District of Connecticut

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PAMELA SMITH, 72, of Kirkland, Washington, formerly of Guilford, Connecticut, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden to two years of probation for aiding in the preparation of a false tax return.  Judge Bolden also ordered Smith to perform 100 hours of community service.

Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the sentencing occurred via videoconference.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately 2009 and 2018, Smith was the Chief Financial Officer of Equinox Home Care, LLC (“EHC”), a home healthcare staffing agency based in Stratford, Connecticut.  EHC was established as a partnership between Theresa Foreman and another individual.  In September 2012, the partnership ended, and, by court order, Foreman was obligated to make payments to her partner for the purchase of the partner’s interest in EHC.

At Foreman’s direction, Smith and EHC’s payroll manager helped Foreman receive money from EHC in a manner that hid the fact that Foreman was the true recipient of the funds.  Beginning in 2012, EHC’s payroll included payments to “ghost employees” who did not work for EHC, and those funds were actually for Foreman’s benefit.  As the CFO of EHC, Smith became aware that the payroll checks were being issued to the “ghost employees” and that EHC and its payroll manager were causing the false payroll checks to be issued.  Smith also assisted Foreman by issuing or causing to be issued bonus checks from EHC to approximately 30 EHC employees.  The employees cashed the checks and provided the cash to Foreman.  Some of the employees later noticed that the amount of funds cashed had been included on their Forms W-2.  Smith would issue a corrected W-2 only if an employee made a request.  Several EHC employees did not request a corrected W-2 and, as a result, overpaid taxes to the IRS.

In addition, Foreman received funds through cashed mileage checks that were issued to two individuals who did not drive on behalf of EHC.

Smith interacted with the tax return preparer who prepared the partnership tax return in addition to Foreman’s own individual income tax returns, and she failed to inform the return preparer about funds that Foreman received through these various mechanisms.  More than $600,000 of such funds were not reported on Foreman’s 2014 tax return alone.

Smith pleaded guilty to the offense on January 12, 2021.

Foreman pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion and, on January 6, 2020, was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment and ordered to pay $641,941.46 in restitution.

This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.   This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer R. Laraia and Peter S. Jongbloed. 

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that MICHAEL SHERIDAN, 27, of Colchester, pleaded guilty today to illegal possession of a machinegun.

Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson occurred via videoconference.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Sheriden agreed with an associate who had manufactured a machinegun to deliver it to another individual who had purchased it.  On January 29, 2021, Sheriden transferred the machinegun to the purchaser in a parking lot in Cromwell.

Possession of a machinegun carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  Sheriden is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford on November 10, 2021.

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Penobscot County (Maine) Sheriff’s Office.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Donovan.

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, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging CHAZ REDDICK, 38, of West Haven, with narcotics and ammunition offenses.

The indictment was returned on August 3 and Reddick appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and entered a plea of not guilty.  He has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on April 20, 2021.

As alleged in statements made in court, on April 20, 2021, Reddick was arrested by West Haven Police after a court-authorized search of his apartment revealed a distribution quantity of crack cocaine and multiple rounds of ammunition.

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

The indictment charges Reddick with one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”), which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, and one count of possession of ammunition by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Acting 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force and the West Haven Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Conor M. Reardon.

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, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ARBER ISAKU, 31, of Stamford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to a charge related to his manufacturing and distributing counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl analogues.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Isaku and his associate, Vincent Decaro, purchased fentanyl analogues from suppliers in China and, working out of Decaro’s residence at 77 West Hill Circle in Stamford, pressed the drug into counterfeit oxycodone pills, which they sold to customers on dark web markets.  David Reichard, who lived for a short time at Decaro’s residence, helped Decaro and Isaku press pills and mail the pills to customers.

On April 3, 2018, a court-authorized search of Decaro’s residence revealed numerous pills containing approximately 330 grams of fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl, approximately 40 grams of fentanyl analogues in powder form, three pill presses, instructions on how to prepare the fentanyl analogue Carfentanil, a hazardous material suit, a gas/respirator-type mask, and numerous U.S. Postal mail envelopes.

At the time of the search of Decaro’s home in April 2018, Decaro and Isaku were in Europe.  On September 21, 2018, Decaro and Isaku were arrested by Albanian State Police as they were attempting to cross the border from Albania into Kosovo.  A search of an apartment in Tirana where they had been staying revealed alprazolam, fentanyl and other controlled substances; tools and dies for pressing pills, and instructions for synthesizing fentanyl.

Isaku pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of fentanyl analogues.  Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for October 29, 2021.

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

Decaro and Reichard pleaded guilty to related charges and await sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut State Police and Stamford Police Department, with the assistance of the Albanian State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Doherty.

Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle thanked the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of International Affairs for coordinating the extradition proceedings in this matter.

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the government has reached a settlement agreement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) with the Institute of Living at Hartford Hospital, on behalf of itself and its professional emergency room and managed mental health center within Hartford Hospital.  The Institute of Living is a mental health center that specializes in comprehensive patient care, research and education in the fields of behavioral, psychiatric and addiction disorders whose services are provided to the public.

This matter was initiated upon receipt of a complaint filed with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut by Disability Rights Connecticut.  Disability Rights Connecticut filed the complaint on behalf of a complainant who is profoundly deaf.  It is alleged that the complainant went to the Hartford Hospital Emergency Room and was then transferred to and treated by the medical staff at the Institute.  On multiple occasions, the complainant requested a sign language interpreter during her several days of admission to understand treatment options and to attend group therapy sessions, and to understand and sign documents provided to her during her stay.  She was not provided with a qualified interpreter and was not able to participate in group therapy sessions to treat her depression and suicidal ideations. The complainant also could not communicate with her treating psychiatrist and did not fully understand why she had been admitted into the hospital.

Title III of the ADA requires places of public accommodation, including hospital facilities, to take steps to ensure that individuals with disabilities are not excluded, segregated or otherwise treated differently due to the absence of auxiliary aids and services, such as qualified interpreters.  The regulations to Title III prohibit places of public accommodation from requiring an individual with a disability to bring another individual to interpret for him or her.  The regulations to Title III similarly prohibit places of public accommodation from charging a surcharge to individuals with disabilities for measures, including auxiliary aids and services like interpreters that are required to provide the individual with a disability with nondiscriminatory treatment under the ADA.

The settlement agreement resolves the complaint based on the above allegations that the Institute of Living violated Title III of the ADA by failing to provide effective communication to the complainant.  The settlement agreement requires the Institute to provide free of charge appropriate auxiliary aids and services, including qualified interpreters, at all of its patient facilities to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing whenever it is necessary to ensure effective communication for those individuals.  The Institute will provide ADA training to all staff members.  In addition, the Institute will compensate the complainant in the amount of $10,000.

The ADA authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate complaints and undertake periodic reviews of compliance of covered entities.  The Justice Department is also authorized to commence a civil lawsuit in federal court in any case that involves a pattern or practice of discrimination or that raises issues of general public importance, and to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, and civil penalties.

“This case demonstrates this office’s commitment to protecting the rights of those who are deaf or hard of hearing, and ensuring that these individuals are able to effectively communicate with health care professionals.” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle.  “I thank the Institute of Living at Hartford Hospital for their cooperation during this investigation and for addressing these ADA issues without the need for litigation.”

