District of Connecticut

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FELIX CANCEL, JR., 49, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 108 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in a fentanyl ring while incarcerated in a federal prison.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2008, Cancel was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 240 months of imprisonment for narcotics distribution and money laundering offenses stemming from his leadership on an extensive Hartford-based heroin trafficking organization.  Cancel has been detained in federal custody since March 2007.

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 Armando Gonzalez, David Cintron 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.

Gonzalez and Cintron 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. 

The investigation revealed that, while he was incarcerated at a federal prison in New Hampshire, Cancel used a contraband cellphone to help coordinate large-scale fentanyl transactions between the Mexican source and Gonzalez and Cintron in Connecticut.

On June 3, 2020, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Cancel, Gonzalez, Cintron and seven others with narcotics distribution and money laundering offenses.  On April 18, 2022, Cancel pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.

Gonzalez and Cintron pleaded guilty to related charges.  On June 27, 2022, Gonzalez, of New Britain, was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment.  Cintron, of Manchester, is scheduled to be sentenced on September 30.

Judge Hall imposed the 108-month prison term concurrently with Cancel’s prior federal sentence, which has an anticipated completion date in August 2024.

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, announced that PHILLIP GARCIA, also known as “Flip,” 50, last residing in Bloomfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 87 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force revealed that Garcia sold cocaine, as well as fentanyl disguised as oxycodone pills, through a network of associates in the Hartford area.  The investigation also revealed that Garcia unlawfully possessed firearms.  Between July and December 2020, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl pills and cocaine from Garcia and his associates.  Investigators also acquired from Garcia two handguns, one of which was stolen, and firearm magazines.

Garcia was arrested on December 16, 2020.  On February 14, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.

Garcia has been detained since his arrest.

Judge Shea also ordered Garcia to forfeit his 2018 Cadillac XTS, and $19,472 in cash.

The FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Konstantin Lantsman and Brian Leaming, 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 RONDELL CHAMBERS, 32, of Vernon, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 33 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing a loaded firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 17, 2020, Hartford Police stopped a vehicle in which Chambers was a passenger in order to arrest Chambers on outstanding warrants.  When Chambers stepped out of the vehicle, he dropped a satchel containing a loaded Bersa Firestorm .40 caliber pistol.  Chambers was arrested and the firearm was seized.

Chambers’ criminal history includes multiple state felony convictions for drug and gun 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 May 27, 2022, Chambers pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.

Chambers, who is released on a $150,000 bond, is required to report to prison on November 11.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elena L. Coronado and David Sheldon 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 BRYAN WILSON, 40, of Madison, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for tampering with fentanyl vials at the company where he was employed.  Judge Shea also ordered Wilson to pay a $5,000 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Wilson was employed as a nurse by The Vascular Experts, a Connecticut company that performs outpatient medical procedures.  As part of his duties, Wilson was responsible for conducting sedations on patients and he had access to the secure area in his workplace that contained vials of drugs used as anesthetics, including fentanyl.  In August and September 2021, Wilson took vials of fentanyl that were intended to be used to formulate infusion for patients.  He used a syringe to withdraw the fentanyl from the vials and reinjected saline into the vials so that it would appear as if none of the narcotics were missing.  When another nurse at the company noticed that vials had been tampered with, and Wilson was subsequently questioned by company officials, Wilson admitted that he stole the fentanyl and used it to treat a medical condition.

On February 10, 2022, Wilson pleaded guilty to one count of tampering with a consumer product.

Wilson, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on January 9, 2023.

Wilson has surrendered his nursing license.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAYMOND JURADO, 36, of Manchester, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2017, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and Hartford Police Department received information that Jurado’s associate, Randy Texidor, was distributing significant quantities of heroin.  Between October and December 2017, investigators made eight controlled purchases of escalating quantities of heroin and/or fentanyl from Texidor, and on another four occasions purchased heroin/fentanyl from Jurado.  The investigation revealed that Texidor and Jurado used an apartment on Wadsworth Street in Hartford to process, package and store heroin.  On February 13, 2018, a court-authorized search of the apartment revealed approximately 92 grams of fentanyl, 23 grams of heroin, 500 dose bags of suspected heroin/fentanyl, items used to process and package narcotics, a .380 caliber pistol, and $5,981 in cash.

Jurado and Texidor were arrested on February 13, 2018.  On April 28, 2022, Jurado pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.

Jurado, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on November 9.

Texidor pleaded guilty to fentanyl distribution and gun possession offenses and, on March 18, 2021, was sentenced to 72 months of imprisonment.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOEL LINDSAY, also known as “Joey Guapo,” 24, a citizen of Jamaica last residing in East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 135 months of imprisonment for child sex trafficking.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2019, Lindsay conspired with his associate, Joseph Pina, to recruit, entice and transport a 16-year-old girl to engage in commercial sex acts.  Specifically, on October 17, 2019, Lindsay, Pina and another individual picked up the minor victim and took her to a hotel in East Windsor. At the hotel, they took photographs of the minor victim and posted her photos on a website to advertise her sexual services.  Lindsay and Pina then arranged prostitution appointments for the minor victim.  On that night, the minor victim earned at least $100 from prostitution appointments, all of which she gave to Lindsay.

On October 18, 2019, Lindsay and Pina posted more advertisements on the same web site and arranged prostitution appointments for the minor victim at a hotel in Windsor Locks.  The following two days, Lindsay and Pina posted advertisements on the website and the minor victim saw additional prostitution customers.  The victim again gave all of the money earned through these appointments to Lindsay.

The investigation further revealed that Lindsay and Pina engaged in sexual activity with the minor victim, even though they knew that she was under the age of 18.  The minor victim also reported to investigators that Lindsay physically assaulted her.

Lindsay, a citizen of Jamaica, has been detained since arrest on August 20, 2020.  On October 15, 2021, he pleaded to sex trafficking of a minor.

Lindsay faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.

Pina pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor and, on March 2, 2022, was sentenced to 96 months of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel M. Krull.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL NASTU, 63, of Bridgeport, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to a child exploitation offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2021, Nastu, using the Kik social media application, initiated a chat with an FBI Online Covert Employee who was posing as a 14-year-old girl from Connecticut.  Between March 31 and June 25, 2021, Nastu sent the OCE sexually explicit messages and several pictures and videos of male genitalia, and he attempted to entice the OCE to send him child pornography in return.  Although they had multiple text exchanges about meeting in person, Nastu never travelled to meet the OCE.

