District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Career Criminal Sentenced to More Than 13 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTHONY SABATO, 57, of West Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 165 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately March 2013 to March 2015, SABATO conspired to distribute crack cocaine. During the investigation of this matter, an undercover officer purchased crack from SABATO and his co-defendant, Miguel Joel Roman of Hartford. The investigation also revealed that SABATO was selling prescription narcotics.
SABATO and Roman were arrested on March 24, 2015, after they sold approximately two ounces of crack to the undercover officer in exchange for $4,000. A search of SABATO’s residence on that date revealed crack cocaine, powder cocaine, two digital drug scales, narcotics paraphernalia and approximately 10 mobile phones.
SABATO has been detained since his arrest. On July 6, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
SABATO has sustained 35 convictions since 1975, including state convictions for assault, larceny, burglary and narcotics offenses, and federal convictions for firearms, gambling, and fraud offenses.
In addition to noting SABATO’s lengthy criminal history, Judge Bryant found that SABATO supplied the firearm that was used in the murder of Darien Police Officer Kenneth Bateman in May 31, 1981.
On November 12, 2015, Roman pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 10, 2016.
This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, the West Haven Police Department and the Darien Police Department. The Task Force includes personnel from the FBI, West Haven Police Department, New Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Lee Dayton.
Waterbury Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Manufacturing and Distributing "Date Rape Drug"Read the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that HATEM SALEM, 46, of Waterbury, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing GHB and other controlled substances. SALEM was ordered to perform 120 hours of community service while on supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from March 2011 to October 2013, SALEM ordered gallons of GBL, Ketamine and other controlled substances from China, Pakistan and other locations. GBL (Gamma-Butyrolactone) is used to produce GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyrate), which is commonly known as the “date rape drug.” SALEM then converted the GBL to GHB and sold it, along with other controlled substances, to fellow body builders and to nightclub and bar patrons at various locations in Connecticut and New Jersey. The investigation also revealed that SALEM sold GHB, “Molly,” cocaine, Adderall and other controlled substances.
SALEM has been detained since his arrest on October 31, 2013. On August 24, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful importation of a listed chemical (GBL) with intent to manufacture a controlled substance.
SALEM’s criminal history includes two prior federal convictions and a prior state conviction. On April 2, 1998, SALEM was arrested by the FBI in New York for importing and distributing steroids and other controlled pharmaceutical drugs. He subsequently pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years of probation.
On May 13, 2003, SALEM was arrested by the DEA in New York for distributing wholesale quantities of GHB in New York and Connecticut. During the investigation, SALEM had sold gallons of GHB to an undercover agent. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 51 months of imprisonment.
On July 18, 2012, SALEM was arrested by the Ansonia Police Department for attempting to fill a fraudulent prescription at a pharmacy for 180 30-milligram oxycodone pills. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a one year of imprisonment, execution suspended, and two years of probation.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
Milford Psychiatrist and Office Employee Charged with Illegally Distributing NarcoticsRead 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, and Milford Police Chief Keith Mello announced that LJUDMIL KLJUSEV, M.D., who has operated a psychiatry practice located at 227 Naugatuck Avenue in Milford, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with distributing narcotics outside of the scope of professional practice, and money laundering. DUSAN BOSOTOV, who was employed by KLJUSEV, also was arrested on a charge of illegally distributing narcotics.
KLJUSEV, also known as “Dr. K.”, 51, was arrested this morning at his residence in Fairfield. He appeared this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven and is detained. BOSOTOV, 32, was arrested this morning at his residence in Clifton, New Jersey. He appeared before a U.S. magistrate judge in Newark and was released on a $200,000 bond. Although he was referred to as “Dr. B.,” BOSOTOV is not a licensed physician.
As alleged in the criminal complaint, KLJUSEV has been a high-volume prescriber of Adderall and Xanax to patients who pay for office visits and prescriptions in cash.
Adderall, which is classified as a Schedule II drug by the DEA, is the brand name for a drug containing a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, both of which are central nervous system stimulants. This combination of drugs is used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (“ADHD”). Xanax, which is classified as a Schedule IV drug by the DEA, is a brand name for a drug containing Alprazolam, a benzodiazepine drug. Alprazolam is commonly used to treat anxiety disorders or panic disorders.
The investigation, which has included the use of confidential witnesses and an undercover officer posing as patients, revealed that KLJUSEV prescribed the drugs without a full medical examination of the patient, provided prescriptions without confirming conditions that would medically require treatment using these drugs and dispensed prescriptions in exchange for cash to patients who display substance abuse and addiction behaviors. KLJUSEV also directed non-physician employees, including BOSOTOV, to write prescriptions signed by KLJUSEV when KLJUSEV was out of the country. KLJUSEV then deposited the cash proceeds of his unlawful activities into a business account, which he used to fund his personal expenses, including mortgage payments, international travel, and clothing.
KLJUSEV and BOSOTOV are each charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute narcotics, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. KLJUSEV also is charged with money laundering, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Milford Police Department. The DEA Tactical Diversion Squad includes officers from the Bristol, Greenwich, Hamden, Shelton, Vernon, West Hartford and Willimantic Police Departments. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Karwan and Avi Perry.
Maryland Man Admits Distributing Synthetic Drug that Caused Overdoses at Wesleyan UniversityRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ZACHARY KRAMER, 22, of Bethesda, Maryland, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute, and to distribute, MDMA (“Molly”). The charge stems from an investigation into the distribution of controlled substances that caused multiple Wesleyan University students to overdose earlier this year.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in approximately September 2014, KRAMER, who was a student at Wesleyan in Middletown, Connecticut, began purchasing and reselling a substance he knew as “Molly” and which he believed to be ecstasy or MDMA, a Schedule I controlled substance. After obtaining bulk quantities of the drug from another student, KRAMER sold it in smaller quantities to students at Wesleyan.
In approximately December 2014, KRAMER became the primary supplier of MDMA at Wesleyan. KRAMER typically would sell the MDMA in .1 gram quantities for $20 each or he would sell 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, KRAMER was still supplied by the same individual who provided KRAMER the MDMA in bulk quantities. In approximately January 2015, KRAMER purchased approximately 45 grams of MDMA from this supplier. He 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, a Schedule I controlled substance.
The charge of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute, and to distribute, MDMA carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a maximum fine of $1 million. KRAMER is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on February 10, 2016, in Hartford.
KRAMER has been released on bond since his federal arrest on May 22, 2015.
This matter is being 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.
Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to MurderRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JIMEL FRANK, also known as “30” and “Velly,” 28, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to committing the murder of Anthony Parker of Hartford in April 2011.
This matter stems from a long-term investigation being conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, DEA and Hartford Police Department into narcotics trafficking by members and associates of the Westhell and Team Grease groups and group-related violent activity. The Cold Case Unit of the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney is actively participating in the investigation.
At approximately 10:47 a.m. on the morning of April 6, 2011, the Hartford Police Department received a report of shots fired in the vicinity of 15 Thomaston Street in the Blue Hills Section of Hartford. Officers responding to the scene located Anthony Parker, also known as “Smooth,” 24, seated in the driver’s seat of a vehicle in the driveway of 15 Thomaston Street. Parker was unconscious and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Parker was transported by ambulance to Saint Francis Hospital where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
FRANK was a member of the Wall Street group, which later became generally known as “Team Grease.” In pleading guilty, FRANK admitted that he and another individual, who were both armed with 9mm handguns, opened fire on Parker from opposite sides of the vehicle in which he was seated.
FRANK pleaded guilty to one count of committing a Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering, namely the murder of Anthony Parker. Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for February 5, 2016, at which time FRANK faces a maximum term of life imprisonment.
FRANK has been detained since his arrest on February 19, 2015.
The homicide of Anthony “Smooth” Parker was included in cold case playing cards sold to inmates in Connecticut’s state correctional facilities. Each card in the deck features a photograph and brief details about a homicide or missing person case and lists telephone, mail and e-mail contacts that inmates can use to supply information.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, DEA, Hartford Police Department and Cold Case Unit of the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney. The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John H. Durham and Peter S. Jongbloed, and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Patrick Griffin, who has been cross-designated as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in this matter.
FBI Director and NAACP Chairman to Speak at Building Bridges Conference in New HavenRead the Press Release
(Click here to watch a video of the conference)
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that FBI Director James Comey and NAACP Chairman Roslyn Brock will visit New Haven on Monday to speak at Building Bridges: The Community and Law Enforcement, a one-day event aimed at strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and the African American Community.
“After the massacre at Mother Emmanuel Church in Charleston this past June, the Greater New Haven Clergy Association reached out to the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” stated U.S. Attorney Daly. “That first meeting has grown into a continuing partnership committed to building a strong relationship between law enforcement and the community at large, grounded in fairness, mutual respect and an abiding dedication to justice. We thank the many organizations that have sponsored this important discussion and the individuals who are participating. We encourage all to attend.”
The Building Bridges Conference is co-sponsored by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Greater New Haven Clergy Association, Yale Black Law Students Association, Yale Law School, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Haven Police Department, Greater New Haven Branch of the NAACP and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives for Connecticut. The Conference has been funded by the generous support of Yale Law School’s Oscar M. Ruebhausen Fund and members of the Greater New Haven Clergy Association.
“We are hopeful that this conference will be the beginning of bridging the divide between the community and law enforcement officers,” stated the Rev. Dr. Boise Kimber of the First Calvary Baptist Church in New Haven. “Thanks to U.S. Attorney Deirdre Daly, Chief Dean Esserman, Mayor Tony Harp and Rev. James Newman, President of the Clergy Association, for hearing the cry of this community. Let the healing begin, not only in this state but throughout this country.”
In addition to keynote addresses by FBI Director Comey and NAACP Chairman Brock, the conference will feature three panel discussions: Communities At Risk, Civil Rights Investigations and Prosecutions, and Project Longevity: Connecticut’s Community & Law Enforcement Partnership. The event will conclude with a performance by the Yale Gospel Choir.
The conference will be held on November 16, 2015 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Cooperative Arts and Humanities High School, 177 College Street, New Haven. Doors open at 12:30 through the Crown Street entrance. Parking at the Temple Street Garage will be validated for the first 100 arrivals. Entrance is free, but prior registration is requested.
Interested attendants can register by clicking this link.
Two More New Haven Hotels Agree to Comply with Americans with Disabilities ActRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that two New Haven Hotels, the Omni Hotel at Yale and Village Suites (formerly Premiere Hotel and Suites), have entered into settlement agreements with the U.S. Attorney’s Office as a result of an ongoing review to determine if certain New Haven-area hotels are being operated in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Under federal law, private entities that own or operate “places of public accommodation,” which includes hotels, are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of disability. The ADA authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate complaints and to undertake periodic reviews to determine compliance by covered entities. The Justice Department is also authorized to commence a civil lawsuit in federal court in any case that involves a pattern or practice of discrimination or that raises issues of general public importance, and to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, and civil penalties.
As part of a compliance review survey, 12 randomly-selected New Haven area hotels were asked to complete and return a survey form. Onsite inspections to confirm survey responses were then conducted and each hotel was reviewed for its compliance with federal law. Six of the surveyed hotels were found to have ADA violations. The government has been working with the owners and operators of each hotel found in violation in an effort to secure voluntary compliance. Previously, three of the six hotels found in violation, the La Quinta Inn and Suites, Courtyard Marriott and New Haven Hotel, entered into settlement agreements with the government. The government continues to work with the remaining hotel to secure a voluntary compliance agreement and address existing ADA violations.
The hotel survey was conducted in accordance with the Justice Department’s statutory responsibility to review compliance with federal law, and not in response to any specific complaint against any of the hotels within the scope of the review. Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that a hotel or any other place of public accommodation within the District of Connecticut is not accessible to persons with disabilities may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 203-821-3700.
Additional information about the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov, or by calling the Department’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 and (800) 514-0383 (TDD). More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Nelson, Vanessa Avery, and Ndidi N. Moses, in coordination with the Disability Rights Section of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
U.S. Attorney Message to Service Members and VeteransRead the Press Release
The following appeared in the November 2015 issue of Connecticut Guardian:
As a service member or veteran, you have undoubtedly faced obstacles and challenges both during and after your military service to our Country. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut and the U.S. Department of Justice recognize these challenges and our obligation to protect your rights and interests as service members and veterans. For over five years, through our Active Duty and Veterans Committee, we have coordinated with federal, state and local agencies and advocates to help ensure that legal protections of your rights are a reality in Connecticut. We have obtained settlements for veterans and done extensive outreach to military bases, veterans groups, and professional organizations to educate the public about the protections available for service members and veterans.
