District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Norwich Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Eastern Connecticut Insurance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JONAS JOSEPH, also known as “James,” 34, of Norwich, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to eight months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a scheme to stage car accidents for the purpose of defrauding automobile insurance companies.
On June 15, 2017, a jury found JOSEPH guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and Mackenzy Noze guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, five counts of wire fraud and three counts of mail fraud.
According to the evidence presented during the trial, between March 2011 and February 2014, Noze, JOSEPH and others conspired to stage numerous car crashes in eastern Connecticut for the purpose of defrauding automobile insurance companies and enriching themselves. A high percentage of these planned crashes were single-vehicle accidents on remote roads where there were no witnesses other than the occupants of the crashed vehicle. After each staged accident, the defendants filed fraudulent property damage and bodily injury claims with various automobile insurance companies. They then collected payouts on the fraudulent claims from the victim insurance companies. These payouts typically ranged from approximately $10,000 to $30,000 per accident.
The evidence at trial indicated that Noze participated in as many as 50 staged crashes, and JOSEPH was personally involved in six crashes. In three of the crashes, JOSEPH feigned injury and filed fraudulent bodily injury claims. In the other three, he allowed others to crash into his vehicle so that he could collect payouts on fraudulent property damage claims.
Judge Meyer ordered JOSEPH to pay restitution of $44,153.42.
JOSEPH has been released on a $10,000 bond since his arrest on June 1, 2016. Judge Meyer ordered him to report to prison on November 27.
On October 2, 2017, Judge Meyer sentenced Noze to 48 months in prison.
Five other individuals have been charged and convicted as a result of this investigation.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Norwich Police Department, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Avi Perry and Michael J. Gustafson.
Connecticut U.S. Attorney's Office Celebrates Community Policing AwardsRead the Press Release
New Haven – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut hosted a Community Policing Awards Ceremony this afternoon that recognized 29 law enforcement officers and community members from cities and towns across the state.
“Our honorees represent the very best in community policing,” said U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly. “In innovative and practical ways, they have reached out to make meaningful connections with people living in our communities. We thank them for their commitment to building public trust and strengthening relationships between the police and the communities they serve. The importance of this work can never be overstated. If the public does not have confidence in the police, they may well not report crimes, cooperate in criminal investigations or support our justice system. We applaud them and we thank them for their dedicated and invaluable service. They have made lasting and purposeful contributions to ensuring that Connecticut is a safer and more secure place to live.”
Below is a list of the award winners and the nominations submitted on their behalf.
(Photos of today’s ceremony are available on our Facebook page.)
Bristol Police Department
Officer James Pelletier
Pastor Patricia Washington-Rice
2nd Vice President, NAACP, Morris PattonWe are all well aware of events that have taken place across our nation that have strained relations between the community and the police. In Bristol, the Bristol Police Department took proactive measures to ensure its community that the police department was committed to working together to strengthen relationships. This was a team effort and many great relationships were developed. Three stars on this team certainly went above and beyond: Pastor Patricia Washington-Rice, Morris “Rippy” Patton and Bristol Police Officer James Pelletier.
Pastor Rice sits on the Executive Board of the Bristol NAACP and is Pastor of the Beulah AME Zion Church in Bristol. Pastor Rice took the lead on improving relations between the community and the police by opening her church to the public on several occasions. Members of the Bristol Police Department, Bristol NAACP and other community members held several forums at the Church to exchange thoughts, ideas, etc., all with the intent of strengthening our bond.
Mr. Patton, who insists on going by the name of “Rippy,” is 2nd Vice President of the Bristol NAACP. It was Rippy’s idea to hold a softball tournament to promote local unity. Our first tournament was held on September 17, 2016, and the second, this past September. The teams consisted of Bristol Police Officers, Bristol Firefighters, Bristol EMS, Bristol Teachers and individuals from our community. The tournament, titled “WE ARE ONE,” consisted of several teams in which the team members were randomly selected. The goal was to have representatives from each of the above groups play together as teammates. Rippy wanted to demonstrate that there was no “us vs. them” and that we all could come together as one and have a great time.
Officer Pelletier has been a member of the Bristol Police Department for over nine years and utilizes his free time volunteering to sit on several local committees. He chooses to take on leadership roles so that he can be more involved and influential. Officer Pelletier has been at the table when meeting with our local community leaders such as the Bristol NAACP and he worked very closely with Rippy Patton in coordinating the WE ARE ONE softball tournaments. This past year, Officer Pelletier was asked to become more involved in raising funds for the Connecticut Special Olympics. Typically, the Bristol Police Department would raise about $5,000 -$6,000 a year for the Special Olympics. Officer Pelletier hit the ground running and his extraordinary efforts have resulted in the Bristol Police Department raising in excess of $20,000 to date, for the Connecticut Special Olympics.
These three have helped make Bristol a better place to live!
Clinton Police Department
Sergeant Jeremiah DunnSergeant Dunn is currently assigned to the Patrol Division as an evening shift supervisor and is also assigned as the Department’s Public Information Officer. Additionally, Sergeant Dunn acts as the President of the Clinton Police Benevolent Association. He is truly an example of community policing spirit. Annually, Sergeant Dunn runs Clinton’s Citizen’s Police Academy, a program that runs for 10 weeks each year and provides citizens of Clinton with an in-depth look at the many facets of modern policing. He has run the academy for groups of 25 to 30 Clinton residents per year and has received rave reviews for the past 21 years. Sergeant Dunn also organizes the department’s fundraising events, coordinates the annual participation in the Connecticut Special Olympics, and spearheads the Department’s annual toy drive every Christmas season.
Sergeant Dunn is always looking for ways to help others in need and often encourages other officers in the Department to do the same. A perfect example of this was when a 10-year-old boy announced at a community meeting that his birthday was the next day but later noted that he was not expecting any presents because his family could not afford them. That night Sergeant Dunn, with Officer Adrian Santiago, appeared at the child’s house with a new bicycle, a skateboard, a toy badge, and DARE bracelet so that the child would have gifts to open the next day. On that next day, the Clinton Police Department brought the child a cake and sang happy birthday to him. This truly represents who Sergeant Dunn is as a person. He continues to build strong relationships with the community he serves and the public at large with his compassion and caring, particularly for those with special needs or those in difficult situations.
Connecticut Police Chiefs Association
Chief Vernon Riddick
Chief John Gavallas
Chief Douglas FuchsWhile generally these nominations include the patrol ranks, these three police chiefs have fought hard to develop and implement the Breaking Barriers Program in an effort to foster improved communications between law enforcement and motorists during a traffic stop.
The program has been developed in partnership with multiple community leaders, members of the public, and public relations professionals to ensure that any curriculum developed and message communicated would be one which was inclusive, tested, and a collaboration between the police and the communities whom they serve.
Breaking Barriers is aimed at improving interactions between the police and the public during traffic stops, with the ultimate goal of making everyone safer during this police encounter. Police in Connecticut conduct in excess of 700,000 motor vehicle stops each year – it is by far the most likely encounter the public might have with the police. Working with civil rights organizations and youth from across Connecticut, a slogan and artwork (or branding) was developed to begin to collaboratively develop the curriculum for this program.
By working with Driver’s Education and community based programs, police officers across Connecticut have become a part of the learning process for new drivers – teaching what to expect during a traffic stop and how police and the public can work together to ensure that all motor vehicle stops are as safe and comfortable for all involved as is possible. While a particular traffic stop might be their fifth of the day – it might be the first time that a motorist has ever been pulled over. Educating motorists that although traffic stops are something police officers do with great frequency, they can also be an extremely dangerous task – reminding all that one might be the most congenial of people – never have committed a violation of law – and have been stopped for a minor traffic offense – but the police officer has no way of knowing that when approaching your vehicle. It is about mutual respect and understanding.
Connecticut State Police
Detective Michael Mudry
Training Coordinator Wayne Kowal
Director, Griswold Pride, Miranda NagleThe Bureau of Special Investigation recently implemented a new community oriented police outreach program named “CRISIS,” standing for Connection to Recovery through Intervention, Support & Initiating Services. The geographic focal point of the pilot initiative was and is Griswold due to the high number of NARCAN deployments and attendant lives saved, all associated with the ongoing opioid epidemic being experienced in the State of Connecticut.
In its broadest sense, the CRISIS Initiative is a partnership between the Connecticut State Police, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), Southeastern Mental Health Authority, Griswold PRIDE, the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR), the Connecticut Alliance to Benefit Law Enforcement (CABLE), other non-profit organizations, and the community at large. The benefit to this initiative is to provide the community with a healthier quality of life, to enhance the community’s relationship and trust with law enforcement, and ultimately, to provide a fast track into recovery services. Through collaboration with the above-mentioned organizations, a “bridge was built” to provide healthier outcomes for individuals and families struggling with addiction and mental health issues.
Our partnership with DMHAS has allowed for a full-time Licensed Clinical Social Worker that is available to conduct immediate assessments and assist people in need of addiction and/or mental health services to be tasked to this program. In addition, a formal referral system was developed, utilized by State Troopers and Dispatchers that provide individuals in need a direct avenue into the DMHAS system.
This initiative would not have come to fruition if not for the determination, perseverance, and tireless efforts of Detective Michael Mudry, Training Coordinator Wayne Kowal, and Director Miranda Nagle to collaborate and build relationships with community leaders such as the Griswold First Selectman, DMHAS, CCAR, Troop “E” personnel, and most importantly, the residents within the community of Griswold. All were instrumental in the development of the policy and procedures of the CRISIS Initiative. Their commitment and dedication is in the highest tradition of the Connecticut State Police.
East Hartford Police Department
Officer Ted BranonRecognizing the paramount need to improve community/police relations everywhere, the East Hartford Police Department appealed to the Town Council for approval of a full-time Community Service Officer. Upon Council approval, veteran Officer Ted Branon was selected from a number of internal applicants and went to work in this new position one year ago.
During the last year, Officer Branon has rewritten the manual on Community Policing and set the standard for successful relations between police departments and the communities they serve. He has been involved in organizing successful Coffee With A Cop events and the Department's first-ever participation in National Night Out; conducting Neighborhood Block Watch meetings; coordinating Convenience Store and Unlicensed Repair Shop compliance checks; hosting youth, elderly, and school safety seminars; participating in stuff-a-cruiser events and toy drives, as well as assisting with food-share and clothing donations for those less fortunate; and even organizing regular “roundtable” meetings bringing clergy from every religious organization in Town together at once to discuss and share community affairs, all while augmenting patrol enforcement of Town Ordinances designed to regulate blight and improve neighborhood quality of life.
Also, this past summer, Officer Branon created a weekly Youth Basketball Program designed to build relationships between East Hartford youth, Police Officers, and the community through positive engagement and to provide a structured environment for the youth to learn, develop, and improve their basketball skills. The instructor staff, made up of East Hartford Police Officers, focused on individual and team fundamental skills, while emphasizing the importance of teamwork, respect, attention to detail, effective communication, and knowledge of the game - with the overall goal of having fun and getting to know a police officer in town. The program was a tremendous success and will return next summer.
Whether in a group setting or one-on-one, Officer Branon's efforts toward combining aspects of traditional law enforcement while incorporating crime prevention and problem solving through community engagements and partnerships have forged a necessary bond among residents of the community and the Department. Communication between citizens and police has improved, fear of crime has been reduced and mutual trust and understanding has been enhanced. In just one short year, Officer Branon has led the mission to help the East Hartford Police Department and the community they serve unite as partners with measurable success.
East Haven Police Department
Lieutenant David EmermanLieutenant Emerman has been an integral member of the East Haven Police Department since 2004 and has been instrumental in helping reform the Department into a community-driven law enforcement agency that is nationally recognized as change leaders in 21st Century Policing. Lieutenant Emerman is bilingual, in English and Spanish, and serves as the Language Access Coordinator and Community Liaison Officer for the Department. In this capacity, he has forged strong relationships within the community, with community stakeholders, as well as the Ecuadorian Consulate. He is well respected and possesses all the qualities necessary to engage and improve relations between police and the community they serve.
In June 2016, Lieutenant Emerman was appointed as the Compliance Coordinator to the U.S. Department of Justice Settlement Agreement for the Town of East Haven. He is responsible for ensuring compliance with our settlement agreement as well as all communications and coordination between the Department and the U.S. Department of Justice.
Greenwich Police Department
Community Impact Section Sergeant John Thorme
Community Impact Officer Keith Hirsch
Community Impact Officer Daniel PaladinoOver the past few years, Greenwich Police Department Community Impact Section Sergeant John Thorme, Community Impact Officer Keith Hirsch, and Community Impact Officer Daniel Paladino have successfully conducted the following community programs that have strengthened community relations between the Police Department and the citizens of the community.
