District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Heroin and CrackRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PAUL COLON, also known as “Paul Kane,” 28, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 108 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, COLON and Shawn Miller operated a New Haven area narcotics distribution ring. The investigation revealed that members of the ring took orders over a cellphone from drug customers in several shoreline communities for quantities of heroin and crack cocaine, and then delivered the drugs by car.
On June 29, 2016, COLON pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin and cocaine base (“crack cocaine”). He is detained.
Miller, of Hamden, pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on November 1, 2016, was sentenced to 90 months of imprisonment.
This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets Task Force in cooperation with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Haven, West Haven, Milford, Hamden and other local police departments, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys H. Gordon Hall and Jennifer R. Laraia.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Role in Fraudulent Oxycodone Prescription SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAYMOND MORALES, also known as “Freddy,” 33, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a scheme to obtain oxycodone through fraudulent prescriptions.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2012, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad began an investigation into a drug trafficking organization that manufactured fraudulent prescriptions for oxycodone and distributed the drug in the greater New Haven area. As part of the conspiracy, members of organization obtained the personal identifying information of medical practitioners and used the information to create fraudulent prescriptions. Conspiracy members also purchased legitimate prescriptions for oxycodone from individuals. The organization then used individuals, or “runners,” to fill the fraudulent prescriptions at pharmacies throughout Connecticut. Once a runner provided his or her personal information to a member of the organization, the runner’s information was kept on file and used to create other fraudulent prescriptions.
MORALES recruited runners to fill fraudulent prescriptions. The investigation also revealed that he had a close associate who was employed as a pharmacy technician at a pharmacy in New Haven and assisted MORALES in filling the fake prescriptions.
The investigation revealed that, between February 2013 and September 2015, the organization stole the personal identifying information of more than 50 doctors and medical professionals and fraudulently obtained more than 80,000 oxycodone pills. Investigators identified more than 800 fraudulent prescriptions passed by members of the organization using more than 270 different “patient” names.
Nearly all of the runners employed by the conspiracy held state-sponsored medical insurance, so the costs of the prescriptions were billed to Medicaid. Members of the drug trafficking organization then sold the oxycodone for $20 to $30 per 30 milligram pill.
On June 16, 2016, MORALES pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute oxycodone.
Eleven individuals have been charged as a result of the investigation.
The DEA Tactical Diversion Squad includes members from the Bristol, Greenwich, Hamden, Milford, New Haven, Shelton, Vernon and Wilton Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy C. Brown and Robert M. Spector.
Former Rocky Hill Resident Admits Stealing Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARYANNE STEPHENS, 68, of Ireland, formerly of Rocky Hill, Conn., pleaded guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to one count of theft of public money for stealing Social Security retirement benefits that had been deposited into her deceased mother-in-law’s bank account.
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.
In pleading guilty, STEPHENS 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.
Chief Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for February 28, 2017, at which time STEPHENS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of up to $250,000 and restitution in the amount of $125,938.
STEPHENS surrendered her passport and has been released on a $200,000 bond since her arrest on April 20, 2016.
This matter is being investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
Meriden Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Engaging in Sex Acts with Minors, Producing Child PornorgraphyRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARK W. IRVIN, 65, of Meriden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 180 months of imprisonment, followed by 15 years of supervised release, for producing child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on multiple occasions between approximately 2012 and August 2015, IRVIN engaged in sexual acts with three males who were under the age of 18. He also installed and operated a video camera and a digital video recording device at his residence to record the sexual activity.
On September 8, 2015, law enforcement officers conducted a search of IRVIN’s residence and seized several computers, hard drives, electronic storage media and the digital video recording device. During a forensic analysis of the seized evidence, law enforcement found videos that depicted IRVIN engaged in sexual acts with two of the three males. Law enforcement also found videos and images of naked minors that were taken with a hidden camera in IRVIN’s bathroom.
IRVIN has been detained since his arrest on September 18, 2015. On August 31, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography.
IRVIN also is charged with related state offenses.
This matter was investigated by the Meriden Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and Connecticut State Police. 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.
A Thanksgiving Message from U.S. Attorney Deirdre Daly: Stand up to HateRead the Press Release
This Thanksgiving, particularly after our highly-contested presidential election, is a time to reflect on our country’s bedrock principles. These values include our commitment to tolerance and cultural understanding, our celebration of diversity and our respect for our fellow citizens, no matter their race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or political viewpoint. Over the last year and particularly the last few weeks in Connecticut and throughout the country, we have seen these values increasingly give way to hatred, intolerance and bigotry.
Recently, such incidents have escalated. In New Haven, swastikas were painted on walls and doors of Wilbur Cross High School. In Danbury, swastikas were painted on a home and a car. In Ridgefield, a synagogue received mail with swastikas and pictures of Nazis. In East Windsor, a video surfaced of an individual dressed in Ku Klux Klan garb riding a motorcycle around a bonfire. In Windsor Locks, a Jewish man was verbally harassed because of his faith. In Meriden, two men attacked a man who held a sign supporting the President-elect. There are reports of Muslim children and children of immigrants being bullied in schools. And just over one year ago, a man fired four bullets from a high-powered rifle into the Baitul Aman Mosque in Meriden. He was subsequently convicted of a federal hate crime.
Last week, the FBI released its statistics on hate crimes committed in 2015. In Connecticut, 44 law enforcement agencies reported 93 hate-related incidents. Nationally, there were more than 7,000 victims of such crimes. These numbers are deeply sobering for all Americans. Equally disturbing, the FBI report showed a 67 percent increase in hate crimes committed against Muslim Americans as well as increases in these crimes against Jewish people, African Americans and LGBT individuals. Overall, reported hate crimes increased by six percent from the prior year – a number that does not account for those hate crimes that may go unreported out of the victims’ shame, fear or desire not to stand out further and bystanders’ belief that others will report the incident.
The Connecticut United States Attorney’s Office, together with local, state and federal law enforcement, is committed to enforcing the broad array of hate crimes laws that protect vulnerable minorities. Last month marked the seventh anniversary of one of those laws: The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. This landmark statute was named for two men who were killed for the most un-American of reasons – because they were different from their attackers – Matthew Shepard in his sexual orientation and James Byrd Jr. in his race. This Act is just one of the tools available to law enforcement and prosecutors working to combat any discriminatory or violent acts that erode our diverse democracy.
But we cannot act on incidents that we do not know about, and we cannot understand the true scope of the problem without accurate reporting. My office is encouraging those local law enforcement agencies who do not participate in reporting hate-related incidents to the FBI to join the 95 agencies statewide that do. We are also training local law enforcement officers about hate crimes laws and cultural competency so that they are better equipped to assess situations they may encounter.
Above all, I ask each of you to take a stand against hate. Serve as an ally if you witness harassment or, worse, violence against your fellow citizens. Record video of incidents that can be used for investigations. And most importantly, report any incidents to your local police department or to the FBI. Your vigilance can help us ensure the freedom to which all Americans are entitled.
Deirdre M. Daly
U.S. Attorney, District of Connecticut
November 23, 2016New London Man Sentenced to 34 Months in Prison for Distributing Heroin Involved in OverdoseRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RUDY HERNANDEZ, 43, of New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 34 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin involved in an overdose earlier this year. This matter stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 12, 2016, Groton Town Police responded to a report of a medical emergency involving a 25-year-old male. The victim, who had used heroin, was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The investigation, which has included witness interviews and the review of cellphone records and text messages, revealed that the victim had arranged to purchase heroin from an individual who then acquired the heroin from HERNANDEZ and sold it to the victim.
On April 14, 2016, New London Police and other law enforcement conducted a search of HERNANDEZ’s residence and seized heroin, cocaine and multiple cellular telephones.
HERNANDEZ has been detained since his arrest on April 20. On July 6, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of heroin.
This matter has been investigated by the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Town of Groton Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Hartford Man Admits Distributing Heroin and FentanylRead 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, announced that JOSEMANUEL RIOS, also known as “Jay,” 40, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl.
This matter stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 25, 2016, a male and female overdosed at a motel in Enfield. The overdoses were not fatal. In the motel room, investigators found five wax folds that contained fentanyl. RIOS was identified as the source of the drugs ingested by the victims. On February 26, 2016, a search of an East Hartford motel room that RIOS was renting revealed approximately 200 bags of fentanyl stamped with the same image found on the bags in the Enfield motel room, and 13 bags of heroin stamped with a different image.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for February 14, 2017, at which time RIOS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
RIOS has been detained since his arrest on February 26, 2016.
This matter has been investigated by the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Enfield Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.
Wallingford Woman Admits Distributing Heroin to Overdose VictimRead 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, announced that BRITTANY ESPOSITO, 27, of Wallingford, pleaded guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to one count of distribution of 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, on May 14, 2016, Old Saybrook Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a report of a suspected overdose at an apartment on Main Street in Old Saybrook. The victim, a 26-year-old male, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Investigators seized the victim’s iPhone, one empty wax paper fold and several syringes.
The investigation, which has included the analysis of numerous text messages, revealed that ESPOSITO purchased heroin for the victim on credit and then provided the heroin to the victim on May 13, 2016.
ESPOSITO was arrested on June 16, 2016.
Judge Covello scheduled sentencing for February 9, 2017, at which time ESPOSITO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
ESPOSITO is released on bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Old Saybrook Police Department, with the support and assistance of the Middlesex State’s Attorney’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.
