District of Connecticut

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, and Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a four-count indictment charging DERRICK RIVERA, 19, of Bridgeport, with offenses related to two armed robberies of Bridgeport businesses.

As alleged in the indictment, on November 11, 2022, Rivera committed a gunpoint robbery of a barbershop located on Wood Avenue in Bridgeport, and, on November 25, 2022, Rivera robbed a restaurant located on Wade Street in Bridgeport.  During the second robbery, Rivera discharged a firearm, injuring the owner of the restaurant.

The indictment charges Rivera with two 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; one count of brandishing a firearm during a robbery, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least seven years; and one count of discharging a firearm during a robbery, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least 10 years.

The indictment was returned on November 28, 2023.  Rivera appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. 

Rivera has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on November 25, 2023.

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 Bridgeport Police Department, with the assistance of the Stratford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JUSTIN McKENNEY, 29, formerly of Windsor Locks, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 240 months of imprisonment, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for child exploitation offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in Court, in October 2021, Glastonbury Police began investigating the sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl by an individual she met on Snapchat.  The investigation revealed that McKenney posed as a high school student on Snapchat.  He began communicating with the minor victim in September 2021, and he subsequently enticed her to engage in sexual activity.

McKenney also used Snapchat to receive child pornography from three other minor females between the ages of 14 and 17.

McKenney has been detained since his arrest on March 17, 2022.  On April 11, 2023, McKenney pleaded guilty to one count of enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, and one count of receipt of child pornography.

This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Glastonbury Police Department, the Windsor Locks Police Department, the Manchester Police Department, and the Connecticut Center for Digital Investigations, with the assistance of the Hudson (Mass.) Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nancy V. Gifford and 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.

On December 5, 2023, a federal jury in New Haven found KEISHAWN DONALD, 22; TREVON WRIGHT, also known as “Tre,” 22; ERIC HAYES, also known as “Heavyweight Champ,” 26; and TRAVON JONES, also known as “Budda,” 21, guilty of racketeering offenses related to their involvement in a violent Bridgeport street gang.

Today’s announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter; 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; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Acting U.S. Marshal Lawrence Bobnick.

According to the evidence presented during a month-long trial, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder and other acts of violence.  Donald, Wright, Hayes, and Jones have been members of the “East End gang,” which began as a local street gang based in the East End of Bridgeport, but currently has members and associates who are either incarcerated or living throughout Bridgeport and surrounding towns.  The East End gang has been aligned with other groups, including the PT Barnum Gang, the East Side gang and 150, which is a geographic gang based on the West Side of Bridgeport.  These groups were aligned against rival organizations in Bridgeport, including the “Original North End” (“O.N.E.”) and the “Greene Homes Boyz,” (“GHB/Hotz”), based in the Charles F. Greene Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeport’s North End.

East End members distributed heroin, crack cocaine, marijuana and Percocet pills; used and shared firearms; and committed at least six murders and other acts of violence against rival gang members and other individuals.  East End members celebrated their criminal conduct on social media websites such as Facebook and YouTube, and committed acts of intimidation and made threats to deter potential witnesses to their crimes and to protect gang members and associates from detection and prosecution by law enforcement authorities.

During the trial, the government presented evidence that:

• On January 30, 2018, Donald shot and killed Eric Heard, a.k.a. “Fetti,” a member and associate of the GHB/Hotz gang;
• On March 5, 2019, Hayes shot and killed Jerrell Gatewood;
• On July 12, 2019, Jones and another East End Member, Tyrone Moore, shot and killed Sean Warren, also known as “Kujoe,” a member and associate of the O.N.E. gang;
• On September 15, 2019, Wright shot and attempted to kill Marquis Isreal, a.k.a. “Garf” or “Gbaby,” a member and associate of the O.N.E. gang;
• On October 17, 2019, Jones shot and attempted to kill Joshua Gilbert, a member and associate of the O.N.E. gang;
• On December 8, 2019, Wright shot and attempted to kill Arvan Smith, a.k.a. “Arv Barkley,” an associate of the O.N.E. gang;
• On January 26, 2020, Wright shot and killed Myreke Kenion and shot and attempted to kill D’Andre Brown, both members and associates of the GHB/Hotz gang

The jury found Donald, Wright, Hayes, and Jones guilty of conspiring to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity.  At sentencing, Donald, Wright, and Jones face a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and Hayes faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  All are detained pending sentencing.

U.S. Attorney Avery noted that due to rising level of gun violence Bridgeport was experiencing, this wide-ranging investigation commenced in January 2020, shortly before the violence culminated on January 27, 2020, when GHB/Hotz and O.N.E. members, in retaliation for the Myreke Kenion murder and D’Andre Brown shooting, attempted to kill East End gang members and associates in a brazen afternoon shooting in front of a state courthouse on Golden Hill Street in Bridgeport.  After a Shot Spotter activation detected approximately 20 shots being fired in front of the courthouse, law enforcement and first responders discovered that four victims had been shot while sitting inside a car.

Approximately 47 members and associates of the East End, O.N.E. and the GHB/Hotz gangs have now been convicted of federal offenses stemming from this investigation, which has and solved eight murders and approximately 20 attempted murders.

“We believe that the investigation of these warring gangs and resulting prosecutions have had a significant and substantial impact on the violence being perpetrated in Bridgeport,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery.  “In 2020 and 2021, when many other cities saw significant surges in gun violence, much of it caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and longstanding societal issues, Bridgeport saw a significant decrease in gun violence, with a 61 percent decline in gang-related homicides and a 59 percent decrease in gang shootings not resulting in death.  Moreover, the gun violence, and particularly the gang related violence, has decreased from 2022 to 2023.  While these statistics are encouraging, the amount of gun violence in our cities remains unacceptable and a top priority for our office and our federal partners.  I thank all of the law enforcement officers who have contributed to these investigations, and commend and acknowledge the trial teams that are prosecuting these cases.”

“Every Connecticut resident, regardless of where they reside or their race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic class, should be able to feel safe in their community,” U.S. Attorney Avery continued.  “No person, or group of people is entitled to wreak havoc by engaging in repeated acts of violence, instilling fear and trauma on the children and families who reside in our communities.  Every life matters.  We implore anyone engaged in, or planning to engage in, senseless violence like these defendants to reconsider so you don’t end up either killed or facing the prospect of wasting your life sitting in a federal prison.”

“The continuing cooperation between local, state, and federal officials in Bridgeport is a model of effective law enforcement,” said Fairfield Judicial District State’s Attorney Joseph T. Corradino.  “The net result of these sustained efforts is a safer community for the people who live and work in the Greater Bridgeport area.  We are committed to  maintaining this successful long term relationship with our federal counterparts for the benefit of the people we serve.”

“The level of complexity involved in this long term investigation proved to be no match for our Connecticut professional law enforcement partners ability, skills and determination to bring about justice,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Fuller.  “We here in Connecticut have a unified partnership with local, state, and federal partners that is second to none in the country.  Justice has been served.”

“Keishawn Donald, Trevon Wright, Eric Hayes and Travon Jones have been found guilty in federal court of gang related racketeering offenses, including murder and other violent crimes. Said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Boston Field Division. “The ATF alongside our local, state and federal partners remain dedicated to protecting the citizens of Bridgeport from violent gangs like the East End gang.”

“Drug trafficking, along with the violence that all too often accompanies it, is a serious threat to the safety and security of our communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.  “Drug dealers and street gangs value their own profits over human life, and are responsible for fueling drug addiction and much of the violent crimes across New England.  These crimes hold law abiding citizens of Connecticut hostage to drug-fueled lawlessness.  This is unacceptable and will not be allowed to happen.  DEA and its local, state, and federal partners are dedicated to bringing to justice those that commit these crimes.”

“On behalf of the City of Bridgeport and the Bridgeport Police Department, I want to the thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and all of the federal law enforcement agencies for their continued support and partnership in helping to reduce violent crime in the City of Bridgeport and bringing those responsible for violence in our city to justice,” said Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter.

This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and the Waterbury Police Department.  The East End gang cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Rahul Kale, and Stephanie T. Levick

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 the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

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.  If a group member elects to engage in gun violence, the focused attention of federal, state and local law enforcement will be directed at that entire group.

OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that CURTIS SOLSVIG, 69, of Stamford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to a fraud offense involving his misappropriation of funds from a trust.

According to court documents and statements made in court, a married couple (the “victims”) created a trust for the primary benefit of their two children.  In 1996, Solsvig, a relative of the victims, began serving as trustee of the trust.  Beginning in 2011 and continuing for approximately eight years, Solsvig stole more than $800,000 from the trust and used the funds for a variety of personal expenses.  By the time his scheme concluded, less than $20 remained in the trust account.

Solsvig pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Judge Nagala scheduled sentencing for March 5, 2024.