Nastu pleaded guilty to one count of attempted transfer of obscene materials to a minor, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Nastu was arrested on a criminal complaint on June 30, 2021.  He is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda S. Oakes and Nancy V. Gifford through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody today announced that GLEN DAUPHIN, 50, of Newington, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to a firearm offense stemming from his unlawful possession of numerous firearms, firearm components and ammunition.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2021, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and Hartford Police Department learned that Dauphin was a user of crack cocaine who had amassed at his Tremont Street residence a large collection of firearms, some of which he knew were unlawful to possess, and numerous rounds of ammunition.  Investigators also received information that Dauphin possessed firearm components, ammunition, “ghost guns” and parts used to manufacture ghost guns.

On June 24, 2021, investigators made a controlled purchase of more than 100 rounds of ammunition and a ghost gun “kit” from Dauphin.  Dauphin was arrested later that day after investigators conducted a court authorized search of his residence and seized more than 40 firearms, including handguns, shotguns and assault-type rifles; firearm components, including two silencers; other weapons and devices, including a flamethrower; and more than 30,000 rounds of ammunition.

Dauphin pleaded guilty to one count of possession of an unregistered silencer, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Dauphin is released on a $200,000 bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for December 21.

This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department’s Vice Intelligence and Narcotics Division, with the assistance of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Newington Police Department.  The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Margaret M. Donovan.

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

The indictment was returned on September 14, 2022, and Rountree was arrested yesterday.  He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven, entered a plea of not guilty to the charges, and was ordered detained.

As alleged in the indictment and statements made in court, on May 24, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Rountree’s residence and seized quantities of crack cocaine and fentanyl, three semi-automatic pistols, and ammunition.  As police arrived, Rountree attempted to flee by jumping over the railing of the apartment’s balcony.  He was arrested and charged with related state offenses.

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

The indictment charges Rountree with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base (“crack”), which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years; and unlawful possession of firearms by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and 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 and the New Haven and Hamden Police Departments.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Gresham 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, today announced that MARK PAGANI, 61, of Bolton, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 45 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for fraud and tax evasion offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2013 to at least August 2015, Pagani conspired with another person (“K.S.”), who is now deceased, to defraud a victim investor of more than $1 million.  K.S. arranged investment deals with the victim, including the purported acquisition of mortgages on properties.  Pagani drafted documents to memorialize certain investment deals, accepted funds from the victim and held the funds in accounts he controlled, and he transferred funds to entities controlled by K.S. and others.  By the time the victim investor made a third investment, which was to acquire mortgages on properties in Springfield, Massachusetts, and Middletown, Connecticut, Pagani knew that the first two investments had not occurred, and that the third investment was not legitimate.  In association with the third investment, the victim wired more than $1.3 million to an account Pagani controlled.  These funds were comingled with other funds, which Pagani sent a portion of to an entity for the benefit of K.S.  In order to conceal the fraud and to create the appearance that it was a legitimate investment, Pagani wired false interest payments to the victim.

In addition, for the 2014 through 2017 tax years, Pagani paid for personal and other expenses using his law firm account and underreported his income on his federal tax returns, resulting in a tax loss of $181,702.  Pagani was previously a practicing attorney with a law office in Wethersfield.

Judge Bryant will issue a restitution order at a later date.

On August 20, 2021, Pagani pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and one count of tax evasion. 

This is Pagani’s third federal conviction.

Pagani, who is released on bond, was ordered to report to prison on January 13, 2023.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer R. Laraia and Michael S. McGarry.

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 GREGORY IVY, 23, of New Haven, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to one count of bank fraud.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2018, Ivy began working for a retired woman (“the victim”), doing odd jobs for her.  In October 2018, Ivy began to steal checks from the victim’s checkbook while in her home.  He then wrote checks payable to himself, forged the victim’s signature on the checks, and deposited the checks into his personal credit union account.  Ivy also gave stolen blank checks on which he had forged the victim’s signature to another individual, who then cashed or deposited the checks.  That individual then recruited other individuals, including Lamont Bethea, to cash or deposit stolen checks on which Ivy had forged the victim’s signature.

Bethea used the information on the stolen checks, including the bank routing number and the victim’s bank account number, to arrange electronic funds transfers (EFTs) from the victim’s bank account to make payments for himself, his family members, and other friends or acquaintances.  Bethea used these EFTs to pay credit cards bills, rent, car insurance, student loans, cell phone bills, and other payments for himself and others. Bethea also provided the victim’s routing and bank account numbers to other individuals so they could arrange similar EFTs for themselves and others from the victim’s account.

Ivy, Bethea and other participants attempted to obtain a total of $624,818.28 from the victim’s bank account.  Because the victim’s bank account became overdrawn, some attempted check deposits or EFTs were reversed, resulting in a loss to the victim of $479,569.08.  Ivy personally stole $162,942 from the victim during his involvement in the scheme, which lasted until May 2021.

Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for December 21, at which time Ivy faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years. 

Ivy was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on November 8, 2021.  He is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.

Bethea and his family members and friends stole more than $131,000 from the victim.  On September 1, 2022, Bethea pleaded guilty to fraud offenses stemming from this scheme and a separate, unrelated scheme.  He awaits sentencing.

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of Bank of America.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARVEL JOHNSON, 50, a citizen of Jamaica residing in Derby, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 12 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for making false statements to receive Medicaid benefits.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately 2008 and 2020, Johnson used false social security numbers to enroll and maintain his enrollment in the Connecticut Medicaid health care benefits program known as “Husky.”  In November 2015, called Access Health CT, the agency responsible for administering Medicaid/Husky enrollment for Connecticut, and provided false social security numbers in an attempt to receive retroactive insurance coverage for his recently-born son.  Johnson did not receive the retroactive coverage for his son, but he and his family continued to remain enrolled in Husky.  In 2018, following a verification request by Access Health CT for a citizenship document, Johnson mailed a false New Jersey birth certificate bearing his name.  Johnson was, in fact, born in Jamaica.

Judge Meyer ordered Johnson to pay restitution of $150,380.83

Johnson was arrested on November 19, 2020.  On April 28, 2022, he pleaded guilty to making false statements in health care matters.

Johnson, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on December 1.

This investigation was conducted by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG); Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service’s Office of Fraud Detection and National Security; the U.S. Department of State, Office of Inspector General; and the Connecticut Department of Social Services.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Gresham.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAVON MOORNING, 43, of New Haven, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to possession of a stolen firearm.  Moorning also admitted that he violated the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2011, Moorning was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 100 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.  In December 2014, Moorning’s sentence was reduced to 84 months of imprisonment.

Moorning was released from federal prison in June 2018.  Shortly after his release, and while on supervised release, he sold heroin and crack cocaine to an individual working with law enforcement.  When Moorning was arrested on July 24, 2018, he possessed additional amounts of heroin and crack cocaine.  Moorning pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin and cocaine base (“crack”), and he admitted that he had violated his supervised release.  On January 9, 2019, he was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release. 

