District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
New Haven Gang Enforcer Sentenced to 18 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUIS PADILLA, also known as “Chewie,” 25, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 216 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a violent New Haven street gang.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2014, ATF and the New Haven Police Department began “Operation Red Side” through a series of controlled narcotics purchases and firearms seizures. The investigation revealed that members and associates of the Red Side Guerilla Brims (“RSGB”), a sect of the Bloods street gang based in New Haven, were engaged in narcotics trafficking and related acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, assaults and armed robberies. In addition to distributing crack cocaine and other narcotics in and around New Haven, the investigation indicated that members and associates of the RSGB, under the direction of Jeffrey Benton and others, transported the drugs to Bangor, Maine, and sold them in Bangor and its surrounding communities. The RSGB also traded narcotics for firearms, brought the firearms back to New Haven and distributed them to gang members.
PADILLA was an RSGB enforcer who committed shootings and robberies on behalf of the gang. He also traveled to Maine several times at Benton’s direction to watch over the gang’s drug trafficking operation.
PADILLA has been detained since August 18, 2014. On that date, a search of his residence revealed a loaded .45 caliber handgun and a box of .45 caliber auto ammunition.
PADILLA subsequently began assisting the government in the prosecution of this matter.
On September 29, 2015, PADILLA pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity, one count of murder in aid of racketeering, and one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
In pleading guilty, PADILLA admitted his involvement in the gang-related murders of Derrick Suggs on March 18, 2011; Kevin Lee on April 20, 2011, and Donell Allick on June 24, 2011. He also admitted that he shot and wounded individuals in New Haven on February 23 and March 29, 2011, and that he participated in a home invasion robbery on Putnam Street in New Haven on May 30, 2012. He further admitted his role in the trafficking of narcotics in Connecticut and Maine, and that, as a convicted felon, he illegally possessed a firearm and ammunition on August 18, 2014.
On March 16, 2017, PADILLA pleaded guilty to the additional offenses of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, and carrying and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. In pleading guilty, PADILLA admitted that, on March 14, 2009, when he was 16 years old and prior to his membership in RSGB, he shot and killed Thomas Daniels, Jr., during a failed robbery attempt in New Haven.
As a result of this investigation, 21 members and associates of the RSGB were convicted of federal charges in Connecticut and Maine. The investigation has resolved seven murder cases, four attempted murders and four armed robberies that occurred in 2011 and 2012, and the 2009 murder of Thomas Daniels, Jr. PADILLA is the last defendant to be sentenced.
Benton pleaded guilty to various offenses stemming from this investigation and admitted that he participated in four gang-related murders and one attempted murder. On October 4, 2017, he was sentenced to 40 years of imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Durham noted that federal prisoners are required to serve at least 85 percent of their prison term and are not eligible for parole.
This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the New Haven Police Department, the Connecticut Department of Correction, the Connecticut State Police, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Hamden Police Department. The New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office also provided critical assistance in the investigation.
An instrumental component of the investigation was the work of the Connecticut State Crime Laboratory in utilizing the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to analyze ballistics evidence.
This matter was prosecuted in the District of Connecticut by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter Markle and Jocelyn Kaoutzanis. A related case in the District of Maine was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Casey.
Hartford Heroin Trafficker Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALEX ORTIZ-GOMEZ, 35, a citizen of Colombia last residing in Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 78 months of imprisonment for trafficking heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration Hartford Task Force identified ORTIZ-GOMEZ as the head of a drug trafficking organization that was distributing large quantities of heroin in the Hartford area. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that members of the organization used an apartment on Wayland Street in Hartford to store heroin, cocaine, drug packaging materials and cash, and to process and package narcotics for street sale.
On May 13, 2015, ORTIZ-GOMEZ traveled from Hartford to New York City where law enforcement officers conducted a motor vehicle stop of the car and seized approximately $125,000 in cash.
ORTIZ-GOMEZ and several co-conspirators were arrested on June 4, 2015. On that date, a search of the Wayland Street apartment revealed a bag of cocaine, approximately 400 bags of heroin, a heroin stamp, six boxes containing hundreds of stamped bags for packaging heroin, and other items used to process and package heroin for street sale. A related search of co-conspirator’s residence in East Hartford revealed 500 grams of heroin, thousands of bags used to package heroin, a heroin brand stamp and other items.
ORTIZ-GOMEZ has been detained since his arrest. On February 5, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
ORTIZ-GOMEZ, who came to the U.S. from Colombia as a child, faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.
Six other individuals were charged and convicted as a result of this investigation.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police. The DEA Task Force includes participants from the Bristol, East Hartford, Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Willimantic and Windsor Locks Police Departments, and the Food and Drug Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.
Connecticut Business Owner Sentenced for Export ViolationRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that IMRAN KHAN, 44, of North Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to three years of probation, the first six months of which KHAN must serve in home confinement, for violating U.S. export law. Judge Underhill also ordered KHAN to perform 100 hours of community service and pay a $3,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from at least 2012 to December 2016, KHAN and two of his family members engaged in a scheme to purchase goods that were controlled under the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”) and to export those goods without a license to Pakistan, in violation of the EAR. Through companies conducting business as Brush Locker Tools, Kauser Enterprises-USA and Kauser Enterprises-Pakistan, the three defendants received orders from a Pakistani company that procured materials and equipment for the Pakistani military, requesting them to procure specific products that were subject to the EAR. When U.S. manufacturers asked about the end-user for a product, the defendants either informed the manufacturer that the product would remain in the U.S. or completed an end-user certification indicating that the product would not be exported.
After the products were purchased, they were shipped by the manufacturer to the defendants in Connecticut. The products were then shipped to Pakistan on behalf of either the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (“PAEC”), the Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (“SUPARCO”), or the National Institute of Lasers & Optronics (“NILOP”), all of which were listed on the U.S. Department of Commerce Entity List. The defendants never obtained a license to export any item to the designated entities even though they knew that a license was required prior to export. The defendants received the proceeds for the sale of export-controlled items through wire transactions to a U.S. bank account that the defendants controlled.
On June 1, 2017, KHAN pleaded guilty to one count of violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. In pleading guilty, he specifically admitted that, between August 2012 and January 2013, he procured, received and exported to PAEC an Alpha Duo Spectrometer without a license to do so.
On March 5, 2018, KHAN’s father, Muhammad Ismail, and his brother, Kamran Khan, each pleaded guilty to one count of international money laundering, for causing funds to be transferred from Pakistan to the U.S. in connection with the export control violations. In pleading guilty, Ismail and Kamran Khan specifically admitted that, between January and July 2013, they procured, received and exported to SUPARCO, without a license to do so, certain bagging film that is used for advanced composite fabrication and other high temperature applications where dimensional stability, adherence to sealant tapes and uniform film gage are essential. The proceeds for the sale of the bagging film was wired from Pakistan to the defendants in the U.S.
On July 18, 2018, Judge Underhill sentenced both Muhammad Ismail and Kamran Kahn to 18 months of imprisonment. Ismail and Kamran Khan are both citizens of Pakistan and lawful permanent residents of the U.S.
This matter was investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacabed Rodriguez-Coss in coordination with Trial Attorney Scott McCulloch of the Justice Department’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section (CES).
Rhode Island Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JUAN HAZARD, also known as “Money,” 42, of Cranston, Rhode Island, pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to a fentanyl trafficking offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2017, HAZARD agreed to meet an individual at a location in Ledyard to conduct a narcotics transaction. On April 26, 2017, investigators stopped HAZARD’s vehicle in Ledyard. HAZARD was arrested after investigators located a wooden box containing three shrink-wrapped packages containing a total of approximately 338 grams of fentanyl in the rear of the vehicle. HAZARD’s young child was in the back seat of the car at the time of the offense.
HAZARD pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford on December 10, 2018.
HAZARD has been detained since his federal arrest on May 4, 2018.
This investigation has been conducted by the FBI and the Ledyard, Town of Groton and Waterford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.
Stamford Man Guilty of Federal Offenses in Connection with Surgical Glove Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal jury in Bridgeport today found THOMAS J. CONNERTON, 66, of Stamford, guilty of numerous offenses stemming from an investment scheme that defrauded individuals, including several women he met on a dating website, of more than $2 million.
The trial before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill began on August 28.
According to the evidence presented during the trial, CONNERTON was the founder, president, and CEO of Safety Technologies, LLC (“Safety Tech”), a Connecticut company that had its principal place of business at various times in Simsbury, Madison, Westport and Stamford. Safety Tech was founded in 2006, purportedly for the purpose of developing and commercializing what was represented to be a highly durable puncture and cut resistant material that was to be used in the surgical glove market and other related markets. Safety Tech has not yet obtained any patents from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and CONNERTON did not register Safety Tech’s securities with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
Beginning in approximately June 2009, CONNERTON induced victim-investors to provide him funds and to purchase Safety Tech securities by falsely representing that the valuation of Safety Tech was realistically in the tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, that a lucrative deal to sell or license his glove technology was imminent, and that he would use their funds for research and development, product testing, and to bring the product to market. CONNERTON offered his investors small amounts of equity in Safety Tech through “Subscription Agreements” or investments contracts through which he sold what he described as “Units.”
Several of the victim-investors were women who were drawn into the scheme after CONNERTON met them on a popular dating website.
CONNERTON made numerous other false representations to victim-investors, including stating in September 2015, “I will go on the record to state that there is not a single investor that will lose one dollar invested in Safety Technologies.”
Even though CONNERTON represented to victim-investors and potential victim-investors that the funds they invested would be used to fund research and development, for product testing, for business expenses and for legal fees, he used invested funds to pay personal expenses including, on two separate occasions, to purchase two diamond engagement rings from Tiffany & Co. CONNERTON also used funds to repay loans to an earlier investor.
Through this scheme, CONNERTON defrauded more than 50 victim-investors of more than $2.2 million.
The investigation also revealed that CONNERTON engaged in monetary transactions in an attempt to conceal from the FBI and the SEC the nature and source of funds received by Safety Tech from the sale of Safety Tech securities. CONNERTON negotiated checks and purchased bank checks in order to move the fraudulent proceeds from one account to another.
The investigation further revealed that CONNERTON willfully failed to pay $293,033 in federal income taxes between 2003 and 2015.