Solsvig is released on a $250,000 bond pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Conor M. Reardon.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JALANIA PANTANO, 28, formerly of Middletown, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for robbing a West Hartford bank last year.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 20, 2022, Pantano and her boyfriend, Gino Rizzo, entered the People’s United Bank located inside the Stop & Shop at 176 Newington Road in West Hartford and presented to two different tellers notes stating “Give us the money with no dye packs or GPS.”  The tellers provided Pantano and Rizzo with approximately $1,599 in cash and they exited the bank and supermarket.

Rizzo, using notes demanding cash, had previously robbed People’s United Bank branches located in Stop & Shop supermarkets in Glastonbury on July 16, 2022, and in Newington on July 18, 2022.

Rizzo was arrested on July 21, 2022, and Pantano was arrested on August 30, 2022.  On April 11, 2023, while on pre-trial release, Pantano and Rizzo each disconnected their GPS electronic monitoring bracelets and absconded from their court-mandated rehabilitation centers.

Pantano has been detained since her rearrest on May 24, 2023.  On August 23, 2023, she pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery.

Rizzo has been detained since his rearrest on May 22, 2023.  He pleaded guilty on July 25, 2023, and is awaiting sentencing.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Middletown, Glastonbury, Newington, and West Hartford Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie T. Levick and Robert S. Dearington.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that OCTAVIO RAZON-MEJIA, also known as “Pachas,” 37, a citizen of Mexico last residing in Enfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 28 months of imprisonment for trafficking cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2021, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force began investigating a drug trafficking organization, with ties to a Mexican drug cartel, operating in the area of Enfield, Connecticut, and Springfield, Massachusetts.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases and seizures of narcotics, revealed that Sergio Horta-Molina, of Suffield, arranged the shipment of cocaine and other narcotics to Connecticut, and then distributed the drugs to others, including Razon-Mejia who, in turn, sold the drugs to street-level traffickers and drug customers.

Razon-Mejia has been detained since his arrest on May 5, 2022.  On August 8, 2023, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

Razon-Mejia faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.

Horta-Molina pleaded guilty and, on June 6, 2023, he was sentenced to 94 months of imprisonment for both the offense and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal narcotics trafficking conviction.

This investigation has been conducted by the DEA’s Hartford Task Force and the Enfield Police Department.  The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments.

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

A naturalized U.S. citizen from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and former resident of Connecticut, was arrested yesterday in Morgantown, West Virginia, on criminal charges related to allegations that she lied to obtain U.S. citizenship.

According to the indictment, Nada Radovan Tomanic, 51, of West Virginia, allegedly served with the Zulfikar Special Unit of the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the armed conflict in that country in the 1990s. Along with other Zulfikar Special Unit soldiers, Tomanic allegedly participated in the physical and mental abuse of Bosnian Serb prisoners targeted on the basis of their ethnicity, religion, and membership in a particular social group. The indictment alleges that, when applying for naturalization, Tomanic falsely represented that she had not persecuted anyone because of their religion, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion and had never committed a crime for which she had not been arrested.

“Nada Tomanic has enjoyed the privileges of U.S. citizenship for more than 10 years – privileges she allegedly obtained by lying to cover up human rights abuses she committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Justice Department will vigorously enforce our nation’s immigration laws to ensure that the United States does not serve as a safe haven for persecutors.”   

“It is alleged that this defendant shielded her past abuse of human rights and repeatedly lied during the immigration and citizenship processes to gain entry into this country and become a U.S. citizen,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery for the District of Connecticut. “I thank our investigative partners both here and in Bosnia and Herzegovina for ignoring the passage of time to ensure that justice is done.”

“Nada Tomanic allegedly participated in the abuse of Bosnian Serb prisoners and lied about it to the U.S. government decades later,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI, our international partners, and the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center are fervently committed to investigating human rights abuses no matter where or how long ago the atrocity occurred.”

Tomanic is charged with two counts of unlawful procurement of naturalization. If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on each count. A conviction would also result in the automatic revocation of Tomanic’s U.S. citizenship.  

The FBI is investigating the case, with coordination provided by the Department of Homeland Security’s Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Office of Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS), along with the FBI’s International Human Rights Unit. The Justice Department thanks the Ministry of Justice of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Serbia, and the United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, which were instrumental in furthering the investigation.

Trial Attorney Elizabeth Nielsen of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel Krull for the District of Connecticut are prosecuting the case, with assistance from HRSP historians. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also provided assistance.

Members of the public who have information about human rights violators in the United States are urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALLFBI (1-800-225-5324) or through the FBI’s online tip form at www.tips.fbi.gov/, or Homeland Security Investigations at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423) or through ICE’s online tip form at www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

A naturalized U.S. citizen from Bosnia and Herzegovina was arrested yesterday in Morgantown, West Virginia, on criminal charges related to allegations that she lied to obtain U.S. citizenship.

According to the indictment, Nada Radovan Tomanic, 51, of West Virginia, allegedly served with the Zulfikar Special Unit of the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the armed conflict in that country in the 1990s. Along with other Zulfikar Special Unit soldiers, Tomanic allegedly participated in the physical and mental abuse of Bosnian Serb prisoners targeted on the basis of their ethnicity, religion, and membership in a particular social group. The indictment alleges that, when applying for naturalization, Tomanic falsely represented that she had not persecuted anyone because of their religion, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion and had never committed a crime for which she had not been arrested.

“Nada Tomanic has enjoyed the privileges of U.S. citizenship for more than 10 years – privileges she allegedly obtained by lying to cover up human rights abuses she committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Justice Department will vigorously enforce our nation’s immigration laws to ensure that the United States does not serve as a safe haven for persecutors.”   

“It is alleged that this defendant shielded her past abuse of human rights and repeatedly lied during the immigration and citizenship processes to gain entry into this country and become a U.S. citizen,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery for the District of Connecticut. “I thank our investigative partners both here and in Bosnia and Herzegovina for ignoring the passage of time to ensure that justice is done.”

“Nada Tomanic allegedly participated in the abuse of Bosnian Serb prisoners and lied about it to the U.S. government decades later,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI, our international partners, and the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center are fervently committed to investigating human rights abuses no matter where or how long ago the atrocity occurred.”

Tomanic is charged with two counts of unlawful procurement of naturalization. If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on each count. A conviction would also result in the automatic revocation of Tomanic’s U.S. citizenship.  

The FBI is investigating the case, with coordination provided by the Department of Homeland Security’s Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Office of Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS), along with the FBI’s International Human Rights Unit. The Justice Department thanks the Ministry of Justice of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Serbia, and the United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, which were instrumental in furthering the investigation.

Trial Attorney Elizabeth Nielsen of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel Krull for the District of Connecticut are prosecuting the case, with assistance from HRSP historians. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also provided assistance.

Members of the public who have information about human rights violators in the United States are urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALLFBI (1-800-225-5324) or through the FBI’s online tip form at www.tips.fbi.gov/, or Homeland Security Investigations at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423) or through ICE’s online tip form at www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

United States Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery, Special Agent in Charge Robert Fuller of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Waterbury Police Chief Fernando C. Spagnolo today announced that the following 15 individuals have been charged with federal offenses stemming from the distribution of cocaine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl in and around Waterbury: 

ANGEL QUIROS, aka “Papa John,” 34, Waterbury
DANIEL DIAZ-RIVERA, a.k.a. “Danny,” “Lupin,” “Lupito,” and “L,” 31, Waterbury
LUIS MUNOZ, aka “P.R.” and “Puerto Rico,” 39, Waterbury
LUIS CRUZ, aka “Fat Boy” and “Goldo,” 26, Waterbury
RICARDO VERDEJO, aka “Ricky,” 25, Waterbury
JOSE RINCON, aka “Mexico,” 42, Prospect
JESUS MALDONADO, aka “Zeus,” 34, Waterbury
CARMELO CANCEL, aka “Bebe,” 30, Waterbury
WILLIE REDD, 42, Naugatuck
TOMMY FIGUEROA, aka “Coco,” 30, Waterbury
JOSE DELROSARIO-CANELA, aka “Domi,” 38, Waterbury
MICHELLE MORALES-RIOS, 31, New Britain
AMBAR MORALES-RIVERA, aka “Gorda,” 34, Waterbury
NEYSA VAZQUEZ-FERRER, 33, Waterbury
OSCAR PENA-CRESPO, aka “Boti,” 28, Waterbury

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, the FBI’s Waterbury Safe Streets Gang Task Force and other law enforcement agencies have been conducting an investigation into drug trafficking in and around the city of Waterbury by drug organizations headed by Angel Quiros and Daniel Diaz-Rivera.  The investigation, which has included court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones, video surveillance, GPS tracking of vehicles, and numerous controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that the Quiros and Diaz-Rivera organizations distributed cocaine, crack, and fentanyl through a network of sellers.  Munoz, Cruz, Verdejo, Maldonado, Rincon, and Redd distributed drugs within the Quiros organization, which was based out of the William Street area of Waterbury, and Figueroa, Pena-Crespo, Delrosario-Canela, and Morales-Rios, distributed drugs within the Diaz-Rivera organization, which was based out of the Maple Avenue area of Waterbury.  Morales-Rios, Vazquez-Ferrer, and Morales-Rivera packaged and stored narcotics.  Carmelo Cancel supplied both organizations with narcotics, and investigators identified additional overlap between the two organizations.

