District of Connecticut

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that MARIUSZ KALINOWSKI, 47, of Woodstock, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to a tax fraud offense

According to court documents and statements made in court, Kalinowski owns and operates Kalinowski General Construction, Inc., based in Webster, Massachusetts, which provides residential and commercial construction services in Connecticut and Massachusetts.  For the 2010 through 2013 tax years, Kalinowski failed to report on his personal federal tax returns $927,828 in income from his business and, as a result, failed to pay approximately $174,746 in taxes on that income.

Kalinowski pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on February 22, 2023, in Hartford.

Kalinowski has agreed to pay the IRS $174,746, plus penalties and interest that have accrued on his unpaid taxes.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTOPHER JARDINE, 55, of Guilford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 15 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for failing to pay business and personal taxes.  Judge Dooley also ordered Jardine to pay a $10,000 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Jardine is a part owner of D&A Construction Management, Inc. (“D&A”), a Branford-based company in the construction business.  Jardine was responsible for D&A’s financial affairs, and for collecting and paying over certain federal taxes from D&A’s employees, namely federal income taxes and Federal Insurance Contribution Act (“FICA”) taxes, which include Medicare and social security taxes. He was also responsible for ensuring that D&A, as an employer, paid its own share of FICA taxes.

An investigation revealed that although Jardine and D&A withheld employees’ federal income and FICA taxes over multiple tax periods between 2016 and 2019 and reported those withholdings to the IRS, they failed to pay over the withheld amounts, totaling approximately $868,000.  Jardine also represented to the IRS that D&A lacked the ability to pay, but he used more than $1 million in company funds to pay personal expenses, including purchases of a 52-foot cigarette boat, a Range Rover, high-end clothing, and auto parts, and to make payments on behalf of Straight Jacket USA, LLC, a Guilford business controlled by Jardine.

On April 28, 2022, Jardine pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to pay over withholding taxes.  Jardine admitted that he evaded payment of the withheld employee taxes, as well as D&A’s share of FICA taxes, for multiple quarters during the 2016 through 2019 tax years, and he also acknowledged that he evaded the payment of personal income tax liabilities for multiple tax years between 2007 and 2015. 

Jardine agreed to pay approximately $2,070,000 in restitution to the IRS, an amount that includes interest and penalties.  To date, he has paid most of his restitution obligation.

Jardine, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on February 28.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAVIER ACEVEDO, 42, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 42 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for a cocaine trafficking offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force has been investigating the shipment of parcels containing controlled substances from Puerto Rico to Connecticut.  In May 2021, investigators identified a suspicious package that was destined for an address on Giddings Street in Hartford.  On May 15, 2021, investigators made a controlled delivery of the package.  Approximately one hour after it was delivered, Acevedo picked up the package and then drove it to his residence on South Street, where he was encountered by law enforcement.  A subsequent court-authorized search of the package revealed approximately two kilograms of cocaine.

The investigation revealed that Acevedo regularly received packages of cocaine that were shipped from Puerto Rico to his home address or other addresses associated with him, and held the packages until they were picked up by another individual.  Acevedo received at least $500 for each package he received.

Acevedo was arrested on July 7, 2021.  On April 27, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

Acevedo, who is released on a $200,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 17.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking 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.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GIOVANNI SIERRA, 29, of New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 15, 2021, New London Police observed Sierra conducting what appeared to be a narcotics transaction from his car.  Investigators subsequently stopped Sierra’s car for a motor vehicle violation.  A search of the car revealed a privately made handgun (“ghost gun”) loaded with an extended magazine, distribution quantities of crack cocaine and fentanyl, two digital scales, and other narcotics paraphernalia. 

Sierra has been detained since his federal arrest on May 11, 2021.  On February 16, 2022, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the New London Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth through the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program

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.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RICHARD E. SMITH, 67, of Southington, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to possession of child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Smith’s criminal history includes convictions related to his sexual assault of boys in 1990 and 1998.

On October 1, 2020, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents conducted a court-authorized search of Smith’s Southington residence.  At the time of the search, Smith’s computer was running and connected to a website dedicated to child pornography, and one of Smith’s four computer monitors displayed a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet containing numerous child pornography filenames and internet hyperlinks. Investigators seized Smith’s computer and electronic devices.  Forensic analysis of the seized devices revealed millions of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children.

Smith has been detained since his arrest on October 1, 2020.

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for February 17, 2023, at which time Smith faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  The penalties in this case are enhanced based on Smith’s criminal history.

This matter has been investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the assistance of the Southington Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick J. Doherty and Nancy V. Gifford through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT J. MOSLEY, 55, formerly of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 121 months of imprisonment for possessing and distributing numerous images depicting the sexual abuse of children.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2016, Mosley was convicted in Connecticut Superior Court of possession of child pornography in the second degree.  He was sentenced for that offense to 10 years in jail, execution suspended after six years, and 20 years of probation.  Mosley was released on parole in November 2018.

On January 28, 2020, Connecticut parole officers and Connecticut state troopers conducted a home visit at Mosley’s residence.  During the visit, Mosley was found in possession of an unapproved smart phone, and an approved mobile phone that contained suspected child pornography.  Investigators seized both phones and Mosley was remanded to custody.  Subsequent analysis of the seized phones and a cloud storage account maintained by Mosley revealed thousands of images and hundreds of video depicting the sexual abuse of children, primarily boys between the ages of 2 and 14.  In addition, analysis of Mosley’s e-mail account revealed that he sent numerous e-mails soliciting child pornography, sent images of child pornography to others, and sent links to his cloud storage account.

Mosley has been detained since January 28, 2020.  On September 22, 2021, he pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography.

The penalties in this case were enhanced based on Mosley’s criminal history.

This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Connecticut State Police, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Correction Division of Parole and Community Services.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.

This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JHANANNIE SINGH, also known as “Jasmine” and “Sharmala Persaud,” 52, a citizen of Guyana last residing in Queens, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 57 months of imprisonment for stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in U.S. Savings Bonds from an elderly woman who had purchased the bonds for her grandchildren and other family members.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Singh stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in U.S. Savings Bonds from an elderly woman for whom she provided home health services.  The victim had purchased the bonds for her grandchildren and other relatives.  After the victim died, Singh contacted Glen Campbell, also known as “Nick,” who enlisted the help of another individual to redeem the stolen bonds at a financial institution and provide Singh and Campbell with a portion of the proceeds.  Between October 2020 and January 2021, as part of an undercover investigation, law enforcement coordinated the purchase of more than 100 savings bonds, with face values ranging from $50 to $1,000, from Singh and Campbell.  Campbell traveled to Connecticut to complete the transactions.

Singh and Campbell were arrested on January 29, 2021.  At the time of Singh’s and Campbell’s arrests, the value of the bonds they had delivered during the undercover investigation was $287,312.39.

In June and July 2021, Singh attempted to obstruct the investigation and prosecution of this matter by offering to pay a witness if he agreed to lie and provide false testimony.  Singh has been detained since August 4, 2021.  On August 19, 2022, she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy.

Campbell pleaded guilty to the same charge on June 15, 2022, and awaits sentencing.

Singh faces immigration proceedings when she completes her prison term.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara E. Levens, Michael S. McGarry and Robert S. Ruff.

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).

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that WILLIAM McCULLOUGH, 62, of Westerly, Rhode Island, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of wire fraud stemming from an embezzlement scheme.

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.

As sentencing, which is not yet scheduled, McCullough faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  He is released pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the Wallingford Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer R. Laraia. 

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today  announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a three-count indictment charging RAEKWON OVERSTREET, 27, of Waterbury, with firearm possession and drug distribution offenses.

The indictment was returned on October 26, 2022.  Overstreet appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and entered a plea of not guilty.  He has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on October 5, 2022.

The indictment alleges that on October 5, 2022, Overstreet possessed a loaded Taurus 9mm handgun and distribution quantities of heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine.

