District of Connecticut

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JODI CHURCHILL, 45, of Orange, waived her right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford to one count of mail fraud stemming from her embezzlement of more than $500,000 from a Southbury synagogue.

According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in November 2010, while serving as the vice president of the Beth El Synagogue in Southbury, CHURCHILL began embezzling funds from the synagogue.  In June 2011, CHURCHILL became president of the synagogue and used her new position to open a checking account and a money market account in the name of the synagogue.  CHURCHILL was the only signatory on the accounts.  Initially, CHURCHILL opened the accounts using the synagogue’s business address in Southbury, but in 2011, she directed the bank to change the mailing address on the accounts to her residence in Orange.  Thereafter, all bank statements for accounts were mailed to CHURCHILL’s home address.

Between June 2011 and December 2011, CHURCHILL deposited bank checks totaling more than $300,000 into the accounts.  The checks reflected the proceeds of certificates of deposit held by the synagogue that had matured at other financial institutions.   

The investigation has revealed that CHURCHILL made more than 60 unauthorized ATM and over-the-counter withdrawals of synagogue funds in amounts ranging from $200 to $5,000.  CHURCHILL used embezzled funds to pay school-related expenses for her children, expenses for leasing a horse used by one of her children, vehicle expenses, airline tickets and hotel expenses for personal travel.  She also provided stolen funds to a relative.

During the course of this scheme, CHURCHILL embezzled more than $500,000 in synagogue funds.

CHURCHILL is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on September 5, 2013, at which time CHURCHILL faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

This matter is being investigated by the United States Secret Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that NICHOLAS EVANS, 34, of Norwalk, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 41 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 8:00 p.m. on August 23, 2012, EVANS was pursued and then arrested by Bridgeport Police at a residence on Washington Avenue after he discarded a 9mm pistol that was loaded with six rounds of ammunition.  The firearm had an obliterated serial number.

EVANS was previously convicted of narcotics and firearms offenses, and of violating a protective order.  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.

EVANS has been detained since his arrest.  On February 1, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

This matter was investigated by the Bridgeport Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vanessa Richards.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that EARL BANKS, also known as “E.J.,” 22, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.

BANKS is one of more than 100 individuals charged as a result of “Operation Bloodline,” a joint law enforcement investigation targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in the Dwight-Kensington and Fair Haven sections of New Haven.  Led by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the New Haven and Hamden Police Departments, the year-long investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps on numerous telephones, extensive physical surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, execution of search warrants and seizures of narcotics and firearms.

The investigation revealed that BANKS conspired with others to purchase and redistribute crack cocaine.  On December 13, 2011 and February 2, 2012, law enforcement officers conducted controlled purchases of crack from BANKS.

BANKS, who was on state probation at the time of the offense, has been detained since his arrest on May 17, 2012.  On January 28, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia and Meriden Police Departments.  The United States Marshals Service, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, Parole and Community Services and the Milford, Hartford, New Britain, North Branford and Stratford Police Departments have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys S. Dave Vatti and Marc Silverman.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NAIM HASAAN, 31, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford to one count of social security number fraud.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on 10 occasions between September 2006 and November 2007, HASAAN applied for a non-driver identification card at the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles.  Each time HASAAN presented a name and social security number of another person along with his own photo.  As a result, HASAAN falsely obtained 10 non-driver identifications in other people’s names, each one bearing his own photo.

HASAAN is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on September 3, 2013, at which time HASAAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.

This matter is being investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Anjna Kapoor and Assistant United States Attorney Henry K. Kopel.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTOPHER DOBOSZ, 30, of Middletown, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally selling firearms.  DOBOSZ was ordered to serve the first six months of his supervised release in home confinement.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on three occasions in August 2012, DOBOSZ met an individual working with law enforcement at a parking lot in New Haven and sold a total of seven firearms to the individual in exchange for $5,300.  One of the firearms had been reported stolen and one had an obliterated serial number.  DOBOSZ knew that the purchaser was a convicted felon who planned to re-sell the firearms.

DOBOSZ has been detained since his arrest on September 26, 2012.  On February 15, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of illegally engaging in the business of dealing in firearms.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vanessa Richards.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MORRIS CARTER, III, also known as “Chilly Mo, Jr.” and “Mo,” 24, of Hartford, was sentenced today by Chief United States District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 92 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.

This matter stems from “Operation Vinefield,” a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in Hartford’s North End.  As a result of the nine-month investigation, 38 individuals were charged with various offenses related to the distribution of crack cocaine and the unlawful possession and dealing of firearms in and around Hartford.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the investigation revealed that CARTER conspired with Joshua Easterling to distribute crack cocaine in Hartford’s lower Vine Street area.

CARTER has been detained since his arrest on February 23, 2012.  On November 28, 2012, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

Easterling has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, the Connecticut State Police, the Hartford Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian P. Leaming.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the FBI, and Bridgeport Police Chief Joseph L. Gaudett, Jr., announced that MORRIS A. ROBERTS, 42, of Bridgeport, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with delivering a modified hand grenade concealed in a coffee cup to the Bridgeport Police Department in February.

ROBERTS was arrested this morning at his residence.  He appeared before United Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel and has been ordered detained.

As alleged in the criminal complaint, in the morning of February 27, 2013, outside of the Bridgeport City Hall annex located at 999 Broad Street, ROBERTS handed  a paper coffee cup to a witness and asked the witness to deliver the coffee cup to Bridgeport Police Department’s Office of Internal Affairs (OIA).  The witness subsequently delivered the cup.  When a police officer assigned to OIA looked in the cup, the officer discovered a modified hand grenade and notified the Emergency Operations Center.  Law enforcement officers, including the Connecticut State Police Emergency Service Unit, responded to the scene, the building was evacuated and the grenade was safely removed.

Subsequent examination of the grenade determined that it would not have detonated due to its poor construction.  However, explosive black powder, which is not normally present in the type of device found, had been added to the grenade.

The investigation has included analysis of several videos recorded on the morning of February 27 in the area of 999 Broad Street.

The criminal complaint charges ROBERTS with possession of an explosive by a previously convicted felon, and with making a threat or conveying false information concerning an attempt to kill, injure or intimidate a person or unlawfully damage any building by means of an explosive.  Each charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Acting U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that a complaint is only a charge and 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Bridgeport Police Department and the Connecticut State Police.  The FBI’s JTTF includes participants from the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Connecticut State Police, Bridgeport Police Department, Norwich Police Department and the New York Police Department.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anastasia E. King.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that AARON MOORE, also known as “Boogs,” 24, of West Haven, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.

This matter stems from a joint law enforcement investigation conducted by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, the DEA New Haven Task Force, the New Haven Police Department and the Hamden Police Department.  Through the use of court-authorized wiretaps, investigating officers identified and dismantled a large drug-trafficking organization that was centered in the Newhallville section of New Haven and Hamden, and was responsible for the distribution of crack cocaine and cocaine throughout the Greater New Haven area.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in August and September 2010, MOORE was intercepted several times over a wiretap ordering distribution quantities of crack cocaine from other members of the drug trafficking organization.  He then sold the drug to his own customer base for profit.

On January, 23, 2013, MOORE pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

Forty-seven individuals have been charged in federal court with various narcotics offenses as a result of this investigation.  All have been convicted.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Haven Safe Streets Task Force (composed of members of members of the New Haven, Ansonia, Milford, Hamden and East Haven Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police and the Connecticut Department of Correction), the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force (composed of members of the New Haven, West Haven, Meriden, Ansonia, Hamden and Branford Police Departments), along with substantial participation by members of the New Haven and Hamden Police Departments.  The United States Marshals Service also has assisted the investigation.

The investigation was funded in significant part by the United States Attorney’s Office Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and supported by the Office’s Project Safe Neighborhoods and Anti-Gang programs.

This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher M. Mattei and Robert M. Spector.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that two Hartford men involved in narcotics and firearms trafficking have been sentenced in New Haven federal court.

JEFFREY FANIEL, 31, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall to 92 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.  On January 2, 2013, FANIEL pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).

JOHNNY ROSA, also known as “Johnny J,” 20, was sentenced yesterday by Judge Hall to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.  On November 9, 2012, ROSA pleaded guilty to one count of transferring a firearm to a prohibited person.

This matter stems from “Operation Vinefield,” a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in Hartford’s North End.  As a result of the nine-month investigation, 38 individuals were charged with various offenses related to the distribution of crack cocaine and the unlawful possession and dealing of firearms in and around Hartford.

