District of Connecticut

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JERMAINE BUCHANAN, also known as “Hot Main,” 20, of Shelton, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2012, the FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, Bridgeport Police Department and Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force began an investigation into narcotics trafficking and violent criminal activity in and around the Trumbull Gardens housing complex in Bridgeport.  The investigation revealed that Ronell Hanks, also known as “Biz” and “Ace,” headed an organization that sold heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine 24-hours a day, seven days a week.  BUCHANAN received heroin from Hanks and sold the drug to his own customer base.

During the course of the investigation, investigators seized approximately one kilogram of heroin, one-half kilogram of crack cocaine, approximately $100,000 in cash, three vehicles, jewelry, nine firearms, and more than 200 rounds of ammunition.

BUCHANAN was arrested December 5, 2013.  A search of BUCHANAN’s residence at the time of his arrest revealed a Glock 26 handgun, an empty magazine for another firearm, a quantity of heroin packaged for distribution and five mobile phones.

On December 18, 2013, a grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment charging BUCHANAN, Hanks and 12 other individuals with narcotics and firearms trafficking offenses.

BUCHANAN has been detained since his arrest on December 5, 2013.  On August 13, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

Hanks pleaded guilty and, on February 26, 2015, he was sentenced to 17 years of imprisonment.

This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, in coordination with the Bridgeport Police Department, the Trumbull Police Department and the Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force.  The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Fairfield are assisting this investigation and prosecution.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracy Lee Dayton and Rahul Kale.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that RAUL CABAN-MARTES, 22, of Norwalk, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 40 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally selling firearms.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between August 2013 and January 2014, CABAN-MARTES and others sold five firearms, ammunition and a bullet proof vest to a convicted felon.  CABAN-MARTES knew that the purchaser intended to sell the firearms to others in Norwalk.

CABAN-MARTES has been detained since his arrest on July 2, 2014.  On December 5, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing in firearms without a license.

In December 2014, while he was in federal custody, CABAN-MARTES instructed family members to conceal another firearm so that he could sell the weapon upon his release.

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.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that DONALD OGMAN, also known as “Main” and “Mainy-O,” 33, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Warren E. Eginton in Bridgeport to 188 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for heading a gang-related narcotics distribution ring.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation conducted by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Task Force and the New Haven Police Department into drug distribution and related violence allegedly being committed by members and associates of the Grape Street Crips in New Haven.  The investigation revealed that OGMAN, who was identified as the leader of the Grape Street Crips, typically purchased bulk quantities of cocaine from different sources of supply, processed the cocaine into crack cocaine and then distributed the drug to gang members and other individuals in the Hill and other neighborhoods in New Haven.

Between March and September 2011, investigators made approximately 75 controlled purchases of crack cocaine from OGMAN and other members and associates of the Grape Street Crips operating in the Hill.  In addition, court-authorized wiretaps intercepted numerous conversations between Grape Street Crips members discussing narcotics and other gang-related activity, including possible retaliation against members of the rival Bloods gang, and the acquisition of firearms.

Eighteen individuals were charged and pleaded guilty as a result of this investigation.

OGMAN has been detained since his arrest on March 28, 2012.  On March 14, 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”) and a quantity of cocaine.

This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, which includes the New Haven, Hamden and Milford Police Departments, the Connecticut State Police and the State of Connecticut Department of Correction.  The investigation has been assisted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Westerly (R.I.) Police Department.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and H. Gordon Hall.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL MASLAR, 58, of Meriden, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of 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 has been detained since his arrest on September 22.  Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for June 2, 2015, at which time MASLAR faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Meriden Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacabed Rodriguez-Coss.

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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 TROY HESTER, 42, of Hartford, and AJMAL JENKINS, 39, of Middletown, have been indicted for tax evasion.  HESTER is employed by the Metropolitan District Commission and JENKINS is employed by the State of Connecticut’s Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and works at the Connecticut Valley Hospital.

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 no money withheld from their wages.

The six-count indictment against HESTER alleges that, during the 2008 through 2013 tax years, he paid little or no federal income taxes on approximately $438,877 in income he received, resulting in a federal tax loss of approximately $70,480.

The four-count indictment against JENKINS alleges that, during the 2009 through 2012 tax years, he paid no federal income taxes on approximately $256,081 in income he received, resulting in a federal tax loss of approximately $46,265.

The indictments were returned by a federal grand jury in New Haven on March 4.  HESTER and JENKINS are scheduled to be arraigned later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport.

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 case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Wines.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MIGUEL TORRES, 45, of Waterbury, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in Bridgeport to one count of enticing a minor female to send him sexually explicit videos and pictures of herself.

According to court documents and statements made in court, TORRES met a minor female at the church they both attended.  TORRES offered to mentor the minor, gave her his cell phone number, and they began communicating via text messages.  In late June 2013, when the minor was 14 years old, TORRES began to ask the minor to send him sexually explicit videos and pictures.  Their text message conversations became sexually explicit, and TORRES persuaded the minor to take sexually explicit videos and pictures of herself and send them to him.  TORRES also sent the minor sexually explicit videos and pictures of himself, and he told her that he had engaged in sexual conduct with other girls so that the minor would be comfortable with it.

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for May 27, 2015, at which time TORRES faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and a fine of up to $250,000.

TORRES has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on August 30, 2013. 

This matter is being investigated by the Waterbury Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.  The Connecticut State’s Attorney’s Office in Waterbury is also providing critical assistance in this investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSEPH RAJKUMAR, 44, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, with credit for time already served, and 10 years of supervised release.  RAJKUMAR has been detained since January 2014.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in approximately April 2011, RAJKUMAR, who was a science teacher and advisor to the Science Olympiad team at Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, befriended a minor female victim who was a student at the school.  Before the victim left the school for summer break in June 2011, RAJKUMAR pressured her to create an anonymous email account that did not contain her name, which she eventually did.  RAJKUMAR had already created an anonymous email account for his own use, in violation of the school’s policy that teachers and students should communicate via email only through a school-sponsored website.  Through the email accounts, RAJKUMAR and the victim frequently engaged in video chats and, during the chats, RAJKUMAR made multiple attempts to get the victim to remove her shirt.  The victim initially resisted, but eventually succumbed to RAJKUMAR’s advances and exposed her chest to him through the video chat.

Beginning in approximately November 2011, RAJKUMAR and the victim engaged in a sexual relationship that lasted several months.  The investigation revealed evidence of numerous video chats that took place through at least April 2012.  In the chats, RAJKUMAR frequently made lascivious comments to the victim and pressured her to expose herself.

The investigation further revealed that RAJKUMAR had also begun to harass other young girls at the school in person and through electronic communications.  He told one female student via text message that she looked “hot” in the pants she was wearing at a school event and told another that she should create an anonymous email account so that they could do “naughty things” that were “secret.”  In total, RAJKUMAR corresponded with at least six victims, including the one victim with whom he eventually had sexual intercourse.  RAJKUMAR asked at least one of the other victims to start a physical relationship with him.

On November 18, 2014, RAJKUMAR pleaded guilty to one count of attempted receipt of child pornography.

RAJKUMAR also pleaded guilty in state court to sexual assault in the second degree and, in January 2014, was sentenced to 10 years of incarceration, execution suspended after 18 months, and 10 years of probation.

This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Farmington Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarala V. Nagala

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that RASHAUD JONES, also known as “Buck,” 32, of Hartford and Windsor, has been convicted of multiple narcotics and firearm offenses.  On March 2, after a week-long trial before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford, a jury found JONES guilty of all counts in a seven-count indictment.

According to the evidence disclosed during the trial, this matter stems from a joint investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force.  On December 18, 2012, investigators conducted a motor vehicle stop of JONES and seized more than $9,000 in cash, three cellular telephones and other evidence.  Investigators then conducted court-authorized searches of JONES’s apartment at 232 Westland Street in Hartford and a car parked at the residence and seized approximately 935 grams of crack cocaine, approximately 635 grams of powder cocaine, narcotics packaging material, a loaded .22 Taurus revolver, a 9mm High Point pistol, a Ruger 345 .45 caliber firearm, a loaded .45 caliber magazine, a loaded .9mm magazine and additional ammunition.

Prior to December 2012, JONES had been convicted of multiple felony offenses.

JONES was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”), one count of possession with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base, one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base, possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of ammunition by a previously convicted felon. 

Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for May 26, 2015, at which time JONES faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force, the Hartford Police Department and the Bristol Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey M. Stone and Peter D. Markle.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LARRY MATHEWS, 34, of Pawcatuck, Conn., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to three years of probation for stealing personal information from hundreds of computers and personal electronic devices that had been brought to him for repair.  Judge Chatigny also ordered that MATHEWS must spend the first four months of his probation on a 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. home curfew with electronic monitoring, perform 150 hours of community service and pay a fine of $5000.

According to court documents and statements made in court, MATHEWS was the proprietor of a computer repair business in Pawcatuck.  Beginning in 2008, MATHEWS was also employed as a civilian contract employee for the U.S. Coast Guard as a computer “help desk” technician.  On more than 250 occasions, for his own use, MATHEWS copied personal information and files from computers and personal electronic devices that had been brought to him for repair.  The personal information and files included account names and passwords, and sexually-explicit photographs and videos.

The investigation revealed that MATHEWS shared the stolen personal information only with coworkers, one of whom reported the criminal activity to law enforcement in 2013.

On November 12, 2014, MATHEWS pleaded guilty to one count of computer intrusion in furtherance of a tortious invasion of privacy.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward Chang and Carolyn Ikari.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Ferguson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, announced that RYAN RUSSOW, 29, of Milford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 65 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin connected to the overdose death of a Milford man.

“Working closely with the DEA and local police, we are continuing to prioritize investigations of heroin overdoses and the prosecution of dealers who traffic in heroin that results in a user’s death,” stated U.S. Attorney Daly.  “We are committed to following all leads to the ultimate source of supply.  Heroin traffickers are forewarned that a conviction for distributing heroin that results in a death carries a lengthy federal sentence.”

