District of Connecticut
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Career Offender Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Federal Prison for Robbing Meriden BankRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL MASLAR, 59, of Meriden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 151 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release for bank robbery, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction for bank robbery.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 22, 2014, MASLAR, wearing a pillowcase with holes cut into it over his head, entered the TD Bank on East Main Street in Meriden, approached the teller counter and demanded that bank employees give him cash in $50 and $100 denominations. MASLAR also stated that he had a gun. Bank employees complied with MASLAR’s demands and gave him $5,658. MASLAR took the money, placed it inside a plastic bag and exited the bank. He was arrested shortly thereafter by Meriden Police.
MASLAR’s criminal history includes two prior federal convictions for bank robbery, as well as convictions for involuntary manslaughter and assault. In March 2003, MASLAR was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 165 months of imprisonment for robbing a bank in Meriden on September 11, 2001. He was released from prison in January 2014, and was on federal supervised release at the time of the September 2014 bank robbery.
MASLAR was been detained since his arrest on September 22, 2014. On March 10, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery and admitted that he violated the conditions of his supervised release. Judge Shea imposed concurrent sentence of two years of imprisonment for the supervised release violation.
This matter was investigated by the FBI and the Meriden Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacabed Rodriguez-Coss.
Bridgeport Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Role in Drug Robbery SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NELSON DIAZ, 26, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 108 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for 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 DIAZ 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, DIAZ, the Colons, Humberto Soto, Markus Mendez, 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 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.
Eleven days before he was arrested in this case, DIAZ had pleaded guilty in state court to three counts of sale of narcotics and one count of violating probation for selling heroin on multiple occasions in 2013 while he was on probation for prior drug and gun convictions. He was released on bond prior to reporting to prison.
DIAZ has been detained since April 11, 2014. On March 6, 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, Joel Colon, Mendez, Soto, Pierce and Mojica also pleaded guilty. On June 17, 2015, Soto was sentenced to 84 months of imprisonment. The other defendants await sentencing.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Richards.
Owner of Mystic Pizza Sentenced to Federal Prison for Tax Evasion and Structuring Cash TransactionsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and William P. Offord, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that JOHN ZELEPOS, 49, of North Stonington, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for tax evasion and structuring cash transactions. ZELEPOS also was ordered to pay a $25,000 fine, forfeit more than $500,000, and pay back taxes with interest and penalties.
According to court documents and statements made in court, ZELEPOS is the sole owner of Mystic Pizza, LLC, a Schedule C retail restaurant business in Mystic, Connecticut. From 2006 to 2010, ZELEPOS diverted approximately $567,435 in cash from Mystic Pizza’s gross receipts, approximately $330,005 of which was deposited into his personal bank account, his and his wife’s personal checking account, his wife’s personal checking account and passbook savings accounts in the name of each of his three minor children. During the same time period, ZELEPOS caused Mystic Pizza to pay a total of $162,168 to two “no-show” employees who performed no work for the restaurant. He then deducted the wages as expenses on his tax return’s Schedule C for Mystic Pizza. ZELEPOS failed to disclose to his tax return preparer receipt of the diverted cash and the two no-show employees.
Based on this conduct, the federal tax loss for 2006 to 2010 was $234,407. ZELEPOS has paid restitution in that amount, but still is required to pay interest and substantial penalties.
ZELEPOS also intentionally structured financial transactions to avoid having the bank file Currency Transaction Reports (“CTR”). Federal law requires all financial institutions to file a CTR for currency transactions that exceed $10,000. To evade the filing of a CTR, individuals will often structure their currency transactions so that no single transaction exceeds $10,000. Structuring involves the repeated depositing of amounts of cash less than the $10,000 limit, or the splitting of a cash transaction that exceeds $10,000 into smaller cash transactions in an effort to avoid the reporting requirements. Even if the deposited funds are derived from a legitimate means, financial transactions conducted in this manner are still in violation of federal criminal law. Structured funds are subject to forfeiture to the United States.
Between January 2010 and January 2011, ZELEPOS engaged in 61 currency transactions in amounts less than $10,000, depositing a total of $522,658 into the business account, his personal account, his and wife’s personal bank account, and his three children’s bank accounts in amounts ranging from $3,000 to $9,998. The cash deposits were made on sequential days, or multiple cash deposits were made on the same day. ZELEPOS knew that the bank was required to issue a report for a currency transaction in excess of $10,000 and by conducting his financial transactions in amounts less than $10,000 he intended to evade the transaction reporting requirements.
ZELEPOS was ordered to forfeit $522,658 as a result of his illegal structuring.
On January 2012, pursuant to a court-authorized federal seizure warrant, the IRS seized $63,084.49 from a payroll account Mystic Pizza held at Chelsea Groton Bank. Those funds are being applied to the forfeiture, reducing the remaining forfeiture amount to $459,573.51.
On March 31, 2015, ZELEPOS waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion and one count of structuring financial transactions.
ZELEPOS was ordered to report to prison on October 30, 2015.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.
Wethersfield Woman Admits Stealing $1.7 Million from Computer Software CompanyRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PENNY ROY, 44, of Wethersfield, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis in New Haven to tax and wire fraud charges stemming from her theft of nearly $1.7 million from a Connecticut-based computer software company.
According to court documents and statements made in court, ROY used her position as the software company’s payroll manager to insert her own bank account information into the profiles of other employees. She then processed fraudulent expense reimbursements and payroll payments in the other employees’ names, with the payments flowing into her own bank account. ROY was fired after the company discovered fake expense reimbursements she had processed in her own name. In all, ROY stole almost $1.7 million. To hide her theft, ROY failed to declare the stolen money on her tax returns, depriving the Internal Revenue Service of just under $500,000 in tax revenues.
ROY is scheduled to be sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport on November 17, 2015, at which time she faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 23 years.
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. Attorney Avi M. Perry.
Bridgeport Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that on August 18, 2015, GIOVANNI CANDELARIO, 22, of Bridgeport, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 57 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release during which he must complete 300 hours of community service, for illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 10 p.m. on February 1, 2014, a vehicle in which CANDELARIO was a passenger engaged in a chase with Bridgeport Police. The vehicle eventually stopped on Ogden Street in Bridgeport and CANDELARIO fled on foot. CANDELARIO was apprehended after he was found hiding in a trash can behind an apartment building on Hallet Street. Officers subsequently traced the route of CANDELARIO’s flight and located a Smith and Wesson MP .40 caliber pistol on the driveway of an Ogden Street residence. The firearm had been previously reported stolen.
In March 2012, CANDELARIO was convicted in state court of possession with intent to distribute narcotics. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
CANDELARIO has been detained since his arrest. On August 19, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
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 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. CANDELARIO attended a call-in on October 30, 2013, in Bridgeport, and was offered services. CANDELARIO rejected the offer of services and he and his group committed acts of violence, which in turn drew the full and focused attention of local, state and federal law enforcement.
This matter was investigated by the Bridgeport Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
State Employee Sentenced to 16 Months in Federal Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and William P. Offord, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that STEPHANIE ELLIOTT, 42, of West Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 16 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for tax evasion.
This matter stems from an Internal Revenue Service investigation into State of Connecticut employees and others who had little or no federal withholding taken out of their paychecks and who failed to file income tax returns. The investigation revealed that certain state employees submitted fraudulent W-4 forms claiming numerous exemptions and had no money withheld from their wages.
According to court documents and statements made in court, ELLIOTT has been employed by the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services at the Connecticut Valley Hospital since 1999, first as a mental health assistant, and later as a nurse. ELLIOTT submitted a false Form W-4 to the state indicating that she had 99 exemptions and was exempt from tax withholding. As a result, no money was withheld from her wages. During the 2007 through 2012 tax years, ELLIOTT paid no federal income taxes on more than $515,000 in income she received, resulting in a federal tax loss of $73,599.
“Our government can only function when citizens comply with our tax laws,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “Public employees, who rely on taxpayers to fund their salaries, have a special responsibility to pay their fair share of taxes. Those who deliberately choose to disregard their tax obligations may be prosecuted, ordered to pay back taxes with interest and penalties and, as this case shows, face time in prison.”
“We must not forget that the ultimate victims in tax fraud cases are the citizens of the United States – those honest taxpayers who diligently file tax returns every year,” said Special Agent in Charge William Offord, IRS Criminal Investigation. Today’s sentencing sends a clear message to would-be criminals—you will be caught and you will be punished.”
ELLIOTT was ordered to pay $105,697.22 in back taxes and interest.
On February 12, 2015, ELLIOTT pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion.
Three other individuals, including two who worked at the Connecticut Valley Hospital, have been charged as a result of this ongoing investigation. They have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Wines.
Owner of CT Media Agency that Advertised Mortgage Assistance Pleads Guilty to False Advertising ChargeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MATTHEW GOLDREICH, 46, of East Lyme, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to a false advertising offense stemming from his production and dissemination of false advertisements for mortgage modification services.
According to court documents and statements made in court, GOLDREICH used his New London-based media agency, National Media Connection, LLC, to produce and air television, radio, and Internet advertisements for the National Mortgage Help Center, LLC (“NMHC”), a shell company incorporated by GOLDREICH. The advertisements falsely claimed that NMHC could help struggling homeowners obtain home mortgage loan modifications. For example, one advertisement that aired in 2010 stated: “Attention homeowners. We know it’s tough out there. And while America’s homeowners are facing more challenges than ever before, the National Mortgage Help Center is ready to help.” The same advertisement also stated: “We may be able to lower your rate to as low as 1% and cut your mortgage payment in half. Our trained specialists know all the new regulations to get you quick relief. We help thousands of homeowners every day.”
