District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
FCI Danbury Inmate Charged with Possessing a WeaponRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging JOHN FAUCHER, 40, with possession of contraband in a federal prison.
The indictment alleges that, on March 12, 2018, FAUCHER, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury (FCI Danbury), possessed a weapon or an object designed or intended to be used as a weapon.
If convicted of the charge, FAUCHER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.
Barkhamsted Man Sentenced to Prison for Distributing Fentanyl to Overdose VictimRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GARRETT GOMEZ, 27, of Barkhamsted, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 12 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl involved in an overdose death in 2016.
This prosecution is part of 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 May 20, 2016, Torrington Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in Torrington and found a deceased 30-year-old male lying on his bed. At the scene, investigators collected six wax paper folds and three torn wax paper folds found on a bedside table. They also found a hypodermic needle at the feet of the victim.
Subsequent laboratory testing of the contents of the wax folds confirmed the presence of fentanyl, and the State of Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that the victim died from acute fentanyl intoxication.
The investigation, which included analysis of text messages contained on the victim’s cell phone, revealed that in the evening of May 19, 2016, the victim agreed to meet with GOMEZ to purchase “9 for 60.” In the victim’s automobile, investigators found an ATM receipt showing a $60 withdrawal.
GOMEZ was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on August 23, 2016. On November 13, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of fentanyl.
As part of the sentence, Judge Meyer ordered GOMEZ to pay restitution of $10,194 to the victim’s family to cover the victim’s funeral expenses.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and the Torrington Police Department. The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.
Norwalk Man Sentenced on Income Tax OffenseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that EDDIE CHAN, 58, of Norwalk, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to five years of probation for filing false tax returns.
According to court documents and statements made in court, CHAN was employed as a bookkeeper for a private art firm located in New York City. Between 2013 and 2015, CHAN withdrew funds from the firm’s business accounts without authorization from his employer, and used the money for personal expenses. CHAN failed to declare a total of $271,166 in misappropriated funds on his federal income tax returns for 2013 and 2014, resulting in a loss of $78,214 to the Internal Revenue Service.
CHAN admitted that he misappropriated additional funds from his former employer, and also borrowed thousands of dollars from other individuals, and used much of the money to gamble on horseracing.
On October 26, 2017, CHAN pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement on a federal income tax return
Judge Meyer ordered CHAN to pay approximately $500,000 in restitution to his former employer, and to cooperate with the IRS to pay all outstanding taxes, interest and penalties.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Heroin and Crack to Overdose VictimRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NEFTY RODRIGUEZ, 24, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and crack cocaine to an overdose victim in 2015.
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 August 23, 2015, a 21-year-old Tolland woman was rushed to Rockville Hospital after her mother found her in medical distress as a result of a likely drug overdose. The bloodwork from the hospital confirmed that the woman had heroin and cocaine in her system. The victim, who is now at a hospital in New Hampshire, has no brain activity and is in a permanent vegetative state.
RODRIGUEZ was subsequently identified as the source of the drugs consumed by the victim that resulted in her overdose.
RODRIGUEZ was arrested on August 4, 2017. On January 30, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin and cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter D. Markle.
Bridgeport Man Who Distributed Heroin to Seymour Overdose Victim is SentencedRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RICHARD ESTABA, also known as “Raw,” 23, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to one day of imprisonment, time already served, six months of home confinement and four years of supervised release, for distributing heroin to an overdose victim in Seymour.
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 July 9, 2017, Seymour Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in Seymour on a report of a suspected drug overdose. In the bathroom of the residence, responders encountered a 29-year-old male who was not breathing and did not have a pulse. The male was pronounced deceased. Investigators seized the victim’s cellphone, multiple folds of suspected heroin marked with two different brand stamps, and other drugs. Subsequent cell phone analysis and witness interviews determined that ESTABA supplied the heroin consumed by the victim shortly before he was found dead.
The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that the victim’s death was caused by acute intoxication due to the combined effects of cocaine, etizolam, fentanyl, flubromazolam and heroin.
In August 2017, investigators made a controlled purchase of 10 wax folds of heroin from ESTABA. The folds were marked with a brand stamp that was found on some of the wax folds at the victim’s residence.
ESTABA was arrested on September 20, 2017. On that date, he possessed approximately 400 folds of heroin and $1,300 in cash.
On January 24, 2018, ESTABA pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and the Seymour and Shelton Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Georgia Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Marijuana Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that SHAMAR MADDEN, also known as “Sheist,” 38, of Atlanta, Georgia, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 100 kilograms or more of marijuana.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between August 2016 and February 2017, MADDEN, Malek Long and others conspired to use the U.S. Mail to ship substantial quantities of marijuana from California to New Haven, and then distribute the marijuana throughout the area. MADDEN regularly traveled from Georgia to Connecticut to pick up his share of the cash proceeds from the marijuana trafficking enterprise.
On February 22, 2017, MADDEN, who was traveling back to Georgia, was stopped at LaGuardia Airport in New York in possession of $19,740 in cash. On that date, investigators also searched two storage lockers that Long maintained at a self-storage facility in West Haven and seized approximately $404,000 in cash.
Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for July 23, 2018, at which time MADDEN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.
MADDEN is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
On May 12, 2017, Long, of New Haven, pleaded guilty to the same charge. On December 12, 2017, he was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, New Haven Police Department and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney H. Gordon Hall.
Washington Man Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Identity Theft Charges Stemming from Credit Card Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ELIJAH CHIN, 28, of Federal Way, Washington, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to fraud and identity theft offenses stemming from a credit card fraud scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately December 2016 and February 2017, CHIN was involved in a scheme in which credit card accounts were opened electronically using personal identifying information from Connecticut residents. After the credit card issuers mailed credit cards to the victims’ home addresses, CHIN took the cards directly from the victims’ mailboxes. CHIN then used the credit cards to purchase gift cards, prepaid cards and other items totaling $63,941.60 at various retail establishments in Connecticut.
The Wilton Police Department arrested CHIN on related state charges on February 22, 2017. At the time of his arrest, CHIN possessed numerous fraudulently issued credit cards, prepaid cards purchased with the fraudulently obtained credit cards, and mail addressed to Connecticut residents.
CHIN pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, and 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 term of imprisonment of two years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on July 23, 2018.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Wilton Police Department and Ridgefield Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
Norwalk Landscaper to Serve Federal Prison Time for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CANDIDO VALADARES, also known as Candide Valadares, 57, of Norwalk, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to two months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for filing false tax returns.
According to court documents and statements made in court, VALADARES operates two Norwalk-based landscaping businesses, Candide’s Landscaping and Water Gardens, LLC and Candide Contractor & Natural Pools, LLC. He also provides snow-removal services to his clients during winter months. An investigation revealed that VALADARES deposited receipts from his businesses into both his business and personal bank accounts. He also substantially underreported employee wages by paying certain employee wages out of his personal accounts.
VALADARES used a tax return preparer to prepare his yearly tax returns. The tax preparer took figures from certain profit-and-loss statements obtained from VALADARES or his bookkeeper to prepare the relevant federal tax returns. VALADARES knew that the profit-and-loss statements did not reflect all revenues deposited in VALADARES’ business and personal bank accounts, and substantially underreported payroll. As a result, VALADARES’ federal tax returns for 2009, 2010 and 2011 tax years underreported $488,182 in gross receipts, underreported his business payroll by approximately $350,000, and resulted in a loss of $165,763.52 to the U.S. Treasury.
VALADARES is required to pay $165,763.52 in restitution, and cooperate with the IRS to pay any additional civil penalties and interest that have accrued on his unpaid taxes.
On November 16, 2017, VALADARES pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Substance Abuse Treatment Providers Pay More Than $1.3 Million to Settle False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney John H. Durham and Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen today announced that NEW ERA REHABILITATION CENTER, DR. EBENEZER KOLADE and DR. CHRISTINA KOLADE have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments in which they will pay $1,378,533 to resolve allegations that they violated the federal and state False Claims Acts.
NEW ERA REHABILITATION CENTER (“NEW ERA”) provides behavioral health and substance abuse services to patients at its clinics in New Haven and Bridgeport. DR. EBENEZER KOLADE and DR. CHRISTINA KOLADE (the “KOLADES”) are the co-founders and owners of NEW ERA.
As part of their practice, NEW ERA and the KOLADES provide methadone maintenance services to Medicaid beneficiaries. Medicaid pays providers a weekly “bundled rate” for methadone maintenance services. Included in the bundled rate, pursuant to state regulations, is the intake evaluation of the patient; the initial physical examination; on-site drug abuse testing and monitoring; and individual, group, and family counseling services. The counseling services provided to methadone maintenance patients are included in the bundled rate and should not be billed as separate services.
The government alleges that NEW ERA and the KOLADES provided methadone maintenance counseling services to its Medicaid patients and were paid the bundled rate for those services, but also submitted claims to Medicaid for psychotherapy services for the same patients. The government alleges that NEW ERA and the KOLADES did not provide the psychotherapy services, but only provided methadone maintenance counseling services, which were already included in the weekly bundled rate. The United States and the State of Connecticut contend that the claims NEW ERA and the KOLADES submitted for psychotherapy services constituted false claims submitted to the Medicaid program.
To resolve the allegations under the federal and state False Claims Acts, NEW ERA and the KOLADES have agreed to pay $1,378,533, which covers conduct occurring from October 1, 2009 through November 30, 2013.
“We must ensure that taxpayers’ health care dollars used for substance abuse treatment are properly spent,” said U.S. Attorney Durham. “Medical practices and physicians who treat patients for substance abuse must bill their services accurately and honestly. Health care providers who submit false claims to federal health care programs will be held accountable.”
