District of Connecticut

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Bryan DiGirolamo, Acting Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; and Hartford Police Chief James C. Rovella today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging KEVIN BARCO, 41, of Hartford, with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.

The indictment was returned on September 3, 2025.  Barco appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.  He has been detained since his arrest by Hartford Police on related state charges on April 24, 2025.

The indictment alleges that, on April 24, 2025, Barco possessed a Springfield Armory XD .40 caliber handgun with an obliterated serial number and a high-capacity magazine loaded with 17 rounds of ammunition.

The indictment further alleges that Barco’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for weapon, robbery, and larceny offenses.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

If convicted of the charge, Barco faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.  He also faces additional penalties if he is found to have violated the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

On September 27, 2021, Barco was sentenced in Bridgeport federal court to 39 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for illegally possessing a sawed-off shotgun.  He was released from federal prison in April 2024.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  A charge is only an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Harford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TAYLOR DZICZEK, 43, formerly of Chicopee, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to bank robbery charges.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI and state and local law enforcement investigated a series of robberies of banks and credit unions that occurred between September 2021 and August 2022 in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, and New Hampshire, and which were committed by what appeared to be the same individual.   During the investigation, Dziczek was identified as a suspect who robbed the Peoples United Bank, located at 117 East Street in Plainville, Connecticut, on May 26, 2022.  On that date, Dziczek entered the bank, approached the teller counter and gave the teller a note stating words to the effect of, “I have a gun. Don‘t call 911. Don‘t set off any alarms.“  When the teller stated she did not have any more money, Dziczek pulled what appeared to be a black firearm from the front pocket of his sweatshirt and made additional statements including “Give me all the money,” “I have a gun,” and “Don‘t be a hero.”

Dziczek removed some of the paper money wrappers from the money he received from the teller and discarded them at the bank before he fled the scene.   Plainville Police detectives collected the discarded money wrappers as evidence.  

On October 21, 2022, FBI special agents surveilled Dziczek while he was in the MGM Casino in Springfield, Massachusetts, and retrieved a Red Bull energy drink can with a black straw from which Dziczek was observed drinking.  Laboratory analysis connected DNA found on the black straw to DNA found on discarded money wrappers from the Plainville bank robbery.

Dziczek was arrested on December 1, 2022.

Dziczek pleaded guilty to three counts of bank robbery and admitted that committed the Plainville bank robbery, as well as the robberies of a Webster Bank branch in Somers, Connecticut, on October 22, 2021; a Key Bank branch in East Windsor, Connecticut, on January 6, 2022; a TD Bank branch in Nashua, New Hampshire, on June 3, 2022, during which he pointed what appeared to be a black pistol at the tellers; and a Liberty Bank branch in Meriden, Connecticut, on August 17, 2022.

Judge Nagala scheduled sentencing for February 20, 2026, at which time Dziczek faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 60 years.  Dziczek has agreed to pay restitution in the total amount of $82,567.

Dziczek has been detained since his arrest.

This investigation has been conducted by the FBI New Haven Division’s Violent Crimes Task Force, FBI Boston Division, FBI Albany Division, Connecticut State Police, Massachusetts State Police, Athol (Mass.) Police Department, Avon (Conn.) Police Department, Brattleboro (Vt.) Police Department, Chicopee (Mass.) Police Department, East Windsor (Conn.) Police Department, Enfield (Conn.) Police Department, Greenfield (Mass.) Police Department, Keene (N.H.) Police Department, Meriden (Conn.) Police Department, Montague (Mass.) Police Department, Nashua (N.H.) Police Department, Plainville (Conn.) Police Department, Somers (Conn.) Police Department, and Springfield (Mass.) Police Department.  The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Scientific Services has provided valuable assistance to the investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel E. Cummings, and Stephanie T. Levick.  U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Districts of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Vermont and for their close cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that YESENIA MELENDEZ RINCON, 41, a citizen of Colombia last residing in Kissimmee, Florida, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 24 months of imprisonment for her involvement in an organized jewelry theft ring that targeted mall-based stores and kiosks across the country.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from May 2023 through April 2024, Melendez Rincon and several other Colombian nationals burglarized jewelry stores and kiosks in malls and then transported the stolen property or the proceeds from it across state lines.  Melendez Rincon and her co-conspirators burglarized jewelry establishments at the Connecticut Post Mall in Milford, Connecticut, on October 5, 2023; in Lombard, Illinois on October 17, 2023; in Hamilton Township, New Jersey, on October 27, 2023; and in Henrico, Virginia on November 4, 2023.  The total losses from these burglaries exceed $1.33 million. 

Melendez Rincon typically cased the targeted business, served as a “lookout” during the burglaries, and she was involved in the sale of the stolen jewelry to others.

A photo taken in January 2024 and retrieved from Melendez Rincon’s iCloud account shows Melendez Rincon wearing a distinctive heart-shaped ring that was stolen during the Milford, Connecticut, burglary in October 2023.

The investigation revealed that Melendez Rincon’s co-conspirators also were involved in the theft of an additional $3.1 million in jewelry from establishments in Paterson, New Jersey, on May 17, 2023; in Mentor, Ohio, on July 21, 2023; in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on August 13, 2023; in Greece, New York, on September 20, 2023; and in Horseheads, New York, on April 18, 2024.  Members of the conspiracy also cased additional jewelry stores and kiosks in Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Delaware.

To date, none of the stolen jewelry has been recovered by law enforcement.

Melendez Rincon was arrested on July 18, 2024.  On July 1, 2025, she pleaded guilty to conspiracy.

Melendez Rincon, who had been released pending sentencing, was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service at the conclusion of the sentencing.  She faces immigration proceedings when she completes her prison term.

This investigation is being conducted by the FBI New Haven’s Transnational Organized Crime Task Force with the assistance of the Milford (Conn.) Police Department, the Hamilton Township (N.J.) Police Division, the Delaware State Police, the Henrico County (Va.) Police Division, the New York State Police, the New York Police Department, the Pensacola (Fla.) Police Department, the Paterson (N.J.) Police Department, the Mentor (Ohio) Police Department, the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Police Department, the Greece (N.Y.) Police Department, and the Lombard (Ill.) Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David T. Huang and Conor M. Reardon.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, and the FBI Field Offices in New York, Dallas, Miami, and Tampa for their assistance.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced ANGELO DELMARO, 48, of Farmington, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to tax evasion.

According to court documents and statements made in court, since at least 2012, Delmaro has owned and operated commercial roofing businesses in Connecticut, initially doing business as “Value Roofing,” then “Roofing Services of New England,” and most recently as “Roofing Services.”  The businesses also provided paving services.  None of Delmaro’s companies registered with the Connecticut Secretary of State or had a federal Taxpayer Identification Number.  From 2012 to 2022, Delmaro’s companies earned approximately $12.7 million in customer receipts, but Delmaro paid his workers in cash, never filed income or payroll tax returns for himself or the business, and took several steps to conceal income and operating expenses from the IRS.

As part of his tax evasion scheme, Delmaro and others associated with his business cashed checks from customers at various check cashing businesses instead of depositing them into bank accounts.  Delmaro provided the check cashers with addresses associated with UPS mailboxes rather than his home address.  When the check cashers filed Currency Transaction Reports (“CTRs”), the IRS only had a UPS mailbox location to try to identify source of income.  

Delmaro also had customers file false Forms 1099 made out to a family member, rather than his business, or made out to Delmaro himself, making income attribution more difficult.  At times, when a customer requested that Delmaro provide a completed Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification, Form W-9, Delmaro worked with his father to prepare a false W-9 that included the name and social security number of his father and a UPS mailbox address.  Delmaro sometimes provided customers with W-9 forms using false identities, such as “Harvey Rubino” or “Tony Stano,” which the customers used on the 1099.  Delmaro’s father used an alias, which differed from the name and information Delmaro provided to the customer.

Delmaro has agreed to pay restitution of $630,869 to the IRS.

Judge Nagala scheduled sentencing for January 21.

Delmaro is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.

This investigation has been conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division and the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging the following 15 individuals with conspiring to traffic fentanyl and cocaine into and around southern Connecticut:

DAMIEN HAZEL, 26, of Bridgeport
YANISHKA ARROYO-RIVERA, a.k.a. “Nani,” 22, of Bridgeport
NICHOLAS VEGA, a.k.a. “Nick,” 25, of Ansonia
OMAR VIERA, a.k.a. “O,” 32, of Waterbury
JONATHAN MEJIA, a.k.a. “Big Head,” 27, of Kentucky, formerly of Hamden
NESTOR ROSADO, a.k.a. “Joey,” 27, of Bridgeport
VICTOR FRANCISCO BONILLA, a.k.a. “Mostro,” 34, of Bridgeport
KELVIN OLIVO, 34, of Naugatuck
BRENJINELLIE GONZALEZ, a.k.a. “Brenji,” 24, of New Haven
ROBERTO DEJESUS, a.k.a. “Pedro Ramirez” and “Tito,” 50, of Bridgeport
DANIEL RUIZ, a.k.a. “Jumbo,” 38, of Bridgeport
JAFFAR ALI, 32, a citizen of the Dominican Republic residing in Trumbull
DAVON WARNER, a.k.a. “DaeDae,” 25, of New Haven
MADISON CRUZ, a.k.a. “Maddie,” 23, of Shelton
JASZAE VAZQUEZ, 26, of Derby

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, an FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force investigation determined that Hazel headed a narcotics trafficking organization that distributed fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine in southern Connecticut.  Hazel and others traveled to the Bronx, New York, to acquire kilogram quantities of fentanyl and deliver narcotics proceeds, and to Puerto Rico to acquire cocaine and ship it through the U.S. Mail to various addresses in Connecticut.  During the investigation, the FBI Task Force and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service seized several packages containing a total of at least 16 kilograms of cocaine, and identified several more that likely contained narcotics. 

Hazel and 13 of his alleged co-conspirators were arrested on criminal complaints on September 10, 2025, and DeJesus was arrested on September 12, 2025.  In association with the arrests, investigators seized two firearms and assorted ammunition from a residence shared by Hazel and Arroyo-Rivera, ammunition and suspected narcotics from DeJesus, and suspected narcotics from Vega, Ali, and Warner.

