District of Connecticut

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDWIN CORDERO, 21, of Stratford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in an auto theft ring.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI, Connecticut State Police and local police have been investigating multiple car theft rings in Connecticut, and violent crimes that are being committed using stolen vehicles.

The investigation revealed that Cordero and others have stolen numerous motor vehicles, and used the stolen vehicles to travel throughout Connecticut and to neighboring states to steal other vehicles and the valuables inside, including credit cards, cellular telephones, and firearms.  Cordero and his associates typically frequented upper middleclass neighborhoods to go “car-checking” or “jigging,” which involves an attempt to open the door of a motor vehicle and, if successful, steal the vehicle and/or valuables inside.  Once the thieves take the cars, they sell, trade or pawn any items of value found in the cars and sell or “rent” the stolen cars to other criminals.

On December 1, 2020, Cordero and Christopher Mulkern stole a Porsche Panamera from a residence in Westport, Connecticut.  Shortly after midnight on December 2, law enforcement in Westerly, Rhode Island, identified the stolen Porsche and attempted to stop the car.  The Porsche drove recklessly, at speeds of at least 86 mph, between Rhode Island and Connecticut, and evaded police who, for safety reasons, were forced to terminate pursuit.

At approximately 4 a.m. on December 2, Cordero, Mulkern and others used the stolen Porsche to steal a Dodge Challenger from a residence in Milford, Connecticut.  In the evening of December 2, Stratford Police spotted and attempted to stop the Porsche, which was being driven by Mulkern and in which Cordero was a passenger.  During the pursuit, Mulkern rammed a car stopped at a red light at an intersection, drove up on the sidewalk and through the red light, and then struck a second vehicle, causing the second vehicle to flip onto its roof.  Mulkern drove the damaged Porsche onto I-95 into Bridgeport, where he and Cordero were apprehended as they attempted to enter another stolen Audi A4 that was parked on Gregory Street.  A search of the stolen Audi revealed approximately 13 key fobs for other vehicles, and a search of the Porsche revealed five cellphones.  In addition, Cordero possessed a key fob for the stolen Dodge Challenger, which was subsequently located parked on Main Street in Bridgeport, and Mulkern possessed two stolen credit cards.

On September 8, 2021, Cordero pleaded guilty to one count of transportation of a stolen vehicle.

Mulkern pleaded guilty to the same offense and, on January 3, 2022, was sentenced to 48 months of imprisonment.

Cordero and Mulkern have agreed to pay $75,198.45 in restitution to at least seven owners of vehicles they stole and/or damaged.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Connecticut State Police and the Stratford, Milford, Stonington, Westport, Bridgeport, New Haven, Meriden, Darien, Old Saybrook, and Westerly (R.I.) Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan.

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that TIMOTHY P. DRAPER, 54, of Bethel, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of tax evasion

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

Draper is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam on July 11, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

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

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

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden today found DERON D. FREEMAN, 47, of Glastonbury, guilty of tax fraud offenses. 

According the evidence presented during a bench trial in October and November 2021, Freeman is attorney who has owned and operated a The Law Offices of Deron Freeman in Hartford.  Freeman has practiced primarily in the areas of personal injury and criminal law.  Between 2006 and 2010, Freeman fell severely behind on his federal tax payments and failed to pay his overdue tax balance, despite multiple notices of delinquent taxes and the imposition of payment and interest by the IRS.  In 2010, the IRS initiated a collection action against Freeman for the 2007, 2008 and 2009 tax years.

In 2011, soon after Freeman entered into a payment plan with the IRS, he began using a bank account in the name of a third party to hold hundreds of thousands of dollars in an attempt to protect the funds from IRS scrutiny.  By June 2012, Freeman made sufficient tax payments so that the IRS removed a lien against Freeman for the 2008 tax year.  Shortly thereafter, Freeman transferred more than $248,000 from the third-party account to his personal money market account.  Freeman subsequently filed false tax returns for 2011, 2012 and 2013, failing to pay taxes on approximately $950,000 in income in those years, and also failed to pay significant taxes owed for the 2014 and 2015 tax years.

The evidence at trial revealed that Freeman spent lavishly on cars and watercraft and, between 2012 and 2016, spent approximately $1.5 million constructing a new home.

Judge Bolden found Freeman guilty of three counts of making and subscribing a false tax return, and four counts of failure to pay income tax.  At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Freeman faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 13 years.

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

This investigation has been conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Susan L. Wines and Christopher W. Schmeisser.

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, and Enfield Police Chief Alaric Fox today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging BRANDON BLANKS, 36, of Springfield, Massachusetts, with unlawful possession of a firearms and ammunition by a felon, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

The indictment was returned on April 6.  Blanks appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven, entered a plea of not guilty, and was ordered detained.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, Blanks was arrested on November 2, 2021, after he broke into an Enfield apartment carrying a loaded firearm and threatened an individual.  Responding officers located a polymer80 9mm firearm (“ghost gun”) with an extended magazine containing 24 rounds of ammunition.  In Blanks’ car, officers found and seized a loaded Ruger 9mm firearm and a bag containing a quantity of crack cocaine and approximately 400 bags of para-Flourofentanyl, a fentanyl analogue.

It is alleged that Blanks’ criminal history includes convictions for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, armed robbery, carrying a firearm without a license, and multiple 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.

Unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

U.S. Attorney Boyle 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 Enfield Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Reed Durham.

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

Leonard C Boyle, 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 LIZBEL SANCHEZ, also known as Lizbel Diaz, 47, of Brookfield, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday in Bridgeport federal court to a federal tax offense.

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

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

Sanchez pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to collect or pay over taxes, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  She is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on July 7 in Hartford.

Sanchez is released on bond pending sentencing.

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

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

Leonard C Boyle, 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 NELSON SANTINI, 27, of New Haven, with one count of distribution of 40 grams or more fentanyl.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on August 13, 2021, members of the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force made a controlled purchase of approximately 50 grams of fentanyl from Santini.

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

Santini has been detained since his arrest on a federal criminal complaint on April 6, 2022.

U.S. Attorney Boyle 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 FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, which includes members from the New Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, Hamden Police Department, East Haven Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Conor M. Reardon and Robert S. Ruff.

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CRYSTAL KLATT, 36, of Meriden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 12 months and one day imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for embezzling more than $400,000 from her employer’s clients.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Klatt was employed as an office manager by a property management company located in Hamden.  Clients of the property management company would allow the company access to their bank accounts in order to allow the management company to make payments on behalf of the respective client.  Klatt had access to the client’s bank accounts as part of her job responsibilities.  Between approximately December 2014 and January 2021, Klatt diverted $446,859.82 from the bank accounts of at least 14 clients to pay her personal credit card charges.

Judge Hall ordered Klatt to pay full restitution.

On December 21, 2021, Klatt pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

Klatt, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on June 2.

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

Leonard C Boyle, 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 LUIS SALAMAN, also known as “Bebe,” 40, and ISMAEL HEREDIA, also known as “Junie,” 29, both of New Haven, with fentanyl trafficking offenses.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in October 2021, the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force learned that Salaman was distributing large quantities of narcotics throughout New Haven.  The investigation revealed that Salaman worked with Heredia to distribution heroin and fentanyl.  Between November 2021 and March 2022, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of distribution quantities of heroin/fentanyl from Salaman and Heredia.

Salaman and Heredia were arrested on April 5, 2022.

