District of Connecticut

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARLON DAMIAN WHITE, also known as Damian Marlon White, 47, a citizen of Jamaica last residing in Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to six months of imprisonment for making a false statement in a U.S. passport application.

According to court documents and statements made in court, White was admitted to the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident in 1995.  In subsequent years, he was convicted of various offenses, including a state conviction in New York for assault in the second degree, and a federal conviction in the Southern District of New York for a narcotics distribution offense for which he was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment.  After his federal conviction, White lost his status as a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. and, in February 2006, was deported to Jamaica.

White returned to the U.S. and, on May 6, 2024, used a false name, false birth date, and false place of birth to apply for a U.S. passport in Hartford.  During the application process, White provided a counterfeit birth certificate and driver’s license falsely representing that he was born in and resided in California. 

White has been detained since his arrest on October 9, 2025.  He pleaded guilty to the offense on December 15.

White will be removed to Jamaica when he completes his prison term.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAFAEL ORLANDO GARCIA, 35, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for distributing fentanyl and cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force identified Garcia, who has a prior federal conviction, as a significant Hartford-area narcotics trafficker.  Between February and April 2025, investigators made three controlled purchases of narcotics from Garcia.  Investigators purchased approximately 36 grams of fentanyl and 28 grams of cocaine on February 28, approximately 80 grams of fentanyl on March 12, and approximately 100 grams of fentanyl and 280 grams of cocaine on April 1.

Garcia was arrested on April 8, 2025.  On October 15, 2025, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl and cocaine; possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl; and possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of cocaine.

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

This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean P. Mahard.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ANGEL ECHEVARRIA, also known as “Frenchie” and “Gordo,” 30, of Bridgeport, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for distributing fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2024, the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and Bridgeport Police Department investigated an open-air drug market that was operating in the area of Noble Avenue and Shelton Street in Bridgeport.  The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance, and controlled purchases of narcotics.  Between March and September 2024, investigators made 11 controlled purchases of narcotics, primarily fentanyl, from various sellers, including Echevarria.  At the time, Echevarria had pending state firearm possession and narcotics distribution charges and was released on bond.

Echevarria has been detained in state custody since September 11, 2024.  On October 27, 2025, he pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

This investigation has been conducted by the FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, the Bridgeport Police Department, and the Stratford Police Department.  The Task Force is composed of personnel from the FBI, Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Norwalk, and Trumbull Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that two men have pleaded guilty in Hartford federal court to conspiracy charges related to receiving, moving, and converting millions of dollars stolen from victims of online scams.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Richard Fasanella, a U.S. citizen who resided in Venezuela, connected with others who used various online scams, including romance scams, to defraud dozens of primarily elderly victims of millions of dollars.  Between approximately 2018 and 2024, Fasanella opened numerous bank accounts in his own name and in the name of various sham companies, and he directed associates, including John J. Intoci, to open bank accounts in the name of various sham companies that Fasanella ultimately controlled.  Fasanella, Intoci, and others used these bank accounts to deposit nearly $9 million in checks, cash, and money orders that had been mailed to them from scam victims.  Fasanella, Intoci, and others kept a percentage of these funds for themselves, and Fasanella, with the assistance of Intoci and others, moved the remaining money to other bank accounts or financial institutions, and ultimately to the cryptocurrency wallets of the scam operators.

On several occasions, bank employees and law enforcement informed Fasanella that the money he received was from scammed victims, and Fasanella had several accounts closed and had money seized by law enforcement due to fraud.  However, he continued to launder money for scammers he met on the internet.

Fasanella, 56, was deported from Bogota, Colombia, and has been detained since January 26, 2024.  On March 3, 2026, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and illegal monetary transactions, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 26.

Intoci, 65, of Spring Hill, Florida, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  He was arrested on January 16, 2025, and is currently released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for May 29.

This investigation is being conducted the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Global Illicit Financial Team (GIFT); and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service and Migración Colombia.  The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Judicial Attaché Office in Bogotá provided assistance.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather Cherry and Stephanie Levick.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RICARDO SANTIAGO, 60, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 57 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for fraudulently obtaining Social Security, unemployment, and Food Stamp benefits.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2002 and 2024, Santiago held jobs with more than 20 employers and earned income totaling more than $580,000.  Santiago concealed his income from federal and state government agencies by providing to employers false identification, including a Social Security number and card belonging to another individual, and, in at least one instance, a false Social Security card.

In 2002, Santiago applied for Retirement Survivors Disability Insurance (RSDI) benefits, representing to the Social Security Administration that he was unable to work due to disability.  As a result, he began receiving RSDI payments in September 2002.  In 2017, Santiago completed paperwork to maintain his benefits in which he asserted that he remained disabled and had not worked for the past two years.  Santiago ultimately collected more than $316,000 in RSDI payments to which he was not entitled.

In February 2017, Santiago submitted to the Connecticut Department of Social Services (CT-DSS) an application for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (“Food Stamps”), representing to the CT-DSS and the U.S. Department of Agriculture that he earned no income from employment.  He began receiving SNAP benefits in March 2017 and subsequently completed forms to renew his SNAP benefits on which he again represented that he had no change in his income and that he earned no money from employment.  Santiago made more than $18,000 in purchases with SNAP benefits to which he was not entitled.

In April 2020, Santiago applied to the Connecticut Department of Labor (CT-DOL) for Unemployment Insurance benefits.  On the application, Santiago used a Social Security number belonging to another individual, and he represented to the CT-DOL and U.S. Department of Labor that he was unemployed but available for work and physically able to work.  He subsequently completed weekly certifications making the same representations.  From April 2020 through February 2021, Santiago received more than $36,000 in payments to which he was not entitled.

Judge Oliver ordered Santiago to pay $371,686 in restitution.

Santiago was arrested on May 7, 2024.  On February 24, 2025, he pleaded guilty to wire fraud.

In September 2025, while released on bond and awaiting sentencing, Santiago staged his and his daughter’s drowning in the Connecticut River and attempted to flee.  Hartford Police located Santiago and his daughter in Hartford on September 20, 2025.  Santiago has been detained since that date.

This matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of the Inspector General.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan J. Guevremont.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DASHAWN DWYER, 31, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 11, 2024, Hartford Police officers attempted to stop Dwyer, who had absconded from state parole and was being sought, as he drove a vehicle on Albany Avenue.  Dwyer accelerated, drove recklessly down side streets, and eventually jumped from the moving vehicle and fled on foot.  The vehicle came to rest against a fence on Main Street.  Dwyer was apprehended a short distance away, and a search of his vehicle revealed a 9mm Glock pistol with a loaded extended magazine, and which was equipped with a machinegun conversion device (“switch”); distribution quantities of cocaine and crack; and $10,257 in cash.

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

Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for June 3, at which time Dwyer faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.  Dwyer has been detained since his arrest.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reed Durham and Sean P. Mahard.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILFREDO ORTIZ, also known as “Will” and “P,” 45, of Bristol, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 135 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release for trafficking narcotics from a car dealership in New Britain.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2024, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and New Britain Police Department investigated a drug trafficking organization, headed by Ortiz, that was operating out of Supreme Automotive, a car dealership located on Main Street in New Britain.  The investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, physical and electronic surveillance, and several controlled purchases of narcotics, primarily cocaine, from Ortiz and other members of the conspiracy.  Three controlled purchases from Ortiz involved more than a kilogram of cocaine.  Intercepted communications also revealed Oritz’s connection to firearms.

Ortiz and other members of this drug trafficking organization were arrested on November 14, 2024.  In association with the arrests, investigators conducted court authorized searches of Supreme Automotive and residences and other locations connected to the drug trafficking organization and seized more than five kilograms of cocaine, more than 200 grams of fentanyl, approximately 30 grams of heroin, a kilogram press, seven firearms, ammunition, approximately $75,000 in cash, and 26 vehicles.

Ortiz has been detained since his arrest.  On November 10, 2025, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.

In 1999, Ortiz was sentenced in New Britain Superior Court to 27 years of imprisonment for murder and robbery offenses stemming from a convenience store robbery in August 1998 during which a codefendant shot and killed one employee and wounded another employee.

This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles Police, and the New Britain, Hartford, West Hartford, Waterbury, Naugatuck, East Hartford, Brookfield, Milford, Norwich, Orange, North Haven, Meriden, Berlin, and Manchester Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Freismuth, Reed Durham, and David Nelson.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that MICHAEL SIMES, 50, of Newtown, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to offenses related to his failure to file tax returns, and acknowledged that he failed to pay more than $3.1 million in taxes, penalties, and interest owed.

