District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Thompson Resident Sentenced to Prison for Trading Child Pornography over the InternetRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that that DARRICK COLLETTE, 34, of Thompson, formerly of Putnam, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by seven years of supervised release, for trading child pornography over the Internet.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 19, 2013, an FBI special agent logged onto a publicly available Internet peer-to-peer file sharing network and downloaded images and videos of child pornography from a computer connected to the network with an Internet Protocol (IP) address assigned to COLLETTE’s residence while he was living in Putnam. During a search of the residence on June 13, 2013, law enforcement officers seized computers and multiple external hard drives. COLLETTE was arrested at that time after he admitted that he had been downloading and trading child pornography over the Internet for more than 10 years. A subsequent forensic analysis of COLLETTE’s computers and hard drives revealed more than 600 image files and videos of child pornography, including files depicting children under the age of 12 engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and images of children engaging in sadistic or masochistic conduct.
On October 9, 2014, COLLETTE waived indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography.
COLLETTE, who is released on bond, was ordered to report to prison on December 18, 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 case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Sherman Man Admits Role in Steroid Manufacturing and Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MICHAEL D. MASE, 32, of Sherman, pleaded guilty yesterday 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 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, MASE, a registered nurse and a body-builder, admitted that he purchased anabolic steroids from another member of the conspiracy and distributed them to others, including athletes who competed in body-building competitions.
MASE is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on December 23, 2015, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
MASE 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.
Wethersfield Man Sentenced to Prison Term for Involvement in Multiple Swatting IncidentsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MATTHEW TOLLIS, 22, of Wethersfield, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in a series of “swatting” incidents that occurred in Connecticut and other states in 2014. Judge Hall also ordered TOLLIS to perform 300 hours of community service.
Swatting is the making of a hoax call to any emergency service to elicit an emergency response based on the false report of an ongoing critical incident. Incidents typically produce the deployment of SWAT units, bomb squads, and other police units, as well as the evacuations of schools, businesses and residences.
“Swatting is not a schoolboy prank, it’s a federal crime,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “These hoaxes have expended critical law enforcement resources and caused severe emotional distress for thousands of victims,” stated U.S. Attorney Daly. “It is our hope that this prosecution and the knowledge that this defendant will serve time in prison and live with a felony conviction for the remainder of his life will deter others from engaging in this immature, dangerous and criminal behavior.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, TOLLIS was a member of a group primarily consisting of Microsoft X-Box gamers who referred to themselves as “TCOD” (TeAM CrucifiX or Die). TOLLIS and his TCOD associates used the Internet communication service Skype to make hoax threats involving bombs, hostage taking, firearms, and mass murder. TOLLIS was identified as a participant in at least six of these swatting incidents, including a bomb threat to the UConn’s Admissions Department on April 3, 2014. This hoax call resulted in a three-hour, campus-wide lockdown and required the UConn Police and the Connecticut State Police’s Bomb Squad, Emergency Services Unit and SWAT teams to respond.
TOLLIS also participated in TCOD swatting calls to the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Boston University, two high schools in New Jersey and a high school in Texas. TOLLIS has admitted that he identified potential institutions, including UConn and Boston University, for TCOD members to make the threatening calls, and gathered telephone numbers and other information about the targeted institutions.
The investigation revealed that one of the founders of TCOD, a resident of Scotland who has identified himself as “Verified,” was responsible for at least five additional swatting incidents in Connecticut and Massachusetts in 2014. Other members of TCOD also reside in the U.K., and the FBI continues to coordinate its investigation with law enforcement authorities in the U.K.
TOLLIS was arrested on September 3, 2014, on state charges stemming from the UConn swatting incident, and he was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on September 10, 2014. On June 23, 2015, he waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty to conspiring to engage in the malicious conveying of false information, namely a bomb threat hoax.
TOLLIS, who has been released on bond since shortly after his arrest, was ordered to report to prison on November 5, 2015.
This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s New Haven, Newark and Boston field offices, the UConn Police Department, the Connecticut Intelligence Center, the Willimantic Police Department, the Monroe Police Department, the Harvard University Police Department, the Boston University Police Department, the Newton (Mass.) Police Department, the Cambridge (Mass.) Police Department and other state and local law enforcement agencies.
U.S. Attorney Daly also acknowledged the critical assistance being provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen B. Reynolds.
Stamford Podiatrist Pleads Guilty to Submitting False Medicare Claims, Also Pays 288K in Civil SettlementRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that AMIRA MANTOURA, 53, of Greenwich, waived her right to indictment and pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to one count of making a false statement to the Medicare program. In pleading guilty, MANTOURA, a Stamford-based podiatrist, admitted that she submitted false claims to Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance companies.
According to court documents and statements made in court, MANTOURA, a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, operates a podiatry practice at 95 Morgan Street in Stamford. As a podiatrist, she was fully aware and understood the procedure to perform a “nail avulsion” and she understood that a nail avulsion was a surgical procedure to treat an ingrown toenail. Between January 2009 and August 2013, MANTOURA knowingly submitted materially false claims to the Medicare program and to private insurance companies to obtain payment for a nail avulsion when defendant knew that she had not performed a nail avulsion. Rather than perform a nail avulsion, in most of these instances MANTOURA had merely provided her patients with routine foot care including clipping the patients’ toenails.
As a result of submitting false claims to the Medicare and Medicaid programs and private insurance companies, MANTOURA was paid approximately $195,000.
MANTOURA is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on December 28, 2015, at which time she faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum fine of more than $380,000 and an order of restitution.
In a related civil settlement, MANTOURA has paid $288,538.24 to the government in connection with her submission of false claims to the Medicare and Medicaid program. On October 1, 2015, MANTOURA was excluded from the Medicare program and will no longer be permitted to submit federal health care claims.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Richard J. Schechter, and the civil settlement was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne F. Thidemann.
U.S. Attorney Daly encourages individuals who suspect health care fraud to report it by calling the Health Care Fraud Task Force at (203) 777-6311 or. 1-800-HHS-TIPS.
Massachusetts Man Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison for Trafficking Counterfeit Military GoodsRead the Press Release
A Massachusetts man was sentenced today to 37 months in prison for importing thousands of counterfeit integrated circuits (ICs) from China and Hong Kong and reselling them to U.S. customers, including contractors supplying them to the U.S. Navy for use in nuclear submarines.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly of the District of Connecticut, Special Agent in Charge Matthew J. Etre of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) in New England, Special Agent in Charge Craig W. Rupert of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Northeast Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Leo Lamont of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Northeast Field Office made the announcement.
Peter Picone, 42, of Methuen, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty on June 3, 2014, to conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit military goods. In addition to imposing the prison term, U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson of the District of Connecticut ordered Picone to pay $352,076 in restitution to the 31 companies whose ICs he counterfeited, and to forfeit $70,050 and 35,870 counterfeit ICs.
“Picone risked undermining our national security so that he could turn a profit,” said Assistant Attorney General Caldwell. “He sold counterfeit integrated circuits knowing that the parts were intended for use in nuclear submarines by the U.S. Navy, and that malfunction or failure of the parts could have catastrophic consequences.”
“Supplying counterfeit electronic components to the U.S. Military is a serious crime,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “Individuals who choose profit over the health and safety of the men and women of our armed services will be prosecuted.”
“Counterfeit electrical components intended for use in U.S. military equipment put our service members in harm’s way, and our national security at great risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Etre. “HSI will continue to aggressively target individuals and companies engaged in this type of criminal act.”
“The sentencing today demonstrates the continued efforts of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and our fellow law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of the Department of Defense's infrastructure,” said Special Agent in Charge Rupert. “Distributors who opt for financial gain by introducing counterfeit circuitry into the supply chain of mission critical equipment create an environment ripe for potential failures. Such disregard puts the warfighter at an unnecessary risk, ultimately impacting the mission readiness of our military that the nation depends on. DCIS will continue to shield America's investment in Defense by addressing all attempts to disrupt the reliability of our military's equipment and processes.”
“The U.S. Navy submarine force is a critical component of our national security,” said Special Agent in Charge Lamont. “Protecting the Sailors who make up that force and their supply lines are top priorities for NCIS, to ensure our strategic deterrent remains effective.”
In April 2005, Picone founded Tytronix Inc., and served as its president and director until August 2010, when the company was dissolved. In addition, from August 2009 through December 2012, Picone owned and operated Epic International Electronics (Epic) and served as its president and director.
In connection with his guilty plea, Picone admitted that, from February 2007 through April 2012, first through Titronix and later through Epic, he purchased millions of dollars’ worth of ICs bearing the counterfeit marks of approximately 35 major electronics manufacturers, including Motorola, Xilinx and National Semiconductor, from suppliers in China and Hong Kong. Picone admitted that he resold the counterfeit ICs to customers both in the United States and abroad, including to defense contractors that Picone knew intended to supply the counterfeit ICs to the U.S. Navy for use in nuclear submarines, among other things. Picone further admitted that he knew that malfunction or failure of the ICs likely would cause impairment of combat operations and other significant harm to national security.
On April 24, 2012, federal agents searched Picone’s business and residence, and recovered 12,960 counterfeit ICs. In connection with his guilty plea, Picone admitted that he intended to sell the seized counterfeit ICs to defense contractors doing business with the Navy for use in military applications.
The case was investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the NCIS and ICE-HSI. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Counsel Kendra Ervin and Evan Williams of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS), Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarala Nagala and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol Sipperly of the District of Connecticut, Trial Attorney Anna Kaminska of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Trial Attorney Kristen Warden of the Criminal Division’s Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section. The CCIPS Cybercrime Lab provided significant assistance.
The enforcement action announced today is related to the many efforts being undertaken by the Department of Justice Task Force on Intellectual Property (IP Task Force). The IP Task Force supports prosecution priorities, promotes innovation through heightened civil enforcement, enhances coordination among federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, and focuses on international enforcement efforts, including reinforcing relationships with key foreign partners and U.S. industry leaders. To learn more about the IP Task Force, go to www.justice.gov/dag/iptaskforce.
East Haven Resident Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal Prison for Operating Investment SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN D’AURIA, 41, of East Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 63 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for operating an investment scheme that defrauded investors out of nearly $2.4 million.
According to court documents and statements made in court, D’AURIA conducted an investment business using the name Fifth Street Capital. D’AURIA was a licensed and registered investment adviser but lost his license in approximately 2011. From approximately 2010 to 2014, D’AURIA engaged in a scheme to defraud investors who had provided him with investment funds by failing to invest the funds as represented and by using the majority of the funds for his personal use.
As part of his scheme, D’AURIA made false statements and misrepresentations to his investors regarding the purported returns generated by their investments. He also represented to investors that their funds were fully invested in separate accounts. In truth, D’AURIA did not fully invest the investors’ funds but rather commingled the funds in his own personal bank accounts and his own trading account.
As a result of D’AURIA’s scheme to defraud, seven investors lost a total of $2,375,943.49. Today, Judge Shea ordered D’AURIA to pay full restitution.
On July 13, 2015, D’AURIA waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
D’AURIA, who is released on a $100,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on December 7, 2015.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Richard J. Schechter.
West Hartford Tax Preparer to Serve Time in Prison for Filing False ReturnsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HAI T. LE, 44, of West Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 10 days of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for filing false tax returns. Judge Meyer also ordered LE to perform 240 hours of community service and pay full restitution to the U.S. Treasury.