It is further alleged that Overstreet’s criminal history includes a state conviction for conspiracy to commit robbery in the first degree, and a federal conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.  On February 4, 2020, Overstreet was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 30 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for the firearm offense.  He was released from federal prison on June 24, 2022.

The indictment charges Overstreet with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years; one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least five years.  Overstreet also faces additional penalties if he is found to have violated the conditions of his federal supervised release.

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

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

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha Freismuth through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  In May 2021, the Justice Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: Fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KERVIN DIAZ, 39, of Meriden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 95 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad determined that Harvey Lapan, of East Haven, illegally distributed a variety of prescription and non-prescription drugs, including oxycodone, steroids and cocaine.  The investigation also revealed that Diaz coordinated shipments of kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico and also received from cocaine from another source in New York, and distributed the cocaine to New Haven-area drug sellers, including Lapan.  In March 2020, Lapan purchased 250 grams of cocaine from Diaz, and in May 2020, he purchased 500 grams of cocaine from Diaz.

Diaz and his girlfriend, Alba Nieves, distributed cocaine and marijuana from Diaz’ business, Nino’s Mini Market, located on Washington Avenue in New Haven, and from Nieves’ business, Middletown Café, located on Middletown Avenue in New Haven.

Diaz was arrested on August 24, 2020.  On that date, a search of his and Nieves’ Meriden residence revealed narcotics trafficking paraphernalia, including a large scale hydraulic press, an electronic money counter, and 10 digital scales, many of which that contained cocaine residue.  Investigators also seized from the residence a loaded high capacity 9mm gun magazine, and $5,130 in cash.

Diaz has been detained since his arrest.  On February 28, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

Lapan and Nieves pleaded guilty to related charges.  Lapan awaits sentencing.  On May 19, 2022, Nieves was sentenced to three years of probation.

his investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the New Haven Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Pierpont, Jr., Amanda S. Oakes, and Conor M. Reardon.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUIS SALAMAN, JR., also known as “J,” “Lou Benz,” “Louie Benz” and “Benz,” 20, of East Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 22, 2020, New Haven Police officers arrested Salaman on an outstanding state arrest warrant after he entered a store on the corner of Ferry Street and Sanford Street in New Haven.  At the time of his arrest, Salaman possessed a loaded Sig Sauer 1911 .45 caliber firearm with an obliterated serial number, and heroin and marijuana that he intended to distribute.

The investigation also revealed that, in the summer of 2020, Salaman provided marijuana to an individual in exchange for two handguns.

Salaman has been detained since his federal arrest on October 2, 2020.  He pleaded guilty on July 14, 2022.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Haven Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Konstantin Lantsman and Natasha Freismuth.

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 AUDLEY REEVES, 30, of East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 18 months of imprisonment for fabricating “ghost guns.”

According to court documents and statements made in court, in late 2021, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force learned that John Lee Ortiz and others were selling “ghost guns,” which are homemade firearms that do not contain serial numbers or other identifying markings that prevent them from being traced to the owner, seller or manufacturer of the firearm.  In December 2021, investigators made controlled purchases of seven handguns, a Bushmaster .223 caliber rifle, and numerous rounds of ammunition from Ortiz.  Most of the handguns had no serial numbers and had plastic lower receivers that appeared to be made with a 3D printer.  Reeves was identified during the investigation as the fabricator of the ghost guns.

Reeves and Ortiz were arrested on January 5, 2022.  On that date, a court-authorized search of an apartment on Church Street in East Hartford revealed six fully assembled firearms, approximately 25 partially assembled firearms, three high-capacity magazines, various firearm parts, and tools used to construct firearms.  Reeves was present in the apartment at the time of the search, and a 3D printer in the apartment was in the process of printing a stock of an AR-15 style rifle.

On August 24, 2022, Reeves pleaded guilty to engaging in the business of manufacturing firearms without a license.

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

Reeves is a citizen of Jamaica and faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.

On November 8, 2022, Ortiz pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license, and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 3.

This FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.

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, and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, today announced that RAHSHIM CARTER, 33, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2013, Carter was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 18 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for distributing heroin in and around the Trumbull Gardens housing complex in Bridgeport.  He was released from prison in September 2013.  In February 2014, Carter was arrested by Bridgeport Police after he was found in possession of a loaded .380 caliber handgun and heroin that he intended to distribute.  He pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and, on January 30, 2015, was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 62 months of imprisonment for the offense, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release. 

In November 2016, while Carter was incarcerated in a federal prison in New Hampshire, he was found in possession of a homemade weapon (“shank”) and a quantity of Suboxone, a controlled substance.  He was charged in the District of New Hampshire, pleaded guilty and, on January 22, 2018, was sentenced to an additional 18 months of imprisonment.  He was released from prison in March 2020.

On April 20, 2022, members of the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force, Connecticut State Police and Bridgeport Police Department sought to arrest Carter for violating his supervised release.  Carter was located and arrested in an apartment in the Green Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeport.  At the time of his arrest he possessed a loaded .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and quantities of heroin and crack cocaine.

Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for February 9, 2023, at which time Carter faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Carter has been detained since his arrest.

This investigation has been conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force, Connecticut State Police and Bridgeport Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney 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, today announced that DONELL ALLICK, JR., also known as “D-Nice,” 23; SAMUEL DOUGLAS, also known as “Blamm,” 24; and JOURDIN SENIOR, also known as “G,” 30, all of New Haven, have been charged with federal narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.

A seven-count indictment was returned by a grand jury in Hartford on November 2, 2022, and the three defendants were arrested on November 10, 2022.

As alleged in an indictment and statements made in court, between April and October 2022, Allick, Douglas and Senior conspired with one another, and with others, to distribute fentanyl and crack cocaine in the New Haven area.  In June 2022, Douglas was arrested on state charges after he was found in possession of narcotics while on state probation.  In September and October 2022, law enforcement made controlled purchases of fentanyl from Allick and Senior.  On October 24, 2022, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of a residence shared by Allick and Senior and seized three handguns, extended magazines, and quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine, some of which was packaged for street-level distribution.  A related search of Allick’s car, which had been observed in suspected drug transactions, resulted in the seizure of another handgun, a 33-round extended magazine, and quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine.

The indictment charges Allick, Douglas and Senior with one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base (“crack cocaine”), and Allick and Senior with additional counts related to the distribution of narcotics.  These offenses carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.  The indictment also charges Allick with unlawful possession of firearms by a felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years.

Allick, Douglas and Senior are currently detained.

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

This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); the New Haven Police Department; and the Hamden Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara E. Levens.

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 STEPHFAN SANDERSON, also known as “Birdy” and “Beans, 24, of Covington, Georgia, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to a firearms trafficking offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, 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.  From at least 2017 until his arrest on November 12, 2020, Sanderson, who formerly resided in Bridgeport, procured at least 25 firearms in Georgia and Alabama and distributed them to individuals he had reason to know would commit felonies with those firearms, including members of the “Greene Homes Boyz” (“GHB/Hotz”) and Original North End (“O.N.E.”) street gangs in Bridgeport.  Some of the firearms he trafficked were capable of firing multiple bullets with the single pull of the trigger.

Sanderson pleaded guilty to one count of crossing state lines with the intent to engage in the unlicensed dealing of firearms, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  A sentencing is not scheduled.

Sanderson has been detained since his arrest. 

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 Stratford and Naugatuck Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Stephanie T. Levick and Karen L. Peck.

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 James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, today announced that JACK JAKUPS, 39, of Trumbull, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to possession of firearms and ammunition by a felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Jakups’ criminal history includes state felony convictions for narcotics possession, burglary, robbery, larceny and escape offenses.  In January 2019, Jakups was released from prison to  Connecticut’s Special Parole program.  On November 30, 2021, Jakups’ parole officer, with the assistance of ATF, conducted a search of Jakups’ residence and seized a Diamondback 9mm handgun, a Ruger 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number, a privately made Glock-19-style firearm, a privately made AR-15-style firearm, and more than 300 rounds of ammunition.

