District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Meriden Man Charged with Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury sitting in Hartford returned an indictment today charging TRAYQUAN FORD, 20, of Meriden, with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
As alleged in the complaint that was previously filed in this case, the ATF and Meriden Police Department have been investigating gang-related violence in Meriden between the “Mack Balla Brim Bloods,” which is affiliated with the national “Bloods” gang, and members and associates of the “Crips.”
It is alleged that on July 18, 2016, FORD possessed a Taurus, model PT738 TCP, .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol that contained a magazine loaded with six rounds of ammunition and one round in the chamber.
Prior to that date, it is alleged that FORD had sustained a felony conviction for carrying a pistol without a permit. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
If convicted of the offense, FORD faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. He has been detained since his arrest on July 18.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Meriden Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.
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.
California Resident Sentenced to 52 Months in Federal Prison for Defrauding Struggling HomeownersRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MEHDI MOAREFIAN, also known as “Michael Miller,” 37, of Irvine, California, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 52 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in an extensive mortgage loan modification scheme. MOAREFIAN also was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,390,496.59.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Aria Maleki, MOAREFIAN and others jointly operated a series of California-based companies 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 defendants 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,” “Nation Star Financial,” and “Nation Star Fin Group.”
Maleki presided over the entire structure of this scheme, and MOAREFIAN was a senior member of the sales team. Acting as representatives of the above-named entities, MOAREFIAN and other co-conspirators 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’ companies, 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 the defendants and their co-conspirators 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.
The investigation revealed that the top tier of salesmen, including MOAREFIAN, were paid based on commission and typically earned 45 percent to 50 percent of the final fee, after $750 to $1,000 was taken by Maleki for administrative costs.
On January 21, 2016, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Maleki, MOAREFIAN and five other California residents with conspiracy and fraud offenses related to this scheme. The defendants were arrested on January 26.
On February 17, 2016, MOAREFIAN pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.
Maleki pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on July 18, 2016, 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 Executive of Stamford Company Sentenced to Prison for Insider TradingRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that DENNIS W. HAMILTON, 46, of Norwalk, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to eight months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for insider trading. Judge Thompson also
According to court documents and statements made in court, HAMILTON was employed as Vice President of Tax at Harman International Industries, Incorporated (“Harman”) in Stamford. Harman is a publicly-held company whose shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “HAR.” Beginning in 2009, Harman allowed directors, members of its executive committee and certain other insiders to buy or sell Harman securities in the public market only during a declared trading window period. In August 2013, HAMILTON was included on Harman’s insider trading list, and he was subsequently notified when the window in which he could engage in open market purchases of Harman securities was open, and that all trades must be cleared in advance with Harman’s general counsel. On September 27, 2013, HAMILTON and other Harman employees were advised via email that the “window period” within which they may engage in open market purchases or sales of Harman securities had closed.
In October 2013, HAMILTON received material, non-public information about Harman’s financial results for the first quarter for the fiscal year ending 2014, including drafts of Harman’s Form 10-Q filing and an earnings press release. He and other Harman executives also participated in a conference call with Harman’s Audit Committee, during which a draft resolution declaring a quarterly cash dividend on Harman’s common stock was discussed.
On October 30, 2013, HAMILTON, an insider in possession of material, non-public information, purchased 17,000 shares of HAR for between $72.07 and $72.67 per share, through a Charles Schwab account in the name of HAMILTON and his wife. On October 30, 2013, the closing price of HAR was $72.02. On October 31, 2013, Harman announced positive first quarter earnings for fiscal year 2014. On that date, the closing price of HAR was $81.02.
Between October 31, 2013 and November 5, 2013, through his Charles Schwab account, HAMILTON wrote at least 200 covered calls on HAR at a strike price of $70.00 with an expiration date of November 16, 2013 for a premium of $203,366. Through the use of some of these covered calls, HAMILTON realized a gain of $131,958 on the 17,000 shares of HAR he had purchased on October 30, 2013.
HAMILTON was arrested on a criminal complaint on February 5, 2016. On March 28, 2016, he waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of securities fraud.
In a parallel action, the Securities and Exchange Commission has filed related civil charges against HAMILTON. (Securities and Exchange Commission v. Dennis Wayne Hamilton, 3:16-cv-00192)
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with valuable assistance from Harman International Industries. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherry.
Two California Men Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding Struggling HomeownersRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that two California residents involved in an extensive mortgage loan modification scheme were sentenced today in Bridgeport federal court. U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill sentenced SERJ GEUTSSOYAN, also known as “Anthony Kirk,” 34, of Santa Ana, to 52 months of imprisonment, and DANIEL SHIAU, also known as “Scott Decker,” 30, of Irvine, to 58 months of imprisonment. GEUTSSOYSAN and SHIAU also were ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay restitution in the amount of $2,390,496.59.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Aria Maleki, GEUTSSOYAN, SHIAU and others jointly operated a series of California-based companies 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 defendants 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,” “Nation Star Financial,” and “Nation Star Fin Group.”
Maleki presided over the entire structure of this scheme, and GEUTSSOYAN and SHIAU were senior members of the sales team. Acting as representatives of the above-named entities, GEUTSSOYAN, SHIAU and other co-conspirators 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’ companies, 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 the defendants and their co-conspirators 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.
The investigation revealed that the top tier of salesmen, including GEUTSSOYAN and SHIAU, were paid based on commission and typically earned 45 percent to 50 percent of the final fee, after $750 to $1,000 was taken by Maleki for administrative costs.
On January 21, 2016, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Maleki, GEUTSSOYAN, SHIAU and four other California residents with conspiracy and fraud offenses related to this scheme. The defendants were arrested on January 26.
Maleki, GEUTSSOYAN and SHIAU each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.
On July 18, 2016, Maleki 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 four defendants also have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This matter is being 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.
Meriden Man Admits to Engaging in Sexual Acts with Minors, Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARK W. IRVIN, 64, of Meriden, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to one count of production of 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 two males who were under the age of 18. IRVIN 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.
IRVIN has been detained since his arrest on September 18, 2015.
Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for November 23, 2016, at which time IRVIN faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years, a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years and a fine of up to $250,000.
IRVIN also is charged with related state offenses.
This matter is being investigated by the Meriden Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations and Connecticut State Police. The case is being 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.
Pediatric Dentist Pays $1.3 Million to Settle False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen, and Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, today announced that JESUS VILLEGAS, DDS, and his two pediatric dental clinics located in Milford and West Haven have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments in which they will pay $1,367,466 to resolve allegations that they violated the federal and state False Claims Acts.
The allegations arise out of the taking of pediatric dental x-rays at FAIRFIELD PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, LLC (“FAIRFIELD”) in Milford and HAVEN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, LLC (“HAVEN”) in West Haven. Under Connecticut law, a licensed dentist may delegate to dental assistants the taking of dental x-rays if the dental assistant can demonstrate successful completion of the dental radiography portion of an examination prescribed by the Dental Assisting National Board (“DANB”). The certification provided by the DANB examination is important to ensure dental assistants are appropriately trained in the use of x-ray procedures and to ensure the x-rays are performed safely.
The federal and state governments allege that the majority of x-rays taken at DR. VILLEGAS’ dental clinics were taken by dental assistants who were not DANB certified. X-rays taken by uncertified dental assistants are not payable by the Medicaid program.
To resolve the allegations under the federal and state False Claims Acts, VILLEGAS, FAIRFIELD and HAVEN have agreed to pay $1,367,466, which covers conduct occurring from June 1, 2010 through and including March 17, 2014.
As part of the settlement, VILLEGAS, FAIRFIELD and HAVEN have entered into a three-year billing Integrity Agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that is designed to ensure future compliance with the requirements of federal healthcare programs.
“Health care providers must utilize properly certified individuals to treat patients, and the failure to ensure such proper care for patients will have serious consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “The U.S. Attorney’s office is committed to vigorously pursuing health care providers who submit false or fraudulent claims to federal health care programs.”
“Dentists must ensure that only certified staff provide services to their patients,” said HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Coyne. “Cutting corners could jeopardize the safety of patients and the integrity of the Medicaid program. Working with our law enforcement partners, our agency is dedicated to protecting patients and the government health care programs designed to serve them.”
This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Molot and Auditor Kevin Saunders, and by Assistants Attorney General Karen S. Haabestad and Natasha Freismuth of the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.
People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS or the Health Care Fraud Task Force at (203) 777-6311.
New York Man Involved in $2.5 Million Jewelry Theft Sentenced to 40 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JASON GATTO, 34, of Gardiner, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 40 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for burglarizing a Connecticut residence and stealing approximately $2.5 million in jewelry.
According to court documents and statements made in court, GATTO was a member of a group of friends who referred to themselves as the “Jedi Knights” and committed hundreds of residential burglaries in Connecticut and other states along the eastern seaboard, stealing money, jewelry and firearms.