Fourteen of the defendants were arrested yesterday on criminal complaints, and Figueroa is currently detained in state custody.  An additional five individuals were arrested on state charges.  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.

“We and our federal law enforcement partners continue our work with Waterbury Police to stifle the flow of dangerous narcotics into and around Waterbury, and federally prosecute those responsible,” said U.S. Attorney Avery.  “I thank the members of the FBI Task Force and all the agencies involved in this investigation and who assisted with today’s arrests.  Their work is saving lives and making our communities safer.”

“The FBI Joint Task Force execution of several search and arrest warrants in various locations in and around Waterbury concluded without incident or physical harm to anyone within those communities, and stolen firearms, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and cash were among the items seized,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Fuller.  “The individuals responsible for violating the law will now have to face the consequences of their actions and risk to Connecticut residents.  We would like to thank all our incredible law enforcement partners for great collaboration and making Connecticut a bit safer today.”

“The culmination of this investigation has addressed many issues tied to drug activity and violence in our City,” said Chief Spagnolo.  “We are grateful for our partnerships with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  The continued support we receive from our federal partners makes our community safer.”

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

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 are assisting the investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Freismuth and Patrick Doherty 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.

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Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, and Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that four men have been charged with federal offenses related to their participation in a stolen catalytic converter trafficking ring.

On November 14, 2023, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an eight-count superseding indictment charging ALEXANDER KOLITSAS, 29, of Wolcott; YANQUEE RODRIGUEZ, also known as “Yankster Rodriguez,” 27, of West Hartford; MERVIN FIGUEROA, 26, of New Haven; and MICHAEL ALMODOVAR, also known as “Eme ElColorado,” 30, of New Haven.  Kolitsas and four other men were originally charged by indictment in August 2022.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement continues to investigate 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 superseding indictment alleges that Kolitsas owned and operated Downpipe Depot & Recycling LLC (“Downpipe Depot”), which had a warehouse on Park Avenue in East Hartford.  At Downpipe Depot, Kolitsas and a co-conspirator purchased stolen catalytic converters from a network of suppliers, including Rodriguez, Figueroa, and Almodovar.  Kolitsas and his associate instructed their suppliers on the types of catalytic converters that would obtain the most profit upon resale.  Kolitsas and his associate then transported and sold the catalytic converters to recycling businesses in New York and New Jersey.

The superseding indictment further alleges that Kolitsas and his associate acquired and maintained firearms as Kolitsas’s residence and Downpipe Depot’s warehouse.

The superseding indictment charges Kolitsas, Rodriguez, Figueroa, and Almodovar with one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and with one or more counts of interstate transportation of stolen property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

The superseding indictment also charges Kolitsas with one count of promotional money laundering, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, for using proceeds from the theft and sale of catalytic converters to purchase a Ford Transit Van.  He also is charged with two counts of engaging in monetary transactions with proceeds of specified unlawful activity, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count, related to his using Downpipe Depot funds to make a payment to a Mercedes Benz dealership in Florida, and to purchase a home entertainment system. Kolitsas also is charged with one count of possession of firearms by an unlawful drug user or addict, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

The superseding indictment seeks the forfeiture from Kolitsas of the Ford Transit Van, a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado, a 2016 Polaris Slingshot, a 2022 Toyota Supra, approximately $55,000 in cash, and $92,581 that is held in a Downpipe Depot bank account.

Rodriguez and Figueroa were arrested on November 15, 2023, and Almodovar surrendered to law enforcement yesterday.  As alleged in statements made in court, during one incident, while Almodovar was in the process of stealing a catalytic converter from a car parked in a parking lot, 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.  As alleged in the indictment, the day after this incident, Almodovar sold six converters to Downpipe Depot in exchange for $2,180.

Each of the four defendants entered pleas of not guilty and are released on bond pending trial.

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.

Four other individuals have been convicted of federal charges stemming from this investigation, which 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 KENNETH JOYNER, 33, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to firearm and drug offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 25, 2022, Bridgeport Police stopped Joyner’s car for motor vehicle violations.  Joyner was arrested after he was found in possession of a loaded Polymer P80 9mm semi-automatic pistol (“ghost gun”) and several bags of marijuana that he intended to sell.  A subsequent search of Joyner’s residence revealed a loaded Ruger P95 9mm semi-automatic pistol with an obliterated serial number, marijuana that Joyner intended to sell, and drug paraphernalia.

Joyner pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with obliterated serial number, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford on February 22, 2024, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Joyner has been detained since his federal arrest on April 13, 2023.

This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ross Weingarten and Karen L. Peck through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHADDIEL FERRER, 29, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by eight years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation led by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department determined that Ferrer was the primary runner for a drug trafficking organization that was coordinating the shipment of parcels containing kilogram-quantities of cocaine from Puerto Rico.  Ferrer regularly picked up parcels of cocaine that were mailed to the Waterbury area and then delivered them to an associate.  A total of approximately 18 kilograms of cocaine were seized during the investigation.

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

On June 1, 2023, Ferrer pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

Ferrer, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison by January 16, 2024.

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

The case 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 DUAYNE NELSON, 31, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to unlawful possession of firearms by a felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 14, 2022, Nelson was arrested in West Haven after he was found with a Taurus G3C 9mm handgun with 12-round magazine, and a Glock 27 .40 caliber handgun with a 13-round extended magazine and fitted with a “sear switch” that made the gun fully automatic.

Nelson’s criminal history included state convictions for criminal weapon possession and robbery in the second degree.  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.

Nelson is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford on February 20, 2024, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.

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

This investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the West Haven Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan J. Keefe through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, and Waterbury Police Chief Fernando C. Spagnolo today announced that as part of a coordinated law enforcement effort to address an uptick in gun violence in Waterbury, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has adopted for federal prosecution the state cases of four Waterbury men charged with gun crimes.

On October 24, 2023, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned the following indictments:

ANFERNEE D. DANCY, 27, of Waterbury, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.  As alleged in the indictment, on August 22, 2023, Dancy possessed a Jimenez Arms, Inc. 9mm handgun.  It is further alleged that Dancy’s criminal history includes felony convictions in Connecticut for burglary in the first degree, risk of injury to a child, and failure to appear in the first degree.

ALEXIS JOEL ANGUEIRA, 23, of Waterbury, is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, and unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon.  It is alleged that, on September 15, 2022, Angueira possessed fentanyl and cocaine that he intended to distribute, a loaded privately made firearm (ghost gun), and additional rounds of ammunition.  It is further alleged that Angueira’s criminal history includes felony convictions for assault in the first degree and carrying a pistol without a permit.

MELQUAWN JAMISON, 25, of Waterbury, is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  As alleged in the indictment, on August 23, 2023, Jamison possessed cocaine and fentanyl that he intended to distribute, a Ruger SR .45 caliber handgun, and a Glock 23 .40 caliber handgun.  It is further alleged that Jamison’s criminal history includes felony convictions for sale of narcotics, escape in the first degree, burglary in the third degree, and larceny in the first degree.

GLENN JAMISON, 42, of Waterbury, is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  As alleged in the indictment, on July 24, 2023, Jamison possessed cocaine and fentanyl that he intended to distribute, and a Taurus Arms G2C handgun.  It is further alleged that Jamison’s criminal history includes state convictions for felony firearm, drug, assault, larceny, escape, and failure to appear offenses; a federal conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon; and that he was on federal supervised release at the time of this offense.

Glenn Jamison appeared yesterday in Hartford federal court and pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.  Dancy, Angueira, and Melquawn Jamison were previously arraigned and also pleaded not guilty.  All four defendants are currently detained pending trial.

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.

These cases are being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Waterbury Police Department.  The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Mahard, Konstantin Lantsman, and Natasha Freismuth through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

A federal jury in Bridgeport has found JOSHUA GILBERT, also known as “Lor Heavy,” 22, and LORENZO CARTER, also known as “Zo,” 29, guilty of racketeering offenses related to their involvement in a violent Bridgeport street gang.  The trial before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley began on October 18 and the jury returned the guilty verdicts yesterday.

Today’s announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter; 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; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Acting U.S. Marshal Lawrence Bobnick.