The jury found CONNERTON guilty of 12 counts of wire fraud, one count of mail fraud and 16 counts of securities fraud, offenses that carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count. CONNERTON also was found guilty of four counts of money laundering, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count, and one count of tax evasion, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
The government is seeking full restitution for the victim-investors and forfeiture of the two engagement rings that CONNERTON purchased with proceeds of the fraud scheme. CONNERTON also owes more than $490,000 in back taxes, interest and penalties.
A sentencing date is not scheduled.
CONNERTON has been detained since his arrest on March 9, 2017.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.
U.S. Attorney Durham also acknowledged the important assistance of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael S. McGarry and Lauren C. Clark.
New Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Racketeering Charge, Admits Gang-Related ShootingsRead the Press Release
John Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that, on September 14, 2018, MILTON WESTLEY, also known as “Reese,” 20, of New Haven, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to a federal racketeering charge stemming from his role in a New Haven street gang.
According to statements made in court, the New Haven Police Department’s Shooting Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have been investigating approximately 40 unsolved shootings in New Haven and Hamden. Ballistic examination of recovered cartridge cases determined that three firearms were used in 18 shootings committed in or around New Haven in 2016. The investigation has revealed that the firearms were possessed by members and associates of the Goodrich Street Boys (“GSB”), a New Haven street gang, and that GSB members also were involved in a number of other shootings in 2016, many of them retaliatory against rival gang members.
In pleading guilty, WESTLEY admitted that he was a member of GSB, that he sold drugs with other GSB members, and that he was involved in two gang-related shooting incidents.
The first shooting incident occurred after GSB members believed that an individual had disrespected them over social media and GSB members sought to retaliate. In the early morning hours of January 23, 2016, GSB members fired multiple shots into the individual’s house in New Haven. WESTLEY video recorded himself at the scene while shots were being fired and sent the video to other GSB members.
In the early morning hours of May 27, 2016, in the area of Sperry Street and Whalley Avenue in New Haven, WESTLEY shot an individual from afar, and then, while the victim was on the ground, shot him in the head at close range. The victim survived the shooting.
On August 3, 2017, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 13-count indictment charging WESTLEY and five other individuals with racketeering, attempted murder, firearm and narcotics trafficking offenses. The indictment alleges that, between September 2015 and May 2016, GSB members and associates were involved in six gang-related shootings that caused injuries to five individuals.
WESTLEY pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
WESTLEY had been detained since his arrest on August 9, 2017.
U.S. Attorney Durham noted that this prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program and Project Longevity. PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it.
This investigation is being conducted by ATF and the New Haven Police Department. The FBI, Hamden Police Department and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office have provided critical assistance in the investigation.
An instrumental component of this investigation has been the work of the Connecticut State Crime Laboratory in utilizing the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to analyze ballistics evidence.
This matter is being prosecuted in the District of Connecticut by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis, Peter D. Markle and Rahul Kale.
New Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ADRIAN BELLE, also known as “A.B.,” 24, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 18, 2018, BELLE was the passenger in a vehicle stopped by New Haven Police officers. When the officers asked BELLE to step out of the vehicle, he reached into the center console, exited the vehicle and then began to flee on foot. Officers observed BELLE throw an object during the pursuit.
Once BELLE was stopped and secured in handcuffs, officers located a Smith and Wesson .380 Caliber firearm with an obliterated serial number in BELLE’s front right jacket pocket. Officers also retrieved a loaded firearm magazine that BELLE had thrown while running.
BELLE’s criminal history includes a conviction in October 2014 for robbery in the first degree, and, in August 2011, convictions on three counts of assault on personnel.
The charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
BELLE has been detained since his arrest.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives, and the New Haven Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter D. Markle and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.
This 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.
Fairfield County Doctor Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud and Money Laundering OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Dr. RAMIL MANSOUROV, 49, of Darien, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to health care fraud and money laundering offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, MANSOUROV is a physician who operated out of Family Health Urgent Care, located at 235 Main Street in Norwalk. The medical practice was formerly known as Immediate Health Care, which was owned by Dr. Bharat Patel. In approximately 2012, MANSOUROV purchased the practice from Patel and renamed it Family Urgent Health Care, and Patel continued to work at the practice.
Between 2014 and November 2016, MANSOUROV billed Medicaid approximately $4,994,027 for home, office and nursing home visits that never occurred. MANSOUROV transferred some of the stolen funds to a bank account in Switzerland and then moved more than $1.3 million from the Swiss bank account to at least three of his own domestic bank accounts. The investigation revealed that MANSOUROV used the stolen funds for both personal and business purposes.
Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for December 5, 2018, at which time MANSOUROV faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, a fine of up to approximately $10 million, and an order of restitution. MANSOUROV also has agreed to forfeit $50,000, and surrender his federal controlled substances registration to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
MANSOUROV has been detained since July 13, 2017, when he was apprehended after fleeing to Canada.
On June 25, 2018, Patel pleaded guilty to narcotics distribution and health care fraud offenses. Patel admitted that he wrote hundreds of medically unnecessary prescriptions for oxycodone and hydrocodone, and received $158,523.95 from federal health programs as a result of this and related criminal conduct. Patel has been detained since his arrest on July 12, 2017.
This investigation has been conducted by the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Norwalk Police Department, with the critical assistance of the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General. The DEA Tactical Diversion Squad includes officers from the Bristol, Hamden, Milford, Monroe, New Haven, Shelton, Wallingford and Wilton Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
Winsted Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Heroin to Teen Overdose VictimRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ANTHONY HUNT, 19, of Winsted, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.
This matter stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 2, 2017, at approximately 5:41 p.m., members of the Connecticut State Police responded to a family-owned boat in Washington, Connecticut, on the report of a 17-year-old male in cardiac arrest. Attempts to revive the victim were not successful and he was pronounced deceased. Law enforcement officers seized various drug and non-drug evidence from the boat, including suspected heroin, miscellaneous pharmaceutical pills and an iPhone.
The State of Connecticut Medical Examiner determined that the victim died from toxicity associated with a number of controlled substances, including heroin and alprazolam (Xanax).
The investigation, which has included witness interviews and analysis of the seized iPhone, revealed that HUNT sold heroin and Xanax to the victim between May 17 and June 1, 2017, and that the victim traveled to Winsted to purchase drugs from HUNT the day before the victim died.
HUNT was arrested on a criminal complaint on March 22, 2018.
HUNT is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L Bryant on December 12, 2018, at which time HUNT faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.
West Hartford Man Admits Downloading Child Pornography from Dark Web SiteRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, today announced that MARK ROHRER, 37, of West Hartford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to one count of receipt of child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, ROHRER had a user account on a dark web internet site that promoted child pornography. Using Bitcoin, ROHRER downloaded images and videos of child pornography from the website in January 2016.
Images of child pornography were found on ROHRER’s home computers after a court-authorized search of his residence in April 2018.
ROHRER faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years when he is sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport. A sentencing date is not yet scheduled.
ROHRER is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance of the West Hartford Police Department and Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Sarah P. Karwan.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Nigerian National Sentenced to 32 Months in Prison for Phishing Scheme That Victimized School EmployeesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DANIEL ADEKUNLE OJO, 34, a citizen of Nigeria last residing in Durham, N.C., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 32 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his participation in a scheme to obtain the personal identifying information of school employees in Connecticut and elsewhere, and to file false tax returns in the names of those identity theft victims.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2017, an employee of the Glastonbury Public Schools received an email that appeared to be sent by another Glastonbury school system employee. The email contained a request to send W-2 tax information for all employees of the school system. The recipient of the email responded by sending copies of the W-2 information for approximately 1,600 Glastonbury Public Schools employees. After the W-2 information was emailed, approximately 122 suspicious Forms 1040 were filed electronically with the IRS in the names of victims of the Glastonbury phishing scheme. The 122 tax returns claimed tax refunds totaling $596,897. Approximately six of the returns were processed, and $36,926 in fraudulently-obtained funds were electronically deposited into various bank accounts.
OJO controlled or used an aol.com email account and a gmail.com email account involved in this phishing scheme. A search of OJO’s gmail account revealed emails implicating him in the scheme. One email contained six W-2 forms of employees of Glastonbury Public Schools, and the employees’ personal identifying information.
This ongoing investigation by special agents from the FBI’s cybercrime squad in New Haven and the IRS includes phishing incidents that victimized the Groton Public Schools, and the Bloomington Independent School District in Bloomington, Minnesota.
OJO has been detained since his arrest on August 3, 2017. OJO had entered the U.S. on a visitor’s visa in May 23, 2016, and failed to depart on his scheduled departure date of June 8, 2016.
On June 21, 2018, OJO pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Judge Meyer ordered OJO to pay $36,926 in restitution to the IRS.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, with the assistance of the Durham (N.C.) Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarala V. Nagala.
Former Virtual Currency CEO Involved in $9 Million Fraud Scheme Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HOMERO JOSHUA GARZA, 33, of Texas, formerly of Somers, Connecticut, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, the first six months of which GARZA must spend in home confinement, for his role in his companies’ purported generation and sale of virtual currency.
According to court documents and statements made in court, “virtual currency” is a digital representation of a value that can be traded and functions as a medium of exchange. Virtual currency generally is not issued or guaranteed by any jurisdiction or government, and its value is decided by consensus within the community of users of the virtual currency. A virtual currency generally self-generates units of currency through a process called “mining.” A virtual currency “miner” is computer hardware that runs special computer software to solve complex algorithms that validate groups of transactions in that virtual currency. Once a complex algorithm is solved, a unit of currency, such as a bitcoin, is awarded to the individual operating the miner. This process is known as “mining.”
Between approximately May 2014 and January 2015, GARZA, through GAW, GAW Miners, ZenMiner, and ZenCloud, companies he founded and operated, defrauded victims out of money in connection with the procurement of virtual currency on their behalf. The companies sold miners, access to miners, and the right to purchase a virtual currency called PayCoin, as well as “hashlets.” A hashlet entitled an investor to a share of the profits that GAW Miners or ZenMiner would purportedly earn by mining virtual currencies using the computers that were maintained in their data centers. In other words, hashlet customers, or investors, were buying the rights to profit from a slice of the computing power owned by GAW Miners and ZenMiner.
