District of Connecticut

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in New Haven has found ROCKY SAMAS, also known as “Twin,” 48, of Bridgeport, guilty of one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”), and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.  The verdicts were returned this afternoon before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer.

According to the evidence disclosed during the two-day trial, between August and October 2018, investigators conducted three controlled purchases of crack cocaine from Samas in Bridgeport.  On November 6, 2018, Samas was arrested on a federal criminal complaint.  On that date, investigators searched his Bridgeport residence and seized approximately 80 grams of crack cocaine, approximately 200 grams of powder cocaine, approximately $14,000 in cash, and two digital scales.

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for March 19, 2020, at which time Samas faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.

Samas is released on a $200,000 bond pending sentencing.

Samas’ criminal history includes multiple drug convictions, including a federal conviction in 2005 for possession with intent to distribute and distribution of crack and powder cocaine.  On September 21, 2005, he was sentenced to 240 months of imprisonment for those offenses.  He was subsequently resentenced to 96 months of imprisonment, pursuant to changes in the federal sentencing guidelines for crack cocaine offenses, and was released from federal prison in December 2011.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, and the Stamford and Bridgeport Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria del Pilar Gonzalez, Hal Chen and Joseph Vizcarrondo.

United States Attorney John H. Durham, New Haven State’s Attorney Patrick Griffin, Special Agent in Charge Brian C. Turner of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Hamden Police Chief John Cappiello and New Haven Police Chief Otoniel Reyes today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging EDWARD MICHAEL PARKS, also known as “Lee” and “Trouble,” 33, of Raleigh, North Carolina, with kidnapping and murdering two individuals in Hamden, and killing a third victim in New Haven to stop him from advising law enforcement what had occurred.

As alleged in statements made in court, on November 16, 2015, Parks was in an apartment on Shelton Avenue in New Haven to conduct an illegal sale of firearms.  Damian Connor and Tamar Lawrence were also present in the apartment.  When another individual left the apartment with firearms that he had not paid for, Parks, who was armed, held Connor and Lawrence against their will.  Parks collected money and valuables from Connor and Lawrence, and then forced them to travel in Connor’s car to Hamden where Connor said he could get more money.  They were followed in another vehicle by Devante Williams and another individual.  After the vehicles arrived at 676 Mix Avenue in Hamden, Parks shot and killed Connor and Lawrence.  Parks then left the scene with Williams and others in the second vehicle and returned to New Haven.

It is further alleged that, when Parks appeared to believe that Williams was anxious about the murders of Connor and Lawrence, Parks shot and killed Williams in the area of Sherman Court in New Haven.

The indictment charges Parks with two counts of kidnapping resulting in death, and one count of witness tampering by killing.  If convicted of the charges, Parks faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life, or death if the government seeks the death penalty in this matter.

Parks is currently incarcerated in federal custody following an unrelated conviction for drug and firearm offenses in the Eastern District of North Carolina.

“This prosecution represents a tragic example of how lives can be ruined when firearms are illegally possessed and traded,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.  “I thank our partners in the FBI, Hamden Police Department, New Haven Police Department and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office for their collaborative work in bringing to justice an individual we allege to be responsible for three cold-blooded killings.”

“This case is a great example of the results obtained from cooperative efforts between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies,” said State’s Attorney Griffin.

“The investigation by the Hamden and New Haven police departments into these horrific murders has resulted in justice being served, and today our community is safer for it,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Turner.

“I would like to thank the families of the victims for their patience and trust,” said Hamden Chief Cappiello.  “I hope this indictment gives them some sense of peace and closure.  I would also like to thank New Haven Detective Sergeant Bertram Ettienne, Hamden Detective Jomo Crawford, the FBI Safe Street Violent Task Force and the Offices of the U.S. Attorney and New Haven State’s Attorney.  This case demonstrates that by working together we were able to get a violent individual off the streets.”

“Today, after 4 years of an in-depth homicide investigation, the New Haven Police Department and our law enforcement partners are able to bring justice to the family of Devante Williams,” said New Haven Assistant Chief Karl Jacobson.  “We would like to extend a special thank you to the Williams family for their patience and understanding while investigators worked diligently to make this day a reality.  We would also like to thank our law enforcement partners, the New Haven Police homicide detectives, Hamden Police homicide detectives, U.S Attorney’s Office, New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Correction as justice would not have prevailed without them.”       

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 investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Hamden Police Department and New Haven Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan, Peter D. Markle and Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, and Assistant State’s Attorney Seth Garbarsky, who has been cross-designated as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in this matter.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JONATHAN OTERO, also known as “Jax,” 26, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 154 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for a kidnapping and violent assault he committed with four other members of the Almighty Latin Kings Nation (“Latin Kings”).

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 26, 2018, Josue Franco and Anthony Carillo lured an individual (“the victim”) to a residence on Benton Street in Hartford.  When the victim entered the residence, Otero and Luis Pitt were waiting.  Otero, Pitt, Franco and Carillo then threatened, assaulted and tortured the victim, prevented him from leaving the residence, and demanded a ransom.  After the victim was restrained, Pedro Carillo arrived at the residence and participated in the ongoing assault and torture of the victim, which included burning him with cigarettes, pistol-whipping him and throwing a dart into his foot. 

The defendants forced the victim to call someone to deliver money in exchange for his release.  The victim then called his father.  Franco grabbed the phone and told the victim’s father if he did not deliver $500 they were going to kill his son.  After the call, Otero put a bullet in the victim’s hand and told him he would use that bullet to shoot him in the head if the victim could not get the ransom money.

Otero and others then drove the victim to different locations in Hartford in an effort to collect ransom.

The victim was eventually released.  He was subsequently treated at a hospital for a fractured cheekbone, a facial laceration, a concussion and other injuries.

Otero has been detained in state custody on an unrelated firearm offense since April 19, 2018.  On September 13, 2019, he pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, and one count of carrying and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

The other four defendants have pleaded guilty to related charges and are detained while awaiting sentencing.

Otero’s criminal history includes convictions for assault, firearm, threatening and narcotics offenses.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes 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 Major Crimes Division has provided critical assistance to the investigation.

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

“I have the utmost respect for the mission of the Office of Inspector General and the comprehensive work that went into the report prepared by Mr. Horowitz and his staff.  However, our investigation is not limited to developing information from within component parts of the Justice Department.  Our investigation has included developing information from other persons and entities, both in the U.S. and outside of the U.S.  Based on the evidence collected to date, and while our investigation is ongoing, last month we advised the Inspector General that we do not agree with some of the report’s conclusions as to predication and how the FBI case was opened.” 

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUCILO CABRERA, 46, of Bronx, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 135 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a kidnapping and extortion scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on several occasions, Cabrera and his co-conspirators targeted individuals after they exited buses at the Port Authority in New York.  The victims included women, men and children from Central American countries who did not speak English and were seeking asylum in the U.S.  Some of the victims planned to travel from New York to Connecticut.  After the victims were told that their connecting bus was not available and that they would provide transportation, the co-conspirators coerced the victims into vehicles.  Cabrera and others would then drive the victims around, sometimes for hours, and refused to release them until they or their families agreed to pay the co-conspirators an exorbitant amount of money, on average more than a $1000.

At times, co-conspirators posed as an immigration officer to intimidate the victims further.

Cabrera, who is a citizen of the Dominican Republic and a Lawful Permanent Resident of the U.S., has been detained since his arrest on June 22, 2016.  On March 9, 2018, a federal jury in Bridgeport found Cabrera and two co-conspirators, Francisco Betancourt and Carlos Antonio Hernandez, guilty of kidnapping, extortion and conspiracy offenses.  On November 14, 2019, Betancourt was sentenced to 168 months of imprisonment, and on November 18, 2019, Hernandez was sentenced to 96 months of imprisonment.

On October 12, 2018, a fourth defendant, Pascual Rodriguez, pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping.  On July 2, 2019, he was sentenced to 135 months of imprisonment.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Richards.