They have coordinated Spring and Fall 7-week Citizen’s Police Academy (CPA) programs (In 2016 a department record of 93 people graduated from the CPA); a one-week Spring Youth Citizen’s Police Academy (Police Explorer Camp for 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students through the Boy Scouts) consisting of approximately 45 participants; and Spring and Fall 6-week Women’s Self Defense classes, along with a Spring High School Girls’ Self Defense class. They are also responsible for the Citizen’s Emergency Response Team (CERT), conduct neighborhood Community and Police Partnership (CAPP) groups throughout the community, and have created several “Coffee with a Cop” mornings in local establishments, as well as assisted with “Thank a Cop Day” at a local restaurant. They have successfully implemented the Drug Drop-off and Disposal Program. They investigate property crime victim follow-ups, including security assessments of resident's homes and businesses. These officers implemented a Town of Greenwich Employee Response to Active Shooter Program. They also oversee a Boy Scout Police Explorer program that runs a very active Law Enforcement Career interest Explorer Post.
Through their tireless efforts, a strong bond has been created with Greenwich Police Department and the community.
City of Groton Police Department
Officer Patricia LieteauOfficer Lieteau is a veteran officer not only of this agency, but in a previous career retiring as a New London Police Sergeant. Where many would retire and do far less, Officer Lieteau draws on her experience and her ability seeking to always do more. She embodies the spirit and commitment of the community policing model in her daily comportment and interaction with the public, and casts a strong presence in the City of Groton. She is often sought by our community stakeholders as a mediator, confidant and a trusted voice of reason. A product of New London High School and always active in her community locally, her opinion is often sought regionally.
Officer Lieteau, by her integrity, ability and caring, has the unique ability to engage all our community’s diverse demographics in her always professional and effective manner. Her recent work in the City of Groton with a Police Cadet initiative has been exemplary. Working off duty and on her own time, she has worked with local youth and engaged them. She has presented this agency to this group of local youth as caring and devoted to this community, she has built strong bridges to our local youth involved here and ensured trust and ultimately respect is produced. The effect she has had is palpable and she has filled a void with structure, positive encouragement and caring. She is truly beloved by these cadets. She even at her own expense purchased radios for the group and had them assigned where they served with distinction recently addressing parking at the heavily attended City of Groton Day event. Her day to day efforts are deeply respected and appreciated, she always makes a difference. Her efforts to develop and create a Groton City Police Cadet Program are in the highest traditions of not only the City of Groton Police Department but of the concept of community service, community engagement and community policing.
New Canaan Police Department
Officer Jeffrey DeakOfficer Jeffery Deak has been a member of the New Canaan Police Department since 1995. He serves the School Resource Officers at our Middle School and is one of our firearms instructors. He is a great example of how effective one officer can be in a community while interacting with its youth.
Officer Deak has developed tremendous ties and relationships with students and staff. He makes safety presentations, interacts daily with students in the schools, and is a 24/7 resource for New Canaan’s youth and families.
In addition to his school based interactions, Officer Deak has selflessly volunteered his time for many years at police sponsored functions and events such as visiting sick children as Santa Clause at local hospitals and at the department’s Children’s Christmas party. Officer Deak is an exemplary Police Officer and the New Canaan Police Department is proud to have him among the rank and file.
New Haven Police Department
Lieutenant Karl Jacobson
Lieutenant Maneet ColonOn October 4, 2017, the New Haven Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office partnered together for the 2nd Annual Cops & Ballers, 3 on 3 basketball tournament with members of the community. Last year it was part of National Community Policing Week and due to the overwhelming response, it was repeated again this year. The local police were provided an opportunity to engage with residents in a way that broke traditional forms of dialogue in favor of competitive fun on the courts. It was the latest attempt at community outreach from a law enforcement community eager to build both familiarity and trust among the population it serves.
To organize the troops from the police department and the community was no easy feat, but the task was undertaken by Lieutenant Maneet Colon, the Westville/West Hills District Manager and Lieutenant Karl Jacobson, the Officer in Charge of the Criminal Intelligence Unit. Both stepped up to take responsibility of forming teams, ordering t-shirts, seeking out a referee and equipment, as well as preparing the Goffe Street Park for some serious half-court tournament competition. There are many fine details that go into a large event comprised of multiple teams, playing on the courts, but the games went off smoothly and a good time was had by all. Lt. Jacobson even participated in some of the games, while Lt. Colon kept score and encouraged the players.
Norwich Police Department
Lieutenant John PerryLieutenant John Perry is a 15-year member of the Norwich Police Department and has led the Norwich Police Community Policing Unit since 2016. In the area of community relations Lt. Perry’s actions were truly exceptional. Lt. Perry would work hand-in-hand with community and faith based organizations to jointly sponsor community forums and events that were all highly successful. Lt. Perry became the “face” of the Norwich Police Department and there was not one community event that did not have NPD CPU involvement.
Lt. Perry also partnered with Norwich Mayor Hinchey to do business visits with the Norwich businesses. These visits allowed Lt. Perry to act as an ambassador for the Norwich Police Department while learning the needs and challenges Norwich businesses face. Lt. Perry was able, using community policing problem solving skills, to address and, in most cases, solve the issues making Norwich an attractive community to do business in.
In May 2017, Lt. Perry was recognized by the Norwich Branch NAACP for his efforts and was awarded the Robertsine Duncan Youth Council Community Service Award. Lt. Perry is also very active as a volunteer in the Norwich community where he resides. Lt. Perry serves as a volunteer basketball and soccer coach for the Norwich PAL.
Torrington Police Department
Chief Michael Maniago
Deputy Chief Chris Smedick
Officer Antony Pietrafesa
Officer Robert SimonThe Torrington Police Department Community Policing philosophy is based upon a partnership between the police and the community whereby we share responsibility for identifying, reducing, eliminating and preventing problems that impact community safety. By working together, the police and the community can reduce the fear and incidence of crime and improve the quality of life in neighborhoods citywide.
Our Community Policing Officers recently opened a Downtown Police Outreach Center where they offer educational opportunities for school children, seniors, and local corporations. From this location, they also respond to the needs of our Downtown Business District. Active shooter training for schools and businesses, stay safe presentations, block watch meetings, DARE, Park, Walk and Talk Patrols represent a fraction of their activities. Torrington’s Community Policing Officers play active roles in organizing and participating in local efforts to reduce homelessness, plan and hold food drives and toy drives, just to name a few.
The Torrington Police Department holds to the philosophy of “the most effective way to reach the community is through collaboration with our local partners.” Some of these partners include the United Way, Chamber of Commerce, the Parks and Recreation department, our local Soup Kitchen, and the Latina Woman's Association. Their officers have expanded their Police Activities League (PAL). They currently service close to 800 children from kindergarten to the 12th grade by sponsoring and operating sports programs, day camps, and the arts; twelve months a year.
For Community Policing to take hold in a community, the work must be a department wide philosophy, from the Chief all the way down to the newest officer or civilian clerk.
Trumbull Police Department
Officer Timothy FedorOfficer Timothy Fedor has distinguished himself through exemplary contributions to community policing and improving the relationship between police and the community.
Officer Timothy Fedor has been a member of the Trumbull Police Department since 2001. During his tenure as a Trumbull police officer he has been a School Resource Officer and currently serves as our Training Officer. As the sole Training Officer for the Department of 81 sworn police officers, Officer Fedor is responsible for all recruit officers and their certifications and the constant recertification of the entire Department.
Most importantly, Officer Fedor still contributes to the community more than any other officer of this Department. He trains residents in medical procedures when they become volunteers at the EMS center. He is and has been an integral part of the Trumbull Partnership Against Under Age Drinking, TPAUD, since its inception, more than 11 years ago. He works with its members to train our officers in "Party Patrol" techniques and in the usage of Narcan as First Responders. Officer Fedor has also participated in public training of Narcan deployment to residents through the TPAUD organization.
Officer Fedor coordinates Coffee with a Cop events in Trumbull, which have become important to our agency to meet residents and their children in local coffee shops. It is a “no agenda” listening and getting to know one another outside the role of a police officer.
Officer Fedor is the Advisor of our Department's Police Cadet Program. The Cadet program involves local students from ages 14 through 22 that have an interest in law enforcement. Officer Fedor meets weekly with the Cadets and instructs them in law enforcement practices. The Cadets, through Officer Fedor, sponsor a Toys for Tots donation drive during the Christmas Season; the annual Freshman Forum at the Trumbull High School; Shop a Mile in Her Shoes, an event held annually at the Trumbull Mall to raise awareness of domestic violence; the annual Domestic Violence Vigil held in Trumbull; the 9/11 ride through Trumbull held each year, and the two-day Fall Festival event.
Officer Fedor is the epitome of what a community police officer is. He is always willing to take on more duties and responsibilities and is professional in all of his interactions with residents and community members. Officer Fedor has without question single-handedly raised the bar of community policing. He has made Trumbull a safer and better place to live and raise a family.
University of Connecticut Police Department
Lieutenant Jason HylandLieutenant Jason Hyland has served in law enforcement for 20 years and has been part of the UConn Police Department for 17 years. He is described by his supervisors as a proactive and innovative person who is genuinely interested in helping the community. Lieutenant Hyland was assigned to the Community Outreach Unit in 2015 and has taken the initiative to enhance the relationship between police and the UConn community with new and innovative programming.
Using student focus groups, he has developed successful safety campaigns branded under Bright Futures. Bright Futures campaigns are geared toward engaging UCPD officers with the community while working hand-in-hand to identify public safety concerns, provide education, and host community events. The campaign’s goal is to realize practical and effective solutions to the issues facing our neighborhoods. One of the most notable campaigns is Bright Future: Alcohol or Other Drug Safety. Since the release of this campaign in 2016, there have been hundreds of presentations and events for students.
Lieutenant Hyland also has a special interest in promoting understanding of mental health issues and people with developmental disabilities and was instrumental in the creation of the UConn Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Program. CIT is a nationwide, innovative model community initiative and has been implemented at UConn with all the officers. Lieutenant Hyland’s dedication and love for the UConn Community has brought the UConn Police Department’s community relations from good and positive to outstanding.
Lieutenant Hyland has received many awards from the Department as well as our community for his efforts. Most recently, Lieutenant Hyland received the Gerald N. Weller Award from the UConn Division of Student Affairs. The Weller Award recognizes individuals in the UConn Community, beyond the Division of Student Affairs, who serve students and support the efforts of the Division in the true spirit exemplified by Gerald Weller.
West Hartford Police Department
Officer Dante UrsiniOfficer Ursini has been a police officer for 10 years and a School Resource Officer in the Community Relations Division for the past 2 years. He is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in Social Work.
Officer Ursini is a pleasure to work with and we have frequently fielded compliments and accolades for the exceptional way he has handled calls, especially those involving children with special needs. Officer Ursini has worked, for many years now, with a student whose family has many legal, financial and mental challenges. Officer Ursini has met with the child on a regular basis, has incorporated other resources, and has worked with the school system in an effort to show this child that there are people who care for him. Officer Ursini sees the promise this child holds and continues to provide full support to the family. This is but one instance of the many “above and beyond” cases he works on in our schools.
In 2017, Officer Ursini developed a “Care Card” program while working with the Board of Education. The Care Card identification program issues cards to residents for a variety of purposes, including – but not limited to – those with cognitive impairments, specifically special needs students and the elderly. Those with special needs may not have the ability to recall personal information, or may not be able to obtain another form of ID, and can be issued a Care Card. This photo ID card is linked to the police database and is completely customizable based on the patient’s privacy concerns. The card enables people to be quickly identified by police as having an impairment. It contains emergency contact and hospital information, also. The goal is to help officers quickly reunite these patients with their loved ones or to connect them with proper care. The program has gained positive media attention and is very popular with senior citizens centers, convalescent homes and has been shared with local Autism centers.
Officer Ursini regularly presents to a variety of groups on a host of topics including teen driving, internet safety, drug awareness, law enforcement & the elderly – to name only a few.
Officer Ursini works tirelessly in order to keep West Hartford residents safe.
Westport Police Department
Officer Ned BatlinOfficer Batlin has continuously worked to improve the relationship between the police and the community over his 16-year career.
Officer Batlin is a member of the Westport Youth Commission, which is a panel of students and adults from the community that report directly to our first selectman. He was instrumental in creating this Commission, and has worked with this group for years. They have created multiple events to bring cops and kids together in a positive environment. After the Commission’s success, Officer Batlin pioneered the Westport Police Youth Collaborative. This is a club for high school students and officers to work together on community service projects, team building and some instructional information about the job of law enforcement. This past spring he was the program coordinator for our first ever Police Youth Citizens Academy. He has also been an instrumental member of our Community Policing Panel.
Officer Batlin is the first patrol officer to be named President of the Police Athletic League in Westport. Westport P.A.L. provides multiple organized sports for boys and girls as well as host of other community based programs. Officer Batlin is also a football and lacrosse coach at the youth and high school level while balancing his law enforcement career. This has made him a valuable and trusted member of the community. He makes himself available to numerous groups annually as a guest speaker on a variety of subjects ranging from “Risky Behavior” panels, to talking with local scouting groups. He organizes guest speakers to speak with the public on a wide range of topics including domestic violence, underage drinking, and heroin addiction. Officer Batlin partnered with Staples High School’s “Teen Awareness Group and Positive Directions” to place a full time Drug Take Back Box in the Police Department lobby. He also sits on the Norwalk / Westport Juvenile Review Board and has been there since its inception.
