District of Connecticut

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RYAN CAMERON, 22, of Groton, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to a child exploitation offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2023, Cameron was convicted in state court of illegal dissemination of intimate images of a 15-year-old female.  In April 2024, while Cameron was on state probation, his probation officer conducted a home visit and discovered Cameron was in possession of a cell phone in violation of the conditions of his probation.  Subsequent forensic analysis of the phone revealed that it contained videos of child sexual abuse, and messages between Cameron and others in which Cameron solicited and distributed child pornography.  The phone also contained recordings of Cameron sending sexually explicit images and videos of himself to young girls on Snapchat.

Cameron pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Sentencing is scheduled for March 28.

Cameron has been detained since May 20, 2024, when he was arrested on unrelated state charges.

This matter has been investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the assistance of the New Haven Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Lembo.

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.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Connecticut Attorney General William Tong today announced that NAIMETULLA AHMED SYED, M.D. has entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments and agreed to pay $455,439.26 to resolve allegations that he violated the federal and state False Claims Acts and the civil provisions of the Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”) relating to his issuance of medically unnecessary controlled substances prescriptions.

Syed is licensed as a doctor of psychiatry and was the sole practitioner at his medical offices in Danbury and New Haven.  It is alleged that, between June 2016 and June 2021, Syed issued medically unnecessary prescriptions – including prescriptions for controlled substances – for which Syed caused false claims to be submitted by Cornerstone Pharmacy, Inc. (doing business as “Whalley Drug”) in New Haven to Medicare and Medicaid for those medically unnecessary prescriptions.  Syed also billed Medicare and Medicaid for medically unnecessary office visits related to those medically unnecessary prescriptions.

In addition, it is alleged that Syed issued prescriptions for controlled substances without a legitimate medical purpose and not in the usual course of professional practice, in violation of Syed’s obligations under the CSA.  Syed issued prescriptions for excessive and unsafe amounts of benzodiazepines; for controlled substances to individuals displaying red flags of abuse, addiction, or diversion, including to individuals who received dangerous combinations of controlled substances (including the high-risk “holy trinity” drug combination of at least one opioid, benzodiazepine, and a muscle relaxant); and to an individual for buprenorphine, a synthetic opioid that can be used to treat opioid use disorders, at the same time that this individual was receiving oxycodone and hydrocodone from other providers.  He also failed to maintain adequate treatment records, and maintained patient files devoid of any information documenting an examination or reasons for the prescriptions, or establishing a doctor-patient relationship.

On June 16, 2021, Syed voluntarily surrendered his DEA licenses.

In addition to making payment of $455,439.26 under the civil settlement agreement, Syed agreed to a 20-year exclusion from Medicare, Medicaid, and all other federal health care programs, as well as a 20-year suspension from the Connecticut Medical Assistance Program.  Syed also entered into an agreement with the Connecticut Department of Public Health in which he agreed to cease the practice of medicine as of November 25, 2024, and to not renew his physician license, which expires this month.

In 2016, Syed paid $422,641.70 to resolve federal and state allegations that he submitted false claims for psychotherapy services to Medicare and Medicaid.

In April 2024, Cornerstone Pharmacy (d/b/a Whalley Drug) and its owner, Yong Kwon, paid $120,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the CSA by filling invalid prescriptions.  Kwon voluntarily surrendered the DEA license for Whalley Drug, which no longer operates as a retail pharmacy, on June 22, 2021, after the DEA’s execution of an Administrative Inspection Warrant.

This investigation was conducted by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, DEA’s Office of Diversion Control, and the DEA New Haven’s Tactical Diversion Squad, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Drug Control Division.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Gruber and David Nelson, and by Deputy Associate Attorney General Gregory O’Connell of the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.

People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a jury in Bridgeport federal court has found LUIS SALAMAN, also known as “Bebe,” 42, and JESUS SEGUINOT, also known as “Chuchi,” 34, guilty of fentanyl trafficking offenses.  A trial before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill began on December 9 and the jury returned guilty verdicts on multiple counts of a superseding indictment late yesterday afternoon.

According to the evidence presented during the trial, in October 2021, the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force learned that Salaman was distributing large quantities of narcotics throughout New Haven.  The investigation revealed that Salaman worked with Seguinot and others to distribute fentanyl.  Between November 2021 and March 2022, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of distribution quantities of fentanyl from Salaman, Seguinot, and their associates.

The jury found Salaman and Seguinot guilty of conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and Salaman guilty of three counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl.  The jury found Salaman not guilty of four counts, and Seguinot not guilty of one count, of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

At sentencing, which is scheduled for March 13, Salaman faces a term of imprisonment of at least 10 years, and Seguinot faces a term of imprisonment of at least five years.  Salaman faces enhanced penalties because of a prior conviction for a serious violent felony.

Salaman has been detained since his arrest on April 5, 2022.  Seguinot was arrested on April 10, 2023, and is released on a $100,000 bond.

This investigation has been conducted by FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, which includes members from the FBI, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, and the New Haven, Milford, East Haven, West Haven, and Wallingford Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Ruff and David T. Huang.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NICOLAS BROWN, also known as “Breezy,” 28, of New York, New York, pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to child exploitation offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on multiple occasions in March 2024, Brown arranged Uber trips to pick up one to three teenage girls, two of whom were under the age of 18, from a state-run group home in Connecticut and deliver them to him at various Connecticut hotels and shopping malls where he engaged in sexual conduct with one of the minor victims.  On one occasion, an Uber trip that Brown arranged took the two minors to meet him at the Bridgeport train station.  Brown and the two minors traveled to Manhattan, and then to a hotel in South Hackensack, New Jersey, where they stayed for several days.

On March 20, 2024, Brown was located at a hotel in Danbury and arrested on state charges.  An iPhone seized from Brown at the time of his arrest revealed videos depicting child sex abuse, including videos that that he took engaging in sexual conduct with a minor victim.

Brown pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, and one count of possessing and accessing with intent to view child pornography, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Brown has been detained since his arrest.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 18 in Hartford.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the West Hartford Police Department, and the Danbury Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Lembo.

U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Danbury for its cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.

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.

JAMES BLOSE, 56, of Fairfield, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to offenses stemming from a decade-long embezzlement scheme at banks where he served as General Counsel and held other high-ranking positions.

The announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England; and Brian Tucker, Special Agent in Charge of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection’s Office of the Inspector General, Eastern Region.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately 2013 to January 2022, Blose was an attorney and held high-ranking positions, including General Counsel, at Hudson Valley Bank and Sterling National Bank.  From approximately January 2022, when Webster Bank acquired Sterling National Bank, until February 2023, Blose served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Webster Bank.

From approximately 2013 until Webster Bank discovered his scheme and his employment was terminated in February 2023, Blose defrauded his employers (“The Bank”) in various ways.  In certain commercial loan transactions where The Bank was the lender, Blose fraudulently retained for himself portions of closing costs, including legal fees.  In certain real estate transactions in which The Bank was the seller, Blose retained portions of the sale proceeds for himself.  For some of the real estate transactions, Blose created false documents in order to hide his theft from The Bank.  Blose also stole from The Bank in other ways.

As part of the scheme, used his attorney trust accounts to make personal expenditures, and to transfer funds to accounts in the names of business entities he created and controlled, and then used those funds for his personal benefit.  Through this scheme, Blose stole approximately $7.4 million from his employers.

Blose pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, and one count of engaging in illegal monetary transactions, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  He is released on a $250,000 bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for March 13 in Hartford.

This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection’s Office of the Inspector General.  Financial crimes investigators from Webster Bank assisted the investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael S. McGarry and Ross Weingarten.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TARA SEVERINO, 58, of West Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to two years of probation, the first six months of which Severino must serve in home confinement, for diverting narcotics from veterans under her care while she worked as a nurse at the West Haven VA Medical Center.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Severino was employed as a registered nurse with the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (the “VA”) in West Haven and was assigned to the VA’s Intensive Care Unit (“ICU”) for sick or dying patients.  From January to July 2023, Severino ingested fentanyl, hydromorphone, and oxycodone intended for patients in her care.

In some instances, Severino ingested the “waste” of a substance, meaning she administered part of the substance to a patient and ingested the remaining portion not used by the patient.  In one instance, Severino repeatedly introduced fentanyl into the system of a braindead patient after claiming she observed him in pain and having a seizure.  She introduced fentanyl to this patient approximately 19 times over a nine-day period so that she could divert some for herself.

In other instances, Severino ingested doses of hydromorphone and fentanyl meant for dying veterans.  This affected treatment decisions made by other medical staff who believed that the patients had been receiving, and were unresponsive to, their prescribed narcotics.

In another instance, Severino volunteered to care for a patient not formally assigned to her, and diverted pain medication from him before he died.

In order to cover up her crimes, Severino misrepresented in VA medical records and tracking systems that the narcotics been properly administered to the patient or, in the case of excess narcotics, had been properly disposed of.

On June 18, 2024, Severino pleaded guilty to obtaining controlled substances by fraud or subterfuge.