The advertisements included toll-free telephone numbers for mortgage borrowers to call for help modifying their mortgages. In truth, NMHC did not provide mortgage modification services for any homeowners, and operated only as a front. Homeowners who called the toll-free telephone numbers advertised by NMHC were routed to National Media Connection’s clients. The clients, in turn, paid National Media Connection for these “leads.” Under the pretense of helping homeowners modify their mortgages, certain National Media Connection clients then charged the homeowners fees and provided no services whatsoever in return.
GOLDREICH pleaded guilty to one count of false advertising, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of one year and a fine of up to $100,000. He is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall on November 5, 2015.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Avi Perry and Liam Brennan.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Gang-Related Narcotics TraffickingRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYSHAWN McDADE, also known as “S Dot” and “S Diddy,” 30, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 132 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a year-long joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force into narcotics trafficking by members and associates of West Hell street gang, and gang-related violent activity. The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance, identified Melkuan Scott, also known as “Young God,” “Mel,” “Young” and “YG,” 24, as the leader of the West Hell street gang who, along with his associates, including McDADE, distributed crack cocaine in the Westland Street area of Hartford.
On May 18, 2015, a jury found McDADE guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”), and one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base.
Twenty-five individuals were charged as a result of the investigation. Scott and 22 other defendants pleaded guilty to various offenses. One defendant was shot and killed while his case was pending.
Scott awaits sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Squad, Major Crimes Unit and Shooting Task Force are providing valuable assistance to the investigation, and the Capitol Region Emergency Response Team (CREST) assisted with the arrest of certain defendants. The Office of the Chief State’s Attorney is also assisting with this ongoing investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John H. Durham and Peter S. Jongbloed.
Georgia Woman Admits Stealing Unemployment Benefits Through Fictitious Employer SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that VICKY SUE COHRAN, 53, of Villa Rica, Georgia, waived her right to indictment and pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to stealing numerous identities while operating a “fictitious employer scheme” that defrauded state unemployment insurance programs of approximately $125,000.
According to court documents and statements made in court, state unemployment insurance programs use employee wages as reported by employers to determine an employee’s benefit amount when the employee files a valid claim for benefits. COHRAN and others utilized several state unemployment insurance program websites to register businesses that had no actual employees, business operations or normal business expenses. COHRAN and her co-conspirators then created and submitted fictitious wage reports that used names and identifying information of individuals without their knowledge. COHRAN and others then posed as fictitious employees to file claims for unemployment benefits.
Through this scheme, COHRAN and her co-conspirators used the names and identifying information of approximately 27 individuals to steal a total of approximately $125,000 from the unemployment insurance programs of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Washington, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and New Jersey.
The scheme was uncovered shortly after COHRAN registered a fictitious business with the Connecticut Department of Labor in September 2014. In November 2014, three purported employees of the fictitious business filed claims for unemployment benefits with the Connecticut Department of Labor.
COHRAN pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of two years, and misuse of a social security number, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. She is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on November 3, 2015, in Hartford.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Office of the Chief State’s Attorney, Connecticut Department of Labor, Winter Park (Fla.) Police Department, Pinellas County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Department, Villa Rica (Ga.) Police Department, Temple (Ga.) Police Department and Carroll County (Ga.) Sheriff’s Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Man Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Violating Federal Sex Offender Registration LawsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTOPHER T. AGRITELLY, 31, formerly of New Britain, Conn., and Tempe, Ariz., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by eight years of supervised release, for violating federal sex offender registration laws.
The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”), which was passed by Congress in 2006 as part of the Adam Walsh Act, provides a comprehensive set of minimum standards for sex offender registration and notification in the United States and seeks to strengthen the nationwide network of sex offender registration and notification programs. In part, SORNA requires registered sex offenders to register and keep their registration current in each jurisdiction in which they reside, work, or go to school.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in September 2007, AGRITELLY was convicted in Connecticut Superior Court in New Britain of first degree sexual abuse and was sentenced to a term of incarceration of 15 years, execution suspended, seven years to serve, followed by 15 years of probation and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. When he was released from prison in February 2013, AGRITELLY was informed of his registration obligations under SORNA.
AGRITELLY initially complied with Connecticut Sex Offender Registry requirements while he resided in New Britain after his release from prison. However, in August 2013, he failed to respond to an address verification request and a subsequent Notice of Violation sent by the Sex Offender Registry Unit. He also failed to report to his state probation officer. The state then obtained an arrest warrant for AGRITELLY for a violation of the terms and conditions of his probation.
On January 29, 2014, AGRITELLY was arrested by law enforcement in Tempe, Ariz., pursuant to the probation violation warrant issued in Connecticut. He never registered as a sex offender in Arizona.
AGRITELLY has been detained since his arrest. On December 2, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of failing to register as a sex offender.
AGRITELLY currently is serving a 78-month state prison term for violating his state probation and absconding to Arizona, and a two-year concurrent sentence for possessing a weapon while incarcerated. Judge Thompson ordered that AGRITELLY will begin serving his two-year federal sentence when he is released from state custody.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.
Danbury Restaurant Owner Who Evaded Payment of Nearly $400K in Federal Income Taxes is SentencedRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that AGOSTINO INCORVAIA, 47, of Danbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to three years of probation, the first six months of which INCORVAIA must serve in home confinement, for tax evasion. INCORVAIA also was ordered to pay a fine of $5,000 and more than $800,000 in back taxes, interest and penalties.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2007 to 2012, INCORVAIA failed to report to the Internal Revenue Service approximately $2.65 million in gross receipts generated by “Augie’s #1,” a restaurant he operates in Danbury.
During the investigation of this matter, INCORVAIA admitted to an undercover IRS agent that, for five years, he understated the restaurant’s gross receipts on his income tax returns and provided false numbers to his accountant, that he employed a large group of “off the books” workers, and that a portion of the unreported receipts supported his business interests and properties, including those in the Dominican Republic. INCORVAIA’s admissions, which were recorded, were corroborated by the restaurant’s “point of sale” system that was seized pursuant to a search warrant.
In 2012, INCORVAIA advertised his restaurant for sale with an asking price of $1.25 million.
On April 14, 2015, INCORVAIA pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion and admitted that he evaded payment of income taxes when filing his joint income tax returns for the 2007 through 2011 tax years.
As part of his sentence, INCORVAIA is required to pay $396,650 in back taxes, as well approximately $427,000 in interest and penalties.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 37 Months in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Semi-Automatic RifleRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ANTHONY REID, 26, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by Senior U.S. District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 20, 2014, REID was arrested on state narcotics warrants. On that date, New Haven Police officers searched a residence where REID had stayed the prior night and seized a Global Machine and Tool, model M70AB2 7.62 x 39 millimeter semi-automatic rifle. The firearm was loaded with 35 rounds of ammunition. The search also revealed approximately 147 grams of suspected marijuana.
REID has admitted that he possessed the firearm for approximately three weeks.
REID’s criminal history includes felony convictions for stealing a firearm and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. 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.
REID has been detained since his arrest. On April 30, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Haven Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Laraia and David Nelson.
New Haven Crack Dealer Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that LAMAR JONES, also known as “Cream,” 31, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from “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. Approximately 100 individuals were convicted of federal charges as a result of the investigation.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Kevin Wilson, also known as “Nature,” operated a large-scale cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin trafficking operation, primarily in the Dwight/Chapel area of New Haven. Wilson supplied JONES with distribution quantities of crack cocaine, which JONES then sold to his own customers.
JONES was arrested on May 17, 2012, and was released on bond in September 2012. On August 30, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 28 grams or more of JONES has been detained in state custody since September 21, 2014, when he was arrested by New Haven Police on charges of assault in the first degree, home invasion (two counts), larceny in the fifth degree, assault in the third degree, and interfering.
Chief Judge Hall imposed the federal sentence to run consecutively to any sentence imposed as a result of the pending state charges.
Wilson has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
This matter was 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 provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Dave Vatti and Marc Silverman.
Stamford Man Admits Trafficking Marijuana, Agrees to Pay $200,000 to Resolve Forfeiture CaseRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALAN WILSON, 24, of Stamford, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute 20 kilograms or more of marijuana.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in late 2013, the Stamford Police Department received information that WILSON was selling marijuana from his residence located at 15 Mead Street in Stamford. In January 2014, law enforcement officers conducted a search of WILSON’s residence and discovered 8.77 pounds of marijuana stored in Foodsaver bags and Tupperware containers, a Foodsaver sealing machine and three boxes of new Foodsaver bags, a digital scale, $1,548 in cash, a .32 caliber long revolver, a loaded .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle, a .38 caliber revolver; a .25 caliber automatic pistol, 229 assorted rounds of ammunition and financial records.
WILSON is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on October 14, 2015, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.
As part of the resolution of this case, WILSON also agreed to pay the government $200,000 to resolve a related civil forfeiture action (USA v. 15 Mead Street, Stamford, Connecticut, 3:14cv645).
This matter is being investigated by the Bridgeport Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force and the Stamford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David X. Sullivan and Michael E. Runowicz.
Shelton Tax Preparer Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison for Preparing and Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BELLARMIN NAMEGABE, 47, of Shelton, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for preparing false tax returns.
According to court documents and statements made in court, NAMEGABE, while operating a tax preparation business based in Shelton, falsely reported expenses, deductions and credits on numerous clients’ tax returns without his clients’ knowledge or consent. The false returns included fabricated Schedule A’s, Schedule C’s, number of dependents, fuel tax credits and other items.