According to court documents and statements made in court, LE prepared federal income tax returns for individuals in his community, many of whom were family or friends. When undertaking the tax return preparation, LE typically asked his clients to provide him their prior returns, purportedly so that LE could verify relevant information. LE prepared the current year return, but also made and kept copies of the prior returns. After certain clients received the current year refund, LE improperly used the prior returns to prepare false amended returns purportedly on behalf of his clients. The amended returns included false information, including unwarranted residential energy credits, education credits, and tuition and fees deductions, and incorrectly reflected that the taxpayer was entitled to an additional refund.
Unbeknownst to his clients, LE filed the amended returns with the Internal Revenue Service and included his own residence as the return address. In most cases, the IRS sent a refund check to the listed address. LE then endorsed his client’s name and his own on the reverse of the check to make it appear that the check had been signed over to him. He then deposited the check into one of his bank accounts and used the funds for living expenses and the purchase of a $50,000 Certificate of Deposit.
Between March 2010 and August 2010, LE prepared and filed 28 fraudulent federal amended tax returns, utilizing his clients’ information without their knowledge in order to obtain a total of $138,826 in refunds. Six refunds totaling $32,752 were stopped prior to a check being issued, resulting in an initial actual loss to the IRS of $106,074. LE returned approximately $77,000 of the stolen monies when confronted by the IRS, and now owes the remainder with the ordered restitution.
On April 28, 2015, LE pleaded guilty to three counts of filing a false claim with the Internal Revenue Service.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Stamford Attorney Sentenced to Prison for Role in Mortgage Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut today announced that CHRISTOPHER BRECCIANO, 37, of Stamford, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 14 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiring to defraud financial institutions through an extensive mortgage fraud scheme that involved dozens of properties in Fairfield County.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2006 and 2010, BRECCIANO, while working as an associate at a Stamford law firm, participated in mortgage fraud conspiracy that involved the purchase of numerous single and multi-family properties, primarily in Bridgeport, Norwalk and Stamford. BRECCIANO acted as a closing attorney for at least 50 mortgage loan transactions in which materially false information was provided to mortgage lenders by BRECCIANO or his co-conspirators. The fraudulent information included false verifications of down payments for real estate transactions, false deeds, and false HUD-1 Forms. In many of the transactions, BRECCIANO knew that the borrower was a “straw buyer,” and that other individuals intended to control the property and collect rent from the property. In many transactions, BRECCIANO distributed mortgage loan funds to the straw buyer and other co-conspirators at the closing.
Many of these properties ended up in foreclosure, or in short sale transactions. BRECCIANO also was involved in many short sale transactions in which he knew that the buyer and seller were working together to retain control of the property while representing to the lender that the sale was an arm’s length transaction.
Through this scheme, lenders suffered losses of more than $8 million.
BRECCIANO was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $8,406,638.
On February 12, 2014, BRECCIANO pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General. The criminal case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather Cherry and Avi Perry, and the parallel civil forfeiture cases are being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie G. Turbert.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMES BOWMAN, also known as “Jimmy Jam,” 36, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.
BOWMAN is one of more than 100 individuals charged as a result of “Operation Bloodline,” a joint law enforcement investigation targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in the Dwight-Kensington and Fair Haven sections of New Haven. Led by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the New Haven and Hamden Police Departments, the year-long investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps on numerous telephones, extensive physical surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, execution of search warrants, and seizures of narcotics and firearms. The investigation revealed that BOWMAN operated a large-scale cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking operation in the greater New Haven area.
BOWMAN has been detained since his arrest on May 17, 2012. On December 2, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia and Meriden Police Departments. The United States Marshals Service, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, Parole and Community Services and the Milford, Hartford, New Britain, North Branford and Stratford Police Departments have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Dave Vatti and Marc Silverman.
Federal Jury Finds Man Guilty of Causing Arson Death of Branford Woman in 2006Read the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane, Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Branford Police Chief Kevin Halloran today announced that a federal jury in Hartford has found JOHN VAILETTE, also known as “John John” and “Snagglepuss,” 44, guilty of committing an arson in Branford in 2006 that caused the death Kathy Hardy. The trial before U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny began on September 10 and the jury returned the verdict after approximately three days of deliberations.
Judge Chatigny scheduled sentencing for December 23, 2015, at which time VAILETTE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life. VAILETTE has been in federal custody since 2007, and recently completed a 10-year sentence for distributing crack cocaine.
According to the evidence at trial, at approximately 8:45 a.m. on the morning of March 7, 2006, the Branford Emergency Communications Center received 911 calls reporting a fire at 27 Little Bay Lane in Branford, a single-family home rented by Kathy Hardy. After members of the Branford Fire Department arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire, firefighters located the body of Kathy Hardy, 39, on the second floor of the residence. Fire Department investigators ultimately determined that the fire was initiated by accelerants located in the first floor living room area and on the staircase leading to the second floor of the dwelling. An autopsy performed on Kathy Hardy concluded that the cause of death was smoke inhalation, and her death was classified as a homicide.
Approximately two days after the fire, investigators located a truck regularly used by VAILETTE, which had been hidden in New Haven for a period of time in the aftermath of the fire. The truck, which was found at the home of another close associate of VAILETTE’s, contained a silver serving platter, two watches and rosary beads that belonged to Kathy Hardy.
One trial witness testified that VAILETTE called her hours after the fire and asked her to deliver a change of clothes to his place of work. Other witnesses testified that, after the fire, VAILETTE made incriminating statements.
“John Vailette committed a heartless and cowardly crime – setting fire to a woman’s home,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “That fire killed Kathy Hardy and took her from her three children, her parents, her siblings and many loved ones. This was a difficult case and I thank the jury for its thoughtful consideration of the evidence. I also want to thank the trial team, the prosecutors from our office and the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, and the investigators from the FBI, the Branford Police and Fire Departments, and the Connecticut State Police for their tremendous work on this case. Many of these dedicated investigators worked tirelessly on this matter for years. Justice has been served.”
Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane commended the federal, state and local law enforcement agencies that collaborated on the investigation and subsequent prosecution. “This case is a perfect example of the benefits of teamwork and cooperation among federal, state, and municipal officials. Kathy Hardy’s family tirelessly advocated to fund the Cold Case Bureau in the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office. I hope that this verdict can bring some small measure of comfort as they continue to grieve for their loved one.”
“Today’s guilty verdict will hopefully provide some closure to Kathleen Hardy’s family,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Ferrick. “Thanks to the dedication of the investigators in this case, specifically the Branford Police Department and the Connecticut State Police, as well as the Branford Fire Department and the FBI special agents, Mr. Vailette’s crime will not go unpunished.”
“I am pleased with the jury’s guilty verdict of John Vailette in the arson murder of Kathy Hardy,” stated Branford Police Chief Halloran. “This case was never put on the back shelf from the day of the incident. Without the support of the New Haven office of the FBI, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, Branford Fire Department and other local, state and federal agencies involved in the investigation, we may not have had the same outcome. I hope this verdict provides some sense of closure to the family.”
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Branford Police Department and the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police, Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John H. Durham and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael A. Gailor and Kevin M. Shay.
Bank Employee Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Stealing More Than $100K from Customer AccountsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALEXANDER ALVAREZ, 33, of East Lyme, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for stealing more $100,000 from customers of the bank where he was employed.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from January 2012 to February 2013, ALVAREZ was employed as a Financial Service Representative for a bank in Newington. While employed at the bank, ALVAREZ identified accounts that had little banking activity. He then caused the mailing address for the accounts he targeted to be changed from the owner’s address to a fraudulent address so that transactions in the accounts would not be immediately discovered by the account owner. ALVAREZ then created fraudulent transfer slips causing the funds to be transferred to another account that he believed was dormant, or to an account that he directly controlled, or to be issued in a bank check. Once the funds were transferred from the owner’s account, ALVAREZ withdrew the funds from the bank in cash or via an ATM card, or transferred them to his personal banking account.
ALVAREZ stole $100,806.85 from one bank customer and $11,137.01 from a second bank customer. He was ordered to pay full restitution, plus interest, to the bank.
On April 21, 2015, ALVAREZ pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud.
This matter was investigated by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, the Stratford Police Department and the Greenwich Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
New Haven 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 TOMMY BATTLE, 35, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 22, 2015, a search was conducted at the residence of BATTLE, who was a parolee. During the search, a parole officer discovered a 9mm semi-automatic handgun, which contained a magazine that held 10 9mm rounds.
BATTLE’s criminal history includes multiple felony convictions, including a conviction for criminal possession of a weapon. 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.
BATTLE is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford on January 4, 2016, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. BATTLE has been detained since his arrest on April 22, 2015.
This matter is being investigated by the New Haven Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Laraia and Anthony Kaplan.
Joint Investigation Dismantles Violent New Haven Street Gang; Members Charged with 6 MurdersRead the Press Release
New Haven – U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly, ATF Special Agent in Charge Daniel J. Kumor and New Haven Police Chief Dean Esserman today announced federal murder, racketeering, firearms, narcotics and money laundering charges against several members and associates of the Red Side Guerilla Brims, a violent New Haven street gang. In 2011 and early 2012, members and associates of the gang are alleged to have committed six murders and four attempted murders.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2014, ATF and the New Haven Police Department began “Operation Red Side” through a series of controlled narcotics purchases and firearms seizures. The investigation revealed that members and associates of the Red Side Guerilla Brims (“RSGB”), a sect of the Bloods street gang based in New Haven, were engaged in narcotics trafficking and related acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, assaults and armed robberies. In addition to distributing crack cocaine and other narcotics in and around New Haven, the investigation indicated that members and associates of the RSGB, under the direction of one of its alleged leaders, JEFFREY BENTON, transported crack cocaine and heroin to Bangor, Maine, and sold the drugs in Bangor and its surrounding communities. The RSGB also traded narcotics for firearms, brought the firearms back to New Haven and distributed them to gang members.
“The Red Side Guerilla Brims were a plague on the streets of New Haven,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “This indictment charges six members of this violent New Haven street gang with racketeering to include murders, shootings, armed robberies and assaults, as well as firearms and narcotics offenses. Other Red Side gang members and associates have or are expected to plead guilty to similar charges shortly. We thank our law enforcement partners, particularly the ATF and New Haven Police Department, for their tireless dedication to this long-term investigation. We are confident that these prosecutions targeting our most violent offenders, together with our anti-violence program Project Longevity which calls upon gang members to give up their violent lifestyle, have reduced the number of murders and shootings in New Haven making New Haven a safer and better place to live.”
“Today’s announcement demonstrates ATF’s commitment to working with its federal, state and local law enforcement partners to combat violent gun crime and to dismantle criminal street gangs and their ongoing criminal enterprise,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Kumor. “Moreover, it shows that these criminal street gangs will not get away with such acts of violence, which wreak fear and havoc on the citizens of our communities.”
“Cooperation between all levels of law enforcement and the community are what’s required to achieve progress, and this impressive collaboration between the New Haven Police, ATF, U.S. Attorney’s Office and other valuable partners has solved many violent crimes,” said Chief Esserman. “Too many young men in our community have been lost to gun violence, and too many family members and friends are grieving. Violence in our city will not be tolerated. I’m proud of those who’ve put in the long hours to see this operation through. The City of New Haven is safer for it.”