To generate business and attract customers and investors, GARZA made multiple false statements related to the scheme, including stating that GAW Miners’ parent company purchased a controlling stake in ZenMiner for $8 million and that ZenMiner became a division of GAW Miners. In fact, there was no such transaction. GARZA also stated that the hashlets GARZA’s companies sold engaged in the mining of virtual currency. In fact, GARZA’s companies sold more hashlets than was supported by the computing power maintained in their data centers. Stated differently, GARZA’s companies sold the customers the right to more virtual currency than the companies’ computing power could generate. GARZA also stated that the market value of a single PayCoin would not fall below $20 per unit because GARZA’s companies had a reserve of $100 million that the companies would use to purchase Paycoins to drive up its price. In fact, no such reserve existed.
During the scheme, GARZA, through his companies, used money his companies had made from new hashlet investors to pay older hashlet investors. The payments were money that the companies owed the older investors based on the purported mining GAW Miners and ZenMiner had done on the investors’ behalf.
Through this scheme, GARZA defrauded hundreds of individuals around the world of a total of $9,182,000. Judge Chatigny ordered GARZA to pay restitution in that amount.
On July 20, 2017, GARZA pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
GARZA, who is released on bond, was ordered to report to prison on January 4, 2019.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Jonathan Francis.
East Hartford Woman Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal Prison for Heroin Trafficking and Immigration OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GISEL DE LA CRUZ, 44, of East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for heroin trafficking and immigration offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force began an investigation of an organization that was trafficking large quantities of heroin, fentanyl and other narcotics in Connecticut and western Massachusetts. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance, revealed that members of the organization were receiving bulk quantities of heroin and fentanyl from out-of-state suppliers. They then stored, processed and packaged the heroin/fentanyl in multiple locations, including apartments located at 280 Collins Street in Hartford where some members of the organization also resided, and then distributed the drug in the Hartford area, and also the Springfield and Holyoke, Massachusetts area. A significant amount of drug trafficking activity occurred at the Neighborhood Supermarket, located at 316 Farmington Avenue in Hartford, which was owned and operated by DE LA CRUZ.
Investigators made multiple controlled purchases of heroin and fentanyl from DE LA CRUZ and other members of the drug trafficking organization in and around the Neighborhood Supermarket.
The investigation also revealed that DE LA CRUZ’s boyfriend, who lived with DE LA CRUZ, helped her run the store and assisted in the drug trafficking operation, was a citizen of the Dominican Republic who had previously been deported after a conviction for a federal narcotics offense. DE LA CRUZ paid $20,000 to smuggle her boyfriend back into the U.S. and, in December 2016, her boyfriend illegally reentered the country using fake Venezuelan identification documents.
During the investigation, law enforcement executed 12 search warrants in Connecticut and Massachusetts and seized approximately 10 kilograms of heroin and fentanyl, much of which was packaged for resale in hundreds of thousands of bags. Investigators also seized numerous vials of Xylazine, which is a horse tranquilizer used by narcotics traffickers as a heroin additive. Seven firearms also were seized.
DE LA CRUZ has been detained since her arrest on June 29, 2017. On May 23, 2018, she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, and one count of encouraging and inducing an alien to illegally come to, enter and reside in the U.S.
Fourteen individuals have been charged with various narcotics, firearms and immigration offenses as a result of this investigation.
The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments. Agencies assisting the investigation include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Marshals Service and Connecticut State Police.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.
Russian National Who Operated Kelihos Botnet Pleads Guilty to Fraud, Conspiracy, Computer Crime and Identity Theft OffensesRead the Press Release
Peter Yuryevich Levashov, aka “Petr Levashov,” “Peter Severa,” “Petr Severa” and “Sergey Astakhov,” 38, of St. Petersburg, Russia, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Hartford, Connecticut, to offenses stemming from his operation of the Kelihos botnet, which he used to facilitate malicious activities including harvesting login credentials, distributing bulk spam e-mails, and installing ransomware and other malicious software.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney John H. Durham of the District of Connecticut and Special Agent in Charge Brian C. Turner of the FBI’s New Haven Division made the announcement.
“For over two decades, Peter Levashov operated botnets which enabled him to harvest personal information from infected computers, disseminate spam, and distribute malware used to facilitate multiple scams,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. “We are grateful to Spanish authorities for his previous arrest and extradition. Today’s guilty plea demonstrates that the Department will collaborate with our international law enforcement partners to bring cybercriminals to justice, wherever they may be.”
“Mr. Levashov used the Kelihos botnet to distribute thousands of spam e-mails, harvest login credentials, and install malicious software on computers around the world,” said U.S. Attorney Durham. “He also participated in online forums on which stolen identities, credit card information and cybercrime tools were traded and sold. For years, Mr. Levashov lived quite comfortably while his criminal behavior disrupted the lives of thousands of computer users. Thanks to the collaborative work of the FBI and our partners in law enforcement, private industry and academia, a prolific cybercriminal has been neutralized, and has now admitted his guilt in a U.S. courtroom.”
“Today justice has finally arrived for Peter Levashov, who is perhaps better known in the cyber community by his online identity, Peter Severa,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Turner. “The FBI’s New Haven Division has been engaged in a multiyear investigation of Levashov, with evidence gathered from a number of countries around the world. Today’s guilty plea should serve as an unequivocal reminder to all those who use the internet for illicit purposes: The FBI will pursue you regardless of what country you live in and the length of time it might take to secure your eventual arrest. As we move forward, no cyber criminal should rest easy. The men and women of the FBI’s New Haven Division, along with the members of our Cyber Task Force and our many other federal, state, local, and tribal partners across the state, will continue to employ the same dedication and hard work, which made this effort such a success, to the continued protection of the citizens of Connecticut and the nation as a whole.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, a botnet is a network of computers infected with malicious software that allows a third party to control the entire computer network without the knowledge or consent of the computer owners. Since the late 1990s until his arrest in April 2017, Levashov controlled and operated multiple botnets, including the Storm, Waledac and Kelihos botnets, to harvest personal information and means of identification (including email addresses, usernames and logins, and passwords) from infected computers. To further the scheme, Levashov disseminated spam and distributed other malware, such as banking Trojans and ransomware, and advertised the Kelihos botnet spam and malware services to others for purchase in order to enrich himself. Over the course of his criminal career, Levashov participated in and moderated various online criminal forums on which stolen identities and credit cards, malware and other criminal tools of cybercrime were traded and sold.
Spanish authorities arrested Levashov in Barcelona on April 7, 2017, based upon a criminal complaint and arrest warrant issued in the District of Connecticut. At the time of Levashov’s arrest, Kelihos infected at least 50,000 computers.
On April 10, 2017, the Justice Department announced that it had taken action to dismantle the Kelihos botnet.
On April 20, 2017, a grand jury in the District of Connecticut returned an indictment charging Levashov with multiple offenses related to this scheme. Levashov was extradited to the United States in February.
Levashov pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny to one count of causing intentional damage to a protected computer, one count of conspiracy, one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Judge Chatigny scheduled sentencing for Sept. 6, 2019. Levashov is detained pending sentencing.
The FBI’s New Haven Division and Anchorage Division are investigating the case, with the assistance from the Spanish National Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vanessa Richards and David Huang of the District of Connecticut and Senior Trial Attorney Anthony Teelucksingh of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are prosecuting the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs handled the extradition in this matter, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. The University of Alabama at Birmingham, ThreatStop, SpamHaus, Cisco, Cambridge University, and Cloudmark also provided invaluable assistance in the investigation and prosecution of Mr. Levashov.
Indictment Charges Waterbury Man with Crack Cocaine OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment today charging MIGUEL TORRES, 38, of Waterbury, with various offenses related to his alleged trafficking of crack cocaine.
As alleged in court documents, law enforcement conducted a series of controlled purchases of crack cocaine from TORRES between February and May 2018.
TORRES was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on May 8, 2018. On that date, a court-authorized search of his residence revealed approximately 51 grams of crack cocaine and other controlled substances.
The indictment charges TORRES with one count of possession with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years. TORRES also is charged with five counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution, of crack cocaine, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.
TORRES has been detained since his arrest.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force, with the assistance of the Naugatuck Police Department. The Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby and Middletown Police Departments, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.
Bank Manager Admits Embezzling $879,000 from CD AccountsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STEPHEN CARBONELLA, 59, of Hamden, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to embezzling funds from his employer, Webster Bank Corporation, where he served as bank manager of the Orange branch office.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately 2003 and 2017, CARBONELLA withdrew $879,016.48 from approximately 20 account holders’ certificate of deposit (CD) accounts at Webster Bank, without the knowledge or consent of the account holders, and used the embezzled funds for his own purposes. He also took steps to conceal his misconduct, including by forging signatures and falsifying documents.
CARBONELLA pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement by a bank officer or employee, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on December 4, 2018.
CARBONELLA has been released on a $200,000 bond since his arrest on July 3, 2018.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.
Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAQUAN PATTERSON-GREENE, 22, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to drug and firearm charges.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 7, 2017, PATTERSON-GREENE led Hartford Police officers on a foot chase in Hartford’s North End. During the chase, PATTERSON-GREENE discarded a loaded Glock 22 .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, a firearm magazine containing 15 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition, and an orange backpack.
Officers apprehended PATTERSON-GREENE on Vineland Terrace and recovered the discarded pistol, ammunition and backpack. A search of PATTERSON-GREENE’s person revealed $252 in cash and small amount of marijuana. A search of the backpack revealed approximately 13 ounces of marijuana, 13 zip lock bags containing marijuana, a knotted plastic bag containing several pieces of a substance that field-tested positive for the presence of MDMA (ecstasy), a digital scale, and a box of sandwich bags.
Subsequent analysis of the suspected MDMA identified it as N-Ethylpentylone, which is a controlled analogue of MDMA.
PATTERSON-GREENE’s criminal history includes felony convictions for first-degree assault and possession of a pistol without a permit. In addition, he was on state probation at the time of his arrest.
PATTERSON-GREENE pleaded guilty to one count of possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five 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 five years.
Under the terms of a binding plea agreement, if accepted by the court, the parties have agreed that a term of imprisonment of 96 months is an appropriate sentence in this case.
Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for December 4, 2018.
PATTERSON-GREENE has been detained since his arrest on September 7, 2017.
This matter is being investigated by the Hartford Police Department and the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney John F. Fahey of the Hartford State’s Attorney’s Office.
