District of Connecticut

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Enfield Police Chief Alaric Fox today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned a five-count indictment charging the following five men with narcotics trafficking offenses:

SERGIO HORTA-MOLINA, 46, of Suffield
OCTAVIO RAZON-MEJIA, also known as “Pachas,” 36, of Enfield
CARLOS GUTIERREZ-FERNANDEZ, also known as “Shaggy,” 38, of Enfield
JUAN SANCHEZ-RAZON, also known as “Juanito,” 27, of Enfield
GUILLERMO CAPETILLO-CERVANTES, 34, of Enfield

Horta-Molina, Razon-Mejia and Gutierrez-Fernandez were arrested on federal charges on May 5.  An indictment was returned on May 19 and unsealed on June 21 after Sanchez-Razon and Capetillo-Cervantes were arrested on that date.  Sanchez-Razon and Capetillo-Cervantes appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish in Hartford and entered pleas of not guilty.  Each defendant is currently detained. 

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

It is further alleged that, during the investigation, Horta-Molina arranged the shipment of a package from California to Sanchez-Razon’s Enfield residence.  On April 27, 2022, Sanchez-Razon delivered the package to Gutierrez-Fernandez.  Law enforcement subsequently stopped Gutierrez-Fernandez as he was attempting to deliver the package to Horta-Molina.  A search of the package revealed more than one kilogram of cocaine.

The indictment charges the five defendants with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, controlled substances.  If convicted of this charge, based on the type and quantity of narcotics involved, Horta-Molina, Razon-Mejia and Gutierrez-Fernandez face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, and Sanchez-Razon and Capetillo-Cervantes face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Each defendant is also charged in one or more counts related to the possession and distribution of narcotics.

The indictment alleges that Horta-Molina faces enhanced penalties based on a prior federal conviction in the District of New Jersey for conspiring to distribute cocaine and heroin.  Horta-Molina was charged with the offense after a search of his Suffield residence in September 2017 revealed approximately 23 kilograms of cocaine and one kilogram of heroin.  In November 2019, Horta-Molina was sentenced to 40 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release for that offense.  He was released from prison in July 2020 and was on federal supervised release at the time of his arrest in this case.

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

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment yesterday charging KIMANI WILLIAMS, 30, of Bridgeport, with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

As alleged in the indictment, on April 7, 2022, Williams was arrested in Bridgeport after law enforcement recovered a loaded Smith and Wesson .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, which Williams had possessed, from the ground next to Williams’ person.

It is alleged that Williams’ criminal history includes felony convictions in Connecticut and New York for criminal possession of a weapon, carrying a dangerous weapon, and assault of public safety or emergency personnel.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

Williams has been detained since his arrest.  If convicted of the charge, he faces 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 the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth L. Gresham and Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis.

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

“My office is closely monitoring the ongoing investigations into the circumstances that have left Mr. Randy Cox paralyzed and hospitalized after being taken into custody by the New Haven Police Department on June 19.  My prayers are with him and his family.  All suspects taken into police custody must be afforded timely and appropriate medical care in the event of an emergency.  Mayor Elicker and Chief Jacobson have acted expeditiously and reported publicly on some actions already taken at the local level in response to this incident, including the suspension of several officers involved pending further investigation, and they have stated a commitment to reform NHPD practices.  The Connecticut State Police are investigating the matter, and we will continue to coordinate with them and our other law enforcement partners at the state and federal levels.  If federal action is warranted, the Justice Department will pursue every available avenue to the full extent of the law.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, announced that GARRETT SANTILLO, 43, of Hamden, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with mailing numerous threatening letters to individuals in Connecticut and elsewhere.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, between approximately March and June 2022, Santillo mailed more than 100 letters containing threatening and hateful statements, including threats of violence, to journalists, judges and other public officials and individuals in Connecticut and elsewhere.  Several letters mailed by Santillo contained this language:  “If you don’t obey what this letter says, along with others including people in Washington DC and everywhere and you. You all will be killed!!”

Santillo appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish is Hartford and was released on a $100,000 bond.

As noted in court documents, Santillo has been federally prosecuted, convicted and sentenced for mailing threatening letters three prior times, and he completed his most recent term of federal supervision in August 2021.

The charge of mailing a threatening communication carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  If the threatening communication is addressed to a federal judge or federal law enforcement officer, the maximum penalty is 10 years of imprisonment.

A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Hamden, Milford, Ridgefield and New Haven Police Departments.  The investigation has also been assisted by the offices of the Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney, New Haven State’s Attorney and Litchfield State’s Attorney.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHAWN HILL, also known as “SB,” 38, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for assaulting a federal correctional officer, and distributing heroin and crack cocaine shortly after his release from federal custody and while on supervised release.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 11, 2016, Hill was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  After his sentencing, Hill was incarcerated at USP Canaan, a high-security federal prison in Waymart, Pennsylvania.  On June 30, 2017, a correctional officer located a 6-inch metal “ice pick” style weapon in Hill’s left sock.  About an hour later, as prison staff attempted to put hand restraints on Hill so that Hill could be transported to the prison’s Special Housing Unit, Hill slipped his arm out of the restraints and struck a correctional officer in the head with a restraint that was still attached to one of his hands, causing injury to the correctional officer.

On September 19, 2017, a grand jury in the Middle District of Pennsylvania returned an indictment charging Hill with one count of assaulting a federal correctional officer, and one count of possessing contraband in prison.

On April 4, 2019, after he had completed his 72-month sentence, Hill was released on bond while his charges in the Middle District of Pennsylvania were pending.

On April 11, 2019, Hill was intercepted over a court-authorized wiretap during an investigation being conducted by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force and New Haven Police Department addressing drug trafficking and related acts of violence by members, former members and associates of the “Island Brothers” street gang in New Haven.  Evidence developed during the investigation confirmed that Hill was involved in the acquisition and distribution of heroin and crack cocaine.

On July 9, 2019, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 15-count indictment charging 25 individuals with federal narcotics offenses related to the distribution of crack cocaine, cocaine and heroin.  Hill and another individual were added as defendants in a superseding indictment that was returned on November 25, 2019.

Hill has been detained since his arrest on November 26, 2019.  His case in the Middle District of Pennsylvania was subsequently transferred to the District of Connecticut for further prosecution.

On September 22, 2020, Hill pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”) and heroin, and one count of assault on a correctional officer.  Hill also admitted that he violated the conditions of his supervised release.

Judge Chatigny sentenced Hill to 57 months of imprisonment for the narcotics and assault offenses, and a consecutive 21 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.  Hill also must spend the first six months of his supervised release in a halfway house, and the next six months on curfew with electronic monitoring.

This matter was investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, New Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, Hamden Police Department, East Haven Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan, Elena L. Coronado and Tara E. Levens.

TYRONE MOORE, also known as “Ty Ralph Lauren,” 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, including the murder of a rival in July 2019.

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.  Moore 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.

Moore 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, Moore 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.

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.

Moore is detained pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.

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.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ERIC WHITE, 31, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 17, 2021, Hartford Police arrested White after they found him in possession of a loaded .45 caliber Taurus handgun.