“As alleged, this organization trafficked a significant amount of fentanyl and cocaine into our state, and I thank the members of FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, with the assistance of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, who shut down this drug importation and distribution network,” said U.S. Attorney Sullivan.  “The scourge of illegal narcotics continues to ruin lives in Connecticut, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to targeting and prosecuting those who are profiting from it.”

“This indictment demonstrates FBI New Haven’s top priority of crushing violent crime,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge P.J. O’Brien.  “Along with our federal and local partners, we are committed to removing dangerous drugs, like fentanyl and cocaine, from the streets of Connecticut.  The FBI will continue to bring the full breadth of our resources to the table to support our partners and keep our neighborhoods safe.”

The indictment charges each defendant with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl.  If convicted of the charge, based on the type and quantity of drug attributed to each defendant, Hazel, Arroyo-Rivera, Vega, Viera, Mejia, Rosado, Bonilla, Olivo, and Gonzalez, face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and DeJesus, Ruiz, Ali, Warner, Cruz, and Vazquez face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.

Hazel, DeJesus, Vega, Mejia, Bonilla, Ruiz, and Ali are currently detained, and the remaining eight defendants are released pending trial.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This investigation is being conducted by the FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Norwalk, Trumbull, Hartford, Fairfield, Shelton, Ansonia, Derby, Greenwich, Stamford, New Haven, Waterbury, and Louisville (Ky.) Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and Kenneth L. Gresham.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RYAN SQUILLANTE, 40, of Weston, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to two months of imprisonment, 18 months of supervised release, and a $331,368 fine for an insider trading offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, working from his home, Squillante was employed as the Head of Equity Trading at an investment company headquartered in Denver, Colorado.  In his position, Squillante received material non-public information (“MNPI”) about various publicly traded companies.  On 15 different occasions between August 2022 and May 2023, Squillante used MNPI for his own benefit by executing transactions in securities of these companies, making a total profit of $220,912.

As an example, in February 2023, Squillante received MNPI about Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc. (“Praxis”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company whose common stock traded on the NASDAQ.  Between February 27 and March 2, 2023, Squillante “sold short” 38,086 shares of Praxis at an average price per share of approximately $3.04.  On March 3, 2023, before the market opened, Praxis announced poor results from its drug trial, stating that the drug’s effects did not achieve its primary endpoint with statistical significance.  Following the announcement, Squillante “covered” his short sale by purchasing 38,086 Praxis shares at an average price per share of approximately $1.82, making a profit of approximately $46,421.

On June 6, 2025, Squillante pleaded guilty to securities fraud.  He is required to report to prison on January 7.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather L. Cherry.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Bridgeport Judicial District; P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bryan DiGirolamo, Acting Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter; and Norwalk Police Chief James Walsh today announced that SAMUEL BRANCH, also known as “Sosa,” 27; GIOVANNI HUDSON, 34; DONTAE SCULLARK, 22; and WILLIAM HINTON, 22, all of Norwalk, have been federally charged for their alleged involvement in a kidnapping and carjacking in August 2023.

As alleged in the indictment, Branch, Hudson, Scullark, and Hinton conspired to kidnap a victim in Bridgeport.  In the evening of August 2 and morning of August 3, 2023, the four defendants, traveling together in an SUV, surveilled the victim as he drove to a restaurant on Boston Avenue, parked his Mercedes Benz, and entered the restaurant.  Hudson, in possession of a handgun with an extended magazine, then entered the back seat of the Mercedes Benz and laid in wait for the victim.  When the victim entered his car, Hudson placed the gun to the victim’s head and instructed him to drive.  Branch, Scullark, and Hinton followed in the SUV.  After Hudson told the victim to pull over, at least one of the co-conspirators climbed into the Mercedes Benz and also threatened the victim at gunpoint.  The co-conspirators stole cash, credit cards, jewelry, a cell phone, and other items from the victim and demanded that the victim provide access to his digital bank on his cell phone.  They then let the victim out of the Mercedes Benz, took the vehicle, and drove it and the SUV away.

On September 4, 2025, a grand jury in Bridgeport returned a four-count indictment charging Branch, Hudson, Scullark, and Hinton with conspiracy to commit kidnapping, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of life.  The indictment also charges Branch, Hudson, and Scullark with kidnapping, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and with carjacking, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.  Hudson is also charged with carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, an offense that mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least seven years.

Scullark and Hinton were arrested on September 5, 2025, and are currently detained.  Branch and Hudson, who are currently in state custody, are scheduled to be arraigned today.

Branch is also charged in an unrelated indictment, returned in March 2025, with drug distribution and firearm possession offenses.  He has been detained since September 2023.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan 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 Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, the Bridgeport Police Department, and the Norwalk Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Michael A. DeJoseph who is cross designated as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in this matter.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARTIN ONOFRE-MENDEZ, 50, a citizen of Mexico last residing in New Haven, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to a cocaine trafficking offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2024, the DEA New Haven District Office Task Force learned that Onofre-Mendez was distributing narcotics from a restaurant on Grand Avenue in New Haven.  Between May and September 2024, investigators made multiple controlled purchases totaling approximately 600 grams of cocaine from Onofre-Mendez.

Onofre-Mendez was arrested on October 1, 2024.  On that date, investigators seized 225 grams of cocaine from Onofre-Mendez and 480 grams of cocaine from a location he used to store drugs.  He has been detained since his arrest.

Onofre-Mendez pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  He is scheduled to sentenced on December 12.

This matter has been investigated by the DEA New Haven District Office (NHDO) Task Force and the New Haven Police Department.  The Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Waterbury, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Naugatuck, and Shelton Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan J. Keefe.

MALIK BAYON, also known as “Pop” and “Dirt,” 29, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to life in prison, and a mandatory five-year consecutive term of imprisonment, for offenses related to his involvement in the 960 gang, a violent Waterbury street gang.

Today’s announcement was made by David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Maureen T. Platt, State’s Attorney for the Waterbury Judicial District; P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bryan DiGirolamo, Acting Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; and Waterbury Police Chief Fernando C. Spagnolo.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address drug trafficking and related violence in Waterbury, the FBI, ATF, and Waterbury Police have been investigating multiple Waterbury-based groups, including the 960 gang.  On September 14, 2021, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned a 36-count indictment charging Bayon and 15 other 960 gang members with various offenses, including racketeering, murder, attempted murder and assault, firearm possession, narcotics trafficking, and obstruction of justice offenses.

According to the evidence presented during his trial:

• On October 31, 2017, Bayon and other 960 members were involved in a drive-by shooting in the area of Porter Street and Bank Street in Waterbury in an attempt to murder members of a rival gang.  An individual was shot and wounded in the shooting.      Investigators recovered 17 shell casings from four different firearms at the scene.
• On November 22, 2017, Bayon and 960 members Zaekwon McDaniel and Tahjay Love shot at Clarence Lewis and Antonio Santos who were in a car at a restaurant in Waterbury.  Lewis sped from the scene at a high rate of speed and crashed into a house at the intersection of Wolcott Street and Dallas Avenue in Waterbury.      Lewis, 22, and Santos, 20, were pronounced dead at the scene.  Shell casings connected two of firearms used during the shooting to the shooting that occurred on October 31, 2017.
• On December 29, 2017, shortly before 9:00 p.m., Bayon, McDaniel, and Love shot and injured the father of a rival gang member who was taking out the trash in front of his residence.  960 members videoed themselves wearing masks at the scene minutes before the shooting.

To promote 960, Bayon and other 960 members made rap videos that glorified gang violence, firearm possession, and drug dealing.  Many of the rap lyrics were tied to criminal conduct committed by 960 members.

Bayon has been detained since his federal arrest on September 16, 2021. He was flushing fentanyl in a toilet at the time of his arrest, and a search of his residence revealed a firearm, an extended gun magazine and additional gun magazines, and ammunition.

On February 14, 2024, a jury found Bayon, McDaniel, and Love guilty of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity with special circumstances, murder in violation of the Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering (“VCAR”) statute, and two counts of causing death through the use of a firearm and in relation to a crime of violence.  The jury also found McDaniel guilty of attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, and carrying and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; Love guilty of obstruction of justice; and Bayon guilty of conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute narcotics, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

On September 9, 2025, McDaniel was sentenced to life in prison and a mandatory 10-year consecutive term of imprisonment.  Love awaits sentencing.

This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, Waterbury Police Department, ATF, and U.S. Marshals Service, with the assistance of the Southington Police Department, Watertown Police Department, New Milford Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory, and the DEA Laboratory.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey M. Stone, John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Natasha M. Freismuth, and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Don E. Therkildesen, Jr. and Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney Alexandra Arroyo, who were cross-designated as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys in this matter.

This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ORLANDO GUZMAN, 74, of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 240 months of imprisonment and a lifetime of supervised release for recording his sexual abuse of a minor and possessing thousands of child sexual abuse images and videos.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has been investigating a network of individuals who have been using private groups on an internet chat application to share images and videos of child sexual abuse.  The investigation revealed that an account associated with Guzman was an active member of two of these groups.  The investigation further revealed that, between February and August 2022, Guzman sexually abused a minor female and used mobile devices to record and store images and videos of the abuse.

On September 2, 2022, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of Guzman’s mobile devices.  Analysis of the devices revealed more than 3,000 video files and more than 2,000 image files of child pornography, including images and videos depicting Guzman’s abuse of the minor victim.

Guzman has been detained since his arrest on September 7, 2022.  On January 22, 2025, he pleaded guilty to production of child pornography and possession of child pornography.

This investigation was conducted by HSI with the assistance of the New Britain Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings.

This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JORDAN FLYTHE, also known as “T,” 33, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 70 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for distributing fentanyl and cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 31, 2021, Flythe was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 36 months of imprisonment for distributing fentanyl and crack cocaine.  He was released from federal prison in September 2022.