According to court documents and statements made in court, for the 2013 tax year and the 2016 through 2022 tax years, Simes, an attorney, failed to file U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns, resulting in a tax loss to the IRS of $1,876,307 on gross income of more than $5.6 million.  For the 2016 through 2020 tax years, Simes requested filing extensions until October of each year, but still failed to file and pay the taxes he owed.

In addition, Simes filed tax returns for the 2012, 2014, and 2015 tax years, but he paid only a fraction of taxes reported as due, thereby incurring substantial penalties and interest.

Simes has agreed to pay restitution of the presently outstanding balance of $2,871,676.

Simes pleaded guilty to three counts of failure to file a tax return.  Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for June 8, at which time Simes faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years.  Simes is released on a $40,000 bond pending sentencing.

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

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that AMEER NASIR, 25, of Trumbull, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to an offense related to his defrauding Amazon.com, Inc. (“Amazon”) of more than $3.5 million.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Amazon Logistics, an Amazon subsidiary, contracts with various interstate trucking businesses to transport both empty trailers and trailers containing heavy loads of freight between cities and between warehouses and fulfillment centers operated by Amazon.  Nasir registered 23 trucking businesses with Amazon Logistics.  One of the accounts was created in the name of Nasir’s business, Pak Express Transport, LLC, and others were created under false names or by fraudulently using the names and identifying information of other trucking or transportation companies without the knowledge of the operators of those companies.  Between approximately December 2019 and February 2021, Nasir used these accounts to sign up for more than 1,000 transportation assignments with Amazon Logistics, manipulated information in Amazon Logistics’ transportation management system to misrepresent that he had completed trailer movements when he had not, and submitted fraudulent invoices to Amazon Logistics that were subsequently paid.  Through this scheme, Nasir defrauded Amazon of more than $3.5 million.

Nasir was arrested on May 8, 2025.

Nasir pleaded guilty to wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  He has also agreed to pay restitution of $3,547,090.93.

Nasir is released on a $300,000 bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for May 29.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from Amazon.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elena L. Coronado.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that DICKSON ALORWORNU, also known as “Dixon Al,” 36, a citizen of Ghana residing in Greenwich, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 48 months of imprisonment and two years of supervised release for operating a tuition refund scheme using stolen identities.

According to the evidence presented during Alorwornu’s trial, in December 2017, Alorwornu used other individuals’ identities to submit two non-degree student applications to the University of Connecticut (“UConn”).  He then used credit card information that had been stolen from three victims to fund the two student accounts with a total of more than $62,000 in fraudulently obtained funds.  In early 2018, Alorwornu withdrew from the courses and requested that UConn refund the money he had deposited.  UConn subsequently transferred approximately $46,000 to bank accounts Alorwornu controlled.

The investigation revealed that email accounts that Alorwornu used to defraud UConn were also used to defraud other universities of more than $500,000. 

Alorwornu was arrested on February 1, 2023.  On October 29, 2024, a jury found him guilty of two counts of wire fraud.

Alorwornu’s criminal history includes a conviction in New York in 2017 for an offense involving his using stolen credit cards and other individuals’ personal identifying information.

Alorwornu, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on April 20.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the UConn Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward Chang and Elena Coronado.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRIAN MARTINEZ RIVERA, 29, of Torrington, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for his role in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation led by the  U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force identified Joseph Giovanni Soto as the leader of a cocaine trafficking operation that involved the shipment of parcels containing kilogram quantities of cocaine from U.S. Post Offices in Puerto Rico to various “drop addresses” in New Britain and Meriden, Connecticut, as well as addresses in Holyoke and West Springfield, Massachusetts.  The organization used “runners” to pick up the parcels from the drop addresses and deliver them to Soto’s residence in Bloomfield and the residence of Soto’s uncle, Ramon Soto, in New Britain.  Typically, Ramon Soto, at Joseph Soto’s direction, then delivered the cocaine to individuals in the Bronx, New York, and elsewhere, in return for payment.

During the investigation, task force members intercepted and seized 10 suspicious parcels, each of which contained approximately two kilograms of cocaine, and identified approximately 280 suspicious parcels likely containing kilogram quantities of cocaine that had been delivered to the various drop addresses.

Joseph Giovanni Soto was arrested on May 1, 2023.  In August 2023, investigators saw a reemergence of suspicious parcels coming from Puerto Rico to the New Britain and Meriden areas, and then to a Waterbury address where Jatniel Morales Gonzalez was living.  Investigators determined that Morales Gonzalez and Soto had worked together prior to Soto’s arrest, and that Morales Gonzalez had assumed control of the Connecticut side of the cocaine trafficking network after Soto’s arrest.  Investigators identified several new drop addresses for suspicious parcels and observed Morales Gonzalez, Martinez Rivera, and others retrieving the parcels and bringing them to Morales Gonzalez’s residence before they were ultimately delivered to the Bronx.  During this part of the investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service identified more than 90 additional suspicious parcels, 11 of which had been shipped to Martinez Rivera’s residence in Torrington.  Court-authorized searches of four seized parcels found that they each contained approximately two kilograms of cocaine.

Martinez Rivera was arrested on December 19, 2024.  On August 21, 2025, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.  He has been detained since October 2, 2025, when his bond was revoked.

Joseph Giovanni Soto, Ramon Soto, and Morales Gonzales pleaded guilty and were sentenced to prison terms of 14 years, 10 years, and 10 years, respectively.

This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force, which includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut State Police, the Hartford Police Department, and the Plainville Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Levick and Konstantin Lantsman.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDIXON RINCON PUENTES, 45, a citizen of Colombia last residing in Los Angeles, California, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 42 months of imprisonment for his involvement in an organized jewelry theft ring that targeted mall-based stores and kiosks across the country.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from May 2023 through April 2024, Rincon Puentes and several other Colombian nationals burglarized jewelry stores and kiosks in malls in Connecticut and other states and then transported the stolen property or the proceeds from it across state lines.  Before the burglaries, the co-conspirators surveilled the stores and kiosks to formulate game plans and, as part of that reconnaissance, posed as legitimate customers to examine the desired merchandise and assess the establishment’s security measures.

Rincon Puentes, who primarily served as a lookout and driver, and his co-conspirators burglarized jewelry establishments at the Connecticut Post Mall in Milford, Connecticut, on October 5, 2023; in Hamilton Township, New Jersey, on October 27, 2023; and in Henrico, Virginia on November 4, 2023.  Other members of the conspiracy burglarized additional jewelry establishments in New Jersey, Ohio, Indiana, New York, and Illinois, and Virginia.  Rincon Puentes and his associates also cased jewelry stores and kiosks in other states.

Losses from the burglaries exceed $4.4 million, and the total loss from the three burglaries Rincon Puentes participated in is $938,148.

To date, none of the stolen jewelry has been recovered by law enforcement.  The investigation revealed that much of the stolen jewelry was sold to the owner of a jewelry store in Queens, New York, who then sold it to others, including those he knew would melt down the gold.

Rincon Puentes has been detained since July 17, 2024.  On November 8, 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy.

This investigation has been conducted by the FBI New Haven’s Transnational Organized Crime Task Force with the assistance of the Milford (Conn.) Police Department, the Hamilton Township (N.J.) Police Division, the Delaware State Police, the Henrico County (Va.) Police Division, the New York State Police, the New York Police Department, the Pensacola (Fla.) Police Department, the Paterson (N.J.) Police Department, the Mentor (Ohio) Police Department, the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Police Department, the Greece (N.Y.) Police Department, and the Lombard (Ill.) Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David T. Huang and Conor M. Reardon.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, and FBI Field Offices in New York, Dallas, Miami, and Tampa for their assistance.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion.  The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad.  Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders.  In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

HSTF New Haven comprises agents and officers from the FBI, DEA, HSI, ATF, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor, and Connecticut State Police, with prosecutions led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTIAN MAXIMO CASTANEDA NEGRETE, 47, a citizen of Peru, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to six months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the United States after being deported.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2001, Castaneda Negrete was admitted to the U.S. on a nonimmigrant visa lasting for a period not to exceed one year.  In February 2004, Castaneda Negrete was convicted in Connecticut Superior Court in New Britain of burglary in the first degree and unlawful restraint, and was sentenced to six years of incarceration, suspended after nine months.  In March 2012, Castaneda Negrete was removed to Peru.  Castaneda Negrete illegally reentered the U.S. and, on November 20, 2024, was arrested by the Hartford Police Department and charged with sexual assault in the second degree.

This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Lembo.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MIGUEL RIVERA, also known as “Macho,” 33, of Shelton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 40 months of imprisonment, consecutive to a 60-month prison term that Rivera is currently serving, for unlawfully possessing a shotgun and ammunition as a felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning hours of July 5, 2020, Waterbury Police officers responded to a shots-fired complaint in the area of William Street and Laurel Street in Waterbury.  When officers arrived on William Street, Rivera, who was wearing a body armor vest, attempted to flee by climbing over a fence.  Rivera was apprehended, and a search of the area from which he had run revealed a Romarm/Cugir, AK Type Model, 7.62 x 39mm caliber, semiautomatic rifle containing a fully loaded 30-round magazine.  Rivera also possessed one round of ammunition in his pocket.

On June 21, 2022, while he was released on bond and awaiting trial, Rivera unlawfully possessed a stolen 12-gauge shotgun, ammunition, and two Kevlar bullet proof vests. 

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

On October 19, 2023, a jury found Rivera guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon related to his criminal conduct in July 2020.  On November 22, 2024, he was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 60 months of imprisonment for that offense.

On December 1, 2025, Rivera pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon related to his criminal conduct in June 2022.

Rivera has been detained since July 13, 2022.

This investigation has been conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Waterbury Police Department, and the Connecticut State Police.

These cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and Patricia Stolfi Collins.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JONATHAN GARCIA, also known as “Gordo,” 37, of Long Beach, California, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 78 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for trafficking narcotics into Connecticut.

In 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force began investigating a large-scale drug trafficking organization that was distributing kilogram quantities of fentanyl and cocaine in Connecticut.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, physical and electronic surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, and other investigative techniques, revealed that the organization was receiving narcotics from sources in California via Mexico.  In February 2023, investigators seized two parcels that were mailed by a member of the organization from a post office in West Hartford to addresses in southern California.  One of the packages contained approximately $6,500 in cash and two new Apple iPhones, and the second package contained approximately $38,300 in cash.

The investigation further revealed that that members of the Loose Cannonz motorcycle club, based in East Hartford, were receiving shipments of fentanyl and cocaine for distribution in the Hartford area.

During the investigation, law enforcement learned that Garcia and another individual were coordinating the shipment of kilogram-quantities of narcotics from Mexico to Connecticut.  Garcia sometimes traveled to Connecticut to facilitate the transactions and to collect drug proceeds.

Garcia was arrested on October 24, 2023.  On August 11, 2025, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

Garcia, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on April 22.

Garcia’s criminal history includes a federal cocaine trafficking conviction in the Central District of California in 2017.

This investigation has been conducted by the DEA’s Hartford Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reed Durham and Robert Dearington.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New England, announced that JOSE NUNEZ, 26, of Santa Clarita, California, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarah F. Russell in New Haven to receipt of child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2024, Nunez began chatting on Roblox, a gaming and chat platform, with a 13-year-old minor female from Connecticut.  The conversation transitioned to text messaging, where Nunez sent the victim several sexually explicit photos of himself.  As the conversation progressed, Nunez requested sexually explicit photos of the minor female, which he received on his smartphone.

On August 7, 2024, HSI special agents arrested Nunez and seized his smartphone.  A search of the phone revealed evidence of his conversations with the minor victim and sexually explicit images of the minor victim.

Nunez pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

This investigation has been conducted by HSI and the Cromwell Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings with the assistance of the Office of the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Middlesex.

This case 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.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MARTIN ONOFRE-MENDEZ, 50, a citizen of Mexico last residing in New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 20 months of imprisonment for a cocaine trafficking offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2024, the DEA New Haven District Office Task Force learned that Onofre-Mendez was distributing narcotics from a restaurant on Grand Avenue in New Haven.  Between May and September 2024, investigators made multiple controlled purchases totaling approximately 600 grams of cocaine from Onofre-Mendez.  Investigators observed Onofre-Mendez’s associate, Eygner Huezo, supplying him with cocaine immediately before two of the purchases.

Onofre-Mendez was arrested on October 1, 2024.  On that date, investigators seized 225 grams of cocaine from Onofre-Mendez and 480 grams of cocaine from a location he used to store drugs.

Onofre-Mendez has been detained since his arrest.  On September 19, 2025, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

Onofre-Mendez will be removed to Mexico when he completes his prison term.

Huezo, 36, a citizen of El Salvador last residing in New Haven, pleaded guilty to a related charge on November 10, 2025, and awaits sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the DEA New Haven District Office (NHDO) Task Force and the New Haven Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan J. Keefe.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the FBI, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an 11-count indictment charging ANDREW M. KOMAROW, 36, of Avon, with offenses related to his alleged defrauding of three financial services companies of approximately $3.3 million.

The indictment was returned on February 4, 2026.  Komarow appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport, pleaded not guilty to the charges in the indictment, and was released on a $50,000 bond.

As alleged in the indictment, Komarow, an investment advisor and broker-dealer who serviced a range of clients, defrauded three financial services companies by taking advantage of credit extended by the financial services companies and exploiting the delay in time from when he initiated Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) fund transfers, also known as electronic fund transfers or “EFTs,” between his personal bank accounts and his personal brokerage accounts, to the time when the transactions were posted and cleared by the financial services companies. Between approximately October 2022 and February 2023,  Komarow initiated approximately $8.9 million in EFT/ACH transfers from his bank accounts to multiple, often newly opened, brokerage accounts despite having insufficient funds in his bank accounts to support the transfers.  He then used the brokerage accounts to conduct high-risk, short-term options trading in an attempt to make immediate profits to cover his insufficient funds.  Through this scheme, the three financial services companies suffered total losses of $3,352,407.

The indictment charges Komarow with 10 counts of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count, and one count of securities fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan 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.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUIS TORRES ORTIZ, 25, of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for his role in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation led by the  U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force identified Joseph Giovanni Soto as the leader of a cocaine trafficking operation that involved the shipment of parcels containing kilogram quantities of cocaine from U.S. Post Offices in Puerto Rico to various “drop addresses” in New Britain and Meriden, Connecticut, as well as addresses in Holyoke and West Springfield, Massachusetts.  The organization used “runners” to pick up the parcels from the drop addresses and deliver them to Soto’s residence in Bloomfield and the residence of Soto’s uncle, Ramon Soto, in New Britain.  Typically, Ramon Soto, at Joseph Soto’s direction, then delivered the cocaine to individuals in the Bronx, New York, and elsewhere, in return for payment.

During the investigation, task force members intercepted and seized 10 suspicious parcels, each of which contained approximately two kilograms of cocaine, and identified approximately 280 suspicious parcels likely containing kilogram quantities of cocaine that had been delivered to the various drop addresses.

Joseph Giovanni Soto was arrested on May 1, 2023.  In August 2023, investigators saw a reemergence of suspicious parcels coming from Puerto Rico to the New Britain and Meriden areas, and then to a Waterbury address where Jatniel Morales Gonzalez was living.  Investigators determined that Morales Gonzalez and Soto had worked together prior to Soto’s arrest, and that Morales Gonzalez had assumed control of the Connecticut side of the cocaine trafficking network after Soto’s arrest.  Investigators identified several new drop addresses for suspicious parcels and observed Morales Gonzalez, Torres Ortiz, and others retrieving the parcels and bringing them to Morales Gonzalez’s residence before they were ultimately delivered to the Bronx.  During this part of the investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service identified more than 90 additional suspicious parcels, 24 of which had been shipped to Torres Ortiz’s residence in New Britain.  Court-authorized searches of four seized parcels found that they each contained approximately two kilograms of cocaine.

Torres Ortiz was arrested on December 19, 2024.  On September 19, 2025, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

Torres Ortiz, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on April 21.

Joseph Giovanni Soto, Ramon Soto, and Morales Gonzales pleaded guilty and were sentenced to prison terms of 14 years, 10 years, and 10 years, respectively.

This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force, which includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, the Connecticut State Police, the Hartford Police Department, and the Plainville Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Levick and Konstantin Lantsman.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, and Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo today announced that JAN PAUL BAERGA-MARIANI, 31, of Waterbury, has been charged by indictment with narcotics and firearms trafficking offenses.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, between October 2025 and January 2026, undercover ATF agents purchased a total of approximately one kilogram of cocaine and six firearms from Baerga-Mariani.  Baerga-Mariani was arrested on February 10, 2025.  On that date, a court-authorized search of his residence on Wood Street in Waterbury revealed a 9mm handgun that had been reported stolen in North Carolina in December 2025, a loaded firearm magazine, additional rounds of 9mm ammunition, a small quantity of cocaine, several vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana, and other items.

