District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Former Connecticut Group Home Operator Pays $1.5 Million to Settle Overbilling AllegationsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly and Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen today announced that REM CONNECTICUT COMMUNITY SERVICES, INC. (“REM”) has entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments in which it will pay $1.5 million to resolve allegations that it received overpayments from the Connecticut Medicaid Program.
REM, formerly located in Middletown, Conn., operated various group homes that provided residential and day services to the intellectually disabled and at-risk youth. REM ceased operating in Connecticut at the end of 2014.
The allegations against REM arose from REM’s submission of Annual Reports of Residential and Day Services (“cost reports”) to the State of Connecticut related to its operation of group homes during the period from July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2014. The government contended that REM reported certain interest expenses as allowable costs in the cost reports that were in fact not allowable under the State of Connecticut’s Cost Standards. As a result, the government alleges that REM received overpayments that it was not entitled to receive from the Connecticut Medicaid Program.
“Providers who bill government health insurance programs, such as Medicaid, must scrupulously follow the rules and regulations, and the failure to do so will have serious consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “The U.S. Attorney’s office will vigorously pursue health care providers who receive payments from federal health care programs that they are not entitled to receive.”
To resolve its liability, REM will pay $1.5 million to the federal and state governments. Part of the settlement amount will be satisfied by the government retaining $1,189,025 that had been suspended by the State of Connecticut because of REM’s questionable billing practices. The additional $310,975 will be paid by REM collectively to the federal and state governments at the time the settlement agreement is executed.
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 by Assistant Attorney General Richard M. Porter 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.
U.S. Servicemember Admits to Illegally Retaining Photos Taken Inside Nuclear Submarine and Impeding InvestigationRead the Press Release
Kristian Saucier, 29, of Arlington, Vermont, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill of the District of Connecticut to one count of unauthorized possession and retention of national defense information.
The guilty plea was announced by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin and U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly of the District of Connecticut.
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, Connecticut. 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 Jan. 19, 2009, 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, 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, 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 photos and failed to deliver them to any officer or employee of the United States entitled to receive it.
The investigation began in March 2012 when Saucier’s cellphone was found at a waste transfer station in Hampton, Connecticut. Saucier was interviewed by the FBI and Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) in July 2012 and was 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 a criminal complaint on May 28, 2015, and was subsequently indicted.
Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for Aug. 19, 2016, at which time Saucier faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. He is released on a $100,000 bond.
Saucier is currently enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Petty Officer First Class assigned to the Naval Support Activity Base, Saratoga Springs, New York. He is awaiting an administrative separation board proceeding.
This matter has been investigated by the FBI and NCIS. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vanessa Richards and Jacabed Rodriguez-Coss of the District of Connecticut and Trial Attorney Will Mackie of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of New York.
U.S. Servicemember Admits to Illegally Retaining Photos Taken Inside Nuclear Sub, Impeding InvestigationRead 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., pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to one count of unauthorized possession and retention of national defense information.
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 a criminal complaint on May 28, 2015 and was subsequently indicted.
Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for August 19, 2016, at which time SAUCIER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000. He is released on a $100,000 bond.
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 has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The case is being 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.
East Hartford Man Sentenced to Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHAUKAT G. DALAL, also known as Shaukathusein Dalal, 55, of East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to four months of imprisonment, followed by six months of home confinement and three years of supervised release, for tax evasion. He also was ordered to pay a $3,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, DALAL was employed by the State of Connecticut as a Fiscal Administration Assistant, and also owned and operated a separate tax preparation business, Tax Preparation SVS Inc. For the 2009 through 2011 tax years, DALAL, who had prepared more than 250 tax returns as part of the tax preparation business, did not deposit all of the gross receipts from the business into his business bank account and subsequently understated his gross receipts on his federal tax returns.
DALAL and his wife also owned Ameen LLC, a holding company that owned 25 rental units in an East Hartford condominium complex. DALAL performed virtually all of the work for the real estate business, including collecting rent receipts, pricing the units, organizing repairs and maintenance, depositing rent receipts, paying the bills and maintaining the books and records. DALAL did not deposit a substantial portion of rent receipts, often paid to him in cash, into Ameen LLC’s business bank account and substantially underreported both the applicable income and taxes due and owing on his 2009 through 2011 federal tax returns.
Through this scheme, DALAL failed to report nearly $400,000 in income.
Judge Underhill ordered DALAL to pay $97,289 in back taxes, plus applicable penalties and interest.
On December 2, 2015, DALAL pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion. He was ordered to report to prison on July 20, 2016.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
New Haven Man Sentenced to More That 3 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ORLANDO ESTRADA, 26, of New Haven, 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 illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation conducted by the New Haven Police Department and the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets Task Force.
On December 15, 2014, New Haven Police encountered ESTRADA and another male in an improperly-parked vehicle in the Fair Haven section of New Haven. When officers approached the car, the other occupant, who was in the driver’s seat, attempted to flee the scene and was observed throwing a packet before he was taken into custody. Officers located the packet, which was found to contain crack cocaine.
An officer conducted a search of ESTRADA, who had been in the passenger seat of the car, and located a laser sight for a handgun in one of ESTRADA’s pockets. ESTRADA then advised the officer that there was a loaded pistol under the passenger seat. The officer seized the firearm and ESTRADA was arrested.
Prior to December 2014, ESTRADA had been convicted of multiple felony offenses.
ESTRADA has been detained since his arrest. On June 11, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
The FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden and Milford Police Departments, the Connecticut State Police and the State of Connecticut Department of Correction.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney H. Gordon Hall.
Bridgeport Man Charged with Forcing Minor into ProstitutionRead 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 grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging BRANDON WILLIAMS, also known as “14K,” 35, of Bridgeport, with one count of sex trafficking of a minor and one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion.
The indictment was returned on May 17, 2016. WILLIAMS appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.
As alleged in the indictment, between approximately July 10 and August 26, 2015, WILLIAMS forced a minor victim to engage in commercial sex acts.
WILLIAMS has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on August 26, 2015.
The charge of sex trafficking of a minor carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and the charge of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion 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 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, with the assistance of the Bridgeport Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarala V. Nagala and David E. Novick.
Six Residents of Southeastern Connecticut Charged with Staging Car Accidents in Insurance Fraud SchemeRead 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 has returned an indictment charging six men with fraud and conspiracy offenses for allegedly staging car accidents for the purpose of defrauding automobile insurance companies. The nine-count indictment was returned on May 18, 2016, and was unsealed yesterday.
Charged in the indictment are:
MACKENZY NOZE, also known as “Ken Ken,” 31, of Norwich
JONAS JOSEPH, 32, also known as “James,” of Norwich
FRANDY DUGUE, 39, also known as “Jimmy,” of Norwich
CARLINS CALIXTE, 32, of Norwich
JACQUES FLEURIJEUNE, 26, also known as “Magic,” of New London
PIERRE JEUDY, 56, of NorwichAs alleged in the indictment, the defendants and others deliberately staged approximately 50 automobile accidents in and around New London County. 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.
FLEURIJEUNE, JEUDY and DUGUE were arrested on May 20, and NOZE and CALIXTE were arrested on May 23. NOZE and FLEURIJEUNE are detained and DUGUE, CALIXTE and JEUDY are released on bond.
JOSEPH is being sought by law enforcement. Citizens with knowledge of his whereabouts, or with information that may be helpful to the investigation of this matter, are encouraged to call the FBI at 203-777-6311, or the Norwich Police Department at 860-886-5561.
NOZE, DUGUE, CALIXTE, FLEURIJEUNE, and JEUDY are citizens of Haiti. DUGUE, CALIXTE and JEUDY are lawful permanent residents of the U.S.
The indictment charges each defendant with one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and multiple counts of mail and/or wire fraud. Each charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
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, 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 London Man Charged with Gun and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment today charging ELLSWORTH ROBERTSON, also known as “S,” 35, of Hartford and New London, with narcotics and firearm offenses.
ROBERTSON was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on May 18, 2016. The complaint alleges that, on November 7, 2015, ROBERTSON was found in possession of distribution quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine in the wake a stabbing incident at the Mohegan Sun casino. Following his federal arrest, a court-authorized search of ROBERTSON’s New London apartment revealed more than two kilograms of cocaine, a quantity of heroin, thousands of dollars in U.S. currency, and other drug evidence.
The indictment charges ROBERTSON with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute heroin, use of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
If convicted of the charges contained in the indictment, ROBERTSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years for possessing cocaine and heroin, a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years for possessing 500 grams or more of heroin, a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years for possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
A separate warrant has been issued for ROBERTSON for violation of his federal supervised release. On May 20, 2008, ROBERTSON was convicted in federal court for possession with intent to distribute cocaine base “crack”). He was sentenced to 70 months of imprisonment for that offense and was on supervised releases when he is alleged to have committed the offenses charged in the indictment that was returned today.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the New London Police Department and the Connecticut State Police’s Statewide Narcotics Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John H. Durham.
Manchester Man Charged with Additional Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment today charging ROBERT V. GENTILE, 79, of Manchester, with new firearm offenses.
GENTILE, who has a pending indictment for the alleged possession and sale of a loaded .38 Colt Cobra revolver to an individual he knew to be a convicted felon, is charged in the new indictment with possession of three additional firearms and a silencer, each of which was seized from his Manchester residence during a search conducted by the FBI on May 2, 2016.
The indictment alleges that GENTILE, who has been convicted previously of multiple felony offenses, was in possession of a .22 caliber Browning semi-automatic pistol, a 9mm Walther semi-automatic pistol, a .380 caliber RPB Industries, M11-Al semi-automatic pistol, and an unregistered silencer.
The indictment charges GENTILE with one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, and one count of possession of an unregistered silencer. Both charges carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
According to court documents and statements made in court, GENTILE was on supervised release from a prior federal conviction at the time he is alleged to have committed these latest offenses. If he is found to have violated the terms and conditions of his supervised release, he faces additional penalties.
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, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John H. Durham.
Bristol Woman, 2 Others Charged with Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging RONNETTE BROWN, 43, of Bristol, with 23 counts of health care fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
Brown was arrested yesterday. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford, entered a plea of not guilty to the charges in the indictment, and was released on a $100,000 bond.
This matter stems from an ongoing health care fraud investigation being conducted by the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General. The investigation identified fraudulent activity in the area of behavioral health services. Through the Medicaid program, the State of Connecticut provides coverage for mental health and counseling services to citizens who cannot otherwise afford health insurance. “Behavioral health” includes a wide variety of health care providers who provide care on an outpatient basis, including psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed professional counselors, and licensed alcohol and drug counselors.
