District of Connecticut

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 RYAN CAMERON, 21, of Groton, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with receipt and distribution of child pornography, soliciting child pornography, and possession of child pornography.

Cameron appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven. He has been detained in state custody since his arrest on unrelated state charges on May 20, 2024.

As alleged in court documents, Cameron was convicted in 2023 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 state probation officer conducted a home visit and discovered Cameron was in possession of a cell phone in violation of the conditions of his probation. A subsequent forensic examination of the phone revealed that the phone contained videos and images constituting child pornography. Also located on the phone were messages between Cameron and individuals on messaging applications showing Cameron soliciting and distributing child pornography.

The charges of receipt and distribution of child pornography and soliciting child pornography carry a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of 20 years imprisonment. The charge of possession of child pornography carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 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 matter is being 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, announced that CARL JONES, also known as “M.O.B.,” 43, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for a firearm offense stemming from a shooting incident in 2020.

According to the evidence disclosed during his trial and in court documents, in the early morning hours of February 16, 2020, Jones was involved in a gang-related shooting incident inside the Majestic Lounge on Franklin Avenue in Hartford.  During the incident, Jones, a member of Los Solidos, chased down, shot, and wounded fleeing gang member Joshua Saez and an unintended second victim.  Saez had just shot another gang member Marquis Treadwell, Treadwell’s girlfriend, and an unintended third victim.  Treadwell later succumbed to his injuries.  Jones used a .40 caliber Glock semiautomatic handgun, which he had retrieved from Treadwell after the initial shooting by Saez.  Jones fled the scene with the firearm, but Hartford Police later recovered it from a vehicle on Lawrence Street during an unrelated drug trafficking investigation in September 2021.

Jones’ criminal history includes convictions for felony narcotics, assault, larceny, and failure to appear 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.

Jones has been detained in federal custody since June 9, 2022.  On August 23, 2023, a jury found him guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.

Saez is serving a state sentence for the murder of Treadwell and the assault of Treadwell’s girlfriend.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department.  The Task Force includes members of the FBI, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Ruff and Geoffrey M. Stone.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MOHAMED NAJM KAMASH, also known as Mohamed Najm Mohamed Ali Kamash, 33, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to approximately two months of imprisonment, time already served, and two years of supervised release, for making false statements during his citizenship process.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Kamash is a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., having immigrated to the U.S. from Iraq in 2014.  On August 17, 2021, Kamash appeared in Hartford for a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) interview about his pending Application of Naturalization (Form N-400), and was placed under oath.  During the interview with a USCIS agent, Kamash knowingly and falsely stated that he did not know anyone involved with a terrorist organization and that no member of his family was involved with a terrorist organization.

Kamash was arrested on a criminal complaint on May 5, 2022, and was released on bond on June 30, 2022.  On March 25, 2024, he pleaded guilty to making a false statement in a naturalization proceeding.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Doherty and Konstantin Lantsman.

SAMUEL DOUGLAS, also known as “Blamm,” 25, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his participation in a violent New Haven street gang.

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 Douglas and other members of the Exit 8 gang engaged in drug trafficking, used and shared firearms, and, from 2018 to 2023, 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 22, 2024, Douglas pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, and specifically admitted that on June 16, 2018, he and fellow Exit 8 member Kiveon Hyman shot at and attempted to kill a member and associate of a rival gang in the area of Fountain Street, Davis Street, and Lakeview Terrace in New Haven.  In the shooting, the intended victim’s associate suffered seven gunshot wounds, but survived the attack.  Investigators found 15 spent ammunition casings at the scene.

Investigators subsequently recovered two handguns that fired the ammunition casings that were collected at the scene.  One handgun was seized in March 2019 from a now-deceased Exit 8 member.  National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) analysis of the second handgun, which was recovered during a New Haven Police investigation in January 2020, linked it to eight other shooting incidents in New Haven in 2018.

Douglas has been detained since November 10, 2022.

Hyman pleaded guilty and, on April 1, 2024, was sentenced to 78 months of imprisonment.

This investigation has been 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. Attorneys Rahul Kale and 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 MICHAEL SZWARC, 36, of Derby, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to a child exploitation offense, and admitted that he violated 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 federal probation officer conducted an unannounced visit to his home and discovered Szwarc in possession of an unauthorized laptop.  The probation officer seized the laptop.  A subsequent forensic examination of the device revealed multiple images of child pornography.  The investigation revealed that Szwarc used the dark web to access websites used to traffic and distribute child pornography.

Szwarc pleaded guilty to and accessing with intent to view child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  The penalties in this matter are 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.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being 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 EDWIN CORDERO, 23, formerly of Stratford and Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to approximately 11 months of imprisonment, time already served, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing a stolen vehicle and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior conviction related to the theft of stolen vehicles.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 18, 2022, Cordero was sentenced in Bridgeport federal court to 30 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for his role in an auto theft ring.  The investigation revealed that Cordero and others stole numerous motor vehicles, and used the stolen vehicles to travel throughout Connecticut and to neighboring states to steal other vehicles and the valuables inside, including credit cards, cellular telephones, and firearms.  He was released from federal prison in March 2023.

On August 8, 2023, a 2016 lnfiniti Q50 and a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado were reported stolen from a residence in Westerly, Rhode Island.  The Silverado was located shortly thereafter near Exit 89 on I-95 South in Groton.  The vehicle was unoccupied and appeared to have run out of gas.  On August 13, 2023, a victim of the auto thefts contacted law enforcement to report that an iPhone that was in the Infinity Q50 when it was stolen was still being backed up to the iCloud account associated with the phone.  A review of the iCloud account revealed photos and videos taken after the theft of the Q50.  The photos include an image of Cordero with a pistol on his lap, an image of an individual posing on the hood of another stolen car parked near Cordero’s Bridgeport residence, and images of vape pens, cigarettes, bottles of alcohol, and marijuana.

Cordero was arrested by Bridgeport Police on August 14, 2023, after he and others attempted to flee from the Q50 after crashing it into multiple cars on Success Avenue in Bridgeport.  A search of a fanny pack Cordero possessed revealed various controlled substances.  Investigators subsequently found three bags that Cordero had attempted to hide after the crash.  The bags contained numerous vape pens and an unopened bottle of liquor.

Cordero, who was released after his state arrest, has been detained since his federal arrest on August 29, 2023.  On May 22, 2024, he pleaded guilty to possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

Judge Bolden ordered Cordero to pay $21,336.59 in restitution.  Cordero also has a restitution order of $75,198 from his prior federal case.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the Connecticut State Police, the Bridgeport Police Department, and the Westerly (R.I.) Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ruff.

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 a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging ELIJAH RAFFINGTON, 21; RAJONNE BLAKE, also known as “Ray Ray,” 25; SHASSON DANIELS, 20; and MICKYEEM PROFIT, 21, all of Bridgeport, with robbery and firearm offenses stemming from the gunpoint robberies of multiple retail stores and an Amazon delivery truck.