This matter was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General, with the assistance of the DEA New Haven’s Tactical Diversion Squad and the West Haven Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Lembo.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHAYQUAN GRAY, also known as “Scooby,” 24, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for firearm possession and drug distribution offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 14, 2024, New Haven Police officer observed Gray, who had an active state arrest warrant, participating in a drug transaction in the area of Ferry Street and English Street in New Haven.  Gray was apprehended, and officers found him in possession of 80 individual bags of cocaine, a loaded Polymer 80 “ghost gun,” and more than $1,200 in cash.

Gray’s criminal history includes multiple felony convictions, including possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle and robbery in the third degree.

Gray has been detained since his arrest.  On August 19, 2024, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

This matter was investigated by the New Haven Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Lembo through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JOEL CORDERO, 45, of Meriden, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 155 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin and fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force began an investigating an organization led by Cordero that was trafficking large quantities of heroin, fentanyl and other narcotics in Connecticut and western Massachusetts.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance, revealed that Cordero and his associates were receiving bulk quantities of heroin and fentanyl from out-of-state suppliers.  They stored, processed, and packaged the heroin/fentanyl in multiple locations, including apartments located at 280 Collins Street in Hartford where some members of the organization resided, and distributed the drug in the Hartford area, and also the Springfield and Holyoke, Massachusetts area.  A significant amount of drug trafficking activity occurred at the Neighborhood Supermarket, located at 316 Farmington Avenue in Hartford.

The investigation also revealed that members of the drug trafficking organization possessed and used firearms in connection with their drug trafficking activity.

During the investigation, law enforcement executed 12 search warrants in Connecticut and Massachusetts and seized approximately 10 kilograms of heroin and fentanyl, much of which was packaged for resale in hundreds of thousands of bags.  Investigators also seized numerous vials of Xylazine, an animal tranquilizer used by narcotics traffickers as a heroin/fentanyl additive. Seven firearms, gun magazines, numerous rounds of ammunition, and a bullet proof vest were also seized from Cordero and his associates.

Fourteen individuals were charged with various narcotics, firearms, and immigration offenses as a result of this investigation.

Cordero has been detained since his arrest on June 29, 2017.  On October 24, 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one kilogram or more of heroin.

The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, Middletown, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments.  Agencies assisting the investigation include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Marshals Service and Connecticut State Police.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a four-count indictment charging NICHOLAS KINGSLEY, 40, of Agawam, Massachusetts, with firearm possession offenses.

The indictment was returned on December 4, 2024.  Kingsley appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and pleaded not guilty to the charges.  He has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on April 16, 2024.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on April 16, 2024, Enfield Police arrested Kingsley after a traffic stop and he was found in possession of three privately made firearms (“ghost guns”) and 45 rounds of ammunition.  On April 18, 2024, while Kingsley was detained in state custody, HSI special agents conducted a search of his vehicle in Agawam and seized 14 fully assembled firearms, several Glock machine gun conversion devices, and more than 2,000 rounds of various caliber ammunition.

It is alleged that Kingsley’s criminal history includes felony convictions for drug, firearm, assault, and larceny offenses.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

The indictment charges Kingsley with unlawful possession of firearms by a felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years; unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years; unlawful possession of a machine gun, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; and unlawful possession of a weapon in violation of the National Firearms Act, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

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

This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Enfield Police Department, and the Agawam Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Lembo.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TREMAYNE FERGUSON, also known as “Tre,” 24, of West Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 27 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for a firearm trafficking offense.        

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 26, 2023, Stefan Bagley, Jr. was shot and wounded while traveling in his vehicle in Bridgeport.  Later that same day, Bagley’s vehicle was used in another shooting incident in Bridgeport.  An investigation revealed that, between October 2022 and October 2023, Bagley purchased more than 20 handguns from licensed firearm dealers and then trafficked the guns to a network of customers.  Bagley typically scratched the serial numbers off of the firearms before providing them to his customers, making the guns more difficult to trace.

During the investigation, law enforcement seized text messages revealing that Ferguson transported and facilitated the transport of two firearms from Bagley to other individuals.  Ferguson also asked Bagley to purchase firearms on his behalf.

Ferguson was on state probation at the time of the offense.

Ferguson was arrested on December 18, 2023.  On September 9, 2024, he pleaded guilty to firearm trafficking conspiracy.  Ferguson, who is released on a $75,000 bond, is required to report to prison on February 17.

Bagley pleaded guilty to the same charge and awaits sentencing.  Most of the firearms trafficked by Bagley are unaccounted for.

U.S. Attorney Avery noted that this case is being prosecuted, in part, under the new criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Congress enacted and the President signed in June 2022.  The Act is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms.

This matter is being investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Bridgeport Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Gresham.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DENNIS JOHN HERNANDEZ, also known as “DJ Hernandez” and “Jonathan Hernandez,” 38, of Bristol, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to making interstate threats.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 6 and 7, 2023, Hernandez communicated with an individual via Facebook Messenger and made multiple statements threatening to carry out a shooting incident at UConn.  The statements included “I would recommend remaining away from there because when I go I’m taking down everything  And don’t give a f--- who gets caught in the crossfire. I’ve died for years now and now it’s others people turn. I’m prepared to give my life. So if I don’t get to see you on the outside know I love you always  Not all shootings are bad I’m realizing. Some are necessary for change to happen.”

Court documents allege that Hernandez’s vehicle was identified on UConn’s campus on July 7.

On July 18 and 19, 2023, Hernandez made multiple Facebook posts threatening to harm or kill three individuals who reside out of state, including a state court judge.  In addition, on July 19, in a conversation via text message with one of the victims, Hernandez stated “We’re taking lives if s--- isn’t paid up. It’s been years in planning just taking notes, names and locations. They talked their way into this and it’s almost point game. I know we don’t play in my family. If we have to take lives or buildings we will. So just letting you know so you can be prepared for a media circus one way or another.”

Hernandez pleaded guilty to transmitting interstate communications containing a threat to injure, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  Judge Nagala scheduled sentencing for February 6.

Hernandez has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on July 19, 2023.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bristol Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ELVIS PEREZ, also known as “Pops,” 60, of Bridgeport, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. 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 multistate identity theft scheme that defrauded dozens of individuals and businesses out of more than $1 million.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Perez was involved in a multistate identity theft scheme led by his son-in-law, Tyshon Walker, and his daughter and Walker’s spouse, Stephanie Perez.  Beginning in September 2020, Walker obtained personal information stolen from residents of Connecticut and other states and used it to apply for vehicle loans at dealerships in Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Rhode Island for motorcycles, an all-terrain vehicle, and other performance vehicles.  Once the loan was approved by the dealership using the identity theft victim’s information, Walker would send “runners,” including Elvis Perez, to pick up the vehicle utilizing a fictitious driver’s license that included the identity theft victim’s information and a photograph of the runner.  The vehicle was then transported back to Connecticut for resale on Facebook Marketplace.

Perez, sometimes alone and sometimes with an accomplice, travelled to at least four different car dealerships and stole at least four different vehicles as part of this scheme.  Walker paid him for his work acquiring and transporting each vehicle.

Perez’s criminal history includes 12 felony convictions.

Perez has been detained since his arrest on July 19, 2023.  On June 11, 2024, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.

Walker and Stephanie Perez have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, the Bridgeport Police Department, the Hopkinton (R.I.) Police Department, the Westtown – East Goshen Regional (Pa.) Police Department, and the Washington Township (N.J.) Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and Heather M. Cherry.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DYLAN MEISSNER, 31, of Westport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for stealing more than $4 million from his former employer.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Meissner was employed at a cryptocurrency research firm as Vice President of Finance with access to the firm’s cryptocurrency wallets and bank accounts.  In approximately January 2022, Meissner obtained a 50 Ethereum (approximately $170,000) loan from his employer, stating that he would use the funds in an attempt to avoid a substantial loss in certain cryptocurrency investments he had made using his personal funds.  Then, from February 2022 until his termination in November 2022, in continued attempts to counteract significant personal trading losses, Meissner fraudulently diverted his employer’s funds to his own use and covered up his conduct through false entries in the firm’s books and records.  Through this scheme, Meissner stole approximately $4,461,828 from his employer. 

Judge Shea ordered Meissner to pay restitution of $4,633,424.99, which includes the money he stole from his employer and the loan he failed to repay.

Meissner, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on February 21.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Novick.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DONALD HILL, also known as “Man Man,” 39, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 170 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for drug distribution and firearm possession offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 29, 2022, Waterbury Police officers patrolling in response to recent shots-fired incidents attempted to stop a car Hill was driving on Englewood Avenue.  Hill accelerated but was blocked by another police vehicle.  He reversed his car, struck a police vehicle behind him that stopped his exit, and was subsequently forcibly removed from his car.  A search of the car revealed a loaded handgun with an obliterated serial number; additional rounds of ammunition; more than 500 grams of crack cocaine; more than 1,600 baggies of fentanyl mixed with other substances, including cocaine and xylazine; six cellphones; and $2,489 in cash.

Analysis of the firearm using the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) connected it to a shooting in New Haven on January 21, 2022, and a shots-fired incident in Wolcott on October 29, 2022.

Hill’s criminal history includes convictions for weapon possession, narcotics distribution, escape, and other offenses.

Hill has been detained since his arrest on November 29, 2022.  On May 14, 2024, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

This investigation was conducted by the Waterbury Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILLIAM CARABALLO, III, also known as “Wilo” and “Couzzo,” 41, of New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 144 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl.       

