District of Connecticut

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RON CHRISTOPHER SPEAR-ZULETA, also known as “Chris,” 46, of Woodbridge; ANINHA SPEAR-ZULETA, 32, of Woodbridge, and MARITZA TORRES, also known as “Lisy,” 35, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to offenses stemming from a drug-related robbery.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Chris Spear-Zuleta, his wife, Aninha Spear-Zuleta, and Torres robbed an associate of Chris Spear-Zuleta, who Chris Spear-Zuleta claimed owed him money in relation to narcotics transactions.  On November 28, 2017, Aninha Spear-Zuleta lured the associate’s girlfriend to the Spear-Zuleta’s Woodbridge residence, where Chris Spear-Zuleta physically assaulted the girlfriend.  At Chris Spear-Zuleta’s instruction, Aninha Spear-Zuleta and Torres then transported the girlfriend to a residence she shared with the associate in Milford, where Aninha Spear-Zuleta and Torres stole several items, including cash, a firearm and several items of expensive clothing.

Chris Spear-Zuleta and Aninha Spear-Zuleta each pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  They are scheduled to be sentenced on December 4 and December 6, respectively

Torres pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  She is scheduled to be sentenced on December 12.

Chris Spear-Zuleta has been detained since his arrest on December 22, 2018.  Aninha Spear-Zuleta and Torres are released on bond pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police and Woodbridge Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Leonard C. Boyle and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Vizcarrondo.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDWIN DeJESUS, 48, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 64 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.

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 DeJesus supplied heroin to a codefendant who distributed the drug to his own customer in southeastern Connecticut.

DeJesus has been detained since his arrest on February 20, 2019.  On March 5, a grand jury returned an indictment charging DeJesus and 12 other individuals with narcotics trafficking offenses.  On May 31, DeJesus pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin.

DeJesus’ criminal history spans 30 years and includes a federal conviction for conspiracy to assault a federal officer.  In March 1995, he was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment for that offense.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TORREN BOYD, 38, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 33 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a loaded semiautomatic rifle.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 27, 2018, Boyd was arrested in Hartford after he was found in possession of a loaded Hi-Point, Model 995, 9mm rifle.

Boyd’s criminal history includes a federal felony conviction in the District of Vermont in 2007 for distributing crack cocaine.  He was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment for that offense.

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.

Boyd has been detained since his arrest.  On April 9, 2019, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

This case 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 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 CESAR RUBEN YLLESCAS, 45, a citizen of Peru last residing in Hartford, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.

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

Yllescas was arrested on May 8, 2019, in Hartford.

Yllescas is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on December 2, 2019, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years.  He has been detained since his arrest.

This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret E. Maigret.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TERRELL GIVENS, 34, of Beacon Falls, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 55 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his involvement in a large-scale marijuana trafficking conspiracy.

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

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

Givens was arrested on June 12, 2018.  On May 3, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana, and one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.

Judge Arterton also ordered Givens to forfeit his 2009 Jaguar XF and jewelry valued at approximately $8,000, which were seized during the investigation.

Givens, who is released on a $300,000 bond, is required to report to prison on October 23, 2019.

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

On July 26, 2019, a jury found Capelli, of Milford, guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana.  He was found not guilty of one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, and one count of money laundering.  Capelli has forfeited approximately $90,000 to date, and additional forfeiture proceedings are pending.

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

Capelli and Burns await sentencing.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NORMAN PETERS, also known as “Ski,” 38, of Stamford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for cocaine distribution offenses.

According to court documents and the evidence presented during his trial, between approximately September 2015 and May 2016, Bobby Gutierrez, also known as “B.O.,” and others, including his brother Wilfredo Gutierrez, conspired to distribute at least 10 kilograms of heroin in Fairfield County.  Bobby Gutierrez and others also acquired kilogram quantities of cocaine from sources located in Florida and New York and sold the drug locally.

On April 1, 2016, Peters was intercepted over a court-authorized wiretap arranging to purchase 14 grams of cocaine from Gutierrez.  Peters was then observed meeting with Gutierrez at B & B Deli in Bridgeport, which was owned by the Gutierrez family and served as a hub for drug dealing.  Investigators stopped Peters after he drove from Bridgeport to Stamford.  A search of his person revealed approximately 14 grams of cocaine.

On February 21, 2019, Peters was convicted after trial of one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of use of a telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking felony.

On November 21, 2016, Bobby Gutierrez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.  On April 24, 2017, he was sentenced to 160 months of imprisonment and was ordered to forfeit $171,462 in cash that was seized during the investigation.

On March 16. 2017, Wilfredo Gutierrez was sentenced to 180 months of imprisonment.

This investigation was conducted by the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Stamford Police Department, Norwalk Police Department and Connecticut State Police.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Elena L. Coronado.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that KEVIN GENIS, 26, of Stamford, has been charged by indictment with one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

The indictment was returned by a grand jury in New Haven on August 20, 2019.  Genis appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.  Genis has been detained since his arrest on June 27, 2019.