As part of the investigation, special agents with the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division interviewed 11 of NAMEGABE’s clients who stated that NAMEGABE had falsified their returns. In addition, as part of an undercover operation, an agent simply dropped off his Form W-2 at NAMEGABE’s business, provided his name and some identifying information, such as his Social Security Number, and left. With the information provided, the undercover agent was only entitled to a refund of $632. Approximately two weeks later, the undercover agent’s return was posted to the IRS database. The return was prepared falsely and generated a refund of $3,235.
On December 4, 2014, NAMEGABE pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return.
As part of his sentence, NAMEGABE is required to pay back taxes, penalties and interest related to the false tax returns he prepared during the 2007 through 2011 tax years for the 11 individuals who were interviewed as part of the investigation. The tax loss attributed to those false returns is approximately $240,196.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
New Haven Man Sentenced to More Than 3 Years in Federal Prison for Bankruptcy and Tax Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JASON SHEEHAN, 41, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for engaging in an extensive bankruptcy and tax fraud scheme. In addition, Judge Thompson sentenced SHEEHAN’s wife, GLORVINA CONSTANT, 36, to one year of probation for participating in a related mortgage fraud scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, SHEEHAN was the sole member of a limited liability company known as Infinistaff, LLC, which provided temporary workers to employers. In September 2010, Infinistaff filed a voluntary chapter 11 bankruptcy petition with the Connecticut Bankruptcy Court. As part of the bankruptcy case, SHEEHAN filed operating reports that falsely claimed that another company was being paid to process Infinistaff’s payroll checks and to prepare and file its payroll tax returns and tax payments. During this time, SHEEHAN also falsely represented to the Internal Revenue Service that this other company was making tax deposits under its taxpayer identification number. Although Infinistaff had such an arrangement with the other company for a period of time, the arrangement was terminated at the time SHEEHAN made these representations. After the arrangement with the other company was terminated, SHEEHAN continued to file operating reports with the bankruptcy court indicating that the arrangement was still in place, and that this other company was being paid monthly “administration fees.” SHEEHAN filed these reports in order to conceal his embezzlement of more than $1 million from Infinistaff’s bankruptcy estate.
In addition, between 2011 and 2013, Infinistaff failed to account for and pay to the IRS more than $2.5 million in employment taxes the company had withheld from employee paychecks, and also failed to pay approximately $1.4 million in employer payroll taxes.
The investigation further revealed that CONSTANT received Infinistaff payroll checks totaling $354,000 during the bankruptcy proceedings even though she performed no work for the company.
SHEEHAN and CONSTANT used the stolen money to support a lavish lifestyle, including foreign travel and the purchase of a $650,000 home in CONSTANT’s name.
In 2013, CONSTANT purchased a home using proceeds from a $390,000 mortgage loan she obtained from a local bank, as well as approximately $260,000 embezzled by SHEEHAN from the Infinistaff bankruptcy estate. The mortgage loan application falsely stated that CONSTANT worked for Infinistaff and earned approximately $16,000 per month, when in fact, she did not work for Infinistaff at all. After a bankruptcy trustee was appointed in the Infinistaff bankruptcy case and the company was no longer operating, CONSTANT applied for a second mortgage loan of $131,000 from the bank. CONSTANT again misrepresented on the loan application that she was employed by Infinistaff and earning a substantial salary.
On October 8, 2014, SHEEHAN pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to collect, account for and pay tax, one count of embezzlement from a bankruptcy estate and one count of making a false declaration statement under penalty of perjury in a bankruptcy case.
On October 7, 2014, CONSTANT pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
Judge Thompson will hold a subsequent hearing to determine restitution.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the U.S. Trustee Program.
The U.S. Trustee Program is the Department of Justice component that promotes and protects the integrity of the bankruptcy system by overseeing case administration and litigating to enforce the civil bankruptcy laws. Members of the public can report suspected bankruptcy fraud via email to [email protected].
In the District of Connecticut, the U.S. Attorney’s Office coordinates a Bankruptcy Fraud Working Group that includes representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Office of the U.S. Trustee, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherry and Senior Litigation Counsel Richard J. Schechter.
Danbury Resident Admits Stealing Nearly 300K from InvestorsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALEXANDER BERGEN, 22, of Danbury, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to stealing approximately $300,000 from individuals who invested in his Internet business.
According to court documents and statements made in court, BERGEN operated CT Wholesale, a company that sold electronic equipment and other items by buying the product for a cheaper price and then reselling those products to the customer at a higher price. Beginning in approximately 2013, BERGEN began to accept investment funds from investors who were promised a return on their investments. BERGEN represented to the investors that he would use their investment funds solely to purchase products for resale to his customers and that the investors would receive their principal investment back with a profit in a specified period of time. In some cases, BERGEN entered into written investment agreements with investors in which he expressly represented that the investment funds provided by the investor would be used solely to purchase products.
BERGEN received a total of more than $300,000 from approximately 10 investors. Despite representing to the investors that all of their funds would be used solely to purchase products for resale by CT Wholesale, BERGEN did not use these funds solely to purchase products. In 2013, BERGEN used approximately $150,000 of the investors’ money to pay for his personal credit card bills which included personal expenses for fine dining, travel, and to shop at high-end retail stores.
BERGEN returned less than $40,000 in funds to his investors. Collectively, the investors lost approximately $286,000 of the investment funds they provided to BERGEN.
BERGEN pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of money obtained by fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on October 14, 2015, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a maximum fine of more than $500,000 and an order of restitution.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Richard J. Schechter.
Two Men Charged with Engaging in Eastern Seaboard Outlet Store Burglary SpreeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on July 28, 2015, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging ALIONIS PEREZ, 39, a citizen of Cuba last residing in New Jersey, and YOANDRYS CUE, 29, a citizen of Cuba last residing in Florida, with engaging in a conspiracy to burglarize outlet stores in six states between August and November 2013.
As alleged in the indictment:
On August 2, 2013, PEREZ, CUE and others traveled from New Jersey to Connecticut. On August 3, 2013, PEREZ and CUE broke into the Fossil store located in Clinton, Connecticut, disabled the alarm system and stole more than $5,000 in property. Following the burglary, PEREZ, CUE and others returned to New Jersey with the stolen merchandise.
On August 18, 2013, PEREZ and others attempted to break into the Movado store located in Kittery, Maine.
On September 19, 2013, PEREZ and CUE broke into the Fossil store located in Miramar Beach, Florida, and stole more than $5,000 in watches.
On October 4, 2013, PEREZ and CUE broke into the Fossil store located in Hagerstown, Maryland, and stole more than $5,000 in watches.
On October 24, 2013, PEREZ and CUE broke into the Fossil store located in Grove City, Pennsylvania, and stole more than $5,000 in watches.
On November 22, 2013, PEREZ, CUE and others traveled from New Jersey to Massachusetts and stole a van. On November 23, 2013, PEREZ, CUE and another individual broke into the Michael Kors store in Lee, Massachusetts, disabled the alarm system and stole more than $5,000 in watches and bags. The conspirators then traveled from Massachusetts, disposed of the stolen van in Staten Island, New York, and returned to New Jersey with the stolen merchandise.
The indictment charges PEREZ and CUE with one count of conspiracy, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000, and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000
PEREZ has been detained in federal custody since August 2014 after his arrest in Tennessee on a separate charge of interstate transportation of stolen property.
CUE is currently incarcerated in New Jersey.
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, Clinton (Conn.) Police Department, Kittery (Maine) Police Department, Walton County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office, Washington County (Md.) Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, Lee (Mass.) Police Department and Berkshire County (Mass.) Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Heather Cherry.
This matter is assigned to U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford.
New York Man Admits Supplying Falsely Remarked Computer Chips Used in U.S. Military HelicoptersRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JEFFREY KRANTZ, 50, of New York, N.Y., waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to supplying customers with falsely remarked microprocessor chips, many of which were used in U.S. Military and commercial helicopters.
“The distribution of unapproved microprocessor chips and other electronic components for use by the U.S. Military poses a serious threat to the safety of the men and women of our armed services,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “Individuals who choose profit over public health and safety will be prosecuted. We thank the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General, for their excellent work on this complex investigation.”
“The charge today is demonstrative of the continued dedication of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) and our fellow law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of the Department of Defense’s supply chain,” said Craig W. Rupert, Special Agent in Charge, DCIS, Northeast Field Office. “Distributors who opt for financial gain by introducing inferior products into mission critical equipment create an environment ripe for product 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 engage with prosecutors to address all who attempt to disrupt the reliability of our military’s critical infrastructure.”
“The actions taken today demonstrate the commitment of the Department of Transportation Inspector General's Office to preventing and detecting fraud in the aerospace manufacturing industry,” said Todd Damiani, regional Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General. “Working with our law enforcement and prosecutorial colleagues, we will continue our efforts to uncover suspect unapproved parts, prevent their use, and punish those who seek to compromise the integrity of DOT’s safety programs.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, KRANTZ is the CEO and an owner of Harry Krantz, LLC, a New York-based company that bought and sold, among other things, obsolete electronic parts for use by the U.S. Military and commercial buyers. In 2005, KRANTZ entered into a business relationship with Jeffrey Warga, the president and owner of Rhode Island-based Bay Components, LLC, to sell military microprocessor chips to Bay Components, which would in turn sell them to a Connecticut company. KRANTZ knew that the Connecticut company wanted new and original chips, not falsely remarked chips.