Most importantly, Officer Batlin has forged many strong, positive relationships in the community from the programs listed here, as well as his many years on patrol.
Willimantic Police Department
Corporal Joshua ClarkCorporal Joshua Clark started his career with the Willimantic Police Department in 2007. Cpl. Clark currently serves as a supervisor on the Day Shift Patrol and serves as a member the Willimantic Police Department SWAT team. Cpl. Clark was born and raised in Willimantic and cares deeply for the Willimantic Community. During the past few years Cpl. Clark has been involved in numerous community events. Most of these events revolve around the youth of the community.
Cpl. Clark has been a key member of the Windham PRIDE (Prevention to reduce the influence of drugs for everyone) Coalition and has helped organize several week-long youth leadership academies. These academies have helped bridge a gap between the city’s youth and the Willimantic Police Department.
Cpl. Clark also administers the Windham PRIDE Facebook page highlighting not only the Police Department’s involvement in the community, but also the children’s involvement within the community. His expertise with social media has created a connection between the public and the Willimantic Police Department and has shown the public so many of the great things happening in Willimantic.
Cpl. Clark has tirelessly helped organize several Christmas toy drives that resulted in numerous truckloads of toys that were handed out to the community. He has also been involved in organizing back to school events where backpacks and sneakers were given to the children. Whether he is helping with a bicycle giveaway throughout the Willimantic Schools or Halloween safety events, Cpl. Clark is there working to help the children of the community.
When there is any type of charitable event in the city of Willimantic, Cpl. Clark is always there willing to volunteer his time. His effort does not go unnoticed. During community events, the children flock to him because of their connection to him and his outgoing personality.
Before becoming a Police officer, Cpl. Clark was in the U.S. Army and at one point served in Iraq. While in Iraq he was injured and received the Purple Heart.
Bristol Man Charged with Distributing Heroin to Overdose VictimRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROGER TUSCANO, 47, of Bristol, was arrested today on a criminal complaint charging him with distributing heroin.
This matter stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.
TUSCANO appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and was released on a $100,000 bond into an inpatient drug treatment program.
As alleged in court documents, on April 26, 2017, the Southington Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence for an unresponsive 54-year-old female who had suffered an apparent drug overdose. Responders attempted lifesaving measures on the victim, including administering naloxone, with minimal effect. The victim was then transported to the hospital.
At the scene, officers seized drug and non-drug evidence, including four wax folds that contained heroin.
The victim died on April 28. The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has determined that the victim’s death was caused by a combination of heroin and clonazepam.
It is alleged that on the morning of April 26, the victim purchased heroin from TUSCANO at a gas station in New Britain.
The complaint charges TUSCANO with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, Southington Police Department and Bristol Police Department. The Tactical Diversion Squad includes members from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe and Fairfield Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.
Union Treasurer Sentenced to Prison for Embezzling FundsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANDREW THIBODEAU, 72, of East Hartford, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to three months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for embezzling more than $70,000 from his union.
According to court documents and statements made in court, THIBODEAU was a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 1433. Beginning in approximately 2004, THIBODEAU served as secretary/treasurer of the local office of the union in Kensington. For several years, THIBODEAU used his access to the union’s funds to defraud the union in various ways. He issued unauthorized paychecks to himself, sometimes forging the signature of another union official so the bank would cash the check. He also reimbursed himself for fraudulent expenses for maintenance, officer duties and supplies. At times, he charged expenses to the union’s credit card, paid the resulting bill with union funds, and then wrote a check for the same amount to himself.
Between 2010 and 2014, THIBODEAU embezzled $70,379.30 from the union.
Judge Covello ordered THIBODEAU to make full restitution.
On April 5, 2017, THIBODEAU pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement and theft of labor union assets.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, and U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
U.S. Attorney and Law Enforcement Partners Announce Formation of Connecticut Cyber Task ForceRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deirdre M. Daly and representatives of federal, state and local law enforcement today announced the formation of the Connecticut Cyber Task Force to investigate complex crimes in cyberspace.
The Connecticut Cyber Task Force, which is based at the FBI in New Haven, includes representatives from the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Connecticut State Police and 11 police departments from across the state, including the Bridgeport, Bristol, Fairfield, Greenwich, Hartford, New Canaan, New London, Norwalk, Stamford, Torrington and Westport Police Departments.
“The broad reach of cyber criminals can be felt almost every day in Connecticut,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “Day after day, we learn of companies, municipalities, educational institutions, hospitals, public utilities, nonprofits and citizens being targeted by bad actors. These cyber criminals seek to disrupt our work, steal our intellectual property, compromise the personal or financial information of employees, customers and citizens through dedicated denial of service (DDOS) attacks, spear phishing campaigns, ransomware and malware attacks and other computer hacks or cyber intrusions.”
“The Connecticut Cyber Task Force will address the significant increase in the number and frequency of cyber-attacks occurring in Connecticut,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Patricia M. Ferrick. “The primary goal of the task force is to combine available federal, state and local law enforcement resources in Connecticut to address challenging and emerging cyber threats such as the use of the Dark Markets, crypto currencies such as Bitcoin, and encrypted routing services, including TOR, to hide the advertising, sale and distribution of controlled substances and the sale of stolen personal identification, user credentials and financial information. We will also work closely with our law enforcement partners to provide training, resources and investigative strategies to address the significant ransomware and business email compromise attacks in Connecticut. It is our hope that this task force will make a significant impact and serve to better protect the citizens of Connecticut from the ever-changing criminal threats emanating from the internet.”
“Cybercrime is an increasing threat to individuals, businesses, and government in Connecticut and across the country,” said Commissioner Dr. Dora Schriro of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. “Neither impeded by geographic boundaries nor governmental jurisdictions, no single law enforcement agency can adequately address cybercrime. The Connecticut State Police welcomes the opportunity to expand our efforts and outreach in this important area through collaborative efforts such as this. Working closely with federal and local partners is key to keeping our communities safe and to holding accountable those who are responsible.”
Initially, the Task Force will prioritize cybercrime investigations in two areas. First, the Task Force will work to identify and disrupt criminal organizations that use computer intrusions to defraud companies of their money and information. “According to some estimates, in the last four years alone, ‘business compromise’ schemes have cost American companies more than $1.6 billion,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “The FBI, Secret Service, HSI and IRS have made great strides in minimizing the impacts of these frauds through both prosecution of fraudsters and numerous outreach efforts to the business communities, but by working together and with state and local law enforcement, we believe that we will detect trends across intrusions, thereby allowing us to identify, arrest and prosecute the most serious offenders.”
“On behalf of HSI, I am extremely pleased to join the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut on this new cyber task force,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Etre of HSI Boston. “HSI’s unique authorities, broad scope of investigative areas, and cyber-specific assets bring to the table an extensive toolkit that can track down cyber criminals and bring them to justice, no matter where they hide. Our methods have been tried and tested over many years, helping to make HSI a world leader in cyber investigations.”
“Our growing reliance on computer networks and electronic devices in almost every aspect of our lives has been accompanied by an increased threat from individuals, organized criminal networks, and nation states that victimize American citizens and businesses,” said Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation. “Recent revelations about massive thefts of financial and other sensitive data, from both the public and private sector, serve as a stark reminder of how vulnerable we all are to cyber-attacks. IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to investigating and prosecuting those perpetrating criminal schemes in the cyber world. Through our partnership with the U.S. Attorney's Office and our federal, state and local partners, we will aggressively pursue those who threaten our citizens and our nation.”
Second, the Task Force will target criminal activity on the dark web, notably the illicit acquisition and distribution of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs that are the cause of tens of thousands of overdose deaths annually. “Many dark web forums are an online version of an open-air drug market where narcotics are openly marketed and sold with impunity,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “We believe that the vast majority of fentanyl that is killing far too many Americans is being produced overseas, and then sold on the dark web. Our Office, in partnership with the DEA and Postal Inspectors, has arrested and prosecuted online distributors of fentanyl and other drugs. The goal of the Task Force is to now marshal our resources and focus attention on those who operate and profit from the online forums themselves.”
“The DEA continues to be proactive in attacking criminal organizations that use the internet to conduct their illicit trade,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson. “Many times these organizations are utilizing the Dark Web to procure fentanyl directly from China. Connecticut has been experiencing a deadly opioid epidemic and the majority of these deaths can be attributed to a combination of fentanyl and heroin. The creation of this Task Force will give us additional resources to target and attack those individuals who are responsible for bringing this deadly poison into the United States and onto the streets of Connecticut.”
“The need to combat cybercrimes is increasing as more individuals become victims to these types of crimes,” said Inspector in Charge Shelly Binkowski of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.” The U.S. Postal Inspection Service looks forward to working collaboratively with our law enforcement partners to keep the American public safe.”
“Cybercrimes that could compromise the integrity of the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) Information Network or result in the disclosure of sensitive or classified DoD data are a top priority for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS),” said Special Agent-in-Charge Leigh-Alistair Barzey, DCIS Northeast Field Office. “DCIS welcomes the opportunity to join the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI New Haven Division and its law enforcement partners in this important initiative to combat cyber-related crimes.”
U.S. Attorney Daly noted several significant cybercrime matters that were investigated and prosecuted in Connecticut in the last decade, including the dismantling of the Coreflood botnet in 2011, a groundbreaking case that utilized legal and technical tools that are now used regularly throughout the country; the prosecution and extradition of several Romanian citizens who stole financial and personal information in phishing schemes; a fentanyl distribution investigation that revealed the drug was being acquired in kilogram quantities over the dark web; the arrest this past August of a Nigerian citizen who is alleged to have operated a phishing scheme to acquire tax information from school system employees, which information was used to file numerous false tax returns, and the arrest in Spain of a Russian citizen who is alleged to have operated the Kelihos botnet for more than 10 years.
U.S. Attorney Daly announced that Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vanessa Richards, David Huang and Neeraj Patel are coordinating the efforts of the Task Force within the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “Over the last two years, the Office has made a singular commitment to fighting cyber crime by creating a cyber bench – a group of prosecutors specially trained in this complex area,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “These dedicated prosecutors have presented to Connecticut’s largest companies to educate businesses on how to avoid becoming the victim of a cyber-attack, and what to do when attacked.”
To contact the Connecticut Cyber Task Force, please call the FBI in New Haven at 203-777-6311.
New London Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Heroin Involved in Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JASON SHEPHARD, also known as “Angel,” 19, of New London, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of distribution of heroin.
This matter stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 1, 2017, the New London Police Department received a 911 call regarding a drug overdose in New London. The caller indicated that a male in her apartment was unconscious and barely breathing. Police and emergency medical personnel responded to the apartment and attempted life-saving measures. The victim, who was 36, was transported to the hospital and later pronounced deceased. At the scene, officers seized numerous empty bags that contained a trace amount of white and brown drug residue.
The investigation revealed that SHEPHARD supplied the heroin consumed by the victim hours before the victim died.
On May 1 and May 3, New London Police conducted controlled purchases of heroin from SHEPHARD. Some of the heroin bags purchased contained fentanyl, and all were marked with the same brand stamp that marked the empty bags of heroin found at the scene of the overdose.
The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has determined that the victim’s death was caused by a combination of fentanyl and alcohol.
Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for January 19, 2018, at which time SHEPHARD faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
SHEPHARD was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on May 31, 2017. He is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the New London Police Department. The Tactical Diversion Squad includes members from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe and Fairfield Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarala V. Nagala.
New Haven Man Charged with Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ALEX BORRERO, also known as “Red,” 50, of New Haven, was arrested yesterday on a criminal complaint charging him with distributing fentanyl and heroin.
This matter stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.
BORRERO appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A.L. Merriam in New Haven and was released on a $50,000 bond into an inpatient drug counseling program.
As alleged in court documents, on February 28, 2017, the Wallingford Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a report of an untimely death of a 25-year-old male at a residence in Wallingford. At the scene, officers seized drug and non-drug evidence, including the victim’s cellphone and six empty wax folds bags that contained a white powder residue.
The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has determined that the victim’s death was caused by a combination of fentanyl and alprazolam (Xanax).
It is alleged that BORRERO was the source of the fentanyl involved in the overdose death of the victim.
This ongoing investigation also includes an overdose death of a 31-year-old male in Branford on May 18, 2017.
At the time of his arrest, it is alleged that BORRERO possessed approximately 30 grams of heroin and approximately $1,900 in cash.
The complaint charges BORRERO with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl and heroin, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, Wallingford Police Department and Branford Police Department. The Tactical Diversion Squad includes members from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe and Fairfield Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Loaded HandgunRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that TERENCE GARRETT, 46, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a loaded handgun.
According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement received information that GARRETT was selling heroin out a Shelton Avenue apartment, and that he was in possession of a firearm. On October 13, 2016, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of the apartment and seized a .25 caliber pistol loaded with five rounds of ammunition. Investigators also seized 12 bags of heroin and a digital scale. GARRETT was arrested at that time.
GARRETT’s criminal history includes 11 felony convictions, including two convictions for possessing a firearm without a permit, and two convictions for carrying a dangerous weapon.
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.