In August 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and Middletown Police Department determined that Flythe was distributing fentanyl and other narcotics in Middletown.  Between August and November 2024, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl from Flythe.  On December 18, 2024, a court authorized search of Flythe’s residence on Adelaide Street in Hartford revealed approximately 240 grams of fentanyl mixed with xylazine and other additives, and approximately 160 grams of cocaine.

Flythe has been detained since his arrest on March 6, 2025.  On June 10, 2025, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of cocaine.

This investigation was conducted by the DEA’s Hartford Task Force, the Middletown Police Department, and the Hartford Police Department.  The task force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, Middletown, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Reed Durham.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Stamford Police Chief Timothy Shaw today announced that BRANDON TURNER, also known as “Bizz,” 31, of Stamford, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with fentanyl and cocaine trafficking offenses.

Turner, who had been detained in state custody for unrelated offenses, appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in Bridgeport and was ordered detained.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and the Stamford Police Department’s Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit identified Turner as a narcotics distributor.  In July 2024, investigators made a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Turner.  On April 21, 2025, employees of an apartment complex where Turner had been employed as a maintenance worker found a tool bag in a storage room that contained approximately 790 grams of fentanyl and one kilogram of cocaine.  The investigation, which included a review of surveillance camera and the use of DNA analysis, determined that Turner had placed the bag in the storage room.  A related court-authorized search of Turner’s vehicle revealed additional quantities of fentanyl and cocaine.

The complaint charges Turner with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan 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.

The DEA’s Bridgeport HIDTA Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Danbury, Norwalk, Stamford, and Stratford Police Departments.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARLENIN VITO, 45, formerly of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 41 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for multiple fraud schemes.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Vito was employed as Medicaid Coordinator at an assisted living facility (“Company A”) located in Stamford.  Vito’s responsibilities included assisting the residents in applying for nursing home level Medicaid reimbursements, monitoring the residents’ patient trust accounts, and ensuring compliance with Medicaid regulations.  She was also responsible for keeping journal entries for the residents’ trust accounts and to credit their accounts when funds were received, and for debiting patient accounts when payments were made on behalf of the residents or when cash was given to residents for incidental expenses.

Between approximately December 2019 and May 2021, Vito defrauded Company A and its residents by generating checks from Company A’s system, forging a fellow employee’s signature on the checks, negotiating the fraudulent checks purportedly to give the cash proceeds to certain residents, and keeping the cash for her own use.  Vito then made false entries into Company A’s accounting ledger by debiting the fraudulently obtained cash from the residents’ respective trust accounts.  Many of the residents were not healthy enough or mentally capable of tracking their own expenses or monitoring the balances of their own trust accounts.

In certain instances, Vito cancelled residents’ supplemental health insurance coverage, but continued to deduct funds from the trust accounts and took the funds for herself.  Also, when certain residents’ trust accounts were credited with Economic Impact Payments (COVID-19 stimulus payments), Vito took the funds for herself and then debited the residents’ accounts at a rate of approximately $60 a day until the stimulus funds were depleted.

During the scheme, Vito fraudulently negotiated approximately 500 checks, stealing approximately $310,820.  When she was confronted by family members of certain residents, Vito created and provided to those family members false account statements that misrepresented the balances in the residents’ trust accounts.

After she was terminated by Company A, Vito obtained employment as a bookkeeper and scheduler at an alarm company (“Company B”) located in White Plains, New York.  Vito stole from the company by making false representations about overtime for herself and her daughter, and by using company funds to order more than $10,000 worth of products to be delivered to her Waterbury residence.  Company B was defrauded of approximately $23,558 through these schemes.

After she was terminated by Company B, Vito was employed as a bookkeeper at a law firm in Hartford (“Company C”).  Vito took fraudulently generated checks drawn on Company C’s bank account and issued as “Pay to the Order of ‘Petty Cash, ’” forged the signature of an authorized employee on the checks, cashed the checks, and kept the funds for herself.  She then recorded the fraudulently negotiated checks in Company C’s books and records as “Petty Cash.”  Vito stole approximately $27,179 from Company C.

Judge Oliver ordered Vito to pay full restitution.

On June 13, 2025, Vito pleaded guilty to wire fraud.

Vito, who is released on a $25,000 bond and residing in the Bronx, New York, is required to report to prison on October 17.

Vito has pending state cases in New York, where it is alleged that she embezzled approximately $100,000 from a small business in Brewster, New York, and in Connecticut, where she is alleged to stolen from an employer in Ridgefield.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Stamford Police Department, Hartford Police Department, Ridgefield Police Department, and the Putnam County (N.Y.) Sheriff’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael S. McGarry and Nathan J. Guevremont.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYSSAN WOODS, also known as “Tigger,” 19, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for stealing firearms from a federally licensed gun dealer in Salem and committing two armed carjackings in Stamford.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning of March 15, 2024, Woods, Eduardo Cruz, and others drove a car into the entryway doors of Statewide Pawn Shop, a federal firearms licensee in Salem, and stole 21 firearms from the store.  Later that day, law enforcement made a controlled purchase of three of the stolen firearms from Cruz and a juvenile in Waterbury.  On March 18, 2024, investigators purchased another of the stolen firearms from Cruz, who arrived at the meeting location with two juveniles.  Cruz was arrested at that time, and law enforcement recovered two additional stolen firearms, one that was carried by one of the juveniles, and one from Cruz’s vehicle.

On March 28, 2024, Woods committed two carjackings in Stamford.  Later that day, Connecticut State Police found Woods seated in the driver’s seat in one of the stolen vehicles and took him into custody.  Investigators recovered the other stolen vehicle in Waterbury, and a search of Woods’ residence revealed two of the stolen firearms.

Thirteen of the stolen firearms are still missing.

Woods has been detained since his arrest.  On June 20, 2025, he pleaded guilty to one count of theft of firearms from a licensee, two counts of carjacking, and one count of using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

Cruz pleaded guilty and, on June 9, 2025, was sentenced to 36 months of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Connecticut State Police, and the Waterbury, Stamford, and Wolcott Police Departments.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the State’s Attorney for the Judicial Districts of Waterbury, New London, and Stamford-Norwalk for their cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Mahard through the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that JOSE MIGUEL MERCADO, 32, JEAN GONZALEZ PAULINO, 31, and DAURY RODRIGUEZ CONTRERAS, 22, each a citizen of the Dominican Republic residing in Lawrence, Massachusetts, have been charged with federal offenses related to their alleged involvement in the gunpoint robbery of a delivery truck containing Apple products in Manchester.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 7:00 a.m. on March 25, 2025, Mercado, Gonzalez, and Rodriguez, committed a gunpoint robbery of the driver of a delivery truck after he stopped at a commuter lot in Manchester before a scheduled delivery of a shipment of Apple products to an Apple store in South Windsor.  Mercado, Gonzalez, and Rodriguez stole approximately $316,753 in Apple phones, tablets, and other accessories during the robbery, and approximately $1,000 in cash from the driver.  After the theft, Mercado, Gonzalez, and Rodriguez traveled to a location in Wethersfield where they discarded clothing, a license plate, and other items into a dumpster.  They then traveled to the Bronx, New York, where they unloaded items stolen during the robbery.  Many of the stolen items were subsequently registered by New York residents and activated.

It is further alleged that a vehicle used in the robbery had been rented by Gonzalez in Massachusetts through Turo, a peer-to-peer car sharing platform. After the vehicle was returned on March 26, 2025, and being cleaned, the vehicle’s owners found a box containing an Apple charging cable that appeared to be new.  

Mercado, Gonzalez, and Rodriguez were arrested on federal criminal complaints on August 21, 2025.

On September 3, 2025, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging each defendant with conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; Hobbs Act Robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least seven years; and interstate transportation of stolen property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Mercado, Gonzalez, and Rodriguez, who are lawful permanent residents of the U.S., have been detained since their arrests.  Mercado is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon in Hartford federal court.  Gonzalez and Rodriguez were arraigned and entered not guilty pleas on September 11, 2025.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan 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 ongoing investigation is being led by the FBI’s Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Connecticut State Police, with the assistance of the Manchester Police Department, the Wethersfield Police Department, the New York Police Department, the Lawrence (Mass.) Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, and the Westchester County (N.Y.) Department of Public Safety’s Real Time Crime Unit.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, announced that EZEKIEL BAILEY, 33, of Brooklyn, New York, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to an identity theft offense stemming from a U.S. Postal Service fraud scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the U.S Postal Inspection Service began an investigation after receiving reports that an individual had been passing, and attempting to pass, bad checks to purchase thousands of dollars in postage stamps from U.S. Post Offices in Connecticut and surrounding states.  The investigation revealed that Bailey had used the identities of three separate victims, fake driver’s licenses, and checks linked to empty bank accounts that had been created in the victims’ names, to purchase $98,000 in stamps from U.S. Post Offices in Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Massachusetts, and elsewhere.

On January 20, 2023, Bailey was arrested on related state charges after he attempted to purchase 25 books of postage stamps for $300 at post office in Stonington.  He possessed two fake driver’s licenses in the names of identity theft victims at the time of his arrest.  He was charged by federal criminal complaint on November 26, 2024.

Bailey pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft, an offense that carries a mandatory term of imprisonment of two years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 9.

Bailey is released on a $25,000 bond pending sentencing.

This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel George.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PAUL R. STEED, 58, of Stamford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to fraud and tax offenses stemming from his commission of multiple frauds against his former employer Mars, Inc.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately 2011 and 2023, Steed was employed by Mars Wrigley, a subsidiary of Mars. Inc. (“Mars”), working remotely from his home in Stamford.  Steed served in several positions at the company and last served as Global Price Risk Manager for Mars Wrigley’s Global Cocoa Enterprise.  As part of his employment, Steed was responsible for managing Mars Wrigley’s participation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) Sugar-Containing Products Re-Export Program.  In approximately 2016, Steed created a company, MCNA LLC, to mimic an actual Mars entity, Mars Chocolate North America.  He then diverted more than $15 million in Mars assets to a bank account he set up in MCNA’s name by directing sugar refineries purchasing Mars’s re-export credits, obtained through the USDA program, to pay MCNA LLC as if it were a legitimate Mars entity.