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

White has been detained since his arrest.  Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for September 30 at which time White faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Connecticut Violent Crime Task Force and the Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer R. Laraia.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that the following four men were arrested yesterday on federal narcotics distribution charges primarily related to the large-scale trafficking of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl:

MICHAEL LEE, 24, of Windsor
ALEXANDER LEE, 21, of Windsor
DARYL BEAUFORT, 24, of Windsor
JUSTIN LITTLE, 24, of Windsor

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, the DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad has been investigating a drug trafficking organization led by Michael Lee and his brother Alexander Lee.  The investigation, which has included court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and the seizure of drugs that had been shipped through the U.S. Mail, revealed that Michael Lee, Alexander Lee and others received thousands of counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, and other controlled substances, from a source of supply on the west coast of the U.S., and then distributed the drugs to various street-level distributors in Connecticut, including Beaufort and Little, and numerous drug customers.

During the investigation and in association with yesterday’s arrests, investigators seized more than 15,000 counterfeit oxycodone tablets containing fentanyl, more than 1,800 alprazolam tablets (commonly referred to as “Xanax”), approximately 25 pounds of marijuana, seven firearms, and thousands of dollars in cash. 

The defendants were arrested on criminal complaints charging each with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, and possession with intent to distribute and distribution of controlled substances.

Each defendant appeared yesterday before U.S. District Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford.  Michael and Alexander Lee are currently detained, and Beaufort and Little were released on bonds.

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

This matter is being investigated by the DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Connecticut State Police; East Central Narcotics Task Force; and the Windsor and Enfield Police Departments.  The DEA Tactical Diversion Squad is composed of personnel from the DEA and the Watertown, East Windsor, Manchester, Glastonbury, New Britain, West Haven, Hamden and Newington Police Departments.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging JERMAINE CANNON, 19, of New Haven, with charges stemming from two gunpoint robberies of a New Haven business in November 2021.

The indictment was returned on June 7, 2022.  On June 24, Cannon appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.  He has been detained since his arrest on state charges on November 11, 2021.

The indictment alleges that on November 10, 2021, and again on November 11, 2021, Cannon, brandishing a firearm, robbed Howard Mini Mart & Deli, located on Howard Avenue in New Haven.

The indictment charges Cannon with two counts of interference with commerce by robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term imprisonment of 20 years, and two counts of carrying, using and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, an offense that carries mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of at least seven 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, and the New Haven Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathaniel J. Gentile and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GEORGE RIVERA, also known as “Pito,” 33, of Danbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a plan to murder an individual and set fire to the Bridgeport business where he worked.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in early morning hours of April 2, 2018, Bridgeport Police patrolling the west side of Bridgeport attempted to stop a car that was operating with unlit taillights.  The car fled from police and, during the police pursuit, officers observed several items being thrown from its windows.  After the car stopped several blocks away, officers arrested Luis Mercado, who was driving the car, and Dominick Gonzalez, and recovered two loaded handguns and a quantity of marijuana that had been thrown from the car.  A search of the car also revealed a black ski mask, a pair of binoculars, and a container of gasoline.  The investigation revealed that Mercado, Gonzalez, Rivera, Jason Scott and Luis Mejias were involved in a plan to murder an individual and set fire to the Wood Avenue Body Shop in Bridgeport where the individual worked.

Rivera, Scott and Mejias were arrested later that morning at a hotel in Milford.  A search of a hotel room revealed a loaded Smith and Wesson model M&P 15-22 caliber rifle, a loaded Taurus “Judge” revolver, a loaded Anderson Manufacturing AR 15 multi-caliber rifle, a loaded 12-gauge shotgun, additional ammunition, brass knuckles, binoculars, gloves and a knit mask.  Investigators also located a seized packaged heroin, ecstasy pills, marijuana, a digital scale and other items in the room, and ammunition and shotgun shells in the trunk of their car.

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

On March 25, 2022, Rivera pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon.

Mercado, Gonzalez, Mejias and Scott also pleaded guilty, and Mercado, Mejias and Scott were each sentenced earlier this week to 10 years of imprisonment.  Gonzalez awaits sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport and Milford Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Peck.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RALPH PIERRE, 32, of New Haven, 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 his participation 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, Rodney Thomas, Jr. and others used lottery scams, romance scams and other fraudulent means to induce elderly victims to provide them with money, gifts and personal details.  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, Pierre 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.  To help launder the money obtained from fraud victims, Pierre formed a fake charity, called “Global Protection Foundation,” and opened four bank accounts in the fake charity’s name. Between July and November 2018, more than $200,000 was deposited into and withdrawn from these bank accounts and Pierre’s personal bank accounts.

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.

On February 15, 2022, Fasasi, Thomas and Pierre were found guilty of multiple charges stemming from this scheme.  Specifically, Pierre was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and one count of money laundering.  Three other individuals have been charged and convicted of offenses stemming from their participation in this scheme.

Pierre, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on August 31.

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 is being 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, David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a 27-count indictment charging the following 16 individuals with various narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses stemming from the gang-related distribution of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and crack:

LUIS FELICIANO, a.k.a. “Louminaty,” 38, of East Hartford
JOSE TIRADO, a.k.a. “Joselito” and “Leet,” 41, of Hartford
CARL JONES, a.k.a. “M.O.B.,” 41, of Hartford
LUIS ROBLES, a.k.a. “Lou,” 25, of Hartford
ROBERTO DIAZ, a.k.a. “Dragon Eyes,” 52, of West Hartford
MILTON ROSARIO, a.k.a. “Little,” 39, of Hartford
ANGEL DELGADO, 58, of Hartford
MARTIN MALDONADO, 33, of Hartford
JEREMY OZUNA, 27, of New Jersey
ROBERT VALLE, 58, of Schenectady, New York
MARSHA WATSON, 33, of Bangor, Maine
DEVIN TEXIRA, a.k.a. “LV,” 25, of Hartford
JOSHUA RODRIGUEZ, 31, of Hartford
JOEL DELEON, JR., a.k.a. “Psycho,” 41, of Hartford
HERIBERTO MENDEZ, a.k.a. “Big Ed,” 43, of Hartford
CHRISTOPHER GILLIARD, a.k.a. “CJ” and “Gilly,” 34, of Hartford

The indictment, which was returned on June 8, alleges that Feliciano and several co-defendants distributed fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and crack to customers and other distributors in the Hartford area, and also to Watson in Bangor, Maine, and Ozuna and Valle in Schenectady, New York.  The indictment also alleges that several defendants unlawfully possessed firearms.

Feliciano was arrested on April 13, 2022, after searches of his East Hartford residence and a Hartford apartment he used to store drugs revealed more than three kilograms of heroin, approximately 700 grams of fentanyl, quantities of crack and powder cocaine, and 40 rounds of ammunition.  The other defendants have been detained in state custody, or were arrested by members of the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force after the indictment was returned.

The indictment charges Feliciano, Tirado, Jones, Robles, Diaz, Rosario, Delgado, Maldonado, Ozuna, Valle and Watson with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances.  Feliciano, Jones, Tirado, Rodriguez, Delgado, Deleon, Robles and Gilliard are charged in one or more counts with various narcotics distribution offenses.