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 London Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing and Selling Loaded HandgunRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MANUEL ARTEAGA, also known as “Manny,” 42, of New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford 16 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, in December 2016, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) learned that ARTEAGA was attempting to sell firearms. On January 26, 2017, an individual working with law enforcement purchased a 9mm Kahr handgun, which was loaded with five rounds of ammunition, from ARTEAGA for $650. In a related state narcotics investigation, members of the Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Task Force – East conducted three controlled purchases of cocaine from ARTEAGA between April and June 2017.
ARTEAGA’s criminal history includes state felony convictions in 2003, in both Connecticut and New York, for firearm and drug offenses.
It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
On May 15, 2018, ARTEAGA pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
State narcotics charges against ARTEAGA are pending in New London Superior Court.
This matter was investigated by ATF and the Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Task Force – East. The case was prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Durham.
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.
Statement from U.S. Attorney John H. Durham on Ongoing White Powder Letter InvestigationRead the Press Release
The FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Marshals Service, Connecticut State Police, Hartford Police Department anjd New Haven Police Department, in coordination with other federal, state and local law enforcement and emergency services agencies, continue to investigate several incidents of letters containing white powder that were mailed to government facilities and non-governmental organizations in Connecticut and elsewhere in the U.S., and began arriving on September 5, 2018. It is alleged that many of these letters were mailed by an individual who has been in federal custody since his arrest, for alleged violations of his supervised release, on September 5.
Through the course of the investigation, investigators have seized unmailed letters, notified numerous potential recipients of letters, and successfully removed some letters from the mail stream prior to their delivery. However, letters continue to arrive in various locations.
Although the seized and retrieved letters have caused no illness or injuries to date, we strongly urge anyone who receives a suspicious letter or package not to handle it further, and immediately call 911. This will permit law enforcement and emergency services personnel to investigate the matter safely.
Finally, I note that these letters have caused emotional distress for recipients and have consumed valuable time and resources of our first responders. This crime, and others like it, will be vigorously prosecuted.
New Haven Printing Company Owner Pleads Guilty to Federal Tax OffenseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that LOUIS GOLDBERG, 71, of New Haven, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of aiding and assisting in the filing of a false tax return.
According to court documents and statements made in court, GOLDBERG owns Good Copy Printing Center Inc. (GCP), a printing company located in New Haven. GCP employed GOLDBERG’s nephew, Ira Malkin, as a principal salesman, and Malkin earned substantial commissions from GCP based on sales made to customers. Between approximately 2003 and 2012, GOLDBERG was aware that GCP paid many of Malkin’s personal expenses. With Malkin’s consent, GCP reduced his commissions by the amount of personal expenses the company paid. GCP then reported to the IRS through filed W-2 forms that Malkin had earned substantially less income than he truly earned. By reporting lower commissions paid, GCP also improperly reduced the amount of Medicare Payroll Taxes it reported and paid to the IRS.
In addition, GCP handled printing jobs for Comcast, which included GCP mailing out flyers and paying the relevant postage expense with the expectation that GCP would subsequently be reimbursed for that expense. GOLDBERG knew that Malkin had GCP pay the postage expense for the Comcast mailings, had Comcast reimburse Malkin for the cost of the mailings, and then had GCP reduce Malkin’s earned commissions by the amount of postage paid by GCP. Through this arrangement, between approximately 2009 and 2012, GCP further underreported Malkin’s income on W-2 forms filed with the IRS. By reporting lower income, GCP again improperly reduced the amount of Medicare Payroll Taxes it reported and paid to the IRS.
Between 2003 and 2012, GCP underreported a total of $40,490 in Medicare taxes.
GOLDBERG is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall on November 29, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years.
On February 27, 2018, Malkin pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion and admitted that he failed to pay $484,581 in federal income taxes on more than $1.5 million in unreported income. On August 9, he was sentenced to six months of imprisonment and six months of home confinement. Malkin has repaid the IRS all of his back taxes, but still owes more than $700,000 in interest and penalties.
This matter has been investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Waterbury Resident Pleads Guilty to Violating Sex Offender Registration LawsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ISMAEL SANCHEZ COLON, 44, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2001, SANCHEZ COLON was convicted in the State of Wisconsin of the felony offense of causing a child between the ages of 13 and 18 to view sexual activity. He was sentenced to 60 days of incarceration and five years of probation. He also was ordered to comply with sex offender registration requirements for a period of 15 years after completion of his term of probation.
In March 2009, SANCHEZ COLON advised the State of Wisconsin that he had moved to Puerto Rico.
SANCHEZ COLON began residing in Connecticut in approximately April 2016, based on evidence that he obtained food stamps and Husky healthcare benefits at that time, and did not register as a sex offender in this state, as required by law. He subsequently began working at a restaurant in Waterbury, and he obtained a Connecticut driver’s license. Between April 2016 and March 2018, SANCHEZ COLON was registered in Puerto Rico, and he traveled to Puerto Rico to update his registration. At no time did SANCHEZ COLON advise Wisconsin and Puerto Rico of his Connecticut residence.
SANCHEZ COLON’s non-compliance with sex offender registration requirements in Connecticut was discovered when he used his Waterbury address in the process of renewing his U.S. passport.
SANCHEZ COLON has been detained since his arrest on April 12, 2018.
Judge Bolden scheduled sentencing for November 29, at which time SANCHEZ COLON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.
Ohio Man Charged with Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging ROBERT DUDUKOVICH, 24, of Wakeman, Ohio, with five counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of aiding and abetting the transportation of child pornography.
The indictment was returned on August 30, 2018, and DUDUKOVICH was arrested yesterday in Berlin Heights, Ohio. He appeared in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, in Toledo, and was ordered detained pending his removal to the District of Connecticut.
As alleged in the indictment, between July 10, 2017 and October 4, 2017, DUDUKOVICH managed a chat group on “Kik,” a smartphone messaging application, that provided a forum for group members to communicate about their sexual interest in young boys and to share and trade child pornography primarily depicting young boys engaged in sexually explicit conduct. DUDUKOVICH shared with the group members, including an individual in Connecticut, images and videos of child pornography. The child pornography included videos of a minor engaged in sexual acts with another minor, and a video of a minor engaged in a sexual act with an adult. DUDUKOVICH also shared with the group members a link to his Dropbox account, which contained additional images and videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
If convicted, DUDUKOVICH faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.
The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio for their assistance in this matter.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
New London Drug Dealer Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that BASHON WHITLEY, 28, of New London, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking narcotics.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 3, 2017, a court-authorized search of a New London apartment connected to Whitely and his uncle, Anthony Whitley, revealed approximately 14 grams of heroin, approximately 27 grams of cocaine, approximately 150 grams of crack cocaine, items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, a .380 caliber semiautomatic handgun, ammunition and $9,180 in cash. Bashon and Anthony Whitley were arrested on state charges at that time.
Bashon Whitley has been detained since his federal arrest on January 24, 2018. On May 30, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine and 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).
Anthony Whitley has been detained since his arrest on March 3, 2017. He pleaded guilty to the same charge on July 31, 2018, and awaits sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force East, and New London Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth.
Glastonbury Man Sentenced to Prison for Conspiracy and Tax Offenses Related to Kickback SchemeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAVED CHOUDHRY, 60, of Glastonbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to eight months of imprisonment, followed by four months of home confinement and three years of supervised release, for conspiracy and tax offenses related to a kickback scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, CHOUDHRY was employed by a construction company based in Stamford. Between 2011 and 2014, CHOUDHRY received between $250,000 and $500,000 in cash kickbacks from construction contractors in exchange for steering them millions of dollars in contracts on construction projects in Stamford.
In addition, CHOUDHRY failed to report to the Internal Revenue Service most of the income he received through the kickback scheme.
As part of his sentence, CHOUDHRY is required to pay back taxes of approximately $47,500, plus interest and penalties.
On May 16, 2017, CHOUDHRY pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of filing a false tax return.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Southbury Attorney Admits Defrauding Elderly ClientsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Raymond D. Moss, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Erin Joe, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that ROBERT J. BARRY, 77, of Woodbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of wire fraud relating to his theft from elderly client trust accounts.
According to court documents and statements made in court, BARRY was a partner in the law firm of Sturges and Mathes, located in Southbury. The firm specialized in trust and estates work, and BARRY headed that practice. As part of his practice, BARRY drafted trust agreements for clients designating himself as successor trustee in the event of the client’s death or incapacity. He also prepared wills for clients that named BARRY as executor of the client’s estate upon death.
Beginning as least as early as 2008 and continuing until approximately December 2015, BARRY engaged in a scheme to defraud an elderly victim by stealing money from the victim’s client trust accounts while the victim was alive, and then stealing money from the victim’s estate after the victim died. BARRY, in his role as executor and successor trustee for the victim, directed Sturges and Mathes staff members to prepare checks drawn on the victim’s accounts payable to the Sturges and Mathes operating account. Once the money was deposited into the firm’s operating account, BARRY directed staff to cut a check against the firm operating account payable to a special account in the firm’s name over which BARRY had exclusive control. BARRY then wrote himself checks from the special account to his personal bank account.
In furtherance of the scheme, BARRY caused numerous false and misleading statements to be sent to the victim and the victim’s residual beneficiary about the disposition of assets.
Through this scheme, BARRY stole more than $2.4 million from the victim and the victim’s estate.
In order to hide the excess fees that he had taken, BARRY also caused a false federal estate tax return to be filed with the IRS. The tax return underreported the amount of the victim’s estate by approximately $937,000.
BARRY is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on December 4, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
In addition to agreeing to a restitution order of more than $2.4 million for losses to the victim’s estate, BARRY has agreed to pay restitution to residual beneficiaries of other estate clients.
BARRY is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Susan Wines and Jennifer Laraia.
New Haven Man Arrested for Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian J. Taylor, Acting United States Marshal, announced that GARY JOSEPH GRAVELLE, 51, of New Haven, was arrested today in New Britain by members of the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force and the New Britain Police Department on federal supervised released violation.
Gravelle appeared this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector and was ordered detained.
According to statements made in court, Gravelle is under investigation for sending multiple threatening communications and for mailing multiple letters containing white powder to several federal and state offices, and community organizations, in September 2018.
On July 19, 2013, Gravelle was sentenced in Bridgeport federal court to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for mailing numerous threatening letters. He was released from federal prison in November 2015. It is alleged that Gravelle failed to comply with certain conditions of his supervised release, including failing to notify the U.S. Probation Office of a change of residence, and failing to comply with a mental health treatment requirement.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation concerning the sending of threatening communications is continuing. Anyone with pertinent information is asked to call the FBI at 203-777-6311.