The Victims
- On February 23, 2011, an individual was shot and wounded in New Haven.
- On March 18, 2011, Derrick Suggs was shot and killed in New Haven.
- On March 29, 2011, and individual was shot and wounded in New Haven.
- On April 20, 2011, Kevin Lee was shot and killed in New Haven.
- On June 24, 2011, Donell Allick was shot and killed in New Haven.
- On September 19, 2011, Darrick Cooper was shot and killed in Hamden.
- On October 21, 2011, an individual was shot in the face in New Haven.
- On December 22, 2011, an individual was shot in the face in New Haven.
- On December 23, 2011, Joseph Zargo was shot and killed in New Haven.
- On March 19, 2012, Donald Bolden was shot and killed in New Haven.
- On December 23, 2014, an individual was assaulted with a firearm in New Haven.
The Connecticut Indictment
On September 30, 2015, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a 34-count indictment charging the following six individuals with engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity, including murder and other violent offenses:
JEFFREY BENTON, a.k.a. “Tall Man” and “Fresh,” 30, of New Haven
KEITH YOUNG, a.k.a. “Capo,” “Bapo” and “Poncho,” 25, of Hamden
ROBERT SHORT, a.k.a. “Santana,” 29, of New Haven
TREVOR MURPHY, a.k.a. “Snookie,” 27, of West Haven
ROBERT HARRIS, a.k.a. “Skully Mack,” 19, of New Haven
CHRISTOPHER GRAHAM, a.k.a. “Ugg,” 28, of New Haven
As alleged in the indictment:
On February 23, 2011, BENTON and LUIS PADILLA, who is charged separately, conspired to murder an individual.
On April 20, 2011, BENTON, PADILLA and others, including RODRIGO RAMIREZ and MILES PRICE, who are charged separately, murdered Kevin Lee while attempting to rob marijuana from Lee.
On June 24, 2011, BENTON, YOUNG, PADILLA and KAVON ROGERS, who is charged separately, murdered Donell Allick.
On September 19, 2011, YOUNG and SHORT murdered Darrick Cooper.
On October 21, 2011, BENTON and HARRY ANDERSON, who is charged separately, conspired to murder an individual.
On December 23, 2011, MURPHY murdered Joseph Zargo.
On March 20, 2012, BENTON and another individual, who has since been murdered, murdered Donald Bolden.
On December 23, 2014, HARRIS and GRAHAM used a firearm to assault an individual
In addition to the racketeering charge, the indictment charges BENTON and YOUNG with engaging in a racketeering conspiracy; BENTON, YOUNG, SHORT and MURPHY with committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering (VCAR) related to one or more of the charged murders; HARRIS and GRAHAM with VCAR related to a charged assault with a dangerous weapon; BENTON, SHORT, MURPHY, HARRIS and GRAHAM with firearms offenses; HARRIS and GRAHAM with narcotics offenses; and BENTON and YOUNG with money laundering offenses related to wire transfers of narcotics proceeds from Maine to Connecticut.
YOUNG and MURPHY were arrested yesterday, and HARRIS was arrested this morning. They appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis in New Haven and are presently detained.
BENTON has been in federal custody since May 17, 2012, and is serving a 108-month sentence for trafficking narcotics. SHORT is in state custody on a parole violation.
GRAHAM is currently being sought by law enforcement.
As to BENTON, YOUNG, SHORT and MURPHY, if convicted of the charge of VCAR murder, each defendant faces a mandatory term of life imprisonment or death if the government seeks the death penalty in this case. The most serious charge against HARRIS and GRAHAM, brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, carries a mandatory term of imprisonment of seven years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
Previously-charged RSGB Members and Associates
On September 29, 2015, LUIS PADILLA, a.k.a. “Chewie,” 22, of New Haven, pleaded guilty to engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity, VCAR murder, and possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. In pleading guilty, PADILLA admitted his involvement in the murders of Derrick Suggs, Kevin Lee and Donell Allick, and the attempted murders of two others. PADILLA also admitted his involvement in a home invasion robbery in New Haven in May 2012, as well as his role in the trafficking of narcotics in Connecticut and Maine.
On June 16, 2015, RODRIGO RAMIREZ, a.k.a “Rico,” 34, of New Haven, pleaded guilty to racketeering and admitted his involvement in the murder of Kevin Lee and in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine in Maine.
On July 1, 2014, a grand jury returned an indictment charging MILES PRICE, a.k.a. “Molly Rock,” 27, of New Haven, with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of crack cocaine, and possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
On May 6, 2015, KAVON ROGERS, 28, of New Haven, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
On May 20, 2015, a grand jury returned an indictment charging HARRY ANDERSON, a.k.a. “Ace,” 22, of New Haven, with one count of VCAR related to the attempted murder of an individual, and one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
On September 8, 2015, DELTON PYLES, a.k.a. “Koolie,” 26, of New Haven, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine.
The Maine Indictment
On February 12, 2015, a grand jury in the District of Maine returned an indictment charging JEFFREY BENTON and ten other individuals, including RSGB members and associates, with offenses related to the distribution of crack cocaine, the illegal purchase of more than 20 firearms, and the transportation of firearms and drug proceeds to Connecticut. BENTON is awaiting trial in Maine.
On July 30, 2015, WILLIE GARVIN, a.k.a. “Tank” and “Black,” 22, of New Haven, pleaded guilty in the District of Connecticut to possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence in relation to the shooting of an individual on December 22, 2011. GARVIN also agreed to have his Maine case transferred to Connecticut and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and conspiracy to violate federal firearms laws.
On September 2, 2015, CHRISTIAN TURNER, a.k.a. “P,” 29, of New Haven, pleaded guilty in the District of Maine to conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and conspiracy to violate federal firearms laws.
On August 17, 2015, TORRENCE BENTON a.k.a. “T-Black” and “Scotty,” 28, of New Haven, pleaded guilty in the District of Maine to one count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the New Haven Police Department, the Connecticut Department of Correction, the Connecticut State Police, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Hamden Police Department. The New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office also provided critical assistance in the investigation.
An instrumental component of the investigation has been the work of the Connecticut State Crime Laboratory in utilizing the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to analyze ballistics evidence.
These cases are being prosecuted in the District of Connecticut by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert M. Spector and Peter D. Markle. The District of Maine case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Casey.
Former State Fraud Enforcement Official is SentencedRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LYNWOOD PATRICK, JR., 40, of East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to three years of probation, the first six months of which PATRICK must serve in home confinement, for submitting a fraudulent application for a personal mortgage modification.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately October 2012 through May 2013, while he was employed as the Director of Investigations for the State of Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS), Office of Quality Assurance, PATRICK applied for a mortgage modification through JP Morgan Chase under the Making Home Affordable program, a federal initiative designed to assist homeowners who have experienced a decline in income access secure loans at lower rates. The application requested assistance in connection with a property PATRICK owned in East Hartford.
During the application process, PATRICK represented that the East Hartford property was his primary residence and was owner occupied when, in fact, the property was not his primary residence and he did not occupy it. PATRICK also fabricated State of Connecticut paystubs and lied about his assets in order qualify for the program. Specifically, PATRICK claimed total assets of $500 in one checking account to show that he had experienced a loss of income causing a hardship when, in fact, he had thousands of dollars spread out over multiple accounts at several institutions and his rate of pay had not diminished.
The investigation revealed that, in connection with the loan application, PATRICK faxed fraudulent documents to JP Morgan Chase from DSS offices and used a DSS fax coversheet.
In his capacity as the Director of Investigations, PATRICK was responsible for coordinating and conducting activities to prevent, detect and investigate fraud, waste, abuse and overpayments in the Connecticut Medicaid, Care4Kids, Supplemental Nutritional Assistance and Connecticut Energy Assistance Programs. PATRICK’s salary was partially paid for by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
On June 8, 2015, PATRICK pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud.
This matter was investigated by the Connecticut Public Corruption Task Force, which includes the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher M. Mattei.
Citizens are encouraged to report corruption to the Connecticut Public Corruption Task Force by calling 203-238-0505.
Two Men Convicted of Operating Multimillion Dollar Advance Fee Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that on September 29, 2015, a federal jury in New Haven found DAVID C. JACKSON, also known as “C. David Manns,” “Charles Jackson” and “Andrew D. Smithson,” 53, and ALEXANDER D. HURT, also known as Alex Hurt and “Alex Dante,” 45, guilty of conspiracy and wire fraud related to an advance fee fraud scheme they conducted that defrauded more than 40 individuals out of more than $4.5 million.
On December 22, 2014, a federal grand jury returned an 11-count indictment charging JACKSON, formerly of Maryland, Ohio and Pennsylvania, and HURT, of Scottsdale, Arizona, and formerly of Massachusetts, with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and multiple counts of wire fraud. The indictment also charged HURT with one count of making a false statement to federal law enforcement. The trial before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton began on September 9, 2015, and the jury returned a verdict of guilty on all counts after deliberating for approximately three hours.
“This was a sophisticated advanced fee scheme operated across numerous states that preyed on more than 40 victims, including Connecticut citizens and businesses,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “These defendants and their co-conspirators took advantage of individuals and business owners who had limited options in acquiring business loans in the difficult financial environment that existed after the recession of 2008. The hard-working small business owners, developers and even family farmers who were victimized by these defendants when all they wanted to do was to get funding to create, expand, or operate their businesses. Moreover, as part of the scheme, Mr. Jackson used multiple identities to conceal his criminal past and thwart background checks. Those seeking business loans need to be wary of any provider of funding that requires significant fees in advance – especially those who use the internet to prey upon trusting people who are unable to verify the representations made.”
“Driven by greed, and through lies, deceit, and deception, Mr. Hurt and Mr. Jackson took advantage of unsuspecting individuals and stole millions of dollars so they could line their own pockets and, in the case of Mr. Hurt, travel to numerous countries on four continents,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Ferrick. “The false representations and empty promises that were made to the victims in this case were not worth the paper the fraudulent loan documents were printed on. The FBI will continue to vigorously pursue and bring to justice those who would operate advance fee fraud schemes.”
According to the evidence presented during the trial, in approximately September 2009, JACKSON, using the alias “C. David Manns,” established Jalin Realty Capital Advisors, LLC, using a business address in Dayton, Ohio. In 2011, JACKSON changed the name of his business to American Capital Holdings, LLC, using business addresses in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Soon after changing the business name, JACKSON began introducing himself to victim clients as “Charles Jackson” and then also used the name “Andrew Smithson” to prevent victims from learning his true identity and the true nature of his background and his scheme.
HURT held himself out as Vice President of Brightway Financial Group, LLC, a company that used a business addresses in Grapevine, Texas. As established during the trial, HURT used his background as a pastor with a Brockton, Massachusetts church to gain the confidence of at least one victim who lost money in the scheme.
JACKSON, HURT and others defrauded individuals, including Connecticut residents, who wired funds to them in anticipation of receiving large business loans. The upfront fees were alternately described as “application fees,” “collateral fees” or “commitment fees.” The victims were promised a refund of the upfront fees if their loan transactions were not completed. In order to convince victim-borrowers that the loans were legitimate and Jalin and ACH had successfully secured loans in the past, JACKSON provided victims and potential victims the name and phone number of a co-conspirator and told them that they could contact her for a reference. After she was contacted, the co-conspirator falsely represented to victims and potential victims that she had, in fact, received funding from JACKSON for a construction loan, and that she had successfully done a project financed with her co-conspirator and Jalin. The reference she gave was false and was just another part of the scam.