As we approach Veterans Day, we reiterate our commitment to serve you as you have served our country by outlining our major accomplishments ensuring that service members returning from active duty are not penalized by their civilian employers; that service members and their families overseas do not forfeit their right to vote; and that active duty service members and their families receive the full benefit of the consumer and financial protections provided under law.
Employment Rights and the Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)
While you are deployed and working to protect our country, you should be confident that your civilian job will be there when you return home. We enforce the provisions of USERRA to ensure that employment and employment benefits will be reinstated when you return from military service. The provisions of USERRA protect active duty service members and veterans. USERRA regulations apply to virtually all civilian employers: federal and state governments, as well as private employers. Even if you are employed in a temporary job, you may be entitled to USERRA’s protections.
Where employers violate USERRA’s provisions, the Justice Department and the U.S. Attorney's Office can bring an action in federal court on your behalf to obtain injunctive relief, lost wages and benefits, double liquidated damages, as well as attorney fees and costs. Last year, the Justice Department brought actions on behalf of over 10 service members and collected over $300,000 for violations of USERRA. Additionally, several years ago in Connecticut, a federal judge ordered a bank that violated USERRA’s provisions to pay $779,000 in back pay, damages, and attorney’s fees to its employee.
Financial and Consumer Protections -- Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (“SCRA”)
When you are preparing for active duty or are returning from active duty, you should not have to worry about your car being repossessed or your home being subjected to an illegal foreclosure without your knowledge. The provisions of the SCRA protect you by postponing or suspending certain obligations associated with rental agreements, automobile leases, mortgage foreclosures, evictions, security deposits, installment contracts, student loan payments and more. The SCRA also eases financial burdens and provides some relief from credit obligations and court proceedings while you are on active duty.
Where lenders violate SCRA’s provisions, we can bring an action in federal court to obtain injunctive relief and monetary damages. For example, the Justice Department recently settled with five of the nation’s largest mortgage service providers for unlawful foreclosures. Under the settlements, a total of 2,413 service members are eligible to receive over $311 million dollars. Earlier this year, the Justice Department settled a case with a motor vehicle lender which required the lender to pay $9.35 million to service members whose motor vehicles were illegally repossessed. Last year, the Department signed a settlement with a student loan servicer, requiring it to pay $60 million to 77,795 service members for overcharging on student loans.
Voting Rights -- Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (“UOCAVA”)
As citizens of the United States, you have a right to vote in elections for federal offices even when you are deployed. UOCAVA guarantees Americans serving in our uniformed services, their families and U.S. citizens living overseas the right to register and vote absentee in elections for federal office. Its protections are designed to ensure military and overseas voters a meaningful opportunity to request and receive their absentee ballots in time to vote and have their votes counted. Protecting the voting rights of our service members and overseas citizens is one of the highest priorities of the Department of Justice.
The Justice Department vigorously enforces UOCAVA, which requires, among other things, that states and territories transmit requested absentee ballots to military and overseas voters at least 45 days prior to federal elections. Over the years, the Department has gone to court or reached settlement agreements with many states to remedy violations of UOCAVA’s requirements. Since Congress enacted the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act to expand UOCAVA’s protections in 2009, the Department has filed 15 cases and entered numerous out of court agreements to remedy UOCAVA violations and ensure future compliance with its requirements.
For example, prior to the 2014 federal general election in West Virginia, the Department brought a UOCAVA suit and obtained a consent decree to extend the ballot receipt deadline as well as a subsequent court order to count the votes for federal office on ballots submitted by military and overseas voters after the state failed to transmit the final ballots to these voters in a timely fashion.
Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”)
The challenges you face on reentry to civilian life may be compounded by issues related to physical injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries, and/or substance abuse. The Justice Department and U.S. Attorney's Office enforce the ADA, which protects you and your family members from discrimination on the basis of disability. The ADA prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment (based on complaints referred from the EEOC), state and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation. Injunctive relief, compensatory damages, and, attorney’s fees are available. The Justice Department and U.S. Attorney's Office may also assess civil penalties.
The Justice Department and U.S. Attorney's Office have an active ADA docket, composed of a wide variety of cases against state and local governments as well as private entities for failing to make reasonable modifications to assist people with disabilities. Entities that have violated the ADA have been required to pay monetary damages to compensate those impacted. Recently, the U.S. Attorney's Office settled a case with a local business that refused to allow a veteran to enter with her service dog. The U.S. Attorney's Office required the local business to make sweeping changes to its policies, train its staff, and post signs on its property notifying the public of their rights. The Justice Department also recently settled a case against a hotel chain requiring it to pay monetary damages to compensate a veteran and his family who were denied the right to stay in the hotel because of his service animal. Complaints may be filed in a number of ways including by using our complaint form located on www.ada.gov.
Fair Housing Act (“FHA”)
After serving our Country, some of you may have difficulty securing housing because of discrimination. The FHA prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. The FHA authorizes the court to award injunctive relief, monetary damages and, in some cases, civil penalties.
In one case, the Justice Department sued a landlord for violating the FHA because he refused to allow a veteran to keep an assistance animal in his apartment. The landlord settled with the Department and agreed to pay the tenant $20,000 in compensation. In another case, the Department entered into a $300,000 settlement with a mobile home park owner who was alleged to have sexually harassed female tenants of the park, including several women whose husbands were stationed at the nearby army base.
As current or former members of the military, you have sacrificed to protect our nation. It is our privilege to do everything in our power to enforce the federal laws designed to protect you and your families. We encourage you to come forward and notify us of any issues or problems you or your families are facing. We welcome and look forward to hearing from you on how the U.S. Attorney's Office and Justice Department can better help you and your families live securely in this Country that you have helped protect and defend.
Please feel free to call my office with questions, suggestions, and complaints at 203 821 3700 or write to us at Active Duty and Veterans Committee, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut, Attn: John Fitzgerald, 157 Church Street, 25th Floor, New Haven, CT 06510. You may also visit http://www.justice.gov/crt-military.
On behalf of the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Connecticut: Thank you for your service to our Country. We could not be more proud of your dedication and sacrifice. Please know that we are here to serve you and protect your rights.
Deirdre M. Daly was nominated by President Barack Obama to serve as the 51st U. S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut. Ndidi N. Moses is an Assistant U.S. Attorney and the Civil Rights Coordinator for the Civil Division.
Winsted Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JAMES CAVE, 44, of Winsted, pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to federal firearm offenses.
According to court documents and statement made in court, in 2014 and early 2015, CAVE obtained a Norinco MAK 90, 7.62 x 39 caliber semi-automatic rifle, a Smith & Wesson M&P, .40 caliber handgun, and a Shooters Arms Mfg. M1911GI, .45 caliber handgun, all of which he transported into Connecticut and sold to another individual.
On April 4, 2015, CAVE sold a Smith & Wesson 586, .357 caliber handgun to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement. Investigators subsequently determined that the handgun had been stolen from a residence in Connecticut.
On April 7, 2015, CAVE met an undercover ATF agent at a location in Torrington and sold him a Webley, model Mark IV .455 caliber revolver in exchange for $700 in cash. This firearm also had been stolen from a residence in Connecticut.
CAVE sustained a felony conviction in Connecticut state court in October 2003.
CAVE pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, and one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license. When he is sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer, CAVE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.
CAVE was arrested on a criminal complaint on April 30, 2015, and is released on a $100,000 bond.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Torrington Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabriel J. Vidoni.
Stratford Man Charged with Trafficking Meth and Heroin, Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MARK LEIGH-JAMES, also known as “Rich,” 23, of Stratford, has been indicted on narcotics trafficking and firearm possession offenses.
This matter stems from an investigation headed by the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and Fairfield Police Department. As alleged in court documents, in July and August 2015, Fairfield Police made four controlled purchases of a total of approximately 58 grams of methamphetamine from LEIGH-JAMES. In August and September 2015, Fairfield Police and the DEA Task Force made two additional controlled purchases of a total of approximately 187 grams of methamphetamine from LEIGH-JAMES.
October 5, 2015, LEIGH-JAMES was arrested on federal criminal complaint. At the time of his arrest, LEIGH-JAMES was carrying a backpack that contained approximately 7.5 grams of heroin. A subsequent search of LEIGH-JAMES’ vehicle revealed a second backpack containing approximately 120 grams of methamphetamine, a loaded .380 semi-automatic handgun and a loaded .44 magnum revolver.
On October 14, 2015, a federal grand jury in Bridgeport returned a nine-count indictment charging LEIGH-JAMES with two counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. These charges carry a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
The indictment also charges LEIGH-JAMES with four of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the firearm offense, LEIGH-JAMES faces a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of five years.
LEIGH-JAMES has been detained since his arrest.
This matter is being investigated by the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Fairfield Police Department. The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA, Connecticut State Police, Norwalk Police Department, Stamford Police Department, Stratford Police Department and Milford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy C. 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.
New Haven Man Involved in Drug Robbery Scheme Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DONALD GAINES, also known as “Stretch” and “Shorty,” 35, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in a drug robbery scheme.
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, during the operation, an undercover agent and a confidential informant made several controlled purchases of suspected crack cocaine from GAINES. During their contact, the informant asked GAINES if he and anyone he knew would be interested in committing a drug robbery. GAINES stated that he did not want to participate in the robbery itself, but introduced the informant and the undercover agent to Harold Harrington, also known as “Chopper” and “Chapo.” The undercover agent told Harrington that he wanted to hire someone to commit a home invasion robbery of a drug organization’s “stash house” in order to steal six to eight kilograms of cocaine. Harrington agreed to participate and helped plan the robbery, which would include the use of firearms. Harrington also stated that he would bring members of his crew to help commit the robbery.
The undercover agent and Harrington agreed to split the cocaine taken during the robbery, and they agreed to give GAINES one kilogram of the drug for putting the two individuals together.
On March 21, 2014, the day of the proposed robbery, Harrington arrived at the meeting location with Louis Toler, also known as “A.B.” After Harrington, Toler and the undercover agent had a detailed discussion about how the robbery was going to be carried out, Harrington and Toler were arrested. A subsequent search of Toler’s car revealed a loaded firearm.
The informant then called GAINES, told him the robbery had gone smoothly and arranged to meet him to deliver the cocaine. When GAINES arrived at the designated location, he identified the law enforcement surveillance and drove off at a high rate of speed. After a short chase, GAINES crashed his car on an off ramp in West Haven, attempted to flee on foot and was apprehended.
GAINES has been detained since his arrest. On May 5, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery.
Harrington pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and, on November 3, 2015, was sentenced to 72 months of imprisonment. Toler pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and, on November 4, 2015, was sentenced to 77 months of imprisonment.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracy Dayton and Robert Spector.
Owner of Connecticut Media Agency that Falsely Advertised Mortgage Modification Services is SentencedRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MATTHEW GOLDREICH, 46, of East Lyme, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to two years of probation, including three months of home confinement, for producing and disseminating false advertisements for mortgage modification services. Chief Judge Hall also ordered GOLDREICH to pay a $100,000 fine and $75,794 in restitution.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2009, the U.S. Department of the Treasury created the Home Affordable Modification Program (“HAMP”), which consisted of a number of incentives to encourage struggling homeowners and financial institutions to modify existing loans on owner-occupied primary residences in order to help keep these properties out of foreclosure.
Between approximately May 2009 and February 2013, GOLDREICH used his New London-based media agency, National Media Connection, LLC, to produce and air television, radio, and Internet advertisements for the National Mortgage Help Center, LLC (“NMHC”), a shell company incorporated by GOLDREICH. The advertisements falsely claimed that NMHC could help struggling homeowners obtain home mortgage loan modifications. Many of the advertisements also falsely depicted NMHC as affiliated with the federal government, including through references to government stimulus programs and the use of President Barack Obama’s image. One advertisement that aired in 2010 stated: “Attention homeowners. We know it’s tough out there. And while America’s homeowners are facing more challenges than ever before, the National Mortgage Help Center is ready to help.” The same advertisement also stated: “We may be able to lower your rate to as low as 1% and cut your mortgage payment in half. Our trained specialists know all the new regulations to get you quick relief. We help thousands of homeowners every day.”
The advertisements included toll-free telephone numbers for mortgage borrowers to call for help modifying their mortgages. In truth, NMHC did not provide mortgage modification services for any homeowners, and operated only as a front. Homeowners who called the toll-free telephone numbers advertised by NMHC were routed to National Media Connection’s clients. The clients, in turn, paid National Media Connection for these “leads.” Under the pretense of helping homeowners modify their mortgages, certain National Media Connection clients then charged the homeowners fees and provided no services whatsoever in return.
As a result of the advertisements, several struggling homeowners across the United States were defrauded by unscrupulous clients of GOLDREICH’s media company, and some are in danger of losing their homes.
On August 13, 2015, GOLDREICH pleaded guilty to one count of false advertising.