According to court documents and statements made in court, on four occasions between March and May 2020, an undercover law enforcement officer purchased heroin/fentanyl from Cruz J. Bonilla.  During the investigation, law enforcement identified Caraballo as Bonilla’s drug supplier and learned that Caraballo regularly transported kilogram quantities of heroin/fentanyl from New York to southeastern Connecticut for distribution.  On June 6, 2020, investigators tracked Caraballo as he traveled to the Bronx, New York, where he stayed for approximately 30 minutes before returning to Connecticut.  Connecticut State Police stopped Caraballo’s vehicle on I-95 North in Connecticut and found him in possession of approximately one kilogram of fentanyl in a heat-sealed bag.  Caraballo was arrested on state charges at that time.

Caraballo has been detained since his federal arrest on October 6, 2020.  On June 27, 2024, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.

Caraballo’s criminal history includes an assault conviction in 2002 related to his shooting an individual in the arm after an argument about a football game, a conviction for stabbing a relative in the chest with a pocketknife in 2013, drug convictions, and convictions for other offenses.

On July 30, 2024, Bonilla pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, a controlled substance, and also admitted that he violated the conditions of his supervised release that followed a prior federal conviction.  He is detained while awaiting sentencing.

This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Connecticut State Police, and the Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Taskforce East.  The case was  prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Konstantin Lantsman and Natasha M. Freismuth.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging JOSE ANTONIO MOLINA-MONTALVO, 36, of Waterbury, with the unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

The indictment was returned on November 25, 2024.  Molina-Montalvo appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.

The indictment alleges that from October 11 to October 15, 2024, Molina-Montalvo unlawfully possessed a Harrington & Richardson 1871 INC. Handi Rifle.

The indictment further alleges that Molina-Montalvo’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for assault, possession with intent to sell narcotics, strangulation, harassment, burglary, and 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.

The charge of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.

U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  A charge is only an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Molina-Montalvo has been detained since his arrest on unrelated state charges on October 21, 2024.

This investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan J. Guevremont through Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL SZWARC, 36, of Derby, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 134 months of imprisonment, followed by 25 years of supervised release, for a child exploitation offense, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Szwarc was convicted in 2013 in state court of possession of child pornography in the second degree, and in 2022 in federal court of receipt of child pornography.

In January 2024, while Szwarc was on federal supervised release, his probation officer conducted an unannounced visit to his home and discovered that Szwarc was in possession of an unauthorized laptop.  The probation officer seized the laptop.  A forensic examination of the device revealed multiple images of child pornography, and the investigation revealed that Szwarc had used the dark web to access websites used to traffic and distribute images and videos of child sexual abuse.

On August 13, 2024, Szwarc pleaded guilty to accessing with intent to view child pornography.  Judge Thompson sentenced Szwarc to 120 months of imprisonment for the offense, and a consecutive 14 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

The penalties in this matter were enhanced because of Szwarc’s prior federal and state convictions for possessing child pornography.

Szwarc has been detained since his arrest on February 9, 2024.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings.

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.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SEAN FALZARANO, 38, of Southbury, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to tampering with and stealing Lorazepam vials at the hospital where he was employed as a nurse.

Falzarano was employed at Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH) as a Registered Nurse.  As part of his employment, Falzarano was granted access to secure locations used by YNHH to store controlled substances, including Lorazepam.  On January 31, 2022, Falzarano took vials containing Lorazepam solution that he knew were intended to be dispensed to patients.  He removed a portion of the Lorazepam solution from at least one of the vials, replaced the contents with an inert solution, and returned the vial to the secure location where it was available for distribution to patients.  Falzarano also kept at least one vial that he had taken.

Falzarano pleaded guilty to one count of tampering with a consumer product, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and one count of acquiring a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception or subterfuge, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of four years.  Judge Oliver scheduled sentencing for March 5.

Falzarano is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.

Falzarano’s nursing license is currently suspended.

This matter has been investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations; the DEA’s Hartford Diversion Control Division; and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Drug Control Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.

ANTWAN HILL, also known as “Bandz,” 20, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 215 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in a violent New Haven street gang and multiple gang-related shootings that resulted in two deaths.

Today’s announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; John P. Doyle, Jr., State’s Attorney for the New Haven Judicial District; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England; and New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address violence in New Haven, the ATF, FBI, DEA and New Haven Police Department, working closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, have been investigating an ongoing gang war between members and associates of the Exit 8 street gang and rival gangs in the Hill section and other areas of the city.  The Exit 8 gang is named after the geographic area accessed by exiting Interstate 91 at Exit 8 in New Haven.  Recently, younger members of Exit 8 are identifying themselves with the word “Honcho,” which is derived from the street name of an Exit 8 member who was murdered on Quinnipiac Avenue in February 2020.

The investigation revealed that Hill and other members of the Exit 8 gang engaged in drug trafficking, used, and shared firearms, and, since June 2018, have committed at least three murders and 16 attempted murders.  Exit 8 members and associates also stole vehicles, at times from outside of the state, and used those stolen vehicles when committing acts of violence.  Gang members also promoted, coordinated, facilitated, and celebrated their narcotics distribution and acts of violence through text messaging and the use of social media applications and websites including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube.

On April 18, 2024, Hill pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, and specifically admitted that he took part in four gang-related shootings, which resulted in two deaths.  On September 26, 2020, Hill and another Exit 8 gang member shot and attempted to kill a member and associate of a rival gang.  On May 19, 2021, Hill and other Exit 8 members conspired to kill rival gang members, including a rival gang member who was shot and killed on that date by another Exit 8 member.  On July 5, 2021, Hill and another Exit 8 member shot and killed an individual.  On April 12, 2022, Hill and another Exit 8 member shot and attempted to kill rival gang members.

Hill has been detained since August 3, 2023.

This investigation is being conducted by ATF, the FBI, the DEA, the New Haven Police Department, the Hamden Police Department, and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis.

This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.

PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities.  Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DEJAVAHN WATKIN, 25, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to a narcotics trafficking charge.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 1, 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force executed a court-authorized search warrant at Watkin’s apartment on Broad Street in Hartford.  The search revealed approximately 38 grams of loose fentanyl, approximately 1,800 wax folds of fentanyl, quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine, items used to process and package narcotics, a loaded Glock .22 caliber handgun, and $18,362 in cash.  Watkin was arrested at that time.  Investigators subsequently recovered a loaded Stag Arms Stag-15 rifle that they determined Watkin had thrown from a window as they were about to enter his apartment.

Watkin pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of cocaine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.

Watkin has been detained since his arrest.

The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, Middletown, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments.  The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has assisted the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Reed Durham.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STEFAN ALEXANDRU BARABAS, 38, a citizen of Romania, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 84 months of imprisonment for his involvement in a 2007 Connecticut home invasion.

According to court documents and statements made in court in this case and related cases, shortly before midnight on April 15, 2007, Barabas, Emanuel Nicolescu, and Alexandru Lucian Nicolescu, wearing masks and brandishing knives and facsimile firearms, entered a home in South Kent, Connecticut.  The intruders bound and blindfolded two adult victims and injected each with a substance the intruders claimed was a deadly virus.  The intruders ordered the victims to pay $8.5 million or else they would be left to die from the lethal injection.  When it became clear that the victims were not in position to meet the intruders’ demands, the intruders drugged the two residents with a sleeping aid and fled in the homeowner’s Jeep Cherokee.

The stolen Jeep Cherokee was abandoned the next morning at a Home Depot in New Rochelle, New York.  On April 21, 2007, an accordion case washed ashore in Jamaica Bay.  The content of the case included a stun gun, a 12-inch knife, a black plastic Airsoft gun, a crowbar, syringes, sleeping pills, latex gloves, and a laminated telephone card with the South Kent address of the victims.

In 2010, an investigator from the Connecticut State Police connected a partial Pennsylvania license plate, seen by a witness near the victims’ estate on the night of the crime, to a car owned by Michael N. Kennedy.  Kennedy had formerly shared an address with Emmanuel Nicolescu, who had been employed by the victim.  The investigator then discovered that the data for the cell tower near the New Rochelle Home Depot contained a call by a phone number registered to Emmanuel Nicolescu, minutes after the Jeep was abandoned.  Shortly after that, investigators from the State Police and FBI gathered Emanuel Nicolescu’s DNA and found that it partially matched a sample from the Jeep’s steering wheel.

As to the accordion case, investigators learned that Kennedy’s father was a professional accordion player, and witnesses later identified the knife in the accordion case as a gift given to Emanuel Nicolescu by his father-in-law.

The investigation revealed that Emanuel Nicolescu and Kennedy worked with Barabas and Alexandru Nicolescu to commit the crime.  Barabas’ co-conspirators planned the home invasion, which included the research and purchase of implements necessary for the crime, such as two-way radios, stun guns and imitation pistols.  On the night of April 15, 2007, Kennedy drove Barabas, Emanuel Nicolescu, and Alexandru Nicolescu to a location near the South Kent home, and then picked them up the following morning in New Rochelle at the location where the intruders abandoned the stolen Jeep.