The indictment alleges that Brown owned and operated WeMPACT, LLC, a social services business with offices in Bristol and Torrington. Between August 2010 and April 2014, Brown billed Medicaid for psychotherapy services that were not performed. The indictment separately alleges that Brown conspired with Beverly Coker and another unnamed individual to bill Medicaid for psychotherapy services that represented Coker had performed the services, when in fact the services were provided by unlicensed individuals, or were not provided at all.
Each of the 24 counts in the indictment carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
According to court documents and statements made in earlier court proceedings, Coker, a licensed clinical social worker, owned and operated New Beginnings Family Center, LLC, in Hartford. On April 8, 2016, Coker, 68, of Windsor, waived her right to indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud, admitting that between October 2010 and November 2011, she engaged in a scheme to defraud Medicaid by permitting two individuals to bill Medicaid for psychotherapy services using Coker’s Medicaid provider number. The services were either performed by unlicensed individuals or not performed at all. Under the scheme, Coker kept 30 percent of the proceeds, and paid the remaining 70 percent to the other two individuals. As part of her plea, Coker admitted to defrauding Medicaid of approximately $214,555 through the scheme.
In addition, on May 2, 2016, Anne Charlotte Silver, 62, of Morris, pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud. Silver, a licensed clinical social worker, owned and operated Silver Counseling Services, LLC, in Canton and Bantam. As part of her guilty plea, Silver admitted that between June 2011 and July 2015, she engaged in a scheme to defraud Medicaid by permitting an unnamed individual to bill Medicaid for psychotherapy services using Silver’s Medicaid provider number. The services were either performed by unlicensed individuals or not performed at all. Under the scheme, Silver kept 25 percent of the proceeds, and paid the remaining 75 percent to the other two individuals. Silver admitted to defrauding Medicaid of approximately $1.6 million through the scheme.
Coker and Silver await sentencing.
“Behavior health specialists provide individuals of all ages the critical counseling needed to address serious mental health conditions,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “It is imperative that providers both deliver needed care to their patients, and bill Medicaid and other insurance programs honestly and accurately. This ongoing investigation into the activities of a handful of unscrupulous providers is the result of coordination and joint investigation by HHS-OIG, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the Attorney General’s Office, and our Office. We also appreciate the invaluable work of the Connecticut Department of Social Services in identifying Medicaid fraud and promptly referring matters to law enforcement. Through this partnership, we will continue to work to identify Medicaid fraud and bring civil and criminal prosecutions wherever warranted. ”
“Working with our federal and state partners, we will continue to protect the integrity of Medicare and Medicaid, which are designed to ensure the most vulnerable members of society receive the healthcare services they need,” said Special Agent in Charge Coyne.
“This is yet another example of how much we can achieve when agencies at all levels of government work together in collaboration,” said Chief State’s Attorney Kane. “The charges announced today also will hopefully put all health care providers on notice that we are committed at all levels of government to detecting, investigating and prosecuting fraud that steals scarce resources from the programs that serve people in need.”
As to Ronnette Brown, 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 prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon and Auditor Susan Spiegel.
U.S. Attorney Daly and Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen also announced that Naimetulla Syed, M.D., a physician with a private practice in Newtown, has agreed to pay $422,641.70 to resolve allegations that Syed submitted false claims to Medicare and Medicaid. The investigation revealed that on numerous occasions between July 2009 and December 2013, Syed billed Medicare and Medicaid for psychotherapy services using a code for individual psychotherapy lasting 45 to 50 minutes, face to face with a patient, and medical evaluation and management services. In the vast majority of these cases, Syed saw his patients for between five and 30 minutes, at most, and did not perform medical evaluation and management services.
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Thidemann, and Assistant Attorney General Gregory O’Connell.
“I appreciate the continued close coordination with the U.S. Attorney and our other federal and state agency partners on cases such as this, which seek to protect Connecticut taxpayer funded public healthcare programs from fraud and abuse,” said Attorney General Jepsen.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Chief State’s Attorney’s Office and Attorney General’s Office meet regularly as part of The Medicaid Fraud Working Group. The Working Group also includes representatives from the Connecticut Department of Social Services; the Connecticut Department of Public Health; the Drug Control Division of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection; the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the FBI. The Working Group reviews pending issues and cases, identifies trends that might indicate fraudulent activity, and coordinates efforts for maximum results.
People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS.
Woman Who Operated Heroin Processing Mill in Hartford Sentenced to 46 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that AMANDA GAMBARDELLA, 26, formerly of Hartford and Cheshire, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for operating a heroin processing mill in Hartford.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force received information that a drug trafficking organization was obtaining large quantities of heroin in New York City, transporting the drug to Connecticut in a vehicle equipped with a hidden compartment, and distributing it in the Hartford area. The investigation revealed that GAMBARDELLA was employed by the organization to store and package heroin at her apartment on Adelaide Street in Hartford, and that she had rented a storage unit in East Hartford on behalf of the organization.
On November 4, 2015, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of the East Hartford storage unit and seized approximately $795,990 in cash. On November 5, 2015, investigators searched the Adelaide Street apartment and seized a approximately 778 grams of heroin, as well as cutting agents, packaging materials and other paraphernalia associated with a large scale heroin processing mill. The seized heroin included more than 17,000 bags packaged for street sale and approximately 200 grams of unpackaged heroin.
GAMBARDELLA has been detained since her arrest on November 5, 2015. On February 29, 2016, she pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin.
The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes participants from the Hartford, Wethersfield, Bristol, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain and Willimantic Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Two Men Plead Guilty to Charges Stemming from Multi-State Burglary SpreeRead 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 ALIONIS PEREZ, 40, a citizen of Cuba last residing in New Jersey, and YOANDRYS CUE, 30, a citizen of Cuba last residing in Florida, have pleaded guilty in Hartford federal court to engaging in a conspiracy to burglarize outlet stores in six states between August and November 2013. PEREZ also pleaded guilty to engaging in a separate conspiracy to burglarize stores in Kansas and Tennessee in August 2014. CUE pleaded guilty on May 20, 2016, and PEREZ pleaded guilty today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 2, 2013, PEREZ, CUE and others traveled from New Jersey to Connecticut. On August 3, 2013, PEREZ, CUE and others 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, CUE and others attempted to break into the Movado store located in Kittery, Maine.
On September 19, 2013, PEREZ, CUE 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, CUE and others broke into the Fossil store located in Hagerstown, Md., and stole watches valued at approximately $750,000.
On October 24, 2013, PEREZ, CUE 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, CUE and others traveled from New Jersey to Massachusetts and stole a van. On November 23, 2013, PEREZ, CUE and others 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.
In relation to this scheme, PEREZ and CUE each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in the interstate transportation of stolen property.
PEREZ also pleaded guilty to the same charge in relation to a separate burglary scheme.
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.
In relation to this scheme, PEREZ was charged by indictment in the Middle District of Tennessee. The case was transferred to the District of Connecticut for further prosecution.
PEREZ and CUE are scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford on August 18 and August 12, respectively. PEREZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and CUE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. Each defendant also faces a maximum fine of approximately $3.6 million, and an order of restitution in the amount of $1.865 million. They are both detained.
This ongoing 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.
Easton Man Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that on May 20, 2016, PAUL CARPENTER, 64, of Easton, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return.
According to court documents and statements made in court, CARPENTER operated a chiropractic practice in Bridgeport. For the 2008 and 2009 tax years, CARPENTER intentionally mischaracterized personal expenses as deductible business expenses on his Schedule C relating to his chiropractic practice, including college tuition and numerous personal retail purchases. For the 2008 tax year, CARPENTER took false deductions totaling $308,084, resulting in a tax loss of $106,395, and for the 2009 tax year, he took false deductions totaling $183,283, resulting in a tax loss of $81,199
Judge Bolden scheduled sentencing for September 7, 2016, at which time CARPENTER faces a maximum term of imprisonment three years. CARPENTER has paid all back taxes, plus interest and penalties.
This matter has been investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Enfield Restaurant Owner to Serve Time in Federal Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GEORGE CARABASE, 41, of Enfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for tax evasion.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2010 and 2011 CARABASE failed to report to the Internal Revenue Service approximately $550,000 in gross receipts generated by Buona Vita Restaurant, a restaurant he operates in Enfield.
During the investigation of this matter, CARABASE admitted to an undercover IRS agent that he understated the restaurant’s gross receipts on his income tax returns and provided false numbers to his accountant.
On February 22, 2016, CARABASE pleaded guilty to two counts of tax evasion, admitting that he evaded payment of a total of $183,282 in income taxes when filing his income tax returns for 2010 and 2011.
To date, CARABASE has paid $60,000 in back taxes. Judge Meyer ordered him to pay an additional $149,926 in back taxes and interest.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherry.
DEA Task Force Takes Down Fentanyl Distribution RingRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, New Britain Police Chief James P. Wardwell and Wethersfield Police Chief James Cetran, today announced that the following nine individuals were arrested today on federal charges related to the distribution of fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid:
JOHN CASADEI, 45, of Morris
JARED McBRIARTY, 31, of Bristol
KYLE PETERSEN, 30, of New Britain
CHARLES ORCUTT, 27, of Windsor
CARLOS ENRIQUEZ, 27, of Enfield
JESUS CORREA, 41, of New Britain
ISAAC ORTIZ, 35, of Newington
TOMASZ ZIOBRON, 30, of New Britain
DOMINIQUE GRECO, 29, of CromwellAs alleged in documents and statements made in court, in late December 2015, the DEA’s Hartford Task Force and New Britain Police Department received information that PETERSEN was selling fentanyl powder, prescription pills and marijuana. DEA Task Force Officers and the New Britain Police Department Special Services Unit initiated an investigation and made multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl from PETERSEN. Subsequent court-authorized wiretaps revealed that CASADEI supplied fentanyl and various prescription pills to McBRIARTY, who in turn supplied them to PETERSEN. Wiretaps further revealed that CASADEI used the darknet, a network that can only be accessed through the use of specific software or authorizations, to purchase large quantities of fentanyl that were shipped from China. CASADEI also obtained and distributed various prescription pills, including Xanax and oxycodone.
It is alleged that PETERSEN sold fentanyl and other drugs to ORCUTT, ENRIQUEZ, CORREA, ORTIZ, ZIOBRON, and prescription pills to GRECO. These defendants then sold the drugs throughout central Connecticut.