The indictment charges Salaman and Heredia with conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.  If convicted of this offense, each defendant faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

The indictment also charges Salaman with one count and Heredia with seven counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.

In addition, the indictment alleges that Salaman is eligible for enhanced penalties because of a prior conviction for a serious violent felony, which potentially increases his mandatory minimum prison sentence to 15 years.

Salaman is detained and Heredia is released on a $100,000 bond.   

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

This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, which includes members from the New Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, Hamden Police Department, East Haven Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Conor M. Reardon and Robert S. Ruff.

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KEON COUNCIL, 44, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three 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.  In November and December 2020, Council was intercepted multiple times on a wiretap ordering distribution quantities of heroin from James Grant, also known as “Bobo,” “Bo,” and “Jimbo,”  Council then sold the drugs to his own customers.

On March 1, 2021, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Council, Grant and 15 others.  On December 10, 2021, Council pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin.

Council has been detained since his arrest on March 3, 2021.  On that date, law enforcement executed seven search warrants and seized approximately 40,000 bags of suspected heroin, 350 grams of cocaine and 50 grams of crack cocaine, and nine firearms

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

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAYQUAN FITZGERALD-WILLIAMS, 26, formerly of Connecticut and currently residing in North Carolina, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today via videoconference before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden to conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

According to court documents and statements made in court today, Fitzgerald-Williams used his position as a bank employee, first at Citizens Bank and then at Santander Bank, to access customer information and provide that information to others who obtained funds from the accounts through unauthorized transactions.  Between late 2018 and early 2020, as a mortgage development officer at Santander Bank, Fitzgerald-Williams searched bank records for older customers who had at least $100,000 in their accounts.  He then passed along customer identifying and account information to others who used that information to cause approximately 70 fraudulent checks totaling approximately $1.6 million to be issued and more than $2 million in ACH transactions to be made or attempted.  Not all of the fraudulent checks or ACH transactions ultimately cleared customers’ accounts.

During the conspiracy, Fitzgerald-Williams also attempted to negotiate a fraudulent check in the amount of $34,700 made payable to him.

At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Fitzgerald-Williams faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.

Fitzgerald-Williams is released pending sentencing.

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

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PEDRO RIVERA, 50, last residing in St. Cloud, Florida, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 100 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, 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 Rivera arranged to have a cocaine source in Puerto Rico send parcels containing kilograms of cocaine to addresses in Hartford.  When the cocaine parcels arrived, Jesus Rodriguez, a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier, delivered the cocaine to Rivera.  Rodriguez also distributed cocaine to his own drug customers, and delivered parcels to other cocaine traffickers in the Hartford area.

Investigators intercepted numerous communications over a court-authorized wiretap during which Rivera and Rodriguez arranged the delivery of a cocaine parcel.  Investigators subsequently seized the parcel, which contained three kilograms of cocaine.

Rivera was arrested in Florida on June 3, 2019.  On June 4, 2019, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Rivera, Rodriguez and 17 others with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and related offenses.  On November 3, 2021, Rivera pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

Rivera has been detained since his arrest.

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.

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DON C. RICHARDS, 53, of Milford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to a conspiracy charge stemming from his involvement in a construction project fraud scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Richards was a senior project manager at a Massachusetts-based mechanical contractor.  From November 2014 through February 2018, Richards conspired to defraud his employer and the project owners by inflating change orders on certain projects he was managing.  As part of this conspiracy, a co-conspirator subcontractor, who was a principal of an insulation company, made payments to Richards and also for Richards’s benefit, including gift cards and funds for a golf club membership.  Richards and the co-conspirator submitted inflated change orders to Richards’s employer to offset some of the costs of the payments the co-conspirator made to Richards.

Richards pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  He has agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $396,966.

Richards was arrested on October 19, 2021.  He is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for July 5.

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang, with assistance from the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, New York Office.

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTOPHER DUBICKI, 37, formerly of Sprague, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force and the Norwich Police Department launched an investigation after several fatal and non-fatal overdoses occurred in a short period of time in eastern Connecticut.  Investigators determined that, beginning at least as early as January 2017 and continuing to July 2018, Michael Nieves worked with Juan Reyes to supply heroin and fentanyl to other distributors, including individuals who regularly traveled from eastern Connecticut to Hartford to purchase the drugs.  Those individuals then sold the drug to customers in the Norwich and New London areas.

On July 5, 2017, Norwich Police officers responded to a residence on the report of an overdose.  The victim, a 34-year-old male, was transported to the hospital where he died.  The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner subsequently determined the victim’s cause of death to be “acute fentanyl intoxication.”  The investigation revealed that Dubicki sold the fentanyl to the victim after previously purchasing it from Nieves and Reyes.

As the investigation continued, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl from Dubicki.  On February 7, 2018, a court authorized search of Dubicki’s residence revealed approximately 650 glassine bags of fentanyl.

Dubicki has been detained since his arrest on May 7, 2018.  On August 12, 2019, he pleaded guilty to fentanyl, heroin and cocaine distribution charges.

Investigators connected six other overdoses, three fatal and three non-fatal, to drugs that were supplied by Nieves and Reyes.  They both pleaded guilty to federal charges.

On June 9, 2021, Reyes was sentenced to 151 months in prison and, on February 24, 2022, Nieves was sentenced to 168 months in prison.

This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force and the Norwich Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins with the assistance of the State’s Attorney for the New London Judicial District.

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DARRYL RUSSELL, 33, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 27 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin, cocaine and crack.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 13, 2021, New Haven Police encountered James Lee as he was sitting in a car at a gas station.  The car had fled from police on March 8.  A search of Lee’s person revealed $3,815 and a search of the car revealed $3,443.  Officers then found a hidden compartment in the vehicle’s center counsel that contained heroin, crack and cocaine packaged for distribution, and a loaded 9mm handgun.

On the morning of April 5, 2021, a New Haven Police detective traveling in an unmarked police cruiser in the area of Orange Street and Wall Street identified another car that had fled from West Haven Police during an attempted traffic stop on April 1.  The detective followed the car to a location of Brown Street, where he observed occupants of the vehicle engage in what appeared to be street-level drug transactions, and then to a location on Elm Street.  On Elm Street, Lee, who had been released on bond, and Russell exited the car and entered a building.  Lee was arrested after he exited the building.  Russell ignored commands not to leave the scene but was apprehended a short distance away after he was found hiding in a trash can.  A search of their car revealed heroin, crack and cocaine packaged for distribution, and more than $2,000 in cash.

Russell has been detained since May 21, 2021.  On that date, he possessed additional narcotics packaged for distribution and more than $1,000 in cash.  On September 14, 2021, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, heroin, cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”).

Lee pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on February 14, 2022, he was sentenced to 46 months of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by the New Haven Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.

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

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Tyler Amon, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division for New England, and Commissioner Katie Scharf Dykes of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announced that MARMON UTILITY LLC was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport for violating the Clean Water Act by knowingly failing to properly operate and maintain the industrial wastewater treatment system and sludge-processing equipment at the Kerite Power Cable & Pump Cable factory located at 49 Day Street in Seymour, Connecticut.  Marmon Utility LLC (“Marmon Utility”), a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, owns and operates the factory.