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 Meyer scheduled sentencing for February 6, 2023, at which time Jakups faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Jakups has been detained in state custody since November 30, 2021.

This investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), with the assistance of Connecticut State Parole.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and A. Reed Durham.

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 JOSE L. GERENA, 33, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in November 2020, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force executed a federal search warrant on a suspicious package that had been sent through the U.S. Mail from New Haven to an address in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.  The package contained $102,450 in cash.  The investigation revealed that Gerena was the leader of an extensive drug trafficking organization and supervised the receipt of numerous parcels containing kilogram quantities of cocaine that had been shipped from Puerto Rico, the resale of the cocaine to others, and the shipment of narcotics proceeds to Puerto Rico.  Gerena was responsible for trafficking more than 100 kilograms of cocaine.

During the investigation, the organization regularly received cocaine shipments at 365 Poplar Street, 206 Exchange Street and other addresses in New Haven.  In August 2021, investigators intercepted two parcels, each containing a kilogram of cocaine, that had been sent through the U.S. Mail from Puerto Rico to 365 Poplar Street and 206 Exchange Street.  Gerena was arrested on August 10, 2021, after investigators made a controlled delivery of a parcel containing a kilogram of cocaine to 365 Poplar Street.

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for March 20, 2023, at which time Gerena faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

Gerena has been detained since his arrest.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the New Haven Police Department.  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.

This case is being 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, and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment today charging DAVID MARSHALL, also known as “Saint,” 37, of Bristol, with sex trafficking and related offenses.

As alleged in court documents, between January and April 2022, Marshall trafficked an adult female victim.  He sold the victim for commercial sex and repeatedly raped and beat the victim if she did not follow his orders.  Marshall 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.  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 indictment charges Marshall with one count 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; one count of attempted obstruction of sex trafficking enforcement, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 25 years; 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 his arrest on a federal criminal complaint in Maine on October 31, 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 MICHAEL HOLM, 43, of Branford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 156 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for possessing child sex abuse images.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately September 1, 2014 to March 8, 2021, Holm possessed images and videos of child pornography on his iPhone and in his online Dropbox account.  He also used various other websites and mobile applications, such as ChatStep, Kik, Discord, Skype, and others, to distribute child pornography to others, sometimes in exchange for child pornography in return.  A review of Holm’s iPhone and online accounts revealed that, during this time period, he possessed at least 142 unique image files and 118 unique video files of child pornography, including images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers.

Holm engaged in some of this conduct while he was on federal supervised release for a prior child pornography offense.  In August 2011, Holm was sentenced to three months of imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release for possession of child pornography.

The penalties in this matter were enhanced based on Holm’s prior conviction.

Holm has been detained since his arrest on May 24, 2021.  On September 9, 2021, he pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography. 

Judge Dooley ordered Holm to pay $29,000 in restitution to victims whose images he possessed and distributed.

This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neeraj N. Patel and Katherine E. Boyles.

This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID KANIA, 63, of Middlefield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to two months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for offenses stemming from his fraud against several state-run wage subsidy and job training programs.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Kania was the owner and operator of three small businesses, principally in the dietary supplement and beverage industry.  Between 2013 and 2018, through his companies, Kania applied for and received state subsidies for employing unemployed jobseekers, including veterans, and for providing training to employees.  In order to receive funds, Kania submitted false documents to the Connecticut Department of Labor and two Connecticut-based Workforce Investment Boards, which administered the wage subsidy programs, showing that he had hired certain workers and they worked for his businesses for a certain period of time, when he knew that to be false.  Kania also submitted false invoices to the Manufacturing Innovation Fund (“MIF”) Program for training that was never done.  Through this scheme, Kania caused $941,723.24 in loss to the wage subsidy programs and $115,000 in loss to the MIF Program.

Judge Bolden ordered Kania to make full restitution.

Kania also underreported his total income on his 2014 through 2018 federal tax returns by failing to account for $299,201.50 in business funds that he used for personal expenses.

On November 15, 2021, Kania pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of filing a false tax return.

Kania, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on December 1.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of the Inspector General, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Labor.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Novick.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JULIO BAYRON-ARRIOLA, 49, a citizen of Guatemala last residing in Stamford, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on six occasions between 2009 and 2020, Bayron-Arriola was encountered in the U.S. and subsequently removed to Guatemala.  During that time, he was charged federally and convicted in the District of Arizona three times:  In 2010 he was convicted of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and in 2012 and 2017, he was convicted of illegal reentry.

On December 25, 2021, Bayron-Arriola was arrested by Stamford Police.  He was subsequently convicted of a state threatening offense.

Bayron-Arriola is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton on January 9, at which time his faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Bayron-Arriola has been detained since his arrest.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with the assistance of the Stamford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on November 10, 2022, ANGEL LUIS RODRIGUEZ, also known as “Lou Rock,” 45, last residing in Newington, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervise release, for trafficking cocaine.  Judge Bryant also ordered Rodriguez to pay a $3,000 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force first identified Rodriguez’s connection to drug trafficking in January 2018 when a DEA undercover agent posing as a money broker picked up $118,070 in heroin trafficking proceeds from an individual who was subsequently identified as Rodriguez.  In April 2018, the undercover agent picked up $130,950 in drug trafficking proceeds from Rodriguez’s associate, Ismael Roman, also known  as “Poochie” and “Pete.”  On May 1, 2019, after investigators observed Rodriguez and Roman meet at an associate’s apartment in Enfield, they stopped Roman’s car and seized $27,000 in suspected narcotics proceeds.  That same day, investigators searched the associate’s apartment and seized more than $1.1 million in cash.

During the investigation, investigators learned that Rodriguez and Roman conspired to traffic cocaine, and that Rodriguez used tractor trailer drivers to transport narcotics to Connecticut.  On December 1, 2020, Rodriguez arranged with a tractor trailer driver to pick up approximately 15 kilograms of cocaine in the Chicago area, transport the cocaine back to Connecticut, and then return to Chicago with payment for the cocaine.  On December 3, 2020, the individual picked up 15 brick-shaped packages of cocaine, weighing a total of approximately 14.5 kilograms, at a truck stop in the Chicago area.  Rodriguez and Roman were arrested the next day.

Rodriguez has been detained since his arrest on December 4, 2020.  On July 15, 2022, he pleaded guilty to attempting to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, cocaine.

Roman, 43, of Hartford, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and, on October 13, 2022, was sentenced to 41 months of imprisonment.

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, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.  The investigation was assisted by the DEA Chicago Field Division and the Newington Police Department.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on November 10, 2022, JORGE FREYTES, 37, of Bristol, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine from Puerto Rico to Connecticut through the U.S. Mail.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service developed evidence regarding a drug trafficking organization that was sending USPS parcels containing kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Connecticut and Massachusetts.  Between July and December 2018, law enforcement intercepted and seized five suspect parcels that were being mailed to addresses in Bristol, Meriden and Burlington, Connecticut, and in Worcester, Massachusetts. All five of the suspect parcels contained multiple kilogram-sized bricks of cocaine.  On several occasions, investigators conducted surveillance of the delivery of suspect parcels and the scheduled delivery of seized parcels.  During surveillance, investigators observed Freytes and others picking up or attempting to pick up parcels that had been seized.  The investigation revealed that the cocaine was being sent from Puerto Rico by another member of the conspiracy

On January 9, 2019, investigators arrested Freytes and other members of this drug trafficking organization and seized approximately 2.5 kilograms of cocaine, items used to process and package narcotics, and more than $150,000 in cash.

Freytes has been detained since November 1, 2021, after his bond was revoked following his arrest on narcotics distribution charges while he was awaiting trial in his federal case.  On November 4, 2021, he pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.  His state charges are pending.

This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  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, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.  The DEA Puerto Rico Caribbean Corridor Strike Force and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Newark Division, San Juan (P.R.) Office, have assisted the investigation.