On February 17, 2026, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Baerga-Mariani with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, an offense that carries a minimum mandatory term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, and one count of conspiracy to traffic firearms, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.

Baerga-Mariani has been detained since his arrest.  He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Waterbury Police Department with assistance from the Connecticut State Police, Bloomfield Police Department, Windsor Police Department, and the Connecticut Center for Digital Investigations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Freismuth and Shan Patel.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that OTILIO GREEN, 44, of Hamden, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to a child exploitation offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between January and March 2025, Synchronoss, a cloud storage provider for Verizon Wireless, submitted eight CyberTipline reports documenting 43 images and five videos of suspected child pornography uploaded to an account associated with Green.  A subsequent court-authorized search of Green’s cloud storage account revealed additional images and videos of suspected child sex abuse material.  The investigation further revealed that, for at least two years prior to his arrest on April 4, 2025, Green used the Telegram app, which he accessed through a hidden folder on his cellphone, and other online platforms to communicate with others to receive numerous sexually explicit images and videos depicting children.

At the time of the offense, Green was employed as an officer with the Yale University Police Department.

Green pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Green, who is released on a $200,000 bond, is scheduled to be sentenced on May 26.

This investigation is being conducted by HSI New England, the Connecticut State Police, and the Connecticut Center for Digital Investigations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of New Haven for its assistance in the prosecution of this case.

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

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

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TERRELL WILLS, 52, of Bridgeport, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 54 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for trafficking narcotics in southwestern Connecticut.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and Stamford Police Department identified Rodney Canada as the leader of a drug trafficking organization that was distributing large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine in Stamford and elsewhere in southwestern Connecticut.  An investigation in 2024, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Canada and others orchestrated the street level distribution of narcotics through other members of the conspiracy.  Investigators intercepted more than 5000 text messages and calls in which Canada coordinated his drug trafficking activities.

Wills, who formerly resided in Darien, was a trusted associate of Canada who primarily distributed cocaine.  He also managed cash for the drug trafficking organization, and acted as a middleman between Canada and other drug sellers.

Wills, Canada, and other members of the conspiracy were arrested on May 14, 2024.  On that date, investigators conducted court-authorized searches at locations in Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, and Darien, and seized approximately three kilograms of cocaine, nearly 400 grams of raw fentanyl, more than 500 bags of fentanyl, five firearms, a bulletproof vest, and seven vehicles. 

On October 10, 2025, Wills pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

Wills’ criminal history spans approximately 30 years and includes numerous convictions, including a federal narcotics trafficking conviction in March 2014 for which he was sentenced to 48 months in prison.

Wills, who is released on a $150,000 bond, is required to report to prison on April 24.

Canada pleaded guilty and, on December 15, 2025, was sentenced to 110 months of imprisonment.

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

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia Stolfi Collins and Geoffrey M. Stone.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JOEL HUNTSMAN, also known as “Jay Huntsman, “Joel Feser,” and “Jay Blackburn”, 37, of Preston, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 84 months of imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release for distributing child sex abuse material.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2022, a police officer in New Albany, Ohio, conducting an online undercover investigation observed multiple users, including a user subsequently identified as Huntsman, posting child pornography in a private group chat using the Kik mobile messenger application, and referred the Huntsman matter to the Connecticut State Police.  Also in June 2022, Kik submitted a CyberTip related to Huntsman to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (“NCMEC”).  On November 2, 2022, the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted a court-authorized search of Huntsman’s residence and seized multiple items, including two mobile phones.  Analysis of the seized phones revealed child sex abuse images and videos.

Huntsman has been detained since his arrest on January 26, 2023.  On September 9, 2025, he pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Connecticut State Police, and the New Albany (Ohio) Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel E. Cummings and Nancy V. Gifford.

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

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

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CHRISTOPHER SANTIAGO-ROSADO, 32, of Bridgeport, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for distributing fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2024, the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and Bridgeport Police Department investigated an open-air drug market that was operating in the area of Noble Avenue and Shelton Street in Bridgeport.  Between March and September 2024, investigators made 11 controlled purchases of narcotics from various sellers.  The investigation, which also included court-authorized wiretaps and physical surveillance, revealed that Santiago-Rosado and others supplied fentanyl to the drug sellers.

Santiago-Rosado was arrested on February 13, 2025.  On November 3, 2025, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

Santiago-Rosado, who is released on a $150,000 bond, is required to report to prison on March 26.

This investigation has been conducted by the FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, the Bridgeport Police Department, and the Stratford Police Department.  The Task Force is composed of personnel from the FBI, Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Norwalk, and Trumbull Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN A. MASANOTTI, JR., 71, of Bonita Springs, Florida, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 90 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for offenses stemming from an investment fraud scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Masanotti, who formerly resided in Darien, Connecticut, was the owner and managing member of Middlesex Mortgage Group, LLC, also known as Middlesex Group, LLC (“Middlesex”), based in Darien.  Through Middlesex and while acting as an investment advisor, Masanotti purported to manage a pooled investment vehicle on behalf of investors.  Masanotti claimed to clients and potential clients that invested funds were going to be, and were in fact, pooled together and invested in foreign currency and other investments.  Between approximately 2016 and 2023, Masanotti defrauded 14 clients of a total of more than $4 million by using their money for personal expenses, and to pay returns to other clients.  Masanotti provided clients with fraudulent monthly account statements from Middlesex that showed fake investment profits.

In addition, for the 2016, 2017, and 2019 through 2022 tax years, Masanotti failed to report to the IRS more than $3 million in income, resulting in a tax loss of nearly $1 million.

Masanotti also made false statements to the FBI during the investigation and filed false records in an attempt to obstruct the investigation.

Masanotti has agreed to pay $4,361,632 in restitution to the victims of his crime, and to cooperate with the IRS to pay all back taxes, penalties, and interest.

Masanotti was arrested on May 9, 2024.  On October 1, 2025, he pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of tax evasion.  Released on a $100,000 bond, he is required to report to prison on March 19.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division; and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; with the assistance of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather L. Cherry.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMES PAGLIARO, 27, of Middletown, New York, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to multiple child exploitation offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in approximately October 2024, Pagliaro began messaging a 15-year-girl (“minor victim”) in Connecticut on TikTok.  In December 2024, the minor victim told Pagliaro that she was 15 years old, and they began text messaging.  In January 2025, Pagliaro traveled to Connecticut at least three times to engage in sexual conduct with the minor victim.

In February 2025, a forensic examination of the minor victim’s iPhone revealed hundreds of sexually explicit images and videos of the minor victim, and more than 11,000 text messages and more than 300 iOS and FaceTime calls between Pagliaro and the minor victim.  In the messages, Pagliaro instructed the minor victim to perform specific sex acts, including sadistic and masochistic conduct.  Pagliaro also asked the minor victim to recruit another minor to engage in sexual conduct with him.

The investigation further revealed that Pagliaro also exchanged sexually explicit messages, images, and videos with a 15-year-old girl in the United Kingdom, a 15-year-old girl in New Jersey, and a 16-year-old girl in Florida.  He also initiated contact with thousands of other minors on TikTok and Snapchat.  In March 2025 alone, Pagliaro sent messages, many of which were sexually explicit, to approximately 600 Snapchat users who appeared to be minors, and sent sexually explicit images of himself to at least 68 of those Snapchat users.

Pagliaro, who has been detained since his arrest on March 19, 2025, pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life; and traveling to engage in sexual activity with a minor, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.  Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for May 8.

This investigation has been conducted by HSI New England, HSI New York, the Orange County (N.Y.) Sheriff’s Office, and the Danbury, Ridgefield, and Watertown Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Gordon

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.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that ELMIN REDZEPAGIC, 24, of Wolcott, has been charged in a 21-count indictment offenses related to an alleged cryptocurrency fraud scheme.

As alleged in the indictment, between approximately May 2021 and March 2025, Redzepagic held himself out to investors as a cryptocurrency investor who earned high rates of return.  Once Redzepagic had victims’ initial investment, he told them they had earned a substantial profit but had to pay additional fees (“gas fees”) to withdraw it.  Redzepagic claimed to work as part of a team that included someone known as “The Chef,” who supposedly led the operation and determined who, how, and when investors would receive their profits.  In fact, Redzepagic did not invest victims’ funds in cryptocurrency but instead transferred the funds to Stake.com, an offshore gambling platform that Redzepagic used to receive and hold proceeds of the scheme, to generate cryptocurrency addresses for victims to use to transfer Bitcoin to him, and to make large “lulling” payments to victims throughout the course of the scheme.