GARRETT has been detained since his arrest. On April 12, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a previously convicted felon.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and New Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Kaplan and Jennifer Laraia.
Plainfield Man Pleads Guilty to Charge Stemming from Overdose Death InvestigationRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GEORGE KINNEY, 34, of Plainfield, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of heroin and fentanyl.
This matter stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 31, 2016, the Plainfield Police Department responded to a report of an untimely death of a 38-year-old female at a hotel in Plainfield. At the scene, officers seized drug and non-drug evidence, including bags that appear to have contained heroin and/or fentanyl that were located in a bathroom garbage can. The investigation revealed that KINNEY had provided the drugs to the victim and her boyfriend shortly before the victim’s death.
KINNEY was arrested on May 9, 2017. At the time of his arrest, KINNEY possessed 40 bags of heroin, most of which had identical labeling to the bags found at the hotel. Forensic analysis of the bags revealed the presence of heroin and fentanyl.
KINNEY has been detained since his arrest.
Judge BOLDEN scheduled sentencing for January 10, 2018, at which time KINNEY faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Plainfield Police Department. The Tactical Diversion Squad includes members from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe and Fairfield Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.
Guilford Man Sentenced to More Than 8 Years in Prison for Role in Fraudulent Oxycodone Prescription SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that BRIAN PAGE, 43, of Guilford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 97 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a scheme to distribute oxycodone that was obtained through fraudulent prescriptions.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2012, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad began an investigation into a drug trafficking organization that manufactured fraudulent prescriptions for oxycodone and distributed the drug in the greater New Haven area. The investigation revealed that David Thompson, also known as “Super Dave,” headed the organization that obtained the personal identifying information of medical practitioners and used the information to create fraudulent prescriptions. Organization members also purchased legitimate prescriptions for oxycodone from individuals. The organization then used individuals, or “runners,” to fill the fraudulent prescriptions at pharmacies throughout Connecticut. Once a runner provided his or her personal information to a member of the organization, the runner’s information was kept on file and used to create other fraudulent prescriptions.
Thompson recruited PAGE into the conspiracy, and PAGE soon played a critical role in the scheme by using a software program on his computer to print prescriptions that appeared to be real. Once he began manufacturing prescriptions himself, PAGE recruited his own network of runners to fill them.
The investigation revealed that, between 2013 and 2015, the organization stole the personal identifying information of more than 50 doctors and medical professionals and fraudulently obtained more than 80,000 oxycodone pills. Investigators identified more than 800 fraudulent prescriptions passed by members of the organization using more than 270 different “patient” names.
Nearly all of the runners employed by the conspiracy held state-sponsored medical insurance, so the costs of the prescriptions were billed to Medicaid. Members of the drug trafficking organization then sold the oxycodone for $20 to $30 per 30 milligram pill.
Twelve individuals were charged and convicted as a result of the investigation.
On April 14, 2015, PAGE pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone.
Thompson pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on July 11, 2017, was sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment.
The DEA Tactical Diversion Squad includes members from the Bristol, Greenwich, Hamden, Milford, New Haven, Shelton, Vernon and Wilton Police Departments. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy C. Brown and Robert M. Spector.
Citizen of the Dominican Republic Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering U.S. after DeportationRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUIS MANUEL RODRIGUEZ BURGOS, 36, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 15 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.
According to court documents and statements made in court, RODRIGUEZ BURGOS was admitted to the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident in 1995. In September 2005, RODRIGUEZ BURGOS was convicted in Arizona of attempted transportation of narcotic drugs for sale and was sentenced to more than three years of imprisonment. The offense involved 10 kilograms of cocaine and more than 170 grams of heroin concealed within a hidden compartment in the vehicle in which RODRIGUEZ BURGOS was travelling. In August 2006, he was deported from the U.S. to the Dominican Republic.
In August 2012, local law enforcement arrested RODRIGUEZ BURGOS in New York City for driving under the influence, and subsequently alerted federal immigration authorities. In October 2012, RODRIGUEZ BURGOS was again removed to the Dominican Republic.
RODRIGUEZ BURGOS illegally reentered the U.S. in late 2012. On October 27, 2015, he was arrested by the Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Task Force in Bridgeport for distributing heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine. At the time of his arrest, RODRIGUEZ BURGOS possessed a fraudulent Puerto Rico driver’s license, in the name of another individual, which he had purchased for $100.
RODRIGUEZ BURGOS has pleaded guilty in state court to drug sale and conspiracy offenses and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 20 to an agreed upon sentence of seven years of incarceration, with a mandatory minimum of five years, to be followed by five years of special parole.
Judge Underhill imposed the federal sentence to run concurrently with RODRIGUEZ BURGOS’ state sentence.
On July 26, 2017, RODRIGUEZ BURGOS pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.
Bridgeport Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing HeroinRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOVANNI REYES, 23, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in late 2016, Bridgeport Police made three controlled purchases of heroin from REYES. On December 8, 2016, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of REYES’s Voight Avenue residence and seized more than 120 folds of heroin and a loaded 9mm handgun. The firearm had been reported stolen.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for January 12, 2018, at which time REYES faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
REYES has been detained since his federal arrest on January 25, 2017.
This prosecution stems from Project Longevity, a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to violence. A critical component of the Project Longevity strategy is the “call-in,” a face-to-face meeting where Project Longevity partners engage group members and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it. REYES attended a call-in in 2015, and declined Project Longevity services that were offered to him.
This matter has been investigated by the Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale and Vanessa Richards.
Groton Woman Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking and Heroin Distribution Offenses Related to OverdoseRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ADELE BOUTHILLIER, 43, of Groton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for sex trafficking of a minor and heroin distribution offenses.
The matter stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning hours of May 29, 2016, members of the Groton Police Department and emergency services personnel responded to a Groton motel room on the report of a suspected drug overdose. The victim, a 17-year-old female, was administered two doses of Narcan (Naloxone), which were deemed unsuccessful, before she was transported to the hospital and died later that morning.
The investigation revealed that Ramon Gomez, also known as “B.I.,” brought the victim to the motel to engage in prostitution, and the victim stayed in a room there with BOUTHILLIER. Both Gomez and BOUTHILLIER, who was engaged in prostitution and worked with Gomez, knew that the victim was under the age of 18. On the morning of May 28, 2016, BOUTHILLIER purchased a quantity of heroin from Gomez and gave it to the victim, who snorted it. At approximately 10:00 p.m. that day, BOUTHILLIER awoke to find the victim to be unresponsive. BOUTHILLIER waited approximately four hours before calling 911.
BOUTHILLIER was arrested on June 8, 2016. On March 30, 2017, she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin.
Gomez pleaded guilty on November 17, 2016, and awaits sentencing. He has been detained since his arrest on June 1, 2016.
On September 20, 2017, Nestor Santana, also known as “Beans,” of New London, pleaded guilty to a heroin distribution offense stemming from this investigation. Santana supplied Gomez with the heroin that subsequently caused the death of the victim. He also is detained and awaits sentencing
This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Town of Groton Police Department and the Regional Community Enhancement Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Crack, Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BOBBY HEMINGWAY, 36, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 96 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2016, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force received information that HEMINGWAY was distributing crack cocaine in the Enfield Street and Westland Street area of Hartford. Between February and April 2016, investigators made four controlled purchases of crack from HEMINGWAY.
HEMINGWAY was arrested on April 21, 2016. On that date, a search of his Westland Street residence revealed a loaded .22 caliber handgun and approximately 26 grams of marijuana.
HEMINGWAY has been detained since his arrest. On January 23, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base (“crack”).
HEMINGWAY’s criminal history includes five felony convictions, including a conviction for first-degree assault stemming from his role in a drive-by shooting in Hartford in 2008.
In November 23, 2009, HEMINGWAY was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to 44 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine. He was released from prison in January 2013 and was on federal supervised release when he engaged in the criminal activity that led to his most recent federal conviction.
Judge Thompson sentenced HEMINGWAY to 84 months of imprisonment on the drug distribution offense, and a consecutive 12 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
The FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.
Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charge Stemming from Threats against JudgeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DUSAN MLADEN, also known as David Mladen, 62, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to one count of making a false statement to a federal law enforcement agent investigating threats against a U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge.
According to court documents and statements made in court, MLADEN was a litigant in a proceeding pending before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the District of Connecticut, captioned In re: Eternal Enterprise, Inc. MLADEN formerly owned Eternal Enterprise, Inc., which owns several residential apartment properties in Hartford, and he has continued to be active in the management and decision making for the company.
On July 5, 2017, the judge presiding over the Eternal Enterprise matter discovered in the mailbox of her residence an anonymous handwritten note containing the phrases “BACK OFF,” “YOU ARE OVERSTEPPING AUTHORITY” and “JUST WARNING FOR NOW.”
On July 10, the judge received a phone call that had been placed to her home phone number. During the call, the caller stated that he had visited the judge’s house last week and “I left a message for you.” He said that he wanted her to file an order tomorrow “extending the deadline to September 30,” and “then maybe everything will be ok.” Although the caller refused to identify himself, the judge recognized the voice as MLADEN’s. The U.S. Marshals Service subsequently confirmed that the cell phone used to make the call was at a location in the vicinity of MLADEN’s residence, and that it had been purchased by MLADEN under a fictitious name.
On July 11, deputy U.S. Marshals interviewed MLADEN at his residence. During the conversation, MLADEN denied having gone to the judge’s house the previous week and having called the judge on July 10, and he stated that he did not have the judge’s phone number. Each of these statements was false. Pursuant to a court-authorized search of MLADEN’s car, the U.S. Marshals discovered that the judge’s home address was programmed into the defendant’s GPS unit.
MLADEN has been detained since his arrest on July 11.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for January 15, 2018, at which time MLADEN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Nardini.
Groton Man Sentenced to Prison for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DONALD HUGHES, 42, of Groton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 12 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation by the FBI Northern Connecticut Safe Streets Task Force, Norwich Police Department, Waterford Police Department and Groton Town Police revealed that in the summer of 2016, Paul Mott, of Groton, conspired with others to obtain and distribute cocaine. Mott regularly took orders for cocaine from HUGHES and other co-conspirators and then drove to his supplier in the Bronx, New York, to obtain the drug. When he returned to Connecticut, Mott provided the cocaine to HUGHES and others for further distribution. Some of Mott’s narcotics trafficking activity occurred his restaurant, Caribbean American Kitchen to Go, located on Truman Street in New London.
HUGHES and Mott were arrested on August 8, 2016. On that date, a search of HUGHES possessed 319 grams of cocaine.
On May 9, 2017, HUGHES pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Mott also pleaded guilty and, on September 5, 2017, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment. He also was ordered to forfeit a 2013 Toyota 4Runner and approximately $3,494 that was seized from him at the time of his arrest.
Three other individuals were charged and convicted as a result of this investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.
Bankruptcy Attorney Sentenced to 63 Months in Prison for Fraud Offenses, Stealing Millions from ClientsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PETER RESSLER, 70, of Woodbridge, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 63 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for embezzling millions of dollars from his bankruptcy clients, and related fraud offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, RESSLER, an attorney with a bankruptcy practice based in New Haven, defrauded numerous clients in various ways. RESSLER required certain clients who were seeking a Chapter 11 or Chapter 13 reorganization to deposit funds and represented that the monies would be held in trust for purposes of the anticipated reorganization. RESSLER obtained certain of the funds after he had filed formal bankruptcy actions, which created relevant bankruptcy estates for which he had a continuing duty to maintain client assets under his control and to give appropriate accountings to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. RESSLER was entrusted with hundreds of thousands of dollars from at least 10 businesses involved with Chapter 11 reorganizations. Instead of holding the funds in trust, he used the monies for other purposes.
As part of both Chapter 11 and Chapter 13 filings, RESSLER submitted multiple documents to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court that represented the status of a debtor’s assets and liquidity, including the debtor-in-possession monthly operating reports. In various instances, RESSLER had already improperly dissipated a portion of a client/debtor’s assets and knew that operating reports filed for certain clients contained false representations, which misled both the court and creditors as to a debtor’s true financial condition. When asked directly in hearings as to whether certain assets existed in certain accounts, RESSLER falsely represented that certain assets existed, when he knew that they did not.
RESSLER also engaged in “work outs” where he would attempt to settle a client’s debts with creditors without relying on the protections of bankruptcy. As part of this process, RESSLER requested that his clients deposit with him funds and represented that he would hold the funds in trust and then use them to settle disagreements with financial institutions or other creditors, such as the IRS, or for some other purpose on behalf of his clients. The investigation revealed that RESSLER took $64,000 from a client purportedly to purchase property; $180,000 from a client to hold money in escrow; $45,000 from another client purportedly to buy back a home in foreclosure; $100,000 from a client to hold money in escrow; $97,000 from a client to hold money in escrow; $102,000 and $50,000 from two other clients purportedly to settle tax obligations with the IRS; at least $199,000 from a client to negotiate a settlement with the IRS; $141,000 from a client to settle debts with IRS and a lender; and $165,000 from a client purportedly to negotiate a loan modification with a lender. In each instance, RESSLER used the monies for other purposes.
