District of Connecticut

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, announced that CHRISTOPHER MATOS, 34, of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 100 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for firearm offenses stemming from his participation in the burglary of a Portland firearms dealer in December 2020.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning of December 31, 2020, Matos and Kenney Cotto burglarized Central Connecticut Arms, a federally-licensed firearms dealer in Portland, and stole 14 firearms.  On January 5, 2021, investigators searched an SUV that Matos and Cotto used during the burglary and recovered clothing that Cotto wore during the burglary, a hammer and tire iron Matos and Cotto used to break into Central Connecticut Arms, and other evidence. Investigators also found Matos’s DNA at the crime scene, and a subsequent search of his residence revealed clothing he wore during the burglary.

Matos was arrested on January 14, 2021.

To date, three of the firearms stolen from Central Connecticut Arms have been recovered by law enforcement.  Two were recovered by the FBI in an unrelated narcotics investigation, and the third was seized by Waterbury Police after it was fired into the air during an altercation.  The remaining 11 firearms are unaccounted for.

Judge Dooley ordered Matos to pay $21,528.91 in restitution.

Matos’s criminal history includes seven felony convictions and, at the time of the burglary, he was on probation for a state theft offense.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

Matos has been detained since his arrest.  On March 23, 2022, he pleaded guilty to theft of firearms from a licensee, and unlawful possession of firearms by a felon.

On April 21, 2022, Cotto, 24, of New Britain, pleaded guilty to the same charges.  He is detained while awaiting sentencing.

This investigation has been conducted by ATF and the Portland, New Britain, Berlin and East Longmeadow (Mass.) Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ruff.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALBERT LOPEZ, 52, last residing in Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 52 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 12, 2017, members of the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force located Lopez at a residence in Bridgeport and arrested him on a state warrant in connection with the shooting of a victim in Bridgeport on September 9, 2017, and on a federal warrant related to his violation of supervised release conditions.  A search of Lopez’s bedroom on the date of his arrest revealed a stolen .40 caliber pistol.  Forensic analysis of the pistol revealed that it was used in the shooting on September 9, 2017.

Lopez’s criminal history, which spans more than 30 years, includes felony convictions in Connecticut state court and in federal courts in both Connecticut and Pennsylvania, and he was on federal supervised release at the time he unlawfully possessed the stolen firearm.  Specifically, Lopez has been convicted of assault with a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit, conspiracy to distribute cocaine, possession of contraband by an inmate, and possession of a firearm by a felon (twice).  In September 1991, Lopez was sentenced to 140 months of federal imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute cocaine; in March 2008, he was sentenced to 47 months of federal imprisonment for possession of a firearm by a felon; and in January 2013, he was sentenced to 72 months of federal imprisonment for possession of a firearm by a felon and for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

Lopez has been detained in state custody since his arrest.  On July 1, 2021, he pleaded guilty in federal court to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

Lopez also pleaded guilty in state court to assault with a firearm and was sentenced to eight years of incarceration for that offense.

Lopez will begin serving the 52-month federal sentence today.

This matter was investigated by the Bridgeport Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and Anastasia E. King.

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, announced that a federal jury in New Haven today found DARNELL MACON, Sr, 45, and KHARISMA BROOKS, 23, formerly of Danbury, guilty of firearm offenses.  The trial before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer began on October 26.

According to the evidence disclosed during the trial, on May 27, 2021, Macon and Brooks visited a federally-licensed firearms dealer in Kent, Connecticut, where Macon possessed, and then Brooks purchased, a Smith & Wesson, Model SD40VE, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol.  In 2002, Macon was convicted in New York of two counts of assault in the first degree, and in 2003, he was convicted in New York of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree.

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

On June 7, 2021, ATF special agents investigating the firearm purchase on May 27, and another firearm purchased by Brooks in Stratford on May 25, visited Macon’s and Brooks’ Danbury residence and recovered the two firearms, which were located in Macon’s bedroom closet.

The jury found Macon guilty of one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and Brooks guilty of one count of aiding and abetting the unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.  The jury found Brooks not guilty of one count of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm.

At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Macon and Brooks each faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Macon and Brooks are released on bond pending sentencing.

This investigation has been conducted by ATF, with the assistance of the Danbury Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys A. Reed Durham and David J. Sheldon.

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 Cinemark USA, Inc. (“Cinemark”) has entered into a settlement agreement with the government to resolve allegations that the Cinemark Enfield Square 12 theaters, located at 90 Elm Street in Enfield, does not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”).

The settlement, which resolves a complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Justice that alleges that the Cinemark Enfield Square 12 is not physically accessible to persons with mobility disabilities, requires Cinemark to add ADA-compliant signage at exits and auditoriums, provide an accessible dining surface in the concession area, and acquire more receivers to use with its assistive listening system.  The settlement also requires Cinemark to make numerous changes in the bathrooms, such as moving grab bars, removing a step up at a threshold, and making a bathroom door easier to open.

Cinemark is in the process of making changes required by the settlement agreement and has agreed to ensure that any future alterations to the theaters comply with the ADA.

Under federal law, private entities that own or operate places of “public accommodation,” including movie theaters, are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of disability.  The ADA authorizes the Justice Department to investigate complaints and undertake periodic reviews of compliance of covered entities.  The Department is also authorized to commence a civil lawsuit in federal court in any case that involves a pattern or practice of discrimination or that raises issues of general public importance, and to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, and civil penalties.

“Today’s settlement helps to ensure that everyone in Connecticut can participate equally in our community, regardless of ability,” said U.S. Attorney Avery.  “My office is committed to enforcing federal law to eradicate barriers to access, inclusion and equal opportunity.  I am pleased that Cinemark has agreed to do the right thing and make their theater in Enfield accessible to persons with disabilities.”

Cinemark has three years to make the changes required by the agreement and must submit certifications concerning compliance to the U.S. Attorney’s Office every six months until it has fully complied with the agreement.

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

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

Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that any place of public accommodation or public entity in Connecticut is not accessible to persons with disabilities may contact the 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 James Ferguson, Special Agent  in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, announced that MARQUIS JEROME POLLARD, 42, of Yemassee, South Carolina, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the Spring of 2021, ATF Task Force officers learned that Pollard used straw purchasers to obtain firearms in South Carolina, and sold the firearms in Connecticut.  On April 19, 2021, investigators made a controlled purchase of a 9mm Glock handgun and a drum magazine from Pollard and Quinn Mooring in New Haven in exchange for $1,500.  The firearm was one of five 9mm handguns that had been purchased by an individual at a pawn shop in Port Royal, South Carolina, in the month prior to the transaction in Connecticut.

Pollard was arrested on May 3, 2021, in South Carolina.  At the time of his arrest, he possessed three handguns.

Pollard’s criminal history includes a state felony conviction for second degree burglary, as well as other 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.

Pollard was charged by indictment in both the District of Connecticut and in the District of South Carolina.  The South Carolina case was transferred to Connecticut for further prosecution.

Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for January 20, 2023, at which time Pollard faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Pollard has been detained since his arrest.

On January 13, 2022, Mooring, of New Haven, pleaded guilty of possession of a firearm by a felon.  He awaits sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), West Haven Police Department and New Haven Police Department.  These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Konstantin Lantsman.  The South Carolina case was handled by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Carra J. Henderson in the District of South Carolina.

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 Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston, announced that SHELDON THOMSON, 34, of Norwich, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with possession of child pornography.

Thomson appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and was ordered detained.

As alleged in court documents, in 2007, Thomson was convicted in state court of sexual assault in the first degree, involving sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 13, and of risk of injury to a child.  He was released from prison in November 2015 and began serving a term of probation.  In May 2022, Thomson’s state probation officer seized multiple cellphones, a tablet and a storage card from Thomson, his vehicle and his residence.  Analysis of the seized devices revealed numerous images and video depicting the sexual abuse of children, including prepubescent children.

If convicted of possession of child pornography, Thomson faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  The penalties in this matter are enhanced based on Thomson’s prior conviction.

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

This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the assistance of Connecticut’s Office of Adult Probation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings.

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

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL JONES, 26, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing a firearm.  Judge Underhill also ordered Jones to serve the first six months of his supervised release in home confinement and to perform 100 hours of community service.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 24, 2021, Jones pointed a firearm at another individual outside of a hookah lounge on Broad Street in Manchester.  When Manchester Police arrived on the scene, Jones attempted to flee and discarded the firearm in the rear parking lot of the lounge.  Jones was apprehended and the firearm, a loaded Taurus G2C 9mm pistol with an extended magazine and an obliterated serial number, was recovered.

Prior to July 2021, Jones was convicted in state court of criminal possession of a firearm.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

Jones has been detained since his arrest.  On June 15, 2022, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Connecticut Violent Crime Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Manchester Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie T. Levick and Patricia Stolfi Collins.

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 TIMOTHY P. DRAPER, 55, of Bethel, was sentenced today by U.S. Circuit Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in Bridgeport to eight months of imprisonment for tax evasion.  Judge Merriam also ordered Draper to pay a $75,000 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Draper owns and operates T&M Lawn & Landscape, and also owns multiple residential rental properties in Bethel and Danbury.  Draper failed to deposit into his business operating accounts numerous checks generated from his landscaping and rental businesses, resulting in underreporting of approximately $1.8 million in business receipts on his tax returns for the 2015, 2016 and 2017 tax years.  Draper also paid personal expenses out of the business accounts and failed to categorize the payments as income to him.  The underreporting of income resulted in the underpayment of more than $500,000 in income taxes for the three tax years.