On August 28, 2019, KEVIN E. CREED, of Litchfield, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty in New Haven federal court to wire fraud related to a scheme in which he stole approximately $1.4 million from the Friends of Fisher House Connecticut, a charity he established with the purported purpose to raise funds to support the building and maintenance of a veterans comfort home in West Haven.

On November 15, 2019, U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall issued a ruling establishing that:

• Friends of Fisher House Connecticut is a victim of Creed’s fraudulent scheme, as defined under the Crime Victims’ Rights Act.
• Any individual or entity targeted through direct solicitations that relied on false representations by Creed, to include person-to-person contact, online media, or fundraisers planned by Creed or his staff for the benefit of Friends of Fisher House Connecticut, is a victim under the Crime Victims’ Rights Act.
• Individuals who participated in an event coordinated by another organization or individual, such as runners in charity races, are not considered to be victims under the statute, because that individual was not directly or proximately harmed by Creed’s fraudulent scheme.
• Fisher House National and the veterans who may have benefited in the future from the pilfered funds are not statutory considered victims of Creed’s wire fraud.

All victims who donated to the Friends of Fisher House Connecticut have a right to be heard at any proceeding regarding the plea and also have the reasonable right to confer with the government regarding the plea.  Representatives of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Assistant U.S. Attorney assigned to this matter are available for such conference in person, by telephone or by e-mail.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office has scheduled a meeting with any interested victims to be held on December 11, 2019, at 10 a.m., in the Jury Assembly Room located in the U.S. District Court, 141 Church Street, in New Haven.  Identified victims of this fraud scheme, as well as individuals who believe they are victims of this fraud scheme and have not been previously contacted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, are encouraged to attend.  Please RSVP to Ines Cenatiempo at Ines.Cenatiempo@usdoj.gov or by phone at 203-821-3757.

For victims who are unable to attend the meeting in person, a conference call line will be available:

Conference Call Dial-in Number: 888-995-9851
Passcode: 3406517

In order to accommodate the many victims in this case, the conference call with be “listen-only,” and all phone participants will be muted.  Victims with follow-up questions or concerns will be encouraged to contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office by e-mail or phone after the call.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID FRANCIS, 41, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 28, 2019, a court-authorized search of a vehicle owned by Francis revealed a loaded Hi-Point, model C9, 9mm handgun.  In a subsequent interview with investigators, Francis admitted that he had owned the firearm for approximately four years.

Francis’ criminal history includes state felony convictions for drug, robbery and firearm offenses.

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

Francis is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton on February 28, 2020, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Francis is released on a $150,000 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 Heather Cherry.

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, today announced that MUHAMMAD SHAHBAZ, 50, a citizen of Pakistan last residing in Jersey City, New Jersey, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 33 months of imprisonment for defrauding the federal food stamp program.

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, Shahbaz worked at WB Trade Fair Grocery, located at 43 Willow Street in Waterbury.  Shahbaz was related to the store owner and often worked shifts later in the day.  In 2015 and 2016, Shahbaz and others illegally allowed customers to redeem their food stamp benefits for cash and other ineligible items, including cigarettes, a tall glass bong and other items.  Shahbaz charged the customers’ food stamp cards approximately double the value for these illegal transactions.

Given the stock of eligible food items at the store, the number of registers and the customer amenities, it is estimated that WB Trade Fair Grocery could lawfully redeem, at most, between $120,000 to $240,000 per year in food stamp benefits.  However, during an approximately 18-month period in 2015 and 2016, food stamp redemptions at the store totaled approximately $3.2 million.

Judge Bryant ordered Shahbaz to pay approximately $1.5 million in restitution

Shahbaz was arrested on July 31, 2017.  On June 14, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of food stamp fraud.

Shahbaz, who was released on bond, was remanded to custody of the U.S. Marshals Service at the conclusion of the sentencing proceeding.  He faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.

Raul Carlos Monarca-Gonzalez, Tallat Mahmood and Tahir Shahzad, who all who worked at WB Trade Fair Grocery, previously pleaded guilty to charges related to their participation in this scheme.  Monarca-Gonzalez and Mahmood were each sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment and restitution of approximately $1.5 million.  Shahzad awaits sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anastasia King and Neeraj Patel.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that LESTER BURROUGHS, 60, of Torrington, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of wire fraud related to his misappropriation of approximately $575,000 from investment clients.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Burroughs was a registered securities broker with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.  Prior to November 2019, he was the owner of Burroughs Investment Group, a full-service financial consulting firm based in Torrington.  Beginning in at least 2012 and continuing through 2019, Burroughs misrepresented to certain clients that their money would be invested in legitimate guaranteed investment contracts.  Instead, he used his clients’ money to pay business expenses and other clients’ “guaranteed” investment returns.

Through this scheme, Burroughs defrauded three clients of a total of approximately $575,000.

When he is sentenced, Burroughs faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  As part of his plea, he has agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $575,000 to the victims of his crime.

Burroughs is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing, which is not yet scheduled.          

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather L. Cherry.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has filed related civil charges against Burroughs.  (Securities and Exchange Commission v. Lester Burroughs, 3:19-cv-1913).

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOEL HALL, also known as “Slugz,” 30, of Norwich, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for distributing narcotics.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2018, the FBI, Norwich Police Department and other law enforcement agencies began investigating a drug trafficking organization that was distributing heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine in southeastern Connecticut.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Hall received cocaine from a co-conspirator and then sold cocaine and crack cocaine to his own customers. 

On March 5, 2019, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Hall and 12 other individuals with narcotics trafficking offenses.

Hall has been detained since his arrest on April 28, 2019.  On August 14, he pleaded guilty to one count of using a telephone to facilitate a narcotics trafficking offense.

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police and Norwich, Town of Groton and Waterford Police Departments, with the assistance of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office, Baltimore Police Department and Delaware State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SUNJI CRAMER, 40, of Meriden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.

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.  The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that a Waterbury-based drug trafficking organization was receiving large quantities of heroin and cocaine from various suppliers and distributing narcotics in and around Waterbury.  Intercepted communications indicated that Cramer supplied approximately 100 grams of heroin to Domingo Alves, also known as “Mingo,” of Waterbury, knowing that Alves intend to the distribute the drug.

On March 13, 2019, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Cramer, Alves and 27 other individuals with various offenses related to the distribution of heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine.

Cramer and numerous codefendants were arrested on March 21, 2019.  On that date, investigators seized approximately 3,000 bags of heroin, 400 grams of cocaine, 350 grams of fentanyl/heroin mixed, 400 grams of heroin, 10 grams of crack, 20 pounds of marijuana, fentanyl patches, a one-kilogram press, four handguns, approximately $120,000 in cash and four vehicles.

Cramer has been detained since his arrest.  On September 9, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin.

Alves pleaded guilty on November 20, 2019, and awaits sentencing.

This investigation is being 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, announced that NORMAN WIGGINS, 28, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 23 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawful possession of ammunition.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 5, 2018, members of the New Haven Police Shooting Task Force conducted a controlled purchase of crack cocaine from Wiggins, who was staying at a motel on Whalley Avenue.  A court-authorized search of Wiggins’ motel room revealed a box of Remington .38 caliber ammunition containing four live rounds.

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

On June 13, 2019, Wiggins pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.

On July 13, 2019, while he was released on bond and awaiting sentencing, Wiggins was arrested by New Haven Police at the same Whalley Avenue motel and charged with criminal possession of a firearm and breach of peace in the second degree.  While Wiggins was being processed for those offenses at the New Haven Correction Center, a cavity search revealed a quantity of crack cocaine.  Wiggins was subsequently charged with smuggling contraband into prison, possession of a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute narcotics.  He has been detained since his arrest, and the charges are pending in state court.

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

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 TONY TUAN PHAM, also known as “Anh Nguyen,” 50, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to conspiracy and wire fraud offenses for his role in defrauding the Federal Bureau of Prisons (“BOP”).  The scheme involved coaching prospective and current federal inmates who would not otherwise require substance abuse treatment how to lie to gain admission into a BOP program that, if completed successfully, would result in a shortened prison term.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the Residential Drug Abuse Program (“RDAP”) is a 500-hour substance abuse treatment program that is administered by the BOP.  In order to gain admission to the RDAP, a federal inmate must meet certain criteria, including having a diagnosable and verifiable drug or alcohol abuse disorder.  By successfully completing the RDAP, an inmate can qualify for up to 12 months in early release from custody.

Pham was a “Managing Partner” of Michigan-based RDAP Law Consultants, LLC.  Pham, and others he supervised at RDAP Law Consultants, contacted federal criminal defendants and inmates through unsolicited emails and telephone calls with offers to assist, for a fee, those individuals in applying to, and qualifying for, the RDAP.  Although Pham knew that many of the company’s clients did not abuse alcohol or drugs and were ineligible for the RDAP, he coached them how to feign or exaggerate a drug or alcohol disorder, and to make false statements to the BOP so they could gain admission to the RDAP.

Between September 2012 and January 2019, RDAP Law Consultants earned at least $2,628,137 in client fees through this scheme.

Pham was living in a residential reentry center (“halfway house”) when the scheme began.

Pham was arrested on January 23, 2019.

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for March 18, 2020, at which time Pham faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 25 years.  Pham is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.

This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan N. Francis and Trial Attorney Avi Perry of the Department of Justice’s Fraud Section, who has been designated as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for this matter.

U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Southern District of West Virginia and the Western District of Michigan for their assistance in this matter.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KISHORE BABU AMMISETTI, 31, a citizen of India, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 28 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for operating a “provisional credit” scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Ammisetti used Facebook Marketplace and other media to victimize individuals, primarily of Indian decent, who advertised items for sale or rooms for rent.  Through this scheme, Ammisetti would contact a victim to express interest in purchasing an item or renting a room.  He would then gather the victim’s bank account information and other personal information under the guise of making a deposit to the victim’s bank account.  He also would offer to provide a “deposit” directly into the victim’s account via a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) transfer.

Ammisetti would then contact the victim’s bank and, posing as the victim, would claim to have made an ATM deposit that did not register on the victim’s bank account.  While researching the “unregistered deposit,” the bank would credit the victim’s account with a provisional credit.  Ammisetti would then contact the victim and claim that the provisional credit to the victim’s bank account was a mistaken transfer by Ammisetti to the victim’s account.  Ammisetti would then request either a full or partial refund of that money, which the victim would provide via a P2P transfer.  After the bank determined that there was no unregistered deposit to the victim’s account, the funds provided as a provisional credit would be removed from the account.

Ammisetti stole at least $860,000 from approximately 500 victims through this scheme.

The investigation revealed that Ammisetti often operated this scheme while staying at casino hotels in Connecticut.

Ammisetti has been detained since his arrest on January 25, 2019.  On April 17, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud.

Ammisetti entered the U.S. in 2013 on a student visa, which was revoked in 2014.  He faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.

This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with the assistance of the Mohegan Tribal Police.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CESAR RUBEN YLLESCAS, 45, a citizen of Peru last residing in Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 10 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 1, 2014, Yllescas was arrested by Hartford Police for possession of narcotics.  On December 21, 2015, he pleaded guilty in state court to the drug offense and to a charge of failing to appear for a related court appearance.  Yllescas served approximately six months of imprisonment and was removed to Peru in June 2016.

Yllescas was arrested on May 8, 2019, in Hartford, and has been detained since his arrest.  On September 11, he pleaded guilty to illegal reentry.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret M. Donovan.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Robert Capelli, 34, of Milford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 95 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a large-scale marijuana trafficking conspiracy.  Judge Arterton also ordered Capelli to pay a $30,000 fine.

According to court documents and the evidence presented during Capelli’s trial, in 2016, the Federal Aviation Administration began investigating a Piper single-engine aircraft, owned by Donald Burns of Milford, that was making regular flights between Stratford, Connecticut, and northern California via the southwest United States.  On June 28, 2017, Burns flew the aircraft from northern California to Lubbock, Texas.  The next day, Burns flew the aircraft from Texas to Arkansas, and then to West Virginia and Connecticut, where he landed in the evening at Sikorsky Airport in Stratford.  After it landed, a law enforcement search of the plane revealed approximately 400 pounds of marijuana in vacuum-sealed packages, and Burns was arrested.  Investigators determined that the marijuana was intended for Capelli, Scott Bodnar, Terrell Givens and others to distribute in Connecticut.

The investigation revealed that, for more than two years, Capelli and his associates earned millions of dollars by trafficking nearly two tons of marijuana from California to Connecticut.   Members of the conspiracy also laundered more than $6 million to purchase marijuana in California, maintain properties for distribution in Connecticut, pay Burns to transport the marijuana, and for other expenses related to the conspiracy.

On July 25, 2019, a jury found Capelli guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana.  Capelli was found not guilty of one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, and one count of money laundering.

As part of this case, Capelli also has forfeited $55,000.

Capelli, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on January 14, 2020.

On May 2, 2019, Bodnar, of Ansonia, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana, and one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.  On September 4, 2019, he was sentenced to 55 months of imprisonment and ordered to forfeit his 2012 Toyota Camry.

On May 3, 2019, Givens, of Beacon Falls, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana, and one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.  On September 11, 2019, he was sentenced to 55 months of imprisonment and ordered to forfeit his 2009 Jaguar XF and jewelry valued at approximately $8,000.

On May 6, 2019, Burns, of Milford, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana.  He also has agreed to forfeit the Piper aircraft.  Burns awaits sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, the Federal Aviation Administration’s Law Enforcement Assistance Program (LEAP), the Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations Center, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Stratford, Derby and West Haven Police Departments, and the Second Judicial Drug Task Force in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale and Marc Silverman.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL CALLAN, 70, of Middlefield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to six months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for filing false tax returns that substantially underreported his income.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Callan is an emergency response consultant who operates Callan & Company, based in Middlefield, and the website MikeCallan.com.  Callan was audited by the Internal Revenue Service in May 2015.  At the time of the audit, Callan had not filed federal income tax returns for the 2010 through 2015 tax years.  Callan subsequently signed and filed individual federal income tax returns for the 2010 through 2012 tax years that significantly underreported the income he received from his business.  The returns were then filed by his tax preparer.

For 2010, Callan reported $151,533 in total income from Callan & Company, but actually earned $217,925; in 2011, Callan reported $146,071 in total income from Callan & Company, but actually earned $219,094, and in 2012, Callan reported $160,558 in total income from Callan & Company but actually earned $257,745.

Callan also received more than $276,000 in total income from Callan & Company for the 2013 through 2015 tax years, but failed to file a return for each of those years.

Callan owes the IRS $263,172 in back taxes, interest and penalties.

On May 29, 2019, Callan pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return.

Callan, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on February 26, 2020.

This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and Michael S. McGarry.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached a settlement agreement with Riverview Theater, LLC doing business as Riverview Cinemas 8 (“Riverview”) in Southbury, to resolve allegations that the movie theater facility was not in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”).

The settlement agreement resolves an ADA complaint filed by an individual with disabilities alleging that Riverview’s movie theater facility was not fully accessible for individuals with physical disabilities.  Riverview is in the process of making the changes required by the settlement agreement.  The changes include providing additional accessible parking spaces, ensuring that there are accessible tables in the lobby seating area, installing accessible signage, ensuring that the theater has sufficient hearing aid compatible assistive listening receivers, lowering countertops for its vendor café, and ensuring that its restrooms are fully accessible.  Riverview will continue to make improvements over the next six months.

Under federal law, private entities that own or operate places of “public accommodation,” including movie theaters, are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of disability.  The ADA authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate complaints and undertake periodic reviews of compliance of covered entities.  The Justice Department is also authorized to commence a civil lawsuit in federal court in any case that involves a pattern or practice of discrimination or that raises issues of general public importance, and to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, and civil penalties.

