District of Connecticut

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALBERTO SILVA-GARCIA, 44, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 18 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release that followed a conviction for illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.  The sentence will run consecutively to a 42-month prison term that Silva-Garcia is currently serving.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Silva-Garcia was deported from the U.S. to his native Mexico in March 1999 after sustaining a domestic violence conviction in California.  Between March 1999 and April 2004, Silva-Garcia was encountered multiple times in California by immigration agents, twice while in custody following his apprehension and conviction for controlled substance violations, and on several other occasions following his apprehension at the U.S. border for falsely claiming U.S. citizenship.  On 11 documented occasions prior to 2005, Silva-Garcia was removed to Mexico by foot.

In August 2009, Silva-Garcia was arrested for motor vehicle offenses in Norwalk.  He was subsequently charged with illegal reentry in U.S. District Court in Connecticut and was sentenced to 12 months of imprisonment.  In December 2010, Silva-Garcia was again removed to Mexico.

Silva-Garcia again illegally reentered the U.S. and, in March 2015, was charged with larceny and burglary offenses in superior court in Norwalk.  The charges stemmed from a crime spree involving the theft of construction tools and equipment from job sites and parked construction vehicles.  He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years of incarceration.

In January 2017, again Silva-Garcia pleaded guilty in federal court to illegal reentry.  On April 25, 2017, Judge Meyer sentenced him to 15 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release.

On December 13, 2017, Silva-Garcia was deported to Mexico.  On September 1, 2018, he was apprehended as he attempted to reenter the U.S. by scaling a fence at the border of Mexico and California.

Silva-Garcia pleaded guilty in the Southern District of California to attempted reentry of a removed alien, and was sentenced to 42 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release.

Judge Meyer ordered Silva-Garcia to begin serving his 18-month prison term after he completes his 42-month sentence for his more recent illegal reentry conviction.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.

WASHINGTON – A former senior executive with Alstom S.A. (Alstom), a French power and transportation company, was found guilty today for his role in a multi-year, multimillion-dollar foreign bribery scheme and a related money laundering scheme.

Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney John H. Durham of the District of Connecticut and Assistant Director in Charge Timothy R. Slater of the FBI’s Washington Field Office made the announcement.

After a two-week trial, Lawrence Hoskins, 69, of the United Kingdom, was convicted of six counts of violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), three counts of money laundering and two counts of conspiracy. Sentencing has been scheduled for Jan. 31, 2020, before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton of the District of Connecticut.

According to the evidence presented at trial, Hoskins was a senior vice president for Alstom’s International Network, who engaged in a conspiracy to pay bribes to officials in Indonesia – including a high-ranking member of the Indonesian Parliament and the President of Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), the state-owned and state-controlled electricity company in Indonesia – in exchange for assistance in securing a $118 million contract, known as the Tarahan project, for Alstom Power Inc. of Connecticut and its consortium partner, Marubeni Corporation, to provide power-related services for the citizens of Indonesia.  To conceal the bribes, Hoskins and his co-conspirators retained two consultants purportedly to provide legitimate consulting services on behalf of Alstom Power Inc., in connection with the Tarahan project.  The primary purpose of hiring the consultants was to conceal the bribes to Indonesian officials, the evidence showed.

The first consultant retained by Hoskins and other members of the conspiracy received hundreds of thousands of dollars in his Maryland bank account to be used to bribe the member of Parliament, the evidence showed.  The consultant then transferred the bribe money to a bank account in Indonesia for the benefit of the official.  According to emails admitted at trial, Hoskins and other co-conspirators discussed in detail the use of the first consultant to funnel bribes to the member of Parliament and the influence that the member of Parliament could exert over the Tarahan project, including referring to him as a “cashier.”

The trial evidence further showed that, in the fall of 2003, Hoskins and his co-conspirators determined that the first consultant was not effectively bribing key officials at PLN, who expressed concerns that the first consultant was just going to give them “pocket money” and “disappear” after Alstom Power Inc. won the project.  As a result, the co-conspirators retained a second consultant to more effectively bribe PLN officials.  Evidence revealed that Hoskins and his co-conspirators pressed Alstom Power Inc. to front-load the second consultant’s terms of payment in order to “get the right influence” due to upcoming elections. Hoskins and his co-conspirators were successful in securing the Tarahan project and subsequently made payments to the consultants for the purpose of bribing the Indonesian officials.

The FBI’s Washington Field Office is investigating the case with assistance from the FBI’s Meriden, Connecticut, Resident Agency.  The Department appreciates the significant cooperation provided by its law enforcement colleagues in Indonesia, Switzerland's Office of the Attorney General and the United Kingdom, as well as authorities in France, Germany, Italy, Singapore and Taiwan.

Senior Deputy Chief Daniel S. Kahn and Assistant Chief Lorinda Laryea of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Novick of the District of Connecticut are prosecuting the case.

The Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting all FCPA matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/foreign-corrupt-practices-act.

A former senior executive with Alstom S.A. (Alstom), a French power and transportation company, was found guilty today for his role in a multi-year, multimillion-dollar foreign bribery scheme and a related money laundering scheme.

Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney John H. Durham of the District of Connecticut and Assistant Director in Charge Paul D. Delacout of the FBI’s Los Angeles Office made the announcement.

After a two-week trial, Lawrence Hoskins, 69, of the United Kingdom, was convicted of six counts of violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), three counts of money laundering and two counts of conspiracy.  Sentencing has been scheduled for Jan. 31, 2020, before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton of the District of Connecticut.

According to the evidence presented at trial, Hoskins was a senior vice president for Alstom’s International Network, who engaged in a conspiracy to pay bribes to officials in Indonesia – including a high-ranking member of the Indonesian Parliament and the President of Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), the state-owned and state-controlled electricity company in Indonesia – in exchange for assistance in securing a $118 million contract, known as the Tarahan project, for Alstom Power Inc. of Connecticut and its consortium partner, Marubeni Corporation, to provide power-related services for the citizens of Indonesia.  To conceal the bribes, Hoskins and his co-conspirators retained two consultants purportedly to provide legitimate consulting services on behalf of Alstom Power Inc., in connection with the Tarahan project.  The primary purpose of hiring the consultants was to conceal the bribes to Indonesian officials, the evidence showed.

The first consultant retained by Hoskins and other members of the conspiracy received hundreds of thousands of dollars in his Maryland bank account to be used to bribe the member of Parliament, the evidence showed.  The consultant then transferred the bribe money to a bank account in Indonesia for the benefit of the official.  According to emails admitted at trial, Hoskins and other co-conspirators discussed in detail the use of the first consultant to funnel bribes to the member of Parliament and the influence that the member of Parliament could exert over the Tarahan project, including referring to him as a “cashier.”

The trial evidence further showed that, in the fall of 2003, Hoskins and his co-conspirators determined that the first consultant was not effectively bribing key officials at PLN, who expressed concerns that the first consultant was just going to give them “pocket money” and “disappear” after Alstom Power Inc. won the project.  As a result, the co-conspirators retained a second consultant to more effectively bribe PLN officials.  Evidence revealed that Hoskins and his co-conspirators pressed Alstom Power Inc. to front-load the second consultant’s terms of payment in order to “get the right influence” due to upcoming elections.  Hoskins and his co-conspirators were successful in securing the Tarahan project and subsequently made payments to the consultants for the purpose of bribing the Indonesian officials.

The FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office is investigating the case with assistance from the FBI’s Meriden, Connecticut, Resident Agency.  The Department appreciates the significant cooperation provided by its law enforcement colleagues in Indonesia, Switzerland's Office of the Attorney General and the United Kingdom, as well as authorities in France, Germany, Italy, Singapore and Taiwan.

Senior Deputy Chief Daniel S. Kahn and Assistant Chief Lorinda Laryea of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Novick of the District of Connecticut are prosecuting the case.

The Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting all FCPA matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/foreign-corrupt-practices-act.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that Dr. SHEIKH AHMED, 56, of Orange, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to offenses related to his illegal prescribing of oxycodone, and his failure to pay federal withholding taxes.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Ahmed is a pediatrician who operated a medical practice, under the name East Hartford Medical Center, at 580 Burnside Avenue in East Hartford.  Despite being a pediatrician, Ahmed’s practice did not only focus on children.  Between December 2017 and May 2018, Ahmed prescribed controlled substances, including Oxycodone, to two individuals outside the scope of professional medical practice.  The individuals paid Ahmed $500 to issue prescriptions for 30-day supplies of Oxycodone, and Ahmed agreed to increase the patients’ dosage in the future, without discussion as to the medical justification for the increase.  Ahmed counseled the patients about the need to increase dosages gradually to avoid scrutiny from pharmacies regarding the prescribed medications.  Ahmed also had the patients bypass normal financial intake procedures and took cash payments directly from the patients.  Ahmed failed to perform sufficient examinations to assess the patients’ pain levels prior to issuing the prescriptions.

The investigation also revealed that Ahmed failed to pay over to the Internal Revenue Service $117,893 in employee withholding taxes from five of his businesses, including East Hartford Medical Center, between 2013 and 2016.

Ahmed pleaded guilty to one count of prescribing outside the scope of medical practice, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of willful failure to pay withholding taxes, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.

Ahmed was arrested on a criminal complaint on November 28, 2018.  He is released on a $200,000 bond pending sentencing.

This investigation is being conducted by the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The DEA Task Force includes officers from the Bristol, Milford, Monroe, New Haven, Shelton, Wallingford and Wilton Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Christopher W. Schmeisser.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that DESNY SOSA-HERNANDEZ, 40, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty yesterday in Bridgeport federal court to a federal cocaine trafficking offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2019, law enforcement arranged two controlled purchases of cocaine in Bridgeport from Sosa-Hernandez and his co-conspirator, Edgard Martinez.

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

Sosa-Hernandez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill on January 29, 2020.

Sosa-Hernandez is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.

On September 3, 2019, Martinez, 39, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.  Martinez, who is detained, is scheduled to be sentenced on January 20, 2020.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that THOMAS POPILLO, 62, of Newington, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to two years of probation, the first six months of which Popillo must serve in home confinement, for embezzling from the Communications Workers of America Local 81266.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2003 through 2017, Popillo served as the president of the Communications Workers of America Local 81266 (“CWA 81266”).  He also served as the secretary-treasurer of CWA 81266 from approximately 2003 until 2015.  During his tenure as a CWA 81266 officer, Popillo embezzled approximately $37,568.68 of labor union funds by receiving unauthorized checks from CWA 81266’s bank account, and by making unauthorized purchases with CWA 81266’s debit card.

Judge Bolden ordered Popillo to make full restitution.

On August 7, 2019, Popillo pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement and theft of labor union funds. 

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards.  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 MAHDI HENDERSON, 25, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possesses a loaded handgun. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 22, 2017, as part of an unrelated investigation, members of the New Haven and Hamden police departments executed a search warrant at a New Haven residence and encountered Henderson and three other individuals inside the residence.  During the search, law enforcement discovered a loaded .22 caliber Smith & Wesson handgun under the couch where Henderson had been sitting.  Subsequent forensic analysis of the handgun revealed Henderson’s DNA on the trigger of the gun.

Henderson’s criminal history includes felony convictions for assault in the first degree, possession of a pistol without a permit, and burglary in the second degree.

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

Henderson has been in state custody for a violation of probation since October 23, 2018.  On July 30, 2019, he pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, New Haven Police Department and Hamden Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that SHANNON WICKER, also known as “Bishop,” 33, of New Haven, was arrested yesterday on a federal criminal complaint charging him with narcotics and firearm offenses.

As alleged in the complaint, on October 16, 2019, law enforcement conducted a court-authorized search of a Chapel Street apartment and found a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol; additional rounds of .45 caliber ammunition; quantities of heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine and marijuana; items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, and other items.  Wicker, who was present during the search, was arrested on related state charges at that time.

It is alleged that Wicker’s criminal history includes multiple state felony convictions, including convictions for weapon in a motor vehicle, sale of illegal hallucinogens or narcotics, sale of a controlled substance, possession of narcotics, tampering with evidence, and failure to appear.

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

The complaint charges Wicker with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, a controlled substance; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.  If convicted of the charges, Wicker faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

Wicker is detained pending a bond hearing that is scheduled for November 14, 2019.

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

This matter is being investigated by the New Haven Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosive.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret M. Donovan.

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 JERROD STEELE, 31, of Ledyard, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing cocaine.

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 Steele received cocaine from a co-conspirator and then sold the drug to his own customers. 

On March 5, 2019, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Steele and 12 other individuals with narcotics trafficking offenses.  Steele has been detained since his arrest on April 25, 2019.  On July 31, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, cocaine.

Steele’s criminal history includes state convictions for attempted first degree assault, conspiracy to commit first degree robbery, burglary third degree, assault third degree, and running from police.

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. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and S. Dave Vatti.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MARILYN VEGA, 35, and BEKIM MUCA, 46, both of Waterbury, have pleaded to federal offenses stemming from an investigation of a drug overdose death in Plymouth.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 10, 2017, the Plymouth Police Department and emergency personnel responded to a residence after a 24-year-old male had suffered an apparent drug overdose.  Responders attempted lifesaving measures on the victim and transported him to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.  At the scene, officers found white powder, which was determined to be a synthetic fentanyl, on a nightstand in close proximity to the overdose victim.

The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner found that the victim’s death was caused by multiple synthetic fentanyls.

Investigators analyzed the victim’s cell phone and identified numerous text messages between the victim and Muca, and between the victim and Vega.  The investigation revealed that the victim first purchased purported oxycodone pills from Muca, and then purchased pills from Vega, who was Muca’s source of supply for pills.

The day before his death, the victim drove from Plymouth to Waterbury to purchase narcotics.  At least some of the pills the victim purchased were counterfeit and contained synthetic fentanyl.

Vega and Muca were arrested on March 11, 2019.  Vega pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, oxycodone.  Muca pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to the same offense.

At sentencing, Vega and Muca face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Plymouth, Milord and Southington Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BENJAMIN GREGOR, 34, of Uncasville, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 66 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a southeastern Connecticut drug trafficking ring.

This matter stems from an investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Taskforce East, Connecticut Department of Correction and the New London, Waterford, City of Groton and Stonington Police Departments, into the distribution of narcotics and illegal possession of firearms in southeastern Connecticut.  The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases and seizures of heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine, and firearms.

Gregor and 10 co-conspirators were arrested on February 21, 2019.  On that date, a search of Gregor’s residence revealed approximately 470 grams of cocaine.

On March 5, 2019, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Gregor and 23 other individuals with various offenses.

Gregor has been detained since his arrest.  On July 10, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine.

Gregor’s criminal history includes a prior federal narcotics conviction, and state convictions for domestic violence-related offenses.

This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Taskforce East, Connecticut Department of Correction and the New London, Waterford, City of Groton, Stonington, Norwich, Old Saybrook and UConn Police Departments.  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 TYLON CEASAR, 19, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of distribution of heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on five occasions in November and December 2018, law enforcement made five controlled purchases of heroin and crack cocaine from Ceasar in the vicinity of his Putnam Street residence.  Some of the purchased heroin contained fentanyl.  In pleading guilty, Ceasar also admitted that he sold a firearm to a government witness in January 2019.

Ceasar was arrested on criminal complaint on January 17, 2019.  He has been detained since August 13, 2019.