“Individuals who sell heroin have one motivation and that is to make money,” stated DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Ferguson.  “They ignore the countless overdoses and deaths that result from the use of heroin as well as the lingering destruction this drug brings to our families and communities.  DEA and our law enforcement partners are committed to investigating overdose deaths to identify and bring to justice the source of this poison.”

According to court documents and statements made in court, from November 2013 to April 2014, RUSSOW obtained heroin from a source in New Haven and then distributed the drug out of his residence on Stone Manor Drive to customers.  On March 12, 2014, RUSSOW sold a number of bags of heroin, stamped “Much Better,” to R.P., 26, of Milford.  Later that day, R.P. was found deceased at his residence in Milford.  In R.P.’s room, law enforcement officers located two empty bags of heroin stamped “Much Better,” and two full bags bearing the same stamp. 

Drug Enforcement Administration analysis confirmed that the full bags contained heroin with a purity level of approximately 76 percent, and the Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner concluded that R.P. died of heroin toxicity.

On March 19, 2014, the DEA executed a search warrant at RUSSOW’s residence and seized more than $19,000 in cash, a digital scale and drug packaging materials.

RUSSOW has been detained since his arrest on April 23, 2014.  On December 4, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and the Milford Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN YERINIDES, 51, of Norwalk, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport to approximately 32 months of imprisonment, time already served, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.

This matter stems from a year-long investigation headed by the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and Norwalk Police Department into the distribution of oxycodone, cocaine and marijuana in Fairfield County.  Sixteen individuals were charged and convicted as a result of this investigation.

According to court documents and statements made in court, YERINIDES was intercepted approximately 180 times over a court-authorized wiretap engaging in telephonic and text communications with Konstantinos Zografidis, who was identified as a primary distributor of oxycodone and cocaine.  The investigation revealed that YERINIDES was predominantly obtaining large quantities of cocaine from Zografidis for further distribution.

YERINIDES has been detained since arrest on June 12, 2012.  On April 17, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

Zografidis has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.

This matter was investigated by the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Norwalk Police Department, with assistance provided by the Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport, Stamford, Stratford and Westport Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vanessa Richards and Michael Runowicz.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMES COSTANZO, 37, of Ansonia, pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to 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 COSTANZO, who had been identified as an illegal distributor of narcotic pharmaceuticals.  The investigation, which included multiple controlled purchases of oxycodone and the use of electronic surveillance, revealed that COSTANZO sold prescription narcotics to numerous customers from his Dwight Street residence.  The investigation further revealed that Brian Earl of North Haven supplied COSTANZO with large quantities of oxycodone and other prescription narcotics, and also sold drugs to his own customers.

At the time of his arrest on January 23, 2014, COSTANZO possessed a 9mm handgun that was loaded with hollow-point ammunition, and $439 in cash.  A subsequent search of his residence revealed approximately 600 oxycodone pills, four firearms, ammunition, approximately $5,500 in cash, and more than 50 stored-value cards.

In pleading guilty, COSTANZO admitted that he used more than $72,000 in funds derived from his illegal drug enterprise to purchase a residence located at 85 Dwight Street.

COSTANZO pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, oxycodone and oxymorphone, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of knowingly engaging in a monetary transaction involving criminally derived property, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

As part of his plea agreement, COSTANZO has agreed to forfeit the 85 Dwight Street property, a residence located at 21 Winchester Street in Waterbury, a 2005 Mercedes Benz ML350, a 2000 Ford F150, and approximately $42,613.

COSTANZO has been detained since his arrest.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Warren E. Eginton on May 22, 2015.

On February 17, 2015, Brian Earl pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, oxycodone and oxymorphone.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 12, 2015.

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.

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The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut announced that ASM AFSARY, 42, of Stamford, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiring to defraud financial institutions through an extensive mortgage fraud scheme that involved more than 20 properties in Fairfield County.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2005 and 2013, AFSARY, a real estate agent and former mortgage broker, participated in a mortgage fraud conspiracy that involved the purchase of numerous single and multi-family properties, primarily in Stamford, Norwalk and Bridgeport.  During the scheme, AFSARY and his co-conspirators provided materially false information to mortgage lenders.  The fraudulent information included false verifications of mortgage applicants’ income, false verifications of down payments for real estate transactions and false HUD-1 Forms.

As part of the scheme, AFSARY recruited and directed the actions of several “straw buyers,” or individuals who fraudulently applied for and obtained mortgage loans but did not have an actual financial investment or stake in the mortgage loan transactions.  In fact, AFSARY was the intended owner of the property, managed the property and collected all of the rents from the property.

Through this scheme, lenders suffered losses of more than $7 million.  Many of the properties involved in this mortgage fraud scheme ended up in foreclosure, or in short sale transactions.

AFSARY was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $3,327,949.20.

On June 16, 2014, AFSARY pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud.  He was ordered to report to prison on July 31, 2015.

Three other individuals involved in this scheme have also pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General, which identified multiple Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans that went into foreclosure.

The criminal case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Nevins and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney John McReynolds, and the parallel civil forfeiture cases are being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie G. Turbert.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PHILIP BRYANT, also known as “Phat Phil” and “Fizzy,” 28, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 135 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing narcotics.

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.

On February 6, 2014, a jury found BRYANT guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine, cocaine base and heroin.

According to the evidence at trial, Kevin Wilson, also known as “Nature,” distributed narcotics, primarily in the Dwight/Chapel area of New Haven.  BRYANT was intercepted on multiple occasions arranging drug transactions with Wilson.  In addition, BRYANT provided Wilson with 26.3 grams of crack cocaine that Wilson, in turn, sold to two individuals who were working with law enforcement.

Trial testimony further established that BRYANT, Wilson and other co-defendants shared a stash of firearms to use in furtherance of their drug trafficking activity.

BRYANT’s criminal history includes convictions for assault in the first degree and larceny in the first degree.  He has been detained since his arrest on May 25, 2012.

Wilson 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.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RONELL HANKS, also known as “Biz” and “Ace,” 25, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 204 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for heading a large Bridgeport-based narcotics trafficking ring.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2012, the FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, Bridgeport Police Department and Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force began an investigation into narcotics trafficking and violent criminal activity in and around the Trumbull Gardens housing complex in Bridgeport.  The investigation revealed that HANKS headed an organization that sold heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

During the course of the investigation, investigators seized approximately one kilogram of heroin, one-half kilogram of crack cocaine, approximately $100,000 in cash, three vehicles, jewelry, nine firearms, and more than 200 rounds of ammunition.

Investigators seized a firearm, which had been reported stolen, from HANKS’ residence, and also a KelTec EC372 assault-style firearm and ammunition that HANKS had provided to another individual for safe keeping on his behalf.

On December 18, 2013, a grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment charging HANKS and 13 other individuals with narcotics and firearms trafficking offenses.

HANKS has been detained since his arrest on December 5, 2013.  On August 21, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 500 grams or more of cocaine.

HANKS was ordered to forfeit three vehicles, approximately $80,000 in jewelry and $72,000 in cash.
HANKS’ criminal history includes multiple felony convictions.

This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, in coordination with the Bridgeport Police Department, the Trumbull Police Department and the Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force.  The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Fairfield are assisting this investigation and prosecution.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracy Lee Dayton and Rahul Kale.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JASON TORRANCE, 43, of East Haddam, and ADAM MEYERS, 43, of Southbury, pleaded guilty on February 23 in Bridgeport federal court to engaging in a fraud scheme against their respective employers.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately March 2008 and August 2012, TORRANCE and MEYERS devised a scheme to defraud their employers by arranging for payment on goods that never shipped and instead diverting those payments to themselves.  TORRANCE worked out of the New Haven branch of a New Jersey-based electrical and industrial supply company (“Distributor-1”), and MEYERS was a project manager for a New Britain-based electrical subcontractor (“Contractor”) that frequently purchased supplies from Distributor-1.  A co-conspirator (“CC-2”) operated a smaller distributor (“Distributor-2”) based in Cheshire.

As part of the scheme, MEYERS identified to TORRANCE projects on which he believed the profit margin for Contractor would permit them to divert excess profits to themselves without Contractor becoming aware.  MEYERS would submit a purchase order for materials to TORRANCE.  TORRANCE then submitted a purchase order to CC-2 for the goods listed on the purchase order sent by MEYERS.  CC-2 then submitted an invoice to Distributor-1 for the materials listed on the purchase order, and Distributor-1 paid the invoice by mailing a check to Distributor-2.  Distributor-1 then invoiced Contractor for the goods that were on the purchase order and Contractor issued a check to Distributor-1.  CC-2 then hand-delivered a business check to TORRANCE for approximately 90 percent of the money that had been paid by Distributor-1 to Distributor-2, and CC-2 retained the remaining 10 percent as his share of the proceeds from the scheme.  TORRANCE then paid out a portion of the proceeds of the scheme to MEYERS.

At no time did any product on the purchase orders actually ship to the customer.

The victim companies lost more than $600,000 as a result of this scheme.

TORRANCE and MEYERS each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  They are scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill on May 18, 2015.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Novick.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HECTOR NATAL, also known as “Boom” and “Boom Boom,” 29, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to life imprisonment.  After a four-week trial, Natal was convicted of committing the March 2011 arson of a two-family house in the Fair Haven section of New Haven that caused the deaths of 41-year-old Wanda Roberson, her 8-year-old son Quayshaun Roberson and her 21-year-old niece Jaqueeta Roberson.

“Hector Natal set fire to his neighbors’ home knowing that two large families, which included older women and young children, were inside,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “This reckless act took the lives of three innocents, Wanda Roberson, her young son Quayshaun and her niece Jaqueeta, and the sentence imposed today will protect society from this defendant.  I want to thank our law enforcement partners, particularly the New Haven Fire and Police Departments, the FBI and the Connecticut State Police, who expertly investigated this tremendously difficult case.  We thank them for ensuring justice for all of the victims of this horrible crime, none of whom will ever fully recover from such an unimaginable loss.”

“Mr. Natal gave no thought to the lives he was endangering when he deliberately set the fire which killed three members of the Roberson family,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Patricia M. Ferrick.  “While today’s sentencing cannot bring back those lives or lessen the pain of the Roberson loss, we hope that it will bring closure and healing for both the Roberson family and the Fair Haven community.”