“This office is committed to enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act so that individuals with disabilities are able to access and enjoy Connecticut’s movie theaters and other places of public accommodation,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.  “I commend the owners of Riverview Cinemas for their cooperation throughout our investigation and their clear commitment to complying with the requirements of the ADA.”

This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica H. Soufer of the District of Connecticut in coordination with the Disability Rights Section of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that PAMELA HILL, 55, of Simsbury, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffery A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of wire fraud related to an embezzlement scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2013 and 2018, Hill embezzled $518,161.48 from a company where she was employed as a controller.  Hill wrote company checks to herself, applied signature stamps with the owner’s signature to the checks, and deposited the checks into her own bank account.  She also issued electronic payments to her bank account and disguised the payments to make them appear to payments to vendors.  When the company’s CFO questioned Hill about a vendor payment in December 2018, Hill provided the CFO with an altered bank statement that falsely reflected the payment had been credited back to the company’s account.

The investigation also revealed that Hill defrauded a separate individual for whom she provided bookkeeping services.

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for March 2, 2020, at which time Hill faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Hill is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Laraia. 

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that EYISIEL ORTEGA, also known as “EG,” “D” and “E,” 20, of East Hartford, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to drug distribution and gun possession offenses.

This matter stems from an investigation headed by the ATF and East Hartford Police Department into drug trafficking and related acts of violence by a group of individuals operating out of the Mayberry Village housing complex in East Hartford.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between September and November 2017, investigators conducted controlled purchases of crack cocaine from Ortega.  Ortega was arrested on November 7, 2017.  On that date, a court-authorized search of his residence revealed a loaded .380 caliber Ruger LCP semi-automatic pistol, 20 loose rounds of ammunition, approximately 30 grams of crack cocaine, a quantity of fentanyl and $4,530 in cash.  The firearm had been reported stolen in Georgia. 

Ortega pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”), which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least five years.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.

Ortega has been detained since his arrest.

This investigation is being conducted by the ATF and East Hartford Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Correction and the Minot (N.D.) Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HEATHER ALFONSO, 46, of South Carolina, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to three years of probation for engaging in a kickback scheme related to fentanyl spray prescriptions. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, Alfonso formerly resided in Connecticut and was employed as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) at Comprehensive Pain and Headache Treatment Center (CPHTC) located in Derby.  As part of her practice, Alfonso prescribed various controlled substances, including Subsys, a fentanyl-based sublingual spray that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration solely for the management of breakthrough pain in cancer patients.  Subsys was manufactured and sold by Insys Therapeutics, an Arizona-based pharmaceutical company.

A review of Medicare Part D prescription drug events for prescribers of Subsys showed that Alfonso was responsible for approximately $2.5 million in claims and was the highest prescriber of the drug in Connecticut.  Interviews with several of Alfonso’s patients, who were Medicare Part D beneficiaries and were prescribed Subsys, revealed that most of them did not have cancer, but had taken the drug to treat their chronic pain.  Medicare and most private insurers did not pay for Subsys unless the patient had an active cancer diagnosis and an explanation that the drug was needed to manage the patient’s cancer pain. 

An investigation revealed that Insys Therapeutics representatives were inducing medical practitioners around the country to prescribe Subsys over other similar medications by paying the medical practitioners to participate in hundreds of sham “Speaker Programs.”  The Speaker Programs, which were typically held at high-end restaurants, were ostensibly designed to gather licensed healthcare professionals who had the capacity to prescribe Subsys and educate them about the drug.  In truth, the events were usually just a gathering of friends and co-workers, most of whom did not have the ability to prescribe Subsys, and no educational component took place.  “Speakers” were paid a fee that ranged from $1,000 to several thousand dollars for attending these dinners.  At times, the sign-in sheets for the Speaker Programs were forged to make it appear that the programs had an appropriate audience of healthcare professionals.

Between approximately January 2013 and March 2015, Insys Therapeutics paid Alfonso approximately $83,000 to act as a “speaker” for more than 70 dinner programs.  In many instances, the dinner programs were only attended by Alfonso and an Insys Therapeutics sales representative.  In other instances, the programs were attended by CPHTC staff and Alfonso’s friends, none of whom had licenses to prescribe controlled substances.

Alfonso’s conduct resulted in a loss to Medicare of $2,564.501.64.  Judge Arterton ordered Alfonso to pay full restitution, jointly and severally with other defendants convicted in this scheme.

On June 25, 2015, Alfonso pleaded guilty to one count of receiving kickbacks in relation to a federal healthcare program.

Several other individuals affiliated with Insys Therapeutics, and medical practitioners involved in this kickback scheme, have been charged and convicted in the District of Connecticut and in other Districts across the U.S.  On May 2, 2019, a federal jury in Boston found John N. Kapoor, the founder and former Executive Chairman of Insys Therapeutics, and four other former Insys executives guilty of racketeering conspiracy.

In sentencing Alfonso, Judge Arterton credited Alfonso’s prompt acceptance of responsibility, her assistance to the government’s prosecution of other defendants, and the extensive testimony she provided during the trial in the District of Massachusetts.

In June 2019, Insys Therapeutics agreed to pay a total of $225 million to resolve criminal and civil investigations of the company.

The investigation in the District of Connecticut has been conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas P. Morabito, Sarah P. Karwan and Richard M. Molot.

U.S. Attorney Durham encouraged individuals who suspect health care fraud to report it by calling the Health Care Fraud Task Force (203) 785-9270 or 1-800-HHS-TIPS.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that XAVIER DIAZ, also known as “Coco,” 30, of Willimantic, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2018, the DEA’s Hartford Task Force and Willimantic Police Department, while investigating a heroin/fentanyl overdose death that occurred in August 2017, received information that Diaz was operating a heroin distribution ring in Willimantic.  The investigation revealed that drug purchasers called a phone shared by members of the conspiracy to place an order for heroin.  Thereafter, a “runner” would meet the purchaser to complete the transaction.

The investigation connected the August 2017 overdose death, and several non-fatal overdoses, to drugs distributed by the Diaz organization.

Diaz and other members of his organization were arrested on October 15, 2018.  On that date, a search of Diaz’s residence revealed more than 100 grams of heroin, a stolen firearm, and ammunition.  In addition, a search of a storage unit connected to the organization revealed more than $20,000 in cash.

On October 29, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

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 Natasha M. Freismuth.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHARLES KELLEY, 45, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing narcotics, and for violating the conditions of his probation from a prior federal drug conviction.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2018, law enforcement received information that Kelley was engaged in drug trafficking activity in Hartford.  On April 5, 2018, a court-authorized search of Kelley’s residence revealed approximately 66 grams of fentanyl, 42 grams of cocaine, 76 grams of crack cocaine, cocaine base, eight grams of heroin, items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, and $6,542 in cash.  Kelley was arrested on state charges at that time.

Kelley has been detained since his federal arrest on November 7, 2018.  On April 25, 2019, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”).

This is Kelley’s third federal narcotics conviction, and he was on federal probation following a conviction in January 2016 for distributing heroin and cocaine.

Judge Meyer sentenced Kelley to 36 months of imprisonment for distributing narcotics, and a consecutive 12 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his probation.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department, with the assistance of the Massachusetts State Police.  The FBI 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 Dave Vatti.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TERRANCE SAUNDERS, 33, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 79 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.

This matter stems from a statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 23, 2016, the Shelton Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a suspected overdose at a Shelton residence.  At the residence, medical personnel pronounced a 45-year-old female victim deceased.  Investigators collected drug and non-drug evidence, including folds containing suspected heroin, and the victim’s cell phone.

Analysis of the victim’s cell phone revealed numerous contacts, including multiple text messages on March 22, 2016, between the victim and Saunders’ cell phone in which the victim arranged to acquire drugs.  Investigators subsequently conducted controlled purchases of heroin and fentanyl from Saunders and his associate, Rashad Johnson, by contacting Saunders’ phone.

Saunders was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on December 27, 2018.  On June 24, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.

Saunders, who was released on a $100,000 bond prior to sentencing, was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service to begin serving his sentence.

Johnson, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty on June 19, 2019.  On October 15, he was sentenced to 18 months of imprisonment and two years of supervised release.

This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and the Shelton, Ansonia and Monroe Police Departments.  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 ANDRE JOHNSON, also known as “Cuzz Crip” and “Cuzzy Blue,” 31, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing and selling firearms. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement made three controlled purchases of firearms from Johnson.  During the third purchase, on February 28, 2019, Johnson sold a Taurus model PT 24/7 Pro DS 9mm, a loaded extended magazine and a loaded standard magazine in exchange for $900.

Johnson’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for illegal possession of an assault weapon and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

Johnson has been detained since his arrest on April 11, 2019.  On July 31, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New Haven Police Department and Connecticut Department of Correction.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter D. Markle and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.

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 RAMON SANCHEZ, also known as “Rome,” 28, of Enfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 34 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes 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 alleged 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.

Sanchez regularly supplied cocaine to one of the drug trafficking organizations.

Sanchez has been detained since his arrest on July 3, 2018.  On August 1, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine.

This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes 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, announced that JOHN T. FINKLE III, 58, of, East Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a scheme to defraud an Illinois-based company of more than $3 million.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Finkle was employed by JST, a supplier of electronic components based in Waukegan, Illinois.  Between approximately February 2015 and December 2018, Finkle conspired with Kenneth Pedroli to defraud JST through a scheme involving purchases of electronic components that Pedroli made from JST for a business he operated in Islandia, New York.  As part of the scheme, Finkle instructed Pedroli to place his orders and list prices at a fraction of JST’s published prices.  After Pedroli’s orders were submitted to JST at the discounted prices, the products were shipped from JST to Pedroli.  Finkle instructed Pedroli to pay only a portion of the invoiced price and to make the payments directly to Finkle, which Pedroli did.  Finkle deposited the payments into his personal checking account, and provided a portion of the funds to another JST employee who manipulated the accounting records of JST to make it appear that Pedroli had paid JST for the products he received.

JST was defrauded of $3,359,058.69 through this scheme.  Judge Hall ordered Finkle to make full restitution.

Finkle, who is released on a $500,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 8, 2020.

On July 16, 2019, Finkle pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.

Pedroli, of Stony Brook, New York, pleaded guilty to the same offense on April 29, 2019, and awaits sentencing.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that OSVALDO SAEZ, 32, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his 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 Jermayne 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.

Saez received distribution quantities of crack cocaine from another member of the conspiracy and sold the drug to customers in New Haven.

Saez, Butler and several other members of the organization were arrested on federal criminal complaints on February 6, 2018.  On February 8, 2018, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 30-count indictment charging 19 individuals with various offenses.

Saez has been detained since January 16, 2019, when his bond was revoked.  On July 30, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, cocaine base. (“crack”).

Butler pleaded guilty to the same offense on August 9, 2019.  He awaits sentencing.         

This matter is being 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, and Jason J. Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Boston, today announced that BRIAN HERNDON, 45, of New Britain, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to one count of possession of child pornography.  Herndon also admitted that he violated the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 12, 2009, Herndon was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for possessing child pornography.  He was released from federal prison in May 2014.  On September 1, 2015, U.S. Probation officers searched Herndon’s residence and seized a laptop.  Subsequent forensic examination of the laptop revealed approximately 2,269 images and 74 videos of child pornography.

Herndon is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford on February 24, 2020, at which time Herndon faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years for possessing child pornography, and up to two years in prison for violating the conditions of he supervised release.

Herndon is released on bond and remains under court supervision pending sentencing.

This investigation is being conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.

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 FABIOLA BASTIAN MOJICA, 39, a citizen of Mexico recently residing in Stamford, was sentenced today U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2003, Bastian Mojica, who at the time was a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., was convicted in Stamford superior court of possession of a hallucinogen/marijuana.  Bastian Mojica’s lawful permanent residence status was revoked and, in November 2003, she was removed to Mexico.

In October 2005, Bastian Mojica was arrested by Greenwich Police and was subsequently convicted in state court of evading responsibility resulting in injury/property damage, and possession of marijuana.  She was also convicted in federal court of reentry of a removed alien and sentenced to 15 months of imprisonment.  In January 2008, Bastian Mojica was removed to Mexico.

In July 2008, Bastian Mojica was arrested in Stamford.  She was again removed to Mexico in August 2008.

In January 2010, Bastian Mojica was apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol in Columbus, New Mexico.  She was subsequently charged in the District of New Mexico with illegal reentry of a removed alien, and with violating the conditions of her supervised release related to her prior conviction for illegal reentry.  She was convicted of both offenses and, following the completion of an 18-month sentence, was removed to Mexico in April 2011.

On October 23, 2018, Bastian Mojica was arrested by Stamford Police for a motor vehicle violation, and was subsequently charged with failure to appear.  On March 7, 2019, after her identity was confirmed through a fingerprint analysis, she was arrested on a federal criminal complaint charging her with illegal reentry.

Bastian Mojica has been detained since her federal arrest.  On May 7, 2019, she pleaded guilty to illegal reentry by a removed alien

Bastian Mojica will be removed to Mexico at the completion of her prison term.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WESTLEY NORTHRUP, also known as “Piff,” 31, formerly of Meriden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 94 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for operating a drug trafficking ring while he was incarcerated.

This matter stems from a joint investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force that included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of crack cocaine, and seizures of cocaine and cash proceeds.  The investigation revealed that Northrup operated a cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking ring while he was incarcerated in state custody at the Cheshire Correctional Institution.  The investigation, which included consensually-recorded prison calls, revealed that Northrup conspired with others to purchase cocaine from suppliers, convert some of the cocaine to crack cocaine, and then distribute crack and cocaine through a network of dealers in central Connecticut.

On July 20, 2017, a grand jury in New Haven returned a nine-count indictment charging Northrup and 10 other individuals with various offenses.  On July 9, 2018, Northrup pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”).

Since September 2016, Northrup has been serving a five-year state prison term for distributing cocaine.  He will begin serving his 94-month federal sentence when he completes his state sentence.

This matter was investigated by the DEA New Haven Task Force, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Middletown and New Britain Police Departments.  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. Attorney H. Gordon Hall.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ARRINSON DE LA CRUZ, 40, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 144 months of imprisonment for his role in the large-scale importation of cocaine and other controlled substances into the U.S.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2016, De La Cruz, who was residing in Wolcott, Connecticut, on a tourist visa, conspired with others to transport approximately 1600 kilograms of cocaine from South America to the U.S.  On August 6, 2016, a private jet, which was registered in the U.S., flew from the Dominican Republic to Venezuela where the cocaine was to be loaded onto the jet.  From there, the jet was to fly Honduras where the cocaine would be loaded onto trucks for transport through Mexico into the U.S.  De La Cruz had worked at an airport in the Dominican Republic and helped to coordinate the travel of the jet through the airport uninterrupted.  A fake flight plan filed with Dominican authorities reported that the plane was traveling to Brazil.  Ultimately, the plane crash-landed in Venezuela, the crew evaded capture by Venezuelan authorities, and the cocaine was diverted back to Colombia.

After the collapse of the cocaine importation scheme, De La Cruz attempted to coordinate additional shipments of drugs into the U.S, and also contacted others in and around Connecticut to sell heroin, cocaine and 2C-B, a synthetic psychedelic drug.

On September 18, 2016, De La Cruz was arrested in Milford, Connecticut, after a search of a car he was traveling in revealed 2C-B that De La Cruz intended to distribute in Massachusetts.

In November 2016 and December 2017, while he was released on bond, De La Cruz continued to conspire to distribute cocaine.  He has been detained since his arrest on December 20, 2017.

On March 27, 2019, De La Cruz pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, on board an aircraft registered in the U.S., five kilograms or more of cocaine; one count of possession with intent to distribute 2C-B, and one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Wolcott 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 was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the government has reached a settlement agreement under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”) with CONCENTRA, which will ensure access to effective communication for deaf and hard of hearing individuals at Concentra’s patient-facing facilities throughout the U.S. 

Concentra, based in Addison, Texas, is a national health care company that, through its affiliated clinicians, provides occupational medicine, urgent care, physical therapy and wellness services at more than 520 medical centers in 44 states, and serves employers at an additional 140 onsite medical facilities.  The settlement agreement applies to Concentra Health Services, Inc. and its managed professional medical entities situated throughout the United States.

This matter was initiated upon receipt of a complaint filed with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut by Disability Rights Connecticut, a non-profit advocacy organization based in Hartford.  Disability Rights Connecticut filed the complaint on behalf of the complainant who is profoundly deaf.  The complaint alleges that the complainant required physical therapy related to a workplace injury and went to Concentra’s location in Norwich, Connecticut.  At his initial appointment at Concentra, the complainant informed his physical therapist that he was deaf and required an interpreter to communicate effectively.  In response to this request, the complainant was told that he would have to provide his own interpreter.  The complainant requested that an interpreter be provided to him for his subsequent visits to Concentra.  At each follow up appointment, the complainant renewed his request for an interpreter.  Throughout his course of treatment at Concentra, the complainant was never provided with interpreter services.

Title III of the ADA requires places of public accommodation to provide appropriate auxiliary aids and services, such as qualified interpreters, where necessary to ensure effective communication with individuals with disabilities.  Places of public accommodation are prohibited from requiring an individual with a disability to bring another individual to interpret for him or her.  Similarly, places of public accommodation may not charge a surcharge to individuals with disabilities for measures, including auxiliary aids and services like interpreters, that are required to provide the individual with a disability with nondiscriminatory treatment under the ADA.  As a network of professional offices providing healthcare services, Concentra is a public accommodation under Title III of the ADA and its facilities are places of public accommodation.

The settlement agreement resolves the complaint received by the government that Concentra violated Title III of the ADA by failing to provide effective communication to the complainant.  The terms of the settlement agreement require Concentra to provide appropriate auxiliary aids and services free of charge, including qualified interpreters, at all of its patient facilities to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing whenever it is necessary to ensure effective communication for those individuals.  Concentra will also submit an effective communication policy, which includes a grievance procedure, to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for approval and, following approval, will implement the policy nationwide and post the policy on its website.  Concentra will designate a national ADA coordinator who will be responsible for implementing the terms of the settlement agreement and who will be the point person for investigating patient complaints as part of the newly established grievance process outlined in the effective communication policy.  Concentra will provide ADA training to staff members nationwide.  In addition, Concentra will compensate the complainant in the amount of $7,500.

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

“This case reflects this office’s steadfast commitment to protecting the rights of those who are deaf or hard of hearing and ensuring that these individuals are able to effectively communicate with health care professionals throughout the State of Connecticut and the nation,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.  “I thank Concentra’s management for their cooperation during this investigation and for addressing these ADA issues without the need for litigation.”

This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica H. Soufer of the District of Connecticut in coordination with the Disability Rights Section of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a 36-count superseding indictment charging JENNIFER FARRELL and JIMIESHA McKOY with narcotics distribution offenses.

As alleged in the superseding indictment, Farrell was a medical resident at Yale New Haven Health (“YNHH”) in the Emergency Department from July 2017 until June 2019.  From March 2018 to March 2019, Farrell wrote numerous prescriptions for oxycodone for non-legitimate medical purposes outside the scope of her professional practice in the name of at least five individuals, including McKoy.  Farrell did not see McKoy or any of the other individuals for any medical purpose at any YNHH facility during the entire period of her residency.

The superseding indictment, which was returned on November 6, charges Farrell and McKoy with one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, controlled substances.  The indictment also charges Farrell with 35 counts of distribution of narcotics outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.  Each charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Farrell, 37, was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on July 31, 2019, and was charged by indictment in August.  Farrell, who was living in New Haven at the time of her arrest, is released on a $200,000 bond and residing in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

McKoy, 30, of New Haven, is currently being sought by law enforcement.  Citizens with knowledge of McKoy’s whereabouts, or with information that may be helpful the investigation of this matter, are encouraged to call the FBI at 203-777-6311.

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

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration, Diversion Control Group.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherry.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Tyler C. Amon, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division in New England, announced that COLLEGIATE ENTREPRENEURS, INC., a Massachusetts-based house painting company, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to violating the Toxic Substances Control Act and subsequently falsifying records.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Collegiate Entrepreneurs, Inc., LLC, of Braintree, Massachusetts, provides house-painting services in Connecticut and other New England states.  Some of the houses painted by Collegiate Entrepreneurs in 2015 contained lead-based paint.  For those jobs, the company was subject to the lead-based paint requirements of the Toxic Substances Control Act and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule.

Under the RRP Rule, Collegiate Entrepreneurs was required to ensure that its certified renovators complied with provisions governing training and supervision of painters, post-renovation cleaning, physical presence on-site, and preparation of required records.  The company was also responsible for ensuring that all renovation activities were performed in compliance with RRP Rule work practice standards governing occupant protection, containment of the work area, prohibited and restricted practices, waste from renovations, cleanup of the work area, and post-renovation cleaning verification.  Collegiate Entrepreneurs knowingly failed to ensure such compliance by its renovators during the 2015 painting season.

On October 13, 2015, in response to a federal grand jury subpoena, an employee of Collegiate Entrepreneurs produced records for 12 painting jobs in Connecticut that involved lead-based paint.  Included in the production were records that appeared to have been prepared and signed by certified renovators to document that RRP Rule work practice standards and training requirements had been met at each lead paint job.  Records for at least 10 of the 12 jobs were false.  The signatures of the certified renovators were forged and the records falsely represented that the jobs were performed in compliance with the RRP Rule.

Collegiate Entrepreneurs pleaded guilty to one count of falsification of records, which carries a maximum penalty of a $500,000 fine and five years of probation, and one count of violating the Toxic Substances Control Act, which carries a maximum penalty of a $200,000 fine and five years of probation.

Sentencing is scheduled for February 5, 2020, before U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny.

As part of the plea agreement, Collegiate Entrepreneurs and the government have agreed that a fine of $50,000 and a term of probation of five years is reasonable in this case.

Collegiate Entrepreneurs also will pay $30,000 in restitution to a victim homeowner in West Hartford, Connecticut, and will pay restitution to any other Connecticut victims with legally sufficient claims related to the improper removal of lead paint from their homes.

Collegiate Entrepreneurs has represented to the government that it is no longer engaged, and will not engage, in projects that involve the remediation of lead paint and are subject to the RRP Rule.

“Collegiate Entrepreneurs purposely violated the requirements of safely removing lead from homes and in doing risked the health of families whose houses were being renovated,” said EPA-CID Special Agent in Charge Amon.  “EPA remains focused on holding accountable companies and individuals that cut corners and fail to put public health and safety first.”

This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that HECTOR SANTIAGO, also known as “Bebo,” 25, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 69 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes 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 alleged 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.  Santiago, who used an apartment at 876 Broad Street to store narcotics, distributed fentanyl, heroin and crack cocaine in the area of Broad Street and Park Street in Hartford.

The investigation also revealed that Santiago possessed firearms and was involved in acts of violence.  On June 10, 2018, City of Hartford surveillance cameras captured Santiago pistol-whipping a victim.

Santiago was arrested on July 6, 2018.  At the time of his arrest, a search of an apartment on Marshall Street where Santiago was residing revealed a loaded .40 caliber handgun.

Santiago has been detained since his arrest.  On April 18, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).