As alleged in court documents, on May 28, 2019, an individual working with law enforcement purchased a Century Arms International 7.62 caliber AK pistol and 10 rounds of ammunition from Genis for $900.

It is further alleged that, in November 2015, Genis was convicted in state court of three counts of possession with intent to sell narcotics.

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

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

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

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Stamford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that NIGEL JONES, 37, of West Haven, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a heroin and cocaine trafficking ring.  Judge Underhill also ordered Jones to serve the first six months of his term of supervised release in home confinement.

This matter stems from a joint investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force, FBI and New Haven Police Department into a New Haven-based drug trafficking organization that acquired and distributed heroin and cocaine. 

During the investigation, law enforcement officers seized more than 500 grams of heroin, more than 300 grams of fentanyl, more than one kilogram of cocaine, three firearms, over $90,000 in cash, vehicles, jewelry and precious metals.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Jones purchased heroin from another member of the organization and sold the drug in smaller quantities to his own customers.

On April 19, 2018, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Jones and 18 other individuals with narcotics trafficking offenses.  Jones and several other members of the conspiracy were arrested on April 25, 2018.

On September 13, 2018, while he was released on bond, Jones was arrested by New Haven Police and charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell after he was found in possession of distribution quantities of heroin and marijuana.

Jones’ federal bond was revoked and, on January 15, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine.

Jones criminal history includes a federal conviction in April 2014 for using a telephone to facilitate the commission of a drug trafficking felony.  He was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment for that offense.

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 Connecticut Department of Correction, Milford Police Department and East Haven Police Department have assisted the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney H. Gordon Hall.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FRANKIE VEGA, also known as “Lips,” 35, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl and heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division targeting gang violence and narcotics trafficking in Hartford.  The investigation revealed that Wilson Velez, also known as “Wiso,” a member of the Almighty Latin Kings Nation (“Latin Kings”), was distributing heroin and fentanyl.  Velez employed family members and other Latin Kings members and associates to process, package and distribute the drugs from apartment buildings on Hamilton Street and Elliot Street in Hartford.  During the investigation, law enforcement conducted multiple controlled purchases of narcotics from Velez and other members of the drug trafficking organization.

In May 2017, investigators conducted two controlled purchases of fentanyl from Vega at his residence on Broad Street.  On May 3, 2017, a court-authorized search of Vega’s residence revealed more than 1,000 bags of fentanyl/heroin and other items used to process and package narcotics for distribution.  Vega was arrested on state charges on that date.

In November 2017, while he was released on bond in his state case, Vega was intercepted on a wiretap negotiating the purchase of 500 bags of fentanyl/heroin from Velez.

On May 1, 2018, a grand jury returned a 41-count indictment charging Velez, Vega and eight other members and associates of the Latin Kings.

Vega has been detained since his arrest on May 7, 2018.  On March 4, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin and fentanyl

In 2008, Vega was arrested after he fired his gun at Hartford Police officers pursuing him in a foot chase.  Vega was sentenced to 15 years in prison, suspended after nine years, for that offense.  He was released from state prison in April 2016.

Velez was arrested on federal narcotics offenses on December 7, 2017, and was subsequently released on bond.  He has been detained since April 5, 2018, when his bond was revoked.  On February 22, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and/or 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of conspiracy to use and carry a firearm in relation to, and furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime.  He awaits sentencing.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTOPHER HAMLETT, also known as “Cadi” and “Cadillac Black,” 26, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 180 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for multiple offenses related to the sex trafficking of minors.

According to the evidence presented during his trial, between August and November 2017, Hamlett recruited and enticed two minor female victims to engage in prostitution at hotels in Hartford and Wethersfield.  In order to solicit clients for the minors, Hamlett took sexually explicit photographs of each minor and submitted them to the website Backpage.

Hamlett began to recruit a 17-year-old minor into prostitution during their first meeting.  He agreed that the minor victim could keep 60 percent of the money she made from prostitution customers, and he would take 40 percent.  The minor victim saw customers for approximately three months.  The evidence at trial included text messages in which Hamlett told the minor victim how much to charge, and threatened the victim when he thought she had not given him his full share of the money.

The trial evidence also showed that Hamlett facilitated the prostitution of a second minor victim who was then 16 years old, using Facebook Messenger to send her clients and explain particular sexual acts.

Hamlett also posted Backpage advertisements for an adult woman who worked for him in prostitution.

Hamlett has been detained since his arrest on February 8, 2018.  On October 16, 2018, a jury found him guilty of two counts of sex trafficking of a minor, five counts of using a facility of interstate commerce to promote commercial sex, and two counts of production of child pornography.

This matter was investigated by the Hartford Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nancy V. Gifford and Sarala V. Nagala.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL VADAKIN, 28, of Derby, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to one count of possession of child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Vadakin was arrested on December 13, 2018, after an investigation revealed that he had used the Kik smartphone application to possess and share videos of child pornography.  Forensic analysis of a tablet seized during a search of Vadakin’s residence revealed additional images of child pornography.

Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for December 4, 2019, at which time Vadakin faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

This investigation is being conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with assistance from the Derby Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King. 

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging DERON D. FREEMAN, 45, of Glastonbury, with two counts of filing false tax returns. 

As alleged in the indictment, Freeman is attorney who owns and operates The Law Offices of Deron Freeman in Hartford.  Freeman has practiced primarily in the areas of personal injury and criminal law.  In 2011 and 2012, Freeman filed false tax returns that understated his income and, in turn, his tax liability.

If convicted of the charges, Freeman faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years on each count.

Freeman’s arraignment is scheduled for September 10 at 1:30 before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport.

The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden.

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

This investigation is being conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan L. Wines.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KEVIN McFARLANE, also known as “Jabari McBurn” and “Dexter Creque,” 41, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to firearm possession and crack cocaine distribution offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 8, 2018, in New Haven, McFarlane possessed a loaded Glock model 43 9mm semiautomatic handgun and approximately 97 grams of crack cocaine.  The firearm had been reported stolen in Florida.

McFarlane’s criminal history includes a 2004 conviction in Connecticut for sale of a hallucinogen/narcotic, and a 2007 conviction in Florida for murder in the second degree.

McFarlane pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”), an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years.

A sentencing date is not scheduled.

McFarlane has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on July 11, 2018.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the New Haven Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.

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 NOEL CORTES, 55, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 27 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl.

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

In May and June 2015, investigators conducted several controlled purchases of suspected fentanyl from Richard Colon, also known as “Droopy,” of Hartford.  On May 15, 2018, Cortes delivered 200 bags of fentanyl on behalf of Colon to complete one of the transactions.

Cortes has been detained since his arrest on July 24, 2018.  On April 24, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl.

Cortes’ criminal history dates to 1985 and includes convictions for robbery, assault, narcotics and firearms offenses.

On August 20, 2019, Colon pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.  He awaits sentencing.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging JOHN CAVANAUGH, also known as “Big John,” 67, of East Windsor, and THOMAS TROUGHTON, 54, of Agawam, Massachusetts, with offense related to the illegal distribution of prescription narcotics.

The indictment was returned on August 21, 2019.

Cavanaugh and Troughton were originally arrested on criminal complaints on August 13.  Cavanaugh appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and enter a plea of not guilty to the charges.  Cavanaugh is released on a $100,000 bond pending trial.

Troughton was arraigned yesterday and also entered a plea of not guilty.  He is detained pending trial.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in 2018 and 2019, investigators conducted surveillance of Cavanaugh and observed him conducting what appeared to be hand-to-hand drug deals on numerous occasions.  In July 2019, investigators stopped narcotics customers after they conducted drug deals with Cavanaugh and seized pills from these customers.  The investigation revealed that Troughton was a source of supply of pills for Cavanaugh.

The indictment charges with Cavanaugh and Troughton with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  The indictment also charges Cavanaugh with four counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, oxycodone, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.

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 investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and the Windsor Locks Police Department.  The 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.  The 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 JERMAINE SCOTT, also known as “Maine G,” 40, formerly of New Britain, pleaded guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the morning of March 29, 2017, New Britain Police responded to a residence in New Britain after a report that Scott had shot and seriously wounded his girlfriend and two of his girlfriend’s children at the residence.  The victims subsequently reported that Scott, who was lying in bed, became angry when he thought the children were being too loud as they were getting ready for school.  After an argument ensued, Scott retrieved a gun from behind the headboard of the bed, chased his girlfriend’s 17-year-old daughter into the bathroom and shot her in the stomach and thigh.  He then shot his girlfriend’s 12-year-old son in his leg, and then his girlfriend in her stomach.  Scott then fled the residence.

All three victims survived their injuries

Investigators conducted a search of the residence and recovered a .40 caliber pistol, four spent .40 caliber bullet shell casings, and more than 63 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition.

Scott was apprehended in Middletown on September 18, 2017.  On May 16, 2019, he pleaded guilty in New Britain Superior Court to three counts of assault in the first degree.  On July 24, 2019, he was sentenced to a 30-year term of imprisonment, no portion of which is suspended.

Scott has a criminal history that spans 20 years and includes convictions for firearm, drug, burglary, larceny and other offenses.

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

Judge Covello scheduled sentencing for December 10, 2019, at which time Scott faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

This matter was investigated by the New Britain Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Exposives.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alina M. Reynolds.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ANGEL GONZALEZ, also known as “Spider” and “June,” 41, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 54 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing large quantities of 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.  Gonzalez made street-level sales of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine on behalf of this organization.

Gonzalez and other members of the organization were arrested on July 19, 2018.  On that date, investigators executed 10 search warrants and seized more than five kilograms of heroin and/or fentanyl, approximately 600 grams of crack cocaine, eight firearms, cash, and other evidence of narcotics trafficking activity.  A search of Gonzalez’s residence revealed 33 grams of fentanyl that was packaged for street sale, approximately 19 grams of crack cocaine, $4,147 in cash, and other items.

