District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Salem Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin Distribution Charge Related to OverdoseRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LEE HENRICI, 32, of Salem, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.
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 June 22, 2016, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a hotel room at the Foxwoods Resort on the report of a drug overdose involving a female victim. The victim was transported to the hospital and survived. The victim’s boyfriend, who was present in the room, informed officers that the victim used heroin just prior to collapsing on the floor and losing consciousness. Officers seized opened and unopened wax packets of suspected heroin, and a hypodermic needle, from the scene.
The investigation, which included witness statements and analysis of surveillance video and text messages from the victim’s cell phone, revealed that HENRICI drove to the hotel in the morning of June 22, picked up money from the victim, drove to Hartford to purchase heroin from his source, returned to the hotel and delivered heroin to the victim.
HENRICI was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on August 17, 2016.
HENRICI is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall on June 28, 2017, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He is released on a $50,000 bond.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Police Department. The Tactical Diversion Squad includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe, Fairfield and Manchester Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Fairfield County Heroin Trafficker Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILFREDO GUTIERREZ, also known as “Bean” and “Big Pun,” 40, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 180 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.
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. The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately September 2015 and May 2016, GUTIERREZ and others, including his brother Bobby Gutierrez, also known as “B.O.,” conspired to distribute at least 10 kilograms of heroin in Fairfield County.
GUTIERREZ’s criminal history dates to 1994 and includes multiple state drug convictions for which he has served a total of more than 16 years in prison In July 2011, GUTIERREZ was sentenced to nine years of incarceration and 11 years of special parole for violating Connecticut’s Corrupt Organizations and Racketeering Activity Act (“CORA”) and sale of a controlled substance. He was released to a halfway house on August 27, 2015. While in the halfway house, GUTIERREZ continued to coordinate the acquisition of heroin from individuals in the Bronx, and the distribution of the drug in Fairfield County. On December 21, 2015, he was returned to custody for a technical violation of his parole, and he continued his involvement in the acquisition and sale of heroin.
On May 26, 2016, a search of B&B Deli in Bridgeport, which was owned by the Gutierrez family and served as a hub for their drug dealing, revealed two digital scales, two large ziplock bags containing what appeared to be cutting agents, and five cellular telephones.
WILFREDO GUTIERREZ, Bobby Gutierrez and seven others were charged as a result of the investigation. All pleaded guilty. Bobby Gutierrez is detained while awaiting sentencing.
On November 22, 2016, WILFREDO GUTIERREZ pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.
Judge Bolden ordered GUTIERREZ’s federal sentence to run concurrently with his state sentence.
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 Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Insurance CompaniesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ELENA ILIZAROV, 44, of Stamford, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of wire fraud stemming from her use of 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 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.
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.
The charge of wire fraud carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.
ILIZAROV was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on June 21, 2016. She is released on a $500,000 bond.
This matter is being 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 is being 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.
Oklahoma Inmate Sentenced to 46 Months for Role in Prison-Based Phone Fraud and Extortion SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that DARRIK FORSYTHE, 37, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in prison-based phone fraud and extortion scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2011, federal law enforcement agents began investigating a series of criminal schemes being conducted by inmates of Lawton Correctional Facility (“LCF”), a medium security, privately owned, correctional facility located in Lawton, Oklahoma. The investigation revealed that LCF inmates, including FORSYTHE, had access to smuggled cellular phones. Using the smuggled phones, FORSYTHE and others befriended gay men on phone-based chat lines. Then, using false promises and, in certain cases, threats, FORSYTHE and others induced victims to send them cash or prepaid debit cards. Several men across the country were victimized through this scheme.
Between approximately February 2011 and October 2011, FORSYTHE and at least three other LCF inmates obtained a total of $674,100 from one Connecticut resident through this scheme. The victim had befriended an individual named “Joe” on Megamates, a phone-based dating service. Shortly thereafter, individuals began to call the victim demanding money. The callers threatened to reveal the victim’s sexual orientation and cause physical harm to the victim or his family if the victim did not comply. The callers initially demanded cash, and then instructed the victim to send prepaid debit card numbers. As the scheme progressed, the callers demanded increases in the money from several hundreds of dollars to $5,000 or more, multiple times per week.
The victim contacted law enforcement after depleting his family’s $670,000 inheritance for which he served as the custodian. He committed suicide in 2014.
On April 30, 2014, FORSYTHE pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
As part of his sentence, FORSYTHE was ordered to pay full restitution.
FORSYTHE has been serving a 20-year sentence for robbery since 2002. His federal sentence will begin at the conclusion of his state sentence.
A second LCF inmate, Sean Siwek, was prosecuted in the Western District of Oklahoma for his role in a similar scheme. (U.S. v. Sean Siwek 5:14cr355).
This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, Connecticut Resident Office, with assistance from the Secret Service’s Oklahoma field offices, the Lawton, Oklahoma resident agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Novick of the District of Connecticut, with the assistance of members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma.
Statement from U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. DalyRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that she will continue to serve as U.S. Attorney.
“I thank the Attorney General and the Administration for affording me the opportunity to remain as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut so that I might complete 20 years of service to the Department of Justice in October,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of the residents of Connecticut in my remaining time, and I will focus on an orderly transition as I complete what has been a rewarding tenure in the Office.”
Daly has served as the U.S. Attorney, including in an acting or interim capacity, since May 14, 2013. From July 2010 to May 2013, she was the First Assistant U.S. Attorney during which time she assisted in the oversight of both the Criminal and Civil Divisions. From 1985 to 1997, Daly was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York, where she prosecuted a wide range of cases from racketeering and murder to corruption and fraud, and later served as the Assistant-In-Charge of White Plains Office for three years. She also served as a law clerk to Honorable Lloyd F. MacMahon, U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of New York, from 1984 to 1985.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut and representing the federal government in civil litigation. The Office is composed of approximately 65 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and approximately 52 staff members at offices in New Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport.
For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut, please visit www.justice.gov/ct.
Israeli Executive Pleads Guilty to Defrauding the Foreign Military Financing ProgramRead the Press Release
A former executive of an Israel-based defense contractor pleaded guilty for his role in multiple schemes to defraud a multi-billion dollar United States foreign aid program, the Department of Justice announced today.
Yuval Marshak pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud, two counts of wire fraud and one count of major fraud against the United States in U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut today. He was previously charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the District of Connecticut on Jan. 21, 2016, and then extradited from Bulgaria in October.
According to court documents, Marshak carried out three separate schemes between 2009 and 2013 to defraud the Foreign Military Financing program (FMF). Marshak and others falsified bid documents to make it appear that certain FMF contracts had been competitively bid when they had not. Marshak further caused false certifications to be made to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) stating that no commissions were being paid and no non-U.S. content was used in these contracts, when, in fact, Marshak had arranged to receive commissions and to have services performed outside the United States, all in violation of the DoD’s rules and regulations. Marshak arranged for these undisclosed commission payments to be made to a Connecticut-based company that was owned by a close relative to disguise the true nature and destination of these payments.
“Today’s guilty plea marks the successful culmination of a complex investigation that required us to work closely with the Israeli government, the DoD and the Office of International Affairs to gather foreign-located evidence and to secure Marshak’s extradition,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brent Snyder of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. “This result reflects the division’s deep commitment to identifying and prosecuting schemes to defraud American taxpayers.”
“This conviction is the result of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service's (DCIS) ongoing effort to identify and investigate fraudulent activity targeting the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and its programs that support America's national security and foreign policy objectives,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Leigh-Alistair Barzey of the DCIS Northeast Field Office. “DCIS will continue to aggressively investigate allegations of fraud and abuse threatening the DoD and the Foreign Military Sales Program.”
The United States spends billions of dollars each year through the FMF program to provide foreign governments, including Israel, with money which must be used to purchase American-made military goods and services. The rules and regulations of the FMF program require the disclosure of and approval for any FMF-funded commissions and require that all goods and services be of United States origin to qualify for FMF funding. These same rules also strongly encourage the use of competitive bidding in the award of all FMF contracts. American vendors who receive FMF funded contracts are required to certify their compliance with these regulations to the DoD.
The Antitrust Division’s New York Office and DCIS prosecuted the case, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut, Israel’s Ministry of Defense and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs. Anyone with information on price fixing, bid rigging or other anticompetitive conduct related to government contracts should contact the Antitrust Division’s Citizen Complaint Center at 1-888-647-3258 or visit www.justice.gov/atr/contact/newcase.html.
U.S. Attorney Daly Announces ResignationRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced her resignation, effective immediately.
“It has been a great honor and privilege to serve as Connecticut’s United States Attorney. In fact, it has been a gift of a lifetime. I am extremely proud of the tremendous accomplishments of the men and women of this office during my tenure. I applaud their tireless work holding our most violent offenders accountable, protecting our children and our environment, standing up for our most vulnerable victims, and not hesitating to stand up to the powerful. Together, we also built bridges and trust with communities. I hope all of this work continues to thrive. The people of Connecticut will be in excellent hands with Acting U.S. Attorney Mike Gustafson, and the more than 100 career employees of the office who dedicate themselves to always doing what is right and just.”