This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes 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, announced that JAMES FARRELL, 55, of, East Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to approximately one day of imprisonment, time already served, and two years of supervised release, for defrauding the New Haven County Credit Union.  Judge Underhill also ordered Farrell to perform 50 hours of community service.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Farrell was the Chief Executive Officer of the New Haven County Credit Union (“NHCCU”) from approximately 1992 to June 2015.  He was then retained by NHCCU’s Board of Directors to provide assistance to the new CEO of NHCCU until March 2016.  From 2010 until 2016, Farrell also provided financial and bookkeeping services to The Rib House, a restaurant located in East Haven.  The Rib House maintained a business account at NHCCU, and Farrell was primarily responsible for depositing cash sales and paying invoices for the restaurant.  In pleading guilty, Farrell admitted that he defrauded NHCCU by transferring funds from NHCCU’s general ledger account to the account held by The Rib House.

As part of the scheme, when Farrell knew that The Rib House had a financial obligation it could not meet, he transferred funds from the NHCCU general ledger account into The Rib House account.  This allowed The Rib House to pay its operating costs, including paying for taxes, food, liquor and other operating expenses.  Between July 2011 and March 2016, Farrell fraudulently transferred $602,908.96 from the NHCCU general ledger account primarily to The Rib House account and, to a lesser extent, for his personal benefit.  Over time, Farrell replenished $370,278.18 to the NHCCU general ledger account, leaving a shortfall of $232,630.78.

Farrell has paid full restitution to NHCCU.

On August 28, 2019, Farrell pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller. 

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALVIN ROBERTSON, 56, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for committing three bank robberies and two Subway store robberies in Connecticut last year.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 20, 2018, Robertson robbed a Subway store located at 9 Ethan Allen Highway in Ridgefield.  During the robbery Robertson brandished a knife, pointed it at the store clerk and stated, “Give me all your money or I will kill you.”

On July 22, 2018, Robertson robbed a Subway store located at 447 Monroe Turnpike in Monroe.  During the robbery, Robertson indicated that he had a gun.

Robertson also robbed a People’s United Bank branch at 470 Monroe Turnpike in Monroe on August 29, 2018; a People’s United Bank branch at 763 Straits Turnpike in Watertown on September 21, 2018, and a People’s United Bank branch at 1135 Farmington Avenue in Berlin on September 25, 2018.

Robertson has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on September 27, 2018.  On May 21, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery.

Robertson has prior federal and state bank robbery convictions.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Watertown, Ridgefield, Monroe and Berlin Police Departments.  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 CARLOS ANTONIO HERNANDEZ, 57, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 96 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a kidnapping and extortion scheme. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, on several occasions, Hernandez and his co-conspirators targeted individuals after they exited buses at the Port Authority in New York.  The victims included women, men and children from Central American countries who did not speak English and were seeking asylum in the U.S.  Some of the victims planned to travel from New York to Connecticut.  After the victims were told that their connecting bus was not available and that they would provide transportation, Hernandez and others coerced the victims into vehicles.  Hernandez and others would then drive the victims around, sometimes for hours, and refused to release them until they or their families agreed to pay the co-conspirators an exorbitant amount of money, on average more than a $1000.

At times, co-conspirators posed as an immigration officer to intimidate the victims further.

Hernandez has been detained since his arrest on December 14, 2016.  On March 9, 2018, a federal jury in Bridgeport found Hernandez and two co-conspirators, Francisco Betancourt and Lucilo Cabrera, guilty of kidnapping, extortion and conspiracy offenses.  On November 14, 2019, Betancourt was sentenced to 168 months of imprisonment.  Cabrera awaits sentencing.

On October 12, 2018, a fourth defendant, Pascual Rodriguez, pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping.  On July 2, 2019, he was sentenced to 135 months of imprisonment.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Richards.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHAQUILLE PEARSON, 25, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 39 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal firearm conviction.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 23, 2017, Pearson was sentenced in federal court to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  He was released from federal prison in May 2018.

On March 21, 2019, Pearson led New Haven police officers in a foot chase.  Officers apprehended Pearson and then retrieved a loaded Taurus PT25, .25 caliber handgun that Pearson had discarded on Wilson Street during the chase.

In addition to his prior federal conviction, Pearson’s criminal history includes state convictions for burglary and for carrying a dangerous weapon.

On June 17, 2019, Pearson pleaded guilty to one count of possession for a firearm by a convicted felon.

Judge Thompson sentenced Pearson to 27 months of imprisonment for the firearm offense, and a consecutive 12 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

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

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.

U.S. Attorney John H. Durham of the District of Connecticut, Special Agent in Charge Phillip Coyne of the Boston Regional Office of the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services, Special Agent in Charge Brian C. Turner of the FBI’s New Haven Division, and Special Agent in Charge Kristina O’Connell of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in Connecticut has returned an indictment charging R. JEFFREY YATES, 52, of Santa Ana, California, with conspiracy and fraud offenses related to a scheme to defraud several state Affordable Care Act programs of millions of dollars.

The indictment was returned under seal on October 31, 2019, and Yates was arrested on November 6 in California.  The indictment was unsealed in the District of Connecticut on November 13.  Yates is released on bond pending his arraignment in Connecticut, which is not yet scheduled.

As alleged in the indictment, Yates owned and operated Morningside Recovery, a business that operated substance abuse treatment facilities in California.  Yates conspired with others, including Jeffrey White and his son, Nicholas White, to defraud health care plans operating under the Affordable Care Act (“ACA,” commonly referred to as “Obamacare”) in Connecticut and other states by fraudulently enrolling individuals in ACA plans in states where the individuals did not live.  In order to maximize their proceeds from the fraud scheme, the Whites would enroll the individuals in ACA plans in states that paid the highest amount for substance abuse treatment, even though the individuals did not live in those states.  The Whites and Yates then arranged to have the individuals admitted to Morningside Recovery facilities for treatment.  Morningside Recovery then billed ACA plans in Connecticut and elsewhere for thousands of dollars for treatment services.  Yates and Morningside Recovery then paid the Whites for each patient that had been placed in a Morningside facility.

The indictment charges Yates with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and mail fraud, seven counts of health care fraud, and five counts of mail fraud.  If convicted, Yates faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each of the conspiracy and mail fraud counts, and a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each health care fraud count.

On October 12, 2018, Jeffrey White and Nicholas White each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and admitted that their scheme resulted in more than $27 million in losses to ACA plans across the country, including ACA plans in Connecticut, Arizona, California, Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas.  They await sentencing.

U.S. Attorney Durham noted that this case is believed to be the first of its kind involving fraudulent enrollment of individuals in ACA plans on a national scale.

This investigation is being conducted by the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health Human Services, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the Connecticut Affordable Care Act exchange, known as Access Health CT, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California for their assistance with the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JESUS SEGUINOT, also known as “Chuchi,” 30, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to drug distribution and gun possession offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 16, 2018, New Haven Police officers executed a state search warrant at Seguinot’s apartment on Congress Avenue and seized approximately 65 grams of cocaine, approximately 114 grams of marijuana, other items used to process and package drugs for distribution, and $5,480 in cash.  Seguinot was arrested on state charges at that time.

On April 20, 2018, Stamford Police officers arrested Seguinot in Stamford after they found in possession approximately 80 grams of cocaine and crack cocaine, a quantity of marijuana, a digital scale, drug packaging materials, and $1,613 in cash.

On May 17, 2018, a search of Seguinot’s new residence on Stevens Street in New Haven revealed approximately 20 grams of crack cocaine, drug packaging materials, a scale with white residue, a .38 caliber bullet on his bedroom nightstand, and a loaded .38 Special Taurus revolver with an obliterated serial number.

Prior to May 2018, Seguinot had been convicted in state court of felony drug, weapon and other 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 July 22, 2018, Seguinot sold a quantity of cocaine to another individual for $20 on Liberty Street in New Haven.

Seguinot has been detained since his federal arrest on April 11, 2019.

Seguinot pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

This investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New Haven Police Department and Stamford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.