Mars had an ownership interest in Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (“ICE”), a financial services company that operated financial exchanges and clearing houses, and received quarterly dividends in connection with that ownership.  In 2017, Steed directed Computershare Limited (“Computershare”), a company that ICE utilized for stock-related services, to pay MCNA LLC for Mars’s dividends from its ownership shares in ICE.  As a result, more than $700,000 in dividend payments were diverted to the MCNA LLC account.  In 2023, after Steed had used a fraudulent letter purportedly from the Mars Treasurer authorizing him to trade ICE shares, Steed directed Computershare to sell Mars’s ICE shares entirely.  Computershare issued a check in the amount of more than $11.3 million, which Steed deposited into the MCNA LLC account.

In addition, from 2013 through 2020, Steed used a company he owned called Ibera LLC to invoice Mars for services Mars did not receive.  Mars paid Ibera LLC more than $700,000 through this scheme.

Steed failed to report and pay taxes on his stolen income on his 2014 through 2023 federal tax returns.

Steed pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count, and one count of tax evasion, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

Steed has agreed to pay restitution of $28,410,489 to Mars, Inc., and the government has calculated that he owes the IRS an additional $10,310,680 in back taxes.

The government has seized, and Steed has agreed to forfeit, more than $18 million from bank accounts controlled by Steed, and the government is seeking to forfeit, or alternatively liquidate for restitution, a Greenwich home that Steed is alleged to have purchased with nearly $2.3 million in stolen funds.  It is alleged that another $2 million was sent by Steed to Argentina, where he is a dual citizen, has family ties, and owns a ranch.

Steed was arrested on March 26, 2025.  He is released on a $5 million bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for December 9.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Novick.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Michael Carpenter, Special Agent in Charge of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Northeast Field Division, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport has returned an indictment charging MADISYN PETTAWAY, 30, of Newark, New Jersey, with offenses related to the attempted deposit of a stolen U.S. Treasury check at a Connecticut credit union.

As alleged in court documents, on August 27, 2024, Pettaway, using a stolen identity and a fraudulent New Jersey driver’s license, opened an account at a branch of Charter Oak Federal Credit Union.  On September 13, 2024, Pettaway attempted to deposit a U.S. Treasury check in the amount of $410,085.48 at the credit union.  Charter Oak FCU ultimately did not accept the deposit.

It is further alleged that, in June 2025, Pettaway opened another account at a branch of Charter Oak FCU using a fraudulent identity.  On July 28, 2025, East Lyme Police arrested Pettaway and charged her with state offenses.  Pettaway possessed a fake New York driver’s license and three debit cards in the name of the fraudulent identity at the time of her arrest.  She was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on August 20, 2025.

The indictment, which was returned on September 3, charges Pettaway with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud, offenses that carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years on each count; theft of government property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; and aggravated identity theft, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of two years.

Pettaway appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven and was released on a $100,000 bond.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan 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 U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the East Lyme Police Department, and the Montville Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Chang.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAFAEL MUZZI, 28, a citizen of Brazil residing in Naugatuck, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 18 months of imprisonment for operating an investment fraud scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2017 and 2018, Muzzi, at times using two entities he formed, Solace Investments LLC and Asseno LLC, induced victim-investors to provide him funds based on the representation he would use the funds for trading currencies in foreign exchange markets using a trading software program that he told his victims he had developed.  Muzzi represented to victims that his software program had a feature that would cause trading to cease in the event of a certain loss in value, thus minimizing downside risk.  Muzzi failed to invest a substantial portion of invested funds as he represented, and instead diverted those funds for his own personal use, and to pay other individuals who had invested with him.  Through this scheme, Muzzi stole a total of $579,925.28 from 21 victim-investors.

Muzzi sent victims fabricated monthly account statements that falsely overstated their return on investment and their account balances.  These misrepresentations induced some victim-investors to provide him with additional investment funds.

In response to victim complaints, the State of Connecticut’s Department of Banking investigated Muzzi’s conduct, issued orders finding that Muzzi and Solace Investments had violated state securities laws, ordered them to make restitution to victims, and fined Muzzi $300,000.  On September 6, 2020, Muzzi traveled to Brazil and did not return.

On August 23, 2022, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Muzzi with fraud and money laundering offenses.  Muzzi was arrested on April 1, 2023, in Panama, and subsequently waived his right to contest his extradition to the U.S.  On July 30, 2024, he pleaded guilty to wire fraud.

Judge Underhill ordered Muzzi to pay full restitution.

Muzzi, who is released on a $150,000 bond, is required to report to prison on February 11.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Banking, Securities Division.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked Interpol and Panamanian authorities for their assistance in apprehending this defendant, and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs for providing significant assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of the defendant from Panama. 

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Conor M. Reardon and Michael S. McGarry.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TIMOTHY GREGORY, 43, formerly of Questa, New Mexico, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 21 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for trafficking firearms into Connecticut.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an FBI New Haven Safe Streets Gang Task Force investigation revealed that Gregory had offered to sell and ship firearms to an individual in Connecticut who is prohibited from possessing firearms.  In May 2024, Gregory mailed a parcel containing a Glock 42 .380 caliber pistol and three magazines to Connecticut.  In June 2024, he mailed a .223 caliber AR15-style rifle and two empty 30-round magazines to Connecticut.

Gregory was arrested on July 18, 2024.  On June 5, 2025, he pleaded guilty to firearms trafficking.  He has been detained since his arrest.

This matter was investigated by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  The Task Force includes members from the FBI, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, and the New Haven, Milford, East Haven, West Haven, and Wallingford Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie T. Levick.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BABAR KHAN, 46, of South Windsor, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 18 months of imprisonment and two years of supervised release for conspiracy and tax offenses related to a scheme through which individuals seeking immigration services were defrauded.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Khan and his wife, Khatija Khan, operated JLLAS CORP. and EIMAAN LLC, which were created to provide services to clients involved in proceedings with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”).  From 2015 to 2020, the Khans recruited clients who sought some form of immigration status, relief, or benefit.  Many of these clients were aliens residing in the U.S. without legal status and had limited education, a limited ability to understand English, and little to no knowledge of the documents that the Khans were filing with USCIS on their behalf. 

Khatija Khan represented herself as an attorney with a background in immigration matters, even though she was not an attorney.  The Khans prepared petitions and applications for their clients that contained information that they knew to be false.  They also fabricated false documents to support their clients’ applications with USCIS without their clients’ knowledge.  They then mailed, or caused to be mailed, these fraudulent applications and documents to USCIS, where they were received and made part of the official Alien file of each respective client.

Many of the Khans’ clients received no relief from USCIS despite paying the Khans significant amounts of money.  To generate fees from clients, Khatija Khan filed applications with USCIS even when the submissions lacked merit or a legitimate basis.  Victims lost more than $300,000 as a result of this scheme.

In addition, in the 2016 tax year, Babar Khan failed to report to the IRS approximately $27,901 in additional taxable income and failed to pay an additional $7,942 in federal taxes that were owed.

Babar Khan and Khatija Khan were arrested on December 19, 2019.  After her arrest, Khatija Khan continued to defraud multiple clients.           

On February 28, 2022, Babar Khan pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, and one count of making and subscribing a false tax return.

Khatija Khan pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and one count of mail fraud.  On September 1, 2022, she was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment.

Babar Khan, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on March 18, 2026.

Judge Underhill ordered Babar Khan to pay $371,743 in restitution, $367,743.75 to be paid jointly and severally with Khatija Khan.

This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, with assistance from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOEL HUNTSMAN, also known as “Jay Huntsman, “Joel Feser,” and “Jay Blackburn”, 37, of Preston, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to a child exploitation offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2022, the Kik mobile messenger application submitted a CyberTip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (“NCMEC”) that a user, subsequently identified as Huntsman, had distributed child sex abuse images and videos to another Kik user.  On November 2, 2022, the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted a court-authorized search of Huntsman’s residence and seized multiple items, including two mobile phones.  Analysis of the seized phones revealed child sex abuse images and videos.

Huntsman was arrested on January 26, 2023.

Huntsman pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.  He has been detained since his arrest.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel E. Cummings and Nancy V. Gifford.

This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

To report cases of child exploitation, please visit https://report.cybertip.org/.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that MARIA HIGGINS, 36, of Manchester, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to offenses related to two embezzlement schemes.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from mid-2018 to April 2022, Higgins was employed as a bookkeeper for New England Kitchen & Bath LLC in Glastonbury.  Higgins stole from the business by issuing company checks payable to herself, often including the words “commission” or “bonus” in the memo line of the check, and used a signature handstamp of the company’s owner to issue the checks; initiating wire transfers to bank accounts in her name; creating a fictitious supplier and billing the company for fictious expenses; using company debit cards to pay for personal expenses; and overseeing a construction proposal for a legitimate client project, expensing incurred costs of the project through the company, and having the client pay her directly.  Higgins stole $504,807 through this scheme.

From February 2023 to April 2024, Higgins was employed as an accounting manager for PVC Solutions, Inc., in Danbury, a company that produces and distributes PVC products.  Higgins stole from the company by issuing company checks payable to herself; creating duplicate vendor payment templates to initiate wire transfers to her personal bank account; creating fictitious suppliers to bill the company on her behalf; and paying personal expenses through the company’s bank account.  Higgins manipulated the company’s accounting records to conceal her criminal activity.  Higgins stole $356,181 through this scheme.

Higgins failed to report approximately $768,650 of her stolen income on her personal federal income tax returns for the 2018 through 2023 tax years, resulting in a loss of $167,831 to the IRS.

Higgins pleaded guilty to interstate transportation of stolen money, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and tax evasion, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  Judge Oliver scheduled sentencing for December 2.

Higgins has agreed to pay full restitution to New England Kitchen & Bath, PVC Solutions, Inc., and the IRS.