Ceasar is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on March 11, 2020, at which time Ceasar faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

This matter was 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 case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALAA HASAN QALB ALLOUZ, 34, a citizen of Syria last residing in New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for stalking in violation of a protective order.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2016, Allouz, his wife and their children emigrated from Syria and settled in New Haven.  In April 2017, Allouz’s wife filed a petition for dissolution of marriage, after incidents of domestic violence and Allouz’s state arrests for risk of injury, assault, breach of peace, and violation of a protective order offenses.  In July 2017, Allouz’s wife obtained a Standing Criminal Protective Order ordering Allouz not to contact his wife.  In August 2017, after Allouz threatened his wife, Allouz’s wife withdrew her petition for dissolution of marriage.

On February 2, 2018, Allouz was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on a federal arrest warrant and order of deportation, and he was transferred from a Connecticut state prison to a detention center in Massachusetts.  While he was detained in ICE custody, Allouz made multiple phone calls to his wife during which he repeatedly harassed, threatened and intimidated her.  He also made calls to other individuals during which he threatened to harm his wife and her family members. Allouz also threatened his wife and her family members in letters and e-mails.

Allouz has been detained, first in state and then federal custody, since January 10, 2017.  On February 5, 2019, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging him with one count of stalking in violation of a protective order.  He pleaded guilty to the offense on May 15, 2019.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HENRY FELLELA, JR., 61, of Johnston, Rhode Island, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to credit card fraud and identity theft offenses.

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

Fellela pleaded guilty to one count of access device fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory term of imprisonment of two years.  Fellela also faces additional penalties for violating the conditions of his supervised release.   Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for February 13, 2020.

Fellela has been detained since his arrest on March 8, 2019.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Donovan and Sarala Nagala.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TREMAINE DOWDELL, 26, of Norwich, was arrested today on an indictment charging him with a federal firearm offense related to his alleged participation in an assault and shooting in New London in September.

On October 3, 2019, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Dowdell with one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.

According to the indictment and statements made in court during Dowdell’s initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven, video surveillance from the H&T Mart on Ocean Avenue in New London on September 14, 2019, shows four individuals assaulting a customer as the customer left the store.  Video captured Dowdell removing a gun from his pants and firing a single shot toward the victim of the assault.  When police arrived a short time later, officers found a .40 caliber cartridge casing at the location where Dowdell fired the gun.

It is alleged that Dowdell has prior state felony convictions for larceny, burglary and failure to appear 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.

If convicted of the offense charged in the indictment, Dowdell faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Dowdell is currently detained.

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

This matter is being investigated by the New London Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Norwich Police Department and Connecticut State Parole.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Paul Narducci of the New London State’s Attorney Office.

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced today that it has reached a settlement with the Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport, Connecticut (HACB), doing business as Park City Communities, to resolve allegations that the housing authority discriminated against persons with disabilities in violation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Fair Housing Act. 

The Consent Order, filed today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut, requires HACB to institute broad reforms to safeguard the rights of individuals with disabilities, including revising its policies and processes for handling reasonable accommodation requests and developing an inventory of accessible units for tenants with mobility, vision, and hearing-related disabilities. The settlement also requires HACB to pay $1,500,000 to those hurt by its discriminatory practices and a $25,000 civil penalty to the United States.

“This settlement will ensure that tenants with disabilities have the same opportunity to use and enjoy their homes as everyone else,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “Individuals who seek reasonable accommodations from the Housing Authority of Bridgeport will now have access to a process that is easier to navigate, provides timely responses, and includes all of the protections afforded by federal civil rights laws. In addition, by bringing its housing inventory into compliance with accessibility requirements for tenants with mobility, vision, and hearing-related impairments, the Housing Authority will be better able to meet the needs of its residents and community.”

“Our public housing authorities should be in the business of making life easier for people with disabilities, not harder,” said U.S. Attorney John H. Durham of the District of Connecticut. “We are pleased with this settlement and consent order, and we remain committed to pursuing violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Fair Housing Act in Connecticut.”

HACB owns and manages more than 2,500 units of public housing and administers more than 2,800 vouchers under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD’s) Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. The lawsuit arose from a compliance review initiated by HUD. After issuing a determination of noncompliance and attempting resolution, HUD referred the case to the Justice Department.

The complaint, filed on Nov. 15, 2017, alleged that HACB failed to properly process, decide, and fulfill requests for reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities. Federal law requires HACB to provide reasonable accommodations, such as physical modifications to public housing units, changes to program rules, or transfers to appropriate housing, when requested to meet a tenant or applicant’s disability-related needs. The complaint also alleged that HACB failed to provide a sufficient number of public housing units that are accessible to tenants with mobility, vision, or hearing-related disabilities.

Individuals who may have been victims of discrimination by HACB or who have information relevant to this case are encouraged to contact the Civil Rights Division at 1-800-896-7743 (for English, press 1, then mailbox 992; for Spanish, press 2, then mailbox 2) or by email at Community.Bridgeport@usdoj.gov. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the civil rights laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.

The Justice Department announced today that it has reached a settlement with the Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport, Connecticut (HACB), doing business as Park City Communities, to resolve allegations that the housing authority discriminated against persons with disabilities in violation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Fair Housing Act. 

The Consent Order, filed today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut, requires HACB to institute broad reforms to safeguard the rights of individuals with disabilities, including revising its policies and processes for handling reasonable accommodation requests and developing an inventory of accessible units for tenants with mobility, vision, and hearing-related disabilities. The settlement also requires HACB to pay $1,500,000 to those hurt by its discriminatory practices and a $25,000 civil penalty to the United States.

“This settlement will ensure that tenants with disabilities have the same opportunity to use and enjoy their homes as everyone else,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “Individuals who seek reasonable accommodations from the Housing Authority of Bridgeport will now have access to a process that is easier to navigate, provides timely responses, and includes all of the protections afforded by federal civil rights laws. In addition, by bringing its housing inventory into compliance with accessibility requirements for tenants with mobility, vision, and hearing-related impairments, the Housing Authority will be better able to meet the needs of its residents and community.”

“Our public housing authorities should be in the business of making life easier for people with disabilities, not harder,” said U.S. Attorney John H. Durham of the District of Connecticut.  “We are pleased with this settlement and consent order, and we remain committed to pursuing violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Fair Housing Act in Connecticut.”

HACB owns and manages more than 2,500 units of public housing and administers more than 2,800 vouchers under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD’s) Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. The lawsuit arose from a compliance review initiated by HUD. After issuing a determination of noncompliance and attempting resolution, HUD referred the case to the Justice Department.

The complaint, filed on Nov. 15, 2017, alleged that HACB failed to properly process, decide, and fulfill requests for reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities. Federal law requires HACB to provide reasonable accommodations, such as physical modifications to public housing units, changes to program rules, or transfers to appropriate housing, when requested to meet a tenant or applicant’s disability-related needs. The complaint also alleged that HACB failed to provide a sufficient number of public housing units that are accessible to tenants with mobility, vision, or hearing-related disabilities.

Individuals who may have been victims of discrimination by HACB or who have information relevant to this case are encouraged to contact the Civil Rights Division at 1-800-896-7743 (for English, press 1, then mailbox 992; for Spanish, press 2, then mailbox 2) or by email at Community.Bridgeport@usdoj.gov. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the civil rights laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CLIFFORD BRODIE, also known as “Cliff G,” 23, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 168 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a violent street gang.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2016, the New Haven Police Department’s Shooting Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating numerous unsolved shootings that had occurred in New Haven and Hamden.  Ballistic examination of recovered cartridge cases determined that three firearms were used in 18 shootings committed in or around New Haven in 2016.  The investigation revealed that the firearms were possessed by members and associates of the Goodrich Street Boys (“GSB”), a New Haven street gang, and that GSB members also were involved in a number of other shootings in 2016, many of them retaliatory against rival gang members.

On August 3, 2017, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 13-count indictment charging Brodie and five other GSB members with racketeering, attempted murder, firearm and narcotics trafficking offenses.  The indictment alleged that, between September 2015 and May 2016, GSB members and associates were involved in six gang-related shootings that caused injuries to five individuals.