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.
Hartford Man Sentenced to Prison for Gang-Related Narcotics TraffickingRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JERROD HALL, also known as “Slime,” 22, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for his role in a crack cocaine trafficking ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a year-long joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force into narcotics trafficking by members and associates of Westhell street gang, and gang-related violent activity. The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance, identified Melkuan Scott, also known as “Young God,” “Mel,” “Young” and “YG,” 24, as the leader of the Westhell street gang who, along with his associates distributed crack cocaine in the Westland Street area of Hartford. HALL was intercepted over wiretaps engaging in conversations related to the distribution of crack cocaine.
At the time of this offense, HALL was released on a state bond based on his arrest in July 2011 for carrying a pistol without a permit, second degree burglary and interfering/resisting arrest. In October 2011, HALL was shot in the vicinity of 129 Barbour Street in Hartford.
On April 1, 2015, HALL pleaded guilty to one count of using a telephone to facilitate a narcotics trafficking offense.
HALL was arrested on April 30, 2014, and had been released on bond. At the conclusion of today’s court proceeding, he was remanded to begin serving his sentence.
Twenty-five individuals were charged as a result of the investigation. Scott and 22 other defendants pleaded guilty to various offenses. One defendant was shot and killed while his case was pending. Scott awaits sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. 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 and Shooting Task Force are providing valuable assistance to the investigation, and the Capitol Region Emergency Response Team (CREST) assisted with the arrest of certain defendants. The Office of the Chief State’s Attorney is also assisting with this ongoing investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John H. Durham and Peter S. Jongbloed.
East Haddam Man Involved in Fraud Scheme Sentenced to 20 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JASON TORRANCE, 44, of East Haddam, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 20 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for engaging in a fraud scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately March 2008 and August 2012, TORRANCE and Adam Meyers devised a scheme to defraud their employers by arranging for payment on goods that never shipped and instead diverting those payments to themselves. TORRANCE worked out of the New Haven branch of a New Jersey-based electrical and industrial supply company (“Distributor-1”), and Meyers was a project manager for a New Britain-based electrical subcontractor (“Contractor”) that frequently purchased supplies from Distributor-1. In addition, Daniel Wall operated Bob Wall and Associates, a Cheshire-based distributor of electrical and other related equipment.
As part of the scheme, Meyers identified to TORRANCE projects on which he believed the profit margin for Contractor would permit them to divert excess profits to themselves without Contractor becoming aware. Meyers would submit a purchase order for materials to TORRANCE. TORRANCE then submitted a purchase order to Wall for the goods listed on the purchase order sent by Meyers. Wall then submitted an invoice to Distributor-1 for the materials listed on the purchase order, and Distributor-1 paid the invoice by mailing a check to Bob Wall and Associates. Distributor-1 then invoiced Contractor for the goods that were on the purchase order and Contractor issued a check to Distributor-1. Wall then hand-delivered a business check to TORRANCE for approximately 90 percent of the money that had been paid by Distributor-1 to Bob Wall and Associates, and Wall retained the remaining 10 percent as his share of the proceeds from the scheme. TORRANCE then paid out a portion of the proceeds of the scheme to Meyers.
At no time did any product on the purchase orders actually ship to the customer.
The victim companies lost more than $600,000 as a result of this scheme.
On February 23, 2015, TORRANCE and Meyers each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. On July 15, 2015, Wall pleaded guilty to one count of misprision of a felony. On October 30, 2015, Meyers, 44, of Southbury, was sentenced to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, and Wall, 59, of Bridgeport, was sentenced to three years of probation, the first 12 months of which he must serve in home confinement.
Restitution will be determined after additional court proceedings.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David E. Novick and William J. Nardini.
New Haven Man Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Drug Robbery SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LOUIS TOLER, also known as “A.B.,” 46, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 77 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in a drug robbery scheme.
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, during the operation, an undercover agent and a confidential informant made several controlled purchases of suspected crack cocaine from Donald Gaines, also known as “Stretch” and “Shorty,” of New Haven. During their contact, the informant asked Gaines if he and anyone he knew would be interested in committing a drug robbery. Gaines stated that he did not want to participate in the robbery itself, but introduced the informant and the undercover agent to Harold Harrington, also known as “Chopper” and “Chapo.” The undercover agent told Harrington that he wanted to hire someone to commit a home invasion robbery of a drug organization’s “stash house” in order to steal six to eight kilograms of cocaine. Harrington agreed to participate and helped plan the robbery, which would include the use of firearms. Harrington also stated that he would bring members of his crew to help commit the robbery.
The undercover agent and Harrington agreed to split the cocaine taken during the robbery, and they agreed to give Gaines one kilogram of the drug for putting the two individuals together.
On March 21, 2014, the day of the proposed robbery, Harrington arrived at the meeting location with TOLER. After TOLER, Harrington, and the undercover agent had a detailed discussion about how the robbery was going to be carried out, TOLER and Harrington were arrested. A subsequent search of TOLER’s car revealed a loaded firearm.
The informant then called Gaines, told him the robbery had gone smoothly and arranged to meet him to deliver the cocaine. When Gaines arrived at the designated location, he identified the law enforcement surveillance and drove off at a high rate of speed. After a short chase, Gaines crashed his car on an off ramp in West Haven, attempted to flee on foot and was apprehended.
TOLER has been detained since his arrest. On May 1, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
TOLER’s criminal history includes approximately 29 misdemeanor and felony convictions, including convictions for assault, threatening, burglary, sale of narcotics and unlawful possession of a weapon.
Gaines and Harrington each previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery. On November 3, 2015, Harrington was sentenced to 72 months of imprisonment. Gaines awaits sentencing.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracy Dayton and Robert Spector.
Federal, State and Local Authorities Announce Formation of Task Force to Fight Human TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deirdre M. Daly, representatives from federal, state and local law enforcement, and social service agencies today announced the formation of the Connecticut Human Trafficking Task Force to combat commercial sexual and labor exploitation in Connecticut.
This Human Trafficking Task Force includes representatives from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Labor, the Connecticut State Police and police departments from 14 cities and towns across Connecticut, including Bridgeport, East Hartford, Greenwich, Hamden, Hartford, Milford, Naugatuck, New Haven, Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Waterbury, West Haven and Windsor Locks. Additional police departments have been or will be invited to participate and are also expected to join the Task Force.
Committed to a victim-centered model, the Task Force will partner with social service agencies and organizations, including the Connecticut Department of Children and Families and the International Institute of Connecticut, which help to identify and report suspected trafficking and then provide needed support for trafficking victims.
“Over the last several years, it has become increasingly clear that human trafficking, and particularly the sex trafficking of minors – the cruel victimization of defenseless young women and men – is a form of modern day slavery,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “Despite the best efforts of law enforcement, this criminal activity grows apace with the proliferation of Internet marketplaces where sex with children can be bought and sold. This task force dramatically expands our resources by bringing together a broad group of trained and dedicated federal, state and local law enforcement authorities that will operate across jurisdictional boundaries throughout Connecticut. We are proud to be working collaboratively with the Department of Children and Families and the International Institute of Connecticut as these organizations provide critical support by identifying victims of these terrible crimes and giving them the support that they so desperately need.”
U.S. Attorney Daly noted that, in recent years, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut has prosecuted more than 20 individuals for sex trafficking offenses, most of which involved minor victims. On Monday of this week, defendant Edward Thomas was sentenced to 210 months of imprisonment for trafficking 16 and 17 year-old girls in Milford and Windsor Locks. Yesterday, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Jordan Anate of New York with sex trafficking of a minor for more than four months in Connecticut and elsewhere.
The Task Force will be coordinated by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Novick and Sarala Nagala who will lead monthly meetings with task force members to discuss investigatory leads and case developments. In December 2015, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) will conduct a three-day training for a large group of police officers from participating departments and troopers from the Connecticut State Police. Law enforcement officers who complete the training will be deputized as federal task force officers.
“Close collaboration between federal, state, local and NGO partners is the most effective way to tackle the issues of human trafficking involving forced labor and the sex trade,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Etre of HSI Boston. “HSI’s victim-centered approach brings a unique perspective to the table that will blend well with the talented and resourceful people from our partner law enforcement agencies and local NGOs. Working together to go after the criminal element that preys on victims who are unable or unprepared to defend themselves is at the forefront of our public safety initiatives at HSI.”
“The FBI is proud to work alongside our local, state and federal partners, and today’s announcement of this joint Task Force should serve as a warning to all who participate in the depravity and exploitation of human beings for profit, that such behavior will be vigorously investigated by a group focused on their specific types of criminal behavior,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Patricia M. Ferrick. “We intend to use every resource available to seek out and shut down those responsible for human trafficking in and around Connecticut.”
In October, the FBI and law enforcement partners conducted its ninth “Operation Cross Country,” a nationwide law enforcement action focusing on underage victims of prostitution. The most recent operation resulted in the recovery of 149 sexually exploited children and the arrests of more than 150 pimps and other individuals.
“The most important thing the Department has learned in the last four years fighting Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking is the need to coordinate our efforts with all the partners we possibly can to ensure that we are being our most effective,” said Department of Children and Families Commissioner Joette Katz. “That is why we have worked with thousands of law enforcement officials – from the FBI to local police departments around Connecticut – as well as medical, clinical and education professionals to make sure we are all informed and working together. This task force will be another big step forward in realizing such an effective partnership.”
“We are pleased to be partnering with law enforcement here in Connecticut as part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Human Trafficking Task Force,” said Alicia Kinsman of the International Institute of Connecticut. “For nearly 10 years, the International Institute of Connecticut has worked to protect victims and is committed to eradicating human trafficking in our state. It is a horrendous crime; one that exploits vulnerable populations and deprives them of their rights and freedom. But with statewide coordination of law enforcement and victim service efforts, we know that here in Connecticut, we have the power to stop it.”
“The collaborative approach of the Task Force balances society’s need to ensure that justice is done for these despicable crimes, while at the same time meeting the needs of victims, who in far too many of these cases are only children,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.
U.S. Attorney Daly encouraged trafficking victims, and anyone who comes in contact with potential victims of trafficking, to call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 888-373-7888. The hotline is run by the Polaris Project under a federal grant. Hotline operators are trained to identify potential trafficking situations, and will immediately refer tips to law enforcement. Individuals can also send an email to [email protected].
Trafficking victims also are encouraged to text “BEFREE” to receive an immediate response and help from the National Human Trafficking Resource Center.
Doctor Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Illegally Prescribing Narcotics, Defrauding Government ProgramsRead 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, and Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, announced that DR. JOHN KATSETOS, 53, of Fairfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally dispensing oxycodone and other controlled substances well outside of the scope of accepted medical practice, and for defrauding government healthcare programs.
“Dr. Katsetos repeatedly violated his oath to protect his patients from harm,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “He flooded our community with highly addictive controlled substances authorizing more than 2 million dosage units to more than 2000 patients. His criminal conduct, which included ignoring the warnings of a doctor and pharmacists that certain patients clearly showed signs of addiction, caused dozens of his own patients to fall prey to opioid addiction. At least one his former patients, who traveled approximately 180 miles from her home in New York to receive prescriptions from Dr. Katsetos, tragically died of an overdose. This long prison term appropriately reflects the devastating harm he has caused. The sentence will protect the community from this defendant and hopefully deter other medical practitioners who are inclined to put profit over patient health and safety.”
“The DEA is committed to investigating and bringing to justice those who divert and traffic oxycodone,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson. “Opiate abuse is a major problem in Connecticut and throughout New England. The diversion of prescription pain killers, in this case oxycodone, contributes to the widespread abuse of opiates, is a gateway to heroin addiction and is devastating our communities. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts in Connecticut and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to aggressively pursue anyone that illicitly distributes these drugs.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, KATSETOS practiced medicine for more than 20 years, most recently out of offices located at 90 Morgan Street in Stamford and 353 Bridgeport Avenue in Milford. The investigation, which included the use of undercover law enforcement personnel, revealed that KATSETOS failed to perform rudimentary examinations of patients to justify the controlled substances he prescribed, and that he had been warned by a doctor and several pharmacists, some of whom stopped filling his prescriptions, that he should stop prescribing oxycodone and other narcotic pain medications to certain patients who showed obvious signs of addiction. KATSETOS ignored the warnings and continued to prescribe controlled substances, including oxycodone, to these patients outside of the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.
The investigation further revealed that KATSETOS’s conduct created opioid addictions in dozens of patients, led to the overdose death of a New York woman, and supplied individuals with a vast quantity of prescription pills that they illegally distributed to others.