Moorning was released from prison in April 2020.  On May 17, 2022, he was a passenger in a car that crashed into a tree behind a residence on Whitney Avenue in Hamden after he and an associate attempted to flee from state probation and Hamden Police officers who were serving probation violation warrants.  Moorning ran from the vehicle, removed a 9mm handgun from his waistband and tossed it to the ground.  State probation officers apprehended Moorning and found him in possession of approximately 20 individual-dose bags of suspected heroin, and quantities of crack cocaine and MDMA pills.  A Hamden Police officer recovered the firearm that Moorning had discarded.  The handgun, which was loaded, and had been reported stolen in South Carolina in 2020.

Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for December 7, at which time Moorning faces a maximum term of imprisonment 10 years for possessing the stolen firearm, and up to two years of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

Moorning has been detained since June 3, 2022.

This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Hamden Police Department, the Connecticut Office of Adult Probation, and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that REGINO MORILLO-ESPINAL, 40, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in Allentown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 48 months of imprisonment for a fentanyl trafficking offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force identified Morillo-Espinal as a member of a fentanyl trafficking ring.   On March 26, 2021, investigators stopped Morillo-Espinal’s vehicle on I-91 South after he had traveled from Allentown to multiple locations in Hartford.  He was arrested after a search of the vehicle revealed approximately two kilograms of suspected fentanyl.

Morillo-Espinal has been detained since his arrest.  On October 27, 2021, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

Morillo-Espinal faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.

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.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JEAN MANGUAL-CASTRO, 35, of West Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to a cocaine trafficking offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation headed by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force revealed that Mangual-Castro was orchestrating shipments of cocaine through the U.S. Mail from Puerto Rico.  On December 20, 2021, after investigators identified a suspicious package that had been delivered to the West Haven residence of Mangual-Castro’s mother, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of the residence and seized approximately two kilograms of cocaine, a Rolex watch, jewelry, and approximately $2,900 in cash.  During the investigation, law enforcement also found at another location approximately three kilograms of cocaine that had been mailed from Puerto Rico to Connecticut at Mangual-Castro’s direction.  Investigators identified more than 30 suspicious parcels that had been shipped from Puerto Rico to addresses connected to Mangual-Castro in Connecticut.

Mangual-Castro pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.  Judge Nagala scheduled sentencing for December 5.

Mangual-Castro has been detained since his arrest on December 20, 2021. 

The FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang 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.  The U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden and Town of Groton Police Departments.

This case 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, and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, and Waterbury Chief of Police Fernando C. Spagnolo today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging CHRISTOPHER POLLER, 28, of Waterbury, was drug distribution and firearm possession offenses.

The indictment was returned on August 9.  On September 6, Poller appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and pleaded not guilty to the charges.  Poller has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on May 3.

The indictment alleges that, on May 3, 2022, Poller possessed quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine that he intended to distribute, and two loaded handguns.

The indictment further alleges that Poller’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for narcotics distribution, larceny, assault, escape, and weapons possession offenses.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

The indictment charges Poller with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base (“crack”), an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Waterbury Police Department.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Boyles 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 WILLIE JACKSON, 27, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for firearm possession and narcotics distribution offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Jackson was arrested on March 27, 2020, after he had absconded from a halfway house while on state parole.  At the time of his arrest, he possessed a loaded .40 caliber Ruger handgun with an obliterated serial number, 111 wax folds of fentanyl, and quantities of oxycodone pills and marijuana.  The handgun was reported stolen in Bridgeport in 2019.

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

Jackson has been detained since his arrest.  On April 29, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of firearm by a felon and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Haven 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.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Jose Lugo, also known as “Domi,” 34, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 38 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing oxycodone from a New Britain grocery store.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the summer of 2019, the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the New Britain Police Department began investigating individuals who were selling oxycodone pills from Elzier Grocery, located at 1485 Corbin Avenue in New Britain.  Between July and December 2019, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of oxycodone pills from Lugo, Eliezer Perez and Elzier Grocery’s owner, Raul Cabrera-Vasquez.

Lugo was arrested on February 26, 2020.  On that date, court authorized searches of Elzier Grocery and a nearby residence revealed more than 1000 oxycodone pills, drug packaging materials, drug ledgers, and approximately $10,000 in cash.  The search of Elzier Grocery also revealed a handgun that was wrapped in Lugo’s shirt.

Lugo has been detained since his arrest.  On February 8, 2022, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, oxycodone.

Lugo faces immigration proceeding when he completes his prison term.

Perez and Cabrera-Vasquez pleaded guilty and were each sentenced to 48 months of imprisonment.

This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the New Britain Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging JAIME DIAZ, 29, of Hartford, with illegally possessing and selling firearms.

The indictment was returned on August 31 and Diaz was arrested today.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish in Hartford, pleaded not guilty to the charges, and was released on a $25,000 bond.

As alleged in the indictment and statements made in court, between August 2020 and November 2021, Diaz purchased approximately 17 handguns from two Connecticut firearm dealers.  After obtaining the firearms, he sold them to others in exchange for cash, as well as narcotics.

It is further alleged that, on November 30, 2021, ATF special agents interviewed Diaz and seized the only firearm that remained in his possession.  A second firearm that Diaz purchased was recovered by the Hartford Police Department from an individual charged with drug trafficking.  The remaining guns have not been located.

The indictment charges Diaz with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and one count of dealing in firearms without a license, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.   

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

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Reed Durham.

This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce 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, 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 a seven-count indictment charging JAHQUAN BLACKWIN, also known as “Mula,” 25, of Hartford, with narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.

Blackwin appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and pleaded not guilty to the charges.  Blackwin has been detained since his arrest on August 17.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in June 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force began investigating Blackwin and others for distributing fentanyl and cocaine in the Hartford area.  In July and August 2022, investigators made four controlled purchases of fentanyl from Blackwin.

Blackwin was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on August 17.  On that date, a search of Blackwin’s Judson Street apartment revealed approximately 300 grams of fentanyl, 600 grams of heroin, 100 grams of crack, 500 grams of cocaine, as well as other drugs.  Investigators also found and seized two loaded Polymer 80 handguns (“ghost gun”), one of which was fitted with a high-capacity magazine, and a loaded Glock 43X handgun.

On August 31, 2022, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Blackwin with four counts of possession with intent to distribution, and distribution of, fentanyl, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count; one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”) and 100 grams or more of heroin, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years; one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years.

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

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTHONY DONES, also known as “Ant,” 41, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl and unlawfully possessing a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and Hartford Police Department into drug trafficking and related criminal acts being committed by members and associates of the Los Solidos and Latin Kings street gangs in Hartford’s South End.  Between January and April 2020, investigators conducted multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl from Dones and his associate, Juan Laureano, in the vicinity of Dones’ Montrose Street residence.