According to court documents and the evidence presented during the trial, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Connecticut State Police and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder and other acts of violence.  Gilbert and Carter were members of the Original North End (“O.N.E.”), a gang based in the Trumbull Gardens area of Bridgeport that committed acts of violence against rival gangs.  O.N.E. members also robbed drug dealers, customers and others, sold narcotics, and stole cars from inside and outside Connecticut, often using the cars to commit crimes.  They frequently used social media to promote and coordinate their criminal activities.

On August 9, 2018, O.N.E. members stole a Jeep Grand Cherokee in Newburgh, New York, and drove it back to Bridgeport.  In the following days, O.N.E. members conspired to use the car to kill rival gang members and their allies who they had learned through social media were at a deli on Stratford Avenue in Bridgeport.  Although that plan fell through, in the early morning hours of August 13, 2018, Carter and other O.N.E. members drove the stolen Jeep to Stratford and Union Avenues in Bridgeport where they shot and killed Len Smith, 25, who they mistook for a rival gang member, and shot and seriously wounded Smith’s female companion, both of whom were seated in a parked car.  After the shooting, Carter and other O.N.E. members transported the Jeep to Indian Well State Park in Shelton where they burned the vehicle in an effort to destroy evidence of the murder.

In November 2019, O.N.E. members stole a Lexus Rx350 from Rye, New York.  In early December 2019, O.N.E. members were involved in multiple shots-fired incidents in Bridgeport.  In one incident, the mother of rival gang members was shot outside of her Bridgeport home.  In another incident, on December 8, 2019, O.N.E. members used the stolen Lexus in a shooting incident at the P.T. Barnum Housing Complex, damaging several cars, and then drove it to Newfield Avenue in Bridgeport where Gilbert and other O.N.E. members shot and killed Ty’Quess Moore, also known as “Breezo,” 18.

Gilbert and Carter, along with other O.N.E. members, posted videos to social media in which they and others brandished firearms, celebrated violent gang culture, and referenced rivals who were killed.

The jury found Gilbert and Carter guilty of racketeering conspiracy.  At sentencing, which is not scheduled, they each faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

Gilbert and Carter have been detained since July 2021.

This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory, and the police departments from Norwalk, Stamford, Fairfield, Stratford, Ansonia, Monroe, Eastchester (N.Y.), Rye (N.Y.), and Newburgh (N.Y.). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck, Tara E. Levens, and Patrick J. Doherty.

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 the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

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.  If a group member elects to engage in gun violence, the focused attention of federal, state, and local law enforcement will be directed at that entire group.

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 JUAN SANCHEZ-RAZON, also known as “Juanito,” 29, a citizen of Mexico last residing in Enfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 25 months of imprisonment for trafficking cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2021, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force began investigating a drug trafficking organization, with ties to a Mexican drug cartel, operating in the area of Enfield, Connecticut, and Springfield, Massachusetts.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases and seizures of narcotics, revealed that Sergio Horta-Molina, of Suffield, arranged the shipment of cocaine and other narcotics to Connecticut, and then distributed the drugs to other members of the organization who, in turn, sold the drugs to street-level traffickers and drug customers.

During the investigation, Horta-Molina arranged the shipment of a package from California to Sanchez-Razon’s residence in Enfield.  On April 27, 2022, Sanchez-Razon delivered the package to another individual.  Law enforcement subsequently stopped that individual as he was attempting to deliver the package to Horta-Molina.  A search of the package revealed a kilogram of cocaine.

On May 5, 2022, a search of Sanchez-Razon’s residence revealed approximately 100 grams of cocaine and approximately $7,000 in cash.

Sanchez-Razon has been detained since his arrest on June 21, 2022.  On March 3, 2023, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

Sanchez-Razon faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.

Horta-Molina pleaded guilty and, on June 6, 2023, he was sentenced to 94 months of imprisonment for both the offense and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal narcotics trafficking conviction.

This investigation has been conducted by the DEA’s Hartford Task Force and the Enfield Police Department.  The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Reed Durham 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 DAQUAN LAMONT WRIGHT, 26, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing and selling firearms.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation determined that Wright was illegally selling firearms without a license.  In January and February 2023, investigators made three controlled purchases of handguns from Wright.  One of the handguns had been reported stolen in North Carolina.  During the investigation, Wright indicated that he possessed, and had access to, other firearms and firearm parts.

Wright was arrested on March 13, 2023.  On that date, a search of his Bridgeport residence revealed a Glock Model 43 handgun, ammunition, and various gun parts.

Wright was previously convicted in state court of theft of a firearm, and possession with intent to sell narcotics.  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.

Wright has been detained since his arrest.  On July 5, 2023, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Fairfield, and Stamford Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis through the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program.  PSN, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts, is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

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, today announced that DAVID ANSPACH, 67, of Wilton, pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to a tax offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Anspach operated a construction and remodeling business.  During the course of a civil audit of Anspach’s tax return for the 2013 tax year, the IRS discovered that Anspach’s business receipts were underreported.  Some of the underreported business receipts were subsequently accounted for as payments to workers, but in an effort to offset further receipts, Anspach provided false documents to a representative who had prepared Anspach’s tax return and was assisting him during the audit.  The documents included fabricated letters and invoices intended to establish that Anspach had made payments to vendors beyond those reported on his tax return.  Anspach’s representative provided the documents to the IRS.

Anspach pleaded guilty to one count of willfully delivering or disclosing to the IRS a false document, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of one year.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on February 12, 2024.

Anspach is released on a $10,000 bond pending sentencing.

This investigation is being 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, 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 CHARLES M. AMEER, 64, of Weston, with three counts of wire fraud stemming from an alleged embezzlement scheme.

The indictment was returned on November 8, 2023.  Ameer appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.  He has been released on a $500,000 bond since his arrest on a federal criminal complaint on August 31, 2023.

As alleged in 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.  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.”  Ameer then used the check to reimburse the Weston Soccer Club, located in Weston, for funds he had previously taken from the club without its permission or authority.  Ameer subsequently created 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 his personal bank account and used the funds for his own benefit.

If convicted, Ameer faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count of wire fraud.

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

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherry.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CARLYLE HENRY, 39, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to a drug trafficking and firearm possession offense.

According to court documents and statement made in court, shortly before midnight on October 12, 2022, Henry crashed his vehicle on a retaining wall on the Yale University campus.  Carlyle was arrested after Yale Police found a loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun, and a bag containing distribution quantities of cocaine, packaged heroin and fentanyl, and counterfeit pills containing fentanyl.

Carlyle pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.  Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for February 7, 2024.

Carlyle has been detained since his arrest.

Henry’s criminal history includes state convictions for firearms possession and narcotics distribution offenses, and a federal narcotics conviction in 2006 for which he received a sentence of 50 months of imprisonment.

This case has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Yale Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Clark through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MAURICE MENAFEE, also known as “Mo,” 34, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 86 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for a firearm possession offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the morning of February 9, 2022, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the New Haven Police Department Shooting Task Force observed a car involved in suspected drug transactions at the intersection of Baldwin Street and Davenport Avenue in New Haven, and then traveling recklessly at high rate of speed throughout the city.  Investigators subsequently located the vehicle parked at a residence on Plymouth Street and identified the driver as Menafee.  After Menafee was apprehended, a search of his person revealed $564 in cash and a search of the car revealed a Sig Sauer P238 .380 caliber pistol, 64 baggies of crack cocaine, and 116 wax folds of fentanyl.

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

Menafee has been detained since his federal arrest on March 2, 2022.  On January 10, 2023, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Waterbury, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Naugatuck, and Shelton Police Departments.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine E. Boyles and Nathaniel J. Gentile.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILLIAM McCULLOUGH, 63, of Westerly, Rhode Island, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for stealing more than $700,000 from clients of his law practice.

According to court documents and statements made in court today, prior to his resignation from the Connecticut bar in March 2019, McCullough operated a law practice in Stamford for several years.  As part of his practice, McCullough worked on real estate transactions for clients.  In that capacity, McCullough received funds from clients and knew he was required to deposit those funds in an Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Account (“IOLTA Account”) and use them in accordance with his duties to each client.  In March 2018, the Connecticut Statewide Grievance Committee audited McCullough’s IOLTA Account and found that he had failed to maintain required documents for several years.  The audit revealed that more than $1.27 million was due to clients, but the IOLTA Account held less than $600,000.  A subsequent criminal investigation revealed that McCullough defrauded clients by using funds in his IOLTA Account to cover funds owed to others, and for his own use.  McCullough made false representations to clients, including providing a false and inaccurate closing statement to at least one individual, to prevent the scheme from being uncovered.

McCullough’s clients lost approximately $720,851.05 through this scheme.  Judge Bolden ordered him to pay full restitution.

On November 22, 2022, McCullough pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

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

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the Wallingford Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ross Weingarten.

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 a superseding indictment charging DAVID MARSHALL, also known as “Saint,” 38, of Bristol, with additional sex trafficking and obstruction of justice offenses.