This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Molot and by Assistant Attorneys General Antonia Conti and Robert Teitelman of the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.
People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS or the Health Care Fraud Task Force at (203) 777-6311.
Farmington Manufacturer Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kenneth Kwak, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Boston Field Division, announced that SAAR Corporation, a firearms manufacturer in Farmington, and two of its principals pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to violating federal firearms laws.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 2, 2015, ATF Industry Operations Investigators performed a firearms compliance inspection of SAAR Corporation, located at 81 Spring Lane in Farmington. SAAR Corporation manufactured firearms frames and receivers for other federal firearm licensees who built the frames and receivers obtained from SAAR into fully functioning firearms by adding other components, such as a barrel and trigger. The frame or receiver of a firearm is the part of the firearm that provides housing for the hammer, bolt, or breechblock, and the firing mechanism. Although a stand-alone frame or receiver cannot fire a round, it is deemed a firearm under federal firearm laws.
The investigation revealed that SAAR Corporation did not maintain proper Acquisition & Disposition (A&D) records for more than 40,000 frames and receivers it manufactured.
Despite the lack of A&D records, the ATF inspection team, with assistance from SAAR Corporation, was eventually able to account for, and ascertain the transfer location of, all of the frames and receivers.
In addition, the National Firearms Act (“NFA”) provides that it is unlawful for any person or entity to possess any NFA-regulated firearm, such as a machine gun, that is not registered to that person or entity. Investigators determined that SAAR Corporation had manufactured, and was knowingly in possession of, three machine guns that were not registered to it in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR) maintained by ATF. SAAR Corporation failed to register the machine guns in the NFRTR, and failed to maintain records required by the Gun Control Act reflecting SAAR Corporation’s manufacture of these firearms. The machine guns were turned over to ATF.
“It is vitally important that all firearm manufacturers comply with federal firearms laws and maintain proper records throughout the production and distribution process,” said U.S. Attorney Durham. “These laws exist so that all legal firearms are recorded and can be traced after they are manufactured. Fortunately, thanks to the diligence of ATF investigators, all of the firearm frames and receivers involved in this case are now accounted for. This case clearly demonstrates that gun manufacturers who violate federal laws will face license revocation and criminal prosecution.”
“When firearms licensees fail to comply with these federal regulations and laws, they open the door for firearms to wind up on the street in the hands of traffickers and criminals, said ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Kwak. “Today’s guilty pleas and the license revocations demonstrate our commitment to hold firearms licensees accountable when they place public safety at risk.”
SAAR Corporation, and its owners, Mariusz Saar 61, of Avon, and Luke Saar, 36, of Farmington, each pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of failing to maintain firearms records. Under the terms of binding plea agreements, if accepted by the court, the parties have agreed that sentences of probation and fines totaling $150,000 is appropriate in this case. The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson on July 27, 2018.
SAAR Corporation’s federal license to manufacture firearms has been revoked, and the company has agreed that it will not reapply at any time in the future for a federal firearms manufacturing license. In addition, Mariusz Saar and Luke Saar agree that they will not challenge SAAR Corporation’s revocation in any administrative or civil proceeding, and that they cannot be a “responsible person” on the license of any federal firearms licensee (FFL) in the future.
This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.
Citizen of Mexico again Charged with Illegally Reentering U.S.Read the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that, on April 19, 2018, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging JOSE DEL CARMEN HERNANDEZ HERNANDEZ, 42, a citizen of Mexico last residing in Hartford, with one count of illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.
HERNANDEZ appeared today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, between 1999 and 2009, HERNANDEZ, who has never held legal status in the U.S., sustained multiple state convictions, including convictions for assault, threatening and operating under the influence. In April 2009, he was removed to Mexico. HERNANDEZ unlawfully reentered the U.S., returned to Connecticut and was subsequently convicted in state court on charges of evasion with injury, and criminal mischief. After he was arrested in Hartford, in March 2013, on breach of peace and criminal mischief offenses, HERNANDEZ was identified by federal immigration authorities and was charged and convicted in federal court of reentry of a removed alien. On September 10, 2013, he was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 12 months of imprisonment. In April 2014, he was again deported to Mexico.
It is further alleged that HERNANDEZ illegally reentered the U.S. a second time and returned to Connecticut. In November 2015, HERNANDEZ was arrested by Hartford Police for driving under the influence. He subsequently was charged and convicted in federal court of reentry of a removed alien and, on July 15, 2016, was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. On July 26, 2016, he was convicted in state court of operating under the influence and was sentenced to three years of incarceration, suspended after one year. After he served his federal and state sentences, he was removed to Mexico in May 2017.
It is further alleged that HERNANDEZ illegally reentered the U.S. a third time and, on January 11, 2018, was arrested by the Hartford Police Department for multiple motor vehicle violations, including operating under the influence. He has been detained since his arrest.
If convicted of the charge of illegal reentry, HERNANDEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. HERNANDEZ also faces additional penalties if he is found to have violated the conditions of his supervised release that were imposed at the time of his most recent federal conviction.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial at which it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.
Waterbury Man Involved in Multi-State Robbery Spree Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ZACHARY PROVOST, 33, of Waterbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to one count of armed bank robbery and admitted that he committed a series of robberies in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire in late 2017.
According to court documents and statements made in court:
- On November 29, 2017, PROVOST entered the Mobil gas station located at 385 Watertown Avenue in Waterbury, pulled out a knife, had the cashier open the cash register, and took approximately $700 from the register.
- On November 30, 2017, PROVOST and another male entered the Cumberland Farms located at 1588 Watertown Avenue in Waterbury. After a knife was displayed and held to the cashier’s back, PROVOST and the other individual took approximately $50 from the cash register. They also stole other personal items from the cashier, and a customer’s wallet that contained approximately $150.
- On December 1, 2017, PROVOST entered the TD Bank located at 121 Main Street in Southington, presented the teller with a note stating that he had a knife, and demanded that the teller provide him with money. The teller complied and gave PROVOST $350.
- On December 1, 2017, PROVOST entered the Putnam Bank located inside of the Price Chopper at 251 Kennedy Drive in Putnam and presented the teller with a note stating that he had a knife. The teller provided PROVOST with $1,222.
- On December 3, 2017, PROVOST entered the Walgreens located at 225 Boston Turnpike in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, demanded cash from the cashier and lifted his sweatshirt to display a knife. The cashier provided PROVOST with $545.
- On December 4, 2017, PROVOST entered the TD Bank located at 10 Gusabel Avenue in Nashua, New Hampshire, handed the teller a note, and told the teller to give him all of the money in the drawer. The teller complied and gave PROVOST $2,599.
- On December 6, 2017, PROVOST entered the Key Bank located at 232 West Main Street in Avon and gave the teller a note stating “I have a gun, hundreds, fifties and twenties and no ones and no dye pack.” PROVOST also lifted his sweatshirt to reveal what appeared to be a firearm in his waistband. The teller provided PROVOST with $1,053. PROVOST fled the area in a vehicle driven by another man.
- On December 8, 2017, PROVOST entered the Mobil Gas Station and Dunkin Donuts located at 750 Straits Turnpike in Middlebury. PROVOST first threatened the cashier at the Mobil station with what appeared to be a firearm, and instructed her to open the cash register and provide her with all of its contents. The cashier complied and provided him with $578. The cashier also complied with PROVOST’s demand that she give him cigarettes valued at approximately $131. PROVOST then went to the cashier at the Dunkin Donuts, lifted his shirt to display what appeared to be a firearm and demanded money. During the robbery, when a customer entered the premises, the PROVOST pointed the firearm at her and told her to keep her hands out of her pocketbook. The cashier gave PROVOST approximately $350. PROVOST then fled the premises in a vehicle driven by another man.
- On December 8, 2017, PROVOST entered the Thomaston Savings Bank located at 508 South Main Street in Thomaston and handed the teller a note stating “Robbery 20’s, 50’s, 100’s, quiet.” PROVOST also displayed what appeared to be a firearm. After the teller gave him money, PROVOST told her to get money from the other teller. The teller complied, and PROVOST left the bank with $1,471. He fled the area in a vehicle driven by another man.
On December 9, 2017, PROVOST was arrested by Waterbury Police officers after they responded to a call of an overdose of a woman at a motel in Waterbury. At the scene, officers recovered a silver and beige handled CO-2 powered BB gun, a black ski mask, a gray ski mask, $542 in cash, multiple packs of cigarettes. Officers also seized a red Ford Explorer that had been used during several of the robberies.
Officers were able to revive the overdose victim, who had been staying in the same room as PROVOST.
PROVOST has been detained since his arrest.
Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for July 19, 2018, at which time PROVOST faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 25 years.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Waterbury, Southington, Thomaston, Putnam, Avon, Middlebury, Shrewsbury (Mass.) and Nashua (N.H.) Police Departments. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.
Indictment Charges 19 Individuals with Heroin and Cocaine Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Albert Angelucci, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, Patricia Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for Connecticut, and Anthony Campbell, Chief of the New Haven Police Department, today announced the unsealing of an indictment charging 19 individuals with federal narcotics offenses related to the trafficking of heroin and cocaine in Connecticut.
Seventeen of the 19 defendants were arrested yesterday, one defendant is in state custody, and one defendant is in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Michigan.
This matter stems from a joint investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force, FBI and New Haven Police Department that has included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of heroin and cocaine, and seizures of bulk heroin and cocaine. It is alleged that Duane Filyaw, of New Haven, operated a heroin and cocaine trafficking ring in which he conspired with others to purchase narcotics from suppliers and then distribute the drugs to other suppliers of street-level dealers in and around New Haven.