Brodie previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity and one count of brandishing of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.   In pleading guilty, Brodie admitted that he and other GSB members conspired to kill an individual who they believed had been disrespectful to a GSB member.  On May 27, 2016, Brodie and other GSB members ambushed the individual and his friend as the pair were walking on a busy street in New Haven.  The individual, who survived the attack, identified Brodie’s brother, Milton Westley, as an assailant.  Westley first shot the victim in the stomach.  After the victim collapsed to the ground, Westley stood over him and shot him in the head.  Another GSB member shot the second victim in the hand as he attempted to shield his face.  Brodie chased the second victim with his car in an attempt to drive over him and kill him.

The victim who was shot in the stomach and head continues to recover from his injuries.  He was in a coma for several weeks and had to learn to walk and talk again.  This victim had been shot at by GSB members twice prior to May 27, 2016.

Brodie also has admitted that was involved in the shootings of rival gang members in January and April 2016.

GSB members also shot at rival gang members on February 6, 2016, in a densely populated residential area; March 13, 2016, during a heavily attended St. Patrick’s Day parade in downtown New Haven; and July 21, 2016, during which an innocent bystander was shot in the chest through her bedroom window.

GSB members also used social media to post pictures and videos of themselves with firearms, and used social media to threaten rivals, including individuals who might cooperate with law enforcement.

The investigation further revealed that Brodie and other GSB members were involved in the acquisition and distribution of heroin, cocaine and marijuana. 

Brodie has been detained since his arrest on August 9, 2017.

Brodie is the fourth GSB member to be sentenced.  On October 24, 2019, Michael Via, also known as “Mike Live,” was sentenced to 78 months in prison.  On October 30, 2019, Michael Belle, also known as “MB,” was sentenced to 87 months in prison.  On October 31, 2019, Milton Westley, also known as “Reese,” was sentenced to 156 months in prison.  Two other GSB members have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

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

U.S. Attorney Durham further noted that federal law prohibits any retaliation against a federal witness.  If persons retaliate against a federal witness “because of attendance at or testimony in a criminal case, the maximum term of imprisonment which may be imposed for the offense under this section shall be the higher of that otherwise provided by law or the maximum term that could have been imposed for any offense charged in that case.”  Because the maximum term charged in the case was life imprisonment, anyone who tampers with a federal witness in this case faces life imprisonment.

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

This investigation is being conducted by ATF and the New Haven Police Department.  The FBI, Hamden Police Department and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office have provided critical assistance in the investigation.

An instrumental component of this investigation has been the work of the Connecticut State Crime Laboratory in utilizing the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to analyze ballistics evidence.

This matter is being prosecuted in the District of Connecticut by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter D. Markle, Rahul Kale and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MILTON WESTLEY, also known as “Reese,” 21, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 156 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a violent street gang.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2016, the New Haven Police Department’s Shooting Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating numerous unsolved shootings that had occurred in New Haven and Hamden.  Ballistic examination of recovered cartridge cases determined that three firearms were used in 18 shootings committed in or around New Haven in 2016.  The investigation revealed that the firearms were possessed by members and associates of the Goodrich Street Boys (“GSB”), a New Haven street gang, and that GSB members also were involved in a number of other shootings in 2016, many of them retaliatory against rival gang members.

On August 3, 2017, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 13-count indictment charging Westley and five other GSB members with racketeering, attempted murder, firearm and narcotics trafficking offenses.  The indictment alleged that, between September 2015 and May 2016, GSB members and associates were involved in six gang-related shootings that caused injuries to five individuals.

Westley previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity and admitted that he and other GSB members conspired to kill an individual who they believed had been disrespectful to a GSB member.  On May 27, 2016, GSB members ambushed the individual and his friend as the pair were walking on a busy street in New Haven.  The individual, who survived the attack, identified Westley as an assailant.  Westley first shot the victim in the stomach.  After the victim collapsed to the ground, Westley stood over him and shot him in the head.  Another GSB member shot the second victim in the hand as he attempted to shield his face.

The victim who was shot in the stomach and head continues to recover from his injuries.  He was in a coma for several weeks and had to learn to walk and talk again.

This victim had been shot at by GSB members twice prior to May 27, 2016.

Another shooting incident occurred after GSB members believed that an individual had disrespected them over social media and GSB members sought to retaliate.  In the early morning hours of January 23, 2016, GSB members fired multiple shots into the individual’s house in New Haven.  Westley used his cell phone to record himself at the scene while shots were being fired and sent the video to other GSB members.

GSB members also shot at rival gang members on February 6, 2016, in a densely populated residential area; March 13, 2016, during a heavily attended St. Patrick’s Day parade in downtown New Haven; and July 21, 2016, during which an innocent bystander was shot in the chest through her bedroom window.

GSB members also used social media to post pictures and videos of themselves with firearms, and used social media to threaten rivals, including individuals who might cooperate with law enforcement.

The investigation further revealed that Westley and other GSB members were involved in the acquisition and distribution of heroin, cocaine and marijuana. 

Westley has been detained since his arrest on August 9, 2017.

U.S. Attorney Durham noted that federal law prohibits any retaliation against a federal witness.  If persons retaliate against a federal witness “because of attendance at or testimony in a criminal case, the maximum term of imprisonment which may be imposed for the offense under this section shall be the higher of that otherwise provided by law or the maximum term that could have been imposed for any offense charged in that case.”  Because the maximum term charged in the case was life imprisonment, anyone who tampers with a federal witness in this case faces life imprisonment.

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

This investigation is being conducted by ATF and the New Haven Police Department.  The FBI, Hamden Police Department and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office have provided critical assistance in the investigation.

An instrumental component of this investigation has been the work of the Connecticut State Crime Laboratory in utilizing the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to analyze ballistics evidence.

This matter is being prosecuted in the District of Connecticut by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale, Peter D. Markle and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MICHAEL BELLE, also known as “MB,” 21, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 87 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a violent street gang.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2016, the New Haven Police Department’s Shooting Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating numerous unsolved shootings that had occurred in New Haven and Hamden.  Ballistic examination of recovered cartridge cases determined that three firearms were used in 18 shootings committed in or around New Haven in 2016.  The investigation revealed that the firearms were possessed by members and associates of the Goodrich Street Boys (“GSB”), a New Haven street gang, and that GSB members also were involved in a number of other shootings in 2016, many of them retaliatory against rival gang members.

On August 3, 2017, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 13-count indictment charging Belle and five other GSB members with racketeering, attempted murder, firearm and narcotics trafficking offenses.  The indictment alleged that, between September 2015 and May 2016, GSB members and associates were involved in six gang-related shootings that caused injuries to five individuals.

Belle previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity and admitted that he and other GSB members conspired to kill an individual who they believed had been disrespectful to a GSB member.  On May 27, 2016, GSB members ambushed the individual and his friend as the pair were walking on a busy street in New Haven.  The individual, who survived the attack, identified GSB member Milton Westley as an assailant.  Westley, also known as “Reese,” shot the victim in the stomach.  After the victim collapsed to the ground, Westley stood over him and shot him in the head.  Another GSB member shot the second victim in the hand as he attempted to shield his face.

The victim who was shot in the stomach and head continues to recover from his injuries.  He was in coma for several weeks and had to learn to walk and talk again.

This victim had been shot at by GSB members twice prior to May 27, 2016, including once by Belle in January 2016.

Belle was also present at the attempted murder of a rival gang member on January 23, 2016.   On that date, a GSB member recorded cell phone video of nine shots being fired at the rival gang member’s house.

GSB members also shot at rival gang members on February 6, 2016, in a densely populated residential area; March 13, 2016, during a heavily attended St. Patrick’s Day parade in downtown New Haven; and June 21, 2016, during which an innocent bystander was shot in the stomach through her bedroom window.

GSB members also used social media to post pictures and videos of themselves with firearms, and used social media to threaten rivals, including individuals who might cooperate with law enforcement.