According to court documents and statements made in court, FANIEL supplied crack cocaine to Jaeqwan Sheppard, who sold the drug in the Enfield Street area of Hartford.  The investigation also revealed that Sheppard sold firearms that he had acquired from ROSA through another co-conspirator.

In addition, between December 2011 and April 2012, ROSA sold a .308 caliber rifle, a .22 caliber rifle and a .25 caliber pistol, as well as quantities of crack and powder cocaine, to an individual working with law enforcement.

The .308 caliber rifle had been reported stolen from a residence in East Hartford in July 2011.

Sheppard pleaded guilty and, on May 1, 2013, he was sentenced to 108 months of imprisonment.

This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, the Connecticut State Police, the Hartford Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian P. Leaming.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JULIO BRINEZ, 43, of Palisades Park, N.J., was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking oxycodone.

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 trafficking of oxycodone, cocaine and marijuana in Fairfield County.  On three occasions in March 2012, BRINEZ was intercepted over a court-authorized wiretap engaging in discussions involving the illegal distribution of oxycodone.

BRINEZ was arrested on June 22, 2012 and, on January 3, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone.  He has been detained since January 22, 2013 after he violated the conditions of his bond.

Sixteen individuals have been charged as a result of this investigation.

This matter is being 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 and Stratford Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted Assistant United States Attorneys Peter Markle and Vanessa Richards.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that AHMET CILEK, 43, a citizen of Turkey last residing in Levittown, N.Y., was sentenced today by United States District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 62 months of imprisonment for his participation in an ATM skimming scheme across southern New England.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between February 2011 and July 2011, CILEK, Mehmet Aydin, Gabriella Graham and others conspired to install “skimming” devices on automated teller machines (“ATMs”) at 11 banks and one credit union in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.  The devices were able to capture the information encoded on the magnetic strips of bank cards used by ATM customers.  The co-conspirators also placed devices on the ATMs that contained hidden pinhole cameras, which recorded the personal identification numbers that bank customers keyed into the ATMs to gain access to their accounts.  The co-conspirators used the stolen information captured by the skimming devices and pinhole cameras to create counterfeit bank cards that allowed them to withdraw funds from the customers’ accounts.

Approximately 500 bank accounts were victimized and financial institutions have suffered losses of approximately $336,057.64 as a result of this scheme.  As part of his sentence, CILEK was ordered to make full restitution, jointly and severally with his co-defendants.

CILEK has been detained since his arrest in Darien on June 20, 2011.  On April 9, 2012, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.

Aydin and Graham also pleaded guilty and have been sentenced to 59 months and 45 months of imprisonment, respectively.

This investigation was conducted by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, which includes members of the United States Secret Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, United States Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Connecticut State Police, and the Greenwich, Hartford, Stamford, Shelton and Stratford Police Departments.  Acting U.S. Attorney Daly specifically recognized the efforts of the Greenwich Police Department, Darien Police Department, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service’s Office of Fraud Detection and National Security, and U.S. Secret Service in Boston and Providence for their assistance in the investigation and prosecution of this matter.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILSON MORILLO, also known as “Spaz,” 21, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between February 2011 and November 20111, MORILLO was a member of a drug trafficking organization that sold heroin in the Hartford area.  One of MORILLO’s heroin customers held a Connecticut pistol permit. On March 15, 2011, MORILLO and a co-conspirator drove the drug customer to a federally-licensed firearms dealer in East Hartford, picked out two guns for the customer to purchase and provided him with money to complete the purchases.  After purchasing the firearms and leaving the store, MORILLO and his co-conspirator gave the drug customer heroin and $200 in cash in exchange for the two firearms.

The following day, MORILLO, another co-conspirator and the drug customer returned to the store and similarly purchased a third firearm.  The drug customer received heroin and $100 in exchange for the firearm.

Judge Hall has scheduled sentencing for August 23, 2013, at which time MORILLO faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of life imprisonment.

MORILLO has been detained on state charges since November 2011.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan S. Freimann and Special Assistant United States Attorney Natasha Dye.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DARIO PABEY, 32, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 180 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in the August 2012 robbery of TD Bank in Killingworth.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the afternoon of August 6, 2012, Jennifer Jacques drove PABEY and Marcus Dwyer to the TD Bank on Route 81 in Killingworth.  PABEY and Dwyer then entered the bank wearing masks and demanded that everyone lie on the floor.  Dwyer pointed a gun at bank employees and customers and then jumped over the teller door and ordered the employees to open the vault.  He accompanied the employees to the vault while PABEY controlled the lobby area.  PABEY used zip ties to tie the hands of one bank employee and demanded that the customers give him their wallets, mobile phones and car keys.  As PABEY was starting to restrain a second person with zip ties, Dwyer ran past him with a bag of money that he had taken from the vault.  PABEY followed and grabbed a patron who had surrendered his car keys to him and forced him out of the bank.  Dwyer and PABEY fled in the customer’s vehicle, which was abandoned a short distance from the bank at a pre-planned location where Jacques was waiting.  Jacques then drove PABEY and Dwyer away from the bank while they changed out of the clothes they had worn during the robbery.

The investigation revealed that $43,573 was stolen from the bank and its patrons during the robbery.

PABEY has been detained since his arrest on September 7, 2012.  On February 25, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery.

Dwyer and Jacques have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ray Miller and Sarala Nagala.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that two Hartford men involved in the distribution of narcotics were sentenced this week in federal court.

ANTHONY HENRY, also known as “Tone” and “Mack,” 22, was sentenced on Wednesday by Chief U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release.  HENRY also was ordered to perform 200 hours community service. 

MORRIS HARMON, also known as “Smooth,” 54, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.

This matter stems from “Operation Vinefield,” a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in Hartford’s North End.  As a result of the nine-month investigation, 38 individuals were charged with various offenses related to the distribution of crack cocaine and the unlawful possession and dealing of firearms in and around Hartford.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the investigation revealed that Joshua Easterling and Kyshiifa Boyd distributed large quantities of crack cocaine in Hartford’s lower Vine Street area, as well as in other locations in Hartford and East Hartford. HENRY was identified as a source of supply for Easterling.  When HENRY was arrested on March 9, 2012, investigators seized approximately 45 bags of heroin and two firearms, a .45 caliber pistol and a.357 revolver, from a locked safe in HENRY’s residence.

The investigation further revealed Jaeqwan Sheppard was involved in the distribution of crack cocaine in the Enfield Street area of Hartford, and that HARMON supplied crack to Sheppard until HARMON’s arrest on January 18, 2012.  On that date, a search of HARMON’s Collins Street apartment revealed approximately 98 grams of crack.

HENRY and HARMON each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

Easterling, Boyd and Sheppard also have pleaded guilty.  On May 1, 2013, Sheppard was sentenced to 108 months of imprisonment.  Easterling and Boyd await sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, the Connecticut State Police, the Hartford Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian P. Leaming.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANGELINA VELASQUEZ, 46, of Trumbull, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 15 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for two fraud offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, VELASQUEZ was employed as the payroll and human resources coordinator for a victim company.  From approximately September 2007 to November 2009, VELASQUEZ manipulated her employer’s payroll system and caused the company to generate approximately 350 unauthorized payroll checks, totaling approximately $247,570, in the names of 87 different employees at the company.  She then intercepted the checks before delivery to the employees, forged their signatures on the back of the checks, deposited and cashed the checks at two banks and used the proceeds for her own personal use.

In addition, VELASQUEZ assisted individuals by preparing and submitting personal income tax returns.  In 2009, she defrauded an individual out of her tax refund of $5,146.

On February 28, 2013, VELASQUEZ pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud.

This matter was investigated by the Shelton Police Department, the United States Secret Service, and the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, which includes federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LEROY PRESSLEY, 25, of Norwalk, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 57 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 August 18, 2010, PRESSLEY was arrested by the Norwalk Police Department in the Roodner Court housing complex after he was found in possession of a loaded .38 caliber revolver, approximately 28 grams of crack cocaine and a quantity of heroin.

PRESSLEY was previously convicted of second degree assault in 2004 and sale of narcotics in 2005.  The assault stemmed from an incident in which PRESSLEY shot another individual in the leg.

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.

PRESSLEY, who was on state probation at the time of this offense, has been detained in federal custody since September 9, 2010.  On September 25, 2012, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

While incarcerated in state and federal custody, PRESSLEY has received numerous disciplinary tickets for fighting and committing assaults.  In October 2011, PRESSLEY and another individual violently assaulted another inmate at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility by repeatedly punching and kicking him in the face and the head.  Judge Burns referred to these incidents as aggravating factors when she refused PRESSLEY’s request for a sentence of time served and imposed a term of incarceration at the top of the federal sentencing guidelines range.