In the spring of 2016, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court identified criminal conduct by RESSLER in cases involving debtors that were his clients. In one case, the debtor entrusted RESSLER with $450,000, which were proceeds of a legal settlement, to be held by RESSLER’s firm for the benefit of the debtor and its creditors. In a second case, the debtor entrusted RESSLER’s firm with approximately $321,409. In both cases, RESSLER used most of the deposited funds for other purposes than on behalf of the relevant clients.
In total, RESSLER misappropriated $3,401,452 from 48 clients and used the money for personal and family living expenses, to cover the expenses of his practice, and to fund payments relating to other clients and other bankruptcy estates from which he had previously improperly taken monies.
Judge Covello ordered RESSLER to pay a total of $4,856,931 in restitution. The larger restitution figure includes the embezzled funds and additional monies RESSLER did not embezzle, but owes to more than 60 other clients of his law practice.
On June 7, 2017, RESSLER pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, two counts of embezzlement from a bankruptcy estate, and one count of bankruptcy fraud.
RESSLER, who has been released on a $100,000 bond since his arrest on April 25, 2016, was ordered to report to prison on January 15, 2018.
RESSLER resigned from the Connecticut bar in March 2016.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Washington Man Charged with Fraud and Identity Theft Offenses Stemming from Credit Card Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on September 21, 2017, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a four-count indictment charging ELIJAH CHIN, 27, of Federal Way, Washington, with fraud and identity theft offenses.
CHIN appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. He was released on a $250,000 bond.
The indictment alleges that between approximately December 2016 and February 2017, CHIN was involved in a scheme in which credit card accounts were opened electronically using personal identifying information from Connecticut residents. After the credit card issuers mailed credit cards to the victims’ home addresses, CHIN took the cards directly from the victims’ mailboxes. CHIN then used the credit cards to purchase gift cards, pre-paid cards and other items at various retail establishments in Connecticut.
The indictment charges CHIN with two counts of wire fraud, which carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count, and two counts of aggravated identity theft, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of two years.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Wilton Police Department and Ridgefield Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
Hartford Man Sentenced to More Than 4 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PEDRO VELEZ, also known as “Petey,” 25, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 51 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in September 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force learned that VELEZ was receiving kilogram quantities of heroin from a supplier, packaging the drug and then distributing it to street-level dealers in the Hartford area. On September 8, 2016, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of 44 “stacks” (approximately 4,400 bags) of heroin from VELEZ. Subsequent laboratory testing showed that the heroin had a net weight of 114 grams.
On October 21, 2016, investigators arrested VELEZ. On that date, a court-authorized search of an apartment in Vernon where VELEZ had been staying revealed an additional 5.3 grams of heroin.
VELEZ has been detained since his arrest. On April 5, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin.
VELEZ’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for possession of narcotics and criminal possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle. The firearm conviction stemmed from an incident in November 2011 during which VELEZ engaged in a drive-by shooting of a group on individuals on Orange Street in Hartford.
At the time VELEZ committed this federal offense, he was on state probation arising from a state narcotics conviction, and was on pretrial release on a $900,000 bond with respect to pending assault in the first degree and criminal possession of a firearm charges, stemming from an alleged drive-by shooting in Hartford in September 2015. He also was on release on a $225,000 bond with respect to a pending violation of probation charge.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.
East Hartford Resident Charged with Child Enticement OffenseRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment today charging JOSE ANTONIO QUIROZ-MARTINEZ, 26, last residing in East Hartford, with enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity.
The indictment alleges that in April and May 2017, QUIROZ-MARTINEZ used a cell phone to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity constituting a violation of federal law prohibiting the production of child pornography.
If convicted of the charge, QURIOZ-MARTINEZ faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
QUIROZ-MARTINEZ has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on May 4, 2017.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the East Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.
Old Saybrook Resident Pleads Guilty to Multiple Tax OffensesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that DAVID ADAMS, 56, of Old Saybrook, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to a six-count superseding indictment charging him with various tax offenses. A trial in this matter was scheduled to start today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early 1980s, and then continuing from 1996 onward, ADAMS was substantially delinquent in filing his tax returns and paying amounts owed to the IRS. Starting at least as early as 1998, ADAMS repeatedly engaged with IRS collections officers tasked with trying to get ADAMS into compliance with the tax laws. Although IRS collections officers repeatedly advised ADAMS about his obligations to pay estimated taxes, he continually failed to pay those taxes on time or in sufficient amounts.
As part of this tax fraud scheme, ADAMS engaged the services of a certified public accountant to prepare his personal tax returns beginning in approximately 1993, and then repeatedly failed to give the accountant complete, accurate information.
In 2002, ADAMS sold an online floral business, which accounted for a significant portion of more than $6 million in taxable income he claimed on his 2002 tax return. Although ADAMS represented to the IRS in August 2003 that he was enclosing payment of $1,250,000, no such payment was enclosed and ADAMS never made the payment.
In June 2011, ADAMS sold his partnership interest in another online floral business and received $4,708,419.20 wired into his personal bank account as part of the net proceeds owed to him as a result of the sale. Although he knew that he owed substantial taxes on that amount, ADAMS engaged in a number of affirmative acts to conceal and attempt to conceal this income in order to evade the assessment of a tax including: (1) failing to tell his accountant about the $4,708,419.20 in income ADAMS received in 2011; (2) providing the accountant with false information about ADAMS’s estimated tax payments for the year, telling the accountant that he had paid $220,000 when in fact, ADAMS knew he had only paid $100,000 in estimated taxes for 2011; (3) causing the accountant to prepare his 2011 tax return with false and fraudulent information; and (4) representing to an IRS revenue officer who was responsible for collecting ADAMS’s delinquent tax payments and securing ADAMS’s overdue tax returns, that he had hoped to have funds to pay down his back tax liability (including tax liability associated with the 2002 sale), but that nothing had been “panning out.” ADAMS failed to disclose to the revenue officer that he had received $4,708,419.20 in cash less than three weeks earlier.
In June 2012, ADAMS received an additional $1,320,609.59 into his personal bank account as net proceeds of the 2011 sale. Although he knew that he owed substantial taxes on that amount, ADAMS failed to disclose the income to his accountant, and failed to declare it on his tax return for that year.
In total, ADAMS engaged in a more than 16-year effort to inhibit the IRS’s efforts to collect back taxes from him. Among other things, ADAMS bounced checks to the IRS; told IRS collections officers that payment had been sent when it had not; promised to pay delinquent tax liabilities in full and then delayed payment, made only partial payment, failed to pay at all, or paid off one liability while leaving another liability unpaid; claimed that he lacked funds to pay his delinquent tax but failed to disclose that he had access to enough cash to fully pay back his tax liabilities; filed false and fraudulent returns with the IRS; overstated the amounts of estimated taxes paid to the IRS, and failed to declare more than $6 million in income to the IRS.
ADAMS was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on April 14, 2016.
On December 6, 2016, a grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging ADAMS with two counts of tax evasion, three counts of making and subscribing a false tax return, and one count of attempting to interfere with the administration of the IRS laws. Each tax evasion offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, each count of filing a false tax return carries a maximum term of imprisonment three years, and the interference charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years.
ADAMS is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on January 11, 2018.
As of October 2016, ADAMS owed more than $4.7 million in back taxes, interest and penalties for tax years 2002, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2012. Interest and penalties have continued to accrue since that time.
ADAMS is released on a $500,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Susan L. Wines and Jennifer R. Laraia.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Heroin and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID VALENTIN, 38, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for heroin and firearm offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 29, 2016, VALENTIN was arrested after Hartford Police officers conducted a court-authorized search of his Congress Street residence and seized 2,684 wax folds of heroin, 15.1 grams of raw heroin, and a loaded .380 caliber pistol that had been reported stolen.
On April 18, 2017, VALENTIN pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
VALENTIN’s criminal history includes 10 felony convictions.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Hartford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.
Montville Man Sentenced to 34 Months in Prison for Distributing Heroin, Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MAASEIYAH WILLIAMS, JR., 22, of Montville, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 34 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and for violating the conditions of his supervised release that followed a prior federal conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 13, 2016, WILLIAMS began serving a three-year term of federal supervised release in connection with a conviction for possessing with intent to distribute crack cocaine. On April 21, 2017, Judge Bryant placed WILLIAMS on home detention with location monitoring, pending a full compliance review hearing, after the Norwich Police Department arrested WILLIAMS on motor vehicle and firearms-related charges on April 15.
On April 25 and again on May 13, WILLIAMS sold heroin to individuals at his Uncasville residence. On May 23, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at WILLIAMS’s residence and seized 13 bags of heroin packaged for sale.
WILLIAMS has been detained since his federal arrest on May 23, 2017. On July 6, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin.
Judge Bryant sentenced WILLIAMS to 16 months of imprisonment for distributing heroin, and a consecutive 18 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
The state charges against WILLIAMS stemming from his April 15 arrest are pending.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Norwich, Waterford, Montville and Groton Town Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah P. Karwan and Anthony E. Kaplan.
Bridgeport Man Sentenced to More Than 13 Years in Federal Prison Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JONATHAN BOHANNON, 28, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 160 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for drug trafficking and firearm possession offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2012, the FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, Bridgeport Police Department and Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force began an investigation into narcotics trafficking and violent criminal activity in and around the Trumbull Gardens housing complex in Bridgeport. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that Ronell Hanks, also known as “Biz” and “Ace,” headed an organization that sold heroin and crack cocaine 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Hanks regularly suppled BOHANNON with cocaine, which BOHANNON then “cooked” into crack and sold it to others.
BOHANNON was arrested on December 5, 2013. At the time of his arrest, BOHANNON was in possession of more than 300 grams of cocaine, four handguns and 131 rounds of ammunition.
On December 18, 2013, a grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment charging Hanks, BOHANNON and 12 other individuals with a variety of narcotics and firearms trafficking offenses.
BOHANNON has been detained since his arrest. On May 11, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute at least 280 grams of cocaine base (“crack”) and 500 grams of cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base, and one count of possession of firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
Hanks pleaded guilty and, on February 25, 2015, was sentenced to 17 years of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, in coordination with the Bridgeport Police Department, the Trumbull Police Department and the Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Fairfield assisted this investigation and prosecution. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
Manchester Man Sentenced to 54 Months in Federal Prison for Distributing CrackRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTHONY McKENZIE, 56, of Manchester, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 54 months of imprisonment, followed by three years supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department that targeted a drug trafficking organization operating in Hartford’s North End that was distributing crack and powder cocaine. The investigation revealed that David Gil-Grande, of Manchester, received shipments of cocaine, secreted in sealed coffee cans, from Puerto Rico. He then supplied the cocaine to Anthony Shelton, also known as “Pretty,” Gerard Brown, also known as “Goldie,” and others, who converted much of the cocaine into crack and distributed both forms of the drug in the area of Barbour Street in Hartford.
Shelton and Brown are McKENZIE’s sons. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that Shelton and Brown supplied distribution quantities of crack cocaine to McKENZIE, who then sold the drug to his own customers in the Manchester area.
Twenty individuals were charged and convicted as a result of the investigation.
McKENZIE was arrested on February 2, 2016. On December 22, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
McKENZIE’s criminal history spans approximately 40 years and includes multiple convictions and periods of incarceration.
Gil-Grande, Shelton and Brown have pleaded guilty to related charges. On January 31, 2017, Gil-Grande was sentenced to 70 months of imprisonment. Shelton and Brown await sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, which includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division and the Drug Enforcement Administration have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Hartford Crack Dealer Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DEMEECO SAMPSON, also known as “Meeco,” 32, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine. Judge Thompson also ordered SAMPSON to perform 100 hours of community service.
This matter stems from a joint investigation by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Vice, Intelligence and Narcotics Unit into gang-related narcotics trafficking in Hartford’s North End. SAMPSON and others targeted during the investigation were affiliated with groups and gangs who have been involved in acts of violence. The investigation revealed that SAMPSON and others sold crack cocaine in the area of Edgewood Street and Albany Avenue. In June and July 2015, law enforcement made controlled purchases of crack from SAMPSON and his associates.
SAMPSON has been detained since his arrest on December 2, 2015. On January 25, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
SAMPSON’s criminal history includes multiple state felony convictions.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Gang Member Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for 2011 MurderRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TREVOR MURPHY, also known as “Snookie,” 29, of West Haven, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 360 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for murdering Joseph Zargo on December 23, 2011.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2014, ATF and the New Haven Police Department began “Operation Red Side” through a series of controlled narcotics purchases and firearms seizures. The investigation revealed that members and associates of the Red Side Guerilla Brims (“RSGB”), a sect of the Bloods street gang based in New Haven, were engaged in narcotics trafficking and related acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, assaults and armed robberies. In addition to distributing crack cocaine and other narcotics in and around New Haven, the investigation indicated that members and associates of the RSGB, under the direction of Jeffrey Benton and others, transported the drugs to Bangor, Maine, and sold them in Bangor and its surrounding communities. The RSGB also traded narcotics for firearms, brought the firearms back to New Haven and distributed them to gang members.