The indictment also charges Jones, Tirado, Texira, Deleon and Mendez with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon; Feliciano with unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon; and Robles with possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

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

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JASON SCOTT, also known as “Hood,” 39, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a plan to murder an individual and set fire to the Bridgeport business where he worked.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in early morning hours of April 2, 2018, Bridgeport Police patrolling the west side of Bridgeport attempted to stop a car that was operating with unlit taillights.  The car fled from police and, during the police pursuit, officers observed several items being thrown from its windows.  After the car stopped several blocks away, officers arrested Luis Mercado, who was driving the car, and Dominick Gonzalez, and recovered two loaded handguns and a quantity of marijuana that had been thrown from the car.  A search of the car also revealed a black ski mask, a pair of binoculars, and a container of gasoline.  The investigation revealed that Mercado, Gonzalez, Scott, Luis Mejias and George Rivera were involved in a plan to murder an individual and set fire to the Wood Avenue Body Shop in Bridgeport where the individual worked.

Scott, Mejias and Rivera were arrested later that morning at a hotel in Milford.  A search of a hotel room revealed a loaded Smith and Wesson model M&P 15-22 caliber rifle, a loaded Taurus “Judge” revolver, a loaded Anderson Manufacturing AR 15 multi-caliber rifle, a loaded 12-gauge shotgun, additional ammunition, brass knuckles, binoculars, gloves and a knit mask.  Investigators also located a seized packaged heroin, ecstasy pills, marijuana, a digital scale and other items in the room, and ammunition and shotgun shells in the trunk of their car.

Each defendant has a criminal history that includes multiple felony convictions.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

On March 28, 2022, Scott pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon.

Mercado, Gonzalez, Mejias and Rivera also pleaded guilty.  On June 27, 2022, Mercado and Mejias were each sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment.  Gonzalez and Rivera await sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport and Milford Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Peck.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUIS MERCADO, also known as “Pops,” 55, of Bridgeport, and LUIS MEJIAS, also known as “Kermit,” 35, of Waterbury, were each sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for their role in a plan to murder an individual and set fire to the Bridgeport business where he worked.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in early morning hours of April 2, 2018, Bridgeport Police patrolling the west side of Bridgeport attempted to stop a car that was operating with unlit taillights.  The car fled from police and, during the police pursuit, officers observed several items being thrown from its windows.  After the car stopped several blocks away, officers arrested both Mercado, who was driving the car, and Dominick Gonzalez, and recovered two loaded handguns and a quantity of marijuana that had been thrown from the car.  A search of the car also revealed a black ski mask, a pair of binoculars, and a container of gasoline.  The investigation revealed that Mercado, Gonzalez, Mejias, George Rivera and Jason Scott were involved in a plan to murder an individual and set fire to the Wood Avenue Body Shop in Bridgeport where the individual worked.

Mejias, Rivera and Scott were arrested later that morning at a hotel in Milford.  A search of a hotel room revealed a loaded Smith and Wesson model M&P 15-22 caliber rifle, a loaded Taurus “Judge” revolver, a loaded Anderson Manufacturing AR 15 multi-caliber rifle, a loaded 12-gauge shotgun, additional ammunition, brass knuckles, binoculars, gloves and a knit mask.  Investigators also located a seized packaged heroin, ecstasy pills, marijuana, a digital scale and other items in the room, and ammunition and shotgun shells in the trunk of their car.

Each defendant has a criminal history that includes multiple felony convictions.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

On March 25, 2022, Mercado and Mejias each pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon.

Gonzalez, Rivera and Scott pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport and Milford Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Peck.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMES BAKER, 36, of Norwich, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 3, 2021, Norwich Police stopped Baker for a motor vehicle violation and subsequently found a loaded, .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol under the driver’s seat of the vehicle, and more than 600 bags of fentanyl on his person.

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

Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for September 27, at which time Baker faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

Baker has been detained since February 3, 2021.

This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Norwich Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth through the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ARMANDO GONZALEZ, 40, of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, 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 Gonzalez and other members of the organization received kilogram-quantities of narcotics, primarily fentanyl, from a source in Mexico, and then distributed the drug to street-level distributors.  Members of the organization delivered cash generated from the sale of narcotics to a money broker in Brooklyn, New York, who assisted in laundering the narcotics proceeds before they were transferred to leaders of the drug trafficking organization.  Between August and October 2019, investigators seized more than $200,000 in cash from members of the drug trafficking organization.

Gonzalez and his associate, David 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.  On December 18, 2019, Cintron was arrested on state charges shortly after he drove from the Pratt Street location and was found in possession of approximately 4,860 wax paper sleeves of fentanyl, 90 grams of unpackaged fentanyl, and other items used to process and package narcotics.

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

On June 3, 2020, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Gonzalez, Cintron and eight others with narcotics distribution and money laundering offenses.  On March 28, 2022, Gonzalez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

Gonzalez has been detained since his arrest.

Gonzales’s criminal history includes a state assault conviction, stemming from an incident  where he stabbed a two victims at a nightclub, and federal conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

Cintron pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.

The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, 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 SHAVARIUS SMITH, 22, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven to firearm and drug offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 8, 2021, at approximately 11:15 p.m., New Haven Police recovered a 9-millimeter “ghost gun” equipped with a 31-round high-capacity magazine, and distribution quantities of heroin and crack cocaine, from a parked stolen vehicle that Smith had been driving.  Smith, a known Bloods gang member, was released from prison on September 2, 2021, was serving a term of probation, and was wearing a GPS ankle monitor as a condition of his probation.  Officers located and arrested Smith a short time later.

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

Smith pleaded guilty to one count of possession of ammunition by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base (“crack cocaine”), which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Smith is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton on October 3, 2022.

Smith has been detained since his arrest.

This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Haven Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis through the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program and Project Longevity.

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

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.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HENRY DEJESUS-MORALES, also known as “Red,” 33, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 44 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking narcotics.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force identified a Hartford man as a distributor of heroin and cocaine in Connecticut, New York and elsewhere.  The narcotics distributor was arrested on federal charges on January 13, 2021.  A cellphone seized during the investigation revealed that DeJesus-Morales supplied narcotics to the Hartford man, and further investigation revealed that the narcotics trafficker, while detained in federal custody, was working with his wife and her son to distribute drugs.  DeJesus-Morales was subsequently intercepted on a court-authorized wiretap coordinating the sale of narcotics and, on May 27, 2021, he was observed distributing approximately 20 grams of fentanyl to the son of the detained individual’s wife.

DeJesus has been detained since his arrest on June 28, 2021.  On March 21, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of, and possession with intent to distribute, controlled substances.

The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office 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 Robert S. Ruff through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMES GRANT, also known as “Bobo,” “Bo,” and “Jimbo,” 58, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2020, the DEA New Haven Task Force and Waterbury Police Department began an investigation into a drug trafficking organization that was distributing large amounts of heroin, cocaine and crack in the Waterbury area.  The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones used by members of the organization, physical surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, and motor vehicle stops that resulted in the seizure of drugs.  The investigation revealed that Grant received heroin and cocaine from other members of the conspiracy, converted some of the cocaine into crack, and then sold the drugs to other distributors and users.

On March 1, 2021, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Grant and 16 others.  On January 24, 2022, Grant pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”).

Grant has been detained since January 21, 2021.

This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department.  The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, East Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby, Middletown, Naugatuck and Waterbury Police Departments.

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

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport has returned a 22-count indictment charging KEYANTE PAUL, 33, of, Florida, with tax fraud offenses.

The indictment was returned on June 15, 2022.  Paul was arrested yesterday in Florida.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel Irick in Orlando and was released on bond.  Her arraignment in the District of Connecticut is scheduled for June 30.