On April 18, 2013, Natal and his father, Hector Morales were found guilty on all counts of an 11-count indictment.  According to the evidence presented during trial, Natal was a New Haven drug dealer who sold cocaine, crack cocaine, pills and marijuana. Morales served as Natal’s driver, facilitating his sales of narcotics and collection of drug proceeds.  Early on the morning of March 9, 2011, Natal set fire to 48-50 Wolcott Street in New Haven in retaliation for a customer’s failure to pay a small drug debt.  Seventeen people, including three toddlers, two pregnant women and two grandmothers, were in the house at the time the fire was set.  Natal and Morales lived close to the Wolcott house.  After the fire was set, Morales drove Natal away from the scene in his blue van.  Hearing reports that a blue van was seen leaving the scene, Morales painted his van black in an effort to obstruct the investigation of the fatal fire. Natal and Morales then schemed with other family members to testify falsely before the grand jury in an effort to prevent the grand jury from developing evidence regarding their complicity in the arson.

The evidence at trial also showed that, months before the fatal fire, Natal attempted to set a fire in the same Wolcott Street house.

Natal was found guilty of three counts of arson resulting in death, and one count of attempted arson.  Natal and Morales were both convicted of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute narcotics, conspiring to tamper with witnesses and witness tampering.  Morales was found guilty on three counts of being an accessory after the fact to the arson, and one count of destruction and concealment of evidence.

Natal has been detained since his arrest on June 14, 2011.

On January 8, 2015, Morales was sentenced to 174 months of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Haven Police Department, the Connecticut State Police Major Crimes Unit, Office of the State Fire Marshal, the New Haven Fire Department – Office of Fire Marshal, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General.  The case was prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson, with assistance and support from the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin announced that MOZAFFAR KHAZAEE, 60, formerly of Manchester, Connecticut, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to violating the Arms Export Control Act, in connection with his efforts to send to Iran sensitive, proprietary, trade secret and export controlled material relating to military jet engines for the U.S. Air Force’s F35 Joint Strike Fighter program and the F-22 Raptor program, which he had stolen from defense contractors where he had previously been employed.

 “While employed with U.S. defense contractors, Mozaffar Khazaee stole sensitive, proprietary and controlled technology to send it to Iran,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “The illegal export of our military technology compromises U.S. national security and reduces the advantages our armed forces currently possess.   As today’s case demonstrates, we will aggressively investigate and hold accountable those who attempt to steal trade secrets and sensitive military technology from U.S. industries, whether for their own personal gain or for the benefit of foreign actors.”

“Today’s guilty plea demonstrates the ongoing cooperation with our federal law enforcement partners to prevent U.S. technology from falling into the wrong hands,” said Bruce Foucart, special agent in charge of HSI Boston.  “Across the globe, the magnitude and scope of threats facing the United States has never been greater, and that's why one of Homeland Security Investigations highest priorities is to prevent illicit procurement networks, terrorist groups and hostile nations from illegally obtaining U.S. military products and sensitive dual-use technologies.  Homeland Security Investigations takes pride in protecting our country, and today’s guilty plea is the latest example of our effective investigative efforts.”

“This joint investigation has emphasized the need for American companies to remain vigilant against the theft of valuable and sensitive technologies,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Patricia M. Ferrick.  “As our nation continues to lead the way in research and development, we are constantly reminded that there are those who seek to advance their own causes by stealing the hard work of others, and we owe it to ourselves and to the American public to guard against it. The FBI vigorously investigates these matters in cooperation with our law enforcement partners, both domestic and abroad.”

“This investigation demonstrates the dedication of the Department of Defense, Office of the Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service and our federal and military partners to ensure that critical technology is not exploited by criminals acting on behalf of governments hostile to the U.S.,” said Craig W. Rupert, Special Agent in Charge, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office.  “Foreign governments continue to actively seek U.S. military technology in an effort to advance their own military development.  Today’s plea represents our continuing efforts to safeguard sensitive technology and to shield America’s investment in national defense by thwarting those who try to illegally acquire our national security assets.”

According to court documents and statements made in court, at different times between 2001 and 2013, KHAZAEE was employed by three separate defense contractors.  From at least 2009 through and including late 2013, KHAZAEE attempted to use trade secret, proprietary and export controlled material that he had obtained from his employers to gain employment in Iran. 

In November and December 2009, KHAZAEE corresponded by email with an individual in Iran to whom he attempted to send, and in some cases did send, documents containing trade secret, proprietary and export controlled material relating to the Joint Strike Fighter Program.  In one email KHAZAEE wrote “some of these are very controlled . . . and I am taking [a] big risk.  Again please after downloading these two Power Point files delete everything immediately.” 

Analysis of KHAZAEE’s computer media revealed not only additional documents containing proprietary, trade secret and export controlled material belonging to the U.S. defense contractors at which he had been employed, but also cover letters and application documents, dating from in or about 2009 through in or about 2013, in which KHAZAEE sought employment with multiple state-controlled technical universities in Iran.  In multiple letters KHAZAEE described the knowledge and skills he had obtained while working for the U.S. defense contractors and wrote:  “[a]s lead engineer in these projects I have learned some of the key technique[s] that could be transferred to our own industry and universities.”  KHAZAEE stated that he was “looking for an opportunity to work in Iran, and . . . transferring my skill and knowledge to my nation.” 

In or about November 2013, while residing in Connecticut, KHAZAEE caused a shipment to be sent by truck from Connecticut to a freight forwarder located in Long Beach, California, which was intended for shipment to Iran.  The shipment included numerous boxes and digital media containing thousands of documents consisting of sensitive technical manuals, specification sheets, technical drawings and data, and other proprietary material relating to military jet engines and the United States Air Force’s F35 Joint Strike Fighter (“JSF”) program and the F-22 Raptor.  Many documents were labeled as “Export-Controlled,” as well as stamped with “ITAR-controlled” warnings.  KHAZAEE did not apply for nor did he obtain any export license or written authorization to export any of the documents, and the export or attempted export of such material to Iran is illegal. 

On January 9, 2014, KHAZAEE was arrested at the Newark Liberty International Airport before boarding a flight with a final destination of Iran.  Search warrants executed on KHAZAEE’s checked and carry-on luggage revealed additional sensitive, proprietary, trade secret and export controlled documents relating to military jet engines, in both hard copy and in electronic form on KHAZAEE’s computer media.  KHAZAEE has been detained since that time.

Judge Bryant scheduled sentencing proceedings for May 20, 2015, at which time KHAZAEE faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. 

This investigation is being led by the United States Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations in New Haven, in coordination with the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service in New Haven and the Department of Commerce’s Boston Office of Export Enforcement. 

U.S. Attorney Daly and Assistant Attorney General Carlin also commended the efforts of the many other agencies and offices that were involved in this investigation, including U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Central District of California, the Southern District of Indiana and the District of New Jersey, Homeland Security Investigations in Los Angeles, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Service in Los Angeles, the U.S. Air Force’s Office of Special Investigations in Los Angeles and Boston,  as well as HSI, CBP, and FBI in New Jersey, and HSI, FBI and DCIS in Indianapolis.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Reynolds and Krishna Patel of the National Security and Major Crimes Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut, and Trial Attorney Brian Fleming of the Justice Department’s Counterespionage Section (CES).

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STEPHEN GOODRICH, 57, of Rocky Hill, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for operating a scheme that defrauded investors out of more than $1.8 million.

According to court documents and statements made in court, GOODRICH formerly resided in Bristol where he conducted an investment business using the name Goodrich Financial.  Although GOODRICH was not a licensed or registered investment adviser, he provided a business card to some investors that falsely represented that he was licensed to conduct an investment business.  Beginning in approximately 2006 and continuing to approximately November 2012, GOODRICH defrauded individuals who had provided him with investment funds by failing to invest the funds as represented, and by using some of the investment funds for his personal use.  At times, GOODRICH also used new investor funds to return the principal investment to older investors as is often done in Ponzi schemes.  In order to prevent his investors from becoming aware of the scheme, GOODRICH provided written performance summaries to his investors that falsely represented the value of their investments.  More than 10 investors collectively lost more than $1.8 million as a result of this scheme.

As part of his sentence, GOODRICH was ordered to pay full restitution to his victims.

During the years 2007 to 2011, GOODRICH used more than $600,000 of the investors’ funds for his personal use without disclosing this income on his federal tax returns.  As a result, GOODRICH owes $239,443 in additional federal taxes, plus interest and penalties.

On October 7, 2014, GOODRICH waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and one count of subscribing to a false tax return. 

GOODRICH, who is released on bond, was ordered to report to prison on April 24, 2015.

This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Banking.  The case was prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Richard J. Schechter.

Citizens are encouraged to report any financial fraud schemes by calling, toll free, 855-236-9740, or by sending an email to ctsecuritiesfraud@ic.fbi.gov.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that OMAR BAHAMONDE, also known as “Dirk,” 30, of Bridgeport, 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 trafficking narcotics in Bridgeport.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2012, the FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, Bridgeport Police Department and Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force began an investigation into narcotics trafficking and violent criminal activity in and around the Trumbull Gardens housing complex in Bridgeport.  The investigation revealed that Ronell Hanks, also known as “Biz” and “Ace,” headed an organization that sold heroin and crack cocaine 24-hours a day, seven days a week.  BAHAMONDE was Hanks’ trusted associate, purchasing bulk heroin for resale, spotting surveillance and helping Hanks cook powder cocaine into crack cocaine base for distribution.

During the course of the investigation, investigators seized approximately one kilogram of heroin, one-half kilogram of crack cocaine, approximately $100,000 in cash, three vehicles, jewelry, nine firearms, and more than 200 rounds of ammunition.  One of the firearms was an assault-type rifle and four of the firearms were stolen.

On December 18, 2013, a grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment charging Hanks, BAHAMONDE and 12 other individuals with a variety of narcotics and firearms trafficking offenses.

BAHAMONDE has been detained since his arrest on December 5, 2013.  On November 4, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

BAHAMONDE’s criminal history includes multiple felony convictions, including a conviction for first-degree robbery.