On November 15, 2022, the grand jury returned an indictment charging Marshall with the forceful sex trafficking of one adult female and offenses related to his alleged actions following his arrest.  As alleged in court documents, between January and April 2022, Marshall sold the victim for commercial sex and repeatedly raped and beat the victim if she did not follow his orders.  He also controlled the victim by plying her with fentanyl and threatening to harm her family.  In March 2022, the victim attempted to escape from Marshall and obtained an order of protection against him after he was arrested by Cromwell Police for threatening to kill her.

It is further alleged that, on April 27, 2022, Marshall was arrested by police in Freeport, Maine, after he severely beat the victim.  While in jail, Marshall contacted the victim in violation of the protection order, and attempted to convince her not to cooperate with the police and to continue to prostitute herself to earn money to bail him out of jail.  Marshall also contacted another person from jail in an attempt to remotely erase the evidence on his cell phone, but he was unable to do so because the FBI had already secured the phone.

The superseding indictment, which was returned on October 24, 2023, alleges that Marshall forcibly sex trafficked three additional adult females between 2016 and 2022.  In addition, on May 10, 2023, while he was detained in federal custody, Marshall again attempted to obstruct the investigation and prosecution of this matter.

The superseding indictment charges Marshall with four counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life on each count; two counts of attempted obstruction of sex trafficking enforcement, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 25 years on each count; and one count of interstate violation of a protection order, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, but the maximum penalty may be increased to 10 years if the conduct resulted in serious bodily injury to the victim, or to life imprisonment if the conduct constituted sexual abuse or aggravated sexual abuse.

Marshall has been detained since April 27, 2022.  He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.

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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Newington Police Department, Cromwell Police Department, Freeport (Maine) Police Department, and Connecticut Department of Correction.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angel M. Krull and Amanda S. Oakes.

U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine for its assistance in this case.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HIDELBRANDO QUINONES, also known as “Gordo,” 48, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to a narcotics distribution offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2023, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force made two controlled purchases of cocaine from Quinones.  Quinones was arrested on March 1, 2023.  On that date, a court-authorized search of his Standish Street residence revealed approximately 200 grams of cocaine, 20 grams of crack cocaine, and 100 grams of heroin, and various items used to process and package narcotics for street sale.

Quinones pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Judge Nagala scheduled sentencing for February 6, 2024.

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

The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan J. Keefe.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DIJON CHAMPAGNIE, 23, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 132 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for offenses stemming from a violent drug-related robbery and shootings in West Haven.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 1, 2019, Champagnie arranged to buy a half-pound of marijuana from an individual in West Haven.  After Champagnie arrived at the seller’s residence, he removed a gun from his backpack, pointed it at the victim’s face, and demanded all the marijuana the victim had.  After the victim gave Champagnie the half-pound of marijuana he had arranged to sell, Champagnie shot the victim in the leg, causing significant injuries.  The victim’s neighbor, who had known Champagnie, heard the gunshot and saw Champagnie fleeing the scene.

In the days following the shooting, Champagnie posted videos on his Snapchat account of him shooting a gun into the air, pointing a handgun with an extended magazine at the camera, and showing a bag of marijuana that he presumably had stolen.  Champagnie also sent several text messages threatening to harm the victim’s neighbor.  In the early morning hours of July 7, 2019, Champagnie fired four shots into the neighbor’s apartment.

Champagnie has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on July 20, 2019.  On August 18, 2023, he pleaded guilty in federal court to discharging a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance.

This matter was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the West Haven, New Haven, and Hartford Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel M. Krull.

U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the Ansonia-Milford State Attorney’s Office for its cooperation in the prosecution of this case.

Deputy Attorney General (Deputy AG) Lisa O. Monaco traveled to New York and Connecticut this week to discuss the Justice Department’s ongoing efforts to protect the American people from emerging threats to our national security and public safety.  

Deputy AG Monaco joined the annual IBM Security Summit in New York City for a moderated discussion on how private industry and the government can best collaborate to harness the benefits of artificial intelligence, while also mitigating the risks posed by its potential abuse. The Deputy AG stressed that the risks and rewards posed by artificial intelligence are some of the “most important issues we face in law enforcement, national security, and in the protection of our privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties.”  

To ensure the Justice Department has a strategic plan to leverage the positive uses of AI, while staying alert to its risks, the Deputy AG announced the launch of an Emerging Technology Board to advise Department leadership on the ethical and lawful use of AI across the organization. As she explained, the board will promote use of AI in a manner that is “ethical and responsible and will advance information sharing across the Department regarding emerging technology-related best practices and use cases.” 

The Deputy AG also visited Yale Law School in New Haven, Connecticut, for a series of engagements with faculty and students to explain how the Justice Department executes its mission to uphold the rule of law in an evolving threat landscape. She urged the students to consider careers in public service and specifically at the Justice Department so that they could create and implement the next generation of policy to protect our national security while safeguarding civil rights and civil liberties.  

On her trip, the Deputy AG joined U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York for a roundtable discussion with local Jewish leaders in Brooklyn. Deputy AG Monaco emphasized that the Justice Department’s top priority is keeping the American people safe; that the Department remains vigilant in addressing a heightened level of threats against Americans based on their religion, race, color, ethnicity, or national origin; and that the Department will use every available tool at its disposal to combat hate. 

The Deputy AG also visited the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut, where she met with U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery, her leadership team, and the dedicated prosecutors and professional staff of the office, as well as local and federal law enforcement leaders from Connecticut. She thanked them for their dedication to public safety and emphasized the vital importance of strong partnerships in the fight against violent crime, especially when it comes to combating the trafficking of fentanyl and firearms.  

In recognition that the burdens of fighting violent crime too often fall disproportionately on our state and local partners, the Deputy AG underscored that the Justice Department awarded more than $4 million in grant funding to Connecticut law enforcement agencies and stakeholders last week. This funding will enable state and local agencies to hire new law enforcement officers, strengthen school-safety measures, and continue to advance community policing across Connecticut.  

To learn more about a career at the Justice Department, visit: www.justice.gov/careers.  

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TRAEVAUGHNN MORRISON, 27, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl and crack while armed with a ghost gun.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 5, 2022, members of the DEA’s Hartford Task Force made a controlled purchase of fentanyl and crack cocaine from Morrison in Bristol.  After the drug sale, investigators followed Morrison as he drove his car and then parked in a condominium parking lot, where Morrison was taken into custody.  At the time of Morrison’s arrest, investigators found in his car additional quantities of fentanyl and crack, and a Polymer80 handgun (“ghost gun”) with an extended magazine loaded with 21 rounds of ammunition.

Subsequent analysis of the firearm determined that it had been used in two shooting incidents in 2021 in Waterbury and Hartford, where two individuals were injured.  The government has no evidence that Morrison participated in either of the shootings.

Morrison’s criminal history includes convictions for felony drug 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.

Morrison has been detained since his arrest.  On August 2, 2023, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base (“crack”) and fentanyl.

The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.

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 the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI have seized and filed a civil asset forfeiture complaint against $1,187.677.94 that was traceable to a business email compromise attack on the City of New Haven’s Board of Education earlier this year.

As alleged in the complaint, which was filed today in U.S. District Court, criminal actors were able to compromise an email account associated with a member of management team of the City of New Haven’s Board of Education.  In June 2023, these actors created a fake email account that mimicked the email of a bus company that held a contract with the Board of Education for bussing.  The criminal actors used the compromised email address to send test emails between the compromised email address and the newly created fake bus company email address. Using the fake bus company email address, the criminal actors then were able to change the bus company’s payment information from the real bus company to an account held by the criminal actors.  New Haven sent approximately $5.9 million dollars to the account.

The FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office were able to trace and seize a portion of the stolen money.  With the filing of a civil asset forfeiture complaint, the U.S. is seeking to forfeit and return the money to the City of New Haven.  Approximately $3.6 million of the stolen money was previously recovered.

“While we will continue to pursue criminal prosecution of the individuals involved in this scam, recovering the victim’s money is a priority,” said U.S. Attorney Avery.  ”Civil asset forfeiture allows the U.S. Attorney’s Office to recover money for victims of fraud, such as business email compromises, romances scams, confidence scams, and other crimes.  As these fraud schemes often involve conversion of U.S. currency to digital assets, this process typically involves significant law enforcement resources and specialized training.  In recent years, through the civil asset forfeiture process, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut has recovered millions of dollars for Connecticut victims, most of whom do not have the means nor the expertise to trace the money.”

“Despite the advanced level of these particular cyber schemes, our highly trained law enforcement officers and agents haven been able to effectively uncover and stop the ongoing financial losses, and recover funds for the City of New Haven,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Fuller.  “Our ongoing focus will continue to be protecting those that remain vulnerable to cyber intrusion and fraud.”