Higgins is released on a $50,000 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.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JONATHAN WILLIAMS, 34, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment and 20 years of supervised release for possessing child sex abuse material.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has been investigating a network of individuals who have been using private groups on an internet chat application to share images and videos of child sexual abuse.  The investigation revealed that an account associated with Williams was an active member of one of these groups, and that Williams was convicted in 2015 in North Carolina of sexual exploitation of a minor in the third degree.

On June 1, 2023, investigators conducted a court authorized search of Williams’ residence.  Williams was arrested at that time after a preliminary review of his laptop revealed videos of child sex abuse.  Subsequent analysis of his laptop and iPhone revealed more than 1,500 videos and 7,000 images depicting child pornography, including videos and images of sadistic and masochistic conduct and other depictions of violence and sexual abuse of infants and toddlers.

Williams has been detained since his arrest.  On August 15, 2024, he pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography.

The penalties in this matter were enhanced based on Williams’ prior conviction in North Carolina.

This matter was investigated by HSI with the assistance of the Connecticut Center for Digital Investigations, the Connecticut State Police, and the Hartford and Westport Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings.

This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

To report cases of child exploitation, please visit https://report.cybertip.org.

ZAEKWON McDANIEL, also known as “Gap” and “Yung Gap,” 27, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to life in prison, and a mandatory 10-year consecutive term of imprisonment, for offenses related to his leadership of the 960 gang, a violent Waterbury street gang.

Today’s announcement was made by David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Maureen T. Platt, State’s Attorney for the Waterbury Judicial District; P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bryan DiGirolamo, Acting Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; and Waterbury Police Chief Fernando C. Spagnolo.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address drug trafficking and related violence in Waterbury, the FBI, ATF, and Waterbury Police have been investigating multiple Waterbury-based groups, including the 960 gang.  On September 14, 2021, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned a 36-count indictment charging McDaniel and 15 other 960 gang members with various offenses, including racketeering, murder, attempted murder and assault, firearm possession, narcotics trafficking, and obstruction of justice offenses.

According to the evidence presented during his trial:

• On October 31, 2017, 960 members were involved in a drive-by shooting in the area of Porter Street and Bank Street in Waterbury in an attempt to murder members of a rival gang.  An individual was shot and wounded in the shooting.  Investigators recovered 17 shell casings from four different firearms at the scene, and also identified the car used by the assailants.  McDaniel’s DNA was found on the steering wheel of the car.
• On November 22, 2017, McDaniel and 960 members Malik Bayon and Tahjay Love shot at Clarence Lewis and Antonio Santos who were in a car at a restaurant in Waterbury.  Lewis sped from the scene at a high rate of speed and crashed into a house at the intersection of Wolcott Street and Dallas Avenue in Waterbury.  Lewis, 22, and Santos, 20, were pronounced dead at the scene.  Shell casings connected two of firearms used during the shooting to the shooting that occurred on October 31, 2017, and McDaniel’s DNA was found on a gun magazine that was dropped at the restaurant.
• On December 29, 2017, shortly before 9:00 p.m., McDaniel shot and injured the father of a rival gang member who was taking out the trash in front of his residence.  960 members videoed themselves wearing masks at the scene minutes before the shooting.

To promote 960, McDaniel and other 960 members made rap videos that glorified gang violence, firearm possession, and drug dealing.  Many of the rap lyrics were tied to criminal conduct committed by 960 members.

McDaniel has been detained since January 3, 2018.

On February 14, 2024, a jury found McDaniel, Tahjay Love, and Malik Bayon guilty of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity with special circumstances, murder in violation of the Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering (“VCAR”) statute, and two counts of causing death through the use of a firearm and in relation to a crime of violence.  The jury also found McDaniel guilty of attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, and carrying and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; Love guilty of obstruction of justice; and Bayon guilty of conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute narcotics, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

Love and Bayon await sentencing.

This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, Waterbury Police Department, ATF, and U.S. Marshals Service, with the assistance of the Southington Police Department, Watertown Police Department, New Milford Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory, and the DEA Laboratory.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey M. Stone, John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Natasha M. Freismuth, and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Don E. Therkildesen, Jr. and Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney Alexandra Arroyo, who were cross-designated as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys in this matter.

This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TERRY COLLINS, 31, of Bristol, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 72 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for trafficking fentanyl and for laundering funds received through misrepresentations to a COVID-19 relief program.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2022, the DEA New Haven Task Force, the DEA Tactical Diversion Squad, the Waterbury Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies determined that Gawayne Fisher, also known as “Fruit” and “Tank,” was trafficking narcotics in and around Waterbury while on federal supervised release.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones, physical surveillance, and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Fisher and others were selling large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, as well as counterfeit oxycodone and alprazolam (Xanax) pills.  Collins supplied fentanyl to Fisher’s organization, and he maintained a location on Yale Street in Waterbury to store, process, and package narcotics.

Collins, Fisher, and two associates were arrested on April 13, 2023.  On that date, a search of the Yale Street location revealed drug-processing equipment, approximately three kilograms of loose fentanyl, and approximately 75,000 individual bags containing fentanyl.  In addition, a West Main Street apartment in Waterbury that Fisher used as a stash location revealed approximately 16 kilograms of cocaine, three kilograms of fentanyl, 125,000 individual glassine bags containing fentanyl, and $7,574 in cash, and a search of Fisher’s residence on Beverly Avenue in Waterbury, and his vehicle, revealed approximately $175,110 in cash.

The investigation also revealed that Collins defrauded the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), a COVID-19 pandemic relief program established by the U.S. Congress through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act to provide financial assistance to small businesses for job retention and other expenses.  In May 2021, Collins submitted documentation to the U.S. Small Business Administration that Platinum Liquor, a store he operated in Waterbury, had 14 employees and an average monthly payroll of $59,612.  In fact, Platinum Liquor only had one employee and the store did not generate as much money as Collins claimed.  Based on these misrepresentations, Platinum Liquor received a $149,030 PPP loan.  Collins made additional misrepresentations in loan forgiveness documents and the loan was subsequently forgiven.

On October 2, 2024, Collins pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of money laundering related to the PPP loan scheme.  Collins, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on October 28.

Judge Bolden will determine Collins’ restitution obligation within 90 days.

On January 27, 2025, Fisher was sentenced to 217 months of imprisonment for this drug trafficking offense and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

This investigation was conducted by the DEA New Haven Task Force, the DEA Tactical Diversion Squad, and the Waterbury Police Department, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, Connecticut State Police, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the New Haven, Naugatuck, Ansonia, West Haven, Meriden, East Haven, Branford, Shelton, and Bristol Police Departments.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program.

“I sincerely thank Chief Judge Shea and the District Court judges for allowing me to continue in my role as United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut.  I am honored that they, President Trump, and Attorney General Bondi have placed their trust in me to serve our country and the people of Connecticut alongside the hard-working men and women of the office, and federal, state, and local law enforcement.”

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROSS DeLIBRO, 54, of Shelton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 288 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for producing and possessing child sex abuse images.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2024, a detective assigned to the Connecticut State Police Computer Crimes Unit began an investigation into the sharing of child sex abuse images and videos over a peer-to-peer file sharing network.  The investigation revealed that an internet protocol (IP) address assigned to DeLibro’s residence in Shelton had been used to share child sex abuse videos. 

The investigation also revealed that DeLibro had worked since at least 2007 as a preschool teacher and in-home nanny for several families with young children in Connecticut, and had a degree in early childhood education.  He solicited in-home nanny business through a popular and legitimate employment website.

On May 1, 2024, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of DeLibro’s residence and seized his Apple MacBook Air, his iPhone, an external hard drive, and other items.  Analysis of the seized items revealed image and video files depicting male children being sexually abused, including two images in which DeLibro appears engaging in sexually explicit conduct with a toddler.

DeLibro has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on June 11, 2024.  On May 15, 2025, he pleaded guilty to production of child pornography and possession of child pornography.

This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Connecticut State Police, with the assistance of the Shelton Police Department and the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Scientific Services.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel George and Nancy Gifford.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Ansonia/Milford for its cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.

This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STANLIN DANIEL VASQUEZ-SALINAS, also known as “Stalin Vasquez-Salinas” and “Stalin Vasquez,” 25, a citizen of Ecuador last residing in Danbury, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to unlawful reentry of a removed alien.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 11, 2025, Danbury Police arrested Vasquez-Salinas and charged him with conspiracy to commit commercial sexual abuse of a minor between the ages of 15 and 17 years old.  Vasquez-Salinas identified himself as “Stalin D. Vasquez” at the time of his arrest.  Analysis of Vasquez-Salinas’ fingerprints confirmed his true identity, and the investigation revealed that Vasquez-Salinas had illegally entered the U.S. in December 2019 and was arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol in Texas.  He was removed to Ecuador in May 2020.

On March 14, 2025, Vasquez-Salinas was released from state custody on bond.  That same day, after a brief vehicle chase and subsequent foot pursuit, he was taken into ICE custody and has been detained since his arrest.

At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Vasquez-Salinas faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years.  His state charges are pending.

This matter has been investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj. N. Patel.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Danbury for its cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging MIGUEL FRANCISCO GUZMAN, 30, of Woodbridge, New Jersey, with child exploitation and drug distribution offenses.

The indictment was returned on August 5, 2025, and Guzman has been detained since his arrest on August 12.  He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish in Hartford, pleaded not guilty to the charges, and was ordered detained.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in March 2025, Guzman began messaging on Snapchat with a child under the age of 13 (“minor victim”) in Connecticut.  Guzman solicited sexually explicit images from the minor victim and sent sexually explicit images of himself to the minor victim.  Guzman then travelled to Connecticut to engage in sexual conduct with the minor victim.  He also provided cocaine to the minor victim.

It is further alleged that a court-authorized search of Guzman’s Snapchat account has revealed attempts by Guzman to solicit sexually explicit images and sexual encounters with other minors between March and May 2025.

The indictment charges Guzman with one count of enticement of a minor and one count of attempted enticement of a minor, charges that carry a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life on each count, and one count of distribution of a controlled substance to a person under age 21, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of one year and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of local police in Connecticut and the Woodbridge (N.J.) Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Boyles, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.

