District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Long Island Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy Charge Related to Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRIAN FERRAIOLI, 41, of Sayville, N.Y., waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to a conspiracy charge stemming from an investment fraud scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this scheme involved the promotion and sale of securities of Waters Club Worldwide, Inc. and Waters Club Holdings, Inc. (collectively, “Waters Club”), which provided yacht charter services to customers. From approximately August 2016 to February 2017, FERRAIOLI and Thomas Heaphy, Jr., solicited prospective investors to purchase shares of Waters Club stock purportedly in advance of an initial public offering (“IPO”). According to FERRAIOLI and his co-conspirators, Waters Club intended to form a membership-based “time share” club with a fleet of yachts that members jointly owned and could use for yachting vacations.
In pleading guilty, FERRAIOLI admitted that he and his co-conspirators made certain misrepresentations to prospective investors in Waters Club, including that investors’ money would be used to develop the business and fund the operations of Waters Club, and that FERRAIOLI and his co-conspirators were being compensated with stock for recruiting investors. In truth, FERRAIOLI and Heaphy received approximately half of all the money he induced investors in Waters Club to invest. Due in part to the payments to FERRAIOLI and Heaphy, Waters Club lacked the capital to develop its membership-based club, Waters Club did not pursue an IPO, and the shares purchased by investors were unsalable.
FERRAIOLI and Heaphy recruited at least 12 investors to pay a total of at least $1,289,500 for shares of Waters Club stock. One of the victims of the Waters Club scheme was a Connecticut resident who paid $475,000 to Waters Club. FERRAIOLI’s total gain from this scheme was $297,546, and Heaphy’s total gain was $307,658.
FERRAIOLI pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
On August 9, 2017, FERRAIOLI pleaded guilty in New Haven federal court to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and one count of tax evasion stemming from his role in an unrelated stock “pump and dump” scheme. In that scheme, between approximately 2011 and July 2016, FERRAIOLI, Heaphy and others induced investors to purchase securities in shell companies with virtually no legitimate business activities. After the share price of the securities became artificially inflated, certain of FERRAIOLI’s co-conspirators sold their own preexisting positions in the securities at a profit. They then allowed he price of the securities to fall, leaving investors with worthless and unsalable stock. As a result, victim investors lost millions of dollars.
FERRAIOLI and Heaphy began to sell Waters Club securities after they learned that they were under federal investigation for the stock pump and dump scheme in the summer of 2016.
At least six Waters Club victim-investors have also been identified as victims of the earlier stock pump and dump scheme.
Heaphy, 43, of East Moriches, N.Y., previously pleaded guilty to charges stemming from both the stock pump and dump scheme and the Water’s Club investment fraud scheme.
FERRAIOLI and Heaphy are released on bond pending sentencing. Sentencing dates have not been scheduled.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.
El Salvadoran National Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the U.S. after DeportationRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JUAN CARLOS ACOSTA, also known as “Juan Carlos Acosta Santos,” 32, a citizen of El Salvador last residing in Manchester, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to six months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 27, 2006, ACOSTA was convicted in Manchester Superior Court of assault in the first degree and sentenced to one year of imprisonment, time served, and a one-day conditional discharge. On December 11, 2006, he was removed to El Salvador.
In February 2015, ACOSTA was arrested in East Hartford on charges of breach of peace in the second degree and interfering. On April 17, 2015, he was removed to El Salvador without a resolution on the state charges.
In December 2015, ACOSTA was found in the U.S. near Rio Grande Valley, Texas. On December 23, 2015, he was removed to El Salvador.
On February 12, 2017, the Connecticut State Police arrested ACOSTA for assault in the second degree with a weapon, and related misdemeanor offenses.
ACOSTA has been detained since arrest. On November 30, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien.
The state charges against ACOSTA are pending in Rockville Superior Court.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.
Citizen of Ecuador Sentenced to Prison for Reentering U.S. after Being DeportedRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RODOLFO BOLIVAR TEPAN, 38, a citizen of Ecuador last residing in Danbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 19 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2016, TEPAN was sentenced in Danbury Superior Court to 10 years of incarceration, execution suspended, and five years of probation, for risk of injury to a minor. In October 2016, he was deported from the U.S. to Ecuador.
TEPAN illegally reentered the U.S. and, on May 12, 2017, was arrested by Danbury Police for failure to register as a sex offender. He was convicted of the offense and, on July 28, was sentenced in state court to 18 months of incarceration.
TEPAN has been detained since his arrest. On November 29, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of reentry of a removed alien.
Judge Shea ordered TEPAN’s federal sentence to be served concurrently with his state sentence.
This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.
Bridgeport Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking of a MinorRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DARRYL MORRIS, also known as “King Sincere,” 33, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 168 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for sex trafficking of a minor.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in November 2014, MORRIS met a 15-year-old girl who was working in prostitution in New York. Shortly thereafter, MORRIS brought the minor victim to his home in Bridgeport and arranged to have advertisements of her prostitution services posted on Backpage.com. The minor victim then began to see prostitution customers at MORRIS’s residence and gave the money she received to MORRIS. MORRIS also drove the minor victim to other locations in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Washington, D.C., where she saw prostitution customers.
The minor victim worked as a prostitute for MORRIS from November 2014 to April 2015, and from November 2015 to May 2016, seeing approximately 10 customers per day.
MORRIS engaged in sexual activity with the minor victim, and began beating her a few weeks after she arrived in Bridgeport.
On May 2, 2016, investigators found the minor victim at a hotel in East Hartford after she contacted her mother who then called police. MORRIS had recently beaten the minor victim, who had visible scars and signs of physical abuse. She also had a tattoo on the back of her neck with the name “King Sin” underneath a large bar code.
MORRIS has been detained since his arrest on August 16, 2016. On May 12, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of sex trafficking of a minor.
Judge Meyer ordered MORRIS to pay the minor victim restitution of $100,000, which is a conservative estimate of how much money the minor victim earned in prostitution when she was with MORRIS.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bridgeport Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Stratford Police Department and New York Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarala V. Nagala and Stephen B. Reynolds.
Two New Jersey Men Charged with Robbing Killingworth Bank, Attempting to Rob Branford BankRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment today charging LAVON YOUNG, 38, and DAVID C. EARL, 25, both of Union City, New Jersey, with bank robbery offenses.
According to the indictment, on January 27, 2018, YOUNG and EARL first attempted to rob a Key Bank branch in Branford, and then robbed a TD Bank branch on Route 81 in Killingworth of approximately $9,754.
YOUNG and EARL were arrested in East Haven on January 27 and were subsequently charged with multiple state offenses. They have been detained since their arrests.
The indictment charges YOUNG and EARL with one count of attempted bank robbery and one count of bank robbery. Each charge 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police, Branford Police Department and East Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Henry Kopel and Douglas Morabito.
New York Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy Charge Related to Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that THOMAS HEAPHY, Jr., 43, of East Moriches, N.Y., waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to a conspiracy charge stemming from an investment fraud scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this scheme involved the promotion and sale of securities of Waters Club Worldwide, Inc. and Waters Club Holdings, Inc. (collectively, “Waters Club”), which provided yacht charter services to customers. From approximately August 2016 to February 2017, HEAPHY and another promoter solicited prospective investors to purchase shares of Waters Club stock purportedly in advance of an initial public offering (“IPO”). According to HEAPHY and his co-conspirators, Waters Club intended to form a membership-based “time share” club with a fleet of yachts that members jointly owned and could use for yachting vacations.
In pleading guilty, HEAPHY admitted that he and his co-conspirators made certain misrepresentations to prospective investors in Waters Club, including that investors’ money would be used to develop the business and fund the operations of Waters Club, and that HEAPHY and his co-conspirators were being compensated with stock for recruiting investors. In truth, HEAPHY received approximately half of all the money he induced investors in Waters Club to invest. Due in part to the payments to HEAPHY and the other promoter, Waters Club lacked the capital to develop its membership-based club, Waters Club did not pursue an IPO, and the shares purchased by investors were unsalable.
HEAPHY and the other promoter recruited at least 12 investors to pay a total of at least $1,289,500 for shares of Waters Club stock. One of the victims of the Waters Club scheme was a Connecticut resident who paid $475,000 to Waters Club. HEAPHY’s total gain from this scheme was $307,658.
HEAPHY pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
On July 28, 2017, HEAPHY pleaded guilty in New Haven federal court to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and one count of tax evasion stemming from his role in an unrelated stock “pump and dump” scheme. In that scheme, between approximately 2011 and July 2016, HEAPHY and others induced investors to purchase securities in shell companies with virtually no legitimate business activities. After the share price of the securities became artificially inflated, certain of HEAPHY’s co-conspirators sold their own preexisting positions in the securities at a profit. They then allowed he price of the securities to fall, leaving investors with worthless and unsalable stock. As a result, victim investors lost millions of dollars.