Draper has paid $1,117,883.11 in back taxes, interest and penalties.

On April 18, 2022, Draper pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion.

Draper, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on January 10.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport has returned an indictment charging DENNIS LEE WAITERS, 32, of Torrington, with assaulting five federal law enforcement officers.

The indictment was returned on October 5 and Waiters was arrested today.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and is detained pending a detention hearing that is scheduled for October 31.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on June 15, 2021, members of the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and Bridgeport Police Department investigating gang-related violence and the potential for a retaliation shooting attempted to stop a car Waiters was driving in Bridgeport.  The law enforcement vehicles had activated their lights and sirens, and officers exiting the vehicles wore vests bearing the letters “FBI” and “POLICE.”  Instead of stopping, Waiters drove into the federal law enforcement officers and their vehicles, crashing into three different law enforcement officers’ vehicles and into a civilian motorist.  One officer fired into Waiters’ car as it headed toward the officer, causing the car to veer into another law enforcement vehicle and, ultimately, to crash into a pole.  When Waiters’ car stopped, a passenger in the car attempted to flee the scene, leaving behind a semiautomatic pistol in the car, but was apprehended.

The indictment charges Waiters with assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport has returned an indictment charging LUIS SALTO SAICO, 47, a citizen of Ecuador last residing in Danbury, with one count of illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.

The indictment was returned on October 5, and Saico appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.  Saico has been detained since his arrest on a federal criminal complaint on September 26, 2022.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on January 26, 2006, Saico was arrested in Columbus, Ohio, for aggravated vehicular assault.  He subsequently pleaded guilty in Ohio state court to that charge and to one count of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  After serving approximately eight months of imprisonment, he was removed to Ecuador in July 2008.  In July 2022, ICE learned that Saico was residing in Danbury after he was arrested by Danbury Police and charged with sexual assault in the third degree and disorderly conduct.

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

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

This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that YI DI LIN, also known as “Johnny Lin,” 49, of Mystic, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to three years of probation, and was ordered to pay restitution of more than $92,000 and a $5,500 fine, for a federal a federal tax offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court today, Lin owns and operates Peking Tokyo, a restaurant in Mystic.  In operating the restaurant, Lin regularly paid several employees wholly or partially in cash.  In mid-2019, Lin began using a payroll processing company to issue payroll checks for certain employees, make appropriate tax withholdings, and file Forms 941 (Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Returns) with the Internal Revenue Service.  Lin subsequently failed to inform the payroll company about the existence of the employees he only paid in cash and the amount of cash he paid to employees.  As a result, the payroll company prepared and filed false Forms 941 for four quarters in 2019 and 2020, and appropriate payroll taxes were not remitted to the IRS.  The resulting loss to the IRS was $92,093.

On July 28, 2022, Lin pleaded guilty to aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return. 

Lin has paid $92,093 in restitution.

This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer R. Laraia.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ADRIAN JOSEPH, 55, a citizen of St. Lucia last residing in Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in Bridgeport to approximately nine months of imprisonment, time already served, for offenses related to his acquiring federal documents under an assumed identity.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Joseph has been living in Bridgeport under an assumed identity for approximately 20 years.  Using his stolen identity, Joseph has obtained from various governmental agencies multiple identity documents, including a U.S. passport, a Social Security Account Number card, a City of Bridgeport voting registration card, and a Connecticut driver’s license from the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (“CT DMV”).  In February 2020, Joseph visited the CT DMV in Norwalk and, using fraudulent identity documents, successfully applied for and received a REAL ID driver’s license.

During the investigation, the individual whose identity Joseph used informed the government that his identity documents were stolen in the late 1990s. 

On August 2, 2022, Joseph pleaded guilty to one count of use of a passport secured by a false statement, and one count of false representation of a social security account number, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

Joseph, who is detained, now faces deportation proceedings.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles Police and Bridgeport Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.

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 VICTOR CUEVAS, 58, of Waterbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to conspiring to defraud a New Haven Probate Judge candidate in 2017.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Cuevas co-operated a Connecticut-based political consulting business called Yellow Dog Strategies (“YDS”).  In 2017, YDS was paid $5,750 to collect 1,000 petition signatures from registered Democrats in New Haven in support of a probate judge primary candidate.  Cuevas supervised YDS’s collection of voters’ signatures using a team of “Circulators,” each of whom was required by state regulations to sign a Statement of Authenticity before a notary public attesting that they had collected the voters’ petition signatures in person.  Rather than collect legitimate voter signatures, Cuevas conspired with others to defraud the candidate by submitting falsified petition forms.  Specifically, Cuevas caused signatures of registered voters to be forged on petitions and caused the signature of a purported Circulator to be forged on a Statement of Authenticity.

Cuevas caused the falsified forms to be delivered to the candidate, who, unaware of the forgeries, submitted those petitions to be counted.  The New Haven Democratic Registrar of Voters quickly detected forged signatures in the petitions.  Upon learning that voter signatures had been forged, the candidate withdrew from the primary.

The Connecticut State Elections Enforcement Commission immediately initiated an investigation into Cuevas’s conduct.  When Cuevas learned of that investigation, he and his co-conspirators attempted to conceal their scheme by pressuring the fictitious Circulator, whose signature had been forged, to sign a false affidavit.

Cuevas, a former Connecticut State Representative, was on federal probation at the time of the offense.  In October 2016, he was sentenced in New Haven federal court to one year of probation and a $1,000 fine for conspiring with others to commit bank fraud in connection with his home mortgage loan applications.

Cuevas pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on January 17, 2023.

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

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Conor Reardon and Jonathan Francis.

U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the Connecticut State Elections Enforcement Commission for its assistance in this matter.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on October 21, 2022, ALEXIS VIERA, 34, of New Haven, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by  three years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2019, the DEA New Haven Task Force began investigating a New Haven-based drug trafficking network headed by Michael Smith, also known as “Head.”  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that Smith and others were distributing heroin and crack cocaine throughout the New Haven area.  Viera converted cocaine into crack cocaine, supplied the drug to Smith, and sold it to other customers.  Viera also received crack cocaine from Smith to distribute to his customer base.

In December 2019, Smith was intercepted on a wiretap describing having shot at a rival drug dealer.  New Haven Police collected 31 shell casings from a location in the Fair Haven neighborhood where the shooting occurred.  Smith was arrested on December 23, 2019.

Viera has been detained since his arrest on September 16, 2020.  On September 2, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, cocaine base (“crack”).

Smith pleaded guilty to drug, firearm and money laundering charges and, on August 26, 2022, was sentenced to 13 years of imprisonment.

This investigation has been conducted by the DEA New Haven Task Force, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the New Haven, West Haven, Hamden, East Haven, North Haven, Ansonia, Meriden and Derby 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.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANDRES VASQUEZ, 35, of Canterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. Circuit Judge Sarah A.L. Merriam in Bridgeport to nine months of imprisonment, followed by 18 months of supervised release, for illegally possessing machineguns and other firearms.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 28, 2020, federal agents executed a search warrant at an apartment in New Britain and seized drugs, drug paraphernalia, a 9mm handgun, and ammunition.  Analysis of the seized handgun and a review of firearm records revealed that the handgun was registered to Vasquez and had not been reported stolen, and that Vasquez had several other firearms registered to him.

On June 5, 2020, a search of Vasquez’s Canterbury residence revealed five semi-automatic rifles, three handguns, two machineguns bearing no serial numbers, additional un-serialized firearms, firearm parts, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia.  When interviewed by investigators, Vasquez admitted that, in addition to purchasing firearms, he built machineguns and other firearms.  After searching the residence, investigators determined that four other firearms registered to Vasquez were missing.

Vasquez was a heroin user when he was in possession of the firearms.  The firearm seized on April 28, 2020, was found in an apartment connected to Vasquez’s heroin dealer, and another firearm registered to Vasquez was found on January 1, 2022, in the possession of a Hartford man who is charged with federal firearm possession and crack cocaine distribution offenses.  Three of Vasquez’s registered firearms have not been recovered.

Vasquez was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on December 14, 2020.  On July 20, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of firearms by a user of a controlled substance.

Vasquez, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on January 5.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Connecticut State Police, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel M. Krull 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 NAMIR WALKER, 23, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. Circuit Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by two 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 October 26, 2021, East Hartford Police arrested Walker after he was found in possession of approximately 170 dose bags of fentanyl, approximately 18 grams of crack cocaine, and a loaded .40 caliber Smith & Wesson handgun.  Subsequent investigation revealed that Walker had previously possessed a Zigana, Model PX-9G2 pistol, which had been part of a shipment of 50 Zigana PX-9G2 pistols that was stolen from an R&L Carriers warehouse in South Windsor in August 2021.  Investigators recovered the stolen Zigana pistol, and reviewed social media posts from mid-September 2021 in which Walker appears to offer to sell two stolen Zigana pistols to another individual in exchange for $1,800.

Walker has been detained since his arrest.  On July 29, 2022, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

To date, 14 of the 50 stolen firearms have been recovered by law enforcement

This investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the South Windsor Police Department and East Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and A. Reed Durham 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.