“We believe that this groundbreaking investigation has identified a major supplier of fentanyl in our state,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “Fentanyl is a highly dangerous synthetic opioid which can be up to 50 times more potent than heroin. In the wrong hands, it’s deadly. Here in Connecticut, like other parts of the country, we are battling an escalating epidemic of opioid abuse. Tragically, this epidemic is leading to an increasing number of opioid deaths. Toxicology reports for these overdose victims often reveal the presence of fentanyl. This investigation has provided us with an important window into how fentanyl is winding up on our streets. I thank the DEA’s Hartford Task Force and all of it members – notably the New Britain and Wethersfield Police Departments – and our other federal, state and local law enforcement partners, for their superb efforts to shut down this deadly fentanyl distribution network. These defendants will now experience the full force of federal law.”
“Opioid abuse is at epidemic levels, and fentanyl and heroin are claiming too many lives in Connecticut and throughout New England,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Ferguson. “Those affected are our neighbors, co-workers, friends and family members. DEA is committed to bringing to justice those who put these deadly poisons on our streets and in the hands of those struggling with addiction. This investigation demonstrates the strength of our collaborative law enforcement efforts in Connecticut to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes these lethal drugs.”
“After several months of intensive investigation, we are here today to report that this major source of fentanyl has been disrupted,” said New Britain Police Chief Wardwell. “It is now up to us not to relax and to recommit to battling the increase of opioids on our streets. The New Britain Police Department is a proud and active partner with the DEA as we work together to eradicate these drugs and stop the death and heartache they leave behind. This investigation is one example of how effective our collaboration is and how committed we all are in addressing these issues that impact our city, as well as towns across the northeast and country. Today, we have made some headway. Tomorrow we will be right back at it to show those who want to bring these poisons into our communities that we will not stand for it – not now – not ever.”
“I can’t express my gratitude for allowing us to be involved and for being able to contribute to such an important investigation,” said Wethersfield Police Chief Cetran. “I am very proud of our participation in this operation that has resulted in the taking off the streets a significant amount of fentanyl and those who traffic in this drug. Fentanyl has killed too many people in our state. This is a prime directive of law enforcement: Protecting people.”
CASADEI, McBRIARTY and PETERSEN are charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life. PETERSEN is also charged with possession with the intent to distribute, and distribution of, at least 400 grams of fentanyl.
ORCUTT, ENRIQUEZ, CORREA, ORTIZ, ZIOBRON and GRECO are charged by complaint with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, controlled substances, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
In association with today’s arrests, law enforcement executed 10 search warrants and seized approximately 2.5 kilograms of suspected fentanyl, approximately two kilograms of suspected molly, approximately 50,000 suspected counterfeit Xanax pills, approximately 40 pounds of marijuana, butane hash oil (BHO) and steroids. Agents also seized approximately $500,000 in cash.
Following their arrests, the defendants appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford. Eight of the defendants are detained, and ORCUTT was released on a $10,000 bond.
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.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Wethersfield and Willimantic Police Departments. Agencies assisting the investigation include the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, New Britain State’s Attorney’s Office and Connecticut State Police.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Dave Vatti.
California Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUIS CEDILLO, 33, last residing in Sylmar, Calif., pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of 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 in the processing and packaging of 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. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on August 10, 2016.
This matter has been 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Dave Vatti.
Newington Man Sentenced to Prison for Stealing Social Security Benefits Delivered to Deceased GrandmotherRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CEDRIC NEWMAN, 46, of Newington, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to six months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for stealing more than $200,000 in Social Security benefits that had been deposited into his deceased grandmother’s bank account. NEWMAN must serve the first three months of his supervised release in home confinement.
According to court documents and statements made in court, NEWMAN’s grandmother was entitled to receive Social Security Administration (“SSA”) monthly benefit payments starting in 1980. The payments were made by direct deposit into a bank checking account. Although NEWMAN’s grandmother passed away in October 1996, the direct deposit payments continued until June 2014.
In March 2011, NEWMAN began accessing the funds in the account to make electronic payments on his credit card. From the time of his grandmother’s death until June 2014, approximately $220,729 of monthly benefit payments, net of Medicare premiums, were directly deposited into her bank account. NEWMAN used $218,079 of the funds for his own benefit.
Judge Hall ordered NEWMAN to make full restitution to the Social Security Administration.
On December 14, 2015, NEWMAN pleaded guilty to one count of theft of public funds.
This matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia Enos King.
New Hartford Man Admits Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DANIEL JESSE CONRAD, 31, of New Hartford, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford to one count of production of child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between October 2013 and June 2014, CONRAD sexually exploited three different minor females. CONRAD met one of the minor females in February 2014 through Omegle, an internet video chatting service. The minor was 15 years old at the time and lived in Connecticut. After their initial conversation, CONRAD and the minor female began communicating regularly through the Kik text messaging and photo sharing application on their cell phones. On March 1, 2014, the two met in person, and CONRAD drove the minor to Massachusetts where they engaged in sexual activity. On five or six occasions between March and June 2014, CONRAD picked up the minor and drove her to his residence where they engaged in sexual intercourse. During some of the encounters, CONRAD used his iPhone to take videos and pictures of the minor engaged in sexual activity.
In addition to meeting the minor in person, CONRAD had several online video conversations with the minor over Skype and Omegle. During some of these video conversations, the minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, which CONRAD recorded and saved on his computer. CONRAD also repeatedly persuaded the minor to take sexually explicit pictures of herself at her home and send them to him via Kik.
CONRAD similarly met the two other minors, who were also 15 years old at the time, over Omegle. One of the minors lived in New York and the other minor lived in Nebraska. As with the first victim, CONRAD had several online video conversations with the minors over Skype and Omegle. During several of the video conversations, CONRAD persuaded them to engage in sexually explicit conduct, which CONRAD recorded and saved on his computer. CONRAD also repeatedly persuaded the minors to take sexually explicit pictures of themselves at their homes and send them to him via Kik.
In total, CONRAD had saved on his computer and iPhone approximately 200 images and 52 videos of the three minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
CONRAD is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on August 17, 2016, at which time CONRAD 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.
Since his arrest on September 10, 2015, CONRAD has been released on bond and placed on electronic monitoring.
This matter is being investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations and the 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.
New Britain Firearms Manufacturer, Former Owner, Sentenced for Violating Federal Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Daniel J. Kumor, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Boston Field Division, announced that STAG ARMS LLC, a firearms manufacturer in New Britain, and its former owner and president, MARK MALKOWSKI of Farmington, were sentenced today in Hartford federal court. Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello ordered STAG ARMS to pay a $500,000 fine and MALKOWSKI to serve two years of probation and pay a $100,000 fine.
In December 2015, STAG ARMS pleaded guilty to a felony charge of possession of a machine gun not registered to the company, and MALKOWSKI pleaded guilty in his individual capacity to a misdemeanor charge of failure to maintain proper firearm records.
“This is the first time nationwide that a major firearms manufacturer has been convicted of a felony and had its license revoked, effectively forcing the company to be sold to new owners,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “Stag displayed a systemic and egregious disregard of federal firearms regulations. The company was unable to account for hundreds of semi-automatic rifles and possessed over sixty unregistered machine guns. This prosecution should serve as a warning to those in positions of leadership in the firearms manufacturing industry that failure to maintain strict compliance with firearms laws will have serious consequences. By properly marking and serializing firearms, accurately maintaining records in conformity with the Gun Control Act and properly registering firearms, gun manufacturers act as the first line of defense in ensuring that firearms are traceable and do not fall into the wrong hands.”
“ATF relies on individuals and corporations who are licensed to manufacture firearms to mark them in accordance with the law, keep thorough records of the manufacture and disposition of all firearms, and maintain their inventory in secure facilities to prevent their theft or loss,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Kumor. “When firearms licensees fail to comply with these federal regulations and laws they open the door for untraceable firearms to wind up on the street in the hands of traffickers and criminals.”
The possession, by private citizens, of machine guns manufactured after 1986 is prohibited, and licensed manufacturers of machine guns are required to stamp a unique serial number on each machine gun and register it with ATF within one business day of manufacture. It is a violation of federal law for a licensed manufacturer to fail to mark a firearm with a serial number and for anyone to tamper with a firearm serial number or possess a firearm with an obliterated serial number. It is also against the law for anyone to possess a machine gun that is not registered to them.
According to court documents and statements made in court, STAG ARMS (“STAG”) obtained a federal firearms license (“FFL”) to manufacture firearms in 2003, and obtained a license for a second location in 2009.
In 2007, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) cited STAG for a number of regulatory violations.
In July 2014, ATF Industry Operations Investigators performed another firearms compliance inspection at STAG. The investigation revealed that, in violation of the National Firearms Act, STAG had possession of a total of 62 machine guns and machine gun receivers that were registered to another entity, or were not registered at all.
A receiver is the key regulated part that is considered a machine gun. All other parts necessary to transform a receiver to a fully functional semi-automatic or automatic machine gun can be purchased over the Internet.
The investigation also discovered that, in violation of the Gun Control Act, STAG had failed in thousands of instances to adequately document the manufacture and disposition of firearms – machine guns as well as assault weapons – making them more susceptible to theft or loss. Many of the record-keeping violations that were uncovered were similar to violations for which STAG was cited in 2007. For example, inspectors discovered more than 3000 un-serialized receivers on the premises without any record of their manufacture or acquisition, and more than 3000 firearms that were transferred by STAG without properly being recorded. Inspectors were able to reconcile the majority of these transfers from other paperwork on site, but found more than 300 instances in which the disposition of the firearms could not be reconciled. To date, approximately 200 firearms are reported as lost or stolen.
In September 2014, ATF executed search warrants at STAG’s two facilities on John Downey Drive in New Britain and seized dozens of machine guns that had not been marked and/or registered, as well as three machine guns with serial numbers that had been intentionally obliterated, or scratched out.
In October 2014, ATF issued a Notice of Revocation to STAG, revoking both federal firearms licenses held by STAG at it two facilities. In the revocation notices, ATF alleged that STAG had knowledge of its recordkeeping and firearms marking responsibilities, but did not choose to comply. STAG was permitted to continue operations pending the results of a hearing where STAG was afforded the opportunity to contest the revocations with its own witnesses and evidence, and to cross examine government witnesses.
On November 16, 2015, after consideration of the evidence presented at the hearing, ATF issued a revocation of both of STAG’s federal firearms licenses.
Due its license revocation, on February 29, 2016, a sale of STAG was completed to an independent third party and the company is now under new ownership.
As part of the resolution of this case, STAG agreed not to challenge the license revocations in court, and to drop all ownership claims to the firearms seized by ATF. In addition, MALKOWSKI divested himself of his interest in STAG and has agreed never again to hold an ownership or management position with respect to a firearms business.
This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Dave Vatti.