HEAPHY began to sell Waters Club securities after he learned that he was under federal investigation for the stock pump and dump scheme in the summer of 2016.
At least six Waters Club victim-investors have also been identified as victims of the earlier stock pump and dump scheme.
A sentencing date has not been scheduled.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.
Former Connecticut Resident Sentenced to Prison for Role in Hartford Soccer Stadium Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MITCHELL ANDERSON, 53, of Bradenton, Florida, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to six months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a fraud scheme involving the redevelopment of Hartford’s Dillon Stadium and a plan to bring a professional soccer team to the city. ANDERSON formerly resided in Avon, Connecticut.
According to court documents and the evidence introduced during the trial ANDERSON’s co-defendant, James C. Duckett, Jr., in September 2014, the City of Hartford entered into a professional services agreement with ANDERSON and his company, Premier Sports Management Group (“PSMG”), to secure a professional soccer team and to develop a new, 9,000-seat facility at the Dillon Stadium location. Under the terms of the agreement, PSMG was entitled to receive $775,000 for serving as the project manager for the $12 million plan. In February 2015, ANDERSON joined with Duckett who agreed to be the majority owner of the professional soccer team. Duckett and ANDERSON represented to various city officials that PSMG and Duckett’s Black Diamond Consulting Group had merged for purposes of completing the Dillon Stadium project and securing the professional soccer team. Duckett represented that he was a former professional football player in the NFL and that Black Diamond was involved in a casino project and sports-related projects in Las Vegas and Atlanta.
Beginning in approximately March 2015, ANDERSON submitted invoices to the city for reimbursement to PSMG subcontractors working on the project. However, rather than pay the total amounts owed to PSMG’s subcontractors, Duckett and ANDERSON directed more than $1 million that PSMG received from the city to themselves, PSMG, Black Diamond, and other entities not related to the Dillon Stadium project. Duckett and ANDERSON also secured invoices from subcontractors who had not performed work for the project, which Duckett and ANDERSON caused to be submitted to the city as if the work had been performed. Duckett and ANDERSON then illegally used the proceeds of the fraud in a series of bank transactions to pay individuals and companies for expenses unrelated to the Dillon Stadium.
The investigation revealed that Duckett used funds that the city provided to PSMG to purchase a Range Rover that cost approximately $120,000, to pay unrelated attorneys’ fees and a $20,000 “finder’s fee” to an individual, and for other personal expenses including luxury clothing and jewelry items.
ANDERSON has agreed to make restitution of more than $1.1 million to the City of Hartford and two subcontractors of the Dillon Stadium project.
ANDERSON and Duckett were arrested on June 23, 2016. On February 6, 2017, ANDERSON pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud and one count of conducting illegal monetary transactions.
ANDERSON, who is released on a $100,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on April 8, 2018.
On July 6, 2017, a jury found Duckett guilty of conspiracy, fraud and money laundering offenses stemming from the scheme. On December 6, Judge Underhill sentenced him to 36 months of imprisonment.
This investigation was conducted by the Connecticut Public Corruption Task Force, notably the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The Task Force also includes members from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The Hartford Police Department assisted the investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Karwan and Douglas Morabito.
Citizens are encouraged to report corruption to the Connecticut Public Corruption Task Force by calling 203-238-0505.
Windsor Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Tax OffenseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CRAIG FRANCIS, also known as Horus Durjaya Bey, 44, of Windsor, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of filing a false tax return.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2009, FRANCIS E-filed a 2008 federal income tax return that listed falsely inflated amounts of both interest income received and taxable income withheld by the government, and requested a fraudulent refund of $255,904. The Internal Revenue Service issued the refund before determining that the tax return was fraudulent, and that FRANCIS was actually entitled to a refund of only $4,073.
FRANCIS spent more than $220,000 within five weeks of receiving the fraudulent refund.
FRANCIS is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on May 17, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years. FRANCIS has agreed that, as of today’s date, he owes restitution to the IRS of $380,448.06, which includes interest and penalties.
FRANCIS was arrested on June 7, 2017, in Kissimmee, Florida. He is released on a $250,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry Kopel.
New York Woman Admits to Embezzling $1.1 Million from Darien Auto DealershipRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that VANESSA VENCE-SMALL, 50, of New Windsor, New York, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to one count of wire fraud arising from an embezzlement scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, VENCE-SMALL was the controller of Felix F. Callari, Inc., doing business as Continental BMW of Darien, an automobile dealership. From October 2014 to June 2017, VENCE-SMALL made 65 unauthorized electronic fund transfers, totaling $904,659.29, from the dealership’s bank account to her personal American Express account. VENCE-SMALL also issued and signed 28 checks drawn on the dealership’s bank account, in the total amount of $207,777.78, to pay various third parties, including credit card companies, contractors who performed work at her residence, and a different dealership from which she purchased a car. She also incurred on company accounts an additional $31,452.08 in unauthorized credit card charges and reimbursements.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for May 24, 2018, at which time VENCE-SMALL faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of up to approximately $2.3 million, and an order of full restitution.
VENCE-SMALL is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, Darien Police Department and Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.
John H. Durham Sworn in as United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, 67, of Groton, was sworn in today as the presidentially appointed United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven.
Mr. Durham has served as the interim U.S. Attorney since October 28, 2017, after U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions signed an order appointing him to the position. President Donald Trump nominated Mr. Durham to serve as U.S. Attorney on November 1, 2017, and the U.S. Senate confirmed his nomination on February 16, 2018.
“I am very honored to serve as Connecticut’s U.S. Attorney and deeply appreciative of all who have supported my nomination,” said U.S. Attorney Durham. “I look forward to continuing to work with the dedicated and skilled people in our office and the brave men and women of our partner law enforcement agencies in the cause of justice for the people of our state and nation.”
Prior to his appointment as U.S. Attorney, Mr. Durham served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in various positions in the District of Connecticut for 35 years, prosecuting complex organized crime, violent crime, public corruption and financial fraud matters.
From 2008 to 2017, Mr. Durham served as Counsel to the U.S. Attorney; from 1994 to 2008, he served as the Deputy U.S. Attorney, and served as the U.S. Attorney in an acting and interim capacity in 1997 and 1998; from 1989 to 1994, he served as Chief of the Office’s Criminal Division, and from 1982 to 1989, he served as an attorney and then supervisor in the New Haven Field Office of the Boston Strike Force in the Justice Department’s Organized Crime and Racketeering Section.
From 2008 to 2012, Mr. Durham also served as the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, where he investigated matters relating to the destruction of certain videotapes by the CIA and the treatment of detainees by the CIA. From 1998 to 2008, Mr. Durham served as a Special Attorney for the District of Massachusetts and Head of the Justice Task Force, where he reviewed alleged criminal conduct by FBI personnel and other law enforcement corruption in Boston, led the prosecution of a former FBI Supervisory Special Agent and a former Massachusetts State Police Lieutenant, and handled direct appeals and related proceedings following convictions after trial.
From 1978 to 1982, Mr. Durham served as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office headed by Arnold Markle, and from 1977 to 1978, he served as a Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney in the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney.
From 1975 to 1977, Mr. Durham worked as a Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA) on the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana.
Mr. Durham graduated, with honors, from Colgate University in 1972 and the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1975.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut and representing the federal government in civil litigation. As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Durham supervises a staff of approximately 68 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and approximately 57 staff members at offices in New Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport.
Mr. Durham is the 52nd U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut, an office that was established in 1789.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Threatening Judge, Lying to Federal InvestigatorsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DUSAN MLADEN, also known as David Mladen, 63, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for threatening a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge and lying to federal law enforcement officers investigating the crime. Judge Meyer also ordered MLADEN to pay a $20,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, MLADEN was a litigant in a proceeding pending before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the District of Connecticut, captioned In re: Eternal Enterprise, Inc. MLADEN formerly owned Eternal Enterprise, Inc., which owns several residential apartment properties in Hartford, and he had continued to be active in the management and decision making for the company while it was in bankruptcy.
On July 5, 2017, the judge presiding over the Eternal Enterprise matter discovered in the mailbox of her residence an anonymous handwritten note containing the phrases “BACK OFF,” “YOU ARE OVERSTEPPING AUTHORITY” and “JUST WARNING FOR NOW.”
On July 10, the judge received a phone call that had been placed to her home phone number. During the call, the caller stated that he had visited the judge’s house last week and “I left a message for you.” He said that he wanted her to file an order tomorrow “extending the deadline to September 30,” and “then maybe everything will be ok.” Although the caller refused to identify himself, the judge recognized the voice as MLADEN’s. The U.S. Marshals Service subsequently confirmed that the cell phone used to make the call was at a location in the vicinity of MLADEN’s residence, and that it had been purchased by MLADEN under a fictitious name.