This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.

David X. Sullivan,  United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAFAEL VINCENTE VINCENTE, also known as “Rafael Vicente Vicente,” “Vincente Carlos Vincente,” “Carlos Vincente,” “Carlos Vicente,” “Rafael A Vincente,” and “Rafael A Vicente,” 41, a citizen of Guatemala last residing in New London, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to illegally reentering the United States after being deported.  In pleading guilty, he also admitted that he attempted to entice, patronize, or solicit a minor in violation of federal law.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2004, Vincente, who has never held legal immigration status in the U.S., was convicted in Connecticut Superior Court of negligent homicide and evading responsibility for a motor vehicle accident resulting in death, and was sentenced to a 10-year term of incarceration, suspended after 13 months.  In July 2005, he was deported to Guatemala.

Vincente subsequently reentered the U.S. and, on June 7, 2024, was arrested by Groton Town Police and charged with attempted commercial sexual abuse of a minor, attempted sexual assault in the second degree, and attempted risk of injury to a child.  The state charges stem from Vincente being caught in an undercover law enforcement operation in which he responded to an advertisement on Skip the Games, a website commonly used to advertise commercial sexual activity, and traveled to a hotel in Groton to meet a 15-year-old girl for sex.

Vincente has been detained since his federal arrest on November 21, 2024.

Judge Nagala scheduled sentencing for January 7, 2026, at which time Vincente faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

This matter has been investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Gordon.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of New London for its cooperation in the prosecution of this case.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JUAN JOSE CARRASCO CARDENAS, 39, a citizen of Mexico, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with illegally reentering the United States after being deported.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in January 2002, Carrasco was encountered by U.S. Border Patrol and was issued a voluntary return to Mexico.  In May 2009, U.S. Border Patrol encountered Carrasco illegally entering the country in Arizona.  He was charged in the District of Arizona with improper entry of an alien, sentenced to five days of imprisonment and, in June 2009, was issued a voluntary return to Mexico.  In January 2018, Carrasco was arrested in Saline County, Kansas, and charged with various offenses related to the trafficking of marijuana.  He was convicted of a state marijuana distribution offense and sentenced to 30 months in jail.  He was removed to Mexico in October 2019.

Carrasco was arrested by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations on August 27, 2025, in Meriden.  He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish in Hartford and was ordered detained.

If convicted of the charge of unlawful reentry, Carrasco faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL W. LANDON, 39, of Groton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 360 months of imprisonment and 15 years of supervised release for producing and possessing child sex abuse material.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2023, the FBI began investigating an individual, subsequently identified as Landon, who was distributing child pornography on Wickr, a secure messaging and collaboration service that provides end-to-end encryption for messages, calls, and file sharing.  Landon was trading videos in a Wickr chat room dedicated to spy cameras and voyeurism.  The videos Landon shared depicted surreptitious videos of a minor girl in a bathroom and bedroom.

On April 4, 2023, investigators seized Landon’s iPhone.  Forensic analysis of the phone revealed a video of Landon sexually assaulting a minor boy, and additional videos and images depicting child sexual abuse.  The phone also contained messages using the Telegram application with links to “CP (‘child pornography’) And Rape Mega Drive Collection” and “Forced Teen Sex.”

Landon has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on June 28, 2023.  On April 8, 2025, he pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of production of child pornography and one count of possessing and accessing with intent to view child pornography.  The state charges against Landon are pending.

This matter was investigated by the FBI and the Town of Groton Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean P. Mahard and Nancy V. Gifford through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the New London State Attorney’s Office for its cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this case.

To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JUSTIN C. MURPHY, 50, of Stamford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 54 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for operating an investment fraud scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Murphy owned and operated Greenwich-based Mara Investment Group, LLC, also known as Mara Investment Management LP and Mara Investments Global Management LLC (“Mara”), which Murphy purported to be a hedge fund that solicited and accepted investments and used a quantitative strategy that balanced long and short positions in securities.  Between approximately 2016 and September 2022, Murphy defrauded investors by pursuing a much riskier investment strategy than he told investors; diverting substantial investor funds for his own personal use and benefit; representing to investors that their invested funds were performing more favorably than was, in fact, the case, including providing investors with account statements that falsely representing their account balances; and providing investors with federal tax forms that falsely reported business income upon which investors would be required to pay tax.

Murphy stole approximately $3,465,812 in investor funds through this scheme and used the funds to pay for personal expenses, to purchase a personal stake in his relative’s startup company, and then to fund nearly a year of living in luxury hotels in Brazil while avoiding investor complaints and lawsuits.

Judge Bolden ordered Murphy to pay restitution of $3,782,154, which includes losses to an additional investor who had placed money with Murphy prior to the beginning of the charged scheme.

Murphy was arrested in Brazil on December 6, 2023, and was detained for nearly 11 months while awaiting extradition to the U.S.  On April 29, 2025, he pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering.

Murphy, who was released on a $250,000 bond on November 1, 2024, is required to report to prison on October 15.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and Brazilian authorities provided assistance.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Novick.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSHUA ROMAN, 33, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl and cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force began investigating a large-scale drug trafficking organization that was distributing kilogram quantities of fentanyl and cocaine in Connecticut.  The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps, physical and electronic surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, and other investigative techniques.  A wiretap revealed that Roman, the president of the Loose Cannonz motorcycle club, was attempting to broker transactions of kilogram quantities of fentanyl and carfentanil.  The investigation further revealed that Roman and his associates were receiving shipments of fentanyl and cocaine for distribution in the Hartford area.

On May 18, 2023, investigators made a controlled purchase of approximately 100 grams of fentanyl from Roman.  On June 7, 2023, Roman was arrested at Hartford residence and investigators seized approximately 50 grams of fentanyl from him.  On that date, a search of the Loose Cannonz clubhouse in East Hartford revealed an additional 50 grams of fentanyl.

On May 5, 2025, Roman pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

Roman, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on October 22.

This investigation is being conducted by the DEA’s Hartford Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reed Durham and Robert Dearington through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYRONE BROWN, 33, of Lithonia, Georgia, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to a methamphetamine trafficking offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately January 2022 and March 2024, Brown mailed parcels containing methamphetamine pills from Georgia to addresses in New Haven associated with Gregory Grant and others.  Investigators identified approximately 79 suspicious parcels shipped from Brown to Grant during that time.  In January 2023, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of an intercepted parcel and found 16 ziplock sandwich bags containing a total of more than four kilograms of multicolored methamphetamine pills and a firearm.  The investigation also revealed that Grant made multiple payments to Brown during the conspiracy.

Brown pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.  Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for December 2.

Brown has been detained since his arrest on April 7, 2025.

Grant, of New Haven, pleaded guilty on March 12, 2025, and is detained while awaiting sentencing.

This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force, which includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, and the Hartford, Plainville, and Meriden Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathaniel J. Gentile and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ENRIQUE PAULO PUCHA-JIMENEZ, 34, a citizen of Ecuador last residing in Danbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 300 months of imprisonment for recording his sexual abuse of a minor girl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on multiple occasions between November 2020 and August 2023, Pucha-Jimenez sexually abused a minor girl, who was between the approximate ages of nine and 12, and used his cellphone to take photographs and videos of his sexual abuse of the victim. 

On August 16, 2023, Danbury Police arrested Pucha-Jimenez on state sexual assault and risk of injury offenses.  Subsequent forensic analysis of Pucha-Jimenez’s cellphone revealed 576 images and 36 videos of child sex abuse material involving the minor victim.

Pucha-Jimenez has been detained since his arrest.  On August 1, 2024, he pleaded guilty in federal court to production of child pornography.  The state charges against Pucha-Jimenez are pending.

Pucha-Jimenez faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Danbury Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings with the assistance of the Office of the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Danbury.

This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that CHRISTOPHER RODRIGUEZ, 31, of Windsor, was arrested yesterday on a federal criminal complaint charging him with enticing minors to engage in sexual activity.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in October and November 2023, Rodriguez used the social media applications LiveIn and Discord to communicate with an 11-year-old girl in Florida and coerced her to send him a sexually explicit video of herself.  In November and December 2023, Rodriguez, posing as a teenager, communicated with a 13-year-old girl from Pennsylvania using Discord and iMessage, engaged in sexually explicit conversations with her, coerced her to send him sexually explicit images and videos of herself, and sent the minor female sexually explicit images he claimed were of himself.

The complaint charges Rodriguez with coercion and enticement of a minor, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

Rodriguez appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and was ordered detained.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexis L. Beyerlein.

This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.

JOSHUA GILBERT, also known as “Lor Heavy,” 24, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 480 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for his involvement in a violent Bridgeport street gang.

Today’s announcement was made was made by David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter; P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bryan DiGirolamo, Acting Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England; and Acting Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal John Iverson.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Connecticut State Police and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder, and other acts of violence.  Gilbert was a member of the Original North End (“O.N.E.”), a gang based in the Trumbull Gardens area of Bridgeport that committed acts of violence against rival gangs, including the East End gang, the East Side gang, a West End gang, and the PT Barnum gang.  O.N.E. members also robbed drug dealers, customers, and others, sold narcotics, and stole cars from inside and outside Connecticut, often using the cars to commit crimes.  They frequently used social media to promote and coordinate their criminal activities.

In November 2019, O.N.E. members stole a Lexus Rx350 from Rye, New York.  In early December 2019, O.N.E. members were involved in multiple shots-fired incidents in Bridgeport.  In one incident, the mother of rival gang members was shot outside of her Bridgeport home.  In another incident, on December 8, 2019, O.N.E. members used the stolen Lexus in a shooting incident at the P.T. Barnum Housing Complex, damaging several cars, and then drove it to Newfield Avenue in Bridgeport where Gilbert and other O.N.E. members shot and killed Ty’Quess Moore, also known as “Breezo,” 18.

Gilbert and other O.N.E. members posted videos to social media in which they and others brandished firearms, celebrated violent gang culture, and referenced rivals who were killed.