Between 2005 and 2008, KRANTZ purchased and sold, and caused to be purchased and sold, over a thousand chips to Bay Components, which, in turn sold them to the Connecticut company. The chips were marked with certain information, including a certain manufacturer’s name and trademark, a date code, and a military part number. In approximately December 2005, the first shipments of about 330 chips that KRANTZ had sold to Bay Components were rejected by the Connecticut company for being the wrong part because the chip contained the wrong die inside. In 2006, KRANTZ replaced those chips with at least some of the replacement chips bearing the date code 9832. Between 2006 and 2008, KRANTZ sold and caused to be sold at least 900 chips with date code 9832 to Bay Components, the majority of which were sold to the Connecticut company. KRANTZ knew that the chips had originated from a parts supplier in China, and there was a high probability that the chips were falsely remarked not the original chips of the certain manufacturer as represented by the markings on the chip. He also avoided engaging in common practices in the industry, including those which Harry Krantz LLC routinely engaged in for other military parts, to avoid confirming that the chips were likely remarked.
The investigation revealed that many of the chips were used in the assembly of U.S. Military and commercial helicopters. The chips have been examined and determined not to be the root cause of any mechanical problems experienced by the helicopters to date.
KRANTZ pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, a charge that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to approximately $800,000. He is scheduled to be sentenced on November 2, 2015.
KRANTZ has agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $402,650. He also has agreed not to be directly or indirectly involved in the buying or selling of electronic parts, for a period of up to two years, and to give up all control either directly or indirectly over Harry Krantz LLC, and all beneficial and/or financial interest, including ownership interest, in Harry Krantz, LLC and will not reacquire such an interest.
On December 12, 2014, Warga pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He awaits sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Felice Duffy and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol Sipperly.
Waterbury Tax Preparer Charged with Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on July 15, 2015, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned a six-count indictment charging MARCUS FOX, 41, of Waterbury, with filing false tax returns.
On July 23, 2015, FOX appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis in New Haven, entered a plea of not guilty and was released on a $100,000 bond.
The indictment alleges that FOX prepared tax returns for individuals in his community, many of whom were associated with a church he attended. From approximately 2009 through 2012, FOX prepared and filed more than 900 tax returns with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service on behalf of clients. A number of tax returns that FOX prepared contained false information, including false childcare credits, education credits, American opportunity credits, itemized deductions, education expenses, charitable contributions, unreimbursed employee business expenses, hobby expenses, and childcare costs. The false returns resulted in clients receiving substantial refunds to which they were not entitled. FOX typically received payment of between $200 and $350 for his tax preparation services.
The indictment further alleges that beginning in approximately 2011, FOX falsified a number of returns in a manner that allowed FOX to secure a greater payout for himself without his clients' knowledge. FOX would prepare a client tax return with significant falsified credits or expense deductions, which resulted in a fraudulent claim for a substantial refund. The tax return would be e-filed with the IRS with instructions to split payment of the large refund between the client and FOX, with FOX receiving a substantial portion of the payment. FOX would also prepare a second tax return, which he never filed, but instead provided to his client to hide the ongoing scheme.
The indictment charges FOX with six counts of filing a false tax return, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years and a fine of up to $250,000, on each count.
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.
The case is assigned to Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford.
This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
U.S. Service Member Charged with Illegal Retention of Photos Taken Inside Nuclear Sub, Obstructing JusticeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment yesterday charging KRISTIAN SAUCIER, 28, of Arlington, Vermont, with unlawfully retaining photos taken inside restricted areas of a nuclear attack submarine, and obstructing the investigation of this matter.
As alleged in court documents, from September 2007 to March 2012, SAUCIER served as a machinist’s mate aboard the USS Alexandria, which is a U.S. Navy Los Angeles-class nuclear attack submarine based at the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut. On at least three separate dates in 2009, SAUCIER used the camera on his personal cellphone to take photographs of classified spaces, instruments and equipment of the USS Alexandria. In March 2012, SAUCIER’s cellphone was found at a waste transfer station in Hampton, Connecticut. After SAUCIER was interviewed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Naval Criminal Investigative Service in July 2012, SAUCIER destroyed a laptop computer, a personal camera and the camera’s memory card. Pieces of a laptop computer were subsequently found in the woods on a property in Connecticut owned by a member of SAUCIER’s family.
SAUCIER is currently enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Petty Officer First Class assigned to the Naval Support Activity Base, Saratoga Springs, New York.
SAUCIER was arrested on a criminal complaint on May 28, 2015, and is released on a $100,000 bond.
The indictment charges SAUCIER with one count of unauthorized retention of defense information, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000, and one count of obstruction of justice, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vanessa Richards and Jacabed Rodriguez-Coss, with the assistance of Justice Department’s National Security Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York.
Indictment Charges 5 West Haven Residents after Investigation into July 4th Blast and HomicideRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment yesterday charging five West Haven residents with federal offenses stemming from an investigation of an explosion and homicide that occurred in Hamden on July 4, 2015.
According to allegations contained in court documents, at approximately 11:00 a.m. on July 4, 2015, an explosion took place on Wintergreen Avenue in Hamden. Responding law enforcement located a deceased white male, who had been wrapped in plastic garbage bag material and bound by rope material, in a wooded area close to where the explosion had occurred. An explosive-type device and debris were also located in close proximity to the body. The victim, who had also sustained three apparent gunshot wounds, was subsequently identified as Edward Brooks, 39, of West Haven. After West Haven Police informed investigators that Brooks had been residing with CHRISTOPHER MILLER at 59 Front Avenue in West Haven, and that MILLER and other residents of 59 Front Avenue were subjects of an ongoing narcotics investigation, investigators executed a state narcotics search and seizure warrant at 59 Front Avenue and seized numerous items, including pipe bomb making materials that were consistent with the materials found at the Wintergreen Avenue explosion scene, approximately 16 grams of cocaine base (“crack cocaine), approximately 10.6 grams of methamphetamine and narcotics packaging material. Investigators also seized a surveillance DVR, which captured video surveillance from eight cameras placed around the residence.
The indictment charges CHRISTOPHER MILLER, 40, DEBORAH MILLER, 59, NATALI MARTINEZ, 29, JAMES BRYANT, 64, and MAURICE WEARING, 26, with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack cocaine”). The indictment also charges CHRISTOPHER MILLER with possession of an explosive by a convicted felon.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute cocaine base carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and the charge of possession of an explosive by a convicted felon carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
The five defendants are currently detained and face related state charges.
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 investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut State Police and West Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Reynolds, Jacabed Rodriguez-Coss and Vanessa Richards. This investigation and prosecution is being coordinated with the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Ansonia-Milford.
State Employee Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and William Offord, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that AJMAL JENKINS, 39, of Middletown, pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to one count of tax evasion.
This matter stems from an Internal Revenue Service investigation into State of Connecticut employees and others who had little or no federal withholding taken out of their paychecks and who failed to file income tax returns. The investigation revealed that certain individuals submitted fraudulent W-4 forms claiming numerous exemptions, or that they were exempt, and had little or no money withheld from their wages.
According to court documents and statements made in court, JENKINS has been employed by the State of Connecticut’s Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for approximately 15 years as a mental health assistant at the Connecticut Valley Hospital. During the 2009 through 2013 tax years, JENKINS paid little or no federal income taxes on approximately $353,565 in income he received, resulting in a federal tax loss of approximately $52,549.
JENKINS will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford. He faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of up to $250,000, and is required to pay all back taxes, plus interest and penalties.
This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Wines.
Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced to 17 Months in Federal Prison for Trafficking MarijuanaRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ROBERT E. BRIDGES, 59, formerly of Greenwich and Redding, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 17 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking marijuana.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 28, 2008, BRIDGES was sentenced in U.S. District Court in New Haven to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for operating a scheme that defrauded investors of more than $5 million. BRIDGES was released from prison in November 2012 and began serving his three-year term of supervised release. In May 2014, BRIDGES filed a motion seeking early termination of his supervised release and stated “Defendant is a totally different person as a result of being incarcerated. The life-changing and life-improving process was used to make the most of every day.”
On June 18, 2014, BRIDGES’ motion for early termination of supervised release was granted.
In May 2014, BRIDGES applied for post office boxes at U.S. Post Offices in Georgetown, Riverside and Wilton, Connecticut. On December 11, 2014, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service identified three suspicious packages that were being mailed from Woodland, California to two of BRIDGES’ post office boxes. When BRIDGES arrived at the Georgetown Post Office later that day to retrieve his packages, he was interviewed by a U.S. Postal Inspector and gave written consent to search the packages. The first package contained 112 plastic vials that contained hashish, the second package contained nine vacuum-sealed plastic bags containing a total of approximately 4.5 kilograms of marijuana, and the third package contained 11 vacuum-sealed bags containing a total of approximately 5.5 kilograms of marijuana.
BRIDGES admitted to law enforcement that he had recently traveled to California, paid approximately $60,000 for the drugs and shipped the packages to himself.
BRIDGES has been detained since his arrest on December 18, 2014. On April 28, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of possessing with intent to distribute marijuana.
To date, Bridges has paid approximately $4,000 of the $5 million he owes in restitution related to his fraud conviction.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
New Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Robbing ATF InformantRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that SHAQUIL GARY, 22, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday before Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to a federal robbery offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 14, 2014, GARY arranged to meet an ATF informant near the intersection of Lamberton and Button Streets in New Haven to sell the informant approximately seven grams of crack cocaine. Instead, when the two met at the location, GARY pulled out a firearm, took $150 in cash and a cell phone from the informant and fled. Law enforcement officers apprehended GARY later that day at a residence on Winthrop Avenue. By that time, he was no longer in possession of the firearm he used to commit the robbery.
GARY pleaded guilty to one count of armed robbery of a person in lawful control of property of the United States, a charge that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 25 years.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 14, 2015.
GARY has been detained since his arrest.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Spector.