During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers seized more than 200 grams of heroin and more than one kilogram of cocaine through supervised purchases and interdictions of on-going transactions. In association with today’s arrests and the execution of multiple search warrants, officers seized three firearms, approximately 360 grams of fentanyl, approximately 340 grams of suspected heroin, approximately 80 grams of cocaine, more than $90,000 in cash, vehicles, jewelry and precious metals.
On April 19, 2018, a grand jury in New Haven returned a six-count indictment charging
DUANE FILYAW, 34, of New Haven
NEFTALI FERNANDEZ, a.k.a. “Nef,” 31, of Meriden
LEON GREENE, a.k.a. “Gotti,” 43, of Cheshire
RAFAEL SERRANO, 43, of West Haven
SALVATORE ORSINI, 27, of West Haven
CHRISTOPHER SERRANO, a.k.a. “Mancho,” 34, of Milford
NORMAN EDGARDO PEREZ, a.k.a. “Rico,” of Oakland, Calif.
LORENZO MORALES-ARAMBULA, a.k.a. “Viejo,” 56, of Mexico (in ICE custody)
NATIVIDAD DIAZ, a.k.a. “Nat,” 34, of Meriden
JONATHAN BRITO, 24, of Waterbury
HARRISON ELBA, 27, of Simsbury
GABRIEL ROMERO ESCALERA, 27, of San Juan, P.R.
BIRL JACKSON, 36, of New Haven (in state custody)
STEVEN McCOY, a.k.a. “S Dot,” 25, of New Haven
STEPHEN JONES, a.k.a. “EVX” and “Stevie D,” 33, of New Haven
HAKEEM BASIR, a.k.a. “Neil Ford,” 54, of Waterbury
CARLOS OVALLE, a.k.a. “Carlos Tirado,” 46, of East Hartford
NIGEL JONES, 36, of New Haven
SAMUEL CRUZ, 40, of New HavenEach of the defendants is charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine. If convicted of this charge, based on the type and quantity of narcotics charged, Filyaw, Fernandez, Greene, Perez, Morales-Arambula, Diaz, Escalera and Ovalle face a minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life; Rafael Serrano, Orsini, Christopher Serrano, Brito, Elba, Jackson, McCoy, Stephen Jones, Basir and Cruz face a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years; and Nigel Jones faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
The indictment also charges Rafael and Christopher Serrano, Fernandez, Filyaw, Orsini, Elba and Brito counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin or cocaine.
“As alleged, this drug trafficking organization, which used multiple sources of supply, has been responsible for the distribution of significant quantities of heroin and cocaine in Connecticut,” said U.S. Attorney Durham. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working closely with the DEA, FBI, and our state and local law enforcement partners to disrupt drug networks – especially those that distribute heroin, fentanyl and other dangerous opioids – and prosecute those responsible.”
“DEA is committed to investigating and dismantling large scale poly drug trafficking organizations like this one operating in the New Haven area,” said DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Albert Angelucci. “Let these arrests serve as an example to those who distribute heroin and cocaine in order to profit and destroy people’s lives, that DEA will aggressively pursue and hold you accountable. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts in Connecticut and our strong partnership with the U. S. Attorney’s Office.”
“All illicit drugs being sold in our communities are a problem, but the illegal distribution of opioids has proven to be the greater issue here and across this country,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Ferrick. “We at the FBI along with the DEA, New Haven Police Department and many other law enforcement partners are once again proving that we will make illicit drug sales in our communities a priority. We will continue to dismantle groups like this in every city in our effort to save lives.”
“The New Haven Police Department is proud of the hard work put in by our officers and our state and federal partners in bringing those involved in illegal drug trade to justice,” said New Haven Police Chief Campbell. “Those that poison our kids and endanger our citizens deserve to be behind bars. We’re a safer city now that these arrests have been made.”
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being led by the DEA New Haven Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation and New Haven Police Department. The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, East Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden and Derby Police Departments, and the U.S. Marshals Service. The Connecticut Department of Correction, Milford Police Department and East Haven Police Department are also assisting the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney H. Gordon Hall.
Hartford Grocery Store Owner Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking HeroinRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JOHNNY BELTRE, 35, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in Cromwell, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 108 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, BELTRE trafficked heroin from his business, the Beltre Family Grocery store, located at 955 Broad Street in Hartford. Between July 2015 and January 2016, the DEA’s Hartford Task Force made seven controlled purchases of heroin from BELTRE and his associates. For each purchase, an individual arranged to purchase heroin from BELTRE through telephone calls, text messages or in-person meetings. The individual then travelled to Beltre Family Grocery and provided BELTRE with money. BELTRE then sent the purchaser to the nearby residences of two co-conspirators, Elvis de los Santos and Domingo de los Santos, to obtain the heroin.
On February 22, 2016, investigators in Connecticut learned that BELTRE and two other associates were arrested in the Bronx, N.Y., after BELTRE and his associates provided a courier with a bag containing approximately $500,000 in exchange for 20 kilograms of heroin. On that date, a search of BELTRE’s residence in Cromwell revealed $433,577 in cash; a search of Elvis de los Santos’s residence revealed two bags of raw heroin, cutting agents, a digital scale and baggies, and a search of Domingo de los Santos’s residence revealed a bag of heroin, a bag of cocaine, cutting agents, a kilogram press, pieces of an unassembled kilogram press, baggies, scales, gloves, a vacuum sealer and $6,000 in cash.
BELTRE has been detained since his arrest. On January 22, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin.
Elvis and Domingo de los Santos previously pleaded guilty to related charges and were sentenced to prison terms of 18 months and 20 months, respectively.
BELTRE faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.
The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.
Manchester Man Charged with Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that LUQMAN GOTTI, formerly known as Timothy Pennington, 37, of Manchester, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with receiving and soliciting child pornography.
GOTTI appeared this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford. GOTTI has been in state custody since November 13, 2017, when he was arrested on related state charges.
According to the criminal complaint, on June 14, 2017, GOTTI and a 13-year-old boy were communicating through the Kik messaging application after GOTTI responded to an ad the boy had posted on Craigslist. After the boy informed GOTTI that he was 14 years old, GOTTI asked the boy for pictures and sent the boy a sexually explicit image. In return, the boy sent sexually explicit pictures himself to GOTTI. Later in the conversation, GOTTI told the boy “I already went to jail over a 14 year old not trying to go through that again.” GOTTI then asked the boy for more sexually explicit pictures. In response, the boy sent GOTTI another sexually explicit photograph and video of himself.
The complaint further alleges that GOTTI has a prior felony conviction under the name Timothy Pennington in the state of Connecticut for second degree sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl. According to the complaint, GOTTI legally changed his name from Timothy Pennington.
If convicted, GOTTI faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years, a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, and a fine of up to $250,000. The penalties in this matter are enhanced based on GOTTI’s criminal history.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Manchester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
New Haven Gang Associate Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RODRIGO RAMIREZ, also known as “Rico,” 36, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 156 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. RAMIREZ was an associate of RSGB.
On April 20, 2011, Benton recruited RAMIREZ to assist in the robbery of money and marijuana from Kevin Lee of New Haven. On that date, Benton, RAMIREZ, Luis “Chewie” Padilla and Miles “Molly Rock” Price drove to the vicinity of Lee’s residence. Benton, Padilla and Price walked to the residence and Ramirez stayed in the car. Benton handed Price a .45 caliber handgun as they approached the back door. After Lee answered the door, Lee tried to grab Price’s gun and lunged at Price with a knife. Padilla then shot Lee once in the stomach, once in the back, and finally in the head.
RAMIREZ also traveled to Maine at Benton’s request to assist in RSGB’s crack cocaine distribution enterprise.
On September 2, 2014, RAMIREZ was arrested on federal narcotics distribution charges in Maine. His case was transferred to the District of Connecticut for further prosecution and, on June 16, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity and admitted his involvement in the murder of Kevin Lee and in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine in Maine. RAMIREZ has been detained since his arrest.
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.
Benton, Padilla and Price pleaded guilty to various offenses stemming from this investigation, and admitted to participating in the murder of Kevin Lee. Benton also admitted that he participated in three other gang-related murders and one attempted murder, and Padilla admitted that he participated in two other gang-related murders and two attempted murders.
On October 4, 2017, Benton was sentenced to 480 months of imprisonment, and on March 7, 2018, Price was sentenced to 144 months imprisonment. Padilla awaits sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Durham noted that federal prisoners are required to serve at least 85 percent of their sentenced term of imprisonment and are not eligible for parole.
This investigation has been 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 has been the work of the Connecticut State Crime Laboratory in utilizing the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to analyze ballistics evidence.
This matter is being prosecuted in the District of Connecticut by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter Markle and Jocelyn Kaoutzanis. A related case in the District of Maine is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Casey.
Waterbury Resident Charged with Violating Sex Offender Registration LawsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an Indictment charging ISMAEL SANCHEZ COLON, 44, with violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
The indictment was returned on April 12, 2018, and SANCHEZ COLON was arrested this morning. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and was ordered detained.
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.
It is alleged that 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 he has not registered as a sex offender in this state, as required by law. During this time, SANCHEZ COLON has been registered in Puerto Rico, and it appears that SANCHEZ COLON has traveled to Puerto Rico since April 2016 to update his registration.
SANCHEZ COLON’s alleged 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.
If convicted of the offense, SANCHEZ COLON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial at which it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.