In February 2012, GATTO and Michael Simpson of Montgomery, New York, burglarized a residence in Salisbury, Connecticut, and stole approximately 250 pieces of jewelry valued at more than $2.5 million. Believing that many of the stolen pieces were not valuable, GATTO discarded them from his car window as he and Simpson drove from the scene. Later, Simpson showed some of the remaining stolen jewelry to his girlfriend, Martha Dahl, who identified the items as being valuable. GATTO, Simpson and Dahl then traveled with the jewelry to North Carolina. On the way, they contacted Miguel Mead and bought him an airline ticket, which he used to immediately fly to North Carolina. In North Carolina, the jewelry was distributed among the group to sell. Members of the group then sold pieces of the stolen jewelry to businesses in North Carolina, California, and elsewhere.
After the burglary, the Connecticut State Police recovered some of the stolen jewelry along the side of Route 41 in Salisbury.
Judge Meyer ordered GATTO to pay $1.5 million in restitution.
GATTO was arrested on January 6, 2016. On March 7, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport stolen property.
Simpson, Dahl and Mead also pleaded guilty. On February 16, 2016, Mead, of Schenectady, New York, was sentenced to 41 months of imprisonment. Simpson and Dahl await sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Richards.
Former Wesleyan Football Player Who Distributed Synthetic Drug that Caused Overdose is SentencedRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RYAN WELCH, 22, of Salem, Mass., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to three years of probation, the first six months of which WELCH must spend in home confinement, for distributing a synthetic hallucinogenic drug at Wesleyan University. Judge Bolden also ordered WELCH to perform 200 hours of community service.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 31, 2015, the Wesleyan University Department of Public Safety responded to an emergency call from a campus dorm room and found a male student in severe medical distress. The victim was convulsing and struggling to breathe, and his body temperature was significantly elevated. The victim was transported by ambulance to the hospital where he spent several days recovering.
The investigation revealed that the victim had ingested “2C-B,” and that WELCH was the source of the 2C-B that the victim ingested.
The investigation further revealed that WELCH, a member of Wesleyan’s football team, had distributed 2C-B to between 15 and 20 other members of the team during the 2015 season. Initially, he distributed the drug in liquid form, mixing it in a water bottle with a non-alcoholic drink. Later, he distributed it in powder form, in clear capsules. Some teammates referred to the 2C-B distributed by WELCH as “Welchie’s drug” or “Welchie’s special.” Certain players paid WELCH approximately $10 for each single-dose capsule.
The investigation further revealed that WELCH purchased the synthetic drug on the Dark Web using Bitcoin.
WELCH was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on January 21, 2016. On March 8, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 2C-E and 2C-B, Schedule I controlled substances (hallucinogens).
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, which includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton and Milford Police Departments.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector and Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Eugene Calistro of the Middlesex State’s Attorney’s Office, who was cross-designated as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in this matter.
Former Middlebury Fire Chief to Serve Time in Prison for Embezzling FundsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PAUL PERROTTI, 49, of Middlebury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to three months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for embezzling funds while serving as the Fire Chief of the Town of Middlebury. Judge Meyer also ordered PERROTTI to perform 200 hours of community service during his term of supervised release.
On July 23, 2015, a jury found PERROTTI guilty of two counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds.
According to the evidence at trial, PERROTTI served as the Fire Chief of the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. (“MVFD”) from 1997 until 2014. PERROTTI also is a licensed electrical contractor and, since approximately 2010, has operated Paul Perrotti Electric, LLC (“PPE”). In 2012 and 2013, PERROTTI used Town funds to pay for unauthorized personal expenses and for expenses associated with PPE. These payments included checks made directly payable to employees of PPE, checks made to various vendors of PPE for PPE-related supplies, and checks made to pay third parties, who ultimately passed on the payments to PERROTTI. PERROTTI also submitted invoices to the Town of Middlebury for expenses that he falsely claimed were incurred by MVFD but, in fact, were expenses related to the business of PPE, including bills for various vendors of PPE.
In a post-trial ruling, Judge Meyer found that PERROTTI embezzled $25,746 from the Town and the MVFD.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Karwan and Heather Cherry.
Former Greenwich Resident Pleads Guilty to Stealing More Than $700K in Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DEBRA BIAGI, 50, of Fogelsville, Pa., formerly of Greenwich, waived her right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to one count of wire fraud stemming from her theft of more than $700,000 from her employer and related companies and individuals.
According to court documents and statements made in court, BIAGI was employed by HB Nitkin Group of Greenwich, Connecticut, a privately owned business engaged in real estate management and development. BIAGI served as an assistant to the chairman of the company with responsibilities that included managing the accounts payable for the company.
From approximately February 2014 to December 2015, BIAGI defrauded the company, as well as key company individuals and members of their families who retained financial and banking information at the company. As part of the scheme, BIAGI created fraudulent invoices made out to fictitious companies detailing charges for items such as masonry, carpentry, electrical and plumbing work. She then used victims’ checkbooks to make checks out to the fictitious companies, purportedly to pay the fraudulent invoices. BIAGI then deposited the checks into her personal bank account, at times endorsing the check with an illegible signature to hide her misconduct, and subsequently withdrew the monies for her personal use.
To keep track of which invoices were fictitious and which checks were made to fictitious companies, BIAGI often included her initials “DB” in the fabricated company name listed on the invoice and check. BIAGI then noted the fictitious company as the payee in the relevant accounting records at the company and filed the fabricated invoices as business record. BIAGI also, as needed, misappropriated the signature stamp of the company’s chairman and used it to “sign” the misappropriated checks and to falsely suggest that the paid expenditure was both legitimate and authorized.
In addition, at different times during the scheme, BIAGI simply stole checks from employees of the company and either made the checks to cash, or endorsed to cash checks that already listed a payee.
In total, BIAGI stole $711,074.39 during the course of this scheme.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for November 21, 2016, at which time BIAGI faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Greenwich Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Waterbury Store Operators Charged with Food Stamp FraudRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that TALLAT MAHMOOD, 63, of Waterbury, RAUL CARLOS MONARCA, 40, of Waterbury, and TAHIR SHAHZAD, 32 of Harrison, N.Y., have been arrested on criminal complaints charging them with federal food stamp fraud and illegally trafficking in food stamp benefits at a retail food store in Waterbury. MAHMOOD and MONARCA were arrested by federal law enforcement agents on August 18 and SHAHZAD surrendered to authorities yesterday afternoon.
The federal food stamp program, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program (SNAP), is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service and utilizes federal tax dollars to subsidize low-income households to provide them with the opportunity to achieve a more nutritious diet by increasing their food-purchasing power. SNAP recipients purchase eligible food items at retail food stores through the use of an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, and SNAP benefits may be accepted by authorized retailers only in exchange for eligible items. Items such as alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, paper goods and soaps are not eligible for purchase with food stamp benefits, and it is a violation of the rules and regulations governing the food stamp program to allow benefits to be used to purchase ineligible items. SNAP benefits may not lawfully be exchanged for cash under any circumstances. The program is designed so that the total amount of each purchase is electronically transferred to the retailer’s designated bank account.
According to the criminal complaints, MAHMOOD, MONARCA and SHAHZAD worked at WB Trade Fair Grocery, located at 43 Willow Street in Waterbury. From November 2014 until June 2016, MAHMOOD, MONARCA and SHAHZAD illegally allowed customers to redeem their food stamp benefits for cash and other ineligible items, including cigarettes, glass pipes, bongs and hookahs. The store operators often charged a premium for these illegal transactions.
According to the complaints, given the stock of eligible food items at the store, the number of registers, and the customer amenities, it is estimated that WB Trade Fair Grocery could lawfully redeem at most between $120,000 to $240,000 per year in food stamp benefits. However, during this approximately 18-month period, food stamp redemptions at the store totaled approximately $3.2 million.
Following their arrests, MAHMOOD, MONARCA and SHAHZAD appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven. MAHMOOD and SHAHZAD were ordered to surrender their passports and were released on bond. MONARCA was ordered detained.
If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of up to $250,000 and full restitution to the government.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anastasia E. King and Neeraj N. Patel.
Norwich Resident Admits Role in Insurance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PIERRE JEUDY, 56, of Norwich, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of wire fraud stemming from his involvement in an insurance fraud scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between April 2011 and February 2014, JEUDY and others participated in a scheme to stage approximately 50 car crashes in eastern Connecticut for the purpose of defrauding automobile insurance companies and enriching themselves. A high percentage of these planned crashes were single-vehicle accidents on remote roads where there were no witnesses other than the occupants of the crashed vehicle. After each staged accident, the defendants filed fraudulent property damage and bodily injury claims with various automobile insurance companies. They then collected payouts on the fraudulent claims from the victim insurance companies. These payouts typically ranged from about $10,000 to about $30,000 per accident.