Windsor Locks Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that OSCAR MONTOYA, 62, of Windsor Locks, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for drug trafficking and money laundering offenses related to the distribution of heroin and various prescription medications.
According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in approximately 1998, MONTOYA’s wife, Christina Miles, who is a retired nurse, illegally possessed, dispensed and sold prescription medication and other controlled substances. MONTOYA knew of Miles’ illegal activity and, at Miles’ direction, dispensed pills to at least one of Miles’ drug customers. MONTOYA also was aware that family members outside of Connecticut were mailing pills to Miles at their Windsor Locks residence, and that his wife was selling the pills for profit.
On August 4, 2016, members of the North Central Narcotics Task Force and the DEA conducted a court-authorized search of Miles and MONTOYA’s residence at 350 North Street in Windsor Locks and seized a large quantity of various prescription medications, approximately two pounds of marijuana, $10,093 in cash and more than $13,000 in gift cards. Miles and MONTOYA were arrested on state charges after the search.
The investigation revealed that, through this drug trafficking conspiracy, Miles and MONTOYA amassed more than $700,000 in a number of individual and jointly held bank accounts. The investigation also revealed that, in April 2017, Miles and MONTOYA used $17,359 of drug proceeds to purchase 11 U.S. Postal Service money orders and a bank cashier’s check payable to a New Jersey-based moving company for a planned move from Connecticut to New Mexico.
Miles and MONTOYA were arrested on federal charges on November 16, 2017, and have been detained since their arrests. On February 2, 2018, another court-authorized search of their North Street residence revealed additional drug evidence and $41,904 in cash.
On May 21, 2018, MONTOYA pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin, oxymorphone, hydrocodone and alprazolam, and one count of engaging and attempting to engage in a monetary transaction affecting interstate commerce, involving criminally derived property of a value greater than $10,000.
Miles pleaded guilty to the same charges on May 15, 2018.
As part of this case, MONTOYA and Miles agreed to forfeit the Windsor Locks residence and $767,056.74 seized from the residence and multiple bank accounts.
Miles awaits sentencing.
On May 22, 2018, Miles’s daughter, Christy Miles, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin, oxymorphone, hydrocodone and alprazolam. She also awaits sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad and the U.S. Marshals Service with the valuable assistance of the North Central Narcotics Task Force and the Windsor Locks, Enfield, Vernon, East Windsor, Manchester and Suffield Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David X. Sullivan and Patrick F. Caruso.
Former Hamden Police Officer Who Distributed Steroids is SentencedRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRYAN KELLY, 46, of Madison, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to three years of probation, the first six months of which KELLY must serve in home confinement with location monitoring, for distributing anabolic steroids. Judge Bolden also ordered KELLY to pay a $1,000 fine and perform 100 hours of community service.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2017, the Statewide Narcotics Task Force West conducted a court-authorized search of an individual’s residence in Hamden and seized approximately 25,000 pills and 530 vials of anabolic steroids. Subsequent analysis of the individual’s cell phone revealed numerous text messages relating to KELLY’s purchase and redistribution of steroids. At the time of the search, KELLY was a police officer with the Hamden Police Department.
The investigation revealed that KELLY purchased steroids from his source of supply since approximately October 2016. He personally used some of the steroids and distributed some to friends and colleagues.
On May 21, 2018, KELLY pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute anabolic steroids.
KELLY has retired from the Hamden Police Department.
This matter has been investigated by the Connecticut State Police, Statewide Narcotics Task Force West, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan with the assistance of the State’s Attorney for the New Haven Judicial District.
Real Estate Developer, Wife, Charged with Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on August 29, 2018, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a 21-count superseding indictment charging ROBERT V. MATTHEWS, 60, LESLIE R. EVANS, 71, and MARIA MATTHEWS, also known as “Mia Matthews,” 48, all of Palm Beach, Florida, with various offenses stemming from a scheme that defrauded foreign investors.
On March 14, 2018, a grand jury returned a 20-count indictment charging Robert Matthews and Evans with fraud and money laundering offenses. The superseding indictment adds one count of tax evasion against Robert Matthews and Maria Matthews.
According to the indictment, Robert Matthews was a real estate developer in charge of The Palm House Hotel (“PHH”), a property that he sought to develop in Palm Beach. Robert and Maria Matthews, who are married, maintained residences in both Florida and Connecticut. Evans is a real estate attorney.
The EB-5 visa program is a federal program by which foreign nationals and their families are eligible to apply for lawful permanent resident status (commonly known as a “green card”) if they meet certain requirements by investing in a development project in the U.S. Various entities in the U.S. act as intermediaries between potential foreign investors and investment projects. One such entity, South Atlantic Regional Center, LLC (“SARC”) in Palm Beach, Florida, advertised EB-5 projects to foreign investors, collected funds from foreign investors that were earmarked for certain development projects, and made the funding available to the respective development project.
The PHH was a development project advertised by SARC to EB-5 investors between approximately 2012 and 2014. Robert Matthews purchased the PHH property in August 2006, and then lost the property in foreclosure in 2009. In August 2013, Robert Matthews reacquired control of the property through an entity called Palm House, LLC. However, Robert Matthews’ brother, Gerry Matthews, was listed in incorporation documents as owning 99 percent of Palm House, LLC, and another individual, who had secured additional financing for Robert Matthews, was listed as owning the remaining 1 percent.
The indictment alleges that Robert Matthews, Evans and others defrauded EB-5 investors, SARC and the one-percent owner of PHH by representing that funds from EB-5 investors would be used to develop the PHH; that certain well-known individuals would be on the PHH advisory board and certain well-known entertainers, businesspeople and politicians “will be a part of the club”; and that Gerry Matthews was a member of the Palm House, LLC management team and was the 99 percent owner of the project. EB-5 investors invested in the PHH project by providing money to bank accounts controlled by SARC. SARC, in turn, provided EB-5 money earmarked for PHH use either into an account controlled by Robert Matthews, Evans and their agents, or into Evans’ Interest on Trust Account (“IOTA”) that was used to maintain his clients’ funds.
The indictment alleges that, while Gerry Matthews was the nominal 99 percent owner of Palm House, LLC, Robert Matthews controlled the company. The indictment further alleges that Robert Matthews, Evans and others used EB-5 funding for purposes not related to the PHH project, including for Robert and Maria Matthews’ personal gain. In addition, there was no evidence any of the proffered well-known individuals would be on the PHH advisory board or would be members of the club.
As part of this alleged scheme, Robert Matthews, Evans and others moved investor funds through various bank accounts located in Connecticut and Florida. The funds were used to pay Robert and Maria Matthews’ credit card debts, to purchase two properties located in Washington Depot, Connecticut, and to assist in Robert Matthews’ purchase of a 151-foot yacht. One of the Washington Depot properties was a property that Robert Matthews had previously lost in foreclosure. Robert Matthews, Evans, Nicholas Laudano and others conspired to purchase the property out of foreclosure by concealing both the relationship between the co-conspirators, and the source of the funds used to purchase the property.
Laudano is a construction contractor who continuously worked on the development of the PHH project between approximately 2006 and 2016. He also has operated several restaurants in Florida and Connecticut.
The indictment further alleges that, between approximately 2009 and March 2017, Robert and Maria Matthews willfully attempted to evade paying federal income tax they owed for the 2005 and 2007 calendar years in multiple ways, including by using limited liability companies, a company bank account, and the Evans IOTA account to pay for personal expenses. In addition, after Robert and Maria Matthews received notice from the IRS that a failure to pay their delinquent income tax liabilities by September 2, 2016, would result in the seizure of all of their assets, Robert Matthews sold, on September 2, 2016, a Mercedes for $82,000 and, after paying off a lien, caused the proceeds of the sale to be wired into the Evans IOTA account.
The indictment charges Robert Matthews with eight counts of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, one count of bank fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, and 10 counts of illegal monetary transactions, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
The indictment charges Evans with eight counts of wire fraud, one count of bank fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, and one count of illegal monetary transactions.
Robert Matthews and Maria Matthews are charged with one count of tax evasion, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
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.
Robert Matthews and Evans were arrested on March 15, 2018, and are released on bonds. Maria Matthews and Robert Matthews are scheduled to be arraigned by U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven on September 4 at 10:30 a.m.
On March 7, 2018, Gerry Matthews, of Middlebury, Connecticut, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On March 12, 2018, Laudano, of Boynton Beach, Florida, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of illegal monetary transactions. They await sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Pierpont, Jr. and David E. Novick.
Illinois Man Admits to Perpetrating Identity Theft and Unemployment Benefits Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that RICHARD M. LACH, 32, of Richton Park, Illinois, pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with a scheme to defraud state unemployment insurance programs in Connecticut and 37 other states.
According to court documents and statements made in court, LACH fraudulently filed claims with the Connecticut Department of Labor for unemployment benefits in the names of identity theft victims, using their names, dates of birth and social security numbers. LACH directed that the unemployment benefits be directly deposited to Green Dot debit cards that he opened in the names of other identity theft victims. For claims that were approved, the unemployment benefits were deposited to the Green Dot cards, and LACH withdrew the funds or otherwise spent the funds for his own personal use and benefit.
In addition to fraudulently obtaining unemployment benefits from the Connecticut Department of Labor, LACH admitted that he fraudulently filed or attempted to file for unemployment benefits, in the names of identity theft victims, from unemployment agencies in Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington DC, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.
In pleading guilty, LACH admitted that, in some cases, he purchased the personal information of identity theft victims through online websites, including a website that sold the information for $1, in bitcoins, per identity. LACH shared his account on that website. He also shared his Green Dot cards, and several email accounts he used, with other individuals so that they also could file fraudulent claims for unemployment benefits.
In total, LACH and others purchased identity information for approximately 845 identity theft victims through LACH’s account on the website that sold the information. Between February 2017 and January 2018, LACH and others filed approximately 380 fraudulent claims for unemployment benefits in the names of identity theft victims. If the state agencies had approved and paid benefits on all 380 claims, the total loss from this scheme would have exceeded $3.8 million. However, the state agencies approved and paid benefits on only 42 of the claims, resulting in an actual loss of $54,006.