From November 2011 to October 2013, KATSETOS authorized more than 2 million dosage units of Schedule II through IV controlled substances to more than 2000 patients. This placed him as the eighth highest prescriber of such controlled substances in Connecticut – a list that includes hospitals. He was the highest-ranked general practitioner on the list.
KATSETOS also saw multiple patients at once and billed Medicare and Medicaid for individual visits for each of those patients.
“We expect doctors to be part of the solution to America's prescription drug fraud epidemic -- not part of the problem,” said Special Agent in Charge Phillip Coyne, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “Dr. Katsetos violated the fundamental trust that taxpayers and patients extend to healthcare professionals. This sentencing should serve as a warning to those who would abuse their positions for personal gain.”
On May 1, 2015, KATSETOS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute narcotics, and one count of health care fraud.
As part of the sentence, Judge Bryant ordered KATSETOS to pay $497,789 in restitution, and to forfeit $550,000, which represents the value of his medical practice.
KATSETOS was arrested on July 1, 2014, and has been released on a $1 million bond. At the conclusion of today’s court proceeding, he was remanded to begin serving his sentence.
This matter was investigated by the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with the assistance of the State of Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Drug Control Division, and several local police departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale and Alina Reynolds.
U.S. Attorney Daly encouraged individuals who suspect health care fraud to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS.
U.S. Attorney Names New Supervisory AppointmentsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly today announced new supervisory appointments within the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Lee Dayton has been appointed Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney. Ms. Dayton joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2007 and has served as Chief of the Violent Crimes and Narcotics Unit and as Senior Litigation Counsel. Since 2012, she has been a member of the Attorney General’s Review Committee on Capital Crimes. She previously served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of New York, and as a Deputy District Attorney in Los Angeles County. Ms. Dayton graduated from Princeton University in 1992 and UC Berkeley School of Law in 1995.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Novick has been named Chief of the Criminal Division’s Financial Fraud and Public Corruption Unit, which focuses on the investigation and prosecution of securities, commodities and investor fraud, public corruption, bank fraud and embezzlement, mortgage fraud, tax fraud, health care fraud, bankruptcy fraud and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations. He previously served as a Deputy Chief of the FFPC Unit. Mr. Novick joined the Office in 2008 after serving as an Assistant District Attorney in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for approximately five years. He is a 1997 graduate of Yale University and a 2003 graduate of New York University School of Law.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan has been named a Deputy Chief of the FFPC Unit. Prior to joining the Office in 2007, Ms. Karwan was in private practice for six years, and served as a law clerk to Chief U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello. She is a 1997 graduate of the College of William and Mary and a 2000 graduate of the UConn School of Law.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Liam Brennan of the FFPC Unit has been asked to lead the Connecticut Public Corruption Task Force, which investigates corrupt public officials, the misuse of public funds and related criminal activity. Mr. Brennan joined the Justice Department’s Fraud Section in Washington, D.C. in 2007, and moved to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2011. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2001 and Yale Law School in 2007.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacabed Rodriguez-Coss has been appointed a Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division’s National Security and Major Crimes Unit, which is responsible for prosecuting matters involving international and domestic terrorism, civil rights and hate crimes, human trafficking and child exploitation, cybercrime and identity theft, organized crime, immigration and customs enforcement, government program and defense contractor fraud, and environmental crimes. Prior to joining the Office in 2014, Ms. Rodriguez-Coss was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in both the District of Maryland and the District of Puerto Rico, and served as a trial attorney in the Capital Case Section of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. She graduated from Yale University in 1988 and Harvard Law School in 1991.
“Our office is fortunate to have many experienced and talented attorneys dedicated to keeping our communities safe, enforcing federal laws fairly and consistently, and representing the interests of the United States in court,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “The AUSAs stepping into these supervisory roles are highly qualified and possess the skills and qualities to be effective and respected leaders. I am honored to work side by side these men and women as well as all the members of our supervisory team.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut and representing the federal government in civil litigation. The Office is composed of approximately 65 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and approximately 50 staff members at offices in New Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport.
For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut, please visit www.justice.gov/ct.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Drug Robbery SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HAROLD HARRINGTON, also known as “Chopper” and “Chapo,” 27, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his participating in a drug robbery scheme.
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, during the operation, an undercover agent and a confidential informant made several controlled purchases of suspected crack cocaine from Donald Gaines, also known as “Stretch” and “Shorty,” of New Haven. During their contact, the informant asked Gaines if he and anyone he knew would be interested in committing a drug robbery. Gaines stated that he did not want to participate in the robbery itself, but introduced the informant and the undercover agent to Harrington. The undercover agent told Harrington that he wanted to hire someone to commit a home invasion robbery of a drug organization’s “stash house” in order to steal six to eight kilograms of cocaine. Harrington agreed to participate and helped plan the robbery, which would include the use of firearms. Harrington also stated that he would bring members of his crew to help commit the robbery.
The undercover agent and Harrington agreed to split the cocaine taken during the robbery, and they agreed to give Gaines one kilogram of the drug for putting the two individuals together.
On March 21, 2014, the day of the proposed robbery, Harrington arrived at the meeting location with Louis Toler, also known as “A.B.,” of New Haven. After Harrington, Toler and the undercover agent had a detailed discussion about how the robbery was going to be carried out, Harrington and Toler were arrested. A subsequent search of Toler’s car revealed a loaded firearm.
The informant then called Gaines, told him the robbery had gone smoothly and arranged to meet him to deliver the cocaine. When Gaines arrived at the designated location, he identified the law enforcement surveillance and drove off at a high rate of speed. After a short chase, Gaines crashed his car on an off ramp in West Haven, attempted to flee on foot and was apprehended.
Harrington has been detained since his arrest. On May 6, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery.
Harrington has prior state felony convictions for criminal possession of a firearm, possession with intent to sell crack cocaine and first degree robbery.
On March 5, 2015, Gaines pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and, on May 1, 2015, Toler pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. They await sentencing.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracy Dayton and Robert Spector.
New York Man Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking of MinorsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that that EDWARD THOMAS, also known as “Fire,” 41, of New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 210 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for sex trafficking of minors. THOMAS also was ordered to pay $28,700 in restitution.
According to the evidence introduced during his trial, in September 2012, THOMAS, a New York-based pimp, answered an Internet prostitution advertisement for a 17-year-old girl (“MV1”) in Oregon. Over the next month, THOMAS recruited and enticed MV1 to travel to New York to work for him. MV1 eventually agreed and traveled to New York with a second girl (“MV2”), who was 16 at the time, using bus tickets purchased by THOMAS. THOMAS discussed with both MV1 and MV2 that they would be prostituting for him in New York and Connecticut.
After MV1 and MV2 arrived in New York, THOMAS and the two minor girls went immediately to a hotel in Milford, Connecticut, where they met Kayla Walters, THOMAS’ co-defendant, and posted prostitution advertisements. THOMAS knew that MV1 and MV2 were under the age of 18. In Milford, MV1 and MV2 saw customers for commercial sex acts at the direction of THOMAS. While MV2 escaped from a hotel room window after several hours, MV1 continued to work for THOMAS for about a month, turning over all of the money she earned in prostitution to THOMAS. When MV1 attempted to leave, THOMAS forcibly restrained her. Ultimately, MV1 was recovered for the first time by the FBI and local police in Milford on November 8, 2012. Law enforcement seized nearly $4,000 in cash from THOMAS during the first recovery, along with several computers and cellular phones.
THOMAS recruited MV1 a second time in July 2013 and again paid for her travel from Oregon to the East Coast. After THOMAS sent Walters and MV1 to Connecticut to make money for him, the FBI and local police again recovered MV1 from a hotel in Milford.
“For more than a decade, this defendant made his living from the commercial sexual exploitation of women, including young girls,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “He preyed on the vulnerabilities of two girls whom he lured across the country thousands of miles away from their families. This cruel victimization of defenseless young women – a form of modern day slavery – will not be tolerated. Prosecuting these offenses is a top priority for the Department of Justice. This significant sentence will protect society and future victims from this defendant, and sends a clear message that those who sexually exploit minors will be held accountable. We thank the FBI and the Milford and Stratford Police Departments for their excellent work in this investigation. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to rescue girls and young women from brutal environments and prosecute those who profit from this reprehensible and illegal conduct.”
THOMAS and Walters have been detained since their arrests on February 28, 2014.
On January 26, 2015, a jury found THOMAS guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor and two counts of sex trafficking of a minor.
THOMAS’s criminal history includes a 2007 conviction in New Jersey for promoting prostitution with a child under the age of 18.
On November 10, 2014, Walters pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor. Her sentencing is scheduled for November 30, 2015.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The Stratford and Milford Police Departments assisted the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David E. Novick and Sarala V. Nagala.
Men Involved in Fraud Scheme are SentencedRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that two men were sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport for engaging in a fraud scheme. ADAM MEYERS, 44, of Southbury, was sentenced to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, and DANIEL WALL, 59, of Bridgeport, was sentenced to three years of probation, the first 12 months of which he must serve in home confinement.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately March 2008 and August 2012, MEYERS and Jason Torrance devised a scheme to defraud their employers by arranging for payment on goods that never shipped and instead diverting those payments to themselves. Torrance worked out of the New Haven branch of a New Jersey-based electrical and industrial supply company (“Distributor-1”), and MEYERS was a project manager for a New Britain-based electrical subcontractor (“Contractor”) that frequently purchased supplies from Distributor-1. WALL operated Bob Wall and Associates, a Cheshire-based distributor of electrical and other related equipment.
As part of the scheme, MEYERS identified to Torrance projects on which he believed the profit margin for Contractor would permit them to divert excess profits to themselves without Contractor becoming aware. MEYERS would submit a purchase order for materials to Torrance. Torrance then submitted a purchase order to WALL for the goods listed on the purchase order sent by MEYERS. WALL then submitted an invoice to Distributor-1 for the materials listed on the purchase order, and Distributor-1 paid the invoice by mailing a check to Bob Wall and Associates. Distributor-1 then invoiced Contractor for the goods that were on the purchase order and Contractor issued a check to Distributor-1. WALL then hand-delivered a business check to Torrance for approximately 90 percent of the money that had been paid by Distributor-1 to Bob Wall and Associates, and WALL retained the remaining 10 percent as his share of the proceeds from the scheme. Torrance then paid out a portion of the proceeds of the scheme to MEYERS.
At no time did any product on the purchase orders actually ship to the customer.
The victim companies lost more than $600,000 as a result of this scheme. Restitution will be determined after additional court proceedings.
On February 23, 2015, MEYERS and Torrance each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. On July 15, 2015, WALL pleaded guilty to one count of misprision of a felony. Torrance awaits sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David E. Novick and William J. Nardini.
Manchester Man Sentenced to Prison for Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE COLON, also known as “Uncle Benny,” 50, of Manchester, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department into gang-related narcotics trafficking in Hartford’s South End. The investigation specifically targeted a drug trafficking organization headed by Angel Rosa, aka “Little” and “Daddy,” who is a member of the Los Solidos street gang. Rosa’s cousin, Angel Rosa, aka “Mo Betta” and “Fab,” supervised the daily operations of the organization, which distributed heroin and other narcotics in the Zion Street area.
In April 2013, COLON was intercepted over a court-authorized wiretap and was identified as a source of heroin for the Rosa organization.
As a result of the investigation, 21 individuals were charged with various federal offenses, and law enforcement officers seized narcotics, one firearm, approximately $230,000 in cash, eight vehicles and jewelry.
COLON was arrested on April 25, 2013. On that date, FBI Task Force officers and Manchester Police executed a search warrant at his residence and seized a number of items that subsequently were forfeited, including $7,800 in cash, a watch valued at $46,850, two vehicles, two jet skis and two motorcycles.
On April 4, 2014, COLON pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin.
Angel Rosa aka “Little” and Angel Rosa aka “Mo Betta” each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin. On May 15, 2014, “Little” was sentenced to 235 months of imprisonment and, on April 29, 2014, “Mo Betta” was sentenced to 165 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, which includes members of the Connecticut State Police, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut Department of Correction and Connecticut National Guard. The Connecticut State Police’s Emergency Services Unit, Hartford Police Department’s Emergency Response Team, Capital Region Emergency Response Team, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and the New Britain, East Hartford, Wethersfield and Manchester Police Departments have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Leaming and Patrick Caruso.
Bridgeport Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Selling Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL MURPHY, 27, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for selling numerous firearms that had been stolen from the Smith & Wesson manufacturing plant in Springfield, Mass.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 8, 2012, Elliot Perez, a truck driver for Pace Motor Lines, picked up five boxes of firearms from the Smith & Wesson manufacturing plant in Springfield and placed the boxes in his truck. At the same time, Perez stole three additional boxes containing a total of 111 firearms. He then drove the truck containing all the firearms to his residence in Bridgeport where he met MURPHY. Shortly thereafter, Perez delivered the original five boxes of firearms to the trucking company’s distribution center in Stratford.