Uncasville Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking of a Minor, Distributing Heroin that Led to Her OverdoseRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAMON GOMEZ, also known as “B.I.,” 40, of Uncasville, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to sex trafficking of a minor and heroin distribution offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning hours of May 29, 2016, members of the Groton Police Department and emergency services personnel responded to a Groton motel room on the report of a suspected drug overdose. The victim, a 17-year-old female, was administered two doses of Narcan (Naloxone), which were deemed unsuccessful, before she was transported to the hospital and died later that morning.
The investigation revealed that GOMEZ, who knew the victim was under the age of 18, brought the victim to the motel to engage in prostitution. On the morning of May 28, 2016, GOMEZ sold a quantity of heroin to another individual who then distributed the heroin to the victim.
GOMEZ was arrested on state charges on June 1, 2016.
“Two of our office’s highest priorities are aimed at protecting our youth: Rooting out child sex trafficking and stemming the opioid abuse and overdose epidemic,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “This case tragically and maddeningly combines the two. I thank our federal partners in these efforts, notably the DEA and HSI, and the Groton Police Department and Regional Community Enhancement Task Force for their investigative work in this matter. All are working tirelessly to save the most vulnerable among us from abuse and exploitation.”
GOMEZ pleaded guilty to one count of sex trafficking of a minor, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
GOMEZ is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford on February 10, 2017. He has been detained since his arrest.
The matter stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.
The investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Town of Groton Police Department and the Regional Community Enhancement Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Stamford Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHARLES BARNES, 34, of Stamford, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 29, 2015, Stamford Police stopped a car BARNES was driving. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a Berretta 9 millimeter pistol loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition, which was found in the glove box. The search also revealed 16 bags of marijuana packaged for sale.
Prior to December 2015, BARNES had sustained a felony conviction for possession of marijuana with intent to sell, and two felony convictions for second 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.
BARNES is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford on February 10, 2017, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
BARNES has been detained December 29, 2015.
This matter is being investigated by the Stamford Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Violating Conditions of Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FREDDIE GONZALEZ, 34, of Hartford, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 33 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release that followed a 2007 conviction for drug and firearm offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 9, 2007, GONZALEZ was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 235 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for possession with the intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”), and unlawful possession of a firearm as a previously convicted felon.
GONZALEZ had been charged after an investigation into narcotics trafficking and associated violence being committed by the “South Marshall Street Crew” in Hartford. GONZALEZ, who had prior felony convictions for both possession and sale of narcotics, and unlawful possession of a firearm, was arrested on October 12, 2005, when he was found in possession of approximately 9.5 grams of crack cocaine and a loaded semi-automatic 9-millimeter pistol.
Due to changes in the federal crack cocaine sentencing guidelines, GONZALEZ twice had his sentence reduced. In August 2008, GONZALEZ’s sentence was reduced to 188 months of imprisonment and, in November 2011, his sentence was reduced to 130 months of imprisonment.
GONZALEZ was released from federal prison in September 2015 and began serving his four-year term of supervised release.
In May 2016 and again in July 2016, GONZALEZ was arrested on state drug charges. He subsequently received a two-year sentence in state court on a conviction for sale of narcotics.
Judge Covello ordered GONZALEZ to serve the 33-month federal sentence after he completes his two-year state sentence. GONZALEZ will serve an additional two years of supervised release when he is released from federal prison.
This matter was investigated by the Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and U.S. Probation Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.
Overdose Investigation Leads to Heroin Distribution Charge against Waterbury ManRead 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, announced that TEDDY STUART LOPEZ, JR., also known as “Chico” and “Junior,” 20, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 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 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, who had a history of substance abuse, 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 most 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, LOPEZ possessed four bundles of heroin. A subsequent search of LOPEZ’s residence revealed 15 bundles of heroin, $1,600 in cash, a grinder, a digital scale, cutting agents, cellular telephones, and drug packaging material.
LOPEZ is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on February 18, 2017, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
LOPEZ is released on bond and residing in Rhode Island pending sentencing.
This matter is being 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.
Two Members of New Haven Drug Ring SentencedRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JEFFREY HARRISON, also known as “Biscuit,” 36, and CHRISTOPHER HILTON, also known as “C.J.,” 34, both of New Haven, have been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert Chatigny in Hartford for their involvement in a New Haven cocaine trafficking organization. HARRISON was sentenced yesterday to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, and HILTON was sentenced today to 36 months of probation.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the fall of 2015, the DEA New Haven Task Force initiated an investigation into a cocaine trafficking organization headed by Halby Lopez and Omar Polanco. The investigation revealed that Lopez and Polanco were obtaining bulk quantities of cocaine from multiple suppliers and redistributing the cocaine to a network of New Haven-area street-level dealers, including HARRISON and HILTON. 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 Lopez, Polanco, HARRISON, HILTON and six other individuals with various narcotics offenses. All of the defendants pleaded guilty. Lopez and Polanco 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 R. Laraia.
Two Men Charged with Stealing Trade Secrets from Connecticut Defense ContractorRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a grand jury in Bridgeport has returned a 29-count indictment charging JARED DYLAN SPARKS, 33, of Ardmore, Okla., and JAY WILLIAMS, 45, of Griswold, Conn., with offenses related to a scheme to steal trade secrets from a Connecticut-based defense contractor. The indictment was returned on November 3. SPARKS was arrested on November 7 and WILLIAMS was arrested on November 8.
According to court documents and statements made in court, SPARKS, an electrical engineer, and WILLIAMS, an electronic technician, both worked at LBI Inc., a Connecticut-based defense contractor that designs and builds, among other things, unmanned underwater vehicles for the U.S. Navy Office of Naval Research. From January 4, 2010, until December 2, 2011, SPARKS was employed by LBI as the Lead Electrical Engineer for design, prototyping and testing for prototypes of unmanned vehicles. From May 10, 2010, until November 23, 2011, Williams was employed by LBI as an Electro-Mechanical Technician tasked with the fabrication, installation, testing and operation of various prototypes of unmanned vehicles.
During the course of their employment with LBI, SPARKS and WILLIAMS collaborated with employees of Charles River Analytics, a Massachusetts-based software company that developed software to be integrated into LBI’s unmanned underwater vehicles. In late 2010 and early 2011, Charles River Analytics sought to expand into the hardware business and eventually agreed with the Office of Naval Research that it would complete the testing for a number of the unmanned vehicles designed and developed by LBI. However, Charles River Analytics had never done that work before and had no staff that could carry out that work. Sometime after April 2011, SPARKS and WILLIAMS began exploring employment with Charles River Analytics, and were eventually hired by that company in the fall of 2011.
Information obtained from the execution of various search warrants revealed that beginning in at least May 2011 and continuing until November 2011, WILLIAMS and SPARKS, without authorization, uploaded LBI proprietary information to accounts in Dropbox, a cloud-based storage application.
SPARKS and WILLIAMS ended their employment with LBI in December 2, 2011, and November 23, 2011 respectively, and both began working with Charles River Analytics on January 3, 2012. SPARKS and WILLIAMS continued to possess stolen trade secrets belonging to LBI after the end of their employment with LBI. During the course of their employment at Charles River Analytics, they both continued to work on at least one of the unmanned underwater vehicles that LBI had designed and developed.
“Connecticut’s defense contractors are critical to our country’s national security,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that intellectual property is protected, and that those who profit from stealing trade secrets are prosecuted.”
“The need to protect the intellectual property of the U.S. Department of Defense contractors is now more important than ever,” said Craig W. Rupert, Special Agent in Charge, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Northeast Field Office. “The theft of defense contractors’ trade secrets in particular, poses a grave threat to our national economic security and harms the Department of Defense’s investment in research and development. DCIS remains committed to working with our federal law enforcement partners and the U.S. Department of Justice to ensuring those who actively steal our nation’s trade secrets are prosecuted.”
The indictment charges SPARKS and WILLIAMS with one count of conspiracy to steal, upload, transmit and possess stolen trade secrets, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. The indictment also charges SPARKS with seven counts of theft of trade secrets, seven counts of upload of trade secrets, two counts of transmission of trade secrets and five counts of possession of stolen trade secrets. WILLIAMS is also charged with seven counts of possession of stolen trade secrets. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count.
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.
Both defendants are released on bond pending trial.
This matter is being investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacabed Rodriguez-Coss and Trial Attorney Brian Resler from the Computer Crimes and Intellectual Property Section of the U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Federal Assault and Crack Distribution OffensesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT HARRIS, also known as “Skully Mack,” 20, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by 6 years in supervised release, for gang-related assault and drug distribution offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, HARRIS was a member of 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. On December 23, 2014, HARRIS and another RSGB member, Christopher Graham, a.k.a. “Ugg,” committed a violent assault of an individual over a .40 caliber pistol that the victim allegedly stole from him. Graham had called HARRIS to the scene after realizing the victim had stolen the gun. Shortly after HARRIS arrived, the victim showed them where he had hidden the gun. HARRIS then retrieved the gun and pistol whipped the victim with it.
In addition, in June 2014, HARRIS sold approximately 10 grams of crack cocaine to an individual working with law enforcement.
On September 30, 2015, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a 34-count indictment charging HARRIS, Graham and four other individuals with various racketeering, violent crimes in aid of racketeering, firearms, money laundering and narcotics distribution offenses. Other RSGB members and associates have been charged and convicted separately in state and federal courts in Connecticut and Maine.
HARRIS has been detained since his arrest on October 1, 2015. On February 3, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of assault in aid of racketeering and one count of possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine.
Graham pleaded guilty to one count of assault in aid of racketeering and one count of possession with the intent to distribute crack. On August 24, 2016, he was sentenced to 66 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release.
