District of Connecticut

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

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHANE LEVERETTE, also known as Shane Baltas, 44, of Meriden, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.  LEVERETTE also admitted that he violated conditions of his supervised release from a previous federal conviction.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 16, 2011, at approximately 10:40 p.m., LEVERETTE and an accomplice, who was armed with a handgun, entered a residence in Middlefield for the purpose of stealing money and drugs.  LEVERETTE and his accomplice were dressed in black and wearing baseball hats with a DEA logo and gloves, and had bandannas covering their faces.  Inside the residence, LEVERETTE located and stole a semi-automatic rifle.  He and his accomplice then threatened two adults with their firearms and directed them to remain seated on the bed.  After demanding money, the accomplice struck a male victim with the handgun, causing the victim’s head to bleed, and the handgun discharged.  LEVERETTE and his accomplice then searched the bedroom for drugs and money.

After receiving a 911 call, the Connecticut State Police and Middletown Police Department arrived at the scene and surrounded the residence.  LEVERETTE and his accomplice surrendered and were arrested and charged with state offenses.  Law enforcement officers also seized the accomplice’s handgun and the semi-automatic rifle that LEVERETTE had stolen.

Prior to February 2011, LEVERETTE had sustained multiple federal and state felony convictions.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.  The rifle that LEVERETTE possessed had been manufactured in Hungary.

In February 1999, LEVERETTE was sentenced in federal court in Massachusetts to 151 months of imprisonment for racketeering, narcotics and firearm offenses.  He was released from federal prison on April 23, 2007, and was serving a five-year term of supervised release at the time of the Middlefield home invasion.

Judge Hall has scheduled sentencing for July 23, 2013, at which time LEVERETTE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000 for illegally possessing the firearm.  He also faces up to five years in prison for violating his supervised release.

LEVERETTE has been detained since his arrest.

This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, the Connecticut State Police and the Middletown Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter S.  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, today announced that ELLIOT CHIAPPETTA, 61, of Stamford, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, CHIAPPETTA was part of a drug-trafficking ring based in Stamford in 2009 and 2010.  The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps and physical surveillance, revealed that CHIAPPETTA and his co-conspirators acquired cocaine and sold it in smaller quantities to customers in Fairfield County.  In April 2010, CHIAPPETTA traveled with a co-conspirator to southern Florida to obtain a kilogram of cocaine from their source of supply.

On January 28, 2013, CHIAPPETTA pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine.

CHIAPPETTA’s criminal history includes state felony convictions in 1992 for sale of narcotics and possession of narcotics, and a federal conviction in 2004 for conspiring to conduct an illegal gambling business.

This matter is being investigated by the FBI Fairfield County Organized Crime Task Force and the Stamford Police Department.  The Task Force is composed of members of the FBI, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Stamford Police Department, the Bridgeport Police Department and the Connecticut State Police.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hal Chen.

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 a federal jury in New Haven has found MYRACHID ELQUAFAI, 51, a citizen of Morocco last residing in New Haven, guilty of defrauding the federal Food Stamp Program while operating a Meriden grocery store.  The jury returned the verdict today following a five-day trial before United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven.

According to the evidence disclosed during the trial, the federal Food Stamp Program, which is now known as the Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program (“SNAP”), is administered by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service and utilizes federal tax dollars to subsidize low-income households to provide them with the opportunity to achieve a more nutritious diet by increasing their food-purchasing power.  SNAP recipients purchase eligible food items at retail food stores through the use of an EBT card, which is similar to an ATM card.  SNAP benefits may be accepted by authorized retailers only in exchange for eligible items.  Items such as alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, paper goods and soaps are not eligible for purchase with Food Stamp benefits, and it is a violation of the rules and regulations governing the food stamp program to allow benefits to be used to purchase ineligible items.  SNAP benefits may not lawfully be exchanged for cash under any circumstances.  The program is designed so that the total amount of each purchase is electronically transferred to the retailer’s designated bank account.

ELQUAFAI operated CJ Express and Groceries, LLC, located at 145 West Main Street in Meriden.  From approximately June 2010 to July 2012, ELQUAFAI conspired with Carlos Dominguez, the owner of CJ Express and Groceries, to redeem SNAP benefits at the store at a significantly discounted rate in exchange for cash and cigarettes.  Since February 2010, it is estimated that $820,000 in illegal SNAP benefits were redeemed at the store.

The jury found ELQUAFAI guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit food stamp fraud and one count of food stamp fraud.  Judge Hall has scheduled sentencing for July 19, 2013, at which time ELQUAFAI faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

ELQUAFAI has been detained since his arrest on August 2, 2012.

Dominguez has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General and the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Neeraj Patel and Anastasia King.

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, and Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the FBI, announced that AMANDA C. BOWDEN, 19, of East Haven, waived her right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport to threatening to carry out a violent attack at Gateway Community College in New Haven.

“In text messages and recorded conversations, this defendant explicitly detailed her threats which included a planned shooting and bombing at Gateway Community College,” stated U.S. Attorney Fein.  “Our Office takes all such threats with utmost seriousness and will prosecute them to the fullest extent of federal law.  I commend the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the New Haven and East Haven Police Departments for quickly identifying and neutralizing this threat.”

“FBI New Haven’s Joint Terrorism Task Force acted immediately to investigate Bowden’s threats and make an arrest,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Mertz.  “The investigation was very thorough and supported a successful prosecution.  Most importantly, however, was that the JTTF was able to monitor and assess the threats in real-time, with the safety and security of Gateway students, the City of New Haven and the general public always being our first priority.”

According to court filings and statements made in court, between approximately February 4 and February 16, 2013, BOWDEN made numerous telephonic threats, initially through text messaging with a cooperating witness and subsequently through text messaging and verbal conversations with an undercover law enforcement agent, discussing her plans to commit a suicidal mass shooting and bombing at Gateway Community College in New Haven.  In these communications, BOWDEN claimed to possess firearms and to have constructed at least two napalm-based bombs at her residence.

BOWDEN has been detained since her arrest on February 19, 2013.  On that date, investigating agents conducted a court-authorized search of BOWDEN’s East Haven residence.  No firearms or explosive devices were found during the search.

BOWDEN pleaded guilty to one count of false information and hoaxes, a charge that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.  She is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Michael P. Shea on July 13, 2013, in Hartford.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, the New Haven Police Department and the East Haven Police Department.  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 Henry K. Kopel.

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 a federal jury in New Haven has found JAMES DICKERSON, also known as “Jim Jim,” 30, of New Haven, guilty of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”) and distribution of crack cocaine.  The jury returned the verdict today following a four-day trial before Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns.

According to statements made in court and the evidence disclosed during the trial, this matter stems from a joint law enforcement investigation conducted in 2010 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 headed by Joseph Jackson, also known as “Mighty” and “M.I.,” and centered in the Newhallville section of New Haven and Hamden.  The investigation revealed that Jackson used “young boys,” some of whom were still in high school, to distribute large quantities of crack cocaine.

In July and August 2010, DICKERSON was regularly intercepted over the wiretap arranging to meet one of Jackson’s associates at locations in Newhallville to purchase two “8-balls” (7 grams) of crack cocaine each time.  DICKERSON then divided the crack into $20 baggies, which he sold to his own customers.

On October 13, 2010, DICKERSON was videotaped selling $300 worth of crack cocaine to an undercover police officer.

At trial, DICKERSON maintained that he bought crack cocaine from the members of the conspiracy, but was not a conspirator himself.  The jury rejected this defense, and convicted DICKERSON on both the conspiracy count and the distribution count.

Judge Burns has scheduled sentencing for July 18, 2013.  Based on the government’s filing of a second offender notice indicating that DICKERSON has a previous conviction for a felony drug offense, DICKERSON faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

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 FBI New Haven Safe Streets Task Force (composed of members of the New Haven, Milford and Hamden Police Departments 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 Robert M. Spector and Christopher M. Mattei.

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 TARULUS GLASS, also known as “Dred,” 39, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.

This matter stems from a Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force investigation dubbed “Operation Brick House,” which targeted a heroin distribution organization based in New Haven that was headed by GLASS.  The investigation employed several law-enforcement techniques, including the use of confidential informants, controlled purchases of heroin, physical surveillance, and the use of court-authorized wiretaps on cellular telephones utilized by some of the defendants.

The investigation revealed that GLASS and his associates obtained prepackaged heroin from sources of supply in the New York metropolitan area and distributed it to drug sellers in and around New Haven.

During the course of the investigation, DEA Task Force officers seized heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine, four firearms and three vehicles.

On March 2, 2011, GLASS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

Eleven individuals were charged as a result of the investigation.  All have pleaded guilty.

This matter was investigated by the DEA New Haven Task Force, which includes participants from the New Haven, Meriden, Hamden, West Haven, Branford and Ansonia Police Departments, and the United States Marshals Service.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick F. Caruso and H. Gordon Hall.

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 JAVON FLOYD, also known as “Twin,” 23, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.

FLOYD is one of 108 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 FLOYD conspired with others to purchase and redistribute heroin.

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 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

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that SEAN SALASEVICIUS, 32, of New Fairfield, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for manufacturing and distributing marijuana.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a Drug Enforcement Administration and Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force investigation into a large-scale marijuana growing and trafficking organization that operated in the greater Danbury area and had ties to New York, Massachusetts, and Vermont.  Between June 2011 and June 2012, the drug trafficking organization conspired to manufacture, sell, and distribute more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana.

The investigation revealed that SALASEVICIUS maintained a marijuana growing operation at his residence on Linda Lane in New Fairfield.

SALASEVICIUS and six other individuals were charged a result of the investigation.  During the course of the investigation, investigators seized marijuana, more than $350,000 in cash, 10 firearms, vehicles and real property.

On January 14, 2013, SALASEVICIUS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute between 100 and 400 kilograms of marijuana.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force Northwest Office.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tracy L. Dayton and David X. Sullivan.

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 HAROLD ANTHONY SOLTAU, 43, a citizen of Jamaica last residing in Bridgeport, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the United States after being deported.

According to court documents and statements made in court, SOLTAU was deported from the United States to Jamaica in June 1990 after he was convicted of a felony drug trafficking offense.  He subsequently reentered the United States without first obtaining the consent of the Attorney General of the United States or his successor, the Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, to reapply for admission into the United States.

SOLTAU has been detained since his arrest on July 31, 2012.  On January 29, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien.

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Felice M. Duffy.

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, and Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the FBI, announced that SEAN DORAN, 21, of East Hampton, pleaded guilty today before Chief United States District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to one count of intentionally conveying false or misleading information and a hoax by leaving a fake bomb device at the front doors of East Hampton Middle School on January 12, 2013.

 “This type of crime threatens the sense of security that children and teachers are entitled to enjoy at their schools,” stated U.S. Attorney Fein.  “Hoax crimes and threats to schools will be thoroughly investigated by our law enforcement partners and prosecuted by this office to the fullest extent permitted by law.”

“Public safety is critical in any civilized society,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Mertz.  “To that end, the FBI will investigate and bring to justice those who threaten the sanctity of public life.  The FBI wants to assure the citizens of the State of Connecticut and the Nation, that together with our federal, state and local partners, we are truly committed to identifying threats to public safety, as that is our first obligation.”

According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 8:00 a.m. on January 12, 2013, custodians at the East Hampton Middle School arrived to find a device leaning against the front doors of the school.  The device was a rectangular box, approximately 12 inches by eight inches by four inches in size, taped together with orange and red duct tape, and a white egg timer on top.  School employees contacted the East Hampton Police Department, which subsequently notified the Connecticut State Police Bomb Squad.  The Bomb Squad arrived on the scene and determined that the device did not contain any explosives.

A review of the East Hampton Middle School’s surveillance video revealed that DORAN placed the fake bomb at the doors of the school at approximately 1:47 a.m. that day.

Chief Judge Thompson has scheduled sentencing for August 1, 2013, at which time DORAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s JTTF, the East Hampton Police Department, the New Haven Police Department and the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Anjna R. Kapoor.

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 GEORGE TIRADO, 36, of Wolcott, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to a federal conspiracy charge stemming from a scheme to direct illegal campaign contributions into the campaign of a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives. 

According to 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.

TIRADO and Paul Rogers 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, TIRADO, Rogers, Harry Raymond “Ray” Soucy and others engaged in a scheme to direct conduit campaign contributions into the campaign of a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives.  The candidate was also a member of the Connecticut General Assembly.  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 were reimbursed with cash, thereby concealing the fact that RYO smoke shop owners were contributing to the campaign.

On November 15, 2011, TIRADO obtained a signed blank check from one of his smoke shop employees.  TIRADO then made the check payable to the campaign in the amount of $2,500, and assured the employee that she would be reimbursed.  That same evening, TIRADO attended a campaign fundraising event where he completed a contribution form in the employee’s name.  The contribution form contained a representation that the contribution was being funded by the individual named on the form.   He then provided the check to Rogers who delivered it to a campaign employee.

The next morning, TIRADO provided another conduit contribution in the amount of $2,500 to Soucy prior to a meeting that they had scheduled with the candidate.  Soucy then gave the check to a campaign employee.

On November 21, 2011, TIRADO deposited $2,500 in cash into the checking account of the employee who had served as a conduit contributor on November 15.  The $2,500 came from the business proceeds of Smoke House Tobacco.

In December 2011, Rogers, Soucy and others attended another fundraising event and delivered two more $2,500 conduit contributions to the campaign.

On approximately January 31, 2012, the Campaign Committee submitted to the Federal Election Commission (“FEC”) a report of the Campaign Committee’s receipts and disbursements for the period October 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011.  The report falsely stated the source and amount of the four $2,500 contributions that were received and deposited by the Campaign Committee during that time period.

In the spring of 2012, the conspirators made additional illegal campaign contributions totaling $17,500. 

TIRADO pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to make false statements to the FEC and to impede the FEC’s enforcement of federal campaign finance laws.  Judge Arterton has scheduled sentencing for July 23, 2013, at which time TIRADO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.

Rogers, Soucy and four others, including Joshua Nassi, who served as the campaign manager for the campaign of the candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, have also 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

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DARRELL DAVIS, also known as “Baller,” 34, of West Haven, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.

DAVIS is one of 108 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 DAVIS conspired with others to purchase and redistribute heroin.

On January 17, 2013, DAVIS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin.

DAVIS’s criminal history includes multiple felony convictions, including four drug trafficking convictions.  He is currently in state custody serving an 18-month sentence for possession of narcotics.

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

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that VASHAWN RAY, 25, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 70 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.  RAY sold crack cocaine in the Enfield Street area of Hartford.

RAY has been detained since his arrest on May 8, 2012.  On December 12, 2012, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

RAY’s criminal history includes a conviction for robbery in the first degree stemming from RAY’s robbing a victim at gunpoint.

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, today announced that CHARLES MATTHEW WILSON, also known as “Matt,” 26, of Roanoke, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his participation in a conspiracy to traffic firearms from Virginia to Connecticut.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation conducted by the New Haven Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Between June and August 2012, Jawawn Ricardo Hale, of Roanoke, sold a total of seven firearms and a quantity of ammunition to an individual in Connecticut.  Hale acquired the firearms from WILSON and others in Virginia, and then transported the firearms to Connecticut.  Leshel Branch, of New Haven, assisted Hale in the transportation and distribution of the firearms.

On August 23, 2012, WILSON, Hale and Branch traveled to a location in New Haven where Hale sold two firearms to an individual in exchange for $2,400.  Shortly after the transaction, the car carrying the three defendants was stopped by law enforcement.  $2000 was recovered from the interior of the car and $400 was seized from WILSON’s person.

WILSON has been detained since his arrest on August 23, 2012.  On December 14, 2012, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing in firearms without a license.

WILSON’s criminal history includes a 2006 conviction for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and a 2012 conviction for possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, and he faces violation of probation proceedings in Virginia.

Hale and Branch have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

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

New Haven – A federal jury in New Haven has found HECTOR NATAL, also known as “Boom” and “Boom Boom,” 27, of New Haven, guilty of committing the March 9, 2011 arson of a multi-family house located at 48-50 Wolcott Street in New Haven.  The arson caused the deaths of three residents, 42-year-old Wanda Roberson, her 8-year-old son Quayshawn Roberson, and her 21-year-old niece Jaquetta Roberson.  The jury also found Natal, together with his father, HECTOR MORALES, 51, of New Haven, guilty of participating in a narcotics distribution business, which led to the arson, and tampering with witnesses in an effort to obstruct the grand jury investigation of the arson.  Morales further aided Natal by altering evidence in order to obstruct the investigation.  The trial of Natal and Morales began on March 25, 2013 and, this afternoon, the jury returned a verdict of guilty on all counts of an 11-count indictment.  The announcement of today’s verdict was made by David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the FBI, New Haven Police Chief Dean Esserman and New Haven Fire Chief Michael Grant.

“Today, a unanimous jury found that Hector Natal set fire to a home where families and children lived, three of whom tragically perished, and that he was guilty as charged,” stated U.S. Attorney Fein.  “The jury also unanimously found that Natal’s father, Hector Morales, assisted his son’s narcotics trafficking and then helped his son try to cover-up this terrible crime.  Today, our thoughts are with the victims and their families.  Justice has been served, and we thank our law enforcement partners, particularly the FBI, Connecticut State Police, New Haven Police Department, and New Haven Fire Department, who have worked tirelessly during the investigation and prosecution of this matter.”

“Today’s guilty verdict will hopefully provide some level of comfort to the Fair Haven community and especially to those who lost loved ones as a result of the 2011 arson on Wolcott Street,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Mertz.  “Dedicated investigators and prosecutors have worked together diligently since day one to ensure justice for the victims of that horrific crime.”

“The New Haven Police Department is gratified for the strong working relationship with the United States Attorney’s Office in bringing justice to all the victims in this case,” stated Chief Esserman.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our firefighters’ outstanding efforts in responding so bravely to this deadly arson and our law enforcement partners who brought this case to justice,” stated Chief Grant.

According to the evidence presented during trial, Natal was a New Haven drug dealer who sold cocaine, crack cocaine, pills and marijuana. Morales served as Natal’s driver, facilitating his sales of narcotics and collection of drug proceeds.  Early on the morning of March 9, 2011, Natal set fire to the two-family house located on Wolcott Street in retaliation for a customer’s failure to pay a drug debt.  After the fire was set, Morales drove Natal away from the scene in his blue van. Morales thereafter painted his van black in an effort to obstruct the investigation. Natal and Morales then schemed with other family members to testify falsely before the grand jury in order to prevent the grand jury from developing evidence regarding Natal’s and Morales’ complicity in the arson.

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

Natal was found guilty of three counts of arson resulting in death.  This charge carries a mandatory minimum term of seven years imprisonment and a maximum term of life imprisonment on each count.  He also was found guilty of one count of attempted arson, which carries a mandatory minimum term of five years of imprisonment and a maximum term of 20 years.

Natal and Morales were both convicted of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute narcotics, conspiring to tamper with witnesses and witness tampering.  Each of these charges carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Additionally, Morales was found guilty on three counts of being an accessory after the fact to the arson, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, and one count of destruction and concealment of evidence, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
A sentencing date has not been scheduled.

Natal has been detained since his arrest on June 14, 2011, and Morales has been detained since his arrest on July 19, 2012.

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

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 MARIA GONZALEZ, 42, of Stamford, and her husband, HENRY FERNANDO LOPEZ, 36, of Fairfield, have been charged in a federal criminal complaint with conspiring to smuggle an infant from Guatemala into the United States.  GONZALEZ, who is a citizen of Argentina and a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., is also charged with passport fraud offenses.

GONZALEZ appeared on April 16 before United States Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons in Bridgeport and was released on a $100,000 bond.  LOPEZ is currently being sought by law enforcement.

As alleged in the complaint, GONZALEZ traveled to Guatemala in March 2009 and met with a pregnant girl who was 14-years-old at that time.  The birth mother agreed to give her child to GONZALEZ, and GONZALEZ agreed to pay for the birth mother’s delivery and some additional costs.  The child was born on April 18, 2009, and the birth mother gave the child to GONZALEZ and LOPEZ.

The complaint further alleges that GONZALEZ visited the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City after the child’s birth and attempted to acquire travel documents for the infant, but was unsuccessful as she was not able to provide the necessary medical documents demonstrating that she was the mother of the infant.  GONZALEZ subsequently made contact with an individual in Guatemala, provided him with the child’s photo and date of birth and, in exchange for $6,000, received a fraudulent U.S. passport in the child’s name.

GONZALEZ and the child, using the fraudulent passport, entered the U.S. at the Port of San Ysidro in California on July 14, 2009.

GONZALEZ and LOPEZ are charged with bringing into the U.S. and harboring an alien child, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and conspiring to do so, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  In addition, GONZALEZ is charged with misuse of a U.S. passport, and forgery or false use of a passport, offenses that carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count.

The child has been in the custody of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families since October 2012.

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 Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security in Connecticut and its Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City, Guatemala.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Krishna R. Patel.

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 LENWORTH HAYNES, 55, of Stratford, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to one count of tax evasion.

According to court documents and statements made in court, HAYNES was employed as a cook at a nursing home in Trumbull and, since approximately 1996, operated his own tax preparation business.  From 2006 to 2008, HAYNES evaded his personal federal income taxes by failing to declare income he earned from his tax preparation business.  During those three years, HAYNES should have reported total taxable income of $255,071.38.  Instead, he reported taxable income of negative $3,761, resulting in a loss to the government of $82,704.

Judge Underhill has scheduled sentencing for July 10, 2013, at which time HAYNES faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $100,000.  HAYNES also has agreed to pay back taxes, plus interest and penalties.

This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Susan L. Wines.

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 EVAN P. CHAGGARIS, 42, of Atlanta, Ga., waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to mailing numerous threatening communications to ESPN in Bristol, Conn.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between September 2011 and June 2012, CHAGGARIS mailed approximately 24 handwritten letters to ESPN.  All of the letters contained threats to injure or kill certain ESPN personalities.

CHAGGARIS was previously prosecuted in the District of Connecticut for the same offense.  In 2004, he mailed 31 threatening letters to ESPN in which he threatened to injure and kill ESPN personalities, and also made six threatening phone calls to one ESPN personality.  CHAGGARIS pleaded guilty and, on May 8, 2006, he was sentenced to five years of probation.  His term of probation concluded on May 8, 2011.

CHAGGARIS was arrested on a criminal complaint on September 21, 2012, in Atlanta.

Judge Chatigny has scheduled sentencing for July 10, 2013, at which time CHAGGARIS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Paul H. McConnell and Sarala V. Nagala.

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 two individuals involved in a New Haven drug distribution ring have pleaded guilty in Hartford federal court.  RUFUS HUNTER, also known as “Triple Black,” 30, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).  WILONDA MATTHEWS-GARY, also known as “Woo,” 32, of West Haven, pleaded guilty to the same charge yesterday.

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, revealed that members and associates of the Southside Bloods were distributing large quantities of crack cocaine.

HUNTER and MATTHEWS-GARY are scheduled to be sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in July 2013, at which time each faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.

This matter has been 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 Kaplan and Gordon Hall.

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 DANIEL SARNO, 54, of Enfield, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to five years of probation for mailing numerous threatening letters.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from November 2011 to May 2012, SARNO mailed approximately 300 letters to the executive director of a public advocacy group located in Hartford.  The letters contained vexatious language and, in a number of instances, explicit threats to kill or injure the victim.

On August 21, 2012, SARNO pleaded guilty to two counts of mailing threatening communications.

As special conditions of his probation, SARNO was ordered to receive mental health treatment, and to have no contact with his victims.

This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and was 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, and Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that DAVID MILLER, 40, of Rockville Centre, N.Y., waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford to conspiracy and fraud offenses related to his role in a fraudulent scheme to make large purchases of stock in Apple Inc. as an institutional sales trader for Rochdale Securities LLC of Stamford.

“This defendant participated in a fraudulent scheme in which he would either reap huge profits through the unauthorized purchase of approximately $1 billion of Apple stock or, if he faced huge losses, explain it away as simple human error,” stated U.S. Attorney Fein.  “This scheme caused catastrophic losses for his former employer and was unraveled promptly by the FBI.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our many partners on the Connecticut Securities, Commodities and Investor Fraud Task Force are committed to protecting investors and the integrity of American capital markets.  This investigation is ongoing.”

“Risk is inherent in the investment world, but that risk should never be borne from the actions of investment professionals who choose to serve their own financial agendas rather than those of their clients,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Mertz. “As this guilty plea demonstrates, the FBI and its partners on the Connecticut Securities, Commodities and Investor Fraud Task Force will act swiftly to investigate and bring to justice those who violate securities laws.”

According to court documents and statements made in court, MILLER, while working as an institutional sales trader at Rochdale Securities LLC (“Rochdale”) in Stamford, conspired with another individual to execute a trade to buy 1,625,000 shares of stock in Apple Inc. (“Apple”) on behalf of a Rochdale customer whose account Miller handled.  As part of the scheme, MILLER and his co-conspirator had agreed that the co-conspirator would submit an order for Apple stock on October 25, 2012, the day Apple was scheduled to announce its earnings for the quarter, and would write the order in such a way that MILLER could later claim he misinterpreted it.  MILLER would then execute a trade for 1,000 times the number of shares written in the order.  If the trade proved profitable, MILLER and his co-conspirator would share in the profits.  If the trade proved unprofitable, MILLER would claim human error, leaving Rochdale holding the losing position.

At approximately 9:31 a.m. on October 25, 2012, MILLER’s co-conspirator submitted an order for Apple that read: “b 125 ok (per 1/2 hr).”  MILLER then began executing orders to buy 125,000 shares of Apple stock, purportedly on behalf of the Rochdale customer.  Over the course of the day, MILLER entered multiple, separate orders in Rochdale’s order management system in the amount of 125,000 shares.  After Apple announced its earnings later that day, the stock price began dropping and it became clear that the trade would not be profitable.  When confronted, MILLER falsely claimed that he had made a mistake in ordering many multiples of what was written in a client’s order.

As a result of this scheme, Rochdale was left holding approximately 1,623,375 shares of Apple.  It promptly traded out of the position, but suffered a loss $5,292,202.50.

While he was executing the scheme at Rochdale, MILLER also defrauded another broker-dealer into taking on a significant short position in Apple stock.  Through a series of misrepresentations made over the course of several weeks, MILLER convinced the broker-dealer to sell 500,000 shares of Apple stock, falsely claiming that he was trading for the account of a company, which he had no relationship with and for which he was not authorized to trade.  MILLER engaged in this part of the scheme to hedge against the large purchase of Apple stock he was executing at Rochdale.  As a result of the scheme, MILLER placed the broker-dealer at risk of sustaining substantial losses.  In the end, the broker was able to trade out of the position at a profit.

MILLER pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and securities fraud, and one count of wire fraud.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on July 8, 2013, at which time MILLER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 25 years.

MILLER has been released on a $300,000 bond since his arrest on December 4, 2012. 

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

U.S. Attorney Fein acknowledged the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) for their substantial assistance and cooperation during the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul A. Murphy.

In December 2010, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and several law enforcement and regulatory partners announced the formation of the Connecticut Securities, Commodities and Investor Fraud Task Force, which is investigating matters relating to insider trading, market manipulation, Ponzi schemes, investor fraud, financial statement fraud, violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and embezzlement.  The Task Force includes representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation; U.S. Secret Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, Fraud Section and Antitrust Division; U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC); Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP); Office of the Chief State’s Attorney; State of Connecticut Department of Banking; Greenwich Police Department and Stamford Police Department.

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

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, and Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that two individuals pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to conspiracy charges stemming from a scheme to direct illegal campaign contributions into the campaign of a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives.  JOSHUA NASSI, 34, of Fairfield, and BENJAMIN HOGAN, 33, of Southington, each pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Janet Bond Arterton to one count of conspiracy to make false statements to the Federal Election Commission and to impede the FEC’s enforcement of federal campaign finance laws.

“With today’s guilty pleas, six individuals have now acknowledged their involvement in a scheme to disguise the source of contributions to a federal campaign, contributions that were given to influence legislation pending before the Connecticut General Assembly,” stated U.S. Attorney Fein.  “The Department of Justice is committed to prosecuting those who corrupt our system of government, our campaign finance laws and the electoral process.”

“Today’s guilty pleas serve as a reminder that there are consequences for those who undermine the integrity of the legislative process by engaging in a concealed pay-to-play system,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Mertz.  “The public interest was not being served.  The only interests being served were those of the defendants who put their own interests above all.  This investigation demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to the investigation of corruption at all levels of government.”

According to 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.

Fearing that the Connecticut General Assembly would enact legislation harmful to RYO smoke shop owners’ business interests during the 2012 legislative session, HOGAN, Paul Rogers, Harry Raymond “Ray” Soucy, David Moffa and others engaged in a scheme to direct conduit campaign contributions into the campaign of a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives.  The candidate was also a member of the Connecticut General Assembly.  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 Rogers, HOGAN and other conspirators reimbursed them with cash, thereby concealing the fact that RYO smoke shop owners were contributing to the campaign.

At the time, NASSI was the Campaign Manager for the campaign of the candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, and HOGAN was an employee of Smoke House Tobacco, an RYO smoke shop with two locations in Waterbury, which was co-owned by Rogers.  Soucy had a pre-existing relationship with NASSI and the member of the General Assembly who was running for Congress.

In November and December 2011, HOGAN, Rogers, Soucy, Moffa and others made four $2,500 conduit contributions to the Campaign.  HOGAN was aware of the purpose of the contributions and that the contributions were being made in the names of others.

On approximately January 31, 2012, the Campaign Committee submitted to the Federal Election Commission (“FEC”) a report of the Campaign Committee’s receipts and disbursements for the period October 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011.  The report falsely stated the source and amount of the four $2,500 contributions that were received and deposited by the Campaign Committee during that time period.

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.

Approximately one week later, 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.  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 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 $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 then delivered the four checks to NASSI at a political event.

On May 16, 2012, after Soucy informed the Campaign that one of the contributions had been made in the name of an RYO shop owner and should not be deposited, 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.

HOGAN and NASSI are scheduled to be sentenced on July 9 and July 16, 2013, respectively.  Both face a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.

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

As to the two other individuals who have been charged as a result of this investigation, U.S. Attorney Fein stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the 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

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury sitting in New Haven has returned a 15-count indictment charging WILLIE E. McKAY, 38, of New Haven, with aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of false federal income tax returns.  The indictment was returned on April 9 and unsealed today.

According to the indictment, McKAY, the pastor of The Love Temple Church, Inc. in West Haven, provided individual tax preparation services to members of his church and others.  In the course of preparing numerous individual federal income tax returns for clients in 2007 and 2008, McKAY improperly reduced the amount of tax due in a variety of ways, including falsely reporting wages and withholdings, and falsely claiming deductions for state taxes, personal property taxes, real estate taxes, mortgage interest payments, qualified mortgage insurance payments, charitable contributions, and business expenses.

The indictment further alleges that McKAY altered wage and withholding amounts appearing on the W-2 forms he received from his clients.

The indictment charges McKAY with 15 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of false federal income tax returns, a charge that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years and fine of up to $250,000 on each count.

McKAY appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport, pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on a $150,000 bond.

U.S. Attorney Fein stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven.

This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the United States Secret Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter S. 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, Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Hartford Police Chief James C. Rovella, today announced that 19 individuals have been charged with federal narcotics offenses related to the distribution of heroin and cocaine in and around Hartford.  Seventeen individuals were arrested this morning, and two are currently being sought by law enforcement.

Today’s arrests stem from “Operation Solid Sweep,” a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Squad targeting gang-related narcotics trafficking in Hartford’s South End.   The investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance.

In association with today’s arrests, law enforcement officers executed multiple search warrants and seized narcotics, one firearm, approximately $200,000 in cash, and three vehicles.

“I want to commend the excellent work and full commitment of the FBI, Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police, and all of our law enforcement partners who participated in this successful investigation and assisted with today’s arrests,” stated U.S. Attorney Fein. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to using the full weight of federal law to prosecute narcotics traffickers to make our communities safer.”

“Operation Solid Sweep has effectively disrupted a criminal enterprise that, as we allege, involved members of the Los Solidos gang and others who were responsible for an extensive narcotics trafficking operation in Hartford’s south end,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Mertz.  “Together with our federal, state and local partners, the FBI led Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force will continue to combat gang activity in order to reduce violence throughout the region.”

As alleged in a criminal complaint unsealed today in Hartford federal court, the investigation revealed that Angel Rosa, also known as “Little,” of New Britain, is a member of the Los Solidos street gang and the head of a drug trafficking organization that distributed heroin and cocaine from 584 Zion Street in Hartford.  Little’s brother, Angel Rosa, also known as “Mo Betta” and “Fab,” oversaw and supervised the narcotics operation by ensuring that organization’s distribution locations were adequately supplied, and by coordinating a network of individuals who sold heroin and cocaine to customers.  The investigation also revealed that the organization used residences on Gilman Street, Campfield Avenue and Zion Street in Hartford to store and distribute narcotics.

The criminal complaint charges the following 19 individuals with conspiring to distribute heroin and/or cocaine:

ANGEL ROSA, a.k.a. “Mo Betta” and “Fab,” 42 of Sherbrooke Ave., Hartford, ANGEL ROSA, a.k.a “Little,” 36, of Maple Street, New Britain, ANGEL ROSA, a.k.a. “Booby,” 20 of Park Ave., East Hartford, ANGEL ROSA, a.k.a. “Bebo,” 18, of Maple Street, New Britain, JOSE ROSA, a.k.a. “Joselito,” 25, of Zion Street, Hartford
HECTOR QUINONES, a.k.a. “Jumbe,” 51 of Wethersfield Ave., Hartford, OTILIA DIAZ, 37, of Campfield Ave., Hartford, JOSE NEGRON*, a.k.a. “Chino,” 28, of Folly Brook Drive, Wethersfield, IRAN NEGRON, a.k.a. “Face,” “Cara,” and “Pete,” 44, of Gilman Street, Hartford, JARED PENNELL, 29, of Norwich-New London Turnpike, Uncasville, ANDREW MORRISON, 23 of Zion Street, Hartford, ORLANDO TORRES, a.k.a. “Menor,” 26, of Zion Street, Hartford, NORMA TORRES, 56, of Zion Street, Hartford, NATIVIDAD MENDEZ, a.k.a. “Coca,” 36, of Maple Street, New Britain, LUIS ANTONIO MENDEZ*, 31 of Brown Street, Hartford, ANTONIO SANCHEZ, a.k.a. “Cano,” 38, of Madison Street, Hartford, FLORENCIO ORTIZ, a.k.a. “Pacheco,” 55, of Ellis Street, New Britain, JERRY MERCADO, 27, of Zion Street, Hartford, NORMAN BARNABY, 32, of Robin Road, Windsor Locks.

(*Jose Negron and Luis Antonio Mendez are currently being sought by law enforcement.)

The individuals arrested today appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Thomas P. Smith in Hartford.  Based on the quantity of narcotics involved in this conspiracy, the government is seeking pre-trial detention on the majority of the defendants who, if convicted, face mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment of five or ten years.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, which includes members of the Connecticut State Police, Hartford Police Department, Connecticut Department of Correction and Connecticut National Guard.  The Connecticut State Police’s Emergency Services Unit, Hartford Police Department’s Emergency Response Team, Capital Region Emergency Response Team, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and the New Britain, East Hartford and Wethersfield Police Departments have provided valuable assistance to the investigation by assisting with today’s arrests.

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, today announced that a federal jury in Hartford has found SHAUN WHITEHEAD, 26, of Brooklyn, N.Y., guilty of using counterfeit U.S. currency to purchase items at five Connecticut stores.  The trial before Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello began on April 8 and the jury returned its verdict late yesterday after deliberating for approximately one hour.

According to the evidence presented during the trial, in January and February 2011, WHITEHEAD used counterfeit $100 bills to purchase iPads and Bose headsets from retail stores in Windsor, Waterford, Lisbon, South Windsor and Naugatuck.

WHITEHEAD was found guilty of five counts of passing counterfeit obligations.  When he is sentenced, he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count.  A sentencing date has not been scheduled.

WHITEHEAD has been detained since March 9, 2011, when he was arrested in Massachusetts on a state larceny charge.  He has been in federal custody since August 24, 2012.

This matter was investigated by the United States Secret Service, with the assistance of the police departments of Windsor, Waterford, South Windsor, Naugatuck and North Attleborough (Mass.), and the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Felice Duffy and Ray Miller.

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 a federal grand jury sitting in New Haven returned a three-count indictment today charging THEODORE JONES, also known as “Ish,” and “William Wooley,” 28, of Norwich, with heroin and firearms related offenses.

As alleged in the indictment, on October 2, 2012, JONES possessed heroin, which he intended to distribute, a .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol and seven rounds of .45 caliber ammunition.  Prior to October 2012, JONES had been convicted of felony drug, burglary and assault offenses.

The indictment charges JONES with one count of possession of heroin with intent to distribute, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $1 million, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, which carries a mandatory consecutive prison term of at least five years and a fine of up to $250,000.  The indictment also charges JONES with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

JONES has been detained in state custody since his arrest on October 2, 2012.

This matter has been assigned to United States District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the assistance of the Norwich Police Department and the Office of the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of New London.  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 MICHAEL MARTARANO, 34, of New Haven, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for trading child pornography on the Internet.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between June 2007 and April 2009, MARTARANO traded and bartered child pornography with other individuals over the Internet through the use of an online instant messaging program, and later via a peer-to-peer filing sharing program.

On July 2, 2009, law enforcement agents executed a federal search warrant at MARTARANO’s residence and seized a desktop computer, a laptop computer and an external hard drive.  Subsequent forensic examination of the seized items revealed approximately 5,100 images and videos of child pornography.

MARTARANO was arrested on August 3, 2010.  On December 11, 2012, he pleaded guilty to one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography.  He is currently detained.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force and the New Haven Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anastasia E. King and Neeraj N. Patel.

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

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSHUWA DIAZ, also known as “Fot,” 22, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.

DIAZ is one of 108 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 DIAZ conspired with others to purchase and redistribute heroin.

DIAZ is currently in state custody serving concurrent sentences for violation of probation and criminal possession of a firearm.  His maximum release date is December 1, 2013.

Judge Burns ordered DIAZ to begin serving his 78-month federal sentence after his release from state custody. 

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

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that KEWAN WOODSON, also known as “Piggy” and “Pig,” 20, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 36 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.
According to court documents and statements made in court, WOODSON sold crack cocaine in the Enfield Street area of Hartford.

During the investigation, intercepted calls over a court-authorized wiretap indicated that 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 a residence at 117-119 Enfield Street.  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.  At the time, WOODSON was the subject of an ongoing unrelated investigation into a shooting incident in the summer of 2010.  Hartford Police detectives obtained a warrant for WOODSON and arrested him that day to remove him as a target of further violence.

On April 11, 2012, WOODSON pleaded guilty in state court to attempted assault in the first degree and carrying a pistol without a permit.  He was sentenced to three years of incarceration and seven years of special parole.

On December 6, 2012, WOODSON pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

Judge Hall ordered WOODSON to begin serving his 36-month federal sentenced after he completes his state sentence.

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

The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut announced that FRED STEVENS, 56, of Easton, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a Fairfield County mortgage fraud scheme.  STEVENS also was ordered to serve three months in home confinement after his release from prison, and to pay a $7,500 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, STEVENS, a mortgage broker based in Westport, participated in a mortgage fraud scheme with William A. Trudeau, Jr. and others.  As part of the scheme, Trudeau and his co-conspirators submitted false mortgage loan applications to financial institutions to obtain mortgages on various properties in Fairfield County in order to develop and sell the properties for profit, and to pay off debts owed to “hard money” lenders from whom they had previously obtained high interest loans.  The mortgage applications, which included false income information and omitted the mortgage applicants’ true indebtedness, caused the financial institutions to issue mortgage loans on properties that Trudeau and his co-conspirators would not have otherwise been qualified to purchase, allowing the applicants to qualify for mortgages that far exceeded their ability to repay the loans.

STEVENS submitted eight fraudulent mortgage applications on behalf of Trudeau and others in exchange for $130,142.38 in fees, and mortgage lenders lost approximately $2 million as a result of this scheme.

STEVENS has been ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,070,000.

On November 25, 2008, STEVENS pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud.

STEVENS testified extensively at Trudeau’s trial.  On October 9, 2012, a jury found Trudeau guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, mail fraud and wire fraud, and one count of wire fraud.  On February 12, 2013, he was sentenced to 188 months of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rahul Kale and Christopher Schmeisser.

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 CLAIRE BALDUCCI, 47, of Stratford, was sentenced today by Chief United States District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for embezzling approximately $1 million from her Greenwich employer.

According to court documents and statements made in court, BALDUCCI worked as the office manager for a private investment company based in Greenwich.  As office manager, she had access to six business bank accounts.  Between approximately September 2008 and November 2011, BALDUCCI issued numerous checks from the firm’s business accounts payable to herself, to “cash” and to third-party vendors, all of which she deposited in her personal bank account.  BALDUCCI also opened a credit card account in the name of the managing partner of the victim company and authorized herself as a co-user of the account.  She then made unauthorized charges for personal expenses on the account.  Through these schemes, BALDUCCI embezzled approximately $1 million.

Chief Judge Thompson ordered BALDUCCI to pay restitution in the amount of $995,000.

On December 12, 2012, BALDUCCI pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.  She began serving her sentence today.

This investigation was conducted by the Greenwich Police Department and the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, which includes members of the United States Secret Service; the United States Postal Inspection Service; the United States Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security; the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation; the Connecticut State Police; and the Greenwich, Hartford, Shelton and Stamford Police Departments.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

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 RAMON MATAMORO-MEJIA, also known as Ramon Majano-Guzman, 34, a citizen of Honduras last residing in Norwalk, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport to 10 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the United States after he was deported.

According to court documents and statements made in court, MATAMORO-MEJIA was deported from the U.S. to his native Honduras in February 2002 after he had served a prison sentence in California for attempted murder.  He returned to the U.S., was prosecuted in federal court for illegally reentering the U.S., and was deported to Honduras in June 2003.  MATAMORO-MEJIA again illegally reentered the U.S. and was deported a third time in July 2007.

MATAMORO-MEJIA again illegally reentered the U.S. in 2011 and, in October 2012, was arrested by the Norwalk Police Department and charged with third-degree assault, disorderly conduct, illegal use of a fake gun, threatening, interfering/resisting arrest, breach of peace and criminal trespass.

On February 7, 2013, MATAMORO-MEJIA 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

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that PETER C. JOHNS, 39, of Wallingford, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for trading child pornography on the Internet.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 24, 2010, a detective assigned to the Richmond (Va.) Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and acting in an undercover capacity logged into a publicly available Internet file sharing program and downloaded several images and videos of child pornography from a shared directory maintained by JOHNS.

On March 25, 2011, JOHNS was arrested at his residence.  On that date, law enforcement agents also seized his computer and related components.  Forensic analysis of the seized computer and components revealed that JOHNS used the Internet to trade thousands of images and videos of child pornography.  Included in his collection of child pornography were images of children under the age of 12 engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and images of children engaging in sadistic or masochistic conduct.

JOHNS has been released on bond under electronic monitoring by the U.S. Probation Office since shortly after his arrest.  On January 7, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.  The Connecticut State Police and Wallingford Police Department provided assistance to the investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarala V. Nagala.

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

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ADRIAN PINZON-GALLARDO, also known as “The Mexican,” 27, a citizen of Mexico last residing in Bloomfield, Conn., was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 135 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin and cocaine.  PINZON-GALLARDO also was ordered to pay a $50,000 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in early 2011, the Drug Enforcement Administration in New Haven received information from the Connecticut State Police that an individual was selling substantial quantities of heroin from a residence at 28 Maltby Place in New Haven.  Following a series of controlled purchases of heroin from that individual, the DEA New Haven Task Force initiated a court-authorized wiretap investigation.  During the course of the wiretap investigation, it was determined that PINZON-GALLARDO was supplying large quantities of heroin and cocaine to several individuals in Connecticut, including drug distributors in New Haven.

On September 2, 2011, DEA personnel from both New Haven and Providence, R.I.., with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police, tracked PINZON-GALLARDO’s vehicle as it traveled from Connecticut to Providence where it was believed from wire intercepts that PINZON-GALLARDO intended to conduct a narcotics transaction.  In Providence, the surveillance team observed PINZON-GALLARDO and an associate meet and then travel to a storage facility in Pawtucket, R.I.  At the facility, PINZON-GALLARDO and his associate entered an open storage unit with several other individuals and closed the door.  A short time later, PINZON-GALLARDO’s associate returned to the vehicle, retrieved a black backpack and walked back to the storage unit.  PINZON-GALLARDO and his associate then returned to their vehicle and departed.  After driving to Boston, PINZON-GALLARDO and his associate drove a circuitous route back to Connecticut when their vehicle was stopped by Connecticut State Police on Interstate 84 after it crossed the Connecticut border.  A search of the car revealed three bricks of heroin, weighing a total of approximately 736 grams of heroin, and approximately $14,000 in cash.

A subsequent search of the storage unit in Rhode Island revealed approximately eight kilograms of heroin, including three kilograms that were contained within a black backpack similar to the one that PINZON-GALLARDO’s associate had been seen carrying into the facility, approximately two kilograms of cocaine and approximately $35,000 in cash.

U.S. Attorney Fein noted that one kilogram of heroin can produce approximately 50,000 single-dosage unit bags of heroin.

PINZON GALLARDO has been detained since his arrest on September 2, 2011.  On October 5, 2012, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, one kilogram or more of heroin.

This matter has been investigated by the DEA New Haven Task Force, which includes participants from the New Haven, Meriden, Hamden, West Haven, Branford and Ansonia Police Departments, and the United States Marshals Service.  The New Britain Police Department substantially assisted the investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney S. Dave Vatti.

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 WAYNE EVANGELISTA, also known as “Wayne Nance,” 34, of Bristol, pleaded guilty today before Senior United States District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport to three counts of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, prior to March 2011, EVANGELISTA had been convicted of multiple felony offenses in Connecticut state court and federal court in Connecticut, including criminal possession of a firearm (twice), third degree burglary, second degree forgery, bank fraud, and both first and second degree larceny.

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.

In March 2011, EVANGELISTA convinced another individual, who had a valid firearms permit, that he was a Bail Enforcement Agent.  In March and April 2011, EVANGELISTA persuaded the individual to purchase a .40 caliber pistol and a .380 caliber pistol on his behalf, and EVANGELISTA took possession of the firearms after they were purchased.  Also in April 2011, EVANGELISTA possessed a 9mm pistol that he cleaned for the same individual who had purchased the other two firearms for him.

Judge Eginton has scheduled sentencing for June 28, 2013, at which time EVANGELISTA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count.

EVANGELISTA has been detained since his arrest on March 15, 2012.

This matter has been investigated by the Connecticut State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan S. Freimann.

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 KEVIN BOLDEN, 47, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 108 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for robbing six Connecticut banks.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2012, BOLDEN committed six bank robberies in New Haven, Woodbridge, Stamford (2), Greenwich and Bridgeport, stealing a total of more than $15,000.

During five of the robberies, BOLDEN was assisted by Moneek Grant, also of New Haven.

BOLDEN has been detained since his arrest on April 4, 2012.  On December 4, 2012, he pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery.

On October 2, 2012, Moneek Grant pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery.  On December 19, 2012, she was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Haven, Stamford, Woodbridge, Greenwich and Bridgeport Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

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 MARCHITTO, JR., 30, of Hamden, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 66 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for leading a New Haven-area drug ring that trafficked in oxycodone, a powerful prescription pain killer.

This matter stems from “Operation Big Blue,” a year-long investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force into MARCHITTO’s oxycodone trafficking operation.  The investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance, and controlled purchases and seizures of oxycodone.  Sixteen individuals were charged as a result of this investigation.

According to court documents and statements made in court, MARCHITTO and his associates were involved in the distribution of substantial quantities of oxycodone in and around New Haven.  MARCHITTO and others regularly traveled, at MARCHITTO’s expense, to Florida where they obtained prescriptions for large amounts of oxycodone at unscrupulous pain clinics, commonly referred to as “pill mills.”  He also arranged to have three Florida residents ship bulk quantities of oxycodone to him on a regular basis.  MARCHITTO sold most of the pills that he and his associates were able to acquire to an established network of redistributors in Connecticut.

MARCHITTO was arrested on April 7, 2011.  On that date he was found in possession of approximately 2,000 oxycodone pills.

On July 29, 2011, MARCHITTO pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone and one count of money laundering.

MARCHITTO also has forfeited a 2010 Acura TL that he purchased using approximately $44,000 in drug proceeds.

This matter was investigated by the DEA New Haven Task Force, including personnel from the New Haven, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Hamden, Branford, and Wallingford Police Departments, and the United States Marshals Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick Caruso and Douglas Morabito.

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 JOHN J. DORAN, 63, of Niantic, formerly of Deep River, pleaded guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford to one count of making false statements to influence a bank in connection with a mortgage application.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2007, DORAN applied to Bank of America for a mortgage to purchase a condominium in New Haven.  In connection with the application, DORAN submitted a false individual tax return that indicated that his adjusted gross income for 2004 was $464,197 when, in fact, the actual 2004 tax return DORAN filed with the Internal Revenue Service showed an adjusted gross income of -$69,298.  DORAN also submitted a fictitious sale contract for his personal residence in Deep River and a false bank statement.

In pleading guilty, DORAN also admitted that, in March 2005, he submitted a false individual tax return in connection with a $500,000 refinance loan application with JP Morgan Chase.  The tax return indicated that his adjusted gross income for 2003 was $296,735 when, in fact, his actual 2003 tax return showed an adjusted gross income of -$81,911.  DORAN also admitted that, in March 2007, he submitted false individual 2003 and 2004 tax returns in connection with a loan application to Wachovia Dealer Services to finance the purchase of a yacht.

DORAN is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on June 25, 2013, at which time DORAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years and a maximum fine of approximately $1.9 million.  As part of his plea agreement, DORAN has agreed to pay restitution of $991,883.65.

This case has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David T. Huang.

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 PATRICIA A. BROWN, 22, a prisoner at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Danbury, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to a consecutive 21-month term of imprisonment for assaulting another inmate.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 4, 2012, BROWN assaulted another Danbury FCI inmate with two padlocks placed in a white athletic sock.  The victim suffered a laceration close to her right ear and required three stitches to close the wound, and also suffered from headaches.
On January 8, 2013, BROWN pleaded guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon.

BROWN is currently serving a 30-year sentence after having been convicted of murder in 2009 in the District of Minnesota.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Neeraj N. Patel and Special Assistant United States Attorney Anjna R. Kapoor.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

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

Niantic, Conn. – In a massive operation headed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut and Homeland Security Investigations in Connecticut, in partnership with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, approximately one hundred individuals were arrested today on charges related to the large-scale trafficking of heroin and cocaine from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico into and around southeastern Connecticut.

The announcement of this long-term investigation and today’s arrests was made by David B. Fein, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Michael L. Regan, State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of New London, Bruce M. Foucart, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England, Steven G. Hughes, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Secret Service, New York Field Office, New London Police Chief Margaret Ackley, Norwich Police Chief Louis J. Fusaro, Sr., Colonel Danny R. Stebbins of the Connecticut State Police, and other members of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies who participated in the investigation and today’s operation.

This morning, more than 700 law enforcement officers involved in the operation executed scores of federal and state arrest and arrest warrants in Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Puerto Rico.  Approximately 52 individuals were arrested on federal narcotics and money laundering charges, and approximately 52 individuals were arrested on state narcotics and related charges.  Additional defendants were previously arrested during the course of the investigation, and several individuals are currently being sought by law enforcement.  The arrests stem from a 15-month investigation that included the use of court-authorized wiretaps on 15 telephones, extensive physical surveillance and controlled purchases and seizures of cocaine and heroin.

As alleged in criminal complaints filed in association with today’s arrests and unsealed today in U.S. District Court in New Haven, this investigation was initiated in early 2012 to combat narcotics-trafficking and money laundering in the City of New London.  The investigation revealed two overlapping conspiracies centered in New London County, one involving heroin distribution and one involving cocaine distribution.  The two conspiracies employed a variety of methods to import narcotics from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico into southeastern Connecticut, and involved scores of individuals who distributed wholesale amounts of drugs to customers in New London County.

In association with today’s arrests, law enforcement officers executed multiple search warrants and seized narcotics, firearms, cash and vehicles.

“We allege that the defendants arrested today were responsible for a very large percentage of the heroin and cocaine available for street sale in New London County,” said U.S. Attorney David Fein.  “As is clear from this extensive  and far-reaching investigation and today’s coordinated operation, we in federal, state and local law enforcement are committed to working together, across state and federal borders, to disrupt the flow of illegal narcotics and to identifying and seizing assets purchased with the proceeds of drug trafficking.”

“I would like to take the opportunity to express our office’s appreciation for the tireless work of the members of the US Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security, the Secret Service the Connecticut State Police and all of our local police departments – New London, Norwich, Waterford, Groton Town, Groton City, and East Lyme – in identifying and targeting this large scale narcotics trafficking enterprise in Southeastern Connecticut,” said Michael L. Regan, State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of New London.  “The dedication of, and cooperation between, these agencies has been exemplary and is a credit to all.”

“Drug trafficking organizations must be aggressively attacked and dismantled at every level,” said Bruce M. Foucart, special agent in charge of HSI Boston.  Foucart oversees HSI throughout New England.  “Today we have stopped two criminal organizations from bringing significant quantities of heroin and cocaine into our communities in Connecticut and throughout New England.  The result of this operation is nothing short of significant and it underscores what the people expect from law enforcement:  Keep drugs out of our neighborhoods.  These arrests will keep the citizens of New England safer from the inevitable violence that drug trafficking brings, and chokes off a major drug stream into Connecticut – the largest our agency has ever uncovered in the state's history.”

“The U.S. Secret Service is proud to have participated in the multi-agency criminal investigation leading to the arrests of over 100 suspects involved in this money laundering and narcotics scheme”, said Steven Hughes, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service New York Field Office.  “Through a collaborative approach with New York and Connecticut based Secret Service Offices and in conjunction with Homeland Security Investigations, other federal agencies, Connecticut State Police, as well as several local police departments in the New London area, this case exemplifies how cooperation and strong partnerships have allowed us to focus our resources and respond quickly to uncover and prevent these types of crimes, whether they originate within or outside our borders.”

“This law enforcement operation is the culmination of a long-term investigation that was initiated by members of the New London Police Department, Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Secret Service,” said New London Police Chief Margret Ackley.  The New London Police Department has dedicated numerous officers to this investigation, and an operation of this size is not possible without the assistance of our federal partners.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank the dedicated officers of the New London Police Department and all of our federal partners for making this law enforcement operation possible and actively working to make our community a safer place.”

“The operation today shows the importance and the benefits of interagency cooperation,” said Norwich Police Chief Louis J. Fusaro, Sr.  “When local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies all work together the resulting arrests speak for themselves.  I am very pleased with the outcome of this law enforcement operation.  The arrests made today and the prosecution of these individuals will have a huge effect on illicit activity in the City of Norwich and this region, now and into the future.”

“The Connecticut State Police is a proud participant in this significant investigation, which has targeted and disrupted the flow of narcotics into our state,” said Colonel Danny Stebbins of the Connecticut State Police.  “The extraordinary teamwork of local, state and federal law enforcement contributed to today’s successful operation.”

The Heroin Conspiracy

As alleged, the investigation revealed that Luis Ariel Capellan Maldonado, also known as “Ariel,” regularly procured multi-kilogram quantities of heroin from the Dominican Republic and worked with several individuals to distribute the drug in southeastern Connecticut.  Operating out of his apartment building on Hawthorne Drive in New London, Capellan Maldonado supplied customers with raw heroin, often in quantities of 50 to 150 grams.  He also had access to kilogram quantities of cocaine and sometimes supplied cocaine to wholesale cocaine distributors in New London.

The investigation further revealed that Capellan Maldonado coordinated the shipment of heroin, and sometimes cocaine, via human couriers from the Dominican Republic to the United States.  He also obtained heroin from other sources in New York City and Rhode Island.

Capellan Maldonado, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, routinely sent thousands of dollars in drug proceeds back to the Dominican Republic.

The investigation further revealed that one of Capellan Maldonado’s associates, Enrique Luciano, also known as “Ipi,” supplied wholesale quantities of heroin and cocaine to Miguel Morales, also known as “Neow,” and others, who distributed heroin and cocaine to other wholesale distributors and street-level sellers in and around New London.

The Cocaine Conspiracy

As alleged, the investigation revealed that Pedro Rivera, also known as “Cheito,” of Groton, regularly obtained kilogram quantities of cocaine from sources in Puerto Rico.  Rivera’s trusted associate, Luis Zayas, also known as “Guichan,” of Waterford, also was involved in the procurement of cocaine.  Rivera, Zayas and their associates used a variety of methods to transport the cocaine from Puerto Rico to the United States, including the U.S. mail.  Pedro Rivera and Zayas supplied other individuals, including Frankie Rivera, who used his business, PR Speedshop on Westwood Avenue in New London, to sell cocaine to street-level customers.

The investigation also identified Juan G. Cheverez, also known as “Guinchi,” of Groton as a narcotics trafficker who received kilogram-quantities of cocaine in the mail from Axel Matta Figueroa, also known as “Joelito,” in Puerto Rico.  At times, Cheverez also obtained cocaine from Luis Zayas.  Cheverez was assisted by others with distributing cocaine around New London and in transporting money to Puerto Rico. 

The investigation further revealed that Oscar Valentin, also known as “Tato,” and his employees sold narcotics supplied by Pedro Rivera and others to customers from a garage Valentin managed at the intersection of Walker Street and Bristol Street in New London.

The federal defendants arrested today in Connecticut were transported to U.S. District Court in New Haven.  Based on the quantity of narcotics involved in these conspiracies, the government is seeking pre-trial detention on the vast majority of the defendants who, if convicted, face mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment of five or ten years.

In addition to the defendants arrested today, during the course of the investigation, three individuals were previously arrested and charged with federal firearms offenses, and five individuals were previously arrested and charged with state narcotics violations.

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

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

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

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 ALEXANDER GARAY, 36, of Hartford, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 115 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 May 22, 2012, GARAY was arrested after he engaged Hartford police officers in a car chase during which he nearly hit an officer, threw bags of heroin out of his car window and forced another individual’s vehicle off the road.  A subsequent search of GARAY’s vehicle revealed a Taurus 9 millimeter pistol and an additional quantity of heroin.

The firearm GARAY possessed had been reported stolen from its legal owner in 2006.

Prior to May 2012, GARAY had been convicted of multiple felony offenses, including weapon in a motor vehicle (twice), criminal possession of a firearm, sale of hallucinogens/ narcotics, possession of narcotics (twice), and stealing a firearm.

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.

GARAY has been detained since his arrest by Hartford Police on May 22, 2012.  On January 23, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. 

This matter was investigated by the Hartford Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan S. Freimann and Michelle McConaghy.

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 KEVIN WALLIN, 61, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty today before Senior United States District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine (“meth”).

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Connecticut State Police’s Statewide Narcotics Task Force.  The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of meth, physical surveillance and the use of an undercover officer, revealed that WALLIN received shipments of meth from individuals in California on consignment with the understanding that he would pay his sources with proceeds generated by his distribution of the drug.  After receiving the shipments of meth, he distributed the drug to other dealers and sold it to his own customers.

On six occasions between September 2012 and January 2013, WALLIN sold meth to the undercover officer.

In pleading guilty, WALLIN admitted that he received and distributed 1.7 kilograms of meth.

Judge Covello has scheduled sentencing for June 25, 2013, at which time WALLIN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life and a fine of up to $10 million.

WALLIN has been detained since his arrest on January 3, 2013.  A court-authorized search of WALLIN’s residence on that date revealed meth, drug paraphernalia and drug packaging materials.

Four other individuals have been charged as a result of this investigation and are currently awaiting trial.  As to these defendants, U.S. Attorney Fein stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick Caruso and H. Gordon Hall.

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 CARL G. KOPLIN, 55, of Tolland, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 51 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for receiving and distributing child pornography.  KOPLIN also was ordered to pay a fine of $10,000.

“This defendant’s appalling collection of child pornography was one of the largest that we have seen here in Connecticut,” stated U.S. Attorney Fein. “It’s reprehensible that a practicing physician who held such an important position of trust in the community victimized so many children by collecting and trading sexually explicit images of them.  This Office is committing to working with the FBI, Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force and our other law enforcement partners to protect children by stemming the distribution of these images and vigorously prosecuting offenders.”

According to court documents and statements made in court, a special agent with the Northern Virginia Resident Agency of the Washington Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation used a publicly available Internet file sharing program to download approximately 300 images and videos of child pornography from the shared directories of a user with an Internet Protocol (IP) address that was subsequently identified as belonging to a subscriber at KOPLIN’s residence in Tolland.

On July 9, 2010, federal agents searched KOPLIN’s home and seized a desktop computer, storage media and other computer components.  KOPLIN was arrested on that date after he admitted to agents that he used a file sharing program to trade images of child pornography, and that he was responsible for any child pornography found as a result of the search of his residence.

Subsequent forensic analysis of the seized items revealed thousands of images and videos depicting child pornography, totaling more than 800 gigabytes in size. 

Prior to his arrest, KOPLIN was employed as a family practice physician in Vernon. 

KOPLIN has been in home confinement under electronic monitoring by the U.S. Probation office since the date of his arrest.  On August 29, 2012, he pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ray Miller, Sarala Nagala and Deborah Slater.

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

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MICHAEL UNDERHILL, 42, of Norwalk, was sentenced yesterday by Senior U.S. District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport to 108 months of imprisonment for distributing narcotics and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior narcotics conviction.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 1998, UNDERHILL was sentenced in U.S. District Court in New Haven to 144 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.  He was released from federal prison in October 2007 and began serving his term of supervised release.

On September 25, 2010, Bridgeport Police attempted to pull over UNDERHILL’s vehicle.  UNDERHILL accelerated away from police, subsequently crashed his vehicle into the rear of a residence in Fairfield and fled on foot.  He was apprehended a short time later.  Law enforcement officers recovered quantities of crack cocaine, cocaine, heroin, marijuana and Ecstacy, all packaged for sale, from the scene of UNDERHILL’s arrest, and a search of UNDERHILL’s person revealed more than $4000 in cash.

In August 2012, while UNDERHILL was released on bond awaiting disposition of the charges in this case, DEA agents executed a search warrant at UNDERHILL’s residence and found additional quantities of crack, cocaine and heroin.

On January 3, 2013, UNDERHILL pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

Judge Eginton sentenced UNDERHILL to 60 months of imprisonment on the narcotics offense, and a consecutive 48 months of imprisonment for the supervised release violation.

This matter was investigated by the Bridgeport Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney H. Gordon Hall.

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 RAYMOND CARSON, also known as “Dirt,” 38, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 63 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.

CARSON is one of 108 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 CARSON conspired with others to purchase and redistribute heroin.

CARSON’s criminal history includes numerous felony convictions, including two convictions for possession of narcotics, one conviction for sale of narcotics, and seven weapon convictions, including firearm offenses.  He was on state parole at the time of the heroin distribution offense.

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

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DERRICK BAILEY, also known as “Fry,” 44, of Hartford, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 105 months of imprisonment, followed by five 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.  The investigation revealed that BAILEY distributed crack cocaine to co-defendants who redistributed the drug to numerous street-level dealers, including gang members, in the area of Enfield Street in Hartford.

BAILEY’s criminal history includes multiple narcotics-related felony convictions, as well as a firearms conviction.

BAILEY has been detained since his arrest on May 9, 2012.  On January 2, 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 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 PATRICK J. WEGNER, 36, of Bristol, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 11 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release that followed a 2007 conviction for possession of child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 20, 2007, Judge Burns sentenced WEGNER to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for possessing child pornography.  WEGNER was released from the custody of the Bureau of Prisons in December 2009 and he began serving his term of supervised release.  As special conditions of his supervised release, WEGNER was required to register as a sex offender and not to associate with any child under the age of 18 except in the presence of a responsible adult who is aware of the nature of his offense and who has been approved by the United States Probation Office.

On March 11, 2013, the U.S. Probation Office learned that WEGNER was residing with a woman who was babysitting two children, at the children’s home, while the children’s parents were away on vacation.  The parents of the children were not aware that a registered sex offender was staying at their home, and WEGNER had not notified the U.S. Probation Office or the Connecticut State Police Sex Offender Registry of his new address.

Previously, on April 29, 2010, Judge Burns sentenced WEGNER to two months of imprisonment after he was found to have violated his supervised release by being in the presence of children without supervision on more than one occasion in February and March 2010, and by not being truthful when questioned by a U.S. Probation officer.

At the conclusion of today’s court proceeding, WEGNER was taken into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to begin serving his 11-month sentence.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward Chang with the assistance of law student intern Lauren Biksacky.

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

March 26, 2013

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that LAURENTIU CRISTIAN BUSCA, 28, a citizen of Romania, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment for participating in an extensive Internet “phishing” scheme.

A phishing scheme uses the Internet to target large numbers of unwary individuals, using fraud and deceit to obtain private personal and financial information such as names, addresses, bank account numbers, credit card numbers and Social Security numbers.  Phishing schemes often work by sending out large numbers of counterfeit e-mail messages that are made to appear as if they originated from legitimate banks, financial institutions or other companies.  The fraudulent email messages ask individuals to click on a hyperlink contained in the email message, which would take the individual to a counterfeit site on the Internet that purports to be the Internet site of the particular bank, financial institution or company.  At the counterfeit Internet site, the individual is then asked to enter information such as the individual’s name, address and credit or debit card numbers.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2005 a resident of Madison, Conn., contacted the FBI in New Haven about a suspicious email that she had received that purported to be from Connecticut-based People’s Bank.  The email stated that the recipient’s online banking access profile had been locked and instructed the recipient to click on a link to a web page where the recipient could enter information to “unlock” his or her profile.  The web page appeared to originate from People’s Bank, but, as the investigation revealed, was actually hosted on a compromised computer in Minnesota.  Any personal identifying and financial information provided by the individual would be sent by email to individuals in Romania, or to a “collector” account, which was an email account used to receive and collect the information obtained through phishing.

BUSCA and others were part of a loose-knit conspiracy of individuals from Craiova, Romania, and neighboring areas that shared files, tools, and stolen information obtained through phishing.  The co-conspirators used and shared a number of collector accounts, which contained thousands of email messages that contained credit or debit card numbers, expiration dates, CVV codes, PIN numbers, and other personal identification information such as names, addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers.  The co-conspirators then used the personal and financial information to access bank accounts and lines of credit and to withdraw funds without authorization, often from ATMs in Romania.

The investigation revealed that BUSCA was heavily involved in the phishing conspiracy between 2004 and 2006, and analysis of his email accounts revealed that BUSCA possessed more than 10,000 stolen debit or credit card account numbers.  In addition to trafficking the stolen information, BUSCA possessed and shared various tools used for phishing, including files used to create counterfeit Internet sites and software needed to produce counterfeit credit and debit cards.

In addition to People’s Bank, financial institutions and companies targeted by the defendants included Citibank, Capital One, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Comerica Bank, Regions Bank, LaSalle Bank, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo & Co., eBay and PayPal.

This seven-year investigation has resulted in criminal charges against 19 Romanian citizens.  On January 18, 2007, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging seven defendants with various offenses stemming from this scheme.  On November 10, 2010, a grand jury returned a second superseding indictment charging an additional 12 defendants, including BUSCA.

The first three defendants to face charges were extradited from Bulgaria, Croatia and Canada.  Following the ratification in 2010 of an amended treaty on mutual legal assistance between Romania and the United States, BUSCA and six other defendants were extradited from Romania.  BUSCA was extradited in December 2011.

On November 20, 2012, BUSCA pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud.  Eight of the other extradited defendants also have pleaded guilty, and one was convicted after trial in December 2012.  Nine defendants are still being sought.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in New Haven, Conn.

U.S. Attorney Fein and Special Agent in Charge Mertz also acknowledged the critical assistance provided by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of International Affairs, the FBI Legal Attaché in Bucharest, Interpol, the Romanian National Police and the United States Marshals Service.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Edward Chang and Sarala Nagala.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:

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

March 26, 2013

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ERIC GOMES, also known as “Goober Dust,” 46, 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 in Hartford.

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, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, 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, GOMES and others conspired to distribute crack cocaine in Hartford’s lower Vine Street area, as well as in other locations in Hartford and East Hartford.

GOMES’s criminal history includes 14 felony convictions.  On November 28, 2012, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess and 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