This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brenda M. Green of the District of Connecticut in coordination with the Disability Rights Section of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.

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

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

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HENRY A. FELLELA, JR., 63, of Johnston, Rhode Island, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for credit card fraud and identity theft offenses, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2018, Fellela was released from federal prison following a 48-month sentence imposed in the U.S. District Court in Rhode Island for credit card fraud, aggravated identity theft and other offenses.  Between March 2018 and March 2019, while he was on federal supervised release, Fellela stole credit cards from residents of Connecticut and other states and used the cards to make approximately $48,000 in fraudulent purchases at various retail stores in Connecticut and elsewhere.

On November 5, 2019, Fellela pleaded guilty to one count of access device fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.

This is Fellela’s fourth federal conviction.

Fellela was detained from March 8, 2019, to March 23, 2020, when he was released on bond.  Judge Meyer ordered him to report to prison on September 20, 2021.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Donovan and Sarala Nagala.

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL MEAKEM, 59, of Norwich, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 24 months imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release, a $100,000 fine, and $683,202 in restitution for embezzling from his former employer.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Meakem was the president and chief executive officer of the Center for Financial Training (“CFT”), a Farmington-based non-profit organization that provided continuing education to employees in the financial services industry.  Between approximately 2013 and 2020, Meakem embezzled $683,202 from CFT’s credit card accounts and bank accounts and used the funds on personal expenses, including alimony payments, meals, cruises, other vacations, and gambling at Connecticut’s casinos.

On April 30, 2021, Meakem pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

Meakem, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on October 1, 2021.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation amd the Norwich Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan N. Francis.

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in Bridgeport has found BARRY DUCLOS, 42, of Norwich guilty of fentanyl analogue trafficking, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and carfentanil and firearm possession offenses.

The trial before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden began on July 21 and the jury returned guilty verdicts this afternoon. 

According to the evidence introduced during the trial, between approximately September 2017 and February 2018, Duclos operated a vendor page on the dark web “Dream Market.”  Using the alias 1NOLEFB1, Duclos advertised the sale of fentanyl analogues on Dream Market.  He then used the U.S. Mail to ship fentanyl analogues to customers who paid for the drugs using Bitcoin.

Duclos was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on February 12, 2018.  A search of his residence at the time of his arrest revealed a YHM rifle with multiple magazines, two of which were extended magazines.  The firearm was loaded with a round in the chamber.  Investigators also located and fentanyl and carfentanil from the residence, along with a computer used by Duclos to access Dream Market.

Duclos was convicted in state court, in February 2001, of sale of narcotics and, in March 2017, of larceny in the third degree.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

The jury found Duclos guilty of seven counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl analogues; one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and carfentanil; one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon; and one count possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Duclos has been detained since his arrest.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, Connecticut State Police, Norwich Police Department, and Robertson County Tennessee Sherriff’s Office.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and Patrick J. Doherty.

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that AYSIA RYAN, 22, of Windsor, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in an extensive commercial larceny spree.

This case stems from “Operation American Steal,” a long-term multi-agency investigation into numerous “grab and go” thefts from various retail fashion stores in Connecticut and nearby states.  A “grab-and-go” scheme is a type of theft where one or more perpetrators enter a retail store, grab as many items of clothing or other goods as they can carry, leave the store without paying for the merchandise, and depart in a waiting getaway vehicle.

Ryan was part of a network of individuals who in 2019 and 2020 committed more than 50 grab and go thefts from Polo Ralph Lauren, T.J. Maxx, Balenciaga, Burberry, Macy’s, Marshalls, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Tommy Hilfiger and other stores in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York.  They then transported the stolen merchandise to Connecticut and sold the items on the internet or the street.

Ryan participated in at least 23 thefts resulting in losses of more than $40,000. 

Judge Bryant ordered Ryan to pay $22,900 in restitution.

On September 15, 2020, a grand jury returned a six-count indictment charging Ryan and seven other individuals.  Ryan has been detained since November 6, 2020.  On April 28, 2021, she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport and possess stolen property.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hartford, New Canaan, Wrentham (Mass.), Auburn (Mass.) and Nassau County (N.Y.) Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Donovan and Brendan Keefe.

Leonard C Boyle, Acting 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 Hartford returned an indictment yesterday charging Bridgeport City Council member MICHAEL DEFILIPPO, 35, with multiple election crimes related to DeFilippo’s run for City Council in 2017 and 2018.

DeFilippo appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven, entered a plea of not guilty to the charges, and was released on a $250,000 bond.

As alleged in the indictment, DeFilippo has been a member of the Bridgeport City Council since 2018, representing the 133rd District, and owns several rental properties in Bridgeport that he leases to students at Sacred Heart University.  Although Bridgeport’s City Council elections are held in odd-numbered years, because of repeated absentee ballot irregularities in the Democratic primary for the 133rd District, the September 2017 primary was re-run in November 2017, then re-run again in April 2018, and the general election took place in June 2018.  In 2017 and 2018, in connection with the 133rd District’s primaries and general election for City Council, DeFilippo and others conspired to interfere with and obstruct Bridgeport citizens’ right to vote by falsifying his tenants’ voter registration applications and absentee ballots applications, then stealing tenants’ absentee ballots and forging their signatures in order to fraudulently vote for DeFilippo. 

“The right to vote and have one’s vote counted in a fair and impartial election is the foundation of our democracy,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle.  “It is alleged that this defendant violated that right to help himself win election to the Bridgeport City Council, including by stealing ballots and forging signatures.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our FBI partners will continue to vigorously enforce federal laws to safeguard our elections.”

“Combatting public corruption in all forms continues to be a priority of the FBI,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sundberg.  “Our mission to protect and serve will always include ensuring our public officials are held to the same standards as every member of our communities.”

DeFilippo is charged with one count of conspiracy against rights, four counts of identity theft, and 11 counts of fraudulent registration.  The conspiracy offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and the identity theft and fraudulent registration offenses carry a maximum term of imprisonment of five years on each count.

Acting 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 case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan N. Francis and David E. Novick.

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging LAMONT FIELDS, 23, of Hartford, with unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition.

The indictment was returned on July 20 and Fields was arrested last night.  He appeared today via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish who ordered Fields detained.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on March 24, 2021, Hartford Police arrested Fields after officers found him in possession of a loaded .357 Glock 31 pistol.  The investigation revealed that the firearm had been reported stolen in Atlanta, Georgia.

It is further alleged that, on May 13, 2021, while Fields was released on bond in his state case related to his March 24 arrest, Hartford Police arrested Fields after officers found him in possession of a loaded 9mm “ghost gun.”  Fields was again released on bond.

It is alleged that analysis by the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) determined that the ghost gun seized from Fields is likely the firearm that was used on May 4, 2021, to shoot three victims in Hartford, killing one and seriously wounding the other two.

It is alleged that Fields’ criminal history includes state felony convictions in 2017 for carrying a dangerous weapon, and in 2018 for criminal possession of a weapon.  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 Fields with one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, and one count of possession of ammunition by a felon.  Each offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

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

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ruff.