LACH further admitted that he fraudulently purchased cars and obtained car loans in the names of two identity theft victims. In September 2017, he fraudulently purchased a car for approximately $59,000 from a dealership in Florida and had it shipped to Illinois. LACH provided copies of a fake driver’s license and utility bill in the name of in an identity theft victim in order to obtain a car loan to purchase the vehicle. Similarly, in January 2018, LACH fraudulently purchased a car for approximately $83,000 from a dealership in Tennessee. Again, LACH provided copies of a fake driver’s license, utility bill, W-2, and paystub in the name of an identity theft victim.
LACH pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of aggravated identity theft, an offense that carries a mandatory, consecutive two-year term of imprisonment. LACH is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer on November 27, 2018.
LACH has been detained since his arrest on February 2, 2018.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, Office of the Chief State’s Attorney, Connecticut Department of Labor, New York State Department of Labor, State of New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, and Matteson (Illinois) Police Department, with assistance from the unemployment agencies in the other states.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
Honduran National Living in Norwalk Pleads Guilty to Reentering U.S. after Being Deported for Sex CrimeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOEL BONILLA, 30, a citizen of Honduras last residing in Norwalk, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien. In pleading guilty, BONILLA also acknowledged that he failed to register as a sex offender in Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2007, BONILLA was convicted in the Commonwealth of Virginia of aggravated sexual battery. He was sentenced to 20 years of incarceration, execution suspended after five years, and 10 years of probation. He also was required to register as a sex offender. After he served his prison term and registered as a sex offender in Virginia, BONILLA was remanded to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In January 2011, BONILLA was deported Honduras.
BONILLA illegally reentered the U.S. and resided in Norwalk as early as December 2015. On January 14, 2018, BONILLA was involved in a motor vehicle stop with Norwalk Police. Subsequent fingerprint analysis confirmed that BONILLA had been previously deported from the U.S. He was taken into ICE custody on February 14, 2018.
The investigation revealed that BONILLA had not registered as a sex offender in the State of Connecticut, or updated his registration in the Commonwealth of Virginia, both required by law. A sex offender is required to register following the assumption of residence in Connecticut “without undue delay.”
BONILLA is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on November 30, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
This matter has been investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Marshals Service, with the assistance of the Norwalk Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.
Windsor Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Heroin and Fentanyl to Enfield Overdose VictimRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TIMOTHY CHARLEMAGNE, also known as “Red,” 42, of Windsor, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribution, and distribution of, controlled substances.
This matter stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 11, 2015, members of the Enfield Police Department and medical personnel responded to an untimely death at a residence in Enfield. The victim was located in a bedroom of the residence. Investigators seized 30 empty wax folds from the bedroom where the victim was found, and the victim’s cell phone.
Analysis of the victim’s cellphone and witness interviews confirmed that the victim purchased heroin combined with fentanyl from CHARLEMAGNE shortly before the victim died.
CHARLEMAGNE has been detained since his arrest on December 20, 2017. He is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven on November 26, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Enfield Police Department, Windsor Police Department, Hartford Police Department and Connecticut’s Office of Adult Probation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.
New Haven Man Charged with Distributing Synthetic CannabinoidsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patrick J. Griffin, State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of New Haven, announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned a three-count indictment today charging QUENTIN STAGGERS, also known as “Q,” 47, of New Haven, with distributing synthetic cannabinoids, commonly known as “K2” or “Spice.”
As alleged in the indictment, STAGGERS possessed with intent to distribute, and distributed, synthetic cannabinoids on July 20, August 15 and August 16, 2018.
STAGGERS has been detained since August 16 when he was arrested on a federal criminal complaint.
If convicted, STAGGERS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count of the indictment.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the New Haven Police Department.
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 case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Caruso and Assistant State’s Attorney Karen Roberg.
Meriden Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOEL CRUZ, 35, of Meriden, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 2, 2017, CRUZ engaged Connecticut State Police in a high-speed chase from I-95 in Milford to I-91 in New Haven. During the chase, CRUZ threw a package containing approximately one kilogram of cocaine from his vehicle. When he was apprehended in the area of Exit 5 on I-91, he possessed $34,360 in cash.
CRUZ is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on November 28, 2018, at which time he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years. CRUZ also has agreed to forfeit the cash seized at the time of his arrest.
CRUZ is released on bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, Connecticut State Police and Milford Police Department. The Task Force 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. Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.
California Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that OMAR VILLARREAL, 27, of La Puente, California, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to fentanyl trafficking offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 21, 2016, law enforcement officers stopped a tractor trailer on Route 34 in Derby. A search of the cab of the tractor trailer revealed a box that contained 25 kilograms of fentanyl. The driver of the vehicle, Erick Crespo-Escalante, was placed under arrest. The investigation revealed that Crespo-Escalante was delivering the shipment of fentanyl to a location in Waterbury.
In pleading guilty, VILLARREAL admitted that, in October 2016, he traveled from California to Connecticut for the purpose of overseeing the shipment of the narcotics to Connecticut, took up residence in Waterbury for approximately two months for the purpose of coordinating the delivery, and established a “stash” location in Waterbury to which the shipment could be delivered. After returning to California, VILLARREAL engaged in multiple phone calls with Crespo-Escalante to arrange the delivery via tractor trailer to Connecticut.
VILLARREAL pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting the possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of traveling in interstate commerce to promote an unlawful activity, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for November 28, 2018.
VILLARREAL has been detained since his arrest on May 15, 2017.
On April 4, 2017, Crespo-Escalante pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, fentanyl. He awaits sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dave Vatti.
Bridgeport Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYESHON KING, 31, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 24, 2017, members of the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and Bridgeport Police Department conducted a court-authorized search of KING’s Bridgeport residence and seized a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol and a loaded .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol that had been reported stolen in Bridgeport in 2015. Investigators also seized items used to process and package narcotics for street sale.
KING’s criminal history includes a state conviction in May 2007 for attempted assault in the first degree. He received a sentence of 15 years of incarceration, suspended after three years, on that conviction.
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.
KING has been detained since his federal arrest on July 13, 2017. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton on November 19, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, and Bridgeport Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Vizcarrondo and Dave Vatti.
Waterbury Man Involved in Connecticut-to-Maine Drug Trafficking Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAMIEN PERRY, also known as “Damian Perry” and “Primo” 36, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 92 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin and crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration received information that PERRY, Luis “Twin” Padilla and others were trafficking heroin, crack cocaine and other narcotics from the Waterbury area to Eastern Maine. On October 11, 2016, in Waterbury, investigators saw PERRY and Padilla meeting with Cecil Stanley, a resident of Maine, and saw Padilla stuff a package in the rear passenger area of Stanley’s vehicle. The next day, investigators followed Stanley’s vehicle and another vehicle containing PERRY and Padilla as the cars traveled in close proximity to each other from Waterbury on I-84 East. Connecticut State Police stopped Stanley’s vehicle in East Hartford and found approximately 55 grams of heroin and 95 grams of crack cocaine in a “trap” in the rear seat area of the car.
After State Police stopped Stanley’s vehicle, the vehicle containing PERRY and Padilla returned to Waterbury.
Subsequent analysis of text messages contained on Stanley’s cellphone revealed that PERRY and Padilla supplied Stanley with narcotics, which Stanley distributed in Maine.
On December 7, 2016, a grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment charging PERRY, Padilla and Stanley with heroin and crack cocaine trafficking offenses.
PERRY was arrested on December 15, 2016, and was released on a $25,000 bond. On March 29, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Subsequent investigation revealed that PERRY continued to traffic narcotics while he was released on a bond. On July 18, 2018, a grand jury in Bangor, Maine, returned an indictment charging PERRY, Padilla and five other individuals with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine.
PERRY has been detained since September 8, 2017.
Padilla and Stanley pleaded guilty in the District of Connecticut. On February 27, 2018, Padilla was sentenced to 78 months of imprisonment and Stanley was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment.
This matter has been investigated by the DEA New Haven Task Force with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and the Waterbury Police Department. The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby and Middletown Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
The indictment in the District of Maine is pending.
Two Men Sentenced to Prison for Roles in Central Connecticut Drug Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that two men involved in trafficking narcotics in central Connecticut were sentenced today in Hartford federal court. U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant sentenced LEONEL QUIROS, also known as “Haze,” 34, of New Britain, to 27 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release, and DERRICK BRYANT, 27, of Middletown, to approximately 13 months of imprisonment, time already served, and five years of supervised release.
This matter stems from a joint investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force into a central Connecticut cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking ring. The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of crack cocaine and seizures of cocaine and cash proceeds, revealed that Westley Northrup, also known as “Piff,” operated a cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking ring while he was incarcerated in state custody at the Cheshire Correctional Institution. Northrup conspired with Carlos Roman, also known as “Frizz,” of Middletown, to purchase cocaine from suppliers, including Omar Rivera, convert some of the cocaine to crack cocaine, and then distribute crack and cocaine through a network of dealers, including BRYANT.
Further investigation revealed that Rivera, of New Britain, was being supplied with cocaine by Orlando Quiros, of Suffield, who regularly received packages containing multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine through the U.S. Mail from Puerto Rico. Quiros’s operation was assisted by his brother, LEONEL QUIROS, and individuals who agreed to accept delivery of the packages.
On July 12, 2017, law enforcement officers intercepted and seized approximately $210,000 in cash that Orlando Quiros had in a vehicle he was driving from Connecticut to New York.
LEONEL QUIROS, BRYANT and others involved in this narcotics trafficking conspiracy were arrested on July 26, 2017. On that date, investigators executed multiple search warrants and seized approximately seven kilograms of cocaine, several pounds of marijuana, three firearms, and nearly $100,000 in cash. One of the firearms was found in LEONEL QUIROS’s residence
On February 15, 2018, LEONEL QUIROS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. On May 31, 2018, BRYANT pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”).
Northrup, Roman, Rivera and Orlando Quiros pleaded guilty to related charges. On April 12, 2018, Roman was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment. Northrup, Rivera and Orlando Quiros await sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the DEA New Haven Task Force, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Middletown and New Britain Police Departments. The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby and Middletown Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney H. Gordon Hall.