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

Gonzalez has been detained since his arrest.  On June 10, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”). 

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 SCOTT BODNAR, also known as “Pep,” 40, of Ansonia, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 55 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his involvement in a large-scale marijuana trafficking conspiracy.

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

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

On May 2, 2019, Bodnar pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana, and one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.

Judge Arterton also ordered Bodnar to forfeit his 2012 Toyota Camry, which was seized during the investigation.

Bodnar, who is released on a $250,000 bond, is required to report to prison on October 16, 2019.

On July 26, 2019, a jury found Capelli, of Milford, guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana.  He was found not guilty of one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, and one count of money laundering.  Capelli has forfeited approximately $90,000 to date, and additional forfeiture proceedings are pending.

On May 3, 2019, Givens, of Beacon Falls, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana, and one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. He also agreed to forfeit his 2009 Jaguar XF and approximately $8,000 in jewelry.

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

Capelli, Givens and Burns await sentencing.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CLEMENTE HOLMES, also known as “Cavali” and “Vali,” 30, of Hamden, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to firearm and narcotics offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2019, law enforcement made two controlled purchases of narcotics from Holmes at his Goodrich Street residence.  On January 22, 2019, a court-authorized search of the residence revealed distribution quantities of fentanyl, heroin and crack cocaine, as well as a loaded 9mm handgun.  Holmes was arrested on state charges on that date.

In February 2019, investigators made a controlled purchase of crack cocaine from Holmes, who had posted bond after his state arrest.

Holmes was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on February 26, 2019.  At the time of his arrest, a search of his residence revealed more heroin packaged for distribution.  He has been detained since his arrest.

In 2012, Holmes was convicted in state court of sale of narcotics and possession pistol without a permit.

Holmes pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; one count of possession of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine base (“crack”) with intent to distribute, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, an offense that carries maximum term of life imprisonment.

A sentencing date is not scheduled.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Haven Safe Streets Gang Task Force and the East Haven, Hamden and New Haven 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 ELVIN GONZALEZ, 38, of Norwich, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 9, 2018, East Hartford Police arrested Gonzalez after he was found in possession of a Charter Arms .44 caliber revolver and a quantity of marijuana.

Gonzalez’s criminal history includes state convictions for sale of hallucinogen/narcotics and escape, and a federal conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  In August 2005, he was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment for the federal firearm offense.

When he is sentenced, Gonzalez faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.

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

This matter has been investigated by the East Hartford Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  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 MAYA FLORINA LUIZA DeSTEFFANO, also known as “Maya-Luisa Pastorelli” and “Maria,” 61, of Cleveland, Ohio, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to conspiracy and identity theft charges stemming from ATM skimming activity that defrauded banks in Connecticut and other states.

According to court documents and statements in court today, between February and June 2017, a Connecticut bank experienced approximately 35 incidents of ATM skimming at locations in Stratford, Monroe, Trumbull, Greenwich, Fairfield and elsewhere in Connecticut.  As part of the scheme, conspiracy members placed skimming devices at the ATMs to capture account numbers and personal identification numbers (“PIN numbers”) from customers who used their ATM cards at the ATMs while the devices were in place.  Conspiracy members then used the captured information to make substitute ATM cards, and obtained money and made purchases using those cards.  The bank suffered losses of approximately $286,069 during the scheme.

In pleading guilty, DeSteffano admitted that she installed and removed ATM skimming equipment at several locations, and used re-encoded cards and PINs to obtain money from several bank locations.  She further admitted that, in December 2017, she participated in ATM skimming activity in Virginia and Maryland and, in September and October 2018, she participated in skimming activity Georgia.  The banks victimized in these schemes suffered total losses of more than $191,000.

DeSteffano was arrested in Cleveland, Ohio, on December 14, 2018.  She has been detained since her arrest.

DeSteffano pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive prison term of imprisonment of two years.  She is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on November 22, 2019.

On August 23, 2019, George Dragusin, a co-conspirator of DeSteffano in the Connecticut ATM skimming activity, pleaded guilty to the same charges.  Dragusin, a citizen of Romania, also admitted that, between March and September 2018, he participated in ATM skimming activity in Nevada, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana and California, causing multiple banks to suffer total losses of more than $645,000.  He is detained pending sentencing.

The investigation is being conducted by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force; the U.S. Secret Service in New Haven and Las Vegas; the Greenwich Police Department; the Monroe Police Department; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the New York Police Department; the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department; the Lawrenceville (Georgia) Police Department; the Dixon (Calif.) Police Department, and the Hayward (Calif.) Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAMON HILL, 40, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 23, 2018, Hill was involved in a motor vehicle accident on Laurel Street in Hartford.  Responding officers discovered a loaded Smith and Wesson .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol on the floor in front of the driver’s seat.  Hill was the only occupant of the car.

Hill’s criminal history includes multiple state convictions and a 2006 federal conviction for conspiring to distribute cocaine base (“crack”).

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.