Ohio Resident Admits Role in Business E-Mail Compromise SchemeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that OLUMUYIWA YAHTRIP ADEJUMO, also known as “Ade,” “Slimwaco,” “Waco,” “Waco Jamon,” “Hade” and “Hadey,” 32, of Toledo, Ohio, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to a fraud offense stemming from 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 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.
As a result of this scheme, victimized businesses have suffered more than $2 million in total losses. One company in Torrington, Connecticut, lost more than $500,000.
In pleading guilty, ADEJUMO admitted that his participation in the scheme caused total losses of more than $100,000 to at least three victims in Ohio, Illinois and the District of Columbia.
ADEJUMO pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall on July 26, 2018.
ADEJUMO is a citizen of Nigeria and a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. He has been detained since his arrest on November 16, 2017.
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 where he was a student at Sheffield Hallam University in Sheffield, England. 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 Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, and the United Kingdom’s Metropolitan Police for their assistance in this case.
To contact the Connecticut Cyber Task Force, please call the FBI in New Haven at 203-777-6311.
New York Man Pleads Guilty to Credit Card FraudRead the Press Release
John H. Durham. United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that XIAO BIN XU, 22, of Bayside, New York, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before Chief U.S. District Janet C. Hall in New Haven to one count of access device fraud.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between July 2014 and April 2015, XU was a member of a group of individuals from New York that engaged in counterfeit credit card transactions at retail stores along the East Coast. Mei Bao Lu was the ringleader of the group and Yang-Shi Lin was Lu’s second-in-command. As part of the scheme, Lu provided several individuals (“buyers”) with counterfeit credit cards, which had been produced from credit card information skimmed from cardholders, and directed the buyers to purchase gift cards and luxury merchandise using the counterfeit cards. Lu then sold the items to other individuals at a discount in order to be fenced or sold on the black market. XU was one of the buyers in the group and also recruited other individuals to serve as buyers. The group engaged in fraudulent credit card transactions at retail stores in Connecticut, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
In total, the group members used 120 counterfeit credit cards, issued by 18 victim financial institutions, to make a total of approximately $179,000 in fraudulent purchases.
The investigation began in February 2015 when the Clinton Police Department and other police departments in nearby Connecticut towns received several complaints from citizens about unauthorized charges on their credit and debit cards. The investigation revealed that many of the complaining citizens had all dined at the same Clinton restaurant during a two-week period in early February 2015.
Chief Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for July 24, 2018, at which time XU faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. XU has been released on bond since his arrest on September 10, 2015.
Lu and Lin, both of Flushing, New York, previously pleaded guilty to related charges. On February 5, 2018, Chief Judge Hall sentenced Lin 12 months and one day of imprisonment. On February 7, Chief Judge Hall sentenced Lu to 18 months of imprisonment.
Several other members of LU’s group were charged and convicted for credit card related offenses in state and federal courts in Maine, New Jersey, New York, and West Virginia.
This investigation has been conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Clinton Police Department. The U.S. Secret Service, Millburn (N.J.) Police Department, New York Police Department, New York State Police, Acton (Mass.) Police Department, and Barboursville (W. Va.) Police Department assisted with the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
Investigation of Puerto Rico to Connecticut Cocaine Trafficking Ring Results in Indictment against 7 MenRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Albert Angelucci, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Shelly A. Binkowski, Inspector in Charge for the Boston Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment today charging seven individuals with trafficking cocaine from Puerto Rico to Connecticut through the U.S. Mail.
Charged in the indictment are:
ERICK SUAREZ, 29, of New Britain
LUIS COLLAZO-RIVERA, 37, of Caguas, Puerto Rico
JERRY RODRIGUEZ, a.k.a. “Bebo,” 28, of Hartford
LUIS GONZALEZ-OFARRIL, 23, of New Britain
LUIS TORRES, 35, of New Britain
GREGORY TORRES, 39, of Hartford
JOSE ROMERO-MAYSONET, 30, of Loiza, Puerto RicoAs alleged in court documents and statements made in court, since December 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service has been investigating a drug trafficking organization that was sending Priority Mail parcels containing kilogram-quantities of cocaine through the U.S. Mail from Puerto Rico to Connecticut and elsewhere. The investigation revealed that Suarez coordinated shipments of cocaine from Collazo-Rivera, Romero-Maysonet and others in Puerto Rico to addresses in New Britain, Hartford, Newington, East Hartford and Bridgeport, as well as Springfield, Massachusetts. To date, investigators have identified more than 50 suspect parcels mailed by the drug trafficking organization from Puerto Rico. Investigators intercepted five of the suspect parcels, each of which contained approximately one kilogram of cocaine.
On April 10, 2018, investigators arrested Rodriguez, Gonzalez-Ofarril, Luis Torres and Gregory Torres in Connecticut, and Collazo-Rivera and Romero-Maysonet in Puerto Rico. On that date, a search of Rodriguez’s Hartford residence revealed approximately 400 grams of cocaine, approximately 160 grams of heroin, items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, and a loaded .45 caliber handgun. Also on that date, investigators searched Suarez’s residence, as well as two storage units used by Suarez and one storage unit used by Rodriguez in West Hartford. The search of Suarez’s storage units revealed approximately $40,000 in cash and a search of Rodriguez’s storage unit revealed additional items used to process and package narcotics.
Suarez was arrested on April 12.
The indictment charges each of the defendants with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted of this charge, based on their conduct and the quantity of cocaine involved in the conspiracy, Suarez, Collazo-Rivera and Rodriguez face a minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and Gonzalez-Ofarril, Luis Torres, Gregory Torres and Romero-Maysonet face a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.
The indictment also charges Rodriguez with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, an offense that carries a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Suarez, Collazo-Rivera and Rodriguez have been detained since their arrests. Gonzalez-Ofarril, Luis Torres, Gregory Torres and Romero-Maysonet are released on bonds pending trial.
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. The DEA Puerto Rico Caribbean Corridor Strike Force and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Newark Division, San Juan (P.R.) Office, are assisting the investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.
Bristol Woman Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Defrauding Medicaid ProgramRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane announced that RONNETTE BROWN, 45, of Bristol, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release for defrauding Connecticut’s Medicaid program.
On May 26, 2017, a jury found Brown guilty of 23 counts of health care fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
According to the evidence at trial, Brown owned and operated WeMPACT, LLC, a social services business with offices in Bristol and Torrington. Between August 2010 and April 2014, Brown billed Medicaid for psychotherapy services that were not performed. In addition to that scheme, Brown separately conspired with Beverly Coker and another unnamed individual to bill Medicaid for psychotherapy services that represented Coker had performed the services when, in fact, the services were provided by unlicensed individuals, or were not provided at all.
According to court documents and statements made in earlier court proceedings, Coker, a licensed clinical social worker, owned and operated New Beginnings Family Center, LLC, in Hartford. On April 8, 2016, Coker, of Windsor, pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud, admitting that between October 2010 and November 2011, she engaged in a scheme to defraud Medicaid by permitting Brown and another individual to bill Medicaid for psychotherapy services using Coker’s Medicaid provider number. The services were either performed by unlicensed individuals or not performed at all. Under the scheme, Coker kept 30 percent of the proceeds, and paid the remaining 70 percent to Brown and the other individual. As part of her plea, Coker admitted to defrauding Medicaid of approximately $214,555 through the scheme.
Judge Bolden ordered Brown to pay restitution in the amount of $2,033,962.
Brown has been released on a $100,000 bond since her arrest on May 23, 2016. Judge Bolden order her to report to prison on May 31, 2018.
Coker awaits sentencing. Three other individuals were charged and convicted of health care fraud offenses stemming from this investigation.
This matter has been jointly investigated by the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, with assistance from the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office. U.S. Attorney Durham also thanked the Connecticut Department of Social Services for their role in identifying the fraudulent scheme and supporting the investigation and prosecution of the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Chief State’s Attorney’s Office and Attorney General’s Office meet regularly as part of The Medicaid Fraud Working Group. The Working Group also includes representatives from the Connecticut Department of Social Services; the Connecticut Department of Public Health; the Drug Control Division of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection; the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the FBI. The Working Group reviews pending issues and cases, identifies trends that might indicate fraudulent activity, and coordinates efforts for maximum results.
This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Sheldon and Christopher W. Schmeisser.
People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS.
Prospect Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy Offense Related to Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MICHAEL USZAKIEWICZ, 52, of Prospect, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to a conspiracy offense related to a bribery scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, USZAKIEWICZ is the owner of K&M Fire Protection in Southington. Javed Choudhry was employed by Building and Land Technology, Inc. (“BLT”), a construction company in the Stamford area. Between approximately 2011 and 2014, USZAKIEWICZ and other contractors paid a total of $250,000 to $500,000 in bribes to Choudhry to receive millions of dollars in BLT contracts on construction projects in Stamford.
USZAKIEWICZ pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford on July 9, 2018.
As part of his guilty plea, USZAKIEWICZ agreed to forfeit $1,121,106, which was seized from his bank accounts on March 28, 2016.
USZAKIEWICZ is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.
On May 16, 2017, Choudhry, of Glastonbury, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of filing a false tax return. On January 22, 2018, Kevin Dunn, the president of Delmar Electrical Contractors in Watertown, admitted that he also paid bribes to Choudhry and pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Both await sentencing.
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.
Massachusetts Resident Pleads Guilty to Fraud Charge Stemming from Arson at Enfield RestaurantRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that, on April 16, 2018, MUSTAFA ZABANA, 32, a citizen of Iraq last residing in Westfield, Mass., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to a fraud offense related to an arson at his Connecticut restaurant.