In separate charges unsealed today in the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Eastern District of New York and the District of Connecticut, and with the support of the Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture, the Justice Department has charged nearly a dozen individuals and several corporate entities with participating in unlawful schemes to export powerful, civil-military, dual-use technologies to Russia – some of which have been recovered on battlefields in Ukraine while another nuclear proliferation technology was intercepted before reaching Russian soil.

In the Eastern District of New York, five Russian nationals and two oil brokers for Venezuela are charged in an indictment unsealed today for their alleged participation in a global sanctions evasion and money laundering scheme. One defendant was arrested on Oct. 17 in Germany and another defendant was arrested on Oct. 17 in Italy, both at the request of the United States. As alleged, the defendants obtained military technology from U.S. companies, smuggled millions of barrels of oil, and laundered tens of millions of dollars for Russian industrialists, sanctioned entities, and the world’s largest energy conglomerate.

Separately, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut, a superseding indictment was unsealed charging four individuals – three of whom were arrested by Latvian authorities on Oct. 18 and one by Estonian authorities on June 13 at the request of the United States – and two companies in Europe with violating U.S. export laws by attempting to smuggle a dual-use, export-controlled item – a high-precision computer-controlled grinding machine – to Russia. Commonly known as a “jig grinder,” the item is export-controlled for its use in nuclear proliferation and defense programs.

“These charges reveal two separate global schemes to violate U.S. export and sanctions laws, including by shipping sensitive military technologies from U.S. manufacturers – including types found in seized Russian weapons platforms in Ukraine – and attempting to reexport a machine system with potential application in nuclear proliferation and defense programs to Russia,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “As I have said, our investigators and prosecutors will be relentless in their efforts to identify, locate, and bring to justice those whose illegal acts undermine the rule of law and enable the Russian regime to continue its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.”

“This week’s indictments and arrests highlight the FBI’s work countering Russia’s flagrant evasion of U.S. sanctions and violation of export regulations,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The FBI, along with our U.S. and international partners, will continue to aggressively disrupt the procurement of oil, laundered money, and unlawfully obtained military technology from U.S. companies to support Russia’s unprovoked war in Ukraine.”

United States v. Orekhov et al., Eastern District of New York

According to court documents, Yury Orekhov, 42, a Russian national residing in Germany; Artem Uss, 40, of Moscow; Svetlana Kuzurgasheva aka Lana Neumann, 32, of Moscow; Timofey Telegin, 39, of Moscow; and Sergey Tulyakov 52, of Moscow are named in the indictment unsealed today. Also charged are Juan Fernando Serrano Ponce, aka Juanfe Serrano, and Juan Carlos Soto, who allegedly brokered illicit oil deals for Petroleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA), the Venezuelan state-owned oil company, as part of the scheme. On Oct. 17, Orekhov was arrested in Germany and Uss was arrested in Italy, both at the request of the United States, and will undergo extradition proceedings.

“As alleged, the defendants were criminal enablers for oligarchs, orchestrating a complex scheme to unlawfully obtain U.S. military technology and Venezuelan sanctioned oil through a myriad of transactions involving shell companies and cryptocurrency. Their efforts undermined security, economic stability and rule of law around the world,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “We will continue to investigate, disrupt and prosecute those who fuel Russia’s brutal war in Ukraine, evade sanctions and perpetuate the shadowy economy of transnational money laundering.”

According to court documents, Orekhov served as the part owner, CEO and Managing Director of Nord-Deutsche Industrieanlagenbau GmbH (NDA GmbH), a privately held industrial equipment and commodity trading company located in Hamburg, Germany. The other owner of NDA GmbH is Artem Uss, the son of the governor of Russia’s Krasnoyarsk Krai region. Kuzurgasheva served as the CEO of one of the scheme’s shell companies and worked for NDA GmbH under Orekhov.

Using NDA GmbH as a front company, Orekhov and Kuzurgasheva sourced and purchased sensitive military and dual-use technologies from U.S. manufacturers, including advanced semiconductors and microprocessors used in fighter aircraft, missile systems, smart munitions, radar, satellites, and other space-based military applications. These items were shipped to Russian end users, including sanctioned companies controlled by Telegin and Tulyakov that serviced Russia’s military. Some of the types of electronic components obtained through the criminal scheme have been found in Russian weapons platforms seized on the battlefield in Ukraine. As alleged, in 2019, Orekhov travelled to the United States to source parts used in the Russian-made Sukhoi fighter aircraft and the American-made F-22 Raptor stealth fighter aircraft.

Orekhov and Uss also allegedly used NDA GmbH as a front to smuggle hundreds of millions of barrels of oil from Venezuela to Russian and Chinese purchasers, including a Russian aluminum company controlled by a sanctioned oligarch and the world’s largest oil refining, gas and petrochemical conglomerate based in Beijing. Serrano Ponce and Soto brokered deals worth millions of dollars between PDVSA and NDA GmbH, which were routed through a complex group of shell companies and bank accounts to disguise the transactions. In one communication with Serrano Ponce, Orekhov openly admitted that he was acting on behalf of a sanctioned Russian oligarch, saying “He [the oligarch] is under sanctions as well. That’s why we [are] acting from this company [NDA GmbH]. As fronting.” The scheme also involved falsified shipping documents and supertankers that deactivated their GPS navigation systems to obscure the Venezuelan origin of their oil.

Payment for NDA GmbH’s illicit activities was often consummated in U.S. dollars routed through U.S. financial institutions and correspondent bank accounts. To facilitate these transactions, Orekhov and his co-conspirators used fictitious companies, falsified “know your customer” documentation and bank accounts in high-risk jurisdictions, causing U.S. banks to process tens of millions of dollars in violation of U.S. sanctions and other criminal laws. In one conversation with Soto, Orekhov bragged that “there were no worries...this is the shittiest bank in the Emirates…they pay to everything.” The scheme also utilized bulk cash drops with couriers in Russia and Latin America, as well as cryptocurrency transfers worth millions of dollars, to effectuate these transactions and launder the proceeds.

The defendants are charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States.

Orekhov, Uss, Kuzurgasheva, Serrano Ponce, and Soto are additionally charged with conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA); bank fraud conspiracy for the oil smuggling scheme; and money laundering conspiracy for the oil smuggling and IEEPA scheme.

Orekhov, Kuzurgasheva, Telegin and Tulyakov are additionally charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud; money laundering conspiracy for illicit procurement of U.S. dual use technology; conspiracy to violate the Export Control Reform Act (ECRA) and smuggling goods from the United States.

If convicted of bank fraud conspiracy, the defendants face a maximum of 30 years in prison with additional prison time as the result of conviction on additional charges. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI is investigating the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and Italian and German law enforcement authorities provided valuable assistance.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Artie McConnell for the Eastern District of New York and Trial Attorney Scott A. Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

United States v. Romanyuk et al., District of Connecticut

According to court documents, beginning in 2018, Eriks Mamonovs, 33, and Vadims Ananics, 46, both citizens of Latvia who operated CNC Weld, a Latvia-based corporation, conspired with Stanislav Romanyuk, 37, a citizen of Ukraine and resident of Estonia who operated Estonia-based BY Trade OU, and others, including Janis Uzbalis, 46, of Latvia and individuals in Russia and a Russia-based company, to violate U.S. export laws and regulations and smuggle a jig grinder that was manufactured in Connecticut to Russia.

“The indictment alleges that these defendants attempted to smuggle a high-precision export-controlled item to Russia where it could have been used in nuclear proliferation and Russian defense programs,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery of the District of Connecticut. “The danger created by such conduct is profound. I thank HSI, the Department of Commerce and the FBI, and our partners in Latvia and Estonia, who thwarted this alleged scheme and are working to bring these defendants to justice in a U.S. court of law.”

A jig grinder is a high-precision grinding machine system that does not require a license to export to European Union countries but does require a license for export and reexport to Russia because of its applications in nuclear proliferation and defense programs. At no time did the defendants apply for, receive or possess a license of authorization from the U.S. Department of Commerce to export or reexport the jig grinder to Russia, as required by the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), which restrict the export of items that could make a significant contribution to the military potential of other nations or that could be detrimental to the foreign policy or national security of the United States.

U.S. authorities, working with Latvian authorities, intercepted the jig grinder in Riga, Latvia, before it was to be shipped to Russia.

Mamonovs, Ananics, Romanyuk, Uzbalis, and others are charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States, which carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison; violation of the Export Control Reform Act (ECRA), which carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison; smuggling goods from the United States, an offense that carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison; and international money laundering conspiracy, an offense that carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Mamonovs is also charged with making false statements to the U.S. Department of Commerce, an offense punishable by up to five years in prison.

The indictment also charges CNC Weld, BY Trade OU with conspiracy, violation of the ECRA, smuggling goods from the United States, and international money laundering conspiracy.

Ananics, Mamonovs and Uzbalis were arrested on Oct. 18 in Riga, Latvia at the request of the United States. Romanyuk was arrested in Tallinn, Estonia at the request of the United States, on June 13, 2022. The Justice Department is seeking their extradition. 

HSI field offices in New Haven, Portland (Ore.), and the Hague, Netherlands; the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement in Boston; and the FBI are investigating the case. The Prosecutor-General’s Offices of the Republic of Latvia and Estonia, Latvian State Revenue Service, Estonian Tax and Customs Board, and the Latvian State Police provided valuable assistance. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs is providing valuable assistance.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale and Konstantin Lantsman of the District of Connecticut, and Trial Attorney Matthew Anzaldi of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

***

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

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

A superseding indictment charging individuals and companies in Europe with violating United States export laws and regulations by attempting to smuggle a dual-use export-controlled item to Russia was unsealed yesterday in the District of Connecticut.