On July 11, deputy U.S. Marshals interviewed MLADEN at his residence. During the conversation, MLADEN denied having gone to the judge’s house the previous week and having called the judge on July 10, and he stated that he did not have the judge’s phone number. Each of these statements was false. Pursuant to a court-authorized search of MLADEN’s car, the U.S. Marshals discovered that the judge’s home address was programmed into the defendant’s GPS unit.
The investigation also revealed that MLADEN had a gun with him when he delivered the threatening note to the judge’s home.
MLADEN has been detained since his arrest on July 11, 2017. On October 13, he pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement to a federal law enforcement agent.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Correction. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Nardini.
Bristol Man Sentenced to 42 Months in Prison for Distributing Drugs that Contributed to Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT DEWAYNE WATKINS, also known as “D,” 42, of Bristol, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 42 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing narcotics that contributed to an overdose death last year.
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 18, 2017, Canton Police responded to a suspected overdose incident at a Collinsville restaurant and encountered an unresponsive 29-year-old male. After unsuccessful resuscitation efforts, the victim was pronounced deceased. The investigation, which included witness interviews and analysis of the victim’s cellphone, revealed that the victim purchased heroin and crack cocaine from WATKINS shortly before his death. Some of the heroin contained fentanyl.
WATKINS has been detained since his arrest on July 25, 2017. On November 8, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin and cocaine base (“crack”).
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and the Canton Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.
Bridgeport Man Admits Robbing 5 Connecticut BanksRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRYCE ALEXANDER LAISTER, 25, formerly of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of armed bank robbery and admitted that he robbed a total of five Connecticut banks between November 2016 and June 2017.
According to court documents and statements made in court, LAISTER robbed the Webster Bank at 314 Merwin Avenue in Milford on November 30, 2016; the Key Bank at 133 East Main Street in Plainville on April 7, 2017; the Key Bank at 1328 Boston Post Road in Westbrook on May 5, 2017; the People’s United Bank located inside the Stop and Shop at 898 Bridgeport Avenue in Shelton on May 30, 2017, and the People’s United Bank located inside the Stop and Shop at 112 Amity Road in New Haven on June 10, 2017.
During the Shelton robbery, LAISTER brandished a pistol, and during the Plainville and Westbrook robberies, LAISTER threatened to kill or shoot bank employees if they did not comply with his demands.
LAISTER was located and arrested in Stratford on June 15, 2017, after he engaged in a two-hour standoff with local and federal law enforcement officers. At the time of his arrest, LAISTER possessed a .380 caliber pistol and a magazine loaded with two bullets. A subsequent search one of LAISTER’s vehicles revealed clothing he wore during the robbery on June 10, a makeup kit he used to disguise his features, and a Stop and Shop circular.
LAISTER is scheduled to be sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello on May 17, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 25 years. He has been detained since his arrest.
This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, Connecticut State Police and the Milford, Plainville, Shelton, New Haven and Stratford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.
Norwich Man Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison for Distributing Oxycodone, Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RODNEY T. MORGAN, 48, of Norwich, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 51 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing oxycodone, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 23, 2010, Judge Chatigny sentenced MORGAN to 49 months of imprisonment, followed by six years of supervised release, for distributing oxycodone, cocaine and crack cocaine. MORGAN was released from prison in July 2013 and began serving his six-year term of supervised release.
In October 2016, the Norwich Police Department received information that MORGAN was receiving large shipments of prescription pills and kept a supply of the narcotics at a friend’s residence in Stonington. On October 12, 2016, detectives stopped MORGAN’s car after he drove away from the Stonington residence. A search of the car revealed more than 100 oxycodone pills. Detectives subsequently located more than 300 oxycodone pills inside the residence.
MORGAN has been detained since his arrest on October 12, 2016. On January 5, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute oxycodone. On that date, he also admitted that he violated the terms of his supervised release.
This is MORGAN’s third federal conviction.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah P. Karwan and Anthony P. Kaplan.
New Haven Man Sentenced to Prison for Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE MEDINA, also known as “Tito,” 48, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three 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 MEDINA, in New Haven and elsewhere.
The investigation resulted in federal charges against 24 individuals.
On October 18, 2017, MEDINA pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 100 grams or more of heroin.
Judge Meyer ordered MEDINA, who is released on bond, to report to prison on March 23, 2018.
Bienvenido Gonzalez and Antonio Gonzalez have pleaded guilty to related charges and await 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.
Citizen of El Salvador Sentenced to 42 Months for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MIGUEL LARA, 47, a citizen of El Salvador last residing in Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 42 months of imprisonment for trafficking cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in September 2016, the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force began an investigation into the cocaine trafficking activities of Christian Paulino Rodriguez. The investigation revealed that Rodriguez’s cocaine supplier was LARA, the co-owner of Café Luna, a restaurant in Stamford. In November 2016, an individual working with law enforcement arranged to purchase five kilograms of cocaine from Rodriguez for a price of $28,000 per kilogram. On November 15, 2016, Task Force officers arrested LARA and Rodriguez after LARA delivered the cocaine to a prearranged location.
LARA has been detained since his arrest. On November 27, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Rodriguez, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty to the same charge on July 18, 2017. On November 21, he was sentenced to 42 months imprisonment.
LARA and Rodriguez face immigration proceedings when they are released from prison.
This matter was investigated by the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Stamford and Norwalk Police Departments. The case was prosecuted Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Vizcarrondo.
Windsor Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Tax Charge Arising from $190,000 Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that REBECCA BLOCK, 43, of Windsor, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to a federal tax offense stemming from an embezzlement scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, BLOCK was employed by PG Life Planning Associates, Inc. in West Hartford. Between 2010 and 2013, BLOCK stole from the company by issuing checks payable to herself and depositing those checks into her personal bank account. She concealed the embezzlement from her employer by disguising the payments in PG Life’s internal accounting records as legitimate business expenses. BLOCK embezzled approximately $190,399 over the approximately four-year period, and failed to report a total of $42,004 in income taxes on her 2010 through 2013 federal tax returns.
BLOCK pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years. Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for May 22, 2018.
BLOCK has agreed to make restitution in amount of $190,399 to PG Life, and $42,004, plus applicable interest and penalties, to the IRS.
BLOCK is released on a $40,000 bond pending sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Stratford Woman Sentenced to 41 Months in Federal Prison for Role in 2 Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on February 16, 2018, RACHAEL ALEXANDER, also known as Rachael Vierling, 40, of Stratford, was sentenced 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 two fraud schemes.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the first scheme involved the theft of postal money orders. ALEXANDER and her husband, Marc Anthony Alexander, devised a scheme to steal blocks of blank postal money orders from the U.S. Post Office in Old Greenwich. The Alexanders and others then imprinted the money orders with various denominations using a computer font designed to make them appear to be authentic. The Alexanders recruited Bernard Harris, of Bridgeport, into the scheme to organize others to cash the money orders, or deposit them into numerous bank accounts, either at an ATM or at a teller window. Harris recruited at least five individuals and paid them a portion of the proceeds. He then turned the bulk of the money over to the Alexanders. The Alexanders compensated Harris by giving him additional money orders that he cashed and converted to his own use.
The loss from this scheme was $313,570.
The second scheme involved the fraudulent sale of financed vehicles. In this scheme, the Alexanders took straw buyers to various car dealerships and had them fill out financing paperwork to buy high-end cars. Typically, the Alexanders would take the car and the straw buyers would sign a power of attorney form to allow them to obtain a new title for it. The Alexanders would then contact the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles and claim that the title had been lost and they needed a replacement title. At the DMV, they would present a fake letter from the car financing company stating that the loan had been paid off in full. After they received a new title, the Alexanders would sell the car to another dealer. The original car loans were not paid and went into default.
The straw buyers financed more than $1 million in fraudulent car loans during the course of this scheme.
The investigation revealed that the Alexanders used the money they stole to acquire a large number of luxury goods.
Judge Arterton ordered Rachael Alexander to pay restitution in the total amount of $443,807.97.
Marc Alexander, Rachael Alexander and Bernard Harris were arrested on April 26, 2016.
On January 17, 2017, Marc Alexander and Rachael Alexander each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud stemming from the postal money order scheme, and one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud stemming from the vehicle scheme.
On April 11, 2017, Marc Alexander was sentenced to 96 months of imprisonment.
Harris pleaded guilty to one to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud stemming from the postal money order scheme, and one count of wire fraud stemming from a separate fraudulent check scheme. On January 16, 2018, he was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment.
Rachael Alexander, who is released on bond, was ordered to report to prison on April 18.