National Police Week: We Must Commit Ourselves to the Well-Being of Law Enforcement OfficersRead the Press Release
The hard truth is that every year more police officers take their own lives than are killed in the line of duty by criminals. And for every officer who commits suicide, there are many more officers who, whether they recognize it or not, are suffering from the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
But this is not surprising when one considers all that we ask of our officers. Day in and day out, we expect them to apprehend armed and violent criminals, engage in high speed chases, notify next of kin that a loved one has died unexpectedly, respond to turbulent domestic violence calls, render first aid to a shooting victim or a badly-injured child, process horrific motor vehicle accidents and crime scenes, make split-second decisions that literally can be a matter of life or death, resolve tough legal questions on the spot in emerging and uncertain situations, and find overdose victims dead in public places or their own childhood bedrooms. These relentless demands exact an undeniable toll.
Added to this burden are the times when a small percentage of officers abuse their positions of authority. This abuse is unconscionable and sometimes even criminal. It weighs heavily on the vast majority of officers who honorably serve their communities. No one in a position of trust – a teacher, a doctor, a lawyer, a politician, a member of the clergy or a police officer – should ever violate his or her oath to serve others. Society is appropriately outraged whenever that trust has been violated. But the repercussions for police misconduct are unique and can be devastating. Not only have we seen wholesale community uprisings, but innocent officers have been murdered for no other reason than they were an officer in uniform. The reality of such senseless violence also looms over all officers and their families.
Nor is it surprising that the law enforcement community rarely talks about officer suicides or PTSD. Police work attracts a special breed: People who will run toward gunfire and chase an armed felon. The culture of the profession is one that calls for exceptional courage delivered quietly and humbly. As a result, too many officers and agents suffer in silence, inhibited and unable to seek the help that others reach for in much less trying circumstances.
As Connecticut’s United States Attorney, I deeply admire and respect our law enforcement partners who put themselves at risk every day for our protection and safety. I am equally concerned for the well-being of these officers and their families. Officer wellness is a subject that our Office has championed. We are fortunate to have many forward thinking Chiefs of Police and leaders who are committed to ensuring that we meet the mental health needs of the men and women who serve us. This week, the Norwalk Police Department will hold a memorial honoring officers killed in the line of duty as well as those who took their own lives. And the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association will hold an Officer Wellness training, focused on managing the aftermath of trauma, which is open to all local, state and federal officers in the state.
We need to prioritize the well-being of our officers. The results will both improve relations with the public we serve, and provide personal and professional fulfillment for the men and women who keep us safe.
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation that designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. This week in particular, I salute all of law enforcement for your quiet courage and thank you for dedicating your lives to protecting us.
Deirdre M. Daly
U.S. Attorney, District of Connecticut
May 17, 2016Former Connecticut Resident Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding Federal Energy ProgramRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WALTER CRAIG BRADWAY, 65, formerly of Glastonbury and currently residing in Holmes Beach, Fla., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 13 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for fraudulently obtaining more than $9 million in economic stimulus program funds in 2010 and 2011. Judge Thompson also ordered BRADWAY to perform 600 hours of community service.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2009, Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which included provisions for various economic stimulus programs funded in part or in whole by the United States. These programs included the Specified Energy Property Program administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, which was referred to as the “Section 1603 program.” The Section 1603 program, which was administered by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (“NREL”) in Golden, Colorado, provided funds to reimburse eligible applicants a portion of their costs for installing specific energy properties, including the installation of solar panel projects.
Applicants seeking reimbursement for their energy projects were required to submit supporting documentation including engineer-certified design plans for the project, vendor invoices reflecting the costs of installing the energy property and, for projects that were connected to an existing public utility, an interconnection agreement with that utility. Under the rules of the Section 1603 program, reimbursements could not be made until the energy property in question was completed and placed in service. The Department of the Treasury typically reimbursed 30 percent of the cost of approved Section 1603 applications.
BRADWAY was the owner and president of Glastonbury-based DataComm Services LLC (“DCS”). In 2010 and 2011, BRADWAY, through DCS, submitted more than 300 applications for Section 1603 reimbursements for solar panel projects in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Florida, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Maine and California. Many of these applications were fraudulent, however, because BRADWAY represented that the project was installed and in service when, in fact, the project had not been completed or even begun. BRADWAY also overstated the size and cost of projects in order to increase the reimbursement amount. In connection with many applications, BRADWAY submitted false documentation, including falsified engineer reports and fake interconnection agreements with local utility companies. As a result of these fraudulent applications, BRADWAY received approximately $9,026,637 in funds that he was not entitled to.
BRADWAY voluntary disclosed his criminal conduct to the Department of Treasury.
Judge Thompson ordered BRADWAY to pay restitution in the amount of $8,935,266.50, which accounts for approximately $91,000 that BRADWAY has paid to date.
On February 1, 2016, BRADWAY pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Treasury – Office of Inspector General, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Karwan.
Bridgeport Man Sentenced to More Than 4 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHARLES YOUNG, 30, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 50 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 25, 2015, YOUNG was arrested after he had engaged law enforcement officers in a high-speed car chase that began in Bridgeport’s east end, continued on I-95 South and ended when YOUNG crashed into a snow bank after exited the highway in Fairfield. During the chase, a witness saw YOUNG throw something from his car in the vicinity of Exit 24 in Fairfield. A search of the area revealed a loaded Glock 22 .40 caliber firearm.
At the time of his arrest, YOUNG was on state probation following his conviction in 2010 for criminal possession of a firearm and possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle. On October 9, 2015, he was found to have violated his probation and was sentenced to five years of imprisonment.
YOUNG has been detained since his arrest. On January 22, 2016, he pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Judge Shea ordered YOUNG’s federal sentence to run concurrently with his state sentence.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Connecticut State Police’s Statewide Urban Violence Cooperative Crime Control Task Force, Bridgeport Police Department and Fairfield Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Leaming and David Nelson.
Old Saybrook Resident Indicted for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that on May 3, 2016, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging DAVID ADAMS, 55, of Old Saybrook, with tax evasion and filing a false tax return. ADAMS, who was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on April 14, 2016, appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges in the indictment.
As alleged in the indictment, ADAMS sold an online floral business in 2002, which accounted for a significant portion of $6,269,960 in taxable income he claimed on his 2002 tax return. Although ADAMS represented to the IRS on or about August 8, 2003, that he was enclosing payment of $1,250,000, no such payment was enclosed and such tax was still outstanding as of June 2011.
The indictment further alleges that on or about June 7, 2011, ADAMS sold his partnership interest in another online floral business and received $4,708,419.20 wired into his personal bank account as part of the net proceeds owed to him as a result of the sale. Although he knew that he owed substantial taxes on that amount, ADAMS engaged in a number of affirmative acts to conceal and attempt to conceal this income in order to evade the assessment of a tax including: (1) hiring an accountant to prepare his 2011 taxes and then failing to give accountant complete, accurate information by failing to disclose the $4,708,419.20 in income ADAMS received in 2011; (2) providing the accountant with false information about ADAMS’s estimated tax payments for the year, telling the accountant that he had paid $220,000 when in fact, ADAMS knew he had only paid $100,000 in estimated taxes for 2011; (3) causing the accountant to prepare his 2011 tax return with false and fraudulent information; and (4) representing to an IRS revenue officer who was responsible for collecting ADAMS’s delinquent tax payments and securing ADAMS’s overdue tax returns, that he had hoped to have funds to pay down his back tax liability (including tax liability associated with the 2002 sale), but that nothing had been “panning out.” ADAMS failed to disclose to the revenue officer that he had received $4,708,419.20 in cash less than three weeks earlier.
The indictment charges ADAMS with one count of tax evasion, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and one count of filing a false tax return, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment three years.
ADAMS owes approximately $4.6 million in back taxes, interest and penalties for tax years 2002, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2012.
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 has been investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan L. Wines.
Armed Heroin Trafficker Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MELVIN CASTRO, also known as “Humacoa,” 23, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin and selling firearms.
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 CASTRO controlled the distribution of heroin in the Park Street, Babcock Street and Zion Street area of Hartford. On 12 occasions, CASTRO sold a total of 2,704 bags of heroin to an individual working with law enforcement. Wiretaps also captured numerous conversations in which CASTRO orchestrated hundreds of additional sales of heroin. In addition, the Task Force orchestrated the purchase of six firearms from CASTRO during the investigation.
CASTRO has been detained since his arrest on June 15, 2015. On February 3, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 100 grams or more of heroin.
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.
Two New Haven Men Charged with Federal Carjacking OffensesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on April 7, 2016, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging ELBERT LLORRENS, 23, and KYLE VALENTINE, 24, both of New Haven, with federal carjacking offenses.
The indictment alleges that, on January 1, 2016, LLORRENS and VALENTINE used a firearm and threats of violence to steal a 2015 Volkswagon Passat from two victims in Meriden. The indictment further alleges that, on January 5, 2016, LLORRENS used a firearm and threats of violence to steal a 2006 Chevy Cobalt from a victim in New Haven.
The indictment charges LLORRENS with two counts, and VALENTINE with one count, of taking a motor vehicle from a person by force and violence or by intimidation, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.
The indictment was unsealed yesterday when LLORRENS and VALENTINE, who had been in state custody, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and pleaded not guilty to the charges. The defendants were ordered detained pending trial.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the East Haven, Meriden, Milford and New Haven Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Tennessee Resident Admits Defrauding Contributors to Sandy Hook-Related CharityRead 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, announced that ROBERT TERRY BRUCE, 35, of Nashville, Tenn., pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to one count of wire fraud stemming from a scheme to defraud contributors to an organization he established after the December 14, 2012 school shootings in Newtown.
According to court documents and statements made in court, BRUCE founded the 26.4.26 Foundation, an organization that began soliciting charitable donations in the aftermath of the December 14, 2012 school shootings in Sandy Hook, Connecticut for a variety of purposes, including “to help raise funds for increased school safety, families of victims, memorials to teacher heroes, awareness and prevention in schools across America.”
In early 2013, BRUCE solicited and received contributions to 26.4.26 in connection with a charity athletic event in Gilford, N.H., called the Schools 4 Schools run. BRUCE promoted the event via social media, and solicited contributions to 26.4.26 through an online PayPal account by representing to potential donors that the purpose of the event was “to help raise funds for increased school safety, families of victims, memorials to teacher heroes, awareness and prevention in schools across America.” BRUCE further represented to potential donors that “all proceeds will go to the 26.4.26 Foundation.”
Also in early 2013, BRUCE solicited contributions to 26.4.26 in connection with a charity athletic event in Tennessee called CrossFit Cares. As he had in the New Hampshire event, BRUCE promoted the event via social media, and solicited contributions to 26.4.26 through PayPal by representing to potential donors that “all proceeds will go to the 26.4.26 Foundation” and that the “mission of 26.4.26 is to provide funding for the families of victims, memorials for teacher heroes and to increase safety in schools across the country.”