Judge Dooley ordered that Marmon Utility will be under federal probation for three years and must pay $2.4 million to the government: $800,000 as a federal penalty and a $1.6 million community service payment to remediate the Naugatuck River, as administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (“CT DEEP”).  Marmon Utility pleaded guilty to the offense on December 21, 2021.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the Kerite Power Cable & Pump Cable (“Kerite”) factory in Seymour manufactures large power cables and generates industrial wastewater containing heavy metals such as lead and zinc.  Under its 2015 CT DEEP permit, Marmon Utility was required to properly operate and maintain the wastewater treatment system at the factory to reduce the heavy-metal content by chemical precipitation before the wastewater could be discharged to the sewage treatment plant. 

The investigation revealed that Marmon Utility had been cutting back on its environmental compliance program for many years, and had not had an employee with an environmental background running its wastewater treatment system since February 2004.  When the operator of the wastewater treatment system became ill in March 2016, Marmon Utility ran the system for at least five months with maintenance employees who lacked environmental training and training on the treatment system. 

On September 7 and 8, 2016, the superintendent of the Seymour treatment plant observed unusual, rusty brown wastewater flowing into the plant and notified CT DEEP.  This rusty brown influent was interfering with the plant’s ability to treat the sewage.  The superintendent took samples and determined that the lead concentration of the rusty brown influent was approximately 127 times greater than the plant’s normal lead measurement, and that its zinc concentration was over 10 times the typical zinc concentration.  During the next several days, the superintendent had to order several truckloads of biologic microorganisms to break down the unprocessed sewage.  It took two weeks for the treatment plant to return to usual operational capacity. 

On September 27 and 29, 2016, CT DEEP and the plant superintendent inspected Marmon Utility’s Kerite facility and concluded that it had discharged the rusty brown influent with the high lead and zinc concentrations on September 7, 8, and 9, 2016.  CT DEEP issued a Notice of Violation to Marmon Utility based on, among other evidence:

• The Marmon Utility facility manager’s statements (1) that the wastewater treatment operator had not been at the facility since the end of March 2016 due to medical reasons; (2) that no sludge had been processed in the filter press since this employee’s departure; and (3) no other Marmon Utility employee had been trained to process sludge as required under the CT DEEP permit.
• The Kerite factory had discharged 5,725 gallons of industrial wastewater on September 7, 2016, and 5,225 gallons on September 8, 2016, which exceeded the daily discharge limit in Marmon Utility’s CT DEEP permit.
• The lead concentration in water samples taken from Marmon Utility’s final discharge tank, which flows to the Seymour sewage treatment plant, was 69 times greater than the permissible limit in Marmon Utility’s CT DEEP permit.  The zinc concentration was 8.5 times greater than the prescribed limit.

The EPA’s investigation further disclosed that from at least April 24 to September 29, 2016, the Marmon Utility maintenance employees operating the wastewater treatment system did not know how to check and maintain the pH probe, operate the sludge filter press, check or change certain filters. These were all key components of the treatment system used to remove heavy metals from the factory’s industrial wastewater.  These employees did not even have access to the system’s operational manuals. 

In fact, these Marmon Utility employees informed investigators that, during this time period, when certain tanks became full and the system was imbalanced, they would empty the tank by opening certain valves to discharge the industrial wastewater without treating it.  As of mid-October 2016, the 3,000-gallon holding tank in Marmon Utility’s wastewater treatment system held 1,000 gallons of sludge.

In addition to improperly operating and maintaining the wastewater treatment system and sludge-processing equipment at the Seymour factory, Marmon Utility has also admitted to knowingly exceeding its maximum daily discharge limit in its CT DEEP permit on September 7 and 8, 2016, knowingly failing to notify CT DEEP promptly of the improper bypass, and that it had stopped processing the sludge using a sludge filter press as required under the CT DEEP permit.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen, with assistance from the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General. 

LAHEEM JONES, also known as “Heemie,” 27, 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 gang-related drug trafficking and violence, including a shooting in front of a state courthouse in Bridgeport in January 2020.

Today’s announcement was made by Leonard C Boyle, 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.  Jones was a founding 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.

Jones and others attempted to kill members and associates of the East End gang in a brazen afternoon shooting in front of a Bridgeport courthouse on January 27, 2020.  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.

Jones and others attempted to destroy a vehicle used during the shooting by setting is on fire in Naugatuck after the shooting.

Jones also appears in YouTube videos and in social media posts, where firearms are present, promoting the gang.

Jones has been detained since August 6, 2020.  On November 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.

This investigation is being 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 Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Rahul Kale, Stephanie T. Levick and Karen L. Peck.

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

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

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

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

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NICHOLAS SCHNEIDER, 32, of Putnam, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven to six months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for a firearm offense.  Judge Merriam also ordered Schneider to pay a $3,000 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 5, 2020, ATF agents searched a residence in Canterbury where Schneider was living.  In Schneider’s bedroom, investigators located numerous rounds of ammunition, various firearm parts, a firearm kit, and firearm magazines.

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

Schneider was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on December 14, 2020.  On January 12, 2022, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon.

Schneider, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on May 18.

This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Connecticut State Police, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The case 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.

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that REYS ALFREDO VASQUEZ, 30, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 42 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing firearms.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 22, 2020, Bridgeport Police arrested Vasquez in Bridgeport.  At the time of his arrest, officers seized from Vasquez several fictious driver’s licenses from several states, each with Vasquez’s picture and a different name, and his cellphone.  A court authorized search of the cellphone revealed a video, taken on August 22, 2019, of Vasquez holding a Glock handgun with a drum and laser sight, which Vasquez was offering for sale.  Investigators determined that the gun had been reported stolen in Georgia in June 2019.  In late 2019, the gun was recovered from an SUV outside of a Waterbury nightclub, and the investigation revealed that it had been in the possession of members of the Bridgeport-based O.N.E. street gang.

Vasquez’s criminal history includes state 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 December 7, 2020, investigators arrested Vasquez on a federal criminal complaint charging him with possession of a firearm by a felon.  Shortly after Vasquez’s arrest, investigators found and seized a loaded Glock handgun, which also had been reported stolen, that Vasquez had possessed.

Vasquez has been detained since his federal arrest.  On November 3, 2021, he pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

This matter was investigated by the DEA’s Bridgeport HIDTA Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department.  The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford and Danbury Police Departments.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Peck.

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT RALLO, 58, of New York, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to federal offenses in connection with the robbery of Marco Jewelers in Stamford in March 2020.  During the robbery, the owner of Marco Jewelers was shot and killed.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 28, 2020, at approximately 2:48 p.m., Stamford Police Officers responded to Marco Jewelers, located at 16 Sixth Street in Stamford.  When officers arrived, they found evidence of a robbery and encountered the storeowner, Mark Vuono, lying on the ground in front of an open safe.  Emergency medical personnel arrived and pronounced Vuono deceased.

Investigators collected and analyzed surveillance video from Marco Jewelers, surrounding businesses and Stamford city cameras.  Video obtained from Marco Jewelers revealed that, on March 28, Rallo and an associate were driven in a black Jaguar to Marco Jewelers.  Rallo and his associate then entered the store.  Rallo, armed with a handgun, engaged in a physical altercation with Vuono, while Rallo’s associate stole items from the display cases.  Vuono, who also possessed a firearm, and Rallo struggled next to a large open safe.  During the more than three-minute struggle, Rallo reached into the safe and pulled out a third firearm, a .357 Magnum revolver.  Rallo subsequently shot and killed Vuono with the .357 revolver.