Hanks has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, in coordination with the Bridgeport Police Department, the Trumbull Police Department and the Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force.  The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Fairfield are assisting this investigation and prosecution.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracy Lee Dayton and Rahul Kale.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LESTER JOY, 34, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to failing to register as a sex offender.

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, on October 25, 2002, JOY was convicted in the State of New Jersey of sexual assault in the second degree, endangering the welfare of a child in the third degree and theft in the third degree.  For these offenses, he was sentenced to three years of imprisonment, lifetime community supervision and was subject to lifetime registration as a sex offender.  On January 4, 2006, JOY was convicted in Suffolk County, New York, of three counts of rape in the third degree, two counts of criminal sexual acts in the third degree and two counts of disseminating indecent material to a minor.  For these offenses, he was sentenced to a period of 42 to 84 months of incarceration and lifetime probation.

In 2013, prior to his release from prison, JOY was informed of his registration obligations under SORNA and he signed forms stating that he understood his sex offender registration requirements in both New York and New Jersey.

On November 30, 2013, JOY was released from the Morris County, New Jersey jail following service of a sentence for violation of his lifetime term of community supervision in New Jersey.  However, he did not register as a sex offender in either New Jersey or New York, and moved to Connecticut. He failed to notify New Jersey, New York and Connecticut officials of his move to Connecticut, as required.

JOY was arrested in New Haven on March 16, 2014.

JOY has been detained since his arrest.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford on May 18, 2015, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that BRIAN VANACORE, 49, of North Branford, GREG BODYTKO, 55, of Northford, were sentenced yesterday Bridgeport federal court for violating federal firearms laws.  U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel ordered VANACORE and BODYTKO to serve, one year of probation, pay a $500 fine and perform 100 hours of community service.

According to court documents and statements made in court, VANACORE and BODYTKO were the owners of BMG LLC (BMC), which operated a gun store at 2585 Berlin Turnpike in Newington.  VANACORE and BMG had three separate federal firearms licenses to deal firearms in Connecticut, and BODYTKO was a 50 percent partner in the business with VANACORE.

In the summer of 2013, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted a routine inspection of BMG’s Newington store.  During the inspection, ATF inspectors found several firearms, including machine guns and silencers, which are required to be registered under the National Firearms Act.  BMG records revealed that BMG had purchased these firearms, but had not changed the registration information in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.  As a result, each of the firearms remained registered to the individual who sold them to BMG.  In total, BMG possessed 15 firearms that it should have registered under the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.

BMG, VANACORE and BODYTKO also failed, on numerous occasions, to report the sale of multiple handguns to the same individual, and failed to record in their Acquisition and Disposition records the acquisition and/or disposition of hundreds of firearms.  On numerous occasions, the defendants failed to fill out properly, or failed to fill out at all, ATF Form 4473, a form that must be completed by individuals who purchase firearms from federally-licensed firearms dealers.  They also failed to conduct necessary background checks on at least 10 separate occasions.

“Federally-licensed firearms dealers are our first line of defense in making certain that firearms don’t wind up in the hands of the wrong people,” stated U.S. Attorney Daly.  Gun dealers who don’t comply with the rules and violate federal law will be prosecuted.

On March 5, 2014, VANACORE and BODYTKO each pleaded guilty to one count of failing to keep a complete and accurate written record in its acquisition and disposition records for firearms, and one count of failing to report the multiple sale of handguns.  VANACORE also entered a guilty plea on behalf of BMG to one count of making false entries in dealer’s records.

BMG was previously sentenced to five years’ probation, and the store is no longer in operation.

VANACORE and BODYTKO were ordered to surrender their Federal Firearm Licenses (FFL) and they not permitted to reapply for an FFL for five years.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID J. BERTNAGEL, 41, of Thomaston, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to theft and tax charges stemming from his embezzlement of more than $800,000 from the Town of Plymouth.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from October 2011 through October 2014, BERTNAGEL was employed as the Finance Director for the Town of Plymouth.  During that time period, BERTNAGEL issued 207 checks totaling approximately $808,030 from the Town’s payroll account to himself.  BERTNAGEL used the embezzled funds to make mortgage payments, pay credit card bills, fund home improvement projects and purchase more than $100,000 in coins, stamps and other collectibles.  He also converted more than $182,000 of the stolen funds by way of cashed checks, ATM withdrawals and money orders.

In addition, BERTNAGEL’s federal tax returns for the 2012 and 2013 tax years failed to report any of his embezzled income, resulting in a tax loss to the government of $145,564 for those two years.  BERTNAGEL also did not file a tax return with the IRS for the 2011 tax year.

Since 2011, Plymouth has received approximately $450,000 in grant awards from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

BERTNAGEL was arrested on January 20, 2015.

BERTNAGEL pleaded guilty to one count of theft from a local government receiving federal funds, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and one count making and subscribing a false tax return, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer on May 15, 2015.

As part of his plea agreement, BERTNAGEL agreed to make restitution in the amount of $808,029.94 to the Town of Plymouth, and he must cooperate with the IRS to pay all outstanding taxes, penalties and interest.  BERTNAGEL also has agreed to forfeit more than $45,000 that he held in bank accounts, and assorted jewelry, stamps, coins and other collectibles that were seized on the date of his arrest.

This matter is being investigated by the Connecticut Public Corruption Task Force, which includes the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher M. Mattei.

Citizens are encouraged to report corrupt activity to the Connecticut Public Corruption Task Force by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).

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United States Attorney Deirdre M. Daly, Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane, Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Michael J. Ferguson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Hartford Police Chief James C. Rovella, today announced that JIMEL FRANK, also known as “30” and “Velly,” and KARL ROYE, also known as “Eagle,” have been charged with the April 2011 murder of Anthony Parker of Hartford.

This matter stems from a long-term investigation being conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, DEA and Hartford Police Department into narcotics trafficking by members and associates of the WestHell and Team Grease street gangs and gang-related violent activity.  Officers and inspectors from the Cold Case Unit of the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney are actively participating in the investigation.

At approximately 10:47 a.m. on the morning of April 6, 2011, the Hartford Police Department received a report of shots fired in the vicinity of 15 Thomaston Street in the Blue Hills Section of Hartford.  Officers responding to the scene located Anthony Parker, also known as “Smooth,” 24, seated in the driver’s seat of a vehicle in the driveway of 15 Thomaston Street.  Parker was unconscious and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.  Parker was transported by ambulance to Saint Francis Hospital where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

The complaint alleges that FRANK and ROYE conspired to engage in, and engaged in, a Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering, namely the murder of Anthony Parker.

FRANK, 27, of Hartford, was arrested today.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas P. Smith in Hartford and is detained.

ROYE, 24, formerly of Hartford, has been detained since September 2013 on an unrelated offense and currently is in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

If convicted of the charges, each defendant faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life, or death if the government seeks the death penalty in this matter.

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.

Chief State’s Attorney Kane noted that the unsolved homicide of Anthony “Smooth” Parker was included in cold case playing cards sold to inmates in Connecticut’s state correctional facilities.  Each card in the deck features a photograph and brief details about a homicide or missing person case and lists telephone, mail and e-mail contacts that inmates can use to supply information.

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, DEA, Hartford Police Department and Cold Case Unit of the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney.  The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John H. Durham and Peter S. Jongbloed, and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Patrick Griffin, who has been cross-designated as Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in this matter.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment today charging ANTHONY REID, 26, of New Haven, with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The indictment alleges that on October 20, 2014, REID possessed a semi-automatic rifle.

Prior to October 2014, it is alleged that REID had sustained felony convictions.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

If convicted of the charge, REID faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

The indictment seeks the forfeiture of the semi-automatic rifle, as well as 101 rounds of ammunition that were seized on October 20, 2014.

U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Haven Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Laraia and David Nelson.  

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ASA BOYD, 35, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 60 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 January 30, 2014, the Hartford Police Department’s Intelligence Division received information that an individual driving a red Grand Am was in possession of .45 caliber pistol and selling drugs in the vicinity of Capitol Avenue.  Hartford Police officers responded to the area and located the vehicle parked on James Street.  As officers approached the car, BOYD, who had been the sole occupant of the vehicle, ran from the car and up the stairs to a residence.  BOYD then reached into his waistband and tossed a black pistol.  Officers pursued BOYD as he ran up to the second floor.  After a brief struggle with the officers, BOYD was taken into custody.

Officers recovered the firearm, which was a .45 caliber Glock pistol with an intact magazine containing 13 live rounds, including one live round in the chamber.  BOYD also possessed approximately 2.9 grams of crack cocaine and $827 in cash.

BOYD’s criminal history includes multiple felony convictions.  In 1996, BOYD was convicted of illegally firing a gun, for which he received 60 days in jail followed by probation.  He later violated his probation and was sentenced to an additional one year in jail.  In 2003, BOYD was arrested in possession of cocaine and three guns.  He was ultimately convicted of possession with intent to sell narcotics and criminal possession of a weapon and, in 2005, was sentenced to 12 years of imprisonment, suspended after four years, and five years of probation.

BOYD has been detained since his arrest.  On December 1, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The matter was investigated by the Hartford Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JUAN G. CHEVEREZ, also known as “Guinchi,” 33, of Groton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 77 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release for conspiring to import and distribute cocaine in southeastern Connecticut.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in early 2012, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), the U.S. Secret Service and the New London Police Department initiated an investigation to combat the large-scale trafficking of heroin and cocaine from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico into and around southeastern Connecticut.  The investigation revealed that certain members of the conspiracy coordinated the shipment of heroin, and sometimes cocaine, via human couriers from the Dominican Republic to the United States.  Other members of the conspiracy obtained kilogram-quantities of cocaine in Puerto Rico and then mailed the drug to locations in and around New London where it was sold to distributors and customers.  Narcotics were also obtained from sources in New York City and Rhode Island.

More than 100 individuals were charged with federal and state offenses as a result of this investigation.
The investigation revealed that CHEVEREZ received kilogram-quantities of cocaine in the mail from Axel Matta Figueroa, also known as “Joelito,” in Puerto Rico, and distributed the drug in southeastern Connecticut.