North Branford Man Who Hacked into More Than 200 Apple iCloud Accounts Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GEORGE GAROFANO, 26, of North Branford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to eight months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for engaging in a phishing scheme that gave him illegal access to more than 200 Apple iCloud accounts, many of which belonged to members of the entertainment industry.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from April 2013 through October 2014, GAROFANO engaged in a phishing scheme to obtain usernames and passwords for iCloud accounts. GAROFANO admitted that he sent e-mails to victims that appeared to be from security accounts of Apple and encouraged the victims to send him their usernames and passwords, or to enter them on a third-party website, where he would later retrieve them. GAROFANO used the usernames and passwords to access his victims’ iCloud accounts, which allowed him to steal personal information, including sensitive and private photographs and videos. In some instances, GAROFANO traded the usernames and passwords, as well as the materials he stole from the victims, with other individuals.
By illegally accessing the iCloud accounts, GAROFANO gained access to approximately 240 accounts. Although many of GAROFANO’s victims were members of the entertainment industry in California, many non-celebrities who live in Connecticut were also victimized.
This matter stems from an investigation conducted by the FBI in Los Angeles into the leaks of photographs of numerous female celebrities in September 2014. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, which is leading the prosecution, filed charges against GAROFANO on January 11, 2018, and the parties agreed to transfer the case to the District of Connecticut for further prosecution.
On April 11, 2018, GAROFANO pleaded guilty to one count of unauthorized access to a protected computer to obtain information.
GAROFANO, who is released on a $50,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on October 10, 2018.
Judge Bolden ordered GAROFANO to perform 60 hours of community service while on supervised release.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj Patel of the District of Connecticut and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan White of the Central District of California.
Citizen of the Dominican Republic Sentenced to Prison for Heroin Trafficking and Immigration OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JORGE TAVERAS-DeJESUS, 36, a citizen of the Dominican Republic formerly residing in Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and for illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matters stems from a DEA Hartford Task Force investigation of a heroin trafficking organization that was operating in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and the Dominican Republic. Court-authorized wiretaps and law enforcement surveillance confirmed that TAVERAS regularly traveled to Connecticut to supply distribution quantities of heroin to individuals in Hartford. The investigation revealed that members of the organization were distributing heroin from the Katty Grocery store located at 584 Franklin Avenue in Hartford.
On February 24, 2017, investigators arrested TAVERAS in Hartford and seized from his person approximately 82 grams of combined heroin and fentanyl.
A subsequent fingerprint analysis revealed that TAVERAS had been deported from the U.S. after a 2006 New York state conviction for sale of narcotics, and again after a 2010 federal conviction for illegal reentry.
TAVERAS has been detained since his arrest. On May 23, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin, and one count of reentry of a reentry of a removed alien.
Ten individuals have been charged with various narcotics and immigration offenses as a result of this investigation.
The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.
Manchester Resident Pleads Guilty to Illegal Gun Possession and Heroin Distribution OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RUFUS HOWELL, 40, last residing in Manchester, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to gun possession and heroin distribution offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 21, 2017, HOWELL was arrested after a search of the car he was operating in Hartford’s North End contained a loaded Hi-Point 9mm pistol, approximately 14 grams of combined heroin and fentanyl, approximately 40 grams of cocaine, and a quantity of marijuana.
HOWELL’s criminal history includes multiple state felony convictions, and a federal felony narcotics conviction in 2005. 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.
HOWELL pleaded guilty to one count possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and one count of possession of heroin with intent to distribute, an offenses that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for November 16, 2018.
HOWELL has been detained since his arrest.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
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.
West Haven Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Murder, Attempt to Destroy Body with Pipe BombRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTOPHER MILLER, 43, of West Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 360 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for a drug-related murder and a subsequent attempt to destroy the body with a pipe bomb on July 4, 2015.
According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 11:00 a.m. on July 4, 2015, an explosion took place on Wintergreen Avenue in Hamden. Responding law enforcement located a deceased white male, who had been wrapped in plastic garbage bag material and bound by rope material, in a wooded area close to where the explosion had occurred. An explosive-type device and debris were also located in close proximity to the body. The victim, who had also sustained three apparent gunshot wounds, was subsequently identified as Edward Brooks, 39, of West Haven.
After West Haven Police informed investigators that Brooks had been residing with MILLER at 59 Front Avenue in West Haven, and that MILLER and other residents of 59 Front Avenue were subjects of an ongoing narcotics investigation, investigators executed a state narcotics search and seizure warrant at 59 Front Avenue and seized numerous items, including pipe bomb making materials that were consistent with the materials found at the Wintergreen Avenue explosion scene, approximately 16 grams of cocaine base (“crack cocaine), approximately 10.6 grams of methamphetamine and narcotics packaging material. Investigators also seized a surveillance DVR, which captured video surveillance from eight cameras placed around the residence.
The investigation revealed that, in the early morning hours of July 4, 2015, MILLER shot Brooks three times with a firearm that was equipped with a silencer, at their residence. MILLER and Maurice Wearing then wrapped Brooks’ body in plastic, drove the body to the wooded area in Hamden, placed a pipe bomb that MILLER had fabricated underneath Brooks’ body, and detonated the pipe bomb in an attempt to destroy evidence.
The investigation further revealed that in the year prior to Brooks’ murder, MILLER distributed at least 1.6 kilograms of crack cocaine, as well as other narcotics.
MILLER has been detained since his arrest on July 4, 2015. On April 5, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm and explosive device in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Wearing pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack cocaine”) and one count of possession of an explosive by a convicted felon. He awaits sentencing.
MILLER and Wearing also were charged with related state offenses.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut State Police and West Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Richards in coordination with the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Ansonia-Milford.
Three Men Convicted of 2009 Kidnapping and Murder of West Hartford ManRead the Press Release
United States Attorney John H. Durham, Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane, Acting Special Agent in Charge Erin Joe of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Hartford Police Chief David Rosado, today announced that a federal jury in Bridgeport has found has found three men guilty of the kidnapping, robbery and the execution-style murder of Charles Teasley, 35, of West Hartford, in January 2009.
HAROLD COOK, also known as “Oink,” 41, of Bloomfield, GERUND MICKENS, also known as “Breeze,” 42, of Bloomfield, and TERRELL HUNTER, also known as “Rell” and “Killer,” 36, of Hartford, were each found guilty of one count of kidnapping resulting in death, one count of using a firearm during a kidnapping and causing a death, and one count of using a firearm during a Hobbs Act robbery and causing a death.
The trial before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill began on August 6, 2018, and the jury returned the guilty verdicts late yesterday afternoon.
At sentencing, each defendant faces a mandatory term of life imprisonment without parole.
This matter stems from an investigation conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, Hartford Police Department and the Cold Case Homicide Unit of the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney.
According to evidence presented during the trial, on January 12, 2009, Hartford Police responded to Colebrook Street in response to a 911 call concerning a dead body being found in the back seat of a vehicle parked on the street. Upon arrival, Charles Teasley was found dead in the back seat of his own vehicle, a 1999 Acura TL. He had suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his head and face, and his hands were zip-tied behind his back.
The investigation revealed that Cook, Mickens, Hunter and Jesus Ashanti were involved in committing armed robberies of persons they believed to be drug dealers operating in the greater Hartford area. On January 9, 2009, an individual advised Cook that he had arranged to conduct a cocaine transaction with Charles Teasley, also known as “Man.” The individual provided the particulars of the planned transaction to Cook so that Teasley could be kidnapped and robbed of drugs and money. After the individual met with Teasley at the approximate time and location he had provided to Cook, Cook, Mickens, Hunter and Ashanti went to the location and kidnapped Teasley by using zip-ties to bind his hands and forcing him back into the rear seat of his own vehicle. In the vehicle, they threatened Teasley at gunpoint, assaulted him and forced him to make a telephone call directing his girlfriend to bring to Cook, Mickens, Hunter and Ashanti a safe that Teasley had kept at his and his girlfriend’s West Hartford residence. They drove to the residence and acquired the safe. Cook, Mickens and Hunter then drove Teasley to the Colebrook Street area of Hartford, and Ashanti followed them in a separate car. On the way, Hunter and Cook shot Teasley in the head causing his death. After arriving on Colebrook Street, Cook, Mickens and Hunter left the Acura and Teasley’s body, and then fled the area in the car driven by Ashanti.
Cook, Mickens and Hunter have been detained since their arrests on April 4, 2017.
On July 16, 2018, Ashanti, also known as “Black,” 42, of Hartford, pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping resulting in death, one count of using a firearm during a kidnapping and causing a death, and one count of using a firearm during a robbery and causing a death. Ashanti is currently incarcerated in Massachusetts state custody after committing a series of bank robberies since 2010.
“I thank our partners in the FBI Task Force, Hartford Police Department and Chief State’s Attorney’s Office for their excellent investigative work in bringing to justice the men responsible for this brutal murder,” said U.S. Attorney Durham. “The citizens of Hartford and family members of victims have benefited by this collaboration and the diligent work of the Cold Case Homicide Unit of the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney, formerly headed by Patrick Griffin, now State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of New Haven. The Justice Department, through it Project Safe Neighborhoods program, is committed to reducing violent crime in our cities by prosecuting dangerous offenders. We also will continue to work with our state counterparts in their ongoing efforts to solve other cold case murders, and provide justice for victims’ families.”
“I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the agencies involved in this matter,” said Chief State’s Attorney Kane. “It is yet another example of how through collaboration government at all levels can accomplish much, which is particularly important in the current budget climate.”
“The Hartford Police Department is committed to working collaboratively with our state, local, and federal partners in addressing violent crimes in our cities,” said Chief Rosado. “This is another great example of this partnership resulting in getting our most violent offenders off the street and making our communities safer.”
Chief State’s Attorney Kane noted that the unsolved homicide of Charles “Man” Teasley was included in cold case playing cards sold to inmates in Connecticut’s state correctional facilities. Each card in the deck features a photograph and brief details about a homicide or missing person case and lists telephone, mail and e-mail contacts that inmates can use to supply information.
The FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.
The case is being prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Durham, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis and Peter D. Markle, and Assistant State’s Attorney Andrew Reed Durham, who has been cross-designated as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in this matter.
Stamford Man Sentenced to 77 Months in Federal Prison for Trafficking Cocaine and MarijuanaRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CARL HUBBARD, 35, of Stamford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 77 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine and marijuana.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Stamford Police Department made one controlled purchase of cocaine from HUBBARD, and two controlled purchases of crack cocaine from an associate of HUBBARD after HUBBARD had arranged the two sales. A subsequent court-authorized wiretap investigation confirmed that HUBBARD was receiving marijuana from William Reyes of Stamford, and cocaine from other sources, and was distributing the drugs to individuals in Fairfield County.