In pleading guilty, JEUDY admitted his personal involvement in a staged automobile crash in Norwich on October 22, 2013.
JEUDY was arrested on May 20 and is released on bond. He is a citizen of Haiti and a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for November 29, 2016, at which time JUEDY faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Norwich Police Department and the National Insurance Crime Bureau, with the assistance of the Mohegan Tribal Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.
New Haven Man Who Shot Victim in the Face During Robbery Attempt Sentenced to 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HARRY ANDERSON, also known as “Ace,” 23, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for using a firearm during a violent robbery attempt.
This matter stems from an investigation into a criminal enterprise known as the Red Side Guerilla Brims (“RSGB”), a sect of the Bloods street gang that operated in New Haven from 2011 through 2015, which was engaged in narcotics trafficking and related acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, assaults and armed robberies.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 21, 2011, ANDERSON ordered a quantity of crack cocaine from Marquise Moore, whom he knew to be a drug dealer. ANDERSON claims his objective in ordering the crack cocaine was not to purchase it, but to rob Moore of the drugs and any cash he had on him at the time. When ANDERSON met Moore, he pulled out a .22 caliber handgun and shot him in the face. ANDERSON fled before completing the robbery.
ANDERSON was incarcerated in state custody on November 29, 2011, for an unrelated armed robbery offense. He was transferred into federal custody on May 29, 2015. On March 9, 2016, he pleaded guilty one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
This investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the New Haven Police Department, the Connecticut Department of Correction, the Connecticut State Police, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Hamden Police Department. The New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office also provided critical assistance in the investigation.
An instrumental component of the investigation has been the work of the Connecticut State Crime Laboratory in utilizing the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to analyze ballistics evidence.
This matter is being prosecuted in the District of Connecticut by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert M. Spector and Peter D. Markle. A related case in the District of Maine is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Casey.
Former Newtown Police Sergeant Sentenced to Prison for Manufacturing and Distributing SteroidsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STEVEN SANTUCCI, 40, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 16 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for manufacturing and distributing steroids. Judge Chatigny also ordered SANTUCCI to serve six months of home confinement and perform 120 hours of community service while on supervised release, and pay a $5,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, a long-term investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations revealed that SANTUCCI, a former Newtown Police sergeant, and others were receiving shipments of steroid ingredients from China and manufacturing and distributing wholesale quantities of steroids. The investigation also revealed that certain members of the conspiracy were distributing prescription pills, including oxycodone, as well as cocaine.
SANTUCCI used more than $120,000 in proceeds from the sale of anabolic steroids to wire payments to foreign sellers of ingredients to make liquid anabolic steroids, and to purchase drug packaging materials from domestic companies. Also, between April 2011 and November 2014, SANTUCCI charged more than $300,000 on two personal credit credits, including more than $100,000 to pay for various luxury vacations.
SANTUCCI was arrested on April 29, 2015. On December 9, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids and one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.
SANTUCCI, who is released on a $100,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on October 10.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale and Robert M. Spector.
Waterbury Men Charged with Heroin Distribution OffensesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging JAMAR JONES, also known as “Mitch,” 35, and ALVIN LOPES, 40, both of Waterbury, with heroin distribution offenses.
The eight-count indictment alleges that between March 2016 and August 2016, JONES and LOPES conspired to distribute and distributed various quantities of heroin. The indictment also charges JONES with one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base (“crack”).
If convicted of the charges contained in the indictment, JONES and LOPES face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.
JONES and LOPES were arrested on federal criminal complaints on August 11 and August 10, respectively, and are detained.
The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford.
This matter is being investigated by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the Ansonia Police Department. The DEA 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. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.
Overdose Investigation Leads to Heroin Distribution Charges 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, today announced that JAMES HAYES, also known as “T.Y.,” 32, of Waterbury, was arrested on heroin distribution offenses earlier this week. The charges stem from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.
HAYES is charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin, and conspiracy to distribute heroin. The charges carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.
According the complaint, on June 16, 2016, Monroe Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in Monroe on report of a possible heroin overdose and found an unresponsive 32-year-old female on the floor of her bedroom. The victim was pronounced deceased shortly thereafter. Investigators seized various items that were located in the bedroom, including several empty wax folds and one wax fold that contained suspected heroin. It is alleged that HAYES distributed heroin that was consumed by the victim shortly before her death.
HAYES was arrested on August 22, 2016. He appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven and was ordered detained.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, Monroe Police Department and Waterbury Police Department. 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 Haven Man Sentenced to 66 Months in Prison for Federal Assault and Narcotics OffensesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CHRISTOPHER GRAHAM, also known as “Ugg,” 29, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 66 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for federal assault and narcotics offenses.
On September 30, 2015, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a 34-count indictment against GRAHAM and five co-defendants charging various racketeering, violent crimes in aid of racketeering, firearms, money laundering and narcotics distribution offenses. The indictment described a criminal enterprise known as the Red Side Guerilla Brims (“RSGB”), a sect of the Bloods street gang that operated in New Haven from 2011 through 2015, which was engaged in narcotics trafficking and related acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, assaults and armed robberies.
GRAHAM was a member of the RSGB in 2014. As part of his gang membership, on December 23, 2014, he committed a violent assault of an individual over a .40 caliber pistol that the victim allegedly stole from him. GRAHAM committed the assault along with another RSGB member whom he had called to the scene after realizing the victim had stolen the gun.
In addition, on multiple occasions between October 2014 and December 2014, GRAHAM either distributed or possessed with the intent to distribute crack cocaine.
GRAHAM has been detained since his arrest on October 6, 2015. On January 22, 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.
This investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the New Haven Police Department, the Connecticut Department of Correction, the Connecticut State Police, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Hamden Police Department. The New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office also provided critical assistance in the investigation.
An instrumental component of the investigation has been the work of the Connecticut State Crime Laboratory in utilizing the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to analyze ballistics evidence.
This matter is being prosecuted 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.
Easton Woman Who Stole $380K from Greenwich Employer Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAWN MININBERG, 48, of Easton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release with the first 12 months on home confinement, for stealing approximately $380,000 from her employer.
According to court documents and statements made in court, MININBERG worked for a company located in Greenwich where she provided financial services. MININBERG was issued an American Express corporate credit card for business purposes and, as part of her duties, she prepared expense reports justifying the charges to all of the corporate credit cards, including her own. Over the course of approximately two years, MININBERG charged approximately $380,000 in personal expenses to her corporate credit card for clothing and other items purchased at high-end stores, theater tickets, children’s parties and lessons, charitable donations, vacations and the purchase of an $11,000 jungle gym. MININBERG hid these expenditures by categorizing them as office supplies, meals, meetings or lodging.
Judge Underhill ordered MININBERG to pay restitution in the amount of $386,907.77.
On January 15, 2016, MININBERG pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
This matter was investigated by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, U.S. Secret Service and Greenwich Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
Ellington Woman Sentenced to Additional Prison Time for Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PATRICIA BADDELEY MEEHAN, 51, of Ellington, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to two months of imprisonment and two additional years of supervised release for violating the terms and conditions of her supervised release that followed a federal conviction in 2010.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 11, 2010, Judge Underhill sentenced MEEHAN to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for stealing $1,716,128 from a law firm where she was employed, and for failing to pay taxes on the stolen income. She was released from federal prison in August 2013 and began serving her term of supervised release, a condition of which included that she refrain from gambling and not enter any establishment known to promote gambling.
An investigation revealed that MEEHAN gambled at Foxwoods Resort Casino on at least 23 occasions between 2014 and 2016, and had jackpot winnings of at least $51,862. During this time, she has paid only approximately $8,021 of the more than $1.7 million in restitution she owes.
MEEHAN was ordered to report to prison on September 28, 2016.
This case has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.
Bridgeport Residents Charged with Sex Trafficking of a MinorRead 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 a federal grand jury sitting in New Haven has returned an indictment charging DARRYL MORRIS, also known as “King Sincere,” 32, and NESHAYA DOZIER, 26, both of Bridgeport, with offenses related to the sex trafficking of a minor.
The indictment was returned on August 9, 2016, and unsealed today. MORRIS was arrested on August 16 and DOZIER was arrested on August 19. They are both detained.
The indictment alleges that, between November 2014 and May 2016, MORRIS and DOZIER conspired to recruit, harbor and transport a minor to engage in commercial acts, and that MORRIS did so with force, threats of force, fraud and coercion.
MORRIS and DOZIER are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor and one count of sex trafficking of a minor, offenses that carry a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life. MORRIS is also charged with one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, and offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 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 each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bridgeport Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Stratford Police Department and New York Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarala V. Nagala.