MURPHY was a member of RSGB. According to court documents and statements made in court, MURPHY ordered a quantity of ecstasy from Joseph Zargo as part of a plan to rob him of drugs and cash. Just after midnight on December 23, 2011, MURPHY met Zargo on Houston Street in New Haven. After MURPHY took ecstasy pills from Zargo, MURPHY pulled out a firearm. When Zargo reached into his pocket, MURPHY shot Zargo once in the chest. Zargo died later that morning.
MURPHY has been detained since his arrest on September 30, 2015. On February 8, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery, and one count of using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
As a result of this investigation, 21 members and associates of the RSGB were convicted of federal charges in Connecticut and Maine. The investigation has resolved seven murder cases, four attempted murders and four armed robberies that occurred in 2011 and 2012.
On October 4, 2017, Benton was sentenced to 480 months of imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Daly noted that federal prisoners are required to serve at least 85 percent of their sentenced term of imprisonment and are not eligible for parole.
This investigation has been conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the New Haven Police Department, the Connecticut Department of Correction, the Connecticut State Police, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Hamden Police Department. The New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office also provided critical assistance in the investigation.
An instrumental component of the investigation has been the work of the Connecticut State Crime Laboratory in utilizing the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to analyze ballistics evidence.
This matter is being prosecuted in the District of Connecticut by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Spector, Peter Markle and Jocelyn Kaoutzanis. A related case in the District of Maine is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Casey.
Norwich Man Pleads Guilty to Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAMAEL ARTIS, also known as “Rah,” 36, of Norwich, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 15, 2016, a court-authorized search of ARTIS’ Norwich apartment revealed approximately 50 grams of heroin, a quantity of cocaine, and items used to process and package narcotics for street sale.
The investigation also revealed that between July 2015 and March 2016, ARTIS obtained four handguns by trading heroin for each firearm.
ARTIS is scheduled to be sentence by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford on January 3, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years of the heroin offense, and a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least five years on the firearm offense.
ARTIS has been detained since his arrest on March 15, 2016.
This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Safe Streets Task Force, and the Town of Groton, Norwich and Waterford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.
New London Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ELLSWORTH ROBERTSON, also known as “S,” 37, of New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a 2008 federal conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 20, 2008, ROBERTSON was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for possessing with intent to distribute crack cocaine. He was released from federal prison in February 2014.
On November 7, 2015, while he was on federal supervised release, ROBERTSON was arrested by the Mohegan Tribal Police Department after he was found in possession of distribution quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine in the wake a stabbing incident at the Mohegan Sun casino. On that date, ROBERTSON and an associate, who is also a convicted felon, were involved in an altercation with another individual who was stabbed and seriously injured.
In May 2016, a court-authorized search of ROBERTSON’s New London apartment revealed two loaded semi-automatic pistols, more than two kilograms of cocaine, approximately 73 grams of heroin, drug paraphernalia, and thousands of dollars in U.S. currency.
ROBERTSON has been detained since his arrest on May 18, 2016.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the New London Police Department and the Connecticut State Police’s Statewide Narcotics Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John H. Durham.
2 New Haven Men Who Committed Gang-Related Murders Sentenced to Long Prison TermsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that two members of a violent New Haven street gang were sentenced today in New Haven federal court for committing gang-related murders and other criminal activity. Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall sentenced JEFFREY BENTON, also known as “Tall Man,” “Fresh,” and “JT,” 32, to 40 years of imprisonment and ROBERT SHORT, also known as “Santana,” 30, to 30 years of imprisonment.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2014, ATF and the New Haven Police Department began “Operation Red Side” through a series of controlled narcotics purchases and firearms seizures. The investigation revealed that members and associates of the Red Side Guerilla Brims (“RSGB”), a sect of the Bloods street gang based in New Haven, were engaged in narcotics trafficking and related acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, assaults and armed robberies. In addition to distributing crack cocaine and other narcotics in and around New Haven, the investigation indicated that members and associates of the RSGB, under the direction of BENTON and others, transported the drugs to Bangor, Maine, and sold them in Bangor and its surrounding communities. The RSGB also traded narcotics for firearms, brought the firearms back to New Haven and distributed them to gang members.
On March 17, 2017, BENTON pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity, one count of money laundering and one count of conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”). In pleading guilty, he admitted his involvement in several acts of gang-related violence in New Haven, including the non-fatal shooting of an individual on February 23, 2011; the murder of Kevin Lee on April 20, 2011; the murder of Donell Allick on June 24, 2011; the murder of Darrick Cooper on September 19, 2011, and the murder of Donald Bolden on March 19, 2012. He also admitted his participation in the gang-related trafficking of crack cocaine in Connecticut and Maine, and the transferring drug proceeds from Maine to Connecticut by using Western Union.
On March 21, 2017, SHORT pleaded guilty to one count of causing a death through the use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. SHORT admitted that he was ordered by BENTON and other RSGB leaders to murder Darrick Cooper, who was a leader of a rival gang and seen as a threat. On September 19, 2011, SHORT lured Cooper to a location in Hamden and shot Cooper in the back of the head as Cooper walked up a staircase.
As a result of this investigation, 21 members and associates of the RSGB were convicted of federal charges in Connecticut and Maine. The investigation has resolved seven murder cases, four attempted murders and four armed robberies that occurred in 2011 and 2012.
“The Red Side Guerilla Brims, under the violent and brutal leadership of Jeffrey Benton, terrorized neighborhoods in New Haven in 2011 and 2012,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “Benton and his RSGB cohorts, including Robert Short, were responsible for at least seven murders, multiple attempted murders, armed robberies, and drug and gun running between Connecticut and Maine. We hope that the lengthy prison terms imposed today bring a measure of solace to the families of the victims and the communities where these violent acts occurred. I thank our law enforcement partners, notably the ATF, New Haven Police Department and Hamden Police Department, for their tireless dedication to the cause of justice during this investigation, which has made New Haven a safer and more secure place to live. I also thank our counterparts in the Maine U.S. Attorney’s Office for their coordination in prosecuting a total of 21 individuals in this matter.”
“ATF’s primary mission is to combat violent gun crime committed by criminal organizations or individuals.” said Mickey Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division. “Today’s sentencing is also another example of the importance of law enforcement partnerships and their effectiveness in protecting the citizens in our communities.”
BENTON has been in federal custody since May 17, 2012, and is currently serving a 108-month sentence for distributing heroin. Chief Judge Hall ordered BENTON to begin serving the 40-year sentence after he completes his previous sentence.
SHORT has been detained since September 20, 2011, when he was arrested on a state offense. Chief Judge Hall ordered that SHORT not receive federal credit for time served on his state sentence, which concluded in July 2017.
U.S. Attorney Daly noted that federal prisoners are required to serve at least 85 percent of their sentenced term of imprisonment and are not eligible for parole.
This investigation has been conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the New Haven Police Department, the Connecticut Department of Correction, the Connecticut State Police, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Hamden Police Department. The New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office also provided critical assistance in the investigation.
An instrumental component of the investigation has been the work of the Connecticut State Crime Laboratory in utilizing the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to analyze ballistics evidence.
This matter is being prosecuted in the District of Connecticut by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Spector, Peter Markle and Jocelyn Kaoutzanis. A related case in the District of Maine is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Casey.
Bulk Mail Firm Operator Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal Prison for Defrauding the USPS of Nearly $750KRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT KUSS, 55, of Cheshire, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for defrauding the U.S. Postal Service of nearly $750,000.
According to court documents and statements made in court, KUSS was the managing partner of Creative Marketing Group, LLC (“CMG”), a mail service provider in the business of sending bulk mailings. CMG has a Permit Imprint bulk mailing permit (“PI permit”) that allows the company to print postage indicia directly onto an envelope rather that affix a postage stamp or a meter impression to each piece of mail (the printed postage indicia tend to be pink printings on the upper right hand corner of an envelope).
Generally, a PI permit holder has an account from which the U.S. Postal Service (“USPS”) debits the appropriate postage charge for each bulk mailing. To utilize its PI permit, a mailer generally drops off its bulk mailing at the office that maintains its permit, known as a Business Mail Entry Unit (“BMEU”) – in this instance the Bristol (Conn.) Post Office. There, the mailing is examined and accepted by BMEU postal employees. The USPS then debits the mailer’s account the appropriate amount for postage.
To save money, a bulk mailer may also transport the bulk mailing itself to a destination USPS facility to obtain lower postage rates rather than simply deliver the bulk mailing to the appropriate BMEU. To do so, a mailer must bring both the bulk mailing and a form known as Postal Service Form 8125 (“PS 8125 Form”) to the BMEU for verification. Once verified, the BMEU personnel debit the mailer’s account and fill out the PS 8125 Form with information about the bulk mailing, including the mailer’s permit number, the total number of pieces of mail and the total mail weight. BMEU personnel also affix a USPS stamp to the form. The mailer then takes the bulk mailing and the PS 8125 Form to the destination USPS facility for delivery. A USPS employee at the destination facility reviews the bulk mailing and the form to ensure they match and for completeness before accepting the mailing and the PS 8125 Form.
Between approximately July 2014 and March 2016, KUSS brought bulk mailings to destination USPS facilities with fraudulent PS 8125 Forms. KUSS had filled out and stamped the forms to appear as though the bulk mailings had been brought to and verified by the BMEU in Bristol, and as though the USPS had appropriately debited his advanced deposit account. In fact, KUSS had not brought the bulk mailings to the BMEU, the BMEU had not verified the mailings, and the USPS had not debited his advanced deposit account.
KUSS delivered at least 125 bulk mailings to destination USPS facilities around the country pursuant to this scheme. As a result, he sent 3,260,183 pieces of mail without paying for postage, and the USPS lost $749,573.
Judge Chatigny ordered KUSS to pay full restitution to the USPS.
On December 12, 2016, KUSS pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud.
KUSS, who is released on a $100,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on November 8, 2017.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Pierpont, Jr. and John H. Durham.
Haitian National Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison for Role in Eastern Connecticut Insurance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MACKENZY NOZE, 33, a citizen of Haiti last residing in Norwich, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 48 months of imprisonment for staging car accidents for the purpose of defrauding automobile insurance companies.
On June 15, 2017, a jury found NOZE guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, five counts of wire fraud and three counts of mail fraud.
According to the evidence presented during the trial, between March 2011 and February 2014, NOZE and others conspired to stage numerous car crashes in eastern Connecticut for the purpose of defrauding automobile insurance companies and enriching themselves. A high percentage of these planned crashes were single-vehicle accidents on remote roads where there were no witnesses other than the occupants of the crashed vehicle. After each staged accident, the defendants filed fraudulent property damage and bodily injury claims with various automobile insurance companies. They then collected payouts on the fraudulent claims from the victim insurance companies. These payouts typically ranged from approximately $10,000 to $30,000 per accident.
The evidence at trial indicated that NOZE participated in as many as 50 staged crashes, 11 of which were described in detail during the trial.
Judge Meyer ordered NOZE to pay restitution in the amount of $207,083.36.
NOZE was arrested on May 23, 2016, and is detained. He is a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. and faces immigration proceedings after he serves his sentence.
Six other individuals have been charged and convicted as a result of this investigation.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Norwich Police Department and the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Avi Perry and Michael J. Gustafson.
Former Easton Resident Pleads Guilty to Possessing Meth and XanaxRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut announced that CAVAN DEVINE, 25, formerly of Easton, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to one count of possession of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of Xanax.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 4, 2016, Easton Police seized a bag belonging to DEVINE that contained approximately 744 grams of methamphetamine, 577 and one-half pills labeled “Xanax,” and drug paraphernalia. DEVINE was arrested the next day. A subsequent search of a hotel room rented by DEVINE revealed an additional quantity of methamphetamine, as well as items used to process, package and mail drugs. Investigators also seized a laptop computer.
The investigation established that DEVINE had obtained the methamphetamine and Xanax over the internet, which he was also using to distribute the drugs.
Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for December 22, 2017, at which time DEVINE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.
DEVINE is released on a $200,000 bond and residing at an inpatient drug treatment facility while awaiting sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut State Police and Easton Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.
Owner of Old Saybrook Pizza Restaurant Admits Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that ROBERT KEHAYIAS, 58, of Old Saybrook, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to one count of filing a false tax return.
According to court documents and statements made in court, KEHAYIAS owns and operates Pizza Works (also known as Pizza Junction, LLC), a restaurant located in Old Saybrook. For the 2010 through 2014 tax years, KEHAYIAS deposited most of the cash receipts generated by the restaurant into his personal money market account, a portion of the cash receipts into other personal bank accounts, and only a minimal amount of cash into the business bank account. During this time, KEHAYIAS provided his tax return preparer with Quickbooks reports that significantly understated the gross receipts of the business each year. As a result, KEHAYIAS failed to report more $765,733 in taxable income on his federal income tax returns for the 2010 through 2014 tax years, and failed to pay approximately $340,000 in taxes.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for January 16, 2018, at which time KEHAYIAS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years, a fine of up to approximately $680,000 and back taxes, interest and penalties.