Gilbert has been detained since his arrest on July 19, 2021.  On November 21, 2023, a jury found him guilty of racketeering conspiracy.

Approximately 47 members and associates of multiple Bridgeport-based gangs were convicted of federal offenses stemming from this investigation, which solved eight murders and approximately 20 attempted murders.

This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory, and the police departments from Norwalk, Stamford, Fairfield, Stratford, Ansonia, Monroe, Waterbury, Naugatuck, Eastchester (N.Y.), Rye (N.Y.), and Newburgh (N.Y.). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Stephanie T. Levick, and Rahul Kale.

This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that HABROON HABIB, 29, a citizen of Pakistan and lawful permanent resident of the U.S. residing in Middletown, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with offenses stemming from an alleged health care fraud scheme involving durable medical equipment (“DME”).

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, the Medicare Advantage program, commonly known as Medicare Part C, offers Medicare beneficiaries managed care options by allowing them to enroll in private health care plans rather than having their care covered through Medicare’s traditional fee-for-service program, commonly known as Medicare Part B.  The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services contracts with private health insurers to administer the Medicare Advantage program.

It is alleged that Habib and Around the World Solutions LLC, a company he formed in January 2025, and others, engaged in a health care fraud scheme to defraud the Medicare Advantage program through the submission of fraudulent claims for DME, specifically orthotics, that were never provided to patients.  Between February and June 2025, Around the World Solutions, which had a business address at a shared office space location in Middletown, billed various Medicare Advantage plan sponsors for orthotics purportedly provided to more than 400 Medicare beneficiaries around the U.S., none of whom resided in Connecticut.  The beneficiaries did not ask for, or receive, the orthotics.

It is further alleged that Habib engaged in unlawful financial transactions involving proceeds of the scheme.  In February 2025, Habib opened a checking account in the name of Around the World Solutions.  Between March 12 and May 14, 2025, approximately $680,000 in checks from Medicare Advantage plan sponsors were deposited into the account.  During this same two-month period, $425,000 was transferred out of the account via wire transfers to financial institutions in Pakistan.

It is alleged that HHS-OIG agents interviewed Habib on July 29, 2025, and informed him of the investigation.  On August 21, 2025, investigators learned that Habib was scheduled to fly, using a one-way ticket, from JFK Airport to Pakistan on August 25.

Habib was arrested on August 24, 2025.  He appeared the next day in New Haven federal court and was released on a $50,000 bond and is subject to electronic monitoring.

The complaint charges Habib with money laundering, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; making unlawful monetary transactions, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; operating an unlicensed money transmitting business, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years; and conspiracy, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon.

People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it at oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud or by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KIERRA BLOUNT, 35, formerly of Stamford and currently residing in Plymouth, North Carolina, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to fraud and mail theft offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Blount, at times while employed by the U.S. Postal Service in Stamford, stole mail and obtained stolen mail for the purpose of obtaining checks that were payable to other individuals.  In approximately November 2021, Blount opened a bank account using the name and social security number of an individual without the identity theft victim’s knowledge.  Blount and others fraudulently changed the payee names on stolen checks to the name of the identity theft victim, forged the victim’s signature on the back of the checks, and deposited them into the bank account Blount opened.  From November 2021 until the account was closed in April 2022, Blount and others deposited approximately $156,000 in fraudulent checks into the account.  Some check deposits were reversed by the bank, and Blount and others used approximately $81,000 for their own purposes.

On June 20, 2023, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of Blount’s Stamford residence and seized a significant amount of stolen mail and other items related to this scheme, including debit cards in the names of other individuals, checks totaling more than $285,000, and sheets of paper containing personal information of other individuals, including names, dates of birth, addresses, email addresses, and security question answers.  Subsequent analysis of cell phones seized from Blount on that date revealed images of stolen checks, personal identifying information for more than 50 individuals, and communications using the Telegram app with unknown individuals involved in the scheme.

Blount was charged by indictment on March 26, 2024.  She was arrested on June 17, 2024.

Blount pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, and one count of unlawful possession of stolen mail, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  Judge Nagala scheduled sentencing for December 9.

Blount is released on a $75,000 bond pending sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Connecticut Organized Financial Fraud (CUT OFF) Task Force, which includes personnel from the Stamford, Milford, Westport, Fairfield, West Haven, West Hartford, and Bridgeport Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shan Patel.

AMIRE NEWSOME, also known as “Mire,” 22, last residing in Stamford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 180 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for his involvement in a violent Bridgeport street gang.

Today’s announcement was made was made by David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter; P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bryan DiGirolamo, Acting Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England; and Acting Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal John Iverson.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Connecticut State Police and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder, and other acts of violence.  Newsome was a member of the Original North End (“O.N.E.”), a gang based in the Trumbull Gardens area of Bridgeport that committed acts of violence against rival gangs, including the East End gang, the East Side gang, a West End gang, and the PT Barnum gang.  O.N.E. members also robbed drug dealers, customers, and others, sold narcotics, and stole cars from inside and outside Connecticut, often using the cars to commit crimes.  They frequently used social media to promote and coordinate their criminal activities.

Analysis of numerous social media posts and text messages revealed that Newsome possessed firearms, including firearms with extended magazines, and that he sold a variety of drugs.  He also participated with other O.N.E. members in the theft and possession of stolen vehicles, some of which were used to commit gang-related shootings, and conspired with them to murder O.N.E.’s rivals.

The investigation also revealed that on March 25, 2020, Newsome and O.N.E. member Tyiese Warren stole a car that was in front of the Citgo 6M Service Station and Quik Mart located at 2000 Barnum Avenue in Stratford.  During the theft, they dragged the car’s driver, who was trying to stop the theft and was hanging onto the car, several hundred yards before he let go.  Warren and Newsome then engaged in a carjacking involving a Toyota Corolla in Bridgeport, holding the owner at gunpoint and ultimately driving away in the car.  Minutes later, Warren and Newsome committed a gunpoint robbery of the Citgo in Stratford, taking cash from the store and a cellphone from a store employee.  They stole three other cars that same night.

In addition, Newsome and fellow O.N.E. member Jahaz Langston conspired to murder rival gang members and, on March 7, 2021, shot and severely injured the mother of two rival gang members as she drove her vehicle on I-95.

Newsome has been detained since his arrest on August 10, 2021.  On August 16, 2023, he pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy.

Warren and Langston each pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy.  On March 9, 2022, Warren was sentenced to 40 years of imprisonment, and on April 17, 2025, Langston was sentenced to 188 months of imprisonment.

Approximately 47 members and associates of multiple Bridgeport-based gangs have been convicted of federal offenses stemming from this investigation, which has solved eight murders and approximately 20 attempted murders.

This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory, and the police departments from Norwalk, Stamford, Fairfield, Stratford, Ansonia, Monroe, Waterbury, Naugatuck, Eastchester (N.Y.), Rye (N.Y.), and Newburgh (N.Y.). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Stephanie T. Levick, and Rahul Kale.

This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport has returned an indictment charging MICHELLE FREEMAN, also known as “Thunder,” 37, of Waterbury, LESHANDA LONG, 43, of Hamden, and OMAR EADDY, 40, of Bridgeport, with participating in a stolen check and bank fraud scheme.

As alleged in the indictment and court documents, Freeman, Long, and Eaddy engaged in a scheme that involved the theft of checks from mailboxes and the manipulation of the stolen checks to make them payable to individuals who served as “check runners.”  The check runners would then cash the fraudulent checks and provide the cash to the conspirators.  Freeman led the conspiracy and was responsible for counterfeiting the fraudulent checks, which were primarily drawn from small business accounts in Connecticut.  Long and Eaddy recruited the check runners to cash the checks at banks and check cashing locations.

The indictment, which was returned on August 20, 2025, charges Freeman, Long, and Eaddy with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.

Freeman, Long, and Eaddy were arrested on criminal complaints on May 6, 2025.  They are each released on a $100,000 bond and are scheduled to be arraigned on August 26.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan 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 U.S. Postal Inspection Service Connecticut Organized Financial Fraud (CUT OFF) Task Force, which includes personnel from the Milford, Westport, Fairfield, West Haven, Stamford, West Hartford, and Bridgeport Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Boyles.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RICARDO VERDEJO, also known as “Rick” and “Ricky,” 27, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 156 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in both a violent carjacking and a Waterbury narcotics trafficking ring.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning hours of June 18, 2023, two all-terrain vehicles (“ATVs”) were stolen from Emily Rodriguez’s Waterbury residence.  At the time, Rodriguez was living with Verdejo.  After the theft, Verdejo, Rodriguez, and others posted messages on Facebook seeking to identify the individuals responsible for the theft and offering money for information about the location of the stolen vehicles.  Verdejo and others then mistakenly identified an individual (“Victim 1”), who they incorrectly believed was involved in the theft.  Later that night, Victim 1’s friend, (“Victim 2”), picked up Victim 1 from work and drove him home.  As they arrived at Victim 1’s residence, three vehicles followed them and surrounded the victims.  Verdejo, who carried an assault-style rifle, and others exited the vehicles and approached the victims.  Verdejo and his associates demanded the return of the stolen ATVs, threatened to kill the victims, and physically assaulted them.  Verdejo smacked one victim in the head and then used the barrel of the rifle to strike both victims in the face.

Verdejo and his associates then stole Victim 2’s vehicle, which was owned by Victim 2’s relative, and other items and cash belonging to the victims.  Verdejo and his associates continued to harass the victims in the following days.

Also, Verdejo and 16 others were charged with federal offenses stemming from an investigation into two drug trafficking organizations based in the city of Waterbury.  One organization operated in the area of William Street and the other operated in the area of Maple Avenue.  Verdejo was involved in the William Street organization.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones, video surveillance, GPS tracking of vehicles, and numerous controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that the two organizations distributed cocaine, crack, and fentanyl through a network of sellers.  The organizations shared sources of supply and worked together to further their operations.