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

United States Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery and Connecticut Attorney General William Tong today announced that FEEL WELL HEALTH CENTER OF SOUTHINGTON, P.C. (formerly doing business as “Feel Well Health Center”) and KEVIN P. GREENE, M.D. (“Greene”) have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments and agreed to pay more than $2.6 million to resolve allegations that they violated the federal and state False Claims Acts by improperly billing federal and state healthcare programs, and that they received illegal kickbacks.

Greene is a physician and the principal member and owner of Feel Well Health Center (now doing business as “Confidia Health Institute”), a primary care medical practice with offices in Southington and Bristol.  Greene also operated a medical practice in Indialantic, Florida until mid-2019.

The federal and state governments allege that Greene and Feel Well Health Center violated the federal and state False Claims Acts by improperly billing Medicare, Connecticut Medicaid, and the State of Connecticut Comptroller Healthcare Programs.  Between April 2016 and January 2020, Greene and Feel Well Health Center submitted false claims for payment for medical visits when, in fact, the patients had received fitness-related services with no legitimate medical component at a gym they operated that was staffed by a medically unlicensed coach and yoga instructor.  Greene and Feel Well Health Center created false medical records for these gym visits and attached false diagnoses in association with these claims.

In addition, the governments allege that between April 2016 and March 2020, Greene and Feel Well Health Center submitted false claims for services allegedly rendered by Greene in an office setting when he was not physically present in the office suite, including when he was out of the country, on vacation, or in a different office at the time.  For instances where Greene and Feel Well Health Center submitted claims for alleged telemedicine, they did not meet applicable telemedicine requirements for office location or use an interactive telecommunications system.

It is also alleged that Greene and Feel Well Health Center also submitted false claims for medically unnecessary testing or procedures for neurofeedback, ultrasounds, and autonomic function testing between April 2016 and August 2021.

The governments further allege that Greene and Feel Well Health Center violated the Anti-Kickback Statute by receiving remuneration from Boston Heart Diagnostics Corp. in return for ordering from the company clinical laboratory services for Medicare patients.  The payments were in the form of purported “processing and handling” fees between October 2012 and June 2014, and “speaker” fees, which were for rates greater than fair market value, between January 2017 and December 2018.

To resolve their liability, Greene and Feel Well Health Center agreed to pay $2,656,685.52, plus interest.  Greene and Feel Well Health Center have also entered into a three-year billing Integrity Agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services designed to ensure future compliance with the requirements of federal healthcare programs.

“We allege in this case that Dr. Greene and his medical practice fraudulently billed federal and state healthcare programs for several years, and also received illegal kickbacks involving laboratory services ordered for Medicare patients,” said U.S. Attorney Avery.  “Physicians and medical practices who participate in taxpayer funded healthcare plans have an obligation to bill for services honestly and accurately, and comply with other federal laws.  Those who don’t will be held accountable.”

“Dr. Greene and Feel Well Health Center billed the state both for services he did not provide as well as for costly tests that were medically unnecessary,” said Attorney General Tong.  “He falsified records and diagnoses to bill the state for fitness services with no legitimate medical component.  He accepted illegal kickbacks for lab testing, enriching himself in violation of federal law.  Our settlement forces him to pay $2.6 million, as well as commit to a series of rigorous oversight measures to ensure this unacceptable misconduct never happens again.”

This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Gruber, and by Deputy Associate Attorney General Gregory O’Connell of the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.

The allegations resolved by today’s settlement stem from an investigation based on a critical analysis of Medicare claims data.  People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on AUDREY BONET JOHNSON, 34, of Irvington, New Jersey, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to seven months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for an immigration marriage fraud offense.  Judge Shea also ordered Johnson to serve 45 days in a halfway house when she is released from prison.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 1, 2012, Johnson, a U.S. citizen, and Shanon St. Aubyn Stephenson, a citizen of Jamaica, entered into a fraudulent marriage.  Shortly thereafter, Johnson and Stephenson applied to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (“USCIS) for Stephenson to become a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., often called a “green card.”  Following an interview with the USCIS in 2012, Stephenson was issued a temporary, two-year green card.  In subsequent submissions and statements to the USCIS, Johnson and Stephenson claimed to be married and living together in Brooklyn, New York.  In fact, Stephenson married Jodian Stephenson, also known as Jodian Gordon, in 2010, and lived with her, and not Johnson, in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

This investigation revealed that Jodian Stephenson, a citizen of Jamaica, operated Stephenson Immigration and Legal Services, LLC, in Bridgeport.  Between 2011 and 2017, she conspired with others to arrange 28 sham marriages between U.S. citizens and non-citizens residing in the U.S. for the purpose of the non-citizens’ applying for and obtaining  green cards.  One of the sham marriages was between Johnson and Shanon Stephenson, and another was between Jodian Stephenson and a U.S. citizen.

On October 1, 2021, Johnson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit immigration marriage fraud.  Johnson, who was released on bond, was remanded to custody at the conclusion of the sentencing proceeding.

Jodian Stephenson and Shanon Stephenson pleaded guilty to the same charge.  On August 26, 2021, Jodian Stephenson was sentenced to six months of imprisonment.  Shanon Stephenson awaits sentencing.

Ten individuals were charged as a result of this investigation, and all pleaded guilty.  Removal proceedings have been or are being commenced against all individuals whose green card applications were found to have been based on sham marriages.

This investigation has been conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service’s Office of Fraud Detection and National Security.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Boyles.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDWARD F. ZIEGLER II, 63, of Bridgton, Maine, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to fraud and tax offenses stemming from a 15-year embezzlement scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Ziegler was employed as the office manager for a small, family-owned business, identified in court documents in “Company A,” based in Berlin, Connecticut.  In approximately 2006, Ziegler opened a bank account in his name and with the qualifying language “Doing Business As [Company A].”  Over the course of approximately 15 years, Ziegler diverted more than 400 checks, totaling approximately $1.8 million, from Company A’s customers and deposited them into the secret bank account he had established.  Ziegler also made fraudulent entries in Company A’s books and record keeping system to cover up the fact that he had diverted the checks and used the funds for his own benefit.

In addition, Ziegler failed to pay $173,003 in federal income taxes on his embezzled income for the 2015 through 2019 tax years.

Ziegler was arrested on March 16, 2022.

Ziegler 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.  Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for February 3.

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

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, with the assistance of the Bridgton (Maine) 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, and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that, on November 9, a federal jury in New Haven found ANTHONY HARRIS, 53, of Farmington, guilty of multiple count involving the illegal distribution of oxycodone.

According to the evidence disclosed during the trial, Harris, who was prescribed oxycodone for a medical condition, unlawfully sold hundreds of oxycodone pills to another individual approximately every three weeks over the course of more than three years.  The individual who purchased the pills sold them to customers in the Bristol area.

The jury found Harris guilty of four counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, oxycodone, and not guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, oxycodone. 

Harris is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer on February 2, 2023, at which time Harris faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count of conviction.

Harris was arrested on June 3, 2021.  He released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Bristol Police Department.  The Tactical Diversion Squad includes officers from the Bristol, East Windsor, Hamden, New Britain, West Haven, Newington, Manchester, Glastonbury and Watertown Police Departments. Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Conor M. Reardon and Nathaniel J. Gentile.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that Greater Waterbury YMCA of Waterbury has entered into a settlement agreement with the government to resolve allegations that Greater Waterbury YMCA’s childcare programs and other services were not accessible to a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”).

The matter was initiated by a complaint filed with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut alleging violations of Title III of the ADA.  Specifically, the complaint alleges that Greater Waterbury YMCA failed to adequately assist a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder who requires reasonable modifications in order to fully participate in the after-school program.

Title III of the ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities and privileges of any place of public accommodation.  Greater Waterbury YMCA is a private entity that operates childcare facilities that are places of “public accommodation” within the meaning of Title III of the ADA.