This ongoing 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 M. Spector and Peter D. Markle. A related case in the District of Maine is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Casey.
Meriden Construction Company Fined $250K for Filing False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill today ordered Meriden-based SRC CONSTRUCTION, INC. to pay a $250,000 fine for filing a false tax return.
According to court documents and statements made in court, SRC CONSTRUCTION, a real estate development and construction management firm, employed an internal accounting department that handled the general ledger, journal entries and bank accounts for the business, including the receipt and payment of invoices. At least one individual employed by the company was responsible for overseeing and coordinating the business and financial matters for the company’s owner. That individual and others under the individual’s control reviewed payments made by the company to employees, vendors and others, and directed how the items should be expensed. The individual instructed others that most, if not all, invoices be paid out of company funds, including a series of expenses that the individual knew were not deductible business expenses. The individual, who also was responsible for providing to the company’s outside accountants all information to prepare audited financial statements and tax returns, knowingly provided to the accountants a substantial number of non-deductible expenses knowing that they were non-business expenses.
In February 2006, SRC CONSTRUCTION willfully made and subscribed a false corporate tax return, a 2004 Form 1120 for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2005, that overstated expenses. As a result, for the 2004 tax year, the company failed to report corporate income totaling $296,642, resulting in tax loss of $112,609.
On July 15, 2016, SRC CONSTRUCTION pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return.
SRC CONSTRUCTION has paid the $250,000 fine, as well as the identified back taxes due of $112,609. The company also itemized for the court the various accounting and other internal changes made as a result of the investigation that are intended to ensure future tax and accounting compliance.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Schmeisser and Jennifer Laraia.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking of a MinorRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROMANE ST. CHRISTOPHER McKENZIE, also known as “Wookie,” “Rude” and “Rude Boy,” 24, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for sex trafficking of a minor.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 18, 2014, a case worker with the Connecticut Department of Children and Families informed the Enfield Police Department that a 15-year-old girl was advertising prostitution services on Backpage.com. The advertisement listed the girl’s location as Enfield. Later that day, Enfield police contacted the number in the advertisement and engaged in a ruse negotiation to purchase the girl’s services. At the conclusion, the police were told to go to a local motel where they encountered the minor victim in a room. The room contained evidence of prostitution and was rented by McKENZIE. McKENZIE, who was present at the motel, was arrested at that time.
The investigation revealed evidence that McKENZIE knew that the minor victim was 15-years-old, that he had paid for Backpage.com advertisements on behalf of the minor victim and others, and that he trafficked the minor victim and others at motels in Enfield and Windsor Locks. The investigation included analysis of numerous text messages between McKENZIE and the minor victim, and between the minor victim and prospective prostitution clients. The investigation also revealed that McKENZIE sold crack cocaine to the minor victim.
McKENZIE has been detained since his arrest. On August 2, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of sex trafficking of a minor.
McKENZIE, a citizen of Jamaica, faces immigration proceedings when he is released from prison.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Enfield Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vanessa Richards and David Novick.
Waterbury Man Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STEPHEN GOINS, 36, last residing in Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 26, 2014, law enforcement received information that GOINS, a convicted felon, was operating a vehicle that had a firearm in the glove compartment. A Bridgeport police officer stopped the vehicle after it exited I-95 in Bridgeport. GOINS was arrested after a search of the glove compartment revealed a loaded Ruger LCR Revolver, .38 caliber Special.
GOINS’ criminal history includes felony convictions for robbery, larceny and marijuana trafficking offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
GOINS has been detained since his arrest. On May 6, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Bridgeport Police Department, New Britain Police Department, and Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
Two Men Convicted of Defrauding Banks in Connection with USDA Export Financing ProgramRead 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 BRETT C. LILLEMOE, 46, of Minneapolis, Minn., and PABLO CALDERON, 61, Darien, Conn., guilty of conspiracy and fraud offenses related to a multimillion dollar scheme to defraud banks participating in a USDA-backed export financing program. LILLEMOE, CALDERON and a third defendant were found not guilty of additional offenses. The trial before Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall began on October 5 and the verdicts were returned this afternoon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, LILLEMOE and CALDERON submitted fraudulent documents to two United States banks in connection with a USDA loan guarantee program by which the USDA provides credit guarantees. The credit guarantees are part of the USDA Export Credit Guarantee Program (GSM-102), which is designed to encourage financing of commercial exports of U.S. agricultural products. The GSM-102 program guarantees credit extended by U.S. financial institutions to approved foreign banks. As part of the program, the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), which is an agency and instrumentality of the USDA, enters into payment guarantees (“credit guarantees”) with the goal of encouraging exports of U.S. agricultural products, including products of American farmers and American ranchers.
The credit guarantees are designed to encourage exports to buyers in foreign countries – mainly developing countries. The program operates in cases where credit is necessary to increase or maintain U.S. exports to a foreign market and where U.S. financial institutions might otherwise be unwilling to provide financing without the guarantee backed by the United States Government. In providing the credit guarantee facility, the CCC seeks to expand market opportunities for U.S. agricultural exporters and assist long-term market development for U.S. agricultural commodities.
In connection with the GSM-102 program, a foreign importer that has contracted to buy U.S. agricultural products can apply for a letter of credit (“LOC”) from a foreign bank that has been approved by the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). The foreign bank then issues a letter of credit in favor of the U.S. exporter. The U.S. exporter then, consistent with the requirements of the GSM-102 program, presents proper shipping documents to an approved U.S. financial institution, including a copy of an original bill of lading, certificate of origin, and evidence of export. The U.S. financial institution then provides funds to the U.S. exporter which, in exchange, assigns the rights to the proceeds payable under the letter of credit from the foreign bank to the U.S. financial institution in the same dollar-denominated amount, less any fees. If the foreign bank defaults on its payments to the U.S. financial institution, the U.S. financial institution may submit a claim to the USDA FAS under the guarantee for up to 98 percent of the payment amount owed at the time of the default.
The jury found that between September 2007 and January 2012, LILLEMOE, CALDERON and others defrauded various U.S. financial institutions, including Deutsche Bank A.G. and Colorado-based CoBank ACB, by presenting false and altered shipping documents, including altered bills of lading, in connection with securing funding on loans guaranteed by the GSM-102. As part of the scheme, LILLEMOE and CALDERON established multiple entities with separate names for the purpose of obtaining a greater share of the allocation of guarantees from the GSM-102 program, and used multiple bank accounts in the names of the various entities in order to further create the appearance that the entities were operating as separate and unrelated entities. The defendants then, in various ways, paid for or otherwise acquired bills of lading and other shipping documents for shipments of agricultural products that they did not physically ship and for which they did not participate in the physical movement of the products in any capacity.
LILLEMOE entered into agreements with foreign banks, including International Industrial Bank (IIB) in Russia, to provide them capital that would be made available to them from a U.S. financial institution through the use of the GSM-102 program. LILLEMOE subsequently obtained letters of credit from the foreign banks. LILLEMOE, CALDERON and others then altered copies of certain shipping documents, including bills of lading marked “Copy non negotiable,” by whiting out portions of the documents, stamping the word “original” on the documents, and adding shading on certain sections of the bills of lading. The defendants also prepared and executed documents termed “commercial invoices” purporting to represent sales of agricultural commodities between entities that they controlled, as well as between entities that they controlled and other entities.
The defendants then used these fraudulent documents to obtain millions of dollars from U.S. banks in connection with the GSM-102 program, and then provided the funds to the foreign banks in exchange for a percentage fee for themselves and their various entities. As established at trial the defendants and their co-conspirators made millions of dollars of fees as part of the conspiracy. Although the foreign banks were obligated to repay the funds to the U.S. financial institutions by virtue of the letters of credit issued to the U.S. financial institutions, in a number of instances, the foreign banks failed to do so. Nevertheless, LILLEMOE, CALDERON and their various entities retained millions of dollars of fees they had collected in connection with the GSM-102 transactions and in some instances, sent a portion of those fees to various financial backers in places such as Singapore.
The evidence showed that the foreign banks defaulted on over $25 million of the many loans guaranteed as a result of LILLEMOE and CALDERON’s scheme. Those losses, which were originally suffered by the victim U.S. banks, were ultimately reimbursed by the USDA because of the GSM-102 guarantees.
On February 20, 2015, a grand jury returned a 23-count indictment charging LILLEMOE, CALDERON, and Sarah Zirbes of Minneapolis, Minn., with conspiracy, fraud and money laundering offenses. The jury found LILLEMOE and CALDERON guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, and LILLEMOE guilty of five counts and CALDERON guilty of one count of wire fraud. The jury found LILLEMOE, CALDERON and Zirbes not guilty on the remaining counts of wire fraud, one count of bank fraud and one count of money laundering. CALDERON also was found not guilty of lying to the IRS and the FBI in connection with statements he made to the federal agents from those agencies.
LILLEMOE is scheduled to be sentenced on February 1, 2017, and CALDERON is scheduled to be sentenced on February 2, 2017. They face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael S. McGarry, John H. Durham and John T. Pierpont, Jr.
East Hartford Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ORLANDO TIRADO, 30, of East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.
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.
On June 4, 2014, investigators conducted a motor vehicle stop of TIRADO and, during a consent search of his car, discovered $5200 in cash. On November 27, 2014, TIRADO attempted to flee from Hartford Police officers who were investigating a domestic assault. During the foot chase, investigators observed TIRADO throwing six brick-sized packages, which were seized and found to contain a total of 3,003 bags of heroin. TIRADO was arrested at that time and charged with state narcotics offenses.