The indictment, which was returned under seal on July 11, 2024, alleges that:

• On December 15, 2022, Raffington and Profit committed a gunpoint robbery of Omega Deli, located at 999 Maplewood Avenue in Bridgeport;
• On December 21, 2022, Raffington, Daniels, and Profit committed a gunpoint robbery of Milford Convenience & Tobacco, located at 784 Boston Post Road in Milford;
• On December 23, 2022, Raffington, Daniels, Blake, Profit, and another individual committed a gunpoint robbery of an Amazon delivery truck and merchandise in Bridgeport;
• On December 23, 2022, Raffington, Daniels, and Profit, committed a gunpoint robbery of Smoke Shop, located at 2175 Boston Avenue in Bridgeport;
• On January 2, 2023, Raffington, Daniels, and Blake, committed a gunpoint robbery of Cumberland Farms, located at 1290 West Broad Street in Stratford.

The six-count indictment charges each defendant with multiple counts of interference with commerce by robbery (“Hobbs Act robbery”), an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.  In addition, Daniels and Profit and charged with carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and Raffington and Blake are charged with aiding and abetting in the same, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of seven years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

The indictment was unsealed on August 1, 2024, after Blake was arrested.  Raffington, Daniels, and Profit had been detained in state custody.  Each of the defendants were arraigned in New Haven federal court, entered pleas of not guilty, and were ordered detained.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bridgeport Police Department, the Stratford Police Department, and the Milford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.

The case is being prosecuted 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 WAIRE, LLC, the owner of the medical practice known as ELLINGTON BEHAVIORAL HEALTH in Ellington, has entered into a settlement agreement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”).

This matter was initiated by a complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Justice by an individual who is deaf and speaks American Sign Language.  The complainant alleges that Ellington Behavioral Health did not provide them with an American Sign Language interpreter for several mental health counseling appointments.  Based on its investigation, the government confirmed that Ellington Behavioral Health failed to provide an American Sign Language interpreter for this individual for at least six appointments.  Under the ADA, public accommodations, including health care providers, are required to provide American Sign Language interpreters if needed to facilitate effective communication with persons with disabilities.

Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Ellington Behavioral health has agreed not to discriminate based on disability in the future and will provide persons with disabilities with full and equal enjoyment of its services.  As part of that obligation, Ellington Behavioral Health will provide auxiliary aids and services, including American Sign Language interpreters, to ensure effective communication with its patients and their companions who have disabilities.  Ellington Behavioral Health has also agreed to provide reasonable modifications to policies and procedures for individuals with disabilities consistent with the ADA.  Ellington Behavioral Health will also pay $5,000 to compensate the complainant.

U.S. Attorney Avery noted that Ellington Behavioral Health has worked cooperatively with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to make their mental health services more accessible without litigation.

The settlement agreement is effective for three years, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will monitor compliance during that time.

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 203-821-3700 and ask for the Civil Rights Intake Specialist.

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, announced that JOSE DE JESUS VEGA-CERVANTES, 45, a citizen of Mexico last residing in Norwalk, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 48 months of imprisonment trafficking fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in July and August 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Norwalk Police Department made controlled purchases of fentanyl from Vega-Cervantes.  Vega-Cervantes was arrested on August 22, 2023, after he attempted to sell a kilogram of fentanyl to an individual working with law enforcement.

Vega-Cervantes has been detained since his arrest.  He pleaded guilty on May 7, 2024.

Vega-Cervantes faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Norwalk Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TIMOTHY TURMAN, also known as “Murder,” 37, of Manchester, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 54 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegal possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 9, 2022, Turman was arrested by Bloomfield Police after he was found in possession of a loaded Taurus, Millennium PT-145, .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol with an obliterated serial number.

Turman’s criminal history includes state felony convictions in 2005, for possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle and, in 2006, for robbery in the first degree.  In June 2011, Turman was charged with murder, firearm, and robbery offenses stemming from the shooting death of a 21-year-old man in Hartford.  The case against him was dismissed after a state trial, but he was found in violation of his probation and was sentenced to 10 and one-half years of incarceration.  He was released from state prison in February 2021.

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

Turman has been detained since his arrest.  On April 4, 2024, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Bloomfield Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda S. Oakes 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 ZAN HAIRSTON, JR., 26, of Bridgeport, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 57 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for illegally possessing firearms.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 9, 2023, the Bridgeport Police Department received a report that Hairston had unlawfully entered a residence of a former girlfriend, searched through her belongings and, during a subsequent FaceTime call with her, threatened her by brandishing what appeared to be a firearm.  When officers located and approached Hairston on Union Avenue in Bridgeport, he attempted to flee.  He was apprehended a short distance away, and officers recovered from the ground near Hairston a Taurus TX .22 firearm equipped with a mounted laser and loaded with an extended magazine containing 20 rounds of ammunition, a Glock 26 Gen4 firearm loaded with one round, and a Glock magazine with 13 rounds of ammunition.

Hairston’s criminal history includes felony convictions in Connecticut for conspiracy to commit robbery in the first degree with a firearm, burglary in the second degree, criminal possession of a firearm, and illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

Hairston has been detained since his federal arrest on February 22, 2023.  On March 13, 2024, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Bridgeport Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale and Lauren Clark 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.

D’ANDRE BURRUS, also known as “Dopeman,” 30, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 216 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for offenses related to his participation in a violent Waterbury street gang.

Today’s announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Maureen T. Platt, State’s Attorney for the Waterbury Judicial District; Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; and Waterbury Police Chief Fernando C. Spagnolo.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address drug trafficking and related violence in Waterbury, the FBI, ATF, and Waterbury Police have been investigating multiple Waterbury-based groups, including the 960 gang.  On September 14, 2021, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned a 36-count indictment charging Burrus and 15 other 960 gang members with racketeering, narcotics trafficking, firearm possession, murder, attempted murder and assault, and obstruction of justice offenses.

On March 4, 2024, Burrus pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, and admitted that he trafficked heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine in furtherance of the 960 enterprise.  He also admitted that he conspired to murder members of a rival gang in retaliation for the murder of a fellow 960 member.  On October 11, 2018, 960 members Gabriel Pulliam and Julian Scott shot into a crowd of people, killing an innocent bystander, 30-year-old Fransua Guzman, and paralyzing a second victim.  Burrus was in one of two cars 960 members drove to the scene of the shooting.  Guzman was the mother of four children. 

Burrus has been detained since his arrest on February 19, 2019.

This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, Waterbury Police Department, ATF, and U.S. Marshals Service, with the assistance of the Southington Police Department, Watertown Police Department, New Milford Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory, and the DEA Laboratory.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey M. Stone, John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Natasha M. Freismuth, and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Don E. Therkildesen, Jr. and Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney Alexandra Arroyo of the Waterbury State’s Attorney’s Office, who have been cross-designated as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys in this matter.

This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) 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 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.

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, Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, announced that RACHEL COLLINS, 44, of Hamden, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to health care fraud.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Collins was a state-licensed professional counselor and owner of Rachel Collins, LPC Counseling Services LLC, located in North Haven.  Collins provided psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults, but particularly children and adolescents with a variety of behavioral and mental health issues.  She was enrolled individually as a Behavioral Health Clinician provider in the Connecticut Medicaid Program (“Medicaid”).