As alleged in the indictment, Paul, through her business Keys Tax Services, operated as a tax return preparer, and she traveled to Connecticut for part of the year to prepare returns for Connecticut clients.  For the 2015 through 2018 tax years, Paul prepared numerous federal tax returns for clients that included false income “adjustments” that reduced taxpayers’ reported adjusted gross income, false expenses and losses in connection with sole proprietorship businesses that clients did not operate, and, in at least one instance, false charitable contributions.

The indictment charges Paul with 22 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false income tax returns, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years on each count.

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

This investigation is being conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer R. Laraia and Lauren C. Clark.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson today found DWAYNE THOMPSON, 37, of West Hartford, guilty of heroin trafficking offenses.

According to the evidence presented during a bench trial in Hartford, in July 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force received information that Thompson’s associate, Jose Carrasquillo, was interested in acquiring heroin to distribute.  Carrasquillo, working with Thompson, subsequently agreed to purchase three kilograms of heroin, for $42,000 per kilogram, from an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a heroin supplier.  On August 22, 2017, Thompson and Carrasquillo, arriving in separate vehicles, met in South Windsor with an individual working with law enforcement to complete the transaction.  Thompson was arrested after he was found in possession of a firearm and $126,200 in cash.  Carrasquillo, who fled from the scene at a high rate of speed, surrendered to law enforcement two days later.

Judge Thompson found Dwayne Thompson guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and one count of attempt to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.

At sentencing, which is scheduled for September 9, Thompson faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term imprisonment of life.  Thompson, who had been released on bond, was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service today.

On March 1, 2022, Carrasquillo, 36, of Wethersfield, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.  He is released on a $150,000 pending sentencing, which is scheduled for September 13.

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Robert S. Ruff.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NICOLAE MARIUS BARBU, 50, a citizen of Romania, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 21 months of imprisonment for his participation in an extensive ATM skimming scheme that defrauded banks in Connecticut and elsewhere.

According to court documents and statements in court, between February and June 2017, a Connecticut bank experienced approximately 35 incidents of ATM skimming at locations in Stratford, Monroe, Trumbull, Greenwich, Fairfield and elsewhere in Connecticut.  As part of the scheme, conspiracy members placed skimming devices at the ATMs to capture account numbers and personal identification numbers (“PINs”) from customers who used their ATM cards at the ATMs while the devices were in place.  Conspiracy members then used the captured information to make substitute ATM cards, and obtained money and made purchases using those cards.  Barbu joined this conspiracy in April 2017.

In addition, in April 2018, Barbu and another individual stole credit cards from an individual’s belongings at a gym in Rockville, Maryland.  They then used the cards to make more than $9,000 in purchases at Microsoft and Apple stores in Maryland.

Judge Shea ordered Barbu to pay restitution of $139,533 to the victim bank, and $9,536 to the banks that issued the credit cards used for his fraudulent purchases.

Barbu was arrested in Michigan in September 2020.  He subsequently pleaded guilty and was sentenced in Michigan for state offenses related to credit card theft and possession of forged identification.

On March 25, 2022, Barbu pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

Barbu, who has been detained since his arrest, faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.

This investigation was conducted by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, U.S. Secret Service, Greenwich Police Department, Monroe Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and several local police departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MICHAEL JONES, 25, of Hartford, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

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

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

Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for September 7, at which time Jones faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  Jones has been detained since his arrest.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Connecticut Violent Crime Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Manchester Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie T. Levick and John T. Pierpont, Jr.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DARRYL SMALL, 34, of Hamden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for fentanyl distribution offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force began investigating Small after receiving information that he was distributing heroin and fentanyl in and around New Haven.  In December 2020 and January 2021, investigators conducted multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl from Small.

Small was arrested on February 24, 2021.  On that date, a court-authorized search of his Hamden residence revealed $24,134 in cash and approximately $165,000 in jewelry.  Judge Dooley ordered Small to forfeit the cash and jewelry, and Small’s 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300 that was also seized at the time of his arrest.

Small has been detained since his arrest.  On March 7, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

Small’s criminal history includes felony convictions for criminal possession of a weapon, carrying a pistol without a permit, and first-degree robbery.

The FBI Safe Streets Task Force includes officers from the New Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, Hamden Police Department, East Haven Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Conor M. Reardon.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging STEVEN GALARZA, 24, of Seymour; EFRAIN DELEON, 58, of New Britain; and GILBERTO DELEON, 56, of New Britain, with committing eight robberies of convenience stores and smoke shops across Connecticut earlier this year.

As alleged in the indictment and other court documents, between February 27 and March 22, 2022, Galarza, Efrain Deleon and Gilberto Deleon, using facsimile firearms that are designed to appear similar to real firearms, robbed the following retail locations of cash, cigarettes and other items:

• February 27 – Scott’s Village Mobil Gas Station, 843 Farmington Avenue, Farmington
• March 2 – Mystic Mobil Gas Station, 66 Whitehall Avenue, Mystic
• March 3 – Shell Gas Station, 168 Bridge Street, East Windsor
• March 3 – Food Bag, 960 Meriden Waterbury Turnpike, Southington
• March 5 – Valero Gas Station, 1 Main Street, Ellington
• March 5 – Sunoco Gas Station, 446 Bloomfield Avenue, Windsor
• March 8 – Smoker’s Discount World, 636 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield
• March 16 – Cove Smoke Market, located at 841 Cove Road, Stamford
   

The indictment charges each of the defendants with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery and eight counts of Hobbs Act Robbery.  If convicted, Galarza, Efrain Deleon and Gilberto Deleon face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.

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.

Galarza, Efrain Deleon and Gilberto Deleon were arrested on April 19, 2022, on a federal criminal complaint emanating from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.  Efrain and Gilberto Deleon are detained and Galarza is released on a $50,000 bond.

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police, and the Farmington, Stonington, East Windsor, Southington, Windsor, Wethersfield and Stamford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan Keefe and Rahul Kale.

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 New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging LUIS JAVIER LOPEZ, 23, of New Britain, with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.

The indictment alleges that, on February 26, 2022, Lopez possessed a loaded Taurus G3 9mm pistol and a magazine containing 9mm ammunition.

It is further alleged that Lopez has been previously convicted in state court of possession with intent to sell a controlled substance.  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 Lopez with one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, and one count of possession of ammunition by a felon.  Each charge 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 the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Lopez has been detained since his arrest on related state charges by Hartford Police on February 26, 2022.

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Hartford Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie T. Levick and Angel M. Krull.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN BERNARDO, 66, of West Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to a conspiracy charge stemming from his role in a scheme to steal COVID relief funds from the City of West Haven.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Bernardo was employed by the City of West Haven as a Housing Specialist in the office of Community Development Administration.  In January 2021, Bernardo and another city employee formed Compass Investment Group, LLC.  Beginning in February 2021, Compass Investment Group LLC fraudulently billed the City of West Haven and its “COVID-19 Grant Department” for consulting services purportedly provided to the West Haven Health Department that were not performed.  From February 2021 through September 2021, the City of West Haven paid Compass Investment Group a total of $636,783.70.  Bernardo received a portion of these funds. 

Bernardo pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.

Bernardo was arrested on November 4, 2021.  He is released on a $250,000 pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.

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

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging SHAQUIL GARY, 29, of New Haven, with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

The indictment was returned on June 8, 2022.  Gary appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and entered a plea of not guilty.  He has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on April 19, 2022.

As alleged in the indictment, on April 19, 2022, Gary possessed a loaded Glock model 17, 9mm pistol.