Verdejo and several of his drug associates were arrested on November 29, 2023.  In association with the arrests, investigators executed multiple search warrants and seized approximately 700 grams of crack cocaine, more than 900 vials (“caps”) of crack, approximately 200 grams of loose fentanyl, more than 1,600 dose bags of fentanyl/heroin, two stolen firearms, numerous rounds of ammunition, and more than $39,000 in cash.

Verdejo has been detained since his arrest.  On April 15, 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, and on May 21, 2025, he pleaded guilty to carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

Rodriguez pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.

These investigations were led by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and Waterbury Safe Streets Gang Task Force, and the Waterbury Police Department.  The carjacking case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathan J. Guevremont and David T. Huang, and the narcotics trafficking case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and Shan Patel through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that on August 19, 2025, ANTHONY DELMARO, 48, of Woodbridge, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to tax evasion.

According to court documents and statements made in court, since at least 2012, Delmaro has owned and operated a commercial roofing businesses in Connecticut, most frequently doing business as “Kings Roofing.”  The business also provided paving services.  Until Delmaro was notified of this investigation, Kings Roofing was not registered with the Connecticut Secretary of State and did not have a federal Taxpayer Identification Number.  From 2012 to 2022, Kings Roofing earned approximately $20.9 million in customer receipts, but Delmaro paid his workers in cash, never filed income or payroll tax returns for himself or the business, and took several steps to conceal income and operating expenses from the IRS.

As part of his tax evasion scheme, Delmaro and others associated with his business cashed checks from customers at various check cashing businesses instead of depositing them into bank accounts.  Delmaro provided the check cashers with addresses associated with UPS mailboxes rather than his home address.  When the check cashers filed Currency Transaction Reports (“CTRs”), the IRS only had a UPS mailbox location to try to identify source of income.  When not using a check casher, Delmaro made business-related deposits into his personal bank account.

Delmaro also had customers file false Forms 1099 made out to a family member, rather than his business, or made out to Delmaro himself, making income attribution more difficult.  Delmaro sometimes provided customers with an alias, “Sonny Rubino,” which they used on the 1099.  If a customer refused to pay unless Delmaro provided a Form W-9 identifying his taxpayer identification number and address, Delmaro often provided a W-9 completed with his father’s name and Social Security number and an address associated with a UPS mailbox.  Delmaro’s father used an alias, which differed from the name and information Delmaro provided to the customer.

For the 2022 tax year, Delmaro cashed $3,710,628 in checks made payable to Kings Roofing at check cashing businesses, received $439,700 in business-related deposits into his personal bank account, and caused 24 Forms 1099-NEC totaling $1,908,095 to be filed with false information.

The investigation also revealed that from 2019 to April 2025, Delmaro received more than $500,000 in Husky Health Low Income Medical benefits.  Husky Health is a Connecticut Medicaid program, jointly funded by the federal government and by the State of Connecticut and administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services.

Delmaro has agreed to pay restitution of $1,129,669 to the IRS, and $578,259 to the Connecticut Medicaid program.

Judge Nagala scheduled sentencing for December 17.

Delmaro is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.

This investigation has been conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division and the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANGEL BENITEZ, 38, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for drug distribution and firearm possession offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, a DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad investigation revealed that Benitez and a co-conspirator were illegally selling oxycodone pills that were prescribed to his co-conspirator.  In August and September 2024, investigators made controlled purchases of oxycodone pills from Benitez and his co-conspirator.

Benitez was arrested on November 6, 2024.  On that date, a search of his residence revealed a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol that had been reported stolen in West Hartford.

Benitez’s criminal history includes state assault, burglary, and larceny convictions.  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.

Benitez has been detained since his arrest.  On March 26, 2025, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, oxycodone, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

This matter was investigated by the DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, which is composed of personnel from the DEA, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, West Haven, Hamden, Fairfield, Manchester, and Seymour Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANGEL QUIROS, also known as “Papa John,” 36, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 63 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for heading a Waterbury drug trafficking organization.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI’s Waterbury Safe Streets Gang Task Force and other law enforcement agencies investigated two drug trafficking organizations based in the city of Waterbury.  One organization was headed by Quiros and operated in the area of William Street, and the other was headed by Daniel Diaz-Rivera and operated in the area of Maple Avenue.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones, video surveillance, GPS tracking of vehicles, and numerous controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that the two organizations distributed cocaine, crack, and fentanyl through a network of sellers.  The organizations shared sources of supply, worked together to further their operations, and sold narcotics all hours of the day and night.

Quiros, Diaz-Rivera, and 15 associates were charged with federal offenses as a result of the investigation.  Quiros, Diaz-Rivera, and several codefendants were arrested on November 29, 2023.  In association with the arrests, investigators executed multiple search warrants and seized approximately 700 grams of crack cocaine, more than 900 vials (“caps”) of crack, approximately 200 grams of loose fentanyl, more than 1,600 dose bags of fentanyl/heroin, two stolen firearms, numerous rounds of ammunition, and more than $39,000 in cash.  Investigators seized from Quiros quantities of cocaine and crack, more than $6,000 in cash, and jewelry valued at more than $24,000.

On February 11, 2025, Quiros pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.  Released on $100,000 bond, he is required to report to prison on October 20, 2025.

Diaz-Rivera pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on June 23, 2025, was sentenced to 210 months of imprisonment.

The FBI’s Waterbury Safe Streets Gang Task includes members from the FBI, the Waterbury Police Department, the Naugatuck Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction.  The DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Connecticut State Police, Wolcott Police Department, and Meriden Police Department have assisted the investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Freismuth and Shan Patel through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the Waterbury State Attorney’s Office for its cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this case.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Brian K. Wood, Special Agent in Charge, Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Department of State; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge, New England Field Office, Homeland Security Investigations; Amy Connelly, Special Agent in Charge, Boston/New York Field Division, Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General; and Brian C. Gallagher, Special Agent in Charge, Northeastern Region, U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General, today announced that FLOR CONSUELO DEL CARMEN CABALLERO BERNABE, 55, a citizen of Peru residing in Darien, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with immigration fraud offenses.

Caballero Bernabe was arrested yesterday and is currently detained.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, Caballero Bernabe traveled to the U.S. in 2000 on a non-immigrant visa and subsequently began using the identity and social security number (SSN) of a U.S. citizen born in Puerto Rico to reside, work, and maintain a Commercial Driver’s License in Connecticut.  Caballero Bernabe also used the fraudulent identity and SSN to apply for a U.S. passport in 2005, renew it in 2015, and use it to travel internationally.  In 2021, the U.S. passport was renewed in the name of Byron Ruiz after Caballero Bernabe completed the Probate Court process for a name and gender change.  Caballero Bernabe again traveled internationally using the renewed passport.

It is further alleged that this investigation began after the individual whose identity Caballero Bernabe had originally stolen applied to the Social Security Administration seeking Social Security Disability benefits in 2022 and was informed that a person in Connecticut had been earning income using the same SSN.  Caballero subsequently made multiple false statements to federal agents investigating this matter.

The complaint charges Caballero Bernabe with passport application fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years; misuse of a passport, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years; making a false claim of U.S. citizenship, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years; misuse of a social security account number, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years; aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory term of imprisonment of two years; and making false statements, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal jury in Bridgeport today found MORRIS CARTER III, also known as “Mo,” 36, of Hartford, guilty of firearm offenses.

According to the evidence introduced during the trial, in the early morning of February 19, 2023, Carter was involved in a fight a convenience store in the south end of Hartford.  Surveillance footage shows Carter possessing a firearm and beating a convenience store patron in the head with a firearm magazine, which ejected ammunition during the altercation.  Carter then fled the store, drove toward Wethersfield, and threw two handguns out the car window.  Wethersfield Police stopped the car on Nott Street and found a loaded magazine under the passenger seat.  Later that morning, a Wethersfield resident called police after discovering one of the discarded guns at the end of her driveway.  Officers responded and found both discarded firearms, a magazine, and ammunition in the area.  Investigators also recovered the ammunition from the convenience store.

Carter’s criminal history includes a federal conviction in 2013 for conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, crack cocaine.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

The jury found Carter guilty of one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, and one count of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

Carter, who was federal supervised release at this time of this offense, faces additional penalties for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

Carter has been detained since February 19, 2023.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Hartford Police Department, and the Wethersfield Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathaniel J. Gentile and Sean P. Mahard through Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ELVIN SANTOS, 26, of Waterbury, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for drug distribution and firearm possession offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the U.S. Attorney’s Office adopted three separate state cases involving Santos for federal prosecution.

On March 21, 2021, Waterbury Police observed Santos and others conducting what appeared to be hand-to-hand drug transactions from a car Santos was driving.  Law enforcement apprehended Santos and two others, and a search of the car revealed three loaded handguns, additional ammunition, a digital scale, and distribution quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine.

In June 2021, Waterbury Police obtained a state search warrant based on continued narcotics trafficking by Santos.  On July 8, 2021, officers arrived as Santos’s residence to execute the search warrant and stopped Santos as he exited his vehicle.  A search of a satchel Santos was carrying revealed approximately 50 grams of crack, 280 baggies of fentanyl, more than 120 narcotic pills, a digital scale, a .40 caliber bullet, and other items.  A search of Santos’s car revealed quantities and marijuana, a digital scale, drug packaging material, and other items.  A search of his residence revealed more than a kilogram of marijuana, 250 baggies of fentanyl, drug packaging material, gun magazines, empty firearms boxes, and more than $10,000 in cash.

In May 2022, Waterbury Police obtained a state search warrant for Santos based on continued narcotics trafficking.  Santos was arrested on June 14, 2022.  On that date, a search of a satchel Santos carried revealed more than 900 baggies of fentanyl; quantities of cocaine, crack, and marijuana, and a digital scale.  The search of Santos’s residence revealed a .38 caliber revolver, a distribution quantity of marijuana, and more than $2,000 in cash.  A related search of stash location Santos and others used on Gilyard Drive in Waterbury revealed more than 5,500 baggies of fentanyl and drug packaging materials.

Santos has been detained since June 14, 2022.  On August 3, 2023, he pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and other controlled substances, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

This matter was investigated by the Waterbury Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth.