District of Connecticut

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that VERONICA HUITZIL, 39, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to six months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for preparing false tax returns for numerous clients.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Huitzil, who operated a tax return preparation practice in Bridgeport, assisted in the preparation and filing of more than 3,700 federal tax returns for the 2014 through 2018 tax years.  Many of the filed tax returns claimed dependents who were not dependents, deducted thousands of dollars in business losses for fictitious businesses, and included inflated or fabricated medical expenses, charitable contributions and employee business expenses.  The loss suffered by the IRS as a result of Huitzil’s fraudulent conduct totaled $898,665.

Judge Dooley ordered Huitzil to make full restitution.

On February 11, 2020, Huitzil pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return.

Huitzil, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on November 30, 2020.

This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAQUAN LEGGETT, also known as “Tipsy,” 32, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 92 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl and other narcotics.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2019, law enforcement received information that Leggett and Dante Barnes, also known as “Tre,” were trafficking narcotics in Hartford.  The investigation revealed that Leggett and Barnes were using Leggett’s residence on Lenox Street in Hartford to package and store fentanyl and other drugs.  Between January and March 2019, investigators conducted multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl and cocaine from Barnes in Hartford and Farmington.

Leggett and Barnes were arrested on March 5, 2019.  On that date, a search of Leggett’s residence revealed 169 bags of fentanyl, approximately two grams of unpackaged fentanyl, approximately four grams of crack cocaine, approximately two grams of cocaine, and items used to process and package narcotics for street sale.  A search of Barnes’ Farmington residence revealed 440 bags of fentanyl, approximately 23 grams of unpackaged fentanyl, approximately 32 grams of crack cocaine, items used to package narcotics for street sale, and $24,160 in cash.

Leggett’s criminal history includes state convictions for firearm and drug offenses, and a federal conviction for possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.  In August 2012, he was sentenced to 57 months of imprisonment for the federal offense.

Leggett has been detained since his arrest.  On October 28, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base (“crack”). 

On October 28, 2019, Barnes pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.  On February 10, 2020, he was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment.  He also forfeited the cash that was seized at the time of his arrest, and a 2007 Audi A6 3.2Q.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department.  The Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging JOEL LINDSAY, also known as “Joey Guapo,” 22, and JOSEPH PINA, 23, both of East Hartford, with offenses related to the sex trafficking of a minor.

Lindsay, a citizen of Jamaica, was arrested today and is detained in federal custody.  Pina is detained in state custody on unrelated charges.

As alleged in the indictment, in October 2019, Lindsay and Pina recruited, enticed and transported a minor victim to engage in commercial sex acts.

The indictment charges Lindsay and Pina with one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of life.  Lindsay is also charged with one count of sex trafficking of a minor, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarala V. Nagala.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that AMY MAKAROS, 41, of New Britain, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill to theft of mail by a postal employee.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, between November 2018 and February 2019, while she was employed as a mail carrier at the U.S. Post Office in Farmington, Makaros stole numerous pieces of mail, including greeting cards that contained gift cards or other items of value.  When confronted by investigators, Makaros admitted her theft and subsequently surrendered approximately 19 pieces of mail and four gift cards that she had stolen.

Theft of mail by a postal employee carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

This investigation has been conducted by the U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elena L. Coronado.

U.S. Attorney Durham encouraged individuals who believe they are a victim of theft related to this case to file a complaint by calling 888-USPS-OIG, or by visiting https://www.uspsoig.gov/form/file-online-complaint.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DONALD CARIATI, JR., 45, of Meriden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by one years of supervised release, for obstructing the IRS.  Judge Shea also ordered Cariati to pay a $95,000 fine, and restitution of more than $1 million.

According to court documents and statements made in court today, Cariati owns and operates Cariati Developers Inc. (“CDI”), a snowplow and hauling business based in Wallingford.  Between 2013 and 2017, Cariati paid several CDI employees with company checks asserting that they were independent contractors or subcontractors in order to evade the responsibility to withhold and pay over taxes to the IRS.  However, Cariati and CDI failed to issue Forms 1099 to these “subcontractors” for particular years.  Cariati also informed certain individuals that they were being paid off the books, meaning that their pay was not reported to the IRS.

In late 2015, the IRS began an audit of CDI.  During the course of this audit, Cariati caused fraudulent invoices to be made available to an IRS revenue agent.  The invoices were purported to have been created in 2013 and purported to substantiate that individuals were appropriately considered subcontractors.

The investigation also revealed that, in 2014, CDI paid an invoice related to products for Cariati’s cigarette boat.  During the IRS audit, Cariati caused his accountant to provide to the IRS a false invoice to make it appear that the purchase was a business expense and not a personal expense.

Judge Shea ordered Cariati to pay restitution of $1,077,048.99.  Cariati paid $1 million toward his tax obligation today.

On February 28, 2020, Cariati pleaded guilty to one count of obstructing or impeding the due administration of the Internal Revenue laws.

Cariati, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison in 90 days.

This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Laraia. 

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FRANCISCO LEON, also known as “Gordo,” 41, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin and illegally possessing firearms.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2019, Hartford Police received information that Leon was selling large quantities of narcotics from an apartment located at 777 Maple Avenue in Hartford.  In July 2019, investigators made a controlled purchase of heroin from Leon.

On July 9, 2018, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of the apartment and seized approximately 9,700 bags of heroin, various drug paraphernalia, and a loaded handgun.  Leon was arrested on state charges on that date.  At the time of his arrest, Leon possessed a U-Haul access cared and three keys from a U-Haul storage facility located on Capitol Avenue in Hartford.  A subsequent search of a storage unit controlled by Leon revealed approximately nine kilograms of heroin, two loaded handguns, and assorted ammunition.

Leon’s criminal history includes multiple state convictions related to the possession and sale of narcotics.

On March 28, 2019, Leon pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Judge Dooley ordered Leon to forfeit $13,980 that was seized from him during the investigation.

Leon, who is released on $250,000 bond, is required to report to prison on October 29, 2020.

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

Former FBI attorney Kevin Clinesmith, 38, pleaded guilty today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to a false statement offense stemming from his altering of an email in connection with the submission of a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (“FISA”) application, announced John H. Durham, Special Attorney to the Attorney General.

Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the guilty plea proceeding occurred via videoconference before U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between July 2015 and September 2019, Clinesmith was employed with the FBI as an Assistant General Counsel in the National Security and Cyber Law Branch of the FBI’s Office of General Counsel in Washington, D.C.  On July 31, 2016, the FBI opened a Foreign Agents Registration Act investigation, known as “Crossfire Hurricane,” into whether individuals associated with the Donald J. Trump for President Campaign were coordinating activities with the Russian government.  By August 16, 2016, the FBI had opened cases under the Crossfire Hurricane umbrella on four individuals, including an individual identified in this case as “Individual #1.”

Clinesmith was assigned to provide legal support to FBI personnel working on Crossfire Hurricane, and he assisted FBI personnel with applications prepared by the FBI and the Justice Department’s National Security Division to conduct surveillance under the FISA.  During the investigation, there were a total of four court-approved FISA applications targeting Individual #1.  Each of the FISA applications alleged there was probable cause that Individual #1 was a knowing agent of a foreign power, specifically Russia.

On August 17, 2016, prior to the approval of the first FISA application #1, another U.S. government agency (“OGA”) provided certain members of the Crossfire Hurricane team a memorandum indicating that Individual #1 had been approved as an “operational contact” for the OGA from 2008 to 2013 and detailing information that Individual #1 had provided to the OGA concerning Individual #1’s prior contacts with certain Russian intelligence officers.  The first three FISA applications did not include Individual #1’s history or status with the OGA.

Prior to the submission of the fourth FISA application, and after Individual #1 stated publicly that he/she had assisted the U.S. government in the past, an FBI Supervisory Special Agent (“SSA”) asked Clinesmith to inquire with the OGA as to whether Individual #1 had ever been a “source” for the OGA.  On June 15, 2017, Clinesmith sent an email to a liaison at the OGA (“OGA Liaison”) seeking clarification as to whether Individual #1 was an OGA source, and the OGA Liaison responded via email to Clinesmith.  On June 19, 2017, Clinesmith altered the email he received from the OGA Liaison by adding the words “not a source,” and then forwarded the email to the FBI SSA.  Relying on the altered email, on June 29, 2017, the SSA signed and submitted the fourth FISA application to the U.S. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court.  The application did not include Individual #1’s history or status with the OGA.

Clinesmith pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement within both the jurisdiction of the executive branch and judicial branch of the U.S. government, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.  Judge Boasberg scheduled sentencing for December 10, 2020.

This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel and Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Scarpelli, with the support and assistance of other members of Special Attorney Durham’s team.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CARL MANCINI, 43, of Wolcott, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 51 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for tampering with and stealing infusion narcotics while he was employed as a pharmacist for a Connecticut company.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Mancini was employed as a licensed pharmacist by a Connecticut company that prepared home or hospice care intravenous infusions for a variety of medical conditions, including pain management.  As part of his duties, Mancini was responsible for formulating infusions of the correct concentration for specific patients pursuant to the orders of their physician.  Between approximately January and June 2019, Mancini accessed a secure area of his workplace and took vials of narcotics, including hydromorphone hydrochloride and morphine sulfate pentahydrate, that were intended to be used to formulate infusion for patients.  He used a syringe to withdraw the narcotics from the vials and reinjected saline into the vial so that it would appear as if the narcotics were not missing.  In order to hide his tampering, Mancini used specialized crimping tools to reseal the vials.  He then returned the vials to the secure area at his workplace.

Mancini tampered with dozens of vials through this scheme.  Laboratory testing of a sample of vials Mancini tampered with revealed that virtually all of the active drug had been removed and replaced with saline.

During today’s sentencing, Judge Shea heard from family members of several patients who may have received vials that Mancini had tampered with.  The infusion drugs the patients received, in order to reduce their pain while in end-of-life care, appeared to be ineffective.

The investigation revealed that, in 2003, Mancini stole drugs from a previous employer, a pharmacy that provided pharmaceutical products to long-term care facilities.  He was charged with state offenses, resigned, and received an adjudication under Connecticut’s accelerated rehabilitation provision.  In 2007, Mancini wrote prescriptions for himself while working as a clinical pharmacist.  He was again arrested on state charges, convicted, and received a one-year suspended sentence and two years of probation.

As part of the resolution of his 2007 conviction, Mancini lost his pharmacist license and agreed never to apply for one again.  However, he subsequently reapplied for, and received, his license.

On December 13, 2019, Mancini pleaded guilty to one count of tampering with a consumer product.

Mancini, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on November 16, 2020.

This matter was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, the Cromwell Police Department and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Drug Control Division.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LISA REID, 47, of Amityville, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 90 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for victimizing dozens of individuals in an identity theft and credit card fraud scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between February 2015 and January 2017, Reid was involved in a scheme to defraud credit card companies and their customers by fraudulently taking over credit card accounts and, using those accounts, making unauthorized purchases from high-end retailers.

As part of her scheme, Reid used publicly available information to obtain phone numbers for individuals living in affluent areas.  She then called her victims pretending to be a representative of a credit card company and claiming that the company needed information about their account.  The victims then provided Reid with their account information, including credit card numbers and passwords.  Reid then contacted the credit card company, pretending to be the victim.  After providing all of the requested security information, she added a new phone number and address to the account.  The address was typically an abandoned or foreclosed property near her home in New York.  Reid then used the compromised credit card accounts to order merchandise from high-end retailers and had the merchandise shipped to an address that she had previously added to the credit card account.  After Reid, or a “runner,” retrieved the merchandise, she sold it at a pawnshop or to another individual.

Through this scheme, Reid stole the identities of more than 50 individuals, most of whom were senior citizens, and used their credit card information to purchase more than $1 million in merchandise.  Victim credit card companies successfully thwarted approximately $3.8 million worth of Reid’s attempted purchases. 

Judge Shea ordered Reid to pay restitution in the amount of $1,009,235.69.

On December 20, 2016, federal agents executed a search warrant at Reid’s residence and also attempted to arrest Reid.  Investigators learned that Reid had fled to Florida where she committed another fraudulent credit card purchase of a $50,500 Cartier watch using a compromised account.

Reid has been detained since her arrest on February 5, 2017. 

On November 7, 2017, Reid pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.

In October 2010, Reid was convicted in the Eastern District of Kentucky of federal bank fraud and aggravated identity theft offenses, and was sentenced to 27 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release.  The convictions stemmed from a similar credit card takeover scheme that also defrauded victims of approximately $1 million.

Reid, who was on supervised release during her most recent criminal conduct, may face additional penalties in the Eastern District of Kentucky.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Greenwich Police Department and Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, which included the U.S. Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the Shelton, Stamford, Hartford and Norwalk Police Departments.  The U.S. Marshals Service assisted the investigation.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DESNY SOSA-HERNANDEZ, 41, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2019, law enforcement arranged two controlled purchases of cocaine in Bridgeport from Sosa-Hernandez and his co-conspirator, Edgard Martinez.  On March 20, 2019, after investigators coordinated the purchase of 300 grams of cocaine from Sosa-Hernandez and Martinez, Martinez drove from his residence in Tolland to pick up Sosa-Hernandez at his residence in Waterbury.  The pair then intended to drive together to Bridgeport to consummate the drug transaction.  When Martinez arrived at Sosa-Hernandez’s residence, investigators apprehended Martinez and Sosa-Hernandez and seized a brown paper bag containing 300 grams of cocaine inside Martinez’s vehicle.  A subsequent search of Sosa-Hernandez’s residence revealed shoeboxes containing a total of $18,111 in cash, and a search of Martinez’s residence revealed a .45 caliber handgun, a quantity of cocaine, and items used to process and package narcotics.

On November 6, 2019, Sosa-Hernandez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine.

Sosa-Hernandez, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on September 16.

Martinez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.  On May 29, 2020, he was sentenced to 29 months of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (HIDTA) and Milford Police Department.  The Task Force includes participants from the Connecticut State Police and the Milford, Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford and Bridgeport Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PENNI SHERMAN, also known as PENNI PARKER, 53, of Norwalk, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to eight months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for fraud and tax offenses stemming from an embezzlement scheme.  Judge Shea ordered Sherman to spend the first two months of supervised release in home confinement.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Sherman operated PSP Accounting & Bookkeeping, and provided bookkeeping services to area businesses.  Between 2011 and 2018, Sherman stole a total of $418,197.09, from clients and used the funds to pay her own credit card bills and to cover other personal expenses, including salon services.

Sherman stole more than $396,000 from one of her clients who owned a small business.  When confronted about the embezzlement, Sherman returned $165,920 to the victim business owner.

Sherman failed to report the embezzled funds, and certain other business receipts, on her federal income tax returns, resulting in a loss of $125,167 to the Internal Revenue Service.

On October 11, 2019, Sherman pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of making and subscribing a false tax return.

Judge Shea ordered Sherman to pay restitution of $252,277.09 to the victims of her fraud, and $125,167 in back taxes, plus applicable interest and penalties, to the IRS.

Sherman, who has been released on bond, is required to report to prison on August 13, 2021.

This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer R. Laraia. 

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SIMON HESSLER, 48, formerly of Ellington, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 347 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for child exploitation offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2018, a Connecticut State Police detective identified Hessler as a person possibly involved in the sex trafficking of minors.  Hessler began communicating with the detective, who was acting in an undercover capacity, and told the detective that he maintained a sex dungeon on the top floor of his office building that was full of devices including a cage, stocks, handcuffs, whips and other devices.  Hessler offered to pay the detective $500 for two-days of “slave training” and “limitless sex” with a 12-year-old “DCF child.”  Once the detective agreed to the “sale,” Hessler required the “DCF child” be left in a trailer near a hotel he operated in Manchester, and told the detective to send him a picture of the child gagged, blindfolded and handcuffed before he would reveal the location of the cash payment.  After the detective sent Hessler a photo of an image that appeared to be a child bound on the floor of a trailer, Hessler revealed the location of the money.  On November 13, 2018, Hessler was arrested after he exited his car and began walking toward the trailer.

After his arrest, investigators accessed a USB drive that had been inside a safe in Hessler’s “sex dungeon” in Vernon.  The USB drive contained thousands of photos and videos that contained both child pornography and child erotica, including approximately 60 images of a specific female who was under the age of 12.  The investigation revealed that, between July 2016 and November 2018, Hessler sexually abused the minor female, and he used a used a cellular phone to produce images of the sexual abuse.

Hessler has been detained in state custody since his arrest.  On December 11, 2019, he pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of production of child pornography. 

Hessler also was charged in both the Hartford Judicial District and the Tolland Judicial District with related state offenses.  On December 17, 2019, he pleaded guilty to several of those offenses, including two counts of sex assault in the fourth degree, two counts of risk of injury, and multiple counts related to his attempt to commit commercial sex abuse of a minor under the age of 13, unlawful restraint and attempt to commit intentional cruelty.  Today’s sentencing is part of a global resolution of all federal and state charges.  Hessler is expected to be sentenced to 30 years of incarceration for the state offenses, and Judge Underhill ordered Hessler’s federal sentence to run concurrently with his state sentence.

This matter was investigated by the Connecticut State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case federal case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.

U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the Hartford and Tolland State Attorney’s Offices for their cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this case.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that LOUIS DEMAIO, 69, of Guilford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton to tax evasion and obstruction offenses.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, DeMaio was employed as an accountant in East Haven and, from approximately 2010 to 2018, also operated Almatt LLC, a temporary employment agency that provided day laborers to construction companies.  Although DeMaio listed an individual (“Individual A”) on paper as the owner of Almatt, Almatt was effectively owned and run by DeMaio.

As part of Almatt’s operating procedures, Almatt invoiced construction companies for the cost of labor provided and, from the payments received from the companies, paid the employees for services rendered.  Almatt and DeMaio then provided the employees with W-2 forms reflecting that Almatt had undertaken required federal tax withholdings.  However, Almatt and DeMaio failed to withhold taxes and subsequently failed to pay over those withholdings to the IRS.  Almatt also never filed yearly income tax returns or quarterly 941 forms reflecting federal withholding and payroll taxes owed.

In addition, DeMaio issued hundreds of thousands of dollars of checks from Almatt made out to himself and to family members who did not work at the business.  From 2010 through 2018, DeMaio and his family received more than $2.5 million from Almatt.  DeMaio failed to report any of these distributions on his federal personal income tax returns.

In 2015, the IRS initiated a civil examination of Almatt, and then expanded the examination to evaluate the completeness of DeMaio’s personal income tax returns.  When the IRS confronted DeMaio about his failure to report income paid to him by Almatt, DeMaio fabricated a story that a substantial portion of the payments he received from Almatt were loan repayments from Individual A.  DeMaio also provided an IRS revenue agent with a false notarized document that DeMaio had created to support his story.  When the civil investigation was referred to IRS Criminal Investigation, DeMaio confirmed the fake loan repayment story in an interview with IRS special agents.

The tax loss as a result of DeMaio’s criminal conduct is $1,132,398.  DeMaio has agreed to pay full restitution, as well as interest and penalties.

DeMaio pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and one count of obstructing and impeding the due administration of Internal Revenue laws, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years.  Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for November 3, 2020.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JERMAYNE BUTLER, also known as “Main,” “Main Live” and “Liver,” 39, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his leadership role in a New Haven drug trafficking ring.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2017, the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force initiated an investigation into a New Haven drug trafficking organization headed by Butler.  The investigation, which included physical surveillance, 13 controlled purchases of narcotics, and court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones, revealed that members of the organization were distributing crack cocaine and oxycodone in the New Haven area.

Between August and November 2017, investigators made six controlled purchases of crack from Butler.  A subsequent wiretap investigation revealed that Butler was obtaining bulk quantities of crack from others and distributing the drug through a network of street-level dealers.  Butler also conspired with others to distribute oxycodone.

Butler and several of his associates were arrested on February 6, 2018.  In association with the arrests, investigators conducted court-authorized searches of seven properties in New Haven and Hamden and seized seven firearms, ammunition, approximately 100 grams of crack cocaine, and approximately $14,000 in cash.  Butler has been detained since his arrest.

On February 8, 2018, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 30-count indictment charging Butler and 18 other individuals with various offenses.  All have been convicted.

On August 9, 2019, Butler pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, cocaine base (“crack”).

Butler’s criminal history includes multiple drug-related convictions.

Judge Shea ordered Butler, who is released on a $200,000 bond, to report to prison in 90 days.

This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, which includes members from the New Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, West Haven Police Department and Connecticut Department of Correction.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick F. Caruso and David C. Nelson.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that VICTOR PERDOMO, also known as “Domi,” 35, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin and fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force launched an investigation into a drug trafficking organization that was selling large amounts of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine in Hartford.  Julio Oliveras, also known as “Cuzzo Jay,” was identified as the leader of the organization.  The investigation, which included approximately six months of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance, revealed that Oliveras and his associates supplied distribution quantities of narcotics to several Hartford-area drug dealers and used multiple locations in Hartford to process, store and distribute narcotics.  Perdomo was a supplier of heroin and fentanyl to Oliveras.

Perdomo, Oliveras and other members of the organization were arrested on July 19, 2018.  On that date, investigators executed 10 search warrants and seized approximately 2.7 kilograms of fentanyl, one kilogram of heroin, approximately 500 grams of crack cocaine, 100 grams of cocaine, eight firearms, more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition, cash, and other evidence of narcotics trafficking activity.  The drugs and firearms were found at a stash house Oliveras maintained, a storage unit he rented, and the residences of his associates.

On August 2, 2018, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Perdomo, Oliveras and 14 co-defendants with various offenses.

Perdomo has been detained since his arrest.  On October 21, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

Perdomo, a citizen of the Dominican Republic lawfully residing in the U.S., faces immigration proceedings at the conclusion of his prison term.

Oliveras pleaded guilty to narcotics and firearm offenses and, on January 15, 2020, was sentenced to 186 months of imprisonment.

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.  Agencies assisting the investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Connecticut Department of Correction, and the East Hartford, New Britain, Newington and West Hartford Police Departments.

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

U.S. Attorney John H. Durham and Connecticut Attorney General William Tong today announced that EAN JAMES, D.M.D., has entered into a civil settlement with the federal and state governments in which he will pay more than $148,000 to resolve allegations that he caused overpayments to be paid by the Connecticut Medicaid Program.

James is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who practices at Hartford County Oral Surgery in Bristol and Rocky Hill.  The government’s allegations against James arise out of billing Medicaid for sedation and anesthesia services without a valid permit to perform those services.

In order for a dentist to administer moderate or deep sedation or general anesthesia to patients during dental procedures, the State of Connecticut requires the practitioner to have an active permit to perform conscious sedation, issued by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (“DPH”).  This conscious sedation permit must be renewed annually.  If the annual deadline to renew the conscious sedation permit lapses, there is a 90-day grace period during which a dentist may still administer anesthesia and sedation under the expired permit and may still apply for a renewal.  Once the grace period expires, the permit becomes void.  The dentist may not administer anesthesia or sedation, and must apply for a new permit if he or she wishes to resume providing those services.

On April 30, 2018, James’ conscious sedation permit lapsed.  He failed to renew his permit and, on August 1, 2018, the 90-day grace period expired.  Despite not having an active permit, James continued to provide anesthesia and sedation services to Medicaid patients undergoing certain oral surgical procedures, and billed Medicaid for these services.  The government alleges that these claims for sedation services performed without a valid permit were improper.

To resolve his liability, James will pay $148,632.23 to the federal and state governments for conduct occurring between August 1, 2018, and June 7, 2019.

This matter was investigated by the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Kaczmarek, and by Assistant Attorney General Michael Cole of the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.

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

A federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging five Bridgeport men with multiple offenses stemming from their alleged involvement in an afternoon shooting in front of a state courthouse in Bridgeport in January.

Today’s announcement was made by John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport Police Chief Armando J. Perez; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England.

The indictment, which was returned on August 5 and unsealed today following the arrest of four of the five defendants, charges

MARQUIS ISREAL, 24
ASANTE GAINES, 23
DESTINE CALDERON, 25
DIOMIE BLACKWELL, 23
LAHEEM JONES, 25

Isreal, Calderon, Blackwell and Jones were arrested today.  They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitsimmons via video conference and are detained.  Gaines is detained in state custody on unrelated charges.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address escalating violence in Bridgeport, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals and Bridgeport Police are actively investigating members of multiple Bridgeport-based groups, including members of the “Greene Homes Boys” or “Hots” (“GHB/Hots”), a group based in the Charles F. Greene Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeport’s North End, whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking and numerous acts of violence, including murder.  At various times, GHB/Hots members have formed alliances with other Bridgeport groups, including the Original North End (“ONE”) to target rival gang members.

On January 27, 2020, at 12:11 p.m., Bridgeport Police responded to the area of 172 Golden Hill Street in Bridgeport after a Shot Spotter activation detected approximately 20 shots being fired in front of the state courthouse located there.  Upon arrival, investigators discovered that four victims – Trevon Wright, Khalil Heard, Jaffar Ali, Jaheim Warren – had been shot while sitting inside a black Chevrolet Impala.  Wright was shot in the side of his chest, and has been left paralyzed.  Heard sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his back, shoulder and wrist.  Ali was grazed in the head and shot in the left thumb, and Warren was grazed in the ribs.  The victims’ vehicle had approximately 23 entry bullet holes in the driver’s side and windshield area.

As alleged, this shooting is part of a larger ongoing investigation targeting the GHB/Hots, ONE and rival gangs.

The indictment charges Isreal, Gaines, Calderon, Blackwell and Jones with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, attempted murder/aiding and abetting in assault with a dangerous weapon, and attempted murder, all in violation of the Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering (“VCAR”) statute.  The assault offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and the attempted offenses carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  The five defendants are also charged with conspiracy to commit murder/conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon.  The conspiracy to commit murder offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and the conspiracy to commit assault offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years.

The indictment also charges Isreal with one count of using and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least 10 years, and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine base (“crack”) and fentanyl, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

“The federal charges against these five defendants are the result of an extensive investigation conducted by a partnership of law enforcement entities formed to address the surge in violent crime in the city of Bridgeport,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office are jointly supervising the investigation, and federal and state prosecutors worked seamlessly to ensure that appropriate charges were brought.  I applaud the collaborative efforts of the Bridgeport Police Department, ATF, FBI and DEA in bringing those who are alleged to be responsible for this reckless and violent incident to stand trial for their actions.  I also thank the forensic examiners at the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Scientific Services for their timely and expert analysis pertaining to DNA and ballistic evidence that has been critical to this investigation.  Finally, I want to stress that while this is a significant and substantial prosecution that will assist in quelling violence in Bridgeport, our work is far from over.  We continue to jointly investigate other violent acts in Bridgeport, and the groups, gangs or individuals responsible for them.”

“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to United States Attorney John H. Durham for his strong commitment to public safety in the city of Bridgeport,” said Chief Perez.  “I also want to thank all of our federal and state partners.  This was a great effort on everyone’s part.”

“Continued cooperation among local, state, and federal agencies is essential to stem the rising tide of violence in our community so that our youth can avail themselves to opportunities in education and employment, and all residents can enjoy peace and security,” said State’s Attorney Corradino.  “I look forward to more successful interagency coordination and express my appreciation to all of the outstanding work by all those involved in this investigation.”

“This investigation is an example of ATF’s commitment to working with our law enforcement partners at the Bridgeport Police Department, DEA and FBI, said ATF Special Agent in Charge Brady.  “Together we identified, targeted, investigated and arrested alleged violent criminals.  Today’s arrests should serve as a warning that we will not tolerate gang related violence and those who cause it.”

“This indictment and these arrests are the result of the around the clock investigative work by city, state and federal law enforcement despite the ongoing challenges in our communities,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sundberg.  “The alleged brazen violent acts by these individuals showed their blatant disregard for life of innocent people entering and exiting the court house.  We will continue to vigorously pursue those bad actors that disrupt and diminish the quality of life for law abiding citizens.”

“As we all know, drug trafficking in our communities, along with the gun and physical violence that often accompanies it, is a serious threat to our families and communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Boyle.  “These crimes rob the neighborhoods of safety and hold law abiding citizens of Connecticut hostage to drug-fueled lawlessness.  This is unacceptable and will not be allowed to happen.  DEA and its local, state and federal partners are dedicated to bringing to justice those that commit these crimes.”

“The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Scientific Services forensic analysts utilized the NIBIN and CODIS databases to provide timely forensic investigative leads to federal, state and local law enforcement agencies,” said Dr. Guy M. Vallaro, Director of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Scientific Services.

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

U.S. Attorney Durham noted that this prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program and Project Longevity.  PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities.  Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that LUIS MIGUEL ROSARIO-PERALTA, 29, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in Stamford, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Stamford Police Department’s Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit identified Rosario-Peralta as a large-scale fentanyl trafficker.  In July 2019, investigators intercepted Rosario-Peralta on a wiretap negotiating the sale of kilogram quantities of narcotics.  Rosario-Peralta was arrested on July 5, 2019, in Yonkers, New York, after he traveled to a drug stash location there and picked up approximately three kilograms of fentanyl.

Peralta has been detained since his arrest.  At sentencing, which is not scheduled, he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Stamford Police Department, with the assistance of the Yonkers Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Vizcarrondo.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JEAN CARLOS FABAL-GONZALEZ, 26, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall to 40 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a joint investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury and Naugatuck Police Departments into a heroin and cocaine trafficking operation headed by Keith Jordan of Waterbury.  The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Jordan was receiving large quantities of heroin and cocaine from various suppliers and selling to drugs to other distributors and street-level customers.  Fabal-Gonzalez supplied cocaine to Carlos Morais of Waterbury who, in turn, supplied cocaine to Jordan.

On March 13, 2019, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Fabal-Gonzalez, Jordan, Morais and 26 other individuals with various federal offenses related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine.

Fabal-Gonzalez was arrested on March 20, 2019.  A search of his residence at the time of his arrest revealed is residence revealed a handgun and more than $31,000 in cash.

On January 21, 2020, Fabal-Gonzalez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, cocaine.

Fabal-Gonzalez has been detained since his arrest.  He is a citizen of the Dominican Republic and may face immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.

Jordan and Morais previously pleaded guilty.  On February 20, 2020, Morais was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment.  Jordan awaits sentencing.

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

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Dave Vatti and Nathaniel J. Gentile.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging BRIAN MELENDEZ, 31, of West Haven, with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school.

The indictment was returned under seal on July 29, and Melendez was arrested on July 31.  Following his arrest, Melendez appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector via videoconference.  He is detained pending a detention hearing that is scheduled for August 7.

As alleged in the indictment, on January 7, 2020, Melendez possessed .22 caliber ammunition and a distribution quantity of cocaine within 1,000 feet of the Washington Elementary School in West Haven.

It is further alleged that, in 2008, Melendez was convicted in North Carolina of possession of a weapon of mass death and destruction.  In 2010, he was convicted in Connecticut of carrying a pistol or revolver with a permit.

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

If convicted, Melendez faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on the firearm charge, and 40 years of imprisonment on the cocaine distribution charge.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the West Haven Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Doherty.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that two men involved in a New Haven-based drug trafficking organization were sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny.  JAMAINE JACKSON, also known as “Jack,” 46, of Bridgeport, was sentenced to 77 months of imprisonment, and THEODORE SMITH, also known as “Ted,” 38, of New Haven was sentenced to 42 months of imprisonment.  Judge Chatigny also ordered each defendant to serve three years of supervised release when he is released from prison.

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

This matter stems from an investigation headed by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force and New Haven Police Department that targeted drug trafficking and related acts of violence by members, former members and associates of the “Island Brothers” street gang in New Haven.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, also revealed that the drug trafficking organization had established a base of operation in Fitchburg, Massachusetts.  The investigation subsequently identified a second drug trafficking network that involved the large-scale distribution of heroin.

During the investigation, Brian Backman of New Haven and Anderson Atkinson of Hamden were identified as suppliers of heroin to members of the drug trafficking organization.  Jackson conspired with Backman, Anderson and others to acquire heroin and sell it to his own customers.

Smith, who resided in Fitchburg for a time, distributed crack cocaine and heroin.  He also wire-transferred proceeds of his drug sales to his Connecticut associates.

Twenty-seven individuals were charged as a result of this investigation.

On November 22, 2019, Jackson pleaded guilty one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, and Smith pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”) and heroin.

Jackson’s criminal history includes 13 convictions for drug offenses, and convictions for assault, strangulation and burglary.  Smith also has a lengthy criminal history, which includes multiple convictions for narcotics and assault offenses.

Backman and Atkinson previously pleaded guilty.  On March 11, 2020, Backman was sentenced to 121 months of imprisonment.   Atkinson awaits sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, New Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, Hamden Police Department, East Haven Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan, Peter D. Markle and Elena L. Coronado.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHAZZMAN K. CHUNG, 29, of Groton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for sexually abusing a minor on the grounds of the Naval Submarine Base in Groton.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Chung, a technician in the U.S. Navy, met a 13-year-old boy (the “victim”) on the Grindr dating application.  Chung and the victim then communicated via text messages and phone calls.  The victim’s Grindr profile indicated that he was 18 years old, but he told Chung that he was 14 years old.  On December 19, 2018, the victim feigned illness and stayed home from school.  On that date, Chung picked up the victim at the victim’s residence and drove back to the Naval Submarine Base in Groton.  In his barracks, Chung engaged in illegal sexual activity with the victim.

Chung was arrested on state charges on April 9, 2019, and on a federal criminal complaint on October 17, 2019.  On February 24, 2020, he pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of sexual abuse of a minor.

Judge Shea ordered Chung, who is released on a $25,000 bond, to report to prison in 90 days.

This investigation was conducted by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Connecticut State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GARY W. BORNMAN, 58, of New Haven, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today to two counts of bank robbery and admitted that he violated the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal case.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 29, 2019, Bornman drove a female accomplice to the Citizens Bank located at 430 Foxon Boulevard in East Haven.  While Bornman waited outside, his accomplice entered the bank wearing a disguise and a red wig, approached a teller, and demanded money.  The teller handed over approximately $1,003.

On January 27, 2020, Bornman drove a male accomplice to the People’s United Bank located at 20 Main Street in Windsor Locks.  While Bornman waited outside, his accomplice entered the bank, approached a teller and showed a note demanding money.  The teller hand over approximately $1,056.  Bornman’s car was captured on surveillance video from a nearby business.

In June 2001, Bornman was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 235 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for bank robbery and firearm possession offenses.  He was released from prison in October 2018.

Bornman has been detained since February 12, 2020, when he was arrested for violating his supervised release.

Bornman is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on October 27, 2020, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years on the bank robbery offenses, and additional penalties for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, East Haven Police Department and Windsor Locks Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ERIN JONES, also known as “Cree,” 43, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement identified Jones and his girlfriend, Bianca Daniels, as crack cocaine suppliers in the Farnham Court area of New Haven.  In November 2018 and March 2019, investigators made controlled purchases of crack from Jones and Daniels.

Jones and Daniels were arrested on related state charges on March 6, 2019.  A search of their residence on that date revealed approximately 29 grams of crack and approximately 52 grams of powder cocaine.

On July 16, 2019, Jones pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).

Jones, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on October 26.

Daniels pleaded guilty on July 15, 2019, and awaits sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the New Haven Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria del Pilar Gonzalez and Sarah P. Karwan.

New Haven – The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the nation’s preeminent civil rights law for providing access and equal opportunity for people with disabilities, was signed into law on July 26, 1990, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office is proud to play a critical role in the Department of Justice’s enforcement efforts under this landmark legislation. 

“The Americans with Disabilities Act has been critical in protecting the civil rights of all persons with disabilities,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.  “The ADA seeks to eliminate disability discrimination in services, programs and activities that most Americans take for granted, but for too long were largely inaccessible to individuals with disabilities.  Whether in schools, civic life, or the day-to-day activities and access to goods and services that we all enjoy, the ADA requires that we take necessary steps to ensure access for all.  As our office celebrates the 30th anniversary of this important law, we also rededicate ourselves to continue our work in this important area.”

U.S. Attorney Durham noted that U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut has taken a comprehensive and pragmatic approach to enforce the ADA.

For years, the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s ADA enforcement action and outreach efforts have worked to ensure that places of public accommodation are accessible.  The office has settled with numerous Connecticut financial institutions, hotels, restaurants, recreational facilities, transportation companies and other businesses to ensure accessibility for all.  The office also has conducted extensive training and outreach to ensure that places of public accommodation are complying with the mandates of the ADA.  For example, in February 2020, the office settled a case with Progressive Insurance Company to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities at all Progressive Casualty Insurance Company locations across the country.

In 2014, the office launched an Education Working Group to address numerous complaints that educational institutions were discriminating against children with disabilities.  The office subsequently entered into various settlement agreements and letters of resolutions with educational institutions, to protect the rights of people with disabilities, especially children.  Since 2014, the office has settled cases with local and national day care centers, afterschool programs, elementary and secondary schools, and higher education institutions, to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities.  Just last month, the office settled a case with Bradford Child Care Services, Inc., a Pennsylvania-based company that owns Tender Care Learning Centers in Pennsylvania and Connecticut, to resolve allegations that Tender Care was not operating in compliance with the ADA because it was discriminating against children with epilepsy.

As part of the Justice Department’s Barrier Free Healthcare Initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office conducted extensive outreach on the ADA, and has settled numerous cases with hospitals and other healthcare providers.  These settlements have ensured that individuals with disabilities receive equal access to services, are provided with effective communication, and are not discriminated against because of their use of service animals.  In 2019, the office settled with Concentra, a national health care company, to ensure effective communication for deaf and hard of hearing individuals at Concentra’s patient-facing facilities throughout the U.S.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to work with the State of Connecticut and local governments across the state to ensure equal access for people with disabilities.  As part of the Justice Department’s ADA Voting Initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section and Disability Rights Section worked with state and local governments to ensure polling locations in Connecticut had accessible equipment and removed architectural barriers.  The office, through the Justice Department’s ADA Intercity Rail Initiative, worked with Connecticut’s Department of Transportation to resolve allegations that the New London Rail Station has not been accessible to individuals with mobility disabilities, as required by the ADA.

Finally, the office has conducted enforcement actions against housing providers to protect individuals with disabilities and, in recent years, settled two cases against the Bridgeport Housing Authority (BHA).  The first settlement addressed allegations that the BHA violated the Fair Housing Act (FHA) by refusing to provide reasonable accommodations to a woman with disabilities who lived with her children in one of the housing authority’s properties.  The second settlement, which involved both the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section, resolved allegations that the BHA discriminated against persons with disabilities, in violation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Title II of the ADA, and the FHA, and secured $1.5 million dollars to compensate hundreds of victims.

Over the past 30 years, the U.S. has undertaken the hard work of changing attitudes about disability, tearing down barriers to equality, and dismantling the systems that have historically excluded people with disabilities.  Today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office commemorates the many ways that the ADA has transformed our society—by replacing exclusion with access, segregation with integration, and limitations with self-determination.

For more information about the ADA, please visit www.ada.gov, or call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TTY).

To file a complaint with the Justice Department, please visit the Civil Rights Division’s reporting portal at www.civilrights.justice.gov.

Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that a business that serves the public, or a public entity, in Connecticut is not accessible to persons with disabilities may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 203-821-3700.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MELISSA MEOLE, 35, of North Branford, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden to fraud and tax offenses stemming from embezzlement schemes.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, Meole was employed by Bridgeport Health Care Center Inc. (“BHCC-INC”), a corporation that operates a nursing and rehabilitation facility in Bridgeport known as Bridgeport Health Care Center (“BHCC”).  Prior to November 2018, BHCC-INC also operated a second nursing and rehabilitation facility in Bridgeport known as Bridgeport Manor.  Meole worked in BHCC-INC’s business office and was responsible for processing payroll and for handling the finances of the Bridgeport Manor resident trust account.  From 2015 to October 2018, Meole stole more than $415,000 by writing checks to cash out of the facilities’ resident trust accounts, which held the personal funds of residents.  She then deposited the cash into her bank account.  She also stole more than $29,000 by writing false payroll checks to current and former BHCC employees and then depositing those checks into her bank account by forging the employees’ signatures.

After Meole’s employment with BHCC-INC was terminated in October 2018, Meole defrauded another employer of more than $9,000 by stealing and fraudulently depositing into her own account certain checks that were returned to the company, often for incorrect addresses.  She also defrauded three banks in a check kiting scheme.

For the 2015 through 2018 tax years, Meole failed to report $487,523 income, most of which was fraudulently obtained, to the Internal Revenue Service, resulting in a tax loss of $103,217.

Meole pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of filing a false tax returns, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years.  Meole also has agreed to pay restitution of $456,594.56 to victims of her schemes, and $103,217, plus interest and penalties, to the IRS.  A sentencing date has not been scheduled.

Meole was arrested on a criminal complaint on September 17, 2019.  She is released on a $200,000 bond pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor – Employee Benefits Security Administration, Boston Regional Office, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David E. Novick and Neeraj N. Patel.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTHONY TEIXEIRA, 50, of Danbury, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez to a fraud offense related to $1.1 million embezzlement scheme. 

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, for more than 25 years, Teixeira was employed by Joseph Merritt & Company (“JMC”), a Hartford-based printing company.  Teixeira most recently oversaw the JMC branch located in Danbury.  Between approximately January 2012 and February 2019, Teixeira defrauded JMC and its customers by presenting sales orders, or test sales orders, to customers as though they were actually invoices.  Customers, believing they were paying JMC for the work, then delivered payments into accounts that Teixeira controlled.  Teixeira also stole printing-related inventory from JMC inventory and sold it online, but manipulated invoices to deceive JMC’s systems into thinking the company had sold the inventory.  The loss attributable to Teixeira through these schemes is approximately $1.1 million.

Teixeira pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on November 12, 2020.

Teixeira was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on December 12, 2019, and he was subsequently released on a $50,000 bond.  He has been detained since June 1, 2020, after Judge Bryant determined that Teixeira had violated the conditions of his release and revoked his bond.  An investigation revealed that Teixeira spent more than $48,000 while released on bond, in violation of court-imposed restrictions on his financial activity.

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Danbury Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Amanda S. Oakes.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ORLANDO MARTINEZ, also known as “Bolo,” 52, of Watertown, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department revealed that Nestor Sosa-Ortiz operated a Waterbury-based drug trafficking organization that received large quantities of heroin and fentanyl from suppliers in Connecticut and New York and distributed the narcotics throughout New Haven County.  The organization used an apartment located at 330 Bishop Street in Waterbury to store kilogram-quantities of heroin and fentanyl, and to process and package the drugs for street sale.  After Nestor Sosa-Ortiz was arrested in New York City on a separate federal heroin and fentanyl trafficking charge in May 2019, he continued to control his drug network while incarcerated by using smuggled cell phones to communicate with various co-conspirators.

The investigation revealed that Martinez purchased bulk quantities of heroin and fentanyl from a member of the organization who distributed narcotics from the Corner Mini market at 52 East Farm Road in Waterbury.  Martinez then sold the drugs to his own customer base.

Sixteen individuals were charged as a result of this investigation.

Martinez and several of his codefendants were arrested on October 29, 2019.  In association with the arrests, law enforcement officers executed five search warrants at locations in Waterbury, including the Bishop Street apartment and the Corner Mini Market, and seized approximately six kilograms of suspected heroin/fentanyl, approximately 100,000 bags of suspected heroin/fentanyl packaged for street distribution, approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills disguised as Percocet pills, one firearm and approximately $50,000 in cash.

Martinez has been detained since his arrest.  On February 27, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and fentanyl.

Martinez’s criminal history includes five convictions for narcotics offenses, and he was on special parole with the state at the time of his federal arrest.

Sosa-Ortiz pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.

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

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis, Lauren Clark and Brendan Keefe.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KEVIN GENIS, 27, of Stamford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 28, 2019, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of a Century Arms International 7.62 caliber AK pistol and 10 rounds of ammunition from Genis for $900.

In November 2015, Genis was convicted in state court of three counts of possession with intent to sell narcotics.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

Genis was on state probation at the time he illegally possessed and sold the firearm.

Genis has been detained since his arrest on June 27, 2019.  On February 7, 2020, he pleaded guilty today one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Stamford Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria del Pilar Gonzalez and Brendan Keefe.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BARBARA J. BUCHANAN, 60, of Shelton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for embezzling more than $260,000 from her employer.  Judge Arterton also ordered Buchanan to serve the first six months of supervised release in home confinement, and to perform 100 hours of community service.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, Buchanan was the payroll manager for a Connecticut company.  Between approximately 2014 and September 2019, Buchanan made false entries and adjustments in the payroll system in order to wire company funds into her personal bank account.  She also made false journal entries in the company’s tax records in an effort to hide her fraudulent activities.  Through the scheme, Buchanan embezzled approximately $220,000 from the company.

Buchanan also used a company American Express card to make approximately $40,000 in personal purchases.

Buchanan paid restitution of $260,202.52 prior to sentencing.

On March 11, 2020, Buchanan pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

Buchanan, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on December 1, 2020.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry. 

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that RECOVERY NETWORK OF PROGRAMS, INC. (“RNP”), a healthcare organization that provides substance abuse and mental health services in Fairfield County, has entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments in which it will pay $354,367 to resolve allegations that it caused overpayments for urine drug testing services to be paid by the Connecticut Medicaid Program.

RNP entered into contracts with the State of Connecticut Department of Social Services ("DSS") to provide behavioral health and substance use disorder services to Medicaid beneficiaries.  Medicaid reimburses methadone clinics, such as RNP, utilizing a weekly rate payment for each Medicaid patient provided methadone treatment.  Regulations issued by the State of Connecticut in 2013 made it clear that the weekly payment was a “bundled” rate that included intake evaluation; initial physical examination; on-site drug abuse testing and monitoring; and individual, group and family counseling services.

On September 3, 2014, Medicaid issued a Provider Bulletin to all methadone clinics reminding them that the weekly rate payment included reimbursement for on-site drug abuse testing and monitoring.

On February 1, 2015, DSS published on its website an Audit Protocol for methadone clinics.  The Audit Protocol stated that if a DSS audit found Medicaid paid another laboratory provider for drug testing within a week of the date a methadone clinic was paid for methadone treatment, Medicaid would reduce the methadone clinic's payment for the methadone treatment service by the cost of the laboratory service.

DSS conducted an audit of RNP and found that both RNP and an independent laboratory billed Medicaid for drug testing performed by the laboratory, contrary to DSS’ weekly rate payment regulation.  In January 2016, DSS issued an Audit Report warning RNP that continued non-compliance with the weekly rate payment rule would result in financial disallowances in future audits.

The government alleges that, despite clear guidance from the Medicaid program and the audit finding indicating that on-site drug testing was part of the bundled rate, RNP routinely referred urine drug tests for RNP’s patients to an outside, independent laboratory.  As a result, Medicaid paid for the claims twice, once to RNP pursuant to the bundled rate and a second time to the outside laboratory.

To resolve its liability, RNP will pay $354,367 to the federal and state governments for conduct occurring between March 1, 2017 and October 17, 2017. 

“Overbilling of Medicaid and other government health insurance programs cannot be tolerated and providers who fail to follow the rules, especially after multiple warnings, face serious consequences,” stated U.S. Attorney Durham.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARISOL FERRY, formerly known as “Marisol Hernandez,” 27, of East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force and Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division into the trafficking of narcotics and associated violence in Hartford’s South End by members and associates of the Almighty Latin Kings Nation (“Latin Kings”).  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that two members of the Latin Kings operated separate drug trafficking organizations that distributed fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine.  The organizations used multiple locations to process, package, store and distribute narcotics, and possessed firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking activities.

Marisol Ferry’s husband, Nelson Ferry, led one of the drug trafficking organizations, and Marisol was an active participant in the processing, packaging and distribution of heroin/fentanyl from their East Hartford residence.  Nelson Ferry also operated a “trap house” at 149 Wethersfield Avenue in Hartford as a distribution point for drug customers.  Between February and April 2018, investigators made several controlled purchases of fentanyl and crack cocaine from Nelson Ferry’s associate at or near the trap house.  On May 22, 2018, Ferry’s associate was shot and seriously wounded in an apparent robbery of the trap house.  After the shooting, intercepted communications revealed that Nelson Ferry solicited his brother-in-law, Dannie Darling, to locate and likely harm the shooter.  Marisol Ferry also threatened the shooter on Facebook.  In order to prevent violence, investigators followed Nelson Ferry, sent uniformed police officers into targeted areas, and stopped Darling in his vehicle to identify him.

Nelson and Marisol Ferry were arrested on June 19, 2018.  A search of their residence on that date revealed approximately 50 grams of fentanyl, assorted drug paraphernalia and more than $2700 in cash.

Marisol Ferry has been detained since her arrest.  On August 19, 2019, she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl.

Nelson Ferry pleaded guilty to related charges and, on February 26, 2020, was sentenced to 87 months of imprisonment.  Darling also pleaded guilty and, January 22, 2020, was sentenced to 51 months of imprisonment.

On January 27, 2020, Randy Parkman, of Hartford, pleaded guilty to federal robbery and firearm offenses related to the May 22, 2018, shooting at the Wethersfield Avenue trap house.  On June 24, he was sentenced to 204 months (17 years) of imprisonment.

This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department.  The Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.  The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division and Shooting Task Force have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging TYROME SAWYER, also known as “Tyrone Sawyer” and “Crack,” 30, of Norwalk, with one unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The indictment was returned on July 15, 2020.  Sawyer appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector via videoconference and entered a plea of not guilty to the offense.

The indictment alleges that, on April 19, 2019, Sawyer possessed a loaded Hi-Point model 995, 9mm rile with an obliterated serial number, in Norwalk.  Prior to that date, Sawyer was convicted in state court of felony firearm, drug and escape 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.

Sawyer has been detained in state custody since his arrest by Norwalk Police on April 19, 2019. 

The charge of possession of firearm by a convicted felon carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

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

This investigation is being conducted by the Norwalk Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Keefe.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SIDDIQ CHAUDHARY, 70, of South Windsor, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall to food stamp fraud offenses.

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

The federal Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program (“SNAP”) is administered by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service and utilizes federal tax dollars to subsidize low-income households to provide them with the opportunity to achieve a more nutritious diet by increasing their food-purchasing power.  SNAP recipients purchase eligible food items at retail food stores through the use of an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, and SNAP benefits may be accepted by authorized retailers only in exchange for eligible items.  Items such as alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, paper goods and soaps are not eligible for purchase with Food Stamp benefits, and it is a violation of the rules and regulations governing the food stamp program to allow benefits to be used to purchase ineligible items.  SNAP benefits may not lawfully be exchanged for cash under any circumstances.  The program is designed so that the total amount of each purchase is electronically transferred to the retailer’s designated bank account.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Chaudhary worked at Manchester Quick Mart, located at 262 Oakland Street in Manchester.  From November 2016 to January 2020, Chaudhary and others at Manchester Quick Mart illegally allowed customers to redeem their food stamp benefits for cash and other ineligible items, including gasoline and male enhancement pills.  Chaudhary and others charged the customers’ food stamp cards a premium of approximately 40 percent or more for these illegal transactions.

Chaudhary was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on January 23, 2020.

Chaudhary pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit food stamp fraud, and one count of food stamp fraud.  Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for October 13, 2020, at which time Chaudhary faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

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

This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia King.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NOEL PEREZ, 23, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 29, 2018, Hartford Police stopped a vehicle Perez was driving on Wadsworth Street.  A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded Sig Sauer P2022 .40 caliber handgun, which had a laser sight attached to its barrel.

Perez’s criminal history includes felony convictions in state court for assault, burglary and larceny offenses. 

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

On December 4, 2018, Perez pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  On November 20, 2019, while he was released on bond, Perez was arrested by Hartford Police.  According the police report, when Perez was apprehended, a search of his person revealed wax paper sleeves containing a white powder substance that field-tested positive for heroin, and $892 in cash.  In addition, a gun was discovered in the driveway where he and two associates stood before they ran from police.  Perez’s bond was revoked on December 3, 2019.

This investigation was conducted by the Hartford Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crime Task Force.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL VERZELLA, 41, of Branford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 33 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for stealing more than $240,000 from his non-profit employer and numerous individuals serviced by his employer.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Verzella was employed as the Supervisor of Recreation and Operations at Chapel Haven Schleifer Center (“Chapel Haven”), a private, non-profit entity that provides services and residential housing to individuals with developmental and social disabilities.  As an employee of Chapel Haven, Verzella possessed a Chapel Haven credit card that was supposed to be used to pay for expenses related to Chapel Haven, including the purchasing of tickets to off-site events that students and community members of Chapel Haven could attend.  These events included trips to dances, bingo nights, plays, shopping malls, and sporting events.

In pleading guilty, Verzella admitted that, between January 2012 and February 2018, he used his Chapel Haven credit card to purchase tickets for sporting and entertainment events that he attended with friends and family.  He then submitted fraudulent purchase orders for these expenses to the Chapel Haven business office, representing them to be for recreational events for the students and community members of Chapel Haven.  He also used the credit card to purchase gift cards for his personal use.  Through this scheme, Verzella defrauded Chapel Haven of approximately $175,872.

In addition, Verzella directed Chapel Haven employees he supervised to collect cash from Chapel Haven students and community members to attend in-house events at Chapel Haven, even though the fees for attending such events were already included in the tuition for students and billed by invoice to community members.  Verzella kept at least $68,000 in collected cash for himself.

Judge Dooley ordered Verzella to pay total restitution of $450,062.08, which includes expenses Chapel Haven incurred while investigating his criminal conduct.

Verzella was arrested on a criminal complaint on December 20, 2018.  On February 27, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

Verzella, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on September 17, 2020.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Haven Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah P. Karwan and Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KEVIN BARCO, 36, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 6, 2018, Hartford Police encountered Barco sitting in a car that was parked on Albany Avenue.  A subsequent search of the car revealed a Harrington and Richardson, Model 176, 10 gauge shotgun with a sawed-off barrel.  Eight shotgun shells were also found in the car.

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

Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for October 9, 2020, at which time Barco faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  Barco is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, today announced that ELIZABETH URBANI, 42, of West Haven, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with theft of mail by a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employee.

Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Urbani appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector via videoconference.

As alleged in the criminal complaint, Urbani has been employed by the U.S. Postal Service since approximately 2015, and most recently was a mail carrier assigned to the New Haven Post Office.  Beginning in December 2019, some USPS customers along Urbani’s mail route submitted complaints that their mail was missing or had been stolen.  Subsequent investigation revealed that, in January and February 2020, Urbani opened approximately 125 pieces of mail and stole cash and gift cards contained within several of those mail pieces.

The charge of theft of mail by an employee carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

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

Urbani, who resigned from the USPS, is released on a $50,000 bond.

This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Keefe.

Individuals who believe they are a victim of mail theft may file a complaint by calling 888-USPS-OIG or by visiting this link.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDGARDO RIVERA, also known as “Eggy,” 28, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 138 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for fentanyl distribution and firearm possession offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 17, 2017, the Southington Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a Southington residence on a report of an unresponsive male.  At the residence, medical personnel pronounced a male victim deceased of a suspected drug overdose.  Investigators collected bags, which were later found to contain fentanyl, from the scene.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner subsequently determined the victim’s cause of death to be “acute fentanyl toxicity.”

The investigation revealed that the victim purchased fentanyl from Rivera the day before the victim died from ingesting the drug.

In May and June 2018, law enforcement conducted controlled purchases of fentanyl and heroin from Rivera.

Rivera has been detained since October 5, 2018, when he was arrested on a criminal complaint.  At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of approximately 300 grams of controlled substances containing heroin and fentanyl, a loaded 9mm pistol, and more than $14,000 in cash.

On May 23, 2019, Rivera pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a narcotics trafficking offense.

U.S. Attorney Durham noted that federal prisoners are required to serve at least 85 percent of their prison term and are not eligible for parole.

This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, U.S. Marshals Service and Southington Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTHONY AMATO, 31, of Milford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl and heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 26, 2019, the Milford Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a Milford rooming house on a report of a drug overdose at the location.  Inside the residence, a 28-year-old male was pronounced deceased.  At the scene, investigators interviewed witnesses and collected evidence related to narcotics use, including needles and wax folds, some of which contained suspected heroin.

The investigation revealed that the overdose victim and Amato, who resided in another room in the rooming house, were together in the afternoon of August 24, 2019.  On August 29, 2019, a court-authorized search of Amato’s room revealed multiple ripped wax folds and other narcotics-related evidence.  Some of the wax folds were marked with the same stamp as the wax folds found in the victim’s room.  Laboratory analysis of the wax folds revealed fentanyl and heroin residue.

Subsequent review of text communications between Amato and the victim revealed that Amato provided the victim with heroin on August 24, 2019.

Amato’s criminal history includes multiple convictions for narcotics-related offenses in Connecticut.

Amato has been detained since his federal arrest on September 10, 2019.  On January 3, 2020, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin.

This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and the Milford Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.

WILFRED J. ALBANESE, 49, formerly of Waterbury, Connecticut and Blue Springs, Missouri, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to fraud and identity theft offenses stemming from the sale of numerous used vehicles with altered odometers.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately August 2014 and October 2015, Albanese, while residing in Missouri, sold approximately 48 vehicles with altered odometers to unsuspecting purchasers.  As part of the scheme, Albanese purchased high-mileage used vehicles and then used a variety of means to alter or reduce the mileage shown on the vehicles’ odometers.  He also concealed mechanical issues with those vehicles by removing “check engine” lights from the instrument panels, providing buyers with phony maintenance receipts and vehicle history reports, and concealing rust and other damage to the vehicle through paint or other means.  Albanese obtained Certificates of Title for the used vehicles he purchased.  Under the assumed identities of the persons listed on those Certificates of Title, he advertised and sold the vehicles to customers on Craigslist.org.  Most of the victim purchasers resided in Missouri.

On May 22, 2019, a grand jury in the Western District of Missouri returned a 20-count indictment charging Albanese and his accomplice with offenses related to this scheme.  Albanese was located and arrested in New London, Connecticut, on July 18, 2019.  The case was subsequently transferred from the Western District of Missouri to the District of Connecticut for further prosecution.

Albanese, who has been detained since his arrest, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least two years.  Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for October 9, 2020.

This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Office of Odometer Fraud Investigation, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha Freismuth of the District of Connecticut, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Casey of the Western District of Missouri.

NHTSA estimates that odometer fraud in the U.S. results in consumer losses of more than $1 billion annually.  Individuals with information relating to odometer tampering should call NHTSA’s odometer fraud hotline at (888) 327-4236 or (202) 366-4761.  More information on odometer fraud is available on the NHTSA website at https://www.nhtsa.gov/odometer-fraud.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HANEEF BROOKS, 41, of East Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Victor A. Bolden to one count of possession for a firearm by a convicted felon.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2019, after a spate of gun violence in Hartford, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, DEA, Hartford Police Department and other law enforcement agencies initiated an investigation targeting gang-related drug distribution and associated violence in north Hartford.

On July 15, 2019, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of a 7.62x39mm Norinco SKS rifle from Brooks for $300.  Prior to that date, Brooks was convicted in state court of felony weapon possession and drug offenses.

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

Brooks was arrested on September 13, 2019.

At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Brooks faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Brooks is released on a $30,000 bond pending sentencing.

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

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer R. Laraia.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARK FELNER, 31, of Clinton, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to one count of receipt of child pornography stemming from his interactions with an underage victim in 2015 and 2016.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on multiple occasions in 2015, Felner, who was 26 at the time, traveled from Connecticut to North Carolina to engage in illegal sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl.  In 2015 and 2016, when Felner and the minor victim were not physically together, the victim, at Felner’s instruction, sent pornographic images of herself through social media messaging services.

Felner was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on October 8, 2019.  A memory card seized from Felner at the time of his arrest revealed pornographic images that he had received from the minor victim.

Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for October 7, 2020, at which time Felner faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Felner will also be required to register as a sex offender as a result of his conviction.

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

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New London and East Lyme Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Donovan and Neeraj Patel.

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.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PEDRO RIVERA, also known as “Heavy,” 42, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking narcotics.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force launched an investigation into a drug trafficking organization that was selling large amounts of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine in Hartford.  Julio Oliveras, also known as “Cuzzo Jay,” was identified as the leader of the organization.  The investigation, which included approximately six months of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance, revealed that Oliveras and his associates supplied distribution quantities of narcotics to several Hartford-area drug dealers, including Rivera, and used multiple locations in Hartford to process, store and distribute narcotics.

Rivera was regularly intercepted on wiretaps ordering fentanyl and heroin, typically in 50-gram or 100-gram quantities, and wholesale quantities of cocaine, from Oliveras.

Rivera, Oliveras and other members of the organization were arrested on July 19, 2018.  On that date, investigators executed 10 search warrants and seized approximately 2.7 kilograms of fentanyl, one kilogram of heroin, approximately 500 grams of crack cocaine, 100 grams of cocaine, eight firearms, more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition, cash, and other evidence of narcotics trafficking activity.  The drugs and firearms were found at a stash house Oliveras maintained, a storage unit he rented, and the residences of his associates.

On August 2, 2018, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Rivera, Oliveras and 14 co-defendants with various offenses.

Rivera has been detained since his arrest.  On August 29, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl and cocaine.

Oliveras pleaded guilty to narcotics and firearm offenses and, on January 15, 2020, was sentenced to 186 months of imprisonment.

This is Rivera’s second federal conviction.  In September 2004, he was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment for distributing large quantities of crack cocaine.  His sentence was subsequently reduced to 48 months of imprisonment pursuant to changes in the federal sentencing guidelines for crack cocaine offenses.

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.  Agencies assisting the investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Connecticut Department of Correction, and the East Hartford, New Britain, Newington and West Hartford Police Departments.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DOUGLAS ALEXANDER RIVAS, 38, a citizen of El Salvador, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to six months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the U.S.  Judge Underhill ordered Rivas to begin serving the prison term after he completes an unrelated state sentence connected to a Bridgeport homicide in 2016.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2003, Rivas was convicted in Connecticut state court of misdemeanor offenses, including criminal trespass in the first degree, criminal mischief in the second degree, and reckless endangerment in the first degree.  For these convictions, he received an 11-month suspended sentence and three years of probation.  In March 2007, Rivas was removed to El Salvador.

Rivas subsequently illegally reentered the U.S.

On April 25, 2017, Rivas was arrested, in Florida, in connection with the shooting death of a 36-year old man at the El Paraiso Restaurant in Bridgeport on September 25, 2016.  On November 8, 2019, Rivas pleaded guilty in state court to manslaughter in the first degree, and criminal possession of a firearm.

On January 6, 2020, Rivas pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of illegal reentry by a removed alien.

Rivas has been detained since April 25, 2017.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE LUIS REYES, also known as "Roberto Camacho Figueroa,” “Joselito” and “Gordo,” 50, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing the Bronx, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 71 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matters stems from a DEA Hartford Task Force investigation of a heroin trafficking organization that was operating in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and the Dominican Republic.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that Reyes oversaw the drug trafficking organization’s drug distribution and cash collection activities when the organization’s leader was residing in the Dominican Republic.  On multiple occasions in 2017, Reyes was observed traveling from New York to meet with associates at a suspected narcotics stash location on Wethersfield Avenue in Hartford. 

Reyes has been detained since his arrest on related New York state charges on April 12, 2017.  On that date, a search of his residence revealed more than 1.4 kilograms of heroin and more than 750 grams of cocaine.

On April 27, 2017, a federal grand jury in Connecticut returned an indictment charging Reyes and nine other individuals with various heroin trafficking offenses stemming from this investigation.  On October 3, 2018, Reyes pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram of heroin.

Reyes faces deportation proceedings when he completes his prison term.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILLIAM S. PALMIERI, 56, of Bethany, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to three years of probation, the first six months of which Palmieri must serve in home confinement, for failing to pay all of the federal income taxes he owed over several years.  Judge Underhill also ordered Palmieri to perform 150 hours of community service.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Palmieri is an attorney with a practice specializing in civil rights law.  Between 2006 and 2014, Palmieri reported to the IRS, but did not pay, all the income taxes he owed, even though he had the ability to make substantially greater tax payments during that time.  The investigation also revealed that Palmieri used his attorney IOLTA bank account to pay various personal expenses, including his home mortgage and private school tuition payments.

Palmieri is required to pay $141,474.53 in back taxes, and $86,234.47 in interest and penalties, totaling $227,709.

On December 19, 2019, Palmieri pleaded guilty to two counts of willful failure to pay income taxes.

This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CARLOS BARNES, also known as “Buddha,” 29, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to possession of firearms by a previously convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 12, 2019, Hamden Police arrested Barnes after they found him in possession of a Taurus Millennium G2 9mm handgun and a Springfield XD-40 .40 caliber handgun with an obliterated serial number.  Prior to that date, Barnes was convicted in state court of carrying a pistol without a permit, sale of illegal drugs, and robbery in the first degree.

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

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for October 5, 2020, at which time Barnes faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Barnes has been detained since his arrest.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hamden Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret M. Donovan.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging JONATHAN RIVERS, 38, of Meriden, with narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on February 26, 2020, Meriden Police arrested Rivers after a search of a disabled vehicle on his property revealed more than 500 grams of cocaine, more than 28 grams of crack cocaine, more than 40 grams of fentanyl, a Highpoint Model HCP .40 caliber handgun, a Smith and Wesson Model 629-1 44 Magnum Revolver, a Romanian Model TTC 9mm handgun, and 18 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition.  A quantity of crack cocaine was also found in a vehicle Rivers had driven earlier that day.

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

The indictment, which was returned on July 8 and unsealed today following Rivers’ federal arrest, charges Rivers with two counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, one count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon, and one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.  The most serious drug possession charge carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, and the firearm offenses carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count.

Rivers appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven and was released on a $250,000 bond with a condition that he be confined to his home.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Meriden Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Donovan, Pilar Gonzalez and Konstantin Lantsman.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JOSHUA JENKINS, 27, of Hartford, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Jeffrey A. Meyer to distributing fentanyl and crack cocaine.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2019, after a spate of gun violence in Hartford, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, DEA, Hartford Police Department and other law enforcement agencies initiated an investigation targeting gang-related drug distribution and associated violence in north Hartford.  Between July and September 2019, investigators made three controlled purchases of fentanyl, followed by three controlled purchases of fentanyl and crack, from Jenkins.

Jenkins was arrested on September 13, 2019.

Jenkins pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of fentanyl and cocaine base (“crack”), an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for October 2, 2020.

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

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

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