U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery; Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division; Andrew Adams, Director of Task Force KleptoCapture; Special Agent in Charge Matthew B. Millhollin of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston; Special Agent in Charge Rashel D. Assouri of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement, Boston; and Special Agent in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI New Haven Division made the announcement.

The indictment alleges that, beginning in 2018, Eriks Mamonovs, 33, and Vadims Ananics, 46, both citizens of Latvia who operated CNC Weld, a Latvia-based corporation, conspired with Stanislav Romanyuk, 37, a citizen of Ukraine and resident of Estonia who operated Estonia-based BY Trade OU, and others, including Janis Uzbalis, 46, of Latvia, and individuals in Russia and a Russia-based company, to violate U.S. export laws and regulations and smuggle a jig grinder that was manufactured in Connecticut to Russia.  A jig grinder is a high-precision grinding machine system that does not require a license to export to European Union countries, but does require a license for export and reexport to Russia because of its potential application in nuclear proliferation and defense programs.  At no time did the defendants apply for, receive or possess a license of authorization from the U.S. Department of Commerce to export or reexport the jig grinder to Russia, as required by the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 and the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”), which restrict the export of items that could make a significant contribution to the military potential of other nations or that could be detrimental to U.S. foreign policy and national security.

U.S. authorities, working with Latvian authorities, intercepted the jig grinder in Riga, Latvia, before it was to be shipped to Russia.

Ananics, Mamonovs and Uzbalis were arrested yesterday in Riga, Latvia.  Romanyuk was arrested in Tallinn, Estonia, on June 13.  They are currently detained and the United States is seeking their extradition.

“The indictment alleges that these defendants attempted to smuggle a high-precision export-controlled item to Russia where it could have been used in nuclear proliferation and Russian defense programs,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery.  “The danger created by such conduct is profound.  I thank HSI, the Department of Commerce and the FBI, and our partners in Latvia and Estonia, who thwarted this alleged scheme and are working to bring these defendants to justice in a U.S. court of law.”

“The power and precision of American technology must not be put to use by the Kremlin’s war machine,” said Andrew Adams, Director of Task Force KleptoCapture.  “Enforcement against efforts to illegally export and reexport controlled U.S. technology is critical in ensuring that superior American technology isn’t exploited by Russia in this unjust war.  The arrests in Latvia demonstrate that smugglers and fraudsters will be apprehended and prosecuted notwithstanding the sophistication of evasion networks operating far from U.S. shores.”

“These individuals are alleged to have conspired to export a piece of machinery that can be used for nefarious purposes, including in defense applications to build weapons of war,” said Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England.  “HSI works hand-in-hand with our partners domestically and abroad to further our mission to prevent sensitive U.S. technology and commodities from reaching the shores of hostile countries.  These arrests and the seizure of the jig grinder are the result of the tenacious investigative work of our special agents and partners and show what can be achieved through these partnerships.”

“This three-year investigation is a testament to the excellent cooperation between our domestic and international law enforcement partners,” said Special Agent in Charge Rashel D. Assouri, U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement, Boston Field Office.  “The Office of Export Enforcement is unwavering in its aggressive pursuit to investigate illegal exports to Russia.”

“This indictment is the culmination of a great collaborative law enforcement investigation,” said David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI New Haven Division.  “The alleged conspirators in this international export and money laundering scheme will now face justice in the very system they manipulated and violated for financial gain.”

The superseding indictment, which was returned by a federal grand jury in Hartford on July 7, 2022, charges Mamonovs, Ananics, Romanyuk, Uzbalis, and others, with conspiracy, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years; violation of the Export Control Reform Act, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; smuggling goods from the United States, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; and international money laundering conspiracy, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Mamonovs is also charged with making false statements to the U.S. Department of Commerce, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

The indictment also charges CNC Weld, BY Trade OU with conspiracy, violation of the Export Control Reform Act, smuggling goods from the United States, and international money laundering conspiracy.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This investigation is being conducted by HSI field offices in New Haven, Portland (Ore.), and the Hague, Netherlands; the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement in Boston; and the FBI.  The Prosecutor-General’s Office of the Republic of Latvia, the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Estonia, Latvian Tax and Customs Police, Estonian Tax and Customs Board, and the Latvian State Police are assisting the investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale and Konstantin Lantsman of the District of Connecticut, and Trial Attorney Matthew Anzaldi of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.  The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs is providing valuable assistance. 

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in New Haven has found KENSTON HARRY, 41, of Bloomfield, guilty of drug trafficking offenses.

The trial before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton began on October 6 and the jury returned the guilty verdicts yesterday afternoon.

This matter stems from an investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force into a drug trafficking organization headed by Tajh Wiley, also known as Yung, of Norwalk.  The investigation, which included a court-authorized wiretap of Wiley’s phone, revealed that Wiley conspired with Harry and others to distribute fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana throughout Connecticut.

Harry was arrested on June 9, 2021.  In association with his arrest, investigators searched his Bloomfield residence and his Hartford business, Action Audio.  The search of his residence revealed more than one kilogram of fentanyl, more than one kilogram of cocaine, kilogram presses and other items used to process and package narcotics for distribution, and other items.  The search of Harry’s business resulted in the seizure of marijuana and other items.

The jury found Harry guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 500 grams or more of cocaine, and marijuana; one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams of fentanyl; one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine; and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana.  At sentencing he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a term of imprisonment of life. 

Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for January 25, 2023.  Harry is released on a $250,000 bond pending sentencing.

Harry, Wiley and six others were charged as a result of this investigation.

On July 26, 2022, a jury found Wiley guilty of multiple offenses.  He awaits sentencing.  As part of the investigation, law enforcement seized from Wiley jewelry valued at more than $100,000, and a 2021 Mercedes-Benz valued at approximately $146,000.

This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bridgeport Police Department, Fairfield Police Department, Norwalk Police Department, Stamford Police Department, Stratford Police Department, Yonkers (New York) Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service.  The HIDTA Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford and Danbury Police Departments.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick J. Doherty, Robert S. Dearington, Margaret M. Donovan 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.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that AMIN HASAN, 44, of Stamford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawful possession of a firearm.  Judge Shea ordered Hasan to serve the first six months of his supervised release in a halfway house.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 5, 2020, Hasan was arrested by Stamford Police after causing a disturbance at a shopping plaza and a search of a van he rented revealed 13 filled 5-gallon gas cans, two hatchets, and ax and other items.  The next day, law enforcement searched Hasan’s residence and seized numerous items, including a gas mask, a chainsaw, a “survival-style” knife, two backpacks containing 30 smoke grenades and 44 caltrops (spikes used to puncture vehicle tires), and a loaded Glock 9mm pistol.  Investigators also found a note on Hasan’s bed with instructions to call his cousin in the event of his death.  Days later, Hasan’s car was found parked in Bridgeport and contained an additional 12 filled 5-gallon gas cans, a hatchet, and other items.

In May 2019, Hasan was convicted in state court of assault of public safety, emergency medical, public transport or health care personnel.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

Hasan has been detained since his arrest.  On May 6, 2022, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

Related state charges against Hasan are pending.

This matter was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and Stamford Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Doherty.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LIZBEL SANCHEZ, also known as Lizbel Diaz, 47, of Brookfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to two years of probation and ordered to pay a $400,000 fine for a federal tax offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Sanchez is a minority owner of Danbury Food Corp. (“DFC”), which operates a C-Town grocery store in Danbury.  Sanchez was responsible for DFC’s accounting and financial records, and for collecting and paying over certain federal taxes from DFC’s employees, namely federal income taxes and Federal Insurance Contribution Act (“FICA”) taxes, which include Medicare and social security taxes.  She also was also responsible for ensuring that DFC, as an employer, paid its own share of FICA and its Federal Unemployment Tax (“FUTA”), which were based on its employees’ taxable wages.

An investigation revealed that, Sanchez and DFC paid several employees in cash and failed to collect, account for and pay over the federal income taxes and FICA taxes associated with the cash wages.  Sanchez also failed to account for and pay over DFC’s share of FICA taxes and its FUTA obligation based on the taxable wages of those employees that DFC paid in cash.  This conduct caused a tax loss of $408,121.85 to the IRS for the 2016 tax year.

On April 14, 2022, Sanchez pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to collect or pay over taxes.

Sanchez has paid $408,121.85 in restitution to the IRS.  She also has acknowledged similar conduct for DFC in 2017 and 2018, and for other businesses in which Sanchez had an interest in 2016, 2017 and 2018.  Additional tax losses will be addressed civilly by the IRS.

This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and the case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, announced that SHAMEIK CAMARA, 32, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. Circuit Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in Bridgeport to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for offenses stemming from the theft of numerous firearms from a South Windsor warehouse last year.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2021, a shipment of 50 Zigana, Model PX-9G2 pistols was stolen from R&L Carriers, a national freight shipping company with a warehouse located at 540 Sullivan Avenue in South Windsor.  Even though R&L employees were aware of the theft shortly after it occurred in mid-August, they did not notify law enforcement.  Officials at R&L carriers reported the theft to law enforcement on September 16, 2021.  In October 2021, investigators identified Camara after seeing Facebook Marketplace and Offer Up posts selling high-end speakers and sports trading cards that were similar to items stolen from the R&L warehouse at about the same time of the firearm shipment theft. 