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

This matter is being investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Marshals Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Nelson.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE OZUNA CRUZ, also known as Jose Cruz-Cruz, Jose Chapulin, Jose Ozuna-Montero, and Jose Ozun-Cruz, 48, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with illegally reentering the United States after being deported.

As alleged in the criminal complaint, Ozuna was deported from the U.S. to the Dominican Republic in February 2010, following a felony conviction in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California and 37-month prison sentence for conspiracy to distribute cocaine.  Ozuna subsequently illegally reentered the U.S.  On November 21, 2022, Ozuna was arrested by Waterbury Police in Waterbury and charged with various state drug distribution and firearm possession offenses.

Ozuna, who had been released on bond in his state case, appeared this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and was ordered detained.

If convicted of the charge of illegal reentry, Ozuna faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  The state charges against him are pending.

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 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Casey.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GREGORY LEARY, 35, of Wolcott, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for manufacturing and dealing AR-15-style firearms without a license.  Judge Underhill also ordered Leary to pay a $2,000 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between January and March 2022, Leary received Polymer80 firearms kits from another individual and assembled them in the basement of his Wolcott residence.  On three occasions during that period, Leary provided to that individual eight AR-15-style assault rifles with collapsible stocks and 30-round magazines; a “P80” 9mm semi-automatic handgun with a fully loaded, 10-round magazine; 190 rounds of .223 ammunition; one “Magtec” box containing 50 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition; and one “Independence” box containing 50 rounds of 9mm ammunition.  The assault rifles and 9mm handgun contained no serial numbers.

Leary pleaded guilty on June 13, 2023, and admitted that he manufactured and dealt a total of more than 25 firearms to the same individual knowing that the individual was selling the firearms to others.

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Connecticut State Police Statewide Firearms Trafficking Task Force (SFTTF) and Statewide Urban Violence Cooperative Crime Control Task Force (SUVCCCTF/Gangs Unit), assisted by the Statewide Narcotics Task Force (SNTF) Southwest and North Central Offices, and the Bridgeport, Shelton, Orange, Waterbury, and Hartford Police Departments.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara E. Levens and Rahul Kale through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

New Haven – On November 2, the Justice Department announced several new commitments as part of its Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime. Instituted by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in May 2021, the strategy focuses on harnessing federal resources, intelligence, and expertise as a force-multiplier with state, local, and Tribal law enforcement.

Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco and Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta highlighted the more than $334 million in critical grant funding to law enforcement agencies and stakeholders awarded today by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office).The COPS grants announced today include funding to help law enforcement agencies hire over 1,730 new law enforcement officers across the country while also providing critical funding to support school safety and continue to advance community policing nationwide.

“Law enforcement officers across the country are showing up every day to protect their communities in the face of unprecedented challenges,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “These grants, which support the hiring of more than 1700 new officers and make critical investments in school safety and crisis intervention efforts, will help provide local law enforcement agencies with the resources they need to keep their communities safe, support officers, and build public trust.”

Through this funding, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut is pleased to announce that the Justice Department’s COPS Office has awarded more than $8.8 million to Connecticut and several of its municipalities to combat violent crime and maintain public safety.  Included in the grant awards are:

• COPS Hiring Program (CHP) Awards of $3,161,790 to the Hartford Police Department to hire 10 police officers, and $500,000 to the North Branford Police Department to hire four police officers;
• An Anti-Heroin Task Force (AHTF) Program Award of $3,882,182 to Connecticut’s Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection;
• A COPS Office School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) Award of $500,000 to the New Hartford school system;
• And Community Policing Development (CPD) Program Awards of $153,806 to Colchester, $160,000 to Deep River, $190,000 to Fairfield, $126,660 to Norwalk, $28,615 to Vernon, and $174,342 to the Connecticut State Police.

“We are pleased that communities across Connecticut will benefit from these substantial Justice Department grant awards,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery.  “These funds will help fight violent crime, curb the illegal distribution of dangerous narcotics, improve policing, and keep our children safe.”

The Department has also named the five new cities to join the more than 50 jurisdictions currently part of the Office of Justice Program’s (OJP) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) National Public Safety Partnership (PSP), which has a proven track record of helping partner sites reduce crime, improve homicide clearance rates, and enhance the quality of life for community members. The 2024 PSP sites are: Knoxville, Tennessee; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Raleigh, North Carolina; San Antonio, Texas; and Vallejo, California.

Lastly, the Deputy Attorney General and Associate Attorney General announced that this December 11-13, in Indianapolis, the Justice Department’s will bring together 1,500 local and federal partners from across the country, including representatives from the more than 50 PSP jurisdictions and from Project Safe Neighborhoods for a Violent Crime Reduction Summit, to be hosted by OJP BJA.

Complete lists of all program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here.   

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ORTEXIS RAMOS, 34, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty yesterday 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 September 16, 2022, Bridgeport Police encountered Ramos, who was a passenger in an unregistered car that was stopped at the intersection of Ridge Avenue and Walnut Street in Bridgeport.  When officers ordered Ramos to exit the vehicle, he attempted to flee.  Ramos was apprehended a short distance away, and a search of his person revealed a loaded Taurus G2C 9mm semiautomatic handgun.

In 2005, Ramos was convicted of murder and sentenced to 25 years of imprisonment.  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 Williams scheduled sentencing for January 29, 2024, at which time Ramos faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.

Ramos has been detained since his arrest.

This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ross Weingarten and Karen L. Peck through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that JILL MULLIGAN, 43, of North Stonington, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in April and May 2023, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force made three controlled purchases of crystal meth from Mulligan.  On May 4, 2023, court authorized searches of Mulligan’s North Stonington residence and her vehicle revealed approximately 390 grams of crystal meth, and quantities of crack cocaine, LSD, and prescription pills.  Mulligan was arrested on that date.

Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for January 24, 2024, at which time Mulligan faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, which 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. Attorney A. Reed Durham.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHELDON THOMSON, 35, last residing in Norwich, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to possession of child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2007, Thomson, who now identifies as female, was convicted in state court of sexual assault in the first degree, involving sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 13, and of risk of injury to a child.  She was released from prison in November 2015 and began serving a term of probation.  In May 2022, Thomson’s state probation officer seized multiple cellphones, a tablet, and a storage card from Thomson, her vehicle, and her residence.  Analysis of the seized devices revealed more than 100 images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, including prepubescent children.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 23, 2024, at which time Thomson faces 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 based on Thomson’s prior convictions for sexual assault in the first degree and risk of injury to a minor.

This matter has been investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the assistance of the State of Connecticut Office of Adult Probation.  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, Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that ERIN SULLIVAN, 53, of Cheshire, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to fraud and tax offenses stemming from an embezzlement scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Sullivan was employed as the office manager for a family-owned construction business, identified in court documents in “Company A,” based in Orange.  Beginning at least as early as 2016, Sullivan made false entries into Company A’s payroll and accounting system that caused the system to generate hundreds of fraudulent checks payable to her or to “Petty Cash.”  Almost immediately after she generated a fraudulent check, Sullivan changed the reference in the payroll and accounting system to show that it had been issued to a different payee.  Sullivan sometimes generated checks in the name of Company A’s owner, forged the signature of Company A’s owner on the checks, and either cashed the checks or deposited them into her bank account.  She also altered the payroll and accounting system in other ways, which resulted in her receiving additional pay to which she was not entitled.  Through this scheme, Sullivan embezzled $955,960.71 from Company A.

In addition, Sullivan failed to pay $233,738 in federal income taxes on her embezzled income for the 2016 through 2021 tax years.

Sullivan pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of tax evasion, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

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

This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, with the assistance of the Orange Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CYRELLE CONYERS, 37, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 88 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his participation in a drug trafficking conspiracy.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 8, 2021, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Waterbury Police Department established surveillance at a Waterbury residence that was suspected of being used as a narcotics stash house.  Officers observed several vehicles depart from the residence, including one driven by Conyers.  Officers stopped and searched Conyers’ vehicle, which was unregistered, and seized approximately 13 kilograms of cocaine, more than 1.5 kilograms of heroin, more than 500 grams of crack cocaine, and more than 350 grams of methamphetamine.  A search of a second vehicle that was stopped after leaving the residence revealed two handguns, 18 boxes of ammunition, and more than $31,000 in cash.  A search of Conyers’ nearby residence revealed distribution quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine, items used to process and package narcotics, and more than $4,000 in cash.

Conyers’ criminal history includes eight previous convictions, three of which involve the sale or possession of controlled substances.

On June 27, 2023, Conyers pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine.  Conyers, who is released on a $150,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 24, 2024.

This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Konstantin Lantsman.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in Hartford has found DENROY FABLE, 40, of Hartford, guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.  The trial before U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams began on October 23 and the jury returned its verdict this afternoon.