Following the robbery, law enforcement located the black Jaguar in Staten Island and maintained surveillance on the vehicle.  On March 30, at approximately 5:30 p.m., a black BMW X3 pulled up beside the black Jaguar.  Rallo exited the rear door of the BMW and entered the driver’s door of a black Jaguar.  The two vehicles then left the area and rapidly accelerated.  The Jaguar crashed on Tompkins Street.  Rallo attempted to flee on foot, but was quickly apprehended.  The BMW crashed into a tree and parked car at the intersection of Daniel Low Terrace and Corson Avenue.  The operator of the BMW also attempted to flee and was apprehended.

A search of the BMW revealed 63 rings, eight bracelets, two tie pins, an earring and a cufflink, and a search of the BMW operator’s residence revealed 23 pairs of earrings and three rings.  These items were stolen from Marco Jewelers on March 28. 

Rallo pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act robbery), an offense that carries a maximum term imprisonment of 20 years; interstate transportation of stolen property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and using a firearm to cause a death during a robbery, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of life

Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for June 28.  Under the terms of a binding plea agreement, if accepted by the court, the parties have agreed that a sentence of between 25 years and life in prison is an appropriate sentence in this case.

Rallo has been detained since his arrest.

Rallo’s two associates have been charged with related offenses and are detained while awaiting trial.  U.S. Attorney Boyle stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Stamford Police Department and Greenwich Police Department, with the assistance of the New York Police Department, Yonkers (N.Y.) Police Department and New Rochelle (N.Y.) Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis and Rahul Kale.

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WAYNE MARCELL, 36, of Danbury, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of sexual exploitation of a child.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2021, a 14-year-old female in Georgia met Robert Fyke, of Lubbock, Texas, on an online video/chat platform.  Fyke and the minor victim then used Kik and other social media platforms to communicate.  In May 2021, Fyke drove from Texas to Georgia, picked up the minor victim and drove her back to Lubbock.  The minor victim resided with Fyke for approximately four weeks, and Fyke produced sexually explicit images of the victim.

While living with Fyke, the minor victim began communicating with Marcell on video game and social media platforms.  In June 2021, Marcell paid an individual $2,000 to drive the minor victim from Texas to Illinois.  Marcell then drove from Connecticut to Illinois, picked up the minor victim, and brought her to his home in Danbury.  Marcell engaged in multiple illicit sexual acts with the minor victim, and took photos and videos of the sexual abuse.

Marcell has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on June 23, 2021.

At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Marcell faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.

Fyke pleaded guilty to a related charge in the Northern District of Texas and, on December 16, 2021, was sentenced to 30 years of imprisonment.

This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service and Danbury Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford with the cooperation of the Danbury State’s Attorney’s Office.

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

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

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GEORGE BRATSENIS, 73, last residing in Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 96 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for committing armed bank robberies.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Bratsenis met his associate, Bomani Africa, when they were both incarcerated on robbery convictions in a New Jersey state prison.  On April 20, 2014, Bratsenis and Africa robbed a People’s United Bank branch located on Old Kings Highway Road in Darien, Connecticut.  Bratsenis, driving his pick-up truck, dropped Africa off in downtown Darien.  Africa then entered the bank, pulled out a gun, jumped over the teller counter and ordered a teller to open drawers, saying “I will shoot you if you don’t give me all your money!”  Africa took a substantial amount of cash and then left the bank.  Bratsenis picked up Africa a short distance away and they left the scene.

In September 2014, Bratsenis, Africa and Africa’s son, Randi Feliciano, conspired to rob another bank.  In the early morning hours of September 25, 2014, Feliciano drove Africa from Philadelphia to a parking lot in Trumbull, Connecticut, where, at approximately 8:30 a.m., Africa stole a car from a victim a gunpoint.  The next morning, Africa and Bratsenis, both wearing masks and brandishing firearms, robbed a People’s United Bank branch located on Madison Avenue in Trumbull, taking nearly $30,000 in cash.  After they drove from the scene in the car Africa had carjacked, they parked in a nearby parking lot and set fire to the car.  Feliciano drove Africa from the scene and followed Bratsenis to a Norwalk restaurant where the three men divided the proceeds of the robbery.  Feliciano then drove Africa back to Philadelphia.

Bratsenis was arrested on September 28, 2014, in Trumbull.  On October 18, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery.  He has been detained since his arrest.

Bratsenis has a lengthy criminal history that includes a federal conviction for armed bank robbery in April 1984 for which he received a 25-year prison sentence.

On December 13, 2014, Africa and Feliciano, both wearing masks and brandishing firearms, also robbed a First Niagara Bank branch located on Hawley Lane in Stratford, taking more than $15,000 in cash.

Africa has been detained since his arrest on May 28, 2015.  On December 16, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery.  He awaits sentencing.

Feliciano pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on February 21, 2017, was sentenced to 51 months of imprisonment.

In addition to this prosecution, Bratsenis and Africa have each pleaded guilty to murder-for-hire charges in the District of New Jersey for committing a contract killing of an individual in New Jersey on May 22, 2014.  They await sentencing in that case.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Darien, Trumbull, Stratford and Bridgeport Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on April 1, 2022, MALEKE SOCKWELL, 27, of Waterbury, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for drug trafficking and firearm possession offenses.

According to court documents and statement made in court, on March 12, 2021, Waterbury Police observed Sockwell selling drugs from his vehicle in a supermarket parking lot in Waterbury.  After Sockwell drove to a location on Wolcott Street, parked on a sidewalk and exited his vehicle, officers approached.  Sockwell attempted to flee but was apprehended a short distance away.  A search of his vehicle revealed a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol, fentanyl and crack cocaine packaged for distribution, a digital scale, and $8,759 in cash.

Sockwell’s criminal history includes felony convictions for robbery 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.

Sockwell has been detained since his arrest.  On December 6, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”) and fentanyl, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Waterbury Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney 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.

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT PORZIO, 48, of Westport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for tax evasion.  Judge Underhill also ordered Porzio to pay a $25,000 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Porzio, who operates Bert’s Tree Service, Inc., deposited numerous customers’ checks into personal bank accounts, transferred a significant portion of the funds into a personal investment account, and kept from the corporation’s bookkeeper his receipt of the additional payments.  These diverted payments were not reported either on his individual federal tax returns as additional salary or on the corporation’s tax returns as additional receipts.

For the 2012 through 2016 tax years, Porzio failed to report a total of more than $900,000 in additional income.  The underreporting of Porzio’s income tax liability and the company’s payroll tax obligations resulted in a loss of $331,388 to the IRS.

Porzio has paid his back taxes, but he still owes interest and penalties.

Porzio pleaded guilty on December 16, 2021.

This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia King.

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MATTHEW V. BLACKWELL, 41, of Woodbridge, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarah A.L. Merriam in New Haven to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for tax evasion.  Judge Merriam also ordered Blackwell to pay a $10,000 fine and to perform 120 hours of community service while on supervised release.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Blackwell was the Vice President of Operations at a family-owned food company based in Orange.  Between approximately 2012 and 2016, Blackwell embezzled $927,143 from the company by creating false purchase orders and invoices that he presented to the company controller, who had no knowledge of their fraudulent nature.  The company issued payment checks that Blackwell deposited in a business checking account that he had opened and controlled.  Blackwell then transferred these funds to his personal bank accounts.

Blackwell filed federal income tax returns that omitted the embezzled income for the 2012 through 2016 tax years, resulting in a tax loss of $285,361 to the IRS.  Blackwell has paid his back taxes, but he still owes interest and penalties.

On December 9, 2021, Blackwell pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion.

Blackwell, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on May 5.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.