CHEVEREZ has been detained since his arrest on April 3, 2013.  On March 19, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. 

Axel Matta Figueroa pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and, on November 20, 2014, he was sentenced to 66 months of imprisonment.

This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Secret Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Air and Marine; Connecticut State Police; New London Police Department, Norwich Police Department, Waterford Police Department, Groton Town Police Department, East Lyme Police Department and Putnam Police Department.  The United States Marshals Service; ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations; Drug Enforcement Administration; HSI Assistant Attaché, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; HSI Arecibo, Puerto Rico Resident Office;  Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation; Connecticut Department of Correction, Parole and Community Services; and the Groton City, Willimantic, New Haven and Bristol Police Departments have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.

The federal case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah P. Karwan, Alina P. Reynolds and Henry K. Kopel.  The state cases are being prosecuted by the State’s Attorney for the New London Judicial District and Senior Assistant State’s Attorneys Paul Narducci and Stephen Carney.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STEPHEN DeCRESCENZO, 37, of West Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to one day of imprisonment, time already served, six months in community confinement (“halfway house”) and three years of supervised release for embezzling more than $100,000 in funds from the bank where he was employed.

According to court documents and statements made in court, DeCRESCENZO was employed as personal banker for JPMorgan Chase Bank in New Canaan.  Between approximately September 2008 and November 2011, DeCRESCENZO embezzled $106,028 in funds from customer accounts by transferring the funds into a separate customer account to which he had access.  As part of his scheme, DeCRESCENZO disguised numerous withdrawals from the accounts as authorized cash withdrawals by customers when, in fact, he had stolen the money.  DeCRESCENZO also wired funds stolen from a customer account into another bank account for his personal benefit.

DeCRESCENZO was ordered to pay full restitution.

On November 24, 2014, DeCRESCENZO pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. 

DeCRESCENZO is a former member of the West Haven City Council.

This investigation was conducted by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, the Greenwich Police Department and the New Canaan Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut and Kevin J. Kline, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging ROBERT TERRY BRUCE, 34, of Nashville, Tennessee, with defrauding contributors to an organization he established after the December 14, 2012 school shootings in Newtown.

The indictment was returned under seal on February 4, 2015, and BRUCE was arrested on Friday in Tennessee.

“This arrest serves as a warning to anyone who attempts to profit from the tragedy at Sandy Hook,” stated U.S. Attorney Daly.  “With the assistance of the FBI, we will continue to prioritize the investigation of fraudulent schemes that exploit the generosity of donors responding to this tragedy.”

“Creating a fraudulent charity to exploit a tragedy for personal gain is unconscionable,” stated FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Kline.  “These investigations will continue to be a priority for the Federal Bureau of Investigation.”

According to the indictment, BRUCE founded 26.4.26, an organization that began soliciting charitable donations after the December 14, 2012 school shootings in Sandy Hook, Connecticut.  In early 2013, BRUCE solicited and received contributions to 26.4.26 in connection with a charity athletic event in Gilford, New Hampshire called the Schools 4 Schools run.  BRUCE promoted the event via social media, and solicited contributions to 26.4.26 through an online PayPal account by representing to potential donors that the purpose of the event was “to help raise funds for increased school safety, families of victims, memorials to teacher heroes, awareness and prevention in schools across America.”  BRUCE further represented to potential donors that “all proceeds will go to the 26.4.26 Foundation.”

The indictment further alleges that, in early 2013, BRUCE also solicited contributions to 26.4.26 in connection with a charity athletic event in Tennessee called CrossFit Cares.   As he had in the New Hampshire event, BRUCE promoted the event via social media, and solicited contributions to 26.4.26 through PayPal by representing to potential donors that “all proceeds will go to the 26.4.26 Foundation” and that the “mission of 26.4.26 is to provide funding for the families of victims, memorials for teacher heroes and to increase safety in schools across the country.”

Rather than using the funds raised to support his purported mission, the indictment alleges that BRUCE used most of the funds to enrich himself and to support his personal training business.  Several of the victim donors are from Connecticut.

The indictment charges BRUCE with six counts of wire fraud, a charge that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.

Following his arrest on February 13, BRUCE appeared in federal court in Nashville and was released on a $20,000 bond.  His arraignment in the District of Connecticut is scheduled for February 23 at 10:00 a.m. in Hartford.

U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Wines.  U.S. Attorney Daly also acknowledged the critical assistance provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JEROME T. WALKER, also known as “Ratchet,” 26, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.  WALKER also was ordered to perform 300 hours of community service.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 14, 2014, officers from the New Haven Police Department conducted a traffic stop of WALKER, who was driving with a suspended license, in the vicinity of Norton Street and Elm Street.  After initially pulling over, WALKER accelerated from the scene at high rate of speed.  A short time later, New Haven and Hamden Police officers found WALKER’s vehicle parked at a residence on Warner Street in Hamden.  Officers then observed WALKER walking in front of the residence and he was placed under arrest.  In the vicinity, officers found a duffel bag containing a Smith and Wesson .38 caliber revolver and a set of car keys belonging to the vehicle that WALKER had been driving.

WALKER has previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

WALKER has been detained since his arrest.  On November 17, 2014, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the New Haven Police Department and the Hamden Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Kaplan and Jennifer Laraia.  

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Tyler Amon, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division, and Commissioner Robert Klee of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announced that THOMAS H. FARIA, 38, the former chief executive officer and president of Faria Limited, LLC, doing business as Sheffield Pharmaceuticals, was sentenced today in Hartford federal court for violating the Clean Water Act.  U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson ordered FARIA to serve three years of probation, perform 300 hours of community service and pay a $30,000 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the Clean Water Act requires that every company obtain a permit from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (“CT DEEP”) before it can discharge its industrial wastewater to the public sewage system, commonly known as the publicly owned treatment works (“POTW”).  Companies are also required, among other things, to test and monitor their industrial wastewater monthly to ensure that the chemical levels in the wastewater do not exceed federal and state limitations.

Sheffield Pharmaceuticals (“Sheffield”) has a factory at 170 Broad Street in New London that manufactures a wide range of over-the-counter pharmaceutical creams, ointments and toothpastes.  From approximately 1986 to July 2011, Sheffield discharged industrial wastewater from its New London manufacturing operations to the New London POTW without a permit and in violation of Connecticut’s approved pretreatment program.  The New London POTW discharges to the Thames River in southeastern Connecticut.  During this entire time period, Sheffield lacked a pretreatment system at its factory to treat its industrial wastewater prior to discharge to the New London POTW, performed no regular monitoring of its discharges of industrial wastewater, and submitted no monthly monitoring reports to the CT DEEP.

After becoming the company’s president and chief executive officer in April 2003, FARIA soon learned through his own employees that Sheffield was discharging pollutants considered toxic under federal environmental law in its industrial wastewater without the required permit.  FARIA also learned that in order to obtain a permit from CT DEEP, the company would have to install, at significant expense, a wastewater pretreatment system that would pretreat its industrial wastewater prior to discharging it to the New London POTW.  Although FARIA’s own employees urged him to make the financial investment to bring the company into compliance, FARIA chose not to do so.  FARIA continued this illegal course even when four environmental consulting firms, which the company had hired, advised him that the discharge of industrial wastewater to the public sewage treatment system, without a pretreatment system and CT DEEP permit, is illegal.

On April 20, 2011, the CT DEEP conducted an unannounced inspection of Sheffield.  After finding that the company had no wastewater discharge permits, the CT DEEP inspector issued a Notice of Violation and cited the company for discharging manufacturing and laboratory wastewater without a permit.  On or about May 27, 2011, Faria Limited, LLC submitted a permit application to CT DEEP so that the company could legally discharge industrial wastewater from its New London facility into the New London POTW.  By July 2011, the company had installed a wastewater pretreatment system at its factory to pretreat the pollutants contained in its industrial wastewater prior to its discharge to the New London POTW.

“Managers of Connecticut factories who knowingly violate federal and state environmental law risk federal prosecution and a felony conviction,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “The Clean Water Act applies to every industrial entity doing business in Connecticut.  This Office will vigorously prosecute corporate officers whose decisions and actions threaten Connecticut’s natural resources and harm the public’s right to a clean environment.  We recognize and thank the EPA and DEEP for their invaluable work in protecting the environmental integrity of Connecticut’s rivers and the Long Island Sound.”

“This defendant engaged in a longstanding scheme of illegally dumping millions of gallons of untreated pollutants to the sewer system over a period of seven years,” said EPA Special Agent in Charge Amon.  “As the top executive, Defendant Faria cheated the public utility and undercut his competitors all while his employees and consultants were telling him to follow the law.”

“This case sends a clear signal that intentionally violating the environmental laws and regulations of Connecticut will not be tolerated and will be dealt with accordingly,” said DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee.  “The U.S. Attorney’s office aggressively prosecuted this case and has brought it to a successful conclusion.  I commend their efforts.”

On July 8, 2014, FARIA waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of knowingly violating, or causing to be violated, the Clean Water Act.  As a condition of his guilty plea, FARIA resigned from the company on March 7, 2014, and shall have no role in the operations or management of Faria Limited.  He now resides in Portland, Oregon.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Kenyon.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STEPHANIE ELLIOTT, 42, of West Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to one count of tax evasion.

This matter stems from an Internal Revenue Service investigation into State of Connecticut employees 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.

Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for May 11, 2015, at which time ELLIOTT faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.  She also is required to pay back taxes, plus interest and penalties.

ELLIOTT was charged by indictment on April 9, 2014, and is currently released on bond.

This ongoing investigating is being conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Wines.

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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 WILFRIDO A. CARDENAS HOFFMANN, 31, of El Hatillo, Venezuela, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for making threatening phone calls to residents of Newtown, Connecticut, shortly after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting tragedy in December 2012.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 16, 2012, two days after the shooting that claimed 26 lives at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CARDENAS HOFFMANN used a voice over IP application on an iPod to make numerous phone calls from his home in Venezuela to Newtown residences.  In one of the telephone calls, CARDENAS HOFFMANN stated: “This is Adam Lanza. I’m gonna [expletive] kill you.  You’re dead.  You’re dead.  You hear me?  You’re dead.”  In another phone call, CARDENAS HOFFMANN stated: “This is Adam Lanza.  I’m gonna kill you.  You’re dead.  With my machine gun.  You’re dead [expletive].”