Perez and MURPHY stored and ultimately sold many of the stolen guns. More than 50 of the stolen firearms have not been recovered by law enforcement.
Perez and MURPHY were originally arrested by the Stratford Police Department on state firearms charges. MURPHY has been in custody since his federal arrest on November 30, 2012.
On December 12, 2013, MURPHY pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess and sell stolen firearms, and one count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon.
Perez has been in custody since his state arrest on November 23, 2012. On February 11, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess and sell stolen firearms, one count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon, and one count of making a false statement to a federal law enforcement officer. On October 27, 2015, he was sentenced to 210 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Stratford Police Department and the Bridgeport Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
Three Waterbury Men Indicted for Trafficking "Black Tar" HeroinRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that on October 28, 2015, a federal grand jury in Bridgeport returned a four-count indictment charging HUGO TEJEDA, 23, IVAN LERMA, also known as “Aurelia Llano” and “Miguel Cardona,” 24, and VLADIMIR RODRIGUEZ-LARA, 35, all of Waterbury, with trafficking “black tar” heroin.
As alleged in court documents, in August 2015, the Drug Enforcement Administration received information that an individual was in possession of approximately 1.5 kilograms of “black tar” heroin from Mexico and was searching for a buyer. The DEA subsequently identified the individual as TEJEDA, and LERMA and RODRIGUEZ-LARA as his associates. On August 10 and August 20, TEJEDA drove LERMA to meetings at which LERMA supplied black tar heroin to confidential informants working for the DEA. On August 13, 2015, TEJEDA drove LERMA to a meeting during which LERMA agreed to sell 1.5 kilograms of heroin to a confidential informant in exchange for $76,000.
On August 27, 2015, TEJEDA, LERMA and RODRIGUEZ-LARA were arrested when they attempted to sell the 1.5 kilograms of heroin to the confidential informants.
The indictment charges TEJEDA, LERMA and RODRIGUEZ-LARA with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, one kilogram or more of heroin, offenses that carry a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of life in prison. The indictment also charges TEJEDA and LERMA with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, offenses that carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
The defendants were originally arrested on federal criminal complaints. LERMA has been detained since his arrest, and TEJEDA and RODRIGUEZ-LARA are each released on a $50,000 bond.
This investigation has been conducted by the Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, which includes personnel from the DEA, Connecticut State Police and the Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford and Milford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy C. Brown.
Owners of Danbury Flooring Company Plead Guilty to Federal Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and William P. Offord, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that DAVID BENINCASA, 34, and SCOTT BENINCASA, 32, both of Danbury, waived their right to indictment and pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to federal tax offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, DAVID BENINCASA and his brother, SCOTT BENINCASA, were 50 percent owners in Goodhouse Flooring, LLC, a business that provides floor installation and flooring products to retail and commercial customers. DAVID BENINCASA assisted SCOTT BENICASA with the daily operations of the business, but had primary responsibility for the financial aspects of the business. For the 2008 through 2010 tax years, DAVID and SCOTT BENINCASA intentionally understated gross receipts from their business on the Schedule C attached to their respective federal personal income tax filings. During those years, the brothers failed to accurately report the expenses incurred in running their business, as they paid certain laborers who worked for their business in cash and then failed to reflect the cash payments on their filed returns.
The additional tax due and owing attributable to DAVID and SCOTT BENINCASA’s criminal conduct is $238,274 and $47,076, respectively.
In pleading guilty, SCOTT BENINCASA also admitted that, during an IRS civil audit, he submitted a false real estate log and business schedule in an effort to improperly justify previously taken deductions on his 2009 federal personal income tax return.
DAVID BENINCASA pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on January 25, 2016. SCOTT BENINCASA pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Chatigny on January 21, 2016. Both defendants also will be ordered to pay full restitution, plus applicable interest and penalties.
This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Man Who Paid $290K in Bribes to Former West Haven Housing Authority Executive Director is SentencedRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CEASAR ANQUILLARE, 88, of Orange, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to two years of probation for paying nearly $300,000 in bribes to the former Executive Director of the West Haven Housing Authority in exchange for government contracts and business. ANQUILLARE also was ordered to pay a $100,000 fine and $291,033.91 in restitution.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Michael Siwek was the executive director of the West Haven Housing Authority (“WHHA”), an agency that received federal funding. As parties of his duties, Siwek had substantial discretion over awarding WHHA business and contracts. Between approximately February 2007 and February 2012, Siwek received approximately $1.5 million in bribes from individuals, including ANQUILLARE, in order to award them business with WHHA and the entities that the housing authority controlled.
Siwek received approximately $290,000 from ANQUILLARE in connection with accounting services that ANQUILLARE’s firm provided to the WHHA.
ANQUILLARE has paid restitution in the amount of $291,033.91.
On April 22, 2015, ANQUILLARE pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery in connection with a program receiving federal funds.
On September 4, 2014, Siwek pleaded guilty to related charges and awaits sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Daly stated that the investigation is ongoing.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Karwan.
Citizens are encouraged to report corruption to the Connecticut Public Corruption Task Force by calling 203-238-0505.
Hartford Man Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Prison for Gang-Related Narcotics TraffickingRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that RAYMOND RIVERA, also known as “White Boy,” 25, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 66 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a year-long joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force into narcotics trafficking by members and associates of West Hell street gang, and gang-related violent activity. The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance, identified Melkuan Scott, also known as “Young God,” “Mel,” “Young” and “YG,” as the leader of the West Hell street gang who, along with RIVERA and other associates distributed crack cocaine in the Westland Street area of Hartford.
During the investigation, RIVERA was involved in four controlled purchases of crack cocaine, totaling approximately 180 grams, and was intercepted over wiretaps engaging in conversations related to the distribution of crack.
RIVERA has been detained since his arrest in April 2014. On April 27, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
Twenty-five individuals were charged as a result of the investigation. Scott and 22 other defendants pleaded guilty to various offenses. One defendant was shot and killed while his case was pending.
Scott awaits sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. 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 and Shooting Task Force are providing valuable assistance to the investigation, and the Capitol Region Emergency Response Team (CREST) assisted with the arrest of certain defendants. The Office of the Chief State’s Attorney is also assisting with this ongoing investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John H. Durham and Peter S. Jongbloed.
Hartford Man Charged with Gang-Related MurderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deirdre M. Daly and Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane today announced that ARTHUR STANLEY, also known as “Wiggs,” 26, has been indicted for the July 15, 2011 murder of Keith Washington, 23, of Windsor.
This matter stems from a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force into narcotics trafficking by members and associates of the Westhell and Team Grease street gangs and gang-related violent activity. The Hartford Police Department and Officers and Inspectors of the Cold Case Homicide Unit of the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney are participating in the investigation.
At approximately 9:28 p.m. on July 15, 2011, the Hartford Police Department received a report of shots fired in the vicinity of 67 Oakland Terrace in Hartford. Officers responding to the scene located an unconscious person lying on the front porch of the residence with an apparent gunshot wound to the head. The victim, who was subsequently identified as Keith Washington, was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on July 17, 2011.
On October 27, 2015, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging STANLEY, an active member of the Westhell street gang, with engaging in a Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering, namely the murder of Keith Washington. If convicted of the charge, STANLEY faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life, or death if the government seeks the death penalty in the matter.
STANLEY has been detained in federal custody since April 2014 and is awaiting sentencing on a crack cocaine conspiracy offense.
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 ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, Hartford Police Department and Cold Case Homicide Unit of the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney. The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John H. Durham and Peter S. Jongbloed, and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Patrick Griffin, who has been cross-designated as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in this matter.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Selling Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUIS E. RIVERA, also known as “Bebe,” 34, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.
This matter stems from “Operation Samson,” an 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, a confidential informant arranged to purchase an ounce of cocaine and a firearm from RIVERA and another individual in exchange for $1,500. On March 14, 2015, the confidential informant and an undercover ATF agent met with RIVERA and the other individual a location in New Haven to complete the transaction. At the location, RIVERA stated that he did not have the firearm. The undercover agent then paid $1,200 for an ounce of cocaine. On that date, RIVERA told the undercover agent that he knew how to “cook” cocaine into crack cocaine.
In the next two weeks, law enforcement conducted controlled purchases of approximately 57 grams of crack cocaine from RIVERA, and arranged another purchase of two ounces (approximately 57 grams) of crack from RIVERA. RIVERA was arrested on March 31, 2014. On that date, he possessed the approximately 57 grams of crack that he intended to sell. A subsequent search of apartment revealed more than 100 grams of cocaine, narcotics paraphernalia and more than $9,000 in cash.
RIVERA has been detained since his arrest. On December 9, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with the intent to distribute, and distribution of, 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Nardini.
Montville Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JASON SCOTT, 37, of Montville, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 13 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing several firearms as a convicted felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in November 2014, an individual provided information to law enforcement that SCOTT was looking to sell firearms for cash. In December 2014, the FBI made a controlled purchase of a Hi-Point Firearms, Model 995, 9mm rifle from SCOTT.
SCOTT was arrested on December 19, 2015. A search of SCOTT’s residence on that date revealed a Mosin Nagant 7.62 x 54r, Model 44, rifle, and an Izhmash Saiga .308 semi-automatic rifle, as well as magazines, ammunition and ammunition reloading components.
Prior to December 2014, SCOTT had been convicted of a felony offense. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition which has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
On June 12, 2015, SCOTT pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabriel J. Vidoni.
Man Who Stole 111 Firearms from Smith & Wesson Factory Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in PrisonRead 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 ELLIOT PEREZ, 30, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 210 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for stealing 111 firearms from the Smith & Wesson manufacturing plant in Springfield, Mass, and selling many of those firearms on the street.
“This defendant not only stole more than 100 firearms, but he quickly sold dozens of them on the street putting them directly into the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “Not only are the stolen guns now turning up in criminal investigations as far away as North Carolina, but one was used in a Bridgeport murder and another in a shooting at a Hartford night club. As more than 50 of these guns are still at large, there is no telling how many additional acts of violence will stem from this offense. These sobering facts make clear that this long prison term is fair and appropriate. We thank the Stratford and Bridgeport Police Departments for their excellent work in quickly arresting these defendants, and the ATF for their investigative work and ongoing efforts to identify and recover the missing firearms.”
“The theft of over 100 guns is a serious threat to public safety and this sentence sends the message that it will not be tolerated, said ATF Special Agent in Charge Kumor. “Firearms trafficking continues to be a top priority for ATF and our law enforcement partners and we are committed to identifying and disrupting the sources of illegal firearms, which jeopardize the safety of our communities.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 8, 2012, PEREZ, a truck driver for Pace Motor Lines, picked up five boxes of firearms from the Smith & Wesson manufacturing plant in Springfield and placed the boxes in his truck. At the same time, PEREZ stole three additional boxes containing a total of 111 firearms. PEREZ then drove the truck containing all the firearms to his residence in Bridgeport where he met his cohort Michael Murphy. Shortly thereafter, PEREZ delivered the original five boxes of firearms to the trucking company’s distribution center in Stratford.
PEREZ and Murphy stored and ultimately sold many of the stolen guns.
On November 20, 2012, when interviewed by ATF special agents, PEREZ falsely stated that a “black male” at Smith & Wesson’s manufacturing plant told PEREZ which boxes he was supposed to load onto his truck, and that he delivered all of the firearms he picked up to the distribution center in Stratford.
Prior to November 2012, PEREZ had multiple felony convictions, including convictions for larceny and burglary, and Murphy had a felony conviction for burglary. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
PEREZ and Murphy were originally arrested by the Stratford Police Department on state firearms charges. PEREZ has been in custody since his state arrest on November 23, 2012, and Murphy has been in custody since his federal arrest on November 30, 2012.
On February 11, 2014, PEREZ pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess and sell stolen firearms, one count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon and one count of making a false statement to a federal law enforcement officer.
On December 12, 2013, Murphy pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess and sell stolen firearms and one count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 30, 2015,
This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Stratford Police Department and the Bridgeport Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison for Armed Robbery of Bank in WindsorRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ODAIN J. JOHNSON, 22, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for committing the armed robbery of the First Niagara Bank in Windsor in January.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 10, 2015, at approximately 9:15 a.m., two masked men, at least one of whom brandished a firearm, entered the First Niagara Bank at 2133 Poquonock Avenue in Windsor. The two men vaulted the teller counter, directed two bank employees to the bank vault and ordered one of the employees to open the vault. Once inside the vault, the men ordered the bank employees to the ground and took cash from the vault. The men also ordered bank employees to open teller drawers and proceeded to take an additional amount of money from the drawers. During the robbery, a customer entered the bank. One of the masked men pointed a gun at the customer, ordered him to the ground and told him not to look up. After exiting the bank, the men confronted a second customer who was about to enter the bank. One of the men pointed a gun at the customer and stated “If you say anything, we’ll shoot you….”