This investigation was conducted by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force¸ U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Westport Police Department and Greenwich Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
Former Head on Enfield Community Development Corporation Charged with Stealing Government FundsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Enfield Police Chief Carl Sferrazza today announced that DARRIN LAMORE, 47, of Enfield, has been charged by a federal criminal complaint with stealing government funds from the Enfield Community Development Corporation.
On February 16, 2018, LAMORE appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis in New Haven and was released on a $25,000 bond.
As alleged in court documents, LAMORE was the executive director of the Enfield Community Development Corporation (“ECDC”), a non-profit corporation that oversees economic development projects in Enfield, primarily in the Thompsonville section of the town. The ECDC is supported with federal funds administered by the State of Connecticut. From June 2012 to October 2015, LAMORE conspired with an employee of the Town of Enfield to falsify invoices and divert funds intended for economic development in Enfield and apply them to LAMORE’s salary. Through this scheme, LAMORE stole more than $95,000 from the ECDC.
The complaint charges LAMORE with theft from a program receiving federal funds, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Connecticut Public Corruption Task Force, notably the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Enfield Police Department. The Task Force also includes members from the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Liam Brennan.
Citizens are encouraged to report corruption to the Connecticut Public Corruption Task Force by calling 203-238-0505.
Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Trafficking and Immigration ChargesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUIS PALACIOS ORTIZ, 44, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to cocaine trafficking and immigration offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 13, 2017, the Connecticut State Police stopped a car that PALACIOS ORTIZ was driving on I-84 East near Waterbury. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed approximately 4.5 kilograms of cocaine.
PALACIOS ORTIZ, who did not possess a valid driver’s license, had been previously deported from the U.S.
PALACIOS ORTIZ pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, and one count of reentry of a removed alien, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Under the terms of a binding plea agreement, if accepted by the court, the parties have agreed that a term of imprisonment of 60 months is an appropriate sentence in this case.
Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for May 14, 2018.
PALACIOS ORTIZ has been detained since February 13, 2017.
This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
Citizen of Mexico Sentenced for Illegally Reentering the U.S.Read the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that VICTOR MANUEL AGUILAR CAMACHO, 39, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to approximately five months of imprisonment, time already served, for illegally reentering the United States after being deported.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in September 2013, the Willimantic Police Department arrested AGUILAR CAMACHO after a domestic violence incident. The victim reported to police that AGUILAR CAMACHO, against whom the victim had obtained a protective order, had hid outside of her home, forced his way inside and assaulted her.
On March 11, 2014, AGUILAR CAMACHO pleaded guilty to violation of a protective order and strangulation in the second degree, and was sentenced to five years of incarceration, execution suspended, and three years of probation. He was removed to Mexico in September 2014.
AGUILAR CAMACHO illegally reentered the U.S. and returned to Connecticut. In September 2017, he was spotted outside the home of the victim.
AGUILAR CAMACHO has been detained in federal custody since October 5, 2017. On November 20, he pleaded guilty to one count of reentry of a removed alien.
At the conclusion of today’s court proceeding, AGUILAR CAMACHO was taken into ICE custody and will be removed to Mexico.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alina Reynolds.
Bridgeport Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that TYEVHON KING, also known as “Twin,” 30, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, KING was a member of a Bridgeport-based heroin trafficking organization that, between approximately April 2015 and March 2017, received at least 30 kilograms of heroin that had been transported from Mexico, and then distributed the drug in the Bridgeport area. The investigation, which included multiple controlled purchases of heroin from KING, revealed that KING regularly received a total of more than three kilograms of heroin, which he distributed to his own customers.
During the investigation, investigators seized vehicles owned by KING that contained “traps,” typically used to conceal narcotics and other contraband.
On March 16, 2017, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging KING and six other individuals with heroin trafficking and related offenses.
KING has been detained since his arrest on March 24, 2017. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on May 10, at which time he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years maximum term of imprisonment of life.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, and Bridgeport Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Vizcarrondo and Alina Reynolds.
Norwalk Man Sentenced to Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RYAN S. ROZYCKI, 41, of Norwalk, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to six months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for tax evasion. Judge Shea also ordered ROZYCKI to pay a $50,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, ROZYCKI owns and operates bangthebook.com, a sports gaming information website, as well as other website businesses and rental properties. For the 2009 through 2014 tax years, ROZYCKI reported more than $1.6 million in gross receipts on his federal income tax returns, but failed to report more than $1.1 million in taxable income, which he had deposited into his personal bank accounts. ROZYCKI had worked with an accountant to prepare his tax returns, but did not provide his accountant with any information regarding his personal accounts and the business receipts that had been deposited into them.
As a result, ROZYCKI failed to pay more than $300,000 in federal income taxes.
ROZYCKI has paid full restitution of $336,780 to the IRS. He also will be required to pay interest and penalties.
On September 20, 2017, ROZYCKI pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion.
Judge Shea ordered ROZYCKI, who is released on a $100,000 bond, to report to prison on April 30, 2018.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 40 Months in Federal Prison for Distributing Heroin and CrackRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KHADAFI CASTRO, 40, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 40 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between March and August 2017, investigators made eight controlled purchases of heroin, fentanyl and/or crack cocaine from CASTRO on Hungerford Street in Hartford. During the last three drug sales, all of which occurred in August 2017, CASTRO was assisted by his associate, Todd Peters.
CASTRO has been detained since his arrest on August 14, 2017. On November 20, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin and cocaine base (“crack”).
CASTRO has a criminal history that spans more than 20 years and includes 11 felony convictions, including convictions for sexual assault, criminal weapon possession, and drug trafficking. He was on state probation while engaged in the drug trafficking activity that led to this federal conviction.
Peters, of Hartford, pleaded guilty on November 16, 2017. He awaits sentencing.
This matter was investigated by the Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc H. Silverman.
Hartford Man Sentenced to Prison for Distributing Heroin and Fentanyl to Rocky Hill Overdose VictimRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDWIN ESCRIBANO, also known as “Bebo,” 26, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and fentanyl to an overdose victim 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 September 14, 2016, Rocky Hill Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a restaurant on a report of a male who had overdosed and was not breathing. The male, who was 29 years old, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Officers seized drug and non-drug evidence, including a cellophane tourniquet and syringe in the restaurant bathroom that ultimately tested positive for the presence of heroin and fentanyl. The investigation, which included analysis of the victim’s and ESCRIBANO’s cellphones, revealed that ESCRIBANO had provided the drugs to the victim shortly before the victim’s death.
Analysis of ESCRIBANO’s cellphone revealed thousands of text messages pertaining to his heroin trafficking activity between June 2016 and May 2017.
ESCRIBANO was arrested on federal criminal complaint on May 30, 2017. On November 14, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of fentanyl and heroin.
ESCRIBANO, who is released on bond, was ordered to report to prison on March 13.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Rocky Hill Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Lauren Clark.
FBI New Haven Task Force Investigation Results in Crack and Oxycodone Charges against 19 IndividualsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and New Haven Police Chief Anthony Campbell today announced that a grand jury in New Haven returned a 30-count indictment yesterday charging 19 individuals with federal narcotics offenses related to the distribution of crack cocaine and oxycodone in and around New Haven.
According to allegations made in court, in June 2017, the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force initiated an investigation into a New Haven drug trafficking organization headed by Jermayne Butler. The investigation, which included physical surveillance, 13 controlled purchases of narcotics, and court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones, revealed that Butler and others were distributing crack cocaine and oxycodone in the New Haven area.
Charged in the indictment are:
JERMAYNE BUTLER, a.k.a. “Main,” “Main Live” and “Liver,” 36, of New Haven
TYRESE HARGROVE, a.k.a. “T.Y.,” 36, of New Haven
DEQUEISHA SLEDGE, a.k.a. “Queish” and “Shontay,” 35, of New Haven
TORRENCE GAMBLE, a.k.a. “Bones” and “Bone,” 44, of New Haven
RONNIE GORDON, a.k.a. “Pop,” 36, of New Haven
ANTHONY MCBRIDE, a.k.a. “Moto,” 49, of New Haven
JOEY FULLER, 28, of New Haven
MALCOLM NEWTON, a.k.a. “Biggie,” 23, of New Haven
MARQUIS PARKER, 25, of New Haven
MARVIN SPRUILL, a.k.a. “Marv,” 25, of West Haven
MILTON VEREEN, a.k.a. “M.D.,” 38, of New Haven
RASHAAN WOOLFOLK, a.k.a. “Booka,” 26, of West Haven
HUSAIN REDMOND, a.k.a. “Pullie,” 37, of West Haven
ROBERT THOMPSON, a.k.a. “Bobby D” and “Bobby Diesel,” 49, of New Haven
CHAUNCEY EVANS, a.k.a. “Chaos,” 45, of New Haven
CARNELL EDWARDS, 47, of Bridgeport
OSVALDO SAEZ, 30, of New Haven
ZARKEE SANDERS, 40, of HamdenOn February 6, 2018, investigators arrested all of the defendants with the exception of Tyrese Hargrove, Anthony McBride and Chauncy Evans, who were already incarcerated in state custody. One defendant is still being sought.