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 our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FRANCISCO BETANCOURT, 70, a citizen of Cuba last residing in New York, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 168 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a kidnapping and extortion scheme. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, on numerous occasions, Betancourt and his co-conspirators targeted individuals after they exited buses at the Port Authority in New York.  The victims included women, men and children from Central American countries who did not speak English and were seeking asylum in the U.S.  Some of the victims planned to travel from New York to Connecticut.  Telling the victims that a connecting bus was not available and that they would provide transportation, Betancourt and others coerced the victims into vehicles.  The co-conspirators would then drive the victims around, sometimes for hours, and refused to release them until they or their families agreed to pay the co-conspirators an exorbitant amount of money, on average more than a $1000.

At times, co-conspirators posed as an immigration officer to intimidate the victims further.

Betancourt has been detained since his arrest on December 15, 2016.  On March 9, 2018, a federal jury in Bridgeport found Betancourt and his co-conspirators, Lucilo Cabrera and Carlos Antonio Hernandez, guilty of kidnapping, extortion and conspiracy offenses.  Cabrera and Hernandez await sentencing.

On October 12, 2018, a fourth defendant, Pascual Rodriguez, pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping.  On July 2, 2019, Judge Underhill sentenced him to 135 months of imprisonment.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Richards.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALLAN MANN, JR., also known as “Hailee Randolph DeSouza” and “Hailey R. DeSouza,” 67, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 18 months of imprisonment for receiving federal benefits while living in the U.S. under an assumed name for approximately 30 years.

As alleged in court documents, Allan Mann, who is a Canadian citizen, abducted his 21-month-old son, Jermaine Allan Mann, on June 24, 1987, during a court-ordered visit in Toronto, Canada.  Allan Mann and his son subsequently entered the U.S.  Allan Mann changed his name to Hailee Randolph DeSouza, changed the name of his son, and acquired counterfeit birth certificates for him and his son.  Allan Mann has never applied for nor received citizenship status in the U.S.

In June 1990, Mann, using the name Hailee Randolph DeSouza, applied for and received a Social Security Number.  In support of this application, Mann presented his counterfeit birth certificate.  In May 2018, Mann, using his alias, applied for a replacement Social Security card.

Mann also participated in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) Section 8 subsidized housing program at various times since 2004.  Mann, who most recently resided in Section 8 subsidized housing in Vernon, Connecticut, made multiple false statements on HUD forms he signed in connection with his participation in the Section 8 program.  HUD has paid approximately $126,744 in housing assistance payments on Mann’s behalf.

Mann also made multiple false statements on applications to participate in the State of Connecticut’s Medicaid program.  Since January 2014, Medicaid has paid $52,970.19 in claims on behalf of Mann, and approximately $2,876.37 on behalf of his son.

Mann has been detained since his arrest on October 26, 2018.  On August 22, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement.

Judge Hall ordered Mann to pay restitution of $18,512.05 to the Medicaid program and $34,744 to HUD.

An immigration detainer has been issued, and Mann faces removal proceedings at the conclusion of his sentence.  Canadian authorities have advised the U.S. government that Canada will seek to extradite Mann based on an outstanding warrant for abduction.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services –Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General, Toronto Police Service, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Vernon Police Department.  The Missing Children Society of Canada and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children have provided critical assistance to the investigation.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Karwan and Hal Chen.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ERRIE McCLENDON, also known as “Buck,” 28, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, McClendon was arrested on May 11, 2019, in New Haven, after he possessed a loaded Ruger, model P85, 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number.  McClendon attempted to discard the firearm and then struggled with the arresting officers, but was eventually subdued and the firearm was immediately recovered.

Prior to May 2019, McClendon had been convicted in state court of felony narcotics 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.

McClendon is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on March 25, 2020, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

McClendon has been detained since June 19, 2019, when he was arrested on a state probation violation charge.

This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Haven Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter D. Markle and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.

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 JOSEPH GRIFFIN, 42, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl.  Griffin also admitted that he violated the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Griffin was arrested on January 17, 2019, in Hartford, after investigators made a controlled purchase of more than five grams of fentanyl from him.  Griffin possessed an additional two grams of fentanyl at the time of his arrest.

In January 2019, Griffin was on federal supervised release for a 2009 conviction for distributing crack cocaine.  Griffin was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment and five years of supervised release for that offense.  He was released from federal prison in December 2017.

Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for February 10, 2020, at which time Griffin faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years for distributing fentanyl, and additional penalties for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

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

This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, Hartford Police Department and U.S. Marshals Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Leonard C. Boyle.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAYSON BRUNO, 36, of Bristol, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to gun and drug offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement identified Bruno as a significant cocaine trafficker in Bristol.  On April 17, 2019, investigators arrested Bruno after a court-authorized search of his Colony Street residence revealed a 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a stolen .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, approximately 55 grams of cocaine, approximately 30 grams of crack cocaine, and items used to process and package narcotics for distribution.

Bruno’s criminal history includes multiple state felony convictions related to the possession and sale of narcotics.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

Bruno pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”) and cocaine, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for February 13, 2020.

Bruno has been detained since his arrest.

This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and the Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force.  The DEA 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 MICHAEL MILLER, 38, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and New Haven Police Department revealed that Malbin Rubiera-Herrera, also known as “Chaca,” acquired heroin and cocaine from sources in Connecticut and New Jersey and distributed the drugs through a network of associates, including Miller, in the greater New Haven area.  Between October and December 2018, investigators made controlled purchases of heroin and cocaine from Rubiera-Herrera.  Subsequent court-authorized wiretaps revealed a widespread narcotics trafficking conspiracy that involved the trafficking of kilogram-quantities of heroin into Connecticut.

In January and February 2019, Miller was intercepted numerous times on recorded calls and text messages ordering distribution quantities of heroin and cocaine from Rubiera-Herrera.  At the time, Miller was on escape status with the State of Connecticut.  On September 10, 2018, Miller failed to return to a halfway house where he was serving a state sentence.  He has been detained since April 5, 2019.

On June 5, 2019, a grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Miller, Rubiera-Herrera and 12 other individuals with heroin, cocaine and fentanyl trafficking offenses.  On August 19, Miller pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with the intent, to distribute heroin and cocaine.

A search of Rubiera-Herrera’s residence at the time of arrest on April 30, 2019, revealed approximately 300 grams of fentanyl.  He pleaded guilty on June 20.

This matter is being investigated by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the New Haven Police Department, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Marshals Service, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction, East Haven Police Department, Easton Police Department, Orange Police Department, and the Cape May County (N.J.) Prosecutor’s Office, Gangs, Guns and Narcotics Task Force.

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.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis and S. Dave Vatti.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RYAN GRAY, 24, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 15 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 January 30, 2019, Gray possessed two loaded handguns in Waterbury.

Grays’ criminal history includes state felony convictions for firearms, robbery 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.

Gray has been detained since his arrest by Waterbury Police on January 30, 2019.  On August 8, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

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

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, today announced that VINSON SINGLETON, JR., 25, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to a federal robbery offense.

According court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation into a series of armed and attempted armed robberies of commercial establishments in Ansonia, North Haven and New Haven in March 2016.  The investigation revealed that, in the evening of March 22, 2016, an individual entered the Shell gas station at 696 Main Street in Ansonia, attempted to rob the store and stabbed a store employee in his back.  After the victim was stabbed, the victim saw a metal blade on the ground and the assailant holding a black handle in his hand.  The assailant then ran from the store.  The victim suffered a small puncture wound in his lower back.

Investigators collected the knife handle and a hat and sweatshirt that the assailant discarded as he ran from the store.  DNA collected from these items matched DNA that was collected from Singleton after investigators had identified Singleton as a suspect.

Singleton pleaded guilty to one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on January 28, 2020.

At sentencing, the government will argue that Singleton also robbed or attempted to rob a Dunkin Donuts in New Haven on March 8, 2016; a Valero in North Haven on March 9, 2016; a Papa John’s in New Haven on March 17, 2016; a Shell in New Haven on March 17, 2016, and a 7-11 in New Haven on March 21, 2016.

Singleton is currently serving a state sentence for possessing a sawed-off shotgun and an attempted robbery.

This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Connecticut Violent Crime Task Force and the Ansonia, New Haven and North Haven Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.