The settlement agreement resolves the complaint that Greater Waterbury YMCA was discriminating against the child on the basis of disability by failing to conduct an adequate  individualized assessment of the child’s specific needs, refusing to make certain reasonable modifications to allow the child to participate in the program, and ultimately disenrolling the child.  Under the agreement, Greater Waterbury YMCA is obligated to take critical steps toward improving access for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, including revising its policies and procedures, conducting mandatory training for all employees, and performing initial and ongoing assessments of the need for reasonable accommodations.  Greater Waterbury YMCA will evaluate each request on an individualized basis, relying on objective evidence and current medical standards.  In addition, Greater Waterbury YMCA will make a compensation payment to the child’s family and will re-enroll the child into the 2022 after-school program for one year at no cost to the family.  Finally, the Greater Waterbury YMCA Chief Executive Officer will oversee the implementation of an appropriate childcare plan and will work directly with the family.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to investigate and aggressively enforce violations of the Americas with Disabilities Act, especially violations that affect children and other vulnerable residents of Connecticut,” said U.S. Attorney Avery.  “Parents rely on dependable childcare in order to work or go to school, and every child should have equal access to childcare and educational facilities.  I thank Greater Waterbury YMCA’s management for their full cooperation during this investigation and for addressing these ADA issues without the need for litigation. Their actions will ensure that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder can enjoy the same benefits that other children enjoy, while giving their parents the confidence that staff will be trained to ensure that their children are well cared for.”

The agreement is effective for two years, during which time the U.S. Attorney’s Office will monitor Greater Waterbury YMCA’s compliance.

A copy of the settlement agreement will be found on www.ada.gov.

This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney William M Brown, Jr.

Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that any place of public accommodation or public entity in Connecticut is not accessible to persons with disabilities may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 203-821-3700.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that OSHANE STEWART, 30, of Shelton, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to a charge stemming from his fraud against Amazon.com, Inc. (“Amazon”).

According to court documents and statements made in court, Stewart created multiple vendor accounts with Amazon allowing him to sell merchandise through the website on a third-party basis.  He often opened the accounts using false names, email addresses and other identifying information.  After setting up the accounts, Stewart represented to Amazon that he was shipping it valuable merchandise to be held for sale by the company.  In reality, he would not ship the merchandise, and would later falsely claim that it had been lost, supporting his false claims with fabricated documents.  Amazon sent Stewart a series of refunds for the purportedly lost merchandise.

Stewart admitted that his criminal conduct resulted in a loss to Amazon of approximately $742,231.16.

Stewart pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for January 23, 2023.  Stewart is released on bond pending sentencing.

Stewart is the third individual to plead guilty in connection with this scheme.  On February 10, 2022, Stewart’s brother, Kenoy Stewart, pleaded guilty and admitted that his conduct resulted in a loss to Amazon exceeding $1 million.  Rajhni Yankana pleaded guilty on August 26, 2022.  Each awaits sentencing.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that DIMITRIOS KASSIMIS, also known as Jimmy Kassimis, 58, of Old Saybrook, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to one count of tax evasion.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Kassimis owns and operates various entities related to his construction business, including Allstate Contracting Group and JRC Renovations.  Between 2018 and 2021, Kassimis received substantial income from his businesses but did not file any personal or business federal income tax returns, and also did not file any employment tax returns for his businesses.  The investigation revealed that Kassimis did not have any personal bank accounts and paid all of his personal expenses through his business bank accounts, and also made cash withdrawals from the business accounts at casinos for personal expenses.  He also cashed checks made payable to his businesses at a check cashing business in New York and failed to report that income.  In addition, he did not issue IRS Forms 1099 or W-2 to his employees and paid at least some employees in cash.

The tax loss to the IRS for the 2018 through 2021 tax years was $233,086.87.

At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Kassimis faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

This investigation has been conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment today charging LONNY CROSS, 44, and REBECCA BARBERA, 40, both of Bristol, with conspiring to commit numerous violent robberies across Connecticut in September and October of this year.  Cross is also charged with a narcotics distribution offense.

As alleged in court documents, the FBI and Connecticut State Police have been working with state and local law enforcement agencies to investigate more than 30 robberies of gas station convenience stores, mini-markets and liquor stores that occurred from September 5 to October 13 in North Branford, Waterbury, Wolcott, Plymouth, New Haven, North Haven, Orange, West Haven, Wethersfield, Bristol, Southington, Naugatuck, Watertown, Franklin, Norwich, Waterford, Groton City, Stonington, Ledyard, Darien, Norwalk, Stratford and Seymour. Several of the robberies occurred on the same day, often minutes apart.  Surveillance videos from the stores show what appears to be the same suspect, identified as Cross, entering the stores, brandishing a knife or gun, and robbing the stores.  Witnesses to several of the robberies reported that they saw the suspect flee in a dark-colored sedan.

The indictment alleges that Cross would travel to a victim-store with Barbera, who would enter the store to determine the number of employees and customers in the store, exit the store, and then report that information to Cross.  Cross would then enter the store, display a knife or firearm while threatening employees, and steal cash and other items.

On October 14, 2022, investigators conducted court-authorized searches of Cross’s and Barbera’s residence, and a black 2014 Chevrolet Impala that Cross was known to drive.  The search of the residence revealed clothing consistent with clothing worn by the suspect in several of the robberies, as well as 54 bags of suspected heroin, a quantity of suspected crack cocaine, and narcotics paraphernalia.  A search of the car revealed 120 bags of suspected heroin, approximately 14 grams of crack, and a knit hat matching the description of one worn by the suspect during a robbery the day before.  Cross, who was on state parole, was arrested on state charges on that date.  He has been detained since his arrest.

Barbara was arrested on October 28 on a federal criminal complaint and is currently released on a $10,000 bond.

The indictment charges Cross and Barbera with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Cross is also charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”) and heroin, an offense that also 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 each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This investigation is being conducted by the FBI, Connecticut State Police, Orange Police Department, Port Chester (N.Y.) Police Department, and numerous other police departments from the municipalities where the robberies occurred, with the assistance of Connecticut State Parole.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL STANLEY, 33, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 49 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm while on supervised release from a prior federal conviction.  Judge Chatigny also ordered Stanley to serve six months in a halfway house and three months in home detention when he is released from prison, and banned Stanley from entering New Haven while on supervised release without the permission of the U.S. Probation Office.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Stanley was arrested on September 7, 2021, after New Haven Police conducted a court-authorized search of his New Haven hotel room and seized a fanny pack containing his driver’s license, a small quantity of narcotics and a loaded Ruger SR9, 9mm pistol.  Stanley’s DNA was recovered from swabs taken from the gun.

Stanley’s criminal history includes multiple felony convictions, including a federal conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.  In October 2014, Stanley was sentenced to 70 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for that offense.  He was released from prison in May 2019.

Judge Chatigny sentenced Stanley to 37 months of imprisonment for illegally possessing the firearm, and a consecutive 12 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

Stanley has been detained since February 14, 2022.  On May 27, 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, and the New Haven Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.

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, and Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, announced that ZAYA POWELL, 25, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to three years of probation for creating false COVID-19 vaccine records for several individuals.  Judge Meyer also ordered Powell to pay a $5,000 fine and perform 200 hours of community service.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Powell worked as a Data Entry Specialist for Griffin Health Services Corporation (“Griffin Health”) and, in that role, she traveled to various COVID-19 vaccination sites in Connecticut operated by Griffin Health.  Although Powell did not administer the vaccines, she had access to the Griffin Health electronic health record system and to stacks of blank COVID-19 vaccination cards.  She also had access to the Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS), a database developed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that tracked COVID-19 vaccine administration.

Between August and October 2021, Powell created fraudulent vaccination records in VAMS for 14 different individuals.  The records indicated that each of the 14 individuals had received a single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccination at a Griffin Health location when, in fact, none had received any COVID-19 vaccination from Griffin Health or any other health care provider.  In order to create the fraudulent vaccination record, Powell entered each individual’s name and date of birth into VAMS.  She also created fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination cards for each of the 14, and distributed the fraudulent cards to the individuals or to their family members or co-workers.  The fraudulent cards included lot numbers of genuine vaccines that were administered to other Griffin Health patients.