Dones and Laureano were arrested on April 8, 2020.  When investigators arrived at Dones’ residence on that date, they found that Dones had just flushed an unknown quantity of fentanyl down the toilet.  A search of Dones’ residence revealed that he was using his basement to process and package fentanyl for street sale.  The search revealed a small quantity of fentanyl, narcotics processing materials, and a loaded .45 caliber pistol.

On March 15, 2022, Dones pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution, of fentanyl, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

Dones, who had been released on bond, was remanded to custody at the conclusion of today’s court proceeding.

Laureano, of Hartford, pleaded guilty and, on March 30, 2022, was sentenced to 18 months of imprisonment.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ROBERT ECKERT, 56, of West Hartford, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to distribution of child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Eckert used multiple internet platforms, including MeWe and Kik, to solicit, receive and distribute images of child sexual abuse and to communicate with others about the distribution of child pornography.  He accessed the online platforms on his phone, at his residence, and at the Lutz Children’s Museum in Manchester where he was employed as its executive director.  Between September 2019 and May 2020, Eckert possessed 1,837 image files and 73 videos depicting child sex abuse, including the abuse of prepubescent minors.

Eckert was arrested on April 8, 2021.

Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for November 28, at which time Eckert faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

This matter has been investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and the Manchester Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nancy V. Gifford and Daniel 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 KHATIJA KHAN, 41, of South Windsor, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy and fraud offenses related to a scheme through which individuals seeking immigration services were defrauded.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Khan and her husband, Babar Khan, operated JLLAS CORP. and EIMAAN LLC, which were created to provide services to clients involved in proceedings with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”).  From 2015 to 2020, the Khans recruited clients who sought some form of immigration status, relief or benefit.  Many of these clients were aliens residing in the U.S. without legal status and had limited education, a limited ability to understand English, and little to no knowledge of the documents that the Khans were filing with USCIS on their behalf. 

Khatija Khan represented herself as an attorney with a background in immigration matters, even though she was not an attorney.  The Khans prepared petitions and applications for their clients that contained information that they knew to be false.  They also fabricated false documents to support their clients’ applications with USCIS without their clients’ knowledge.  They then mailed, or caused to be mailed, these fraudulent applications and documents to USCIS, where they were received and made part of the official Alien file of each respective client.

Many of the Khans’ clients received no relief from USCIS despite paying the Khans significant amounts of money.  To generate fees from clients, Khatija Khan filed applications with USCIS even when the submissions lacked merit or a legitimate basis. 

Khatija and Babar Khan were arrested on December 19, 2019.  After her arrest, Khatija Khan continued to defraud multiple clients.  

Victims identified to date have lost at least $326,212 as a result of this scheme.  Judge Underhill ordered Khatija Kahn to pay full restitution.  

On November 19, 2021, Khatija Khan pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and one count of mail fraud.    

Khatija Khan, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on December 14.

On February 28, 2022, Babar Khan pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and one count of making and subscribing a false tax return.  He is scheduled to be sentenced tomorrow.

This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, with assistance from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAYQUAN GORY, also known as “Wavy,” 26, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 15 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in New Haven drug trafficking ring.

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, which included court-authorized wiretaps, fixed video surveillance and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that a member of the conspiracy was receiving heroin and fentanyl from an out-of-state supplier, and kilogram quantities of cocaine through the U.S. Mail from a source in Puerto Rico.  Gory sold fentanyl and crack cocaine to customers in the McConaughy Terrace complex.

During the investigation, law enforcement seized approximately 19 kilograms of cocaine, more than 7,000 bags of fentanyl, five firearms, and more than $780,000 in cash.

On February 15, 2022, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Gory and seven co-defendants. Gory was arrested on February 17.  On June 8, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine base (“crack”) and cocaine.

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, and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that LAMONT BETHEA, 31, of Hamden, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to fraud offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Bethea took part in two separate criminal schemes.  In the first scheme, Bethea was employed as a Patient Care Associate at Yale New Haven Health Systems (YNHHS).  In June 2020, Bethea and Lorita Fair, who worked in the YNHHS payroll department, began to embezzle YNHHS payroll funds.  Fair made fraudulent entries in the YNHHS payroll system that resulted in Bethea, Fair and another individual receiving direct-deposited payroll payments that they were not entitled to.  Bethea and the other individual then kicked back to Fair a portion of the fraudulent payroll payments they received.  As a result of this scheme, which lasted until December 2020, YNHHS sustained a loss of more than $116,260.  Approximately $106,000 of this amount was paid into Bethea’s bank account.

In the second fraud scheme, beginning in July 2020, Bethea received personal checks that had been stolen from an individual who lived in New Haven.  The victim’s signature was forged on the checks, which were made payable to Bethea, and Bethea deposited them into his personal bank account.  Using the routing and account numbers on the checks, Bethea also arranged electronic transfers from the victim’s bank account and used these transfers to pay personal expenses for himself, his family members, and friends.  The expenses included credit card bills, rent, car insurance payments, student loans, cell phone bills, and other payments.  Through this scheme, Bethea and others stole more than $317,000, of which Bethea and his family members and friends received a total of more than $131,000.

On October 21, 2021, Bethea was arrested on a criminal complaint charging him with offenses arising from the YNHHS fraud scheme.

Bethea pleaded guilty to one count wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of bank fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.  Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for November 23.

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

On April 27, 2022, Fair, of Rock Hill, South Carolina, pleaded guilty to one count of theft in connection with health care for her role in the YNHHS fraud.  She awaits sentencing and is also released on a $50,000 bond.

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of YNHHS and Bank of America.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TREA FRASER, 27, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2020, the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Gang Task Force and the West Haven Police Department began investigating the narcotics trafficking activity of Fraser and another individual.  Between October and December 2020, investigators made controlled purchases of crack cocaine from Fraser.  On February 9, 2021, a search of Fraser’s residence revealed quantities of crack cocaine and heroin items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, ammunition, and $3,900 in cash.  A search of his vehicle revealed approximately 100 grams of cocaine and a loaded .45 caliber Glock 41 handgun that was reported stolen in Alabama.

Fraser has been detained since his federal arrest on March 1, 2021.  On November 17, 2021, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Fraser’s criminal history includes state convictions for firearm and drug offenses, and for witness tampering related to his attempt to have a witness to a shooting incident change his statement.

This matter was investigated by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Gang Task Force and the West Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Konstantin Lantsman.