It is alleged that Redzepagic lost victims’ funds gambling on Stake.com, causing a net loss of a total of approximately $950,000 to multiple victims.

It is further alleged that when Redzepagic was interviewed by IRS Criminal Investigation agents in September 2023, he made several false statements.

On January 20, 2026, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Redzepagic with seven counts of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count; 11 counts of international money laundering, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count; and three counts of making a false statement to IRS Criminal Investigation agents, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years on each count.

Redzepagic, who recently resided in Florida, appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farris in Hartford, pleaded not guilty to the charges in the indictment, and was released on a $500,000 bond.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Wines.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal jury in New Haven today found CHRISTOPHER MILES, 40, of Norwalk, guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

According to the evidence introduced during the trial, in the early morning hours of September 13, 2023, Miles inadvertently left a loaded Glock 9mm pistol inside the restroom of a restaurant in Norwalk.  After a restaurant employee discovered the firearm while cleaning the restroom, the restaurant manager contacted Norwalk Police.  Analysis of surveillance video from the restaurant confirmed that Miles had entered the restroom shortly before an employee discovered the firearm, and also shows Miles returning to the restaurant in an attempt to retrieve it.  Subsequent analysis of the firearm revealed the presence of Miles’ DNA.

Miles’ criminal history includes state convictions for assault in the first degree, possession with intent to distribute narcotics, and sale of a narcotic substance.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

At sentencing, Miles faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.

Miles has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on November 21, 2023.

This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Norwalk Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Scientific Services.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth Gresham and Rahul Kale.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FREDERICK WRIGHT, 34, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 180 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for committing several armed robberies of individuals who responded to his Facebook Marketplace posts advertising the sale of a vehicle.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Wright operated a robbery scheme in which he would post a vehicle for sale on Facebook Marketplace.  He then arranged to meet a potential purchaser, allowed the purchaser to take a test drive of the vehicle, and then negotiated a price.  Once the purchaser handed over cash for the vehicle, Wright would brandish a firearm, threaten to shoot the victim, and steal the cash and, at times, other valuable items from the victim.  During this scheme, between July 2020 and November 2020, Wright and others robbed at least five victims in Windsor and Bloomfield.

Wright was arrested on November 24, 2020.  On that date, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of Wright’s Hartford residence and seized a loaded 9mm semiautomatic pistol that he and others used during the robberies.

Wright’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for attempted robbery in the first degree and failure to appear, and he was on state special parole when he committed the robberies in 2020.

Wright has been detained since his arrest.  On February 1, 2022, he pleaded guilty to three counts of obstruction of interstate commerce by robbery, two counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

Judge Shea ordered Wright to pay $14,429 in restitution to the victims of his crimes.

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

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

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FREDDY ALEXANDER MORALES TEJADA, 25, a citizen of El Salvador last residing in Vernon, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to nearly four months of imprisonment, time already served, for illegally reentering the United States after being deported.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2023, Morales Tejada was convicted in Connecticut Superior Court of carrying a pistol without a permit and failure to appear in the first degree.  In February 2024, he was deported to El Salvador.  Morales Tejada unlawfully reentered the U.S. and was found in South Windsor on May 19, 2025, when he was arrested for engaging in a police pursuit, reckless driving, operating motor vehicle without license, and illegal operation of motor vehicle under suspension.

Morales Tejada was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on October 23, 2025.  On November 10, 2025, he pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the U.S.

Morales Tejada, who has been detained since his federal arrest, will remain detained pending his removal to El Salvador.

This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HAMILTON CLARK SMITH, 61, of Milford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 43 days of imprisonment, time already served, and one year of probation for threatening a federal law enforcement officer.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 10 and 11, 2023, Smith sent a series of threatening text messages to a Deputy U.S. Marshal, including threats to harm and kill the Deputy U.S. Marshal, and to harm the Deputy U.S. Marshal’s family.

Smith was arrested on January 12, 2023, and was detained until February 16, 2023, when he was released on bond.  On April 22, 2024, he pleaded guilty to making repeated harassing communications.

This investigation was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Nicholas Bucciarelli, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, today announced that RICHARD MURRAY, 31, a citizen of Jamaica, has been charged with fraud and money laundering offenses stemming from his alleged participation in a sweepstakes scam that defrauded primarily elderly victims across the country of millions of dollars.

The indictment alleges that, since at least 2018, Murray and others used a sweepstakes scheme to induce primarily elderly victims to provide them with money.  As part of this scheme, scammers notified victims, typically by telephone, that they won a Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes.  The victims were told that in order to collect their winnings, they must pay fees and taxes.  Following the initial phone call, Murray and others mailed the victims fake documents, including a “winning notification” letter from Publishers Clearing House and a letter from the Internal Revenue Service stating that the victims were required by law to pay taxes on their winnings.  Victims sent cash, money orders or checks through the mail to various addresses in Connecticut and throughout the U.S.

The indictment also alleges that Murray and others used a network of “money mules” to receive funds obtained from victims and transfer them to Murray and other members of the conspiracy.  Some of the money mules were themselves victims of the scam who had also been deceived into accepting and transferring funds on behalf of members of the conspiracy.  Murray and his co-conspirators also recruited people to provide accounts that count be used to launder money, moved money received from victims through various accounts in different companies’ names, and provided co-conspirators in Jamaica with ATM cards for U.S. bank accounts that allowed them to withdraw funds generated through the scam.

On April 16, 2024, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Murray with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, three counts of mail fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.  Each of these offenses carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Murray was located and arrested in Hampton, Georgia, on January 22, 2026.  He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and pleaded not guilty.  He has been detained since his arrest.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan 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 U.S. Postal Inspection Service with the assistance of U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Forces in Connecticut and Georgia.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather L. Cherry.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that TERRON AMADO, also known as “Littles,” 41, formerly of Stratford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 72 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release for distributing fentanyl laced with xylazine, and cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Amado’s criminal history includes felony convictions in Connecticut for robbery, firearm, and narcotics offenses.  An investigation revealed that Amado, who had moved to Georgia in 2017, regularly traveled from Georgia to Connecticut for drug transactions, using rental cars and staying at Airbnb residences.  In July 2023, law enforcement made a controlled purchase of approximately 20 grams of fentanyl from Amado in Stratford.

Amado was arrested on July 28, 2023.  At the time of his arrest, he possessed approximately 220 grams of fentanyl mixed with xylazine, 370 grams of powder cocaine, 30 grams of crack cocaine, and drug paraphernalia.

On September 25, 2025, Amado pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, including personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Danbury, Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, and Milford Police Departments.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Peck.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that DEVELL CONLEY, 39, recently residing in West Haven, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 21 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release that followed a prior conviction for distributing narcotics.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2019, Judge Hall sentenced Conley to 78 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for distributing fentanyl, heroin, and crack cocaine.  The investigation revealed that Conley had provided drugs to an adult female shortly before her death from an overdose.  Conley was released from prison in January 2023.

In August 2023, while on supervised release, Conley was arrested by New Haven Police for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.  In November 2024, he was arrested by West Haven Police for sale of a narcotic substance.  He subsequently pleaded guilty in Connecticut Superior Court in both cases, was sentenced to 18 months of imprisonment for the West Haven offense, and is awaiting sentencing for the New Haven offense.  While on supervised release, Conley also repeatedly tested positive for controlled substances, was found in possession of a device used to defeat a drug test, failed to notify his federal probation officer about his change of residence, and provided fake paystubs to his federal probation officer in an attempt to show proof of employment, all in violation of the terms and conditions of his supervised release.

After Conley admitted to the violations in court yesterday, Judge Hall revoked his supervised release and sentenced him to 21 months of imprisonment with no supervised release to follow.  Conley has been detained in federal custody since January 29, 2026.

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

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that JOSEPH MONTANEZ, also known as “Jose” and “Max,” 44, of Wallingford, has been charged by indictment with a fentanyl trafficking offense.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on January 13, 2026, law enforcement stopped a car on I-80 in Nebraska that contained approximately 16 kilograms of fentanyl.  The investigation revealed that Montanez had rented the car in Connecticut and arranged to pay a courier $20,000 to drive to California, pick up the fentanyl, and drive it back to Connecticut.  Thereafter, investigators arranged a controlled delivery of the drug shipment to Montanez using approximately 40 grams of fentanyl and 16 kilograms of fake fentanyl.