In September 2006, Hill was sentenced in federal court to 120 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release.  He was released from prison in May 2014, and was on supervised release when he possessed the firearm.

Hill has been detained since his arrest on October 23, 2018.  On July 16, 2019, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm a by a convicted felon.

This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Connecticut Violent Crime Task Force and the Hartford Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.

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 ARMOND TROUTMAN, 19, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 7, 2019, Troutman was arrested by New Haven Police after a search of his bedroom revealed a Colt .45 caliber handgun and an unloaded 9mm Sig Sauer magazine.  Later that day, officers conducted a search of the basement of Troutman’s home and located a .40 caliber Taurus semi-automatic pistol with an obliterated serial number.  A subsequent search of Troutman’s phone revealed numerous videos and pictures of Troutman holding the Taurus firearm.

Troutman is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on January 22, 2020, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

This matter is being investigated by the New Haven Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the assistance of the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria del Pilar Gonzalez and Sarah P. Karwan.

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 MARQUIS PARKER, 26, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a New Haven drug trafficking ring.

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

Parker was intercepted on a wiretap communicating with Butler.  The conversations confirmed that Butler supplied crack cocaine to Parker, who sold the drug to customers in New Haven.

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

Parker has been detained since his arrest.  On April 29, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 28 grams or more of cocaine base. (“crack”).

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSEPH DANIELS, also known as “Sean,” 36, of Norwalk, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by eight years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Norwalk Police arrested Daniels on May 15, 2018, after officers had made multiple controlled purchases of narcotics from him.  On that date, investigators conducted court-authorized searches of Daniels’ residence, car, and storage units he rented, and seized approximately 190 grams of heroin, other drugs, drug paraphernalia, and more than $59,000 in cash.

Daniels has been detained since his arrest.  On February 1, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

Daniels’ criminal history includes state drug convictions and a federal conviction for distributing crack cocaine.  In June 2003, he was sentenced in Bridgeport federal court to 43 months of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Norwalk Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a 10-count indictment charging STEVEN A. FINKLER, 55, of New Haven, with credit card fraud, wire fraud and identity theft offenses.

The indictment was returned on August 8, 2019, and Finkler was arrested on August 15.  He appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport and pleaded not guilty to the charges.  Finkler is detained pending trial.

As alleged in the indictment, in August 2017, Finkler, who has a prior federal conviction for access device fraud (credit card fraud), made more than $1,000 worth of fraudulent purchases using the credit cards of two victims.

The indictment further alleges that Finkler, using another individual’s identity, opened a membership at a fitness center with gym locations throughout Connecticut.  Finkler also used the same stolen identity to create accounts with mobile device payment applications.  Between September 2018 and May 2019, Finkler visited multiple gym locations and stole credit cards from lockers and other locations while the victims were located elsewhere in the gym.  Using the stolen credit cards, and the mobile device payment applications, he made thousands of dollars in fictitious charges to internet bank accounts that he created and controlled.  He then returned the credit cards to the victims’ wallets before the victims returned to the locker room.

The indictment charges Finkler with one count of access device fraud and four counts of wire fraud.  Each of these charges carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  The indictment also charges Finkler with five counts of aggravated identity theft, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of two years on each count.

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 U.S. Secret Service, Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, and the Wallingford, Avon, North Haven, Madison, Glastonbury and Branford Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarala Nagala and Margaret Maigret.

U.S. Attorney Durham noted that Steven Finkler has also used the name “Andrew Finkler,” as well as other aliases.  Individuals who believe they have been victimized by this scheme, or by this defendant, are encouraged to call the U.S. Secret Service at 203-865-2449.

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 JAMES FARRELL, 55, of East Haven, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to one count of bank fraud.

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

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

Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for November 20, 2019, at which time Farrell faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.

Farrell has paid full restitution to NHCCU.

Farrell is released on bond pending sentencing.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a father and son who pleaded guilty to offenses stemming from the fraudulent sale of titanium to a Connecticut defense subcontractor were sentenced today in Bridgeport federal court.  U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill sentenced JOHN J. PALIE, JR., 64, of Tiverton, Rhode Island, to 10 months of imprisonment and two years of supervised release, and JOHN J. PALIE III, 43, of Plymouth, Massachusetts, to six months of imprisonment and two years of supervised release.  Judge Underhill also ordered Palie Jr. to pay a $10,000 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, John Palie, Jr. is the owner and Chief Executive Officer of A&P Alloys, Inc. (“A&P”), a company in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, that acquired and sold specialty metals, including titanium.  John Palie III was a manager at A&P, having responsibilities for, among other things, the purchase and sale of titanium, and the preparation of titanium orders for shipment and delivery to customers.  Palie Jr. and Palie III have admitted that they arranged two separate titanium sales to Lewis Machine, a Connecticut-based aircraft parts manufacturer, that involved false representations about the source and quality of the titanium.  Lewis Machine supplies titanium parts to Pratt & Whitney, which manufactures aircraft engines, including engines for U.S. Air Force fighter jets.