This matter was investigated by the Norwalk Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration, pursuant to the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative in Norwalk.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Spector and Marc Silverman.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTOINE LAWS, 27, of Norwalk, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 57 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 6, 2012, LAWS was arrested by the Norwalk Police Department in the Roodner Court housing complex after he was found in possession of a .25 Caliber ACP semi-automatic handgun, which was loaded with hollow-point ammunition, and a quantity of crack cocaine.

LAWS was previously convicted of burglary, narcotics and firearms 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.

LAWS has been detained since his arrest.  On January 29, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

This matter was investigated by the Norwalk Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, pursuant to the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative in Norwalk.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah P. Karwan.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that THOMAS J. TUREY, 64, of Norwalk, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons in Bridgeport to one count of wire fraud related to his embezzlement of more than $3.4 million.

According to court documents and statements made in court, TUREY served as the controller for a market research company located in Stamford.  As controller, TUREY’s responsibilities included aggregating the company’s monthly revenue and expense results, managing the company’s accounts receivable, performing financial analysis and reporting, and overseeing the company’s bookkeeper.  TUREY also was responsible for the company’s general ledger and was in charge of conducting the company’s bank reconciliations.  Between August 2005 and January 2013, TUREY embezzled approximately $3,462,435 from the company by writing checks to himself or to a fictitious entity for his personal benefit, and depositing those funds into bank accounts he controlled.  TUREY made numerous false entries in the company’s books and records to conceal this scheme.

The majority of the embezzled funds were subsequently transferred into TUREY’s online brokerage account.

TUREY is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven on August 20, 2013, at which time TUREY faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  He has been released on a $300,000 bond since his arrest on February 14, 2013.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul A. Murphy.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph P. Faughnan, United States Marshal for the District of Connecticut; Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Fairfield Police Chief Gary MacNamara and Meriden Police Chief Jeffry Cossette today announced that five individuals have been charged by federal criminal complaint for their participation in the kidnapping of four Meriden residents and the robbery of a Fairfield jewelry store on April 11, 2013.

“We applaud the excellent work of the investigative agencies, the U.S. Marshals Service, the FBI, and the Fairfield and Meriden Police Departments, who are responsible for these swift arrests,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Daly.  “Our Office thanks them for their professionalism and dynamic work in this difficult and important investigation.”

“This is an outstanding example of the positive results that occur when investigative agencies from all levels of government and jurisdictions work together for a common goal,” stated U.S. Marshal Faughnan.  “Fortunately these individuals were arrested before committing similar crimes that place the lives of innocent persons at risk.”

“Today’s arrests are yet another example of how dedicated and talented investigators from multiple agencies worked together to quickly identify and apprehend those responsible for violent crimes,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Mertz. “This investigation will continue until there is justice for the victims.”

“This is a great example of Connecticut law enforcement working together,” stated Fairfield Police Chief MacNamara.  “I want to thank the Fairfield and Meriden officers and detectives, as well as the U.S. Marshals in Connecticut, the Connecticut FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  These individuals tried to exploit our jurisdictional boundaries and this group of law enforcement proved those boundaries are just lines on a map.”

As alleged in criminal complaints that were unsealed today, at approximately 9:00 p.m. on April 11, at least four men wearing masks and gloves, two of whom were armed with handguns, broke into an apartment on Gravel Street in Meriden, Conn., bound four victims with duct tape and covered their heads with pillowcases, towels and jackets.  Three of the perpetrators then forced two of the victims into a victim’s vehicle and drove to Lenox Jewelers in Fairfield, Conn., where the two victims worked.  At the store, the perpetrators stole jewelry, watches and loose diamonds valued at between four and five million dollars.  They then fled in the victim’s car, leaving the two victims bound inside the store.

The following five individuals are charged with federal kidnapping, robbery and firearms offenses:

TIMOTHY FORBES, 31, of Allentown, Pa.
WILLIAM DAVIS, 25, of Allentown, Pa.
JEFFREY HOUSTON, 26, of Allentown, Pa.
CHRISTOPHER GAY, 27, of Bronx, N.Y.
KASAM HENNIX, 39, of Easton, Pa.

FORBES has been in custody in Pennsylvania since his arrest on state charges earlier this month.
DAVIS, HOUSTON, GAY and HENNIX were arrested yesterday.  A search of DAVIS’s residence resulted in the seizure of jewelry, high-end watches and approximately $60,000 in cash.  A search of GAY’s Bronx hotel room led to the seizure of more jewelry, watches and approximately $50,000 in cash.

HOUSTON and GAY appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport, Conn., and were ordered detained.  DAVIS and HENNIX appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry S. Perkin in Allentown and are also detained.

Each of the defendants is charged with kidnapping, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, Hobbs Act Robbery, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, which carries a consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years.

Acting U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is entitled to have this matter presented to a grand jury and, in the event an indictment is returned, he is entitled to a trial at which it will be the Government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the United States Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fairfield Police Department and Meriden Police Department.  Acting U.S. Attorney Daly also acknowledged the assistance provided by the U.S. Marshals Service and FBI in New York and Pennsylvania; the York, Allentown and Bethlehem Police Departments in Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tracy Lee Dayton and Douglas P. Morabito.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARVIN WOOTEN, also known as “Smash,” 43, of Norwalk, was sentenced today by United States District Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a southwestern Connecticut narcotics trafficking ring. 

This matter stems from “Operation There It Is,” a six-month wiretap investigation spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Stamford Police Department’s Narcotics and Organized Crime Squad.  As a result of the investigation, a total of 24 individuals have been charged in federal court with various narcotics offenses related to the distribution of cocaine and crack cocaine in Bridgeport, Norwalk and Stamford.  During the investigation, law enforcement officers seized more than $100,000 in cash, 500 grams of cocaine, 350 grams of crack cocaine, several vehicles and jewelry.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between September 2012 and January 2013, WOOTEN regularly purchased multi-hundred gram quantities of cocaine from various sources of supply, including individuals who were selling cocaine out of a Bridgeport barbershop.  WOOTEN then converted the cocaine to crack cocaine and sold it to customers for a significant profit.

WOOTEN has been detained since his arrest on January 14, 2013.  On February 27, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

WOOTEN’s criminal history includes a manslaughter conviction related to his involvement in a 1993 homicide of a seven-year old girl who was caught in the crossfire between two groups of individuals in a drug turf war.  After being featured on America’s Most Wanted in 1995, WOOTEN was apprehended in Ohio, returned to Connecticut and convicted.  He served approximately 11 years of imprisonment before being discharged from the Connecticut Department of Correction.

In 2012, just months after his term of state probation concluded, WOOTEN was stopped at an airport in Phoenix, Ariz., while in possession of more than $48,000 in cash.

Acting U.S. Attorney Daly noted that federal prisoners are required to serve at least 85 percent of their sentenced term of imprisonment and are not eligible for parole.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force – which is composed of members of the Bridgeport, Stamford, Norwalk, Milford, Westport, and Stratford Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police – and the Stamford Police Department’s Narcotics and Organized Crime Squad.  The United States Marshals Service also assisted in the arrests of several of the defendants.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah Karwan and Robert Spector.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in Hartford has found FEDERICO CANNON, also known as “Rico,” 30, of Bridgeport, guilty of one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a previously convicted felon.  The trial before U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny began on May 20 and the jury returned the verdict today.

According to the trial evidence, at approximately 1:15 a.m. on February 25, 2012, Bridgeport Police stopped a vehicle in which CANNON was a passenger on Caroline Street in Bridgeport.  CANNON initially exited the vehicle and attempted to walk away, but police ordered him back into the car.  After directing the driver out of the vehicle, a Bridgeport Police detective observed a semi-automatic pistol on the floor of the rear passenger area in the vicinity of where CANNON was sitting.  The firearm was a Smith & Wesson 9mm model 469 loaded with 10 live hollow-point cartridges and two full-metal jacket cartridges.

Prior to February 25, 2012, CANNON had sustained felony drug, firearms and burglary convictions, including a 2006 federal conviction for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a previously convicted felon.

The evidence at trial in the previous federal case revealed that in the early morning hours of October 21, 2004, CANNON was in a car with three other individuals driving northbound on Interstate 95 between Norwalk and Bridgeport when they initiated a confrontation with another car occupied by two men.  The confrontation culminated at the bottom of the Exit 25 ramp in Bridgeport when approximately seven or eight shots were fired at the victims’ vehicle.  A subsequent search of the vehicle in which CANNON was a passenger revealed a semi-automatic pistol at CANNON’s feet in the right rear passenger seat of the vehicle.  The jury found CANNON guilty and, on April 12, 2006, he was sentenced to 42 months of imprisonment.

Judge Chatigny has scheduled sentencing for August 14, 2013, at which time CANNON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

This matter was investigated by the Bridgeport Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Vizcarrondo.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DANIEL MONTEIRO, 34, of Wolcott, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering stemming from a mortgage fraud scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately May to October 2007, MONTEIRO conspired with others to obtain residential mortgages through the use of false down payments and hidden referral fees.  As part of the scheme, MONTEIRO referred individuals to a co-conspirator who had purchased numerous residential real estate properties, many through the use of a private lender.  The individuals MONTEIRO referred were then identified on mortgage documents as having purchased properties from MONTEIRO’s co-conspirator.  However, the co-conspirator purchased the bank checks that were used as down payments for each of the transactions.  The co-conspirator used money obtained from the mortgages to pay private lenders and, on some occasions, referral fees to MONTEIRO.

MONTEIRO is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on August 16, 2013, at which time MONTEIRO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.  As part of his plea agreement, MONTEIRO has agreed to forfeit $15,000.

This case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service, and the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David T. Huang and Paul H. McConnell.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury sitting in Bridgeport returned an indictment today charging YVONNE DAVIS, 61, a prisoner at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Danbury, with using a dangerous weapon to assault another inmate at the facility.

The indictment alleges that DAVIS assaulted the inmate on November 25, 2012.

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

DAVIS is currently serving a 37-month sentence after having been convicted in the Northern District of Texas of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

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

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal jury in New Haven has found ROBERT BRADDOCK, JR., 34, guilty of multiple offenses stemming from a scheme to direct illegal campaign contributions into the campaign of a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives.  The trial before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton began on May 13 and the jury returned its verdict today after deliberating for approximately two hours.

“The evidence disclosed during this trial revealed a disturbing scheme operated by individuals who believed that our federal campaign finance laws are meaningless, and that the legislative process can be easily corrupted with campaign contributions,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Daly.  “This case demonstrates exactly why our campaign finance laws exist in the first place, and why this system must be transparent.  I thank the FBI for uncovering this scheme and their outstanding work during the course of this investigation.  I am also proud of the efforts of our prosecution team.”

“Today’s guilty verdict is an important one because a jury of Mr. Braddock’s peers, registered voters from the State of Connecticut, has affirmed that pay-to-play schemes in the political arena will not be tolerated in their state,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Mertz.  “Conspiring to conceal the origin of campaign donations is a serious criminal offense and those who knowingly accept conduit or straw contributions severely undermine the public’s belief in good, honest government.”

According to the trial evidence, court documents and statements made in court, in August 2011, the State of Connecticut applied for a court order enjoining Roll Your Own (“RYO”) smoke shops from continuing to operate without complying with state law governing tobacco manufacturers.  RYO smoke shops are retail businesses that sell loose smoking tobacco and cigarette-rolling materials and offer customers the option of paying a “rental” fee to insert the loose tobacco and the rolling materials into a RYO machine, which is capable of rapidly rolling large quantities of cigarettes.  Customers did not pay a tax on the RYO cigarettes when rolled by the RYO machines, in contrast to cigarettes purchased over-the-counter.

Paul Rogers and George Tirado co-owned Smoke House Tobacco, a RYO smoke shop with two locations in Waterbury.  Fearing that the Connecticut General Assembly would enact legislation harmful to RYO smoke shop owners’ business interests during the 2012 legislative session, Rogers, Tirado, Harry Raymond “Ray” Soucy, David Moffa, Benjamin Hogan and others engaged in a scheme to direct conduit contributions into the campaign of Christopher Donovan, a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives.  At the time, Donovan was also the Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives.  As part of the scheme, the co-conspirators recruited multiple individuals to serve as conduit contributors to the campaign.  These individuals permitted checks to be written in their own names to the campaign, and certain conspirators reimbursed them with cash, thereby concealing the fact that RYO smoke shop owners were contributing to the campaign.

BRADDOCK, the Finance Director of the Donovan for Congress campaign, and Joshua Nassi, the Campaign Manager, knew that Soucy, Rogers and others opposed legislation that would harm the business interests of the RYO smoke shop owners.  In November and December 2011, Rogers, Soucy, Tirado, Moffa, Hogan and others made four $2,500 conduit contributions to the Donovan for Congress campaign.

On April 3, 2012, Soucy contacted Nassi and told him that RYO owners wanted to provide additional contributions to the campaign.  That same day, the Connecticut General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Finance, Revenue and Bonding voted in favor of Senate Bill 357, legislation that would have deemed RYO smoke shop owners to be tobacco manufacturers under Connecticut law, a designation that would have subjected RYO smoke shop owners to a substantial licensing fee and tax increase.  Later that day, Soucy contacted Nassi again to state his displeasure with the vote.

On April 11, 2012, Soucy, Rogers and an FBI special agent working in an undercover capacity delivered four $2,500 checks in the names of conduit contributors to Nassi and Braddock.   On April 23, 2012, Nassi advised Soucy that one of the checks had bounced and Soucy indicated that the contributor had been given cash to deposit.  Nassi stated that the campaign needed the check by midnight the following day, and Soucy delivered a replacement check by that deadline.  On May 2, 2012, the Campaign submitted a fundraising report to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) stating that the four contributions given in April were from the conduit contributors when, in fact, they were not.

Over the next two weeks, Nassi continued to advise Soucy on the status of the RYO legislation and Soucy told Nassi that he would be delivering an additional $10,000 if the legislation died.  On May 9, 2012, the legislative session ended and the legislation had not been called for a vote by either chamber of the General Assembly.

On May 14, 2012, Soucy, Rogers and Hogan met at Smoke House Tobacco where Soucy provided Rogers with $10,000 in cash to be used to reimburse additional conduit contributors.  Prior to the meeting, Hogan had approached Waterbury business owner Daniel Monteiro and an employee of Monteiro’s and asked them to serve as conduit contributors.  Monteiro subsequently wrote a $2,500 check to the campaign, and his employee obtained a bank check in the amount of $2,500.  Both were assured that they would be reimbursed.  These two checks, and another $2,500 bank check drawn on Hogan’s own account but not in his name, were given to Soucy at the meeting.  Also, at Nassi’s request, Rogers gave Soucy a fourth $2,500 check from a conduit contributor that was payable to a political party.  Soucy delivered the four checks to Nassi at a political event later that day.  As he was exiting the event, Soucy encountered BRADDOCK and stated that “twenty thousand was well worth it….And another ten grand.”  BRADDOCK responded, “You’re the man.”

On May 15, 2012, BRADDOCK and Soucy had a telephone conversation related to the four conduit checks that Soucy had delivered the previous day, and BRADDOCK indicated that he needed additional identifying information for Benjamin Hogan for FEC reporting purposes.  During the conversation, Soucy stated that a previous contributor “had bounced a check even though you put the money right in their hands.”  He later stated, “…grabbing these drunks and drug addicts and say ‘Here, write this check…,” to which BRADDOCK responded, while laughing, “Hey, it works.”

Later that day, Soucy called BRADDOCK to inform him that Hogan was a RYO smoke shop “owner,” his check should not be deposited and that Soucy would provide a replacement check.  BRADDOCK stopped the check from being deposited.

On May 16, 2012, Soucy met Nassi and provided him with a replacement $2,500 check in the name of someone who was not affiliated with any RYO shops.

In addition to the testimony of Soucy, Rogers, the undercover FBI special agent and others, the trial evidence included numerous audio and video conversations that were recorded during the course of the investigation.

BRADDOCK was found guilty of one count of conspiring to make false statements to the FEC and to defraud the U.S. by impeding the function of the FEC, one count of accepting more than $10,000 in federal campaign contributions made by persons in the names of others and one count of causing a false report to be filed with the FEC.  Judge Arterton has scheduled sentencing for August 13, 2013, at which time BRADDOCK faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 12 years and a fine of up to $750,000.

Soucy, Rogers, Nassi, Moffa, Tirado, Hogan and Monteiro have pleaded guilty to charges related to this scheme and await sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher M. Mattei and Eric J. Glover.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that RODNEY SNAPE, 32, of New Haven, was sentenced on Friday, May 17, by United States District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 105 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an FBI New Haven Safe Streets Task Force investigation into drug trafficking and associated violence in the Hill area of New Haven.  From October to December 2012, an individual working with law enforcement made four purchases of a total of approximately 52 grams of crack cocaine from SNAPE.

On February 19, 2013, SNAPE pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”).

SNAPE was incarcerated at the New Haven Correctional Center while awaiting sentencing.  On March 7, 2013, a corrections officer conducting a search of SNAPE’s cell found a jar containing marijuana, a wristwatch that functioned as a cellular telephone and a Bluetooth earpiece.  SNAPE was arrested on state marijuana possession charges, which are pending.

This matter is being investigated by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, including the New Haven, Milford and Hamden Police Departments, and the Connecticut Department of Correction.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and H. Gordon Hall.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the FBI, Joseph P. Faughnan, U.S. Marshal for the District of Connecticut and Colonel Danny R. Stebbins of the Connecticut State Police announced that JENNIFER CHIRICO, 30, of New Haven, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging her with making bomb threats against courthouses in Connecticut.

As alleged in the criminal complaint, on the morning of March 8, 2013, CHIRICO and others placed a total of seven anonymous threat calls to courthouses, law enforcement agencies and media outlets, all claiming that bombs had been deployed and were going to explode that morning at one or more courthouses in Connecticut.  In one call to the Connecticut State Police in Middletown, CHIRICO stated that three bombs were set to go off at 11 a.m. at courthouses in Waterbury, Hartford, and New Haven.

Following her arrest, CHIRICO appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis in New Haven and was released on a $10,000 bond.

CHIRICO is charged with one count of telephonic bomb threats, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

Acting U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that a complaint is only a charge and 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Henry K. Kopel.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JASON BRODSKY, 22, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2011, the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force initiated an investigation into a series of suspected heroin overdose cases in the greater New Haven area, including one that resulted in the death of a woman in Milford on August 16, 2011.   The investigation revealed that BRODSKY and his co-defendant, Ralston Williams, rented hotel rooms in the New Haven area and sold prepackaged heroin to a variety of customers.  BRODSKY gave the cash from the heroin sales that he made to Williams.  Williams, in turn, would pay BRODSKY by giving him bags of heroin for his personal use.

Judge Bryant found that BRODSKY and Williams sold the heroin that caused the overdose death of the Milford woman.

On April 24, 2012, BRODSKY pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin.

On May 29, 2012, a jury found Williams guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).  On May 14, 2013, he was sentenced to 168 months of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and the Milford Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport and Stamford Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah Karwan and Peter Markle.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JOHN J. SIMON, JR., also known as “Buzzy Simon,” 66, of Stafford Springs, was arrested yesterday on a federal criminal complaint charging him with mail fraud.

As alleged in the criminal complaint, beginning in approximately 2009, SIMON, a Vietnam War veteran, defrauded several U.S. military veterans of thousands of dollars by representing that he would assist his victims in obtaining or increasing their VA benefits.  SIMON represented to certain victims that the money would be used to hire an attorney to do research and other work in furtherance of their claims.  These and other representations were false.

After his arrest, SIMON appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford and was released on a $50,000 bond.

The charge of mail fraud carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Acting U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that a complaint is only a charge and 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 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.

Citizens who have information that may be helpful to this investigation are encouraged to call 973-297-3317.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut today announced that MITCHELL ENGELSON, 63, of New York, N.Y., was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 15 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his involvement in an illegal sports bookmaking operation. ENGELSON also was ordered to forfeit $15,000 and pay a $5,000 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, after a long-term investigation led by the FBI Fairfield County Organized Crime Task Force, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Stamford Police Department, 20 individuals were charged with various offenses related to their involvement in an illegal Internet sports bookmaking operation and illegal card gambling clubs in Stamford and Hamden.  The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that ENGELSON and others were involved in a large-scale sports bookmaking operation in which gamblers placed bets with offshore Internet sports-gambling websites, particularly www.44wager.com based in Costa Rica.

FBI analysis of the sports-betting web site utilized by the co-defendants has determined that the total gross revenues of the Stamford-based gambling operation were nearly $1.7 million from October 2010 to June 2011.

On February 13, 2013, ENGELSON pleaded guilty to one count of operating an illegal gambling business. 

This matter is being investigated by the FBI Fairfield County Organized Crime Task Force, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Stamford Police Department, the Bridgeport Police Department and the Connecticut State Police.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Hal Chen and Peter Jongbloed.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DANIEL CARRIER, 34, formerly of Danielson, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford to one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 6, 2012, law enforcement officers searched CARRIER’s residence and seized a desktop computer and related components.  A forensic search of the computer revealed more than 850 images and 187 videos of child pornography, including numerous images of children under the age of 12 engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and images of children engaging in sadistic or masochistic conduct.

CARRIER has been released on a $250,000 bond since his arrest on March 7, 2012.  As a condition of his release, CARRIER is residing with family members in Rhode Island.

CARRIER is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on August 6, 2013, at which time CARRIER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Felice M. Duffy.

The Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force, which is housed at the main FBI office in New Haven, investigates crimes against children occurring over the Internet, and provides computer forensic review services for participating agencies.  For more information about the Task Force, or to report child exploitation crimes, please contact the FBI at 203-777-6311.

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.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN W. CARROLL, 42, of Colchester, was sentenced today by United States Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis in New Haven to three years of probation for his unauthorized possession of an imitation United States Marshals Service badge.  CARROLL pleaded guilty to the offense on February 20, 2013.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 9, 2012, CARROLL possessed a fake U.S. Marshals Service badge that was substantially similar to an authentic badge, and two fake U.S. Marshals Service identification cards.

This matter was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and state and local law enforcement agencies.  The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Anjna R. Kapoor and Assistant United States Attorney David E. Novick.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KYLE M. LUTRUS, 27, of Brookfield, pleaded guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge Thomas P. Smith in Hartford to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute oxycodone.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in late 2011, Brookfield Police received information that LUTRUS was involved in the illegal distribution of oxycodone.  Between February 2012 and April 2012, LUTRUS made multiple sales of oxycodone to an individual working with law enforcement and an undercover DEA Task Force officer.  A total of 393 pills were purchased from LUTRUS during the course of the investigation.

LUTRUS is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on August 1, 2013, at which time LUTRUS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $1 million.  LUTRUS also has agreed to forfeit $60,000 and his 2005 Honda Accord.

LUTRUS was arrested on December 20, 2012.  He is currently released on a $200,000 bond.

This matter is being investigated by the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and the Brookfield Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David X. Sullivan and Michael E. Runowicz.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RALSTON WILLIAMS, also known as “Chris,” 43, of New Haven, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 168 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and crack cocaine.  WILLIAMS also was ordered to pay a $100,000 fine.

On May 29, 2012, a jury found WILLIAMS guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

According to the evidence at trial, in August 2011, the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force initiated an investigation into a series of suspected heroin overdose cases in the greater New Haven area, including one that resulted in the death of a woman in Milford on August 16, 2011.   The investigation revealed that WILLIAMS, his co-defendant, Jason Brodsky, and others rented hotel rooms in the New Haven area and sold prepackaged heroin to a variety of customers.  The trial evidence included surveillance videos, hotel records, telephone records, recorded calls, seized narcotics, as well as testimony of law enforcement officers and cooperating witnesses.

WILLIAMS was arrested on September 7, 2011, at which time he was found in possession of approximately 140 bags of heroin and 40 bags of crack cocaine packaged for sale.

Judge Bryant found that WILLIAMS and Brodsky sold the heroin that caused the overdose death of the Milford woman.

Brodsky has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.

This matter was investigated by the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and the Milford Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport and Stamford Police Departments.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah Karwan and Peter Markle.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MARCUS DWYER, 40, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday before United States Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons in Bridgeport to one count of bank robbery for his role in the August 2012 robbery of TD Bank in Killingworth.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the afternoon of August 6, 2012, Jennifer Jacques drove DWYER and Dario Pabey to the TD Bank on Route 81 in Killingworth.  DWYER and Pabey then entered the bank wearing masks and demanded that everyone lie on the floor.  DWYER pointed a gun at bank employees and customers and then jumped over the teller door and ordered the employees to open the vault.  He accompanied the employees to the vault while Pabey controlled the lobby area.  Pabey used zip ties to tie the hands of one bank employee and demanded that the customers give him their wallets, mobile phones and car keys.  As Pabey was starting to restrain a second person with zip ties, DWYER ran past him with a bag of money that he had taken from the vault.  Pabey followed and grabbed a patron who had surrendered his car keys to him and forced him out of the bank.  DWYER and Pabey fled in the customer’s vehicle, which was abandoned a short distance from the bank at a pre-planned location where Jacques was waiting.  Jacques then drove DWYER and Pabey away from the bank while they changed out of the clothes they had worn during the robbery.

The investigation has revealed that $43,573 was stolen from the bank and its patrons during the robbery.

DWYER is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall on August 20, 2013, in New Haven at which time DWYER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

DWYER has been detained since his arrest on September 19, 2012.

Pabey, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty on February 25, 2013.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 24, 2013.  Jacques also has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ray Miller and Sarala Nagala.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

Deirdre M. Daly, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in New Haven has found WILNER CASTELIN, also known as “Castro,” 44, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., guilty of narcotics and money laundering charges stemming from his role in an oxycodone trafficking ring.  The trial before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall began on May 7 and the jury returned the verdict yesterday.

This matter stems from “Operation Blue Coast,” an investigation headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force into the large-scale trafficking of oxycodone pills from Florida to Connecticut.  The investigation revealed that an individual regularly purchased oxycodone from suppliers in Florida, transported the oxycodone to Connecticut by commercial airline or automobile, and sold the pills for profit to various Connecticut-based narcotics dealers.  He then transported the proceeds of his oxycodone sales from Connecticut to Florida, either by having a courier drive the money or by using commercial airline flights.

The evidence at trial revealed that the narcotics trafficker met David Gaudiosi and Bruce Yazdzik, two large-scale oxycodone distributors in Connecticut, in early 2010.  After the meeting, Gaudiosi and Yazdzik visited the narcotics trafficker in Florida on multiple occasions to obtain prescriptions for oxycodone from unscrupulous pain clinics, commonly referred to as “pill mills.”  The trafficker paid CASTELIN to chauffeur Gaudiosi and Yazdzik during their Florida visits.  CASTELIN subsequently agreed to travel to the northeastern U.S. to drive large amounts of U.S. currency, which were proceeds of the narcotics trafficker’s oxycodone sales in Connecticut, to Florida.  CASTELIN was paid approximately $1,000 to $1,250 for each trip.

The jury found CASTELIN guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.  Judge Hall has scheduled sentencing for August 20, 2013, at which time CASTELIN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.

CASTELIN was arrested on September 13, 2011, and has been released on bond since February 28, 2012.
Twenty individuals, including two law enforcement officers and three Transportation Security Agency officers, have been charged as a result of this investigation.

Gaudiosi and Yazdzik each pleaded guilty to oxycodone trafficking charges.  On November 14, 2012, Yazdzik was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment.  Gaudiosi awaits sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, which includes personnel from the Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport, Milford, Norwalk, Stamford and Westport Police Departments; the Drug Enforcement Administration in Florida and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General.  In addition, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Greenwich, Monroe, Danbury and Waterbury Police Departments have assisted the investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rahul Kale and Brian Leaming.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT GENTILE, 76, of Manchester, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for controlled substances and firearms offenses.  GENTILE also was ordered to spend the first three months of his supervised release in home confinement.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in October and November 2011, GENTILE and his associate, Andrew Parente, distributed Schedule II controlled substances, including oxycodone, in a form commonly known as OxyContin, and hydromorphone, in a form commonly known as Dilaudid.

GENTILE was arrested on February 10, 2012.  Subsequent court-authorized searches of his Manchester residence resulted in the seizure of 200 Percocet tablets packaged for distribution, two .38 caliber Smith & Wesson revolvers, a .22 caliber North American Arms revolver, a .22 caliber derringer, a 12 gauge pistol-grip shotgun, numerous rounds of ammunition, boxes of 12 gauge shotgun shells, five handgun silencers, other items and approximately $22,000 in cash.

GENTILE is a previously convicted felon and, under federal law, it is illegal for a person with a previous felony conviction to possess any firearm or ammunition that has traveled in interstate or foreign commerce.  Further, it is illegal under federal law for any person to possess a silencer for a firearm unless that silencer has been properly registered with the National Firearms Registry in Washington, D.C.

GENTILE has been detained since his arrest on February 10, 2012.  On November 14, 2012, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance, five counts of possession with intent to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance, one count of possession of firearms by a previously convicted felon, one count of possession of ammunition by a previously convicted felon, and one count of possession of unregistered silencers.

On January 3, 2013, Parente, 76, of Hartford, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of a Schedule II controlled substance.  He awaits sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John H. Durham.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DANA RIVERA, 23, of Norwich, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by seven years of supervised release, for sex trafficking of a minor.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Dana Rivera and her former husband, Samuel Rivera, arranged for the prostitution of a 16-year-old girl.  The Riveras posted advertisements on the Internet, took calls of prospective customers, booked hotel rooms, and transported the minor victim to and from prostitution calls in southeastern Connecticut, Rhode Island and New Hampshire.  In May and June 2011, the minor victim saw approximately five or six customers a day.  The Riveras split the money the victim earned and gave none of it to the victim.

Dana Rivera has been detained since her arrest on November 5, 2012.  On February 14, 2013, she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.

Samuel Rivera, 23, of Groton, pleaded guilty to the same charge on February 19, 2013, and awaits sentencing.  He has been detained since his arrest on November 16, 2012.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Stonington Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David E. Novick.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Colonel Danny R. Stebbins of the Connecticut State Police today announced that SAMUEL DiPROTO, 61, of Cromwell, was arrested yesterday and charged by federal criminal complaint with possession of child pornography.

The criminal complaint alleges that on March 12, 2013 and April 10, 2013, a Connecticut State Police detective assigned to the Computer Crimes Unit logged onto a publicly available Internet file sharing network and downloaded images and videos of child pornography from a computer connected to the network with an Internet Protocol (IP) address assigned to DiPROTO.   During a search of DiPROTO’s residence yesterday, law enforcement officers seized several items, including computers, hard drives and thumb drives. 

DiPROTO was arrested yesterday at his residence after the search.

DiPROTO appeared today before United States Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford, who ordered DiPROTO detained pending a hearing that is scheduled for May 13.

If convicted of the charge of possession of child pornography, DiPROTO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000.  The penalties in this matter are enhanced because it is alleged that the defendant possessed depictions of prepubescent minors and minors under the age of 12.

U.S. Attorney Fein stressed that a complaint is only a charge and 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 Connecticut State Police Computer Crimes Unit, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States 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.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

New Haven, Conn. – Deirdre M. Daly will become Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut when U.S. Attorney David B. Fein leaves the office on May 13, 2013.

Ms. Daly has served as First Assistant United States Attorney in Connecticut since July 2010.  She led the prosecution of Hector Natal, who was found guilty last month after a four-week trial of committing the March 2011 New Haven arson that resulted in the deaths of two women and an 8-year-old boy.

“During her 15 years of Department of Justice service and another 13 years engaged in the private practice of law, Deirdre Daly has demonstrated great leadership, integrity and judgment,” stated U.S. Attorney Fein.  “I’m proud to have served with her as a colleague, and the citizens of Connecticut are fortunate that Deirdre will lead this excellent United States Attorney’s Office.”

From 1985 to 1997, Ms. Daly was an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York, where she prosecuted cases ranging from racketeering, murder, narcotics and money laundering to fraud, corruption and police brutality, and served as the Assistant-In-Charge of White Plains Office for three years.  After leaving the SDNY, Ms. Daly was a partner at Daly & Pavlis LLC, a Connecticut law firm with a practice focused on corporate and commercial litigation, white-collar criminal investigations, SEC enforcement actions and corporate internal investigations and monitoring.  For over 10 years, she served as a monitor for Con Edison, Inc. conducting internal investigations of environmental, health and safety violations. 

Ms. Daly served as a law clerk for the Honorable Lloyd F. MacMahon, U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of New York from 1984 to 1985.  She is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Georgetown University Law Center.

Ms. Daly, 53, has lived in Connecticut for most of her life.  She and her husband, Alfred Pavlis, have three sons.  

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut, and with representing the federal government in civil litigation in the District.  The Office employs approximately 64 Assistant United States Attorneys, 45 staff members and 13 contractors at offices in New Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROMAN PONCE, 36, a citizen of Mexico last residing in Norwich, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 10 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the United States after he was deported.

According to court documents and statements made in court, PONCE was deported from the U.S. to his native Mexico in 1999 after sustaining domestic assault, assault and disorderly conduct convictions in Rhode Island.  PONCE illegally reentered the U.S. and, in 2001, was convicted in the U.S. District Court in Rhode Island of illegal reentry.  He was sentenced to six months of imprisonment and deported to Mexico in 2002.

On September 30, 2012, PONCE was arrested by the Norwich Police Department for disorderly conduct.

PONCE has been detained in federal custody since February 6, 2013.  On April 16, he pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien.

This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Deborah R. Slater.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut today announced that three men involved in illegal sports bookmaking have been sentenced in Hartford federal court.  Today, U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant sentenced ANTHONY SANTORO, also known as “Skinny,” 49, of Staten Island, N.Y., to eight months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release, and MICHAEL VITTI, also known as “Peewee,” 33, of Stamford, to 10 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release.  DANIEL DEGRUTTOLA, also known as “Dannyboy,” 33, of Stamford, was sentenced yesterday to three months of home confinement and three years of supervised release.  In addition, SANTORO was ordered to forfeit $25,000, and VITTI and DEGRUTTOLA were each ordered to forfeit $100,000.

According to court documents and statements made in court, after a long-term investigation led by the FBI Fairfield County Organized Crime Task Force, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Stamford Police Department, 20 individuals were charged with various offenses related to their involvement in an illegal Internet sports bookmaking operation and illegal card gambling clubs in Stamford and Hamden.  The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that SANTORO, VITTI and DEGRUTTOLA and others were involved in a large-scale sports bookmaking operation in which gamblers placed bets with offshore Internet sports-gambling websites, particularly www.44wager.com based in Costa Rica.

FBI analysis of the sports-betting web site utilized by the co-defendants has determined that the total gross revenues of the Stamford-based gambling operation were nearly $1.7 million from October 2010 to June 2011.

SANTORO, VITTI and DEGRUTTOLA each previously pleaded guilty to one count of operating an illegal gambling business.

This matter is being investigated by the FBI Fairfield County Organized Crime Task Force, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Stamford Police Department, the Bridgeport Police Department and the Connecticut State Police.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Hal Chen and Peter Jongbloed.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EMMANUEL BABE, also known as “Manny,” 40, of Mount Kisco, N.Y., was sentenced today by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for transporting cash proceeds of an oxycodone trafficking ring.

This matter stems from “Operation Blue Coast,” an investigation headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force into the large-scale trafficking of oxycodone pills from Florida to Connecticut.  The investigation revealed that an individual regularly purchased oxycodone from suppliers in Florida, transported the oxycodone to Connecticut by commercial airline or automobile, and sold the pills for profit to various Connecticut-based narcotics dealers.  He then transported the proceeds of his oxycodone sales from Connecticut to Florida, either by having a courier drive the money or by using commercial airline flights.

In early 2011, the Florida narcotics trafficker hired BABE to drive large amounts of U.S. currency from New York or Connecticut to Florida.  BABE eventually learned that the money he was transporting were the proceeds of the narcotics trafficker’s oxycodone sales in Connecticut.  BABE, who was paid approximately $750 for each trip, transported at least $150,000 in cash to Florida in an effort to disguise the source of the funds.

BABE has been detained since his arrest on September 13, 2011.  On February 6, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Twenty individuals, including two law enforcement officers and three Transportation Security Agency officers, have been charged as a result of this investigation.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, which includes personnel from the Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport, Milford, Norwalk, Stamford and Westport Police Departments; the Drug Enforcement Administration in Florida and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General.  In addition, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Greenwich, Monroe, Danbury and Waterbury Police Departments have assisted the investigation.

U.S. Attorney Fein also acknowledged the cooperation of the Westchester County Department of Public Safety and the Florida Highway Patrol, and the substantial assistance provided by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.

This case is being prosecuted in the District of Connecticut by Assistant United States Attorneys Rahul Kale and Tracy Lee Dayton.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID KINNEY, 54, of Woodbridge, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for participating in a mortgage fraud scheme and for making false statements to federal law enforcement.

According to court documents and statements made in court, KINNEY, a New Haven-based attorney, participated in a mortgage fraud conspiracy in 2006 and 2007 by acting as the settlement agent in connection with fraudulent real estate transactions in New London County.  As part of the scheme, KINNEY submitted, or caused to be submitted, materially false HUD-l settlement statements to lenders.  In certain cases, KINNEY released a disbursement check before he had received the down payment listed on the HUD-1.

On November 5, 2007, in connection with the investigation of this matter, FBI special agents served KINNEY a subpoena at his New Haven office.  On that date, KINNEY told agents that he had never given anyone a closing check prior to receiving the down payment money in connection with real estate closings that he handled when, in fact, he had done so on multiple occasions.

As part of his sentence, Judge Covello ordered KINNEY to pay restitution in the amount $507,155.24 and to forfeit $65,749.59.

On November 9, 2011, KINNEY pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and one count of making a false statement.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael S. McGarry and David T. Huang.

Today’s announcement is part of efforts underway by President Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force (FFETF) which was created in November 2009 to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Over the past three fiscal years, the Justice Department has filed more than 10,000 financial fraud cases against nearly 15,000 defendants including more than 2,700 mortgage fraud defendants.

To report financial fraud crimes, and to learn more about the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force, please visit www.stopfraud.gov.  

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JAEQWAN SHEPPARD, also known as “Quanny” and “Q,” 20, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 108 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from “Operation Vinefield,” a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in Hartford’s North End.  As a result of the nine-month investigation, 38 individuals were charged with various offenses related to the distribution of crack cocaine and the unlawful possession and dealing of firearms in and around Hartford.

SHEPPARD was identified as a member of the AVE street gang who operated a drug trafficking organization from his residence at 117-119 Enfield Street.  Investigators made several controlled purchases of narcotics from SHEPPARD and subsequently obtained court authorization to intercept calls on two of his wireless phones.

In addition, investigators negotiated the purchase of a .38 caliber revolver from SHEPPARD in December 2011.

During the investigation, intercepted calls indicated that SHEPPARD’s associate, Kewan Woodson, may have been targeted by a rival group operating in the Garden Street area of Hartford.  On January 10, 2012, four men were shot in front of SHEPPARD’s 117-119 Enfield Street residence.  Images from fixed surveillance cameras revealed that two shooters arrived on the scene by foot and shot into a crowd with a rifle and a shotgun.  Woodson was in the area before the shooting, but left moments before the gunmen arrived.

On January 4, 2013, SHEPPARD pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, the Connecticut State Police, the Hartford Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian P. Leaming.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDWARD F. WILSON, 29, of Newtown, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 280 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for producing, trading and possessing child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, WILSON sexually abused a female child, filmed and photographed the abuse with an iPhone, and maintained the videos and images on his home computer.  The victim was approximately four years old at the time of the abuse in 2011 and 2012.

In addition to filming, photographing and maintaining videos and images of the sexual abuse that he inflicted on the female child, WILSON traded via email hundreds of other images and videos of child pornography and maintained a collection of child pornography on his home computers.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is steadfastly committed to working with our state counterparts to use the full weight of federal child exploitation laws to prosecute those who commit these heinous crimes,” stated U.S. Attorney Fein.  “Together we can protect society from dangerous offenders, often in ways that protect young victims from having to testify and being further victimized.  I want to thank the Danbury State’s Attorney’s Office, the Connecticut State Police, the Newtown Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force for their critical assistance and cooperation during the course of this investigation.”

On February 13, 2013, WILSON pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography.

WILSON has been detained in state custody since his arrest on April 13, 2012, for first-degree possession of child pornography, obscenity and promoting a minor in an obscene performance.  On July 10, 2012, he was arrested on 22 additional state charges, including six counts of first-degree sexual assault, five counts of fourth-degree sexual assault and 11 counts of risk of injury.  The state charges are pending.

This matter was investigated by the Connecticut State Police Computer Crimes Unit, the Newtown Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States 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.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut today announced that JOVAN SMITH, also known as “Hood,” 35, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.

This matter stems from “Operation Northern Strike,” a 15-month joint law enforcement investigation targeting members and associates of geographically-based street gangs engaging in criminal activity in Hartford’s Upper Albany and Northeast neighborhoods.  The investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps on multiple telephones, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance.  As a result of the investigation, 35 individuals were charged with various federal drug and firearms violations.

According to court documents and statements made in court, one of the initial targets of the investigation was Joseph Smith, also known as “Nitty.”  Intercepted calls revealed that Joseph Smith regularly sold JOVAN SMITH eighth-ounce quantities (“8-balls”) of crack cocaine.  JOVAN SMITH then sold the crack in smaller quantities in the area of Center and Chestnut Streets in Hartford.