U.S. Servicemember Who Took Illegal Photos Inside Nuclear Sub, Impeded Investigation, Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin announced that KRISTIAN SAUCIER, 29, of Arlington, Vt., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 12 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally retaining photos taken inside a nuclear submarine and impeding the investigation of the matter. While on supervised release, SAUCIER must spend six months in home confinement with electronic monitoring, and perform 100 hours of community service.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from September 2007 to March 2012, SAUCIER served as a machinist’s mate aboard the USS Alexandria, which is a U.S. Navy Los Angeles-class nuclear attack submarine based at the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn. On at least three separate dates in 2009, SAUCIER used the camera on his personal cellphone to take photographs of classified spaces, instruments and equipment of the USS Alexandria, documenting the major technical components of the submarine’s propulsion system.
On January 19, 2009, at approximately 4:00 a.m., SAUCIER took two photos, one of the auxiliary steam plant panel and the other of the reactor compartment viewed through a portal. On March 22, 2009, at approximately 1:30 a.m., SAUCIER took two photos that, when placed side by side, provided a panoramic array of the Maneuvering Compartment, the room from which the propulsion system of the boat is operated. On July 15, 2009, at 12:47 p.m., SAUCIER took two photos documenting the reactor head configuration of the nuclear reactor and a view of the reactor compartment from within that compartment.
SAUCIER had a Secret clearance and knew that the photos depicted classified material and that he was not authorized to take them. He retained these photographs and failed to deliver them to any officer or employee of the U.S. entitled to receive it.
The investigation began in March 2012 when SAUCIER’s cellphone was found at a waste transfer station in Hampton, Conn. SAUCIER was interviewed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Naval Criminal Investigative Service in July 2012 and confronted with the classified images from his phone. Following that interview and in an effort to impede the federal investigation, SAUCIER returned to his home and immediately destroyed a laptop computer, a personal camera and the camera’s memory card. Pieces of a laptop computer were subsequently found in the woods on a property in Connecticut owned by a member of SAUCIER’s family.
SAUCIER was arrested on May 28, 2015. On May 27, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of unauthorized possession and retention of national defense information.
SAUCIER, who is released on bond, was ordered to report to prison on October 12, 2016.
SAUCIER is currently enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Petty Officer First Class assigned to the Naval Support Activity Base, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. He is awaiting an administrative separation board proceeding.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vanessa Richards and Jacabed Rodriguez-Coss, and Trial Attorney Will Mackie from the Justice Department’s National Security Division, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York.
New Jersey Resident Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Multi-State Burglary SpreeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALIONIS PEREZ, 40, a citizen of Cuba last residing in New Jersey, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 60 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, 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, PEREZ and others attempted to break into the Movado store located in Kittery, Maine.
On September 19, 2013, PEREZ and others broke into the Fossil store located in Miramar Beach, Fla., and stole watches valued at approximately of $170,000.
On October 4, 2013, PEREZ and others broke into the Fossil store located in Hagerstown, Md., and stole watches valued at approximately $750,000.
On October 24, 2013, 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, 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.
During the evening of August 7 or early morning hours of August 8, 2014, PEREZ and others burglarized a Radio Shack store located in Chesterfield, Mo. However, the burglary was interrupted and they were able to steal only a small amount of cash.
The following evening, PEREZ and others burglarized a Sunglass Hut Store located in Leawood, Kan., and stole 623 pairs of sunglasses valued at approximately $113,000.
In the early morning hours of August 10, 2014, PEREZ and others burglarized a Radio Shack in Franklin, Tenn., and stole approximately 50 smartphones valued at approximately $28,000. Later that day, PEREZ and his co-conspirators were arrested in a hotel room in Nashville, Tenn. The property stolen from the Sunglass Hut in Kansas and Radio Shack in Tennessee was recovered in connection with the arrest.
PEREZ has been detained since his arrest on August 10, 2014. On May 23, 2016, he pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to engage in the interstate transportation of stolen property.
Judge Chatigny ordered PEREZ to pay restitution in the amount of $1.865 million.
This investigation is being 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 is being 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.
Enfield Woman Sentenced to 21 Months in Federal Prison for Embezzling from Credit UnionRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PAMELA MALLORY, 43, of Enfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for embezzling more than $840,000 from her employer, 360 Federal Credit Union.
According to court documents and statements made in court, MALLORY was employed as the lending manager of Windsor Locks-based 360 Federal Credit Union. In her position, MALLORY had access to loan files and authorized loans, including home equity lines of credit (“HELOCs”). From 2009 through 2016, MALLORY opened five different HELOCs in the name of a credit union member and increased the credit limit of those HELOCs on at least 15 occasions, all without the knowledge or consent of the credit union member. Initially, MALLORY perpetrated this scheme by opening subsequent HELOCs to pay off earlier, smaller HELOCs. Later in the scheme, rather than opening new HELOCs, she simply increased the credit limits on two of the fraudulent HELOCs to support her spending.
In order to evade detection, MALLORY made minimum, interest-only payments on the HELOCs from her own checking account.
When 360 Federal Credit Union discovered the scheme in January 2016, the credit union member’s property, which is worth less than $150,000, supported two HELOCs, each with credit limits of $417,000, that MALLORY had fully drawn down.
In total, MALLORY stole approximately $840,378.28 from 360 Federal Credit Union and used the proceeds of the scheme to pay her own creditors. Judge Chatigny ordered MALLORY to make full restitution.
On May 12, 2016, MALLORY pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement by a credit union employee.
MALLORY, who is released on bond, was ordered to report to prison on September 28, 2016.
This matter was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.
New London Man Charged with Gun, Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging JAMES BOWERS, 30, of New London, with one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. The indictment was returned on July 20, 2016.
BOWERS appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.
It is alleged that on June 30, 2016, BOWERS possessed a stolen .45 caliber handgun and marijuana that he intended to distribute. It is further alleged that, prior to that date, BOWERS was convicted of state and federal felony offenses.
BOWERS has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on June 30.
On October 6, 2008, BOWERS was sentenced in U.S. District Court in New Haven to 120 months of imprisonment and eight years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. He was released from federal prison in December 2014 and is currently on supervised release.
If convicted of the charges, BOWERS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on the firearm charge and a maximum term of imprisonment of five years on the drug charge. He also faces an additional term of imprisonment if he is found to have violated his supervised release.
This case has been assigned to Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford.
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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force-East, which includes members from the Norwich, Groton City and New London Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John H. Durham.
Derby Man Sentenced to Prison for Distributing Prescription Narcotics, Cocaine and SteroidsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FRANK PECORA, 55, of Derby, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing prescription narcotics, cocaine and steroids.
According to court documents and statements made in court, a long-term investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations revealed that Steven Santucci, a former Newtown Police sergeant, and others were receiving shipments of steroid ingredients from China and manufacturing and distributing wholesale quantities of steroids. The investigation also revealed that, in addition to steroids, PECORA and others were distributing prescription pills and cocaine.
PECORA was arrested on April 29, 2015. On May 1, 2015, investigators searched his residence and seized numerous prescription narcotic pills, steroids, 350 grams of cocaine, two .308 caliber rifles and two 12 gauge shotguns.
On January 25, 2016, PECORA, a previously convicted felon, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone. In pleading guilty, also admitted that he unlawfully possessed firearms.
PECORA has been detained since his arrest.
On December 9, 2015, Santucci pleaded guilty steroid distribution and money laundering offenses. He awaits sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale and Robert M. Spector.
Derby Man Connected to Overdose Death Sentenced to 71 Months in Federal PrisonRead 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 BRADLEY COMMERFORD, 20, of Derby, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 71 months of imprisonment, followed by six years of supervised release for distributing heroin. Judge Thompson also ordered COMMERFORD to perform 150 hours of community service while on supervised release.
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, the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, Derby Police Department and Shelton Police Department investigated two non-fatal heroin overdoses that occurred in Shelton on February 16, 2016, and one fatal overdose that occurred in Derby on February 17, 2016. The Derby overdose resulted in the death of a 23-year-old male. The Shelton overdoses involved one individual who was 18 and another who was 22.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner subsequently issued a report listing the Derby victim’s cause of death as “acute fentanyl intoxication.”
The investigation, which included victim and witness interviews, as well as analysis of numerous text messages of the decedent’s phone, identified COMMERFORD as the heroin source of supply in all three overdose cases. The investigation also revealed that COMMERFORD sold heroin to a 16-year-old individual who did not overdose.
“While this defendant has faced difficulties and struggled with addiction himself, his reckless behavior cannot be excused,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “He regularly distributed heroin to teenagers and sold heroin after being convicted in state court of several serious felony offenses. More disturbing, even after the overdose death in this case, he continued to sell heroin and was arrested while on his way to purchase a distribution quantity of heroin from his source in Waterbury. This sentence will help to protect the public, give this defendant substantial time to consider and address his own addiction and, hopefully provide some small measure of solace to the victim’s family. We will continue to prioritize opioid overdose cases and target heroin and fentanyl dealers to raise awareness of the opioid epidemic and prosecute those responsible for it. I thank the DEA and task force partners for their tireless commitment to this effort.”