It is further alleged that, on January 15, 2026, investigators observed Montanez as he traveled to meet a vehicle carrying the fentanyl, exit his vehicle, enter the vehicle carrying the fentanyl, and direct the driver to go to a service plaza on Route 15.  Montanez’ first vehicle then traveled a short distance away to the area of Exit 58 in Wallingford.  Investigators stopped the first vehicle, detained the driver, and seized approximately $23,000 in cash.  Montanez was then taken into custody at the service plaza.  He has been detained since his arrest.

On January 28, 2026, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Montanez with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, an offense that carries mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.  Montanez appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and entered a plea of not guilty.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan 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 DEA New Haven District Office (NHDO) Task Force, DEA Omaha, and the Seward County (Neb.) Sheriff’s Office.  The Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, the Connecticut State Police, and the New Haven, Waterbury, Branford, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Naugatuck, Middletown, and Shelton Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan J. Keefe.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that SASHA MAY, formerly known as Owen May, 24, of Pelham, New York, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to one day of imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release, the first nine months of which May must serve in home detention with electronic monitoring, for a child exploitation offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between December 2023 and May 2024, May engaged in online conversations with an undercover law enforcement officer on the messaging platforms Kik and Whisper.  In those conversations, May detailed her sexual interest in children and distributed child pornography.

May was arrested on August 26, 2024.  On July 24, 2025, she pleaded guilty to possession and access with intent to view child pornography.

This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force, the Greenwich Police Department, and the Pelham (N.Y.) Police Department.  The Task Force includes federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Lembo.

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.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHAWN TYSON, 55, of Bloomfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, and three years of supervised release, for health care fraud.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Tyson was a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADC) with an office located at 330 Main Street in Hartford.  From November 2019 to April 2023, Tyson and Thelma “Wendy” Epps, who had been suspended as a provider by the Connecticut Medicaid program (“Medicaid”) in 2018, defrauded Medicaid by submitting fraudulent claims for psychotherapy counseling sessions that were not provided by Tyson or Epps.  In addition, Tyson and Epps agreed to submit claims to Medicaid under Tyson’s unique Medicaid provider number for services purportedly provided by Epps that falsely represented that Tyson had personally provided the services to Medicaid patients.

In order to conceal the fraud scheme, in October and November 2022, Tyson provided fraudulent patient records in response to an audit of his claims performed by the Medicaid program.

Judge Dooley ordered Tyson to pay restitution of $670,960.72, portions of which are owed jointly and severally by Epps and another licensed counselor involved in the scheme, Dennis Tomczak.

Tyson pleaded guilty on June 21, 2024.  Released on a $15,000 bond, he is required to report to prison on April 10.

This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Social Services.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, and Connecticut 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 FBI.  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.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, and Bryan T. Cafferelli, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a 45-count indictment charging AMITOJ KAPOOR, 29, and SIDDHARTH LILLANEY, 29, both of Glastonbury, with fraud, identity theft, and money laundering offenses stemming from a scheme to use stolen identities to defraud FanDuel and other online gambling companies of millions of dollars.

The indictment was returned on February 3, 2026, and Kapoor and Lillaney were arrested yesterday.  They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven and were each released on a $300,000 bond.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, Kapoor and Lillaney conspired to defraud online gambling companies, primarily FanDuel, by signing up for accounts using the personal identifying information (“PII”) of identity theft victims in Connecticut and elsewhere in order to take advantage of promotional “bonuses,” “credits,” or “bonus bets” that were offered when a user opened an account or made an initial bet.  To open the gambling accounts, Kapoor and Lillaney purchased the PII of thousands of victims on the darknet and through the encrypted messaging service Telegram.  They also maintained accounts at websites such as BeenVerified.com and TruthFinder.com to obtain additional background information on identity theft victims, and used the information to answer verification questions when signing up for the gambling accounts.  If Kapoor and Lillaney won a bet using a bonus bet, the winnings were transferred to virtual stored value card, backed by an FDIC-insured financial institution, which FanDuel allowed account holders to use to make deposits to and withdrawals from their FanDuel account.  They then transferred the proceeds from their scheme from the stored value cards to bank accounts and investments accounts they controlled.

It is alleged that since 2021, Kapoor and Lillaney used the PII of approximately 3,000 identity theft victims to open FanDuel and other online gambling accounts, and generated approximately $3 million in profits during the scheme.

“As alleged, these two men used thousands of stolen identities to open online gambling accounts and exploit new user incentives, which for several years allowed them to gamble with stolen money,” said U.S. Attorney Sullivan.  “Their winning streak is now over.  I thank our partners with IRS-Criminal Investigation and Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection for their extraordinary investigative efforts, and for continuing to work diligently to identify all who have been victimized by this criminal conduct.”

“Individuals who commit identity theft of this magnitude deserve to be punished to the fullest extent of the law,” said Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office.  “It’s alleged those charged caused immeasurable hardship to the victims of their identity theft scheme.  IRS Criminal Investigation remains committed to unraveling complex financial transactions and money laundering schemes where criminals attempt to conceal the true source of their money.”

“Although this started as a gaming-related investigation, the scope of the alleged identity theft and fraud, with thousands of potential victims across the country, quickly became the primary focus of this investigation,” said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli.  “First and foremost, we are a consumer protection agency, and protecting the public by preventing and rooting out fraud is our top priority.  If you believe you are a victim of identity theft, visit IdentityTheft.Gov to report the fraud and take steps to recover your identity.  Thank you to our skilled team of DCP Gaming investigators as well as the IRS Criminal Investigation Division for their diligent work on this case.  We look forward to working with the U.S. Attorney's office to see this case through to its conclusion.”

The indictment charges Kapoor and Lillaney with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and identity fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years; 23 counts of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count; eight counts of identity fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years on each count; two counts of aggravated identity theft, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of two years; one count of money laundering conspiracy, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; and 10 counts of money laundering, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.

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

This investigation is being conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DWAYNE CLAUD SINGH, 39, a citizen of Jamaica last residing in New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 22 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the United States after being deported.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2014, Singh was convicted in Connecticut Superior Court of drug, weapon, and forgery offenses and was sentenced to five years of imprisonment.  He was deported to Jamaica in January 2018.  Singh illegally reentered the U.S. and obtained a California driver’s license in the name of “Kevin Anthony Smith.”  He began using that false identity and the fake license to obtain employment and to register and obtain insurance on two vehicles in Connecticut.  

Singh has been detained since his arrest on a federal criminal complaint on July 23, 2025.  At the time of his arrest, he also had an active state arrest warrant for breach of peace and threatening offenses, which was issued in March 2023.  On October 4, 2025, Singh pleaded guilty in federal court to unlawful reentry.

This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

DOMINICK N. DONOFRIO, 73, last residing in Middlefield, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to wire fraud.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Donofrio was the president and owner of Windstar Financial Services, Inc. (“Windstar”) based in Madison, Connecticut.  In January 2013, Wisconsin-based Randall Robert Binversie Holdings (“Binversie”), which was interested in purchasing a renewable fuel business, hired Donofrio to provide business and financial consulting services.  In early 2014, Donofrio informed Binversie of the opportunity to purchase Tioga Fuel, a home heating oil company in Philadelphia, and its properties (collectively, the “Tioga properties”), and convinced Binversie that the purchase price was $2,050,567.  In fact, Donofrio had fraudulently marked up the purchase price by approximately $1,300,000.  Donofrio subsequently completed the transaction.

In pleading guilty, Donofrio admitted that he defrauded Binversie of more than $2.5 million.  The loss amount includes the difference between the actual purchase price and the inflated purchase price of the Tioga properties; more than $987,000 in fraudulent consulting, negotiation, and legal fees Binversie paid in 2013 and 2014; approximately $87,000 that Donofrio stole from Tioga Fuel’s account during the acquisition; and approximately $136,000 that Donofrio obtained from Binversie as interest payments on a fictitious $1.25 million “loan,” an amount that Donofrio represented to Binversie that Windstar had fronted during the acquisition.

On July 30, 2019, a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania returned an indictment charging Donofrio with the offense.  Donofrio was a fugitive until his arrest on July 24, 2024, in Mystic, Connecticut.  After he failed to appear for a pretrial conference in Philadelphia on July 22, 2025, he was again arrested on December 3, 2025, and has been detained since that date.  The case was transferred to the District of Connecticut for further prosecution.

Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for April 29, at which time Donofrio faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Francis of the District of Connecticut and Anita Eve of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DIEGO EZEQUIEL GARRO, 24, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 90 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for firearm and drug trafficking offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 18, 2023, West Haven Police arrested Garro after he was found sleeping in a parked vehicle that had a 9mm handgun with an extended magazine containing 34 rounds of ammunition on the passenger seat.  During the arrest, Garro attempted to flee from officers in his vehicle and dragged one officer several feet.  After Garro was taken into custody, officers retrieved the firearm, and a search of the car also revealed distribution quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana; drug packaging materials and scales; and approximately $1,300 in cash.

Subsequent investigation revealed that, in December 2022 and January 2023, at Garro’s direction, an individual had purchased the seized handgun, and at least four other semi-automatic handguns, and provided them to Garro in exchange for narcotics.

Garro has been detained since October 3, 2024.  On August 29, 2025, he pleaded guilty to four counts of firearm trafficking and two counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, controlled substances.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the West Haven Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that the following six individuals were arrested today on federal charges related to their alleged involvement in a narcotics and firearms trafficking ring:

MANOLIN VARGAS D’OLON, also known as “Robelin,” 30, of Waterbury
GIOVANNI BENOIT, 41, of New York, New York
ALVARO PEREZ, 40, of Waterbury
ANDERSON AMADOR NOVA, 35, of Waterbury
ANGEL VASQUEZ, also known as “Bebo,” 36, of Hamden
ANDY MARTINEZ, 46, of Paterson, New Jersey

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, the FBI and the Homeland Security Task Force New Haven (HSTF New Haven) have been investigating a narcotics and firearms trafficking organization led by a Dominican national who resides in the Dominican Republic.  The Dominican national coordinates the distribution of narcotics and firearms in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, through multiple redistributors in those locations.  During the investigation, investigators made more than 30 controlled purchases from redistributors totaling more than one kilogram of fentanyl, more than 200 grams of methamphetamine, and 17 firearms.  Laboratory analysis of the purchased fentanyl revealed that some of it was mixed with bromazolam, which is a relatively new synthetic benzodiazepine that was unscheduled at the time it was sold, and which is increasingly found as a component in mixtures of drugs resulting in overdoses.

It is alleged that the Dominican national made statements to sources suggesting that he had the ability to direct violence against individuals in the U.S.

The six defendants appeared today in federal court.  Vargas D’Olon and Perez, who are citizens of the Dominican Republic, and Nova and Vasquez, were detained.  Benoit and Martinez were released on bond to home confinement. 

On December 9, 2025, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a 15-count indictment charging the six defendants.  The indictment, which was unsealed today, charges Vargas D’Olon, Benoit, Perez, Amador Nova, and Vasquez with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl and methamphetamine.  If convicted of this charge, based on the type and quantity of drug attributed to each defendant, Vargas D’Olon faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life; Benoit, Perez, and Amador Nova face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years; and Vasquez faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  The indictment also charges Vargas D’Olon, Benoit, Perez, Amador Nova, and Vasquez with one or more counts related to the distribution of controlled substances.  The indictment also charges Vargas D’Olon, Benoit, Perez, Amador Nova, and Vasquez with one or more counts related to the distribution of controlled substances.

In addition, the indictment charges Vargas D’Olon, Benoit, Vasquez, and Martinez with engaging in a firearms trafficking conspiracy; Vargas D’Olon with unlawful possession of a firearm by an alien illegally present in the United States; Vasquez with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon; and Vargas D’Olon, Benoit, and Vasquez with unlawful transfer of a firearm.  Each of these charges carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.

It is further alleged that in May 2025, Vargas D’Olon was arrested on state narcotics charges.  Analysis of a cellphone seized from him at the time of his arrest revealed cache folders for the encrypted messaging service Telegram that contained video and image files depicting child pornography.  On December 9, the New Haven grand jury returned a separate indictment charging D’Olon with possession of child pornography, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan 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 prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion.  The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad.  Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders.  In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

HSTF New Haven comprises agents and officers from the FBI, DEA, HSI, ATF, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor, and Connecticut State Police, with prosecutions led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.

This investigation was assisted by FBI New York, FBI Newark, FBI Tampa, FBI Orlando Resident Agency, FBI Legal Attache (LEGAT) – Santo Domingo, and the New Haven, East Haven, North Haven, Milford, and Waterbury Police Departments.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan J. Guevremont.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MARC ANTHONY ALEXANDER, 45, of formerly of Milford, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Sarah F. Russell in New Haven to fraud and firearm offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2022, a business known as “Traveling Graces, LLC” was registered with the State of Connecticut with Melanie Ham as its registered agent and “Dr. Marc Anthony Alexander” as its manager.  Between July 2023 and December 2023, Alexander and Ham misrepresented to a Connecticut resident (the “victim”), who Alexander had met on a dating app, that Traveling Graces was a legitimate business and they were looking for investors.  The victim provided two bank checks totaling $167,000 to Alexander and Ham, which they used for their own purposes.

In May 2024, Alexander met with an employee of the residential community in which he resided and claimed to be an FBI agent who required additional parking spaces assigned to him for professional reasons.  He wore clothing that falsely identified him as an FBI agent, showed a fake FBI identification badge, and possessed a Hellcat 9mm pistol in a holster.

Alexander pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.

Alexander’s criminal history includes convictions for fraud and other offenses.  In April 2017, he was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 96 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for his involvement in a scheme related to the theft and negotiation of postal money orders that defrauded the U.S. Postal Service of more than $300,000, and his role in a separate scheme that involved the fraudulent sale of financed vehicles, which defrauded lenders of more than $1 million.  Alexander was released from federal prison in February 2023.

In February 2024, while he was on supervised release, Alexander was arrested by Stamford Police for illegal operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs, illegal operation of a motor vehicle under suspension, illegal operation of a motor vehicle without minimum insurance, and failure to drive in a proper lane.  In November 2024, Alexander is alleged to have used a bank statement he manipulated with false information to facilitate the purchase of a vehicle from a car dealership in Dartmouth, Massachusetts.  Alexander also falsely reported his address to his probation officer, left Connecticut without permission, and opened nine new lines of credit, all in violation of the terms and conditions of his supervised release.

Alexander has been detained in federal custody since January 13, 2025.  On February 26, 2025, he was sentenced in Hartford federal court to  two years of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

On November 19, 2025, Ham pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.  She awaits sentencing.

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

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SAMUEL ELIE, 49, of Stamford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 108 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release for distributing narcotics.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in November 2024, Stamford Police learned that Elie was selling fentanyl, powder cocaine, and crack cocaine from his house and his vehicles.  Investigators made three controlled purchases of fentanyl from Elie in December 2024 and January 2025.  Elie was arrested on related state charges on January 22, 2025.  On that date, a search of his residence revealed approximately 152 grams of fentanyl, 215 grams of crack cocaine, 91 grams of powder cocaine, eight grams of methamphetamine, a gun magazine, and 50 rounds of assorted ammunition.

Elie’s criminal history includes felony convictions for firearm, drug, robbery, and other offenses.

Elie has been detained since his arrest.  On September 29, 2025, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of cocaine.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Stamford Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary G. Vitale.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New England, and Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter today announced that JOAO VICTOR BORGES DE QUEIROZ, 33, a citizen of Brazil last residing in Bridgeport, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with possession of a firearm by an alien unlawfully in the United States.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on December 23, 2025, a victim of domestic violence reported to Bridgeport Police that she had just been attacked by Borges de Queiroz while she was driving her car, and that Borges de Queiroz had fired a gun during the attack.  The victim was able to take the gun away from Borges de Queiroz during the struggle and throw it out the car window.  The victim jumped out of the moving car in the area of Orange Street and Central Avenue.  Borges de Queiroz held onto her, fell on top of her and continue the assault, but assisted by intervening bystanders, she was able to escape.  Responding officers located the handgun, a black Taurus 9mm Model G2C, on Orange Street.  Investigators obtained videos from surveillance cameras, which confirmed details of the incident.  As a result of the investigation, state authorities issued an arrest warrant charging Borges de Queiroz with criminal attempt to commit murder, kidnapping in the first degree with a firearm, and stalking in the second degree.

It is further alleged that on December 24, 2025, Borges de Queiroz was detained at the Highgate Springs, Vermont Port of Entry at the U.S. and Canadian border after he attempted to enter Canada, was denied entry, and attempted to reenter the U.S.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers discovered an active armed and dangerous alert for Borges de Queiroz and detained him.