This case has been investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Heroin Dealer Sentenced to 33 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that LUIS SANCHEZ, 55, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in New York and Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 33 months of imprisonment for distributing fentanyl-laced heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force revealed that SANCHEZ was distributing large quantities in Hartford’s South End. On August 31, 2016, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of approximately 200 grams of heroin from SANCHEZ outside of residence on New Britain Avenue where SANCHEZ was living temporarily. SANCHEZ was arrested at that time. On that date, investigators also arrested Yohander Hernandez-Cedeno, whose apartment SANCHEZ was sharing, after Hernandez-Cedeno was found in possession of approximately 83 grams of heroin. A search of the apartment revealed approximately 74 grams of heroin, 127 grams of cocaine, and items used to process and package heroin.
Subsequent laboratory testing of the seized heroin revealed the presence of fentanyl.
SANCHEZ has been detained since his arrest. On June 5, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 100 grams or more of heroin.
SANCHEZ, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.
Hernandez-Cedeno has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
The FBI Task Force includes members of the FBI, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Waterford Man Sentenced to 16 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RICHARD BRUNO, 47, of Waterford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 192 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for producing child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 5, 2016, the Connecticut State Police executed search warrants at BRUNO’s residence in Waterford and at his company’s warehouse located at 19 Mountain Avenue in New London. At BRUNO’s residence, investigators seized a hard drive that was connected to a computer. Analysis of the hard drive revealed 46 homemade videos depicting nine different females engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Most of the videos depicted BRUNO engaging in sex acts with the females. One of the females was 17 years old at the time.
The investigation revealed that BRUNO was the minor victim’s landlord. BRUNO met the minor victim in approximately November 2015 and she told him she was 17. On four occasions, BRUNO videotaped the minor victim engaged in sexual acts with him at his company’s warehouse. For each of these sessions, BRUNO paid the minor victim in either marijuana or cash.
The investigation further revealed that BRUNO communicated with the victim using the Kik instant messaging application. Analysis of BRUNO’s cellphone revealed messages from BRUNO to the victim, including “If you wanted to play around I get you some mon[ey].” “Or if you let me film you for a little whi[le].”
In April 2016, law enforcement initiated an undercover investigation of BRUNO in which a Connecticut State Police detective posed as a single woman with a 13-year-old daughter who was looking for an apartment to rent. During the investigation, BRUNO engaged in text messages with the “13-year-old girl,” asked her for pictures of herself and coaxed her, with promises of money, to come to New London to engage in illicit sexual activity. On May 19, 2016, BRUNO was arrested by New London Police detectives at the time and place he agreed to meet the “girl.”
The investigation revealed several other instances of BRUNO’s inappropriate conduct with vulnerable woman and girls, and voyeuristic videos that BRUNO took of women and girls.
BRUNO has been detained since his arrest. On May 8, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography.
As part of his sentence, BRUNO was ordered to forfeit his company’s New London warehouse, a multi-family residence he owns at 27 West Coit Street in New London, and a van owned by his company.
Also, BRUNO has paid the victim restitution through a settlement in a separate federal civil case (Doe v. Bruno 3:17cv217).
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police and New London Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Indictment Charges California Man with Fentanyl Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment yesterday charging OMAR VILLARREAL, 26, of La Puente, California, with fentanyl trafficking offenses.
As alleged in court documents, on December 21, 2016, law enforcement officers stopped a tractor trailer in Route 34 in Derby. A search of the cab of the tractor trailer revealed a box that contained 25 kilograms of fentanyl. The driver of the vehicle, Erick Crespo-Escalante, was placed under arrest. The investigation revealed that Crespo-Escalante was delivering the shipment of fentanyl to a location in Waterbury.
It is alleged that VILLARREAL traveled to Connecticut from October to November 2016 and coordinated the transportation and delivery of the fentanyl shipment with Crespo-Escalante.
The indictment charges VILLARREAL with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, a controlled substance, and one count of aiding and abetting the distribution of fentanyl. Both offenses carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. The indictment also charges VILLARREAL with one count of traveling in interstate commerce to promote an unlawful activity, and offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
VILLARREAL has been detained since his arrest on May 15, 2017.
On April 4, 2017, Crespo-Escalante pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, fentanyl. He awaits sentencing.
As to VILLARREAL, U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.
Bristol Woman Pleads Guilty to Preparing False Tax Returns for Clients for More Than a DecadeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that ROBIN REID, 54, of Bristol, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to preparing false federal income tax returns.
According to court documents and statements made in court, REID operated a tax return preparation practice. From at least 2005 and continuing until 2015, REID falsified information on numerous returns that she prepared for clients by inflating deductions for medical and dental expenses, charitable contributions, employee-related expenses, and other expenses. REID often created fictitious Schedule C forms in order to fabricate deductible business expenses, and fictitious Schedule E forms to inflate expenses relating to rental properties. By routinely overstating deductions, REID reduced taxable income on the respective returns, and caused a tax loss of $1,126,011 to the government.
REID pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years, a fine of up to approximately $2.2 million, and restitution. Chief Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for December 21, 2017.
REID’s clients are required to resolve their own tax liability with the Internal Revenue Service.
This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Puerto Rico Cocaine Trafficker Guilty of Orchestrating Murder of Connecticut ResidentRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in Hartford has found HECTOR CARDONA-DIAZ, 30, of Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico, guilty of orchestrating the murder of a Connecticut man in December 2014, and a related cocaine trafficking offense. The trial before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea began on September 11, and the guilty verdicts were returned yesterday afternoon.
“This defendant orchestrated the murder of an individual in retribution for a drug debt,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “It’s another senseless violent crime, and one that will result in a lifetime prison term. I commend the Postal Inspectors, members of the DEA Task Force and New Britain Police officers, who together navigated a complex trail of postal, phone and cell site records to solve this murder.”
According to the evidence at trial, on December 30, 2014, Jesus Silva, 24, of Meriden was murdered by a gunshot to the head as he sat in his car on Yeaton Street in New Britain. The investigation revealed that CARDONA-DIAZ was a large-scale narcotics trafficker who regularly supplied Silva and others in the Hartford and Springfield area with distribution quantities of cocaine that he concealed in ceramic moldings and shipped in packages using the U.S. Mail. Silva and others then mailed cash proceeds of the sale of cocaine back to CARDONA-DIAZ. Over time, CARDONA-DIAZ believed that Silva had failed to provide him with a large amount of cash generated from the drug trafficking enterprise and planned his murder.
The investigation further revealed that CARDONA-DIAZ hired Jesus Sierra, of Springfield, Massachusetts, to murder Silva with a promise to pay him $5,000 and supply him with future shipments of cocaine. Sierra then received a firearm from Joel Jaquez, also of Springfield, and promised to pay Jaquez approximately half of the money Sierra was going to be paid by CARDONA-DIAZ.
On December 30, 2014, Sierra arranged to meet Silva in Meriden, purportedly to purchase a car from him. Sierra and Jaquez then traveled to Connecticut to meet Silva. Sierra and Silva then drove together to New Britain under the ruse that Sierra needed a mechanic in New Britain to examine the car. Jaquez followed Sierra and Silva in a separate car. In New Britain, Sierra shot and killed and Silva.
The jury found CARDONA-DIAZ guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit murder for hire resulting in death and one count of murder for hire by interstate travel resulting in death. Each of these charges carry a mandatory term of imprisonment of life. The jury also found CARDONA-DIAZ guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, an offense that carries a mandatory term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
A sentencing date has not been scheduled.
In January 2017, Sierra and Jaquez each pleaded guilty to one count of murder for hire by interstate travel resulting in death. They await sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and New Britain Police Department. The DEA Task Force includes personnel from the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Dave Vatti and Geoffrey M. Stone, with the assistance of the New Britain State’s Attorney’s Office.
Norwich Podiatrist Pays $35,000 to Settle Allegations under the False Claims ActRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that EDWARD TARKA, a podiatrist with a practice in Norwich, has entered into a civil settlement with the government in which he will pay $35,000 to resolve allegations that he violated the False Claims Act.
The allegations against TARKA involve fraudulent billing to Medicare for avulsion services, a surgical procedure to treat ingrown toenails. The procedure involves the surgical separation and removal of all or part of a toenail from the tip of the nail back to the base of the nail. The government alleges that TARKA submitted claims to Medicare for avulsion services under CTP Code 11730 that were not performed in accordance with Medicare requirements. Specifically, the government alleges that TARKA “upcoded” ingrown toenail services, submitting claims to Medicare for avulsion services when in fact he had provided only “routine foot care” services to his Medicare patients.
Routine foot care is typically not a payable service under relevant Medicare regulations, except in limited circumstances for patients with certain systemic conditions or other significant medical issues.
To resolve his liability under the False Claims Act, TARKA will pay $35,000, in order to reimburse the Medicare program for conduct occurring between August 2008 and August 2012.
Under the False Claims Act, the government can recover up to three times its actual damages, plus penalties of $10,957 to $21,916 for each false claim.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne F. Thidemann with the assistance of Auditor Kevin A. Saunders.
U.S. Attorney Daly encourages individuals who suspect health care fraud to report it by calling the Health Care Fraud Task Force at (203) 777-6311 or. 1-800-HHS-TIPS.
Florida Resident Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Stock "Pump and Dump" SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAMIAN DELGADO, also known as “Michael Neumann,” 44, of Orlando, Florida, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a securities fraud scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately 2009 and July 2016, DELGADO conspired with others, including Christian Meissenn and William Lieberman, to defraud investors through a stock “pump and dump” scheme. DELGADO and his co-conspirators induced investors to purchase securities by making false and misleading representations in calls, emails and press releases concerning the securities and the issuing companies, thereby causing the price of those securities to become falsely inflated. The issuing companies, which were essentially shell companies with virtually no legitimate business activities, were controlled by Lieberman and others. They included Terra Energy Resources Ltd. (stock symbol “TRRE”); Mammoth Energy Group, Inc. (stock symbol “MMTE”), a company that later became Strategic Asset Leasing Inc. (stock symbol “LEAS”); Trilliant Exploration Corporation (stock symbol “TTXP”); Hermes Jets, Inc. (stock symbol “HRMJ”), which later became Continental Beverage Brands Corporation (stock symbol “CBBB”); Dolat Ventures, Inc. (stock symbol “DOLV”), and Fox Petroleum, Inc. (stock symbol “FXPT”).
DELGADO used pseudonyms in his communications with investors in order to conceal his prior felony convictions and his permanent bar by the Securities and Exchange Commission from participating in any offering of penny stocks. His numerous misrepresentations induced investors to purchase securities, thus causing the share price of the securities to become artificially inflated. Certain of DELGADO’s co-conspirators then sold their own preexisting positions in the securities at a profit. They then allowed the price of the securities to fall, leaving investors with worthless and unsalable stock. As a result, victim investors lost millions of dollars.
DELGADO received approximately 25 percent of all money that he induced individuals to invest. His personal gain from the scheme totaled $346,652.18. DELGADO disguised the income by having the funds flow through the trust accounts of various attorneys, including Corey Brinson in Connecticut, to bank accounts in the name of DELGADO’s wife, his stepdaughter and various shell entities he and his wife controlled. DELGADO’s failure to pay taxes on this income resulted in a loss of $54,080 to Internal Revenue Service.
On May 12, 2017, DELGADO pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and one count of tax evasion.
Judge Meyer will issue a restitution order after further submissions by the parties. In addition to making restitution to his victims, DELGADO is required to pay back taxes, interest and penalties to the Internal Revenue Service.
DELGADO, who is released on bond, was ordered to report to prison on November 8.
On January 20, 2017, Brinson, of Hartford, pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a monetary transaction in property derived from specified unlawful activity. On April 13, 2017, he was sentenced to 36 months of imprisonment.
Meissenn, Lieberman and two other individuals involved in this scheme have pleaded guilty to conspiracy and tax offenses and await sentencing.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Connecticut Department of Banking and the Hartford and Stamford Police Departments. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Avi M. Perry and Peter S. Jongbloed.
Citizens with information that may be helpful to this ongoing investigation, or who believe they may have been victimized by this scheme, are encouraged to contact the FBI at (203) 777-6311.
Bridgeport Heroin Trafficker Sentenced to 70 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALBERTO COLBERG, 45, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation headed by the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Stamford Police Department, Norwalk Police Department and Connecticut State Police into a drug trafficking organization led by Wilfredo Gutierrez, also known as “Bean” and “Big Pun,” and his brother, Bobby Gutierrez, also known as “B.O.” The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance, revealed that Wilfredo Gutierrez, Bobby Gutierrez and others, including COLBERG, conspired to distribute heroin in Fairfield County.
In January and February 2016, investigators made several controlled purchases of heroin from COLBERG. In addition, COLBERG was recorded on prison calls speaking to Wilfredo Gutierrez while Gutierrez was incarcerated. The recordings confirmed that COLBERG helped run the Gutierrez drug trafficking operation while Gutierrez was in prison, or was in a halfway house and his movements were restricted. A wiretap also confirmed that COLBERG assisted Bobby Gutierrez’s narcotics trafficking activities.