Through this scheme, more than 40 individuals provided JACKSON and HURT with more than $4.5 million in advance fees and funds that were to be held in escrow for business loans that were never provided. Some of the individuals received partial refunds of the advance fees they had provided, but the refunds were made using fees that had been paid by other victims in a Ponzi-like scheme.
JACKSON was previously convicted of federal bank fraud and money laundering offenses in October 2006 and was sentenced to 41 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. He was released from federal prison in September 2009 and operated this advance fee fraud scheme while on supervised release
Judge Arterton scheduled a forfeiture hearing for October 27, 2015, during which the government will seek an order of forfeiture ordering the defendants to forfeit all proceeds traceable to the scheme. Judge Arterton will schedule sentencing after the forfeiture hearing.
The charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count, and the charge of making a false statement to federal law enforcement carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
JACKSON has been detained since his arrest on August 26, 2014. HURT is released on bond under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ansonia Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Michael S. McGarry.
Government Settles False Claims Act Allegations against American Access Care Holdings, LLC for $3.5 MillionRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Philip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, today announced that AMERICAN ACCESS CARE HOLDINGS, LLC has entered into a civil settlement agreement with the Government in which it will pay $3,594,791 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act.
Prior to its merger with Fresenius Vascular Care, Inc. (“Fresenius”) in October 2011, AMERICAN ACCESS CARE HOLDINGS, LLC (“AAC”) operated a number of vascular access centers in the United States, including one in Fairfield, Connecticut. Among other services, vascular access centers address complications with dialysis access for patients with kidney disease. The government alleges that, between January 2007 and September 2011, AAC improperly billed Medicare and Medicaid for multiple percutaneous transluminal angioplasties performed during the same patient encounter. The government also alleges that, between October 2005 and September 2011, AAC improperly submitted claims to Medicare and Medicaid for procedures performed during follow-up visits that were not medically necessary.
The conduct addressed by the settlement occurred prior to the merger with Fresenius.
“It is imperative that all health care providers bill only for appropriate and necessary medical treatments and bill for such services accurately and honestly,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will vigorously investigate any provider that submits fraudulent claims to Medicare or Medicaid as this misconduct cheats the system, increasing the cost of health care for all of the rest of us.”
“Health care providers will not be permitted to provide unnecessary medical procedures – in this case, invasive procedures – on patients and then pocket the improper payments they receive as a result,” said HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Coyne. “Our agency is dedicated to investigating health care fraud schemes that divert scarce taxpayer funds meant to provide for legitimate patient care.”
The Connecticut settlement is related to a parallel resolution of claims against AAC by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Rhode Island, and follows a third settlement against the company in the Southern District of Florida, in the case United States ex rel. Souza v. American Access Care of Miami, LLC.
In entering into the civil settlement agreement, AAC did not admit liability and disputes the government’s allegations.
This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Molot and Auditor Kevin Saunders.
People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS or the Health Care Fraud Task Force at (203) 777-6311.
New Haven Man Charged with Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging JAMES DOUGLAS, also known as “Sucky,” 23, of New Haven, with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
As alleged in the indictment, on May 26, 2015, DOUGLAS possessed a .32 caliber Smith & Wesson revolver. Prior to that date, DOUGLAS had sustained felony convictions, including second degree burglary, third degree larceny and carrying a pistol without a permit.
It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
If convicted, DOUGLAS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.
DOUGLAS has been detained in state custody since his arrest on May 26, 2015.
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 matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Haven Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Laraia.
New Britain Bakery Operator Sentenced for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARIAN KOBRYN, 63, of Farmington, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport to one day of imprisonment, time already served, and one year of supervised release, for filing false tax returns. KOBRYN also was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine and more than $425,000 in back taxes, interest, and penalties.
According to court documents and statements made in court, KOBRYN and his wife own and operate Kasia’s Bakery in New Britain. Until recently, Kasia’s Bakery routinely operated on a “cash only” basis. During the 2010 through 2013 tax years, KOBRYN diverted $730,860 in cash that the business received, deposited the money into his and his wife’s personal bank accounts, and failed to pay $242,889 in federal taxes on the income.
The investigation revealed that KOBRYN attempted to conceal the diverted cash proceeds by regularly traveling to several branches of Farmington Bank to make cash deposits in amounts under $10,000 in order to evade the bank’s currency transaction reporting requirements.
To date, KOBRYN has paid the $242,889 tax due, as well as $50,000 toward the interest and penalties. Judge Eginton ordered KOBRYN to pay the remaining interest and penalties before the expiration of KOBYRN’s term of supervised release.
Judge Eginton stated that he sentenced KOBRYN to time served in lieu of a longer term of incarceration based in part on KOBRYN’s serious health issues.
On June 2, 2015, KOBRYN pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement on a federal tax return.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon.
Indictment Charges 9 Individuals with Obtaining Oxycodone in Fraudulent Prescription SchemeRead 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 nine individuals have be charged by indictment with participating in a drug trafficking ring that obtained more than 80,000 oxycodone pills by way of fraudulent prescriptions.
“The diversion and trafficking of prescription narcotics is a serious threat to public health, and disrupting criminal organizations involved in this activity and prosecuting those involved is a priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “I commend the DEA and all the members of the Tactical Diversion Squad for their efforts in this long-running investigation.”
“The DEA is committed to investigating and bringing to justice those who illicitly distribute oxycodone,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge 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 the 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 any group that traffics these drugs.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2012, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad began an investigation into a drug trafficking organization that manufactured fraudulent prescriptions for oxycodone and distributed the drug in the greater New Haven area. As part of the conspiracy, members of organization obtained the personal identifying information of medical practitioners and used the information to create fraudulent prescriptions. Conspiracy members also purchased legitimate prescriptions for oxycodone from individuals. The organization then used individuals, or “runners,” to fill the fraudulent prescriptions at pharmacies throughout Connecticut. Once a runner provided his or her personal information to a member of the organization, the runner’s information was kept on file and used to create other fraudulent prescriptions.
Since February 2013, the organization has stolen the personal identifying information of more than 50 doctors and medical professionals and fraudulently obtained more than 80,000 oxycodone pills.
On September 22, 2015, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a six-count indictment charging the following individuals:
JULIAN CINTRON, a.k.a. “Papi” and Jay,” 36, of New Haven
DAVID THOMPSON, a.k.a. “Super Dave,” 41, of New Haven
ALEJANDRINO DeJESUS, a.k.a. “Baby Boo,” 37, of New Haven
ANGEL MATEO, a.k.a., “Chickyding,” 36, of New Haven
ROBERT WILLIAMS, a.k.a., “Bo,” “Positive” and “Shawn,” 35, of Meriden
LARISSA ARABOLOS, 25, of East Haven
MATTHEW GIGLIETTI, 35, of East Haven
CHRISTOPHER LEVIX, a.k.a. “Scarface,” 33 of New Haven
ANTHONY PALMIERI, a.k.a. “Ant” and “Turtle,” 38, of New HavenAs alleged in court documents, CINTRON and THOMPSON have been leaders of the conspiracy since 2013. CINTRON, THOMPSON and ARABOLOS manufactured fraudulent oxycodone prescriptions for the organization, and DeJESUS, MATEO, WILLIAMS, GIGLIETTI and LEVIX recruited and transported runners. PALMIERI transported runners, and also distributed oxycodone obtained by CINTRON and THOMPSON.
The indictment charges each of the defendants with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone, an offense the carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of conspiracy to acquire oxycodone by fraud and forgery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of four years.
The indictment also charges THOMPSON with two counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of oxycodone, and DeJESUS with one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin and cocaine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin. Each of these charges carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
CINTRON, THOMPSON, WILLIAMS, ARABOLOS, GIGLIETTI, LEVIX and PALMIERI were arrested on federal criminal complaints on September 10, 2015, and DeJESUS was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on September 11, 2015. MATEO currently is in state custody.
The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of $10,207.39 that was seized from PALMIERI’s residence on September 10, 2015, and five vehicles owned by several of the defendants.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The DEA Tactical Diversion Squad includes members from the Greenwich, Shelton, Hamden, Vernon, West Hartford, Bristol and Willimantic Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy C. Brown and Robert M. Spector.
Norwalk Man Admits Running Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMES E. NEILSEN, 55, of Norwalk, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of wire fraud stemming from his operation of a Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors of more than $1.6 million.
According to court documents and statement made in court, NEILSEN was a certified public accountant until he became inactive in approximately 2012. Since at least 2006, NEILSEN solicited and received more than $1 million dollars from numerous individuals to invest with Ulysses Partners, LLC, an entity in which NEILSEN was a partner and chief financial officer, or Neilsen Financial Services, an entity that NEILSEN owned and controlled. NEILSEN promised investors a guaranteed rate of return of 9 to 10.5 percent on their investment. NEILSEN told investors that Ulysses Partners or Neilsen Financial Services would invest their money in businesses or business ventures. Instead, NEILSEN used much of that money to pay back earlier victim investors and to make various personal expenditures.
As part of the scheme, NEILSEN submitted fabricated account statements to his victims, and also sent lulling emails to multiple victims.
Through this scheme, NEILSEN defrauded victim investors of $1,663,641.83. NEILSEN’s victims include his accounting clients, clients of his tax preparation business, friends and members of his family, including his 93-year-old great aunt. His victims also include minor children beneficiaries of a trust established after their father’s untimely death and whose trust monies NEILSEN had authorized access to.
NEILSEN was arrested on June 18, 2015, and is released on a $250,000 bond. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on December 22, 2015, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He also has agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $6,273,841.95, which includes additional monies owed to investors.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Greenwich Police Department and the Connecticut Department of Banking. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.
Bridgeport Man Who Purchased Tableting Machine to Produce Oxycodone Pills is SentencedRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JASON OLIVIERA, 35, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to three years of probation, the first six months of which OLIVIERA must serve in home confinement, for illegally importing a tablet machine to produce oxycodone pills. Judge Underhill also ordered OLIVIERA to perform 50 hours of community service.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 23, 2013, OLIVIERA and David Wolvovsky were arrested at Wolvovsky’s home in Fairfield after they received delivery of a package containing a tableting machine that had been ordered from China. On that date, Wolvovsky stated to investigators that he and OLIVIERA had purchased the machine through an individual he had met on the Internet, and that they had also purchased what he had believed to be a large quantity oxycodone powder from the same individual. Wolvovsky then stated that, before the machine had arrived, he had tested the powder and determined that it was not true oxycodone powder. A subsequent search of Wolvovsky’s residence revealed a package containing approximately one kilogram of the fake oxycodone powder. The search also revealed opiate test kits, packaging materials, tablet dying/imprinting machinery and $21,034 in cash.
On March 13, 2015, OLIVIERA waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of unlawfully importing a tableting machine.
On July 24, 2014, Wolvovsky pleaded guilty to the same charge. On November 21, 2014, he was sentenced to four years of probation, including six months of home confinement. He also was ordered to pay a fine of $2,000, forfeit the $21,034 that was seized at the time of his arrest and perform 100 hours of community service.