Barabas, Emanuel Nicolescu, Alexandru Nicolescu, and Kennedy fled the U.S. during the investigation.  Emanuel Nicolescu returned to the U.S. and was arrested in Illinois in January 2011.  Emanuel Nicolescu and Kennedy were charged by indictment in February 2011, and Barabas and Alexandru Nicolescu were charged by indictment in November 2012.

Barabas was a fugitive until his arrest in Hungary on August 16, 2022.  On June 18, 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to interfere with commerce by extortion.

Barabas has been detained since his arrest.

On March 22, 2012, a jury in New Haven found Emanuel Nicolescu guilty of attempted extortion, conspiracy to commit extortion, and possession of a stolen vehicle.  On August 17, 2012, he was sentenced to 240 months of imprisonment.

Alexandru Nicolescu was arrested on November 14, 2013, in the United Kingdom.  On January 8, 2016, he pleaded guilty to attempted extortion and conspiracy to commit extortion.  On May 15, 2019, he was sentenced to 121 months of imprisonment.

Kennedy, also known as Nicolae Helerea, a dual citizen of Romania and the U.S., voluntarily returned to the U.S. from Romania and, on November 5, 2012, pleaded guilty to attempted extortion and conspiracy to commit extortion.  On May 4, 2016, he was sentenced to 48 months of imprisonment.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police and New York City Police Department.  U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, and law enforcement authorities in Hungary and the United Kingdom for their assistance in this case.

This matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Novick.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging ROBERTO LOZADA, also known as Roberto Lozado and “Omi,” 51, of New Haven, with possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

The indictment was returned on November 14, 2024, and Lozada appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.  He has been detained since his arrest on October 1, 2024.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on October 1, 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration received information that Lozada would be delivering a half-kilogram of cocaine to an unknown person in the area of Forbes Avenue and Woodward Avenue in New Haven.  Investigators initiated surveillance and Lozada was stopped when he arrived at the location.  A search of a backpack he was carrying revealed approximately 553 grams of cocaine.

The charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force, which includes members from the DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Waterbury, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Naugatuck, and Shelton Police Departments.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan J. Keefe.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and William Tong, Connecticut Attorney General, today announced that HOME CARE VNA LLC and its current and former owners, SHAKIRA LUBEGA and CONSTANT OGUTT, have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments in which they will pay $361,520 to settle allegations that they were paid for home health care services that violated Medicaid regulations relating to plans of care.

Home Care VNA is a home health agency with offices located at 330 Main Street in Hartford.  Lubega is the current owner of Home Care VNA and Ogutt is a former, part owner.  Lubega and Ogutt are married.

The Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies expressly require, as a condition of payment for home health care services, that each patient has a plan of care, the plan of care is signed by a licensed practitioner, the plan of care is signed within 21 days after the episode of care begins, and a new or modified plan of care is reviewed, revised, and signed every 60 days. 

The United States and the State of Connecticut contend that Home Care VNA, Lubega, and Ogutt submitted or caused to be submitted claims for reimbursement to Connecticut Medicaid for home health care services for patients who had unsigned plans of care or had no plans of care at all.

To resolve the governments’ False Claims Act allegations, Home Care VNA, Lubega, and Ogutt have agreed to pay $361,520, which covers the time-period from August 1, 2018, through March 26, 2020.

This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Molot and by Assistant Attorney General Joshua Jackson of the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.

In 2022, Home Care VNA, Lubega, and Ogutt paid $630,000 to resolve Medicaid fraud allegations in Massachusetts.

People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GODFREY SMITH, also known as “Mike” and “Mikey,” 41, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to a methamphetamine trafficking charge.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and Middletown Police Department made a controlled purchase of approximately 53 grams of crystal methamphetamine from an individual in Middletown.  During the transaction, investigators identified Smith as the source of the drugs.  On August 22, 2024, investigators made a controlled purchase of approximately 240 grams of crystal methamphetamine from Smith in Hartford.

Smith was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on September 4, 2024.  At the time of his arrest, law enforcement seized from Smith approximately 27 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 44 grams of cocaine, 32 grams of crack cocaine, $3,200 in cash, and a box of .45 caliber ammunition.

Smith pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, five grams or more of methamphetamine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford on February 28.

Smith is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.

The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, Middletown, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments.  The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has assisted the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Reed Durham.

WASHINGTON — Okechuckwu Valentine Osuji, 39, a Nigerian national, was sentenced yesterday in New Haven, Connecticut, to eight years in prison for operating a business email compromise scheme out of multiple countries, including the United States.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Osuji and his co-conspirators targeted specific individuals and businesses by masquerading as trustworthy entities in electronic communications to obtain money. They used witting and unwitting “money mules” to receive fraud proceeds in their bank accounts and then either transferred those funds from the money mule accounts to accounts under the co-conspirators’ control or converted the stolen proceeds to cash for further transfer. Over the years-long operation of the scheme, numerous victims were tricked into transferring funds into bank accounts the victims believed were under the control of legitimate recipients as part of normal business operations. In reality, the bank accounts were controlled by Osuji and his co-conspirators. The victims included a Connecticut-based financial company, a Colorado-based lending company, an Alaska-based nonprofit performing arts organization, a New York-based food and beverage company, and many others.

The scheme also involved the exploitation of elderly individuals through romance scams to serve as some of the unwitting money mules, including one woman who testified at trial that she was duped into sending her own personal savings and income, including Social Security checks, to an individual she believed to be her romantic partner, but who was in fact one of Osuji’s co-conspirators. The scam resulted in the near-total depletion of her life savings, caused her to declare bankruptcy, and led to the repossession of her house. Her personal bank account was also used to facilitate the fraud against one of the companies targeted by Osuji.

Osuji was arrested in Malaysia and extradited to the United States in 2022. On May 1, 2024, a jury in New Haven found Osuji guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. As a result of the scheme, losses and intended losses totaled over $6 million. At his sentencing hearing, Osuji was ordered to pay restitution to his victims.

Osuji’s alleged co-conspirator, John Wamuigah, remains in Malaysia and is pending extradition proceedings. An indictment is merely an allegation, and Wamuigah is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Another co-conspirator, Tolulope Bodunde, also a citizen of Nigeria, pleaded guilty and was sentenced on Oct. 16 to two years in prison.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery for the District of Connecticut; and Special Agent in Charge Robert Fuller of the FBI New Haven Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI New Haven Field Office and the Stamford Police Department investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, Royal Malaysia Police, and Malaysian Attorney General’s Chambers provided valuable assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Osuji.

Trial Attorney Lydia Lichlyter of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel for the District of Connecticut are prosecuting the case.

To learn more about business email compromise scams, please visit www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/business-email-compromise and www.ic3.gov/CrimeInfo/BEC.

Okechuckwu Valentine Osuji, 39, a Nigerian national, was sentenced yesterday in New Haven, Connecticut, to eight years in prison for operating a business email compromise scheme out of multiple countries, including the United States.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Osuji and his co-conspirators targeted specific individuals and businesses by masquerading as trustworthy entities in electronic communications to obtain money. They used witting and unwitting “money mules” to receive fraud proceeds in their bank accounts and then either transferred those funds from the money mule accounts to accounts under the co-conspirators’ control or converted the stolen proceeds to cash for further transfer. Over the years-long operation of the scheme, numerous victims were tricked into transferring funds into bank accounts the victims believed were under the control of legitimate recipients as part of normal business operations. In reality, the bank accounts were controlled by Osuji and his co-conspirators. The victims included a Connecticut-based financial company, a Colorado-based lending company, an Alaska-based nonprofit performing arts organization, a New York-based food and beverage company, and many others.

The scheme also involved the exploitation of elderly individuals through romance scams to serve as some of the unwitting money mules, including one woman who testified at trial that she was duped into sending her own personal savings and income, including Social Security checks, to an individual she believed to be her romantic partner, but who was in fact one of Osuji’s co-conspirators. The scam resulted in the near-total depletion of her life savings, caused her to declare bankruptcy, and led to the repossession of her house. Her personal bank account was also used to facilitate the fraud against one of the companies targeted by Osuji.

Osuji was arrested in Malaysia and extradited to the United States in 2022. On May 1, 2024, a jury in New Haven found Osuji guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. As a result of the scheme, losses and intended losses totaled over $6 million. At his sentencing hearing, Osuji was ordered to pay restitution to his victims.

Osuji’s alleged co-conspirator, John Wamuigah, remains in Malaysia and is pending extradition proceedings. An indictment is merely an allegation, and Wamuigah is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Another co-conspirator, Tolulope Bodunde, also a citizen of Nigeria, pleaded guilty and was sentenced on Oct. 16 to two years in prison.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery for the District of Connecticut; and Special Agent in Charge Robert Fuller of the FBI New Haven Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI New Haven Field Office and the Stamford Police Department investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, Royal Malaysia Police, and Malaysian Attorney General’s Chambers provided valuable assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Osuji.

Trial Attorney Lydia Lichlyter of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel for the District of Connecticut are prosecuting the case.

To learn more about business email compromise scams, please visit www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/business-email-compromise and www.ic3.gov/CrimeInfo/BEC. 