In April and May 2012, Palie Jr. and Palie III arranged a sale of 11 pieces of titanium to Lewis Machine, representing that the titanium had been certified as meeting an advanced aerospace quality standard when, in fact, it had never been certified as such.  The order listed Pratt & Whitney as the end buyer of the titanium.

In 2013, Palie Jr. and Palie III arranged another sale of titanium to Lewis Machine with Pratt & Whitney as the end buyer.  In August 2013, Palie III arranged for 400 pieces of titanium, along with certificates stating that the titanium originated from a particular mill and satisfied an advanced aerospace quality standard, to be delivered to Lewis Machine.  Due to concerns about the quality of the titanium, Pratt & Whitney directed Lewis Machine not to accept the titanium.  Palie III agreed to replace the 400 pieces with other titanium that satisfied the quality standard in question.  However, instead of replacing the titanium, he arranged for the returned 400 pieces to be sandblasted and re-stamped with the manufacturer’s mark of a different titanium mill so that they appeared to be replacements for the returned pieces.  In November 2013, Palie III had the falsely labeled pieces, along with false certificates, shipped back to Lewis Machine.

According to documents filed in the criminal case, John Palie Jr. and A&P settled a related civil lawsuit by agreeing to pay Pratt & Whitney $690,000 for losses Pratt & Whitney incurred in remediating problems caused by the uncertified titanium.

On June 27, 2018, Palie Jr. and Palie III each pleaded guilty to two counts of mail fraud.

This is Palie Jr.’s second federal conviction.  In January 2004, he was sentenced in the District of Massachusetts to two years of probation for failing to pay income taxes on more than $249,000 in business revenues that he diverted into a personal bank account.

“This prosecution and sentences that involve periods of incarceration send the message that suppliers of material to be used in military equipment face a very real possibility of prison time if they cut corners, cheat the system and potentially put members of our military at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.

“Ensuring the integrity of the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) procurement process is a top priority for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS),” said Leigh-Alistair Barzey, Special Agent in Charge of the DCIS Northeast Field Office.  “Supplying substandard and non-conforming material disrupts the DoD supply chain, endangers the lives of U.S. service members and betrays the public’s trust.  Today’s sentencing is the direct result of a joint investigative effort and demonstrates our commitment to work with partner law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to investigate and prosecute individuals and companies that engage in fraudulent activity impacting the DoD.”

“Today's sentencing sends a clear signal that ensuring the safety of the Nation’s air transportation system remains a priority for the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG),” said Douglas Shoemaker, DOT-OIG Regional Special Agent-in-Charge.  “Working with our law enforcement and prosecutorial colleagues, we will continue to pursue and prosecute those whose illegal actions compromise the integrity of the Department’s safety programs and potentially endanger the travelling public.”

This matter was investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry Kopel.

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 KEVIN E. CREED, 67, of Litchfield waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to wire fraud related to a scheme in which he stole approximately $1.4 million from a charity he organized.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Creed is an attorney who operates Creed Law Firm in Bristol.  The Fisher House Foundation is a national organization that builds comfort homes on the grounds of military and Veteran Affairs medical centers where military veterans and their families can stay for no cost while undergoing treatment at Veteran Affairs hospitals.  In 2010, Creed established a charity called the Friends of Fisher House Connecticut, the purported purpose of which was to raise funds to support the building and maintenance of a Fisher House comfort home in West Haven.

Creed solicited donations for the Friends of Fisher House from corporations and individuals.  He solicited funds at fairs, carnivals and supermarkets, and also held fundraising events, including the Bristol half-marathon and a 10-kilometer foot race, based on the representation that the money raised would support the construction and operation of the West Haven Fisher House.  While Friends of Fisher House Connecticut made a $1 million donation in 2015 to assist with the financing of the construction of the Fisher House West Haven, Creed used his position to take approximately $1.4 million that had been raised for the organization and use it for both personal and law firm expenses.

Creed is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall on November 20, 2019, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

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

U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney for its assistance in this matter.

Individuals who believe they have been victimized by this scheme are encouraged to contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 1-888-645-5807, or usact.vns@usdoj.gov.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that, on August 13, 2019, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging ARMANDO MACHORRO-ROJAS, 42, a citizen of Mexico last residing in Norwalk, with one count of illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.

Machorro-Rojas appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on two occasions in March 2007, Machorro-Rojas had encounters with U.S. Border Patrol that resulted in his voluntary to Mexico.  On March 23, 2012, Machorro Rojas was arrested by Norwalk Police and charged with operating a vehicle without a license.  On April 26, 2012, he was deported from the U.S. to Mexico.

It is further alleged that, on March 29, 2015, Machorro-Rojas was encountered by U.S. Border Patrol near Bisbee, Arizona.  On April 15, 2015, he was again removed to Mexico.

It is further alleged that, on June 6, 2015, Machorro-Rojas was encountered by U.S. Border Patrol near Santa Teresa, New Mexico.  He was subsequently charged in the District of New Mexico with one count of reentry of a removed alien.  He pleaded guilty to the offense, was sentenced to time served and, on July 10, 2015, was removed to Mexico.