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson will be the Acting U.S. Attorney.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut and representing the federal government in civil litigation. The Office is composed of approximately 63 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and approximately 52 staff members at offices in New Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport.
Stamford Couple Charged in Connection with Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a 39-count indictment charging THOMAS J. CONNERTON, 64, and JEAN S. ERICKSON, 62, both of Stamford, with various offenses stemming from an investment scheme that defrauded individuals of more than $2 million.
The indictment was returned on March 7. CONNERTON and ERICKSON were arrested yesterday and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport. CONNERTON was detained pending a detention hearing that is scheduled for Monday at 1:00 p.m. ERICKSON was released on a $250,000 bond.
As alleged in the indictment, CONNERTON was the founder, president, and CEO of Safety Technologies, LLC (“Safety Tech”), a Connecticut company that had its principal place of business at various times in Simsbury, Madison, Westport and Stamford. Safety Tech was founded in 2006, purportedly for the purpose of developing and commercializing what was represented to be a highly durable puncture and cut resistant material that was to be used in the surgical glove market and other related markets. Safety Tech has not yet obtained any patents from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and CONNERTON did not register Safety Tech’s securities with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
The indictment alleges that, beginning in approximately June 2009, CONNERTON induced victim-investors to provide him funds and to purchase Safety Tech securities by falsely representing that the valuation of Safety Tech was realistically in the tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, that a lucrative deal to sell or license his glove technology was imminent, and that he would use their funds for research and development, product testing, and to bring the product to market. CONNERTON offered his investors small amounts of equity in Safety Tech through “Subscription Agreements” or investments contracts through which he sold what he described as “Units.”
It is alleged that CONNERTON made numerous other false representations to victim-investors, including stating in September 2015, “I will go on the record to state that there is not a single investor that will lose one dollar invested in Safety Technologies.”
The indictment alleges that even though CONNERTON represented to victim-investors and potential victim-investors that the funds they invested would be used to fund research and development, for product testing, for business expenses and for legal fees, he used invested funds to pay personal expenses including, on two separate occasions, to purchase diamond engagement rings from Tiffany & Co. CONNERTON also used funds to repay loans to an earlier investor.
Through this scheme, it is alleged that CONNERTON defrauded more than 50 victim-investors of more than $2 million.
The indictment further alleges that CONNERTON, with ERICKSON’s assistance, engaged in monetary transactions in an attempt to conceal from the FBI and the SEC the nature and source of funds received by Safety Tech from the sale of Safety Tech securities. CONNERTON and ERICKSON negotiated checks and purchased bank checks in order to move the fraudulent proceeds from one account to another.
The indictment also alleges that, in April 2016, ERICKSON contacted the FBI and falsely stated that she was just an investor when, in truth, she was engaged to CONNERTON and sharing a residence with him at the time. During the call, ERICKSON provided a false address to an FBI Special Agent.
The indictment charges CONNERTON with 12 counts of wire fraud, one count of mail fraud and 18 counts of securities fraud, offenses that carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count. The indictment also charges CONNERTON with six counts, and ERICKSON with one count, of money laundering, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count. CONNERTON and ERICKSON are also charged with money laundering conspiracy, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and ERICKSON is charged with one count of making a false statement to a federal agent, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry.
Citizens with information that may be helpful to this ongoing investigation, or who believe they have been victimized by this scheme, are encouraged to contact the FBI at (203) 777-6311.
West Haven Man Charged with Carjacking OffenseRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DON MEEKER, 30, of West Haven, was arrested today on an indictment charging him with a carjacking offense.
A federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday alleging that, on January 1, 2016, MEEKER used threats of violence to steal a 2015 Volkswagon Passat from two victims in Meriden.
After his arrest, MEEKER appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis in New Haven and was ordered detained.
The indictment charges MEEKER with one count, of taking a motor vehicle from a person by force and violence or by intimidation, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.
Elbert Llorens and Kyle Valentine, both of New Haven, previously pleaded guilty to charges related to their roles in this carjacking. Both are detained and await sentencing.
As to MEEKER, 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the East Haven, Meriden, Milford, New Haven and West Haven Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Waterbury Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Heroin to Overdose VictimRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that AURELLE HUCKABEE, 22, of Waterbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson 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, in the early morning of July 7, 2016, Naugatuck Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a Naugatuck residence on a report of a suspected overdose. The victim, a 31-year-old male, was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Investigators seized two bags of suspected heroin and/or fentanyl, as well as the victim’s cellphone, from the scene.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner subsequently determined that the victim died as a result of “acute fentanyl intoxication.”
The victim’s cellphone contained hundreds of text messages between the victim and HUCKABEE. The text messages revealed that HUCKABEE regularly supplied heroin to the victim in the weeks preceding the victim’s death.
HUCKABEE has been detained since his arrest on January 4, 2017.
Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for June 1, 2017, at which time HUCKABEE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
This matter is being investigated by the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Naugatuck Police Department, with support and assistance of the Middlesex State’s Attorney’s Office. The Tactical Diversion Squad includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe, Fairfield and Manchester Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick F. Caruso.
Wallingford Man Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal Prison for Operating Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JOSEPH A. CASTELLANO, 59, of Wallingford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 68 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for operating an investment scheme that defrauded individuals of more than $1.4 million.
According to court documents and statements made in court, CASTELLANO operated various entities out of offices in Wallingford, including Casbo Investments, Wallingford Investors Limited Partnership, AIM Realty Investors, and Castellano & Co., LLC. As a Certified Public Accountant and owner of Castellano & Co., LLC, CASTELLANO prepared federal and state tax returns for individuals and local businesses. In connection with his tax preparation business, CASTELLANO established a base of clients to which he offered financial services and investment opportunities in addition to preparing their taxes.
Beginning in approximately July 2007, CASTELLANO falsely represented to victim-investors that he had clients who were in need of capital to fund businesses or real estate development projects, but were unable to secure funding from traditional sources such as financial institutions. CASTELLANO told victim-investors that he would obtain for them a consistent rate of return of between approximately six percent and eight percent annually on their money by taking their money and placing it with, or loaning it to, one or more of his other clients. CASTELLANO, through Casbo Investments, prepared and executed official-looking documents and investment contracts termed “Demand Notes,” which contained a promise to return the principal amount, with interest, at any time.
In fact, there were no actual investments or investment opportunities, and the money was not invested with or loaned to other clients of CASTELLANO. CASTELLANO diverted the funds for his own use and benefit, including for international travel. He also used some of the invested funds to make phony “interest” payments to other victim-investors.
During the scheme, CASTELLANO made false statements to certain victim-investors to explain various delays in the purported interest payments.
Through this scheme, CASTELLANO defrauded 18 victim-investors of a total of $1,447,151. Multiple victims lost most of their retirement savings.
CASTELLANO was arrested on April 6, 2016. On September 16, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and one count of money laundering.
CASTELLANO, who had been released on a $250,000 bond, was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service at the conclusion of the sentencing proceeding.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael McGarry and John Pierpont.
Norwalk Drug Dealer Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KENNETH BRICKHOUSE, also known as “K.E.,” 36, last residing in West Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for drug and firearm offenses.
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. The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance.
According to court documents and statements made in court, BRICKHOUSE obtained cocaine and heroin from Bobby Gutierrez and other individuals and then sold the drugs to customers and other distributors. Between February and May 2016, BRICKHOUSE made multiple sales of heroin and cocaine to an individual working with law enforcement. During this time, investigators also intercepted hundreds of calls and text messages involving BRICKHOUSE that pertained to the distribution of narcotics.
BRICKHOUSE was arrested on May 26, 2016. On that date, a search of a Norwalk apartment that BRICKHOUSE used to store drugs, convert cocaine into crack cocaine and conduct drug sales, revealed approximately 500 bags of heroin, two baggies of cocaine, a loaded 9mm pistol, and ammunition. Investigators also seized a .357 revolver and ammunition from a vehicle that BRICKHOUSE used to in connection with his drug trafficking activities.
BRICKHOUSE has been detained since his arrest. On September 23, 2016, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
BRICKHOUSE’s criminal history includes state convictions for possessing crack with intent to sell, and federal convictions in 2001 for possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”), using and carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. BRICKHOUSE served approximately 127 months in federal prison before his release in November 2011.
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.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMES DOUGLAS, also known as “Sucky,” 25, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 26, 2015, New Haven Police officers received a report that a group of young men were in the vicinity of Orchard and Dickerman Streets and that some of them might be armed with firearms. As the officers approached the group, DOUGLAS began to run away, but fell before he could escape. Officers located and seized a .32 caliber revolver loaded with one bullet from the waistband of DOUGLAS’s pants.