According to the evidence presented during the trial, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and Hartford Police Department conducted an investigation of a business located at 136 Barbour Street in Hartford that was suspected of trafficking narcotics.  The business, a purported clothing store, had an awning that read “The HOLE Ex-Con 360 the movement.”  In October 2022, investigators made two controlled drug purchases of marijuana from the store.

On October 5, 2022, Fable and others were in the store when investigators conducted a court-authorized search of the store and seized quantities of suspected crack cocaine, psychedelic mushrooms, cocaine, marijuana, heroin, synthetic opioid pills, fentanyl pills disguised as oxycodone, MDMA, drug packaging and processing materials, U.S. currency, and five handguns.  One of the handguns seized, a loaded .380 semiautomatic pistol, was found in a pocket of Fable’s jacket that was hanging on a shelf.  Subsequent forensic testing of the firearm revealed the presence of Fable’s DNA.

Fable’s criminal history in state convictions for criminal possession of a firearm, and carrying a pistol without a permit, and federal convictions for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and crack.  In March 2019, Fable was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 37 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release.  He was released from prison in August 2020, and was on supervised release when he possessed the firearm in October 2022.

At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Fable faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.  He also faces additional penalties for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

Fable has been detained since October 5, 2022.

This investigation has been conducted by the DEA’s Hartford Task Force and the Hartford Police Department, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory.  The DEA 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, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys A. Reed Durham and Brendan J. Keefe.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CARLOS ANTONIO CRESPO-FEBUS, 43, of New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 188 months of imprisonment, followed by eight years of supervised release, for trafficking large quantities of cocaine from Puerto Rico through the U.S. Mail for distribution in Connecticut and elsewhere.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2021, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating a cocaine trafficking operation headed by Crespo-Febus.  The investigation revealed that Crespo-Febus was coordinating the shipment of parcels, each typically containing two kilograms of cocaine, from U.S. Post Offices in Puerto Rico to various “drop addresses” in New London County.  Crespo-Febus paid at least three individuals to receive parcels of cocaine at their homes, and at least two others to serve as “runners” who retrieved parcels from the drop addresses and delivered them to Crespo-Febus.  The runners were paid $500 for each parcel they delivered.

Investigators intercepted and seized approximately 16 kilograms of cocaine that were mailed from Puerto Rico to Connecticut, and identified dozens of other suspicious parcels that likely contained kilogram quantities of cocaine.  Crespo-Febus has admitted that he trafficked at least 50 kilograms of cocaine.

Crespo-Febus has been detained since his arrest on September 20, 2021.  On October 21, 2022, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.

Crespo-Febus’ criminal history includes a conviction in Puerto Rico for murder in the second degree, for which he was incarcerated for 11 years and four months, and a federal conviction in 2013 for unlawful possession of a firearm, for which he was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the New London and Town of Groton Police Departments.  The Task Force includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden and Town of Groton Police Departments.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Konstantin Lantsman 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 Robers Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging NELSON ROMERO-MARTINEZ, 45, a citizen of Honduras last residing in Bridgeport, with illegally reentering the United States after being deported.

The indictment was returned on October 18, 2023, and Romero-Martinez was arrested today.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and was ordered detained.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on January 25, 2007, Romero-Martinez was convicted in Connecticut state court of second-degree assault.  He received a five-year prison sentence and was removed to Honduras in approximately January 2010.  Romero-Martinez subsequently tried to reenter the U.S. at least three more times and was deported to Honduras each time.  He successfully and unlawfully reentered the U.S. and, on August 5, 2023, was arrested by Bridgeport Police in connection with an alleged stabbing incident.

If convicted of the charge of illegal reentry, Romero-Martinez faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is entitled to a fair trial at which it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in New Haven has found MIGUEL RIVERA, also known as “Macho,” 31, of Shelton, guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.

A trial before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall began on October 17 and the jury returned its verdict yesterday afternoon.

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

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

At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Rivera faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

It is alleged that on June 21, 2022, while he was released on bond and awaiting trial in this case, Rivera unlawfully possessed a stolen 12-gauge shotgun, ammunition, and two Kevlar bullet proof vests.  He has been detained since July 13, 2022, and additional charges are pending in federal court. 

U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that a charge is only an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Waterbury Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police.  These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and Patricia Stolfi Collins through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a seven-count indictment charging HOWARD CHAMBERS, 32, a citizen of Jamaica residing in Waterbury, with fraud and money laundering offenses stemming from his alleged participation in a sweepstakes scam that defrauded primarily elderly victims across the country of millions of dollars.

The indictment was returned on October 17, and Chambers was arrested this morning.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven, entered pleas of not guilty to the charges, and was released on a $150,000 bond into home detention, with electronic monitoring, pending trial.

The indictment alleges that, since at least 2018, Chambers and others used a sweepstakes scheme to induce primarily elderly victims to provide them with money.  As part of this scheme, scammers notified victims, typically by telephone, that they won a Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes.  The victims were told that in order to collect their winnings, they must pay fees and taxes.  Following the initial phone call, Chambers and others mailed the victims fake documents, including a “winning notification” letter from Publishers Clearing House and a letter from the Internal Revenue Service stating that the victims were required by law to pay taxes on their winnings.  Victims sent cash, money orders or checks through the mail to various addresses in Connecticut, including an address in East Hartford, and throughout the U.S.

The indictment also alleges that Chambers and others moved money received from victims through various accounts in different companies’ names, including a limited liability company registered in Connecticut with Chambers as its managing member and agent.  Conspirators sometimes used victims as intermediaries to receive money from other victims and then move that money to members of this scheme.  For example, at least one victim received checks and cash in the mail from people she believed were “sponsors” who were helping her pay the fees to receive her winnings, but actually were other victims. The victim deposited the checks into her bank account, withdrew cash, and mailed the cash to various addresses as directed by the conspirators.

The indictment charges Chambers with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, five counts of mail fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.  Each of these offenses carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather L. Cherry.

The Justice Department has established a National Elder Fraud Hotline to provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud.  The Hotline is staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers.  Case managers assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed.  When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for Internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller.  The Hotline’s toll-free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).

Read more about the Justice Department’s efforts to combat elder fraud and abuse here.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that NIQUELLE LANDELIUS, 27, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 54 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for firearm and narcotics offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 22, 2022, New Haven Police arrested Landelius after a court-authorized search of his Chatham Street residence revealed a loaded privately made 9mm semi-automatic pistol, which had no serial number or manufacturer information (“ghost gun”), and distribution quantities of crack cocaine and heroin.

Landelius’ criminal history includes state convictions for felony narcotics 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.

Investigators subsequently submitted to the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) test-fired shell casings from the seized handgun.  Analysis of the shell casings revealed that it matched shell casings that were recovered at two shooting incidents that occurred in New Haven on February 13, 2022.

Landelius has been detained since his arrest.  On March 8, 2023, he pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the New Haven Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie T. Levick.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DEXTER ENWEREM, 36, of Norwich, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for fraud and tax offenses stemming from a scheme that defrauded women approached through their social media accounts.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately September 2019 and March 2021, Enwerem participated in a scheme to defraud individuals, primarily women, who were contacted through their Facebook and Instagram accounts.  As part of the scheme, a co-conspirator of Enwerem used a false identity and made false representations to approach and befriend victims through the social media platforms.  As the relationship progressed, the co-conspirator sometimes moved the communication to Google Hangouts, an online platform that allows users to communicate by video call or direct chat message.  Eventually, the co-conspirator requested money from victims based on various false representations of need.  The victims then sent money by wire transfers, checks, money orders, and cash.  Some of the money was wired into bank accounts that Enwerem controlled, and some was sent in packages to an address where Enwerem could receive them.

Through this scheme, Enwerem and his co-conspirators defrauded victims of approximately $450,000.  Enwerem wired approximately $220,000 of these funds to bank accounts in Nigeria.  In response to bank officials who questioned the nature of these wire transfers, Enwerem falsely stated that the recipients were family members and that the funds were intended to take care of his grandmother, and for household expenses.

Enwerem also failed to pay taxes on the income he fraudulently obtained.

Judge Bolden ordered Enwerem to pay restitution of $449,189 to his victims, and $127,299 in back taxes for the 2019 and 2020 tax years.   

Enwerem was arrested on related state charges on March 24, 2021.  On May 23, 2023, He pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, and one count of tax evasion.

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Connecticut Cyber Task Force (CCTF), the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the Norwich Police Department, with the assistance of the Hartford Police Department.

The FBI’s CCTF is staffed with detectives from the Connecticut State Police’s Cyber Crimes Investigation Unit and the Bristol, Hartford, Stamford, and UConn Police Departments, as well as an agent from the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. To contact the CCTF or report a cyber incident, please call the FBI’s New Haven Field Office at 203-777-6311 or file a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at https://www.ic3.gov.