It is further alleged that Gary’s criminal history includes a federal felony conviction for armed robbery of a person in lawful control of property of the United States, and state felony convictions for the sale and possession of narcotics.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

If convicted of the charge, Gary faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  Gary, who is currently on federal supervised release, faces additional penalties if he is found to have violated the conditions of his supervised release.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the New Haven Police Department and the Hamden Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Dearington.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment today charging GERARDO NUNEZ-IRIZARRY, also known as “Indio,” 43, of Meriden, with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

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

Nunez-Irizarry was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on March 24, 2022.

If convicted of the charge, Nunez-Irizarry faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.

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

Nunez-Irizarry is currently released on a $100,000 bond.

This matter is being investigated 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, East Haven, West Haven, Meriden, Waterbury, Branford, Ansonia, and Middletown Police Departments as well as from the Connecticut State Police.  The investigation has been supported by the Meriden Police Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force, which includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the Hartford, New Britain, Meriden and Town of Groton Police Departments.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHAMEIK CAMARA, 32, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in Bridgeport to offenses stemming from the theft of numerous firearms from a South Windsor warehouse last year.

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

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

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

Camara pleaded guilty to one count of possession of firearm by a felon, and one count of receipt and possession of items from an interstate shipment.  Judge Merriam scheduled sentencing for September 6, 2022, at which time Camara faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

JAMAR TRAYLOR, also known as “J-Hop,” 22, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to a racketeering charge stemming from his participation in a violent Bridgeport street gang.

Today’s announcement was made by Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport 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.  Traylor 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, Traylor and other O.N.E. members stole a Jeep Grand Cherokee in Newburgh, New York, and drove it back to Bridgeport.  In the following days, Traylor and others conspired to use the car to kill East End gang members and their allies who they had learned through social media were at a deli on Stratford Avenue in Bridgeport.  Although that plan fell through, in the early morning hours of August 13, 2018, 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, 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.

On October 22, 2018, Traylor and others committed a violent robbery of a marijuana dealer.

On June 1, 2021, Traylor, who at the time was on probation after a state felony weapons conviction, possessed five Glock handguns and ammunition.

Traylor pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  He has been detained since June 1, 2021.

This ongoing 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 Karen L. Peck, Rahul Kale, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis 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 JASON METZ, also known as “Jay,” 53, of Naugatuck, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and crack.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2020, the DEA New Haven Task Force and Waterbury Police Department began an investigation into a drug trafficking organization that was distributing large amounts of heroin, cocaine and crack in the Waterbury area, and was believed to be headed by Zachary Lee Foster.  The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones used by members of the organization, physical surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, and motor vehicle stops that resulted in the seizure of drugs.  The investigation revealed that Metz was working closely with Foster to distribute narcotics.  Between October 2020 and January 2021, Metz was intercepted numerous times on a wiretap ordering distribution quantities of narcotics from his New York supplier, and coordinating the sale of narcotics to several associates who, in turn, sold the drugs to their own customers.

On March 1, 2021, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Metz. Foster, and 15 others.  Metz and others were arrested on March 3, 2021.  On that date, law enforcement executed seven search warrants and seized approximately 40,000 bags of heroin/fentanyl, 350 grams of cocaine, 50 grams of crack cocaine, and nine firearms.

Metz pleaded guilty on February 16, 2022.

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

Foster has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.

This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department.  The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, East Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby, Middletown, Naugatuck and Waterbury Police Departments.

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

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

ASANTE GAINES, also known as “Santi,” 25, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 190 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his participation in a Bridgeport gang-related activity, including a brazen daytime shooting that occurred in front of a state courthouse in Bridgeport in January 2020.

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; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; 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.  Gaines has been a member of the “Greene Homes Boyz” (“GHB/Hotz”), a gang based in the Charles F. Greene Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeport’s North End, whose members and associates distributed heroin, crack cocaine, marijuana and Percocet pills; committed numerous acts of violence against rival gang members and other individuals, and celebrated their criminal conduct on social media websites such as Facebook and YouTube.  GHB/Hotz members and associates also 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.  From approximately 2017 until August 2020, GHB/Hotz members were aligned with members of the “Original North End” (“O.N.E.”), a gang based in the Trumbull Gardens area of Bridgeport, against rival groups in Bridgeport, including the East End, East Side and PT Barnum gangs, as well as 150, which is a geographic gang based on the West Side of Bridgeport.

The investigation revealed that Gaines participated in gang-related drug trafficking, and helped plan the retaliation shootings of members of opposition gangs.  On January 27, 2020, he assisted GHB/Hotz and O.N.E. members who attempted to kill East End gang members and associates in a brazen afternoon shooting in front of a Bridgeport courthouse.  At 12:11 p.m. on that date, Bridgeport Police responded to the area of 172 Golden Hill Street in Bridgeport after a Shot Spotter activation detected approximately 20 shots being fired in front of the state courthouse located there.  Upon arrival, investigators discovered that four victims had been shot while sitting inside a black Chevrolet Impala.  One victim was shot in the side of his chest and was left paralyzed and a second victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his back, shoulder and wrist.  The victims’ vehicle had approximately 23 entry bullet holes in the driver’s side and windshield area.

After the shooting, Gaines and others attempted to destroy a vehicle used during the shooting by setting it on fire in Naugatuck.

Gaines has been detained since February 13, 2020.  On October 19, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, and one count of attempted murder and aiding and abetting, in violation of the Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering (“VCAR”) statute.

Gaines and seven associates were charged federally for their roles in the courthouse shooting and other gang activity, and Gaines is the last to be sentenced.  His seven associates also pleaded guilty and are currently serving prison terms of between eight and 40 years.  The prosecution of numerous other individuals involved in Bridgeport gang activity is ongoing.  

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

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

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

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

Gaines attended a Project Longevity “call-in’ in December 2019, but did not pursue services that were offered to him.

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 MARVIN LLOYD, 51, last residing in Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 87 months of imprisonment for trafficking cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service into individuals who were receiving shipments of cocaine from Puerto Rico and California and distributing the drug in and around Hartford.  The investigation revealed that Lloyd coordinated the shipment of numerous parcels containing kilogram-quantities of cocaine, and also parcels containing large quantities of marijuana, from California to addresses in Hartford.  When the drug parcels arrived, Jesus Rodriguez, a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier, delivered them to Lloyd.  Rodriguez also distributed cocaine, some of which he received from Lloyd, to his own drug customers, and delivered parcels to other cocaine traffickers in the Hartford area.

Lloyd was arrested on May 21, 2019.  On June 4, 2019, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Lloyd, Rodriguez and 17 others with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and related offenses.  Lloyd pleaded guilty on August 18, 2021.

Lloyd, a citizen of Jamaica, has been detained since his arrest and faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.

Rodriguez has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.

The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments. 

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, 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, and Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging KEJUAN WILLIAMS, 29, of Hartford, with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

The indictment was returned on May 24.  Williams has been detained since his federal arrest on May 12.

As alleged in court documents, on April 18, 2022, after an unidentified shooter opened fire at individuals who were standing in a parking lot outside of a memorial gathering in Hartford, surveillance cameras at the location recorded at least nine individuals drawing firearms, and some of them returned fire.  Shot Spotter technology recorded approximately 50 shots fired within approximately 90 seconds in and around the location, and law enforcement recovered at least 31 shell casings from the scene.  Williams was present at the memorial gathering and was recorded on video brandishing a handgun and firing approximately eight times at the fleeing assailant.  He then fled the scene in a black Acura.