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment today charging ALEXANDER GARCIA, 28, and DANIEL VARGAS, 27, both of Wallingford, with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in August 2024, the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Gang Task Force initiated an investigation into a drug trafficking organization led by Garcia and Vargas, who were sometimes called “Drake and Josh” or “Mikey and Tony.”  Between August and November 2024, investigators made several controlled purchases of fentanyl from Garcia and Vargas.  Completed laboratory analysis of some of the purchased fentanyl revealed the presence of xylazine.

Garcia and Vargas were arrested on criminal complaints on November 13, 2024.  On that date, a search of their residence on Lee Avenue in Wallingford revealed a firearm and more than $29,000 in cash.  They have been detained since their arrests.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

The FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force includes members of the New Haven Police Department, East Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan J. Guevremont.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that YOANNI SUAREZ, also known as “Cuba,” 48, last residing in Springfield, Massachusetts, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl and cocaine, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2016, Suarez was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 78 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for trafficking heroin.  He was released from federal prison in April 2021.

In July 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force began investigating a large-scale drug trafficking organization that was distributing kilogram quantities of fentanyl and cocaine in Connecticut.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, physical and electronic surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, and other investigative techniques, revealed that the head of the drug trafficking organization was receiving narcotics from sources in California via Mexico, and using Suarez’s son, Giovanny Jorrin, to send narcotics proceeds back to his sources.  In February 2023, investigators seized two parcels that were mailed by Jorrin from a post office in West Hartford to California.  One of the packages contained approximately $6,500 in cash and two new Apple iPhones, and the second package contained approximately $38,300 in cash.

Further investigation revealed that Suarez had a prior relationship with an identified narcotics source of supply.  While on federal supervised release, Suarez helped arrange for packages of fentanyl and cocaine to be shipped to Connecticut, coordinated the sale of drugs to others in the Hartford area, and assisted in the collection and shipment of drug proceeds back to the source.

Suarez has been detained since his arrest on June 7, 2023.  On June 13, 2023, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

Jorrin pleaded guilty to a related charge and, on June 7, 2024, was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment.

This investigation is being conducted by the DEA’s Hartford Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Dearington and A. Reed Durham.

The case is being prosecuted through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WESLEY S. PEARSON, 26, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 34 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing firearms.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 16, 2023, Bloomfield Police arrested Pearson after a domestic violence incident.  Later that day, having applied for and received a Risk Protection Order from the Connecticut Superior Court, police searched the Bloomfield home where Pearson had been residing and seized three Glock handguns, two that were affixed with a “switch” that converted them to fully automatic firearms and a third that had an obliterated serial number; an L.A.R. Mfg. Grizzly15, multicaliber, short-barreled rifle; a privately manufactured AR-style pistol (“ghost gun”); 24 firearm magazines, including two high-capacity magazines; approximately 280 rounds of ammunition; and other firearm accessories.

The investigation revealed that Pearson directed music videos, under the name “The Kid Wes,” which featured suspected Hartford gang members celebrating gang violence and drug trafficking, among other topics.  He also created his own videos, including one titled “Pray for Me” in which he raps “we outside every day on that strip…we got them Glocks with a switch, come out and play us, at least a hundred shots.”

Pearson was previously convicted in state court of a felony drug offense.  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.

Pearson has been detained since May 16, 2023.  On June 3, 2024, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

This investigation was conducted by the Bloomfield Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Dearington.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that on November 25, 2024, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a nine-count indictment charging LINDSEY EDWARDS, also known as “G-ride,” 45, of Hamden; MATTHEW SANTOS, 20, of Waterbury; and PARIS HUCKABY, 25, of New Haven, with various offenses related to the trafficking of counterfeit ecstasy pills and firearms.

Edwards, Santos, and Huckaby were arrested yesterday.  They appeared in New Haven federal court and entered pleas of not guilty to the charges.  Edwards is detained and Santos and Huckaby were each released on $100,000 bonds.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) New Haven Safe Streets Task Force has been investigating a drug trafficking organization led by Lindsey Edwards.  The investigation included controlled purchases and the seizure of various narcotics, including multi-colored pills pressed to look like ecstasy, which contain methamphetamine and metonitazene, a synthetic opioid with a potency similar to or greater than fentanyl.  During the investigation, law enforcement seized more than six kilograms of methamphetamine pills, approximately 600 grams of metonitazene pills, and approximately 300 grams of pills containing a synthetic amphetamine.  Investigators also determined that Edwards and Santos trafficked firearms.

The indictment charges Edwards and Huckaby with one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, methamphetamine and metonitazene.  In addition, Edwards is charged with three counts, and Huckaby with one count, of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

As to the drug conspiracy charge, based on the type and quantity of drug attributed to each defendant, Edwards faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and Huckaby faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.  The substantive charge of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.

The indictment also charges Edwards and Santos with one count of engaging in a firearms trafficking conspiracy, and with one count of unlawful transfer of a firearm.  In addition, Edwards is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, one count of unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon, and one count of using, carrying, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

The firearms trafficking and possession charges each carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.  As to Edwards, the charge of using, carrying, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years.

U.S. Attorney Avery 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 FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the New Haven Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie T. Levick and Brendan J. Keefe through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached a settlement agreement with Sound Community Services, Inc. (“Sound Community”), a behavioral health provider located in New London, to resolve allegations that the company was not operating in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”).

The settlement agreement resolves an ADA complaint filed by an individual with a disability alleging that Sound Community made the person feel unwelcome because of their service animal, including by requesting a license and vaccination record for their service animal and refusing to arrange transportation on one occasion because of their service animal.

As a result of the settlement agreement, Sound Community has agreed to post signage indicating “Service Animals Welcome,” implement a Service Animal Policy that is consistent with the ADA, and provide training for staff.  Sound Community must also make compensation payment to the complainant if the complainant signs a release.

Under federal law, private entities that own or operate places of “public accommodation,” including private health care facilities, are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of disability.  As part of that obligation, public accommodations cannot discriminate against individuals with disabilities who have service animals and must make reasonable modifications to their policies, practices, and procedures to ensure equal access for those individuals.  More information about the ADA and service animals can be found at https://www.ada.gov/topics/service-animals/.

U.S. Attorney Avery noted that the owners of Sound Community have worked cooperatively with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to promptly address the ADA issues without litigation.

Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that any place of public accommodation or public entity in Connecticut is not accessible to persons with disabilities may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 203-696-3000.

Additional information about the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov, or by calling the Justice Department’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 and (800) 514-0383 (TTY).  More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.

This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stewart C. Dearing.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that EVAN BOBZIN, 39, of Chester, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for theft and tax offenses stemming from a $2 million embezzlement scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from July 2013 until December 2023, Bobzin was an employee of Hoffman’s Gun Center (“Hoffman’s”) in Newington and, in 2016, he became the head of information technology at Hoffman’s.  In January 2016, Bobzin began to steal cash receipts from a safe in Hoffman’s front office.  Bobzin would arrive at work before other employees, disconnect ethernet cables from the company’s computers servers to cameras that captured views of the safe, enter the front office, open the safe, steal thousands of dollars in cash from receipt pouches, return the pouches to the safe, and then reconnect the ethernet cables.  He would then deposit some of all of the cash proceeds into his personal bank accounts.

Between 2016 and 2023, Bobzin and his former spouse made 287 cash deposits of stolen money from Hoffman’s totaling $1,901,250 into his bank accounts, and seven cash purchases of cashier’s checks totaling $161,330.

In October 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office notified Bobzin that he was conducting cash transactions in amounts below $10,000 in a manner indicative of structuring to avoid having his bank file Currency Transaction Reports.  Bobzin ceased making cash deposits at his bank, opened new accounts at a different bank, and resumed making structured cash deposits into those accounts.

Bobzin failed to report the stolen income on his federal personal income tax returns for the 2016 through 2022 tax years, resulting in a loss to the IRS of $436,178.  For example, on his income tax return for the 2020 tax year, Bobzin reported taxable income of $9,914 and tax owed of $0.  The return omitted income of approximately $432,615 and understated tax due and owing by approximately $110,530.

On August 29, 2024, Bobzin pleaded guilty to interstate transmission of stolen money and tax evasion.

Judge Dooley ordered Bobzin to pay restitution of $2,062,580 and to cooperate with the IRS to pay $436,178 in taxes, as well as penalties and interest.

Bobzin, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 6.

This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARK LEGOWSKI, 60, of Farmington, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to eight months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for filing false tax returns.  Judge Dooley also ordered Legowski to pay a $10,000 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from January 2015 through December 2017, Legowski was a self-employed accountant and tax return preparer doing business as Legowski & Company, Inc. (“LCI”) in Farmington.  Legowski prepared income tax returns for approximately 400 to 500 individual clients and approximately 50 to 60 businesses.  For the 2015 through 2017 tax years, in order to reduce his personal income tax liability, Legowski willfully underreported LCI’s gross receipts in LCI’s computer bookkeeping system by excluding some customer payment checks.  He then filed false personal income tax returns that failed to report a total of more than $1.4 million in business income, which resulted in a loss to the IRS of $499,289.

In 2015, Legowski reported $0 in taxable income when the true figure was $415,697; in 2016, he reported $29,343 in taxable income when the true figure was $531,294; and in 2017, he reported $56,060 in taxable income when the true figure was $496,808.