Between January 2018 and March 2024, Collins submitted and caused to be submitted fraudulent claims to Medicaid for psychotherapy services that were purportedly provided to his Medicaid clients.  Specifically, Collins submitted claims under her own billing and performing provider identification number for dates of service when no services of any kind had been provided to the Medicaid clients identified in the claims.  Collins submitted claims for purported dates of service when she was purportedly working as a full-time clinician for another provider; billed for 12 hours of purported services in a day and, in some cases, 24 or more hours in a day; submitted false claims for dates when she was traveling out of state, during national holidays, and on weekends; and submitted claims after she had stopped treating the claimed client, had never treated the claimed client, or the claimed client was in the hospital.

Through this scheme, Collins defrauded Medicaid of $1,647,031.51.  As part of her plea, Collins has agreed to pay full restitution.  She also has agreed to forfeit $114,085.55 that was seized from a bank account during the investigation.

Judge Nagala scheduled sentencing for October 30, at which time Collins faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

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

This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG).

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.

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 ANTHONY SANTOS, also known as “A-1,” 36, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to unlawful possession of firearms by a felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 17, 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and Hartford Police Department conducted a court-authorized search of Santos’ apartment on Park Street in Hartford.  When investigators entered the apartment, Santos ran to the window and threw a loaded Draco 7.62x39mm firearm with a high-capacity magazine containing 30 rounds of ammunition.  The firearm landed on a rooftop below and was recovered.  Inside the apartment, investigators seized, three firearm magazines, ammunition, a small amount of fentanyl, large bags containing bulk quantities of marijuana, thousands of bags of marijuana in pre-packaged sleeves, drug processing and packaging materials, jewelry, and cash.  A search of two vehicles associated with Santos that were parked near the apartment revealed a loaded Smith &Wesson .357 revolver and a loaded Glock .40 caliber pistol, both of which had been reported as stolen.

Santos’ criminal history includes state convictions for felony narcotics distribution 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.

Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for October 29, at which time Santos faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.  Santos has been detained since October 17, 2023.

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has assisted the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reed Durham and Geoffrey Stone.

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 a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging MARTIN DELGADO, 29, of Newington, with narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.

The indictment was returned on July 31, 2024, and Delgado was arrested this morning.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and was ordered detained.

As alleged in statements made in court, on May 13, 2024, members of the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force conducted a court-authorized search of Delgado’s Newington residence and seized approximately 2,500 wax paper sleeves containing fentanyl, a quantity of cocaine, and narcotics packaging materials.  Delgado, who fled on foot when officers arrived at his residence, was apprehended a short time later in West Hartford.  Officers located a 9mm handgun near Delgado’s residence that he appeared to have discarded as he fled.  Delgado was charged with state offenses and released on bond.

It is alleged that Delgado’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for drug distribution 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 Delgado with 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, and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 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 FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, the Connecticut State Police, and the West Hartford Police Department.  The Task Force includes members of the FBI, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police, and Connecticut Department of Correction.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Lembo and Reed Durham.

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.

DONELL ALLICK, JR., also known as “D-Nice,” 25, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to a racketeering offense related to his participation in a violent New Haven street gang and the murder of an individual in September 2022.

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 a 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 Allick 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.

Allick pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, including acts of violence, narcotics trafficking, and gun sales, and specifically admitted that, on September 16, 2022, he and others shot Kenneth Cloud, 46, who was sitting on the porch of an Atwater Street residence in New Haven.  The victim was paralyzed as a result of the shooting and died approximately three months later.  Forty-three shell casings were found at the scene of the shooting.  Ballistics analysis revealed that 19 had been fired from a handgun later found in Allick’s vehicle, and 24 had been fired from a handgun later found inside Allick’s residence.

At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Allick faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

Allick has been detained since his arrest on November 10, 2022.  On July 15, 2024, he was sentenced to 115 months of imprisonment in a separate federal case.

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. Attorneys Rahul Kale and 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.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit www.justice.gov/psn.

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 ANTWANE WILLIAMS-BEY, also known as “Buck,” 33, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 432 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for committing the drug-related murder of Valentin Santos Jr., 21, in Hartford on August 12, 2013.

According to the evidence presented during his trial, on August 12, 2013, Williams-Bey, a member of the Orange Street Killas (OSK) street gang, shot and killed Santos, also known as “Macho” and “Ubby,” on Linnmoore Street in Hartford in retaliation for a theft of Williams-Bey’s drug stash/money.  Santos was shot approximately 12 times, mostly in the back.

Williams-Bey was found guilty of the offense on November 2, 2022.

Williams-Bey has been detained in federal custody since February 2017 and had been serving an 84-month sentence for distributing heroin and crack cocaine.  While awaiting trial in this murder case, Williams-Bey was charged in the District of Rhode Island for participating in a conspiracy to smuggle synthetic marijuana into the Rhode Island detention center where he was held.  He pleaded guilty and, in February 2024, was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment for that offense.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department’s Major Crimes Division.  The Task Force includes members of the FBI, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police, and Connecticut Department of Correction.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ruff and Trial Attorney Brian P. Leaming of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ENRIQUE PAULO PUCHA-JIMENEZ, 33, of Danbury, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to production of child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on multiple occasions between November 2020 and August 2023, Pucha-Jimenez sexually abused a minor girl, who was between the approximate ages of nine and 12, and used his cell phone to take photographs and videos of his sexual abuse of the victim.

On August 16, 2023, Danbury Police arrested Pucha-Jimenez on state sexual assault and risk of injury offenses.  He has been detained since his arrest.

Pucha-Jimenez is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven on October 24, at which time he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.

Pucha-Jimenez’s state charges are pending.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Danbury Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings with the assistance of the Office of the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Danbury.

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 CHARLES M. AMEER, 65, of Weston, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for embezzling $890,000.  Judge Underhill ordered Ameer to perform 150 hours of community service while on supervised release.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2017 through 2022, Ameer was the Chief Financial Officer at Indeco North America, a wholly owned subsidiary of Indeco Ind. S.P.A, headquartered in Milford.  From 2014 until February 2018, Ameer served as the treasurer of the Weston Soccer Club (“WSC”), located in Weston.  Beginning in 2016, Ameer misappropriated at least $38,500 from the WSC and used the funds for personal expenses.  In October 2017, Ameer created a $40,000 check, which was drafted on Indeco’s bank account and made payable to the order of “WSC,” and used the check to reimburse the WSC for the funds he had taken.  Ameer subsequently opened a line of credit at a bank in WSC’s name, without WSC’s authorization or knowledge, and transferred funds into the WSC account that he had stolen from to further conceal his theft.

Between October 2018 and July 2022, Ameer created 14 additional checks, in the total amount of $850,000, which were drafted on Indeco’s bank account and made payable to him.  He deposited the checks into bank accounts he controlled and used the funds for his own benefit.