On May 31, 2019, Machorro-Rojas was arrested by Norwalk Police and charged with burglary in the third degree, risk of injury, larceny in the third degree, breach of peace in the second degree, and interfering/resisting arrest.  It is alleged that an immigration detainer that was lodged with the state authorities was not honored, and Machorro-Rojas was released on bond on July 5.

Machorro-Rojas has been detained since August 9, 2019, after he was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.

If convicted of the charge of illegal reentry, Machorro-Rojas 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. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that, on August 13, 2019, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging MARIO ANTONIO HERRERA, 36, a citizen of El Salvador last residing in East Hartford, with one count of illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.

Herrera appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on March 26, 2010, Herrera was deported from the U.S. to El Salvador.  Herrera’s removal followed his conviction in Manchester Superior Court in July 2008 for assault in the second degree.  Herrera’s criminal history also includes Connecticut convictions for carrying a dangerous weapon, reckless endangerment, and other offenses.

On July 1, 2019, Herrera, who was using the name Antonio Morales, was arrested by the East Hartford Police Department and charged with disorderly conduct and interfering/resisting arrest.

If convicted of the charge of illegal reentry, Herrera faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Herrera has been detained since his arrest.

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. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STEVEN HUTCHINSON, 29, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 20, 2014, Hutchinson was sentenced in federal court to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing heroin in Bridgeport.  He was released from federal prison on May 22, 2018.

Shortly after Hutchinson was released from prison, Stamford Police received information that Hutchinson was again selling heroin in Fairfield County.  On June 21, 2018, a Stamford Police officer, acting in an undercover capacity, arranged to purchase 300 bags of heroin from Hutchinson in exchange for $1,800.  Hutchinson was arrested after he arrived at a parking lot in Stamford to complete the transaction and exited his car in possession of 300 bags of heroin.

Subsequent laboratory analysis of the seized drugs revealed that the bags contained a mixture of heroin and fentanyl.

Hutchinson is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford on November 19, 2019, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Hutchinson also faces additional penalties for violating the conditions of his supervised release from his prior federal conviction.

Hutchinson has been detained since his arrest.

This investigation has been conducted by the Stamford Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL YOUNG, 48, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for importing, manufacturing and distributing synthetic cannabinoids.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2018, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service identified a suspicious package destined for Young’s Bridgeport residence.  The package had been shipped from a California business that purportedly marketed and sold herbal products for smoking.  A court-authorized search of the package revealed a leafy plant-like substance commonly used as a base to absorb synthetic drugs dissolved in liquid form.  Investigators learned that Young has a state criminal conviction from 2015 related to the distribution of synthetic drugs, and that two international shipments containing synthetic drugs destined for Young’s residence had been seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in November 2016 and July 2018.

On August 21, 2018, a court-authorized search of Young’s residence revealed more than a kilogram of synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones, approximately 21 grams of Phencyclidine (PCP) in liquid form, drug packaging materials and $1,700 in cash.  He was arrested on that date.

Young admitted to investigators that he had purchased the drugs online, including from suppliers in China, and that he produced and sold “K2,” which is a street name for synthetic cannabinoid.  Some of Young’s customers resided outside Connecticut and found his product by viewing his advertisements on Craigslist.

Young has been detained since his arrest.  On May 30, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Connecticut State Police.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GEORGE DRAGUSIN, also known as “Georgio Anderini” and “Einstein,” 63, a citizen of Romania, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to conspiracy and identity theft charges related to extensive ATM skimming activity that defrauded banks from coast to coast.

According to court documents and statements in court today, between February and June 2017, People's United Bank locations in Connecticut experienced approximately 35 incidents of ATM skimming at their branches.  A joint law enforcement investigation revealed that Dragusin and others placed skimming devices at the ATMs to capture account numbers and personal identification numbers (“PIN numbers”) from customers who used their ATM cards at the ATMs while the devices were in place.  Members of the conspiracy used the captured information to make substitute ATM cards, and then obtained money and made purchases using those cards.

People’s United Bank suffered losses of approximately $286,069 as a result of this scheme.

In pleading guilty, Dragusin admitted that he installed and removed ATM skimming equipment at several People’s United Bank locations, and used re-encoded cards and PINs to obtain money from several bank locations.  Dragusin further admitted that, between March and September 2018, he participated in ATM skimming activity in Nevada, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana and California, causing multiple banks to suffer total losses of more than $645,000.

Dragusin was arrested in Hayward, California, in September 2018.  He has been detained since his arrest.

Dragusin pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive prison term of imprisonment of two years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on November 15, 2019.

The investigation is being conducted by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force; the U.S. Secret Service in New Haven and Las Vegas; the Greenwich Police Department; the Monroe Police Department; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the New York Police Department; the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department; the Dixon (Calif.) Police Department, and the Hayward (Calif.) Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that VICKI MILLER, 56, of Colchester, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to a fraud offense stemming from an embezzlement scheme.