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

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CURON JOHNSON, also known as “Buck,” 31, of East Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the summer of 2020, Hartford Police learned that Kyle Pitts, also known as “Bark,” and others, were selling fentanyl, and that Pitts was using his apartment on Farmington Avenue in West Hartford to store fentanyl.  Between August and October 2020, Hartford Police and the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force made multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl from Pitts, Johnson and Jabari Walcott, of Hartford.

Johnson has been detained since his arrest on November 4, 2020.  On April 29, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl.  This is Johnson’s second federal narcotics-related conviction.

Pitts and Walcott pleaded guilty to the same charge and await sentencing.

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

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ALEJANDRO VELEZ, 41, of Waterbury, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2020, Waterbury Police made two controlled purchases of cocaine from Velez.  Velez was arrested on January 29, 2020.  On that date, a search of his residence revealed more than 200 grams of cocaine, quantities of crack cocaine and marijuana, and approximately $5,900 in cash.  A search of Velez’s car, which was parked at the residence, revealed approximately 840 grams of cocaine, two loaded firearms, gun magazines, and five boxes of ammunition.

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

On March 24, 2021, Velez pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and 500 grams or more of cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Velez, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on August 25, 2021.

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

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAQUAN GRAY, 27, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny to 27 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a loaded firearm.  Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the sentencing occurred via videoconference.

This prosecution is part of a coordinated federal, state and local law enforcement effort to address rising gun violence in New Haven.  Participating in this effort are the New Haven Police Department; the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 31, 2020, law enforcement received information that several members of the “Exit 8” group were in possession of firearms near the entrance of the Essex Townhouses complex at 1134 Quinnipiac Avenue in New Haven.  Members of the New Haven Police and the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force entered the housing complex at approximately 10 p.m. and identified several Exit 8 members, including Gray.  Gray ran from the scene as law enforcement arrived and ignored commands to stop.  He was quickly apprehended, and a search of a fanny pack he was wearing revealed a loaded Smith and Wesson Model 469, 9mm handgun.

The handgun seized from Gray was reported stolen in Hamden in 2018, and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) determined that it was used in a shooting between rival gangs in New Haven on July 14, 2020, 17 days before it was recovered.

Gray’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for firearm 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.

Gray has been detained since his federal arrest on September 1, 2020.  On April 30, 2021, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.

Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle noted that this prosecution is a part of 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.

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSEPH RYAN, 58, of Trumbull, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to six months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawful possession and transfer of five firearms on behalf of his drug dealer.  Judge Meyer also ordered Ryan to pay a $5,000 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 27, 2018, Ansonia Police executed a state search warrant at an address in Ansonia in order to locate and seize 12 firearms that were registered to a pistol permit holder at the residence.  Investigators could only locate five firearms during the search.  The five firearms were then transported to the Ansonia Police Department for safekeeping.  On April 3, 2019, Ryan, who at the time was a police officer with the Greenwich Police Department, went to the Ansonia Police Department and took custody of the five firearms that had been seized.

In August and September 2019, members of ATF and the New Haven Police Department made controlled purchases of four firearms from Malique Martin.  Three of the four firearms purchased were among the firearms that Ryan took into his custody from the Ansonia Police Department on April 3, 2019.  The investigation revealed that Ryan, who was addicted to heroin, transferred firearms to an individual who helped facilitate heroin transactions between Ryan and a heroin supplier.  Some of the firearms were then transferred to Martin.

Ryan was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on February 21, 2020.  On April 12, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of firearms by an unlawful user of a controlled substance.

Ryan, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on September 15, 2021.

Martin, of Ansonia, previously pleaded guilty to one count of dealing firearms without a license and one count of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.  On June 16, 2020, he was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment.

This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), New Haven Police Department, Ansonia Police Department, and Connecticut State Police.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.

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, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NADYAR MALAKA, 34, of Stratford, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.

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.  He is released on a $250,000 bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for October 14, 2021, in Hartford federal court.

Torres, 50, of Meriden, pleaded guilty to the same charge on June 28, 2021.  He awaits sentencing.

This matter is being 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Vizcarrondo.

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT C. HARRINGTON, 55, of Milford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to receipt of child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2019, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received information from Australian and Canadian law enforcement authorities that two usernames associated with an Internet Protocol (IP) address at Harrington’s Milford residence were sending and receiving images depicting the sexual abuse of girls through a web-based application.  On May 15, 2019, investigators searched Harrington’s residence and seized his tablet computer.  The tablet contained images and videos depicting child sex abuse.

Harrington has been detained since his arrest on May 15, 2019.  Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for October 14, 2021, at which time Harrington faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

This investigation is being conducted by HSI with the assistance of the Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team (JACET), South Australia Police, Australian Federal Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.

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, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PAIGE JAMES, also known as “Ishaya James,” 28, of Hartford, 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 participating in an extensive commercial larceny spree.

This case stems from “Operation American Steal,” a long-term multi-agency investigation into numerous “grab and go” thefts from various retail fashion stores in Connecticut and nearby states.  A “grab-and-go” scheme is a type of theft where one or more perpetrators enter a retail store, grab as many items of clothing or other goods as they can carry, leave the store without paying for the merchandise, and depart in a waiting getaway vehicle.

James was part of a network of individuals who in 2019 and 2020 committed more than 50 grab and go thefts from Polo Ralph Lauren, T.J. Maxx, Balenciaga, Burberry, Macy’s, Marshalls, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Tommy Hilfiger and other stores in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York.  They then transported the stolen merchandise to Connecticut and sold the items on the internet or the street.

James participated in at least 28 thefts resulting in losses of more than $90,000.  Restitution will be determined after additional court proceedings.

On September 15, 2020, a grand jury returned a six-count indictment charging James and seven other individuals.  James was arrested in Georgia on October 20, 2021.  On May 14, 2021, she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport and possess stolen property.

James has been detained since her arrest.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hartford, New Canaan, Wrentham (Mass.), Auburn (Mass.) and Nassau County (N.Y.) Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Donovan and Brendan Keefe.

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that GEORGE LEE, 50, of Glastonbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today to a federal tax offense.

Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez occurred via videoconference.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Lee own and operates American U.S.A. Paving.  For the 2015 through 2018 tax years, Lee provided his tax return preparer with information that substantially understated the gross receipts for the paving business.  As a result, Lee’s personal income tax returns for the 2015 through 2018 tax years, which Lee authorized his preparer to file with the IRS, underreported his income by a total of more than $588,000, resulting in a tax loss of $154,238.

Lee pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on October 13, 2021, in Hartford.

Lee is released pending sentencing.

This investigation is being 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, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WALI MUHAMMAD, 46, of Branford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for defrauding Connecticut’s Medicaid Program.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2010 to 2019 Muhammad owned and operated Happy Family Clinical Services LLC (“Happy Family”), a mental health and social services agency.  At various times, Happy Family’s office was located in East Haven and Branford, before moving to New Haven in 2014. 