In May 2015, while he was on pre-trial release in his state case, court-authorized wiretaps revealed that TIRADO and several associates were working together to sell narcotics. On May 13, 2015, one of TIRADO’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.
TIRADO has been detained since his arrest on June 4, 2015. On June 2, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
TIRADO’s criminal history includes felony convictions for narcotics trafficking offenses and assault and battery on a police officer.
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.
Suffield Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges Stemming from Role in Stock "Pump and Dump" SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTIAN MEISSENN, also known as “Christian Nigohossian,” 44, of Suffield, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to conspiracy and tax evasion charges stemming from his involvement in a securities fraud scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately 2009 and July 2016, MEISSENN and others conspired to defraud investors through a stock “pump and dump” scheme. MEISSENN and his co-conspirators induced investors to purchase securities by making false and misleading representations in calls, emails and press releases concerning the securities and the issuing companies, thereby causing the price of those securities to become falsely inflated. The issuing companies, most of which were essentially shell companies controlled by MEISSENN’s associates, included Terra Energy Resources Ltd. (stock symbol “TRRE”); Mammoth Energy Group, Inc. (stock symbol “MMTE”), a company that later became Strategic Asset Leasing Inc. (stock symbol “LEAS”); Trilliant Exploration Corporation (stock symbol “TTXP”); Electric Motors Corporation (stock symbol “EMCO”); Hermes Jets, Inc. (stock symbol “HRMJ”), which later became Continental Beverage Brands Corporation (stock symbol “CBBB”); and Fox Petroleum, Inc. (stock symbol “FXPT”). The conspirators then sold positions in those securities that were held by conspirators and their designees at the falsely inflated prices, thereby enriching the members of the conspiracy.
After selling their own shares at a profit, the conspirators allowed the price of the securities to fall, leaving investors with worthless and unsalable stock. As a result, victim investors lost millions of dollars.
Between 2011 and 2015, MEISSENN earned approximately $4.4 million through this scheme and diverted a large portion of the profits into the trust account of an attorney rather than a bank account in his own name. He then directed the attorney to withdraw cash for MEISSENN’s personal use, and to wire funds and issue checks for the benefit of MEISSENN and his family members. MEISSENN failed to report this income to the Internal Revenue Service during the 2011 through 2015 tax years, and failed to pay more than $1.5 million in federal income taxes.
MEISSENN pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of tax evasion, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for January 31, 2017. At sentencing, MEISSENN will be ordered to pay restitution to his victims, as well as back taxes, interest and penalties to the Internal Revenue Service.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Connecticut Department of Banking and the Hartford and Stamford Police Departments. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Avi M. Perry and Peter S. Jongbloed.
Citizens with information that may be helpful to this ongoing investigation, or who believe they may have been victimized by this scheme, are encouraged to contact the FBI at (203) 777-6311.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Fraudulent Oxycodone Prescription SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALEJANDRINO DeJESUS, also known as “Baby Boo,” 38, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 132 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a scheme to obtain oxycodone through fraudulent prescriptions.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2012, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad began an investigation into a drug trafficking organization that manufactured fraudulent prescriptions for oxycodone and distributed the drug in the greater New Haven area. As part of the conspiracy, members of organization obtained the personal identifying information of medical practitioners and used the information to create fraudulent prescriptions. Conspiracy members also purchased legitimate prescriptions for oxycodone from individuals. The organization then used individuals, or “runners,” to fill the fraudulent prescriptions at pharmacies throughout Connecticut. Once a runner provided his or her personal information to a member of the organization, the runner’s information was kept on file and used to create other fraudulent prescriptions.
The investigation revealed that, between February 2013 and September 2015, the organization stole the personal identifying information of more than 50 doctors and medical professionals and fraudulently obtained more than 80,000 oxycodone pills. Investigators identified more than 800 fraudulent prescriptions passed by members of the organization using more than 270 different “patient” names.
Nearly all of the runners employed by the conspiracy held state-sponsored medical insurance, so the costs of the prescriptions were billed to Medicaid. Members of the drug trafficking organization then sold the oxycodone for $20 to $30 per 30 milligram pill.
DeJESUS, Julian Cintron and David Thompson, all of New Haven, were key members of the organization who recruited and transported runners to fill fraudulent prescriptions. The investigation, which included controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that DeJESUS distributed oxycodone, as well as heroin and cocaine.
A total of 11 individuals were charged as a result of the investigation.
DeJESUS has been detained since his arrest on September 10, 2015. On August 5, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute oxycodone.
Cintron and Thompson pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
DeJESUS’s criminal history includes multiple felony firearms-related convictions.
The DEA Tactical Diversion Squad includes members from the Bristol, Greenwich, Hamden, Milford, New Haven, Shelton, Vernon and Wilton Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy C. Brown and Robert M. Spector.
Stratford Man Admits Role in Large-Scale Fencing OperationRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that MATTHEW HARWOOD, 42, of Stratford, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to charges stemming from his participation in a large-scale fencing operation.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between January 2012 and December 2014, HARWOOD participated in a conspiracy to purchase stolen property from “boosters,” who typically were shoplifters with opioid addictions, and then resell the property at online websites. HARWOOD and others instructed the boosters to steal certain items from retail stores such as Petco, Staples, Walmart, and Bed Bath & Beyond, and paid cash for the stolen items at approximately one-third of their retail price. At times, HARWOOD provided expenses for car rentals and spending money for overnight or out-of-state trips to steal products.
After receiving the stolen merchandise, HARWOOD and a co-conspirator stored the merchandise at multiple locations, including HARWOOD’s former residence in Durham, and business locations in North Haven. HARWOOD and his co-conspirator then sold the stolen products at online sites, including eBay and Amazon, usually in the names of family members and associates.
Through this scheme, retailers lost more than $3.9 million.
HARWOOD pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit the interstate transport of stolen property, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and one count of interstate transport of stolen property, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
In pleading guilty, HARWOOD also agreed to forfeit the house in Durham where he formerly resided, and two mutual fund accounts in his name.
HARWOOD has been released on a $100,000 bond since his arrest on July 15, 2016.
A sentencing date has not been scheduled.
This matter is being investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Connecticut State Police, United States Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut Department of Correction, Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, and the New Haven, North Haven, Milford, West Haven, Wallingford, Hamden and Orange Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David T. Huang and John T. Pierpont, Jr.
Citizen of China Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Trafficking in Counterfeit Computer ChipsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that XIANFENG ZUO, 38, of Shenzhen, China, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 15 months of imprisonment for conspiring to sell counterfeits of sophisticated integrated circuits to a purchaser in the United States.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Zuo, Jiang Yan and Daofu Zhang each operated businesses in China that bought and sold electronic components, including integrated circuits (“ICs”). In the summer of 2015, Zuo asked Yan to locate and purchase several advanced ICs made by Xilinx Corp., which had military applications, including radiation tolerance for uses in space. Yan then asked a U.S. individual to locate the Xilinx ICs and sell them to Yan. The U.S. individual explained that the ICs cannot be shipped outside the U.S. without an export license, but Yan still wished to make the purchase. When the U.S. individual expressed concern that the desired ICs would have to be stolen from military inventory, Yan proposed to supply the U.S. source with “fake” ICs that “look the same,” to replace the ones to be stolen from the military.
In November 2015, Zhang shipped from China to the U.S. individual, two packages containing a total of eight counterfeit ICs, each bearing a counterfeit Xilinx brand label. After further discussions between Yan and the U.S. individual, Yan, Zhang, and Zuo flew together from China to the U.S. in early December 2015 to complete the Xilinx ICs purchase. On December 10, 2015, the three conspirators drove to a location near Route 95 in Milford, Connecticut, where they planned to meet the U.S. individual, make payment, and take custody of the Xilinx ICs. Federal agents arrested all three at the meeting location.
Zuo has been detained since his arrest. On March 16, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods.
As part of his sentence, Zuo was ordered to forfeit $63,000 in cash seized incident to his arrest.
Zhang and Yan also pleaded guilty. On July 8, 2016, Zhang was sentenced to 15 months of imprisonment. Yan awaits sentencing.
This matter was investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Commerce, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry Kopel and U.S. Department of Justice Counterintelligence and Export Control Section Trial Attorneys Casey Arrowood and Thea Kendler.
Avon Man Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Embezzling $200K from EmployerRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CRAIG LARSEN, 54, of Avon, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for embezzling more than $200,000 from his employer.
According to court documents and documents filed in court, LARSEN was employed by Maximum Human Performance (“MHP”), a New Jersey-based company that provided supplements for bodybuilding, strength, weight loss and fitness. In approximately November 2012, LARSEN became the head of MHP’s quality control and had authority to approve bills submitted to MHP by its vendors. Between approximately November 2013 and February 2015, LARSEN presented fraudulent invoices to MHP that falsely represented that a company he controlled, R.E.T.S., had performed quality control services for MHP when no such services had been provided. Through this scheme, LARSEN caused approximately 40 false invoices to be submitted to MHP requesting the payment of nearly $204,000 for services purportedly performed by R.E.T.S., and subsequently used his authority to approve the invoices for payment.
Judge Meyer ordered LARSEN to pay restitution of $203,988.71.
On January 25, 2016, LARSEN pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of money obtained by fraud.
Between 2007 and 2009, LARSEN stole approximately $100,000 from a previous employer. An attorney at the time, he served as the company’s vice president of legal and regulatory affairs. He has since been disbarred.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Wines.
Stamford Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun OffenseRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CALEEB BROWN, 25, of Stamford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon,
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 8, 2015, Stamford Police searched BROWN’s residence and seized a .22 caliber handgun, a 6.35 mm pistol, 14 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition, a quantity of heroin and items used to package narcotics for distribution.