Legowski has paid the IRS $499,289 in back taxes.  He still must pay substantial tax penalties and interest.

On August 29, 2024, Legowski pleaded guilty to filing a false tax return.

Legowski, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on January 8.

This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTOPHER JUSINO-RODRIGUEZ, 32, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 180 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation led by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department determined that Jusino-Rodriguez headed a drug trafficking organization that coordinated the shipment of parcels containing kilogram-quantities of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Connecticut.  Chaddiel Ferrer was the primary “runner” for the organization.  The cocaine parcels were mailed to various drop sites in the Waterbury area, and Ferrer regularly picked them up and delivered them to Jusino-Rodriguez.

On October 20, 2022, investigators conducted court-authorized searches of three locations in Waterbury and seized approximately six kilograms of cocaine; nine firearms, including an AM-15 rifle; high-capacity magazines and numerous rounds of ammunition; and $132,365 in cash.

A total of approximately 18 kilograms of cocaine were seized during the investigation.

Jusino-Rodriguez has been detained since his arrest on December 14, 2022.  On April 30, 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.

Jusino-Rodriguez’s criminal history includes a state conviction in 2014 for first-degree burglary with a deadly weapon.

Ferrer, also of Waterbury, pleaded guilty and, on November 27, 2023, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force (“NBCTTF”) and the Waterbury Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police Violent Crimes Task Force.  The NBCTTF includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden, and Town of Groton Police Departments.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Konstantin Lantsman and Natasha M. Freismuth.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MIGUEL RIVERA, also known as “Macho,” 32, of Shelton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing an assault rifle and ammunition.

According to the evidence presented during Rivera’s trial, in the early morning hours of July 5, 2020, Waterbury Police officers responded to a shots-fired complaint in the area of William Street and Laurel Street in Waterbury.  When officers arrived on William Street, Rivera, who was wearing a body armor vest, attempted to flee by climbing over a fence.  Rivera was apprehended, and a search of the area from which he had run revealed a Romarm/Cugir, AK Type Model, 7.62 x 39mm caliber, semi-automatic rifle containing a fully-loaded 30-round magazine.  Rivera also possessed one round of ammunition in his pocket.

Rivera’s criminal history includes convictions for felony firearm, robbery, and burglary offenses.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

On October 19, 2023, Rivera was found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.

It is alleged that on June 21, 2022, while he was released on bond and awaiting trial in this case, Rivera unlawfully possessed a stolen 12-gauge shotgun, ammunition, and two Kevlar bullet proof vests.  He has been detained since July 13, 2022, and additional charges are pending in Hartford federal court.  U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that a charge is only an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This investigation has been conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Waterbury Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police.

These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and Patricia Stolfi Collins through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that APOLINAR FRANCISCO PAREDES ESPINOZA, also known as “Pancho,” 58, a citizen of Mexico last residing in Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to charges stemming from his involvement in a scheme to smuggle aliens into the U.S., harbor them at Hartford area residences, force them to work, and threaten to harm them in various ways if they failed to pay exorbitant fees, interest, and other living expenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in September 2022, the FBI and Hartford Police interviewed several Mexican nationals who disclosed that they were smuggled from Mexico into the U.S. and transported to Hartford.  The investigation revealed that victims typically arranged with Maria Del Carmen Sanchez Potrero, her co-conspirators in Connecticut, and associates in Mexico to cross the border into the U.S. in exchange for a fee of between $15,000 and $20,000 that each would need to pay once they were in the U.S.  In most cases, the victims were required to turn over a property deed as collateral before leaving Mexico.  They were then smuggled across the border and transported to Hartford area residences, including Sanchez’s and Paredes’ residence on Madison Street in Hartford, often at a substantial risk of bodily injury or death.

After the victims arrived in Connecticut, they were told that they would have to pay $30,000, with interest, and that they would have to pay Sanchez and her co-coconspirators for rent, food, gas and utilities.  Sanchez, Paredes, and their co-conspirators created false documents for the victims, including Permanent Residence cards and Social Security cards, and helped the victims find employment in the Hartford area.  In addition to their own jobs, some victims were required to perform housework and yardwork, or to assist Paredes in his job responsibilities, without compensation and without having their debt reduced.

Victims were rarely provided with an accounting of their debt.  If victims failed to make regular payments, or in amounts that Sanchez, Paredes, and their co-conspirators expected, they were sometimes threatened, including with threats to harm family members in Mexico, to take property in Mexico that had been secured as collateral, to reveal victims’ immigration status to U.S. authorities, and to raise their interest payments.

To date, investigators have identified 18 victims of this scheme.

In November 2014, Paredes was encountered in the U.S. and removed the same day via foot at Hildago, Texas.  He illegally reentered the U.S. and, in December 2018, was arrested by East Hartford Police and charged with various motor vehicle offenses.  He was again removed to Mexico in February 2019.

Paredes has been detained since his arrest on March 1, 2023.

Paredes pleaded guilty to conspiracy to encourage and induce, bring in, transport, and harbor aliens, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and to illegal reentry of a removed alien, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of two years.  Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for February 28.

Sanchez and her daughter, Porfiria Maribel Ramos Sanchez, previously pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

As part of their plea agreements, Paredes, Sanchez, and Ramos, have agreed to restitution orders of $494,608.

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Hartford Police Department, U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angel Krull and Shan Patel.

Vanessa R. Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New England, today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has seized approximately $3,507,191 in funds stolen through a business email compromise scam.

A business email compromise scam (“BEC scam”), which usually involves email spoofing, involves the creation of email messages with a deceptive sender display name.  When a bad actor engages in an email spoofing attack, the bad actor sends an email header that displays an inaccurate sender address, which can deceive the receiver unless the receiver inspects the header closely.  This inaccurate sender address is usually someone the receiver knows or trusts, so the receiver might open malicious links or engage in risky behavior that the receiver would otherwise not engage in.  In this case, the bad actors impersonated one of the parties to the real transactions and replaced the intended beneficiary account with their own prior to payment.  By changing the intended beneficiary account, the bad actors commit a BEC scam.

According to a complaint (3:24-cv-1822), which was filed yesterday in U.S. District Court, in July 2024, HSI and Westport Police began investigating a BEC scam that victimized a Connecticut business.  The investigation revealed that the business had received an email from a spoofed email address, which was very similar to a general contractor’s legitimate email address, with instructions for a payment that was to be made to the general contractor.  In May and June 2024, the Connecticut business sent approximately $5.4 million to the bank account as instructed.

The company promptly reported the business email compromise to Westport Police, and HSI successfully traced the stolen money to nine separate bank accounts, which were seized by the government.  With the filing of the forfeiture complaint, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will seek to forfeit the proceeds of the crime and, should it be successful, work with the Department of Justice’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section to return the money to the victim company.

“These cases demonstrate the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s commitment to helping victims of crime,” said U.S. Attorney Avery.  “Working with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to pursue criminal prosecution of the individuals responsible for these crimes, but using civil asset forfeiture, we can expeditiously recover as much stolen money as possible and return this money to victims prior to criminal convictions.  Although it can be difficult to come forward and admit that you were a victim of a crime, we stand ready to help you to the fullest extent possible.”

“Business email compromise scams are sophisticated and difficult to detect, resulting in major losses for businesses,” said HSI New England Special Agent in Charge Krol.  “It is essential that businesses that have been victimized by scammers reach out to law enforcement immediately for the best chance to recover their lost funds. Today’s results are a best-case scenario because of the quick action of the business and the dedication of law enforcement working together to track the money, freeze accounts, and get the business their money back.  HSI is using innovative investigative methods to pursue business email compromise cases to get victims their money back and gather evidence to bring scammers to justice.”

To avoid becoming the victim of a BEC scam, verify email addresses are accurate when checking mail on a cellphone or other mobile device before you open any attachments or follow any instructions and never make any payment changes without verifying with the intended recipient by phone or in person.  If you think you have been a victim of a BEC scam, immediately contact your bank to request a recall or reversal as well as a Hold Harmless Letter or Letter of Indemnity and contact local law enforcement.  Additionally, file a detailed complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.  The Internet Crime Complaint Center is run by the FBI and serves as the country’s hub for reporting cybercrime. Visit www.ic3.gov for updated information regarding BEC trends as well as other cyber fraud schemes.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Nelson.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PATRICK ELMORE, 33, of Norwalk, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force has been investigating gang violence in Bridgeport, Norwalk, and Stamford.  Elmore is a member of a violent Norwalk street gang.  In 2021 and 2022, law enforcement made four controlled purchases of ecstasy, which contained both MDMA and fentanyl, from Elmore.  On April 12, 2023, Elmore was arrested on a state warrant.  At the time of his arrest, he possessed a loaded SCCY, model CPX-2, 9mm semiautomatic handgun with an obliterated serial number.

Elmore’s criminal history includes state convictions for felony drug distribution and weapon possession offenses.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

Elmore has been detained since his federal arrest on May 25, 2023.  On July 11, 2024, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, the Bridgeport Police Department, and the Norwalk Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Gresham.