As part of his sentence, COLBERG was ordered to forfeit $7,081 that was seized from his residence.
COLBERG has been detained since his arrest on May 27, 2016. On January 3, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin.
Nine individuals were charged as a result of the investigation. All pleaded guilty.
On March 16, 2017, Wilfredo Gutierrez was sentenced to 180 months of imprisonment and, on April 24, 2017, Bobby Gutierrez was sentenced to 160 months of imprisonment. Bobby Gutierrez also was ordered to forfeit $171,462 in cash.
The DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force includes members from the Bridgeport, Stamford, Stratford, Norwalk, Milford and Trumbull Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Kaplan and Heather Cherry.
Stamford Dental Office Manager Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding Insurance CompaniesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ELENA ILIZAROV, 45, of Stamford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for using an identity theft victim’s personal identifying information to submit fraudulent bills to private insurance companies offering dental insurance.
According to court documents and statements made in court, ILIZAROV served as the office manager for Advanced Dentistry, a dental practice located in Stamford. Between 2005 and 2016, ILIZAROV billed 37 private dental insurance companies for services allegedly performed by an identity theft victim for patients of Advanced Dentistry, when the victim did not in fact perform those services. The identity theft victim was a dentist who had been affiliated with Advanced Dentistry for a short period of time and retired fully from dentistry in 2011. In total, ILIZAROV earned more than $1.2 million by billing in the name of the retired dentist.
Between 2011 and 2015, approximately $581,729 was paid by private insurance companies to Advanced Dentistry for services allegedly provided by the retired dentist. As a result, the insurance companies issued 1099 forms to the Internal Revenue Service pertaining to the retired dentist. In 2015 and 2016, ILIZAROV renewed the retired dentist’s Connecticut dental license and controlled substance registrations, paying for the renewals with her personal credit card. She also applied for, and received, liability insurance in the name of the retired dentist for several years.
ILIZAROV was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on June 21, 2016. On March 13, 2017, she pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
Judge Bolden will issue a restitution order within 30 days.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarala V. Nagala and David J. Sheldon.
U.S. Attorney Daly encourages individuals who suspect health care fraud to report it by calling the Health Care Fraud Task Force at (203) 777-6311 or 1-800-HHS-TIPS.
West Haven Woman Sentenced to Prison for Role in Fraud and Identity Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LORENA COBURN, 43, of West Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 16 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for her role in a fraud and identity theft scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately 2012 and July 2016, Jamila Williams-Stevenson and COBURN worked together to steal personal identifying information from victims and commit fraud using the stolen information. The sources of the personal identifying information included patients at Yale New Haven Hospital, where Williams-Stevenson worked as a care companion.
As part of the scheme, Williams-Stevenson and COBURN submitted to the U.S. Postal Service change of address applications for their victims so that the victims’ mail, including checks that were intended for the victims, would be diverted from the victims’ true addresses to addresses that were controlled by Williams-Stevenson and COBURN. Williams-Stevenson and COBURN also stole checks from residential and business mailboxes and then counterfeited the checks so that they were payable to their identity theft victims. They then opened bank accounts in the names of identity theft victims, deposited the stolen and counterfeit checks into those accounts, and then withdrew the funds from those accounts.
Williams-Stevenson and COBURN also obtained a life insurance policy in the amount of $75,000 in the name of an identity theft victim, and Williams-Stevenson was named as the beneficiary on the policy. Forensic analysis of Williams-Stevenson’s iPhone, which was seized at the time of her arrest, revealed a series of text messages between Williams-Stevenson and COBURN discussing how they might be able to cause the death of this victim in order to collect on the life insurance policy.
More than 30 individuals were victimized through this scheme, resulting in an attempted loss of more than $150,000 to banks and victims.
Williams-Stevenson was arrested on July 21, 2016. On that date, agents executed searches at her house and storage unit and found more than 200 unique credit and debit cards in the names of various identity theft victims.
COBURN was arrested on July 27, 2016. On November 30, 2016, she pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Judge Bolden ordered COBURN to pay restitution of $53,365.37 to various financial institutions and a university that suffered financial losses.
On December 12, 2016, Williams-Stevenson pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. On August 8, 2017, she was sentenced to 48 months of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and $53,365.37 in restitution.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force and the West Haven, New Haven and Orange Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarala V. Nagala.
Springfield Man Sentenced to Prison for Transporting Cocaine to ConnecticutRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ROLANDO PINO-MARTINEZ, 29, of Springfield, Mass., was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the fall of 2015, the DEA New Haven Task Force initiated an investigation into a cocaine trafficking organization headed by Halby Lopez, also known as “Harv,” of New Haven. Omar Polanco-Mendez and Bernardo Roman-Rolan served as Lopez’s second and third in command, respectively. The investigation revealed that Lopez, Polanco-Mendez and Roman-Rolan were obtaining bulk quantities of cocaine from multiple suppliers and redistributing the cocaine to a network of New Haven-area street-level dealers. The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of drugs and the seizure of multiple kilograms of cocaine.
Between January 2016 and March 2016, Lopez, with the assistance of Polanco-Mendez, arranged for the delivery of approximately seven kilograms of cocaine. Lopez used the La Familia Barber Shop located on Howard Avenue in New Haven, which he owned and operated, to distribute cocaine.
PINO-MARTINEZ acted as a courier for a Springfield-based cocaine supplier. On February 11, 2016, investigators learned that PINO-MARTINEZ would be making a delivery of cocaine to the Lopez organization, which Polanco-Mendez had arranged. At approximately 9:00 p.m. on that date, the Connecticut State Police stopped PINO-MARTINEZ’s vehicle on I-91 South in Meriden. A subsequent search of the car revealed two kilograms of cocaine that were concealed in a cereal box.
PINO-MARTINEZ was arrested on federal charges on March 16, 2016. On March 24, 2016, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 13-count indictment charging PINO-MARTINEZ, Lopez, Polanco-Mendez, Roman-Rolan and six other individuals with various narcotics offenses. On October 4, 2016, PINO-MARTINEZ pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
All of the 10 defendants in this case pleaded guilty, and PINO-MARTINEZ is the last to be sentenced.
Lopez and Polanco-Mendez are currently serving prison terms of 10 years, and Roman-Rolan is serving a 68-month prison term.
The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, East Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden and Derby Police Departments, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
This matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Caruso and Jennifer Laraia.Federal Grand Jury Indicts 3 Hartford Men on Gun and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned three indictments yesterday charging three Hartford residents with various drug and firearm offenses.
A three-count indictment alleges that, on September 7, 2017, DAQUAN PATTERSON-GREENE, 22, possessed a Glock 22 .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, as well as cocaine, ecstasy and marijuana with the intent to distribute these drugs. Prior to that date, PATTERSON-GREEN had sustained felony convictions for first-degree assault and possession of a pistol without a permit.
It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
The indictment charges PATTERSON-GREEN with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, MDMA (“ecstasy”) and marijuana, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and offense that carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of five years of imprisonment, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
PATTERSON-GREEN has been detained since his arrest on a federal criminal complaint on September 7.
A one-count indictment charges TYSHAWN COLEMAN, 28, with unlawful possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
The indictment alleges that, on August 5, 2017, COLEMAN possessed a .45 caliber live round. Prior to that date, COLEMAN had sustained two felony convictions for conspiracy to commit murder, three felony convictions for accessory to first-degree assault, one felony conviction for first degree assault, and one felony conviction for sale of a controlled substance.
If convicted of the charge, COLEMAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
COLEMAN has been detained since his arrest on a federal criminal complaint on August 5.
A one-count indictment charges WILLIAM MARRERO-BENITEZ, 24, with possession of heroin with intent to distribute.
The indictment alleges that, on December 14, 2016, MARRERO-BENITEZ possessed heroin that he intended to distribute. At the time of the alleged offense, MARRERO-BENITEZ was serving a term of supervised release from a prior federal conviction.
If convicted, MARRERO-BENITEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on the heroin distribution offenses, and an additional term of imprisonment if he is found to have violated the conditions of his federal supervised release.
MARRERO-BENITEZ has been detained in state custody since his arrest by Hartford Police on December 14.
U.S. Attorney Daly 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.
These cases are being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, and the Hartford Police Department. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney John F. Fahey of the Hartford State’s Attorney’s Office.
Norwalk Man Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that RYAN S. ROZYCKI, 41, of Norwalk, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of tax evasion.
According to court documents and statements made in court, ROZYCKI owns and operates bangthebook.com, a sports gaming information website, as well as other website businesses and rental properties. For the 2009 through 2014 tax years, ROZYCKI reported more than $1.6 million in gross receipts on his federal income tax returns, but failed to report more than $1.1 million in taxable income, which he had deposited into his personal bank accounts. ROZYCKI had worked with an accountant to prepare his tax returns, but did not provide his accountant with any information regarding his personal accounts and the business receipts that had been deposited into them.
As a result, ROZYCKI failed to pay $371,161 in taxes for the 2009 through 2014 tax years.
ROZYCKI is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford on December 18, 2017, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of up to approximately $742,000, and back taxes, interest and penalties.
ROZYCKI was released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.
This case has been investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry.
New London Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Heroin Involved in Southeastern Connecticut OverdosesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NESTOR SANTANA, also known as “Beans,” 30, of New London, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to a heroin distribution charge stemming from an investigation of two drug overdose deaths in May 2016.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning hours of May 29, 2016, members of the Groton Police Department and emergency services personnel responded to a Groton motel room on the report of a suspected drug overdose. The victim, a 17-year-old female, was administered two doses of Narcan (Naloxone), which were deemed unsuccessful, before she was transported to the hospital and died later that morning.
The investigation revealed that Ramon Gomez, also known as “B.I.,” who knew the victim was under the age of 18, brought the victim to the motel to engage in prostitution. On the morning of May 28, 2016, Gomez sold a quantity of heroin to Adele Bouthillier, who then distributed the heroin to the victim. SANTANA supplied Gomez with the heroin that caused the death of the victim.
On May 31, 2016, members of the Montville Police Department responded to an apartment on Route 32 for an “untimely death” investigation. Upon arrival, officers found a deceased 34-year-old female lying face down on the bathroom floor.
The Connecticut’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner subsequently determined the cause of the 34-year-old female’s death to be “Acute Ethanol and Fentanyl Intoxication.”
The investigation revealed that the victim was supplied with heroin/fentanyl by James Butler. Butler had been supplied with the drugs by Gomez, who in turn was supplied by SANTANA.
In August and September 2016, investigators made controlled purchases of heroin from SANTANA.
SANTANA was arrested on state charges on September 29, 2016. A search of his residence at the time of his arrest revealed an additional quantity of heroin and items used to process and package narcotics. He has been detained since his arrest on a federal criminal complaint on January 31, 2017.
SANTANA pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on December 13, 2017, in Hartford.
Gomez and Bouthillier have pleaded guilty to sex trafficking of a minor and heroin distribution offenses, and Butler has pleaded guilty to a heroin distribution offense. Each awaits sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut State Police, Groton Police Department, Montville Police Department, New London Police Department, Statewide Narcotics Task Force – East, and the Regional Community Enhancement Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
This matter stem from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.
Hartford Man Who Distributed Fentanyl Involved in Overdose Death of East Haddam Teen Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HECTOR RAUL CINTRON, also known as “G” and “Big G,” 23, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl involved in an overdose of an East Haddam resident last year. Judge Bryant also ordered CINTRON to pay restitution to the victim’s family to cover the victim’s funeral expenses.
This matter stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the morning of March 19, 2016, Connecticut State Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in East Haddam on the report of an “untimely death.” The victim, an 18-year-old male, was pronounced dead at the scene. At the scene, State Police seized the victim’s cell phone and multiple glassine bags containing powder residue. The investigation revealed that Kerry Scanlan, of Avon, arranged to purchase heroin from CINTRON in Hartford. On March 18, 2016, the victim drove to Avon, picked up Scanlan and then drove to Hartford to purchase heroin from CINTRON.
On April 4, 2016, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner issued a report listing the victim’s cause of death as “acute fentanyl intoxication.”
On two occasions in November 2016, CINTRON sold approximately 200 bags of heroin to an individual working with law enforcement.
CINTRON was arrested on December 15, 2016. On June 6, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.
CINTRON, who is released on a $50,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on November 1.
Scanlan pleaded guilty to a related charge and awaits sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force East, and East Haddam Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Distributing Heroin Involved in Enfield Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that AARON GYAMBIBI, also known as “E,” 27, of Hartford, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing heroin involved in an overdose death in Enfield last year.
This prosecution is part of an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 7, 2016, a 31-year-old male died of suspected drug overdose at an Enfield residence. Enfield Police seized a quantity of heroin and narcotics paraphernalia from the scene.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Connecticut subsequently determined that the victim died from acute heroin and fentanyl toxicities.
The investigation, which included analysis of the victim’s cellphone, revealed that the heroin ingested by the victim shortly before his death was purchased from GYAMBIBI.
GYAMBIBI has been detained since his arrest on November 16, 2016. On March 23, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad and the Enfield Police Department. The Tactical Diversion Squad includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe and Fairfield Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney H. Gordon Hall.