This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce 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, Special Agent in Charge David Sundberg of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Middletown Police Chief Erik M. Costa, Glastonbury Police Chief Marshall Porter, Newington Police Chief Stephen Clark, and West Hartford Police Chief Vernon Riddick, Jr., today announced that GINO RIZZO, 28, and JALANIA PANTANO, 27, both of Middletown, were arrested yesterday on an indictment charging them with bank robbery offenses.

The FBI and several local police departments have been investigating multiple robberies that occurred this summer at People’s United Bank branches located in Stop & Shop supermarkets in Connecticut.  The indictment alleges that Rizzo robbed People’s United Bank branches located in Stop & Shop supermarkets in Glastonbury on July 16 and in Newington on July 18, and that Rizzo and Pantano robbed a People’s United Bank branch located in a Stop & Shop in West Hartford on July 20.

The three-count indictment was returned by a grand jury in Bridgeport on August 17.  Rizzo and Pantano appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven and were ordered detained.

The charge of bank robbery carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MATTHEW GASTRINGER, 35, of Manchester, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 28 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl pills.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2020, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force began investigating the drug trafficking activities of Phillip Garcia, also known as “Flip,” who was distributing cocaine, as well as fentanyl disguised as oxycodone pills, in the Hartford area through a network of associates.  In July 2020, investigators made two controlled purchases of fentanyl pills from Garcia and Gastringer.  The investigation further revealed that Garcia supplied Gastringer with fentanyl pills that he sold at profit to customers, and also consumed himself. 

Gastringer was arrested on May 12, 2021.  On April 28, 2022, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl.  He has been detained since December 3, 2021, when his bond was revoked.

Garcia pleaded guilty to narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses and awaits sentencing.

The FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Konstantin Lantsman and Brian Leaming, 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 ANDRE HUDSON, 43, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing a firearm while on federal supervised release.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 8, 2021, a Connecticut State Police trooper stopped a vehicle that Hudson was driving at a high rate of speed and found Hudson in possession of a loaded Kel-Tec, Model P-11 9mm pistol and a distribution quantity of marijuana.  He was arrested at that time.

Hudson’s criminal history includes a 2007 federal conviction in Connecticut for distributing crack cocaine, for which he was sentenced to 108 months of imprisonment, and a 2019 federal conviction in Vermont for distributing crack and heroin, for which he was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment and an additional 24 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release in the Connecticut case.

In June 2020, Hudson was granted compassionate release from prison due to the coronavirus pandemic.  He was on supervised release at the time of his arrest in September 2021.

On April 28, 2022, Hudson pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon and he admitted that he violated the conditions of his supervised release.

Judge Meyer sentenced Hudson to 100 months of imprisonment for the firearm offense and a consecutive 20 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Connecticut State Police.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.

This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce 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 CAROLINA GUERRENO, 49, of Fairfield, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to a fraud charge related to her embezzlement of approximately $1.5 million from her employer.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Guerreno served as the Chief Financial Officer of a financial services company located in Shelton.  As part of her job responsibilities, she had access to her employer’s bank accounts and was allowed to initiate financial transactions, including wiring company funds to other bank accounts.  From January 2019 and continuing until her fraud was detected by the company in February 2021, Guerreno stole $1,532,207.24 by altering company financial transactions and directing electronic payments from her employer’s bank account to her credit card accounts, her personal bank accounts, and to pay her home equity line of credit.

Guerreno pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for November 28.

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

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, the Wallingford Police Department and the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller. 

TA’RON PHARR, also known as “250,” 22, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 216 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for gang-related activity, including his role in a murder in Bridgeport’s East End in August 2018.

Today’s announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport Acting Police Chief Rebeca Garcia; David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Acting U.S. Marshal Lawrence Bobnick.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder and other acts of violence.  Pharr was a member of the Original North End (“O.N.E.”), a gang based in the Trumbull Gardens area of Bridgeport that committed acts of violence against rival gang, including the East End gang, the East Side gang, and the PT Barnum gang.  O.N.E. members also robbed drug dealers, sold narcotics, laundered narcotics proceeds, and stole cars from inside and outside Connecticut and used the cars to commit crimes.

On August 8, 2018, Pharr and other O.N.E. members, including Shakale Brantley, Jaylen Wilson and Jamar Traylor, stole a white Jeep Grand Cherokee in Newburgh, New York, and drove it back to Bridgeport.  In the following days, O.N.E. members conspired to use the car to kill East End gang members and their allies who O.N.E. members had learned through social media were at a deli on Stratford Avenue in Bridgeport.  Although that plan fell through, in the early morning hours of August 13, 2018, O.N.E. members drove the stolen Jeep to Union Avenue in Bridgeport where they shot and killed Len Smith, 25, who they mistook for a rival East End group member, and shot and seriously wounded Smith’s female companion, both of whom were seated in a parked car.  After the shooting, Pharr, Brantley and other O.N.E. members transported the Jeep to Indian Wells State Park in Shelton where they burned the vehicle in an effort to destroy evidence of the murder.

During the investigation, three individuals told law enforcement that Pharr admitted to them that he participated in the shooting.

Pharr and Wilson were arrested on July 7, 2020.  A search of a car they both occupied just prior to their arrests revealed three loaded handguns, one of which had an extended magazine, as well as quantities of crack, heroin and marijuana.

Pharr has been detained since his arrest.  On July 6, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity. 

Brantley pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity and one count of solicitation of witness tampering and, on January 26, 2022, was sentenced to 24 years of imprisonment.

Wilson and Traylor have pleaded guilty to related charges and await sentencing.

This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and the Waterbury Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Karen L. Peck and Tara E. Levens.

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

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

Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities.  Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it.  If a group member elects to engage in gun violence, the focused attention of federal, state and local law enforcement will be directed at that entire group.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FABIO VARGAS-GONZALEZ, 47, of Wethersfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for a fentanyl trafficking offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the DEA’s Hartford Task Force developed information that Vargas-Gonzalez was involved in narcotics trafficking activities in the Hartford area.  On March 11, 2020, investigators conducted surveillance of Vargas-Gonzalez as he drove a minivan from Connecticut to New Jersey and then back to Connecticut.  In Danbury, investigators stopped Vargas-Gonzalez’s minivan for a motor vehicle violation and, after Vargas-Gonzalez consented to a search, found approximately two kilograms of fentanyl hidden in the minivan’s spare tire compartment.

On April, 29, 2022, Vargas-Gonzalez pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

Vargas-Gonzalez, a citizen of the Dominican Republic and a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., faces immigration proceedings when he is released from prison.

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.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GABRIEL CORDERO, 35, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 135 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin and fentanyl.

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

Cordero resided in an apartment at 280 Collins Street, and investigators made multiple controlled purchases of heroin and fentanyl from Cordero and other members of the drug trafficking organization in and around 280 Collins Street and Neighborhood Supermarket.