It is further alleged that, on April 21, 2022, Hartford Police officers located Williams’ car parked near a restaurant on Westland Street.  Williams was found inside the restaurant crouching behind a counter.  Officers apprehended Williams and seized a loaded Taurus G2C 9mm handgun on the ground where Williams had been crouching.  Investigators subsequently submitted to the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) a test-fired shell casing from the seized handgun.  Analysis of the shell casing revealed that it matched shell casings that were recovered from the shooting on April 18.

It is alleged that Williams’ criminal history includes multiple felony convictions, including a conviction in 2015 for carrying a pistol or revolver without a permit.  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.

If convicted of the offense, Williams faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Another individual alleged to be involved in the shooting incident on April 18, Kyrin Jackson, 31, of Hartford, is currently detained in federal custody on a federal supervised release violation.  It is alleged that surveillance video shows Jackson brandishing a handgun and holding a young child while facing oncoming gunfire.

“Gunfire erupting at a memorial service attended by families and young children cannot be tolerated in any community,” said U.S. Attorney Avery.  “The reckless shooting event on April 18 may cause lasting trauma to all who witnessed it.  Based on the number of shots fired, it is fortunate that no one lost their life and only one individual was injured.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners are committed to using the full weight of federal law to help bring an end to this senseless violence.”

“Some of those allegedly responsible for the blatant disregard of human life in this incident have been delivered to the judicial system,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sundberg.  “We are steadfast in our conviction to seek out those who choose violence over peaceful communities.  The FBI and all of our law enforcement partners remain in lockstep in our fight against gun crimes.”

“This investigation should send a clear message that this type of violence will not be tolerated” ATF Special Agent in Charge Ferguson.  “ATF will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners at the Hartford Police and the FBI to take violent offenders off the street.  The use of the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), which allowed us to match ballistic evidence to the firearm seized, has been critical in this investigation.”

“This is another great example of technology, forensics and great police work coming together to take dangerous persons off the street and make our community safer,” said Hartford Police Chief Thody.  “We appreciate our federal partners for all that they do.”

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 ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.

U.S. Attorney Avery thanked the Hartford State Attorney’s Offices for its cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this matter.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging BIMAEL ACEVEDO-ROMAN, 28, of Meriden, with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in October 2020, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force began investigating a cocaine trafficking operation headed by Acevedo-Roman.  The investigation revealed that Acevedo-Roman was coordinating the shipment of parcels containing kilogram quantities of cocaine from U.S. Post Offices in Puerto Rico to various “drop addresses” in Meriden, New Britain and Bristol, and the shipment of parcels of cash back to Puerto Rico.  Acevedo-Roman and others picked up parcels from the drop addresses and delivered them to Acevedo-Roman’s Meriden residence.

During the investigation, it is alleged that investigators intercepted and seized mail parcels containing more than five kilograms of cocaine and $179,300 in cash, and have identified dozens of other suspicious parcels that likely contained kilogram quantities of cocaine and bulk currency.

Acevedo-Roman was arrested on May 18, 2022, and is currently released on a $100,000 bond.  If convicted of the charge, he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of life imprisonment.

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 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.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Konstantin Lantsman and Stephanie Levick.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that Numet Machining Techniques, LLC (“Numet”), Numet Industries, Inc., KCO Numet, Inc., and Kidd & Company, LLC (collectively the “Numet Entities”), have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the United States and have paid $5,227,355.28 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act when Numet improperly obtained set-aside contracts reserved for small businesses that it was ineligible to receive.

Numet is limited liability company located in Orange, Connecticut that manufactures and provides aerospace engine machined components for commercial and U.S. military purchases.  On August 30, 2011, Numet was acquired by Numet Industries, Inc., which was owned by KCO Numet, Inc., which was ultimately owned by individuals associated with Kidd & Company, LLC, a family office investment company located in Greenwich, Connecticut.

The government contends that, after Numet’s acquisition in August 2011, it ceased to qualify as a “small business concern” within the meaning of the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) regulations relating to government contracts due to Numet’s affiliation through stock ownership with other businesses.  Nevertheless, between August 2011 and February 2016, Numet falsely certified that it was a “small business concern” and, as a result, it was awarded 22 small business set-aside contracts that it was ineligible to receive.  In addition, between September 2013 and February 2016, Numet falsely certified that it was a “women-owned small business concern.”

Government contractors are required to timely disclose to the government, in writing, whenever they have credible evidence that they have committed a violation of the False Claims Act.  On November 4, 2019, in connection with due diligence performed relating to Numet’s sale to another entity, Numet voluntarily disclosed to the government facts concerning its potential affiliation with other businesses that the government contends made it ineligible to be awarded contracts set aside for small businesses. The Numet Entities received credit in the settlement for Numet’s voluntary disclosure and cooperation with the government during its investigation.

“Government contractors that make false representations to receive contracts for which they are not eligible will be held to account,” said U.S. Attorney Avery.  “We thank our investigative partners for their efforts on this case and their ongoing work to protect government programs that exist to assist small or disadvantaged companies.”

“Protecting Department of Defense contracts set aside for small businesses is a priority for the DoD Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service,” said Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty, DCIS Northeast Field Office.  “Today’s announcement reflects our commitment to working with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut to investigate allegations of false representations made during the DoD procurement process.”

“SBA procurement programs must be preserved for contractors that are truly small businesses” said Therese Meers, Acting General Counsel of SBA.  “The settlement in this matter demonstrates the excellent results achieved in the government’s forceful response to procurement fraud.  SBA is strongly committed to identifying and aggressively pursuing instances of fraud perpetrated by those participating in SBA’s procurement programs.”

“Contractor abuse of government set-aside programs not only undermines the federal acquisition process, but also harms the legitimate small businesses these programs are intended to support,” said Special Agent in Charge William W. Richards, Air Force Office of Special Investigations.  “AFOSI, our joint investigative partners, and the DOJ will continue to combat fraud threatening the Department of Defense’s procurement process and ensure wrongdoers are held accountable for their actions.”

This investigation was conducted by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, the Defense Contract Audit Agency Operations Investigative Support Division, and the SBA Office of General Counsel.  This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Gruber, with the assistance of Auditor Susan N. Spiegel.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LAMAIN HEARD, 31, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, June 15, 2021, law enforcement attempted to stop a car in which Heard was a passenger.  The car drove at police officers, crashed into multiple vehicles, and then crashed into a pole.  When the car stopped, Heard dropped a semiautomatic pistol in the car and then attempted to flee the scene before he was apprehended.  Subsequent forensic analysis of the firearm revealed that it contained Heard’s DNA.

Heard has previously been convicted of a felony offense and he attended a Project Safe Neighborhoods presentation at which he was informed that a felon caught with a firearm could be prosecuted in federal court.

Heard has been detained since his federal arrest on January 21, 2022.  Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for August 24, at which time Heard faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RONDELL CHAMBERS, 31, of Vernon, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.

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.