This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JASON CASTON WILLIAMS, also known as Jason Fitzgerald and Terry Barrington Stewart, 51, a citizen of Jamaica, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 30 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the United States after being deported.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Williams was admitted to the U.S. as a Lawful Permanent Resident in October 1982.  In June 1991, Williams was convicted in Connecticut state court of robbery in the second degree.  He received a sentence of 10 years of imprisonment, execution suspended, and five years of probation for that offense.  He subsequently violated his probation and, in March 1997, was sentenced to three years of imprisonment.

In September 1997, Williams was convicted in New York of burglary second degree and criminal possession of a weapon, and received a sentence or 30 months to five years of imprisonment.

In May 2001, after an immigration judge ordered Williams removed, he was deported to Jamaica.

Williams unlawfully returned to the U.S. and, on October 20, 2022, was arrested by Norwalk Police and charged with second-degree assault related to his use of a knife to assault another individual.  On October 11, 2023, he was convicted of that charge and sentenced to five years of imprisonment, suspended after two years, and three years of probation.

On September 11, 2024, Williams pleaded guilty in federal court to illegal reentry.  He has completed his state sentence and is now in federal custody.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shan Patel.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging RAFAEL VINCENTE VINCENTE, also known as “Rafael Vicente Vicente,” “Vincente Carlos Vincente,” “Carlos Vincente,” “Carlos Vicente,” “Rafael A Vincente,” and “Rafael A Vicente,” 40, a citizen of Guatemala last residing in New London, with illegally reentering the United States after being deported.

The indictment was returned on November 19, 2024, and Vincente was arrested today.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven, entered a plea of not guilty to the charge, and was ordered detained.

As alleged in the indictment and statements made in court, Vincente was deported from the U.S. to Guatemala in July 2005 following convictions in Connecticut Superior Court for negligent homicide and evading responsibility for a motor vehicle accident resulting in death.  Vincente subsequently reentered the U.S. and, on June 7, 2024, was arrested by Groton Town Police and charged with attempted commercial sexual abuse of a minor, attempted sexual assault in the second degree, and attempted risk of injury to a child.

If convicted of illegal reentry, Vincente faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

The state charges against Vincente are pending.

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

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Gordon.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL DeFILIPPO, 38, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven for a civil rights offense related to DeFilippo’s run for Bridgeport City Council in 2017 and 2018.  DeFilippo was ordered to serve one year of probation, including three weekends of incarceration, and to pay a $15,000 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from June 2018 until July 2021, DeFilippo was a member of the Bridgeport City Council representing the 133rd District, which is near the Sacred Heart University campus.  DeFilippo also owned several rental properties that he leased to students at Sacred Heart University.  Although Bridgeport’s City Council elections are typically held in odd-numbered years, because of repeated absentee ballot irregularities in the Democratic primary for the 133rd District, the September 2017 primary was re-run in November 2017, and re-run again in April 2018, and the general election took place in June 2018.   On April 10, 2018, DeFilippo was selected as one of the two Democratic nominees for the 133rd District and, on June 26, 2018, he was elected to the Bridgeport City Council.

In the 2017 and 2018 primaries and the 2018 general election, DeFilippo stole and falsified Voter Registration Applications (“VRAs”) and absentee balloting documents, forged signatures, and submitted fraudulent election documents to election officials in the name of some of his tenants who resided in the 133rd District.  DeFilippo’s conduct caused Bridgeport and Connecticut election officials acting under color of law to deprive DeFilippo’s tenants of their right to vote (by counting stolen ballots), and to deprive all 133rd District voters of their right to have their votes fully counted (by diluting election results with fraudulent registrations and ballots).

On May 6, 2024, DeFilippo pleaded guilty to deprivation of rights under color of law.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan N. Francis and Heather L. Cherry.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JEIMY RODRIGUEZ, 39, of West Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl and cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force began investigating a large-scale drug trafficking organization that was distributing kilogram quantities of fentanyl and cocaine in Connecticut.  The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps, physical and electronic surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, and other investigative techniques.  During the early stages of the investigation, Rodriguez was the president of the Loose Cannonz motorcycle club.  The investigation revealed that Rodriguez and his co-defendants, including one who succeeded him as president of the Loose Cannonz, were receiving shipments of fentanyl and cocaine for distribution in the Hartford area.

On March 13, 2023, investigators made a controlled purchase of approximately 80 grams of fentanyl from Rodriguez at his auto repair shop on Broad Street in Hartford.  On April 7, 2023, investigators purchased approximately 86 grams of cocaine from Rodriguez in the vicinity of Zion and Hamilton Streets in Hartford.  The cocaine appeared to be broken off of a kilogram brick of cocaine.

On June 7, 2023, Rodriguez was arrested at West Hartford residence.  Investigators located and seized two firearms in Rodriguez’s home at the time of his arrest.  On that date, a search of the Loose Cannonz club in Hartford revealed an additional quantity of fentanyl.

Rodriguez has been detained since his arrest.  On June 27, 2024, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

This investigation is being conducted by the DEA’s Hartford Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Dearington and A. Reed Durham.

The case is being prosecuted through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, announced that IXAVIER HOLMAN, JR., 33, of Secaucus, New Jersey, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to theft of mail.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on at least eight dates between December 2022 and June 2023, Holman used stolen mail collection box keys to steal mail from blue collection boxes at post offices located at 95 Fountain Street in New Haven, 589 Campbell Avenue in West Haven, and 844 Jones Hill Road in West Haven.

Holman was arrested on June 12, 2023, after he returned to the Fountain Street post office in West Haven and accessed the collection box in an attempt to steal mail.  At the time of his arrest, Holman possessed two mail collection box keys.  A search of his residence on that date revealed more than 3,000 pieces of stolen mail, USPS mail collection bins, and a credit card reader and embosser.  The stolen mail included thousands of checks and money orders, separated and organized by bank, with a face value of more than $1.5 million.

Theft of mail carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  Judge Nagala scheduled sentencing for March 12.  Holman is released on bond pending sentencing.

This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the West Haven and New Haven Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings.

Individuals who believe they are a victim of mail theft may file a complaint by calling 877-876-2455 or by visiting https://www.uspis.gov/report.  Victims can receive updates about this case at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/us-v-ixavier-holman.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAQUET JACOBS, also known as “Fifty,” 33, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his participation in a New Haven drug trafficking ring.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2022, the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force initiated an investigation into a drug trafficking organization that was operating in the Fair Haven neighborhood of New Haven.  The investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance, and several controlled purchases of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine from Jacobs and others.  The investigation also identified individuals who were acquiring and distributing prescription narcotic pills.

On May 18, 2023, Jacobs was intercepted on wiretap attempting to secure a firearm that he wanted to use to settle a personal dispute.

Jacobs has been detained since his arrest on October 11, 2023.  On June 21, 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances.

Jacobs’ criminal history includes state convictions for drug, assault, escape, violation of a protective order, and other offenses.

This investigation, which resulted in federal charges against 12 individuals, has been conducted by FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, which includes members from the FBI, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, and the New Haven, Milford, East Haven, West Haven, and Wallingford Police Departments.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan J. Keefe through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DANNY D. BEEMAN, 67, of Beverly Hills, Florida, and a former resident of Connecticut, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for tax evasion.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Beeman claimed to be the originator and developer of computer software technology capable of compressing electronically-stored data.  In 2012, Beeman and other individuals formed a Connecticut company, identified in court documents as “Company-A,” to allow Beeman to develop the compression software.  From 2013 to 2017, Company-A paid Beeman approximately $316,000 to develop the software.  During this time, Beeman submitted fake invoices to Company-A seeking reimbursement for purchases of computer-related equipment that he never purchased. Beeman obtained approximately $2 million from Company-A through these fake invoices.

In total, from 2013 to 2017, Beeman received approximately $2.3 million from Company-A, all of which was taxable income.  Beeman also had long-term capital gains income of approximately $1.5 million resulting from the sale of shares in Company-A.  However, Beeman never filed tax returns for any of those years, resulting in a tax loss to the Internal Revenue Service of approximately $1,054,032.

Judge Bolden ordered Beeman to make full restitution.

On March 14, 2024, Beeman pleaded guilty to tax evasion.

Beeman was previously convicted in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York for defrauding investors of a company he had formed for the purpose of promoting and selling compression software.  In June 2006, he was sentenced to 46 months of imprisonment and ordered to pay more than $1.6 million in restitution.  Beeman’s criminal history also includes convictions for fraud, larceny, and forgery offenses.

Beeman, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on January 8.

This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that YASIR G. HAMED, 59, of Woodbridge, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with offenses stemming from an alleged scheme to defraud a COVID-19 pandemic relief program of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Hamed was arrested on November 13, 2024.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and was released on a $500,000 bond.

In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”).  The PPP was overseen by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”), and individual PPP loans were issued by private lenders, which received and processed PPP applications and supporting documentation, and then made loans using the lenders’ own funds, which were guaranteed by the SBA.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, Hamed, an accountant, had an ownership interest or representative relationship with several New Haven-based businesses, including Access Consulting and Professional Services Inc.; Connecticut Medical Transportation Inc.; Arabic Language Learning Program Inc.; Institute for Global Educational Exchange Inc.; Access Medical Transport Inc.; Ikea Car & Limo Inc.; Center of the World Tours, North America LLC.; and Sudanese American Friendship Association Inc.  Between June 2020 and September 2021, Hamed submitted fraudulent PPP loan applications on behalf of these companies, overstating employee numbers and average monthly payroll, and making other fraudulent representations.  As part of the applications, he submitted false tax filings that had never been filed with the IRS.