The investigation also revealed that Cordero and his associates possessed and used firearms in connection with their drug trafficking activity.

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

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

Cordero has been detained since his arrest on June 29, 2017.  On March 24, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl.

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

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

TRAVON JONES, also known as “Buda” and “Budda,” 20, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to a racketeering offense stemming from his involvement in a violent Bridgeport street gang and the murder and attempted murder of rival gang members.*

Today’s announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport Acting Police Chief Rebeca Garcia; David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Acting U.S. Marshal Lawrence Bobnick.

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

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

In pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, Jones specifically admitted that, on July 12, 2019, he and another East End member shot and killed Sean Warren, also known as “Kujoe,” a member and associate of the O.N.E. gang.  In addition, on October 17, 2019, Jones and another East End member shot at and attempted to kill another member and associate of the O.N.E. gang.

Under the terms of a binding plea agreement, if accepted by the court, the parties have agreed that a sentence of between 20 and 30 years of imprisonment is an appropriate sentence in this case.

Jones is detained pending sentencing.

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

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

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

Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities.  Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it.  If a group member elects to engage in gun violence, the focused attention of federal, state and local law enforcement will be directed at that entire group.

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

*On July 21, 2023, Judge Bolden granted Jones' motion to withdraw his guilty plea.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL SMITH, also known as “Head,” 36, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 156 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for narcotics trafficking, gun possession and money laundering offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2019, the DEA New Haven Task Force began an investigation into a New Haven-based drug trafficking network headed by Smith.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that Smith and his associates were distributing heroin and crack cocaine throughout the New Haven area.  Smith’s girlfriend, Keilah Boria, maintained bank accounts that Smith used to launder the cash proceeds of his drug trafficking activity.  From 2016 to 2019, Boria deposited more than $200,000 in cash into the bank accounts.  Boria rented vehicles for Smith that Smith used to conduct his drug trafficking activity.

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.

Smith has been detained since his arrest.  On April 15, 2021, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base (“crack”), possession of a firearm in furtherance of a narcotics trafficking offense, and conspiracy to launder the proceeds of a specified unlawful activity.

Boria pleaded guilty to related charges and, on September 14, 2021, was sentenced to nine months 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 ADRIAN JOHNSON, 32, of Waterloo, Iowa, was sentenced today by U.S. District Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 22 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for sending threatening emails to a Connecticut company.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2020, as part of a dispute with a Connecticut financial company, Johnson sent email messages to employees of the company in which she threatened to locate, confront and murder the company’s president.  Johnson was arrested in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 27, 2020.

On June 3, 2022, Johnson pleaded guilty to making interstate threats.  She is currently detained.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in New Haven and Kansas City.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.

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 RAJHNI YANKANA, 27, of Bridgeport, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to a charge stemming from his fraud against Amazon.com, Inc. (“Amazon”).

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

The government contends that Amazon lost approximately $210,000 as a result of Yankana’s criminal conduct.

Yankana pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for January 6, 2023.

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

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that VINCENT CLARK, also known as “Pudge,” 26, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between March and May 2021, law enforcement made six controlled purchases of redistribution quantities of fentanyl and heroin from Clark in New Haven.  As the time of the drug sales, Clark was on state parole for a 2019 narcotics conviction.

Clark has been detained since his arrest on June 7, 2021.  On November 29, 2021, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl.

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

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara E. Levens 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 JAIME HOLT, 39, of Bloomfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 76 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for drug distribution and firearm possession offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 31, 2021, Bloomfield Police stopped a vehicle Holt was driving for a traffic violation.  After a narcotics K9 alerted to the presence of narcotics, a search of the vehicle revealed approximately 114 grams of crack cocaine, a quantity of marijuana, items used to package drugs for street sale, five cell phones, and a loaded 9mm handgun.  The firearm was reported stolen in 2020.

Holt’s criminal history includes 12 felony convictions, including convictions for firearm, assault, drug and larceny offenses.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

Holt has been detained since March 31, 2021.  On April 25, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”), and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

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

This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce 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, James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation. Boston Division, today announced the unsealing of a nine-count indictment that charges five men with federal offenses related to their participation in a stolen catalytic converter trafficking ring.

The indictment, which was returned by a federal grand jury in New Haven on August 16, charges ALEXANDER KOLITSAS, 28, of Wolcott; BRYANT BERMUDEZ, 31, of East Hartford; ROBERTO ALICEA, 30, of New Britain; FRANCISCO AYALA, 22, of Ansonia; and THEODORE ROOSEVELT OWENS, 21, of Hartford.

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

The indictment alleges that Kolitsas owned and operated Downpipe Depot & Recycling LLC (“Downpipe Depot”), which had a warehouse on Park Avenue in East Hartford.  Bermudez started working with Kolitsas at Downpipe Depot in November 2021.  At Downpipe Depot, Kolitsas and Bermudez purchased stolen catalytic converters from a network of thieves, including Alicea, Ayala and Owens.  Kolitsas and Bermudez instructed their suppliers on the types of catalytic converters that would obtain the most profit upon resale.  Kolitsas and Bermudez then transported and sold the catalytic converters to recycling businesses in New York and New Jersey.

The indictment alleges that, as part of the scheme, Downpipe Depot received $237,329 via wire transfer shortly after Kolitsas transported a load of catalytic converters, including stolen converters, to Freehold, New Jersey, in October 2021.  Also, on two occasions in March 2022, Kolitsas transported catalytic converters, including stolen converters, to Island Park, New York, and sold them for a total of approximately $300,000 in cash.

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

“Catalylic converter thefts are more than just an annoying property crime for victims, they increase insurance rates for all car owners and increase pollution in the air we breathe,”  said U.S. Attorney Avery.  “We have also seen a rise in violence connected to catalytic converter theft incidents.  This criminal activity would not exist but for the salvagers and metal processors who orchestrate these thefts and purchase the stolen converters.  I thank the ATF and IRS-Criminal Investigation agents, and all members of our partner state and local law enforcement agencies, for diligently investigating this matter and exposing the alleged participants in this scheme.”

U.S. Attorney Avery noted that the investigation is ongoing.

“Organized criminal activity, such as this, is extremely costly to victims,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Ferguson.  “Often times these types of crimes fund larger more violent criminal enterprises that place citizens at even greater risk.  This indictment is an example of what can be accomplished when local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies work together.”

“Today’s arrests and indictments effectively shut down a multi-state property theft ring which peddled in stolen catalytic converters,” said IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Simpson.  “While this is a first of its kind federal prosecution, we know that there are similar schemes all across the country.  If nothing else, this case should serve as a stark warning to all of those involved in these types of schemes that it’s not a matter of ‘if’ you will be brought to justice but ‘when.’”