Prior to May 2015, DOUGLAS had sustained felony convictions, including convictions for second degree burglary, carrying a pistol without a permit, and assault on public safety personnel.
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.
DOUGLAS has been detained since his arrest on May 26, 2015.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Haven Police Department.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer P. Laraia and Michael E. Runowicz.
16 Charged after FBI Task Force and Hartford Police Department Investigation into Hartford Street GangRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Hartford Police Chief James C. Rovella, today announced the unsealing of a 31-count indictment charging 16 individuals with federal narcotics offenses related to the distribution of heroin and crack cocaine in Hartford. The indictment also charges four of the defendants with firearm and robbery offenses.
The indictment, which was returned by a grand jury in Hartford on February 23, 2017, and unsealed yesterday, stems from “Operation Stamp Out,” a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division targeting gang violence and narcotics trafficking in Hartford’s Parkville neighborhood, and related overdoses.
According to allegations made in court, the investigation specifically targeted criminal activity being committed by members and associates of the Orange Street Killas (OSK). OSK is a geographically-based street gang operating principally in the area of Orange, Cherry and Arbor Streets. The investigation followed a series of reports of shots fired in the area, and a homicide that was committed on Cherry Street in October 2015. The prosecution was built on court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical and video surveillance, all of which revealed that Ruben Torres and certain OSK members acquired heroin and crack cocaine from other OSK members and then sold the narcotics on the streets of Hartford.
During the investigation, on October 8, 2016, at approximately 10:12 p.m., Hartford’s ShotSpotter system detected multiple shots fired in the area of 7-9 Cherry Street. Hartford Police responded and located a male victim in the backyard of 51 Orange Street. The victim, who was suffering from three gunshot wounds to his legs, was transported to the hospital and survived the shooting. The indictment charges four defendants with firearm and robbery offenses related to this shooting.
“Gang-related drug trafficking continues to plague our inner cities,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “A relatively small number of offenders are responsible for the vast amount of the gun violence that traumatizes our neighborhoods. These same offenders peddle the heroin that has caused the tragic spike in heroin overdose deaths in cities and towns throughout Connecticut. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners have a long-standing commitment to assist the Hartford Police in reducing violent crime and drug trafficking in our capital city. We thank the FBI and the HPD for their tremendous work supporting this prosecution.”
“It’s the continued dedication and commitment of agents and officers in this case that has led to the disruption of street gang activity in this Hartford neighborhood,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Ferrick. “This joint effort in this case, and many others, will lead to a safer community.”
Charged in the indictment are:
RUBEN TORRES, a.k.a. “Rube,” “Ru,” and “T,” 25, of Hartford
ANTWANE WILLIAMS-BEY, a.k.a. “Buck,” 26, of East Windsor
MICHAEL CHAPMAN, a.k.a. “Nice” and “Mizzo,” 25, of New Britain
CHARLES TURNER, a.k.a. “Rell” and “CJ,” 26, of Hartford
TAYRENCE WILLIS, a.k.a. “T” and “T-Franklin,” 24, of Hartford
TYRRYQ RODRIGUEZ, a.k.a. “Ty,” “Little Ty” and “Tye Bangs,” 19, of Hartford
ERIC SMITH, a.k.a. “Hood,” 29, of Hartford
ADRIAN CRUZ, a.k.a. “Ray,” 28, of Hartford
BRENDAN SALMON, a.k.a. “One Eye,” 23, of Hartford
NOEL MONTANEZ, 18, of Hartford
JHOVANY VALDES, 40, of East Windsor
WILLIE DEAS, a.k.a. “Debo” and “Flee,” 21, of Hartford
MARCUS GARY, 33, of South Windsor
YOLANDA LOZADA, a.k.a. “Sexy,” 38, of East Hartford
JAMAL JOHNSON, 29, of Hartford
BUELL FRENCH, 36, of HartfordOn February 10, 2017, investigators arrested TORRES, WILLIAMS-BEY, CHAPMAN, WILLIS, RODRIGUEZ, SMITH, SALMON, MONTANEZ and VALDES. On that date, a search of TORRES’ Hartford apartment lead to the seizure of approximately 260 bags of heroin, ammunition, a gun cleaning kit and a holster. Searches of WILLIAMS-BEY’s East Windsor residence and a relative’s Hartford residence revealed approximately 900 bags of heroin and crack cocaine. Agents seized more than 300 grams of heroin and three firearms, one of which was stolen, at VALDES' East Windsor residence, and a firearm and crack cocaine at CHAPMAN’s residence.
TURNER was arrested on February 21, and SALMON and LOZADA were arrested on March 1.
CRUZ has been in custody since July 31, 2016, and DEAS has been in custody since October 28, 2016. Both were originally arrested on state charges.
GARY and JOHNSON have not been arrested are being sought.
The indictment charges each of the defendants with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, heroin and cocaine base (“crack”). If convicted of this charge, based on the type and quantity of narcotics charged, TORRES, WILLIAMS-BEY, CHAPMAN, and TURNER face a minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life; VALDES, SMITH, CRUZ, MONTANEZ, LOZADA and GARY face a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, and WILLIS, RODRIGUEZ, SALMON, DEAS, JOHNSON and FRENCH face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
TORRES, WILLIAMS-BEY, CHAPMAN, TURNER, SMITH, CRUZ, SALMON, VALDES, DEAS and JOHNSON also are charged with one or more counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, various quantities of heroin and/or crack cocaine.
TORRES, DEAS, WILLIS and RODRIGUEZ are charged with interference with commerce by robbery, and conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery; TORRES is charged with use of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime; and TORRES, DEAS and RODRIGUEZ are charged with conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and a drug trafficking crime. These charges relate to the October 8, 2016 shooting in the vicinity of 7-9 Cherry Street. DEAS also is charged with an additional count of interference with commerce by robbery, which relates to an attempted robbery that occurred on October 26, 2016.
Finally, the indictment charges CHAPMAN and VALDES each with one count of being felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and VALDES with one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
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.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division and Shooting Task Force have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Sex Offender Sentenced to Prison Term for Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DONALD LUCIANO, 45, last residing in Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 11 months of imprisonment for violating the terms and conditions of his federal supervised release.
On July 18, 2013, LUCIANO was sentenced in federal court in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for possessing child pornography. He began supervision in the District of Connecticut on October 31, 2014.
According to court documents and statements made in court, LUCIANO engaged in numerous violations of the terms of his supervised release, including having unsupervised contact with minors, using or accessing unauthorized computers, traveling out of state on multiple occasions without prior permission (including trips to Block Island, R.I., and the Hamptons, N.Y.), associating with felons, and failing to give truthful answers and reports to the U.S. Probation Office.
LUCIANO has been detained since his arrest on August 1, 2016, for supervised release violations. When he is released from prison, he faces five years of supervised release, the first six months of which he will serve in a halfway house. LUCIANO also faces pending state larceny charges on allegations of fraud.
This matter was brought by the U.S. Probation Office with additional investigation provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.
Former Rocky Hill Resident to Serve Prison Time for Stealing Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARYANNE STEPHENS, 69, of Ireland, formerly of Rocky Hill, Conn., was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to three months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for stealing Social Security retirement benefits that had been deposited into her deceased mother-in-law’s bank account. Chief Judge Hall also ordered STEPHENS to perform 75 hours of community service while on supervised release, and to pay restitution to the Social Security Administration.
According to court documents and statements made in court, STEPHENS’ mother-in-law began receiving Social Security retirement benefits in 1971. Her mother-in-law died in October 1998. However, approximately $204,000 in Social Security retirement benefits were directly deposited into her mother-in-law’s bank account after her death.
On November 28, 2016, STEPHENS pleaded guilty to one count of theft of public money. In pleading guilty, she admitted that from approximately March 2004 to December 2010, she forged her mother-in-law’s signature on bank checks in order to fraudulently obtain approximately $126,000 in Social Security retirement benefits that were deposited into her mother-in-law’s bank account after her mother-in-law had died. In total, STEPHENS forged her mother-in-law’s signature on 98 bank checks to withdraw the money from the account.
STEPHENS has been released on a $200,000 bond since her arrest on April 20, 2016. She was ordered to report to prison on April 3, 2017.
This matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
Bridgeport Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking of A MinorRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRANDON WILLIAMS, also known as “14K,” 35, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of sex trafficking of a minor.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in July and August 2015, WILLIAMS caused a minor female, who he knew was under the age of 18, to engage in commercial sex acts. The minor victim’s sexual services were advertised on the internet websites Backpage and Cityvibe, and WILLIAMS rented hotel rooms in which he and the minor victim stayed.
The charge of sex trafficking of a minor carries a maximum term of imprisonment of life. A sentencing date is not yet scheduled.