From 2013 through 2019, Muhammad engaged in a scheme to defraud the Connecticut Medicaid Program by submitting fraudulent claims for psychotherapy services that were purportedly provided to Medicaid clients.  The claims were for occasions and dates of service when no psychotherapy services of any kind had been provided to the Medicaid clients identified in the claims.  The claims also were submitted using the names and identities of licensed clinical social workers and other licensed health care providers who purportedly worked for Happy Family, and represented that the psychotherapy services were personally rendered by the licensed providers, when, in fact, the licensed providers had not personally rendered the services, had not supervised the services that were billed, and were unaware that Muhammad was billing or causing the services to be billed as if the providers had personally rendered the services.  When services were provided, they were usually rendered by unlicensed individuals and billed as licensed psychotherapy.

Judge Bryant ordered Muhammad to pay $527,034 in restitution to Medicaid.

On March 11, 2021, Muhammad pleaded guilty today to one count of health care fraud.

Muhammad, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on September 27, 2021.

This case was investigated by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) of the Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney’s Office.  Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle also thanked the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office, the Connecticut Department of Social Services, and the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for their assistance in the investigation.

The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon and Auditor Susan Spiegel.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, and Attorney General’s Office meet regularly as part of The Medicaid Fraud Working Group.  The Working Group also includes representatives from the Connecticut Department of Social Services; the Connecticut Department of Public Health; the Drug Control Division of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection; the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The Working Group reviews pending issues and cases, identifies trends that might indicate fraudulent activity, and coordinates efforts for maximum results.

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

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, Boston, announced that CHRISTOHER J. BRERETON, 34, of Fargo, North Dakota, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to traveling interstate with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2020, Brereton began chatting online with a minor female who had an online profile stating she was 18 years old.  In February 2020, a law enforcement officer received permission to take over the minor’s account and, in an undercover capacity, the officer informed Brereton of the female’s true age of 15 years old.  Brereton continued to chat with the “girl,” discussed engaging in sexual activity with her and made plans to drive to Connecticut meet her for sex.

On March 12, 2020, Brereton began driving from North Dakota and he arrived at a hotel in Meriden the next day.  At the hotel, Brereton unpacked lingerie and sexual paraphernalia he had purchased for the planned sexual encounter.  He was arrested later that day by New Haven Police on state charges after he drove to a location where he had arranged to meet the “girl.”

Bererton has been detained since his arrest.

Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for October 8, 2021, at which time Brereton faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.

This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the New Haven Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.

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, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England; Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston; and Joshua W. McCallister, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, today announced that four Ecuadoran nationals living in Connecticut were arrested today on federal charges stemming from their alleged participation in a tax refund fraud scheme.

On July 6, 2021, a grand jury in Hartford returned a five-count indictment charging OLGA AUCAPINA, a.k.a. Olga Aucapina Paredes, 51, last residing in Woodbridge; DIEGO AUCAPINA, a.k.a. Diego Aucapina Paredes, 33, last residing in Woodbridge; JAIRO SANTIAGO SARANGO SOLANO, a.k.a. Jairo Santiago Sarango, 33, last residing in Hamden; and EDWIN F. GUTIERREZ, 43, last residing in East Haven.  The indictment was unsealed after the defendants were arrested this morning.

As alleged in the indictment, from approximately May 2013 to April 2017, the four defendants conspired to file fraudulent federal tax returns, in the names of other foreign nationals (“claimants”), with the IRS in order to illegally obtain tax refunds.  The fraudulent tax returns stated that the claimants resided in the U.S., earned wages from companies in the U.S., and had federal income tax withheld from the claimants’ wages.  In truth, the claimants never worked for or earned income from those companies.  In addition, U.S. Customs and Border Protection have no records of the claimants even being present in the U.S. during the tax years for which the returns were filed.  Based on these false tax returns, the IRS issued tax refunds, which were then deposited into bank accounts that were controlled by some of the defendants.

It is further alleged that the IRS received at least 34 false tax returns for the 2012 through 2016 tax years, resulting in illegally obtained tax refunds in excess of $103,000.  The defendants spent some of the proceeds for their personal use, and they wired some of the proceeds to relatives in Ecuador.

The indictment charges all four defendants with one count of conspiracy to commit theft of public money, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years; one count of conspiracy to defraud the government with respect to claims, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  In addition, the indictment charges Olga Aucapina and Gutierrez with one count of theft of public money, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Acting 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 matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with the assistance of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and the East Haven, Hamden, New Haven, Woodbridge and Wilton Police Departments.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MIGUEL FREYTES, 42, of Bristol, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine from Puerto Rico to Connecticut through the U.S. Mail.

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

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

On January 23, 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging, Freytes, Marcos Mendez, Omar Mendez, Muniz and two others with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and related offenses.

On February 27, 2020, Freytes pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

Marcos Mendez, 31, of Bristol; Omar Mendez, 43, of Bristol; and Muniz, 37, of Puerto Rico, also have pleaded guilty.  Two defendants are awaiting trial.

Freytes, who had been released on bond, was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service at the conclusion of the sentencing proceeding.

This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.  The DEA Puerto Rico Caribbean Corridor Strike Force and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Newark Division, San Juan (P.R.) Office, have assisted the investigation.

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

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTHONY WHITLEY, 38, of New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 18 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his federal supervised release.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 3, 2017, a court-authorized search of a New London apartment connected to Whitley revealed approximately 14 grams of heroin, approximately 27 grams of cocaine, approximately 150 grams of crack cocaine, items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, a .380 caliber semiautomatic handgun, ammunition and $9,180 in cash.  Whitley pleaded guilty and, on October 23, 2018, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release.

Whitley, who had been detained since March 3, 2017, was released from prison on September 24, 2020, after Judge Meyer granted Whitley’s motion for compassionate release due to factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and modified Whitley’s sentence to time served and four years of supervised release.

On March 15, 2021, New London Police arrested Whitley and charged him with interfering with officers/resisting arrest.  The charge followed Whitley’s flight from police after an alleged controlled purchase of narcotics from him.

Whitley has been detained since May 5, 2021, when his supervised release was revoked.

In addition to his prior federal conviction, Whitley has eight prior state convictions, including felony convictions for drug and firearm offenses.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth.

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID BURDEN, 40, of Norwalk, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegal possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 30, 2020, Bridgeport Police officers arrested Burden after he fired a gun in the area of Kossuth Street and Nichols Street in Bridgeport.  Investigators seized a loaded 9mm Smith and Wesson semi-automatic pistol from Burden.

Burden’s criminal history includes multiple state felony convictions and federal convictions in 2003 for crack cocaine distribution, racketeering, racketeering conspiracy and committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering 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.

Burden has been detained since is arrest.  On April 21, 2021, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon.

This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Bridgeport Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.

This prosecution has been brought through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL McGUIRK, 37, of Windham, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to three months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for theft of mail by a postal employee.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between September 2019 and May 2020, while he was employed as a sales associate at the U.S. Post Office in Columbia, McGuirk stole numerous pieces of mail, including packages and greeting cards that contained gift cards or other items of value.  Surveillance camera footage depicted McGuirk in the Columbia Post Office rifling through the mail, concealing mail in his clothing, opening packages and envelopes, and taking cash from the reserve cash register.

The investigation further revealed that McGuirk attempted to sell some of the items he stole from the mail on eBay.

Judge Bryant ordered McGuirk to pay $5,774.70 in restitution.

McGuirk resigned from the USPS in May 2020.  He pleaded guilty to the offense on March 30, 2021.