Middlebury Fire Chief Convicted of Embezzling FundsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that a federal jury in New Haven today found PAUL PERROTTI, 47, of Middlebury, guilty of embezzling funds while serving as the Fire Chief of the Town of Middlebury. The trial before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer began on July 9, 2015.
“The U.S. Attorney's Office, FBI and our federal law enforcement partners are committed to investigating corruption at all levels of government, and public officials who misappropriate public funds will be prosecuted,” stated U.S. Attorney Daly. “We thank the members of the jury for their thoughtful consideration of the evidence.”
According to the evidence at trial, PERROTTI served as the Fire Chief of the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. (“MVFD”) from 1997 until 2014. PERROTTI also is a licensed electrical contractor and, since approximately 2010, has operated Paul Perrotti Electric, LLC (“PPE”). In 2012 and 2013, PERROTTI used Town funds to pay for unauthorized personal expenses and for expenses associated with PPE. These payments included checks made directly payable to employees of PPE, checks made to various vendors of PPE for PPE-related supplies, and checks made to pay third parties, who ultimately passed on the payments to PERROTTI. PERROTTI also submitted invoices to the Town of Middlebury for expenses that he falsely claimed were incurred by MVFD but, in fact, were expenses related to the business of PPE, including bills for various vendors of PPE.
In total, the government believes that PERROTTI embezzled more than $70,000 from the Town and the MVFD.
On November 5, 2014, PERROTTI was charged by indictment with three counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds. The jury found PERROTTI guilty of Count Two and Count Three of the indictment, but could not reach a verdict on Count One.
The charge of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for October 29, 2015.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Karwan and Heather Cherry.
Danbury Man Sentenced to 66 Months in Prison for Participating in Armed Home InvasionRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ROBERT CHERRY, also known as “Rob Base,” 45, of Danbury, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 66 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in a violent home invasion robbery 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 cocaine. 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.
CHERRY participated in a home invasion robbery on February 18, 2013. During the robbery, CHERRY and other masked men forced entry into the residence of a known marijuana dealer. One of CHERRY’s co-defendants struck a male victim in the head with a handgun repeatedly before dropping the gun during a struggle. While they were fighting, CHERRY grabbed a knife from a knife block on the kitchen counter. CHERRY and the other home invaders ultimately fled the residence without taking any property.
Investigators recovered the dropped firearm and found that it was fully loaded. CHERRY was subsequently identified and arrested.
On October 1, 2014, CHERRY pleaded guilty to one count of attempted 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 and Meriden Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracy Dayton and Vanessa Richards.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 38 Months for Illegally Possessing Ammunition, Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STEVEN SINGH, 37, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stephan R. Underhill in New Haven to 38 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing ammunition and for violating the terms and conditions of his supervised release from a previous federal conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 19, 2013, SINGH was arrested by New Haven Police after he had fired multiple gunshots on Winthrop Avenue. Responding officers recovered three spent cartridges and one unfired bullet from the scene. SINGH later admitted to police that he had fired the shots to scare another individual, and that he had thrown the gun into a nearby river. The gun was never recovered.
SINGH has two prior federal convictions for distributing crack cocaine and, in June 2011, he was sentenced in federal court to 24 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release.
On September 17, 2014, SINGH pleaded guilty to one count of possession of ammunition by a previously convicted felon, and admitted that he violated the terms and conditions of his supervised release.
This matter was investigated by the New Haven Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael E. Runowicz.
Former FCI Danbury Employee Sentenced to Prison for Participating in Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that KISHA PERKINS, 43, of Waterbury, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for participating in a bribe scheme at the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury (FCI Danbury) where she was employed as a case manager.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2013, PERKINS approached another FCI Danbury employee about an opportunity to participate in a scheme to solicit a cash bribe from an inmate at FCI Danbury in exchange for the inmate’s early release to a halfway house. At that time, PERKINS held the job title of “Unit Counselor” at FCI Danbury and did not have administrative authority to recommend inmates for early release. PERKINS explained that her co-worker was needed to complete the scheme because the co-worker had the administrative ability to recommend inmates for early release.
PERKINS’ co-worker declined to participate in the scheme, reported the incident to law enforcement and agreed to cooperate in the investigation, which included the use of numerous consensually recorded conversations.
In July 2013, under the direction of law enforcement, PERKINS’ co-worker told PERKINS that he/she had changed his/her mind and wanted to participate in the scheme. PERKINS informed her co-worker that a scheme involving the inmate who had been previously identified was no longer feasible. In February 2014, as part of an undercover scenario, PERKINS’ co-worker identified a second inmate as a possible candidate for the bribe scheme. PERKINS agreed to participate and, after extensive planning, on March 8, 2014, PERKINS and her co-worker traveled to a commuter lot off of Exit 28 on Interstate 84 to pick up a partial bribe payment of $5,000 in cash in a fast food bag that, as PERKINS believed, was to be dropped off by an acquaintance of the inmate.
PERKINS was arrested on March 14, 2014.
On April 27, 2015, PERKINS pleaded guilty to one count of acceptance of a bribe by a public official. In pleading guilty, PERKINS specifically admitted that she participated in the scheme and, in February 2014, agreed to accept a pair of shoes or a Louis Vuitton pocketbook in return for counseling the employee regarding the bribe scheme and failing to report the bribe scheme to prison officials.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Wines.
Connecticut Insulation Contractor Sentenced to 57 Months in Federal Prison for Operating Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDWARD PETRUCCI, 58, of Orange, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 57 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for operating a scheme that defrauded a company of more than $2.5 million and forced it to go out of business.
According to court documents and statements made in court, PETRUCCI operated Womco Insulation, Inc., Incor Group, Inc., D & N Insulation Company, and Petco Insulation Company, all of which were West Haven-based companies that performed construction services, mechanical insulation and asbestos removal in large-scale building projects in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts and Florida.
In 2006, PETRUCCI, who had just been released from federal prison, was unable to secure funding from a bank so he started doing business with Platinum Funding Services, LLC, a New York factoring company that provided funding to client companies. A factoring company typically purchases a company’s receivables at a discount, providing the company with liquid assets at a discounted rate while purchasing the right to collect on the purchased receivables at a later date.
In the beginning of their relationship, Platinum regularly purchased PETRUCCI’s invoices from legitimate insulation jobs throughout Connecticut and collected on those invoices without any serious problems. However, from approximately December 2007 to April 2009, PETRUCCI defrauded Platinum by causing his companies to sell invoices to Platinum that PETRUCCI knew were fake, and which were for work that his companies had not performed and, in many cases, would not perform in the future.
Through this scheme, PETRUCCI’s companies received more than $2.5 million in payments from Platinum that were based on the fraudulent invoices, and on invoices that he double collected without forwarding the money to Platinum.
PETRUCCI’s scheme forced Platinum out of business and approximately 40 Platinum employees lost their jobs.
Judge Covello ordered PETRUCCI to pay restitution in the amount of $2,979,972.53.
On November 7, 2013, PETRUCCI pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of mail fraud.
PETRUCCI has a prior federal conviction. In May 2005, PETRUCCI was sentenced to two months in prison for filing false corporate and personal tax returns and evading the payment of more than $1 million in federal income taxes. He was serving a three-year term of federal supervised release when he began the scheme against Platinum.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.
Painting Contractor Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RONALD S. BATTAGLIA, 66, of Stratford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to filing false tax returns.
According to court documents and statements made in court, BATTAGLIA is the sole owner of Custom Painting, which provides interior and exterior painting services primarily in Fairfield County. During the 2008 through 2012 tax years, BATTAGLIA failed to provide his tax return preparer with information concerning an additional $867,656 in gross receipts he received in those years. The total tax reported as due on the five returns was $46,687, but BATTAGLIA willfully failed to report and pay an additional $277,582 in federal income taxes for those five years.
The investigation revealed that BATTAGLIA’s clients typically paid him by check. BATTAGLIA then cashed the checks at his bank and received currency for the full value of the check, or he made a split deposit, receiving some cash and depositing the balance into his business account. The amounts of the transactions were typically less than $10,000.
BATTAGLIA pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return, a charge that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years and a fine of up to $250,000. Judge Bolden scheduled sentencing for October 9, 2015.
BATTAGLIA has repaid the IRS $277,582 in restitution. He is still required to pay substantial penalties and interest that have accrued on his unpaid taxes.
This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed with the assistance of Law Student Intern Lisa Wang.
Norwalk Man Who Illegally Sold Firearms Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on July 17, 2015, STEPHEN HEROLD, 26, of Norwalk, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally selling firearms.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in October and November, 2013, HEROLD and Raul Caban-Martes sold three firearms and a bullet proof vest to an individual working with law enforcement. One of the firearms had been reported stolen and another had an obliterated serial number.
HEROLD has been detained since his arrest on July 8, 2014. On April 15, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing in firearms without a license.
Caban-Martes pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on March 9, 2015, was sentenced to 40 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the Norwalk Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Richards.
Hartford Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that TRAVALE GIVENS, also known as “Newport,” 34, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 108 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2014, Hartford Police received information that GIVENS was selling crack cocaine from an apartment on South Street, and that GIVENS was in frequent possession of a handgun. On February 27, 2014, an individual working under the direction and supervision of Hartford Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration purchased a quantity of crack from GIVENS.
On March 7, 2014, law enforcement officers stopped a car that GIVENS was operating on New Park Avenue. A search of GIVENS’ person revealed approximately 245 grams of cocaine concealed in his pants. A subsequent search of GIVENS’ South Street residence revealed a loaded .380 Ruger LCP pistol with an altered serial number, assorted ammunition, approximately 81 grams of crack cocaine, a digital scale and other drug paraphernalia.