“Those suffering from the disease of heroin addiction need access to treatment and recovery,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Ferguson. “But, those responsible for distributing lethal drugs like heroin and fentanyl to the citizens of Connecticut need to be held accountable for their actions. In response to the ongoing opioid epidemic DEA and its local, state and federal partners are committed to bringing to justice those that distribute this poison.”
COMMERFORD has been detained since his arrest on February 18, 2016. On May 6, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of heroin to an individual who is under 21 years of age.
The DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe, Fairfield and Middlebury Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.
New Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Carjacking OffenseRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KYLE VALENTINE, 25, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford to a federal carjacking offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 1, 2016, two men from out of state who were driving a rented 2015 Volkswagen Passat were victims of an armed carjacking in the vicinity of Hobart Street and Myrtle Street in Meriden. The victims reported that they had stopped to ask an individual, later identified as VALENTINE, for directions to a gas station. VALENTINE told the victims to follow his car, which they did. After traveling a few minutes, VALENTINE’s car stopped and another individual pointed a handgun at one of the victims who was sitting in the passenger seat of the car, opened the door and stated “I want everything.” The victims exited the car and VALENTINE and the other individual stole their wallets and cell phones and then drove away in the Passat.
VALENTINE pleaded guilty to one count of taking a motor vehicle from a person by force and violence or by intimidation, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on November 2, 2016.
VALENTINE is detained pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the East Haven, Meriden, Milford and New Haven Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking HeroinRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FRANCISCO SANCHEZ-REYES, also known as “Chino,” 38, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in September 2014, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and Hartford Police Department initiated an investigation into narcotics distribution, firearms trafficking and acts of violence carried out by members and associates Los Solidos in Hartford’s South End. The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of heroin, crack cocaine and firearms, resulted in federal charges against approximately 30 individuals.
The investigation revealed that Melvin Castro, also known as “Humacoa,” controlled the distribution of heroin in the Park Street, Babcock Street and Zion Street area of Hartford. The Task Force orchestrated the purchase of more than 2,700 bags of heroin and six firearms from Castro during the investigation. Wiretaps captured numerous conversations in which Castro coordinated hundreds of additional sales of heroin, and revealed that SANCHEZ-REYES was a trusted associate of Castro who also was involved in the distribution of heroin.
SANCHEZ has been detained since his arrest on June 15, 2015. On March 9, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.
Castro also pleaded guilty and, on May 13, 2016, was sentenced to 84 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.
California Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking HeroinRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUIS CEDILLO, 33, last residing in Los Angeles, Calif., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 14, 2013, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force followed a white Cadillac Escalade that CEDILLO was driving to a store where CEDILLO purchased items used to process and package illegal drugs. After the Escalade traveled to a garage in Wolcott, agents approached CEDILLO, secured him in handcuffs and received consent from the owner of the property to search the garage. Agents observed that the vehicle, which was raised on a lift, had sheet-rock screws coming through the metal of the bottom of the car. After a canine alert, agents located and opened a trap in the rear of the vehicle and retrieved approximately six kilograms of heroin. CEDILLO was arrested at the time.
A subsequent search of a residence in Danbury connected to CEDILLO revealed approximately $400,000 in cash.
CEDILLO has been detained since his arrest. On May 19, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.
This matter was investigated by the DEA’s New Haven Task Force, which includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, East Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Derby and Meriden Police Departments, and the U.S. Marshals Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Dave Vatti.
Avon Man Charged with Distributing Heroin Involved in Overdose Death of East Haddam ResidentRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that KERRY SCANLAN, 20, of Avon, was arrested yesterday on a federal criminal complaint charging him distributing heroin involved in an overdose death of an 18-year-old in East Haddam. 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.
Following his arrest, SCANLAN appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven and was ordered detained.
As alleged in court documents, in the morning of March 19, 2016, Connecticut State Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in East Haddam on the report of an “untimely death.” The victim, an 18-year-old male, was pronounced dead at the scene. At the scene, State Police seized the victim’s cell phone and multiple glassine bags containing powder residue. The investigation revealed that SCANLAN arranged to purchase heroin from a source in Hartford. On March 18, 2016, the victim drove to Avon, picked up SCANLAN and then drove to Hartford to purchase heroin.
On April 4, 2016, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner issued a report listing the victim’s cause of death as “acute fentanyl intoxication.”
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, the Connecticut State Police and the East Haddam Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Norwich Resident Admits Role in Insurance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FRANDY DUGUE, also known as “Jimmy,” 39, of Norwich, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of wire fraud stemming from his involvement in an insurance fraud scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between April 2011 and February 2014, DUGUE and others conspired to stage approximately 50 car crashes in eastern Connecticut for the purpose of defrauding automobile insurance companies and enriching themselves. A high percentage of these planned crashes were single-vehicle accidents on remote roads where there were no witnesses other than the occupants of the crashed vehicle. After each staged accident, the defendants filed fraudulent property damage and bodily injury claims with various automobile insurance companies. They then collected payouts on the fraudulent claims from the victim insurance companies. These payouts typically ranged from about $10,000 to about $30,000 per accident.
In pleading guilty, DUGUE admitted his personal involvement in a staged automobile crash in Killingly on December 14, 2013.
DUGUE were arrested on May 20 and is released on bond. He is a citizen of Haiti and a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for November 1, 2016, at which time DUGUE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Norwich Police Department and the National Insurance Crime Bureau, with the assistance of the Mohegan Tribal Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.
Stamford Man Pleads Guilty to Capturing and Killing Federally Protected HawksRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Honora Gordon, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, announced that ADAM BOGUSKI, 43, of Stamford, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court 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.
According to court documents and statements made in court, 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.
In pleading guilty, BOGUSKI admitted that he and Thomas Kapusta were racing pigeon enthusiasts who constructed and maintained a pigeon coop at 330 Weed Avenue in Stamford. BOGUSKI and Kapusta kept a large number of racing pigeons at this coop, and regularly let them fly outside the coop for exercise. Because BOGUSKI and Kapusta 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. BOGUSKI admitted that he killed Cooper’s hawks on September 27, 2015 and October 17, 2015.
BOGUSKI is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on October 11, 2016. He faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 18 months and a fine of up to $45,000.
On February 17, 2016, Kapusta, of Westbury, N.Y., 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. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 12.
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.
State of Connecticut Agrees to Resolve Claims of National Voter Registration Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced today that it has reached an agreement with Connecticut and state officials to resolve claims that the state failed to provide voter registration opportunities required by Section 5 of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA).
The department’s investigation, conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section, found that the state of Connecticut failed to comply with the requirements of Section 5 of the NVRA. Applications and renewals for Connecticut driver’s licenses and identification cards did not serve as applications for voter registration with respect to elections for federal office, as required by the NVRA. In addition, the procedures by which citizens notify motor vehicle authorities that their address changed did not consistently serve as notification of a change of address for voter registration purposes, as the NVRA requires.
Under the terms of the settlement, Connecticut will fully integrate a voter registration opportunity into all applications for driver’s licenses and other identification documents, including renewal applications. Connecticut will also ensure that change of address information submitted for driver’s license purposes will be used to update voters’ address information unless the voter declines to update her voter registration. During the course of negotiations, Connecticut has taken significant steps to achieve this compliance by integrating a voter registration application into its electronic driver licensing system. In order to provide a voter registration opportunity for Connecticut residents who did not have one when last applying for or renewing a driver’s license or other identification document, Connecticut will contact eligible voters who are not currently registered to vote at the address associated with the driver’s license or other identification document.
“A robust, inclusive democracy requires ensuring that eligible voters can easily and conveniently register to vote,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “State officials worked cooperatively with the Justice Department to quickly provide eligible Connecticut voters an integrated one-stop opportunity to register through the DMV, as the law requires.”
“The motor voter provision of the NVRA critically supports and enhances our citizens’ access to the democratic process,” said U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly of the District of Connecticut. “Compliance with those requirements plays an important role in ensuring that all Connecticut citizens can more easily exercise their right to vote. I commend our many state officials from the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Office of the Secretary of the State and the Attorney General’s Office for their hard work in reaching this agreement and for their commitment to the expansion of voting rights in Connecticut. We also thank the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice for their partnership and invaluable assistance.”
Section 5 of the NVRA, also known as the “motor voter” provision, requires states to provide voter registration opportunities for federal elections when people apply for or renew driver’s licenses or other identification documents through state motor vehicle offices. The motor voter provision also requires that changes of address for driver’s license or identification document purposes update voter registration information unless the applicant opts out of the update.
More information about the NVRA and other federal voting laws is available on the division’s website at www.justice.gov/crt/about/vot/. Complaints about voter registration practices may be reported to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section at 1-800-253-3931.