According to court documents and statements made in court, ZABANA was the majority owner of Zabana, Inc., doing business as Bruno’s Pizza, a restaurant located at 634 Enfield Street in Enfield, Connecticut. On June 3, 2016, at approximately 10:42 p.m., ZABANA intentionally set a fire in Bruno’s Pizza, causing damage to the restaurant and its contents, as well as other commercial space in the mall where the restaurant was located. Emergency fire personnel responded to the scene and extinguished the fire.
After the fire, ZABANA filed an insurance claim with Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. Liberty Mutual sent ZABANA an advance check of $5,000 for claimed loss. ZABANA then continued to pursue additional payments from Liberty Mutual through at least December 2016.
ZABANA pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for June 29, 2018.
ZABANA has been detained since his arrest on March 23, 2017.
This investigation has been conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (AFT), ATF Fire Research Lab, Connecticut State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit, Enfield Police Department, and Thompsonville Fire Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Freismuth and Dave Vatti.
Former Waterbury Resident Sentenced to Prison for Violating Conditions of ProbationRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALEA CRUZ, 20, formerly of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven to six months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for violating the conditions of her probation.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2016, as part of a DEA New Haven Task Force investigation that followed an overdose death, law enforcement officers made two controlled purchases of heroin from CRUZ’s boyfriend, Teddy Stuart Lopez, Jr., in Waterbury. On July 5, 2016, at Lopez’s direction, CRUZ delivered 20 bags of heroin to an individual for $100. CRUZ and Lopez were arrested on July 19, 2016.
On December 1, 2016, CRUZ pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor offense. On February 27, 2017, Judge Merriam sentenced CRUZ to three years of probation and ordered her to pay a $1,000 fine at a rate of $40 per month.
Lopez pleaded guilty to a related heroin distribution offense and was sentenced to 15 months of imprisonment.
While on probation and under the supervision of U.S. Probation officers in Virginia and, most recently, Rhode Island, where she was residing, CRUZ tested positive for marijuana nine times and, on one occasion, provided a diluted urine specimen. She also failed to report to probation officers and failed to submit to drug screenings on multiple occasions, and failed to participate in substance abuse treatment as ordered. In addition, CRUZ violated her probation by associating with Lopez, a convicted felon, through email and the telephone. She also failed to make any installment payments on her court-ordered fine even though she had the ability to do so, and had made more than 50 payments totaling more than $1,800 to Lopez’s prison account.
At the conclusion of today’s court proceeding, CRUZ was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to begin serving her sentence.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison for Role in Armed Robbery of Hamden Video Game StoreRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DARIS SNOW, also known as “Eagle,” 25, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 41 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in the armed robbery of a Hamden store in April 2016.
According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 4:22 p.m. on April 27, 2016, two men and two women, who had their head and faces partially concealed, entered the Game X Change in Hamden. One of the men pulled out a gun and ordered the store’s three employees to get down on the ground. The man with the gun put his foot on an employee’s back and pressed the gun against the employee’s head and neck, threatening to kill the employee if he did not give him money and the keys to the display case. The employee complied and the four suspects took several items, including cellular telephones, an iPad, an iPod, “Beats” headphones, and a cash box that contained $830. The four ran out of the store to a waiting car.
Investigators subsequently identified SNOW, Rashon Gray, Tracey Biggs and Keara Northrup as the individuals who committed the armed robbery of the store. Gray brandished the firearm and threatened the store employee, SNOW pretended that he had a gun and took the cash box, and Biggs and Northrup stole merchandise. Investigators also learned that SNOW made threatening statements to and about one of the women who participated in the robbery with him.
SNOW has been detained since his arrest on June 2, 2017. On November 27, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act Robbery
Gray, Biggs and Northrup all pleaded guilty to related charges. On April 9, 2018, Gray was sentenced to 77 months of imprisonment. Biggs and Northrup await sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Hamden Police Department, with the assistance of the New Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
Hartford Man Guilty of Federal Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in Hartford has found JOSEPH STEELE, also known as “Joey,” 32, of Hartford, guilty of drug and firearm offenses. The trial before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea began on April 12 and the jury returned verdicts of guilty on three counts of a four-count indictment yesterday afternoon.
According to the evidence disclosed during the trial, on June 14, 2017, the Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Unit received information that STEELE was in possession of a firearm while operating a white Cadillac. Investigators located the Cadillac and conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Enfield Street and Capen Street. After STEELE consented to a search of the vehicle, investigators lifted a rear seat cushion and found a .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol, 50 wax folds of fentanyl, and two knotted plastic bags containing approximately 6.5 grams of crack cocaine.
In April 2016, STEELE was convicted in Connecticut Superior Court of possession of a pistol without a permit. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Yesterday, the jury found STEELE guilty of one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack cocaine”), one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. STEELE was acquitted of one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for July 9, 2018, at which time STEELE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each of the drug offenses, and a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on the firearm offense.
STEELE has been detained since his arrest on June 14, 2017.
This investigation was conducted by the Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Unit and the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crime Gang Task Force, which includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Gustafson and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.
Middletown Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Role in Cocaine and Crack RingRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CARLOS ROMAN, also known as “Frizz,” 38, of Middletown, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a central Connecticut cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking ring.
This matter stems from a joint investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force that included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of crack cocaine, and seizures of cocaine and cash proceeds. The investigation revealed that an associate of ROMAN was operating a cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking ring while the associate was incarcerated in state custody. ROMAN was a primary distributor of narcotics for the organization. During the investigation, an undercover officer made five controlled purchases of redistribution quantities of crack from ROMAN.
ROMAN was arrested on April 11, 2017. On that date, he possessed approximately 500 grams of cocaine. A subsequent search of his residence revealed a .380 caliber handgun.
On July 20, 2017, a grand jury in New Haven returned a nine-count indictment charging ROMAN and 10 other individuals with various offenses. On January 18, 2018, pleaded guilty to one count of with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”), and one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
ROMAN has been detained since his arrest.
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 New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, East Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden and Derby Police Departments, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney H. Gordon Hall.
Statement of U.S. Attorney John H. Durham on Selection of Robert M. Spector as U.S. Magistrate JudgeRead the Press Release
“Rob is an extraordinarily intelligent person and, without a doubt, one of the hardest working and most productive attorneys I’ve experienced in my 40 years as a prosecutor. His focus on prosecuting cases involving illegal drug distribution, firearm and violent crime offenses have had a significant impact in communities across our state. Most recently, through his tireless work in battling our opioid crisis, he has held numerous dealers who sold drugs that caused overdose deaths accountable, provided justice for overdose victims’ families, and spearheaded an outreach effort that has educated tens of thousands of students and adults about these horrific drugs. Our office is very sorry to lose him, but our loss is the U.S. District Court’s gain. He is a tremendous addition to the federal bench in Connecticut. I am extremely happy for him and wish him all the best.”
Click here to read the U.S. District Court press release.
North Branford Man Admits to Hacking Apple iCloud Accounts of More Than 200 People, Including CelebritiesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that GEORGE GAROFANO, 26, of North Branford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to a computer hacking offense related to 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.
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. The parties agreed to transfer the case to the District of Connecticut for further prosecution.
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.
GAROFANO pleaded guilty to one count of unauthorized access to a protected computer to obtain information, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
GAROFANO is released on a $50,000 bond.
This case is being 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.
Justice Department Announces Nationwide Initiative to Combat Sexual Harassment in HousingRead the Press Release
Audio fileWASHINGTON — Today, as the Department of Justice recognizes the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the nationwide rollout of an initiative aimed at increasing awareness and reporting of sexual harassment in housing. The announcement includes an interagency task force between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Justice Department to combat sexual harassment in housing, an outreach toolkit, and a public awareness campaign. This three-pronged approach will strengthen the Department’s efforts to combat sexual harassment in housing.
“Sexual harassment in housing is illegal, immoral, and unacceptable," said Attorney General Sessions. “It is all too common today, as too many landlords, managers, and their employees attempt to prey on vulnerable women. We will not hesitate to pursue these predators and enforce the law. In October, I ordered a new initiative to bring more of these cases, and we have already won relief for 15 victims. Today we announce three new steps to make the initiative more effective and to win more cases. I want to thank the dedicated and committed professionals in our Civil Rights Division and our partners in the Department of Housing and Urban Development for their hard work in this effort. We will continue to aggressively pursue harassers, because everyone has a right to be safe in their home.”
“Individuals in Connecticut who are being victimized as a condition of their housing have rights, and all are encouraged to report this type of reprehensible behavior to the Justice Department by calling 1-844-380-6178, or by sending an e-mail to [email protected],” said U.S. Attorney John H. Durham.
“All discrimination stains the very fabric of our nation, but HUD is especially focused on protecting the right of everyone to feel safe and secure in their homes, free from unwanted sexual harassment,” said Secretary Ben Carson. “No person should have to tolerate unwanted sexual advances in order to keep a roof over his or her head. Part of our mission at HUD is to provide safe housing and we will remain diligent in this mission to protect those we serve. I look forward to working with Attorney General Sessions and the Department of Justice as part of this task force to bring an end to this type of discrimination.”
In October 2017, the Justice Department announced an initiative to combat sexual harassment in housing and launched pilot programs in Washington, D.C. and the Western District of Virginia. The initiative sought to increase the Department’s efforts to protect women from harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, security guards, and other employees and representatives of rental property owners. During the pilots, the Department developed and tested ways to better connect both with victims of sexual harassment in housing and with those organizations that victims may turn to first for help – including law enforcement, legal services providers, public housing authorities, sexual assault services providers, and shelters. The Department also tested certain aspects of the initiative in other jurisdictions, including New Jersey, the Central District of California, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Michigan.