GIVENS has been detained since his arrest on March 7, 2014. On April 23, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
GIVENS’ criminal history includes several felony convictions, including a conviction for first degree assault.
This matter was investigated by the Hartford Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
North Haven Man Sentenced to More Than 3 Years in Federal Prison for Traffiicking Prescription NarcoticsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRIAN EARL, 40, of North Haven, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking prescription narcotics.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2013, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Ansonia Police Department initiated an investigation into James Costanzo, who had been identified as an illegal distributor of narcotic pharmaceuticals in Ansonia. The investigation, which included multiple controlled purchases of oxycodone and the use of electronic surveillance, revealed that Costanzo sold prescription narcotics to numerous customers from his Dwight Street residence. The investigation further revealed that EARL supplied Costanzo with large quantities of oxycodone and other prescription narcotics, and also sold drugs to his own customers.
EARL and Costanzo were arrested on January 23, 2014.
At the time of his arrest, EARL possessed $2,557 in cash, and a search of his North Haven residence revealed approximately 11,000 prescription pills, including oxycodone and oxymorphone.
On February 17, 2015, EARL pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, oxycodone and oxymorphone.
On February 27, 2015, Costanzo pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, oxycodone and oxymorphone, and one count of knowingly engaging in a monetary transaction involving criminally derived property. He is detained while awaiting sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, the Ansonia Police Department and the Fairfield Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David X. Sullivan and Michael E. Runowicz.
DEA Task Force Investigation Dismantles New Haven Heroin Distribution Ring; 18 ArrestedRead 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 18 New Haven residents were arrested today on federal heroin distribution charges.
The arrests stem from “Operation Northern Corridor,” a joint investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force, FBI and New Haven Police Department into the distribution of heroin in New Haven. The investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance and controlled purchases of heroin from wholesale and street-level distributors operating in the area of Ferry Street, Grand Avenue and Blatchley Avenue in New Haven’s Fair Haven neighborhood.
“We allege that this organization distributed a significant amount of heroin in Fair Haven,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “Because heroin is endangering and increasingly taking the lives of so many citizens, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with the DEA and our law enforcement partners to target groups and prosecute individuals that traffic this insidious drug.”
“DEA is committed to investigating and dismantling large-scale drug trafficking organizations like this one operating in the New Haven area,” said Special Agent in Charge Ferguson. “Heroin distribution destroys people’s lives and wreaks havoc in our communities. DEA and our law enforcement partners will aggressively pursue any group that distributes these drugs.”
On July 9, 2015, a grand jury in New Haven returned two indictments charging a total of 19 individuals with heroin distribution offenses. The following 18 individuals were arrested today:
WILSON VASQUEZ, a.k.a. “Will” and “Pancho,” 42
FRANCISCO RODRIGUEZ, a.k.a. “Franky” and “Bubba,” 49
VICTOR RIVERA, 43
TODD BEILBY, 53
NELSON COLON, 39
ALFREDO COLLAZO, a.k.a. “Indio,” 37
MIGUEL SOTO, a.k.a. “Fat Boy,” 30
FRANK MROWKA, 52
ELIO DELIMA, a.k.a. “Victor Cuevas” and “Ely,” 36
EMMANUEL FLEMING, a.k.a. “Mikey,” 35
JOSE LUGO, a.k.a. “Kiro,” 45
ANTHONY VELEZ, a.k.a. “Tone,” 36
JOSE ALBARRAN, a.k.a. “Ghangi,” 57
LUIS ALBARRAN, a.k.a. “Lulu,” 38
VICTOR AZEVEDO, 43
ROBERTO TORRES, a.k.a. “Tony,” 48
JOSE VASQUEZ, 41
JOSE DAVILA, 26
One defendant is currently being sought.
In association with today’s arrests, law enforcement officers seized approximately 500 grams of raw heroin, three handguns, approximately $40,000 in cash and five vehicles.
WILSON VASQUEZ, RODRIGUEZ, RIVERA, BEILBY, COLON, COLLAZO, SOTO, MROWKA, DELIMA and FLEMING, are charged with conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, an offense that carries mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
LUGO, VELEZ, JOSE ALBARRAN, LUIS ALBARRAN, AZEVEDO, TORRES, JOSE VAZQUEZ and DAVILA are charged with conspiracy to distribute a quantity of heroin, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
DELIMA, FLEMING, COLLAZO, DELIMA and LUGO are also charged with one or more counts of possession with intent to distribute heroin.
The 18 individuals who were arrested today appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A.L. Merriam in New Haven and are currently detained.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the DEA New Haven Task Force, FBI and New Haven Police Department. The Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, East Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden and Derby Police Departments, and the U.S. Marshals Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney H. Gordon Hall.
Waterbury Man Involved in Armed Robbery of Undercover ATF Agent Sentenced to 70 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CALRISSIAN SMITH, also known as “Cali,” 33, of Waterbury, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in the armed robbery of an undercover ATF special agent.
This matter stems from “Operation Samson,” an initiative headed by the ATF and the Bridgeport and New Haven Police Departments that targeted violent criminals, illegal firearm possession and firearm trafficking. In the spring of 2014, approximately 40 ATF special agents and personnel from Connecticut and across the country were deployed with New Haven and Bridgeport Police to conduct numerous covert operations.
According to court documents and statements made in court, a confidential informant and an ATF special agent working in an undercover capacity arranged to purchase an ounce of crack cocaine from two individuals identified as “Cali” and “Orlando” in Waterbury. On June 3, 2014, the informant and the undercover agent traveled to a location on West Farm Street in Waterbury to conduct the transaction. At the location, “Orlando,” who was subsequently identified as Kevin Rodriguez, pointed a gun at the undercover agent, “racked” the slide of the pistol thereby readying it to fire, and demanded that the agent give him all of his money. The agent handed Rodriguez his wallet, which contained $1,300 in government funds that was to be used to conduct the controlled purchase of narcotics.
Rodriguez then entered a vehicle being driven by SMITH. Other ATF agents who had been monitoring the transaction immediately arrived at the scene. After colliding with an ATF vehicle, SMITH and Rodriguez fled the scene at a high rate of speed.
Rodriguez was apprehended in Waterbury on June 5, 2014, and SMITH was apprehended in Virginia on June 13, 2014.
SMITH has been detained since his arrest. On April 20, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of attempted distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
Rodriguez pleaded guilty to one count use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and, on July 2, 2015, he was sentenced to 84 months of imprisonment.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Dayton.
Easton Police Commissioner Charged in Federal Steroid and Prescription Narcotic Distribution InvestigationRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAYMOND J. MARTIN, 48, of Easton, was arrested today in connection with a federal steroid and prescription narcotic distribution investigation.
MARTIN, who is a member of the Easton Police Commission, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven and was released on bond.
This matter stems from a long term investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations into individuals who were receiving shipments of steroid ingredients from China and manufacturing and distributing wholesale quantities of steroids. The investigation also revealed that certain individuals were distributing prescription pills, including oxycodone.
As alleged in the criminal complaint, a court-authorized wiretap intercepted MARTIN engaging in text communications with other members of the conspiracy discussing the distribution of anabolic steroids and oxycodone.
The complaint charges MARTIN with conspiracy to possess oxycodone with intent to distribute, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Eleven other individuals have been charged as a result of the investigation. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers seized hundreds of vials of steroids, approximately 600 grams of raw testosterone powder, more than 1,000 oxycodone pills, approximately 350 grams of powder cocaine and four long guns.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale and Robert M. Spector.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that a federal complaint is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
East Haven Resident Admits Operating $2 Million Investment SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JOHN D’AURIA, 41, of East Haven, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of wire fraud stemming from his operation of an investment scheme that defrauded investors of approximately $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, approximately eight investors lost a total of approximately $2.4 million of the funds they provided to D’AURIA.
Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for October 6, 2015, at which time D’AURIA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a maximum fine of more than $4.8 million and an order of restitution.
D’AURIA is released on a $100,000 bond.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Richard J. Schechter.
Ridgefield Physician Sentenced to Prison for Health Care Fraud, Pays $270K in False Claims Act SettlementRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID LESTER JOHNSTON, 46, of Ridgefield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to three months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, the first six months of which must be served in home confinement, for committing health care fraud. JOHNSTON also was ordered to perform 150 hours of community service.
JOHNSTON is an osteopathic physician who operates Osteopathic Wellness Center, LLC, in Ridgefield. On January 16, 2015, JOHNSTON pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud and admitted that he engaged in a scheme to defraud several private health insurance companies by submitting claims for evaluation and management services (physician office visits) that he did not perform, and by misrepresenting the nature of the services that were performed.
According to court documents and statements made in court, JOHNSTON submitted claims for physician office visits that were not performed at all. Instead, the patients only received massages and related services from a massage therapist. In addition, JOHNSTON falsely described the services rendered and falsely stated that he himself had rendered the services. The investigation revealed that on several occasions, JOHNSTON was out of the country when the massage therapist was seeing JOHNSTON’s patients.
JOHNSTON was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $172,950.
In addition, as part of the resolution of this case, JOHNSTON entered into a civil settlement with the government and has agreed to pay $270,528 to settle federal civil claims that JOHNSTON submitted false claims to the Medicare program for office visits, osteopathic manipulative treatment and physical therapy services that were not performed. Instead, the Medicare patients treated by the massage therapist in JOHNSTON’s practice only received massages and related services. Medicare does not recognize massage therapists as providers and they are not eligible to participate in the Medicare program. JOHNSTON nevertheless billed the Medicare program as if he had provided the services in question.
Pursuant to the civil settlement, Johnston has been excluded from participation in all federal health care programs for a period of five years.