 The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that THOMAS RIVERA, 30, of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for fentanyl distribution and firearm possession offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 3, 2022, Hartford Police stopped a vehicle Rivera was operating and found him in possession of a bag containing approximately 140 grams of fentanyl, approximately 370 sleeves of fentanyl, a 9mm semiautomatic pistol with a loaded 15-round magazine, and $1,323 in cash.  Rivera was arrested on state charges at that time.

Rivera’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for firearm possession and 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.

Rivera has been detained since his federal arrest on August 2, 2022.  On January 9, 2023, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and the Hartford Police Department’s Vice, Intelligence and Narcotics Division.  The DEA Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ruff.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging CHRISTIAN JAVIER AMAYA-AGUILAR, 26, a citizen of Honduras last residing in Danbury, with illegally reentering the United States after being deported.

The indictment was returned on October 4, 2023, and Amaya-Aguilar appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.  Amaya-Aguilar has been detained on separate state charges since July 2, 2023.

As alleged in the indictment, Amaya-Aguilar was deported from the U.S. following a felony conviction in May 2018 in Connecticut Superior Court for sexual assault in the first degree.  On July 2, 2023, he was found in Danbury without having obtained the consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the U.S.

If convicted of the charge of illegal reentry, Amaya-Aguilar faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, and Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter today announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport has returned an indictment charging TYREE THOMAS, 36, of Bridgeport, with offenses relating to the illegal trafficking of firearms from Georgia to Connecticut.

The indictment was returned on July 19, 2023, and Thomas was arrested in Florida on September 6.  He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

As alleged in the indictment and statements made in court, between approximately August 2021 and March 2022, Thomas traveled to Georgia for the purpose of acquiring firearms, and transported the firearms back to Connecticut where he sold or transferred them to others.  Several of the firearms that Thomas acquired in Georgia have been recovered by law enforcement in Connecticut, including one that recovered in connection with a homicide.

The indictment also alleges that Thomas was previously convicted in Connecticut state court of felony drug 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.

The indictment charges Thomas with crossing state lines with the intent to engage in the unlawful dealing of firearms, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Thomas has been detained since his arrest.

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

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

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Kenneth Cleevely, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, and Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that on October 13, 2023, EPHREM D. NGUYEN, 50, formerly of Brookfield, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to a fraud offense stemming from a bribery, kickback, and embezzlement scheme he operated while serving as the Postmaster of the Danbury Post Office.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Nguyen was employed by the U.S. Postal Service (“USPS”) as the Postmaster of the Danbury Post Office in Danbury, with responsibilities that included supervising the maintenance and repair of all equipment, facilities, and vehicles assigned to the post office.  In November 2020, Nguyen required that all Danbury Post Office vehicle maintenance and repair work be performed by a certain vendor, even though Nguyen knew that another vendor already had a contract for with the Danbury Post Office for those services.  Nguyen demanded that the vendor provide free vehicle maintenance and repairs for himself, one of his children, a USPS employee, and employee of Nguyen’s personal business.  In 2022, Nguyen solicited and received $90,000 in cash bribes from the vendor.  In exchange for these bribes, Nguyen caused the USPS to overpay the vendor for vehicle maintenance and repair, which Nguyen characterized as a  “raise.”  Between approximately January 2022 and February 2023, Nguyen used USPS credit cards to pay the vendor more than $1 million, or approximately $760,000 more than necessary to pay for legitimate maintenance and repair work.

In addition, Nguyen embezzled more than $80,000 from the USPS by using his USPS credit cards to rent vehicles for the personal use of himself and others, and he approved more than $8,000 in fraudulent travel expense reimbursement claims for a co-worker.

Through these schemes, Nguyen defrauded the USPS of approximately $874,930.59.

“As federal employees, we take an oath to protect the public, including funds that have been allocated for federal services,” said U.S. Attorney Avery.  “This corrupt employee operated a brazen bribery, kickback, and embezzlement scheme that defrauded the U.S. Postal Service of hundreds of thousands of dollars.  I commend the USPS Office of Inspector General and the FBI for their excellent work in this investigation.”

“The public must have confidence that Postal Service employees will conduct their work in an honest manner,” said Kenneth Cleevely, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General.  “When employees commit serious offenses, such as taking bribes, they will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted.  We are gratified to have contributed to this investigation and applaud the exceptional work by the United States Attorney’s Office for assuring that there is no place for public corruption anywhere within the Postal Service.”

“Investigations into the breach of public trust by government employees are a top priority for the FBI, said FBI Special Agent in Charge Fuller.  “We would like to extend our appreciation to the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General for the excellent collaboration that led to this individual being brought to justice.  We hope the results of this case and similar previous cases will send a clear message to anyone engaging in fraudulent government activities.”

Nguyen pleaded guilty to honest services wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for January 5, 2024.

Nguyen who is currently residing in Quincy, Massachusetts, is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan N. Francis.

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 Hartford has returned an indictment charging JOHN VILLEGAS, 25, also known as “Kirby,” JALEN LASALLE, 19, and VALERIE MENESES, 23, all of Hartford, with offenses related to a series of gunpoint robberies targeting individual sellers of luxury goods over online marketplaces last year.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, ATF, the Hartford Police Department, and the Middletown Police Departments investigated a series of gunpoint robberies of individuals who advertised items for sale on internet marketplaces, such as Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp.  At an arranged meeting place to sell their items, which included cell phones and luxury sneakers and accessories, the purported purchaser would brandish a firearm, force the victim to hand over the luxury goods, and flee.  The investigation revealed that Villegas and Meneses committed one armed robbery on August 20, 2022, in Middletown, and that Villegas and Lasalle subsequently committed five armed robberies in Hartford in late August and early September 2022.

The indictment, which was returned on September 27, 2023, charges Villegas with six counts and Lasalle with five 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.  The indictment also charges Villegas with three counts and Lasalle with two counts of carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, an offense that mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least seven years. 

The indictment charges Meneses with one count of aiding and abetting Hobbs Act robbery and one count of aiding and abetting the carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

Villegas and Lasalle appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and pleaded not guilty to the charges.  Villegas has been detained since his arrest on December 14, 2022, and Lasalle, who was arrested on February 3, 2023, is released on a $50,000 bond.  Meneses was arrested on October 5, 2023, and is released on a $25,000 bond.

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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Hartford Police Department, and the Middletown Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie T. Levick and A. Reed Durham.

U.S. Attorney Avery encouraged those who sell and purchase items online, and need to meet an individual in person to complete the sale, to use a visible, monitored location.  Contact your local police department to see if it offers a monitored meeting location, or search online for a nearby monitored location.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GERARDO NUNEZ-IRIZARRY, also known as “Indio,” 45, of Meriden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between June and August 2021, law enforcement made multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl from Nunez-Irizarry.  In November 2021, Nunez-Irizarry agreed to sell a 50-gram quantity of fentanyl.  On November 18, 2021, investigators stopped Nunez-Irizarry’s car in Meriden as he drove to an arranged location to complete the transaction and seized approximately 50 grams of fentanyl.  He was arrested on related state charges at that time.

On January 5, 2023, Nunez-Irizarry pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

Nunez-Irizarry, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on November 17.

This matter was investigated by the DEA’s New Haven Task Force, which includes participants from the DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Waterbury, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Naugatuck, and Shelton Police Departments.  The investigation has been supported by the Meriden Police Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force, which includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden, and Town of Groton Police Departments.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Konstantin Lantsman 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 SHANE J. SAWICKI, 29, of Farmington, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing legitimate and counterfeit prescription pills, and other drugs.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Sawicki first came to the attention of law enforcement as a result of an investigation into a drug overdose that occurred outside of his Wethersfield apartment on September 18, 2021.  Subsequent investigation revealed that Sawicki was connected to a drug trafficking organization in Illinois that was coordinating the sale and shipment of Xanax and crystal methamphetamine from California, and that he was receiving mailed packages containing Farmapram, which is a Mexican brand of alprazolam (Xanax).  In April 2022, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of a package that was mailed from California to Sawicki’s Wethersfield address.  The package contained two bottles containing a total of 180 Farmapram pills.  Investigators also identified four similar parcels that had been mailed to Sawicki’s address prior to April 2022.

On April 29, 2022, investigators conducted a court authorized search of Sawicki’s apartment and seized thousands of counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine, a small quantity of counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, a distribution quantity of cocaine, numerous other bags and containers of assorted pills of different colors and shapes, a container of MDMA, and three bottles of Farmapram pills.  A subsequent search of Sawicki’s cell phone revealed photographs of large quantities of pills, a large amount of U.S. currency, and numerous text message conversations regarding the sale of illicit substances.

Sawicki was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on July 7, 2022.  He pleaded guilty on February 16, 2023.

Sawicki, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on December 15.

This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Wethersfield Police Department.  The DEA Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Reed Durham.