The two pilot programs generated an upswing in harassment reporting to the Department from both D.C. and the Western District of Virginia. In D.C., the Department generated six leads since the October 2017 launch. In Virginia, the Department generated three leads. While the Justice Department recognizes that leads and investigations do not always lead to enforcement actions, the pilot program’s results—when extrapolated across all the U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country—could lead to hundreds of new reports of sexual harassment in housing across the country.
Because of these promising results, the Department is rolling out three major components to the Initiative.
First, the new HUD-DOJ Task Force to Combat Sexual Harassment in Housing will drive a shared strategy between the Department and HUD for combatting sexual harassment in housing across the country. It will focus on five key areas: continued data sharing and analysis, joint development of training, evaluation of public housing complaint mechanisms, coordination of public outreach and press strategy, and review of federal policies.
Second, the outreach toolkit is designed to leverage the Justice Department’s nationwide network of U.S. Attorney’s Offices. The toolkit provides templates, guidance, and checklists based on pilot program feedback. It ultimately will amplify available enforcement resources and help victims of sexual harassment connect with the Department.
Third, the public awareness campaign has three major components: a partnership package with relevant stakeholders, launch of a social media campaign, and Public Service Announcements (PSAs) run by individual U.S. Attorney’s offices. The campaign is specifically designed to raise awareness, and make it easier for victims all over the country to find resources and report harassment.
More information about the Civil Rights Division and the civil rights laws it enforces is available at www.usdoj.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment in housing should call the Department at 1-844-380-6178, send an e-mail to [email protected], or contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777. If you have information or questions about any other housing discrimination, you can contact the Department at 1-800-896-7743.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANDRE MILLER, 27, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a heroin trafficking ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad targeted a New Haven-based heroin trafficking organization led by Bienvenido and Antonio Gonzalez. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical and video surveillance, revealed that the Gonzalez brothers regularly purchased bulk quantities of heroin from suppliers located in the Bronx, New York, and sold the heroin through a network of redistributors, including MILLER, in New Haven and elsewhere.
The investigation resulted in federal charges against 24 individuals.
MILLER was arrested on March 16, 2017. On November 14, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 100 grams or more of heroin.
Bienvenido Gonzalez and Antonio Gonzalez pleaded guilty to related charges. On March 28, Bienvenido Gonzalez was sentenced to 144 months of imprisonment. Antonio Gonzalez awaits sentencing.
The DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad includes officers from the Bristol, Hamden, Milford, Monroe, New Haven, Shelton, Wallingford and Wilton Police Departments. The New Haven, East Haven and West Haven Police Departments, together with the U.S. Coast Guard, provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and Patrick F. Caruso.
Real Estate Developer Sentenced to 85 Months in Prison for Defrauding Investors and Lenders out of MillionsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN DiMENNA, 75, of Vero Beach, Florida, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 85 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for operating an extensive real estate investment and financing scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, DiMENNA worked in the commercial real estate industry, arranging for the purchase and development of large commercial real estate projects in Fairfield County, including hotels or multi-tenant properties with hundreds of apartments. DiMENNA and his business partners operated through various entities including Seaboard Realty LLC, Seaboard Stamford Investment Group (SSIG), and Seaboard Properties Group LLC. To raise capital for real estate projects, DiMENNA and his partners sold membership interests to outside investors in each LLC that owned or was to purchase a designated commercial property. DiMENNA also sold interests to investors in other LLCs that did not own specific properties but were to have some involvement in certain projects. Various financial institutions and other entities provided millions of dollars in financing to purchase, renovate or construct DiMENNA’s commercial real estate projects. DiMENNA oversaw each project, including each entity’s profitability, its cash flow, operating cash needs and any additional funds needed for repairs or renovations.
Between approximately 2010 and March 2016, DiMENNA engaged in a scheme to defraud investors and financial institutions. Knowing that certain of his properties were not cash positive, and without disclosing this fact to investors and lenders, DiMENNA used funds from separate cash-positive entities to support capital improvements, construction, and operating expenditures in other LLCs that needed the cash. In addition, DiMENNA used funds from cash positive entities to continue to make required interest and preferred returns to investors of any entity that he managed, regardless of the true available cash that an entity might have to fund such payments.
As part of the scheme, DiMENNA prepared spreadsheets that inflated the projected cash flows of certain projects, and then shared the spreadsheets with his business partners knowing that they would be marketing the ventures to potential investors. DiMENNA also provided his business partners with false sales contracts, false lease commitments and other false documents concerning the status and prospect of the various real estate investments.
DiMENNA provided existing investors inaccurate financial information in order to induce investors not to withdraw an investment, and he provided prospective investors with false information about a project’s financial viability to induce them to invest. DiMENNA frequently received a template from his accounting manager that set forth actual financial figures relating to a property, and then changed the numbers to make the figures appear stronger. In certain instances, DiMENNA simply created his own template with his own false figures and then provided the summaries to current and potential investors.
DiMENNA also sold investors equity in certain entities at a time when he knew the entities were fully subscribed and thus not eligible for receiving investment monies.
During the scheme, DiMENNA provided lenders and appraisers with inaccurate financial data concerning the various real estate properties and other entities used to collateralize various loans, including providing lenders with overstated income figures, understated expense figures, false personal financial statements, false bank statements, and false tax returns relating to the properties. He also failed to disclose to potential lenders intercompany debt obligations and all unrecorded liens on particular properties, and he created false releases of liens and UCC filing documents.
DiMENNA often sought financing from various lenders without informing existing lenders of prior loans secured by the property at issue, entered loan agreements with lenders without recording such agreements, and forged the names of his two business partners on various documents without their knowledge to secure financing. At times, DiMENNA entered into financing agreements with lenders without the knowledge, consent or authorization of his two business partners.
Through this scheme, victim investors lost approximately $28 million and victim lenders lost approximately $37 million, for a total combined loss of $64.7 million.
On September 11, 2017, DiMENNA pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud.
DiMENNA, who is released on a $250,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on July 9, 2018.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Schmeisser.
Norwalk Medical Practice, CEO and Physician Pay $650,830 to Settle False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that WORLD HEALTH CLINICIANS, INC. (“WHC”), its Chief Executive Officer, SCOTT GRETZ, and a physician formerly employed by WHC, DR. GARY BLICK, have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments in which they will pay $650,830 to resolve allegations that they violated the federal and state False Claims Acts.
WHC is a medical practice located in Norwalk specializing in the treatment of HIV/AIDS patients and sexually transmitted infections. GRETZ is the CEO of WHC. BLICK worked at WHC from the inception of the practice in 2011, until he left the practice in 2016. Prior to working at WHC, BLICK had his own medical practice specializing in the treatment of HIV/AIDS patients.
The government alleges that WHC, BLICK and GRETZ submitted false claims to the Medicare and Medicaid programs by billing for physical therapy services and certain office visit services that were not provided. Instead of receiving physical therapy or office visit services, Medicare and Medicaid patients seen at the practice received massages provided by a massage therapist. Those services were billed to Medicare and Medicaid as if the patients had, in fact, received physical therapy services and office visit services.
Medicare does not recognize massage therapists as providers and expressly prohibits massage therapists from enrolling in the Medicare program. Under Connecticut law, massage therapists may not provide physical therapy, as physical therapy is expressly excluded from a massage therapist’s scope of practice. In addition, a massage therapist is not qualified to provide office visit services.
To resolve the allegations under the federal and state False Claims Acts, WHC, BLICK and GRETZ have agreed to pay $650,830, which covers conduct occurring from January 1, 2007, through September 30, 2015. Pursuant to their agreement with the government, WHC and GRETZ will pay $361,013.77 and BLICK will pay $289,816.23.
“We expect that medical practices and physicians who participate in federal health care programs will bill for their services accurately and honestly,” said U.S. Attorney Durham. “The U.S. Attorney’s office in Connecticut is committed to vigorously pursuing health care providers who submit false claims to federal health care programs.”
This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Molot and by Assistant Attorney General Gregory O’Connell of the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.
People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS or the Health Care Fraud Task Force at (203) 777-6311.
New York Man Charged with Calling in False Bomb Threat from Amtrak TrainRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that TODD J. MILLER, 36, of New York, N.Y., has been charged by federal criminal complaint with intentionally conveying to law enforcement false information about an explosive device on a train traveling to Connecticut.
MILLER was arrested last night at LaGuardia Airport in Queens, New York. He appeared today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven and was released on a $100,000 bond. The charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
As alleged in the criminal complaint, on the evening of March 18, 2018, MILLER called a 911 dispatcher in New Jersey and reported that he was on Amtrak Train 2256 traveling from Washington, D.C., toward Penn Station in New York City, and that a female passenger “has a bomb in her bag.” MILLER described the woman as having brown hair and a scarf. By the time Amtrak investigators received notice of the call and were mobilized to stop and search the train, the train was in Connecticut. Amtrak officials stopped Train 2256 at Green’s Farms Station in Westport, where passengers were directed to detrain, and bomb squad members boarded and searched the train. No evidence of any explosive device or materials was detected.
The complaint alleges that an investigator contacted MILLER, who was in New York, by phone. On the call, MILLER said the woman, who he described this time as having red hair and a red scarf, was carrying a “black bag carry on suitcase with a handle.” He said she kept checking her bag without taking anything out; kept asking the First Class attendant what the next stop was, and seemed to want to get off the train and leave her bag behind. The officer detected slurring in MILLER’s voice and asked if he had consumed alcohol that day. MILLER replied that he had consumed “one glass of red wine.” Asked if he suffered from mental illness, MILLER replied “no, absolutely not. This is the first time I’ve ever made a call like this before. I am worried for everyone on that train. Someone has to check that lady out.”