In association with the arrests, investigators conducted court-authorized searches of seven properties in New Haven and Hamden and seized seven firearms, ammunition, approximately 100 grams of crack cocaine, and approximately $14,000 in cash.
The indictment charges Butler, Gamble and Sanders with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”). If convicted of this charge, the defendants face a minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
Hargrove, Sledge, Gordon, McBride, Fuller, Newton, Parker, Spruill, Redmond, Evans, Edwards and Saez are charged with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 28 grams or more of cocaine base. If convicted of this charge, the defendants face a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years. Woolfook is charged with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, a quantity of cocaine base, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Butler, Hargrove, Sledge, Spruill, Vereen and Thompson are charged with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, oxycodone, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
In addition, the indictment charges each of the defendants with one of more counts of possession and/or distribution of crack cocaine and/or oxycodone.
U.S. Attorney Durham noted that the investigation is ongoing, and some of the defendants may face additional charges related to the firearms that were seized at the time of their arrests.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, which includes members from the New Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, West Haven Police Department and Connecticut Department of Correction.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick F. Caruso and David C. Nelson.
Hartford Man Arrested for Sex Trafficking a MinorRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut announced that CHRISTOPHER HAMLETT, also known as “Cadi” and “Cadillac Black,” 24, of Hartford, was arrested today on a criminal complaint charging him with sex trafficking of a minor.
HAMLETT appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford. He is detained pending a detention hearing that is scheduled for February 15.
As alleged in court documents, between August and November 2017, HAMLETT coerced a minor victim to engage in prostitution at Hartford area hotels. In an interview with law enforcement, the victim stated that, in the beginning, HAMLETT gave the victim a percentage of the money she earned through prostitution. After that, she stated, “he took all of my money” and, if she complained, he said “It’s business. I have things that cost money. Just do as you’re told or I can make you disappear. No one is going to look for you.”
It is further alleged that HAMLETT advertised the victim’s prostitution services on online websites, including Backpage.com.
If convicted of the charge of sex trafficking of a minor, HAMLETT faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Hartford Police Department, through the Connecticut Human Trafficking Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by AUSAs Sarala V. Nagala and Nancy V. Gifford.
Oregon Man Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Trafficking MarijuanaRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN G. KOUKOURAS, 40, of Eugene, Oregon, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking marijuana. Judge Arterton also ordered KOUKOURAS to pay a $4,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the summer of 2017, KOUKOURAS and William Reyes, of Stamford, utilized a residence located at 40 Guernsey Hill Road in Lagrangeville, New York, to grow, process and distribute marijuana. On July 26, 2017, investigators executed a federal search warrant at the Lagrangeville residence and seized approximately 140 marijuana plants and equipment used to grow, process and distribute marijuana.
On September 14, 2017, KOUKOURAS was arrested at 720 Brookside Drive in Eugene. On that date, investigators searched the residence and seized approximately 50 marijuana plants and equipment used to grow and process marijuana.
The investigation also revealed that Reyes was being supplied with large quantities of marijuana by Gustavo Garcia, of Queens, New York. In July 2017, Garcia delivered approximately 40 pounds of marijuana to Reyes in exchange for approximately $80,000.
On November 15, 2017, KOUKOURAS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana.
Judge Arterton ordered KOUKOURAS to report to prison on March 13, 2018. He is released on a $25,000 bond.
Reyes and Garcia have pleaded guilty to related charges and await sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Stamford Police Department and New York State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Sarala V. Nagala.
Norwich Man Sentenced to More Than 8 Years in Federal Prison for Gun and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAMAEL ARTIS, also known as “Rah,” 36, of Norwich, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 106 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for gun and drug offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 15, 2016, a court-authorized search of ARTIS’ Norwich apartment revealed approximately 50 grams of heroin, a quantity of cocaine, and items used to process and package narcotics for street sale.
The investigation revealed that between July 2015 and March 2016, ARTIS obtained four handguns by trading heroin for each firearm.
ARTIS has been detained since his arrest on March 15, 2016. On October 4, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
ARTIS’s criminal history includes felony convictions for firearm, narcotics, robbery and larceny offenses.
This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Safe Streets Task Force, and the Town of Groton, Norwich and Waterford Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.
2 New York Men Sentenced for Credit Card FraudRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that two New York men have been sentenced in New Haven federal court for their roles in a credit card fraud scheme.
On February 5, Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall sentenced YANG-SHI LIN, 31, of Flushing, to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release. Today, Chief Judge Hall sentenced MEI BAO LU, 31, of Flushing, to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2014 and September 2015, LU was the ringleader of a group of individuals from New York that engaged in counterfeit credit card transactions at retail stores along the East Coast. 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. 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 collectively used 120 counterfeit credit cards, issued by 18 victim financial institutions, to make a total of approximately $179,000 in fraudulent purchases. Investigators discovered an additional 333 stolen card numbers on thumb drives belonging to LU and LIN that had not been used at the time of their arrests.
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.
A federal arrest warrant for LU was issued on August 18, 2015. LU was arrested on September 3, 2016, in West Virginia, after he and three other individuals were caught buying gift cards and merchandise with counterfeit credit cards at a mall in Barboursville, West Virginia. On February 17, 2017, LU pleaded guilty to one count of access device fraud and aiding and abetting.
LIN was arrested on August 20, 2015, and pleaded guilty to the same charge on June 22, 2017.
LU and LIN, who are released on bond, were ordered to report to prison on March 7, 2018.
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 matter was investigated 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 was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
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 BYRON ELLIOTT VAUGHN, 31, of Waterbury, with violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
The indictment was returned on November 30, 2017. VAUGHN appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2009, VAUGHN was convicted in the Commonwealth of Virginia of rape. He was sentenced to 10 years of incarceration, suspended after serving two years, and 15 years of probation. VAUGHN also was required to comply with lifetime sex offender registration requirements.
It is alleged that VAUGHN failed to update his sexual offender registration in Virginia, failed to advise Virginia of his change of residence to Connecticut, and failed to register in Connecticut as a sex offender when he moved to Connecticut and applied for employment in Waterbury in November 2016.
On August 9, 2017, the U.S. Marshals Service located and arrested VAUGHN in Waterbury on a violation of probation warrant that was issued in Virginia in December 2015. He has been detained since his arrest.
If convicted of the offense, VAUGHN 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.
Former Meriden Resident Sentenced to Prison for Stealing from EmployerRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that YOLANDA SILVERIO, 54, of Austin, Texas, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 10 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for theft in connection with health care. Judge Bryant also ordered SILVERIO to perform 150 hours of community service.
According to court documents and statements made in court, SILVERIO, who formerly resided in Meriden, was employed as an Eligibility Coordinator for a Connecticut company that administers trust funds for public and private sector health benefit plans. As Eligibility Coordinator, SILVERIO received checks from individual participants in a particular health plan as payment for their union-related health benefits. Between May 2013 and July 2014, SILVERIO deposited 49 benefit checks totaling $35,461.34 into her own bank accounts.
In 2004, SILVERIO was convicted in federal court for embezzling more than $105,000 from two Connecticut businesses by forging signatures on business checks and was sentenced to 10 months of imprisonment, with five months to serve in home detention with electronic monitoring. SILVERIO’s supervised release was subsequently revoked and she was sentenced to an additional six months of imprisonment for failure to make a required lump sum restitution payment and for material misrepresentations to her probation officer.
Judge Bryant ordered SILVERIO to pay restitution in the amount of $35,461.34, and to notify any future employers in writing of her two prior fraud convictions.
SILVERIO pleaded guilty on February 24, 2017.
SILVERIO, who is released on a $15,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on March 26, 2018.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of the Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Labor – Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Boston Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan L. Wines.
Colorado Attorney Admits Role in Stock "Pump and Dump" SchemeRead the Press Release
John H, Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DIANE DALMY, 63, of Denver, Colorado, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of conspiracy stemming from her role in a securities fraud scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, DALMY, an attorney, performed securities-related legal work on behalf of several public companies, including Mammoth Energy Group, Inc., a company that later became known as Strategic Asset Leasing Inc.; and Fox Petroleum, Inc. (the “Subject Companies”). Between approximately January 2009 and July 2016, DALMY conspired with others, including William Lieberman, of Boca Raton, Florida, and Christian Meissenn, of Suffield, Connecticut, to defraud investors through a stock “pump and dump” scheme. During the course of the conspiracy, DALMY acted largely at Lieberman’s direction.