McGuirk, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on September 14, 2021.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara E. Levens.

Individuals who believe they are a victim of mail theft are encouraged to file a complaint by calling 888-USPS-OIG, or by visiting https://www.uspsoig.gov/form/file-online-complaint.

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JESUS GOMEZ, 58, a citizen of Mexico last residing in Meriden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 48 months of imprisonment for trafficking heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2019, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force learned that Gomez and Abisael Perez, of the Bronx, New York, were involved in the distribution of multi-kilogram quantities of heroin in the Meriden area.  In November 2019, investigators made a controlled purchase of approximately 50 grams of heroin from Gomez and Perez.

Investigators next arranged to purchase two kilograms of heroin from Gomez and Perez.  On November 17, 2019, investigators observed Gomez, Perez and a third individual, Heriberto Borrero, of Meriden, meeting at a construction site in Berlin.  After the three individuals drove away from the site together, Berlin Police stopped their car.  A subsequent search of a car that Perez had driven to and parked at the construction site revealed two packages containing a total of approximately two kilograms of heroin.

In 2012, Gomez was encountered by immigration authorities in Connecticut and, in March 2014, was removed to Mexico.  Three months later, he illegally reentered the U.S. and was removed to Mexico a second time.  He again illegally returned to the U.S. and was living in the country under an assumed identity at the time of his arrest.

Gomez has been detained since his arrest on November 17, 2019.  On January 22, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

Perez and Borrero also pleaded guilty.  On March 16, 2021, Perez was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment and, on April 20, 2021, Borrero was sentenced to three years of probation and 100 hours of community service.

This matter was investigated by the DEA’s Bridgeport HIDTA Task Force with the assistance of the Berlin 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.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria del Pilar Gonzalez 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, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL LEDBETTER, 30, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 27 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing cocaine and marijuana while on federal supervised release.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 17, 2017, Judge Underhill sentenced Ledbetter to 15 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for possession of ammunition by a felon.  In April 2014, Ledbetter had been convicted in state court of six counts of accessory to first degree assault.

Ledbetter was released from federal prison in April 2018.  While on federal supervised release, Ledbetter was arrested on state domestic violence charges and he failed multiple drug tests.  On October 30, 2019, Ledbetter cut off his GPS monitoring device and failed to respond to messages from the U.S. Probation Office.  On November 20, 2019, the U.S. Marshals Service arrested Ledbetter in a motel room in Hartford with approximately 11 pounds of marijuana, 119 grams of cocaine and $4,750 in cash.

Ledbetter has been detained since his arrest.  On November 9, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana.

This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Connecticut Violent Crime Task Force and the U.S. Marshals Service.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHAKALE BRANTLEY, also known as “Charlie Wilson,” “Kellz,” and “Man Man,” 21, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to racketeering and witness tampering charges.

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.  Wilson was a member of the Original North End (“O.N.E.”), a gang based in the Trumbull Gardens area of Bridgeport that committed acts of violence against rival gang, including the East End gang, the East Side gang, and the PT Barnum gang.  O.N.E. members also robbed drug dealers, sold narcotics, laundered narcotics proceeds, stole cars from inside and outside Connecticut and used them to commit crimes, and tampered with witnesses who might testify against them.

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

In October 2018 in Bridgeport, and in November 2018 in Stratford, Brantley and other O.N.E. members and associates attacked a marijuana dealer and stole marijuana from him.  After Brantley was arrested on federal charges on March 23, 2020, and while he was incarcerated, he attempted to solicit others to kill the victim of the marijuana robberies, who Brantley had learned had become a federal witness, in order to prevent Brantley’s prosecution for those offenses.  Specifically, Brantley reached out by prison call to associates and by letters addressed to those associates in an effort to have his associates kill the robbery victim and then cover his nose with fentanyl to make it appear as if he overdosed.

In pleading guilty, Brantley also admitted that he distributed controlled substances, including heroin and marijuana.

Brantley pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity and one count of solicitation of witness tampering.  At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Brantley faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 35 years. 

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and the Waterbury Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Peter D. Markle 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 a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.  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.  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, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STIEVE FERNANDEZ, 35, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 71 months of imprisonment for operating lottery scams that defrauded victims of more than $1.8 million, including an elderly Connecticut victim who lost nearly $1.2 million.

In a lottery scam, a perpetrator fraudulently convinces a victim that the victim has won a lottery or sweepstakes, and needs to make certain payments before collecting the winnings.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately 2015 to 2018, Fernandez and others, including Minique Morris and Horace Crooks, defrauded an elderly Mystic resident in a lottery scam.  As part of their scheme, Fernandez spoke to the victim on the telephone and used various pseudonyms, including “Damian Jackson,” “Jesse Jackson,” and “Huckleberry Finn.”  During the phone calls, Fernandez falsely claimed that the victim had won a lottery or sweepstakes and was required to pay fees purportedly to cover taxes, insurance, handling and other charges related to the winnings.  Fernandez directed the victim to pay fees in various ways, including by mailing checks and money orders to Morris in Brampton, Ontario, and Crooks in Orlando, Florida; wiring funds to bank accounts controlled by Morris and Crooks; and purchasing and sending precious metals products Crooks and other co-conspirators.  Fernandez instructed his co-conspirators how to transfer or deliver the fraud proceeds to him in Argentina or Jamaica, where Fernandez resided.

Through this scheme, the victim was defrauded of $1,196,207.  Judge Dooley ordered Fernandez to pay restitution in that amount.

On October 16, 2018, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Fernandez, Morris and Crooks with conspiracy and fraud offenses.  Fernandez was arrested in Jamaica on May 9, 2019, and was subsequently extradited to the United States.  He has been detained since his arrest.

After Fernandez and his co-conspirators were charged in the case, further investigation revealed that Fernandez participated in similar lottery frauds against four additional victims, defrauding them of $684,500.

On February 3, 2021, Fernandez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.

Morris and Crooks pleaded guilty to the same charge.  On June 28, 2021, Crooks was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, and ordered to pay $1,196,207 in restitution.  Morris awaits sentencing.

This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service’s Jamaica Foreign Field Office, the Jamaica Lottery Scam Task Force, the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Francis.

Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle thanked the Justice Department’s Fraud Section for its assistance in this case, and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Jamaican Ministry of Justice for coordinating the extradition proceedings in this matter.

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

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAYLEN WILSON, also known as “Jay-Dot,” 22, of Ansonia and Derby, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to a racketeering charge stemming from a gang-related murder in Bridgeport’s East End in August 2018.

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.  Wilson was a member of the Original North End (“O.N.E.”), a gang based in the Trumbull Gardens area of Bridgeport that committed acts of violence against rival gang, including the East End gang, the East Side gang, and the PT Barnum gang.  O.N.E. members also robbed drug dealers, sold narcotics, laundered narcotics proceeds, stole cars from inside and outside Connecticut and used them to commit crimes, and tampered with witnesses who might testify against them.

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

In pleading guilty, Wilson also admitted that he distributed controlled substances, including heroin and marijuana, and possessed firearms.

Wilson pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  He has been detained since July 7, 2020.