The complaint further alleges that investigators determined that MILLER had actually been traveling on Amtrak Train 2258, not 2256. When Amtrak Train 2258 arrived into Green’s Farms Station shortly thereafter, it was stopped, inspected, and eventually found not to contain any explosive devices or materials. During the stop, Amtrak officers interviewed an attendant from the First Class car where MILLER had been sitting. The attendant stated that MILLER appeared intoxicated upon boarding in Washington, that he consumed multiple drinks on the train, and that he had been removed in New York owing to his intoxication. The attendant also advised that MILLER had been involved in hostile exchanges with a woman who was sitting in a different row from him in the First Class car.
The complaint alleges that investigators identified and interviewed the subject female and determined that that she was not carrying any explosives, was not checking a “carry on suitcase with a handle,” was not “checking her bag without taking anything out,” and would have been largely out of MILLER’s view unless he repeatedly stood up to observe her over or around the intervening seat row, or rows. The complaint further alleges that MILLER, motivated by a grudge against the subject female, called 911 to relay false information about a suspected bomb on the train, and continued to convey false information to investigators while the public safety response was ongoing.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, Connecticut State Police, Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department, Amtrak Police Department, and Westport Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry K. Kopel.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Racketeering and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that KAVON ROGERS, 30, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 144 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for racketeering and firearm offenses.
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. ROGERS, as RSGB member, sold crack in and around New Haven and traveled between New Haven and Bangor several times.
On June 24, 2011, Donell Allick was shot and killed as he stood in his New Haven home. The investigation revealed that, on that date, ROGERS drove Benton and his associates, Luis Padilla and Keith Young, as they searched for a rival gang leader that Benton intended to murder. Instead, Benton encountered Allick, with whom Benton was angry over a drug transaction. After Benton, Padilla and Young exited the car, Benton fired multiple shots through an open kitchen window, killing Allick. Benton, Padilla and Young then returned the car, where ROGERS had been waiting. ROGERS then drove to a location where Benton hid the gun.
ROGERS has been detained since his arrest on September 27, 2014, when, as part of an unrelated investigation, he was found in a possession of a stolen .380 caliber semiautomatic handgun.
On May 5, 2015, ROGERS pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon and, on November 19, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity.
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.
Benton, Padilla and Young pleaded guilty to various offenses stemming from this investigation, and admitted to participating in the murder of Donell Allick. Benton also admitted that he participated in three other gang-related murders and one attempted murder, Padilla admitted that he participated in two other gang-related murders and two attempted murders, and Young admitted that he participated in one other gang-related murder.
On October 4, 2017, Benton was sentenced to 480 months of imprisonment. Padilla and Young await sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Durham noted that federal prisoners are required to serve at least 85 percent of their sentenced term of imprisonment and are not eligible for parole.
This investigation has been 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 has been the work of the Connecticut State Crime Laboratory in utilizing the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to analyze ballistics evidence.
This matter is being prosecuted in the District of Connecticut by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter Markle and Jocelyn Kaoutzanis. A related case in the District of Maine is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Casey.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 77 Months in Prison for Role in Armed Robbery of Hamden Video Game StoreRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RASHON GRAY, also known as “Loke,” 24, of New Haven, 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 participating in the armed robbery of a Hamden store in April 2016.
According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 4:22 p.m. on April 27, 2016, two men and two women, who had their head and faces partially concealed, entered the Game X Change in Hamden. One of the men pulled out a gun and ordered the store’s three employees to get down on the ground. The man with the gun put his foot on an employee’s back and pressed the gun against the employee’s head and neck, threatening to kill the employee if he did not give him money and the keys to the display case. The employee complied and the four suspects took several items, including cell phones, an iPad, an iPod, “Beats” headphones, and a cash box that contained $830. The four ran out of the store to a waiting car.
Investigators subsequently identified GRAY as the individual who brandished the firearm and threatened the store employee.
GRAY was on state probation at the time of the offense. On May 6, 2016, police and probation officers found him in possession of a cell phone that had been taken during the robbery and his probation was revoked.
GRAY has been detained in federal custody since his arrest on July 21, 2017. On December 4, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act Robbery.
Four other individuals have been charged and convicted as a result of this investigation.
This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Hamden Police Department, with the assistance of the New Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
Waterbury Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Distributing OxycodoneRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that HARRY DUREN, 74, of Waterbury, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally distributing oxycodone.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately March 2011 and April 2016, DUREN obtained prescriptions for medications containing oxycodone from doctors in Connecticut and then arranged to resell the medications for his own profit. In total, DUREN and his co-conspirators sold approximately 45,000 30mg oxycodone pills. DUREN’s profit from the drug sales was approximately $700,000.
On September 6, 2017, DUREN pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, oxycodone.
DUREN, who is released on a $50,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on June 5, 2018.
DUREN has a prior federal conviction for mail fraud.
This investigation was conducted by the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, which includes officers from the Bristol, Hamden, Milford, Monroe, New Haven, Shelton, Wallingford and Wilton Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.
Orange Landscaper Sentenced to Prison for Failing to Pay over Employment Taxes to IRSRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that THOMAS CAPECELATRO, 64, of Orange, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 60 days of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for failing to pay over more than $66,000 in employment taxes to the Internal Revenue Service.
According to court documents and statements made in court, CAPECELATRO has owned and operated an unincorporated landscaping business known as Chestnut Ridge Landscaping (“Chestnut Ridge”) since approximately 1984. From approximately October 2010 through 2013, CAPECELATRO caused Chestnut Ridge to withhold $42,322.64 in payroll taxes from its employees but failed to truthfully account for and pay over that money to the IRS. During that same period, CAPECELATRO failed to pay $24,089.28 in federal employment taxes and $1,347.54 in federal unemployment taxes that Chestnut Ridge owed. Chestnut Ridge also failed to file quarterly employment tax returns (Forms 941) with the IRS.
The total tax loss to the U.S. Treasury from October 2010 through 2013 was $67,759.46.
On November 28, 2017, CAPECELATRO pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to account for and pay over employment taxes.
In May 2017, CAPECELATRO made restitution of $67,759.46 for the delinquent taxes. He owes additional penalties and interest on that amount, and additional restitution for unpaid taxes, interest and penalties for the third quarter of 2005 through the third quarter of 2010.
CAPECELATRO, who is released on bond, was ordered to report to prison on June 6.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan L. Wines.
Bristol Man Indicted in Connection with Distributing Heroin to Overdose VictimRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on March 29, 2018, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging ROGER TUSCANO, 47, of Bristol, with distributing heroin.
TUSCANO was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on October 25, 2017, and was released on a $100,000 bond into an inpatient drug treatment program. He absconded from the treatment program on March 12 and was at large until he was located and apprehended on April 4. He appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and was ordered detained.
As alleged in court documents, on April 26, 2017, the Southington Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence for an unresponsive 54-year-old female who had suffered an apparent drug overdose. Responders attempted lifesaving measures on the victim, including administering naloxone, with minimal effect. The victim was then transported to the hospital.
At the scene, officers seized drug and non-drug evidence, including four wax folds that contained heroin.
The victim died on April 28. The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has determined that the victim’s death was caused by a combination of heroin and clonazepam.
It is alleged that on the morning of April 26, the victim purchased heroin from TUSCANO at a gas station in New Britain.
The indictment charges TUSCANO with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, Southington Police Department and Bristol Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.
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.
New Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun and Robbery ChargesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that THOMAS JOHNSON, 27, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to federal robbery and firearm charges.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 30, 2016, at approximately 1:41 a.m., New Haven Police officers were dispatched to Ferry Street after a report of person who had been shot. At the scene, officers found two victims. One victim had been shot in the left elbow and was bleeding heavily, and the other victim was bleeding from the nose.
The investigation, which has included witness interviews, DNA evidence, ballistics evidence and footage from a surveillance video, revealed that JOHNSON and Shaquille Richardson attacked the two victims after they exited a convenience store in an attempt to steal marijuana and money from the victims. JOHNSON shot one of the victims in his elbow, and Richardson struck the other victim in the face with a gun.
Officers apprehended Richardson near the scene of the robbery. When Richardson was found, he was bleeding from a gash to his hand where one of the victims had slashed him with a knife in self-defense. JOHNSON was arrested on July 28, 2016, during a motor vehicle stop. At the time of his arrest, JOHNSON possessed the firearm he used during the robbery.
JOHNSON pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act Robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; one count of 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 discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of 10 years. Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for July 9, 2018.
Richardson, who pleaded guilty to related charges on January 31, 2018, also awaits sentencing.
JOHNSON and Richardson have been detained since their arrests.
This matter is being investigated by the New Haven Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter D. Markle and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 54 Months in Federal Prison for Planning Robbery of Drug DealerRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILLIE DEAS, also known as “Debo” and “Flee,” 22, of Hartford, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 54 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for planning to rob a drug dealer.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a joint law enforcement 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 in Hartford’s Parkville neighborhood, and related overdoses. The investigation specifically targeted criminal activity being committed by members and associates of the Orange Street Killas (OSK), which operated principally in the area of Orange, Cherry and Arbor Streets. 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 narcotics on the streets of Hartford.
On October 8, 2016, investigators intercepted calls on which Ruben Torres and other OSK members discussed firearms and the planning of a potentially violent act. Investigators immediately notified Hartford Police that violence might be imminent in the Orange and Cherry Street area, but before police could respond, at approximately 10:12 p.m., a man was chased and shot multiple times in front of 7-9 Cherry Street. The victim was located in the backyard of 51 Orange Street. He was suffering from three gunshot wounds to his legs, was transported to the hospital and survived the shooting. Minutes after the shooting, DEAS called Torres and referenced both the shooting and hiding a firearm.