This matter was investigated by the DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and Homeland Security Investigations. The DEA Tactical Diversion Squad includes members from the Greenwich, Shelton, Hamden, Vernon, West Hartford, Bristol and Willimantic Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
New York Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Operating Investor Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CHARLES PRINCIPATO, 53, of Rye, N.Y., was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for engaging in a scheme to defraud investors of more than $1.3 million.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately January 2011 and February 2014, PRINCIPATO acted as principal of Prince Direct, Inc., an entity that he represented to victim-investors as being in the business of marketing products through advertising such as “infomercials.” PRINCIPATO solicited money from victims, including Connecticut residents, for the stated purpose of funding the business operations of Prince Direct. However, instead of using victims’ money for the stated purposes, PRINCIPATO used it for his own personal expenses, including for vacations and home renovations, and for gambling. Through this scheme, PRINCIPATO defrauded victim-investors of more than $1.3 million.
Chief Judge Hall ordered PRINCIPATO to pay restitution in the amount of $1,809,235, which includes additional monies PRINCIPATO owed to investors.
On June 23, 2014, PRINCIPATO pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan L. Wines.
El Paso Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Brokering 25 Kilogram Cocaine DealRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, announced that ANDREW DURON, also known as “Chavo,” 35, of El Paso, Texas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for brokering a 25 kilogram cocaine transaction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, DURON was involved in a cocaine trafficking organization that transported cocaine from Texas to Connecticut. In 2014, the organization attempted to find an additional source of supply for its Hartford area cocaine customers. In July 2014, a DEA confidential source met DURON in North Carolina. During the meeting, DURON told the confidential source that he wanted to purchase up to 50 kilograms of cocaine for $28,000 per kilogram. On August 14, 2014, DURON, the confidential source and an undercover DEA agent met in New Jersey where DURON agreed to purchase 25 kilograms of cocaine. In subsequent conversations with the confidential source, DURON stated that he wanted an extra $1000 per kilogram as a side deal. They agreed on a total price of $725,000 for 25 kilograms of cocaine.
On August 23, 2014, DURON met the undercover DEA agent at a location in Wethersfield. DURON told the undercover agent that his associates were in Connecticut and that DURON and the undercover agent would need to travel to a store parking lot near Bradley International Airport to verify that the money was in place. DURON and the undercover agent then drove in separate vehicles to a store parking lot on Kennedy Road in Windsor. After DURON met two of his associates in the store, one of DURON’s associates met the undercover agent in the parking lot, showed him a duffel bag and said it contained “half” of the money. Shortly thereafter, investigators arrived at the scene and arrested DURON and two of his associates. Investigators also recovered from the vehicle driven by DURON’s associate a duffel bag containing approximately $284,000 in cash, and a loaded .38 caliber revolver.
DURON has been detained since his arrest. On May 20, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
Eight individuals have been charged at a result of this investigation.
This investigation is being led by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force, including personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office and the Bristol, Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Newington, and Wethersfield Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
U.S. Department of Justice Awards $1.5 Million Law Enforcement Hiring Grant to Waterbury to Help Build Trust, Reduce Violence and ProtectRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), today announced that the COPS Office has awarded $1.5 million to the City of Waterbury to fund 12 law enforcement positions. The award is part of more than $107 million in funds awarded this year through the COPS Hiring Program (CHP) to create and protect numerous law enforcement positions across the country.
“The COPS Office is pleased to assist local law enforcement agencies throughout the country in addressing their most critical public safety issues,” said Ronald L. Davis, Director of the COPS Office. “These grants are not simply about putting more officers on the street, they are about expanding the capacity of law enforcement agencies to engage in community policing.”
CHP provides grants to state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to hire or rehire community policing officers. The program provides salaries and benefits for officer and deputy hires for three years.
Priority consideration was given this year to agencies that selected any of the Building Trust focus areas or School Based Policing through School Resource Officers. All applicants were encouraged to refer to the report of the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing for suggested actions to incorporate into their proposed community policing strategy.
“Enhancing community policing and maintaining our schools as a safe and enriching learning environment are critically important, and I am pleased to join the COPS Office in announcing this grant,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “This funding will help provide Waterbury with the resources needed to accomplish this vital mission.”
The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1995, COPS has invested over $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 127,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training, and technical assistance.
For the entire list of grantees and additional information about the 2015 COPS Hiring Program, visit the COPS website at www.cops.usdoj.gov.
Suspect in Multiple Bank Robberies ArrestedRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that MATTHEW DRAGONE, 31, of Middletown, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with the robbery of the Liberty Bank in Durham earlier this month. DRAGONE also is a suspect is five other recent Connecticut bank robberies and one attempted bank robbery.
DRAGONE was arrested on September 18, 2015, in Middletown. He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven and currently is detained.
According to the criminal complaint, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police and several local police departments have been investigating a series of bank robberies that occurred in August and September.
The complaint alleges that, on September 3, 2015, DRAGONE, wearing dark sunglasses, a blue-striped long sleeve dress shirt and a white baseball cap with a “Coors Lite” logo, entered the Liberty Bank located at 357 Main Street in Durham. Holding a cellphone to his ear, DRAGONE approached the teller counter and presented to a teller a bank-style bag with a note affixed to the front. The note demanded money and an order not to include a dye pack or GPS. The teller placed approximately $1,490 in cash in the bag and handed it to DRAGONE. DRAGONE then exited the bank and drove away.
Investigators found a Coors Lite baseball cap and a blue-striped shirt on the side of the road approximately 50 yards from the bank. Laboratory analysis of the discarded shirt revealed DNA consistent with DRAGONE’s DNA on the shirt’s collar.
The complaint further alleges that DRAGONE is a suspect in the robbery of the Webster Bank at 145 Highland Avenue in Cheshire on August 12, the TD Bank at 1127 Farmington Avenue in Berlin on August 13, the Liberty Bank at 151 Main Street in Deep River on August 17, the TD Bank at 25 Wells Road in Wethersfield on August 31, the Webster Bank at 377 Cromwell Avenue in Rocky Hill on September 9 (attempt), and the TD Bank at 184 Clinton Road in Killingworth on September 11.
As alleged in the complaint, a search of DRAGONE’s residence on September 16 revealed clothing and sunglasses consistent with those worn during the Durham robbery, and a bank-style bag consistent with the one used during several of the bank robberies.
The investigation is ongoing.
The charge of bank robbery carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI, the Connecticut State Police and the Middletown, Cheshire, Berlin, Wethersfield, and Rocky Hill Police Departments. The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Scientific Services is assisting the investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Meriden Man Charged with Producing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARK W. IRVIN, 63, of Meriden, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with production and possession of child pornography.
IRVIN was arrested on September 18. He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven, who ordered IRVIN detained.
As alleged in the criminal complaint, law enforcement officers received information from a teenage male that IRVIN had had repeated sexual contact with him since he was 15 years old, and that there are cameras in IRVIN’s residence recording all the time. The male also stated that he had observed IRVIN engaged in sexual contact with other minors at the residence.
On September 8, 2015, law enforcement officers conducted a search of IRVIN’s residence and observed cameras in several rooms, including cameras in the bathroom of the residence. Officers seized camcorders, computers, VHS tapes, CDs, DVDs and multiple thumb drives and data storage devices. The forensic analysis of the devices is only in its initial stages, but the complaint alleges that one of the devices contained sexually explicit photographs of a 13 year old male.
The charge of production of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years. The charge of possession of child pornography 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 a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Meriden Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations and the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
Citizens with information that may be relevant to this ongoing investigation should call the Meriden Police Department at 203-238-1911.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Bridgeport Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Participating in Drug Robbery SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TREVOR PIERCE, 30, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 72 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 Carlos “Camby” Colon and 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 PIERCE and 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, Pierce, the Colons, Humberto Soto, Markus Mendez, Nelson Diaz 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 PIERCE, Diaz 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 that Diaz had recently purchased. A search of the center console of the vehicle that Soto and Mendez drove to the meet location revealed a loaded and 9mm pistol.
PIERCE has been detained since April 11, 2014. On March 10, 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.
PIERCE’s criminal history includes state convictions for robbery, sexual assault, assault and breach of peace.
Camby Colon, Joel Colon, Soto, Diaz, Mendez and Mojica have also pleaded guilty.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Richards.
Indictment Charges Bridgeport Man with Illegal Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Colonel Brian F. Meraviglia of the Connecticut State Police and Easton Police Chief Timothy Shaw announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment today charging KYLE NAVIN, 27, of Bridgeport, with one count of possession of a firearm by an individual who is an unlawful user of and addicted to any controlled substance.
NAVIN was originally charged by criminal complaint. As alleged in the complaint, on August 7, 2015, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies began investigating the disappearance of NAVIN’s parents, Jeffrey and Jeanette Navin of Easton. On August 13, 2015, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of NAVIN’s Bridgeport residence and seized two firearms and numerous rounds of ammunition from NAVIN’s bedroom. On August 19, 2015, law enforcement conducted a second search of NAVIN’s residence and located and seized items indicative of substance abuse, including numerous heroin brand-stamped glassine baggies with heroin residue, hypodermic needles, empty prescription bottles for oxycodone and prescription bottles containing other controlled substances. Investigators also recovered from NAVIN’s residence a receipt from a firearms shooting range that was issued on August 5, 2015.
The complaint further alleges that investigators conducted a court-authorized search of NAVIN’s cellphone and reviewed numerous text messages that discuss NAVIN’s use of heroin, oxycodone and Xanax.
NAVIN has been detained since his arrest on September 8, 2015.
The charge of possession of a firearm by an individual who is an unlawful user of and addicted to any controlled substance carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
NAVIN’s arraignment has not been scheduled. This case has been assigned to Senior U.S. District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBI Bridgeport Violent Crimes Task Force, Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crime Squad and Easton Police Department, with the assistance of the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Fairfield Judicial District and the Westport, Weston and Bridgeport Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Lee Dayton.
Former New Haven Resident Pleads Guilty to Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that DANIEL HAMLETT, SR., 53, formerly of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to committing an armed robbery of a Seymour bank in 2013.
On April 9, 2013, HAMLETT drove a stolen vehicle to the Webster Bank on New Haven Road in Seymour. Wearing a mask, he exited the vehicle, approached an individual who was seated in his parked car, took out a handgun, smashed the driver’s side front window and demanded money from the victim. When the victim responded that he didn’t have any money, HAMLETT took the victim’s car keys and cell phone and told him not to move.
HAMLETT then entered the bank, ordered everyone to get on the floor, jumped over the teller counter and forcibly took $5,594 in cash from two teller drawers. He then jumped back over the teller counter, exited the bank and fled in the stolen vehicle. HAMLETT then met his son, Daniel Hamlett, Jr., who picked up his father and eluded law enforcement.
HAMLETT was arrested in Georgia on November 13, 2014, and has been detained since his arrest. Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for December 7, 2015, at which time HAMLETT faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 25 years.
Daniel Hamlett Jr. was arrested on March 14, 2014. On October 31, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting bank robbery. He awaits sentencing.
This matter was investigated by the FBI and the Seymour Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas P. Morabito and Sarala V. Nagala.