A total of $81,530 was stolen from the bank.
While investigating the robbery, Windsor Police were contacted by East Windsor Police who were investigating similar bank and credit union robberies in East Windsor and Glastonbury. East Windsor Police had recently obtained an arrest warrant for David M. Johnson with respect to the robbery of the Nutmeg State Federal Credit Union in East Windsor on July 21, 2014.
After further investigation, on January 10 at approximately 9:45 p.m., law enforcement executed a search warrant at David M. Johnson’s Enfield residence and found a total of $81,946 in cash, most of which was bound by First Niagara Bank strapping that was initialed by one of victim bank employees. Investigators also found and seized other items allegedly used during the robbery earlier that day, as well as a .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun with a fully-loaded magazine.
ODAIN JOHNSON was arrested on January 17, 2015, in Lewiston, Maine, and has been detained since his arrest.
On May 29, 2015, ODAIN JOHNSON pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery and admitted that he brandished a firearm during the offense.
On August 31, 2015, David M. Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery related to the First Niagara Bank robbery, and also admitted that he committed the armed bank robbery of the Nutmeg State Federal Credit Union in East Windsor on July 21, 2014, and the Nutmeg State Credit Union in Glastonbury on November 7, 2014, stealing $109,166 and $84,145, respectively. He is detained while awaiting sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the FBI and the Windsor, East Windsor and Glastonbury Police Departments, with the assistance of the Enfield Police Department, the Capital Region Emergency Services Team (CREST) and the Maine State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deborah R. Slater and Douglas P. Morabito.
Bridgeport Man Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Prison for Planning Drug RobberyRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CARLOS COLON, also known as “Camby,” 37, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 90 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for planning to conduct an armed robbery of narcotics stash house.
This matter stems from “Operation Samson,” an 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 March 2014, the ATF began an investigation into Camby Colon and his brother, Carlos “Joel” Colon, who were known narcotics and firearm traffickers in Bridgeport. Law enforcement also had received information that Joel Colon was interested committing an armed robbery of a drug dealer. During the investigation, which employed the use of an ATF agent working in an undercover capacity, the Colons recruited others to commit an armed robbery of what they believed to be a narcotics stash house of 15 kilograms of cocaine.
On April 11, 2014, the Colons, Humberto Soto, Markus Mendez, Nelson Diaz, Trevor Pierce and Hiram “Gringo” Mojica gathered at a location in Stamford where they believed they would be informed of the address of the narcotics stash house, and would then travel to the stash house to conduct the robbery. All seven were arrested at that time. A search of the car that Diaz, Pierce and Mojica drove to the location revealed a loaded .40 caliber pistol, an EO Tech sight, black gloves, as well as two rolls of duct tape. A search of the vehicle that Soto and Mendez drove to the meet location revealed a loaded and 9mm pistol, black clothing and a baseball bat.
A subsequent search of an auto-detailing business in Bridgeport where Camby and Joel worked revealed several dozen rounds of ammunition, a small amount of crack cocaine, two digital scales and narcotics packaging materials.
Camby Colon has been detained since April 11, 2014. On March 5, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and one count of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Joel Colon, Soto, Diaz, Mendez, Pierce and Mojica also pleaded guilty. Joel Colon was sentenced to 90 months of imprisonment, Soto was sentenced to 84 months of imprisonment, Diaz was sentenced to 108 months of imprisonment, Mendez was sentenced to 36 months of imprisonment and Pierce was sentenced to 72 months of imprisonment. Mojica awaits sentencing.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Richards.
Painting Contractor Sentenced to Prison for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RONALD S. BATTAGLIA, 66, of Stratford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 30 days of imprisonment and one year of supervised release for filing false tax returns.
According to court documents and statements made in court, BATTAGLIA is the sole owner of Custom Painting, which provides interior and exterior painting services primarily in Fairfield County. During the 2008 through 2012 tax years, BATTAGLIA failed to provide his tax return preparer with information concerning an additional $867,656 in gross receipts he received in those years. The total tax reported as due on the five returns was $46,687, but BATTAGLIA willfully failed to report and pay an additional $277,582 in federal income taxes for those five years.
The investigation revealed that BATTAGLIA’s clients typically paid him by check. BATTAGLIA then cashed the checks at his bank and received currency for the full value of the check, or he made a split deposit, receiving some cash and depositing the balance into his business account. The amounts of the transactions were typically less than $10,000.
On July 20, 2015, BATTAGLIA pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return.
BATTAGLIA has repaid the IRS $277,582 in restitution. He is still required to pay more than $250,000 in penalties and interest that have accrued on his unpaid taxes.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.
Former Connecticut Resident Sentenced to over Eight Years in Prison for Attempting to Send U.S. Military Technology to IranRead the Press Release
Mozaffar Khazaee, 61, formerly of Manchester, Connecticut, was sentenced today to 97 months in prison and ordered to pay a $50,000 fine by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant of the District of Connecticut for violating the Arms Export Control Act by attempting to send to Iran highly sensitive, proprietary, trade secret and export controlled material relating to U.S. military jet engines, which he had stolen from multiple U.S. defense contractors where he had previously been employed.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly of the District of Connecticut, Special Agent in Charge Matthew Etre of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) Boston, Assistant Director Randall C. Coleman of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division, Special Agent in Charge Craig W. Rupert of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Northeast Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Danielle Angley of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and Special Agent in Charge John McKenna of the Department of Commerce's Office of Export Enforcement Boston Office made the announcement.
“Mozaffar Khazaee exploited his privileged access to national security assets to steal highly sensitive military technology with the intent of providing it to Iran,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin. “Violations of the Arms Export Control Act, particularly those involving attempts to transfer sensitive defense technology to a foreign power, are among the most significant national security threats we face, and we will continue to leverage the criminal justice system to prevent, confront, and disrupt them.”
“Mozaffar Khazaee betrayed his defense contractor employers and the national security interests of the United States by stealing and attempting to send to Iran voluminous documents containing highly sensitive U.S. defense technology,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “U.S. companies are being relentlessly targeted by those who seek to steal our intellectual property, our trade secrets and our advanced defense technology – whether through a computer hack or cyber intrusion, or through an insider or rogue employee. As this case demonstrates, we will aggressively investigate and hold accountable those who attempt to steal trade secrets and military technology from U.S. industries, whether for their own personal gain or for the benefit of foreign actors.”
“Stopping people like Mozaffar Khazaee from providing U.S. military technology to foreign powers is crucial to our national security interests,” said Special Agent in Charge Etre. “It’s abundantly clear from court records that this individual intended to harm U.S. interests both here and abroad. HSI will continue to work with our federal law enforcement partners to ensure that advanced U.S. military technology is not stolen and illegally exported for the benefit of foreign entities.”
“Mr. Khazaee abused a position of trust and responsibility by stealing trade secrets and sensitive information belonging to defense contractors developing some of our most advanced aircraft,” said Assistant Director Coleman. “His actions could have put our national security at risk. Stopping his plan and holding him accountable for his betrayal was a whole-of-government effort. We will use all available legal means to pursue individuals willing to help our adversaries by stealing our technical know-how.”
“The evidence developed during this investigation and today’s sentencing of Mr. Khazaee illustrate the potential for harm to the U.S. through illegal exportation of sensitive documents and technology,” said Special Agent in Charge Rupert. “DCIS, along with our partner agencies, continues to prioritize and pursue these investigations to curtail any adverse impact to America's warfighters and shield America's investment in national defense.”
“This case was enabled by the outstanding teamwork amongst the many federal law enforcement agencies and U.S. Attorney’s office,” said Special Agent in Charge Angley. “Critical was the ability to leverage subject matter experts from the Air Force’s acquisition community who provided the technical assessments of the high value technology. While the conclusion of this case neutralized the threat of this particular person, it also highlights the need for continued and ever more vigilant protection of our critical technologies.”
“Today's sentencing demonstrates the ongoing cooperation between the U.S. Department of Commerce and other federal law enforcement partners working together in unison to prevent sensitive U.S. origin technology from falling into the wrong hands,” said Special Agent in Charge McKenna.
According to court documents and statements made in court, at different times between 2001 and 2013, Khazaee, a dual citizen of Iran and the United States with a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, was employed by three separate defense contractors. From at least 2009 through late 2013, Khazaee offered to provide trade secret, proprietary and export controlled defense technology that he had stolen from his U.S. employers to gain employment with state-controlled technical universities in Iran.
Beginning in late 2009, Khazaee corresponded by email with an individual in Iran to whom he attempted to send and in some cases did send documents containing trade secret, proprietary and export controlled material relating to the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Program. In one email Khazaee stated that the material he had attached was “very controlled . . . and I am taking [a] big risk.” Khazaee instructed the individual in Iran, “after downloading,” he should “delete everything immediately.”
Analysis of Khazaee’s computer media also revealed cover letters and application documents, dating from 2009 through late 2013, which Khazaee sent to multiple state-controlled technical universities in Iran. In those materials, Khazaee stated that as “lead engineer” in various projects with U.S. defense contractors, he had learned “key technique[s] that could be transferred to our own industry and universities.” Khazaee stated that he wanted to “move to Iran,” that he was “looking for an opportunity to work in Iran,” and that he was interested in “transferring my skill and knowledge to my nation.”
In or about November 2013, while residing in Connecticut, Khazaee attempted to send a large shipping container to Iran. The shipment included, in numerous boxes and on computer media, thousands of highly sensitive technical manuals, specification sheets, test results, technical drawings and data and other proprietary material relating to U.S. military jet engines, including those relating to the U.S. Air Force’s F35 JSF program and the F-22 Raptor. The materials in the interdicted shipment had been stolen from U.S. defense contractors where Khazaee had worked and many documents were prominently labeled with strict export control warnings. Khazaee did not apply for nor did he obtain any license to export any of the documents and the export or attempted export of such material to Iran is illegal.
On Jan. 9, 2014, Khazaee was arrested at the Newark Liberty International Airport before boarding a flight to Iran. Search warrants executed on Khazaee’s checked and carry-on luggage revealed additional hard copy documents and computer media containing sensitive, proprietary, trade secret and export controlled documents relating to U.S. military jet engines. Khazaee was also found in the possession of $59,945.00 in as-yet undeclared cash, which he had split up into increments of approximately $5,000 and secreted in multiple bank envelopes in various places in his carry-on luggage.
The hard copy and electronic material that Khazaee stole and sought to transfer to Iran totaled some 50,000 pages and was reviewed by experts from both the U.S. Air Force and the victim defense contractors. In addition to the materials relating to the JSF Program and the F-22 Raptor, Khazaee also had documents from numerous other U.S. military engine programs, including the V-22 Osprey, the C130J Hercules and the Global Hawk engine programs. In total, Khazaee sought to export approximately 1,500 documents containing trade secrets and approximately 600 documents containing highly sensitive defense technology.
According to analyses by the U.S. Air Force and victim defense contractors, the technical data that Khazaee stole would have helped Iran “leap forward” ten years or more in academic and military turbine engine research and development, reducing their investment in such technology by one to two billion dollars and potentially enhancing the development and effectiveness of their weapon systems.
Khazaee has been detained since his arrest on Jan. 9, 2014. On Feb. 25, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful export and attempted export of defense articles from the U.S. in violation of the Arms Export Control Act.
This case was investigated by the ICE-HSI’ New England Division, the FBI’s New Haven Division, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service in New Haven, the U.S. Air Force’s Office of Special Investigations in Boston and the Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement in Boston.
Assistant Attorney General Carlin and U.S. Attorney Daly also commended the efforts of the many other agencies and offices that were involved in this investigation, including the U.S. Attorney’s Offices of the Central District of California, the Southern District of Indiana and the District of New Jersey; ICE-HSI in Los Angeles; the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Service (CBP) in Los Angeles; the U.S. Air Force’s Office of Special Investigations in Los Angeles; as well as ICE-HSI, CBP and FBI in New Jersey; and HSI, FBI and DCIS in Indianapolis.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Reynolds of the District of Connecticut and Trial Attorney Brian Fleming of the Justice Department’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Former Connecticut Resident Sentenced to 97 Months for Attempting to Send U.S. Military Technology to IranRead 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 MOZAFFAR KHAZAEE, 61, formerly of Manchester, Connecticut, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 97 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for attempting to send to Iran voluminous hard copy documents, computer media and electronic data containing highly sensitive, proprietary, trade secret and export controlled material relating to U.S. military jet engines, which he had stolen from multiple U.S. defense contractors where he had previously been employed. KHAZAEE also was ordered to pay a $50,000 fine.