It is alleged that Borges de Queiroz was first encountered by CBP in Arizona in May 2023 and the agency determined that he did not have lawful status in the U.S.  Immigration records indicate that Borges de Queiroz missed a court date in April 2025 and has a final court hearing scheduled for November 30, 2026.

Borges de Queiroz, who has been detained since his arrest, appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish in Hartford.  The charge of possession of a firearm by an alien unlawfully in the U.S. carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.

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

This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Bridgeport Police Department, with the assistance of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings.

The State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Fairfield is prosecuting the state case against Borges de Queiroz.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ERICK CHRISTIAN LUNA DE LA CRUZ, 34, a citizen of Peru residing in Edison, New Jersey, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to an offense related to his participation in a credit card theft and identity theft scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2022, the FBI and local law enforcement agencies in Connecticut and elsewhere began investigating a series of distraction thefts of wallets from victims, typically elderly women, at Trader Joe’s grocery stores, TJ Maxx stores, and other retail stores in Connecticut and elsewhere.  The investigation revealed that Luna de la Cruz and others traveled throughout the U.S. in order to steal wallets from unwary victims, and then use the victims’ credit and debit cards to purchase electronic devices and other items at other stores.  Luna de la Cruz and his associates stopped at shipping providers along their route to ship the goods they purchased to a co-conspirator’s address in New Jersey.

Luna de la Cruz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit access device fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

Luna de la Cruz was arrested on June 28, 2024.  He is released on a $100,000 bond under electronic monitoring pending sentencing, which is scheduled for April 22.

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Manchester (Conn.) Police Department, with the assistance of the Orange (Conn.) Police Department, the Fairfax County (Va.) Police Department, the Spartanburg County (S.C.) Sheriff’s Office, the Spartanburg Police Department, the Warwick (R.I.) Police Department, the Cary (N.C.) Police Department, and the Metropolitan Nashville (Tenn.) Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathan J. Guevremont and Michael S. McGarry.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that SALIM SAKAL, 55, of Brooklyn, New York, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to an offense related to his buying and selling jewelry stolen from mall-based stores and kiosks across the country.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between May 2023 and April 2024, an organized jewelry theft ring of Colombian nationals burglarized jewelry stores and kiosks in malls in Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, Ohio, and Virginia.  The total losses from the burglaries exceed $4.4 million.  Members of the conspiracy also cased additional jewelry stores and kiosks in Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Delaware.

Sakal was the co-owner of Ramoun Jewelry, located in Corona, New York, which sold jewelry and gold to retail customers.  The business also purchased jewelry and gold from third parties.  Sakal conspired with members of the organized jewelry theft ring to receive, store, and sell jewelry stolen from seven burglaries between August 2023 and April 2024.  Sakal paid his co-conspirators cash for the stolen merchandise for a fraction of the actual retail amount, and then sold it to others, including those he knew would melt down the gold.  Ramoun did not have a valid second-hand dealer license required under the laws and regulations of New York City, and he did not maintain required records, including the identifying information of the sellers, a description of the items purchased, and the date and time of the purchase.

To date, none of the stolen jewelry has been recovered by law enforcement.

Sakal pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sell and receive stolen goods, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

Sakal has agreed to pay restitution of $2,471,457, jointly and severally with others convicted in this case.

Sakal is released on a $1,000,000 bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for April 17.

This investigation has been conducted by the FBI New Haven’s Transnational Organized Crime Task Force with the assistance of the Milford (Conn.) Police Department, the Hamilton Township (N.J.) Police Division, the Delaware State Police, the Henrico County (Va.) Police Division, the New York State Police, the New York Police Department, the Pensacola (Fla.) Police Department, the Paterson (N.J.) Police Department, the Mentor (Ohio) Police Department, the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Police Department, the Greece (N.Y.) Police Department, and the Lombard (Ill.) Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David T. Huang and Conor M. Reardon.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Middle District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Eastern District of New York, and Southern District of New York, and FBI Field Offices in New York, Dallas, Miami, and Tampa for their assistance.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport has returned a nine-count indictment SAUL SHALEV, 36, a dual U.S.-Israeli national, with offenses stemming from an alleged scheme that defrauded numerous small and medium-sized businesses and commercial lenders.

The indictment was returned on August 20, 2025, and Shalev was arrested in Barcelona, Spain, on September 15, 2025, at the request of the United States.  Shalev appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and was ordered detained.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, Shalev holds U.S. and Israeli passports, lived in Brooklyn, New York, until approximately February 2019, and most recently resided in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.  Between approximately December 2019 and November 2022, Shalev defrauded more than 20 small and medium-sized businesses (“SMBs”).  As part of the scheme, Shalev obtained information about commercial loans received by the SMBs and offered the SMBs the opportunity to refinance the loans or to obtain additional financing, either from the original lender or from a new lender.  Shalev, using stolen identities and making fraudulent representations, acted as a broker between SMBs and potential lenders.  After obtaining new or additional financing for an SMB from a commercial lender, Shalev provided fraudulent payoff instructions to the SMB with respect to a prior loan, causing the SMB to send all or part of the loan proceeds to an account he controlled.  Shalev also fraudulently received a commission from the lender.

The indictment specifically alleges that

• In December 2020, Shalev used a stolen identity and posed as a broker between an auto dealership in Ohio and a commercial lender in Connecticut.  Shalev caused the lender to make a loan of $343,000 to the auto dealer, caused the auto dealer to make a payoff payment of $190,668.06 to a commercial lender in Colorado that was actually directed to an account controlled by Shalev, and received a commission from the Connecticut lender of $42,000.
• In August 2021, Shalev used a stolen identity and posed as a broker between a healthcare provider in Indiana and the Connecticut lender.  Shalev caused the lender to make a loan of $145,500 to the healthcare provider, caused the healthcare provider to make payoff payments totaling $156,838.85 to the commercial lender in Colorado that were actually directed to an account controlled by Shalev, and received a commission from the Connecticut lender of $18,000.
• In November 2022, Shalev posed as a broker between a provider of home improvement services in Michigan and a commercial lender in Pennsylvania.  Shalev caused the lender to make a loan of $196,000 to the Michigan business, advised the business that the loan proceeds were sent in error, and instructed the business to “return” the proceeds to an account he controlled.

It is alleged that Shalev converted stolen funds into cryptocurrency.

The indictment charges Shalev with three counts of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count; four counts of money laundering, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count; and two counts of aggravated identity theft, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of two years on each count.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan 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’s Connecticut Cyber Task Force (CCTF), the Stamford Police Department, and the Greenwich Police Department.  The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and Spanish authorities provided significant assistance in securing Shalev’s arrest and January 23 extradition.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Chang.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RYAN CAMERON, 23, of Groton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 90 months of imprisonment and 20 years of supervised release for a child exploitation offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2023, Cameron was convicted in state court of illegal dissemination of intimate images of a 15-year-old female.  In April 2024, while Cameron was on state probation, his probation officer conducted a home visit and discovered Cameron was in possession of a cell phone in violation of the conditions of his probation.  Subsequent forensic analysis of the phone revealed that it contained videos of child sexual abuse and messages between Cameron and others in which Cameron solicited and distributed child pornography.  The phone also contained recordings of Cameron sending sexually explicit images and videos of himself to young girls on Snapchat.

Cameron has been detained since May 20, 2024, when he was arrested on unrelated state charges.  On January 3, 2025, he pleaded guilty in federal court to receipt of child pornography.

This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the assistance of the New Haven Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Lembo.

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.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RYAN PERRY, 39, of East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment and 20 years of supervised release for a child exploitation offense.

In 2013, an investigation determined that Perry used a peer-to-peer file sharing network to trade videos depicting child sexual abuse.  Perry was convicted in state court of possession of child pornography in the first degree and was sentenced to 10 years of incarceration, suspended after five years, and 10 years of probation.  He was released from state prison in May 2018.

In January 2025, Perry was arrested for probation violations following a 2024 home visit.  A separate federal investigation identified Perry as a possible user of a darknet site where child pornography was uploaded and shared.  In April 2025, analysis of a hard drive seized from Perry revealed approximately 2,900 images and videos of child sex abuse material.

Perry was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on April 29, 2025.  On October 29, 2025, he pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography.  He has been detained since his arrest.

The penalties in this matter were enhanced based on Perry’s prior conviction.

This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force, the East Hartford Police Department, and the Connecticut Court Support Services Division – Adult Probation Services.  The Task Force includes federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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