Camara was arrested on October 28, 2021.  At this time of his arrest, he possessed two firearms, one of which was a Zigana pistol taken during the theft in August 2021.          

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

On June 14, 2022, Camara, who is detained, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of firearm by a felon, and one count of receipt and possession of items from an interstate shipment.

“In August 2021, 50 firearms stolen from a South Windsor warehouse became illegal guns on the street,” said U.S. Attorney Avery.  “To date, only 14 of the stolen guns have been recovered.  The 36 that remain unaccounted for represent a real danger to the community until each one is recovered.  I thank the ATF, South Windsor Police and our other law enforcement partners who are investigating this case, apprehending those involved, and methodically tracking down these weapons.”

“ATF recognizes that we are most successful when we work with our state, local, and federal partners,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Ferguson.  “We will continue to prioritize investigations of armed and violent felons to disrupt the cycle of violence and make our communities safer.”

This investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the South Windsor Police Department.  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, and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that, on October 14, a federal jury in Bridgeport found the following five men guilty of narcotics trafficking offenses:

WALLACE BEST, also known as “Coop,” 55, of Bridgeport
JEFFREY THOMAS, also known as “Zig,” 49, of Bridgeport
JASON COX, 48, of Bridgeport, and Savannah, Georgia
FRANK JAMONT BEST, also known as “JB,” and “Cash,” 49, of Bridgeport
LAMONT D. JEFFERIES, 55, of Bridgeport

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

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

The jury found Wallace Best, Thomas and Cox guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute kilogram quantities of heroin and fentanyl, and Wallace Best, Thomas, Frank Best and Jefferies guilty of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl and cocaine base (“crack”).  In addition, Frank Best was found guilty of five counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base. The jury also found that Wallace Best, Thomas and Cox had previously been convicted of serious drug felonies, exposing each of them to enhanced sentences.

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

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PEDRO LUIS RIVERA-RODRIGUEZ, also known as “Cano,” 39, of Deltona, Florida, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 66 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2019, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service received information that Rivera-Rodriguez, who formerly resided in New Haven, was trafficking large quantities of cocaine.  In November 2019, an individual working with investigators negotiated with Rivera-Rodriguez to purchase a kilogram of cocaine from a supplier in Puerto Rico for $22,500.  Rivera-Rodriguez also indicated that he was prepared to sell a kilogram of pure fentanyl and more than 30,000 Percocet pills, and he shipped a sample of fentanyl to Connecticut as part of an expected transaction.

Rivera-Rodriguez was arrested on February 18, 2020.  On September 10, 2021, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

Rivera-Rodriguez, who was released on bond, was remanded to custody at the conclusion of the sentencing proceeding.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ruff.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL FERRO, 36, formerly of Avon, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 108 months of imprisonment, followed by nine years of supervised release, for a child exploitation offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 18, 2021, Ferro, using the Kik social media application, began chatting in a Kik group with an FBI Online Covert Employee (“OCE”) who was posing as a father of a 12-year-old girl.  After Ferro determined that the OCE was engaging in sexual activity with his “daughter,” he sent the OCE a photo depicting the genitals of a child.  Ferro then stated that he had more pictures to share, and expressed an interest in meeting the OCE’s daughter to engage in sexual activity.  After confirming Ferro’s identity, investigators traveled to Ferro’s Avon residence late in the evening of August 18, informed him of the investigation, and seized his cell phone.

Ferro was arrested on a criminal complaint on September 29, 2021.  On March 1, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography.  He is currently detained.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Avon Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.

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

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHARLES HARRISON, 34, pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to escaping from the custody of the Attorney General.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2012, Harrison was sentenced in the Northern District of New York to 120 months of imprisonment for a narcotics trafficking offense.  On March 17, 2021, he was transferred to the Drapelick Center, a Residential Reentry Center (halfway house) in Bloomfield, to complete his custodial sentence. On September 7, 2021, Harrison left the facility on a Day Pass and failed to return.  He was located and arrested in New York on March 29, 2022.

Harrison has been detained since his arrest.

Harrison is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford on January 6, 2023.  The offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda S. Oakes.

“This devastating news is another tragic reminder of the potential danger that law enforcement officers face every day in their service to our communities.  I am praying for these officers and their families and loved ones, and every member of the Bristol Police Department and the Bristol community will remain in my thoughts.  Our office and our federal agency partners will support the Bristol Police and Connecticut State Police in any way we can.”

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMIE PETRONE, 43, of Lithia Springs, Georgia, formerly of Naugatuck, Connecticut, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 109 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for fraud and tax offenses related to her theft of $40 million in computer and electronic hardware from the Yale University School of Medicine where she was employed.

According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in approximately 2008, Petrone was employed by the Yale University School of Medicine (“Yale Med”), Department of Emergency Medicine, ultimately serving as the Director of Finance and Administration for the Department of Emergency Medicine.  As part of her job responsibilities, Petrone had authority to make and authorize certain purchases for departmental needs as long as the purchase amount was below $10,000.  Beginning at least as early as 2013, Petrone engaged in a scheme whereby she ordered, or caused others working for her to order, millions of dollars of electronic hardware from Yale vendors using Yale Med funds, and she arranged to ship the stolen hardware to an out-of-state business in exchange for money.

As part of the scheme, Petrone falsely represented on Yale internal forms and in electronic communications that the hardware was for specified Yale Med needs, such as particular medical studies, and she broke up the fraudulent purchases into orders below the $10,000 threshold that would require additional approval.  The out-of-state business, which resold the electronic equipment to customers, paid Petrone by wiring funds into an account of a company in which she is a principal, Maziv Entertainment LLC.

In total, Petrone caused a loss of approximately $40,504,200 to Yale.  Petrone used the proceeds of the sales of the stolen equipment for various personal expenses, including expensive cars, real estate and travel.

Petrone also failed to pay taxes on the money she received from selling the stolen equipment.  She filed false federal tax returns for the 2013 through 2016 tax years, in which she falsely claimed as business expenses the costs of the stolen equipment, and failed to file any federal tax returns for the 2017 through 2020 tax years.  This caused a loss of $6,416,618 to the U.S. Treasury.

Petrone was arrested on September 3, 2021.  On March 28, 2022, she pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of filing a false tax return.

Judge Bryant ordered Petrone to make full restitution.  Petrone has agreed to forfeit $560,421.14 that was seized from the Maziv Entertainment LLC bank account as part of the investigation, a 2014 Mercedes-Benz G550, a 2017 Land Rover/Range Rover Sv Autobiography, a 2015 Cadillac Escalade Premium, a 2020 Mercedes Benz Model E450A, a 2016 Cadillac Escalade (4 Door Sport), and a 2018 Dodge Charger.  She also has agreed to the liquidation of three Connecticut properties that she owns or co-owns to help satisfy her restitution obligation.  A property she owns in Georgia is also subject to seizure and liquidation.

Petrone was remanded into custody following the sentencing proceeding.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, with the assistance of the Yale Police Department.  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 NEFTALI FERNANDEZ, 42, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in the Bronx, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 120 months of imprisonment for trafficking cocaine.

This matter stems from a joint investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force, FBI and New Haven Police Department that included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of heroin and cocaine, and seizures of bulk heroin and cocaine.  The investigation revealed that Duane Filyaw, of New Haven, operated a heroin and cocaine trafficking ring in which he conspired with others to purchase narcotics from suppliers and then distribute the drugs to other suppliers of street-level dealers in and around New Haven.  Fernandez worked with his associate, Gabriel Romero Escalera-Romero, to supply Filyaw and others with bulk quantities of cocaine.

During the investigation, law enforcement officers seized more than 500 grams of heroin, more than 300 grams of fentanyl, more than one kilogram of cocaine, three firearms, over $90,000 in cash, vehicles, jewelry and precious metals.

On April 19, 2018, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Fernandez, Escalera-Romero, Filyaw and 16 other individuals with narcotics trafficking offenses.

Fernandez and several other members of the conspiracy were arrested on April 25, 2018.  Fernandez possessed a firearm on the date of his arrest.

Fernandez has been detained since his arrest.  In February 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and five kilograms or more of cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.

Fernandez faces deportation proceedings when he completes his prison term.

Filyaw and Escalera-Romero have pleaded guilty.  On May 26, 2020, he was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment.  Filyaw awaits sentencing.

The DEA New Haven Task Force includes personnel from the DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby, Middletown, Naugatuck and Waterbury Police Departments.  The Connecticut Department of Correction, Milford Police Department and East Haven Police Department have assisted the investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick F. Caruso 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 DONNA CARNEY, 67, of Canton, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Circuit Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in Bridgeport to one count of theft of government property.

According to court documents and statements made in court,  in approximately 1995, Carney began receiving Section 8 tenant-based rental assistance under the housing choice voucher program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”).  From approximately 2004 to 2019, Carney failed to report to HUD that she was married to her landlord and therefore had an interest in the home in which she lived, failed to report certain others living in her home, and falsely claimed that unauthorized residents were live-in aides.

Judge Merriam scheduled sentencing for February 2, 2023, at which time Carney faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Carney is released on $50,000 bond pending sentencing.