“Mozaffar Khazaee betrayed his defense contractor employers and the national security interests of the United States by stealing and attempting to send to Iran voluminous documents containing highly sensitive U.S. defense technology,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “U.S. companies are being relentlessly targeted by those who seek to steal our intellectual property, our trade secrets and our advanced defense technology – whether through a computer hack or cyber intrusion, or through an insider or rogue employee. As this case demonstrates, we will aggressively investigate and hold accountable those who attempt to steal trade secrets and military technology from U.S. industries, whether for their own personal gain or for the benefit of foreign actors.”
“Mozaffar Khazaee exploited his privileged access to national security assets to steal highly sensitive military technology with the intent of providing it to Iran,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin. “Violations of the Arms Export Control Act, particularly those involving attempts to transfer sensitive defense technology to a foreign power, are among the most significant national security threats we face, and we will continue to leverage the criminal justice system to prevent, confront, and disrupt them.”
“Stopping people like Mozaffar Khazaee from providing U.S. military technology to foreign powers is crucial to our national security interests,” said Matthew Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Boston. “It’s abundantly clear from court records that this individual intended to harm U.S. interests both here and abroad. HSI will continue to work with our federal law enforcement partners to ensure that advanced U.S. military technology is not stolen and illegally exported for the benefit of foreign entities.”
“Mr. Khazaee abused a position of trust and responsibility by stealing trade secrets and sensitive information belonging to defense contractors developing some of our most advanced aircraft,” said Assistant Director Randall C. Coleman of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division. “His actions could have put our national security at risk. Stopping his plan and holding him accountable for his betrayal was a whole-of-government effort. We will use all available legal means to pursue individuals willing to help our adversaries by stealing our technical know-how.”
“The evidence developed during this investigation and today’s sentencing of Mr. Khazaee illustrate the potential for harm to the U.S. through illegal exportation of sensitive documents and technology,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig W. Rupert, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Northeast Field Office. “DCIS, along with our partner agencies, continues to prioritize and pursue these investigations to curtail any adverse impact to America's warfighters and shield America's investment in national defense.”
“This case was enabled by the outstanding teamwork amongst the many federal law enforcement agencies and U.S. Attorney’s office,” said Danielle Angley, Special Agent-in-Charge with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. “Critical was the ability to leverage subject matter experts from the Air Force’s acquisition community who provided the technical assessments of the high value technology. While the conclusion of this case neutralized the threat of this particular person, it also highlights the need for continued and ever more vigilant protection of our critical technologies.”
“Today's sentencing demonstrates the ongoing cooperation between the U.S. Department of Commerce and other federal law enforcement partners working together in unison to prevent sensitive U.S. origin technology from falling into the wrong hands,” said John McKenna, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Commerce’s Boston Office of Export Enforcement.
According to court documents and statements made in court, at different times between 2001 and 2013, KHAZAEE, a dual citizen of Iran and the United States with a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, was employed by three separate defense contractors. From at least 2009 through late 2013, KHAZAEE offered to provide trade secret, proprietary and export controlled defense technology that he had stolen from his U.S. employers to gain employment with state-controlled technical universities in Iran.
Beginning in late 2009, KHAZAEE corresponded by email with an individual in Iran to whom he attempted to send, and in some cases did send, documents containing trade secret, proprietary and export controlled material relating to the Joint Strike Fighter Program. In one email KHAZAEE stated that the material he had attached was “very controlled . . . and I am taking [a] big risk.” KHAZAEE instructed the individual in Iran, “after downloading,” he should “delete everything immediately.”
Analysis of KHAZAEE’s computer media also revealed cover letters and application documents that KHAZAEE sent to multiple state-controlled technical universities in Iran. In those materials, KHAZAEE stated that as “lead engineer” in various projects with U.S. defense contractors, he had learned “key technique[s] that could be transferred to our own industry and universities.” KHAZAEE stated that he wanted to “move to Iran,” that he was “looking for an opportunity to work in Iran,” and that he was interested in “transferring my skill and knowledge to my nation.”
In approximately November 2013, while residing in Connecticut, KHAZAEE attempted to send a large shipping container to Iran. The shipment included, in numerous boxes and on computer media, thousands of highly sensitive technical manuals, specification sheets, test results, technical drawings and data, and other proprietary material relating to U.S. military jet engines, including those relating to the U.S. Air Force’s F35 Joint Strike Fighter (“JSF”) program and the F-22 Raptor. The materials in the interdicted shipment had been stolen from U.S. defense contractors where KHAZAEE had worked, and many documents were prominently labeled with strict export control warnings. KHAZAEE did not apply for nor did he obtain any license to export any of the documents, and the export or attempted export of such material to Iran is illegal.
On January 9, 2014, KHAZAEE was arrested at the Newark Liberty International Airport before boarding a flight to Iran. Search warrants executed on KHAZAEE’s checked and carry-on luggage revealed additional hard copy documents and computer media containing sensitive, proprietary, trade secret and export controlled documents relating to U.S. military jet engines. KHAZAEE also was found in the possession of $59,945 in as-yet undeclared cash, which he had split up into increments of approximately $5,000 and secreted in multiple bank envelopes in various places in his carry-on luggage.
The hard copy and electronic material that KHAZAEE stole and sought to transfer to Iran totaled some 50,000 pages and was reviewed by experts from both the U.S. Air Force and the victim defense contractors. In addition to the materials relating to the JSF Program and the F-22 Raptor, KHAZAEE also had documents from numerous other U.S. military engine programs, including the V-22 Osprey, the C130J Hercules and the Global Hawk engine programs. In total, KHAZAEE sought to export approximately 1,500 documents containing trade secrets and approximately 600 documents containing highly sensitive defense technology.
According to analyses by the U.S. Air Force and victim defense contractors, the technical data that KHAZAEE stole would have helped Iran “leap forward” 10 years or more in academic and military turbine engine research and development, reducing their investment in such technology by one to two billion dollars, and potentially enhancing the development and effectiveness of their weapon systems.
KHAZAEE has been detained since his arrest On January 9, 2014. On February 25, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful export and attempted export of defense articles from the U.S. in violation of the Arms Export Control Act.
This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New Haven, the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service in New Haven, the U.S. Air Force’s Office of Special Investigations in Boston, and the Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement in Boston.
U.S. Attorney Daly and Assistant Attorney General Carlin also commended the efforts of the many other agencies and offices that were involved in this investigation, including the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Central District of California, the Southern District of Indiana and the District of New Jersey, HSI in Los Angeles, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Service in Los Angeles, the U.S. Air Force’s Office of Special Investigations in Los Angeles, as well as HSI, CBP, and FBI in New Jersey, and HSI, FBI and DCIS in Indianapolis.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Reynolds of the National Security and Major Crimes Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut, and Trial Attorney Brian Fleming of the Justice Department’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section (CES).
Danbury Man Charged with MurderRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury sitting in Bridgeport has returned a three-count indictment charging ALEX GARCIA, 37, of Danbury, with murder, assault and a firearms offense related to the January 17, 2000 murder of Mark Rebong in Danbury.
The indictment was returned on October 22, 2015. GARCIA is in custody serving an unrelated state sentence.
On January 17, 2000, at approximately 11:02 p.m.., Mark Rebong was discovered in the driver’s seat of an idling vehicle in the vicinity of Exit 2 off of I-84 in Danbury. Mr. Rebong had had been shot once in the head and died as a result of his injuries.
The indictment alleges that, on January 17, 2000, GARCIA, who was then a member of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”), murdered Mr. Rebong in order to maintain or increase his position in the Latin Kings and for pecuniary gain.
“In a tragic case of mistaken identity, Mark Rebong, who was neither a member of a gang nor engaged in any criminal activity, was shot and killed as he drove to work,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “I want to commend the dedicated law enforcement investigators for their relentless search for those responsible for this senseless murder. Although over 15 years have passed, the law enforcement team never forgot Mark. We hope that this indictment brings his family some small measure of solace.”
The indictment charges GARCIA with the murder in aid of racketeering of Mark Rebong. If convicted of this offense, GARCIA faces either a mandatory lifetime term of imprisonment or the death penalty, should the government seek the death penalty in this matter.
The indictment also charges GARCIA with assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering of Mark Rebong. If convicted of this offense, GARCIA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Finally, the indictment charges GARCIA with use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence resulting in Mark Rebong’s death. If convicted of this offense, GARCIA faces either a mandatory lifetime term of imprisonment or the death penalty, should the government seek the death penalty in this matter.
This matter is being investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven District Office, the Danbury Police Department and the Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crime Squad, with assistance from the Connecticut Department of Correction and the Danbury State’s Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Lee Dayton.
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.
New Haven-Area Men Charged with Distributing Heroin and CrackRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on October 20, 2015, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a superseding indictment charging the following individuals with federal narcotics offenses:
SHAWN MILLER, aka “White Boy Shawn,” 31, of Hamden
PAUL COLON, aka “Paul Cane,” 27, of West Haven
ROBBIE SMITH, aka “Lil Rob,” 27, of New Haven
SEAN LONDON, 22, of New Haven
ROBERT OATHOUT, 35, of Branford
JASON LANGLEY, 40, of East Haven
HARRY ANASTASIO, 54, of East Haven
ANTONIO DELUCIA, 27, of WallingfordThis investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, in cooperation with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Haven, West Haven, Milford, Hamden and other local police departments, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, the investigation focused on a heroin and crack distribution ring operating in the greater New Haven area, and headed by MILLER and COLON. The investigation revealed that members of the ring took orders over a cellular telephone from drug customers in several shoreline communities for quantities of heroin and crack cocaine, and then delivered the drugs by car. During the course of the investigation, agents and officers of the Task Force employed a variety of techniques, including debriefings of informants, physical surveillance, supervised purchases of heroin and crack, a court-authorized wiretap and the execution of federal search warrants.
On June 24, 2015, a grand jury returned an indictment charging SMITH and LONDON with conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base (“crack”), and LONDON with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of controlled substances. The indictment also charged DELUCIA, ANASTASIO, LANGLEY, and OATHOUT, all of whom are alleged to be drug customers of the conspiracy, each with two counts of using a telephone to facilitate a narcotics trafficking felony. The 11-count superseding indictment adds charges against MILLER and COLON, and alleges that between November 2014 and May 2015, MILLER, COLON, SMITH, and LONDON conspired to distribute heroin and crack cocaine. The superseding indictment also charges MILLER with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of crack cocaine.
If convicted, MILLER and COLON face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years of imprisonment and a maximum term of life imprisonment on the conspiracy charge. MILLER also faces up to 20 years in prison on the distribution charge. LONDON faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years on the conspiracy charge, and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on the distribution charge. SMITH faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on the conspiracy charge. OATHOUT, ANASTASIO, LANGLEY, and DELUCIA each face a maximum term of imprisonment of four years on each count of using a telephone to facilitate a narcotics trafficking felony.
MILLER was arrested yesterday and is released on bond. COLON is in state custody on an unrelated charge.
The original indictment also charged Jeffrey Smith, aka “J-Money,” 21, of New Haven, with various offenses. On September 21, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base, and is awaiting sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys H. Gordon Hall and Jennifer R. Laraia.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Gang-Related Narcotics TraffickingRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on October 20, 2015, GREGORY THOMAS, also known as “Quanny” and “Jim,” 24, of Hartford, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a year-long joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force into narcotics trafficking by members and associates of West Hell street gang, and gang-related violent activity. The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance, identified Melkuan Scott, also known as “Young God,” “Mel,” “Young” and “YG,” 24, as the leader of the West Hell street gang who, along with his associates, including THOMAS, distributed crack cocaine in the Westland Street area of Hartford.
THOMAS was intercepted over wiretaps numerous times engaging in drug-related conversations and, between May 2013 and November 2013, investigators made 17 controlled purchases of crack directly from THOMAS.
THOMAS’ criminal history includes a state conviction in 2009 for assault in the second degree and carrying a pistol without a permit. This conviction stemmed from THOMAS shooting two people in February 2009 in Hartford. THOMAS has been in state custody since February 11, 2014, serving a state sentence related to his possession and distribution of crack and PCP.
On May 4, 2015, THOMAS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
Twenty-five individuals were charged as a result of the investigation. Scott and 22 other defendants pleaded guilty to various offenses. One defendant was shot and killed while his case was pending.
Scott awaits sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. 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 and Shooting Task Force are providing valuable assistance to the investigation, and the Capitol Region Emergency Response Team (CREST) assisted with the arrest of certain defendants. The Office of the Chief State’s Attorney is also assisting with this ongoing investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John H. Durham and Peter S. Jongbloed.