Leonard C Boyle, 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 the results of an interdiction related to the use of the U.S. Mail to ship drugs and drug proceeds.

During the first two weeks of March 2022, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force conducted an interdiction that resulted in the seizure of more than 30 suspicious parcels that had been shipped through the U.S. Mail to Connecticut.  Court-authorized searches of the parcels revealed a total of approximately 24 kilograms of cocaine, 3.5 kilograms of fentanyl, 11 kilograms of marijuana, other drugs, and $420,000 in cash.

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 Narcotics and Bulk Trafficking Task Force has been doing an extraordinary job identifying drug traffickers who use the mail, and then seizing large quantities of drugs shipped to Connecticut and cash mailed in return to drug suppliers,” said U.S. Attorney Boyle.  “Our office will continue to work with investigators to secure search warrants for suspicious parcels to decrease the flow of deadly narcotics into Connecticut, and prosecute those involved.  A large portion of the cash seized in these investigations will help fund future law enforcement efforts.”

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service aims to identify, disrupt, and dismantle Drug Trafficking Organizations across the country,” said Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division.  “Postal Inspectors accomplish this by focusing on illicit drug mailers and distribution rings, maintaining an aggressive drug parcel-detection program, and seeking prosecution of mailers and recipients of illegal drugs.  Combatting illicit drugs in the mail is a top priority and we will continue to coordinate with our law enforcement partners as we prioritize our resources in areas with high levels of illicit drug activity.”

Citizens can report those who use the U.S. Mail to traffic illegal drugs by calling the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455.

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that LATRELL S. MOORE, 32, of Bridgeport, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to robbery and firearm offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 5, 2019, Moore committed an armed robbery of the Dunkin Donuts located on Lordship Boulevard in Stratford.  On August 12, 2019, he robbed the Santander Bank located on Grand Avenue in New Haven, taking approximately $2,000.

Moore was arrested on related state charges on August 14, 2019.  At the time of his arrest he possessed a loaded .38 caliber revolver and a .25 caliber semiautomatic handgun.

Moore’s criminal history includes a state felony weapons conviction.  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.

Moore pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a robbery, one count of bank robbery, and one count of count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.  At sentencing, which is scheduled for July 12, Moore faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of seven years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

Moore has been detained since his arrest.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police and the Stratford, New Haven and Bridgeport Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JUAN LAUREANO, also known as “Pito,” 42, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl.

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

Laureano and Dones were arrested on April 8, 2020.  On that date, a search of Dones’ residence revealed a small quantity of fentanyl, items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, and a loaded .45 caliber pistol.

Laureano’s criminal history includes multiple state convictions and a federal conviction in 2013 for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

On October 15, 2021, Laureano pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution, of fentanyl.

Laureano, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on May 11.

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

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

Leonard C Boyle, 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 JANINE E. CARBONARO and GERARD CARBONARO, of Oxford, have paid $169,563.60 to resolve allegations that they fraudulently misspent $109,000 in small business loans and grant/advances under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act.

The CARES Act was enacted to provide emergency assistance to individuals, families and businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic.  Section 1110 of the CARES Act authorized the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) to provide Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDLs”) to help overcome the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by providing working capital to eligible small businesses, including sole proprietors, to meet operating expenses.  It also permitted eligible applicants seeking loans under the EIDL program to request and receive advance EIDL grants while their EIDL Loan applications were pending.

On April 7, 2020, Gerard Carbonaro applied for an EIDL Loan and Grant/Advance on behalf of Janine E. Carbonaro as sole proprietor for Hair Attraction Design Team, a hair salon located in Monroe, Connecticut.  The loan documents required Janine E. Carbonaro to “use all the proceeds of this Loan solely as working capital to alleviate the economic injury” caused by COVID-19.  The Carbonaros did not use the proceeds of the EIDL Loan and Grant/Advance as working capital for Hair Attraction Design Team.  Instead, they used the proceeds to pay off the mortgage of a residential property in Florida, and to purchase an additional residential property in Florida for personal investment purposes.

As part of a civil settlement agreement with the government, in addition to repaying the EIDL Loan and Grant/Advance with interest and penalties, the Carbonaros also agreed to withdraw a pending application for a loan increase.

“The Justice Department and our federal investigative partners continue to uncover those who violated the terms of CARES Act business loan programs and misused the funds they received, and we are committed to pursuing civil or criminal penalties against wrongdoers,” said U.S. Attorney Boyle.

“These individuals, motivated by greed, chose to defraud programs intended to bring relief to those in need,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sundberg.  “Justice has prevailed and we will continue to pursue every opportunity to combat COVID relief fraud in the State of Connecticut.”

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Gruber and Christopher W. Schmeisser, with the assistance of the SBA’s Office of General Counsel.

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.

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that five men have pleaded guilty in Bridgeport federal court to firearm charges stemming from a plan to murder an individual and set fire to the Bridgeport business where he worked.

The following five individuals pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon:

DOMINICK GONZALEZ, also known as “Dom,” 31, of Bridgeport
LUIS MERCADO, also known as “Pops,” 55, of Bridgeport
GEORGE RIVERA, also known as “Pito,” 33, of Danbury
JASON SCOTT, also known as “Hood,” 39, of Bridgeport
LUIS MEJIAS, also known as “Kermit,” 35, of Waterbury

Mercado, Rivera and Mejias pleaded guilty on March 25, and Scott pleaded guilty yesterday.  Gonzalez pleaded guilty to the offense, and also to a charge of conspiracy to commit arson, on May 4, 2021.

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 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, Scott and 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.

The charge of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  The five defendants are detained while awaiting sentencing.

This matter is being 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.

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, announced that BRANNON WINSTON, 22, of Bridgeport, was arrested today on firearm trafficking charges.

Following his arrest, Winston appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and was released on a $100,000 bond.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, Winston purchased firearms in Georgia, where he resided at times, and provided them to customers in Connecticut.  Winston personally purchased at least 18 firearms in Georgia, and he had others purchase additional firearms on his behalf.  The investigation, which included gun recoveries after shooting incidents in Bridgeport, revealed that some of the firearms were provided to members of the East End and PT Barnum gangs in Bridgeport. 

On March 16, 2022, a federal grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment charging Winston with one count of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and one count crossing state lines with the intent to engage unlicensed dealing of firearms, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

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

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

U.S. Attorney Leonard C Boyle, Special Agent in Charge Phillip Coyne of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and Connecticut Attorney General William Tong today announced that AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE OF CONNECTICUT, INC. (“AMR”), has entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments and has paid $601,759 to resolve allegations it submitted improper claims to Medicare and Medicaid for ambulance services.  AMR is an ambulance company operating in Connecticut.

There are various types of services related to ambulance billing.  Advanced Life Support services (“ALS”) include services performed by a paramedic at the scene of an emergency response and in the ambulance.  ALS services require a high level of medical monitoring.  Basic Life Support services (“BLS”) are lower acuity services that can be performed by an emergency medical technician-basic, or relate to the transport of the patient in the ambulance to a hospital or other medical facility.  In several towns in Connecticut, local fire departments provide ALS emergency services when a 911 call is dispatched.  AMR is also dispatched to the scene of these calls to provide ambulance transport only (a BLS service).  When the fire department and AMR are on the scene together, it is a “joint response.”

The federal and state governments allege that AMR would often bill Medicare and Medicaid for ALS (paramedic) services when it was only providing the BLS (ambulance transport) services.