WILLIAMS has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on August 26, 2015.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Bridgeport Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarala V. Nagala and David E. Novick.
Waterbury Man Pleads Guilty to Enticing Minors to Engage in Sexual Activity on SkypeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN EASTMAN, 49, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of enticing minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct during online video chats.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between June and November 2012, EASTMAN engaged in video chats with minors over the internet using his computer and online video chatting services such as Skype. During these video chats, EASTMAN enticed the minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct, which EASTMAN recorded and/or photographed and then saved on his computer. In order to deceive and entice the minors, EASTMAN posed as famous singers and musicians that are popular to teenagers.
In pleading guilty, EASTMAN admitted that on approximately November 6, 2012, he used the screen name justin.bieber727 to communicate via Skype with a female who was under the age of 18. During the video chat, EASTMAN asked the minor to expose herself and pose in a sexually explicit manner. EASTMAN then saved on his computer a still image of the female exposing herself.
Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for May 25, 2017, at which time EASTMAN faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
EASTMAN has been detained since his arrest on related state charges in May 2013.
This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Waterbury Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neeraj N. Patel and Anastasia E. King.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
North Haven Man Sentenced to 68 Months in Federal Prison for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BERNARDO ROMAN-ROLAN, also known as “Benny,” 41, of North Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 68 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.
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 “Harv” Lopez. Omar Polanco-Mendez and ROMAN-ROLAN were the 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.
Investigators intercepted numerous conversations in which ROMAN-ROLAN discussed the distribution of cocaine. Intercepted calls also revealed that, in January 2016, ROMAN-ROLAN received two shipments of cocaine on behalf of Lopez and Polanco-Mendez.
On March 24, 2016, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 13-count indictment charging ROMAN-ROLAN, Lopez, Polanco-Mendez and seven other individuals with various narcotics offenses. All of the defendants pleaded guilty.
ROMAN-ROLAN has been detained since his arrest on March 11, 2016. On October 7, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute between 500 grams and two kilograms of cocaine.
ROMAN-ROLAN’s criminal history includes convictions for drug trafficking and manslaughter.
On February 24, 2017, Polanco-Mendez was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment. Lopez awaits sentencing.
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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Caruso and Jennifer Laraia.
New Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHAQUILLE PEARSON, 23, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 30, 2016, officers from the New Haven Police Department executed a search and seizure warrant at PEARSON’s residence on Button Street in New Haven. In the residence, an officer encountered PEARSON who was holding a sneaker that contained a loaded 9mm pistol. A subsequent search of the residence also revealed a .380 handgun that was hidden in another sneaker.
Prior to June 2016, PEARSON was convicted of state felony offenses, including carrying a dangerous weapon and third degree burglary. 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.
Chief Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for May 24, 2017, at which time PEARSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. PEARSON has been detained since his arrest on June 30, 2016.
This matter is being investigated by the New Haven Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter D. Markle.
Waterbury Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TEDDY STUART LOPEZ, JR., also known as “Chico” and “Junior,” 20, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 15 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for 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.
According to court documents or statements made during court proceedings, on May 10, 2016, North Haven Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a report of an unresponsive man on the Hartford Turnpike in North Haven. The 23-year-old man was transported to the hospital where he later died. The victim’s family later turned over to law enforcement a wax fold of heroin. The investigation revealed that the victim likely purchased heroin from LOPEZ in Waterbury earlier that day.
Between July 5 and July 8, 2016, investigators made two controlled purchases of heroin from LOPEZ.
LOPEZ was arrested on July 19, 2016. At the time of his arrest, he possessed 40 bags of heroin. A subsequent search of his residence revealed 150 bags of heroin, $1,600 in cash, a grinder, a digital scale, cutting agents, cellular telephones, and drug packaging material.
On November 16, 2016, LOPEZ pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.
This matter was investigated by the DEA’s New Haven Task Force, which includes DEA agents and task force officers from the North Haven, East Haven, West Haven, New Haven, Hamden, Branford, Ansonia, Derby, and Meriden Police Departments.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.
Middletown Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal Prison for Bank Robbery Spree in 2015Read the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MATTHEW DRAGONE, 32, of Middletown, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for robbing six banks, and attempting to rob a seventh bank, in 2015.
According to court documents and statements made in court, DRAGONE robbed the Webster Bank at 145 Highland Avenue in Cheshire on August 12, 2015; the TD Bank at 1127 Farmington Avenue in Berlin on August 13, 2015; the Liberty Bank at 151 Main Street in Deep River on August 17, 2015; the TD Bank at 25 Wells Road in Wethersfield on August 31, 2015; the Webster Bank at 377 Cromwell Avenue in Rocky Hill on September 9, 2015 (attempt); the Liberty Bank at 357 Main Street in Durham on September 3, 2015, and the TD Bank at 184 Clinton Road in Killingworth on September 11, 2015. During each of the robberies, DRAGONE, wearing a baseball cap and dark sunglasses and holding a cellphone to his ear, presented a teller with a bank-style bag affixed with a note that demanded money.
On September 16, 2015, a search of DRAGONE’s residence revealed clothing and sunglasses consistent with those worn during the Durham robbery on September 3, as well as a bank-style bag consistent with the one used during several of the bank robberies.
DRAGONE was arrested on September 18, 2015. On February 16, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Connecticut State Police and the Middletown, Cheshire, Berlin, Wethersfield, and Rocky Hill Police Departments, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Scientific Services. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Narcotics, Selling GunRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that VINCENTE RIVERA, also known as “Macho,” 37, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine and selling a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in September 2014, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and Hartford Police Department initiated an investigation into narcotics distribution, firearms trafficking and acts of violence carried out by members and associates Los Solidos in Hartford’s South End. The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of heroin, crack cocaine and firearms, resulted in federal charges against approximately 30 individuals.
The investigation revealed that RIVERA was involved in the distribution of crack and powder cocaine. In February and March 2015, investigators intercepted numerous drug-related conversations over RIVERA’s telephone. In addition, in April 2015, RIVERA sold a .25 caliber pistol to a government informant.
RIVERA has been detained since his arrest on June 15, 2015. On August 12, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”).
The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics unit, Major Crimes unit, Shooting Task Force and South Conditions Unit have provided valuable assistance to the investigation, and the U.S. Marshals Service and Capitol Region Emergency Response Team (CREST) assisted with the arrests.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.
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 commit 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.
Members of Los Solidos attended call-ins that were held in April 2014 and August 2014.
Former New Haven Resident Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Robbing Seymour BankRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DANIEL HAMLETT, SR., 55, formerly of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for committing an armed robbery of a Seymour bank in 2013.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 9, 2013, HAMLETT drove a stolen vehicle to the Webster Bank on New Haven Road in Seymour. Wearing a mask, he exited the vehicle, approached an individual who was seated in his parked car, took out a handgun, smashed the driver’s side front window and demanded money from the victim. When the victim responded that he didn’t have any money, HAMLETT took the victim’s car keys and cell phone and told him not to move.
HAMLETT then entered the bank, ordered everyone to get on the floor, jumped over the teller counter and forcibly took $5,594 in cash from two teller drawers. He then jumped back over the teller counter, exited the bank and fled in the stolen vehicle. HAMLETT then met his son, Daniel Hamlett, Jr., who picked up his father and eluded law enforcement.
HAMLETT was arrested in Georgia on November 13, 2014, and has been detained since his arrest. On September 14, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery.
Daniel Hamlett, Jr. also pleaded guilty and has been sentenced.
This matter was investigated by the FBI and the Seymour Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas P. Morabito and Sarala V. Nagala.
Former Navy Serviceman Sentenced to 10 Years for Enticing Minors to Engage in Sexual Activity OnlineRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ADAM M. SIMPSON, 30, a former member of the U.S. Navy who was stationed in New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for enticing minors to perform sexually explicit acts during online video chats.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately January 2013 and November 2013, SIMPSON used internet-based video chatting services such as Skype, Omegle, and ooVoo, to entice girls between the ages of 12 and 16 to perform sexual acts and engage in sexually explicit conduct, which SIMPSON then recorded and saved on his computer. In order to deceive the minors, SIMPSON misrepresented his age and utilized videos of young boys to impersonate being a young boy himself.
SIMPSON, of Benton, Pennsylvania, has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on January 7, 2014. On June 29, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of using an interstate facility to entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity.
This matter was investigated by the Connecticut State Police Computer Crimes Unit, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service also provided critical assistance in this investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CARLOS PEREZ, also known as “Carlito,” 43, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 41 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.
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 “Harv” Lopez. The investigation revealed that Lopez, and his associates, Omar Polanco-Mendez and Bernardo “Benny” 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, including PEREZ. The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of drugs and the seizure of multiple kilograms of cocaine.
On March 24, 2016, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 13-count indictment charging PEREZ, Lopez, Polanco-Mendez, Roman-Rolan and six other individuals with various narcotics offenses. All of the defendants pleaded guilty.