The investigation further revealed that Belle and other GSB members were involved in the acquisition and distribution of heroin, cocaine and marijuana. 

Belle has been detained since his arrest on August 9, 2017.

Westley and the four other defendants pleaded guilty to various charges.  Westley awaits sentencing.

U.S. Attorney Durham noted that federal law prohibits any retaliation against a federal witness.  If persons retaliate against a federal witness “because of attendance at or testimony in a criminal case, the maximum term of imprisonment which may be imposed for the offense under this section shall be the higher of that otherwise provided by law or the maximum term that could have been imposed for any offense charged in that case.”  Because the maximum term charged in the case was life imprisonment, anyone who tampers with a federal witness in this case faces life imprisonment.

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

This investigation is being conducted by ATF and the New Haven Police Department.  The FBI, Hamden Police Department and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office have provided critical assistance in the investigation.

An instrumental component of this investigation has been the work of the Connecticut State Crime Laboratory in utilizing the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to analyze ballistics evidence.

This matter is being prosecuted in the District of Connecticut by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter D. Markle, Rahul Kale and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CRISPIN ABARIENTOS, M.D., 45, of Middletown, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for defrauding Connecticut’s Medicaid program. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, Abarientos owned and operated Middlesex Rheumatology in Middletown.  One of the medications that Abarientos prescribed to his Middlesex Rheumatology patients is Remicade, a prescription medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.  When treating Medicaid patients with Remicade, Abarientos was required to submit a claim to Connecticut Medicaid for Remicade on behalf of each member patient.  Medicaid then sent payment to Caremark Massachusetts Specialty Pharmacy in Massachusetts, which delivered the quantity of Remicade contained in the claim directly to Middlesex Rheumatology for the Medicaid patient without any out-of-pocket cost to Abarientos.

Between September 2013 and January 2018, Abarientos and his medical practice submitted to Medicaid false claims for the delivery to Middlesex Rheumatology of Remicade that Abarientos represented was to be provided to his Medicaid patients, when he knew that those Medicaid patients were not being treated with Remicade.  Through this scheme, Abarientos obtained approximately $894,789 of Remicade to which he was not entitled.  Abarientos then proceeded to infuse the fraudulently obtained Remicade into Medicare patients or patients with commercial insurers, and submitted claims to those insurers for reimbursement, which he was able to keep as profit for himself.

Abarientos subsequently attempted to hide the scheme from investigators by submitting false medical records to make it appear as if the patients he utilized to obtain the Remicade from Medicaid were being treated with the medication when they were not.

On June 26, 2019, Abarientos pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud.

Abarientos, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 8, 2020.

Abarientos has paid $894,789 in restitution.  He is also engaged in negotiations with the federal and state governments to resolve additional civil fraud allegations.

This matter is being investigated by Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and David J. Sheldon

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment today charging SHANNON CALHOUN, 47, of Bridgeport, with unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

As alleged in the indictment, on May 22, 2019, Calhoun possessed a .40 caliber handgun.  Prior to that date, Calhoun sustained state felony convictions for sale of narcotics, assault in the first degree, larceny in the second degree, weapon in a motor vehicle; burglary in the third degree, carrying a dangerous weapon, possession of narcotics, criminal possession of a weapon, and failure to appear.

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

If convicted of the charge in the indictment, Calhoun faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Calhoun has been detained since his arrest by the Bridgeport Police Department on May 22, 2019.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Bridgeport Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.

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 MIGUEL TORRES, 39, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between February and May 2018, the Naugatuck Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a series of controlled purchases of crack from Torres.  Torres was arrested on a state warrant on May 8, 2018.  On that date, a court-authorized search of his residence revealed approximately 47 grams of crack, other controlled substances, a digital scale that contained drug residue, and $5,746 in cash.

Torres has been detained since his arrest.  On April 25, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force with the assistance of the Naugatuck Police Department.  The Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby and Middletown Police Departments, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc H. Silverman.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PAUL GILENO, 47, of Brewster, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for embezzling approximately $1.5 million from a Connecticut nonprofit organization, and for failing to pay federal income taxes.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Gileno was the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the United States Pain Foundation, a Middletown-based nonprofit organization designed to find support and resources for individuals with pain issues.  Between approximately 2015 and 2017, Gileno embezzled more than $1.5 million from the foundation.  He also failed to pay more than $532,943 in federal income taxes on the embezzled income, and other income, for the 2015 through 2017 tax years.

Gileno is required to pay full restitution to both the United States Pain Foundation and the Internal Revenue Service, as well as tax penalties and interest.

On June 17, 2019, Gileno pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of tax evasion. 

Gileno, who is released on bond, was ordered to report to prison on January 6, 2020.

This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Waterbury Police Chief Fernando C. Spagnolo today announced that 15 individuals have been charged with federal narcotics offenses related to the distribution of heroin and fentanyl in and around Waterbury.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, the arrests stem a joint investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department.  The investigation, which has included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Nestor Sosa-Ortiz has operated a Waterbury-based drug trafficking organization that received large quantities of heroin and fentanyl from suppliers in Connecticut and New York and distributed the narcotics throughout New Haven County.  After Nestor Sosa-Ortiz was arrested in New York City on a separate federal heroin and fentanyl trafficking charge in May 2019, he continued to control his drug network while incarcerated by using smuggled cell phones to communicate with various co-conspirators, including his sisters, Isamelis Sosa-Ortiz and Imirici Sosa-Ortiz, in Waterbury.

The following individuals have been charged by federal criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, heroin and fentanyl:

NESTOR SOSA-ORTIZ, 35, of Waterbury
ISAMELIS MARIAN SOSA-ORTIZ, a.k.a. “Marian,” 29, of Waterbury
IMIRICI SOSA-ORTIZ, a.k.a. “Mimi,” 31, of Waterbury
ELIAS SANCHEZ-MARTINEZ, 27, of Waterbury
FRANCIS AYBAR-PEGUERO, a.k.a. “Grena,” 27, of Waterbury
ERICA ORAMA, a.k.a. “Wifey,” 39, of Waterbury
RONEY SOSA, 23, of Waterbury
IVANNY ANTONIO FRANCISCO-ESTRELLA, 34, of Waterbury
BRAYAN GONZALEZ, 35, of Waterbury
JEFFREY TAVAREZ, 21, of Waterbury
ORLANDO MARTINEZ, a.k.a. “Bolo,” 51, of Watertown
JUAN CARLOS CASTELLANO, 41, of Bridgeport
ERIK RAFAEL POLANCO, a.k.a. “Chino,” 23, of Waterbury
DARRY JOSE GUERRERO, a.k.a. “Domi,” 27, of Waterbury
JEISSON AMARANTE-PEREZ, a.k.a. “Smart Yeii,” 25, of Waterbury

Thirteen defendants were arrested today, and one defendant, Jeisson Amarante-Perez, is currently being sought.  Nestor Sosa-Ortiz has been detained in federal custody since May 18, 2019.

In association with today’s arrests, law enforcement officers executed five search warrants at locations in Waterbury, including an apartment at 330 Bishop Street and the Corner Mini Market at 52 East Farm Street, and seized approximately six kilograms of suspected heroin/fentanyl, approximately 100,000 bags of suspected heroin/fentanyl packaged for street distribution, approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills disguised as Percocet pills, one firearm and approximately $50,000 in cash.

“Heroin and fentanyl continue to destroy too many lives in our state, and we are committed to using federal law enforcement resources to prosecute those responsible for distributing these deadly drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.  “This investigation has closed the door on one drug trafficking network, but we know our work is not done, in Waterbury and throughout Connecticut.  We thank the members of the DEA Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department for their great work.  Every time a heroin dealer is arrested, we believe that lives are saved.”

“DEA is committed to investigating and dismantling large scale Drug Trafficking Organizations like this one operating in the greater Waterbury area,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Boyle.  “DEA and Waterbury Police will continue to aggressively pursue those responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl and heroin to the citizens of Connecticut and hold them accountable for their actions.”