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and the Waterbury Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Peter D. Markle 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 a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.  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.  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, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that SHAUN HAWKINS, 44, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 39 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine while he on federal supervised release.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2009, Hawkins was sentenced in Bridgeport federal court to 96 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for obstruction of justice.  In that case, Hawkins engaged in a scheme to pay a witness not to testify in an ongoing grand jury investigation related to Hawkins’ participation in a violent home invasion robbery in Hartford.  After Hawkins completed his federal sentence in March 2016, he was transferred to state custody to serve a consecutive sentence for robbery and burglary offenses related to the home invasion.  He was released from prison in March 2018 and began serving his three-year term of federal supervised release.

In July 2019, after a spate of gun violence in Hartford, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, DEA, Hartford Police Department and other law enforcement agencies initiated an investigation targeting gang-related drug distribution and associated violence in north Hartford.  In August and September 2019, investigators made three controlled purchases of crack cocaine from Hawkins in Hartford.

Hawkins was arrested on September 13, 2019.  On October 21, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base (“crack”).

Judge Thompson sentenced Hawkins to 15 months of imprisonment for distributing crack, and a consecutive 24-month prison term for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

Hawkins, who is residing in Windsor Locks while released on bond, is required to report to prison on August 6, 2021.

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.

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

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILLIAM VALERIO-PALERMO, also known as “Willy,” 35, of East Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of acetylfentanyl, a fentanyl analogue.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2018, law enforcement received information that Valerio was trafficking kilogram-quantities of fentanyl and was using his Hartford auto-repair business to launder drug proceeds.  On July 12, 2018, a court-authorized search of a West Hartford apartment that Valerio rented revealed approximately six kilograms of acetylfentanyl, items used to process and package narcotics, and approximately $49,000 in cash.

Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for September 28, 2021.

Valerio has been detained since his arrest on July 12, 2018.

This investigation has been conducted by the DEA’s Hartford Task Force and the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force.  The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.  The FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force includes the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TA’RON PHARR, also known as “250,” 21, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to a racketeering charge stemming from a gang-related murder in Bridgeport’s East End in August 2018.

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

On August 8, 2018, Pharr and other O.N.E. members stole a white Jeep Grand Cherokee in Newburgh, New York, and drove it back to Bridgeport.  In the early morning hours of August 13, 2018, O.N.E. members drove the stolen Jeep to Union Avenue in Bridgeport where they shot and killed Len Smith, 25, who they mistook for a rival East End group member, and shot and seriously wounded Smith’s female companion, both of whom were seated in a parked car.  After the shooting, Pharr and others transported the Jeep to Indian Wells State Park in Shelton where they burned the vehicle in an effort to destroy evidence of the murder.

Pharr pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  He has been detained since July 7, 2020.

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and the Waterbury Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Peter D. Markle 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 a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.  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.  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, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Edward Grace, Assistant Director of the Office of Law Enforcement for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announced that KING SHEUNG CHAN, also known as “Nelson,” 30, a permanent resident of Hong Kong of the People’s Republic of China, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to one count of attempted smuggling of glass eels from the United States.

According to court documents and statements made in court, there is strong foreign demand for the export of live juvenile American glass eels, commonly called “glass eels” or “elvers,” to large “eel farms” in mainland China where the baby eels are raised to adult size for human consumption.  Along the Atlantic Coast, the commercial harvest of glass eels is legal only in South Carolina and Maine, with Maine using a heavily regulated quota system.  In recent years, the legal price for glass eels has generally fluctuated between $3,000 and $5,000 per kilogram.

The illegal harvest and sale of glass eels to overseas buyers have damaged American eel populations and their long-term vitality.  Since 2014, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature has listed the American eel as “Endangered.” 

Chan worked for Asia Aquatic Company, Ltd., based in Hong Kong, and a Canadian company named Laknock Trading.  Chan’s job was to procure glass eels from countries in North America and Europe, and to have them shipped via overnight air to Hong Kong. 

On April 7, 2021, Chan packed 19.3 kilograms of live glass eels worth approximately $86,000 that had been stored at a Connecticut facility.  Chan was told by undercover U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) officers who were posing as fisherman that these glass eels had been unlawfully harvested from Virginia, Maryland and Massachusetts.  After packing the glass eels in oxygenated bags, he paid $29,500 to the undercover officers and drove the live cargo to JFK Airport. 

Later that afternoon, Chan met the freight forwarder near JFK Airport that was handling the in-transit shipment of 10 boxes shipped by Laknock Trading from Canada.  Chan had arranged for the shipment of the boxes, which contained bags of dead glass eels with a few live ones mixed in.  Chan opened the boxes, took out the bags of dead glass eels, and replaced them with the bags of live glass eels packed a few hours before in Connecticut.  Chan resealed the boxes and returned them to the freight forwarder, which transported the shipment to the airline cargo area for export to Hong Kong.  Shortly thereafter, FWS officers arrested Chan and seized the glass eels from the airline cargo area.  FWS later released the glass eels into the wild. 

In pleading guilty, Chan admitted that, in 2017, he illegally smuggled 103 kilograms of glass eels, valued at approximately $340,000, from the U.S. to Hong Kong.  Some of those glass eels had been illegally harvested in Connecticut.

“I commend the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for holding accountable those individuals who drive this illegal market and deplete an important American wildlife resource for their selfish gain,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle.  “We shall continue to investigate and prosecute those actors, foreign and domestic, who profit from this illicit, lucrative trade.”

“In addition to the robust legal trade of American juvenile eels, or elvers, they are also subject to poaching and international trafficking,” said Edward Grace, the Assistant Director of the Office of Law Enforcement for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  “Our natural resources are important to the American public and to its economy.  Working with our state and federal partners, the defendant was arrested and prosecuted in the United States for his crimes.  His guilty plea sends a message to all wildlife traffickers, you will be caught and you will be prosecuted.”

Chan has been detained since his arrest.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on September 30, 2021, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALBERT LOPEZ, 51, last residing in Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden occurred via videoconference.

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

Lopez has previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses in Connecticut state court and in federal courts in both Connecticut and Pennsylvania.  Specifically, Lopez has been convicted of assault with a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit, conspiracy to distribute cocaine, possession of contraband by an inmate, and possession of a firearm by a felon (twice).  In March 2008, Lopez was sentenced to 47 months of federal imprisonment for possession of a firearm by a felon and, in January 2013, he was sentenced to 72 months of imprisonment for possession of a firearm by a felon and for violating the conditions of his federal supervised release.

Lopez has been detained since his arrest.  As sentencing, which is not scheduled, he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

State charges against Lopez related to the September 9, 2017, shooting are pending.

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

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FRANCIS AYBAR-PEGUERO, also known as “Grena,” 29, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 87 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a heroin and fentanyl trafficking ring.  Judge Bryant also ordered Aybar-Peguero to pay a fine of $30,000.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department revealed that Nestor Sosa-Ortiz operated a Waterbury-based drug trafficking organization that received large quantities of heroin and fentanyl from suppliers in Connecticut and New York and distributed the narcotics throughout New Haven County.  The organization used an apartment located at 330 Bishop Street in Waterbury to store kilogram-quantities of heroin and fentanyl, and to process and package the drugs for street sale.