It is further alleged that Hamed submitted PPP loan applications on behalf of companies owned by his clients.  In at least one instance, Hamed convinced the owner of a business, which he knew was not active and had no employees, to seek PPP funding.  Hamed prepared the paperwork for the PPP application and then took a significant portion of the loan proceeds.

Through this alleged scheme, Hamed received more than $700,000 in loan proceeds for himself and his family, and significant kickbacks from his clients. Hamed used the funds for personal expenses, including education expenses for a family member, and for downpayment on a $880,000 house in Woodbridge that he purchased in October 2020.

The complaint charges Hamed with bank fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years; wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; and engaging in illegal monetary transactions, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

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

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.

Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport has returned an indictment charging ADRIAN BELLE, 30, of New Haven, with the unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon.

The indictment was returned on September 5, 2024.  Belle appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Hartford and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.  Belle is currently serving a sentence on Florida state charges arising out of an unrelated incident.

The indictment alleges that on August 26, 2023, in New Haven, Belle possessed a black Polymer 80 firearm (“ghost gun”) containing ammunition that was manufactured in Serbia.

The indictment further alleges that Belle’s criminal history includes a federal conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and state convictions for robbery in the first degree and assault on personnel.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

If convicted of the charge, Belle faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.  Belle, who was on federal supervised release at the time of the alleged offense, faces additional penalties if he is found to have violated the conditions of his supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  A charge is only an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the New Haven Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan Guevremont through Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached a settlement with Carminuccio’s Pizza, LLC, a restaurant located on South Main Street in Newtown, to address allegations of non-compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”).

The agreement resolves a complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Justice that alleged that Carminuccio’s Pizza, LLC (“Carminuccio’s”) was not accessible to individuals with mobility disabilities.  Under the ADA, public accommodations, including restaurants, are prohibited from discriminating against individuals with disabilities.  As part of that obligation, public accommodations must remove physical barriers to access for individuals with mobility disabilities where doing so is readily achievable.  They must also ensure that renovations undertaken after the effective date of the ADA are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities to the maximum extent feasible.

Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Carminuccio’s will make its parking area more accessible and add a ramp to the entrance of the restaurant.  In addition, the restaurant will add accessible dining tables and make a number of changes to make the bathroom more accessible.  The restaurant has also agreed to comply with Title III of the ADA in all future alterations and renovations.

U.S. Attorney Avery noted that the owner and operator of Carminuccio’s has worked cooperatively with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to improve their ADA compliance without litigation.  The settlement agreement is effective for three years, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will monitor compliance during that time.

This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stewart C. Dearing.

Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that any place of public accommodation or public entity in Connecticut is not accessible to persons with disabilities may contact the Civil Rights Intake Specialist at the U.S. Attorney’s Office by calling 203-696-3000.

Additional information about the ADA may be found at www.ada.gov, or by calling the Justice Department’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 and (833) 610-1264 (TTY).  More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and New Britain Police Chief Matthew Marino today announced that the following 13 individuals were arrested yesterday on federal criminal complaints charging each with drug distribution offenses:

WILFREDO ORTIZ, aka “Will” and “P,” 44, of Bristol
MICHAEL LUISI, aka, “Mike,” 51, of Berlin
ELI SAMUEL OFARRILL-FERNANDEZ, aka "Eli” and “Maple,” 46, of New Britain
SAMUEL MARTINEZ, aka “Sammy,” 48, of Rocky Hill
TASHIA BRIDGES, aka “Cheena,” 34, of Torrington
DIMAS RODRIGUEZ, aka “Dima” and “D,” 55, of Meriden
JOSE M. ORTIZ, 52, of New Britain
JOSE L. ORTIZ, 47, of New Britain
RICHARD BEAUDOIN, aka “Rich,” 52, of Newington
RICHARD ZINA, aka “Rich,” 42, of Ludlow, Mass.
CURTIS ROOTH, aka “Scooter,” 36, of Portland
JOSE RIVERA, 35, of Rocky Hill
JEMUEL VEGA-GOMEZ, 24, of New Britain

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, since February 2024, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and New Britain Police Department have been conducting an investigation into a drug trafficking organization, headed by Wilfredo Ortiz and Michael Luisi, that was operating out of Supreme Automotive, a car dealership located at 494 Main Street in New Britain.  The investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, physical and electronic surveillance, and approximately 15 controlled purchases of narcotics, primarily cocaine.

In association with yesterday’s arrests, investigators conducted court authorized searches of Supreme Automotive and residences and other locations connected to the drug trafficking organization and seized more than five kilograms of cocaine, more than 200 grams of fentanyl, approximately 30 grams of heroin, a kilogram press, seven firearms, ammunition, approximately $75,000 in cash, and 26 vehicles.

Each defendant is currently charged with possession with intent to distribute/distribution of controlled substances, and conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, which carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Certain defendants may face additional charges and penalties.

Wilfredo Ortiz, Luisi, Ofarrill-Fernandez, Martinez, Bridges, Rodriguez, Rooth, and Vega-Gomez are currently detained, and Jose M. Ortiz, Jose L. Ortiz, Beaudoin, Zina, and Rivera are released on bond.

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

This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Marshal Service, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles Police, and the New Britain, Hartford, West Hartford, Waterbury, Naugatuck, East Hartford, Brookfield, Milford, Norwich, Orange, North Haven, Meriden, Berlin, and Manchester Police Departments. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Freismuth, Reed Durham, and David Nelson through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

STANISLAV ROMANYUK, 39, a citizen of Ukraine last residing in Estonia, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 33 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a scheme to violate United States export laws and regulations by attempting to smuggle a dual-use export-controlled item to Russia.

U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery; Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division; Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New England; Acting Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tambrini of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement, Boston Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Robert Fuller of the FBI New Haven Division; and Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr. of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, made the announcement.

According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in 2018, Romanyuk, who operated Estonia-based BY Trade OÜ, conspired with Vadims Ananics and Eriks Mamonovs, both citizens of Latvia who operated CNC Weld, a Latvia-based corporation, and with individuals in Russia and a Russian company, to violate U.S. export laws and regulations to smuggle a 500 Series CPWZ Precision Jig Grinder that was manufactured in Connecticut to Russia.

A jig grinder is a high-precision grinding machine system that does not require a license to export to European Union countries, but does require a license for export and reexport to Russia because of its potential application in nuclear proliferation and defense programs.  Romanyuk and his co-conspirators knew that the jig grinder could not be exported from the U.S. to Russia, and they did not apply for, receive, or possess a license of authorization from the U.S. Department of Commerce to export or reexport the jig grinder to Russia, as required by the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 and the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”), which restrict the export of items that could make a significant contribution to the military potential of other nations or that could be detrimental to U.S. foreign policy and national security.

In April 2019, Romanyuk brokered the sale of the jig grinder from By Trade OÜ to a Russian company using funds wired to it from the Russian company to purchase the jig grinder from Sapphire Universal, LLP, a company in Latvia.  Sapphire Universal, which Romanyuk knew was in the business of obtaining dual use items from the U.S. for sale in Russia, used CNC Weld as the claimed recipient and end-user of the jig grinder because no license was required to export the jig grinder to Latvia from the U.S.  In August 2019, to finalize the purchase of the jig grinder, Ananics and others traveled to Bridgeport, Connecticut, where Ananics informed the sellers that the jig grinder was being purchased for the benefit of CNC Weld.  In September 2021, Romanyuk provided a false statement to Estonian authorities about the jig grinder transaction in order to cover up his involvement in this scheme.

U.S. authorities, working with Latvian authorities, intercepted the jig grinder in Riga, Latvia, before it was to be shipped to Russia.  Approximately $826,000 in funds involved in the purchase of the jig grinder were subsequently forfeited, and a substantial portion of the forfeited funds were transferred to Estonia to provide aid to Ukraine.

Romanyuk was arrested on June 13, 2022, in Latvia.  On May 23, 2024, he pleaded guilty to international money laundering conspiracy. He has been detained since his arrest.

Ananics and Mamonovs pleaded guilty to related charges.

This investigation is being conducted by HSI field offices in New Haven and the Hague, Netherlands; the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement in Boston and Portland, Oregon; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The Prosecutor-General’s Office of the Republic of Latvia, the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Estonia, Latvian Tax and Customs Police, Estonian Tax and Customs Board, and the Latvian State Police have assisted the investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Konstantin Lantsman, Stephanie Levick, and Daniel George of the District of Connecticut, and Trial Attorney Brendan Geary of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.  The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs has provided valuable assistance.

The investigation was coordinated through the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture, an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export controls, and economic countermeasures that the United States, along with its foreign allies and partners, has imposed in response to Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. Announced by the Attorney General on March 2, 2022, and under the leadership of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, the task force will continue to leverage all of the department’s tools and authorities to combat efforts to evade or undermine the collective actions taken by the U.S. government in response to Russian military aggression.

This case is being prosecuted through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program and is being supported by OCDETF’s International Organized Crime Intelligence and Operations Center (IOC-2).  OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.