Rather than using the funds raised to support his purported mission, BRUCE used most of the funds to enrich himself and to support his personal training business. Several of the victim donors are from Connecticut.
Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for August 30, 2016, at which time BRUCE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
BRUCE has been released on a $20,000 bond since his arrest on February 13, 2015.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Wines. U.S. Attorney Daly also acknowledged the critical assistance provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Credit Union Lending Manager Pleads Guilty to Embezzling $840KRead 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, announced that PAMELA MALLORY, 42, of Enfield, waived her right to indictment and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to 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.
MALLORY pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement by a credit union employee, a charge that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years. She is scheduled to be sentenced on August 17, 2016, and is released on a $100,000 bond.
This matter is being investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.
North Franklin Man Pleads Guilty to Failing to Pay Taxes on Money He Misappropriated from TrustRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JOSEPH SUDIK, 60, of North Franklin, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to filing false tax returns.
According to court documents and statements made in court, SUDIK operated a dentistry practice, and also acted as a trustee of the Walter S. Sudik Trust, his uncle’s estate. In 2010 and 2011, SUDIK took more than $248,000 from the Trust without authorization and was paid $35,500 by the Trust for fiduciary fees for his services as trustee and reimbursement for closing his dental office to act as trustee. On his 2010 and 2011 federal tax returns, SUDIK willfully failed to report a total of $284,167 in unreported income and failed to pay $63,229 in income taxes.
With respect to his 2010 federal tax return, SUDIK falsely reported taxable income of $25,026 and a tax due of $1,419. In his 2011 federal tax return, SUDIK falsely reported only $1,230 in taxable income and a tax due of $1,171.
SUDIK pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return, a charge that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years and a fine of up to $250,000. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton on July 27, 2016.
SUDIK has agreed to pay back taxes, plus penalties and interest. In addition, he has agreed to pay full restitution to the four trust beneficiaries of the funds he took from the trust without authorization.
This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.
Ansonia Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Federal Prison for Trafficking Prescription NarcoticsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMES COSTANZO, 38, of Ansonia, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 57 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking prescription narcotics. He also was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2013, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Ansonia Police Department initiated an investigation into COSTANZO, who had been identified as an illegal distributor of narcotic pharmaceuticals. The investigation, which included multiple controlled purchases of oxycodone and the use of electronic surveillance, revealed that COSTANZO sold prescription narcotics to numerous customers from his Dwight Street residence. The investigation further revealed that Brian Earl of North Haven supplied COSTANZO with large quantities of oxycodone and other prescription narcotics, and also sold drugs to his own customers.
COSTANZO and Earl were arrested on January 23, 2014. At the time of his arrest, COSTANZO possessed a 9mm handgun that was loaded with hollow-point ammunition, and $439 in cash. A subsequent search of his residence revealed approximately 600 oxycodone pills, four firearms, ammunition, approximately $5,500 in cash, and more than 50 stored-value cards.
On February 27, 2015, COSTANZO pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, oxycodone and oxymorphone, and one count of knowingly engaging in a monetary transaction involving criminally derived property.
When he pleaded guilty, COSTANZO admitted that he used more than $72,000 in funds derived from his illegal drug enterprise to purchase a residence located at 85 Dwight Street.
COSTANZO has forfeited the Dwight Street property, as well as a residence located at 21 Winchester Street in Waterbury, a 2005 Mercedes Benz ML350, a 2000 Ford F150, and approximately $42,613.
COSTANZO has been detained since his arrest.
Brian Earl pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, oxycodone and oxymorphone. On July 17, 2015, he was sentenced to 37 months of imprisonment.
This investigation was conducted by the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, the Ansonia Police Department and the Fairfield Police Department. The Tactical Diversion Squad includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon and Wilton Police Departments.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David X. Sullivan and Michael E. Runowicz.
Waterbury Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STEPHEN GOINS, 35, last residing in Waterbury, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 26, 2014, law enforcement received information that GOINS, a convicted felon, was operating a vehicle that had a firearm in the glove compartment. A Bridgeport police officer stopped the vehicle after it exited I-95 in Bridgeport. GOINS was arrested after a search of the glove compartment revealed a loaded Ruger LCR Revolver, .38 caliber Special.
GOINS’ criminal history includes felony convictions for robbery, larceny and marijuana trafficking offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
The charge of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
GOINS has been detained since his arrest.
This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Bridgeport Police Department, New Britain Police Department, and Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
Derby Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Heroin Distribution ChargeRead 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, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of distribution of heroin to an individual who is under 21 years of age.
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 have been investigating 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 investigation, which includes 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.
The charge of distribution of heroin to an individual who is under 21 years of age carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of one year, a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, a term of supervised release of no less than six years, and a fine of up to $2 million.
COMMERFORD is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford on July 28, 2016. He has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on February 18, 2016.
The DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon and Wilton Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.
Maryland Man Who Distributed Synthetic Drug That Caused Overdoses at Wesleyan University is SentencedRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ZACHARY KRAMER, 22, of Bethesda, Maryland, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to eight months of home confinement with outpatient drug treatment, four months of imprisonment, three years of supervised release and a $10,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, KRAMER and Eric Lonergan were students at Wesleyan in Middletown, Conn. Beginning in approximately November 2013, Lonergan began selling a substance he referred to as both “Molly” and MDMA to students on or in the vicinity of the Wesleyan campus. Lonergan regularly sold Molly from his dorm room, charging approximately $20 per .1 gram, or $200 per gram, Lonergan also counseled students on how to ingest Molly and other psychedelic drugs. At one point in 2014, after the administration at Wesleyan sent out a campus-wide communication warning of the dangers of ingesting controlled substances like Molly, Lonergan responded by distributing a pamphlet instructing students on the use of psychedelic drugs.
In approximately September 2014, KRAMER began purchasing what he believed to be Molly from Lonergan and distributed it to students at Wesleyan. At times, Lonergan used a chemical test on the substance he sold KRAMER to prove to him that he was selling KRAMER high-quality MDMA.
In September 2014, Lonergan was the source of Molly for several students who were planning a “rolling” party at Wesleyan, which is a party where guests ingest Molly. He provided several grams of a substance he represented to be MDMA, in bulk, and another student then distributed it to students in .1 gram capsules. At this party, which occurred on September 13, 2014, several students became ill, some seriously, after ingesting the substance provided by Lonergan. Two of these students were transported to the hospital. After these overdoses, Lonergan sent electronic communications to several students assuring them that the substance he provided to them was indeed MDMA. One of the students who became ill at the party saved one of the capsules she had purchased and turned it over to the Middletown Police in February 2015. A lab test on the contents of that capsule revealed that it did not contain MDMA, but contained two other controlled substances: AB Fubinaca, a Schedule I controlled substance, and 6-MAPB, an analogue of MDMA.
In approximately December 2014, KRAMER became the primary supplier of MDMA at Wesleyan. KRAMER typically sold the MDMA in .1 gram quantities for $20 each or he sold it in 5-gram and 10-gram quantities for a discount, charging $100 or more, depending on the customer and the quantity. During this time period, Lonergan still supplied KRAMER with bulk quantities of MDMA. In approximately January 2015, KRAMER purchased approximately 45 grams of MDMA from Lonergan. KRAMER broke that quantity into 5 and 10-gram bags and distributed those bags to other students who planned to break down the MDMA into .1 gram capsules, sell those capsules to other Wesleyan students, and pay KRAMER for the quantity of the drug he had provided to them.
On February 21, 2015, 11 individuals, including 10 Wesleyan students, overdosed on a substance they believed was MDMA, and many were transported to the hospital. Two of the students were in critical condition, and one of the students had to be revived after his heart stopped. All of these students obtained the purported MDMA through individual distributers who were supplied directly by KRAMER.
Although KRAMER and some of his distributers destroyed the substance identified as Molly that they had in their possession, one of the distributers did not, and that substance was seized by law enforcement officers and sent to the toxicology laboratory for testing. Laboratory analysis confirmed that the powdered substance contained AB Fubinaca.
Kramer and Lonergan were arrested on federal charges on May 22, 2015.
On November 12, 2015, KRAMER pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute, and to distribute, MDMA (“Molly”).
Lonergan pleaded guilty to the same charge on November 30, 2015. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 15, 2016.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Middletown Police Department, with the assistance of the State of Connecticut’s Forensic Science Laboratory.
U.S. Attorney Daly acknowledged the support and assistance of the Middlesex State’s Attorney’s Office, which is prosecuting several state cases stemming from these overdose events.
The federal case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector and Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Eugene Calistro, who has been cross-designated as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in this matter.
Seymour Man Who Assaulted Girlfriend Sentenced to 42 Months in Prison for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MAURICE EARLEY, 50, of Seymour, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 42 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 28, 2013, EARLEY was arrested by Connecticut State Police after he physically assaulted his girlfriend. EARLEY punched the victim in the face while they were traveling on I-95 in Bridgeport, then pulled over, dragged her from the car, choked her and punched her several more times. The victim was able to escape and was treated at the hospital for a fractured nose, a fractured collar bone and other injuries.
A subsequent search EARLEY’s residence revealed a loaded 9mm handgun with an obliterated serial number, and 93 rounds of 9mm ammunition, including hollow-point bullets.
EARLEY’s criminal history includes felony convictions for drug trafficking and robbery offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
“It is our priority to prosecute all defendants who are prohibited from possessing firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “We are particularly concerned about guns in the hands of predators who commit acts of domestic violence preying on an especially vulnerable population. This defendant not only possessed a loaded firearm with an obliterated serial number, but also 90 rounds of ammunition. Domestic violence affects women and children across all socio-economic, cultural and racial lines. According to a 2011 Center for Disease Control survey, one in four women experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner. Each year, this country witnesses more than a million acts of domestic violence that result in hundreds of deaths.”
On February 19, 2015, a grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment charging EARLEY with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He has been detained since March 2, 2015. On December 14, 2015, EARLEY pleaded guilty to the charge in the indictment.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Connecticut State Police and Seymour Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alina P. Reynolds.
Owner of California Company That Offered Mortgage Assistance Pleads Guilty to False Advertising ChargesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN VESCERA, 60, of Dana Point, Calif., waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to false advertising and misusing a government seal in connection with the provision of mortgage modification services.
According to court documents and statements made in court, VESCERA was the President of First One Lending Corporation (“First One”) in San Juan Capistrano, Calif. During the peak of the national mortgage crisis, VESCERA and First One offered home mortgage loan modification assistance to homeowners across the United States, including in Connecticut, who were having difficulty repaying their mortgage loans.