On May 18, 2019, Sosa-Ortiz was arrested in New York City on a separate federal heroin and fentanyl trafficking charge.  On that date, law enforcement intercepted a planned drug transaction and seized approximately two kilograms of fentanyl and two kilograms of heroin.  Sosa-Ortiz continued to control his drug network while incarcerated by using smuggled cell phones to communicate with various co-conspirators.

The investigation revealed that Aybar-Peguero received fentanyl and heroin from members of the Sosa-Ortiz organization and sold the drugs out of his business, the Corner Mini market located on East Farm Road in Waterbury.

Aybar-Peguero and several co-defendants were arrested on October 29, 2019.  On that date, investigators executed search warrants at five locations, including the Corner Mini Market, and seized a total of approximately six kilograms of suspected heroin/fentanyl, approximately 100,000 bags of suspected heroin/fentanyl packaged for street distribution, approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills disguised as Percocet pills, one firearm and approximately $50,000 in cash.

Further investigation revealed that the Corner Mini Market was primarily being used by Aybar-Peguero to distribute narcotics and to launder drug proceeds.

Law enforcement seized approximately $98,000 from Aybar-Peguero’s business bank account.

On September 30, 2020, Aybar-Peguero pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of concealment money laundering.

Aybar-Peguero, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on August 25, 2021. 

Sixteen individuals were charged as a result of this investigation.  Sosa-Ortiz has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.

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

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis, and Lauren Clark 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, Acting 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 Hartford returned an indictment yesterday charging EDWARD WALKER, 48, of New Haven, with two counts of production of child pornography.

According to indictment, in June and July 2019, Walker knowingly employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing two videos of that conduct.

Walker is currently in federal custody awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges in the Southern District of Florida.

If convicted of the new charges in the District of Connecticut, Walker faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, on each count.

Acting 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel M. Krull.

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ADOLFO VARGAS, 43, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally receiving Social Security benefits.  

According to court documents and statements made in court, Vargas’ father lawfully received Social Security Administration (“SSA”) monthly Retirement and Survivor Insurance benefit payments.  When Vargas’ father became ill, he gave Vargas access to his bank accounts so Vargas could make purchases on his behalf and take care of his affairs after his death.  Vargas’ father died in 2006, but the SSA was never informed of his death.  Between 2006 and 2019, the SSA deposited approximately $111,000 into Vargas’ father’s account.  During that time, Vargas used the account to make numerous ATM cash withdrawals, personal debit transactions and personal online purchases.

Judge Bryant ordered Vargas to pay $93,092 in restitution.

On March 29, 2021, Vargas pleaded guilty to one count of theft of public funds.

Vargas, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on August 25, 2021.

This matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Keefe.

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, announced that MICHAEL NASTU, 62, of Bridgeport, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with multiple child exploitation offenses.

Following his arrest, Nastu appeared via videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti and is currently detained.

As alleged in the complaint, in March 2021, Nastu, using the Kik social media application, initiated a chat with an FBI Online Covert Employee who was posing as a 14-year-old female from Connecticut.  Between March 31 and June 25, 2021, Nastu sent the OCE sexually explicit messages and several pictures and videos of male genitalia, and he attempted to entice the OCE to send him child pornography in return.  Nastu and the OCE had multiple text exchanges about meeting in person to engage in sexual activity, but Nastu ultimately decided not to meet the OCE due to the risk of being caught.

The complaint charges Nastu with attempted transfer of obscene materials to a minor, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; attempted receipt of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; and attempted 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.

Acting 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 the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nancy V. Gifford and Amanda S. Oakes.

Leonard C Boyle, Acting 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 grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging DOUGLAS SENERTH, 32, of South Windsor, with offenses related to his alleged theft of approximately $679,000 from his grandparents.

The indictment was returned on June 7, 2021.  Senerth appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and entered a plea of not guilty.  He has been detained in state custody since February 10, 2021, when he was arrested on unrelated charges.

As alleged in the indictment, Senerth defrauded his grandmother and his late grandfather by falsely claiming to be a college student and inducing them to give him approximately $419,000 to pay for nonexistent college tuition and other related expenses, and an additional approximately $260,000 by falsely claiming that he would invest their money into an investment fund run by one of his nonexistent professors.  As part of the scheme, Senerth created fraudulent college transcripts, letters and email accounts that he used to corroborate his lies.

The indictment charges Senerth with three counts of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.

Acting 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 prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherry.

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

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ERIC TINGLEY, 45, formerly of Lebanon, Connecticut, and currently residing in Hopkinton, Rhode Island, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for forging prescriptions to acquire thousands of oxycodone and alprazolam tablets from the Connecticut pharmacy where he was employed.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Tingley was a licensed pharmacist employed at a pharmacy in Norwich.  Between approximately October 2016 and July 2017, Tingley forged approximately 183 prescriptions for oxycodone and approximately 26 prescriptions for alprazolam, and filled the forged prescriptions at the pharmacy where he worked.  Through these forged prescriptions, Tingley unlawfully obtained more than 35,000 oxycodone tablets and more than 2,000 alprazolam tablets.  He then distributed the drugs for his own benefit.

After Tingley’s Norwich employer fired him for performance issues, Tingley moved to Las Vegas, began working at a pharmacy there, and stole an additional 6,445 oxycodone pills.  Tingley was arrested in Las Vegas on June 27, 2018.

On October 22, 2019, Tingley pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute oxycodone and alprazolam.

Tingley, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on August 20, 2021.

This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that EDDY ANTONIO TORRES MOREL, 50, of Meriden, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.

Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson occurred via videoconference.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation revealed that Torres 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.

Torres was arrested on February 5, 2020.  On that date, investigators searched his residence and stores and seized two firearms, assorted firearm parts, ammunition, and approximately $22,000 in cash.

Torres is released on a $300,000 bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for September 24, 2021, in Hartford federal court.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Vizcarrondo.

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a two-count indictment charging AMIN HASAN, 44, of Stamford, with unlawful firearm possession offenses.

The indictment was returned on March 29, 2021, and Hasan appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.  Hasan has been detained since his arrest on related state charges in December 2020.

The indictment alleges that, on December 6, 2020, Hasan possessed a loaded Glock 9mm pistol.  In May 2019, Hasan was convicted in state court of assault of public safety, emergency medical, public transport or health care personnel.

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

It is further alleged that Hasan possessed the pistol while subject to a court order.

The indictment charges Hasan with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm as a prohibited person.  If convicted, Hasan faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count.

Acting 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and Stamford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Doherty.

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, today announced that CONNECTICUT ADDICTION MEDICINE, LLC, and its owners DR. JAY BENSON and DR. MAHBOOB ASLAM, have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments in which they will pay $1,002,481 to resolve allegations that they caused overpayments to be paid by the Medicare and Medicaid Programs.

Connecticut Addition Medicine (“CAM”) is a medical practice that provides behavioral health and addiction medicine services to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries at its offices located throughout Connecticut.  Benson and Aslam are physicians and the principals of CAM.