On June 7, 2012, JOVAN SMITH pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 28 or more grams of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

JOVAN SMITH’s criminal history includes multiple narcotics convictions, multiple assault convictions, and convictions for violation of a protective order and threatening.

On June 29, 2011, Joseph Smith pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base.  On September 27, 2012, he was sentenced to 146 months of imprisonment.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force – which includes representatives of the FBI, Connecticut State Police and Hartford Police Department – and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Geoffrey M. Stone.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRANDON BAILEY-SANTOUSE, also known as “Bo,” 27, of Hartford, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement identified Errol Santouse, BAILEY-SANTOUSE’s cousin, as a significant distributor of crack cocaine in the Willimantic area.  On five occasions in April and May 2012, Errol Santouse sold crack in quantities ranging from 3.5 grams to 42 grams to a cooperating witness and an undercover ATF agent.  The investigation revealed that BAILEY-SANTOUSE supplied Santouse with the crack cocaine for some of these transactions.

BAILEY-SANTOUSE was arrested on June 28, 2012.  On that date, he possessed approximately 50 grams of crack cocaine and a search of his residence revealed a scale with crack residue and narcotics packaging materials.

On December 13, 2012, SANTOUSE pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

Errol Santouse pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on November 27, 2012, he was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Hartford Police Department and the Willimantic Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL CRAWFORD, 35, of Canton, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of production of child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2012, law enforcement officers discovered that an individual from Connecticut had been posting photographs of children on a Russian file-sharing website.  On July 5, 2012, officers executed a state search warrant at CRAWFORD’s residence.  On that date, CRAWFORD admitted that he posted images to the Russian website, that he had taken photographs of a three-year-old minor victim and posted them on the site, and that he had exchanged photographs of the minor victim in order to get better photos from others in trade.  A subsequent search of CRAWFORD’s email account revealed seven sexually explicit photographs of the minor victim taken by CRAWFORD.  CRAWFORD had e-mailed four of the images to other individuals.

In addition to the pictures of the minor victim that he had taken, CRAWFORD’s email account contained approximately 777 images and 24 videos of child pornography.

Judge Shea has scheduled sentencing for July 24, 2013, at which time CRAWFORD faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.

CRAWFORD has been detained since his arrest on January 9, 2013.

This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Connecticut State Police and the Canton Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sarala V. Nagala and Anastasia E. King.

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.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

New Haven, Conn. – United States Attorney David B. Fein, 52, has announced his resignation, effective May 13, 2013, and his intention to return to the private sector.

Mr. Fein was appointed by President Obama and sworn in as the 50th U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut on May 10, 2010.  As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Fein created the Connecticut Securities, Commodities and Investor Fraud Task Force, a multi-agency task force focused on matters related to investor fraud, Ponzi schemes, insider trading, FCPA and other financial crimes.  He also initiated Project Longevity, a new state-wide anti-violence initiative aimed at reducing gun and gang violence.

“It has been an honor to serve as United States Attorney and to work alongside the fine women and men of this Office and of our partner federal, state and local law enforcement agencies as we serve the people of Connecticut and the country,” said U.S. Attorney Fein.  “Personally, it is the right time for me and my family that I move on, but I do so humbly and profoundly grateful for the trust placed in me by the President and the Attorney General.”

As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Fein restructured the Office’s Criminal Division.  Previously organized geographically, the Office’s Criminal Division was restructured so that it comprises three program-based units:  National Security and Major Crimes, Violent Crimes and Narcotics, and Financial Fraud and Public Corruption.

Significant recent enforcement matters for the National Security and Major Crimes Unit include the extradition of Babar Ahmad and Syed Talha Ahsan, both British citizens who have been charged with terrorism-related offenses; the disabling of a network of hundreds of thousands of computers infected with a malicious software program known as Coreflood, which was the most complete and comprehensive enforcement action ever taken by U.S authorities to disable an international botnet; the prosecution of Hector Natal, who earlier this month was found guilty of committing the March 2011 New Haven arson that killed three individuals, including an 8-year-old boy; the prosecution of a Canadian subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation for violating the Arms Export Control Act in connection with its illegal export to China of U.S.-origin military software used in the development of China’s first modern military attack helicopter; and more than 60 child exploitation matters, including the prosecution of Douglas Perlitz, who was sentenced to more than 19 years in prison for sexually abusing several minor victims over the course of a decade in Haiti, Edgardo Sensi, who was sentenced to 85 years of imprisonment for sexual abusing minor girls in the U.S. and Nicaragua, and Jesse Osmun, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexually abusing young girls while he was a volunteer with the U.S. Peace Corps in South Africa.

The Violent Crimes and Narcotics Unit has focused on dismantling large-scale drug trafficking organizations, prosecuting gang and gun violence, and enforcement actions against prescription drug trafficking.  Significant prosecutions include Bridgeport drug trafficker Azibo Aquart and his associates, who were convicted of brutally murdering three Bridgeport residents in August 2005; twenty individuals, including TSA and law enforcement officers, who were involved in a conspiracy to traffic oxycodone from Florida to Connecticut; Operation Bloodline, which targeted narcotics trafficking and gang violence in New Haven and resulted in charges against more than 100 individuals; and the recent arrest on federal and state charges of more than 100 individuals who were allegedly involved in the large-scale trafficking of heroin and cocaine from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico into and around southeastern Connecticut.

Priority enforcement matters out of the Financial Fraud and Public Corruption Unit include the prosecution of numerous individuals who engaged in investor fraud, including hedge fund manager Francisco Illarramendi who defrauded investors and creditors of hundreds of millions of dollars, which is the largest financial fraud case ever prosecuted in the District of Connecticut; the prosecution of dozens of individuals who participated in mortgage fraud schemes that preceded the real estate market crisis; and the investigation and prosecution of “Roll Your Own” smoke shop operators and others who were involved in a scheme to direct illegal contributions into the campaign of a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Office’s Civil Division recently negotiated a resolution to its civil enforcement action, which alleged racial profiling and civil rights abuses by members of the East Haven Police Department.  The settlement agreement covers comprehensive reforms in seven core areas of policing and put in place an independent monitor.

In 2012, Mr. Fein was appointed Vice Chair of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee’s White-Collar Crime Subcommittee, where he and his colleagues developed the Justice Department’s Investor Fraud Initiative, which featured six regional summits, including the Northeast Regional Summit held in Stamford in October 2012.  In addition, Mr. Fein convened public conferences in Connecticut on Civil Rights, Human Trafficking, Prescription Drug Abuse, and Violent Crime, and a public ceremony honoring Connecticut’s First Responders on the Tenth Anniversary of 9/11. 

Prior to his appointment as United States Attorney, Mr. Fein was a partner at the law firm of Wiggin and Dana, where he co-chaired the firm’s White-Collar Defense, Investigations and Corporate Compliance Practice Group and served on the firm’s Executive Committee.  From 1999 to 2010, Mr. Fein was Visiting Lecturer in Law at Yale Law School, where he created and co-taught a class on federal criminal investigations and prosecution.  Previously, Mr. Fein served as an Associate White House Counsel from 1995 to 1996, where his portfolio included anti-crime initiatives, communications issues, the proposed victims’ rights constitutional amendment, and the Administration’s regulation to combat underage use of tobacco.  From 1989 to 1995, Mr. Fein was an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, serving as Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division from 1993 to 1994 and Counsel to the United States Attorney from 1994 to 1995.  From 1986 to 1989, Mr. Fein was an associate at Debevoise and Plimpton.  He served as a law clerk for the Honorable Frank M. Coffin of the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit from 1985 to 1986.  Mr. Fein graduated cum laude from Dartmouth College in 1982 and the New York University School of Law in 1985, where he was Order of the Coif and a member of the Senior Board of the N.Y.U. Law Review.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut, and with representing the federal government in civil litigation in the District.  The Office employs approximately 64 Assistant United States Attorneys, 45 staff members and 13 contractors at offices in New Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAYREN WYNN, 23, also known as “Rich Boy,” of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford to two counts of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).  

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 into drug distribution and related gang activity in The Hill neighborhood of New Haven.  The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps and several purchases of crack directly from WYNN, revealed that members and associates of the Southside Bloods were distributing large quantities of crack cocaine.  WYNN was involved in two separate drug distribution rings associated with the Southside Bloods.

WYNN is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on August 2, 2013, at which time WYNN faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.

This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, including the New Haven, Hamden and Milford Police Departments, and the State of Connecticut Department of Correction.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and H. Gordon Hall.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722 thomas.carson@usdoj.gov