PEREZ has been detained since his arrest on March 16, 2016. On September 27, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute between 200 and 300 grams of cocaine.
On February 24, 2017, Polanco-Mendez was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment. Lopez and Roman-Rolan await sentencing.
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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Caruso and Jennifer Laraia.
Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin Distribution Charge Stemming from Middletown Overdose DeathRead 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, on February 24, 2017, YACOV OCASIO, also known as “Little,” 21, of Hartford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.
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 August 26, 2016, Middletown Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a Middletown apartment on the report of a possible overdose and found an unresponsive 28-year-old male lying in a bed. Medical intervention was unsuccessful and the victim was pronounced dead. Officers located and seized one torn baggy, commonly used to package heroin, from the victim’s pants pocket. Officers also seized the victim’s iPhone.
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 revealed that, on August 25, 2016, the victim arranged to purchase heroin from OCASIO, and then drove to Hartford to complete the purchase.
In November 2016, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of heroin from OCASIO.
OCASIO was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on January 18, 2017.
Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for May 24, 2017, at which time OCASIO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. OCASIO is released on a $50,000 bond.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad and the Middletown Police Department. The Tactical Diversion Squad includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe, Fairfield and Manchester Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Spector and Jocelyn Kaoutzanis, and Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Eugene Calistro, who is cross-designated as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in this matter.
Detroit Man Sentenced to 3 Years for Role in Smash-and-Grab Robbery of Stamford Jewelry StoreRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRANDON PAUL QUAINTON, 23, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a smash-and-grab robbery of a Stamford jewelry store in November 2014.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 26, 2014, Dajuhn Griffin, stole a Stamford resident’s SUV and then drove with QUAINTON, Richard Mathew Bailey and Brian Moore to the Stamford Town Center Mall during regular business hours. At the mall, QUAINTON stayed in the car while Griffin, Bailey and Moore, armed with hammers, entered Sidney Thomas Jewelers. The three then used hammers to smash open a jewelry display case and removed more than $250,000 worth of Rolex watches. They then fled with security guards in pursuit. Bailey was caught and apprehended inside the mall while fleeing, but QUAINTON, Griffin and Moore eluded capture at that time.
After the robbery, Stamford Police found the stolen SUV running in the mall’s parking garage.
The investigation revealed that QUAINTON and Moore organized the robbery and solicited others to participate in it.
QUAINTON was arrested in Detroit on November 30, 2015. On July 21, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of interfering with commerce by robbery.
Bailey, Griffin and Moore, also from Detroit, pleaded guilty to the same charge. On November 23, 2015, Moore was sentenced to 48 months of imprisonment; on January 28, 2016, Griffin was sentenced to 51 months of imprisonment and, on September 6, 2016, Bailey was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Stamford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy C. Brown and Gabriel J. Vidoni.
New Haven Woman Charged with Fraud and Identity Theft OffensesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging LESHANDA LONG, 36, of New Haven, with five counts of wire fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft.
The indictment was returned yesterday and LONG was arrested today. LONG appeared this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven and was released on bond.
As alleged in the indictment, in August 2016, LONG stole the identity of an individual and used the misappropriated identity to obtain a credit card, rent an automobile, pay personal expenses and obtain cash advances.
The charge of wire fraud carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000, on each count, and the charge of aggravated identity theft carries mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of 24 months.
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, the West Haven Police Department and the New Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
New Haven Cocaine Trafficker Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that OMAR POLANCO-MENDEZ, 40, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.
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 “Harv” Lopez. POLANCO-MENDEZ and Bernardo “Benny” Roman-Rolan were the 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.
On February 11, 2016, POLANCO-MENDEZ arranged for the delivery of approximately two kilograms of cocaine, which was intercepted and seized by law enforcement. On March 2, 2016, POLANCO-MENDEZ arranged and took delivery of one kilogram of cocaine. On March 11, 2016, POLANCO-MENDEZ was arrested after he took possession of approximately two kilograms of cocaine, the delivery of which had been arranged by Lopez.
On March 24, 2016, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 13-count indictment charging POLANCO-MENDEZ, Lopez, Roman-Rolan and seven other individuals with various narcotics offenses. All of the defendants pleaded guilty.
POLANCO-MENDEZ has been detained since his arrest. On September 7, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute between five kilograms and 15 kilograms of cocaine.
Lopez and Roman-Rolan await sentencing.
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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Caruso and Jennifer Laraia.East Hartford Man Sentenced to More Than 8 Years for Distributing Heroin, Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that COREY JERRICK, 30, of East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 94 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing heroin, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a Drug Enforcement Administration Hartford Task Force investigation into a drug trafficking organization that distributed large quantities of heroin in the Hartford area.
Between March 2015 and May 2015, investigators intercepted numerous calls during which JERRICK discussed and arranged narcotics transactions. On May 13, 2015, one of JERRICK’s associates traveled from Hartford to New York City where law enforcement officers conducted a motor vehicle stop of the car and seized approximately $125,000 in cash.
JERRICK and several co-conspirators were arrested on June 4, 2015. On that date, a search of JERRICK’s East Hartford apartment revealed approximately 500 grams of heroin, thousands of bags used to package heroin, a heroin brand stamp and other items. Additional quantities of heroin and packaging materials were seized during searches of locations connected to JERRICK’s co-defendants.
JERRICK has been detained since his arrest on June 4, 2015. On September 13, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
JERRICK’s criminal history includes state drug convictions, and a federal conviction in 2012 for possession with intent to distribute heroin, which resulted in a 37-month prison term and three years of supervised release. JERRICK was released from federal prison in September 2014 and began serving his three-year term of supervised release.
Judge Bryant imposed a 70-month prison term for the heroin conspiracy conviction, and a consecutive 24-month prison term for the supervised release violation.
Six other individuals were charged as a result of this investigation.
This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force, which includes participants from the Bristol, East Hartford, Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Wethersfield and Willimantic Police Departments, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.
Hartford Man Charged with Illegally Possessing AmmunitionRead 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 MICHAEL LEDBETTER, 26, of Hartford, with one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
As alleged in court documents, on November 27, 2016, members of Hartford Police were dispatched to a residence on Nelson Street on a report of a possible domestic assault. LEDBETTER left the residence shortly before police arrived. A short time later, an officer located LEDBETTER in a vehicle on Barbour Street. After LEDBETTER was secured in handcuffs, an officer conducted a pat down of his person and discovered one .40 caliber Hornady live round in LEDBETTER’s right front pocket.
It is further alleged that, on April 9, 2014, LEDBETTER was convicted in Connecticut Superior Court of six counts of accessory to first degree assault.
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 charge of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
LEDBETTER has been detained since his arrest on a federal criminal complaint on February 12, 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 investigation is being conducted by the Hartford Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson and Assistant State’s Attorney John F. Fahey of the Hartford State’s Attorney’s Office, who has been cross-designated as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in this matter.
Former Investment Advisor Admits Stealing More Than $600K from ClientsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that AARON J. JOHNSON, 36, of Haddam, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to one count of mail fraud stemming from a scheme to defraud clients of his investment business.
According to court documents and statements made in court, JOHNSON was President and Chief Investment Officer of J. Capital Advisors, and was a registered investment advisor until October 21, 2013, when his and J. Capital Advisors’ registration was revoked by the State of Connecticut
In approximately April 2010, JOHNSON became a registered investment advisor with Trade PMR, a Florida company that provides brokerage and custody services for registered investment advisors. Almost immediately, JOHNSON began skimming excessive and unearned fees from client accounts. JOHNSON would submit a request to Trade PMR for fees for a particular client supposedly earned during a particular time period, and Trade PMR would, in turn, arrange for those fees to be deducted from the client’s account and deposited into a J. Capital Advisors’ sundry account over which JOHNSON maintained exclusive control. By December 2012, when Trade PMR terminated its relationship with JOHNSON, JOHNSON had taken a total of $619,231.09 in excessive fees from 19 victim clients.
JOHNSON also attempted to delay and prevent the discovery of the full scope of his scheme by repaying fees he took from one victim, claiming to the victim and to investigators with the State of Connecticut Department of Banking, Securities and Business Investments Division, that the fees were taken out due to a “glitch” in his billing system.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for May 23, 2017, at which time JOHNSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
JOHNSON was arrested on February 17, 2016, and is currently released on a $250,000 bond.
This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the State of Connecticut Department of Banking. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan L. Wines.
Bridgeport Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Federal Prison for Distributing Heroin to Overdose VictimRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JEVAUGHN WATSON, 23, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.
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 August 18, 2016, Trumbull Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in Trumbull and found an unresponsive 25-year-old female on the floor of a bedroom. The victim was pronounced deceased shortly thereafter. Investigators searched the victim’s pocketbook and found several empty wax folds and some wax folds that contained suspected heroin. Analysis of text messages contained on the victim’s cellphone revealed that the victim had ordered heroin from WATSON several times over the course of approximately two months prior to the victim’s death.