This investigation has been conducted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General for Investigations and the Canton Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherry.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALBERTO VAZQUEZ, 39, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven 120 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally trafficking firearms from South Carolina to Connecticut.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2020, ATF and Hartford Police recovered multiple firearms that had been purchased in South Carolina.  In July 2020, one of the firearms was found in the possession of a convicted felon.  In September and October 2020, additional firearms were recovered at the scenes of two separate homicides in Hartford.  The investigation revealed that Vazquez, a felon who cannot lawfully purchase or possess firearms, conspired with individuals in South Carolina, including Joshua Bentz and Tywonda Bentz, to purchase firearms from a licensed gun dealer in Columbia, South Carolina, transport them to Connecticut, and sell them to felons and other customers in the Hartford area.  Vazquez and his co-conspirators purchased approximately 37 firearms through this scheme.

Vazquez’s criminal history includes convictions for felony weapon possession, robbery and larceny offenses.

Vazquez has been detained since his arrest on March 15, 2021.  On March 25, 2022, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to deal in firearms without a license and to unlawfully transport firearms, unlawful transportation of firearms, and unlawful possession of firearms by a felon.

Joshua Bentz and Tywonda Bentz pleaded guilty to related charges and await sentencing.  In addition, Vazquez’s former girlfriend, Julitza Garcia, pleaded to making false statements to law enforcement officers during the investigation and, on May 2, 2022, was sentenced to three years of probation.

This investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Hartford Police Department; the Columbia (S.C.) Police Department; and the Richland County (S.C.) Sheriff’s Department.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara E. Levens 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 DWAYNE JOHNSON, 46, of Norwich, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 130 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for gun and drug offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 14, 2017, Johnson, who had previously been convicted of several felony offenses and was prohibited from possessing firearms, possessed two 12 gauge shotguns, shotgun shells, and quantities of cocaine and marijuana.  On June 5, 2018, as part of an overdose death investigation, members of the Waterford and Town of Groton Police Departments executed a state search warrant at Johnson’s former residence in Waterford and seized approximately 200 grams of fentanyl, approximately 100 grams of cocaine, smaller quantities of crack cocaine and heroin, items used to process and package narcotics, 24 cell phones, more than $11,000 in cash, and a loaded .45 caliber handgun.

On May 20, 2019, Johnson pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a controlled substance.

On August 20, 2019, while he was on released on bond, Johnson was arrested by officers from the Norwich Police Department after a shooting occurred at Johnson’s Norwich residence.  A related search of the residence revealed approximately 105 grams of cocaine and a quantity of fentanyl.  Johnson has been detained since that date.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Town of Groton, Norwich and Waterford Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia Stolfi Collins and Natasha Freismuth.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today  announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging MIGUEL RIVERA, also known as “Macho,” 30, of Shelton, with possessing a firearm and ammunition while released on bond and awaiting trial in another federal case involving the alleged unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The indictment was returned on September 27, 2022.  Rivera appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven and pleaded not guilty.  He has been detained since July 13, 2022.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on July 5, 2020, Rivera possessed a Romarm/Cugir, AK Type Model, 7.62 x 39mm caliber, semi-automatic rifle containing a fully-loaded large capacity 30-round magazine. 

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

On September 22, 2020, Rivera was charged by indictment with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.  He arrested on November 9, 2020, and was released on a $100,000 bond.

The new indictment alleges that, on June 21, 2022, while he was awaiting trial in his initial federal case, Rivera unlawfully possessed a Krieghoff K80 12-gauge shotgun, approximately 50 rounds shotgun ammunition, and approximately 26 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

The indictment charges Rivera with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, and committing the offense while on pretrial release.  If convicted, he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

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

These cases are 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, Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston, and Manchester Police Chief William Darby today announced that LUIS ROSADO, 29, of Manchester, was arrested yesterday and charged by federal criminal complaint with child exploitation offenses.

Following his arrest, Rosado appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and was released on a $100,000 bond into home confinement and under GPS monitoring.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in April and June 2022, Rosado used two separate Kik Messenger accounts to upload and distribute 83 video files depicting the sexual abuse of children, including prepubescent children.

The complaint charges Rosado with distribution of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

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

This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Connecticut State Police, the Manchester Police Department, and the Connecticut Center for Digital Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney  Daniel Cummings through 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 KEVIN CURLEY, 41, formerly of Morris, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for a child exploitation offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, “Tor,” which is an acronym for “The Onion Router,” is a worldwide network of internet-connected computers that is designed to conceal the true IP addresses of the computers on the network and the identities of the network’s users.  In 2020, HSI began investigating Curley for his involvement in an online community of individuals who sent and received child pornography images and videos via a hidden service website that operated on the Tor network.  On August 5, 2020, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of Curley’s former residence in Morris and seized Curley’s desktop computer.  Analysis of the seized computer revealed more than one hundred images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children.

Curley was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on October 8, 2020.  On May 25, 2022, he pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography.

Curley, who is released on a $150,000 bond and residing in Naugatuck, is required to report to prison on November 30.

This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark 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.

The United States Attorney’s Office Law Enforcement Awards Ceremony was celebrated this afternoon in New Haven.  The ceremony at the City of New Haven’s aldermanic chambers recognized approximately 190 individuals for their investigative efforts and other contributions to 30 significant federal criminal prosecutions and civil cases in Connecticut since 2019.  The awards ceremony, typically an annual event, has not been held since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“During a time when the COVID-19 pandemic brought much of world to a standstill, the awardees we honor today, and countless other members of federal, state and local enforcement agencies, found a way to continue their critical work, often at great risk to their own health and safety, to ensure that the wheels of justice never stopped turning,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery.  “Their important work has positively impacted communities across our state.  They have served Connecticut and our nation with distinction, and we are proud to call them ‘partners.’”

In addition to the criminal and civil case awards, U.S. Attorney Avery presented several special awards during the ceremony.

The U.S. Attorney’s Award for Outstanding Investigator was presented to recently-retired Special Agent James Wines of the Federal Bureau of Investigation who distinguished himself as an invaluable criminal investigator with the FBI Cellular Analysis Survey Team (“CAST”).  Special Agent Wines provided critical cell site analysis and testimony in numerous federal and state investigations and prosecutions, including 28 murder trials in Connecticut and neighboring states.

The U.S. Attorney’s Award for Outstanding Partnership was presented to Supervisory Attorney Patrick Ward and Senior Staff Attorneys Robert Ziemiecki and Stephanie Scannell-Vessella of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.  Attorneys Ward, Ziemicki and Scannell-Vessella have worked closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to defend litigation, including an 850-member class action, brought by medically-vulnerable inmates at FCI Danbury during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The U.S. Attorney’s Outstanding Community Award was presented to Stacy Spell for his superior service as the New Haven Project Manager of Project Longevity, a statewide group violence reduction initiative, and his prior work as a long-time member of the New Haven Police Department and as a community activist.

The Financial Fraud and Public Corruption Unit Award was presented to a team of investigators from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) whose work led to the successful prosecution of Farouq Fasasi and several associates in Connecticut who were involved in lottery scams and romance fraud scams that defrauded primarily elderly victims across the country of more than $5 million.  Fasasi and five others were convicted of various charges stemming from the schemes and, in August 2022, Fasasi was sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment.

The Major Crimes Unit Award was given to members of the Town of Groton Police Department, FBI and Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), who jointly investigated Randall Tilton, a U.S. Navy mechanic who sexually assaulted seven infants and children over an eight-year period, and produced videos and images of his sexual abuse.  In June 2021, Tilton was sentenced to 210 years of imprisonment.

The Violent Crimes and Narcotics Unit Award was presented an FBI special agent and FBI Task Force Officers from the New Haven Police Department and Milford Police Department who led “Operation Fantasy Island,” an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation targeting members and associates of the Island Brothers gang.  The Island Brothers trafficked heroin, crack and cocaine in both the New Haven region and the area of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, and engaged in violence to protect its turf.  Twenty-Five individuals were convicted of various drug and firearm offenses as a result of the investigation.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut and representing the federal government in civil litigation.  The Office is composed of approximately 68 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and 57 staff members at offices in New Haven, Bridgeport and Hartford.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALGENYS PAULINO, also known as “Chico” and “Lying Queen,” 34, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 87 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for supplying narcotics to members of a Waterbury-area drug trafficking ring.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2020, the DEA New Haven Task Force and Waterbury Police Department began an investigation into a drug trafficking organization that was distributing large amounts of heroin, cocaine and crack in the Waterbury area, and was believed to be headed by Zachary Lee Foster, who worked closely with Jason Metz of Naugatuck.  The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones used by members of the organization, physical surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, and motor vehicle stops that resulted in the seizure of drugs.  In December 2020 and January 2021, Paulino was intercepted multiple times on a wiretap negotiating the sale of bulk quantities of heroin and cocaine to Foster and Metz.

On March 1, 2021, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Paulino, Foster, Metz and 14 others.  Paulino was arrested on March 2, 2021.

Foster, Metz, and several associates were arrested on March 3, 2021.  In  association with these arrests, law enforcement executed seven search warrants and seized approximately 40,000 bags of suspected heroin, 350 grams of cocaine and 50 grams of crack cocaine, and nine firearms

Paulino has been detained since his arrest.  On March 1, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.

Foster and Metz also pleaded guilty.  On June 8, 2022, Metz was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment.  Foster awaits sentencing.