The indictment charges Koltisas, Bermudez, Alicea, Ayala and Owens with one count of conspiracy to transport stolen property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and with one or more counts of interstate transportation of stolen property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

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

Kolitsas is also charged with one count of possession of firearms by an unlawful drug user or addict, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

On June 1, 2022, law enforcement executed multiple court-authorized search warrants and seized five firearms from Kolitsas, approximately $47,007 in cash from Kolitsas, approximately $20,100 in cash from Bermudez, approximately $8,020 in cash from Downpipe Depot, the Ford Transit Van, a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado, and a 2016 Polaris Slingshot.  The indictment seeks the forfeiture of this property, as well as approximately $92,581 that is held in a Downpipe Depot bank account.

Kolitsas was surrendered to law enforcement today.  His arraignment is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven.

Bermudez and Alicea were arrested yesterday.  Bermudez is released on a $150,000 bond and Alicea is detained pending a hearing scheduled for August 26 at 3:00 p.m.

Ayala is currently in state custody, and Owens is currently in federal custody for an unrelated offense.

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

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody today announced that ZAIQWAN FOTHERGILL, 20, and HAKEEM ROBINSON, 27, both of Hartford, have been charged with robbing a Hartford credit union in June.

An indictment, which was returned by a grand jury in Hartford on August 4, alleges that, on June 29, 2022, Fothergill and Robinson used a firearm to commit a robbery of the Cencap Federal Credit Union located at 2775 Main Street in Hartford.

The two-count indictment charges Fothergill and Robinson with armed bank robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 25 years, and with using, carrying and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least seven years.

Hartford Police officers arrested Fothergill and Robinson in Keney Park in Hartford shortly after the robbery.  They have been detained since their arrests.

Robinson appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and entered a plea of not guilty.  Fothergill’s arraignment is scheduled for September 6.

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’s Connecticut Violent Crime Task Force and the Hartford Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RODNEY THOMAS, JR., 31, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in lottery and romance scams that defrauded primarily elderly victims across the country of millions of dollars.

According to the evidence presented during a trial in this matter, in a lottery scam, scammers notify victims by telephone, through online communications, or by mail, that they have won the lottery.  The victims are then told that in order to collect the prize they must pay fees for things like taxes, shipping and processing.  Often, once a victim sends a small amount of money, a scammer will ask for larger sums of money with a promise of more winnings.  The victims never receive winnings.  In a romance scam, scammers take advantage of people looking for companionship by pretending to be prospective companions.  Scammers typically create fake online profiles on dating websites that include false personal details such as the death of a spouse, or military service, to lure victims to trust them.  Once they have gained the trust of victims, scammers will ask victims for money, falsely claiming to need money for medical or business emergencies, for travel to see the victim, or other purposes.

Between approximately August 2015 and March 2020, Farouq Fasasi and others used lottery scams, romance scams and other fraudulent means to induce elderly victims to provide them with money, gifts and personal details.  Fasasi recruited Thomas into the scheme in 2017.  Victims sent cash, money orders or checks through the mail to various addresses in Connecticut, and also wired or deposited money into bank accounts in Connecticut controlled by conspiracy members and their associates.

Fasasi, Thomas and other co-conspirators lived together for a time at a residence on Sherman Avenue in New Haven, where many packages containing cash, checks and money orders from victims were delivered.  Fasasi and Thomas recruited others into the scheme, including those who served as “money mules.”  These individuals used personal bank accounts, and also established and used bank accounts in the names of businesses and charitable organizations, to launder money obtained from fraud victims. 

The investigation revealed that these scams defrauded more than 200 victims across the U.S. of more than $5 million.  Many of the victims were elderly and vulnerable, and some victims lost their life savings.  One Connecticut victim lost more than $1 million.

Judge Underhill will issue a restitution order after additional court proceedings.

On February 15, 2022, Fasasi and Thomas were found guilty of multiple charges stemming from this scheme.  On August 8, 2022, Judge Underhill sentenced Fasasi to 14 years of imprisonment and ordered him to pay more than $5.9 million in restitution.

Four other individuals have been charged and convicted of offenses stemming from their participation in this scheme.

Thomas has been detained since May 31, 2022, when his bond was revoked for violating conditions of his release.

“This defendant was an active participant in a scheme that involved the cruel theft from numerous seniors and other vulnerable individuals, and this prison term is appropriate,” said U.S. Attorney Avery.  “I thank all of our law enforcement partners who investigated this case and helped achieve some justice for the victims of these crimes.  The Justice Department has made it a priority to investigate and prosecute those who commit these crimes.  If you suspect that you or someone you know may be falling victim to one of these schemes, I encourage you to call your local police department or 833-FRAUD-11 for assistance.”

“Lottery scams and romance scams cost Americans millions every year,” said Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division.  “Losses can be monumental and entire fortunes, inheritances and retirement security can be wiped-out.  This sentencing demonstrates the commitment of our agency along with our law enforcement partners to bring unscrupulous scam artists to justice.”

“The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) aggressively investigates individuals who impersonate Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employees or who use the IRS’s tax collecting authority to scam others, especially seniors and other vulnerable populations,” said Trevor Nelson, TIGTA’s Deputy Inspector General for Investigations.  “The defendants in this case did just that, targeting and victimizing the most vulnerable in our society.  Our mission at TIGTA is to protect the integrity of our nation’s system of tax administration.  We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure those who endeavor to corrupt federal tax administration are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

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

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Army-CID, and New Haven Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather L. Cherry and Stephanie T. Levick.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DOMINIC COLON-BROWN, 28, of Farmington, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 12 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking firearms that were stolen in Florida to Connecticut.  Judge Meyer also ordered Colon-Brown to pay a $2,200 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2021, Colon-Brown sold a firearm to a convicted felon.  He then conspired with Julian Judge and another individual to obtain firearms in Florida and sell them in Connecticut.  In late February 2021, Colon-Brown and Judge drove to Florida, obtained three handguns and transported them back to Connecticut.  Colon Brown and Judge knew the firearms were stolen or otherwise illegally obtained.

On March 8, 2021, law enforcement recovered the three firearms, as well as more than 100 rounds of ammunition and approximately 60 grams of cocaine, during a search of a New Britain apartment.

During the investigation, Colon-Brown and his associates were captured in recorded conversations discussing the illegal acquisition and sale of firearms.  Colon-Brown and Judge also posted photos of themselves on social media in possession of firearms.

Colon-Brown was arrested on May 27, 2021.  On January 20, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of transporting stolen firearms across state lines.

Judge, of New Britain, pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on May 27, 2022, he was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment and ordered to pay a $3,000 fine.