Judge Underhill ordered Ameer to make full restitution.

Ameer was arrested on August 31, 2023.  On March 28, 2024, he pleaded guilty to wire fraud.

Ameer, who is released on a $500,000 bond, is required to report to prison on October 9.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherry.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ISSACHAMIL TORRES, also known as “Chamil,” 38, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 66 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation revealed that Torres was trafficking fentanyl from his residence on Crown Street in Hartford, and that he was using an apartment on Nutmeg Lane in East Hartford to store, process and package narcotics for street sale.  On January 25, 2023, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of the East Hartford apartment and seized approximately 5,400 dose bags of fentanyl, approximately one kilogram of unpackaged fentanyl, and items used to process and package narcotics.  Torres, Efrain Cheverez, and Enrique Rodriguez Rivera, who were present in the apartment, were arrested at that time.  That same day, a search of Torres’s Hartford residence revealed distribution quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine, and approximately $30,000 in cash.

On May 7, 2024, Torres pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

Torres, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on September 30.

Cheverez and Rodriguez pleaded guilty to related charges.  On December 19, 2023, Rodriguez was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, and on May 13, 2024, Cheverez was sentenced to 28 months of imprisonment.

This investigation was conducted by the DEA’s Hartford Task Force, which 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.

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, announced that FRANK JAMONT BEST, also known as “JB,” and “Cash,” 50, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to approximately 37 months of imprisonment, time already served, and three years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl and heroin.  The government sought a sentence within the advisory guidelines range of 168 to 210 months of imprisonment.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2019, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force began investigating an organization that was distributing heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine in and around Bridgeport.  During the investigation, Task Force members made four controlled purchases of heroin and fentanyl from Best.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and hundreds of consensual recordings, revealed that Frank Best’s uncles, Wallace Best and Jeffrey Thomas, were supplying Frank Best and others with narcotics.

The investigation further revealed that Jeffrey Thomas worked with Jason Cox to establish a connection to Mexican-sourced drug suppliers in California who could provide kilogram quantities of narcotics for distribution on the East Coast.  In December 2019, a cooperating source working in conjunction with Wallace Best, Thomas, and Cox, traveled to a Home Depot parking lot in San Diego and purchased from their suppliers 1.1 kilograms of fentanyl, cut with Xylazine, which is a veterinary sedative, and Tramadol, in exchange for $27,000.  After this successful transaction, the conspirators arranged to purchase five kilograms of heroin from their Mexican suppliers.  On February 10, 2020, four individuals were arrested after they arrived at the same parking lot to conduct the transaction and investigators seized a box containing approximately 4.9 kilograms of heroin.  A related search of a storage locker in San Diego revealed an additional five kilograms of heroin.

Frank Best was arrested on September 30, 2020.  He has been detained since August 27, 2021, after he violated conditions of his pretrial release and his bond was revoked.

On October 14, 2022, a jury found Frank Best, Wallace Best, Thomas and Cox guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute kilogram quantities of heroin and fentanyl, and Wallace Best, Thomas, and Frank Best guilty of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl and cocaine base (“crack”).  In addition, Frank Best was found guilty of five counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base.

Frank Best’s criminal history includes multiple felony convictions, including a federal conviction in 1999 for trafficking narcotics, for which he was sentenced to 41 months of imprisonment, and a federal conviction in 2006 for possession of a firearm by a felon, for which he was sentenced to 70 months of imprisonment, and an additional 10 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

On April 24, 2024, Cox was sentenced to 125 months of imprisonment; on May 14, 2024, Wallace Best was sentenced to 180 months of imprisonment; and on May 17, 2024, Thomas was sentenced to 125 months of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by the DEA’s Bridgeport HIDTA Task Force with the assistance of the DEA San Diego Field Division.  The DEA’s Bridgeport HIDTA Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford, and Danbury Police Departments.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck, Lauren C. Clark, and Katherine E. Boyles 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 JAMES KEATING, 52, of Paoli, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to an offense stemming from a fraud scheme against his former employer.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Keating was an Assistant Vice President and surety bond claims handler at Allied World Insurance Company (“Allied World”).  He later served in the same capacity at Crum and Forster subsidiary U.S. Fire Insurance Company, where he also handled claims on Allied World surety bonds.  All surety bond claims were handled through Allied World’s offices in Farmington, Connecticut.

Between 2017 and 2021, Keating defrauded Allied World in two ways.  First, he used a shell company, American Construction & Industrial LLC, to bill Allied World for unnecessary claims work that was not performed and took the proceeds for himself.  Second, he solicited and received kickbacks from Allied World vendors through another Keating-owned company, Surety Risk Solutions (also known as “SRS” or “SR5”), without the knowledge of his employer.  Keating also caused these vendors to use another company in which he had an undisclosed ownership interest, Kodiak Asset Recovery, for asset searches at vastly inflated prices.  Keating profited nearly $1 million through American Construction & Industrial LLC, more than $350,000 in kickbacks through Surety Risk Solutions, and nearly $125,000 through Kodiak Asset Recovery.

Keating pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Keating has agreed to pay restitution of $1,226,603.97, which represents the loss to Allied World of $1,446,491.95, less $219,887.98 that he previously repaid as part of a civil judgment.

Keating is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CRUZ J. BONILLA, 40, of New London, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to a narcotics trafficking offense, and admitted that he violated the conditions of supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2014, Bonilla was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 68 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for distributing heroin.  He was released from federal prison in October 2019.

On four occasions between March and May 2020, while he was on federal supervised release, Bonilla sold heroin to an undercover law enforcement officer.  He was arrested on related state charges on June 25, 2020.

Bonilla pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, a controlled substance.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford on October 31, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years for the offense, and additional penalties for the violating the conditions of his supervised release.

Bonilla has been detained since his federal arrest on August 26, 2020.

This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Connecticut State Police, and the Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Taskforce East.  The case is being 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 RAFAEL MUZZI, 27, a citizen of Brazil residing in Naugatuck, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to an offense stemming from an investment fraud scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2017 and 2018, Muzzi, at times using two entities he formed, Solace Investments LLC and Asseno LLC, induced victim-investors to provide him funds based on the representation he would use the funds for trading currencies in foreign exchange markets using a trading software program that he told his victims he had developed.  Muzzi represented to victims that his software program had a feature that would cause trading to cease in the event of a certain loss in value, thus minimizing downside risk.  Muzzi failed to invest a substantial portion of invested funds as he represented, and instead diverted those funds for his own personal use, and to pay other individuals who had invested with him.  Through this scheme, Muzzi defrauded at least 10 victim-investors out of what the government alleges totaled more than $550,000.

Muzzi sent victims fabricated monthly account statements that falsely overstated their return on investment and their account balances.  These misrepresentations induced some victim-investors to provide him with additional investment funds.  Muzzi also provided victims with purported tax documents reflecting fictitious investment profits, causing victims to report and pay taxes on profits that they had not realized.