Prior to October 2015, BROWN had sustained multiple felony convictions for possessing with intent to distribute narcotics. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for April 26, 2017, at which time BROWN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
BROWN has been in federal custody since February 10, 2016.
This matter is being investigated by the Stamford Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Federal and State Officials Promote Telephone Hotline for Reporting Election Fraud and Voting Rights AbusesRead the Press Release
In an effort to ensure that the November 8, 2016 elections are administered fairly in every city and town in Connecticut, Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Michael J. Brandi, Executive Director of the Connecticut State Elections Enforcement Commission, Denise Merrill, Connecticut Secretary of the State, and Kevin T. Kane, Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney, today announced that a telephone hotline will be available for use by anyone who witnesses or experiences voting irregularities on Election Day.
The hotline will be staffed by the Connecticut State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) during polling hours on Election Day. Anyone with knowledge of election fraud or voting rights abuses is encouraged to call 1-866-733-2463 (1-866-SEEC-INFO) to report suspected violations. The number is toll-free statewide. Individuals also can call the SEEC at 860-256-2940. The SEEC staff will answer questions, advise on complaint procedures and, if appropriate, request the assistance of state criminal or federal law enforcement authorities in the investigation and possible prosecution of the matter.
Citizens can also send an email to [email protected] to communicate with the SEEC and the Secretary of the State’s office on Election Day.
The SEEC is the primary elections investigative and civil enforcement authority in Connecticut. The Secretary of the State’s office is charged with overseeing all elections in Connecticut, which includes advising and assisting local Registrars of Voters and Town Clerks on their statutory responsibilities regarding administration of elections.
Federal law protects against crimes such as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
On Election Day, representatives of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI will be in direct contact with the SEEC, the Secretary of the State’s office and the office of the Chief State’s Attorney in order to receive any complaints of electoral corruption or civil rights violations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Wines has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer for the District of Connecticut. In that capacity, she is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
The FBI in Connecticut and across the country will have special agents available to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The local FBI field office in New Haven can be reached directly at 203-777-6311, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office can be reached at 203-821-3700. In addition, complaints about ballot access problems or discrimination can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington by calling 1-800-253-3931 or 202-307-2767, or by emailing [email protected].
Bridgeport Man Charged with Selling Heroin to Overdose VictimRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that DARRYCK NORRIS, 23, of Bridgeport, was arrested yesterday on a criminal complaint charging him with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 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 the complaint, at approximately 8:49 p.m. on October 27, 2016, Milford Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in Milford and found an unresponsive 37-year-old male slumped over in the downstairs living area of the residence. Emergency personnel attempted lifesaving measures and administered two doses of the opiate antidote Narcan (Naloxone), which had no effect. The victim was declared deceased at the scene. Officers searched the immediate area and seized four empty baggies and one full baggy that contained suspected heroin. Each of the bags was stamped with the same brand stamp.
Officers also seized the victim’s iPhone. The complaint alleges that text messages contained on the victim’s iPhone revealed that the victim had ordered heroin from NORRIS earlier that day. Witness interviews and further cellphone analysis revealed that the victim had purchased heroin from NORRIS for several months prior to the victim’s overdose.
On November 1, 2016, members of the DEA and Milford Police Department conducted a controlled purchase of heroin from NORRIS in Bridgeport. The heroin bags purchased were stamped with the same stamp that was found on the bags seized from the overdose victim’s residence.
NORRIS appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam and was released into a residential drug treatment program.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin, carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport Resident Office, the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Milford and Bridgeport Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Waterbury Man Who Sold Heroin to Overdose Victim Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that REGINALD MILES, JR., also known as “Rocky,” 26, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin to a Woodbridge man who died from an overdose a short time later.
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 November 19, 2015, a 22-year-old male died from an apparent heroin overdose at a residence in Woodbridge. The investigation revealed that shortly before the victim’s overdose, the victim and two other individuals purchased heroin from MILES in Waterbury.
According to the State of Connecticut Chief Medical Examiner, the victim’s death was determined to be acute intoxication due to the combined effects of heroin and Alprazolam (a generic form of Xanax).
MILES has been detained since his arrest on January 22, 2016. On May 19, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of heroin.
This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, and the Middlebury, Waterbury and Woodbridge Police Departments. The Task Force 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 Robert M. Spector.
New London Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing CrackRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KEVIN EVERETT, 29, of New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by one year 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 and into the large-scale distribution of narcotics in southeastern Connecticut. The investigation revealed that Sydney Jackson, also known as “Fatz,” 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, including EVERETT, 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 EVERETT, Jackson and 11 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.
EVERETT has been detained since his arrest on June 17, 2015. On July 25, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of use of a telephone to facilitate the commission of a drug trafficking felony.
On October 27, 2016, Jackson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”). When he is sentenced, he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
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.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 28 Months in Prison for Illegally Possessing AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CARLOS SANCHEZ, 32, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 28 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing ammunition.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in September 2015, 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.
On eight occasions in November and December 2015, Jose “Jo Jo” Gonzalez sold crack cocaine and powder cocaine to an individual working with law enforcement. On November 16, 2015, SANCHEZ assisted Gonzalez during one of these transactions at an apartment building on Babcock Street in Hartford. Approximately 10 minutes after the transaction, SANCHEZ exited the building and drove away. Hartford Police subsequently stopped the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed approximately nine grams of cocaine, two loaded firearms that were lawfully registered to another occupant of the car, several rounds of additional ammunition, a handgun magazine and $1,100 in cash, including approximately $600 in funds that investigators had just used to purchase drugs from Gonzalez.
SANCHEZ has prior felony convictions. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
SANCHEZ has been detained since his arrest on December 21, 2015. On June 20, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of ammunition by a previously convicted felon.
Gonzalez also pleaded guilty and, on July 21, 2016, was sentenced to 87 months of imprisonment.
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 Squad, 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.
Danbury Resident Sentenced to Prison for Stealing from InvestorsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALEXANDER BERGEN, 23, of Danbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for stealing more than $280,000 from individuals who invested in his internet business.
According to court documents and statements made in court, BERGEN operated CT Wholesale, a company that sold electronic equipment and other items by buying the product for a cheaper price and then reselling those products to the customer at a higher price. Beginning in approximately 2013, BERGEN began to accept investment funds from investors who were promised a return on their investments. BERGEN represented to the investors that he would use their investment funds solely to purchase products for resale to his customers and that the investors would receive their principal investment back with a profit in a specified period of time. In some cases, BERGEN entered into written investment agreements with investors in which he expressly represented that the investment funds provided by the investor would be used solely to purchase products.
BERGEN received a total of more than $300,000 from approximately 10 investors. Despite representing to the investors that all of their funds would be used solely to purchase products for resale by CT Wholesale, BERGEN did not use these funds solely to purchase products. In 2013, BERGEN used approximately $150,000 of the investors’ money to pay for his personal credit card bills which included personal expenses for fine dining, travel, and to shop at high-end retail stores.
BERGEN returned less than $40,000 in funds to his investors.
Judge Bryant ordered BERGEN to pay restitution in the amount of $282,609.71.
On August 3, 2015, BERGEN pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of money obtained by fraud. He has been detained since March 7, 2016, after he violated the conditions of his release pending sentencing and his bond was revoked.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Bethel and Greenwich Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry.
Hartford Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Offenses Related to 2010 Murder, Planning of Second MurderRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DOMINIQUE MACK, also known as “Lil Sweets,” 26, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to life imprisonment. On April 27, 2016, a jury found MACK guilty of conspiring to commit witness tampering by murdering one individual and planning to murder a second individual.
“Dominique Mack’s malevolent and unrelenting actions to thwart justice have now come to an end,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “In order to prevent his own apprehension, he orchestrated the murder of Ian Francis. After being charged with Francis’ murder, Mack then plotted to kill another witness who he believed was going to testify against him in the Francis murder trial. He was highly dangerous and a menace to our community. This was an extremely difficult investigation and prosecution. The prosecutors who led this team, together with our partners from the FBI, the Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department’s Major Crimes Division deserve enormous credit for their excellent work in this case. We will continue to work together to prosecute those individuals most responsible for violence in Hartford and Connecticut’s other cities.”
According to the evidence at trial, on December 21, 2010, Ian Francis was shot multiple times while sitting in his vehicle on Sigourney Street in Hartford. Francis succumbed to his injuries on January 15, 2011. At the time, MACK, who had been charged as part of a multi-defendant federal drug conspiracy, was hiding out in an attempt to evade arrest. On June 15, 2011, law enforcement arrested MACK at an apartment on Vine Street in Hartford. A search of the apartment revealed a Ruger 9 millimeter semi-automatic pistol, which was subsequently determined to be the firearm that was used to murder Francis.
The investigation revealed that MACK conspired with Keronn Miller and others to murder Francis to prevent Francis from providing information to law enforcement about MACK’s whereabouts. Miller had lured Francis to the location on Sigourney Street knowing that the plan was to murder Francis when he arrived there.
On December 4, 2014, Miller, also known as “Fresh,” of Hartford, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting in the murder of Francis. Shortly after Miller’s guilty plea, the government received information about a plot to kill a witness for MACK’s upcoming trial. Tyquan Lucien, also known as “TQ” and “Frogger,” who had been arrested as part of this investigation and was incarcerated with MACK at a detention facility in Rhode Island, had told another inmate about a plan by Lucien and MACK to kill an individual who had been identified as a government witness in the case against Miller. On February 13, 2015, an undercover officer who was posing as someone who might be able to commit the murder met with Lucien in the visiting area of the detention facility. During the meeting, Lucien ordered the killing of the potential government witness and others, making throat-slashing motions to make his intent clear. Three days later, Lucien met with MACK and relayed to him the facts of the visit.