HUBBARD and Reyes were arrested on July 26, 2017. On that date, investigators seized $2,933 in cash from HUBBARD’s person and $9,450 in cash that HUBBARD kept at a family member’s residence. Investigators also seized approximately 18 grams of cocaine and approximately 658 grams of marijuana from an individual who HUBBARD had given the drugs for safekeeping. In addition, a court-authorized search of Reyes’ Stamford residence revealed approximately 18 kilograms of marijuana, paraphernalia associated with narcotics distribution, and $71,004 in cash, and a search of a residence in Lagrangeville, N.Y., that Reyes and another individual used to grow, process and distribute marijuana, revealed 140 marijuana plants and related equipment.
HUBBARD has been detained since his arrest. On May 30, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and a quantity of marijuana.
Reyes pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and, on March 29, 2018, was sentenced to 41 months of imprisonment.
This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Stamford Police Department and New York State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Sarala V. Nagala.
Hartford Man Sentenced to More Than 8 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Drug RingRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GERARD BROWN, also known as “Goldie,” 38, of Hartford, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 100 months of imprisonment, followed by five years supervised release, for his role in a cocaine and crack cocaine distribution ring.
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 that targeted a drug trafficking organization operating in Hartford’s North End. The investigation revealed that David Gil-Grande, of Manchester, received shipments of cocaine, secreted in sealed coffee cans, from Puerto Rico. He then supplied the cocaine to BROWN, Anthony “Pretty” Shelton, who is BROWN’s brother, and Trevon “B.J.” Terry. BROWN, Shelton and Terry then converted much of the cocaine into crack and distributed both forms of the drug in the area of Barbour Street in Hartford.
Twenty individuals were charged and convicted as a result of the investigation.
BROWN has been detained since his arrest on January 21, 2016. On that date, a search of BROWN’s Kensington Street residence revealed items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, and a search of BROWN’s person revealed $2,693 in cash.
On April 10, 2017, BROWN pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine
BROWN has forfeited the cash that was seized from him at the time of his arrest.
BROWN’s criminal history includes state firearm and drug convictions, and a robbery conviction for which he was sentenced to 18 years of incarceration, suspended after seven years.
Gil-Grande, Shelton and Terry previously pleaded guilty to related charges. On January 31, 2017, Gil-Grande was sentenced to 70 months of imprisonment, on December 18, 2017, Terry was sentenced to 57 months of imprisonment and, on August 7, 2018, Shelton was sentenced to 110 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, which includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division and the Drug Enforcement Administration have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Shelton Resident Sentenced to 21 Months in Prison for Defrauding Owner of Stamford Ice Skating RinkRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARK J. ZITO, 55, of Shelton, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for defrauding the owner of a Stamford ice skating facility that he managed.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from October 1999 to August 2014, ZITO was the general manager of Stamford Twin Rinks, an ice skating facility in Stamford. The facility is owned and operated by RivCan Associates, LLC (“RivCan”). ZITO was responsible for managing and overseeing the ice skating facility’s operations, and he had a written contract with RivCan in which he would be paid commissions for securing agreements from third party vendors to place advertising at the ice skating facility. ZITO created and utilized AAZ Consulting, an unincorporated entity controlled by him, to bill RivCan for these commissions.
During his employment, ZITO submitted to RivCan numerous fraudulent invoices, primarily for services that RivCan neither requested nor authorized, or for commissions that were either fraudulent or grossly inflated. As general manager, ZITO approved the payment of these invoices and directed his subordinates to issue him checks payable to AAZ Consulting.
The total loss from ZITO’s illegal conduct is $490,468.81, which also includes funds he received by claiming payments for purportedly maintaining and updating the skating rink facility’s internet website, and through unauthorized benefits in the form of excess salary payments, excess vacation pay, and cellular telephone reimbursements.
Chief Judge Hall ordered ZITO to make full restitution.
On December 20, 2017, ZITO pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
ZITO, who is released on bond, was ordered to report to prison on September 25, 2018.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, Stamford Police Department, Connecticut State Police, and Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.
New York Man Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking MarijuanaRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GUSTAVO GARCIA, 30, of Queens, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking marijuana. Judge Arterton also ordered GARCIA to pay a $1,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in June and July 2017, GARCIA delivered between approximately 120 to 130 pounds of marijuana to William Reyes in Stamford, including approximately 40 pounds of marijuana that GARCIA sold to Reyes for approximately $80,000 and delivered in July.
GARCIA was arrested on October 3, 2017. On that date, a search of GARCIA’s residence revealed approximately two pounds of marijuana, narcotics paraphernalia, $93,560 in cash, and approximately $100,000 in jewelry that was purchased with marijuana trafficking proceeds.
GARCIA has forfeited the seized cash and jewelry.
Reyes was arrested on July 26, 2017. On that date, investigators conducted court-authorized searches of Reyes’ Stamford residence and a residence in Lagrangeville, N.Y., that Reyes and another individual used to grow, process and distribute marijuana. A search of the Stamford residence revealed approximately 18 kilograms of marijuana, paraphernalia associated with narcotics distribution, and $71,004 in cash, and a search of the Lagrangeville residence revealed 140 marijuana plants and related equipment.
On January 9, 2018, GARCIA pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana.
Reyes pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on March 29, was sentenced to 41 months of imprisonment.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Stamford Police Department and New York State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Sarala V. Nagala.
Ohio Resident Sentenced to 15 Months in Federal Prison for Role in Business E-Mail Compromise SchemeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that OLUMUYIWA YAHTRIP ADEJUMO, also known as “Ade,” “Slimwaco,” “Waco,” “Waco Jamon,” “Hade” and “Hadey,” 33, of Toledo, Ohio, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 15 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a business e-mail compromise scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, ADEJUMO, his co-conspirator Adeyemi Odufuye and others targeted CEOs, CFOs, controllers and others at U.S. businesses, including businesses in Connecticut, using sophisticated cyber techniques to defraud the businesses. ADEJUMO and his co-conspirators sent e-mails addressed to executives that were made to appear to be sent from the legitimate e-mail address of the CEO or other executive from the business. ADEJUMO and his co-conspirators sent the e-mails with the intent of having the recipients send or wire money to bank accounts used by members of the conspiracy.
The investigation revealed that scheme participants controlled multiple e-mail and social media accounts used in the scheme and, in certain instances, sent e-mails and attachments containing malware to the intended recipients.
In pleading guilty, ADEJUMO admitted that his participation in the scheme caused total losses of more than $100,000 to at least three organizational victims.
Chief Judge Hall ordered ADEJUMO to pay restitution in the amount of $90,930.
ADEJUMO has been detained since his arrest on November 16, 2017. On April 20, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
ADEJUMO, a citizen of Nigeria and lawful permanent resident of the U.S., faces immigration proceedings when he is released from prison.
Odufuye, also known as “Micky,” “Micky Bricks,” “Yemi,” “GMB,” “Bawz,” and “Jefe,” is a citizen of Nigeria. On December 19, 2016, he was arrested in the United Kingdom. Odufuye was extradited from the U.K. to the U.S. and, on January 3, 2018, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. He is detained while awaiting sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut Cyber Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.
U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio and the FBI’s Cleveland Field Office for their assistance in this case.
To contact the Connecticut Cyber Task Force, please call the FBI in New Haven at 203-777-6311.
Gang Member Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Heroin and CrackRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ANTWANE WILLIAMS-BEY, also known as “Buck,” 27, of East Windsor, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division targeting gang violence and narcotics trafficking by members and associates of the Orange Street Killas (OSK) in Hartford’s Parkville neighborhood. The investigation followed a series of reports of shots fired in the area, and a homicide that was committed on Cherry Street in October 2015. The prosecution was built on court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical and video surveillance, all of which revealed that OSK members acquired heroin and crack cocaine and then sold the drugs on the streets of Hartford.
The investigation revealed that WILLIAMS-BEY, an OSK member, supplied heroin and crack to other OSK members for street sale. WILLIAMS-BEY also used the home of a family member on Sterling Street in Hartford to store narcotics and service drug customers.
WILLIAMS-BEY was arrested on February 10, 2017. On that date, a search of his East Windsor residence revealed approximately 800 bags of heroin and $1,650 in cash. A search of the home on Sterling Street revealed distribution quantities of heroin and crack cocaine.
WILLIAMS-BEY has been detained since his arrest. On February 22, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
WILLIAMS-BEY’s criminal history includes convictions for firearm, drug and assault offenses. The assault conviction stems from an incident in August 2009 when he shot a man from a car sunroof in West Hartford.
Sixteen individuals were charged and convicted as a result of this investigation.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division and Shooting Task Force have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Former Norwalk Resident Pleads Guilty to Illegally Reentering U.S.Read the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MIGUEL ANGEL ARCOS-VASQUEZ, also known as “Dimas Fernando Herrarte,” 26, pleaded guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to one count of illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported. ARCOS-VASQUEZ, a citizen of either Mexico or Guatemala, last resided in Norwalk.
According to court documents and statements made in court, ARCOS-VASQUEZ illegally entered the U.S. in or before 2014. In March 2014, he was arrested by the Stratford Police Department for a burglary offense. In April 2014, he also was charged with failure to appear. He was not encountered by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at this time.
In January 2016, ARCOS-VASQUEZ attempted to enter the U.S. three times through Texas, but was removed to Mexico after each attempt.
On January 24, 2017, ARCOS-VASQUEZ was arrested by the Stamford Police Department on charges of threatening in the first degree. On January 27, 2017, under the name of Dimas Herrarte-Ramirez, he was charged by the Norwalk Police Department with sale of a hallucinogen/narcotic and criminal possession of a firearm. ARCOS-VASQUEZ has been detained since that time, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was notified.
Chief Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for November 14, 2018, at which time ARCOS-VASQUEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years.
In October 2017, the state charges against ARCOS-VASQUEZ were resolved and he is currently serving a state sentence of five years of imprisonment, execution suspended after two years.
Immigration authorities are in the process of determining if ARCOS-VASQUEZ is a citizen of Mexico or Guatemala.
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.