In response to victim complaints, the State of Connecticut’s Department of Banking investigated Muzzi’s conduct, issued orders finding that Muzzi and Solace Investments had violated state securities laws, ordered them to make restitution to victims, and fined Muzzi $300,000.  On September 6, 2020, Muzzi traveled to Brazil and did not return.

On August 23, 2022, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Muzzi with fraud and money laundering offenses.  Muzzi was arrested on April 1, 2023, in Panama, and subsequently waived his right to contest his extradition to the U.S. 

Muzzi pleaded guilty to wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for October 22.  Muzzi is released on a $150,000 pending sentencing.

This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Banking, Securities Division.

U.S. Attorney Avery thanked Interpol and Panamanian authorities for their assistance in apprehending this defendant, and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs for coordinating the extradition proceedings in this matter.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Conor M. Reardon and Michael S. McGarry.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JONATHAN BONAPARTE, 36, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 80 months of imprisonment, followed by seven years of supervised release, for drug distribution and firearm possession offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 30, 2022, law enforcement stopped Bonaparte’s vehicle after he was observed conducting hand-to-hand drug transactions.  Bonaparte was arrested after a search of his person revealed fentanyl, cocaine, and $2,382 in cash, and a search of his vehicle revealed 100 rounds of 9mm ammunition.  The next day, a court-authorized search of a home in Derby where Bonaparte resided revealed six firearms, eight extended magazines, ammunition, fentanyl, cocaine, and items used to process and package narcotics.

Bonaparte’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for robbery and firearm 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 March 20, 2024, Bonaparte pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition by a felon.  He is currently detained.

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

DEVIN SUGGS, also known as “JB,” 20, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 168 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his involvement in a violent New Haven street gang and several gang-related shootings.

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 Suggs 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 February 20, 2024, Suggs pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, and specifically admitted that he took part in five shootings between April 2021 and January 2023.  As a result of these shootings, on April 27, 2021, a rival gang member was shot in the leg; on May 14, 2021, a rival gang member was shot in the leg and torso; and on May 20, 2021, one victim was shot in the back and another victim was shot in the leg.  On January 20, 2023, Suggs and other Exit 8 members stole an SUV in Scarsdale, New York, and, later that day, he and Exit 8 member Nyzaire Barnes committed a drive-by shooting of a rival gang member in New Haven.  The victim was shot in the head, but survived the attack.

Suggs has been detained since August 3, 2023.

Barnes, also known as “Melo,” pleaded guilty and, on June 20, 2024, was sentenced to 125 months of imprisonment.

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. Attorneys Tara E. Levens, Rahul Kale and 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 KARINA CINTRON SANTIAGO, 25, of San Juan, Puerto Rico, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 16 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine into Connecticut.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 4, 2023, a search of a luggage bag that Santiago checked prior to boarding a JetBlue flight from San Juan Airport to Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, revealed approximately 12 kilograms of cocaine.  When Santiago arrived in Connecticut and discovered that her bag was not at baggage claim, she reported it lost.  JetBlue personnel informed Santiago that when her bag was located they would deliver it to her, but she indicated that she would rather pick it up at the airport.  On June 7, 2023, undercover investigators posing as JetBlue personnel contacted Santiago to inform her that her bag had been located and would be arriving on a flight to Bradley International Airport the next day.

On June 8, 2023, investigators placed Santiago’s bag, which contained its original contents, on a luggage carousel at Bradley International Airport.  Cintron Santiago was arrested after she arrived at the airport and removed her bag from the luggage carousel.

On January 16, 2024, Santiago pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine.  Santiago, who is released on a $75,000 bond, is required to report to prison on September 23.

This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the assistance of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean P. Mahard and Geoffrey M. Stone.

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 a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging LUIS RODRIGUEZ, also known as “Plum” and “Minnie,” 37, of Branford; JERMAINE MONTEETH, also known as “Skee” and “Maine,” 35, of New Haven; and ASHLEY CORDOVA, 27, of Branford; with fentanyl and cocaine trafficking offenses.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, an FBI New Haven Safe Streets Gang Task Force investigation identified a drug trafficking organization led by Rodriguez.  Between February and July 2024, investigators made more than 20 controlled purchases of narcotics, including fentanyl laced with xylazine, and cocaine, from Rodriguez, Monteeth, Cordova, and others.

Rodriguez, Monteeth, and Cordova were arrested on federal criminal complaints on July 12, 2024.  On that date, investigators conducted court-authorized searches of Rodriguez’s and Cordova’s Branford residence, and other locations, and seized more than $97,000 in cash, drug ledgers, scales, and additional items used to process and package narcotics.

On July 16, 2024, the grand jury returned a five-count indictment charging Rodriguez, Monteeth, and Cordova with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl and cocaine.  Each defendant is also charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl.  Each charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Rodriguez, Monteeth, and Cordova appeared today in New Haven federal court and entered pleas of not guilty.  Rodriguez is detained, and Monteeth and Cordova are released on $100,000 bonds.

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.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the New Haven Police Department, and the East Haven Police Department.  The Task Force includes members from the FBI, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, and the New Haven, Milford, East Haven, and Wallingford Police Departments.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie T. Levick 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 AURELIA CAROLINA LARA-DIAZ, 30, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in Boston, Massachusetts, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 50 months of imprisonment for trafficking fentanyl and crystal methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, a Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force investigation revealed that Lara-Diaz was trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine.  Between November 2022 and January 2023, investigators made controlled purchases of fentanyl pills and crystal methamphetamine from Lara-Diaz.  On January 26, 2023, investigators arranged the purchase of 3,000 fentanyl pills and 10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine from Lara-Diaz for a total price of $65,000.  Lara-Diaz was arrested after she arrived at a meeting location in Norwalk in possession of the drugs.

Lara-Diaz has been detained since her arrest.  On November 8, 2023, she pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl and methamphetamine,

Lara-Diaz, who was removed from the U.S. to the Dominican Republic in 2019, again faces immigration proceedings when she completes her prison term.

This matter was investigated by the DEA’s Bridgeport HIDTA Task Force, which includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford, and Danbury Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Peck.

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 Connecticut State Police Colonel Daniel Loughman today announced that ALYSON CRANICK, 43, of Columbia, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity.

Cranick’s initial appearance in federal court is scheduled for tomorrow at 10:00 am in New Haven.  Cranick was arrested on related state charges on November 14, 2023, and has been detained in state custody since November 28, 2023.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, Cranick, first using text messaging and Snapchat, and then using the internet chat service Discord, enticed an 11-year-old boy to engage in sexually explicit conduct with her.  Several times during the summer of 2022, the minor victim sneaked out his house after midnight to meet up with Cranick to engage in sexual activity.  Between July and October 2022, Cranick exchanged more than 4,700 messages with the minor victim on Discord.

The charge of enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

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 matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force and the Connecticut State Police’s Eastern District Major Crime Unit.  The FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force includes federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.

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

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 OSCAR PENA-CRESPO, also known as “Boti,” 29, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking narcotics.  