This matter was investigated by the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Mattei, Heather Cherry and Richard Molot.
Investigation into July 4th Blast and Homicide Leads to Federal Charges Against 3 West Haven ResidentsRead 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 three West Haven residents have been charged with federal offenses as a result of an investigation of an explosion and homicide that occurred in Hamden on July 4, 2015.
According to allegations contained in court documents, at approximately 11:00 a.m. on July 4, 2015, an explosion took place on Wintergreen Avenue in Hamden. Responding law enforcement located a deceased white male, who had been wrapped in plastic garbage bag material and bound by rope material, in a wooded area close to where the explosion had occurred. An explosive-type device and debris were also located in close proximity to the body. The victim, who had also sustained three apparent gunshot wounds, was subsequently identified as Edward Brooks, 39, of West Haven. After West Haven Police informed investigators that Brooks had been residing with CHRISTOPHER MILLER at 59 Front Avenue in West Haven, and that MILLER and other residents of 59 Front Avenue were subjects of an ongoing narcotics investigation, investigators executed a state narcotics search and seizure warrant at 59 Front Avenue and seized numerous items, including pipe bomb making materials that were consistent with the materials found at the Wintergreen Avenue explosion scene, approximately 16 grams of cocaine base (“crack cocaine), approximately 10.6 grams of methamphetamine and narcotics packaging material. Investigators also seized a surveillance DVR, which captured video surveillance from eight cameras placed around the residence.
CHRISTOPHER MILLER, 40, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with possession of an explosive that had been shipped or transported in or affecting interstate commerce. This offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. MILLER is currently in state custody and faces additional state charges.
A separate criminal complaint charges two other residents of 59 Front Avenue, DEBORAH MILLER, 59, and NATALI MARTINEZ, 29, with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base and methamphetamine. This offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. DEBORAH MILLER, who is CHRISTOPHER MILLER’s mother, and MARTINEZ were arrested earlier today.
“This case highlights that great work can be accomplished quickly when local, state and federal law enforcement work together,” stated U.S. Attorney Daly. “I want to thank all of our investigative partners in this matter including the FBI, Connecticut State Police, West Haven Police, Hamden Police and our colleagues at the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Ansonia-Milford.”
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police, Hamden Police Department and West Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Reynolds, Jacabed Rodriguez-Coss and Vanessa Richards. This investigation and prosecution is being coordinated with the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Ansonia-Milford.
West Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Crack Cocaine Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTHONY SABATO, 57, of West Haven, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to trafficking crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately March 2013 to March 2015, SABATO conspired to distribute crack cocaine. During the investigation of this matter, an undercover officer purchased crack from SABATO and a co-defendant.
SABATO pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”), an offense that that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on September 30, 2015.
SABATO has been detained since his arrest on March 24, 2015.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, the West Haven Police Department and the Darien Police Department. The Task Force includes personnel from the FBI, West Haven Police Department, New Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Lee Dayton.
Waterbury Man Who Robbed Undercover ATF Agent Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KEVIN RODRIGUEZ, also known as “Orlando,” 21, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for robbing an undercover ATF special agent at gunpoint.
This matter stems from “Operation Samson,” an initiative headed by the ATF and the Bridgeport and New Haven Police Departments that targeted violent criminals, illegal firearm possession and firearm trafficking. In the spring of 2014, approximately 40 ATF special agents and personnel from Connecticut and across the country were deployed with New Haven and Bridgeport Police to conduct numerous covert operations.
According to court documents and statements made in court, a confidential informant and an ATF special agent working in an undercover capacity arranged to purchase an ounce of crack cocaine from two individuals identified as “Cali” and “Orlando” in Waterbury. On June 3, 2014, the informant and the undercover agent traveled to a location on West Farm Street in Waterbury to conduct the transaction. At the location, “Orlando,” who was subsequently identified as RODRIGUEZ, pointed a gun at the undercover agent, “racked” the slide of the pistol thereby readying it to fire, and demanded that the agent give him all of his money. The agent handed RODRIGUEZ his wallet, which contained $1,300 in government funds that was to be used to conduct the controlled purchase of narcotics.
RODRIGUEZ then entered a vehicle being driven by Calrissian Smith, also known as “Cali.” Other ATF agents who had been monitoring the transaction immediately arrived at the scene. After colliding with an ATF vehicle, Smith and RODRIGUEZ fled the scene at a high rate of speed.
RODRIGUEZ was apprehended in Waterbury on June 5, 2014, and Smith was apprehended in Virginia on June 13, 2014.
RODRIGUEZ has been detained since his arrest. On March 31, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
On April 20, 2015, Smith pleaded guilty to one count of attempted distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”). He is detained while awaiting sentencing.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Dayton.
Statement of ConscienceRead the Press Release
Our hearts are saddened by the massacre at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, and we extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the victims. We choose to not be silent at this moment in our nation's history, but to be clear about where we stand. We condemn all acts of violence and are especially sensitive to violence motivated by racial hatred. We commend the people of Emanuel and Charleston for their inspiring response to this tragedy.
As we stand in solidarity with Mother Emanuel and Charleston, we know that many of our friends and neighbors worry whether such events could take place in New Haven. Although we cannot prevent all acts of violence, members of the African American clergy, the larger New Haven faith community, the New Haven Police Department, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office and Project Longevity remain committed to working together to promote the safety of all our residents and to create an environment of trust that recognizes the humanity and dignity of every member of our community.
Over the last three years, the New Haven Police Department’s reinstitution of community policing, the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s outreach efforts, and initiatives of the African American clergy have strengthened the ties between the local community and its law enforcement partners. We are committed to deepening those ties.
At the same time, we recognize that recent events have brought into stark relief the unhealed wounds created by our nation’s tortuous history of slavery and racism. We recognize, as the United States House of Representatives acknowledged in its 2008 apology for slavery, that “African-Americans continue to suffer from the complex interplay between slavery and Jim Crow. . . through enormous damage and loss, both tangible and intangible, including the loss of human dignity, the frustration of careers and professional lives, and the long-term loss of income and opportunity.”
We live in a nation with a history of racism and none of us can escape that legacy. But we can deepen our understanding of that history and work to heal from it. We commit to doing our part to promote that vital healing. We commit to work together to foster a continuing community conversation that will help us all look with fresh eyes at our history and its impact on our lives today -- to look at how stereotypes created four hundred years ago to justify the enslavement of Black people still shape public and private perceptions and actions.
We will ensure that racial violence will never be accepted in New Haven or the rest of Connecticut. We will foster an environment of trust and respect, and we will boldly create opportunities to promote racial healing and reconciliation that will lead to genuine racial and economic justice. We cannot bring back the nine lives lost in Charleston, but we will honor their memories by working together to prevent such tragedies from befalling other families.
DEIRDRE M. DALY
UNITED STATES ATTORNEYPATRICIA FERRICK
SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE,
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATIONTONI HARP
MAYOR, NEW HAVENDEAN M. ESSERMAN
CHIEF, NEW HAVEN POLICE DEPARTMENTMICHAEL DEARINGTON
STATE’S ATTORNEY, NEW HAVENBRENT PETERKIN
PROJECT LONGEVITYSTACY R. SPELL
PROJECT LONGEVITYREV. JAMES NEWMAN
NEW FREEDOM CHURCH
PRESIDENT, GREATER NEW HAVEN CLERGY ASSOCIATIONREV. MARY ANDERSON
THE CITY OF MINISTRY REFUGEREV. J. SCOTT BARBER
CHURCH OF GOD & SAINTS OF CHRISTELDER ALTON BARNES
HOLY TRINITY CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRISTBISHOP H. D. BORDEAUX
CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRISTADMIN. ASSIST. THOMAS J. BORDEAUX
CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRISTREV. EDDIE CHERRY
GREATER MT. CARMEL PENTECOSTALREV. STEVE COUSIN, JR.
BETHEL A.M.E. CHURCHREV. GEORGE KAVOOR
ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCHDR. REV. BOISE KIMBER
FIRST CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCHREV. KEITH KING
CHRISTIAN TABERNACLE BAPTIST CHURCHREV. RICHARD D. MEADOWS
ST. LUKE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCHREV. DOROTHY MEWBORN
FIRST CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCHREV. AARON MOODY
FIRST CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCHDR. LUCILLE MOORING-WINSTON
SAFELY PLACED OUTREACH MINISTRYPASTOR CAROLYN OHERE
FAITH TEMPLE REVIVAL CENTERREV. BELINDA ROBERTS-BURNETT
P.W.A.P. MINISTRIESBISHOP ERELL SKYERS
SHILOH APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF CHRISTBISHOP VICENT SMITH
MORNINGSTAR DELIVERANCE MINISTRIESBISHOP ROBERT H. STALLINGS
CHURCH OF GOD AND SAINTS OF CHRISTREV. HOWARD TAYLOR
FAITH CENTER CHURCHPROPHET RICHARD TRENT
AT LARGEREV. ROGER WILKINS
MLCM CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRISTHartford Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Crack Cocaine Distribution RingRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MORRIS CARTER, JR., also known as “Chilly Mo” and “Mo,” 46, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by seven years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.
This matter stems from “Operation Vinefield,” a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in Hartford’s North End. As a result of the nine-month investigation, 38 individuals were charged with various offenses related to the distribution of crack cocaine and the unlawful possession and dealing of firearms in and around Hartford.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the investigation revealed that Joshua Easterling, also known as “Skeet,” “Squash” and “SQ,” controlled the distribution of crack cocaine in Hartford’s lower Vine Street area. Easterling distributed crack to other street-level dealers, and also sold the drug directly to customers. In addition, Easterling utilized individuals, including CARTER, as “pagers” or “runners” who would bring customers to Easterling, deliver small quantities of narcotics and provide information on police activity.