From approximately February 2010 until approximately February 2012, VESCERA and First One solicited clients through television advertisements and infomercials produced by National Media Connection of New London, Conn. These advertisements touted the mortgage modification services of an entity known as the National Mortgage Help Center (“NMHC”).
Matthew Goldreich, of East Lyme, Conn., had incorporated NMHC approximately two months after the U.S. Treasury Department announced that it would partner with financial institutions to reduce struggling homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments through a program called the Home Affordable Modification Program (“HAMP”). HAMP consisted of a number of incentives to encourage homeowners and financial institutions to modify existing loans on owner-occupied primary residences in order to help keep these properties out of foreclosure.
NMHC advertisements misrepresented NMHC as being affiliated with or regulated by the U.S. government and falsely stated that NMHC “help[ed] thousands of homeowners every day.” When viewers called the advertised telephone number, they were connected not to NMHC, which operated only as a front and did not provide mortgage modification services for any homeowners, but to clients of National Media Connection, including First One.
VESCERA and First One used NMHC’s name and logo in First One’s promotional materials, application package and other documents. VESCERA also instructed First One employees to introduce themselves to prospective clients as “with the National Mortgage Help Center.”
First One also misrepresented its status with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”). First One employees were instructed to inform homeowners that “[w]e’re a HUD approved lender and we represent the government loan modification programs.” In addition, certain of First One’s forms claimed that the company provided “HUD . . . Housing Counseling assistance” and bore HUD’s seal. In truth, First One had no affiliation with the government mortgage loan assistance programs and was not licensed or approved by HUD for housing counseling or home mortgage loan modification services.
VESCERA pleaded guilty to one count of misuse of a government seal and one count of false advertising. Chief Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for July 26, 2016, at which time VESCERA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of six years.
Goldreich previously pleaded guilty to one count of false advertising. On November 5, 2015, he was sentenced to two years of probation, in including three months of home confinement. He also was ordered to pay a $100,000 fine and $75,794 in restitution.
This investigation is being conducted by the 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, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Avi Perry and Liam Brennan.
Two Hamden Men Admit Distributing Oxycodone Involved in Weston OverdoseRead 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 TAHIR FARID, 22, and RYAN LOONEY, 19, both of Hamden, have pleaded guilty to federal oxycodone distribution charges. 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 January 3, 2016, a 22-year-old male purchased 30 40-milligram oxycodone pills from FARID in exchange for $900. He then consumed some of those pills, as well as other substances. On January 5, 2016, the 22-year-old male was found unresponsive at a friend’s residence in Weston. He remains unresponsive and, according to medical personnel, is in a “persistent vegetative state.”
The investigation revealed that, prior to the victim’s overdose, LOONEY supplied FARID with oxycodone pills. FARID then distributed the pills to the victim.
FARID and LOONEY were arrested on federal criminal complaints on February 22 and February 29, respectively.
Today, LOONEY waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty in Hartford federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, oxycodone. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on August 11, 2016. The charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
On April 26, 2016, FARID pleaded guilty to the same charge. He is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Chatigny on August 8, 2016.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, U.S. Marshals Service, Weston Police Department and Monroe Police Department. The Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon and Wilton Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.
Norwich Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Heroin Distribution ChargeRead 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 JONATHAN FISHER, 34, of Norwich, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of possession with the intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.
This matter stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 9, 2016, Norwich Police responded to a medical emergency at FISHER’s residence. The emergency involved an 18-year-old male who had died from an apparent heroin overdose. FISHER was not present at the time law enforcement had arrived. A search of the victim’s wallet revealed one used glassine baggy and 10 unopened baggies marked with a particular brand stamp. A field test of the substance in the baggies yielded a positive presence for both heroin and fentanyl.
Approximately one month prior to the overdose death, FISHER was arrested by Norwich Police after he was found in possession of numerous baggies of heroin that were marked with the same stamp.
On April 12, 2016, Norwich Police arrested FISHER at a Norwich hotel. A search of FISHER’s wallet contained two glassine baggies containing suspected heroin and marked with the same brand stamp. A search of the hotel room where FISHER had been staying revealed more than 300 bags of heroin, prescription narcotics, more than one pound of marijuana, a digital scale and hundreds of empty glassine bags marked with the same stamp.
FISHER was charged by federal complaint on April 20 and is detained. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on July 27, 2016. The offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Norwich Police Department. The Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon and Wilton Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.
Jamaican National Sentenced to Prison to Passport FraudRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARK ANTHONY GOULDBOURNE, 42, of Hartford, Conn. and Brooklyn, N.Y., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to nine months of imprisonment for making a false statement in a passport application.
According to court documents and statements made in court, GOULDBOURNE is a native and citizen of Jamaica. In March 2011, he submitted an application for a U.S. passport, in the name of his brother, at a U.S. Post Office in Hartford. Claiming to be his brother, who is a U.S. citizen, GOULDBOURNE presented to the passport acceptance agent a New York birth certificate and a Pennsylvania identity card, and then signed the passport application under oath. Passport authorities flagged the application as possibly fraudulent and did not issue the passport.
In May 2015, law enforcement determined that GOULDBOURNE was an inmate at Hartford Correctional Center under the same identity used in the fraudulent passport application. In an interview with law enforcement on May 7, 2015, GOULDBOURNE admitted that he had submitted the fraudulent passport application in March 2011, and that he had obtained the Pennsylvania identity card in his brother’s name.
On December 15, 2015, GOULDBOURNE waived indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement in a passport application. He will be subject to deportation proceedings upon the completion of his federal sentence.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hal Chen.
Veterans Services Organization Bookkeeper Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Fraud, Tax OffensesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CYNTHIA TANNER, 54, formerly of Darien, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for embezzling approximately $800,000 from a Connecticut-based veterans services organization, and for failing to pay taxes on that income.
According to court documents and statements made in court, TANNER was employed as a bookkeeper for the National Veterans Service Fund (“NVSF”) located in Darien. The stated mission of the NVSF was to provide case managed social services and limited medical assistance to Vietnam and Persian Gulf War veterans and their families, with a focus on families with disabled children. From approximately January 2009 through June 2014, TANNER used nearly $800,000 in NVSF funds to pay various personal expenses for her and her family members. She also altered records to conceal her scheme and by falsely claiming that the stolen monies were being paid to veterans in need.
In addition, TANNER failed to report $794,768.47 in embezzled income on her 2009 through 2013 federal tax returns, resulting in a tax loss of $270,026.
TANNER was ordered to pay full restitution to the NVSF, and back taxes, interest and penalties in an amount that exceeds $500,000.
TANNER was arrested on related state charges on June 2, 2014. On December 15, 2015, she pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of tax evasion.
TANNER, who is released on bond, was ordered to report to prison on August 30, 2016.
This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and Darien Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Three Connecticut Residents Charged with Cashing More Than $300K in Stolen Postal Money OrdersRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a 15-count indictment charging MARC ALEXANDER, 35, of Stratford and Oxford, RACHAEL ALEXANDER, also known as Rachael Vierling, 38, of Stratford and Oxford, and BERNARD HARRIS, 42, of Bridgeport, with participating in a stolen postal money order scheme. The indictment was returned on April 19, 2016, and was unsealed after the defendants were arrested on April 26.
As alleged in the indictment, after blank postal money orders were stolen from the U.S. Post Office in Old Greenwich, MARC ALEXANDER, RACHAEL ALEXANDER and others would imprint the postal money orders with various denominations using a computer font designed to make them appear to be authentic. MARC ALEXANDER, RACHAEL ALEXANDER, HARRIS and others then deposited the fraudulently imprinted postal money orders into numerous bank accounts, either at an ATM or at a teller window. Members of the conspiracy then withdrew and used the funds. At times, members of the conspiracy also used the fraudulently imprinted postal money orders to make payments to other individuals.
The loss in the case exceeds $300,000.
The indictment charges the defendants with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and multiple counts of wire fraud. Each charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000.
MARC and RACHAEL ALEXANDER are detained and HARRIS is released on a $125,000 bond.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force¸ U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Westport Police Department and Greenwich Police Department.
Individuals with information about this matter are encouraged to call the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force (203) 782-7333.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
DEA's 11th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is Saturday April 30thRead the Press Release
Boston, MA – The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is continuing its efforts to take back unused, unwanted and expired prescription medications with it 11th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. On April 30, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the DEA invites the public to bring their potentially dangerous, unwanted medicines to one of the hundreds of collection sites all over New England.
The public can find a nearby collection site by visiting www.dea.gov clicking on the “Got Drugs” icon, and entering the zip code into the search window, or they can call 800-882-9539.
All across America and especially here in New England we are experiencing an epidemic of addiction, overdose and death due to abuse of prescription drugs, particularly opioid painkillers. 6.5 million Americans abuse prescription drugs, according to the most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which is more than abuse cocaine, heroin, and hallucinogens combined.
Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of injury-related death in the United States, eclipsing deaths from motor vehicle crashes or firearms. The removal from homes of unwanted prescription pills that can be abused, stolen or resold is an easy way to help fight the epidemic of substance abuse and addiction.
“Many Americans are not aware that medicines which languish in home cabinets are highly vulnerable to diversion, misuse, and abuse,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson. “Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are at alarming levels, as are the number of accidental poisoning and overdoses due to the illegal use of these drugs. Please take the time to clean out your medicine cabinet and make your home safe from drug theft and abuse.”
“The opioid epidemic has tragically struck in Connecticut as it has in many other parts of our country,” said Deirdre M. Daly, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut. “Hundreds of families from all over our state have lost loved ones to drug overdoses. The numbers of deaths are increasing and far too often the abuse started with painkillers or other prescription narcotics. Again and again, we find victims who were injured and became addicted to legally-prescribed opioids, or family members and friends who experiment with leftover pills they find in medicine cabinets. You may be surprised by the quantity and types of drugs you have in your home. I strongly urge you to collect all of your excess drugs and dispose of them this Saturday at one of nearly 70 locations across our state. By doing so, you may be saving someone close to you from addiction, or much worse.”
During the last and 10th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, the New England Field Division over the course of four hours collected 67,107 pounds of expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs at 596 collection sites throughout New England.
Many local police departments across Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont maintain drop-off receptacles so the public can dispose of unused, unneeded and expired prescription medications seven days a week throughout the year with no questions asked.
For more information contact:
Special Agent Tim Desmond
Drug Enforcement Administration
New England Field Division
617-557-2463Hartford Man Guilty of Witness Tampering Offenses Related to 2010 Murder, Planning of Second MurderRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal jury in Hartford today found DOMINIQUE MACK, also known as “Lil Sweets,” 26, of Hartford, guilty of conspiring to commit witness tampering by murdering one individual and planning to murder a second individual. The trial before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea began on April 11.