WATSON has been detained since his arrest on September 7, 2016. On December 1, 2016, 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 Bridgeport Resident Office, the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Trumbull and Monroe Police Departments, with the assistance of the Bridgeport Police Department.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
New York Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin Charge Stemming from Overdose Death in GreenwichRead 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 ISAIAH HART, 21, of Brooklyn, N.Y., pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin. The charge 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 afternoon of December 8, 2015, Greenwich Police officers and emergency medical personnel responded to a Greenwich residence on the report of an unresponsive man. The man, who was 26, was pronounced dead. Within the residence, officers located and found opened and unopened wax folds (“bags”) with a green colored label “Emerald City” stamped on them.
The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Scientific Services later analyzed the unopened bags and determined the powder contained heroin, and according to the Connecticut Chief Medical Examiner’s Office, the victim’s death was caused by acute heroin toxicity.
Investigators determined that the victim had contacted “Tony” to order heroin in response to a Craig’s List advertisement for “dog food.” On December 7, 2015, the victim drove from Greenwich to Brooklyn and purchased two bundles (20 bags) of heroin from HART for $185.
HART was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on April 14, 2016. He has related drug charges pending in Brooklyn stemming from his selling heroin, in bags stamped “Emerald City,” to an undercover law enforcement officer on December 8, 2015.
Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for May 18, 2017, at which time HART faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. HART is released on bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the DEA’s New Haven Task Force and the Greenwich Police Department. The Task Force includes DEA agents and task force officers from the North Haven, East Haven, West Haven, New Haven, Hamden, Branford, Ansonia, Derby and Meriden Police Departments. U.S. Attorney Daly also acknowledged the significant assistance of the New York Police Department in this investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed with the assistance of Law Student Intern William Kukin.
New London Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Enticement OffenseRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRYAN WHITE, 39, of New London, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to attempting to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in June and July 2016, WHITE used a cellular phone and Chat Bazaar, a video chatting service, to communicate with a 13-year-old female in New Jersey. In text messages, the minor victim repeatedly told WHITE her age. WHITE responded by saying that “age is just a number to deny u things” and that he is a “child lover.” The text exchanges with the victim were sexually explicit, and WHITE requested that the victim travel from New Jersey to Connecticut to engage in sexual activity with him.
On June 16, 2016, the victim’s father discovered the texts with WHITE on the victim’s phone and reported it to local police. A law enforcement officer then assumed the minor’s identity to continue to correspond with WHITE. Between June 29 and July 5, 2016, WHITE repeatedly asked the undercover officer, posing as the victim, to come to Connecticut and described the sexual activity he wanted to engage in with the victim. The undercover officer agreed to take a bus from New Jersey to Connecticut. WHITE explained that he would be at the bus terminal wearing a yellow “MICHIGAN” shirt and that he would bring condoms and pina colada wine coolers to the bus station.
On July 5, 2016, WHITE was arrested at the New London bus station at the designated time wearing the clothes that he said he would be wearing. At the time of his arrest, WHITE was in possession of a condom and two bottles of alcoholic beverages.
WHITE pleaded guilty to one count of attempted enticement of a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of life imprisonment. Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for May 23, 2017.
WHITE has been detained since his arrest.
This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Burlington County (N.J.) Prosecutor’s Office, the Florence (N.J.) Township Police Department, the New London Police Department and the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.
Hartford Man Charged with Sex Trafficking of 3 MinorsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment today charging TONEY KELSEY, also known as “Blaze,” 25, of Hartford, with one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor and three counts of sex trafficking of minors.
The indictment charges KELSEY with trafficking a minor victim in May and June 2015, a second minor victim in May 2016, and a third minor victim in November 2016. The indictment also charges KELSEY with conspiring to traffic these individuals and others.
Each charge carries a minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of life imprisonment.
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.
KELSEY has been detained since his arrest by the Wethersfield Police Department on related state charges on November 30, 2016.
The case has been assigned to Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, Wethersfield Police Department and Hartford Police Department, through the Connecticut Human Trafficking Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarala V. Nagala.
Attorney Pleads Guilty to Role in Scheme That Targeted Distressed HomeownersRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRADFORD BARNEYS, 51, of Odenton, Maryland, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to conspiring with Timothy W. Burke in a long-running fraud scheme that targeted distressed homeowners throughout Connecticut. BARNEYS is an attorney licensed to practice in Connecticut and has an office in Bridgeport.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately 2010 and November 2015, Timothy W. Burke, formerly of Easton, engaged in a scheme to defraud individuals, mortgage lenders and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by falsely representing to homeowners who were in, or facing, foreclosure on their homes that he would purchase their homes and pay off their mortgages. The distressed homeowners agreed to sign various documents that Burke presented to them on the understanding that, by signing the documents, they would be able to walk away from their homes without the burdens of their mortgage or other costs associated with home ownership. Burke also told homeowners that the process of negotiating with the lenders can take time and that, in the meantime, to ignore any notices regarding foreclosure. After he gained control of these houses, Burke rented out the properties to tenants by advertising the properties on craigslist.com and other means and falsely representing to tenants that Burke owned the property.
Burke or one of his agents then collected rent from tenants, and Burke used the funds for his own benefit. He also failed to negotiate with the homeowners’ mortgage lender or pay expenses associated with the home, including the homeowner’s mortgages and property taxes, and he failed to pay any rental income he was collecting to the homeowners. Many of the properties Burke purportedly purchased were ultimately foreclosed upon by the mortgage lender.
Burke undertook extensive efforts to disguise his true identity, and hide his criminal past, from his victims through the use of multiple aliases and business entities, and to conceal the sources of and expenditures from his criminal proceeds.
Between approximately 2011 to at least 2014, BARNEYS participated in dozens of meetings with Burke and with homeowners at BARNEYS’ law offices in Bridgeport. At the meetings, Burke represented to homeowners that he would purchase their properties and presented to the homeowners quitclaim deeds, management agreements, indemnification agreements, and third party authorizations.
At some point after BARNEYS began representing Burke in these meetings with homeowners, BARNEYS knew that Burke had no intention of buying the properties and paying the outstanding mortgages on the properties. Nevertheless, BARNEYS continued to participate in these meetings and represented that these transactions were legitimate. When questioned by homeowners about the status of their sales, BARNEYS would assure them that their sales to Burke or one of his companies were progressing as Burke promised. BARNEYS also knew that, once Burke obtained the properties from the homeowners, he would rent them out to tenants.
BARNEYS also represented Burke and his companies in eviction proceedings against tenants.
BARNEYS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire a fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for June 13, 2017.
On January 24, 2017, Burke pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and one count of tax evasion. He also awaits sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, with the critical assistance of the Middletown, Plainville, Easton and Coventry Police Departments, the Connecticut State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David T. Huang and Sarah P. Karwan.
Indictment Charges Wethersfield Woman with Offenses Stemming from Debt Elimination SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury sitting in New Haven has returned a nine-count indictment charging URMILA SRI THAKUR, also known as Urmila Buddhu-Thakur and Indro Buddhu-Thakur, 72, of Wethersfield, with conspiracy, mail fraud and money laundering offenses related to a fraudulent debt elimination scheme.
The indictment was returned on February 15, 2017. THAKUR appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford, entered a plea of not guilty to the charges, and was released on a $250,000 bond.
According to court documents, from 2009 to June 2012, THAKUR, her former husband, Deowraj “Deo” Buddhu and their daughter, Sunita Buddhu, sold a debt elimination “program” to vulnerable individuals through various businesses, including Paradise Consulting Service, Hema, Inc., and Secured Redemption. In exchange for substantial fees, Deo Buddhu told victims about a little-known government fund that could be used to pay off their mortgages and other debts. In fact, no such fund exists. Buddhu instructed his victims to stop making payments on their mortgages, credit cards and other debts, and to stop paying their property taxes. He also provided his victims with fictitious promissory notes, which he called “bonds,” as well as other frivolous documentation, and advised his victims to use them to pay their debts.
The indictment alleges that THAKUR participated in the scheme by signing documents provided to victims as a witness, taking money from victims in exchange for their participation in the purported program, and managing payroll operations for the various businesses used for the purpose of selling and attempting to sell the program to the victims.
The indictment further alleges that, on June 12, 2012, the day after Deo Buddhu’s arrest, THAKUR withdrew $75,000 from a certificate of deposit account that contained funds from the scheme. THAKUR also obtained several cashier’s checks, including one for $50,000 made payable to THAKUR, which she thereafter negotiated using accounts in the name of SDK SYS Solutions and TRK Consulting Services.
The indictment charges THAKUR with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, one count of mail fraud and seven counts of money laundering. If convicted, she faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years for the conspiracy count, 20 years for the mail fraud count and 10 years on each count of money laundering.