CARTER’s criminal history includes multiple several felony convictions, including a conviction for manslaughter in the first degree in 1990.
CARTER has been detained since his arrest on January 9, 2012. On February 28, 2013, a jury found him guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”), and one count of use of a telephone to facilitate a narcotics trafficking felony.
Easterling pleaded guilty and, on May 18, 2015, was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, the Connecticut State Police, the Hartford Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Bridgeport Grocery Store Operator Who Illegally Redeemed Food Stamp Benefits is SentencedRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KHALID ABOUTAYEB, 47, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to approximately three weeks of imprisonment, time already served, three months of home confinement and three years of supervised release for illegally redeeming food stamp benefits at a grocery store he operated in Bridgeport. ABOUTAYEB also was ordered to pay $199,505 in restitution.
The federal Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program (“SNAP”) is administered by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service and utilizes federal tax dollars to subsidize low-income households to provide them with the opportunity to achieve a more nutritious diet by increasing their food-purchasing power. SNAP recipients purchase eligible food items at retail food stores through the use of an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, and SNAP benefits may be accepted by authorized retailers only in exchange for eligible items. Items such as alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, paper goods and soaps are not eligible for purchase with Food Stamp benefits, and it is a violation of the rules and regulations governing the food stamp program to allow benefits to be used to purchase ineligible items. SNAP benefits may not lawfully be exchanged for cash under any circumstances. The program is designed so that the total amount of each purchase is electronically transferred to the retailer’s designated bank account.
ABOUTAYEB operated the M&J Deli Market, a grocery and convenience store located at 988 State Street in Bridgeport.
On December 17, 2014, ABOUTAYEB pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful use of food stamp benefits. In pleading guilty, he admitted that he and others, including his sister, Jamilia Aboutayeb, unlawfully exchanged customers’ food stamp benefits for ineligible items and cash at the M&J Deli Market between approximately December 2011 and February 2013. The investigation revealed that more than $285,000 in illegal SNAP benefits were redeemed at the store.
On January 8, 2015, Jamilia Aboutayeb pleaded guilty, admitting that she unlawfully exchanged customers’ food stamp benefits for ineligible items and cash at M&J Deli Market between approximately June 2013 and March 2014. On May 1, 2015, she was sentenced to five days of imprisonment, time already served, six months of home confinement and three years of supervised release. She also was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $69, 209.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Felice M. Duffy.
Seven New Haven-Area Men Charged after FBI Task Force Investigation into Heroin and Crack DistributionRead 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 June 24, 2015, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging the following individuals with federal narcotics offenses:
JEFFREY SMITH, aka “J-Money,” 21, of New Haven
ROBBIE SMITH, aka “Lil Rob,” 26, of New Haven
SEAN LONDON, 22, of New Haven
ROBERT OATHOUT, 35, of Branford
JASON LANGLEY, 39, of East Haven
HARRY ANASTASIO, 54, of East Haven
ANTONIO DELUCIA, 26, of WallingfordThis investigation was conducted by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, which consists of FBI agents and officers from the New Haven Police Department, West Haven Police Department and the Connecticut Department of Correction. Six of the defendants were arrested on June 10, 2015. ROBBIE SMITH is currently in state custody on unrelated charges.
The indictment alleges that between February and May 2015, JEFFREY SMITH, ROBBIE SMITH and LONDON conspired with others to distribute heroin and crack cocaine. According to court documents and statements made in court, the three men shared a mobile telephone on which they were contacted by drug customers throughout the New Haven area. The men would then deliver the drugs that were ordered in exchange for cash.
JEFFREY SMITH, ROBBIE SMITH and LONDON are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine base (“crack”). In addition, JEFFREY SMITH is charged with four counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base, and one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin. LONDON is also charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base. OATHOUT, LANGLEY, ANASTASIO and DELUCIA, who are alleged to be drug customers of the conspiracy, are each charged with one count of using a telephone to facilitate a narcotics trafficking felony offense.
If convicted of the charges, JEFFREY SMITH and LONDON face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years of imprisonment and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years on the conspiracy charge, and up to 20 years in prison on each distribution charge. ROBBIE SMITH faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and OATHOUT, LANGLEY, ANASTASIO and DELUCIA each face a maximum term of imprisonment of four years.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Daly stated that the investigation is ongoing.
This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys H. Gordon Hall and Jennifer R. Laraia.
Company with Federal and State Contracts to Pay $390K to Resolve Allegations it Had Unqualified EmployeeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and George C. Jepsen, Attorney General for the State of Connecticut, today announced that GARG CONSULTING SERVICES, INC. (“GARG”) has entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal government and the State of Connecticut in which GARG will pay $390,000 to resolve allegations that the Rocky Hill-based company failed to authenticate an employee’s purported educational credentials and a professional certification before hiring and assigning him to work on various U.S. Department of Transportation-funded and state-funded highway projects, and on a bridge reconstruction project funded by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (“Amtrak”).
According to allegations contained in the settlement agreement, GARG provided construction management and inspection services as a contractor or subcontractor for Connecticut Department of Transportation (“CONNDOT”) projects and for an Amtrak project. In 2007, an individual applied for employment with GARG and represented that he was a college graduate with a degree in civil engineering management and with Engineer-in-Training (“EIT”) certification from the State of Connecticut. If appropriate employee screening had been done, GARG would have learned that the employee had not graduated from college and had never sought or obtained EIT certification.
The employee worked at GARG from May 2007 to May 2010. During this time, GARG was a contractor or subcontractor on several federal and state highway and bridge projects. The employee also worked on a GARG subcontract for engineering consulting and professional services related to Amtrak’s replacement of the movable span on the Thames River Bridge. On the CONNDOT and Amtrak projects, GARG submitted payroll invoices for work performed by the company’s employees, including for work performed by the unqualified employee. The contracts and subcontracts entered into by GARG required that the company provide qualified personnel to work on the CONNDOT and Amtrak projects, and GARG submitted project proposals containing the employee’s purported credentials and qualifications. In addition, both CONNDOT and Amtrak were contractually reliant on GARG to provide qualified personnel.
“It is imperative that our roads, bridges and other components of our critical infrastructure are constructed, maintained and inspected only by qualified individuals,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “This case sends a clear message that government contractors that do not properly vet all of their employees risk investigation and a heavy financial penalty.”
U.S. Attorney Daly also noted that GARG cooperated with the government’s investigation.
“Certifications are critically important, especially in major engineering projects where proper procedures and training help to ensure the safety of the general public,” said Attorney General Jepsen. “Employers have a responsibility to make very sure that their employees are properly certified for the jobs that they are expected to perform. I’m pleased that this matter has been resolved.”
“This investigation demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the integrity of federal acquisition and hiring processes, which is an oversight priority for the Office of Inspector General,” said Todd Damiani, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General.
“Our investigation sends a strong message to all contractors about their obligation to employ qualified persons to work on critical transportation infrastructure projects,” said Amtrak Inspector General Tom Howard.
As a result of the settlement, there will be no lawsuit filed against GARG regarding the conduct alleged in the settlement agreement. In entering into the settlement, GARG did not admit liability or wrongdoing, and the agreement indicates that the parties settled this matter to avoid the delay, uncertainty, inconvenience, and expense of litigation.
This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General and Amtrak’s Office of Inspector General. The matter was handled within the U.S. Attorney’s Office by Assistant U.S. Attorney William A. Collier and Auditor Susan N. Spiegel.
Woman Admits Making False Statements to Receive Emergency Witness Assistance Program FundsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LACEY BLAND, 35, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to making a false statement to law enforcement.
According to court documents and statements made in court, BLAND was a potential witness in a federal matter. After BLAND reported concerns about her safety, the U.S. Attorney’s Office sought and obtained authorization to provide Emergency Witness Assistance Program (EWAP) funds for her to change her residence. BLAND subsequently told an employee of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives that she had found a new residence and that a rental check in the amount of $3,600 should to made payable to a person she stated was the landlord’s wife. BLAND also requested $399 in cash for payment to the movers.
An investigation revealed that the “landlord’s wife” was, in fact, an associate of BLAND’s who was unrelated to the landlord or premises to which BLAND stated she was moving. BLAND never received EWAP funds.
The charge of making a false statement to law enforcement carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000. BLAND is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford on September 17, 2015.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.
New Haven Crack Cocaine Trafficker Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMEEL WILKES, also known as “Biggs,” 36, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 127 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.
WILKES 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.
According to court documents and statements made in court, WILKES operated a large-scale crack cocaine and marijuana trafficking operation in the greater New Haven area.
WILKES has been detained since his arrest on May 15, 2012. On November 24, 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.
Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMES BROWN, 35, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 180 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 28, 2012, New Haven Police responded to a 911 call of a domestic dispute involving a weapon. Officers arrived at the identified residence and BROWN, who was in the bedroom, was taken into custody. A subsequent search of the bedroom revealed a loaded Smith and Wesson revolver hidden under the mattress of the bed.
Forensic analysis of the firearm revealed DNA that matched BROWN’s DNA.
BROWN’s extensive criminal history includes convictions for unlawful restraint in the first degree, robbery in the second degree, robbery in the third degree, and sale of a controlled substance. 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.
BROWN has been detained since his arrest on December 28, 2012. On June 4, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
BROWN was sentenced pursuant to the Armed Career Criminal Act, a federal law imposing severe penalties for firearm or ammunition possession by persons who have been convicted of at least three violent felonies or serious drug offenses. A defendant who qualifies as an Armed Career Criminal faces a minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of life.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.