The investigation revealed that four of the 14 individuals who received fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination cards created by Powell were state employees who worked at the Southbury Training School, a Connecticut Department of Developmental Services facility located in Southbury.  The four Southbury Training School employees were “state employees” or “state hospital employees” within the scope of Executive Order 13G issued by Governor Lamont, and were therefore required to meet the vaccination requirements of the Executive Order by September 27, 2021.  The four employees sought and used the fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination cards created by Powell and the false entries in VAMS created by Powell to falsely document that they had received a COVID-19 vaccination.

On August 12, 2022, Powell pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement relating to a health care matter.

The four Southbury Training School employees were charged in state court and their cases are pending.

This investigation was conducted by the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS-OIG).

U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the Connecticut Department of Public Health, the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services, the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney, and Griffin Health for their assistance in the investigation.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOEL MARTINEZ, JR., 24, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 17, 2020, during a court-authorized search of a New Haven hotel room being used by Martinez to process and package narcotics, law enforcement seized a loaded Glock model 26, 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number; a box of 9mm ammunition; approximately 51 grams of cocaine; approximately 136 grams of a fentanyl/heroin mixture; 12 digital scales; three blenders; other items used to process and package narcotics; and $1,825 in cash.  Martinez was arrested on state charges at that time.

Martinez has been detained since his federal arrest on October 14, 2020.  On April 25, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin and fentanyl, and to one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, the New Haven Police Department and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara E. Levens.

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 TYSON QUINONES, also known as “Ty,” 36, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in late 2019, the DEA New Haven Task Force began an investigation into the distribution of heroin and fentanyl in New Haven and Waterbury.  The investigation, which included thousands of intercepted communications over court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that Wilton Reynoso was receiving large quantities of fentanyl and heroin from a source in New York and then selling the narcotics to other drug distributors in Connecticut.  Reynoso supplied Quinones with heroin and fentanyl, which Quinones then sold to his own customers in Waterbury, and also distributed to other dealers, including Deeshawn Pittman in New Haven.  Pittman then worked with Quentine Davis to sell fentanyl, heroin and crack cocaine to a large customer base in and around New Haven.

Quinones was also involved in a separate conspiracy that involved the shipments of kilogram-quantities of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Connecticut, the conversion of cocaine to crack cocaine, and the sale of the drug to other distributors and customers.

On June 13, 2020, investigators sought to arrest Reynoso and Quinones after intercepting a series of calls indicating that they were planning to conduct a 200-gram heroin transaction.  On that date, Quinones was arrested at the anticipated meeting place.  Reynoso fled from the meeting scene in his vehicle, which was found abandoned nearby.  He was arrested a short time later after he returned to the vehicle.  A search of a location in Waterbury that Reynoso used to store narcotics revealed more than kilogram of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin, and items used to process and package narcotics.  Investigators also seized a loaded 9mm handgun from Quinones’s residence.

On July 23, 2021, Quinones pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine.

Quinones, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on January 23, 2023.

Reynoso, Pittman and Davis also pleaded guilty.  On September 13, 2021, Reynoso, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment.  On May 26, 2022, Davis was sentenced to 63 months of imprisonment.  On October 31, 2022, Pittman was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment.

This investigation was conducted by the DEA New Haven Task Force with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  The Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, East Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby, Middletown, Naugatuck and Waterbury Police Departments.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Elena L. Coronado 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 Vanessa Roberts Avery today announced that Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Francis will lead the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s efforts in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election.  AUSA Francis serves as the District Election Officer for the District of Connecticut and is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of Election Day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” said U.S. Attorney Avery.  “Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence.  The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”

The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud.  The Department will address these violations wherever they occur.  The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input.  It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice.  The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).

“The right to vote is the cornerstone of American democracy,” said U.S. Attorney Avery.  “We all must ensure that those who are entitled to vote can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice.”

U.S. Attorney Avery noted that in order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA Francis will be on duty while the polls are open and will be in regular communication throughout the day with the FBI and with state election and law enforcement authorities.

The Connecticut State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) is staffing a hotline during polling hours on Election Day.  Anyone with knowledge of election fraud or voting rights abuses is encouraged to call 1-866-733-2463 (1-866-SEEC-INFO) to report suspected violations.  The SEEC staff will answer questions, advise on complaint procedures and, if appropriate, request the assistance of state criminal or federal law enforcement authorities in the investigation and possible prosecution of the matter.

The FBI in Connecticut and across the country will have special agents available to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day.  The local FBI field office in New Haven can be reached directly at 203-777-6311.

In addition, complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C., by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.

“Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate,” said U.S. Attorney Avery.  “It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”

U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, individuals should call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities.  State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, announced that ANANTHAKUMAR THILLAINATHAN, MD, 44, of Stratford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to health care fraud and kickback offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Thillainathan is a medical doctor and the owner and president of MDCareNow LLC, a medical practice with offices in Stratford and Milford.  MDCareNow has been a participating provider enrolled as both an internal medicine group and as a behavioral health clinician group in the Connecticut Medicaid program.  Between approximately June 2019 and May 2022, Thillainathan submitted or caused to be submitted to Connecticut Medicaid approximately $839,724 in fraudulent claims for psychotherapy services that he knew patients did not receive from his employees.  Thillainathan knew that the billed psychotherapy Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes, which identify the nature and complexity of the services provided, were not supported by medical records provided by his employees, and that the services were not provided.  The investigation revealed that Thillainathan submitted fraudulent claims to Medicaid for reimbursement that falsely represented his employees had rendered 60-minute psychotherapy sessions when, in fact, his employees only had very brief conversations with patients, had only left a voicemail for patients, or had no contact with patients at all.

In pleading guilty, Thillainathan also admitted that, in violation of his Connecticut Medical Assistance Program (CTMAP) provider agreement, he paid a third-party “patient recruiting” company for each Connecticut Medicaid patient the company recruited and provided with transportation to MDCareNow for medical services.  Thillainathan paid the patient recruiting company approximately $100 per patient for an initial visit to MDCareNow and approximately $40 per patient for any subsequent visit.  Between approximately November 2019 and May 2021, Thillainathan paid the patient recruiting company for the recruitment of approximately 1,018 Connecticut Medicaid patients, and Connecticut Medicaid reimbursed MDCareNow a total of approximately $1,071,328 for services provided to these patients.

Thillainathan pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud and one count of kickbacks involving federal health care programs, offenses that carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stefan R Underhill in Bridgeport on January 26, 2023.  As part of his plea, Thillainathan has agreed to pay $1,674,880 in restitution.

Thillainathan, a citizen of Sri Lanka and a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office and the Connecticut Department of Social Services.

The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather L. Cherry and Elena L. Coronado.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAVED SAEED, 53, and DASTGIR SAEED, 69, both of South Windsor, were sentenced today in New Haven federal court for food stamp fraud offenses.  U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall sentenced Javed Saeed to one year and one day of imprisonment and three years of supervised release, and ordered him to pay a $5,000 fine.  Judge Hall sentenced Dastgir Saeed to two months of imprisonment and two years of supervised release, the first two months of which must be served in home detention, and ordered him to pay a $2,500 fine.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, Javed Saeed is the owner of Manchester Quick Mart, a convenience store and Mobil gas station located at 262 Oakland Street in Manchester.  His father, Dastgir Saeed, and others, including Siddiq Chaudhary and Mohammed Khan, helped operate the store.  Between January 2017 and January 2020, Javeed Saeed, Dastgir Saeed, Chaudhary, Khan and others illegally allowed customers to redeem their food stamp benefits for cash and other ineligible items, including gasoline and male enhancement pills, and charged the customers’ food stamp cards a premium of nearly 50 percent for these transactions.

Javed Saeed has paid full restitution in the amount of $211,208.