The jury found MACK guilty of two counts of conspiracy to commit witness tampering by committing first degree murder, an offense that carries a mandatory lifetime term of imprisonment. The jury also found MACK guilty of two counts of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, and not guilty of two counts of tampering with a witness.
On August 2, 2016, Keronn Miller was sentenced by Judge Shea to 210 months of imprisonment.
On August 24, 2015, Lucien pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit witness tampering by first degree murder. He awaits sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes and Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department’s Major Crimes Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Leaming and Jennifer Laraia.
Hamden Man Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Heroin and CrackRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHAWN MILLER, also known as “White Boy Shawn,” 32, of Hamden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 90 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and crack cocaine. Judge Meyer also ordered MILLER to pay a $2,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, MILLER and Paul Colon, also known as “Paul Cane,” operated a New Haven area narcotics distribution ring. The investigation revealed that members of the ring took orders over a cellphone from drug customers in several shoreline communities for quantities of heroin and crack cocaine, and then delivered the drugs by car.
MILLER was arrested on October 21, 2015. On June 29, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin and cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
Colon has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets Task Force in cooperation with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Haven, West Haven, Milford, Hamden and other local police departments, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys H. Gordon Hall and Jennifer R. Laraia.
Florida Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Role in Multistate Burglary SpreeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that YOANDRYS CUE, 31, a citizen of Cuba last residing in Florida, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 57 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in a multi-state burglary spree.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 2, 2013, CUE, Alionis Perez, and others traveled from New Jersey to Connecticut. The next day, they broke into the Fossil store located in Clinton, Connecticut, disabled the alarm system and stole watches valued at approximately of $250,000. Following the burglary, they returned to New Jersey with the stolen merchandise.
On August 18, 2013, CUE, Perez and others attempted to break into the Movado store located in Kittery, Maine.
On September 19, 2013, CUE, Perez and others broke into the Fossil store located in Miramar Beach, Fla., and stole watches valued at approximately $170,000.
On October 4, 2013, CUE, Perez and others broke into the Fossil store located in Hagerstown, Md., and stole watches valued at approximately $750,000.
On October 24, 2013, CUE, Perez and others broke into the Fossil store located in Grove City, Penn., and stole watches valued at approximately $195,000.
On November 22, 2013, CUE, Perez and others traveled from New Jersey to Massachusetts and stole a van. The next day, they broke into the Michael Kors store in Lee, Mass., disabled the alarm system and stole watches and bag valued at approximately $500,000. The conspirators then traveled from Massachusetts, disposed of the stolen van in Staten Island, New York, and returned to New Jersey with the stolen merchandise.
On May 20, 2016, CUE pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in the interstate transportation of stolen property. He is currently incarcerated in New Jersey on an unrelated burglary conviction.
On May 23, 2016, Perez pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to engage in the interstate transportation of stolen property stemming from the 2013 burglaries and two additional burglaries in Kansas and Tennessee in August 2014. On August 18, 2016, he was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment.
Judge Chatigny ordered CUE and Perez to pay restitution in the amount of $1.865 million.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Clinton (Conn.) Police Department, Kittery (Maine) Police Department, Walton County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office, Washington County (Md.) Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, Lee (Mass.) Police Department, Berkshire County (Mass.) Sheriff’s Office, Franklin (Tenn.) Police Department and Nashville (Tenn.) Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Heather Cherry in the District of Connecticut, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee Deneke in the Middle District of Tennessee.
California Woman Sentenced to Prison in Connection with Scheme to Defraud Struggling HomeownersRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MICHELLE LEFAOSEU, also known as “Michelle Bennett,” “Michelle Lee” and “Michelle Page,” 42, of Huntington Beach, Calif., was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for participating in an extensive mortgage loan modification scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, LEFAOSEU worked at a California-based company that falsely purported to provide home mortgage loan modifications and other consumer debt relief services to numerous homeowners in Connecticut and across the United States in exchange for upfront fees. The company did business, at various times, as “First Choice Financial Group, Inc.,” “First Choice Financial,” “First Choice Debt,” “Legal Modification Firm,” “National Freedom Group,” “Home Care Alliance Group,” “Home Protection Firm,” “Hardship Center,” “Network Solutions Center, Inc.,” “Premiere Financial Center,” “Premiere Financial,” “Rescue Firm,” “International Research Group LLC,” “Hardship Solutions,” “American Loan Center,” “Loan Retention Firm,” “Clear Vision Financial,” “Green Tree Financial Group,” “Green Tree Financial,” “Enigma Fund, Inc.,” “National Aid Group,” “Southern Chapman Group LLC,” “Save Point Financial,” “Best Rate Financial Solutions,” “Best Rate Financial Solution,” “Best Rate Financial,” “Best Rate Finance Group,” and “Nation Star Financial.”
Aria Maleki presided over the entire structure of this scheme, and LEFAOSEU was head of the processing department. Acting as representatives of the above-named entities, members of Maleki’s sales team cold-called homeowners and offered to provide mortgage loan modification services to those who were having difficulty repaying their home mortgage loans. Homeowners were charged fees that typically ranged from approximately $2,500 to $4,300 for the services. To induce homeowners to pay these fees, scheme participants falsely represented that the homeowners already had been approved for mortgage loan modifications on extremely favorable terms; the mortgage loan modifications already had been negotiated with the homeowners’ lenders; the homeowners qualified for and would receive financial assistance under various government mortgage relief programs, including the Troubled Asset Relief Program and the Home Affordable Modification Program; and if for some reason the mortgage loan modifications fell through, the homeowners would be entitled to a full refund of their fees.
In fact, the homeowners had not been preapproved for mortgage loan modifications with lenders, mortgage loan modifications had not been negotiated with the lenders, homeowners had not qualified for and did not receive any financial assistance through government mortgage relief programs, and homeowners did not receive a refund of their fees upon request. Few homeowners ever received any type of mortgage loan modification through the defendants’ company, and few homeowners received refunds of their fees.
Participants in the scheme used pseudonyms and periodically changed their business and operating names to evade detection. They also directed homeowners to mail their checks to addresses and mail boxes that Maleki and others had set up in states other than California.
After members of the sales team fraudulently induced homeowners to pay for the company’s services, the homeowners’ files were transferred to LEFAOSEU and the junior processors working under her supervision. LEFAOSEU was fully aware of her co-workers’ lies and, during her contact with victims, repeatedly helped to cover up those lies.
As a result of this scheme, more than 1,000 homeowners suffered losses totaling more than $3 million.
On January 21, 2016, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Maleki, LEFAOSEU and five other California residents with conspiracy and fraud offenses related to this scheme. The defendants were arrested on January 26.
On July 11, 2016, LEFAOSEU pleaded guilty to one count of misprision of a felony.
On March 22, 2016, Maleki pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and, on July 18, 2016, he was sentenced to 112 months of imprisonment. He also forfeited approximately $350,000 that investigators seized from various bank accounts, approximately $362,000 sized from a Bitcoin account, a $100,000 cashier’s check, and a 2013 Ferrari 458 Italia.
The other five defendants, all of whom were members of Maleki’s sales team, pleaded guilty and were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 18 months to 58 months.
All seven defendants have been ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,390,496.59.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General, and Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.
Man Who Embezzled $125,000 from Connecticut Nonprofit is SentencedRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that THOMAS RECCK, 52, of Cincinnati, Ohio, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to five years of probation, the first six months of which RECCK must serve in home confinement, for embezzling from a Connecticut-based nonprofit organization. Judge Meyer also ordered RECCK to perform 600 hours of community service while on probation.
According to court documents and statements made in court, RECCK, a former resident of New Britain, was the Treasurer for Connecticut Canine Search and Rescue, Inc. (“CCSAR”) in Kensington, a volunteer-based nonprofit organization dedicated to the search and rescue of missing and lost persons in the United States by using trained search and rescue dogs. In his capacity as the treasurer, RECCK had access to the bank accounts of CCSAR. From approximately January 2008 to August 2012, RECCK transferred more than $125,000 from CCSAR accounts into a separate account that he controlled and used the funds to gamble and for other personal expenses.
RECCK also failed to report the stolen funds on his federal tax returns.
On February 4, 2015, RECCK pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of filing a false tax return.
RECCK was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $125,649.77, as well as back taxes, penalties and interest for the 2008 through 2012 tax years.
This investigation was conducted by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and the Greenwich Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 40 Months in Federal Prison for Role in Heroin RingRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that TODD BEILBY, 55, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 40 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a heroin distribution ring.
This matter stems from a joint investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force, FBI and New Haven Police Department into the distribution of heroin in New Haven. The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance and controlled purchases of heroin, revealed that Wilson Vasquez, also known as “Pancho,” obtained bulk quantities of heroin, processed and packaged the drug with several co-conspirators, and then distributed the drug through a network of street-level distributors operating in the area of Ferry Street, Grand Avenue and Blatchley Avenue in New Haven’s Fair Haven neighborhood.
For approximately one year until he was arrested on July 15, 2015, BEILBY was responsible for bagging almost all of the heroin Vasquez and his associates sold.
During the investigation, law enforcement seized approximately 500 grams of raw heroin, three handguns and five vehicles. In addition, bank accounts containing more than $300,000 have been frozen.
BEILBY has been detained since his arrest. On April 1, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin.