The investigation revealed that CARDENAS HOFFMANN made more than 90 calls to approximately 47 telephone numbers of Newtown residences.  Not all of the calls were successfully placed and answered.
CARDENAS HOFFMANN was charged by criminal complaint on May 20, 2013.  The complaint remained sealed until CARDENAS HOFFMANN was arrested on June 21, 2014, in Miami as he transitioned through Miami International Airport en route to Mexico from Venezuela.  He has been detained since his arrest and pleaded guilty to the offense on December 11, 2014.

“Threatening Newtown residents just two days after their tragedy was inexplicably cruel,” stated U.S. Attorney Daly.  “This defendant’s senseless crimes re-victimized a brave yet fragile community that was already suffering a profound loss.  Together with the FBI, our office is committed to tracking down individuals who commit such hoax crimes wherever they are, and bringing them to justice.”

“With today’s sentence, Mr. Hoffmann has been held accountable for his despicable actions that only served to perpetuate the pain and suffering the families living in Newtown have endured,” stated Special Agent in Charge Patricia M. Ferrick.  “I would like to thank the investigators and prosecutors for their commitment to bring Mr. Hoffmann to justice.”

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Newtown Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Krishna Patel and Edward Chang.

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The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut announced that ALEXANDER MARQUEZ, 41, of Hialeah, Fla., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 12 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in the theft of pharmaceuticals from an Eli Lilly Company warehouse and storage facility in Enfield, Conn. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, in early 2010, Amaury Villa, Amed Villa, Yosmany Nunez and MARQUEZ planned to steal pharmaceuticals from the Eli Lilly Company warehouse and storage facility in Enfield.  The investigation revealed that, prior to the theft, Amaury Villa and Nunez traveled from the Miami area to Connecticut to gather information about the warehouse facility and the surrounding area.  Shortly before the theft, Amed Villa and Rafael Lopez traveled to Flushing, N.Y., where they purchased tools needed to break into the warehouse facility, and then traveled to Connecticut.

In the evening of March 13, 2010, individuals involved in the theft dropped off a ladder in the rear parking lot of the warehouse facility and left.  That same night, MARQUEZ drove a tractor trailer to the facility.  Thereafter, Amed Villa and Amaury Villa carried the ladder to the building, checked for security in the front area, climbed onto the roof, used the tools Amed Villa and Lopez had purchased to cut a hole in the facility roof, dropped down into the facility and disabled the alarm system.  Amaury Villa, Amed Villa and Nunez then loaded more than 40 pallets of pharmaceuticals into the tractor trailer, which had been backed up to the loading dock of the warehouse. 

The pallets of pharmaceuticals included thousands of boxes Zyprexa, Cymbalta, Prozac, Gemzar and other medicines, valued between $50 and $100 million.

The individuals who participated in the theft split up in Connecticut.  MARQUEZ then drove the tractor trailer to Florida, where he subsequently reunited with Amaury Villa, Amed Villa and Nunez so the pharmaceuticals could be transferred from the tractor trailer into self-storage units in the Miami area.

On October 14, 2011, law enforcement authorities searched a storage facility in Florida and recovered pharmaceuticals that had been stolen from the Enfield warehouse.

Judge Arterton ordered MARQUEZ to pay restitution in the approximate amount of $60 million.  The exact amount of restitution to be ordered will be determined after further submissions by the parties.

MARQUEZ, a citizen of Cuba, was arrested on April 17, 2014.  On November 5, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of transportation of stolen property.

Amaury Villa, Amed Villa, Nunez and Lopez also have pleaded guilty.  On February 4, 2015, Nunez was sentenced to 75 months of imprisonment.  Amaury Villa, Amed Villa and Lopez await sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Enfield Police Department, with the assistance of several other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and federal, state and local law enforcement agencies that have been investigating large-scale thefts of pharmaceuticals and other products.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anastasia E. King and Douglas P. Morabito.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RALPH CROZIER, 63, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for laundering drug money.  He also was ordered to pay a $25,000 fine.

On September 25, 2014, a jury found CROZIER guilty of one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and one count of attempt to launder monetary instruments.  According to the evidence at trial, law enforcement began investigating CROZIER, an attorney based in Seymour, after receiving information from a convicted narcotics trafficker who was in federal custody.  The narcotics trafficker stated that he was a former client of CROZIER and that CROZIER had convinced him to invest $30,000 in cash into CROZIER’s law partner’s solar energy company.  CROZIER knew that the cash was derived from his client’s narcotics trafficking activities.

In 2013, the narcotics trafficker’s mother agreed to wear a recording device while meeting with CROZIER to discuss her son’s prior investment.  On April 11, 2013, the woman brought $11,000 in DEA funds to a meeting with CROZIER, representing that her son had hidden the cash and wanted her to bring it to CROZIER.  The conversation during the meeting made it clear that the money had been illegally derived from drug dealing.  CROZIER accepted the cash and told the woman that he was going to make out the receipt in her son’s name, stating “I don’t want to put your name on anything because I don’t want you involved with hiding things from the Feds.”  CROZIER was arrested shortly after the woman left his office.

“Attorney Crozier readily agreed to launder drug money for a narcotics dealer,” stated U.S. Attorney.  “Money laundering is always a serious offense, but it is all the more serious when committed by an officer of the court.  As attorneys are appropriately held to a higher standard, Crozier’s crimes are particularly troubling.   This sentence reflects the seriousness of his offense and proper punishment for a lawyer who used his law license for criminal purposes.”

CROZIER, who is released on a $200,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on April 17, 2015.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale and Robert Spector, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Rombeau of the District of New Hampshire.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NANCY DILLON, 70, of Branford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to one year of probation, the first six months of which DILLON must serve in home confinement, for failing to pay taxes on income she received while participating in an illegal pyramid scheme known as “Gifting Tables.”  Judge Thompson also ordered DILLON to perform 100 hours of community service, pay a $2,000 fine and back taxes, penalties and interest.

According to court documents and statements made in court, a Gifting Table is configured as a four-level pyramid, with eight participants assigned to the bottom row, four participants assigned to the third row, two participants assigned to the second row, and one participant assigned to the top row.  The top row participant is referred to as the “Dessert,” the two participants on the second row as “Entrees,” the four participants on the third row as “Soup and Salads,” and the eight participants on the bottom row as “Appetizers.”  To join a Gifting Table, new participants were required to pay $5,000, typically cash, to the Dessert, that is, the participant occupying the top position on the pyramid.  The $5,000 payment, which was fraudulently characterized as a gift, secured the new participant a position as an Appetizer on the bottom row.  Participants progressed from the bottom row of the pyramid by recruiting additional people to join the Gifting Table.  When eight new participants joined a Gifting Table, each having made a $5,000 “gift” to the person occupying the Dessert position at the top of the pyramid, the Dessert left the Gifting Table and kept the $40,000 paid by the eight new participants.  That particular Gifting Table was then split, with the two participants occupying the Entree position on the second row moving to the top position (Dessert) of two new pyramids.  The other incumbent members of the Gifting Table moved up a row on one of the two newly-formed pyramids, and the search for 16 new participants began.  The success of the Gifting Tables depended on new participants joining and making the $5,000 “gift.”

In 2009, DILLON received $40,000 while participating in the Gifting Tables scheme.  Even though she had been advised by an attorney that the money was taxable income and not a gift, she failed to pay federal income taxes on the money she received.

On June 30, 2014, DILLON pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to file a return, supply information or pay tax.

This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas P. Morabito and Peter S. Jongbloed.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JULIO LARA TRINIDAD, 28, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to federal offenses stemming from a stolen identity tax refund fraud scheme that the government believes resulted in a loss of more than $7.5 million from the U.S. Treasury.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation into individuals who, through various means, obtained fraudulent U.S. Treasury tax refund checks using stolen identities.  After obtaining the checks, individuals sold them for less than face value of the checks, or deposited them into bank accounts that had been opened using fraudulent identifying documents.  The funds were then quickly withdrawn from the bank accounts.

In 2011, TRINIDAD was arrested in New Jersey for stealing U.S. Treasury tax refund checks from mailboxes.  He pleaded guilty to a related charge in the District of New Jersey in January 2012.  An arrest warrant was issued for TRINIDAD after he failed to appear for his sentencing in May 2012.  TRINIDAD was arrested on November 23, 2013, and subsequently was charged by indictment in the District of Connecticut.

The government alleges that in June 2012, while he was a fugitive from justice, TRINIDAD opened a checking account in the name of an identity theft victim.  Between December 2012 and February 2013, the checking account was used to purchase six licenses for a brand of tax preparation software.  According to the government, these licenses were used to file more than 60,000 federal income tax returns, seeking more than $234 million in federal tax refunds intended to be issued to TRINIDAD and his co-conspirators.  Nearly $6.8 million in fraudulent refunds were issued before the scheme was identified.

The government further alleges that TRINIDAD and individuals he recruited used additional stolen identities to open other bank accounts into which hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulently-obtained tax refunds were deposited.  TRINIDAD’s co-defendant, Jerry De Los Santos Rodriguez, has admitted that he and TRINIDAD opened bank accounts using fraudulent identities.  In addition, between July and October 2013, TRINIDAD and Ramon Mena sold more than $60,000 in fraudulently-obtained U.S. Treasury checks to an individual working with law enforcement.  TRINIDAD and Mena received some of these checks from Pricilla Brito and Yowandy DeLeon.

TRINIDAD pleaded guilty to one count of theft of public money, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years of imprisonment.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Ellen Bree Burns on May 5, 2015.

TRINIDAD has been detained since his arrest.

De Los Santos Rodriguez, Mena, Brito and DeLeon previously pleaded guilty.

This matter is being investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, the United States Secret Service and Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Danbury and Darien Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarala V. Nagala.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a KEVIN BETTS, also known as “KK,” 28, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to a federal charge stemming from his manufacture and distribution of PCP.