On May 10, 2022, Javed and Dastgir Saeed each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit food stamp fraud.

Chaudhary and Khan, both of South Windsor, previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit food stamp fraud and one count of engaging in food stamp fraud.  They await sentencing.

This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DENNIS ANTHONY SZANTYR, JR., 48, of Prospect, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 235 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for engaging in illegal sexual activity with a minor.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on multiple occasions between November 2018 and October 2019, Szantyr used smart phones, tablets and other computer devices, and an interactive computer service, to entice a minor victim under the age of 16 to engage in sexual acts.  At times, including during the commission of the sexual acts between Szantyr and the minor victim, the victim was in the custody, care or supervision of Szantyr.  Szantyr also took videos of his sexual contact with the victim.

Szantyr has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on October 31, 2019.  On December 6, 2021, he pleaded guilty in federal court to enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Connecticut State Police.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Konstantin Lantsman.

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

This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE RODRIGUEZ-CARABALLO, also known as “Puma,” 33, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 144 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for cocaine trafficking offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in November 2020, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force executed a federal search warrant on a suspicious package that had been sent through the U.S. Mail from New Haven to an address in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.  The package contained $102,450 in cash.  The investigation revealed that an associate of Rodriguez-Caraballo was supervising the receipt of numerous parcels containing kilogram quantities of cocaine that had been shipped from Puerto Rico to addresses in and around New Haven, the resale of the cocaine to others, and the shipment of narcotics proceeds to individuals in Puerto Rico.  During the investigation, law enforcement intercepted multiple parcels of cocaine and U.S. currency that was sent through the U.S. Mail.

The investigation revealed that Rodriguez-Caraballo picked up cocaine parcels from the addresses they were shipped to, repackaged the cocaine, and helped distribute it to other drug sellers and customers.

Rodriguez-Caraballo was arrested on March 18, 2021, after he traveled with a co-conspirator to a location in Milford to sell two kilograms of cocaine for $86,000.  Investigators seized the cocaine and a loaded 9mm handgun from their vehicle.

Rodriguez-Caraballo has been detained since his arrest.  On January 27, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the New Haven Police Department.  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.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Konstantin Lantsman and Karen Peck 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 GERMAN EDUARDO MARTINEZ FRANCO, 42, a citizen of Mexico last residing in West Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 37 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on seven occasions between 1998 and 2015, Martinez was encountered in Arizona was subsequently removed to Mexico.  In the District of Arizona, in 2010, Martinez was convicted of illegal entry and sentenced to 90 days of imprisonment.  In 2011, he was convicted of illegal reentry and sentenced to 18 months of imprisonment;  In 2014, he was convicted of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and was sentenced to 33 months of imprisonment.  Martinez was last removed to Mexico in December 2015.

On July 1, 2021, Martinez, who was using another identity, was arrested in West Haven and charged in state court with possession with intent to sell greater than one ounce of heroin or methamphetamine, possession with intent to sell a narcotic substance, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, criminal impersonation, and forgery in the first degree.

Martinez has been detained since July 1, 2021.  On August 8, 2022, he pleaded guilty in federal court to illegal reentry.

Martinez pleaded guilty in state court and was sentenced to 72 months of incarceration.

This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with the assistance of the West Haven Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody today announced that a federal jury in Hartford has found ANTWANE WILLIAMS-BEY, also known as “Buck,” 31, guilty of the drug-related murder of Valentin Santos Jr., 21, in Hartford in 2013.

The trial before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea began on October 20 and the jury returned the guilty verdict this afternoon.

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

At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Williams-Bey faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

Williams-Bey has been detained in federal custody since February 2017 and is currently serving an 84-month federal sentence for distributing heroin and crack cocaine.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL DAVIS, 34, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Davis was arrested on state charges on February 10, 2021, after law enforcement officers observed him conducting drug sales on Main Street in Hartford’s North End, and a search of his person revealed a loaded Remington Arms, model RP9, 9mm handgun, and five glass vials containing MDMA (“ecstasy”).  A related search of Davis’s vehicle revealed several vials of crack cocaine and MDMA.

Davis, who was released on bond in his state case, was again arrested on April 7, 2021,  after he was observed selling drugs in the same area of Main Street, and then tossed a plastic bag containing 48 wax sleeves of heroin from his car window as he was pursued by law enforcement.

Davis’s criminal history includes state convictions for firearm and narcotics offenses.

Davis has been detained since April 7, 2021.  He was charged federally and, on May 9, 2022, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Connecticut Violent Crime Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Hartford Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Konstantin Lantsman with the assistance of Law Student Intern Nicholas Barile.

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 NICOLE STEINER, formerly known as Nicole Balkas, 33, formerly of Stratford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for health care fraud offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Steiner owned and operated Helping Hands Academy, LLC, in Bridgeport, which provided applied behavior analysis services to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and was as a participating provider in the Connecticut Medicaid Program (“Medicaid”).  From December 2018 to October 2020, Steiner submitted and caused to be submitted fraudulent claims to Medicaid for applied behavior analysis services that were purportedly provided to Medicaid clients.  She submitted claims for dates of service when no applied behavior analysis services of any kind had been provided to the Medicaid clients identified in the claims, and she inflated the number of hours for certain claims even when applied behavior analysis had been provided to the Medicaid clients identified in the claims.  Steiner also submitted false Medicaid claims in 2020 using a former employee’s name and performing provider number.

After the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS), which administers the Medicaid program in Connecticut, terminated Helping Hands Academy as a provider, Steiner made several false statements and submitted an altered document to DSS in an effort to rescind the termination and to receive payment for previously submitted claims.

Medicaid suffered a loss of more than $500,000 as a result of Steiner’s admitted conduct.

On April 28, 2021, Steiner pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud related to this scheme.

After her guilty plea, and while she was released on bond awaiting sentencing, Steiner was a silent partner in another company that provided applied behavior analysis services to children diagnosed with ASD called New Beginnings Children’s Behavioral Health LLC.  Steiner was responsible for billing claims to Medicaid, managing payroll, and recruiting and screening potential employees, and she and had access to and used her business partner’s email and other online accounts to operate the company.  Steiner and the company engaged in health care fraud by billing Medicaid for thousands of dollars in services not rendered and, in particular, billing for services not rendered by Steiner.

Steiner was arrested on May 2, 2022, and, on July 29, she pleaded guilty to a second count of health care fraud.

While released on bond and living in New Jersey awaiting sentencing in both cases, Steiner submitted false Medicaid applications indicating that she lived in Bridgeport in order to get Medicaid coverage for her and her children.

Steiner was remanded to custody at the conclusion of the sentencing proceeding.

Judge Meyer ordered Steiner to pay $505,955.56 in total restitution.

This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  U.S. Attorney Avery acknowledged the valuable cooperation of the Connecticut Department of Social Services in the investigation.

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

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and James Casey, Regional Chief, Division of Refuge Law Enforcement, announced that DAVID FOSTER, 51, of Westbrook, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport for violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.  Judge Dooley ordered Foster to pay a $4,000 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in late September and early October 2020, after receiving an anonymous complaint, the Connecticut Environmental Conservation Police (EnCon) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel investigated the spreading of whole kernel corn around a hunting blind on Menunketesuck Island in Westbrook.  Foster had received a summons for waterfowl baiting/taking violations in the same area in October 2009.  On October 10, 2020, which was the opening day of duck hunting season, officers who had established surveillance near the duck blind observed Foster, two other hunters shoot and retrieve ducks over the area that had been baited.  When they finished, officers conducted a compliance check.  Under questioning, Foster admitted that he had spread corn over the hunting area to attract ducks.