State of Connecticut Agrees to Resolve Claims of National Voter Registration Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has reached an agreement with Connecticut and state officials to resolve claims that the state failed to provide voter registration opportunities required by Section 5 of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA).
The department’s investigation, conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section, found that the state of Connecticut failed to comply with the requirements of Section 5 of the NVRA. Applications and renewals for Connecticut driver’s licenses and identification cards did not serve as applications for voter registration with respect to elections for federal office, as required by the NVRA. In addition, the procedures by which citizens notify motor vehicle authorities that their address changed did not consistently serve as notification of a change of address for voter registration purposes, as the NVRA requires.
Under the terms of the settlement, Connecticut will fully integrate a voter registration opportunity into all applications for driver’s licenses and other identification documents, including renewal applications. Connecticut will also ensure that change of address information submitted for driver’s license purposes will be used to update voters’ address information unless the voter declines to update her voter registration. During the course of negotiations, Connecticut has taken significant steps to achieve this compliance by integrating a voter registration application into its electronic driver licensing system. In order to provide a voter registration opportunity for Connecticut residents who did not have one when last applying for or renewing a driver’s license or other identification document, Connecticut will contact eligible voters who are not currently registered to vote at the address associated with the driver’s license or other identification document.
“A robust, inclusive democracy requires ensuring that eligible voters can easily and conveniently register to vote,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “State officials worked cooperatively with the Justice Department to quickly provide eligible Connecticut voters an integrated one-stop opportunity to register through the DMV, as the law requires.”
“The motor voter provision of the NVRA critically supports and enhances our citizens’ access to the democratic process,” said U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly of the District of Connecticut. “Compliance with those requirements plays an important role in ensuring that all Connecticut citizens can more easily exercise their right to vote. I commend our many state officials from the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Office of the Secretary of the State and the Attorney General’s Office for their hard work in reaching this agreement and for their commitment to the expansion of voting rights in Connecticut. We also thank the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice for their partnership and invaluable assistance.”
Section 5 of the NVRA, also known as the “motor voter” provision, requires states to provide voter registration opportunities for federal elections when people apply for or renew driver’s licenses or other identification documents through state motor vehicle offices. The motor voter provision also requires that changes of address for driver’s license or identification document purposes update voter registration information unless the applicant opts out of the update.
More information about the NVRA and other federal voting laws is available on the division’s website at www.justice.gov/crt/about/vot/. Complaints about voter registration practices may be reported to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section at 1-800-253-3931.
Connecticut NVRA MOU
Jury Finds Hartford Man Guilty of MurderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deirdre M. Daly and Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane today announced that a federal jury in New Haven has found KARL ROYE, also known as “Eagle,” 25, of Hartford, guilty of committing the murder of Anthony Parker of Hartford in April 2011. Yesterday, after a week-long trial before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton, ROYE was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit a Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering and one count of committing a Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering.
Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for October 27, 2016, at which time ROYE faces a mandatory life term of imprisonment.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to prosecuting dangerous offenders and reducing violent crime in our cities,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “We know that shootings and murders in our cities are committed by a very small number of city residents. This murder, like so many that we have seen before, was the result of a conflict and perceived threat between members of rival groups. We will continue to focus our attention on these groups until the shootings and murders stop. I commend the FBI Task Force, DEA and Hartford Police Department for their excellent investigative work in bringing to justice those responsible for this murder. I also want to thank our partners in the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office for their unceasing efforts in solving this and many other cold case murders.”
“This case again demonstrates that the dedication of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI, DEA, Hartford Police Department and the Cold Case Bureau of the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office can bring some measure of satisfaction to families who have suffered so grievously at the hands of violent criminals,” said Chief State’s Attorney Kane. “I want to thank federal authorities for their continuing efforts in combating the violence that plagues our most vulnerable citizens.”
This matter stems from a long-term investigation being conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, DEA and Hartford Police Department into narcotics trafficking by members and associates of the Westhell and Team Grease groups and group-related violent activity. The Cold Case Unit of the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney is actively participating in the investigation.
At approximately 10:47 a.m. on the morning of April 6, 2011, the Hartford Police Department received a report of shots fired in the vicinity of 15 Thomaston Street in the Blue Hills Section of Hartford. Officers responding to the scene located Anthony Parker, also known as “Smooth,” 24, seated in the driver’s seat of a vehicle in the driveway of 15 Thomaston Street. Parker was unconscious and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Parker was transported by ambulance to Saint Francis Hospital where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
ROYE and Jimel Frank, also known as “30” and “Velly,” were members of the Wall Street group, which later became generally known as “Team Grease.” According to trial testimony and the evidence presented during the trial, ROYE and Frank, who were both armed with 9mm handguns, opened fire on Parker from opposite sides of the vehicle in which he was seated.
Frank pleaded guilty on November 12, 2015, and awaits sentencing.
The homicide of Anthony “Smooth” Parker was included in cold case playing cards sold to inmates in Connecticut’s state correctional facilities. Each card in the deck features a photograph and brief details about a homicide or missing person case and lists telephone, mail and e-mail contacts that inmates can use to supply information.
This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, DEA, Hartford Police Department and Cold Case Unit of the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney. The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John H. Durham and Assistant State’s Attorney Andrew Reed Durham, who has been cross-designated as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in this matter.
Weston Man Charged with Insider TradingRead 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 a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging EDWARD J. KOSINSKI, 68, of Weston, with insider trading.
As alleged in the indictment, on January 29, 2014, KOSINSKI entered into a Clinical Study and Research Agreement with an authorized agent of Regado Biosciences, Inc., formerly a Delaware corporation whose common stock traded on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “RGDO.” KOSINSKI, as a Principal Investigator for Regado’s clinical trial, was required to maintain in strict confidence all confidential information it received from Regado or its agent during the course of the clinical trial. In May 2014, KOSINSKI owned 40,000 shares of Regado common stock.
The indictment further alleges that, on June 29, 2014, KOSINSKI and other principal investigators received an email from the clinical trial team stating that there had been several allergic reactions during the clinical trial, the acceptance of new subjects was put on hold and the Data and Safety Monitoring Board (“DSMB”) would be reviewing the recent events. On June 30, 2014, while in possession of this non-public information, KOSINSKI sold his 40,000 shares of Regado common stock for between $6.59 and $7.00 per share. On July 2, 2014, after the close of the market, Regado publicly announced that the DSMB initiated an unplanned review of the clinical trial and patient enrollment had been suspended until the DSMB completed its review. On July 3, 2014, the stock fell $3.95 from the days previous closing price, to close at $2.81.
It is alleged that, by selling his shares of Regado stock, KOSINSKI avoided a loss of approximately $160,000.
The indictment further alleges that, on July 29, 2014, KOSINSKI and other principal investigators received an email from the clinical trial team stating that a death occurred in the clinical trial and that the trial was on hold. On July 31, 2014, while in possession of this material, non-public information, KOSINSKI purchased 50 Regado common stock put option contracts with a strike price of $2.50. On August 25, 2014, before the market opened, Regado publicly announced that it permanently halted the clinical trial and the price of Regado common stock fell approximately 60 percent. KOSINSKI then purchased 5,000 shares of Regado common stock for approximately $1.13 per share and exercised his put options, netting more than $3,000.
The indictment charges KOSINSKI with two counts of securities fraud-insider trading, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. KOSINSKI appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford, entered a plea of not guilty to the charges and was released on a $500,000 bond.
The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherry.
In a parallel action, the Securities and Exchange Commission today announced related civil charges against KOSINSKY. (Securities and Exchange Commission v. Edward J. Kosinski 3:16-cv-01322)
Two New Haven Men Plead Guilty to Distributing Drugs Involved in Spate of OverdosesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FRANK PINA, 57, and STEVEN WHALEY, 48, both of New Haven, each pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, controlled substances. The charges stem 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 June 23, 2016, 17 individuals in New Haven overdosed after consuming narcotics. Three of the victims died. An investigation being conducted by the DEA and New Haven Police Department revealed that many or all of the victims believed the substance they were consuming was cocaine. However, based in part on DEA laboratory testing, it appears that the cocaine was laced with fentanyl, a powerful opioid that can be at least 50 times more powerful than heroin. Naloxone, an emergency drug used to treat opioid overdoses, was effective in treating at least some of the victims, which indicates that the ingested substance contained an opioid. Analysis of the substance involved in the overdoses is not yet completed.
The investigation revealed that PINA supplied drugs both directly and through various middlemen to several of the individuals who overdosed on June 23, 2016. WHALEY was identified as an associate of PINA who sometimes served as a middleman.
PINA and WHALEY were arrested on June 27. At the time of his arrest, WHALEY was in possession of cocaine packaged for sale.