According to court documents and statements made in court, BETTS manufactured Phencyclidine (“PCP”) in his apartment at 57 Sumner Street in Hartford and, on five occasions in July and August 2014, sold the drug out of his apartment to an individual working with law enforcement.

On August 1, 2014, investigators searched the apartment and recovered more than 60 grams of PCP, scales, packaging material, six firearms, approximately 215 rounds of ammunition and a bullet proof vest.

BETTS pleaded guilty to one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on May 5, 2015.  As part of the resolution of this case, BETTS agreed to the forfeiture of the firearms, ammunition and bullet proof vest.

This prosecution stems from Project Longevity, a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence.  A critical component of the Project Longevity strategy is the “call-in,” a face-to-face meeting where Project Longevity partners engage group members and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it.  Close associates of BETTS attended a call-in on April 1, 2014, in Hartford, but members of their group are suspected of being involved in several shooting incidents since then.

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Hartford Police Department and the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force.  The FBI task force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTOPHER CARDONA, also known as “Tito,” 30, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, a joint investigation into heroin trafficking in the Hartford area identified CARDONA as a distributor of the drug.  On two occasions in March 2014, an individual working with law enforcement purchased approximately nine grams of heroin from Antonio Baez of Hartford.  The investigation revealed that CARDONA and another individual supplied the heroin to Baez, and had been supplying Baez with heroin for approximately two years.

CARDONA has been detained since his arrest on March 12, 2014.  On November 19, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, and to distribute, heroin.

Baez has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Caruso and Brian Leaming.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that two former residents of Danbury were sentenced yesterday in Hartford federal court for participating in a conspiracy involving the theft of monies from the U.S. Postal Service.  U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea sentenced TONY STERLIN CANTAVE, 34, to 13 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, and VENUS VERGES, 34, to three years of probation, during which she must perform 100 hours of community service.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between August and October 2013, CANTAVE and VERGES purchased U.S. Postal Service money orders in amounts ranging from $400 to $1000 at post offices in Stamford, Bridgeport, Greenwich, and lower Westchester County, N.Y.  After the money orders were purchased, the defendants used a mobile banking application to deposit the funds into bank accounts they controlled.  Shortly after depositing the funds, the defendants returned to the post offices from which the respective money orders had been purchased, failed to disclose that they had deposited the funds, returned the money orders and were refunded their money.

CANTAVE and VERGES stole approximately $12,300 from the U.S. Postal Service during the course of this scheme.

CANTAVE and VERGES were arrested on June 20, 2014.  On August 20, 2014, CANTAVE pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to convert public money and two counts of conversion of public money, and VERGES pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to convert public money and one count of conversion of public money.

Judge Shea ordered both defendants to pay full restitution.

This matter was by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John H. Durham.

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Deirdre M, Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that two former Bridgeport Police officers were sentenced today in Bridgeport federal court for violating an individual’s civil rights by using unreasonable force during the course of an arrest.  U.S. District Judge Jeffery Alker Meyer sentenced both ELSON MORALES, 43, and JOSEPH LAWLOR, 41, to three months of imprisonment and six months of supervised release.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 20, 2011, officers MORALES and LAWLOR engaged in a high speed chase of a van driven by an individual who was suspected of having a firearm and had failed to stop at traffic stop.  After a further foot pursuit in Beardsley Park in Bridgeport, the individual was apprehended by MORALES who used his department-issued Taser to incapacitate the individual.  Despite the fact the individual was on the ground and effectively incapacitated by the initial use of the Taser, MORALES deployed the Taser a second time and LAWLOR kicked the individual several times.

“The use of unreasonable force is illegal,” stated U.S. Attorney Daly.  “When a police officer uses unreasonable force, he both violates the victim’s civil rights and undermines the community’s trust in law enforcement.  The vast majority of Bridgeport Police Department members, and all law enforcement officers, are public servants who dedicate their lives to protecting the public.  However, any police officer who crosses the line during an arrest risks federal prosecution and, as this case demonstrates, incarceration.”

On June 10, 2014, MORALES and LAWLOR each pleaded guilty to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law.

MORALES and LAWLOR have resigned from the Bridgeport Police Department.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anastasia E. King and David E. Novick.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that PAUL BURRUS, 44, of New Haven, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to one count of possession of a stolen firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 5, 2014, a New Haven Police officer stopped a car in which BURRUS was a passenger in the area of West Ivy Street.  As the officer approached the car, he observed BURRUS appear to be hiding or moving something under the front passenger seat.  After the officer ordered BURRUS out of the car, he found a loaded Smith and Wesson M & P .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol under the passenger seat.

The firearm had been reported stolen in East Haven in August 2011.  BURRUS has admitted that that he purchased the firearm and ammunition for $500, and that he had reason to believe that the firearm had been stolen.

BURRUS is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall on May 12, 2015, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

The matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Haven Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Kaplan and Jennifer Laraia.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that VINCENT NELSON, also known as “June,” 29, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 90 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing narcotics and illegally possessing firearms.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an FBI Northern Connecticut Violent Crime and Gang Task Force investigation targeting gang and drug related activity in Hartford’s South End.  Beginning in November 2012, investigators made controlled purchases of crack cocaine from NELSON and his associate, Steven Granger, in the South End.  NELSON and Granger were identified by investigators as members of Money Green/Bedroc, a gang that at a time controlled the Bedford and Green Street neighborhoods off Albany Avenue in Hartford’s North End.  Money Green/Bedroc’s principal rival, the AVE, controlled the narcotics activity in adjacent neighborhoods, and the long standing dispute between the two gangs caused violent activity, including shootings and murders, in the area from 2008 until 2012.

NELSON’s criminal history includes multiple felony convictions, including a conviction for first degree assault for which he was sentenced to five years of imprisonment in 2009.

NELSON, Granger and another associate, Hector Alfonso of East Hartford, were arrested on January 23, 2013.  On that date, court-authorized searches of NELSON’s residence at 2 Warner Street Extension and Granger’s residence at 52 Elliott Street resulted in the seizure of three handguns, assorted ammunition, body armor, approximately 300 grams of crack cocaine, approximately 300 grams of cocaine, a small quantity of heroin, narcotics packaging material and $45,736 in cash.  Investigators also seized two vehicles.

NELSON has been detained since his arrest.  On July 9, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”), and one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

Granger and Alfonso also pleaded guilty and previously were sentenced to prison terms of 60 months and 18 months, respectively.

The matter was investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force, which includes representatives of the FBI, Connecticut State Police, the Hartford Police Department and the Connecticut Department of Correction, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian P. Leaming.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that THOMAS RECCK, 50, of New Britain, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in Bridgeport to fraud and tax charges stemming from an embezzlement scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, RECCK was the Treasurer for Connecticut Canine Search and Rescue, Inc. (“CCSAR”) in Kensington, a volunteer-based nonprofit organization dedicated to the search and rescue of missing and lost persons in the United States by using trained search and rescue dogs.  In his capacity as the treasurer, RECCK had access to the bank accounts of CCSAR.  From approximately January 2008 to August 2012, RECCK transferred $150,329.57 from CCCSR accounts into a separate account that he controlled and used the funds to gamble and for other personal expenses.

RECCK also failed to report the stolen funds on his federal tax returns.

RECCK pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of filing a false tax return, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years.  Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for April 29, 2015.

RECCK also has agreed to full restitution, as well as back taxes, penalties and interest for the 2008 through 2012 tax years.

Following his guilty plea, RECCK was released on bond.

This investigation is being conducted by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and the Greenwich Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

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The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut announced that YOSMANY NUNEZ, also known as “El Gato,” 42, of Southwest Ranches, Fla., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 75 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in the theft of pharmaceuticals from an Eli Lilly Company warehouse and storage facility in Enfield, Conn. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, in early 2010, NUNEZ, Amaury Villa, Amed Villa and Alexander Marquez planned to steal pharmaceuticals from the Eli Lilly Company warehouse and storage facility in Enfield.  The investigation revealed that, prior to the theft, NUNEZ and Amaury Villa traveled from the Miami area to Connecticut to gather information about the warehouse facility and the surrounding area.  Shortly before the theft, Amed Villa and Rafael Lopez traveled to Flushing, N.Y., where they purchased tools needed to break into the warehouse facility, and then traveled to Connecticut.

In the evening of March 13, 2010, individuals involved in the theft dropped off a ladder in the rear parking lot of the warehouse facility and left.  That same night, Marquez drove a tractor trailer to the facility.  Thereafter, Amed Villa and Amaury Villa carried the ladder to the building, checked for security in the front area, climbed onto the roof, used the tools Amed Villa and Lopez had purchased to cut a hole in the facility roof, dropped down into the facility and disabled the alarm system.  Amaury Villa, Amed Villa and NUNEZ then loaded more than 40 pallets of pharmaceuticals into the tractor trailer, which had been backed up to the loading dock of the warehouse. 

The pallets of pharmaceuticals included thousands of boxes Zyprexa, Cymbalta, Prozac, Gemzar and other medicines, valued between $50 and $100 million.

The individuals who participated in the theft split up in Connecticut.  Marquez then drove the tractor trailer to Florida, where he subsequently reunited with Amaury Villa, Amed Villa and NUNEZ so the pharmaceuticals could be transferred from the tractor trailer into self-storage units in the Miami area.
On October 14, 2011, law enforcement authorities searched a storage facility in Florida and recovered pharmaceuticals that had been stolen from the Enfield warehouse.

Judge Arterton ordered NUNEZ to pay restitution in the approximate amount of $60 million, but the exact amount of restitution to be ordered will be determined after further submissions by the parties.

NUNEZ, a citizen of Cuba, has been detained since his arrest on April 17, 2014.  On November 5, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of transportation of stolen property.

Amaury Villa, Amed Villa, Marquez and Lopez have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Enfield Police Department, with the assistance of several other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and federal, state and local law enforcement agencies that have been investigating large-scale thefts of pharmaceuticals and other products.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anastasia E. King and Douglas P. Morabito.

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United States Attorney Deirdre M. Daly and representatives from five federal law enforcement agencies today announced the formation of the Connecticut Public Corruption Task Force to investigate corrupt public officials, the misuse of public funds and related criminal activity.