As part of the scheme, Lieberman, Meissenn and others induced investors to purchase securities by making false and misleading representations in calls, emails and press releases concerning the securities and the issuing companies, thereby causing the price of those securities to become falsely inflated. The issuing companies, which were essentially shell companies with virtually no legitimate business activities, were controlled by Lieberman and others. After the hype led to artificially-inflated share prices for the company’s stock, Lieberman, Meissenn and others sold their own large positions in the stock at a profit. They then ended the promotion and allowed the share price to plummet, leaving investors holding worthless and unsalable stock. As a result, victim investors lost millions of dollars.
DALMY participated in the conspiracy by writing, and permitting Lieberman to write in her name, fraudulent opinion letters that were used to unrestrict the co-conspirators’ stock so that the stock could be freely traded on the open market (without having to register the stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission). The opinion letters were materially false in various respects, including as to whether the issuing company was a shell company, whether the shareholder was an affiliate of the issuer, whether the transactions described in the letters actually had occurred, and whether DALMY had performed the due diligence that she described in the letters. DALMY also ghost-wrote similarly fraudulent opinion letters for the Subject Companies in another Colorado attorney’s name and permitted Lieberman to do so. These included “adequacy” letters that were posted on a website maintained by an electronic securities marketplace. In general, an “adequacy” letter, which is intended to be relied upon by investors in making investment decisions, accompanies a public filing by an issuer and states that, after appropriate investigation, it is the authoring attorney’s opinion that adequate current information about the issuer is publicly available for investors to review.
At times, DALMY provided the co-conspirators with capital by advancing money from her Lawyer Trust Account (“IOLTA”). These funds belonged to other clients of DALMY’s law practice who did not know that their funds had been advanced to the co-conspirators by DALMY.
Finally, between February 2015 and July 2016, DALMY laundered a portion of the proceeds of the scheme on behalf of the Co-Conspirators. DALMY helped Lieberman to incorporate and open bank accounts for a private company, Queen Asia Pacific Ltd. (“Queen Asia”), which was controlled by Lieberman. These bank accounts were used to receive proceeds of the scheme from a brokerage account in Queen Asia’s name. DALMY periodically received money in Queen Asia’s bank accounts, transferred those funds to her IOLTA, and then transferred the funds again to Lieberman, Meissenn, and their network of stock promoters. In total, DALMY laundered approximately $825,000 on behalf of the co-conspirators through Queen Asia’s bank accounts and her IOLTA.
DALMY’s total gain from her participation in this conspiracy, and related legal work for the Subject Companies, was approximately $30,000.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for May 2, 2018, at which time DALMY faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. DALMY is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentenced.
Lieberman, Meissenn and four other individuals have pleaded guilty to various offenses stemming from this scheme.
On January 20, 2017, Corey Brinson, a Hartford-based attorney, was sentenced to 36 months of imprisonment and, on September 27, 2017, Damian Delgado, also known as “Michael Neumann,” of Orlando, Florida, was sentenced to 84 months of imprisonment. Meissenn, Lieberman, Brian Ferraioli, of Sayville, N.Y., and Thomas Heaphy, Jr., of East Moriches, N.Y., await sentencing.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Connecticut Department of Banking and the Hartford and Stamford Police Departments. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.
Citizens with information that may be helpful to this ongoing investigation, or who believe they may have been victimized by this scheme, are encouraged to contact the FBI at (203) 777-6311.
Citizen of Ecuador Charged with Illegally Reentering U.S., Failing to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on February 1, 2018, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging ENRIQUE FAJARDO MARIN, 39, a citizen of Ecuador recently residing in Danbury, with one count of illegally reentering the U.S., and one count of violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
FAJARDO appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2011, FAJARDO was convicted in Danbury Superior Court of illegal sexual contact with a minor and risk of injury. He was sentenced to 18 years of incarceration, execution suspended after 10 years, with 20 years of probation. FAJARDO also was required to register as a sex offender for a period of 10 years.
On February 6, 2016, FAJARDO was deported from the U.S. to Ecuador.
On June 28, 2017, FAJARDO was arrested in Worcester, Massachusetts. It is alleged that he had illegally reentered the U.S. and had been residing in the Danbury area as early as May 1, 2017. It is further alleged that FAJARDO had failed to register as a sex offender in Connecticut.
FAJARDO has been detained since his arrest.
If convicted, FAJARDO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years for illegally reentering the U.S., and a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years for failing to register as a sex offender.
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 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the U.S. Marshals Service, with the assistance of Connecticut State Parole. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.
Two Men Charged in ATM "Jackpotting" SchemeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ALEX ALBERTO FAJIN-DIAZ, 31, a citizen of Spain, and ARGENYS RODRIGUEZ, 21, of Springfield, Massachusetts, have been charged by federal criminal complaint with bank fraud stemming from an alleged ATM “jackpotting” scheme.
FAJIN-DIAZ and RODRIGUEZ were arrested on related state charges on January 27. They appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford and are detained.
According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement agencies and ATM manufacturers have been investigating malware attacks on ATM machines in Connecticut and elsewhere. In a scheme commonly referred to as “jackpotting,” individuals use malware that is designed to cause an ATM to eject all of the U.S. currency contained in the machine. As part of the scheme, individuals dressed as legitimate repair technicians install malware on an ATM. Other individuals then proceed to extract all of the cash from the ATM.
As alleged in the criminal complaint, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies have been investigating recent jackpotting attacks on ATMs in Hamden and Guilford, as well as Providence, Rhode Island. On January 27, 2018, Citizens Bank investigators contacted police after they observed what appeared to be an attack on an ATM in Cromwell. On that date, Cromwell Police encountered FAJIN-DIAZ and RODRIGUEZ near an ATM that had been compromised with jackpotting malware and was in the process of dispensing $20 bills. A search of FAJIN-DIAZ and RODRIGUEZ’s vehicle, which had a license plate that was assigned to another vehicle, revealed tools and electronic devices consistent with items needed to compromise an ATM machine to dispense its cash contents. FAJI-DIAZ and RODRIGUEZ also possessed more than $9,000 in $20 bills.
The charge of bank fraud carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Connecticut Computer Crimes Task Force, U.S. Secret Service, Connecticut State Police, Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, Middlesex State’s Attorney’s Office. Cromwell Police Department, Middletown Police Department, Greenwich Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
Hamden Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Drug Distribution and Money Laundering OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WAYNE BRADBURY, 33, of Hamden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by six years of supervised release, for drug distribution and money laundering offenses.
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 January 3, 2016, a 22-year-old male purchased 30 40-milligram oxycodone pills from Tahir Farid in exchange for $900. On January 5, 2016, after consuming some of those pills, as well as other substances, the victim was found unresponsive at a friend’s residence in Weston. He remains in a coma with no brain activity and, according to medical personnel, is in a “persistent vegetative state.”
The investigation revealed that, prior to the victim’s overdose, BRADBURY supplied oxycodone pills and marijuana to 19-year-old Ryan Looney who sold the oxycodone pills to Farid, who then distributed a portion of them to the 22-year-old victim. According to investigators, BRADBURY had been supplying Looney with drugs on credit and had Looney repay him by depositing cash into BRADBURY’s back account. BRADBURY then withdrew the cash at ATMs to pay his drug supplier.
On July 18, 2017, BRADBURY pleaded guilty to one count of distributing oxycodone and marijuana to an individual under 21 years of age, and one count of money laundering.
Judge Chatigny ordered BRADBURY to begin serving this federal sentence after he completes a state sentence for unrelated firearm offenses.
Farid and Looney, both of Hamden, each previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, oxycodone. On November 30, 2016, Farid was sentenced to six months of imprisonment. Looney awaits sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, U.S. Marshals Service, Weston Police Department and Monroe Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Clark.
Citizen of Mexico Pleads Guilty to Heroin Trafficking and Immigration OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on February 2, ONEL ARANA-GERVACIO, also known as “Arana Ricardo Leon Cepeda,” 44, a citizen of Mexico last residing in Houston, Texas, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to heroin trafficking and immigration offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 21, 2016, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office in Alabama conducted a motor vehicle stop of a car hauler that was carrying a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. A search of the Malibu, which was registered to ARANA, revealed that it contained a hidden compartment (“trap”), which is commonly used to conceal and transport illegal contraband, including narcotics, firearms and currency. Law enforcement officials obtained court authorization to install tracking devices on the vehicle and, between October 2016 and January 2017, HSI agents observed it at various locations in Connecticut and Rhode Island.
On January 17, 2017, agents located the vehicle at 1091 Maple Avenue in Hartford. On January 20, surveillance officers observed activity on another vehicle located at the Maple Avenue residence consistent with manipulating a mechanical hidden compartment. Officers then observed ARANA placing two duffel bags into that second vehicle and then driving off. At approximately 8:30 p.m., a Hartford Police cruiser pulled the car over. The vehicle also contained a hidden trap, but a search revealed no contraband.