Chambers is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on September 22, at which time Chambers faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Chambers is released on a $150,000 bond pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elena L. Coronado and David Sheldon.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CAREER TRAINING SPECIALISTS, LLC, doing business as STONE ACADEMY, and its owner, MARK SCHEINBERG, have paid more than $1 million to resolve allegations that they violated the federal False Claims Act by concealing a series of money order payments made by Scheinberg to prevent certain loans from being counted in Stone Academy’s student loan default rate, and for failing to disclose Stone Academy’s actual, higher default rate to the U.S. Department of Education.

Stone Academy is a for-profit school with campuses in East Hartford, Waterbury and West Haven that awards career diplomas in various medical fields, and it participates in federal student loan and grant programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965.  One measure that determines an institution’s eligibility to participate in Title IV programs is the institution’s “cohort default rate” (“CDR”), which is the percentage of the institution’s federal student loan borrowers who default (or are deemed to default) within a specified time after entering repayment status.  If an institution’s CDR is too high – an indicator that too many of an institution’s graduates are unable to repay their student loans – the institution faces administrative consequences that may include termination of eligibility to participate in certain Title IV programs.  For purposes of calculating an institution’s CDR, a borrower is considered to be in default if an institution – or an institution’s owner, agent or affiliated individual – makes a payment to prevent a borrower’s default on a loan included in a cohort.

This settlement resolves allegations that, between February 2015 and March 2019, Scheinberg and Stone Academy mailed 154 small, direct payments to loan servicers on behalf of 102 students in attempts to prevent those students from defaulting on their loans and being counted in Stone Academy’s CDR.  The payments were made with money orders purchased and filled out by Scheinberg without the students’ knowledge or consent, and in a manner intended to conceal the fact that these payments were made by Scheinberg and Stone Academy.  Stone Academy then failed to disclose to the Department of Education its actual, higher CDR reflecting the deemed default of numerous borrowers given Scheinberg’s concealed payments.

In addition to making payment of $1,023,950, plus interest, under a civil settlement agreement, Stone Academy and Scheinberg also entered into an administrative agreement with the Department of Education in which Scheinberg agreed to cease involvement and participation in the operations, and divest direct ownership, of both Stone Academy and another for-profit school, Creative Workforce LLC, doing business as Paier College of Art.  The administrative agreement also governs Scheinberg’s agreed-to retirement from Goodwin University and the University of Bridgeport.

“The cohort default rate is an important metric that students can use to research whether a school provides a valuable education because it can show whether the degree they would earn will help them find employment that allows them to stay current on their student loans,” said U.S. Attorney Avery.  “Educational institutions – especially private, for-profit schools – that attempt to hide high student loan default rates from the Education Department and their students not only risk forfeiting their and their students’ eligibility to receive federal funds, but they risk federal enforcement by our office and our investigative agency partners.”

“Today’s settlement is a result of the work and effort of the Office of Inspector General and the Department of Justice to protect and maintain the integrity of federal student aid programs,” said Terry Harris, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General’s Eastern Regional Office.  “We will continue to work together to ensure that federal student aid funds are used as required by law.  America’s taxpayers and students deserve nothing less.”

This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Education – Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  This matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Gruber with the assistance of Auditor Susan N. Spiegel, along with assistance from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of General Counsel and Federal Student Aid.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL STANLEY, 33, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to possessing a firearm while on supervised release following a prior federal conviction for illegally possessing a firearm.

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

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

Stanley pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford on August 8, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  He also faces additional penalties for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

This investigation has been conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Haven Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JULIAN JUDGE, 24, of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking firearms that were stolen in Florida to Connecticut.  Judge Meyer also ordered Judge to pay a $3,000 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in late February 2021, Judge and Dominic Colon-Brown drove to Florida to obtain firearms and bring them back to Connecticut.  In Florida, Judge and others obtained three handguns, which Judge knew were stolen or otherwise illegally obtained.

On March 8, 2021, law enforcement recovered a .40 caliber handgun and a high capacity magazine that Judge’s associate discarded during a foot chase in New Britain.  A subsequent search of a New Britain apartment where Judge and his associate resided revealed three additional loaded firearms, two extended magazines, more than 100 rounds of ammunition and approximately 60 grams of cocaine.  The serial number on one of the firearms found in the apartment matched the serial number of a firearm that had been stolen in Florida in February 2021.

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

Judge was arrested on May 27, 2021.  He has been detained since September 23, 2021, when his bond was revoked after he was arrested for domestic violence offenses.  On November 22, 2021, Judge pleaded guilty to one count of transporting stolen firearms across state lines

Colon-Brown also pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that TAHIR BRUFF, also known as “Gangster” and “G,” 46, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 65 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing narcotics.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2018, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force began investigating Ricardo Reyes, also known as “Rick the Ruler,” a member of the Los Solidos street gang who was distributing fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and crack in the area of Park Street and Hungerford Street in Hartford.  During the investigation, law enforcement conducted multiple controlled purchases of narcotics from Ricardo Reyes.  Court-authorized wiretaps confirmed that he was distributing narcotics to numerous customers, and identified individuals who supplied drugs to him, including Bruff, as well as associates who sold drugs on his behalf.  Intercepted communications also revealed that Ricardo Reyes was acquiring and trafficking firearms.

Bruff, a member of Los Solidos and a close associate of Reyes, supplied cocaine and crack to Reyes for both his personal use and distribution. Bruff also sold narcotics to other customers in the area of Hungerford Street.

Bruff has been detained since his arrest on June 17, 2019.

On June 27, 2019, a grand jury Hartford returned a 32-count indictment charging Bruff, Reyes, and 13 associates with various narcotics trafficking and firearm possession offenses.  Bruff pleaded guilty on March 29, 2022.

All of Bruff’s co-defendants pleaded guilty to related charges, and Bruff is the last to be sentenced.

On February 11, 2021, Reyes was sentenced to 18 years 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 Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division provided valuable assistance to the investigation.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. 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 QUENTINE DAVIS, 31, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 63 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl and heroin.

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

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

Davis has been detained since his arrest on August 17, 2020.  On December 15, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

Reynoso, Quinones and Pittman also pleaded guilty.  On September 13, 2021, Reynoso, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment.  He faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.

Quinones and Pittman await sentencing.

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

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID CIANCIMINO, 63, of Trumbull, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally distributing prescription medication.  Judge Williams also ordered Ciancimino to pay a $25,000 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Ciancimino was a sole practitioner practicing psychiatry and neurology/psychiatry from an office located at 4 Corporate Drive in Shelton.  In October 2020, law enforcement began investigating Ciancimino’s prescribing practices of various benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, and stimulants, such as Adderall.  During the investigation, federal task force officers acting in an undercover capacity paid Ciancimino $200 during visits to receive prescriptions for Xanax or Adderall, or their generic equivalents, with little to no medical examination.

Ciancimino was arrested on September 23, 2021.  On January 24, 2022, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of a controlled substance without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the scope of professional practice.

In addition to his fine, Ciancimino has forfeited $175,773.45 seized at the time of his arrest.

Ciancimino, who is released on a $500,000 bond, is required to report to prison on July 25.

Ciancimino surrendered his medical license in January.

This investigation was conducted by the DEA New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and HHS-OIG’s Office of Investigations, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection – Drug Control Division and the Middlebury Police Department.  The DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad includes personnel from the DEA and the Bristol, East Windsor, Glastonbury, Hamden, Manchester, New Britain, Newington, Watertown and West Haven Police Departments.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather L. Cherry.