PINA and WHALEY are scheduled to be sentenced on October 31 and November 1, respectively. They both face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, and the New Haven Police Department. The Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe, Fairfield and Middlebury Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Avi M. Perry and Douglas P. Morabito.
Waterbury Tax Preparer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Filing Hundreds of False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARCUS FOX, 42, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 12 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for preparing and filing hundreds of false tax returns.
According to court documents and statements made in court, FOX prepared tax returns for individuals in his community, many of whom were associated with a church he attended. From approximately 2009 through 2012, FOX prepared and filed more than 900 tax returns with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service on behalf of clients. A number of tax returns that FOX prepared contained false information, including false childcare credits, education credits, American opportunity credits, itemized deductions, education expenses, charitable contributions, unreimbursed employee business expenses, hobby expenses, and childcare costs. The false returns resulted in clients receiving substantial refunds to which they were not entitled. FOX typically received payment of between $200 and $350 for his tax preparation services.
In addition, beginning in approximately 2011, FOX falsified a number of returns in a manner that allowed FOX to secure a greater payout for himself without his clients' knowledge. FOX would prepare a client tax return with significant falsified credits or expense deductions, which resulted in a fraudulent claim for a substantial refund. The tax return would be e-filed with the IRS with instructions to split payment of the large refund between the client and FOX, with FOX receiving a substantial portion of the payment. FOX would also prepare a second tax return, which he never filed, but instead provided to his client to hide the ongoing scheme.
The government suffered a tax loss of more than $2.2 million as a result of this scheme.
On March 31, 2016, FOX pleaded guilty to two counts of aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Hartford Crack Dealer Sentenced to 39 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TODD JOINER, also known as “Whitez,” 28, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 39 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.
This matter stems from a joint investigation by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Vice, Intelligence and Narcotics Unit into gang-related narcotics trafficking in Hartford’s North End. JOINER and others targeted during the investigation were affiliated with groups and gangs who have been involved in acts of violence. JOINER has been identified as a member of Nelton Court Posse, one of several geographically-based gangs operating in the North End of Hartford. During the investigation, undercover officers conducted multiple purchases of narcotics from various dealers, including JOINER.
On September 15, 2015, JOINER was arrested when he was found in possession of approximately seven grams of crack cocaine that he intended to sell to an undercover officer.
On May 9, 2016, JOINER pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
JOINER’s criminal history includes several drug-related felony convictions.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Hartford Man Involved in 2010 Murder Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KERONN MILLER, also known as “Fresh,” 25, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 210 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for aiding and abetting the 2010 murder of Ian Francis.
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.
On December 4, 2014, MILLER pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting witness tampering by committing second degree murder. In pleading guilty, he admitted that he lured Francis to Sigourney Street where Dominique Mack was waiting to shoot and kill Francis.
On April 27, 2016, Mack was convicted by a federal jury for conspiring with MILLER and others to murder Francis to prevent Francis from providing information to law enforcement about Mack’s whereabouts. Mack was being sought by the FBI following his indictment on federal narcotics charges when Francis was murdered.
Mack is scheduled to be sentenced on September 1, 2016, when he will face a mandatory term of life imprisonment.
This matter is being 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.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Distributing CrackRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, the United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSHUA ACOFF, also known as "Fat Boy," 27, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 84 months of imprisonment for distributing crack cocaine, and an additional 12 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release that followed a prior federal conviction. Upon completion of his prison term, ACOFF will be placed on supervised release for four years.
This matter stems from a joint investigation by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Vice, Intelligence and Narcotics Unit into gang-related narcotics trafficking in Hartford’s North End.
On May 5, 2016, ACOFF pleaded guilty to one count of possessing with intent to distribute, and distribution of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Stamford Man Charged for Making Online ThreatsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment yesterday charging KENDALL J. SULLIVAN, 50, of Stamford, with three counts of making threatening communications online.
The indictment alleges that on three separate dates, SULLIVAN, on an internet forum known as Metalthrone.net, posted numerous statements in which he threatened to injure or kill certain individuals or groups.
The indictment alleges that on May 29, 2016, SULLIVAN stated “Israel, God and Synagogues. I will kill them. I have a few “Houses of Satan” in my Town… If these Jews truly believe in their god Satan, I will upset their world. I will slaughter them and burn their Synagogue to the ground . . . kids, goldfish, old folks… Shove money down their throats. These Jews of 2016. They think they are safe.”
On June 10, 2016, it is alleged that SULLIVAN stated to another user: “I am going after YOU..Your Family, Wife, kids, Grandkids, Gold Fish . . . I am warning YOU, I will go after YOU. As I get older, I just don’t give a damn . . . I will meet you in Westport at the Carvel! And then I will shoot or run over you . . . it is not just YOU, but your fellow Satanists I want to track down and kill.. I will use YOU to find others…And Kill them . . . You are a [expletive] JEW! . . I want to kill you . . . If only that . . . Name a place . . . You are Satanic and must be destroyed. Wifes [sic], kids, Dogs, Cats, Goldfish . . . . All destroyed.”
On July 5, 2016, it is alleged that Sullivan stated: “[I] Am prepared to shoot YOU on sight! And shove Money down your dead [expletives]…Hole. Humans who define their entire existence thru that price tag – They are not human beings but Demons and must be destroyed…I am looking forward to my death thru Jesus Christ. I will be Free. I will be understood. Afterall, I am a Warrior of Jesus Christ and want to be his Soldier.”
On July 15, 2016, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Stamford Police Department executed a federal search warrant and a state risk warrant at SULLIVAN’s residence and seized more than two dozen firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and additional firearm components. On that date, SULLIVAN was charged in state court for the unlawful possession of unregistered high capacity magazines. He has remained in custody since that time.
“Threats of violence against any religious or ethnic group cannot be tolerated, and when threats are made in violation of federal law, our office stands ready to prosecute those who make them,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “I thank the FBI and Stamford Police Department for investigating this matter and helping to ensure the safety of our community.”
“We are confident that our efforts and the collaboration with all law enforcement partners may have averted a horrific hate crime from occurring,” said Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. “We will continue to respond quickly and investigate those responsible for spewing threats against all members of our community.”
“We would like to thank the members of the Stamford Police Department Intelligence and Homeland Security Unit and our partners at the FBI for handling this disturbing case expeditiously and without sparing any effort,” said Stamford Assistant Police Chief Jim Matheny. “We here in Stamford have a longstanding and very positive relationship with the local Jewish community and have partnered with them on several security and training initiatives. Along with the JTTF we take all such matters extremely seriously and will spare no resources to safeguard all members of our community.”
It is a violation of federal law to send a threatening communication in interstate or foreign commerce, such as by phone, email, text, mobile messaging applications or otherwise online. If convicted of the charges in the indictment, SULLIVAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years on each count.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Stamford Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen B. Reynolds.
Bridgeport Man Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Prison for Possessing Loaded Firearm, Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that LAMAR CARTER, 36, formerly of Bridgeport, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 66 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing a loaded firearm and crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 28, 2014, CARTER was arrested by Bridgeport Police subsequent to a vehicle stop. A search of the vehicle CARTER was operating revealed a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol that had one hollow point round in the chamber and 11 hollow point rounds in the magazine. A search of CARTER’s person revealed 14 small baggies of crack cocaine.
CARTER’s criminal history dates to 1998 and includes multiple felony convictions.
On August 4, 2015, CARTER pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
This matter was investigated by the Bridgeport Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alina P. Reynolds.
Bridgeport Man Admits Role in Armed Robbery SpreeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DERRICK GILLIAM, 29, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to conspiring to commit seven armed robberies in 2014.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 26, 2014, GILLIAM, Lancelot Supersad and others committed an armed robbery of the CVS Pharmacy on Grasmere Avenue in Fairfield, stealing approximately $2,376. On May 3, 2014, GILLIAM, Supersad and others attempted an armed robbery of the Mobil Gas station on Noble Avenue in Bridgeport. On May 10, 2014, GILLIAM, Supersad and others committed an armed robbery of a Webster Bank branch on Main Street in Bridgeport, stealing approximately $4,170. On June 1, 2014, GILLIAM, Supersad and others committed an armed robbery of a Pizza Hut on Boston Avenue in Bridgeport, stealing approximately $250. On June 26, 2014, GILLIAM, Supersad, Anthony Santiago and others committed an armed robbery of the Residence Inn on Bridgeport Avenue in Shelton, stealing approximately $200. On July 2, 2014, GILLIAM, Supersad, Santiago and others attempted an armed robbery of the Sikorsky Financial Credit Union on Oronoque Lane in Stratford. Also on July 2, 2014, GILLIAM, Supersad, Santiago and others committed an armed robbery of the TD Bank located on Post Road East in Westport.
GILLIAM brandished and pointed what appeared to be a handgun at employees during each of the seven robberies.