Federal Jury Finds New York Man Guilty of Heroin Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in Hartford has found WILMER ANTONIO GOMEZ-RODRIGUEZ, 29, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in New York, New York, guilty of heroin trafficking offenses. The trial began on September 8 and the jury returned guilty verdicts on two counts of an indictment yesterday.
According to trial testimony and the evidence disclosed during the trial, this matter stems from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) and the Norwalk Police Department into suspected cocaine and heroin distribution by Omar Andrade. In September 2014, Andrade agreed to provide one kilogram of heroin to a DEA Task Force officer acting in an undercover capacity. Andrade, GOMEZ and Joel A. Estrella-Disla, were arrested on September 30, 2014, after they delivered approximately one kilogram of heroin to a pre-arranged location in Norwalk.
The jury found GOMEZ guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, one kilogram or more of heroin, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life. The jury also found GOMEZ guilty of one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 100 grams or more of heroin, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on December 3, 2015.
GOMEZ, who had been released on bond, was remanded at the conclusion of the trial.
In August 2015, Andrade and Estrella each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years. They await sentencing.
Andrade, a citizen of Mexico last residing in Norwalk, has been detained since his arrest. Estrella, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in New York, New York, is released on a $500,000 bond.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney H. Gordon Hall.
New Hartford Man Charged with Child Pornography and Enticement OffensesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that DANIEL JESSE CONRAD, 31, of New Hartford, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with production and possession of child pornography, and enticing minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct during online video chats and to send him sexually explicit pictures.
CONRAD, who was arrested on August 19, 2014 on related state charges, surrendered to federal authorities yesterday and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven. He was released on a $25,000 bond and electronic monitoring.
According to the criminal complaint, CONRAD’s charges relate to conduct involving three different minor females. The complaint alleges that CONRAD met one of the minor females in February 2014 through Omegle, an internet video chatting service. The minor was 15 years old at the time and lived in Connecticut. After their initial conversation, CONRAD and the minor female began communicating regularly through the Kik text messaging and photo sharing application on their cell phones. On March 1, 2014, the two met in person, and CONRAD drove the minor to Massachusetts where they engaged in sexual activity. On five or six occasions between March 1 and June 5, 2014, CONRAD picked up the minor and drove her to his residence where they engaged in sexual intercourse. During some of the encounters, CONRAD used his iPhone to take photographs of the minor engaged in sexual activity. CONRAD also persuaded and enticed the minor to take sexually explicit pictures of herself and send them to him via the Kik application.
The complaint also alleges that CONRAD had more than 40 videos of recorded online video webcam sessions between CONRAD and a second minor female, who was also 15 years old and lived in New York. The videos were created between October 2013 and March 2013 and depict the minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The complaint further alleges that CONRAD had sexually explicit pictures of a third female, who has not yet been identified but appears to be a minor, saved on his iPhone.
The charge of production of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, the charge of enticement carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and the charge of possession of child pornography 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 a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Watertown Man to Serve Prison Time for Role in Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JASON CALABRESE, 44, of Watertown, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to six months of imprisonment, followed by three months of home confinement and two years of supervised release, for his involvement in a series of fraudulent mortgage loan applications. CALABRESE also was ordered to pay a $3,000 fine and $400,585 in restitution.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in November 2005, CALABRESE’s co-conspirator, Thomas Provenzano, obtained a $923,200 loan to purchase a lakefront home located at 27 Palmer Road in Morris for more than $1.1 million, despite lacking the income to pay off the mortgage. The 27 Palmer Road property was owned by an entity controlled by Ryan Geddes, another co-conspirator. To finance the purchase, Provenzano applied for a mortgage through CALABRESE, who was a mortgage broker. The mortgage loan application contained statements that CALABRESE knew were false, namely, that Provenzano had worked for the past four years as the “General Manager” for a Geddes-owned construction company, and that Provenzano’s income from the listed job was $20,000 per month, or $240,000 per year. In fact, Provenzano’s income was substantially less than that amount. CALABRESE submitted the false loan application to a lender, which issued a $923,000 mortgage. At the closing, CALABRESE’s mortgage company was paid a $32,312 broker’s fee.
In November 2006, Provenzano applied for a new mortgage through CALABRESE to refinance the November 2005 mortgage for the 27 Palmer Road property. The mortgage refinancing application also contained statements that CALABRESE knew were false, namely, that Provenzano had worked for the past five years at Geddes’s construction company, and that Provenzano’s income from the listed job was $28,000 per month, or $336,000 per year. CALABRESE submitted the false loan application to a federally-insured lender, which issued a $936,000 mortgage. At the closing, CALABRESE’s mortgage company was paid an $18,720 broker’s fee.
The 2005 loan application had stated that Provenzano would reside in the 27 Palmer Road property as an owner-occupant. In fact, Geddes and his family continued to reside in the property. For a few years, Geddes paid Provenzano “rent,” which Provenzano used to cover the mortgage payments. But when Geddes moved out of the 27 Palmer Road property, he stopped forwarding payments to Provenzano, who stopped paying the mortgage. Accordingly the 27 Palmer Road property went into foreclosure.
On May 5, 2015, CALABRESE pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
Provenzano and Geddes previously pleaded guilty. On December 1, 2014, Provenzano was sentenced to 18 months of imprisonment. Geddes awaits sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Henry Kopel and Michael Gustafson.
Indictment Charges 3 Former Nomura RMBS Traders with Multiple Fraud and Conspiracy OffensesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Christy Goldsmith Romero, the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program, Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Scott S. Dahl, the Inspector General for the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, and Steven Perez, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a 10-count indictment charging three former New York-based bond traders for Nomura Securities International, ROSS SHAPIRO, 41, MICHAEL GRAMINS, 33, and TYLER PETERS, 32, all of New York, New York, with conspiracy and fraud offenses.
The indictment was returned on September 3 and unsealed today. SHAPIRO, GRAMINS and PETERS are scheduled to be arraigned on September 10 at 10 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford.
As alleged in the indictment, SHAPIRO, GRAMINS, and PETERS supervised the Residential Mortgage Backed Securities (“RMBS”) Desk at Nomura Securities International (“Nomura”) in New York. SHAPIRO was the Managing Director who oversaw all of Nomura’s trading in RMBS, GRAMINS was the Executive Director of the RMBS Desk and principally oversaw Nomura’s trading of bonds composed of sub-prime and option ARM loans, and PETERS was the senior-most Vice President of the RMBS Desk and focused primarily on Nomura’s trading of bonds composed of prime and alt-A loans.
The indictment alleges that SHAPIRO, GRAMINS and PETERS engaged in a conspiracy to defraud customers of Nomura by fraudulently inflating the purchase price at which Nomura could buy a RMBS bond to induce their victim-customers to pay a higher price for the bond, and by fraudulently deflating the price at which Nomura could sell a RMBS bond to induce their victim-customers to sell bonds at cheaper prices, causing Nomura and the three defendants to profit illegally.
According to the indictment, the three co-conspirators trained their subordinates to lie to customers, provided them with the language to use in deceiving customers, and encouraged them to engage in the practice. In one instance, one of the defendants’ subordinate traders told a salesperson that he “lied” about the price of bond and “marked up 2 pts,” to which the salesperson responded “haha sick . . . well played.”
The defendants are also alleged to have created fictitious third parties in an effort to increase their profits, and colluded with at least one outside client to deceptively broker trades on their behalf. In one instance, an investment advisor for another firm concocted a false story with SHAPIRO to tell to customers. According to the indictment, he wrote to SHAPIRO asking, “when did I buy [the bond] and at what price.”
The victims of this scheme include funds from around the world, retirement plan providers and a Trouble Asset Relief Program (TARP) fund manager.
“This indictment alleges that, for several years, these three defendants handsomely profited by repeatedly lying to Nomura’s customers in violation of federal law,” said U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly. “The victims of this alleged conspiracy include numerous funds, retirement plan providers and taxpayer-provided bailout funds that helped our nation to recover from the 2008 financial crisis. Our investigation into corrupt practices in the RMBS and other financial markets continues. I commend SIGTARP, the FBI, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General for their outstanding investigative work in this area.”
“The Government bought residential mortgage backed securities through TARP’s Public-Private Investment Program (PPIP) to unlock frozen credit markets during the financial crisis, not to become a victim of this criminal scheme by these Nomura traders, and to overpay for securities,” said Special Inspector General for TARP (SIGTARP) Christy Goldsmith Romero “SIGTARP’s investigation with our law enforcement partners revealed what is charged today – that Nomura’s most senior and highly compensated traders on the RMBS trading desk, Ross Shapiro, Michael Gramins and Tyler Peters, all former Lehman Brothers employees, allegedly conspired to overcharge their customers, which included an investment firm who was managing the government’s bailout money in a PPIP fund. The defendants’ alleged scheme was simple: To drive up profits they lied to and deceived their victims. They are alleged to have overstated the price Nomura paid. They are also alleged to have created fictitious third-party sellers when the RMBS sat in Nomura’s inventory. And they are alleged to have bragged about it to each other. All those on Wall Street who engaged in criminal schemes related to TARP programs are warned that SIGTARP will work with our law enforcement partners to uncover and stop bailout-related crime, and that will lead to prosecution. I want to commend U.S. Attorney Deirdre Daly for her steadfast commitment to fighting TARP-related crime.”
“The indictment alleges that Shapiro, Gramins and Peters orchestrated a scheme of fraud and deceit to manipulate the bond market in their own favor resulting in losses that were passed on to investors,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Patricia M. Ferrick. “Self-dealing and special treatment of insiders have no place in American financial markets. The special agents of the FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue their work to ensure that the U.S. securities markets remain a level playing field for all investors.”
“When investment professionals put profits before prudence and the law, it creates a dangerous environment for investors and threatens the integrity of our financial markets,” said Steven Perez, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General. “Today’s announcement signals our ongoing commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate and prosecute corrupt practices in the Residential Mortgage Backed Securities arena and level the playing field for the investing public.”
The indictment charges SHAPIRO, GRAMINS and PETERS with one count of conspiracy, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, two counts of securities fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count, and seven counts of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.
In a parallel action, the Securities and Exchange Commission today announced related civil fraud charges against SHAPIRO, GRAMINS and PETERS.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford.
This matter is being investigated by the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP), the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Liam Brennan and Heather Cherry.
Today’s announcement is part of the ongoing efforts of President Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force’s Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (RMBS) Working Group, a federal and state law enforcement effort focused on investigating fraud and abuse in the RMBS market that helped lead to the 2008 financial crisis and in the federal government’s bailout. The RMBS Working Group brings together attorneys, investigators, analysts and staff from dozens of state and federal agencies including the Department of Justice, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the FBI, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), HUD’s Office of Inspector General, the FHFA-OIG, the Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program, the Federal Reserve Board’s Office of Inspector General, the Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, and state Attorneys General offices around the country.
The RMBS Working Group is led by Associate Attorney General Stuart Delery, and co-chaired by Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division Leslie R. Caldwell, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division Benjamin Mizer, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Director of Enforcement Andrew Ceresney, U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado John Walsh and New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman.
For more information about the RMBS Working Group and the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force, which is chaired by Attorney General Loretta Lynch, visit: www.stopfraud.gov.
Bridgeport Man Charged with Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Colonel Brian F. Meraviglia of the Connecticut State Police and Easton Police Chief Timothy Shaw announced that KYLE NAVIN, 27, of Bridgeport, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with possession of a firearm by an individual who is an unlawful user of, or addicted to, any controlled substance.