This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, New Britain Police Department, Farmington Police Department, West Hartford Police Department and Pasco County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel M. Krull.

This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce 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 JHANANNIE SINGH, also known as “Jasmine” and “Sharmala Persaud,” 52, a citizen of Guyana last residing in Queens, New York, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to a conspiracy offense relating to the theft of hundreds of thousands of dollars in U.S. Savings Bonds from an elderly woman who had purchased the bonds for her grandchildren and other family members.

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

Singh and Campbell were arrested on January 29, 2021.  In June and July 2021, Singh attempted to obstruct the investigation and prosecution of this matter by offering to pay Campbell if he agreed to lie and provide false testimony.  Singh has been detained since August 4, 2021.

Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for November 28, at which time Singh faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

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

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

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, announced that BRANDI WIGGINS, 35, of Glastonbury, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Wiggins came to the attention of the ATF after several firearms that she purchased in North Carolina were recovered in Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts.  The investigation revealed that, between April 2016 and November 2019, Wiggins purchased seven firearms in North Carolina.  She later sold the firearms at pawn shops and also through a website that specializes in firearm sales.

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for December 12, at which time Wiggins faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

Wiggins is released pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Keefe.

This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce 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.

Moustapha Diakhate, 46, of Stamford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 42 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for fraudulent receiving more than $4 million in COVID-19 relief funds guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.  Judge Shea also ordered Diakhate to serve three months in home detention when he is released from prison, and to perform 75 hours of community service while on supervised release.

Today’s announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery, Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite of the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General’s Eastern Region, Special Agent in Charge David Sundberg of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Special Agent in Charge Joleen D. Simpson of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2020, the CARES Act provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).  In April 2020, Congress authorized more than $300 billion in additional PPP funding.  The PPP allowed qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive unsecured loans at an interest rate of 1%.  PPP loan proceeds must be used by businesses on payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. The PPP allowed the interest and principal to be forgiven if businesses spent the proceeds on these expenses within a certain period of time of receipt and used at least a certain percentage of the amount to be forgiven for payroll.

The PPP was overseen by the Small Business Administration, which has authority over all PPP loans. Individual PPP loans, however, were issued by private approved lenders, such as Citibank, which received and processed PPP applications and supporting documentation, and then made loans using the lenders’ own funds, which were guaranteed by the SBA.

Diakhate maintained an ownership or management interest in certain small business entities, including Ansonia Developers LLC, Winsbay Inc., Buyers Association Group LLC, Washington Management LLC, Diakhate Capital, Inc., and Poulson & Gold Inc.  Beginning in May 2020, Diakhate provided Citibank and M&T Bank with false and fraudulent information during the PPP loan application process in order to obtain PPP loans for each of his six entities totaling more than $4 million.  Diakhate then used a portion of the funds for various personal expenses, including to pay off a loan he had been provided to purchase of a 2010 Porsche Panamera Turbo, and to purchase both a Mercedes and BMW.  He also purchased a $50,000 certificate of deposit with PPP funds, and disbursed funds to various and individuals unrelated to his business entities.

Citibank and M&T Bank successfully recovered more than $2 million after discovering Diakhate’s fraud.  Judge Shea ordered Diakhate to pay restitution of $1,702,479.

Diakhate was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on May 7, 2021.  On January 26, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of making an illegal monetary transaction.

Diakhate, who is released on a $450,000 bond, is required to report to prison on October 14.

This matter was investigated by the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ARNO SMITH, 60, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for committing a carjacking in 2018.

According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 11:00 p.m. on July 26, 2018, Smith approached a woman who was sitting in her 2006 Honda in a Hartford parking lot and pressed what the woman believed to be a gun against her neck.  Smith then grabbed the victim’s purse and the victim got out of the car.  Smith pointed the weapon at the victim, told her to walk away, and then drove away in the car.  The cremated remains of the victim’s son were in the vehicle.

After the robbery, Smith attempted to use the victim’s credit card at two locations in Bristol.

Smith was arrested on state charges on September 20, 2018.  At the time of his arrest he was sitting in the victim’s car.  The remains of the victim’s son where not in the car and have not been recovered.

The investigation also revealed that between July 27 and September 19, 2018, Smith committed robberies at businesses located in Bristol, Southington, Hartford, Bloomfield, South Windsor and Windsor Locks.

Smith has been detained since his arrest.  On October 6, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford, Bristol, Southington, Bloomfield, South Windsor, Windsor Locks, Farmington and West Hartford Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Keefe.

This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce 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, and Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, announced that ZAYA POWELL, 25, of Waterbury, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to a false statement offense stemming from her creation of false COVID-19 vaccine records for several individuals.

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

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

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

Powell pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement relating to a health care matter, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for November 4, 2022.

Powell is released on a $25,000 bond pending sentencing.

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

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

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RALPH ERNEST, 19, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 66 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for drug and firearm offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an ongoing investigation into gangs, drug trafficking and the illegal possession of firearms in Waterbury.  On January 18, 2021, Ernest, a member of the Paybacc Crypts gang, stole a car belonging to an off-duty Connecticut State Police trooper.  The car contained three shotguns and FBI credentials.  Ernest was arrested the next day after officers located him in the stolen car and recovered a 9mm handgun with an extended magazine loaded with 17 rounds of ammunition, as well as quantities of heroin, cocaine and marijuana.  Two of the stolen shotguns were recovered soon after Ernest’s arrest from one of his gang associates.  The third stolen shotgun and the FBI credentials have not been located.

Ernest has been detained since his arrest on January 19, 2021.  On April 7, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Connecticut State Police; the Waterbury Police Department; the Wolcott Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and John T. Pierpont, Jr.

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.

The prosecution is part of 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 KEVEN SANTOS, 24, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 76 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for firearm possession and heroin distribution offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2021, Santos was on state parole.  As a result of an investigation into activities, including multiple shootings, by members of the Paybacc Crypt street gang in Waterbury, Santos’ parole officer made the decision to conduct a compliance check.  On April 16, 2021, state parole officers, Waterbury Police and Connecticut State Police located Santos and conducted the compliance check after they observed Santos carrying a bag and enter his car, which was parked near a residence on Easton Avenue in Waterbury.  Inside the bag, investigators found and seized approximately 137 gross grams of cocaine, approximately 4.8 gross grams of crack, 29 Xanax pills, and a digital scale.  A subsequent search of Santos’ residence revealed two loaded firearms, and a search of a garage that Santos had access to revealed approximately one kilogram of cocaine.

Santos has been detained in state custody since April 16, 2021.  On May 2, 2022, he pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.  Santos will begin serving his 76-month federal sentence today.

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

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce 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.