Seventeen individuals were charged as a result of this investigation. All 17 pleaded guilty. Vasquez 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 case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys H. Gordon Hall and Patrick Caruso.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Heroin and CrackRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SEAN LONDON, 23, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and crack cocaine.
This matter stems from an investigation into a New Haven-area heroin and crack distribution ring headed by Shawn Miller, also known as “White Boy Shawn” and Paul Colon, also known as “Paul Cane.” According to court documents and statements made in court, the investigation revealed that members of the ring took orders over a cellphone from drug customers in several shoreline communities for quantities of heroin and crack cocaine, and then delivered the drugs by car. LONDON was the primary user of the organization’s cellphone from April 16 to May 4, 2015, and sold heroin and crack to numerous customers during that time period.
LONDON was arrested on June 10, 2015. On June 24, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin and cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
Miller and Colon have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets Task Force in cooperation with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Haven, West Haven, Milford, Hamden and other local police departments, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys H. Gordon Hall and Jennifer R. Laraia.
Brothers Plead Guilty to Heroin Distribution Charges Stemming from Overdose InvestigationRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ERICK DELGADO, 39, and his brother, ANORIS DELGADO, also known as “Alex,” 28, both of Bridgeport, have pleaded guilty in Bridgeport federal court to heroin distribution charges. ERICK DELGADO pleaded guilty today to one count of distribution of heroin. ANORIS DELGADO pleaded guilty to the same charge on October 25.
This matter stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the morning of April 25, 2016, Bridgeport Police and medical personnel responded to a location on Washington Avenue on a report of a possible drug overdose. The overdose victim was revived with two doses of Narcan and was transported to the hospital. A friend of the victim, who was with the victim at the time and contacted medical professionals after the overdose, told investigators that he and the victim purchased heroin from and individual he knew as “Eric” in the area of Brooks Street and Ogden Street in Bridgeport. The victim subsequently identified ERICK DELGADO as the source of the heroin he used.
In the evening of April 25, 2016, Monroe Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a report of an unresponsive 48-year-old male at residence in Monroe. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. A subsequent interview with an acquaintance of the victim revealed that, on April 25, the victim and his acquaintance traveled to the area of Brooks Street and Ogden Street where the victim purchased heroin from ERICK DELGADO.
On May 3, 2016, an individual working with law enforcement contacted ERICK DELGADO to arrange the purchase of heroin. When the individual and an undercover officer arrived in the area of Brooks Street and Ogden Street, they were met by ANORIS DELGADO who subsequently provided them with 20 bags of heroin. The undercover officer purchased another 20 bags of heroin from ANORIS DELGADO on May 20.
Both defendants were arrested on June 21, 2016. ERICK DELGADO has been detained since his arrest and ANORIS DELGADO is released on a $50,000 bond.
The charge of distribution of heroin carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Sentencing dates have not been scheduled.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, and the Monroe and Bridgeport Police Departments. The Task Force 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.
Bridgeport Man Charged with Sex Trafficking of 2 MinorsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging JASON PRAWL, also known as “Boots,” 28, of Bridgeport, with two counts of sex trafficking of a minor.
The indictment was returned on October 18, 2016. PRAWL appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.
As alleged in the indictment, PRAWL recruited, harbored and transported two minor victims to engage in commercial acts. PRAWL trafficked the first victim in July and August 2015 and the second victim between December 2015 and February 2016.
PRAWL has been detained in state custody since March 9, 2016.
The charge of sex trafficking of a minor carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
U.S. Attorney 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 Connecticut Human Trafficking Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Connecticut State Police, Bridgeport Police Department and Milford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarala V. Nagala and David E. Novick.
Danbury Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison for Defrauding InvestorsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced IAN PARKER BICK, 21, of Danbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for defrauding investors of approximately $480,000. Judge Meyer ordered BICK to serve the first one year of his supervised release in home confinement.
On November 25, 2015 a jury found BICK guilty on six counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering.
According to the evidence at trial, BICK was a principal and/or managing member of various Danbury-based entities, including This Is Where It’s At Entertainment, LLC, Planet Youth Entertainment, W&B Wholesale, LLC, and W&B Investments, LLC. Using these entities, BICK solicited investment funds from his friends, former classmates, acquaintances, and their parents by promising high investment returns over relatively short periods of time. BICK falsely represented to victim-investors that he could generate the high investment returns by using their funds to purchase electronics and electronic devices, such as iPhones, tablets and head phones, and by reselling the items for a substantial profit via the Internet. However, the electronic resale business never actually began in earnest and did not return any meaningful profit. BICK also falsely represented to certain victim-investors that he could generate high investment returns by using their funds to organize and promote concerts at various venues in Connecticut and Rhode Island. BICK falsely represented that he had made significant profits organizing and promoting concerts in the past.
BICK failed to invest the funds he received as he had represented and instead used invested funds for unrelated and unsuccessful businesses, and to pay personal expenses, including hotel stays and to purchase jet skis. BICK also used invested funds to issue payments, purportedly as “interest payments” and as “return of principal,” to certain victim-investors.
Through this scheme, BICK defrauded more than 15 investors out of a total of $480,635. Judge Meyer ordered BICK to make full restitution to his victims.
BICK has been detained since October 4, 2016, when his bond was revoked.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Banking, Danbury Police Department and Hartford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael S. McGarry and Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Citizens are encouraged to report any financial fraud schemes by calling, toll free, 855-236-9740, or by sending an email to [email protected].
Two California Men Sentenced to Prison in Connection with Scheme to Defraud Struggling HomeownersRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that KOWIT YUKTANON, also known as “Eric Cannon” and “Aaron Brock,” 32, of Huntington Beach, Calif., and CUONG HUY KING, also known as “James Nolan” and “Jimmy, 32, of Westminster, Calif., have each been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for participating in an extensive mortgage loan modification scheme. YUKTANON was sentenced today and KING was sentenced yesterday. Judge Underhill also ordered both defendants to pay restitution in the amount of $2,390,496.59.
According to court documents and statements made in court, YUKTANON and KING worked at a California-based company that falsely purported to provide home mortgage loan modifications and other consumer debt relief services to numerous homeowners in Connecticut and across the United States in exchange for upfront fees. The company did business, at various times, as “First Choice Financial Group, Inc.,” “First Choice Financial,” “First Choice Debt,” “Legal Modification Firm,” “National Freedom Group,” “Home Care Alliance Group,” “Home Protection Firm,” “Hardship Center,” “Network Solutions Center, Inc.,” “Premiere Financial Center,” “Premiere Financial,” “Rescue Firm,” “International Research Group LLC,” “Hardship Solutions,” “American Loan Center,” “Loan Retention Firm,” “Clear Vision Financial,” “Green Tree Financial Group,” “Green Tree Financial,” “Enigma Fund, Inc.,” “National Aid Group,” “Southern Chapman Group LLC,” “Save Point Financial,” “Best Rate Financial Solutions,” “Best Rate Financial Solution,” “Best Rate Financial,” “Best Rate Finance Group,” and “Nation Star Financial.”
Aria Maleki presided over the entire structure of this scheme, and YUKTANON and KING were junior members of the sales team. Acting as representatives of the above-named entities, YUKTANON, KING and others cold-called homeowners and offered to provide mortgage loan modification services to those who were having difficulty repaying their home mortgage loans. The defendants charged homeowners fees that typically ranged from approximately $2,500 to $4,300 for their services. To induce homeowners to pay these fees, the defendants falsely represented that the homeowners already had been approved for mortgage loan modifications on extremely favorable terms; the mortgage loan modifications already had been negotiated with the homeowners’ lenders; the homeowners qualified for and would receive financial assistance under various government mortgage relief programs, including the Troubled Asset Relief Program and the Home Affordable Modification Program; and if for some reason the mortgage loan modifications fell through, the homeowners would be entitled to a full refund of their fees.
In fact, the homeowners had not been preapproved for mortgage loan modifications with lenders, mortgage loan modifications had not been negotiated with the lenders, homeowners had not qualified for and did not receive any financial assistance through government mortgage relief programs, and homeowners did not receive a refund of their fees upon request. Few homeowners ever received any type of mortgage loan modification through the defendants’ company, and few homeowners received refunds of their fees.
Participants in the scheme used pseudonyms and periodically changed their business and operating names to evade detection. The defendants also directed homeowners to mail their checks to addresses and mail boxes that Maleki and others had set up in states other than California.
As a result of this scheme, more than 1,000 homeowners suffered losses totaling more than $3 million.
On January 21, 2016, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Maleki, YUKATANON, KING and four other California residents with conspiracy and fraud offenses related to this scheme. The defendants were arrested on January 26.
YUKATANON and KING each pleaded guilty to one count of misprision of a felony.
Maleki pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and, on July 18, 2016, he was sentenced to 112 months of imprisonment. He also forfeited approximately $350,000 that investigators seized from various bank accounts, approximately $362,000 sized from a Bitcoin account, a $100,000 cashier’s check, and a 2013 Ferrari 458 Italia.
This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General, and Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.
Former State Representative Involved in Mortgage Fraud Scheme is SentencedRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that VICTOR CUEVAS, 52, of Bristol, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one year of probation and a $1,000 fine for conspiring with others to commit bank fraud in connection with his home mortgage loan applications.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the summer of 2013, CUEVAS, a City of Waterbury employee and, at that time, the state representative for the 75th District, wanted to purchase a residence in Bristol with a Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”) loan.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides mortgage insurance on loans made through its FHA program and mortgages offered through the program are subject to certain restrictions, including restrictions on the funds that may be used to purchase properties.