The allegations against CAM arise out of improper billing for urine drug tests.  Urine drug testing includes drug screening tests (also known as “presumptive” tests), which determine the presence or absence of a drug or metabolite in a patient’s urine, and confirmation tests (also known as “definitive” tests), which are more precise and provide a numerical concentration of a drug or metabolite in a patient’s urine.  CAM regularly tested their patient’s urine in-house, using a presumptive test, but also sent the identical urine samples out to an independent reference laboratory to conduct more detailed definitive tests on each and every specimen.  In many cases, CAM received the results of the definitive test from the independent lab in four days or less.

The government alleges that CAM, Benson and Aslam submitted claims for payment to Medicare and Medicaid for the in-office presumptive urine drug tests that the they knew, or should have known, were not medically necessary, because they also ordered and received, from the independent reference laboratory, the more detailed and reliable definitive urine drug test results on the identical urine samples, which were available to assess and treat their patients.

To resolve their liability, CAM, Benson and Aslam will pay $1,002,481 to the federal and state governments for conduct occurring between December 21, 2015, through August 31, 2017.

“Billing government health insurance programs for medically unnecessary testing diverts taxpayer money needed to pay for legitimate medical needs,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle.  “The government will aggressively pursue health care providers who are overpaid by the Medicare and Medicaid programs for medically unnecessary tests.”

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 by Assistant Attorneys Gregory O’Connell and 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 or the Health Care Fraud Task Force at (203) 777-6311.

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston, announced that LUCIANO SOLIS-SANCHEZ, 36, a citizen of Mexico last residing in Waterbury, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to immigration and controlled substances offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Solis-Sanchez has never held legal status in the U.S.  In April 2007, Solis-Sanchez was encountered by U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) in Arizona and was granted voluntary return to Mexico.  In November 2017, he was again encountered by USBP and was removed to Mexico.  Approximately one week after his removal, Solis-Sanchez was again encountered by USBP in Arizona while attempting to unlawfully enter the U.S.  He was charged and convicted of illegal entry and was again removed to Mexico.

On two occasions in May 2019, Solis-Sanchez was encountered by USBP in Texas and was removed to Mexico.

On March 3, 2020, Solis-Sanchez was arrested by Waterbury Police on charges of possession of narcotics with intent to sell, possession of drugs near a prohibited place, operating a motor vehicle without a license, and driving the wrong way on a one-way street.  He was released by the state on a promise to appear.  Federal authorities subsequently learned the arrest and obtained an arrest warrant for Solis-Sanchez charging him with illegal reentry.

On January 8, 2021, U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspected a UPS package that originated in Zapopan, Mexico, and was addressed to “Alfonso Perez, 39 Bucks Hill Rd, Waterbury, CT 06704 United States,” which was Solis-Sanchez’s residence.  The package contained a handcrafted lamp that had two bundles containing approximately 498 grams of methamphetamine hidden behind a fiberglass panel.

On January 13, 2021, law enforcement made a controlled delivery of the package to 39 Bucks Hill Road, and then executed a search warrant at the residence.  The search revealed a distribution quantity of cocaine.  Solis-Sanchez was arrested a short time later.  At the time of his arrest, he possessed an additional quantity of cocaine that he intended to sell.  Solis-Sanchez admitted that he arranged for the delivery of the package containing methamphetamine, and also received cocaine shipments from the same supplier.

Solis-Sanchez pleaded guilty one count of reentry of a removed alien, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on October 13, 2021.

Solis-Sanchez has been detained since January 13, 2021.

This investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the Connecticut State Police, Statewide Narcotics Task Force, Northwest.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angel M. Krull and Deborah R. Slater.

Leonard C  Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVON LOTT, also known as “D,” 39, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.  

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the summer of 2017, members of the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and Bridgeport Police Department began investigating individuals who were distributing narcotics in and around Bridgeport.  The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, resulted in federal charges against 19 defendants and the seizure of narcotics, items used to process and package drugs for street sale, eight firearms, and more than $360,000 in cash.

The investigation revealed that Lott acquired and distributed a significant amount of heroin for several years.

Lott was arrested on May 10, 2019.  On February 28, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

Lott, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on August 23, 2021.

This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department, as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut State Police, and the Stratford, Norwalk, Seymour and Trumbull Police Departments.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck and Patrick J. Doherty 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, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that OSCAR ZAVALA, also known as “Manuel Garcia Martinez,” “Oscar Rangel Zavala” and “Oscar Zavala Rangel,” 43, of California, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 45 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2019, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force began investigating an organization that was distributing heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine in an around Bridgeport.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that the organization had a connection to Mexican drug cartel traffickers, and that members of the organization were eager to receive a steady supply of narcotics from the west coast of the U.S.  On December 20, 2019, after members of the organization arranged to purchase a kilogram of heroin from a supplier, Zavala met an individual in a parking lot in San Diego and provided him with 1.1 kilograms of fentanyl in exchange for $27,000.

Zavala was arrested on February 10, 2020.  On that date, a search of a storage locker in San Diego that Zavala had access to revealed approximately six kilograms of cocaine.

Zavala has been detained since his arrest.  On February 23, 2021, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl.

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

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck and Lauren C. Clark 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, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STEVEN BARNES, 70, of Ansonia, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, oxycodone.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between September 2017 and November 2018, law enforcement made five controlled purchases of 30mg oxycodone pills from Salvatore Perry of Shelton.  Perry sold between 30 and 60 pills each transaction.  The investigation revealed that Perry had purchased the pills from Barnes and others.  Barnes had a prescription for oxycodone, and he received a total of approximately $18,000 for selling the pills.

When he is sentenced, Barnes faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Barnes is released pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.

Perry previously pleaded guilty and, on January 22, 2020, was sentenced to 30 days of imprisonment and six months of home confinement.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan.

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Boston, announced that SHARNICE JACKSON, 20, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today to a conspiracy offense related to a scheme to defraud Victoria’s Secret stores in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the court proceeding before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall occurred via videoconference.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Jackson and others were involved in a scheme through which they stole thousands of dollars from L Brands, the parent company of Victoria’s Secret stores.  As part of the scheme, the co-conspirators shoplifted merchandise from Victoria’s Secret stores in Connecticut and Massachusetts.  They then returned the shoplifted Victoria’s Secret merchandise through a “No Original Receipt” return, which allowed them to obtain gift cards for Victoria’s Secret in the value of the stolen merchandise (the “Return Step”).  The co-conspirators then redeemed the gift cards at Victoria’s Secret stores for merchandise that slightly exceeded the value of the gift card, so that the excess amount was charged to a debit card connected to a co-conspirator (the “Redeem Step”).  They then returned the merchandise purchased in the Redeem Step, with the refund for the entire amount credited to the co-conspirator’s debit card (the “Refund Step”).

Between approximately October 2018 and October 2019, L Brands lost more than $100,000 as a result of this scheme.

Jackson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for September 17, 2021.

Jackson is the sixth defendant involved in this scheme to plead guilty.  SHAMONIQUE MACKEY, 22; DAIJAH FAGAN, 21; TAMIJAH HUNTER, 21; LEONNA JONES, 22; and IMANI AITCHESON, 21, all of Hartford, previously pleaded guilty to the same charge and await sentencing.  A seventh defendant charged in this conspiracy is awaiting trial.

This investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police, Hartford Police Department and L Brands Loss Prevention.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarala V. Nagala and Tara E. Levens.