A subsequent search of 1091 Maple Avenue revealed more than six kilograms of heroin, approximately 500 grams of cocaine and a “finger press,” which is used to process bulk quantities of heroin into 10-gram-bags known as “fingers.” Agents also seized drug distribution materials, including sifters, grinders, scales, vacuum sealers and kilo wrappers, which were coated in heroin residue and field-tested positive for the presence of fentanyl.
Agents then searched the Malibu, which was located in the garage of 1091 Maple Avenue, and recovered approximately $260,000 in cash from inside the trap.
Laboratory testing of the seized heroin revealed that some of it contained fentanyl.
The investigation revealed that in October 2013, a U.S. Border Patrol agent encountered ARANA near Hidalgo, Texas, and determined that ARANA had unlawfully entered the U.S. from Mexico. He was removed to Mexico on November 2, 2013.
ARANA pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, one kilogram or more of heroin, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life. He also pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of two years. Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for May 1, 2018.
ARANA has been detained since his arrest on January 20, 2017.
This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Hartford Police Department and the Connecticut State Police, with the assistance of the Baldwin County (Ala.) Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Gustafson and David T. Huang.
New Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT EPPS, 25, of New Haven, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 28, 2017, EPPS participated in the sale of a stolen Smith and Wesson .223 caliber semi-automatic rifle and two rifle magazines containing a total of 39 rounds of .223 caliber ammunition. On that date, EPPS transported the rifle and ammunition to a parking lot in New Haven. He then removed the firearm and ammunition from the trunk of his vehicle and handed the items to another person who, in turn, handed them to the purchaser.
EPPS’ criminal history includes state felony convictions for narcotics distribution and identity theft.
It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for April 27, 2018, at which time EPPS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. EPPS is released on bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.
Illinois Man Charged with Operating Unemployment Benefits Fraud and Identity Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment yesterday charging RICHARD M. LACH, 31, of Richton Park, Illinois, with six counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft stemming from a scheme to defraud state unemployment insurance programs in Connecticut and several other states.
LACH was arrested this morning in Matteson, Illinois. He appeared today in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, in Chicago, and was order detained pending his removal to the District of Connecticut.
According to the indictment, LACH fraudulently filed claims with the Connecticut Department of Labor for unemployment benefits in the names of identity theft victims, using their names, dates of birth and social security numbers. LACH directed that the unemployment benefits be directly deposited to Green Dot debit cards he was using. The Green Dot cards had been fraudulently opened in the names of other victims. In some cases, based on the fraudulent claims, unemployment benefits were deposited to the Green Dot cards. LACH then withdrew the funds or otherwise spent the funds for his own personal use and benefit.
The indictment further alleges that in addition to fraudulently obtaining unemployment benefits from the Connecticut Department of Labor, LACH also fraudulently obtained or attempted to obtain unemployment benefits from agencies in other states, including Idaho, Iowa, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas.
Each count of wire fraud carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory consecutive two-year term of imprisonment
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 U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, Office of the Chief State’s Attorney, Connecticut Department of Labor, New York State Department of Labor, and Matteson (Illinois) Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
Alleged Operator of Kelihos Botnet Extradited from SpainRead the Press Release
New Haven, Conn. – A Russian national has been extradited from Spain and will be arraigned later today in Connecticut on charges stemming from his alleged operation of the Kelihos botnet – a global network of tens of thousands of infected computers, which he allegedly used to facilitate malicious activities including harvesting login credentials, distributing bulk spam e-mails, and installing ransomware and other malicious software, the Department of Justice announced today.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney John H. Durham of the District of Connecticut and Special Agent in Charge Patricia M. Ferrick of the FBI’s New Haven Division made the announcement.
Peter Yuryevich Levashov, 37, also known as Petr Levashov, Peter Severa, Petr Severa and Sergey Astakhov, of St. Petersburg, Russia, has been detained since April 7, 2017, in Spain when he was arrested by Spanish authorities based upon a criminal complaint and arrest warrant issued in the District of Connecticut.
Levashov is scheduled to be arraigned today at approximately 6:00 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons in Bridgeport.
“Levashov is alleged to have controlled and operated the Kelihos botnet which was used to distribute hundreds of millions of fraudulent e-mails per year, intercept credentials to online and financial accounts belonging to thousands of Americans, and spread ransomware throughout our networks,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan. “Today’s action, as well as the disruption of the Kelihos botnet in April 2017, demonstrates the Department’s steadfast commitment to working with our international law enforcement partners to identify cybercriminals and hold them accountable for their conduct.”
“It is alleged that, for years, Mr. Levashov profited handsomely by controlling a botnet that infected computers and affected computer users all over the world,” said U.S. Attorney Durham. “Thanks to the excellent work of the FBI, with the assistance of our law enforcement partners in Spain, he was identified and apprehended, and will now face justice.”
“As a result of a sophisticated and complex computer intrusion investigation, the FBI, working with national and international law enforcement partners, have now brought to justice an individual who, we allege, has been responsible for the theft of personal information and distribution of SPAM and malware through his operation of the Kelihos botnet,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Ferrick.
As alleged in an eight count-indictment, a “botnet” is a network of computers infected with a malicious software that allows a third party to control the entire computer network without the knowledge or consent of the computer owners. Levashov allegedly controlled and operated the Kelihos botnet to, among other things, harvest personal information and means of identification (including email addresses, usernames and logins, and passwords) from infected computers. To further the scheme, Levashov allegedly disseminated spam and distributed other malware – such as banking Trojans and ransomware, and advertised the Kelihos botnet spam and malware services to others for purchase in order to enrich himself.
The indictment further alleges that during any 24-hour period, the Kelihos botnet was used to generate and distribute more than 2,500 unsolicited spam e-mails that advertised various criminal schemes, including deceptively promoting stocks in order to fraudulently increase their price (so-called “pump-and-dump” stock fraud schemes).
On April 10, 2017, the Justice Department announced that it had taken action to dismantle the Kelihos botnet.
On April 20, 2017, a grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment charging Levashov with one count of causing intentional damage to a protected computer, one count of conspiracy, one count of accessing protected computers in furtherance of fraud, one count of wire fraud, one count of threatening to damage a protected computer, two counts of fraud in connection with email and one count of aggravated identity theft.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This matter is assigned to U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford.
The FBI’s New Haven Division and Anchorage Division are investigating the case, with the assistance of the Spanish National Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vanessa Richards and David Huang of the District of Connecticut, with the assistance of Senior Trial Attorney Anthony Teelucksingh of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, are prosecuting the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs handled the extradition in this matter, and the U.S. Marshals Service coordinated he defendant’s safe transport from Spain to the U.S.
Alleged Operator of Kelihos Botnet Extradited from SpainRead the Press Release
A Russian national has been extradited from Spain and will be arraigned later today in Connecticut on charges stemming from his alleged operation of the Kelihos botnet – a global network of tens of thousands of infected computers, which he allegedly used to facilitate malicious activities including harvesting login credentials, distributing bulk spam e-mails, and installing ransomware and other malicious software, the Department of Justice announced today.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney John H. Durham of the District of Connecticut and Special Agent in Charge Patricia M. Ferrick of the FBI’s New Haven Division made the announcement.
Peter Yuryevich Levashov, 37, also known as Petr Levashov, Peter Severa, Petr Severa and Sergey Astakhov, of St. Petersburg, Russia, has been detained since April 7, 2017, in Spain when he was arrested by Spanish authorities based upon a criminal complaint and arrest warrant issued in the District of Connecticut.
Levashov is scheduled to be arraigned today at approximately 6:00 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
“Levashov is alleged to have controlled and operated the Kelihos botnet which was used to distribute hundreds of millions of fraudulent e-mails per year, intercept credentials to online and financial accounts belonging to thousands of Americans, and spread ransomware throughout our networks,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan. “Today’s action, as well as the disruption of the Kelihos botnet in April 2017, demonstrates the Department’s steadfast commitment to working with our international law enforcement partners to identify cybercriminals and hold them accountable for their conduct.”
“It is alleged that, for years, Mr. Levashov profited handsomely by controlling a botnet that infected computers and affected computer users all over the world,” said U.S. Attorney Durham. “Thanks to the excellent work of the FBI, with the assistance of our law enforcement partners in Spain, he was identified and apprehended, and will now face justice.”
“As a result of a sophisticated and complex computer intrusion investigation, the FBI, working with national and international law enforcement partners, have now brought to justice an individual who, we allege, has been responsible for the theft of personal information and distribution of SPAM and malware through his operation of the Kelihos botnet,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Ferrick.