Deo Buddhu and Sunita Buddhu were previously convicted in Hartford federal court.
As to THAKUR, 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 Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Liam Brennan.
Fairfield Doctor Who Illegally Prescribed Oxycodone is SentencedRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that PAUL BELLOFIORE, M.D., 56, of Trumbull, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to two years of probation for illegally prescribing oxycodone. Judge Thompson also ordered BELLOFIORE to perform 200 hours of community service, and prohibited him from writing prescriptions for controlled substances until October 13, 2017.
According to court documents and statements made in court, BELLOFIORE is a physician who practiced out of an office in Fairfield. Two of BELLOFIORE’s longtime patients were a married couple who lived in Connecticut until approximately 2011, when they relocated to Florida.
BELLOFIORE knew that, prior to moving to Florida, the couple had unlawfully obtained forged prescriptions for opioid medications from BELLOFIORE’s former medical assistant and, as a result, he should have been aware of the possibility that the couple was abusing or diverting their medications.
After moving to Florida, the couple traveled to Connecticut approximately twice per year, during which visits they scheduled medical appointments with BELLOFIORE. At the conclusion of each appointment, BELLOFIORE provided the couple with approximately six months of predated prescriptions, including prescriptions for Oxycodone, to last until their next appointment.
At times, the couple was unable to travel to Connecticut to see BELLOFIORE and obtain their prescriptions in person, in which case BELLOFIORE left the predated prescriptions for a friend or relative of the couple to pick up from BELLOFIORE’s office. It was BELLOFIORE’s understanding that the friend or relative would fill the prescriptions each month at a pharmacy in Connecticut and mail the medications to the couple in Florida.
In approximately February 2016, BELLOFIORE provided a stack of prescriptions to a friend of the married couple. The prescriptions, which were improperly dated to make it appear that they were issued at monthly intervals after February 2016, authorized the couple to receive thousands of pills of oxycodone and Percocet, a medication containing oxycodone. BELLOFIORE also failed to include on the prescriptions the couple’s address in Florida, which might have alerted a pharmacist filling the prescriptions in Connecticut to the possibility that the medications were being abused or diverted.
The couple subsequently diverted a significant amount of their medications for profit by arranging through a middleman for street-level resale of the pills in and around Waterbury.
The Controlled Substances Act prohibits physicians from dispensing any Schedule II controlled substance, including oxycodone, without a valid written prescription. The prescription must be “dated as of, and signed on, the day when issued” and “bear the full name and address of the patient.” A practitioner also may not issue multiple prescriptions at any single time authorizing a patient to receive more than a 90-day supply of a Schedule II controlled substance.
On October 13, 2016, BELLOFIORE pleaded guilty to one count of issuing unlawful prescriptions for oxycodone. He has been prohibited from writing prescriptions for controlled substances since that time.
This investigation is being conducted by the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, which includes officers from the Bristol, Greenwich, Hamden, Milford, New Haven, Shelton, Vernon and Wilton Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.
Waterbury 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 RONALD WEAVER, 38, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 52 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for 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.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 11, 2016, Newtown Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in Newtown on the report of a 30-year-old female who was in cardiac arrest. The victim was transported to the hospital where she subsequently died. Medical records and witness interviews revealed that the victim had a history of substance abuse, and the family of the victim turned over to law enforcement several wax folds of heroin, several empty folds and other drug paraphernalia.
The investigation revealed that the victim purchased heroin and other drugs from at least two sources in the days leading up to her death. One of the sources worked as a “runner” who conducted drug transactions for WEAVER.
Between June and August 2016, law enforcement made four controlled purchases of heroin from WEAVER.
WEAVER was arrested on August 9, 2016. On October 5, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.
As part of his sentence, WEAVER was ordered to forfeit a 2006 Infiniti M35, a 2007 Lexus ES350, and $1,956 in cash that was seized from him at the time of his arrest.
This matter was investigated by the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Newtown, Waterbury and Torrington Police Departments. The Task Force includes members from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe, Fairfield and Manchester Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.
Southeastern Connecticut Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SYDNEY JACKSON, also known as “Fatz,” 34, of New London, Conn. and Queens, N.Y., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.
This matter stems from a long-term investigation headed by the Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force East and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration into the large-scale distribution of narcotics in southeastern Connecticut. The investigation revealed that, between 2013 and 2015, JACKSON and others regularly acquired kilogram quantities of cocaine and heroin from sources in New York and transported the drugs to southeastern Connecticut. Much of the cocaine was converted to crack cocaine by JACKSON in Connecticut, and the drugs were distributed through a network of dealers in Groton, Norwich, New London, Stonington, Westerly, R.I. and the surrounding area.
On November 24, 2015, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned a 35-count superseding indictment charging JACKSON and 12 other defendants with various narcotics trafficking and firearm offenses. In addition, approximately 20 individuals were prosecuted on related state charges.
During the course of the investigation, which included numerous controlled purchases of narcotics, extensive surveillance and the execution of 11 state search warrants, investigators seized approximately 1.3 kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of crack cocaine, 416 grams of heroin, five firearms and $53,500 in cash.
JACKSON was arrested on June 23, 2015. On October 27, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
This matter has been investigated by the Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force East, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshals Service, Connecticut Department of Correction and Groton City, Groton Town, New London, Norwich and Waterford Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dave Vatti and Joseph Vizcarrondo, with the assistance of Senior Assistant State’s Attorneys Paul Narducci and David Smith of the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of New London.
Chinese Citizen Pleads Guilty to Structuring Cash TransactionsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, DA YING, 56, of Beijing, China, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to engaging in a pattern of financial transactions to evade reporting requirements.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between April 2011 and March 2012, while he was a resident of Farmington, Conn., YING structured or caused to be structured 50 cash deposits in amounts less than $10,000.01 into his and his wife’s six accounts at four banks in Connecticut. The cash deposits, which totaled $464,400, were frequently made on the same day at different banks or on sequential days at the same or different banks. YING knew that banks were required to issue a report for a currency transaction in excess of $10,000, and his structuring activity was intended to evade the transaction reporting requirements.
Federal law requires all financial institutions to file a Currency Transaction Report (“CTR”) for currency transactions that exceed $10,000. To evade the filing of a CTR, individuals will often structure their currency transactions so that no single transaction exceeds $10,000. Structuring involves the repeated depositing or withdrawal of amounts of cash less than the $10,000.01 limit, or the splitting of a cash transaction that exceeds $10,000 into smaller cash transactions in an effort to avoid the reporting requirements. Even if the deposited funds are derived from a legitimate means, financial transactions conducted in this manner are still in violation of federal criminal law.
Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for May 11, 2017, at which time YING faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $500,000. YING was released pending sentencing.
As part of the resolution of this case, YING agreed to the civil forfeiture of $175,938 of the money he structured in Connecticut. He also agreed to pay the Internal Revenue Service $113,195 in unpaid federal taxes, plus penalties and interest for 2009, 2010 and 2011.
This matter has been investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Hartford and Stamford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.
New Milford Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LEONARD SIKORSKI, 61, of New Milford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 12 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for possessing a shotgun with an obliterated serial number.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in September 2015, SIKORSKI transported three rifles, two shotguns and 1,561 live rounds of ammunition to a pair of storage lockers he rented in Danbury. On October 22, 2015, SIKORSKI admitted to investigating agents that he had placed several firearms in those storage lockers, and gave the agents consent to search and seize the items. One of the items, a 12 gauge Remington shotgun, had an obliterated serial number.
SIKORSKI agreed to forfeit and abandon the firearms and ammunition seized from his storage lockers based on federal laws barring unlawful users of controlled substances from possessing firearms. SIKORSKI also agreed to surrender to the FBI five additional handguns and two additional rifles seized by the Naugatuck and New Milford police during separate car stops of SIKORSKI.
On October 18, 2016, SIKORSKI pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm bearing an obliterated serial number.
SIKORSKI is currently in state custody serving a sentence for illegally possessing explosives. Judge Arterton ordered SIKORSKI’s federal sentence to run concurrently with his state sentence, which is estimated to conclude in April 2018.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police and New Milford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry Kopel.
Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALDRIC BORDEAUX, 29, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 180 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 28, 2014, law enforcement received information that a vehicle contained a firearm. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle but it sped away. The car was then located, abandoned, in a driveway on West Elm Street in New Haven. While officers were still on the scene, BORDEAUX called police to report that his car had been stolen. The next day, police received report a report that an individual, who was subsequently identified as BORDEAUX, was in the backyards of homes in the area of West Elm Street. Later, officers located in the rear yard of an address on West Elm Street, a short distance away from the address where the car was abandoned, a firearm magazine loaded with 11 rounds of ammunition.