“In recent years, the flow of opioids in Waterbury has had a devastating impact on our community as a whole,” said Chief Spagnolo.  “We are grateful for the support from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and for our partnership with the DEA.  We will continue to work side by side with these agencies to combat the opioid trade in Waterbury.”

The 13 individuals who were arrested today appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven.

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

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

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis, Lauren C. Clark, H. Gordon Hall, Peter D. Markle and Anthony E. Kaplan.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GELIN STERLING, 31, of Berlin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 15 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for preparing false tax returns.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Sterling owned and operated Sterling Tax Plus, LLC, a tax preparation business.  For the 2014 through 2017 tax years, Sterling prepared tax returns for numerous clients that included false mileage expenses, false charitable donations, and other false income items.

Judge Dooley ordered Sterling to pay restitution of $250,000 to the IRS.  As a result of his fraudulent conduct, many of his clients’ filed tax returns will need to be amended.  The amount of Sterling’s restitution may be reduced as his clients resolve their own tax liability with the IRS.

On May 2, 2019, Sterling pleaded guilty to one count of aiding in the preparation of false tax returns.  Sterling, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on December 30.

Sterling is a citizen of Haiti and faces immigration proceedings when he is released from prison.

This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services.   The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer R. Laraia.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRIAN K. BACKMAN, also known as “B,” “NYB” and “New York B,” 54, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to a heroin trafficking offense.

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

During the investigation, Backman was identified as a supplier of heroin to members of the New Haven drug trafficking organization.  Backman was intercepted over multiple wiretaps discussing the acquisition of heroin from a supplier in New York for redistribution in and around New Haven.  On June 16, 2019, Backman sent a courier to pick up approximately 10,000 bags of heroin from a New York supplier.  The courier and another co-conspirator were arrested after the courier arrived with the drugs at a Hamden parking lot.

On July 9, 2019, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 15-count indictment charging Backman and 24 other individuals with various offenses.  Backman has been detained since his arrest on July 10, 2019.

Backman pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on January 13, 2020, in Hartford.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that SCOTT DAVID COHEN, 39, of Stratford, was arrested today and charged by federal criminal complaint with multiple child sexual exploitation offenses.

As alleged in the criminal complaint, earlier this month, Cohen, using the username “drpinstripe13,” began communicating on Instagram with an individual whom he believed was a 15-year-old girl.  In numerous chat conversations, Cohen expressed in graphic detail his desire to engage in sexual activity with the “minor.”  Cohen described a variety of sexual activities he wanted to have with the minor and sent her sexually explicit images of himself.

The complaint further alleges that the minor told Cohen that she lived out of state and had plans to travel to New York to visit a relative.  Cohen, who is a dentist with a practice in Trumbull, expressed a willingness to reschedule patients at his dental practice in order to meet the girl.

Cohen was arrested this afternoon after he traveled to the Stratford train station to meet the “girl.”

Following his arrest, Cohen appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport and was ordered detained pending a detention hearing that is not yet scheduled,

The complaint charges Cohen with enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, transfer of obscene material to minors, and sexual exploitation of children.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SALVATORE PERRY, 45, of Shelton, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, oxycodone.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between September 2017 and November 2018, law enforcement made five controlled purchases of 30mg oxycodone pills from Perry.  Perry sold between 30 and 60 pills each transaction.  Perry had obtained the pills from at least two other individuals who had prescriptions for the drugs.

Perry was arrested on December 4, 2018.  On that date, investigators searched his residence and seized oxycodone pills, along with Perry’s cell phone, which contained evidence of the drug sales.

Judge Bolden scheduled sentencing for January 22, 2020, at which time Perry faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Perry is released on a $250,000 bond pending sentencing.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL VIA, also known as “Mike Live,” 22, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a violent street gang.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2016, the New Haven Police Department’s Shooting Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating numerous unsolved shootings that had occurred in New Haven and Hamden.  Ballistic examination of recovered cartridge cases determined that three firearms were used in 18 shootings committed in or around New Haven in 2016.  The investigation revealed that the firearms were possessed by members and associates of the Goodrich Street Boys (“GSB”), a New Haven street gang, and that GSB members also were involved in a number of other shootings in 2016, many of them retaliatory against rival gang members.

On August 3, 2017, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 13-count indictment charging Via and five other GSB members with racketeering, attempted murder, firearm and narcotics trafficking offenses.  The indictment alleged that, between September 2015 and May 2016, GSB members and associates were involved in six gang-related shootings that caused injuries to five individuals.

Via previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity and admitted that he and other GSB members conspired to kill an individual who they believed had been disrespectful to a GSB member.  On May 27, 2016, GSB members ambushed the individual and his friend as the pair were walking on a busy street in New Haven.  The individual, who survived the attack, identified GSB member Milton Westley as an assailant.  Westley, also known as “Reese,” shot the victim in the stomach.  After the victim collapsed to the ground, Westley stood over him and shot him in the head.  Another GSB member shot the second victim in the hand as he attempted to shield his face.

The victim who was shot in the stomach and head continues to recover from his injuries.  He was in coma for several weeks and had to learn to walk and talk again.

This victim had been shot at by GSB members twice prior to May 27, 2016.

GSB members also shot at rival gang members on February 6, 2016, in a densely populated residential area; March 13, 2016, during a heavily attended St. Patrick’s Day parade in downtown New Haven; and June 21, 2016, during which an innocent bystander was shot in the stomach through her bedroom window.

The investigation further revealed that Via regularly distributed marijuana.  Via and other GSB members also used social media to post pictures and videos of themselves with firearms.  Via also used social media to threaten rivals, including individuals who might cooperate with law enforcement.

Via has been detained since his arrest on August 9, 2017.  On July 31, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity.

Westley and the four other defendants also have pleaded guilty to various charges and are detained while awaiting sentencing.

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

This investigation is being conducted by ATF and the New Haven Police Department.  The FBI, Hamden Police Department and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office have provided critical assistance in the investigation.

An instrumental component of this investigation has been the work of the Connecticut State Crime Laboratory in utilizing the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to analyze ballistics evidence.

This matter is being prosecuted in the District of Connecticut by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter D. Markle, Rahul Kale and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYSHAWN COLEMAN, 30, of Hartford pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning hours of August 5, 2017, Hartford Police stopped a car after a witness had reported that the car was involved in a fatal shooting on Edgewood Street less than 30 minutes earlier.  Coleman was sitting in the front passenger seat.  An officer conducted a pat-down of Coleman and retrieved two clear zip-lock bags from his pocket.  One of the bags contained marijuana, and the other contained a .45 caliber bullet. 

Prior to August 2017, Coleman had sustained two felony convictions for conspiracy to commit murder, three felony convictions for accessory to first-degree assault, one felony conviction for first degree assault, and one felony conviction for sale of a controlled substance.

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

Coleman has been detained since his arrest.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on January 16, 2020, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

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 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 LYDIA CABRERA, 36, of Southington, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of bank fraud related to an embezzlement scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately August 2016 to August 2018, Cabrera was employed by A2Z Home Medical Supplies (“A2Z”) as a bookkeeper.  As part of her job responsibilities, Cabrera was given access to A2Z’s online merchant payment system.  Approximately 10 days after being hired by A2Z, Cabrera began to use A2Z’s online merchant payment system to steal from the company by falsely representing that customers of A2Z had sought a return of their funds.  On more than 200 occasions, Cabrera input her personal debit card information as the card to which the funds should be returned.  Through this scheme, Cabrera embezzled approximately $370,000.

Cabrera was arrested on March 1.

Judge Meyer scheduled for sentencing for February 11, 2020, at which time Cabrera faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.

Following today’s court proceeding, Cabrera, who had been detained since her arrest, was released on bond pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID RODRIGUEZ, 25, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base (“crack”).

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 9, 2018, Hartford Police arrested Rodriguez on Goshen Street after they found him in possession of 50 wax sleeves containing fentanyl and approximately two grams of crack cocaine.