Foster pleaded guilty on August 2, 2022.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Refuge Law Enforcement, and the Connecticut Environmental Conservation Police.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRIAN WARD, 30, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for narcotics distribution and ammunition possession offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 21, 2021, law enforcement arrested Ward’s associate, Zaquawn Arrington, on a federal criminal complaint at Arrington’s New Haven residence.  Ward used a bedroom at Arrington’s residence and was present at the time of Arrington’s arrest.  A search of the residence revealed crack cocaine, a digital scale, and $2,075 in cash.  During the search, investigators observed Ward throw a bag from the house.  The bag contained crack cocaine packaged for distribution.  Later that day, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of the residence and located in Ward’s bedroom a pistol box containing four ammunition magazines, and a box of 39 9mm rounds.

Ward was subsequently seen on surveillance video firing a gun at a group of individuals immediately after one of the individuals shot and killed his associate on August 8, 2021, in Hamden.

Ward’s criminal history includes state felony drug and assault 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.

Ward has been detained since August 18, 2021.  On December 14, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”), and one count of possession of ammunition by a felon.

Arrington was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, the New Haven Police Department and the West Haven Police Department.  The Task Force includes members from the Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction and the New Haven, Milford, East Haven and West Haven Police Departments.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr., 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, David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Christina D. Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, announced that MICHAEL DiMASSA, 31, of West Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to conspiracy charges stemming from his involvement in schemes that resulted in the theft of more than $1.2 million dollars in COVID relief funds and other funds from the City of West Haven.

According to court documents and statements made in court, DiMassa was a Connecticut State Representative who was also employed by the City of West Haven, most recently serving as the Administrative Assistant to the City Council.  In April 2020, the State of Connecticut was allocated money by the U.S. Department of the Treasury through the Coronavirus Relief Fund (“CRF”), which was established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) for the purpose of helping local governments pay costs incurred in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.  From July 2020 through September 2021, the City of West Haven received approximately $1,150,257 in financial assistance from this fund.  DiMassa, who was authorized to approve the designated relief funds for the reimbursement of COVID-related expenditures incurred by West Haven, conspired with others to steal these funds and other West Haven funds through the submission of fraudulent invoices, and subsequent payment, for COVID relief goods and services that were never provided.

In one scheme, DiMassa conspired with John Bernardo, who was employed by the City of West Haven as a Housing Specialist in the office of Community Development Administration.  In January 2021, DiMassa and Bernardo formed Compass Investment Group, LLC.  Beginning in February 2021, Compass Investment Group LLC fraudulently billed the City of West Haven and its “COVID-19 Grant Department” for consulting services purportedly provided to the West Haven Health Department that were not performed.  From February 2021 through September 2021, the City of West Haven paid Compass Investment Group a total of $636,783.70.  DiMassa made several large cash withdrawals from the Compass Investment Group LLC bank account, some of which were made shortly before or after he was recorded as having made a large cash “buy-in” of gaming chips at the Mohegan Sun Casino.

DiMassa also conspired with his now wife, Lauren DiMassa, through the submission of numerous fraudulent invoices to West Haven for services related to a Youth Violence Prevention Program and for Youth Violence COVID-19 Associated Expenses.  These invoices listed charges for in-home counseling, cleaning supplies, special needs hourly service, wi-fi assistance for low/moderate income families, counseling services, license fees, a fall youth clinic, meals, support group supplies, equipment rental, and youth clinic support group.  West Haven made at least 16 payments totaling approximately $147,776.10 to Lauren DiMassa, who never provided any services to the City of West Haven.

In a third scheme, DiMassa conspired with another individual through the submission of fraudulent invoices from companies, which were controlled by DiMassa’s co-conspirator, to West Haven for goods and services, including thousands of units of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), HVAC maintenance at multiple municipal locations, COVID supplies for the Board of Education, and cleaning services for various municipal and school buildings, including one school building that had been vacant and abandoned for several years.  The co-conspirator’s companies received approximately $431,982 through this scheme.

DiMassa has agreed to pay restitution of $1,216,541.80.

DiMassa pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years on each count.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.

DiMassa has been released on a $250,000 bond since his arrest on October 20, 2021.

Bernardo and Lauren DiMassa each previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit fraud.  They await sentencing.           

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General for Investigations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ray Miller and David Sheldon.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that NEVILLE WALTERS, 34, of Bristol, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning hours of April 4, 2020, Bristol Police received reports of gunshots being fired in the area of Davis Drive.  Analysis of security video from a nearby residence revealed that the shots were fired from a light-colored Cadillac as it approached the intersection of Davis Drive and Jerome Avenue.  Seven .40 caliber shell casings were recovered from the scene.  Later that morning, officers responded to a report of a disturbance at Walters’ residence on Prospect Street and observed a beige Cadillac with other features matching the description of the car that was involved in the shooting incident.  Walters departed the residence before officers could question him.

In the early evening of April 4, Farmington Police were called to local gas station on a report of a burning vehicle.  Responding officers stopped Walters and an associate as they walked away from the gas station.  Walters was arrested on state charges after officers recovered a loaded .40 caliber handgun and a small amount of marijuana on the ground nearby.

After Walters’ state arrest and while he was released on bond, Walters posted on his Instagram page multiple images of him in possession of firearms.  On May 12, 2020, Bristol Police executed a state search warrant at Walters’ residence and seized two handguns, a high-capacity magazine, fentanyl and marijuana, items used to process and package drugs for street sale, and other items.  Investigators also seized $2,827 from Walters’ person.  Walters was arrested on state charges and was again released on bond.  Shortly thereafter, law enforcement received a report that Walters brandished a firearm during an argument outside of his residence on approximately May 14, 2020.

Walters has been detained since his federal arrest on May 22, 2020.  On May 16, 2022, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Bristol Police Department and the Farmington Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Donovan and Konstantin Lantsman.

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 DARTRE BOOKER, 28, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. Circuit Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in Bridgeport to 76 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for firearm possession and drug distribution offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2022, the Waterbury Police Department’s Gang Task Force made two controlled purchases of fentanyl from Booker.  Booker was arrested at his Winchester Street residence on February 16, 2022.  A search of his residence on that date revealed a 9mm pistol with 15 cartridges and a 30-round magazine, a 9mm pistol with 14 cartridges, an empty 9mm drum magazine, 335 baggies of heroin/fentanyl, marijuana, narcotics paraphernalia, and $1,115 in cash.

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

Booker has been detained since his arrest.  On August 10, 2022, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Waterbury Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth.

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 DEESHAWN PITTMAN, also known as “Low,” 34, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl and heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in late 2019, the DEA New Haven Task Force began an investigation into the distribution of heroin and fentanyl in New Haven and Waterbury.  The investigation, which included thousands of intercepted communications over court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that Wilton Reynoso was receiving large quantities of fentanyl and heroin from a source in New York and then selling the narcotics to other drug distributors in Connecticut.  Reynoso supplied Tyson Quinones with heroin and fentanyl, which Quinones then sold to his own customers in Waterbury, and also distributed to other dealers, including Pittman.  Pittman then worked with Quentine Davis to sell fentanyl, heroin and crack cocaine to a large customer base in and around New Haven.

On June 13, 2020, investigators sought to arrest Reynoso and Quinones after intercepting a series of calls indicating that they were planning to conduct a 200-gram heroin transaction.  On that date, Quinones was arrested at the anticipated meeting place.  Reynoso fled from the meeting scene in his vehicle, which was found abandoned nearby.  He was arrested a short time later after he returned to the vehicle.  A search of a location in Waterbury that Reynoso used to store narcotics revealed more than kilogram of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin, and items used to process and package narcotics.

Pittman was also arrested on June 13, 2020.  A search of his residence on that date revealed approximately 50 grams of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, and more than $15,000 in cash.

On April 4, 2022, Pittman pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl.

Pittman, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on January 4, 2023.

Reynoso, Quinones and Davis also pleaded guilty.  On September 13, 2021, Reynoso, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment.  On May 26, 2022, Davis was sentenced to 63 months of imprisonment.

Quinones awaits sentencing.

This investigation was conducted by the DEA New Haven Task Force with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  The Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, East Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby, Middletown, Naugatuck and Waterbury Police Departments.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Elena L. Coronado 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.