As alleged in the criminal complaint, on August 7, 2015, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies began investigating the disappearance of NAVIN’s parents, Jeffrey and Jeanette Navin of Easton. On August 13, 2015, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of NAVIN’s Bridgeport residence and seized two firearms and numerous rounds of ammunition from NAVIN’s bedroom. On August 19, 2015, law enforcement conducted a second search of NAVIN’s residence and located and seized items indicative of substance abuse, including numerous heroin brand-stamped glassine baggies with heroin residue, hypodermic needles, empty prescription bottles for oxycodone and prescription bottles containing other controlled substances. Investigators also recovered from NAVIN’s residence a receipt from a firearms shooting range that was issued on August 5, 2015.
The complaint further alleges that investigators conducted a court-authorized search of NAVIN’s cellphone and reviewed numerous text messages that discuss NAVIN’s use of heroin, oxycodone and Xanax.
The charge of possession of a firearm by an individual who is an unlawful user of, or addicted to, any controlled substance carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
NAVIN was arrested this afternoon at this residence. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport and is currently detained.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBI Bridgeport Violent Crimes Task Force, Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crime Squad and Easton Police Department, with the assistance of the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Fairfield Judicial District and the Westport, Weston and Bridgeport Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Dayton.
Third Detroit Resident Admits Role in Stamford Jewelry Store Smash-and-Grab RobberyRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAJUHN GRIFFIN, 26, of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport for his role in a smash-and-grab robbery of a Stamford jewelry store in November 2014.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 26, 2014, GRIFFIN and two accomplices, armed with hammers, entered Sidney Thomas Jewelers, located in the Stamford Town Center Mall, during regular business hours. Soon after entering, they used the hammers to smash open a jewelry display case and removed more than $250,000 worth of Rolex watches. The three then fled with security guards in pursuit. One of GRIFFIN’s accomplices, Richard Mathew Bailey, was caught and apprehended inside the mall while fleeing.
GRIFFIN was arrested in Detroit on April 6, 2015.
GRIFFIN pleaded guilty to one count of interfering with commerce by robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. A sentencing date has not been scheduled. He is released on a $10,000 bond and conditions requiring home confinement and electronic monitoring.
Richard Matthew Bailey and Brian Moore, both from Detroit, previously pleaded guilty to the same charge. Moore helped organize and carry out the robbery by soliciting others to participate and partially funding it. He also drove accomplices from Detroit to Stamford to carry out the robbery and picked them up after the robbery in order to return to Detroit. Bailey and Moore await sentencing.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Stamford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabriel J. Vidoni.
Torrington Man Charged with Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that TIMOTHY J. ALLEN, 34, of Torrington, was arrested yesterday and charged by federal criminal complaint with receipt and possession of child pornography.
Following his arrest, ALLEN appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A.L. Merriam in New Haven and was released on a $50,000 bond under electronic monitoring.
The charge of receipt of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacabed Rodriguez-Coss.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Shasta County Man Sentenced to 6.5 Years in Prison for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Larry Steven Occhipinti, 40, of Cottonwood, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Troy L. Nunley to 6 1/2 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for receipt of child pornography, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
According to court documents, law enforcement identified a computer at Occhipinti’s residence offering files of child pornography. On May 2, 2014, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant and found hundreds of deleted images of child pornography on Occhipinti’s computer and compact disks containing more than a dozen videos of child pornography.
At the sentencing hearing, Occhipinti claimed that he had never hurt a child. Judge Nunley disagreed, noting that by viewing such images of child pornography, Occhipinti was contributing to the market for producers of these images. “To say that you’ve never hurt anyone, you need to understand . . . that you have,” Judge Nunley said.
“When a predator publishes the victim’s images on the Internet, they live on forever. Today’s sentencing serves as a reminder that ICE will work tirelessly with its law enforcement counterparts to identify and hold accountable those who prey on innocent children,” said Tatum King, acting special agent in charge for HSI San Francisco.
This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Special Assistant United States Attorney Josh F. Sigal prosecuted the case.
Occhipinti is scheduled to self-surrender to begin serving his sentence on November 3, 2015.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about Internet safety education.
New Haven Man Admits Paying Nearly $350K in Bribes to West Haven Housing Authority OfficialRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANDREW ROSS, 58, of New Haven, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to paying nearly $350,000 in bribes to the former executive director of the West Haven Housing Authority in exchange for government contracts and business.
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 part of his duties, Siwek had substantial discretion over awarding WHHA business and contracts. Siwek also owned and controlled Four Star Development Company, LLC (“Four Star”). Between January 2007 and February 2012, ROSS, who controlled business entities that received WHHA business and contracts for financial and consulting services, made approximately $349,500 in corrupt payments to Siwek and Four Star.
In total, Siwek received approximately $1.5 million in bribes from individuals who received business with the WHHA and the entities that the WHHA controlled.
ROSS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery in connection with a program receiving federal funds, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for January 29, 2016.
On September 4, 2014, Siwek pleaded guilty to related charges. He 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.
Danbury Woman Involved in Home Invasion Robberies Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CASEY KERSHAW, 27, of Danbury, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in Danbury-area violent home invasion robberies of illegal drugs and drug trafficking proceeds.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2013 the Danbury Police Department began investigating a narcotics trafficking network that maintained a series of drug distribution locations, known as trap houses, in Danbury, out of which members of the organization sold crack and heroin. The organization also rented hotel rooms where they packaged and distributed narcotics. During the investigation, law enforcement learned that the individuals who headed the drug trafficking ring had organized and committed armed home invasion robberies of marijuana dealers.
On January 30, 2013, KERSHAW drove four of her co-defendants to the residence of a known marijuana dealer. The men, some of whom were armed with firearms, then forced entry into the residence. At the time, the victim of the robbery was with his mother, his girlfriend, their infant child and a friend. Once inside, one of the defendants pistol whipped the victim and demanded that he give them drugs and money. The victim then gave the defendants a bag containing approximately $30,000 and one pound of marijuana. The defendants then fled. KERSHAW picked up her co-defendants and drove them to her residence. At KERSHAW’s residence, the co-defendants divided the money, with KERSHAW receiving $2,000. KERSHAW and her co-defendants then went to the Mohegan Sun Casino.
KERSHAW also was involved in the planning of a robbery that occurred on February 18, 2013. During this robbery, one of KERSHAW’s co-defendants struck a male victim in the head with a handgun repeatedly before dropping the gun during a struggle. Investigators subsequently recovered the gun and found that it was fully loaded. After this robbery, the co-defendants gathered at KERSHAW’s residence to re-group.
The investigation also revealed that KERSHAW had been involved in drug trafficking and had allowed her co-defendants to store firearms at her residence.
KERSHAW has been detained since her arrest on October 16, 2013. On October 14, 2014, she pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery.
This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and the Danbury Police Department. The DEA Task Force includes personnel from the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, East Haven and Derby Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracy Dayton and Vanessa Richards.
Former East Hartford Resident Charged with Robbing More Than $20K from USPS Employee in HartfordRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Shelly A. Binkowski, Inspector in Charge for the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment yesterday charging DION EDWARD THOMPSON, 37, formerly of East Hartford, with committing an assault and robbery of a U.S. Postal Service employee in Hartford in September 2014.
On September 9, 2014, two masked men, one of whom brandished what appeared to be a firearm, robbed a U.S. Postal Service employee of U.S. Postal Service funds at the Barry Square Post Office, located at 645 Maple Avenue in Hartford. The robbery occurred as the employee was loading the Post Office’s daily proceeds into a postal vehicle, which was parked at the loading dock. Approximately $21,817 in cash, checks and money orders was stolen during the robbery.
The indictment charges THOMPSON with one count of robbery of a postal employee and one count of theft of government property. Each charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford.
THOMPSON is incarcerated in Colorado on unrelated charges. His arraignment in the District of Connecticut is not yet scheduled.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with the assistance of the Hartford Police Department and the Colorado Springs Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deborah R. Slater and Douglas P. Morabito.
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, today announced that JESUS QUESADA, 24, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 10, 2015, law enforcement executed a search warrant at an apartment on Glendale Avenue in Bridgeport and seized a .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun that was found on top of the refrigerator. The gun contained a magazine that was loaded with eight rounds of ammunition. QUESADA, a previously convicted felon, subsequently admitted that he was holding the gun for his “uncle,” who was not a blood relative.
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.
QUESADA is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on November 6, 2015, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
This matter is being investigated by the Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force composed of members of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Milford Police Department, the Stratford Police Department, the Stamford Police Department, the Norwalk Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Laraia.
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, today announced that CARLOS COLON, also known as “Joel,” 35, of Bridgeport, was sentenced yesterday 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 Joel Colon and his brother, Carlos “Camby” 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 Joel and Camby worked revealed several dozen rounds of ammunition, a small amount of crack cocaine, two digital scales and narcotics packaging materials.
Joel Colon has been detained since April 11, 2014. On March 4, 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.
Camby Colon, Soto, Diaz, Mendez, Pierce and Mojica also pleaded guilty. Soto was sentenced to 84 months of imprisonment, Diaz was sentenced to 108 months of imprisonment and Mendez was sentenced to 46 months of imprisonment. Camby Colon, Pierce and Mojica await sentencing.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Richards.
Enfield Man Admits Committing 3 Armed Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that DAVID M. JOHNSON, 27, of Enfield, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to committing the armed robbery of the First Niagara Bank in Windsor on January 10, 2015.
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 $81,530 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….”
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 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 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.
In pleading guilty, JOHNSON admitted that he committed the armed bank robbery in Windsor on January 10, 2015, and also the armed robberies 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.
JOHNSON, who has been detained since his arrest, is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on December 2, 2015, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
On May 29, 2015, Odain J. Johnson, 22, of Hartford, pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery stemming from his role in the Windsor bank robbery. He has been detained since his arrest on January 17, 2015, and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 25, 2015.
This matter is being 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.
Detroit Man Admits Role in Smash-and-Grab Robbery of Stamford Jewelry StoreRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRIAN MOORE, 26, of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport for his role in a smash-and-grab robbery of a Stamford jewelry store in November 2014.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 26, 2014, three of MOORE’s accomplices, armed with hammers, entered Sidney Thomas Jewelers, located in the Stamford Town Center Mall, during regular business hours. Soon after entering, the accomplices used the hammers to smash open a jewelry display case and removed more than $250,000 worth of Rolex watches. The three accomplices then fled with security guards in pursuit. One of MOORE’s accomplices, Richard Mathew Bailey, was caught and apprehended inside the mall while fleeing.
In pleading guilty, MOORE admitted that he helped organize and carry out the robbery by soliciting others to participate and partially funding it. He also admitted that he drove accomplices from Detroit to Stamford to carry out the robbery, and picked them up after the robbery in order to return to Detroit.
MOORE pleaded guilty to one count of interfering with commerce by robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. A sentencing date has not been scheduled. MOORE is released on a $250,000 bond
On March 12, 2015, Bailey, also from Detroit, pleaded guilty to the same charge. He awaits sentencing.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Stamford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabriel J. Vidoni.
Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to Crack Cocaine Distribution ChargeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that COURTNEY BYRD, also known as “Buck,” 31, of Hartford, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of distributing cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
According to court documents and statements made in court, in February and March 2015, BYRD distributed approximately 98 grams of crack cocaine to an individual working with law enforcement.