For claims submitted to Medicare, billing for ALS services in “joint response” situations would have been proper if AMR had a written billing agreement in place with the local fire departments, which it did not during relevant time period.  For claims submitted to Connecticut Medicaid, in many cases, both AMR and the local fire departments billed Medicaid for ALS/paramedic services.  As a result, Medicaid actually paid twice for the paramedic services, once to the local fire departments and a second time to AMR. 

To resolve the governments’ allegations, AMR paid $601,759, which covers claims submitted to the Medicare and Medicaid from January 2014 through December 2019.

AMR also entered into a consent agreement the with the Connecticut Department of Public Health in which they agreed to cease and desist the prohibited conduct and to pay a $25,000 civil penalty to the State of Connecticut.

This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services and the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Molot, and Assistant Attorney General Karla Turekian of the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.

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

Leonard C Boyle, 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 Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that JAMIE PETRONE, 42, of Lithia Springs, Georgia, formerly of Naugatuck, Connecticut, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to fraud and tax offenses related to her theft of $40 million in computer and electronic hardware from the Yale University School of Medicine where she was employed.

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

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

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

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

Petrone pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of filing a false tax return, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years.  She is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on June 29, 2022.

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

Petrone was arrested by criminal complaint on September 3, 2021.  She is released on a $1 million bond pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, with the assistance of the Yale Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Novick.

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned a three-count indictment charging DARTRE BOOKER, 27, of Waterbury, with firearm possession and heroin distribution offenses.

The indictment was returned on March 3, 2022.  Booker appeared today via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.  Booker has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on February 16, 2022.

The indictment alleges that, on February 16, 2022, Booker possessed two loaded Glock 9mm pistols and heroin that he intended to distribute.

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

The indictment charges Booker with possession with intent to distribute heroin, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years.

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

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

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

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NICOLAE MARIUS BARBU, 50, a citizen of Romania, pleaded guilty today via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector to an offense stemming from 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.

Barbu pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford on June 16, 2022.

Barbu was arrested in Michigan in June 2021.  He has been detained since his arrest.

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

This investigation has been 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TEVIN GONZALEZ, 25, of Holyoke, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven to unlawful possession of firearms by a felon.

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

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

Judge Merriam scheduled sentencing for June 17, 2022, at which time Gonzalez faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Gonzalez has been detained since his arrest.

This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Massachusetts State Police, Enfield Police Department and Springfield Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Keefe.

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.

Leonard C. Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERTO ACOSTA TORRES, 61, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 30 years of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for recording his sexual abuse of a child for nearly three years.

According to court documents and statements made in court, over the course of approximately six years, Acosta repeatedly sexually assaulted a minor who was approximately six years old when the sexual assaults began.  On December 18, 2019, after the victim’s mother contacted law enforcement, investigators executed a search warrant at Acosta’s Hartford residence and seized numerous electronic and storage devices.  Analysis of the seized devices revealed approximately 31 videos of Acosta sexually abusing the minor victim, including 18 videos that were recorded in Connecticut between April 2016 and February 2019.  Investigators also seized hundreds of videos of other adults sexually abusing children.

Acosta has been detained since his arrest on December 18, 2019.  After his arrest, law enforcement received information that two other children may have been sexually abused by Acosta between 2011 and 2013.

On August 16, 2021, Acosta pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography.

This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Hartford and Manchester Police Departments, and the Connecticut Center for Digital Investigations (CDI).  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.

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

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

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

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an eight-count indictment charging ERASMO ROSARIO-HERNANDEZ, also known as “Wally Rosario,” 38, and WILY ARIAS DE LA CRUZ, 38, both citizens of the Dominican Republic last residing in Hartford, with multiple offenses related to the distribution of fentanyl, heroin and crack cocaine.  Rosario is also charged with a firearm offense stemming from his possession of several assault rifles and other firearms.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, a DEA investigation identified Rosario and De La Cruz as members of a drug trafficking organization that has been trafficking in large quantities of fentanyl.  In the early morning of March 11, 2022, investigators, in Hartford, stopped a car in which De La Cruz was a passenger and seized two compressed bricks of fentanyl with a total weight of more than one kilogram.  Later in the morning, a court authorized search of Rosario’s residence on Magnolia Street in Hartford revealed approximately one kilogram of fentanyl, approximately 16,000 fentanyl pills disguised as 30 milligram oxycodone pills, three high-capacity magazine, and a bump stock device for an automatic rifle.  After a narcotics-detection canine alerted to Rosario’s Mercedes that was parked outside of the residence, investigators searched the car and seized approximately 14 kilograms of fentanyl, approximately 1,000 bags of prepackaged fentanyl, approximately 16,000 fentanyl pills, approximately 75 grams of heroin, 41 grams of cocaine base, a kilogram press, four assault-style rifles, two handguns, ammunition, multiple false identification cards with Rosario’s photo, and approximately $66,000 in counterfeit U.S. currency.

Rosario and De La Cruz have been detained since March 11.

The indictment, which was returned on March 22, charges Rosario and De La Cruz with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.  Each of these offenses carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.  Rosario is also charged with offenses related to the distribution of heroin and cocaine base (“crack”), and with possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  The firearm offense carries a mandatory consecutive prison term of at least five years.

“It is alleged that these defendants have been involved in a drug trafficking network that involved a massive amount of fentanyl and the production of thousands of fentanyl pills that could easily be mistaken for legitimate oxycodone pills,” said U.S. Attorney Boyle.  “As fentanyl continues to be the leading cause of overdose deaths in Connecticut and around the country, we are determined to do everything  to stop of the flow of this deadly drug into and around our state.  This case represents one of the largest one-time seizures of fentanyl that we’ve seen in Connecticut, and I thank the DEA and its task force members for their excellent work.  Their efforts in taking these dangerous drugs and guns off the streets have saved lives.”

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

U.S. Attorney Boyle 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, which includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.  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.

DIOMIE BLACKWELL, also known as “Yamo,” 25, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 180 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in gang-related shootings, including a shooting in front of a state courthouse in Bridgeport in January 2020.

Today’s announcement was made by Leonard C Boyle, 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.  Blackwell 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 on February 7, 2018, Blackwell and an associate shot and attempted to kill “MJ,” a member or associate of the 150 gang in a residential neighborhood.  On January 27, 2020, Blackwell and others attempted to kill members and associates of the East End gang 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.

Blackwell also appears in YouTube videos and in social media posts, where firearms are present, promoting the gang.  In addition, he engaged in gang-related drug trafficking activities.

Blackwell has been detained since August 6, 2020.  On October 4, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity.

This ongoing investigation is being 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 Stephanie T. Levick, Rahul Kale, Karen L. Peck and Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis.

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.

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JANICETTE REYES, 43, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl.

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, as well as associates who sold drugs on his behalf.  Intercepted communications also revealed that Ricardo Reyes was acquiring and trafficking firearms.

Janicette Reyes, who is Ricardo Reyes’ sister, used a Rowe Avenue residence she shared with Johnny Ortega, also known as “Clatcho,” to store, process and package fentanyl for distribution, and she delivered fentanyl to customers at Ricardo Reyes’ direction.

On April 22, 2019, Ricardo Reyes was arrested on state charges after he used a straw purchaser to purchase two handguns from a licensed gun dealer in Newington.  After the purchase, investigators conducted a traffic stop of Ricardo Reyes’ vehicle in New Britain and seized the two firearms.  A search of the vehicle also revealed approximately 450 bags of suspected heroin/fentanyl, more than one pound of marijuana, and $1,160 in cash.  While Ricardo Reyes was detained in state custody, Janicette Reyes continued to service Ricardo Reyes’ drug customers.