On October 10 and 11, 2016, an individual working with law enforcement purchased crack from DEAS. The individual also told DEAS that he planned to rob his drug supplier and asked DEAS if he had a gun to sell. DEAS indicated that he had a gun but declined to sell it. Instead, he offered to bring the gun and help in the robbery. DEAS was arrested on October 26, 2016, on his way to the “robbery.” At the time of his arrest, he possessed a .40 caliber handgun, which had been reported stolen, loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition.
DEAS has been detained since his arrest. On November 6, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by attempted robbery.
Sixteen individuals were charged as a result of the investigation.
Torres pleaded guilty and, on March 30, 2018, was sentenced to 78 months of imprisonment.
This matter is being 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.
Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Charge Stemming from Norwich Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FELIX LOPEZ, also known as “Pablo,” 23, of Hartford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin, cocaine base (“crack cocaine”) and fentanyl.
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 September 13, 2017, Norwich Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a report of an untimely death at a residence in Norwich. Responding officers were informed that the decedent, a 20-year-old woman, had an addiction to heroin. At the scene, officers seized drug and non-drug evidence, including the victim’s cell phone.
The State of Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner subsequently determined that the victim died from acute fentanyl and heroin intoxication.
The investigation revealed that LOPEZ supplied the heroin and fentanyl consumed by the victim shortly before she died.
LOPEZ was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on November 13, 2017. At the time of his arrest, he possessed a quantity of crack cocaine.
Chief Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for June 28, 2018, at which time LOPEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. LOPEZ has been detained since his arrest.
This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Norwich, Hartford and Manchester Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.
Former Rental Company Executive Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN N. MILNE, 58, of Westport, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 11, 2010, MILNE was sentenced to 27 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiring to falsify the books and records of United Rentals, Inc. while he served as its President and Chief Financial Officer. In a resolution of a separate civil action brought by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, (SEC v. John N. Milne, 3:08CV505), MILNE agreed to disgorge $6.25 million. MILNE paid $1 million to the SEC prior to his sentencing in 2010. As part of his original sentence, in lieu of a restitution order, MILNE was ordered to pay the remaining $5.25 million to the SEC as a condition of his supervised release.
Since his release from prison in May 2012, MILNE has paid approximately $500,000 of the $5.25 million of disgorgement that was due. Chief Judge Hall found that, based on MILNE’s income and expenditures on luxury services, personal items and travel, he had the ability to pay much more. The Court had previously continued the hearing on multiple occasions to provide MILNE the opportunity to make additional disgorgement payments, but he repeatedly failed to do so. MILNE also violated his supervised release by traveling out of Connecticut without the permission of the U.S. Probation Office.
MILNE is citizen of Canada and a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry with the assistance of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Worcester Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Sex Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MOHAMED H. ABDI, also known as “Vic,” 25, of Worcester, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between late December 2016 and January 5, 2017, ABDI and his girlfriend used threats of force and coercion to cause a female victim to engage in prostitution. ABDI and his girlfriend advertised the victim’s prostitution services on Backpage.com and other websites, rented Connecticut hotel rooms where the victim engaged in prostitution, and transported the victim to engage in sexual acts with customers at the hotels and private residences in Connecticut and elsewhere. In addition, ABDI provided the victim with heroin, but withheld the drug from the victim until after she provided sexual services to additional customers. ABDI and his girlfriend also made threats against the victim and her child if the victim reported them to law enforcement.
Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for June 27, 2018, at which time ABDI faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
ABDI has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on January 5, 2017.
This matter is being investigated by the Connecticut Human Trafficking Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Connecticut State Police, with the assistance of the Wethersfield Police Department and the Worcester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.
U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Tolland and the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office for their cooperation and assistance in the prosecution of this matter.
West Haven Woman Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Robbing 3 BanksRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that COURTNEY WORTHINGTON, 31, of West Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for robbing three Connecticut banks.
According to court documents and statements made in court, WORTHINGTON robbed the TD Bank at 636 Campbell Avenue in West Haven on December 19, 2016; the Peoples Bank at 198 Amity Street in Woodbridge on January 2, 2017, and the TD Bank at 184 Route 81 in Killingworth on January 5, 2017. During each robbery, WORTHINGTON handed the teller a note containing threats and demanding money.
WORTHINGTON was arrested on January 5, 2017, at a hotel in East Haven. On July 12, 2017, she pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. She has been detained since her arrest.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police, West Haven Police Department and Woodbridge Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Waterbury Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Heroin to Danbury Overdose VictimRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANDRE REED, 25, of Waterbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of 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 March 1, 2016, at approximately 11:39 p.m., Danbury Police responded to a service station on the report of a woman in medical distress in a restroom. At the location, officers observed the victim on her knees, with her face on the floor, taking a deep gasping breath every 20 seconds. The victim also was holding a syringe. The victim was transported to the hospital, where she was placed on life support. She has since recovered from the overdose.
The investigation revealed that REED supplied heroin to another individual who then sold it to the victim.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for July 18, 2018, at which time REED faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. REED is detained pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and the Torrington, Danbury and Wilton Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Greenwich Man Admits to Stealing $889,000 from EmployersRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GEORGES AVRIDOR, 42, of Greenwich and Stamford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to a fraud offense related to his theft of more than $800,000 from two individuals in Greenwich.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between July 2013 and October 2016, AVRIDOR stole personal bank checks from two Greenwich residents who employed him as a driver. He then made the checks payable either to “Cash” or to himself for various amounts of money and forged the signature of one of his employers on the checks. He then cashed the checks at a bank or had the proceeds deposited into a bank account that he controlled. AVRIDOR stole a total of $889,425 through this scheme.
AVRIDOR pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.
AVRIDOR was arrested on June 30, 2017. He is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Greenwich Police Department, U.S. Secret Service and Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
Hartford Gang Member Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing CrackRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHARLES TURNER, also known as “Rell” and “CJ,” 27, of Hartford, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 66 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a joint law enforcement 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 in Hartford’s Parkville neighborhood, and related overdoses. The investigation specifically targeted criminal activity being committed by members and associates of the Orange Street Killas (OSK), which operated principally in the area of Orange, Cherry and Arbor Streets. 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 narcotics on the streets of Hartford.
The investigation revealed TURNER, an OSK member, supplied crack cocaine to other OSK members for street sale.
TURNER has been detained since his arrest on February 21, 2017. On November 15, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).
TURNER’s criminal history includes convictions for firearm and drug offenses.
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.
New Haven Man Sentenced to Prison for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERTO GONZALEZ, 39, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a New Haven narcotics trafficking ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad targeted a New Haven-based heroin trafficking organization led by ROBERTO GONZALEZ’s brothers, Bienvenido and Antonio Gonzalez. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical and video surveillance, revealed that Bienvenido and Antonio Gonzalez regularly purchased bulk quantities of heroin from suppliers located in the Bronx, New York, and sold the heroin through a network of redistributors in New Haven and elsewhere. The investigation also revealed that Bienvenido Gonzalez acquired and distributed bulk quantities of cocaine.
On March 10, 2017, ROBERTO GONZALEZ was intercepted on a wiretap ordering 250 grams of cocaine from Bienvenido Gonzalez.
ROBERTO GONZALEZ was arrested on March 16, 2017. On January 18, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, cocaine.
Bienvenido Gonzalez and Antonio Gonzalez pleaded guilty to related charges. On March 28, Bienvenido Gonzalez was sentenced to 144 months of imprisonment. Antonio Gonzalez awaits sentencing.
The DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad includes officers from the Bristol, Hamden, Milford, Monroe, New Haven, Shelton, Wallingford and Wilton Police Departments. The New Haven, East Haven and West Haven Police Departments, together with the U.S. Coast Guard, provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and Patrick F. Caruso.
Hartford Gang Member 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 RUBEN TORRES, also known as “Rube,” “Ru,” and “T,” 26, of Hartford, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and crack cocaine in Hartford.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a joint law enforcement 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 in Hartford’s Parkville neighborhood, and related overdoses. The investigation specifically targeted criminal activity being committed by members and associates of the Orange Street Killas (OSK), which operated principally in the area of Orange, Cherry and Arbor Streets. 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 narcotics on the streets of Hartford.
The investigation revealed that TORRES, an OSK member, sold heroin and crack to drug users and other distributors.
On October 8, 2016, investigators intercepted TORRES on others on calls discussing firearms and planning a violent act. Investigators immediately notified Hartford Police that violence might be imminent in the Orange and Cherry Street area, but before police could respond, at approximately 10:12 p.m., a man was chased and shot multiple times in front of 7-9 Cherry Street. The victim was located in the backyard of 51 Orange Street. He was suffering from three gunshot wounds to his legs, was transported to the hospital and survived the shooting. Minutes after the shooting, TORRES and others referenced the shooting on the wiretap.
On October 31, 2016, TORRES and another individual were intercepted discussing a .40 caliber firearm. On January 26, 2017, TORRES sold 600 bags of heroin, approximately one-half ounce of crack cocaine, and 34 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition to an undercover officer.
On February 10, 2017, investigators arrested TORRES and several of his codefendants. On that date, a search of TORRES’s residence revealed approximately 260 bags of heroin, drug paraphernalia, assorted ammunition, a gun holster, a gun cleaner kit and $1,379 in cash.
TORRES has been detained since his arrest. On November 8, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
Sixteen individuals were charged as a result of the investigation.
This matter is being 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.