At sentencing, which is not scheduled, Rodriguez faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Rodriguez, who had been detained since his arrest, was released pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Leonard C. Boyle and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ERIC TINGLEY, 43, formerly of Lebanon, Connecticut, and currently residing in Hopkinton, Rhode Island, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to an offense stemming from his use of forged prescriptions to acquire thousands of oxycodone and alprazolam tablets from the Connecticut pharmacy where he was employed.

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

Tingley was arrested on June 27, 2018.

Tingley pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute oxycodone and alprazolam, 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 9, 2020.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PATRICK NDAYA KATAMBWA, also known as KASEBA KATAMBWA, 50, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to approximately nine months of imprisonment, time already served, for making a false statement in an immigration document.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Katambwa was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (“DRC”).  Between approximately 1996 and November 2017, Katambwa resided in the United Kingdom under the assumed identity of Kaseba Katambwa.  While in the U.K. using his assumed identity, Katambwa was arrested, prosecuted, convicted and incarcerated for rape, entering into an arrangement to facilitate the acquisition or use of criminal property, and dishonestly retaining a wrongful credit.

In April 2018, Katambwa stated in a U.S. asylum application that his name was “Patrick Ndaya Katambwa,” “Katambwa Patrick Ndaya,” and “Patrick Katambwa Ndaya;” that he had resided in the DRC from February 1969 to January 2018; and that he had been arrested, convicted and sentenced, or imprisoned solely in the DRC, and not in any country other than the U.S.

Katambwa, who most recently resided in Bridgeport, has been detained since his arrest on a federal criminal complaint on February 1, 2019.  He pleaded guilty on July 9.

Katambwa was released into the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.

This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS).  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.

U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs for its assistance in this matter.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUIS NIEVES-FELICIANO, 41, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to drug and firearm offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 4, 2019, agents with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (“DRS”) arrived at Broad Street Liquors, located at 1949 Broad Street in Hartford, to conduct a routine permit/cigarette inspection.  When they entered, Nieves-Feliciano, an employee of the store, was standing behind the counter.  Nieves-Feliciano immediately concealed items, struggled with DRS agents, and eventually fled the store.

The DRS agents then contacted Hartford Police and a court-authorized search of the store revealed a loaded Kel-Tec, Model P11, 9mm semiautomatic pistol, approximately 45 grams of cocaine packaged for distribution and a quantity of marijuana packaged for distribution, all of which was located on or behind the store’s counter.  A second 9mm pistol, a box of ammunition, approximately 112 grams of cocaine, approximately $13,000 in cash, and personal items and documents belonging to Nieves-Feliciano, were located in the basement of the store.

The search of the store also revealed several cigarette packs that had fraudulent tax stamps.

Nieves-Feliciano’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for narcotics, firearm, assault and robbery 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.

Nieves-Feliciano 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 firearms by a previously convicted felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.   Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for January 13, 2020.

Nieves-Feliciano has been detained since May 15, 2019, when he was arrested on a federal criminal complaint.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, which includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.  The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services provided valuable assistance to the investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTONIO JOHNSON, also known as “Unk,” 42, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and fentanyl in Hartford.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force launched an investigation into an organization that was selling large amounts of heroin, fentanyl and other narcotics in Hartford.  The investigation, which included approximately six months of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance, revealed that members of the organization supplied distribution quantities of narcotics to several Hartford-area drug dealers, and used multiple locations in Hartford to process, store and distribute narcotics.  Johnson assisted other members of the drug trafficking organization and also distributed narcotics to his own customers.

Johnson was intercepted during wiretapped conversations discussing the narcotics distribution enterprise, as well as illegal firearms activities.

Johnson and other members of the organization were arrested on July 19, 2018.  On that date, investigators executed 10 search warrants and seized approximately 2.7 kilograms of fentanyl, one kilogram of heroin, approximately 500 grams of crack cocaine, 100 grams of cocaine, eight firearms, cash, and other evidence of narcotics trafficking activity.

On August 2, 2018, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Johnson and 15 co-defendants with various offenses.

On May 10, 2019, Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and a quantity of cocaine base (“crack”).

Johnson has been detained since his arrest.

Johnson has 28 prior convictions, including multiple felony convictions.  In April 2004, he was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 27 months of imprisonment for passing more than $41,000 in counterfeit checks.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CARLITOS MOLINA, also known as “Carlos,” 48, of Lexington, South Carolina, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release for trafficking heroin and cocaine into Connecticut.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2018, the Drug Enforcement Administration learned that Molina was transporting kilogram-quantities of heroin and cocaine to Connecticut from his home in South Carolina.  He and his nephew, Efrain Molina, then sold the drugs in and around Bridgeport.  In January 2019, members of the DEA and Bridgeport Police Department arranged a controlled purchase of approximately one kilogram of cocaine and 400 grams of heroin from the Molinas in exchange for $53,000.  On January 17, 2019, Carlitos and Efrain Molina were arrested after they arrived at location in Bridgeport in possession of narcotics.

Carlitos Molina has been detained since his arrest.  On May 17, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, more than 100 grams of heroin and more than 500 grams of cocaine.

Carlitos Molina has an extensive criminal history and, at time of this offense, was on parole in the State of Georgia for trafficking methamphetamine.  He faces the remaining 10 years of a 20-year state sentence when he is released from federal custody.

Efrain Molina, also known as “Frankie,” pleaded guilty on October 8, 2019, and is awaiting sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bridgeport Police Department and Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria del Pilar Gonzalez

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ERIC WILLIAMS, 38, of Danbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to two years of probation for smuggling phones into the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury (FCI Danbury) where he was employed.  Judge Bolden ordered Williams to perform 100 hours of community service while on probation.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Williams worked in the Food Service Department at FCI Danbury.  On July 9, 2017, Williams attempted to smuggle four mobile phones and an electric beard trimmer into the prison by hiding the items in his hat as he entered the facility through the staff entrance.  When a corrections officer arrived at the staff entrance to screen Williams for admission into the facility, Williams abandoned the attempt and left his hat containing the contraband in the entrance area.  When a supervisory officer found the hat and asked Williams if it belonged to him, Williams denied that it was his hat.

Williams was arrested on July 20, 2018.  On July 1, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of providing contraband in prison.

This matter was investigated by the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with cooperation from the Federal Bureau of Prisons.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marc H. Silverman and Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, announced that JIVON JOHNSON, 32, of Snellville, Georgia, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking guns into Connecticut.  Judge Underhill also ordered Johnson to perform 300 hours of community service while on supervised release.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2018, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) learned that Johnson, who formerly resided in Bridgeport, was using the Snapchat app to advertise the sale of firearms that he had acquired in Georgia and would transport to Connecticut to sell.  Investigators subsequently viewed multiple images, or “Snaps,” from Johnson’s Snapchat account advertising the sale of numerous firearms and ammunition, include several high-powered firearms and extended magazines.  On September 22, 2018, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of a handgun and two magazines from Johnson in Bridgeport.

Johnson was arrested in Georgia on October 3, 2018.  After his arrest, Johnson admitted that he had traveled to Connecticut on seven occasions over approximately 18 months and sold at least 30 guns in Bridgeport during that time.

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

Johnson has been detained since his arrest.  On June 24, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

This matter was investigated by ATF and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Richards.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TALVIN HINTON, 43, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four 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 September 23, 2017, the Stratford Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a suspected overdose of a 25-year-old female at a Stratford home.  The victim was transported to the hospital where she was pronounced deceased.  At the scene, officers collected nine bags of suspected heroin and other evidence of drug use.

The State of Connecticut Chief Medical Examiner determined the victim’s cause of death to be intoxication of a combination of heroin, fentanyl and other substances.

The investigation revealed that Hinton was the source of the narcotics purchased by the victim shortly before she died.

Between January and March 2018, investigators made four controlled purchases of heroin from Hinton.  He was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on March 20, 2018.