According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI’s Waterbury Safe Streets Gang Task Force and other law enforcement agencies investigated two drug trafficking organizations based in the city of Waterbury.  One organization operated in the area of William Street and the other operated in the area of Maple Avenue.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones, video surveillance, GPS tracking of vehicles, and numerous controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that the two organizations distributed cocaine, crack, and fentanyl through a network of sellers.  The organizations shared sources of supply and worked together to further their operations.

Pena-Crespo coordinated the distribution of narcotics for the Maple Avenue-based organization.  Between January and June 2023, investigators conducted multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl and crack cocaine from Pena-Crespo.

Seventeen individuals were charged with federal offenses as a result of the investigation.  Pena-Crespo and several codefendants were arrested on November 29, 2023.  In association with the arrests, investigators executed multiple search warrants and seized approximately 700 grams of crack cocaine, more than 900 vials (“caps”) of crack, approximately 200 grams of loose fentanyl, more than 1,600 dose bags of fentanyl/heroin, two stolen firearms, numerous rounds of ammunition, and more than $39,000 in cash.

Pena-Crespo has been detained since his arrest.  On April 3, 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

The FBI’s Waterbury Safe Streets Gang Task includes members from the FBI, the Waterbury Police Department, the Naugatuck Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction.  The DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Connecticut State Police, Wolcott Police Department, and Meriden Police Department have assisted the investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Freismuth and Shan Patel 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.

U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the Waterbury State Attorney’s Office for its cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this case.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that MICHELLE ANN GILSON, 38, of Guilford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to a federal tax offense stemming from her failure to pay business payroll taxes.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Gilson co-owned and co-operated B&M Package Solutions, Inc. and formerly owned and operated Epic Empirez, Inc., both Guilford-based package delivery companies.  As co-owner, Gilson was responsible for company books, payroll, and invoices, and for collecting and paying over certain federal taxes from her employees, namely federal income taxes and Federal Insurance Contribution Act (“FICA”) taxes, which include Medicare and Social Security taxes.  She was also responsible for ensuring that B&M Package Solutions and Epic Empirez, as employers, paid their own share of FICA taxes.  An investigation revealed that, beginning in 2017, Gilson failed to report employees’ federal income and FICA taxes, and failed to pay over withheld amounts.

Gilson pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to pay over withholding taxes.  In pleading guilty, Gilson admitted that she failed to pay over the withheld employee taxes, as well as the employers’ share of FICA taxes, for multiple quarters during the 2017 through 2022 tax years.  Gilson has agreed to pay approximately $1,407,831 in restitution to the IRS.

Judge Oliver scheduled sentencing for October 9, at which time Gilson faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  She is released on bond pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elena L. Coronado.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CONNECTICUT INSTITUTE FOR THE COMMUNITIES, INC. (“CIFC”) has entered into a civil settlement agreement and has paid $85,600 to resolve allegations that two of its now-former employees falsely claimed to be homeless while enrolling their children in CIFC’s Head Start programs.

CIFC is a Danbury-based non-profit corporation that receives federal grants to operate Head Start programs in several locations in Connecticut.  The Head Start program supports children’s growth from birth to age five through services centered around early learning and development, health, and family well-being.  Services are available for children from birth to age three (“Early Head Start”) and ages three to five (“Head Start”) in center-based, home-based, or family child care settings.

Head Start programs are intended primarily for “children from low-income families” and “homeless children.”  Head Start rules also permit programs to enroll children whose families are not “low income,” receiving public benefits, homeless, or in foster care, but the total number of children from such families cannot exceed 10 percent of all program slots.  Grantees, such as CIFC, are required to verify applicants’ program eligibility and to keep paper records of those eligibility determinations.

The government alleges that, between September 4, 2013 through August 31, 2016, CIFC enrolled into its Head Start programs the children of two now-former CIFC employees – including the now-former Manager of Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance for CIFC’s Head Start programs – which were falsely documented as homeless and for which false supporting documents were created.  The CIFC employees were not homeless.

To resolve its liability, CIFC has paid $85,600.  CIFC received credit in the settlement for its cooperation with the government during its investigation.

The False Claims Act allegations resolved by the settlement were originally brought in a lawsuit filed by two whistleblowers under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act, which allow private parties to bring suit on behalf of the government and to share in any recovery.  The relators (whistleblowers), former employees of CIFC, will receive $18,832 as their share of the recovery.  The case resolved by this settlement was captioned U.S. ex rel. Nichols et al. v. Connecticut Institute for Communities, Inc. (Docket No. 3:20-CV-00262).

This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS-OIG) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Gruber, with the assistance of Auditor Susan N. Spiegel.

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

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, announced that DYLAN MEISSNER, 31, of Westport, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to a fraud offense stemming from his theft of 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. 

Meissner pleaded guilty to wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on October 11.

Meissner faces a restitution order of $4,633,424.99, which includes the money he stole from his employer and the loan he failed to repay.

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

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

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 TYSSAN WOODS, also known as “Tigger,” 18, and EDUARDO CRUZ, 18, both of Waterbury, with offenses related to the theft of firearms from a licensed gun dealer in Salem, the trafficking of stolen firearms, and two armed carjackings.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on March 15, 2024, Woods, Cruz, and others stole 21 firearms from Statewide Pawn Shop, a federal firearms licensee in Salem.  Cruz trafficked some of the firearms before he was arrested on March 18, 2024.  After the burglary, Woods, using a firearm, and another individual committed two carjackings.  Woods was arrested on March 28, 2024.

To date, eight of the stolen firearms have been recovered by law enforcement.

The indictment, which was returned on June 25, 2024, charges Woods and Cruz with theft of firearms from a licensee, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; Cruz with two counts of firearms trafficking, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years on each count; Woods with two counts of carjacking, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years on each count; and Woods with using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, an offense that carries a mandatory term of imprisonment of seven years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

Woods and Cruz have been detained since their arrests. They each appeared yesterday in Hartford federal court and entered pleas of not guilty.

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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Connecticut State Police, and the Waterbury, Stamford, and Wolcott Police Departments.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Mahard 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.

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 of firearms.

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 JASON FABEL, 46, of Middletown, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 16, 2022, Fabel was arrested after the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a court-authorized search of his Middletown residence and seized approximately 100 grams of methamphetamine, a quantity of ketamine, narcotics paraphernalia, and a loaded 9mm handgun.

On April 27, 2023, while Fabel was released on bond and awaiting trial, he was arrested for violating conditions of his pretrial release.  At the time of his arrest, he possessed approximately 24 grams of methamphetamine, six grams of ketamine, and 10 grams of MDMA (“ecstasy”). 

At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Fabel faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.  He has been detained since April 27, 2023.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JONATHAN McEWEN, 34, formerly of Vernon, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to escaping from the custody of the Attorney General.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 14, 2022, McEwen was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 42 months of imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.  On August 1, 2023, McEwen was transferred from a federal prison in Berlin, New Hampshire, to the Drapelick Center, a Residential Reentry Center (halfway house) in Bloomfield, to complete his custodial sentence.  On November 27, 2023, McEwen was authorized to leave the halfway house to attend a state court hearing in Manchester.  He failed to return to the halfway house as required.  On December 6, 2023, McEwen was arrested by the Connecticut State Police and the Hartford Police Department on state charges unrelated to his escape.  He has been detained since his arrest and was transferred into federal custody on January 26, 2024.