Janicette Reyes was arrested on June 17, 2019.  On that date, a court-authorized search of her Rowe Avenue revealed approximately 3,450 dose-bags of fentanyl, narcotics paraphernalia, a loaded Glock .40 caliber pistol, and ammunition.

On June 27, 2019, a grand jury Hartford returned a 32-count indictment charging Ricardo Reyes, Janicette Reyes, Ortega and 12 associates with various narcotics trafficking and firearm possession offenses.   On October 1, 2021, she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.

Reyes, who is released on a $200,000 bond, is required to report to prison on June 24, 2022.

Ricardo Reyes and Ortega pleaded guilty to related charges.  On February 11, 2021, Ricardo Reyes was sentenced to 18 years of imprisonment.  On December 27, 2021, Ortega was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment.

The FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.  The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division provided valuable assistance to the investigation.

This case is being 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.

Leonard C Boyle, 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 Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a 27-count indictment charging EDWARD F. ZIEGLER II, 63, of Bridgton, Maine, with fraud and tax offenses related to an embezzlement scheme.

The indictment was returned on March 15, 2022, and Ziegler was arrested in Maine on March 16.  He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish in Hartford, entered a plea of not guilty, and was released on a $100,000 bond.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, for approximately 25 years, Ziegler was employed as the office manager for a small business, identified in the indictment as “Company A,” based in Berlin, Connecticut.  As part of a scheme to defraud, Zeigler opened a bank account in his name and with the qualifying language “Doing Business As [Company A].”  Over the course of several years, Ziegler sent invoices to the business’s customers through both the U.S. Mail and e-mail, received checks from the customers for services provided, and deposited checks into the secret bank account he had established.  Ziegler also made fraudulent entries in Company A’s books and record keeping system to cover up the fact that he had diverted the checks and used the funds for his own benefit.

It is alleged that, through this scheme, Ziegler caused more than 400 checks totaling more than $1 million to be deposited into his secret account.  In addition, Ziegler failed to pay $173,643 in federal income taxes on his embezzled income for the 2015 through 2019 tax years.

The indictment charges Ziegler with 22 counts of wire fraud affecting a financial institution, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years on each count, and five counts of tax evasion, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years on each count.

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

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

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston, today announced that JUSTIN McKENNEY, 27, of Windsor Locks, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with multiple child exploitation offenses.

McKenney was arrested on March 17, 2022, in Boston, where he was employed  Following his arrest, he appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish in Hartford, who ordered McKenney detained.

As alleged in court documents, in October 2021, Glastonbury Police began investigating the sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl by an individual she met on Snapchat.  The investigation revealed that McKenney, posing as a high school student and using the Snapchat username “keepingupg,” began communicating with the minor victim in September 2021, and he subsequently enticed her to engage in sexual activity.

It is further alleged that, between October 2021 and February 2022, McKenney used Snapchat to engage in sexually explicit communications with at least six other minor females in other states.  McKenney sent sexually explicit messages, and sextually explicit images and videos of himself, to minor victims, and he received sexually explicit images and videos from minor victims.

The complaint charges McKenney with enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life; receipt of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; and transfer of obscene material to a minor, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

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

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

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

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

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NADYAR MALAKA, 35, of Stratford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 48 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.  Judge Shea also ordered Malaka to pay a $50,000 fine, and to forfeit $52,111.45 and a 2012 Porsche Panamera 4.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation revealed that Eddy Antonio Torres Morel was trafficking narcotics from Big Daddy’s Deli and Jamal’s Market, two stores he operated on East Main Street in Bridgeport.  During the investigation, law enforcement made two controlled purchases of a half-kilogram of heroin from Torres, first at Jamal’s Market on October 29, 2019, and then at Big Daddy’s Deli on January 24, 2020.

Malaka assisted Torres’ drug trafficking operation by storing and packaging narcotics at his residence, storing drug proceeds at his residence, and transporting narcotics and drug proceeds to Torres and others.

The investigation also revealed that Malaka engaged in the interstate trafficking of untaxed cigarettes.

Malaka was arrested on February 27, 2020.  On July 21, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.

Torres, of Meriden, pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on September 24, 2021, was sentenced to 78 months of imprisonment and ordered to pay a $50,000 fine.

This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bridgeport Police Department and the Stamford Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Vizcarrondo.

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that TORISE BAKER, 38, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to a tax fraud offense.

According to court documents and statement made in court, for the 2014 through 2016 tax years, Baker prepared approximately 3,600 federal tax returns for clients through 101 Things 2 Do, LLC, a multi-service business she operated in Bridgeport.  Many of these tax returns claimed false deductions, including unreimbursed business expenses, charitable contributions and tax preparation fees.

In April 2016, Baker met with an undercover federal agent posing as a customer.  The agent provided Baker with a W-2 for the 2015 tax year, told Baker that he/she did not make any gifts to charity, and offered no information about any other valid deductions.  On the tax return that she prepared and filed for the agent, Baker included $5520 in deductions for charitable gifts; $2,105 for parking fees, tolls, and transportation; and $2,660 for uniforms and protective clothing.

In addition, Baker failed to file her own federal tax returns for the 2015 and 2016 tax years.

Baker has agreed to pay $112,956 in restitution to the IRS.

Baker pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of false and fraudulent income tax returns, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years.  She is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on June 13.  Baker is released on bond pending sentencing.

As a result of Baker’s criminal conduct, many of her clients’ filed tax returns will need to be amended.  The amount of Baker’s restitution may be reduced as her clients resolve their own tax liability with the IRS.

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

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that WINDHAM EYE GROUP, P.C., an ophthalmological medical practice located in Windham, and its owners, DANA WOODS, M.D. and WILLIAM KAUFOLD, M.D., have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments to resolve allegations that they improperly employed an individual who was excluded from all federal healthcare programs.

To resolve their liability, Windham Eye Group, Woods and Kaufold will pay $192,699.

Windham Eye Group employed Michael Vallone as its practice administrator between February 2010 and May 2021.  Vallone had previously been convicted in the District of Jersey of health care fraud.  As a result of his conviction, he was excluded from all federal health care programs. 

When the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) excludes an individual or entity from federal health care programs, no program payments may be made for items or services furnished by that excluded individual or entity.  In September 1999, HHS-OIG issued a Special Advisory Bulletin in order to provide guidance to health care providers who might employ or contract with an excluded individual or entity.  In May 2013, HHS-OIG issued an Updated Special Advisor Bulletin containing additional guidance.  Both the original and updated Special Advisory Bulletins advised that, in order to avoid potential liability, health care providers should check the List of Excluded Individuals/Entities on the HHS-OIG web site (http://oig.hhs.gov/exclusions).

During the time that Vallone served as the practice administrator for Windham Eye Group, the practice and its owners billed and sought reimbursements from federal healthcare programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE.  A portion of the reimbursements that Windham Eye Group and its owners received were used to pay Vallone’s salary and benefits.

This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Molot and Assistant Attorney General Greggory O’Connell of the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.

People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS or the Health Care Fraud Task Force at (203) 777-6311.

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FRANCISCO FRANCESCHINI, 28, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to firearm possession and drug distribution offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 8, 2021, a court-authorized search of Franceschini’s residence revealed a loaded 9mm handgun, a loaded .380 caliber handgun, and approximately 44 grams of crack cocaine.