On March 5, 2015, BYRD twice fled at a high rate of speed from law enforcement officers who were attempting to stop his vehicle, first in East Hartford and then in Hartford. During his second flight, BYRD hit a pedestrian in the area of Ann Uccello Street and Church Street in Hartford. The victim suffered a broken leg. A six-year-old child was in BYRD’s car at the time.
BYRD was arrested on March 19, 2015.
Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for November 23, 2015, at which time BYRD faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
BYRD, whose criminal history includes multiple felony convictions, has been detained since his arrest.
This prosecution stems from Project Longevity, a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence. A critical component of the Project Longevity strategy is the “call-in,” a face-to-face meeting where Project Longevity partners engage group members and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it. BYRD attended a call-in in August 2014.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.
Groton Man Involved in Cocaine Trafficking Ring Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JEAN NEGRON, also known “Pollo,” 24, of Groton was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 19 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a cocaine trafficking ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in early 2012, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), the U.S. Secret Service and the New London Police Department initiated an investigation to combat the large-scale trafficking of heroin and cocaine from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico into and around southeastern Connecticut. The investigation revealed that certain members of the conspiracy coordinated the shipment of heroin, and sometimes cocaine, via human couriers from the Dominican Republic to the United States. Other members of the conspiracy obtained kilogram-quantities of cocaine in Puerto Rico and then mailed the drug to locations in and around New London where it was sold to distributors and customers. Narcotics were also obtained from sources in New York City and Rhode Island.
More than 100 individuals were charged with federal and state offenses as a result of this investigation.
The investigation revealed that Juan G. Cheverez, known as “Guinchi,” and Juan Hernandez, known as “Johnny,” received kilogram-quantities of cocaine in the mail from Axel Matta Figueroa, known as “Joelito,” in Puerto Rico, and then distributed the drug in southeastern Connecticut. Cheverez and Hernandez used NEGRON and others to transport their cash to Puerto Rico and to package and mail the cocaine back to the Connecticut area. In Connecticut, NEGRON accepted packages that had been delivered from Puerto Rico and, at times, distributed cocaine to Cheverez’s customers.
On November 25, 2014, NEGRON pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.
Cheverez, Hernandez and Matta Figueroa also pleaded guilty. On February 18, 2015, Cheverez was sentenced to 77 months of imprisonment and, on November 20, 2014, Matta Figueroa was sentenced to 66 months of imprisonment. Hernandez awaits sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Secret Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Air and Marine; Connecticut State Police; New London Police Department, Norwich Police Department, Waterford Police Department, Groton Town Police Department, East Lyme Police Department and Putnam Police Department. The United States Marshals Service; ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations; Drug Enforcement Administration; HSI Assistant Attaché, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; HSI Arecibo, Puerto Rico Resident Office; Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation; Connecticut Department of Correction, Parole and Community Services; and the Groton City, Willimantic, New Haven and Bristol Police Departments have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
The federal case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah P. Karwan, Alina P. Reynolds and Henry K. Kopel. The state cases are being prosecuted by the State’s Attorney for the New London Judicial District and Senior Assistant State’s Attorneys Paul Narducci and Stephen Carney.
Former Chief of Staff to House GOP Minority Leader Sentenced to Prison for Profiting by Steering Campaign BusinessRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GEORGE GALLO, 47, of East Hampton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for receiving more than $100,000 from a political campaign direct mail vendor to whom he steered business.
“While he was a well-paid state employee, this defendant took advantage of Connecticut’s public campaign financing system by steering business to campaign vendors with whom he had a business relationship and profited handsomely as a result,” stated U.S. Attorney Daly. “He further abused his position of trust as Chief of Staff to the Minority Leader of the Connecticut House of Representatives by lying and causing others to lie to candidates who were following his directions. This prison term should serve as a warning. Corrupt public employees will be prosecuted.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, GALLO was an employee of the State of Connecticut as the Chief of Staff to the Minority Leader of the Connecticut House of Representatives. As part of his responsibilities, GALLO was responsible for designing and overseeing the campaign program of the House Republican Campaign Committee (“HRCC”), a state-registered political action committee that provides material and strategic support to Republican candidates for the Connecticut House of Representatives.
In 2008, GALLO and others developed a HRCC campaign program in anticipation of the first general election cycle in which candidates seeking election to the Connecticut General Assembly or statewide office would receive public financing through the state’s Citizens’ Election Program (“CEP”). The purpose of the new program, in part, was to enable the HRCC to centrally coordinate CEP funded campaigns by providing Republican House candidates with access to comprehensive campaign related services, including direct mail services, voter information, polling, messaging advice and campaign management. GALLO selected the campaign service vendors that were permitted to participate in the HRCC program.
GALLO informed an employee of a Florida-based company that provided direct mail services to political campaigns of a new business opportunity in Connecticut. GALLO indicated to the employee that the CEP would lead to greater numbers of well-funded Republican House candidates in need of direct mail services, and that the Florida company could serve as a HRCC sponsored vendor with access to CEP funded Republican candidates. In exchange, the company would make payments to GALLO equal to 10 percent of the revenue that the company received from candidates participating in the HRCC program. GALLO indicated to the employee that such an arrangement would be “good for [the company] and good for George Gallo.” The employee agreed to GALLO’s proposal.
As part of the scheme, GALLO and the HRCC hosted “campaign schools” for House Republican candidates where HRCC sponsored vendors, including the Florida company, gave presentations marketing their services. GALLO and others arranged for candidates to meet individually with the Florida company to discuss in greater detail the company’s services, prices and a direct mail plan. These meetings occurred at several locations, including the State Capitol.
During the 2008 and 2012 election cycles, GALLO made false representations to the Minority Leader of the Connecticut House of Representatives that he did not have a financial relationship with or receive any compensation from any of the HRCC sponsored vendors. During the 2008, 2010 and 2012 election cycles, GALLO made additional false representations to others, knowing that his statements would be communicated to House Republican candidates participating in the HRCC campaign program, that he did not receive any compensation from any HRCC sponsored vendor.
From 2008 through 2012, the Florida company mailed checks made payable to the Vinco Group, a Cromwell based limited liability company in which GALLO was the sole member, totaling approximately $117,266.63.
GALLO also made multiple false statements to FBI special agents on October 1, 2013, when he was interviewed about his relationship with HRCC sponsored vendors. In the interview, GALLO denied that either he or the Vinco Group had a business relationship with any vendors utilized by HRCC, and he denied that he had received any income through the Vinco Group since becoming Chief of Staff to the Connecticut House Minority Leader.
Judge Bryant ordered GALLO to pay restitution in the amount of $117,266.63
On April 27, 2015, GALLO pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud.
GALLO was ordered to report to prison on November 30, 2015.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, with the assistance of the Connecticut Public Corruption Task Force and the State Election Enforcement Commission. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher M. Mattei.
Citizens are encouraged to report corruption to the Connecticut Public Corruption Task Force by calling 203-238-0505.
Meriden Hotel Agrees to Make Changes to Comply with Americans with Disabilities ActRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached a voluntary compliance agreement with the Comfort Inn & Suites of Meriden, Connecticut, to resolve allegations that the hotel was not being operated in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“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 of compliance of covered entities. The Department of Justice 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.
The Comfort Inn & Suites of Meriden is in the process of making the changes required by the compliance agreement, including improvements to accessible rooms, public areas and the parking lot. The improvements will continue over the next 18 months.
The hotel’s owners and management worked cooperatively with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to address the ADA issues without litigation.
“The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures that individuals are able to access and enjoy the state’s hotels and other public accommodations,” stated U.S. Attorney Daly. “Our Office is committed to enforcing the ADA, which requires businesses to appropriately serve the diverse population of patrons who live, work, and visit Connecticut. We appreciate the willingness of Comfort Inn & Suites to make the necessary changes.”
Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that a hotel or any other place of public accommodation in 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 Justice’s 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. Attorney David C. Nelson of the District of Connecticut in coordination with the Disability Rights Section of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 54 Months in Federal Prison for Role in Coast-to-Coast Drug Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ERNEST OPRECHT, 32, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 54 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a narcotics trafficking ring.
This matter stems from a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Drug Enforcement Administration into a drug trafficking organization that involved individuals in California using the U.S. Mail and commercial carriers to send large quantities of cocaine to co-conspirators in the Hartford area who sold the narcotics for profit.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Joseph Miller of Los Angeles, formerly of East Hartford, sent kilogram parcels of cocaine from California to Luther Nance, Jermaine Jenkins and their associates in Connecticut. Nance, Jenkins and their associates then distributed the cocaine in Connecticut, or converted the cocaine into crack for street sale. The investigation revealed that certain co-conspirators traveled to California with a large amount of cash to finance the purchase of cocaine. Co-conspirators also made numerous cash deposits into local bank accounts, as well as wire transfers. The cash deposits were made at several branches of the same bank in the Hartford area in amounts of less than $10,000 in order to evade the bank’s currency transaction reporting requirements.
OPRECHT assisted Nance’s and Jenkins’ narcotics trafficking activities. On three occasions, OPRECHT traveled to California to deliver drug proceeds to Miller, to check the quality of cocaine that Miller was supplying, and to oversee Miller’s shipment of the cocaine parcels back to Connecticut. Certain parcels containing cocaine were shipped to OPRECHT in Connecticut, and also to OPRECHT’s girlfriend’s house and to the residence of one of OPRECHT’s family members.
In addition, OPRECHT drove to New York with Nance to obtain narcotics, helped Nance package heroin, and traveled to Vermont with another member of the conspiracy who was purportedly selling crack cocaine in Vermont.
On June 27, 2013, a federal grand jury returned a 51-count superseding indictment charging Nance and 14 other individuals with narcotics conspiracy and related offenses stemming from the sale of crack cocaine and heroin in several communities throughout Connecticut. On November 14, 2013, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging OPRECHT, Nance, Jenkins, Miller and four other defendants.
On October 7, 2014, JENKINS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Miller, Nance and Jenkins have pleaded guilty. On February 3, 2015, Jenkins was sentenced to 72 months of imprisonment. Miller and Nance await sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney, the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Hartford, and the Hartford, Willimantic, East Hartford, Enfield and Middletown Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.
Two Men Involved in Hartford Gang-Related Narcotics Trafficking Are SentencedRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that two men involved in gang-related narcotics trafficking in Hartford were sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven federal court.
HORACE STARKS, JR., also known as “Head” and “Little Head,” 23, of East Hartford, was sentenced to 10 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release. On April 30, 2015, STARKS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”). STARKS had no prior criminal record, which made him eligible for a reduced sentence.
SHAQILLE BROWN, also known as “Shaq,” 23, of Hartford, was sentenced to five years of probation. In addition, BROWN had been detained for approximately 16 months since his arrest in April 2014. On December 23, 2014, BROWN pleaded guilty to one count of using a telephone to facilitate a narcotics trafficking offense.
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 STARKS and BROWN, distributed crack cocaine in the Westland Street area of Hartford.
On April 3, 2014, STARKS participated with Scott and others in the sale of approximately 130 grams of crack for $2,600 to an individual cooperating with law enforcement.
Twenty-five individuals were charged as a result of the investigation, and 24 have been convicted. 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.