As alleged in an eight count-indictment, a “botnet” is a network of computers infected with a malicious software that allows a third party to control the entire computer network without the knowledge or consent of the computer owners. Levashov allegedly controlled and operated the Kelihos botnet to, among other things, harvest personal information and means of identification (including email addresses, usernames and logins, and passwords) from infected computers. To further the scheme, Levashov allegedly disseminated spam and distributed other malware – such as banking Trojans and ransomware, and advertised the Kelihos botnet spam and malware services to others for purchase in order to enrich himself.
The indictment further alleges that during any 24-hour period, the Kelihos botnet was used to generate and distribute more than 2,500 unsolicited spam e-mails that advertised various criminal schemes, including deceptively promoting stocks in order to fraudulently increase their price (so-called “pump-and-dump” stock fraud schemes).
On April 10, 2017, the Justice Department announced that it had taken action to dismantle the Kelihos botnet.
On April 20, 2017, a grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment charging Levashov with one count of causing intentional damage to a protected computer, one count of conspiracy, one count of accessing protected computers in furtherance of fraud, one count of wire fraud, one count of threatening to damage a protected computer, two counts of fraud in connection with email and one count of aggravated identity theft.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This matter is assigned to U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford.
The FBI’s New Haven Division and Anchorage Division are investigating the case, with the assistance from the Spanish National Police and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vanessa Richards and David Huang of the District of Connecticut, with the assistance from Senior Trial Attorney Anthony Teelucksingh of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are prosecuting the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs handled the extradition in this matter. The U.S. Marshals Service assisted today’s extradition.
West Hartford Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Federal Prison for Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that NELSON MARQUEZ, 31, of West Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 57 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2014, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force received information that David Alvarado, also known as “Flaco,” was distributing heroin to street-level dealers and drug customers in the vicinity of his residence on Wethersfield Avenue in Hartford. Between August 2014 and May 2015, investigators made eight controlled purchases of heroin from Alvarado. A wiretap investigation revealed that Alvarado supplied MARQUEZ both with raw heroin and heroin packaged for distribution, which MARQUEZ distributed to his own customers.
On May 26, 2015, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of Alvarado’s residence and seized raw heroin, bagged heroin, heroin stamps, digital scales, thousands of wax folds, and other items used to process and package heroin. Investigators also seized a 9mm Beretta pistol with a loaded magazine, and numerous rounds of ammunition.
MARQUEZ’s criminal history includes a federal conviction for conspiring to distribute crack cocaine. On May 7, 2010, MARQUEZ was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 42 months of imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release for that offense. He was released from federal prison in June 2012 and was on federal supervised release while he engaged in the heroin trafficking activity described above.
MARQUEZ has been detained since his arrest on November 1, 2016. On May 15, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin.
Alvarado has pleaded guilty to a related charge and awaits sentencing.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.
Hartford Man Charged with Sex Trafficking of 2 MinorsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging HIRAN SANCHEZ, also known as “Ivan” and “Pablo,” 20, of Hartford, with one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor and two counts of sex trafficking of a minor.
The indictment was returned on November 15, 2017, and SANCHEZ was arrested on January 22, 2018. He entered a plea of not guilty to the charges and is detained pending trial.
As alleged in the indictment, SANCHEZ recruited, harbored and transported two minor victims to engage in commercial acts. SANCHEZ trafficked the first victim in July 2016 and the second victim in April and May 2017.
The charge of sex trafficking of a minor carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
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 Connecticut State Police and Hartford Police Department, through the Connecticut Human Trafficking Task Force, and with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarala V. Nagala and Nancy V. Gifford.
East Hartford Man Sentenced to More than 6 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JOEL GONZALEZ, also known as “Tuti,” 34, of East Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 77 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in November and December 2015, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crime Gang Task Force and Hartford Police made a total of six controlled purchases of heroin from GONZALEZ at 71 Warrenton Avenue and 30-32 Putnam Street in Hartford.
GONZALEZ was arrested on December 16, 2015. On that date, a search of his East Hartford residence revealed 30 bags of heroin and $23,302 in cash; a search of 71 Warrenton Avenue revealed 2,000 bags of heroin and $5,298 in cash, and a search of 30-32 Putnam Street revealed 330 bags of heroin, approximately 30 grams of crack cocaine, approximately 12 grams of cocaine and $2,762 in cash.
GONZALEZ has been detained since his arrest. On May 10, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 100 grams or more of heroin.
The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.
Southbury Man Who Detonated Pipe Bomb Sentenced to 57 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRIAN FLUMAN, 34, of Southbury, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 57 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing and detonating a pipe bomb.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 15, 2017, FLUMAN detonated a pipe bomb, which he had built, in the vicinity of Upper Grassy Hill Road in Woodbury.
On June 8, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of FLUMAN’s Southbury residence and seized three pipes with end caps, Pyrodex, a fuse, an electric blasting cap, and a semi-automatic rifle.
FLUMAN’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for larceny, burglary and narcotics possession.
FLUMAN has been detained since his arrest on July 26, 2017. On November 15, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a destructive device by a convicted felon.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police and Woodbury Resident Trooper’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacabed Rodriguez-Coss.
Rhode Island Man Sentenced to 90 Months for Robbing Banks in Connecticut and MassachusettsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT CHADRONET, 41, formerly of East Providence, R.I., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 90 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for committing three bank robberies in 2015, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release following a previous federal conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, CHADRONET used force, violence and intimidation to rob approximately $1,000 from a branch of TD Bank located at 1003 West Main Street in Branford, Conn., on July 27, 2015; approximately $2,329 from a branch of Citizens Bank located at 1187 Boston Post Road in Westbrook, Conn., on August 27, 2015, and approximately $697 from a branch of Citizen’s Bank located at 2991 Cranberry Highway in Wareham, Mass., on September 9, 2015.
At the time of this criminal conduct, CHADRONET was on federal supervised release for a prior bank robbery conviction in the District of Rhode Island.
On October 4, 2016, CHADRONET pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of bank robbery.
CHADRONET has been detained since September 10, 2015, when he was arrested on state charges related to a bank robbery that occurred in Milford, Connecticut, on August 18, 2015. CHADRONET pleaded guilty in state court for the Milford robbery and was sentenced to 10 years of incarceration.
Judge Bryant ordered CHADRONET to pay $4,026 in restitution.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police, Branford Police Department, Milford Police Department and Wareham (Mass.) Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
New Haven Man Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Heroin Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that RUBEN GONZALEZ, 39, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 77 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 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 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 in New Haven and elsewhere.
The investigation resulted in federal charges against 24 individuals.
During the investigation, RUBEN GONZALEZ, who was incarcerated in state custody, instructed his girlfriend, Marimar Roman, to purchase large quantities of heroin from Bienvenido Gonzalez and then distribute the drug RUBEN GONZALEZ’s customers.
On November 6, 2017, RUBEN GONZALEZ pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.
Judge Meyer ordered GONZALEZ to begin serving his 77-month federal sentence after he completes his state sentence, which is scheduled to conclude in approximately six months.
Bienvenido Gonzalez, Antonio Gonzalez and Marimar Roman previously pleaded guilty to related charges and await 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.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Heroin Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ELVIN PLAZA, also known as “Jordan,” 40, 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 PLAZA, in New Haven and elsewhere. PLAZA regularly purchased between 200 and 300 grams of heroin from Bienvenido Gonzalez and then sold the drug to his own customers.
The investigation resulted in federal charges against 24 individuals.
PLAZA was arrested on March 16, 2017. On November 1, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.
Bienvenido Gonzalez and Antonio Gonzalez pleaded guilty to related charges and await sentencing.
PLAZA has 10 prior convictions, including three drug-related convictions, and a sexual offense that involved a minor victim.
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.
New Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Robbery and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHAQUILLE RICHARDSON, 23, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today 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 RICHARDSON and another individual attacked the two victims after they exited a convenience store in an attempt to steal marijuana from the victims. RICHARDSON struck one of the victims in the face with a gun.
Officers apprehended RICHARSON 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.
RICHARDSON pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act Robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of carrying a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, which carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of five years. Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for April 25, 2018.
RICHARDSON has been detained since his arrest on June 30, 2016.
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 46 Months in Federal Prison for Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that LUIS ORTIZ, also known as “Cuko,” 30, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in September and October 2014, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crime Gang Task Force and Hartford Police made 10 controlled purchases of heroin from ORTIZ.
ORTIZ was arrested on October 30, 2014. On that date, a search of ORTIZ’s apartment revealed quantities of fentanyl and heroin, a digital scale, a grinder used to process heroin and heroin packaging stamps.
After his arrest, and while he was released on bond to participate in a drug rehabilitation program, ORTIZ absconded. He was arrested in Puerto Rico on June 23, 2016.
ORTIZ has been detained since his arrest. On May 18, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of maintaining a drug involved premises, and one count of escape.
The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.