At sentencing, McEwen faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ANTHONY NIRO, 61, of Newington, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to three years of probation and ordered to pay a fine of $1.75 million for tax evasion.  Judge Williams noted Niro’s medical condition and family circumstances when imposing the sentence.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Anthony Niro was a co-owner of A. Niro Landscape Contractors, Inc. (“ANLC”), a business that provided landscaping and snowplowing services for large commercial properties and for personal residences.  Nanette Niro, who is married to Anthony Niro, was the bookkeeper for ANLC and maintained ANLC’s financial records.  For the 2006 through 2010 tax years, Anthony Niro, his business partner, and Nanette Niro conspired to evade both corporate and individual income tax by causing a large portion of ANLC’s receipts to be deposited into two non-interest-bearing checking accounts, and transferring money out the accounts to themselves for their benefit.  Anthony Niro, his business partner, and Nanette Niro failed to provide information about these non-interest-bearing accounts to the tax return preparer who prepared ANLC’s federal income tax returns.  In their 2006 through 2009 personal tax returns, the Niros failed to reflect accurately monies received from ANLC and other sources.  A 2010 tax return was not filed.

For the 2006 through 2010 tax years, Anthony and Nanette Niro failed to report to the IRS more than $7.8 million in income, resulting in a tax loss to the IRS of $1,451,725.  As an example, on their 2009 federal individual tax return, Anthony and Nanette Niro reported taxable income of $131,895 when their correct taxable income for that year was $1,891,955.

Anthony Niro has paid restitution of $1,472,735 to the IRS, and has forfeited an additional $127,300.  He is still required to pay substantial interest and penalties to the IRS.

On January 4, 2024, Anthony Niro pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion.  Nanette Niro pleaded guilty to the same charge on January 9, 2024, and awaits sentencing.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DONELL ALLICK, JR., also known as “D-Nice,” 25, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 115 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.

According to the evidence presented during his trial, between April and October 2022, Allick conspired with others to distribute fentanyl and crack cocaine in the New Haven area.  In September and October 2022, law enforcement made controlled purchases of fentanyl from Allick and an associate.  On October 24, 2022, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of a Hamden apartment that Allick used and seized three loaded handguns with extended magazines, approximately 73 grams of fentanyl, approximately 34 grams of crack cocaine, items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, and $15,000 in cash.  A related search of Allick’s car, which had been observed in suspected drug transactions, resulted in the seizure of another loaded handgun with a 30-round extended magazine, quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine, and $2,144 in cash.

Ballistics analysis of the three handguns found in Allick’s residence revealed that they had been used in six shootings, including two homicides, that occurred between September 13, 2021, and September 16, 2022.

On March 21, 2023, Allick was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl and cocaine base (“crack cocaine”); one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl; and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base.  The jury found Allick not guilty of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, a quantity of fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

After the trial, and before the jury returned its verdict, Allick pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of firearms by a felon.

Allick’s criminal history include state convictions for escape in the first degree, assault in the second degree-serious injury, and carrying a pistol or revolver without a permit.

Allick has been detained since his arrest on November 10, 2022, and is currently awaiting trial in a separate federal case.

This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); the New Haven Police Department; and the Hamden Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara E. Levens and Rahul Kale 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 PATRICK ELMORE, 32, of Norwalk, pleaded guilty yesterday in Bridgeport federal court to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, which has been investigating gang violence in Bridgeport, Norwalk, and Stamford, assisted local law enforcement in executing a state arrest warrant for Elmore on April 12, 2023.  At the time of his arrest, Elmore 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.

Unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.

This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, the Bridgeport Police Department, and the Norwalk Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Gresham with the assistance of Law Student Intern Michael Fording.

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, and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport has returned an indictment charging LUIS OLIVER-GARCIA, also known as “Bebo,” 34, of New London, with cocaine distribution and firearm possession offenses.

The indictment was returned on July 2, 2024, and Oliver-Garcia appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven pleaded not guilty to the charges.  He has been detained since his arrest on June 21, 2024.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force identified Oliver-Garcia as a large scale distributor of cocaine.  The investigation revealed that Oliver-Garcia rented a storage unit at a facility on Cross Road in Waterford to store narcotics and other items.  On June 21, 2024, Oliver-Garcia arrived at the storage facility shortly before investigators were about to conduct a court-authorized search of his storage unit.  Oliver-Garcia was arrested after the search revealed more than three kilograms of cocaine, approximately $30,000 in cash, and a 9mm firearm, and a search of the car that he drove to the facility revealed an additional quantity of cocaine and two boxes of 9mm ammunition.

It is alleged that Ortiz-Garcia’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.

The indictment charges Oliver-Garcia with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years; unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which 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 the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force, which 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 Reed Durham.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that PABEL MIGUEL ACOSTA-COLON, 36, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in Jersey City, New Jersey, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 22 months of imprisonment for distributing fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, a Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force investigation revealed that Acosta-Colon was trafficking fentanyl powder and pills.  On June 21, 2023, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of approximately 100 grams of fentanyl powder and 100 fentanyl pills from Acosta-Colon in Stamford.  Acosta-Colon was arrested on June 28, 2023, after investigators coordinated the purchase of more than 700 grams of fentanyl powder and pills from him.

On January 5, 2024, Acosta-Colon pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl.

Acosta-Colon, who is detained, faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.

This matter was investigated by the DEA’s Bridgeport HIDTA Task Force with the assistance of the Stamford Police Department and Trumbull Police Department.  The DEA’s Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford, and Danbury Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie T. Levick.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DENZEL SUGGS, 30, formerly of Hamden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 20 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a New Haven area drug trafficking ring, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release that followed a previous federal conviction.

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.  The investigation also identified individuals, including Kelvin Alvarado, who were acquiring and distributing prescription narcotic pills.  During the investigation, Suggs, who was on federal supervised release, sold prescription pills to Alvarado.

Suggs was arrested on October 10, 2023.  On April 18, 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances.  He has been detained since October 31, 2023.

In January 2022, Suggs was sentenced in Bridgeport federal court to approximately six months of imprisonment, time served, and three years of supervised release, for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

Judge Nagala sentenced Suggs to 10 months of imprisonment for the drug offense, and a consecutive 10 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

Alvarado, also known as “Kelz” and “Kel Bucks,” of New Haven, has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.

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. Attorneys Brendan J. Keefe and 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, James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, and Connecticut State Police Colonel Daniel Loughman today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging ANDRE O. JOHNSON, 28, of Windsor, with firearm and drug offenses.

The indictment was returned on June 25, 2024, and Johnson appeared yesterday in New Haven federal court and pleaded not guilty to the charges.  Johnson has been detained since June 11, 2023, when he was arrested by the Connecticut State Police in Wethersfield on related state charges.