CUEVAS, with the assistance of others, represented to the mortgage bank that he was using gifted funds to purchase the property when, in fact, the money was not gifted but was instead loaned to CUEVAS for the purpose of purchasing the property.
Specifically, CUEVAS first represented to the mortgage bank that an individual who he identified as his nephew but, in fact, was a subordinate employee from the City of Waterbury, was providing him with cash to purchase the property as a gift. When the mortgage lender asked for the “nephew’s” bank account statements to prove that he had the money to gift to CUEVAS, CUEVAS withdrew the mortgage application. A few weeks later, CUEVAS had a different Waterbury employee, who CUEVAS identified as his “cousin,” “gift” him the $7,000. Both individuals signed a HUD statement under oath that the funds were, indeed, a “gift” and that no repayment of the monies was expected. However, as soon as the mortgage closed, CUEVAS re-paid the employee the $7,000.
On June 20, 2016, CUEVAS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
CUEVAS resigned from the Connecticut General Assembly in March 2016.
This matter was investigated by the Connecticut Public Corruption Task Force, notably the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Task Force also includes members from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Karwan.
Citizens are encouraged to report corruption to the Connecticut Public Corruption Task Force by calling 203-238-0505.
Florida Couple Charged with Illegally Distributing Oxycodone in ConnecticutRead 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 HARRY DUREN, 73, and SANDRA DUREN, 53, both of Seminole, Florida, with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, oxycodone.
The indictment was returned on October 19, 2016. The defendants appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven and were released on $50,000 bonds.
According to allegations made in court, between approximately January 2005 and July 2016, HARRY and SANDRA DUREN obtained prescriptions for medications containing oxycodone from doctors in Connecticut, including Dr. Paul Bellofiore, and then arranged to resell their medications for their own profit. The DURENS, who are married, are former Connecticut residents.
If convicted of the charge in the indictment, the defendants face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $1 million.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This 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.
CVS Pharmacy Pays $600,000 to Settle Controlled Substances Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CVS Pharmacy, Inc. (“CVS”) has agreed to pay the federal government a total of $600,000 to resolve alleged violations of civil provisions of the Controlled Substances Act at stores in Southington and New Britain.
The government alleges that, on at least 2,886 occasions, the CVS store located at 326 Main Street in Southington failed to keep paper Schedule III-V prescriptions either in a separate prescription file or readily retrievable location away from other prescription records in violation of the law. In addition, on 31 occasions, the store failed to keep Schedule III-V purchase invoices in a readily accessible location separate and apart from other records required to be kept under law.
The government further alleges that, on at least 4,936 occasions, the CVS store located at 713 Main Street in New Britain failed to keep paper Schedule III-V prescriptions either in a separate prescription file or readily retrievable location away from other prescription records in violation of the law. In addition, on six occasions, the store failed to keep Schedule III-V purchase invoices in a readily accessible location separate and apart from other records required to be kept under law.
Congress, with the passage of the Controlled Substances Act, took steps to attempt to create “a closed system” of distribution for controlled substances in which every facet of the handling of the substances, from their manufacture to their consumption by the ultimate user, was to be subject to intense governmental regulation. This mission was taken against the backdrop of trying to prevent the diversion and abuse of legitimate controlled substances while at the same time ensuring an adequate supply of those substances needed to meet the medical and scientific needs of the United States. Accurate record keeping at retail pharmacies helps ensure that investigators can keep track of how many controlled substances a pharmacy should have and does have on hand.
As part of the settlement agreement, CVS has agreed that certain pharmacy supervisors, district managers, regional managers and loss prevention managers will attend a training session where the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Drug Enforcement Administration will provide information concerning federal regulatory obligations related to controlled substances. CVS will share that information to all active pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, and will continue to provide recurring controlled substances training to its pharmacy staff.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Office of Diversion Control in Rocky Hill and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Drug Control Division, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan M. Soloway.
Long Island Man Who Captured and Killed Federally Protected Hawks in Stamford is SentencedRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that THOMAS KAPUSTA, 63, of Westbury, N.Y., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to one year of probation for killing red-tailed hawks and Cooper’s hawks. Judge Chatigny also ordered KAPUSTA to pay a $5,500 fine and perform 90 hours of community service at a local animal shelter.
Red-tailed hawks and Cooper’s hawks are birds of prey, also known as raptors, and consume pigeons as part of their natural diet. These hawks are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
According to court documents and statements made in court, KAPUSTA and Adam Boguski were racing pigeon enthusiasts who constructed and maintained a pigeon coop at 330 Weed Avenue in Stamford. KAPUSTA and Boguski kept a large number of racing pigeons at this coop, and regularly let them fly outside the coop for exercise. Because KAPUSTA and Boguski viewed these hawks as a threat to their pigeons, they systematically captured the hawks in a trap specifically designed to capture birds of prey, shot and killed them in the trap, and disposed of their carcasses.
Knowing that he was violating the law by capturing and killing the hawks, KAPUSTA instructed Boguski to refer to the hawk trap as a “breeding cage” if law enforcement ever inquired.
On February 17, 2016, KAPUSTA pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to take, capture and kill red-tailed hawks and Cooper’s hawks, and four counts of taking, capturing and killing red-tailed hawks or Cooper’s hawks. In pleading guilty he admitted that he killed red-tailed hawks on September 8 and October 14, 2015, and Cooper’s hawks on September 2 and October 21, 2015.
On August 8, 2016, Boguski, of Stamford, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to take, capture and kill red-tailed hawks and Cooper’s hawks, and two counts of taking, capturing and killing Cooper’s hawks. In pleading guilty he admitted that he killed Cooper’s hawks on September 27, 2015 and October 17, 2015. He awaits sentencing.
Judge Chatigny ordered several special conditions of KAPUSTA’s probation that restrict his ability to engage in his racing pigeon hobby, including allowing his pigeon coop in Stamford to be randomly inspected by federal and state environmental authorities.
This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement and the Division of Refuge Law Enforcement, and the Environmental Conservation Police of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, with the assistance of the Stamford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.
Former New Canaan Resident Sentenced to 33 Months in Federal Prison for Defrauding InvestorsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN B. JEFFREY, also known as TUCKER JEFFREY, 49, formerly of New Canaan, Conn., and currently a resident of Denver, Colo., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 33 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for defrauding investors of more than $1.3 million.
According to court documents and statements made in court, JEFFREY offered individuals the opportunity to invest in Anchor Shipping and Trading, and Southern Cross Shipping, representing to victims that the companies were organized in the Marshall Islands, were engaged in the cargo shipping business, and had long-term contracts that would support a profitable international shipping business. The shipping companies were entirely fictitious. Instead of using invested funds as he had promised, JEFFREY used the vast majority of the money for his personal expenses, including paying for the mortgage on his New Canaan home, tuition at private schools, country club dues, and home renovation and landscaping costs.
As part of the scheme, JEFFREY created bogus documents that represented that certain well-known executives in the international shipping business were involved with the companies when, in fact, those executives had no such involvement. He also e-mailed and telephoned his victims falsely representing that the companies were profitable, that the victims would soon be receiving distributions from their investments, and to reassure victims when payments were delayed.
Judge Bolden ordered JEFFREY to pay $919,500 in restitution to the victims of this scheme. JEFFREY paid back certain victims after he found out about the FBI investigation, but required those victims to sign “settlement” agreements purporting to settle claims related to the fictitious companies.
On March 24, 2016, JEFFREY pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan L. Wines.
Danbury Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Murdering I-84 Motorist in 2000Read the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALEX GARCIA, 38, of Danbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 360 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for shooting and killing a Danbury man traveling on I-84 in January 2000.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 17, 2000, at approximately 11:02 p.m.., Mark Rebong was discovered in the driver’s seat of an idling vehicle in the vicinity of Exit 2 off of I-84 in Danbury. Mr. Rebong had had been shot once in the head and died as a result of his injuries.
The investigation revealed that GARCIA was a member of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”). In late December 1999, there was ongoing dispute in Danbury between the Latin Kings and another criminal gang, the Crips. On December 28, 1999, the dispute escalated as a result of the shooting of a high-ranking member of the Crips.
On January 17, 2000, GARCIA was a passenger in a vehicle traveling westbound on I-84. The driver of the vehicle, a high-ranking member of the Latin Kings, saw Mark Rebong driving near them on the highway and told GARCIA to shoot at Rebong’s vehicle. GARCIA then used an assault rifle to fire two rounds at the vehicle. As a result, Mark Rebong was killed.
Mark Rebong was neither a member of a gang nor engaged in any criminal activity.
“In a reckless act of brutal violence, this defendant murdered an innocent young man who was driving to work,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “I commend the investigators from the Danbury Police, State Police and DEA who never stopped searching for Mark’s killer until he was finally brought to justice. Hopefully the Rebong family, who showed patience and courage and dignity throughout this ordeal, have found a measure of solace in this result.”
Judge Meyer ordered the 30-year federal sentence to run concurrently with an unrelated 40-year state sentence that GARCIA is currently serving.
On June 15, 2016, GARCIA pleaded guilty to one count of use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Danbury Police Department and Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crime Squad, with assistance from the Connecticut Department of Correction and the Danbury State’s Attorney’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Lee Dayton.
New Milford Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LEONARD SIKORSKI, 60, of New Milford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to one count of illegal possession of a firearm bearing 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.
SIKORSKI is scheduled to be sentenced on January 13, 2017, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.
SIKORSKI is currently in state custody serving a sentence for illegally possessing explosives.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police and New Milford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry Kopel.