On November 13, 2018, Hinton pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of heroin.  He has been detained since May 7, 2019, when his bond was revoked.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, which includes personnel from the DEA, Connecticut State Police and Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford, Bridgeport and Trumbull Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PENNI SHERMAN, also known as PENNI PARKER, 52, of Norwalk, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to fraud and tax offenses stemming from an embezzlement scheme.

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

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

Sherman pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of making and subscribing a false tax return, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years.  As part of her plea agreement, Sherman has agreed to make full restitution to victims and to the IRS.

When confronted about the embezzlement, Sherman returned $163,730 to one of her victims, from whom she had stolen more than $396,000.

Sherman is released pending sentencing, which is not yet scheduled.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILLIAM SCOTT, 40, of Springfield, Massachusetts, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 27 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a loaded firearm in Hartford.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 2, 2018, Hartford Police responded to a residence after a complaint that Scott was in possession of a gun.  Officers located Scott near the residence.  A subsequent search of Scott’s car revealed a loaded Smith and Wesson .380 caliber pistol.

Scott’s criminal history includes felony convictions in Massachusetts in 2003 and 2012 for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and, in 2012, for unlawful possession of a firearm.

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.

Scott has been detained since his arrest on July 2, 2018.  On March 29, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Hartford Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.

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 SAMUEL COPENHAVER, 48, 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.

Copenhaver was employed by Michigan-based RDAP Law Consultants, LLC, where he solicited and engaged prospective clients of the company.  In that capacity, Copenhaver regularly contacted federal defendants and inmates with offers to assist, for a fee, those defendants and inmates in applying and qualifying for admission to the RDAP.  Although Copenhaver 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.

Copenhaver was arrested on January 23, 2019.

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for January 16, 2020, at which time Copenhaver faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 25 years.

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

This investigation is being 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, today announced that LUIS RODRIGUEZ, 33, formerly of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and fentanyl in Hartford.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force launched an investigation into an organization that was selling large amounts of heroin, fentanyl and other narcotics in Hartford.  The investigation, which included approximately six months of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance, revealed that members of the organization, including Rodriguez, supplied distribution quantities of narcotics to several Hartford-area drug dealers, and used multiple locations in Hartford to process, store and distribute narcotics.

Rodriguez was intercepted during wiretapped conversations discussing the extensive narcotics distribution enterprise, and attempting to broker the acquisition of firearms.

Rodriguez and other members of the organization were arrested on July 19, 2018.  On that date, investigators executed 10 search warrants and seized approximately 2.7 kilograms of fentanyl, one kilogram of heroin, approximately 500 grams of crack cocaine, 100 grams of cocaine, eight firearms, cash, and other evidence of narcotics trafficking activity.

On August 2, 2018, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Rodriguez and 15 co-defendants with various offenses.

On May 22, 2019, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”).

Rodriguez, who is currently residing in Rocky Hill while released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on November 15.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NICHOLAS ZANEN, 46, of Belgium, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 15 months of imprisonment for insider trading.  Judge Thompson also ordered Zanen to pay a $6,000 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Zanen was employed by Cheniere Energy, Inc. (“Cheniere”), a Houston-based energy company whose common stock traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LNG.  Zanen was a vice president of trading in the Cheniere’s United Kingdom Branch and was based in London.  Cheniere maintained written policies prohibiting the direct or indirect disclosure of confidential information and requiring employees to prevent the disclosure of such confidential information.  In his position, Zanen had access to non-public information concerning Cheniere’s deals, financings, and other business information, and he was in possession of inside information prior to public announcements.

Between November 2011 and December 2012, Zanen disclosed Cheniere inside information to a friend, Francis J. Van Steenberge, and advised him whether to buy or sell Cheniere securities with the understanding that Van Steenberge would execute the security transactions on the basis of these instructions.  Zanen and Van Steenberge generated approximately $1 million through this scheme.

Zanen also caused to be made materially false and fraudulent statements to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) that he was unaware of the circumstances under which Van Steenberge gained knowledge of Cheniere’s business activities.

On June 4, 2014, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Zanen with one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and three counts of securities fraud.  Zanen, who was living abroad in London, Singapore and Belgium, was apprehended on April 22, 2019, in Pisa, Italy.  He was extradited to the U.S. on June 13, 2019.

On August 12, 2019, Zanen pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud.  He has been detained since his arrest.

On April 4, 2014, Van Steenberge pleaded guilty to the same offense.  He awaits sentencing.

In the companion case Securities and Exchange Commission v. Nicolas Zanen and Francis J. Van Steenberge, Zanen has paid the SEC a disgorgement, plus interest and penalties, totaling $832,398.45.

This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry.

U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs for its assistance in this matter, in particular former DOJ Rome Attache’ Cristina Posa.

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that protecting the integrity of the capital markets and ensuring that individuals comply with our nation’s securities laws is a priority of the Justice Department.  Individuals who believe that they have been victimized by this insider trading scheme should contact the FBI in New Haven at 203-777-6311.  

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KURTIS GASKINS, 46, of Waterbury, was arrested today based on an indictment charging him with violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).

On September 25, 2019, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Gaskins with the offense.  Following his arrest by the U.S. Marshals Service this morning, Gaskins appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven, entered a plea of not guilty to the charge, and was released on a $10,000 bond under GPS monitoring.

In 1992, Gaskins was convicted in Massachusetts of sexual assault offenses.  The indictment alleges that Gaskins failed to register as a sex offender in Connecticut when he moved to Connecticut in November 2018, and failed to update his sex offender registration in Massachusetts.

If convicted of the offense, Gaskins faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is entitled to a fair trial at which it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT DUDUKOVICH, 25, of Wakeman, Ohio, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by seven years of supervised release, for distributing child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between July and October 2017, Dudukovich managed a chat group on “Kik,” a smartphone messaging application, that provided a forum for group members to communicate about their sexual interest in young boys and to share and trade child pornography primarily depicting young boys engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  Dudukovich shared with the group members, including an individual in Connecticut, images and videos of child pornography.  The child pornography included videos of a minor engaged in sexual acts with another minor, and a video of a minor engaged in a sexual act with an adult.  Dudukovich also shared with the group members a link to his Dropbox account, which contained additional images and videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

The investigation revealed that Dudukovich also used his Tumblr account to access and view child pornography.

Dudukovich was arrested on September 5, 2018.  Subsequent analysis of Dudukovich’s laptop and cellphone, which were seized at the time of his arrest, revealed additional videos of child pornography.

Dudukovich has been detained since his arrest.  On July 17, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography.

This matter was being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HAROLD BUTLER, also known as “Haas,” 42, of Norwich, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 77 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing cocaine and crack.

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 six controlled purchases of crack from Butler, revealed that Butler and others were distributing narcotics to drug users and other street-level dealers in southeastern Connecticut.  Butler also used his Norwich business, Hat Boyz, to store and distribute narcotics.

Butler has been detained since his arrest on February 25, 2019.  On March 5, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Butler and 12 other individuals with narcotics trafficking offenses.  On June 24, Butler pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).

Butler’s criminal history spans more than 20 years and includes 19 convictions.

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. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and S. Dave Vatti.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Jason J. Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment today charging MICHELLE LYNN GSCHLECHT, formerly known as RICHARD GSCHLECHT, 49, last residing in New Haven, with possession of child pornography.

As alleged in the indictment, Gschlecht knowingly possessed child pornography on July 31, 2019.  Gschlecht was previously convicted in state court of possession of child pornography and sexual assault in the first degree.

If convicted, Gschlecht faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  The penalties in this matter are enhanced based on Gschlecht’s alleged criminal history.

Gschlecht has been detained since her arrest on a state probation violation on July 31, 2019.

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is entitled to a fair trial at which it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the New Haven Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut’s Office of Adult Probation.  The case is being prosecuted by Nancy V. Gifford.

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

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