This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department.  The DEA New Haven 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 Patrick F. Caruso and Brendan Keefe through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that Yale University, on behalf of Yale Medicine and the Yale Fertility Center, has entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal government in which it will pay a total of $308,250 to resolve allegations that it violated civil provisions of the Controlled Substances Act.

The Yale Fertility Center is a fertility medical practice located on Yale University’s West Campus, in Orange, Connecticut.  The Yale Fertility Center is operated by Yale Medicine, the clinical practice for the Yale School of Medicine, and a component of Yale University (collectively, “Yale”).  The settlement resolves allegations that Yale failed to maintain complete and accurate records concerning the controlled substances it purchased and dispensed at the Yale Fertility Center, and failed to provide effective controls and procedures to guard against theft and diversion of controlled substances.

In November 2020, Donna Monticone, a nurse responsible for ordering and inventorying controlled substances at the Yale Fertility Center, was discovered to have tampered with vials of fentanyl.  The fentanyl was kept at the Yale Fertility Center for patient use during out-patient surgical fertility procedures.  A criminal investigation revealed that Monticone stole the fentanyl for her own use.  She withdrew the fentanyl from the vials, reinjected saline into the vials and reintroduced the vials into the stock of the Yale Fertility Center to be used during surgical procedures.

In March 2021, Monticone pleaded guilty in federal court to tampering with a consumer product.  A related civil investigation identified 685 separate occasions in which the record-keeping requirements of the Controlled Substances Act were allegedly violated by Yale.  The DEA’s audit of the Yale Fertility Center’s inventory of controlled substances revealed discrepancies of 665 units of controlled substances, including vials of fentanyl 100mcg, ketamine 10mg, and midazolam 2mg.  The investigation also found that Yale failed to maintain an initial inventory, failed to keep a record of destruction of controlled substances, and was unable to readily produce DEA e222 forms, which are required records for purchase and sale of Schedule II controlled substances.

Congress, with the passage of the Controlled Substances Act, took steps to create “a closed system” of distribution for controlled substances in which every facet of the handling of the substances – from their manufacture to their consumption by the ultimate user – was to be subject to intense governmental regulation.  This mission was taken against the backdrop of trying to prevent the diversion and abuse of legitimate controlled substances, while still ensuring that an adequate supply of those substances meet the medical and scientific needs of the United States. 

“This settlement highlights our office’s efforts to ensure compliance with the Controlled Substances Act,” said U.S. Attorney Avery.  “Healthcare providers’ obligations to keep accurate records and safeguard access to controlled substances are key to prevent diversion of these powerful drugs, and to ensure the safety of our community.”

“The DEA is committed to ensuring that all registrants are in compliance with the required regulations, which are enforceable through the Controlled Substances Act,” said Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England.  “Failure to do so increases the potential for diversion and jeopardizes public health and public safety.  DEA pledges to work with our law enforcement and regulatory partners to ensure these rules and regulations are followed.”

This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Office of Diversion Control.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Kaczmarek. 

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TEVIN GONZALEZ, 25, of Holyoke, Massachusetts, was sentenced today by U.S. Circuit Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in Bridgeport to 66 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing firearms.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the summer of 2021, Gonzalez was involved in shooting and fire-bombing incidents in and around Springfield, Massachusetts.  Gonzalez was arrested at a hotel in Enfield, Connecticut, on September 3, 2021.  At the time of his arrest, he possessed two semiautomatic pistols.

Gonzalez’s criminal history includes convictions in Massachusetts for felony drug, firearm and resisting arrest 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.

Gonzalez has been detained since his arrest.  On March 25, 2022, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of firearms by a felon.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Massachusetts State Police, Enfield Police Department and Springfield Police Department.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Keefe 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.

The Justice Department today announced the results of its efforts over the past year to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation.  During the past year, the Department and its law enforcement partners tackled matters that ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors.  Substantial efforts were also made over the last year to return money to fraud victims. Today, the Department also announced it is expanding its Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to amplify efforts to combat scams originating overseas.

“We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland.  “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”

“Elder fraud schemes are becoming more sophisticated and more dastardly, and our office will continue to prioritize the prosecution of individuals who victimize vulnerable individuals,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery.  “We are also committed to engaging with older members of our community to help them avoid scams that put them at great financial risk.”

From September 2021 to September 2022, Justice Department personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged.

Elder fraud cases prosecuted in the District of Connecticut include:

• U.S. v. Clason – Matthew Clason, of Cheshire, was a registered investment advisor who stole more than $600,000 from an elderly client.  In December 2021, he was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment.
• U.S. v. Fasasi, et al – Farouq Fasasi and several associates in Connecticut were involved in lottery scams and romance fraud scams that defrauded primarily elderly victims across the country of more than $5 million.  One elderly Connecticut resident lost more than $1 million.  Fasasi and five others were convicted of various charges stemming from the schemes.  In August 2022, Fasasi was sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment. 
• U.S. v. Senerth – Douglas Senerth, of South Windsor, stole approximately $679,000 from his grandparents by falsely claiming to be a college student and inducing them to give him money to pay for nonexistent college tuition and other related expenses, and funds that he claimed he would invest on their behalf.  In July 2022, he was sentenced to 18 months of imprisonment.
• U.S. v. Singh – Jhanannie Singh, of Queens, New York, stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in U.S. Savings Bonds from an elderly woman for whom she provided home health services, and then enlisted others to help her sell the bonds.  Singh pleaded guilty in August 2022 and awaits sentencing.
• U.S. v. Ivy – Gregory Ivy, of New Haven, stole blank checks from a retired woman for whom he performed odd jobs.  Ivy forged the victims signature on some of the checks and deposit them into his personal account, and also provided checks to another individual, who further shared the victim’s bank account information.  The victim lost more than $479,000 through this scheme, and Ivy personally stole more than $162,000.  Ivy pleaded guilty in September 2022 and awaits sentencing.

As part of the District of Connecticut’s elder fraud efforts, it engages in outreach to the community and industry to raise awareness about scams and exploitation and preventing victimization. This year, members of the office have made presentations at several community senior centers in Connecticut, AARP-CT roundtables and law enforcement conferences.

The Justice Department also highlighted three other efforts: expansion of the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force, success in returning money to victims and efforts to combat grandparent scams.

The Department announced that, as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice, it is expanding the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, adding 14 new U.S. Attorney’s Offices.  Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat largest and most harmful fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults.

In the past year, the Justice Department has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for remission payments.  Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies prosecuted by the Department and were later victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee.  More than 150,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $52 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks.  Also notified were consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union.  In the past year, the Department has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission.  Since March 2020, more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million as a result of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and its aiding and abetting of wire fraud.

Over the past year, the Justice Department pursued cases against the perpetrators of “grandparent scams,” otherwise known as “person-in-need scams.”  These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member.  Call recipients are told that their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money.  When recently sentencing one of eight perpetrators of a grandparent scam indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal judge described such scams “heartbreakingly evil.”  The Department is working with government partners and others to raise awareness about these schemes.

Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults.  If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 833-372-8311.  This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professional who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps.  Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis.  The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.[ET]. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.

Some of the cases that comprise today’s announcement are charges, which are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

New Haven, Conn. – Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today affirmed the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s commitment to ensure environmental justice for all Connecticut residents.

The U.S. Department of Justice’s comprehensive Environmental Justice Enforcement Strategy aims to ensure that all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, receive fair treatment and meaningful involvement with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies.  In coordination with local, state, federal and tribal partners, as well as members of the community, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is identifying areas of environmental justice concern in Connecticut.  The Office will use all available federal civil and criminal enforcement tools, including environmental protection laws, civil rights laws, the False Claims Act, and worker safety and consumer protection statutes, to advance environmental justice by seeking timely and effective remedies for injury to natural resources, and to correct systemic environmental violations and contaminations in underserved communities that have been historically marginalized and overburdened, including low-income communities and communities of color.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to delivering justice to the residents of Connecticut who are disproportionately burdened by the health and economic impacts of environmental hazards,” said U.S. Attorney Avery.  “Every resident of the State of Connecticut benefits from rigorous enforcement of federal environmental laws that safeguard a healthy environment.”

U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery has appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne F. Thidemann as the District of Connecticut’s Environmental Justice Coordinator, and encourages Connecticut residents to report environmental justice concerns to Assistant U.S. Attorney Thidemann at anne.thidemann@usdoj.gov.  Environmental, health and safety concerns can also be reported to the following agencies:

• For concerns about air quality, climate change, chemicals and toxics, or health, land, waste, and cleanup, report the violation to the Environmental Protection Agency at https://echo.epa.gov/report-environmental-violations
• For concerns about workplace conditions such as chemicals or noxious fumes, contact the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) at 800-321-6742 or https://www.osha.gov/ords/osha7/eComplaintForm.html
• For concerns about the destruction of wetlands, contact your local district branch of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Office at 978-318-8338 or cenae-r-ct@usace.army.mil (USACE, New England District)
• For concerns about discriminatory environmental and health impacts caused by recipients of federal funds, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut’s Civil Rights Unit at cindy.gartland@usdoj.gov
   

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut and representing the federal government in civil litigation.  The District is composed of approximately 68 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and approximately 57 staff members at offices in New Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID CINTRON, 26, of Manchester, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl.