Officers subsequently located a nine millimeter semi-automatic pistol hidden in the ceiling in the laundry room of BORDEAUX’s residence. The firearm was missing a magazine. Hidden with the pistol were various items of clothing that security cameras revealed that BORDEAUX had been wearing earlier that day. The magazine found on the West Elm Street property fit the firearm.
Prior to October 2014, BORDEAUX had sustained several felony convictions, including three convictions for robbery in the first degree.
BORDEAUX has been detained since his arrest on October 29, 2014. On January 6, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
BORDEAUX was sentenced pursuant to the Armed Career Criminal Act, a federal law imposing severe penalties for firearm or ammunition possession by persons who have been convicted of at least three violent felonies or serious drug offenses. A defendant who qualifies as an Armed Career Criminal faces a minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of life.
The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Kaplan and Jennifer Laraia.
Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Racketeering, Money Laundering Charges; Admits Role in 2 Murders in 2011Read the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that KEITH YOUNG, also known as “Capo,” “Bapo” and “Poncho,” 27, of Hamden. pleaded guilty yesterday before Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to federal racketeering and money laundering offenses, and admitted that he participated in two murders in 2011
This matter stems from an investigation into a criminal enterprise known as the Red Side Guerilla Brims (“RSGB”), a sect of the Bloods street gang that operated in New Haven from 2011 through 2015, which was 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, members and associates of the RSGB, transported crack and heroin to Bangor, Maine, and sold the drugs 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.
According to court documents and statements made in court, YOUNG was a member and leader of the RSGB. On June 24, 2011, YOUNG was present when a RSGB member shot and killed Donell Allick in New Haven, and, on September 19, 2011, YOUNG was present when another RSGB member shot and killed Darrick Cooper in Hamden.
YOUNG also participated in the gang-related trafficking of crack cocaine in Maine, and the transferring drug proceeds from Maine to Connecticut by using Western Union.
“The Red Side Guerilla Brims wreaked havoc from New Haven to Bangor, Maine,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “RSGB members were not only responsible for multiple murders and non-fatal shootings locally, they trafficked drugs and firearms from one end of New England to the other. I thank our law enforcement partners who put this gang out of business, particularly the ATF, New Haven Police Department and Hamden Police Department, for their tireless dedication during this long-term and ongoing investigation. They are providing justice for the many victims of this brutal gang, and making New Haven a safer and better place to live.”
“ATF’s mission is to combat violent criminals and criminal organizations,” said Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division. “With today’s guilty plea, we have succeeded in taking a very violent gang member off the streets of our communities.”
“The outcome of this case is an example of what happens when agencies cooperate,” said Assistant Chief Achilles Generoso of the New Haven Police Department. “The collaboration between the NHPD, ATF, U.S. Attorney’s Office and State’s Attorney’s Office, once again resulted in dangerous people – involved in gun violence in New Haven and our neighboring communities – being taken off our streets.”
YOUNG pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity, which, because it involves the commission of murder, carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. He also pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
YOUNG has been detained since his arrest on September 30, 2015.
This investigation is being 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.
Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Racketeering and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROY ISIAH JACKSON, also known as “I”, 22, of New Haven, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to federal racketeering and firearm offenses stemming from his participation in a violent New Haven-based street gang.
This matter stems from an investigation into a criminal enterprise known as the Red Side Guerilla Brims (“RSGB”), a sect of the Bloods street gang that operated in New Haven from 2011 through 2015, which was 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, members and associates of the RSGB, transported crack and heroin to Bangor, Maine, and sold the drugs 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.
According to court documents and statements made in court, JACKSON was a member of the RSGB. In pleading guilty, he admitted that, on March 19, 2012, he was involved in an exchange of gunfire with a rival gang on Genesee Street in New Haven. Although approximately 30 shots were fired during the incident, no one was injured.
In addition, on May 30, 2012, JACKSON and others, armed with firearms, committed a home invasion robbery of a residence located on Putnam Street in New Haven, during which they threatened the residents and removed a safe containing an amount of cash from the home.
JACKSON also participated in the trafficking of crack cocaine in Connecticut and Maine from 2011 until approximately June 2012.
JACKSON pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, one count of attempted assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years, and one count of carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
Chief Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for May 11, 2017.
JACKSON is detained.
This investigation is being 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.
Bridgeport Resident Pleads Guilty to Ecstasy Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that COLLIN FLETCHER, 52, last residing in Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, MDA and MDMA.
MDA (Methylenedioxyamphetamine) is an analogue of MDMA (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine), and they are both commonly known as “ecstasy”.
According to court documents and statements made in court, FLETCHER conspired with others to sell ecstasy to customers in Connecticut, New York and elsewhere. On October 27, 2016, and again on November 1, 2016, investigators made two controlled purchases of ecstasy from FLETCHER.
FLETCHER was arrested on November 18, 2016, after he attempted to sell approximately 10,000 capsules of ecstasy to an undercover officer. The capsules had a combined weight of approximately 923 grams of MDA.
Chief Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for May 12, 2017, at which time FLETCHER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. FLETCHER, a citizen of Jamaica, has been detained since his arrest.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, which includes officers from the Bristol, Greenwich, Hamden, Milford, New Haven, Shelton, Vernon and Wilton Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi Perry.
New Jersey Man Guilty of Wethersfield Warehouse RobberyRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in New Haven has found ANDREW ORECKINTO, 52, of Matawan, New Jersey, guilty of stealing more than 8,000 cartons of cigarettes from a Wethersfield warehouse in March 2011.
The trial before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer began on February 6 and the jury returned its verdict this morning.
According to the evidence introduced during the trial, at approximately 7:00 a.m. on March 20, 2011, Wethersfield Police responded to an open garage door complaint at New Britain Candy, a business and warehouse located at 24 Maple Street in Wethersfield. The business distributes items to convenience stores in Connecticut and neighboring states. A glue-like substance had been forced into the front door lock causing it to be inoperable, exterior surveillance camera wires and a phone line had been cut, and alarm panels and speakers had been disabled. Approximately 8,012 cartons of cigarettes, as well as a pallet jack, were missing from the warehouse. The stolen cigarettes had a wholesale value of approximately $300,000 and a retail value of approximately $500,000.
One individual, subsequently identified as ORECKINTO, was seen on video surveillance footage. He was dressed in a black hooded sweatshirt, dark pants, black gloves, a black face mask, and wore a headband light around his head.
Prior to the burglary, ORECKINTO had stolen a white box truck from a business in Hartford. The day after the burglary, the truck was found near a commercial construction site in Stamford. The stolen pallet jack was recovered from the cargo area of the truck.
The investigation included extensive analysis of prepaid cellphones and cell tower information. Examination of the call history of ORECKINTO’s prepaid phone ultimately led investigators to several other prepaid phones that had been used in multiple commercial burglaries in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. ORECKINTO previously was convicted of two of these other burglaries, including a burglary that occurred at a Waldbaum’s Supermarket in Rockville Centre, N.Y., overnight on December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2011, and a commercial warehouse burglary in Florham Park, N.J., on April 28, 2008, during which $100,000 worth of copper was stolen. ORECKINTO was sentenced to a term of imprisonment for both of these burglaries.
At the time of ORECKINTO’s arrest for the New Jersey burglary, a search of his car revealed a list of licensed cigarette distributors in the State of Connecticut that had been printed from the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services web site. The list, which included the New Britain Candy warehouse in Wethersfield, also contained several handwritten notations next to many of the businesses, at least three of which also have been burglarized.
The jury found ORECKINTO guilty of one count of theft from an interstate shipment, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for May 8, 2017.
This investigation has been conducted by the Wethersfield Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Nassau County Police Department and the Florham Park (N.J.) Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.
Citizen of Haiti Admits Role in Insurance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JACQUES FLEURIJEUNE, 27, also known as “Magic,” last residing in New London, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud stemming from his involvement in an insurance fraud scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between April 2011 and February 2014, FLEURIJEUNE and others conspired to stage approximately 50 car crashes in southeastern 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.
In pleading guilty, FLEURIJEUNE admitted his personal involvement in one staged crash that occurred on October 22, 2013, in Norwich. After another scheme participant crashed the vehicle, FLEURIJEUNE replaced the other participant in the driver’s seat and falsely reported to responding law enforcement officers that FLEURIJEUNE had been driving the car at the time of the crash, and that the crash occurred because he swerved into a tree to avoid hitting a deer in the road.
After the crash, FLEURIJEUNE and his co-conspirators submitted fraudulent insurance claims that misrepresented the conditions that caused the crash, who was driving the vehicle at the time of the crash, and whether and to what extent the occupants of the vehicle suffered injuries as a result of the crash. As a result, FLEURIJEUNE and others collected a total of $31,334.52 from the insurer.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for May 10, 2017, at which time FLEURIJEUNE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. FLEURIJEUNE, a citizen of Haiti, is detained.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Norwich Police Department and the National Insurance Crime Bureau, with the assistance of the Mohegan Tribal Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.