“Together with our law state and local enforcement partners, we are committed to using the full weight of federal law to prosecute those individuals most responsible for violence in our inner cities,” stated U.S. Attorney Daly. “In an attempt to prevent his own apprehension, this defendant shot and killed Ian Francis. He then plotted to kill a second individual who he feared might be a witness against him. This was a particularly difficult prosecution that was superbly investigated. I commend the excellent work of our trial team, the FBI, the Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, and the Hartford Police Department’s Major Crimes Division.”
According to the evidence at trial, on December 21, 2010, Ian Francis was shot multiple times while sitting in his vehicle on Sigourney Street in Hartford. Francis succumbed to his injuries on January 15, 2011. At the time, MACK, who had been charged as part of a multi-defendant federal drug conspiracy, was hiding out in an attempt to evade arrest. On June 15, 2011, law enforcement arrested MACK at an apartment on Vine Street in Hartford. A search of the apartment revealed a Ruger 9 millimeter semi-automatic pistol, which was subsequently determined to be the firearm that was used to murder Francis.
The investigation revealed that MACK conspired with Keronn Miller and others to murder Francis to prevent Francis from providing information to law enforcement about MACK’s whereabouts. Miller had lured Francis to the location on Sigourney Street knowing that the plan was to murder Francis when he arrived there.
On December 4, 2014, Miller, also known as “Fresh,” 25, of Hartford, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting in the murder of Francis. He awaits sentencing.
Shortly after Miller’s guilty plea, the government received information about a plot to kill a witness for MACK’s upcoming trial. Tyquan Lucien, also known as “TQ” and “Frogger,” who had been arrested as part of this investigation and was incarcerated with MACK at a detention facility in Rhode Island, had told another inmate about a plan by Lucien and MACK to kill an individual who had been identified as a government witness in the case against Miller. On February 13, 2015, an undercover officer who was posing as someone who might be able to commit the murder met with Lucien in the visiting area of the detention facility. During the meeting, Lucien ordered the killing of the potential government witness and others, making throat-slashing motions to make his intent clear. Three days later, Lucien met with MACK and relayed to him the facts of the visit.
The jury found MACK guilty of two counts of conspiracy to commit witness tampering by committing first degree murder, an offense that carries a mandatory lifetime term of imprisonment. The jury also found MACK guilty of two counts of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
The jury found MACK not guilty of two counts of tampering with a witness.
Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for July 25, 2016.
On August 24, 2015, Lucien pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit witness tampering by first degree murder. He awaits sentencing.
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.
Connecticut U.S. Attorney's Office Participates in National Reentry Week EventsRead the Press Release
New Haven – As part of an ongoing effort to make our criminal justice system fairer, more efficient and more effective at reducing recidivism and helping formerly incarcerated individuals contribute to their communities, the Department of Justice has designated the week of April 24-30, 2016, as National Reentry Week.
“The Justice Department is committed to reducing recidivism and making our communities safer,” stated U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly. “A major part of this commitment is assisting those who have served time in prison transition to being productive and law-abiding members of society. Too often, returning citizens face impregnable barriers as they compete for jobs, seek to attain stable housing and support their families. Successful reentry programs benefit all of us.”
National Reentry Week events are being held in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. U.S. Attorney’s Offices alone are sponsoring more than 200 events, and federal Bureau of Prisons facilities are holding more than 370 events.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut is participating in four National Reentry Week events:
- On April 27, members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, U.S. Probation Office and the Federal Public Defender’s Office are speaking to inmates at FCI Danbury about federal government reentry initiatives.
- On April 28, the City of Hartford is presenting a panel discussion titled “Life After Lockup: Stories of Success,” at the Hartford Public Library, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- On April 29, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is hosting “A Brighter Future: Jobs for Returning Citizens,” in New Haven. Panel discussions will include returning citizens who are now employed, employers who have successfully hired individuals with criminal records, and workforce development providers who have implemented programs to prepare these individuals for employment.
- On April 29, the Bridgeport Reentry Collaborative will be hosting its 5th Annual Bridgeport Reentry Awards Ceremony at Housatonic Community College, at 6:00 p.m. The ceremony is a celebration of the collective success of former offenders, advocates, and businesses who have demonstrated their commitment to effective reintegration.
For more information about these programs and the U.S. Attorney’s Office reentry initiative, please contact Holly A. Wasilewski, Reentry & Community Outreach Coordinator, at 203-821-3833 or [email protected].
Former Rocky Hill Resident Charged with Stealing Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport has returned an indictment charging MARYANNE STEPHENS, 68, of Ireland, formerly of Rocky Hill, Conn., with bank fraud, theft of public money, and aggravated identity theft offenses stemming from a scheme to steal Social Security retirement benefits that had been deposited into her deceased mother-in-law’s bank account.
The indictment was returned on September 18, 2012, and was unsealed on April 20, 2016, when STEPHENS was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. STEPHENS appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.
STEPHENS’ mother-in-law died in October 1998. The indictment alleges that from approximately March 2004 to December 2010, STEPHENS forged the signature of her mother-in-law on bank checks in order to fraudulently obtain funds held in her mother-in-law’s bank account, including Social Security retirement benefits that were deposited into the account after STEPHENS’ mother-in-law had died.
Approximately $200,000 in Social Security benefits were deposited into STEPHEN’s mother-in-law’s bank account after she died.
If convicted, STEPHENS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years for bank fraud, a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years for theft of public money, and a mandatory, consecutive two-year term of imprisonment for aggravated identity theft.
STEPHENS has surrendered her passport and is released on a $200,000 bond.
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 Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
Ellington Man Sentenced to 61 Months in Federal Prison for Stealing Firearm, Selling it to Heroin DealerRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JUSTIN ASHLINE, 25, of Ellington, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 61 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for stealing a firearm and selling it to his heroin dealer.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in on May 23, 2014, the ATF, DEA and Hartford Police executed a federal search warrant at the Hartford residence of Roman Pantojas, who was known to be an armed heroin dealer. During the search, officers seized approximately 700 baggies of heroin, two loaded handguns and Pantojas’s cellular telephone.
The investigation revealed that one of the seized firearms, a Ruger .357 caliber revolver, was registered to an individual in Westbrook. In an interview with Connecticut State Police, the firearm owner stated that he had just discovered that the revolver had been stolen from his truck. He also stated ASHLINE had been his employee.
Analysis of the cellular telephone seized from Pantojas revealed approximately 72 incoming and outgoing calls between the phone and a number that was registered to ASHLINE.
In an interview with law enforcement, ASHLINE admitted that he stole the firearm and sold it to Pantojas in exchange for approximately 20 baggies of heroin and between $70 and $100 in cash.
ASHLINE has four prior felony convictions, including one for sale of narcotics and one for first degree larceny. 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.
ASHLINE was arrested on June 19, 2014. On January 13, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
ASHLINE was detained from the date of his arrest until June 2015 when he was released into an inpatient drug treatment program. He was remanded to custody on October 6, 2015, after he tested positive for opiates, was terminated from his drug treatment program and his bond was revoked.
ASHLINE was transferred into state custody where he is serving an unrelated 30-month state sentence, which is scheduled to expire in July 2018. He will serve an additional 13 months of federal imprisonment when he released from state custody.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Connecticut State Police and the Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.
Bankruptcy Attorney Charged with Embezzling FundsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that PETER RESSLER, 68, of Woodbridge, was charged today by federal criminal complaint with embezzlement of debtor’s funds. RESSLER was an attorney with a bankruptcy practice based in New Haven.
RESSLER appeared this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport and was released on a $100,000 bond.
As alleged in the criminal complaint, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut contacted the U.S. Attorney’s Office after it identified criminal conduct by RESSLER in at least two cases involving debtors that were his clients. In one case, the debtor entrusted RESSLER with $450,000, which were proceeds of a legal settlement, to be held by RESSLER’s firm for the benefit of the debtor and its creditors. In a second case, the debtor entrusted RESSLER’s firm with approximately $321,409. In both cases, most of the deposited funds were used by RESSLER for other purposes than on behalf of the relevant clients.
The complaint further alleges that RESSLER is cooperating with the investigation and prosecution of this matter, which includes the investigation of embezzlements from other clients.
RESSLER resigned from the Connecticut bar in March 2016.
The charge of embezzlement of debtor’s funds carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Six Charged in Four Overdose Death InvestigationsRead 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 six men were arrested this week on various federal heroin charges. 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 a criminal complaint charging JONATHAN FISHER, 35, of Norwich, on April 9, 2016, Norwich Police responded to a medical emergency at FISHER’s residence. The emergency involved an 18-year-old male who had died from an apparent heroin overdose. FISHER was not present at the time law enforcement had arrived. A search of the victim’s wallet revealed one used glassine baggy and 10 unopened baggies marked with a particular brand stamp. A field test of the substance in the baggies yielded a positive presence for both heroin and fentanyl.
Approximately one month prior to the overdose death, FISHER was arrested by Norwich Police after he was found in possession of numerous baggies of heroin that were marked with the same stamp.
On April 12, 2016, Norwich Police arrested FISHER at a Norwich hotel. A search of FISHER’s wallet contained two glassine baggies containing suspected heroin and marked with the same brand stamp. A search of the hotel room where FISHER had been staying revealed more than 300 bags of heroin, prescription narcotics, more than one pound of marijuana, a digital scale and hundreds of empty glassine bags marked with the same stamp.
FISHER was charged by federal complaint on April 20 and is detained.
According to a criminal complaint charging JORGE MORALES, also known as “Capone,” 29, of Shelton, on April 15, 2016, a 21-year-old female was found unresponsive at her Bridgeport residence and was transported to the hospital. The victim has since been removed from life support and died.
Bridgeport Police recovered two baggies of suspected heroin packaged in glassine baggies from the bed next to where the victim was located. The baggies were marked with a particular brand stamp. A cellular telephone seized from the victim revealed numerous calls and text messages between the victim and MORALES in the days leading up the victim’s overdose. In addition, on April 15, 2016, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of heroin, marked with the same brand stamp, from MORALES.
MORALES was charged by federal complaint on April 20 and is detained.
According to a criminal complaint charging TIMOTHY PAPROCKI, 33, of Ledyard and RUDY HERNANDEZ, 43, of New London, on April 12, 2016, Groton Town Police responded to a report of a medical emergency involving a 25-year-old male. The victim, who had used heroin and/or fentanyl, was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The investigation, which has included witness interviews and the review of cellphone records and text messages, revealed that the victim arranged to purchase heroin from PAPROCKI. PAPROCKI then purchased heroin from HERNANDEZ and distributed it to the victim.