Darien Spa Owner Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and William P. Offord, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that NUSRAT RIZVI, 75, of Norwalk, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of filing a false tax return.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2008 to 2010, RIZVI failed to report to the Internal Revenue Service approximately $144,776 in income from Lanphier Day Spa, Inc., a spa he operated with his wife in Darien.
In pleading guilty, RIZVI admitted that he took a portion of the cash received by the business, deposited the cash into his personal bank accounts and failed to report the income to his tax return preparer for the 2008 through 2010 tax years.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for January 14, 2016, at which time RIZVI faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years and a fine of up to $250,000. As part of his guilty plea, RIZVI has agreed to pay $50,485 in back taxes, as well as $37,862 in penalties.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.
Waterbury Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JOSE ALEJANDRO, 30, of Waterbury, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between August 2014 and May 2015, ALJANDRO was involved in the purchase and resale of between two and 3.5 kilograms of cocaine. During that time, ALEJANDRO sold cocaine to two individuals who then converted it to crack cocaine for street-level sales.
On May 29, 2015, federal law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at a Waterbury residence connected to ALEJANDRO and seized approximately 183 grams of cocaine, approximately 22 grams of crack cocaine, a money counting machine, a digital scale and other narcotics paraphernalia.
On June 23, 2015, ALEJANDRO pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
This matter has been investigated by the DEA New Haven Task Force, which includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, East Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden and Derby Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi Perry.
New Britain Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Escape ChargeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMES SCOTT, 37, formerly of New Britain, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to one count of escape from federal custody.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 20, 2009, SCOTT received a federal sentence of 121 months of imprisonment for conspiring to distribute, and distributing, crack cocaine. On June 30, 2015, he was transferred from a federal prison to the Watkinson House Residential Reentry Center in Hartford to complete his sentence. At the time of his transfer to the Watkinson House RRC, SCOTT had a projected release date of December 26, 2015.
On August 14, 2015, SCOTT signed out from the Watkinson House RRC to conduct a job search, but did not return. He was apprehended on October 5, 2015, in Hartford by the U.S. Marshals Service and returned to custody.
Judge Thompson has scheduled sentencing for January 13, 2016, at which time SCOTT faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Hartford Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.
Glastonbury Man Pleads Guilty to Structuring Financial TransactionsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID E. RAYMOND, 74, of Glastonbury, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to structuring financial transactions.
Federal law requires all financial institutions to file a Currency Transaction Report (CTR) for currency transactions that exceed $10,000. To evade the filing of a CTR, individuals will often structure their currency transactions so that no single transaction exceeds $10,000. Structuring involves the repeated depositing or withdrawal of amounts of cash less than the $10,000 limit, or the splitting of a cash transaction that exceeds $10,000 into smaller cash transactions in an effort to avoid the reporting requirements. Even if the deposited funds are derived from a legitimate means, financial transactions conducted in this manner are still in violation of federal criminal law.
According to court documents and statements made in court, RAYMOND purchased rock and roll memorabilia for a doctor who owned a medical practice. RAYMOND’s friend, Andrea Dobrozensky, was the office manager for the medical practice and also paid the doctor’s personal expenses. For purchases of items for the doctor in amounts greater than $10,000, RAYMOND requested that any checks payable to him be made in amounts under $10,000 so as to avoid filling out a form. Dobrozensky wrote multiple checks, ranging in amounts from $4,000 to $9,900, payable to RAYMOND, many on the same date.
Between August 2009 and May 2012, RAYMOND received 20 checks totaling $146,500 from the medical practice’s business bank accounts. The checks were negotiated for cash at local bank branches where RAYMOND had personal accounts.
With respect to related conduct, on November 27, 2012, RAYMOND and Dobrozensky traveled to a branch of Farmington Bank in Avon where RAYMOND told Dobrozensky to write checks in amounts below $10,000. Dobrozensky wrote two checks, one to herself for $9,900 and one to RAYMOND for $9,900. Dobrozensky then cashed the check payable to her and received $9,900 in cash, and RAYMOND cashed the check payable to him and received $9,900 in cash. Later, RAYMOND provided the $9,900 to Dobrozensky.
The charge of unlawfully structuring financial transactions carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine up to $250,000. Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for January 15, 2016.
RAYMOND has agreed to forfeit $10,000 related to his structuring activity.
RAYMOND is released on a $200,000 bond.
On October 13, 2015, Dobrozensky pleaded guilty to tax and structuring charges. She awaits sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John H. Durham and Peter S. Jongbloed.
Bridgeport Man Admits Participating in Steroid Manufacturing and Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JASON CHICKOS, 46, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids.
According to court documents and statements made in court, a long-term investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations revealed that individuals, including a law enforcement officer, were receiving shipments of steroid ingredients from China and manufacturing and distributing wholesale quantities of steroids. The investigation also revealed that certain members of the conspiracy were distributing prescription pills, including oxycodone, as well as cocaine.
During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers seized hundreds of vials of steroids, approximately 600 grams of raw testosterone powder, approximately 350 grams of powder cocaine, and four long guns.
In pleading guilty, CHICKOS admitted that he purchased anabolic steroids from another member of the conspiracy and distributed them to others. At the time, CHICKOS was a civilian dispatcher with the Newtown Police Department.
CHICKOS is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on January 11, 2016, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
CHICKOS was arrested on April 29, 2015, and is released on a $100,000 bond.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale and Robert M. Spector.
Attorney Pleads Guilty to Stealing $1.8 Million from Oxford Woman's EstateRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PETER M. CLARK, 57, of Woodbury, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of mail fraud related to his stealing more than $1.8 million from the estate of an Oxford woman who died in 2010.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Miriam S. Strong of Oxford died on July 2, 2010. At the time of her death, Strong had a will, which left money, property and other items to a list of individuals, the Town of Oxford, the State of Connecticut and several religious and other charitable entities. The will also called for the creation of a scholarship fund for college-bound students from Oxford. CLARK drafted the will as Strong’s attorney and served as a witness to Strong’s execution of the will. The will named CLARK and another individual as co-executors. The investigation has revealed that, during the course of the administration of the will, CLARK took more than $1.8 million from Strong’s estate for his own use.
CLARK was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on May 21, 2015. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton on January 13, 2016, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a maximum fine of more than $3.6 million. CLARK also has agreed to make restitution in the amount of $1,828,986.87.
CLARK is released on a $500,000 bond.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut State Police – Western District Major Crime Squad. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan.
Shelton Man Admits Role in Steroid Manufacturing and Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARK BERTANZA, 34, of Shelton, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids.
According to court documents and statements made in court, a long-term investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations revealed that individuals, including a law enforcement officer, were receiving shipments of steroid ingredients from China and manufacturing and distributing wholesale quantities of steroids. The investigation also revealed that certain members of the conspiracy were distributing prescription pills, including oxycodone.
During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers seized hundreds of vials of steroids, approximately 600 grams of raw testosterone powder, approximately 350 grams of powder cocaine, and four long guns.
In pleading guilty, BERTANZA admitted that he purchased anabolic steroids from another member of the conspiracy and distributed them to others.
BERTANZA is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on January 8, 2016, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
BERTANZA was arrested on April 29, 2015, and is released on a $100,000 bond.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale and Robert M. Spector.
Hartford Resident Pleads Guilty to Federal Marijuana Distribution and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that GAUNTLETT SMITH, also known as “Clansman,” 40, a citizen of Jamaica last residing in Hartford, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to marijuana distribution and firearm offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 19, 2015, SMITH was arrested on state drug charges after officers from the Hartford Police Department and special agents from Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration recovered approximately 15 pounds of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol from an apartment maintained by SMITH at 89-91 Irving Street in Hartford. The firearm had been reported stolen in North Carolina.
SMITH pleaded guilty to one count of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, which carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.
SMITH has been detained since his arrest.
This investigation has been conducted by the Hartford Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Gustafson and Heather Cherry.
New Hartford Woman Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud and Structuring OffensesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ANDREA M. DOBROZENSKY, 62, of New Harford, pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to tax and structuring offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2007 and 2009, while working as an office manager for a medical practice in Hartford, DOBROZENSKY made numerous transfers and deposits from the medical practice business bank account into her personal bank account as compensation for her services to the medical practice and untaken vacation time. During those three years, DOBROZENSKY willfully failed to provide her tax return preparer with information concerning her receipt of approximately $247,000 in additional taxable income. Each year, DOBROZENSKY signed her completed federal tax return and it was filed with the IRS. As a result, $247,000 in taxable income was not reported on DOBROZENKY’s federal tax returns for the 2007, 2008 and 2009 tax years, and she failed to pay a total of $76,750 in additional taxes owed.
DOBROZENSKY also unlawfully structured financial transactions. On November 27, 2012, DOBROZENSKY was at a branch of Farmington Bank in Avon with another person who told her to write checks in amounts below $10,000. DOBROZENSKY wrote two checks, one to herself for $9,900 and one to the person with her for $9,900. She then cashed the check payable to her and received $9,900 in cash. The person with her cashed the check payable to him and received $9,900 in cash. He later handed the $9,900 to DOBROZENSKY.
Federal law requires all financial institutions to file a Currency Transaction Report (CTR) for currency transactions that exceed $10,000. To evade the filing of a CTR, individuals will often structure their currency transactions so that no single transaction exceeds $10,000. Structuring involves the repeated depositing or withdrawal of amounts of cash less than the $10,000 limit, or the splitting of a cash transaction that exceeds $10,000 into smaller cash transactions in an effort to avoid the reporting requirements. Even if the deposited funds are derived from a legitimate means, financial transactions conducted in this manner are still in violation of federal criminal law.
On December 19, 2013, IRS Special Agents interviewed DOBROZENSKY at her residence. On that date, DOBROZENSKY admitted that she should have reported the additional income on her federal tax returns. She specifically stated that, on November 16, 2007, she wrote a check in the amount of $100,000 on the medical business account payable to herself, received the funds and did not report those funds on her federal tax return. DOBROZENSKY also admitted that, as to the structuring violation, the other person with her at the bank who cashed one of the $9,900 checks had advised her to keep any payments under $10,000 to avoid filling out a form.
DOBROZENSKY pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return and one count of unlawfully structuring financial transactions. She is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton on January 6, 2016, at which time she faces a maximum term of imprisonment of eight years and a fine of up to $500,000. DOBROZENSKY also has agreed to pay the IRS $76,750 in taxes, plus penalties and interest, and to forfeit $9,900 related to her structuring activity
DOBROZENSKY is released on bond pending sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John H. Durham and Peter S. Jongbloed.
Bridgeport Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LORENZO CARTER, 20, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 8, 2015, law enforcement officers located a .22 caliber handgun that CARTER had placed on the tire of a vehicle parked on Trumbull Avenue in Bridgeport. Prior to that date, CARTER had been convicted of carrying a pistol without a permit and illegally receiving a pistol, both felony 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.
CARTER has been detained since his arrest on April 8. He faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years when he is sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Laraia.
New York Man Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Role in Tax Fraud and Identity Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that, CESAR PENSON-PEREZ, 28, of New York, N.Y., was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in a stolen identity tax refund fraud scheme that resulted in a loss of more than $7.5 million from the U.S. Treasury.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation into individuals who, through various means, obtained fraudulent U.S. Treasury tax refund checks using stolen identities. After obtaining the checks, individuals sold them for less than face value of the checks, or deposited them into bank accounts that had been opened using fraudulent identifying documents. The funds were then quickly withdrawn from the bank accounts.
The investigation revealed that Julio Lara Trinidad, a resident of Waterbury, and his co-conspirators opened at least 59 bank accounts in the names of identity theft victims, deposited U.S. Treasury tax refund checks into the accounts, and then quickly withdrew the funds, resulting in more than $663,000 in loss to the U.S. Treasury. Between December 2012 and February 2013, one of the accounts was used to purchase six licenses for a brand of tax preparation software. These licenses were used to file more than 36,000 federal income tax returns, seeking more than $234 million in federal tax refunds intended to be issued to Trinidad and his co-conspirators. Nearly $6.8 million in fraudulent refunds were issued before the scheme was identified.
On May 15, 2015, PENSON-PEREZ pleaded guilty to one count of theft of public money and admitted that he worked with Trinidad to open bank accounts using fraudulent identities, deposit stolen checks into the accounts and withdraw the resulting funds.
PENSON-PEREZ was found to be responsible for a loss of $360,026.66, and he was ordered to pay restitution in that amount.
Trinidad pleaded guilty to one count of theft of public money and one count of aggravated identity theft and, on May 26, 2015, was sentenced to 144 months of imprisonment.
Four other individuals were convicted of charges stemming from this scheme.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Secret Service and Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Danbury and Darien Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarala V. Nagala.