GILLIAM pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to affect commerce by robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall on October 20, 2016.
GILLIAM has been detained since his arrest on July 3, 2014.
Supersad and Santiago previously pleaded guilty to the same charge and await sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Westport, Shelton, Fairfield, Stratford and Bridgeport Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas P. Morabito and Avi M. Perry.
Two West Haven Women Charged in Mail and Identity Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that two West Haven residents have been charged with operating an extensive identity theft and mail theft scheme that operated in the greater New Haven area. On July 21, JAMILA WILLIAMS-STEVENSON, 36, was arrested on a federal criminal complaint charging her with bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. LORENA COBURN, 42, was arrested today on the charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
As alleged in court documents, since approximately February 2014, WILLIAMS-STEVENSON and COBURN submitted to the U.S. Postal Service change of address applications for individuals who resided in and around New Haven, causing unwitting victims to have their mail diverted from their true addresses to addresses that were controlled by WILLIAMS-STEVENSON and COBURN. Once WILLIAMS-STEVENSON and COBURN took control of the mail, they were able to steal the victims’ identities and financial information, and intercept checks that were intended for the victims. They then used stolen personal identifying information to open online bank accounts in the victims’ names and deposit stolen checks into those accounts. They then withdrew the funds at ATMs, and also used stolen funds to purchase money orders at post offices and reloadable debit cards at various retail stores.
More than 20 individuals have been victimized through this alleged scheme, resulting in a loss of more than $50,000 to banks and victims.
The charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years. The charge of aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of two years.
WILLIAMS-STEVENSON and COBURN were released on $100,000 bonds.
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 U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force and the West Haven, New Haven and Orange Police Departments. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarala V. Nagala
U.S. Attorney Daly stated that the investigation is ongoing and encouraged citizens who believe that they have been victimized by this scheme, or who have had a mailing address changed without their consent, to call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 203-782-7391.
Danbury Physician and Mental Health Practice Pay $36,000 to Settle False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTON FRY, M.D. and CPC ASSOCIATES, INC. have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal government in which they will pay $36,704 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act.
DR. FRY, a psychiatrist, founded CPC ASSOCIATES, a mental health practice with offices in Danbury.
The government alleges that DR. FRY and CPC ASSOCIATES submitted improper claims to Medicare for psychiatric services that were provided over the phone to certain Medicare beneficiaries, instead of by meeting with the beneficiaries in the office and treating them in person. Medicare permits certain types of “telehealth” services where the patient is in a rural health professional shortage area and where the provider uses an interactive audio and video communications system that permits real-time communication between the provider and the patient. However, the patients treated over the phone by DR. FRY and CPC ASSOCIATES were not located in rural health professional shortage areas and DR. FRY and CPC ASSOCIATES did not use interactive audio and video communications. They simply treated certain Medicare patients by phone.
To resolve the government’s allegations under the False Claims Act, DR. FRY and CPC ASSOCIATES have agreed to pay $36,704, which covers conduct occurring from January 1, 2009 through June 1, 2015.
A complaint against DR. FRY and CPC ASSOCIATES was filed in the U.S. District Court in Connecticut under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act. The relators (whistleblowers), Jodi Cohen, a former patient of Dr. Fry, and Medical Bill Consultants, LLC, a billing company, will receive a share of the proceeds of the settlement in the amount of $6,239. The whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act provide that the whistleblower is entitled to receive a percentage of the proceeds of any judgment or settlement recovered by the government.
This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Molot and Auditor Kevin Saunders.
People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS or the Health Care Fraud Task Force at (203) 777-6311.
New Britain Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Cocaine Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HECTOR ROMAN, 30, of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, ROMAN participated in a drug trafficking organization that shipped kilogram quantities of cocaine in the mail from Puerto Rico for distribution in central Connecticut and western Massachusetts. ROMAN retrieved multiple shipments of cocaine from the addresses to which they were sent and provided a storage location for those narcotics at his residence. Over the course of approximately one year, he was responsible for the receipt and storage of approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine.
ROMAN and a co-defendant, Melvin Rivera-Lopez, were arrested on January 15, 2015, after they traveled to the U.S. Post Office on Weston Street in Hartford to pick up a package that contained approximately 300 grams of cocaine.
The investigation revealed that Rivera-Lopez was the liaison with the cocaine source of supply in Puerto Rico.
On March 28, 2016, ROMAN pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Rivera-Lopez, 28, of Hartford, pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on June 27, 2016, was sentenced to 65 months of imprisonment.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut State Police and New Britain Police Department. The Task Force includes personnel from the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Wethersfield and Willimantic Police Departments. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Dave Vatti.
West Haven Woman Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Distributing NarcoticsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NATALI MARTINEZ, 30, formerly of West Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing narcotics.
According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 11:00 a.m. on July 4, 2015, an explosion took place on Wintergreen Avenue in Hamden. Responding law enforcement located a deceased white male, who had been wrapped in plastic garbage bag material and bound by rope material, in a wooded area close to where the explosion had occurred. An explosive-type device and debris were also located in close proximity to the body. The victim, who had also sustained three apparent gunshot wounds, was subsequently identified as Edward Brooks, 39, of West Haven.
After West Haven Police informed investigators that Brooks had been residing at 59 Front Avenue in West Haven, and that the residents of 59 Front Avenue, including MARTINEZ, were subjects of an ongoing narcotics investigation, investigators executed a state narcotics search and seizure warrant at 59 Front Avenue and seized numerous items, including pipe bomb making materials that were consistent with the materials found at the Wintergreen Avenue explosion scene, approximately 16 grams of crack cocaine, approximately 10.6 grams of methamphetamine and narcotics packaging material. Investigators also seized a surveillance DVR, which captured video surveillance from eight cameras placed around the residence.
MARTINEZ has been detained since her arrest on July 13, 2015. On March 9, 2016, she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut State Police and West Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vanessa Richards, Stephen Reynolds and Jacabed Rodriguez-Coss. This investigation and prosecution is being coordinated with the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Ansonia-Milford.
Hartford Man Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Cocaine and CrackRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE GONZALEZ, also known as “Jo Jo,” 39, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 87 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing narcotics.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on eight occasions in late 2015, GONZALEZ sold crack cocaine and/or powder cocaine to an individual working with law enforcement. In total, GONZALEZ sold or possessed with intent to sell approximately 78 grams of crack cocaine and approximately 350 grams of cocaine.
GONZALEZ has been detained since his arrest on December 11, 2015. On April 20, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of cocaine base (“crack”).
GONZALEZ has an extensive criminal history. On August 27, 1997, he was sentenced in U.S. District Court in New Haven to 135 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering. The conviction stemmed from GONZALEZ’s murder of 16-year-old George Hall in a gang-ordered drive-by shooting in Hartford on November 25, 1993. At the time, GONZALEZ, a 16-year-old soldier in Los Solidos, was targeting members of the rival Latin Kings gang. One of his shots struck and killed Hall, who was not affiliated with any gang.
GONZALEZ was released from prison in October 2005.
In April 2007, GONZALEZ was found in violation of multiple conditions of his supervised release, including that he report regularly to his probation officer and not associate with any persons engaged in criminal activity, or any persons associated with the Los Solidos organization. He was sentenced to an additional 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.
In September 2009, members of the Hartford Police Department executed a search warrant at GONZALEZ’s residence and seized a.45 caliber pistol and several rounds of ammunition. Police also seized a photograph of GONZALEZ with members of Los Solidos. GONZALEZ claimed that he possessed the firearm for protection.
In April 2010, GONZALEZ was sentenced in New Haven federal court to five years of imprisonment for possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, and a consecutive 12-month sentence for violating his supervised release.
GONZALEZ was released from federal prison in January 2014. On October 18, 2014, he was arrested on state charges for carrying a dangerous weapon and, on December 10, 2014, he was placed on three years of probation.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.
West Haven Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing Heroin Involved in Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTOPHER FOGLER, 31, of West Haven, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin that was involved in an overdose death in Milford in January 2015.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 12, 2015, a 39-year-old male died from an apparent heroin overdose at a residence in Milford. The investigation, which included analysis of text messages captured from the decedent’s cellular telephone, revealed that FOGLER and Alyssa Jelliffe sold the decedent $170 worth of heroin on the evening of January 11, 2015.
On January 16, 2015, a court-authorized search of FOGLER and Jelliffe’s residence revealed approximately 10 bags of heroin and assorted drug paraphernalia, including a digital scale, razor blades and cut straws.
FOGLER and Jelliffe were arrested on January 16, 2015.
On April 19, 2016, FOGLER pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin. Jelliffe, 23, pleaded guilty to the same charge on July 15, 2016. She awaits sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Daly noted that the U.S. Attorney’s Office, DEA and police departments across Connecticut are working together to investigate and prosecute narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.
This investigation was conducted by the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and the Milford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alina P. Reynolds.