United States Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery, Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England and Waterbury Police Chief Fernando C. Spagnolo today announced that the following 14 individuals were arrested yesterday on federal narcotics trafficking charges related to the distribution of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine and oxycodone in and around Waterbury:

JAVIER GONZALEZ, a.k.a. “Jay” and “The Crazy One,” 50, of Waterbury
FRANCISCO GONZALEZ, a.k.a. “Sisco,” 51, of Waterbury
CHRISTOPHER CAMMILLETTI, 30, of Southington
JOHN STEFERAK, a.k.a. “Jack,” 43, of Milford
JOSE DUPREY, a.k.a. “Red” and “Colorado,” 51, of Waterbury
WANDA LORA, a.k.a. “Wanda Lopez,” 47, of Waterbury
ROBERT AMATRUDA, a.k.a. “Bubba” and “Spanky,” 38, of Bristol
VICTOR DURAN-BARRERA, a.k.a. “Mexico,” 41, of Bridgeport
GARRY GEBEAU, 56, of Ansonia
THOMAS SANTOS, a.k.a. “White Boy,” 33, of Waterbury
JOSE RAMOS, 40, of Waterbury
ARMANDO VARELA-PLAZA, 40, of New York
BIANCA RODRIGUEZ-CANCEL, 36, of New York
MICHELE CRUZ, 36, of Waterbury

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, the DEA New Haven Task Force, Waterbury Police Department and other law enforcement agencies have been conducting a long-term investigation into drug trafficking in and around the city of Waterbury by Javier Gonzalez and his associates, and by Jose Duprey and his associates.  The investigation has included court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones, physical surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, and motor vehicle stops that resulted in the seizure of drugs and cash proceeds.

In association with yesterday’s arrests, investigators executed 11 search warrants and seized more than 18 kilograms of narcotics, approximately $290,000 in cash, and approximately $400,000 in jewelry.  Specifically, a search of a business location on Straits Turnpike in Middlebury, which, as alleged, Duprey used as a stash location for narcotics and other items, revealed approximately 12 kilograms of a mixture containing suspected fentanyl, one kilogram of suspected heroin, one kilogram of suspected black tar heroin, and $40,000 in cash.  A search of Francisco Gonzalez’s residence on Geddes Terrace in Waterbury revealed approximately two kilograms of a mixture of suspected cocaine and fentanyl, two kilograms of suspected heroin, and $200,000 in cash.  A search of Javier Gonzalez’s residence on Enoch Street in Waterbury revealed approximately one kilogram of marijuana, $30,000 in cash, and $400,000 in jewelry.  Quantities of cocaine and heroin, and approximately $20,000 in cash, were seized from other locations.

Each defendant is charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, narcotics, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Certain defendants face stronger penalties, including mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment, based on the type and quantity of drug attributable to them.  Javier Gonzalez and his brother, Francisco Gonzalez, are also charged with bulk cash smuggling, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

“As too many Connecticut residents continue to lose their battle with drug addiction, and too many families and communities are impacted by the resulting trauma that addiction causes, we in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners are steadfast in our commitment to stop the flow of these deadly drugs into and around our state, and we will prosecute those involved to the full extent of federal law,” said U.S. Attorney Avery.  “I thank the DEA and their task force members, notably the Waterbury Police, for their work in identifying and apprehending these individuals, and seizing such a significant quantity of narcotics and drug proceeds.  Their efforts have unquestionably saved lives.”

“Fentanyl, heroin and cocaine are causing great damage to our communities and DEA’s top priority is to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes this poison in order to profit and destroy lives,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Let these arrests and seizures be a warning to those traffickers who are distributing drugs to the people of Connecticut. The DEA and its local, state and federal partners will do everything in our power to bring you to justice.”

“We are thankful that our ongoing work with the DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to thwart drug trafficking in Waterbury and remove those involved from our community,” said Chief Spagnolo.  “We look forward to continuing this important work with our federal partners.”

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

This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department, with the assistance of DEA offices in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Connecticut State Police; Connecticut Department of Correction; Connecticut State Parole; and the Naugatuck, Ansonia, West Haven, Meriden and East Haven Police Departments.

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

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANA NUNEZ, also known as Ana Pagoaga, 51, of Naugatuck, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for filing false tax returns for clients of her tax preparation service.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2011 to 2016, Nunez owned and operated Nunez MultiServices, LLC, a tax return preparation service located in Naugatuck.  During that time, Nunez filed approximately 6,000 returns for approximately 2,600 different individual taxpayers.  On numerous tax returns she prepared for clients, Nunez routinely inflated income or created fictitious income; falsified expenses, including education and childcare expenses, and falsified deductions, such as business mileage.

Judge Shea ordered Nunez to pay $501,933 in restitution to the IRS, and $78,829 to the State of Connecticut.

On December 6, 2018, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Nunez with multiple counts of filing false tax returns.  Nunez subsequently obstructed the prosecution of this matter by creating false invoices to clients, which she provided to the government in an apparent attempt to justify additional monies she took from her clients’ refunds, and by attempting to intimidate a potential witness.

On January 7, 2020, Nunez pleaded guilty to two counts of aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return.

Nunez, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on July 25.

This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, with the assistance of the State of Connecticut’s Department of Revenue Services.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Susan L. Wines and John T. Pierpont, Jr.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRIAN VELEZ, also known as “Whites,” 33, formerly of Hartford and West Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 57 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for illegally possessing of a firearm, and then distributing fentanyl while released on bond.

According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 10:20 a.m. on November 27, 2018, a car Velez was operating sped away from Hartford Police officers who were attempting to stop the vehicle in Hartford’s South End.  Velez parked in a driveway of a residence on Newbury Street and then ran from the car while carrying a duffel bag.  After Velez was apprehended, a detective located the duffel bag in Velez’s path of travel.  The bag contained a disassembled Ruger AR 556 semi-automatic rifle, which Velez was prohibited from possessing due to a prior felony conviction.

Velez was detained from the date of his arrest until April 2, 2019, when he was released on bond.

In January 2020, law enforcement received information that Velez was involved in ongoing criminal activity, including the distribution of narcotics.  On January 28, 2020, investigators made a controlled purchase of 20 bags of fentanyl from Velez in Hartford.

On January 29, 2020, Velez pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon, stemming from his arrest in November 2018.

Velez has been detained since March 12, 2020, after he was arrested on a criminal complaint charging him with distributing fentanyl.  On April 12, 2021, he pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl while on release in a pending federal case.

This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, the FBI’s Connecticut Violent Crime Task Force, and the Hartford Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KEVIN CURLEY, 41, formerly of Morris, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to a child exploitation offense.

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

Curley was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on October 8, 2020. 

Curley pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for August 30.

Curley is released on a $150,000 bond and residing in Naugatuck while awaiting sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MAICO TURELL, 49, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford  to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for fentanyl distribution and firearm possession offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2020, law enforcement made two controlled purchases of distribution quantities of heroin/fentanyl from Turell at his Franklin Avenue residence.  On December 22, 2020, a court-authorized search of Turell’s residence revealed a loaded 9mm semiautomatic firearm, a 9mm magazine and additional 9mm ammunition, and $17,980 in cash.  Turell arrived at his home after the search was completed, and a search of his person revealed approximately 250 bags of heroin/fentanyl.

Turell was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on February 3, 2021.  At the time of his arrest, investigators found additional narcotics on his person and in his car.

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

On February 16, 2022, Turell pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration and Hartford Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick F. Caruso.

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