Whitney as the end buyer. In August 2013, Palie III arranged for 400 pieces of titanium, along with certificates stating that the titanium originated from a particular mill and satisfied an advanced aerospace quality standard, to be delivered to Lewis Machine. Due to concerns about the quality of the titanium, Pratt & Whitney directed Lewis Machine not to accept the titanium. Palie III agreed to replace the 400 pieces with other titanium that satisfied the quality standard in question. However, instead of replacing the titanium, he arranged for the returned 400 pieces to be sandblasted and re-stamped with the manufacturer’s mark of a different titanium mill so that they appeared to be replacements for the returned pieces. In November 2013, Palie III had the falsely labeled pieces, along with false certificates, shipped back to Lewis Machine.
According to documents filed in the criminal case, John Palie Jr. and A&P settled a related civil lawsuit by agreeing to pay Pratt & Whitney $690,000 for losses Pratt & Whitney incurred in remediating problems caused by the uncertified titanium.
On June 27, 2018, Palie Jr. and Palie III each pleaded guilty to two counts of mail fraud.
This is Palie Jr.’s second federal conviction. In January 2004, he was sentenced in the District of Massachusetts to two years of probation for failing to pay income taxes on more than $249,000 in business revenues that he diverted into a personal bank account.
“This prosecution and sentences that involve periods of incarceration send the message that suppliers of material to be used in military equipment face a very real possibility of prison time if they cut corners, cheat the system and potentially put members of our military at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.
“Ensuring the integrity of the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) procurement process is a top priority for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS),” said Leigh-Alistair Barzey, Special Agent in Charge of the DCIS Northeast Field Office. “Supplying substandard and non-conforming material disrupts the DoD supply chain, endangers the lives of U.S. service members and betrays the public’s trust. Today’s sentencing is the direct result of a joint investigative effort and demonstrates our commitment to work with partner law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to investigate and prosecute individuals and companies that engage in fraudulent activity impacting the DoD.”
“Today's sentencing sends a clear signal that ensuring the safety of the Nation’s air transportation system remains a priority for the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG),” said Douglas Shoemaker, DOT-OIG Regional Special Agent-in-Charge. “Working with our law enforcement and prosecutorial colleagues, we will continue to pursue and prosecute those whose illegal actions compromise the integrity of the Department’s safety programs and potentially endanger the travelling public.”
This matter was investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry Kopel.
Attorney Pleads Guilty to Stealing $1.4 Million from Charity Founded to Help Veteran and Military FamiliesRead 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 KEVIN E. CREED, 67, of Litchfield waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to wire fraud related to a scheme in which he stole approximately $1.4 million from a charity he organized.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Creed is an attorney who operates Creed Law Firm in Bristol. The Fisher House Foundation is a national organization that builds comfort homes on the grounds of military and Veteran Affairs medical centers where military veterans and their families can stay for no cost while undergoing treatment at Veteran Affairs hospitals. In 2010, Creed established a charity called the Friends of Fisher House Connecticut, the purported purpose of which was to raise funds to support the building and maintenance of a Fisher House comfort home in West Haven.
Creed solicited donations for the Friends of Fisher House from corporations and individuals. He solicited funds at fairs, carnivals and supermarkets, and also held fundraising events, including the Bristol half-marathon and a 10-kilometer foot race, based on the representation that the money raised would support the construction and operation of the West Haven Fisher House. While Friends of Fisher House Connecticut made a $1 million donation in 2015 to assist with the financing of the construction of the Fisher House West Haven, Creed used his position to take approximately $1.4 million that had been raised for the organization and use it for both personal and law firm expenses.
Creed is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall on November 20, 2019, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Creed is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry.
U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney for its assistance in this matter.
Individuals who believe they have been victimized by this scheme are encouraged to contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 1-888-645-5807, or [email protected].
Mexican National Who Has Been Removed from the U.S. 5 Times Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that, on August 13, 2019, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging ARMANDO MACHORRO-ROJAS, 42, a citizen of Mexico last residing in Norwalk, with one count of illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.
Machorro-Rojas appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on two occasions in March 2007, Machorro-Rojas had encounters with U.S. Border Patrol that resulted in his voluntary to Mexico. On March 23, 2012, Machorro Rojas was arrested by Norwalk Police and charged with operating a vehicle without a license. On April 26, 2012, he was deported from the U.S. to Mexico.
It is further alleged that, on March 29, 2015, Machorro-Rojas was encountered by U.S. Border Patrol near Bisbee, Arizona. On April 15, 2015, he was again removed to Mexico.
It is further alleged that, on June 6, 2015, Machorro-Rojas was encountered by U.S. Border Patrol near Santa Teresa, New Mexico. He was subsequently charged in the District of New Mexico with one count of reentry of a removed alien. He pleaded guilty to the offense, was sentenced to time served and, on July 10, 2015, was removed to Mexico.
On May 31, 2019, Machorro-Rojas was arrested by Norwalk Police and charged with burglary in the third degree, risk of injury, larceny in the third degree, breach of peace in the second degree, and interfering/resisting arrest. It is alleged that an immigration detainer that was lodged with the state authorities was not honored, and Machorro-Rojas was released on bond on July 5.
Machorro-Rojas has been detained since August 9, 2019, after he was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.
If convicted of the charge of illegal reentry, Machorro-Rojas faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial at which it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.
Citizen of El Salvador Charged with Illegally Reentering U.S.Read the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that, on August 13, 2019, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging MARIO ANTONIO HERRERA, 36, a citizen of El Salvador last residing in East Hartford, with one count of illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.
Herrera appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on March 26, 2010, Herrera was deported from the U.S. to El Salvador. Herrera’s removal followed his conviction in Manchester Superior Court in July 2008 for assault in the second degree. Herrera’s criminal history also includes Connecticut convictions for carrying a dangerous weapon, reckless endangerment, and other offenses.
On July 1, 2019, Herrera, who was using the name Antonio Morales, was arrested by the East Hartford Police Department and charged with disorderly conduct and interfering/resisting arrest.
If convicted of the charge of illegal reentry, Herrera faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Herrera has been detained since his arrest.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial at which it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.