The indictment alleges that, on June 11, 2023, Johnson possessed a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol, ammunition, and distribution quantities of cocaine and fentanyl.  In April 2022, Johnson was convicted in federal court of drug and firearm trafficking 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 Johnson with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.

Johnson was on federal supervised release at the time of the offenses charged in the indictment, and he 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.  Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Connecticut State Police, the Wethersfield Police Department, and the West Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Dearington.

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.

SIDIKJON MAMADJONOV, 37, a citizen of Uzbekistan, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to one month of imprisonment, time already served, and one year of supervised release, for making false statements to federal law enforcement and in immigration proceedings.

U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery, Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, Special Agent in Charge Robert Fuller of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Haven Division, and Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol of Homeland Security Investigations in New England, made the announcement.

According to the evidence presented during his trial, Mamadjonov immigrated to the U.S. in February 2009, lived in New Britain, Connecticut, and became a lawful permanent resident in September 2010.  On May 27, 2013, Mamadjonov departed the U.S. on a flight to Istanbul, Turkey.  During or before this trip, he learned that his brother, Saidjon Mamadjonov, had been killed while fighting in the civil war in Syria.  Sidikjon Mamadjonov returned to the U.S. on June 11, 2013.  In early July 2013, he received a DHL package that contained an iPhone 4.  On the phone were several videos and photographs depicting Saidjon in Syria, including videos of Saidjon cleaning weapons in military dress while armed with a weapon, and a photograph of Saidjon after he was killed.

During three interviews with FBI special agents in 2014, Mamadjonov responded to questions about the trip he took to Turkey in 2013, and questions about his brother.  Mamadjonov made multiple false statements, including that his brother was alive and living in Turkey or Dubai, that he met with his brother while he was in Turkey in 2013, and that his brother sent him a package after he returned from his trip.

In August 2016, Mamadjonov stated to FBI special agents that he had a received a package from Sidikjon, did not know the whereabouts of Saidjon, had not overheard any discussions of Uzbeks in the U.S. going over to Syria to fight, and was not aware of any Uzbeks travelling to Syria.  At that time, Sidikjon knew that Saidjon was an Uzbek who had traveled from the U.S. to Syria and had died while fighting in the civil war, and that he died prior to the date the package was sent.

On October 27, 2016, in an interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer regarding his U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services an Application for Naturalization, Form N-400 that he had submitted in September 2014, Mamadjonov again provided false statements about his brother and whether he had previously lied to the FBI.

Mamadjonov was arrested on December 22, 2017.

On March 7, 2023, a jury found Mamadjonov guilty of three counts of making a false statement to law enforcement, and one count of making a false swearing in an immigration matter.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, New Britain Police Department and Hartford Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Chang and Trial Attorney Steven Ward of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL ALMODOVAR, also known as “Eme ElColorado,” 31, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 14 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his participation in a stolen catalytic converter trafficking ring.

According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement has been investigating the theft of catalytic converters from motor vehicles across Connecticut.  A catalytic converter contains precious metals, can easily be removed from its vehicle, and is difficult to trace, making it a desirable target for thieves.  The average scrap price for catalytic converters currently varies between $300 and $1,500, depending on the model and type of precious metal component.

The investigation revealed that Downpipe Depot & Recycling LLC (“Downpipe Depot”), which had a warehouse on Park Avenue in East Hartford, purchased stolen catalytic converters from a network of thieves, including Almodovar, and then transported and sold the catalytic converters to recycling businesses in New York and New Jersey.

Business records seized during the investigation revealed that, between March 2022 and May 2022, Downpipe Depot paid Almodovar $34,445 for catalytic converters.  In one incident, while Almodovar was in the process of stealing a catalytic converter from a car in a parking lot in Milford, he was interrupted by a witness who used his cellphone take pictures of Almodovar.  Almodovar attacked the witness, smashed his car window, cut him with the saw he used to steal the converter, and then fled.  The next day, Almodovar sold six converters to Downpipe Depot in exchange for $2,180.

Almodovar was arrested on November 28, 2023.  On March 27, 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property, and interstate transportation of stolen property.

This investigation is being led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI), and the East Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and A. Reed Durham.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KENDALL CAMBY, also known as “KB,” 34, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 22, 2023, Hartford Police stopped a car Camby was riding in and found him in possession of a .45 caliber Glock 30 handgun with a magazine loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition, and fitted with a Glock switch auto sear device, which converted the gun to an automatic weapon.  Camby also possessed approximately 650 wax paper sleeves containing fentanyl and approximately 50 bags of crack cocaine.

Camby’s criminal history includes state convictions for felony firearm, drug, 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.

Unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.  Camby is detained pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.     

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ruff.

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, and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New England, today announced that ADAM C. SALGADO, JR., 30, of West Haven, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with possession of child pornography.

As alleged in court documents, a cloud-based storage company that provides services for wireless customers made multiple CyberTipline reports to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (“NCMEC”) that a user, subsequently identified as Salgado, had videos of child sexual abuse stored on the account.  Subsequent investigation revealed that Salgado’s Google account also contained images and videos of child sex abuse. 

Salgado was arrested on June 5, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas, where he recently resided.  He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and was released on a $100,000 bond.

Possession of child pornography carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 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 matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the assistance of the Middletown Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel George.

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, 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 D’METRIUS JOHNSON, formerly known as D’METRIUS WOODWARD, and also known as “Meech,” 29, of Waterbury, with unlawful possession of a firearms by a felon, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

The indictment was returned on June 20, 2024.  Johnson 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 state charges on November 21, 2022.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on November 12, 2014, Johnson was sentenced in federal court to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his participation in a narcotics trafficking conspiracy.  He was released from federal prison in January 2018.  On November 21, 2022, while Johnson was on supervised release, Brookfield Police arrested him on state charges related to the theft of catalytic converters.  On that date, a search of Johnson’s Waterbury residence revealed a Ruger 57 semiautomatic pistol, a Glock 31 semiautomatic pistol, a Ruger LCP handgun, ammunition, approximately 89 grams of cocaine, and pills containing MDMA (“ecstasy”).

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.

Unlawful possession of a firearm carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Johnson 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. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Waterbury Police Department, with the assistance of the Brookfield Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.

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 EDWARD ROSARIO-CANELA, 48, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a “grandparents scam” that defrauded elderly victims of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Rosario participated in a “grandparents scam,” a scheme in which fraudsters, who often live outside of the U.S., contact elderly victims in the U.S. by phone impersonating the victim’s grandchild in distress, and induce the victim to send money purportedly help the grandchild.  Rosario served as a “money-mule” in a grandparents scam that victimized several individuals who lived outside of Connecticut.  For a fee, Rosario picked up packages of money that victims had mailed to addresses in Connecticut and elsewhere, and helped send the money to coconspirators in the Dominican Republic.

Judge Nagala ordered Rosario to pay restitution of $655,683.

On November 17, 2022, Rosario pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud.

Rosario, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on September 16.

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Hartford Police Department, and the Monroe Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather M. Cherry and Michael S. McGarry.   

More information about grandparents scams and how to avoid being victimized is available here and here.