In July 2019, the DEA’s Hartford Task Force began investigating a Mexican-based drug trafficking organization that was distributing fentanyl and heroin in Connecticut.  The investigation revealed that Cintron, Armando Gonzalez and other members of the organization received kilogram-quantities of narcotics, primarily fentanyl, from a source in Mexico, and then distributed the drug to street-level distributors.  Members of the organization delivered cash generated from the sale of narcotics to a money broker in Brooklyn, New York, who assisted in laundering the narcotics proceeds before they were transferred to leaders of the drug trafficking organization.  Between August and October 2019, investigators seized more than $200,000 in cash from members of the drug trafficking organization.

Cintron and Gonzalez used several locations to store, process and package fentanyl for street stale, including office space on Pratt Street in Hartford, an apartment in the Asylum Hill neighborhood in Hartford, and an apartment in New Britain.

Cintron, Gonzalez and three associates were arrested on federal charges on April 28, 2020.  On that date, investigators searched the New Britain apartment and seized numerous bags of suspected fentanyl, items used to process and package narcotics, a 9mm firearm, 9mm ammunition, and cash.  Cintron was located in the bathroom of his Manchester residence, flushing suspected fentanyl in the toilet.

On June 3, 2020, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Cintron, Gonzalez and eight others with narcotics distribution and money laundering offenses.  On May 11, 2022, Cintron pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.  He has been detained since his arrest on April 28, 2020. 

Gonzalez, of New Britain, pleaded guilty to related charges and, on June 27, 2022, was sentenced to 120 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.  Agencies assisting the investigation include the DEA New York Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Strike Force and the New York Police Department.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston, announced that KYLE FASOLD, 52, of Plainville, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to child exploitation offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 6, 2020, after an investigation revealed that Fasold had uploaded images of child pornography to the dark web, HSI special agents, with the assistance of the Plainville Police Department and Connecticut State Police, executed a court-authorized search of Fasold’s residence and seized numerous electronic devices.  Analysis of the seized devices revealed that between June 2017 and February 2020, Fasold surreptitiously recorded at least 29 minors, as well as several adults, by placing video-recording devices in locations where he knew minors would likely be partially or fully naked, including bathrooms in his residence, the girl’s locker room in Plainville High School, and the bathroom adjacent to the coach’s office in Plainville High School.  Fasold edited the videos to produce approximately 391 images depicting lascivious exhibition of the victims’ genitals or pubic area, and uploaded numerous images to the dark web.

At time of the offense, Fasold was a parent volunteer for a youth recreational swim program in Plainville.

Fasold pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, and one count of distribution of child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for December 22.

Fasold has been detained since his arrest on March 6, 2020.

This investigation has been conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Plainville Police Department and the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.

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, today announced that ROY REID, also known as “Jama,” 34, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to a fentanyl trafficking offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the fall of 2021, the New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force and New Haven Police Department began investigating a drug trafficking ring that was distributing fentanyl, heroin crack and cocaine in and around the West Hills neighborhood, including the McConaughy Terrace housing complex, in New Haven.  The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps, fixed video surveillance and controlled purchases of narcotics.  Between June 2021 and January 2022, investigators made five controlled purchases of fentanyl from Reid.

Reid pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution, of fentanyl, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Judge Nagala scheduled sentencing for December 20.

Reid was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on April 5, 2022.  He is released on a $150,000 bond pending sentencing.

In November 2013, Reid was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 26 months of imprisonment for a heroin trafficking offense.

This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  The Task Force includes participants from the New Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, East Haven Police Department, West Haven Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Connecticut Department of Correction.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Kenneth L. Gresham 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 a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging TEEJAY JOHNSON, 37, of New Haven, with unlawful firearm possession and fentanyl distribution offenses.

The indictment was returned on September 6, 2022.  Johnson, who has been detained since his federal arrest on April 21, 2022, appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in count, on March 9, 2022, members of the New Haven Police Department Shooting Task Force and other law enforcement officers executed a state search warrant at Johnson’s residence.  Johnson was found coming out of the bathroom and suspected narcotics had been flushed down the toilet.  Investigators collected samples of suspected narcotics from the bathroom, and found in other areas of the residence fentanyl and other suspected narcotics, suspected marijuana, more than $8,600 in cash, and a loaded .40 caliber handgun with an extended magazine and 16 rounds of ammunition.

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

The indictment charges Johnson with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the New Haven Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia King.

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 SHANNON DAVIS, 29, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to approximately 34 months of imprisonment, time already served, and three years of supervised release, for drug distribution and firearm possession offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2019, an investigation revealed that Davis was selling drugs from his Franklin Avenue residence.  Davis was arrested on November 25, 2019, after a court-authorized search of his residence revealed approximately 100 dose bags of fentanyl, approximately 28 grams of crack cocaine, items used to process and package narcotics for distribution, and two loaded handguns.

Davis’ criminal history includes state felony convictions for firearm possession 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.

Davis has been detained since his arrest.  On March 23, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Hartford Police Department’s Vice, Intelligence and Narcotics Unit.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret M. Donovan and 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, announced that JAMES BAKER, 37, of Norwich, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four 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 February 3, 2021, Norwich Police stopped Baker for a motor vehicle violation and found a loaded, .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol under the driver’s seat of the vehicle, and more than 600 bags of fentanyl on his person.

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

Baker has been detained since February 3, 2021.  On June 27, 2022, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Norwich 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.

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 David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that, on September 22, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned a superseding indictment charging TIHAJA ORTIZ-TUCKER, also known as “TJ,” 19, of New Haven, with carjacking, firearm and conspiracy offenses.

As alleged in court documents, on at least three occasions between March 2022 and July 2022, Ortiz-Tucker and others posed as interested buyers of motor vehicles advertised by Connecticut residents (the “victim-sellers”) on Facebook Marketplace.  Ortiz-Tucker and his co-conspirators then arranged to meet in person with the victim-sellers for the purported purpose of test driving and purchasing the motor vehicles.  At the conclusion of the purported test drives, Ortiz-Tucker and his co-conspirators stole, at gunpoint, the vehicles, as well as certificates of title, bills of sale, and other ownership documents.  Ortiz-Tucker and his co-conspirators then posed as the legitimate owners of the stolen motor vehicles and advertised them for sale on the OfferUp online platform.

It is further alleged that Ortiz-Tucker was involved in two carjackings of Uber drivers in May 2022.  In both instances, an Uber driver picked up the carjacker in New Haven and drove to Wallingford where the cars were taken from the Uber drivers at gunpoint.  Both cars were later recovered in the same area of Hamden.

Ortiz-Tucker was arrested on a criminal complaint on July 22, 2022. 

The indictment charges Ortiz-Tucker with one count of conspiracy, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years; three counts of taking a motor vehicle from a person by force, violence and intimidation (“carjacking”), an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years on each count; and one count of carrying, using and brandishing a firearm in connection with a crime of violence, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least seven years.

Ortiz-Tucker has been detained since September 2, 2022, when his bond was revoked.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Violent Crime Task Force, the Connecticut State Police and the Wallingford, New Haven, Hamden, Waterbury, and Bridgeport Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah P. Karwan and Tara E. Levens.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment yesterday charging OSCAR FLORES, 34, of Mount Rainier, Maryland, and SEVERO ALELAR, 25, of Hyattsville, Maryland, with fentanyl trafficking offenses.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on September 8, 2022, Flores, Alelar and others arrived in an SUV at a meeting location in Wethersfield to sell approximately 15,000 fentanyl pills to an undercover DEA agent.  After Flores showed the undercover agent a sample on the fentanyl pills, the agent indicated that he needed to travel to another location to pick up the money.  Flores, Alelar and the others followed the undercover agent’s vehicle as they traveled south into Rocky Hill.  When a Rocky Hill police officer attempted to stop the SUV for a traffic violation, the SUV sped and ran over a roadside curb onto a grass area along the side of the road where law enforcement vehicles boxed it in.  Investigators searched the SUV and found numerous Nerds candy boxes and Skittles candy bags containing thousands of fentanyl pills.

“Trafficking fentanyl is already and undoubtedly a serious offense, but one doesn’t have to stretch their imagination too far to consider how disguising fentanyl pills in children’s candy packaging, as we allege, can result in even more tragic consequences in the community,” said U.S. Attorney Avery.  “I thank the DEA Task Force members for their work in this investigation and for taking this substantial quantity of fentanyl off the street.”

“Fentanyl is causing deaths in record numbers and DEA’s top priority is to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes this poison in order to profit and destroy people’s lives,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Boyle.  “Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities so every time we take pills containing fentanyl off the streets, lives are undoubtedly saved.  This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative local, county and state law enforcement efforts in Connecticut and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices.”

The indictment charges Flores and Alelar with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.  Each charge carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 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.

Flores and Alelar have been detained since September 8, 2022.

This investigation is being conducted by the DEA’s Hartford Task Force, which includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that KOUDRIS POUNDER, 38, formerly of Norwalk, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing controlled substances.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the fall of 2019, Norwalk Police made controlled purchases of cocaine and MDMA (“ecstasy”) from Pounder.  On November 19, 2020, a court-authorized search of Pounder’s residence revealed distribution quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, phencyclidine (PCP) and marijuana; items used to process and package drugs for street sale; and firearm parts.

Pounder was federally arrested on January 30, 2020.  On February 24, 2022, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

This is Pounder’s second federal conviction.

Pounder, who is released on a $50,000 bond and residing in the Bronx, New York, is required to report to prison on November 16.

This investigation was conducted by the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and the Norwalk Police Department.  The HIDTA Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford and Danbury Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Boyles.