On April 14, 2016, New London Police and other law enforcement conducted a search of HERNANDEZ’s residence and seized heroin, cocaine and multiple cellular telephones.
PAPROCKI and HERNANDEZ were charged by federal complaint on April 20 and are detained.
According to a criminal complaint charging DANIEL GAMERO, 23, of Hartford, and CHARLIE TACURI, 19, of Hartford, since February 2016, Hartford Police have been investigating the distribution of heroin marked with a particular brand stamp. During the course of the investigation, there have been at least two overdose deaths to which heroin marked with the stamp has been linked, one in Vernon on February 1 and one in Granby on March 22. Between February and April 2016, law enforcement conducted four controlled purchases of heroin mark with the same stamp from GAMERO and TACURI.
GAMERO and TACURI were arrested on April 21. On that date, a search of GAMERO’s Preston Street residence revealed hundreds of bags of heroin, marijuana and a firearm. GAMERO and TACURI are detained.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
These investigations are being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (“HIDTA Task Force”) and Hartford Task Force; the Statewide Narcotics Task Force, the Regional Community Enhancement Task Force, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Norwich, Bridgeport, Monroe, Groton Town, New London and Hartford Police Departments. The Tactical Diversion Squad includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon and Wilton Police Departments. The HIDTA Task Force includes participants from the Connecticut State Police and the Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford, Bridgeport and Trumbull Police Departments. The Hartford Task Force includes participants from the Bristol, East Hartford, Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Wethersfield and Willimantic Police Departments.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Spector, Avi Perry, Douglas Morabito and Gordon Hall.
Bridgeport Man Sentenced to 37 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ANTHONY RODRIGUEZ, 29, of Bridgeport, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing firearms.
This matter stems from “Operation Samson,” a multi-layered initiative headed by the ATF and the Bridgeport and New Haven Police Departments that targeted violent criminals, illegal firearm possession and firearm trafficking. In the spring of 2014, approximately 40 ATF special agents and personnel from Connecticut and across the country were deployed with New Haven and Bridgeport Police to conduct numerous covert operations.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2014, RODRIGUEZ was serving a three-year term of probation stemming from his 2013 felony conviction for third degree larceny. On May 20, 2014, Connecticut Adult Probation, with the assistance of Bridgeport Police and ATF, visited RODRIGUEZ’s residence and found several assorted rounds of ammunition. In addition, officers found a gun box containing only a receipt for a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber pistol that had been purchased by William Ramos on January 13, 2014 at a gun store in Orange. Officers also found a second empty gun box for a Springfield Armory XD40 pistol.
Also in May 2014, ATF and the New Haven Police Department seized six handguns from a convicted felon who identified William Ramos as his source for firearms. According the convicted felon, in 2013 and 2014, he had received seven different firearms from Ramos, some of which he had already sold to other individuals.
The investigation revealed that, between 2011 and 2014, Ramos had purchased a total of 29 handguns. RODRIGUEZ has admitted that he purchased seven firearms from Ramos, many of which he sold to others.
On November 7, 2014, RODRIGUEZ pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
Ramos has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Spector.
Bridgeport Man Charged with Conspiring with Easton Man to Defraud Distressed HomeownersRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport has returned a superseding indictment charging BRADFORD BARNEYS, 50, of Odenton, Maryland, with conspiring with TIMOTHY W. BURKE in a long-running fraud scheme that targeted distressed homeowners throughout Connecticut. BARNEYS is an attorney licensed to practice in Connecticut and has an office in Bridgeport.
The 12-count superseding indictment, which was returned on March 30, 2016, was unsealed today.
BURKE, also known as “Bill Burke,” “William Burke,” “Kerry Saunders,” “Pat Riley,” “Jim Caldwell,” “Jim Saunders,” “Tom Morrisey,” “Jimmy,” “Phil Burke,” “Phil,” “Burt,” “James Burke,” and “M. Soler,” 64, of Easton, was originally charged by indictment on February 10, 2016, with mail fraud, wire fraud, tax evasion, money laundering and identity theft offenses. The superseding indictment charges him with additional mail fraud and money laundering counts.
According to the indictment, since at least April 2011 and continuing to at least September 2014, BURKE and BARNEYS conspired to defraud individuals, mortgage lenders and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by falsely representing to homeowners who were in, or facing, foreclosure on their homes that he would purchase their homes and pay off their mortgages. The distressed homeowners agreed to sign various documents, including quitclaim deeds, indemnification agreements, management agreements and third party authorization letters, which BURKE and BARNEYS presented to them on the understanding that, by signing the documents, they would be able to walk away from their homes without the burdens of their mortgage or other costs associated with home ownership. BURKE also told homeowners that the process of negotiating with the lenders can take time and that, in the meantime, to ignore any notices regarding foreclosure. After he gained control of these houses, BURKE rented out the properties to tenants by advertising the properties on craigslist.com and other means and falsely representing to tenants that BURKE owned the property. BARNEYS, acting as BURKE’s attorney, met or spoke with homeowners to reassure them about their sale to BURKE.
The indictment further alleges that BURKE or one of his agents then collected rent from tenants, in person, and BURKE used the funds for his own benefit. When tenants failed to pay rent, BARNEYS would evict them so that BURKE could obtain another tenant for the property.
BURKE failed to negotiate with the homeowners’ mortgage lender or pay expenses associated with the home, including the homeowners’ mortgages and property taxes, and he failed to pay any rental income he was collecting to the homeowners. Many of the properties BURKE purportedly purchased were ultimately foreclosed upon by the mortgage lender.
It is alleged that BURKE undertook extensive efforts to disguise his true identity from his victims through the use of multiple aliases and business entities, and to conceal the sources of and expenditures from his criminal proceeds. BURKE is associated with multiple entities, including Quality Asset Management Services, LLC; Birmingham Investments, LLC; the Birmingham Group of Companies; Saunders Associates; New Haven Investments; Realty Partners Group; Preston Associates II; Landlord Maintenance Services, LLC; Turnkey Construction Services LLC; The Complete Handyman, LLC; and Woodbridge Associates. He is also alleged to have used the name of another individual in connection with his fraud without that person’s knowledge or consent.
The indictment also alleges that BURKE evaded paying more than $1 million in federal taxes.
The indictment further alleges that in approximately 2002, BURKE was indicted by a federal grand jury in New Jersey on charges of conspiracy, mail fraud, and equity skimming. BURKE subsequently pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit both equity skimming and mail fraud, and he was sentenced to prison. BURKE was released from federal custody in approximately August 2007 and began his federal supervised release at that time. One of the special conditions of BURKE’s supervised release was that he refrain from employment in the real estate business or mortgage industry.
The indictment charges BURKE with one count of conspiracy, five counts of mail fraud, one count of wire fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, one count of tax evasion, and three counts of money laundering. If convicted, BURKE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count of conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering; a maximum term of imprisonment of five years for tax evasion, and a mandatory, consecutive two-year term of imprisonment for aggravated identity theft.
The indictment charges BARNEYS with one count of conspiracy and one count of mail fraud, each of which carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison.
BARNEYS and BURKE appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez and entered pleas of not guilty to the charges.
BURKE has been detained since November 19, 2015, when he was arrested on a criminal complaint. BARNEYS is released on a $50,000 bond.
The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford.
This matter is being investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with the critical assistance of the Middletown, Plainville, Easton and Coventry Police Departments, the Connecticut State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment 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.
Individuals who believe they have been victimized by this alleged scheme and citizens with information that will be helpful to this ongoing investigation are encouraged to call 860-240-9735.
Citizen of China Pleads Guilty to Trafficking in Counterfeit Computer ChipsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Daofu Zhang, 40, of Shenzen, China, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to conspiring to sell counterfeits of sophisticated integrated circuits to a purchaser in the United States.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Zhang and his two co-conspirators each operated businesses in China that bought and sold electronic components, including integrated circuits (“ICs”). In the summer of 2015, Zhang’s co-conspirator, Xianfeng Zuo asked the other co-conspirator, Jiang Yan, to locate and purchase several advanced ICs made by Xilinx Corp., which had military applications, including radiation tolerance for uses in space. Yan then asked a U.S. individual to locate the Xilinx ICs and sell them to Yan. The U.S. individual explained that the ICs cannot be shipped outside the U.S. without an export license, but Yan still wished to make the purchase. When the U.S. individual expressed concern that the desired ICs would have to be stolen from military inventory, Yan proposed to supply the U.S. source with “fake” ICs that “look the same,” to replace the ones to be stolen from the military. In November 2015, Zhang shipped from China to the U.S. individual, two packages containing a total of eight counterfeit ICs, each bearing a counterfeit Xilinx brand label. After further discussions between Yan and the U.S. individual, Yan, Zhang, and Zuo flew together from China to the U.S. in early December 2015 to complete the Xilinx ICs purchase. On December 10, 2015, the three conspirators drove to a location near Route 95 in Milford, Connecticut, where they planned to meet the U.S. individual, make payment, and take custody of the Xilinx ICs. Federal agents arrested all three at the meeting location. Zhang pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford on July 8, 2016, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $2 million fine. On March 7, 2016, Yan, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods, and one count of attempt to export integrated circuits without the required export license. On March 16, 2016, Zuo, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods. They await sentencing. This matter is being investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Commerce, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry Kopel and U.S. Department of Justice Counterintelligence and Export Control Section Trial Attorney Casey Arrowood.Old Saybrook Resident Arrested on Federal Tax ChargeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that DAVID ADAMS, 55, of Old Saybrook, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint that charges him with one count of filing a false tax return.
ADAMS appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and was released on a $500,000 bond secured by real property.
The complaint alleges that, on June 7, 2011, ADAMS sold his partnership interest in an online floral business and received $4,708,419.20 wired into his personal bank account as part of the net proceeds owed to him as a result of the sale. Although ADAMS told his accountant that he sold his partnership interest in 2011, ADAMS did not tell his accountant that he received $4,708,419.20. Accordingly, ADAMS’s 2011 tax return did not include the $4,708,419.20 in income ADAMS received as a result of the sale and instead showed ADAMS’ total income and tax liability for 2011 as substantially less than what should have been reported. The 2011 tax return also reflected that ADAMS had paid $220,000 in estimated tax payments during the year when, in fact, he paid only $100,000 in estimated tax payments for 2011.
The complaint alleges that ADAMS also made false statements on his tax returns for years 2002, 2009 and 2012. For example, on his 2012 tax return, ADAMS failed to report more than $1.3 million in cash he received into his personal bank account in that year. The complaint further alleges that ADAMS has an extensive history with IRS collections.
According to statements made in court, it is alleged that ADAMS owes approximately $4.7 million in back taxes, interest and penalties.
The charge of filing a false tax return carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan L. Wines.