Franceschini’s criminal history includes multiple state convictions for firearm 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.

Franceschini pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”), which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  He has been detained since his federal arrest on September 23, 2021.

This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Connecticut Violent Crime Task Force and the Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.

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.

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAUL ROBLES, 38, of New London, 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 his role in a narcotics trafficking conspiracy in which cocaine was mailed through the U.S. Postal Service from Puerto Rico to southeastern Connecticut.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2020, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force in Connecticut intercepted a suspicious package that was destined for a location in Puerto Rico.  A court-authorized search of the package revealed $158,900 in cash.  Investigators established a connection between Robles and the seized package, and learned that Robles’ residence on Blackhall Street in New London, which he shared with his cousin, Abraham Rosado, had received approximately 25 parcels from Puerto Rico since September 2019.

Investigators continued to monitor USPS deliveries of parcels mailed from Puerto Rico to the Blackhall Street residence, including multiple parcels addressed to names of individuals who did not reside there.  A court-authorized search of one parcel that had been mailed to a fictitious individual at the residence revealed more than a kilogram of cocaine.

Robles was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on April 9, 2021.  On September 21, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

Robles, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on April 28.

Rosado pleaded guilty on February 17, 2022, and is detained while awaiting sentencing.

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

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Konstantin Lantsman.

The Justice Department today announced the recipients of the Fifth Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing. This year’s awards recognize the exceptional work of 18 law enforcement officers and deputies from 12 jurisdictions across the country.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced the award recipients in Atlanta. Later, he attended a ceremony for three award recipients from the DeKalb County Police Department. 

“The work of law enforcement has always been difficult — but perhaps no more so than in the recent past, as officers have faced a host of significant challenges. The officers and deputies receiving this year’s awards demonstrate how so many go above and beyond, even in the midst of trying circumstances,” said Attorney General Garland. “Every day, thousands of people who work in law enforcement forge and maintain strong community ties that are essential for ensuring public safety. The recipients of this award represent quintessential examples of such critical efforts. It is an honor to recognize them.”

The Attorney General’s Award recognizes individual state, local, Tribal, and territorial police officers, deputies, and troopers for exceptional efforts in community policing. The awarded officers and deputies have demonstrated active engagement with the community in one of three areas: innovations in community policing, criminal investigations, or field operations. This year, the Department received 185 nominations from 145 agencies, recognizing a total of 347 individual officers, deputies, and troopers. There were 39 states represented in the nomination pool, covering state, local, campus, sheriff, and other agency types.

The work being honored this year reflects numerous examples of law enforcement officers working closely with the community to build trust, solve problems, reduce crime, and improve public safety.

The Department of Justice works closely with national law enforcement stakeholder groups during the award review period, taking advantage of their expertise and experience to determine the recipients in a competitive nomination process. The Department also works closely with its components, utilizing the breadth of knowledge within the Department to ensure a successful program that honors the exceptional service of our nation’s law enforcement officers and deputies.

Complete information on the Fifth Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing can be found at https://www.justice.gov/ag/policing-award.

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, and Galen Blanton, Regional Administrator of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Criminal Investigations Team, Region 1, announced that LUIS F. ESTRADA, 48, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to three years of probation, the first six months of which Estrada must serve in home confinement, for making false statements to OSHA while the agency conducted an investigation into a job site he controlled.  Judge Bolden also ordered Estrada to perform 250 hours of community service.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Estrada is the owner of L.L.E. Construction, LLC.  In February 2018, Estrada and L.L.E. Construction entered into a written contract to perform roof repairs and other construction services at a property located on Main Street in Bridgeport.  In February and March 2018, Estrada was provided with three checks totaling $11,000 for performing the work.  On March 1, 2018, a compliance officer with OSHA visited the property and observed what he believed to be various safety infractions by construction workers who were making the roof repairs.  The officer then initiated an on-site inspection into the suspected infractions.  Estrada was not present at the Main Street property at the time, but spoke to the compliance officer by mobile phone.

On May 22, 2018, OSHA compliance officers served Estrada with a subpoena that demanded documents and records related to L.L.E. Construction’s work at the Main Street property in February and March 2018.  On July 30, 2018, Estrada hand-delivered a written response stating that he “did not do any work for the ‘LLE Roofing Project,’” that “[t]here is no payroll because [he] did not work on the ‘LLE Roofing Project,’” and that he “do[es] not have any contract or any documents regarding the ‘LLE Roofing Project.’”

On March 3, 2021, Estrada pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements to the U.S. Department of Labor, admitting that he lied in his written statements on July 30, 2018, and that he later lied in a deposition convened as part of the OSHA investigation into the suspected safety violations at the site.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, and the OSHA Criminal Investigations Team, Region 1.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret M. Donovan.

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANGEL DeJESUS-CONCEPCION, 40, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 80 months of imprisonment for heroin and fentanyl trafficking and immigration offenses.

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

A significant amount of drug trafficking activity occurred at the Neighborhood Supermarket, located at 316 Farmington Avenue in Hartford, which was owned and operated by DeJesus-Concepcion’s girlfriend, Gisel De La Cruz.  Investigators made multiple controlled purchases of heroin and fentanyl from De La Cruz, DeJesus-Concepcion and other members of the drug trafficking organization in and around the Neighborhood Supermarket.

DeJesus had previously been deported from the U.S. after a conviction for a federal narcotics offense.  The investigation revealed that De La Cruz paid $20,000 to smuggle DeJesus-Concepcion back into the U.S. and, in December 2016, DeJesus-Concepcion illegally reentered the country using fake Venezuelan identification documents.

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

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

DeJesus-Concepcion has been detained since his arrest on June 29, 2017.  On September 17, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien.

De La Cruz pleaded guilty to related charges and has been sentenced.

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

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

Leonard C Boyle, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYTHRONE FORD, 28, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 110 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in the attempted robbery of a New Haven restaurant, during which an employee was shot, in April 2015.

According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 11:00 p.m. on April 11, 2015, Ford, Treizy Lopez and another man entered the Smokin’ Wings restaurant, located on Congress Avenue in New Haven, and demanded money at gunpoint.  Lopez subsequently discharged a firearm and shot a female employee in the stomach.  Ford, Lopez and their associate then fled the restaurant.  Responding New Haven Police officers subsequently located a .22 caliber revolver in a nearby trash can. 

Approximately eight hours before to the Smokin’ Wings robbery, Ford, Lopez, and another man traveled together to Bridgeport. Lopez and the other individual, armed with handguns, entered Sapiaos Market, located on Lexington Avenue in Bridgeport, and demanded money.  During the attempted robbery, the owner of the market, Jose Salgado, was shot and killed.  Ford waited in a car outside of the market during the attempted robbery. After the murder, the three men traveled back to New Haven together. Hours later, Ford and Lopez participated in the gunpoint robbery at Smokin’ Wings.

Forensic analysis of the revolver found in the trash can in New Haven, and projectiles collected from the scene of both attempted robberies, revealed that the gun was used in both shootings.  DNA collected from the gun revealed that both Lopez and Ford possessed the gun.

Ford has been detained since his arrest on December 10, 2019.  On September 21, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of attempted interference with commerce by robbery.

Lopez pleaded guilty to the same charge on September 23, 2021, and awaits sentencing.

This matter stems from a cold case investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the New Haven Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis and Nathaniel J. Gentile 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.