The Connecticut Public Corruption Task Force includes representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the Inspector General’s Offices of the United States Department of Health and Human Services and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“For the first time in Connecticut, we have brought together in a single investigative unit, agents and inspectors from the federal agencies that have primary responsibility for investigating public corruption,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “Although each of these agencies has a history of working together, bringing some of the best agents in the state into one unit with a singular purpose of investigating all manner of corruption is an optimal way to address the complex and varied threats posed by corrupt activity.”

U.S. Attorney Daly explained that the Task Force is focused on rooting out not only corrupt elected officials, but also federal, state and municipal employees who use their position for personal gain at the expense of the public good.  The Task Force also will investigate corruption that threatens public resources, the electoral process, and fair economic opportunities for citizens and businesses.  In addition, the Task Force is charged with uncovering corruption within both public and private institutions that receive and misuse taxpayer dollars.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher M. Mattei, who is Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Financial Fraud and Public Corruption Unit, is coordinating the Task Force.  The FBI has committed resources to support all Task Force investigations and serves as the lead investigative agency.

“The New Haven Division of the FBI is joining forces with our federal agency partners to combat public corruption throughout the State of Connecticut,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Patricia M. Ferrick.  “With the assistance and cooperation of these partners, the Connecticut Public Corruption Task force is well positioned to successfully root out and put an end to public corruption within our area.  Public servants are entrusted by all of us to act in the best interests of the public they serve.  It is important for the United States to bring to justice those who betray that trust.  Public corruption at all levels of local, state, and federal government must not be tolerated, and this task force will leverage the best assets of the task force partner agencies to address the threat posed by corrupt public officials.”

The Task Force has been at work for several months and has already made significant gains in several investigations, including the recent arrest of the former Finance Director of Plymouth who is alleged to have embezzled more than $800,000 from the town.

“The Postal Inspection Service has enjoyed a close relationship with the Connecticut U.S. Attorney’s Office through the years working intricate and complex fraud cases that involve the illicit use of the U.S Mails,” said Inspector in Charge Shelly A. Binkowski of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service welcomes the formation of the Connecticut Public Corruption Task Force, a partnership that presents a tremendous opportunity for various agencies to pool resources and expertise to ensure public officials are held accountable.”

“Investigating public corruption remains one of IRS Criminal Investigation’s highest priorities,” said William Offord, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service.  “Public trust is broken when elected or appointed officials commit crimes – most often triggered by greed and resulting in unlawful personal financial gain.  IRS agents contribute their financial investigative expertise to this formidable investigative team.”

“As part of the Public Corruption Task Force, HHS OIG will ensure that the department’s dollars are not misused though public corruption and are instead used for their intended purpose of ensuring that the most vulnerable members of our society – including the elderly, poor and children – receive services funded at least in part by taxpayers,” said Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Regional Office of the Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General.  “Working with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, we will continue to vigorously bring those who steal from these programs to justice.”

“The core mission of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) includes creating strong, sustainable communities and quality affordable homes for all,” said Christina Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Region of HUD’s Office of Inspector General.  “To carry out its mission, HUD depends on the services of housing authority staff; owners and management agents of HUD-assisted multifamily developments; state, local, and municipal governments that receive HUD funding in the form of community development grants; and nonprofit organizations that administer a variety of programs including housing the homeless.  HUD also oversees the administration of over $150 million awarded to the State of Connecticut for Hurricane Irene and Sandy disaster relief purposes.  HUD OIG is dedicated to aggressively pursuing those who choose to engage in corrupt behavior, and we are proud to be a part of this all-important task force.”

U.S. Attorney Daly encouraged citizens to report corrupt activity by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).

“Connecticut’s unfortunate recent history with corruption is well known, but so is this Office’s history of combating corrupt activity,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “Our efforts have been aided by a dogged media and courageous, conscientious citizens, business owners and public officials who have provided information about corrupt activity in their midst.  We call on public servants, the vast majority of whom are honest brokers, to not look the other way when they see indications of corruption. We cannot overstate the importance of citizen participation in our fight against corruption, and we urge all citizens to assist us in this effort.”

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JERMAINE JENKINS, 34, formerly of Newington, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a cocaine trafficking ring.

This matter stems from a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Drug Enforcement Administration into a drug trafficking organization that involved individuals in California using the U.S. Mail and commercial carriers to send large quantities of cocaine to co-conspirators in the Hartford area who sold the narcotics for profit.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Joseph Miller of Los Angeles, formerly of East Hartford, sent kilogram parcels of cocaine from California to JENKINS, Luther Nance and their associates in Connecticut.  JENKINS, Nance and others then distributed the cocaine, or converted the cocaine into crack for street sale.

The investigation revealed that certain co-conspirators traveled to California with a large amount of cash to finance the purchase of cocaine.  Co-conspirators also made numerous cash deposits into local bank accounts, as well as wire transfers.  The cash deposits were made at several branches of the same bank in the Hartford area in amounts of less than $10,000 in order to evade the bank’s currency transaction reporting requirements.

On November 14, 2013, a federal grand jury returned two-count indictment charging JENKINS, Miller and six other defendants.

On June 27, 2013, a federal grand jury returned a 51-count superseding indictment charging Nance and 14 other individuals with narcotics conspiracy and related offenses stemming from the sale of crack cocaine and heroin in several communities throughout Connecticut.

JENKINS’ criminal history includes a federal conviction in 2006 for distributing crack cocaine, and he was on federal supervised release at the time of this most recent offense.  On July 21, 2013, U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant revoked JENKINS’ bond and sentenced him to an additional 18 months of imprisonment.  He has been detained since October 23, 2013.

On October 14, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Miller and Nance have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney, the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Hartford, and the Hartford, Willimantic, East Hartford, Enfield and Middletown Police Departments.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on Friday, January 30, ALAN R. PAGANO, 64, of Darien, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for tax evasion.  He also was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, PAGANO is the president and majority owner of Pagano’s Retail, Inc., a wholesale seafood distribution business based in Norwalk.  From 2006 to 2010, PAGANO diverted a total of $780,608 in cash that the business received, deposited the money into his personal bank account, and failed to pay $238,739 in federal taxes on the income.

Over the five year period, PAGANO structured cash deposits in amounts of less than $10,001 in order to evade his bank’s currency transaction reporting requirements.  For example, in 2007, PAGANO made 16 currency deposits in amounts ranging from $9,000 to $9,900.

On October 29, 2013, PAGANO pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion.

PAGANO has paid restitution of $238,739 to the Department of Treasury, but still owes substantial penalties and interest.  As part of his sentence, Judge Underhill ordered PAGANO to cooperate with the Internal Revenue Service concerning his taxes, stay current with filing his tax returns, and pay the penalties and interest the IRS assesses for tax years 2006 to 2010.

PAGANO also forfeited an additional $90,000 in relation to the structuring of cash deposits.

This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on Friday, January 30, MAURICE L. MILLIGAN, 36, of New London, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 90 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 11:30 p.m. on April 22, 2013, New London Police received reports of shots fired in the vicinity of a convenience store located on Ocean Avenue near the intersection of Evergreen and Sherman Streets.  Responding officers did not find any victim of the shooting, but did locate and seize four spent 9mm Winchester shell casings in the immediate area.  The investigation determined that two males had had a verbal altercation inside the convenience store and, shortly thereafter, a number of shots had been fired outside the business.  Review of video from inside and outside the store led to the identification of MILLIGAN as the probable shooter.

On April 25, 2013, New London Police observed MILLIGAN sitting in the driver’s seat of a parked vehicle.  Officers ordered MILLIGAN to exit the car and saw that he was wearing a bullet-proof vest.  Officers then searched the vehicle and recovered from under the driver’s seat a Glock, Model 17, 9mm semi-automatic pistol with an obliterated serial number.  The handgun was loaded with 19 rounds of Winchester 9mm ammunition.  Further examination of the gun revealed that the serial number on the frame of the weapon had been removed.

A ballistics comparison made of the shell casings recovered on the night of April 22 with the Glock seized from under the driver’s seat of the car MILLIGAN was driving on April 25 established that the Glock was the weapon that fired the shots.

Prior to April 2013, MILLIGAN had been convicted in the Queens County (N.Y.) Supreme Court of third degree criminal possession of a loaded firearm and second degree robbery.

It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.  It is also a violation of federal law for a convicted felon to wear protective body armor, and for an individual who has been convicted of a violent felony offense to possess body armor.

MILLIGAN has been detained since his arrest on April 25, 2013.  On June 23, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the New London Police Department and the Office of the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of New London.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John H. Durham.

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on Friday, January 30, RAHSHIM CARTER, also known as “Jinks” and “Mace,” 26, of Bridgeport, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 62 months of imprisonment for being a felon in possession of a firearm, and for violating his supervised release from a previous federal conviction.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 9, 2013, CARTER was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 18 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for distributing heroin in and around the Trumbull Gardens housing complex in Bridgeport.  He was released from prison on September 11, 2013, and began serving his term of supervised release.

On February 14, 2014, Bridgeport Police received a report that a man driving a black Dodge Durango was selling narcotics in the area of Trumbull Avenue and Reservoir Avenue.  Police caught up to the Durango on Reservoir Avenue, pulled it over and learned that a license plate on the Durango belonged to another vehicle.  CARTER was in the driver’s seat of the Durango and a woman was in the passenger seat.  A search of CARTER’s female passenger revealed a loaded Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380 firearm.  A search of the vehicle also revealed approximately 250 glassine envelopes, commonly used to package heroin for street sale, and a stamp kit.

The investigation revealed that CARTER possessed the firearm and that he attempted to conceal it in the woman’s pants as he was about to be stopped by police.  The investigation further revealed that the firearm was one of 111 firearms stolen from Smith & Wesson’s distribution plant in Springfield, Massachusetts, in November 2012.

CARTER has been detained since his federal arrest on April 9, 2014.  On November 3, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

Judge Shea sentenced CARTER to 50 months of imprisonment for illegally possessing a firearm, and a consecutive 12-month prison term for violating the terms and conditions of his supervised release.

This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.

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