According to court documents and statements in court today, from approximately June 2017 until August 2018, Miller was employed as a bookkeeper by Greylock Property Group LLC and its owner.  Beginning in approximately July 2017, Miller used her access to her employers’ bank accounts to embezzle $413,180 of their money by making withdrawals at ATMs, writing checks to herself, and transferring funds to her own accounts.

Miller pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  As part of her plea agreement, Miller agreed to make full restitution to the victims.  Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for November 15, 2019.

Since her arrest on February 13, 2019, Miller has been released on a $50,000 bond.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Town of Groton Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Francis.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALLAN MANN, JR., also known as “Hailee Randolph DeSouza” and Hailey R. DeSouza,” 66, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to a false statement offense related to his living in the U.S. under an assumed name for approximately 30 years.

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

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

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

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

Mann pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  As part of his plea agreement, Mann has agreed to make restitution of $18,512.05 the Medicaid program, and $34,744 to HUD.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall on November 14, 2019.

Mann has been detained since October 26, 2018, when he was arrested on a criminal complaint.

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

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Administrator Carmen Rottenberg, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, announced that MEMET BEQIRI, also known as Matt Beqiri, 32, of Tolland, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to a charge related to his meat processing business’s falsification of numerous E. coli test results.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Beqiri is the owner and general manager of New England Meat Packing, LLC, located in Stafford Springs, a federally inspected business engaged in the slaughtering, processing, selling and transporting of meat and meat food products for human consumption.  Pursuant to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) approved Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan for New England Meat Packing, the company is required to perform one generic E. coli carcass swab for every 300 animals slaughtered and to periodically collect ground beef samples for E. coli testing.

Between November 3, 2016 and September 9, 2017, Beqiri authorized the preparation and submission in the company’s Lab Sample Report binder, which the USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) reviews, a total of 36 documents relating to 52 separate carcass swabs and ground beef samples on behalf of New England Meat Packing.  The 36 documents were each on the letterhead of a certified laboratory that tests food product samples to ensure safety and wholesomeness and signed by the laboratory director.  The documents stated that the required E. coli testing of samples submitted by New England Meat Packing had been conducted and completed, and that all 52 samples tested negative for E. coli.  In fact, none of the 52 carcass swabs and samples had been submitted or tested by the identified laboratory, or any other laboratory, and the 36 documents were fraudulently prepared using laboratory letterhead obtained from previous testing that New England Meat Packing had conducted with that laboratory.

During the investigation of this matter, Beqiri admitted to an investigator with USDA’s FSIS that the documents were fraudulent, and that his business did not collect and submit the samples to the certified laboratory because he did not correlate the potential impact on food safety with his sampling program and wanted to create the appearance he was compliant with all USDA HACCP testing requirements.

There have been no known instances of illnesses reported by anyone who consumed the meat in any of the states where the meat was distributed.

“After this defendant’s fraudulent conduct was uncovered, he admitted to an investigator that he ignored the USDA’s meat testing requirements because he considered the process to be an inconvenience and a nuisance,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.  “Such reckless conduct seriously endangers public safety and will be prosecuted.”

“FSIS investigators are on the job protecting public health every day,” said Carmen Rottenberg, FSIS Administrator.  “Our work is critical to protect American families and the food supply, and we will not tolerate blatant disregard for food safety laws.”

Beqiri pleaded guilty to one count of making and using a false document and aiding and abetting, a charge that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on November 12, 2019.  Beqiri is released on a $25,000 bond pending sentencing.

The plea agreement filed today in association with Beqiri’s guilty plea does not address potential civil administrative consequences for New England Meat Packing’s failure to test the meat it distributed.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Office of Investigations, Enforcement and Audit.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that QIYON REED, also known as “Quiyon Reed” and “Gutter,” 36, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 92 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for firearm and drug offenses, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 29, 2013, Reed was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.  He was released from federal prison on October 27, 2017.

On September 12, 2018, New Haven police officers executed a state search warrant at Reed’s New Haven residence and seized a loaded Heritage Manufacturing Stealth C-2000 nine-millimeter, semi-automatic handgun; a loaded Smith & Wesson MP9 Shield nine-millimeter, semi-automatic handgun; a box of .45 caliber ammunition; approximately one gram of cocaine packaged for distribution, and items used to process and package narcotics for distribution.

In addition to his prior federal conviction, Reed’s criminal history includes state convictions for possession and sale of narcotics and for carrying a dangerous weapon.

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

Reed has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on September 12, 2018.

On May 23, 2019, Reed pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon, and one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Haven Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elena L. Coronado and Marc H. Silverman.

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 OLIVER JOAN UBIERA MALENO, 36, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in Danbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to approximately 16 months of imprisonment, time already served, for illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2002, Ubiera Maleno, who at the time was a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., was sentenced in federal court in Alaska to 37 months of imprisonment for possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance.  In December 2003, he was sentenced in state court in Harris County, Texas, to 15 years of imprisonment for possessing with intent to deliver 400 grams or more cocaine.  Ubiera Maleno was removed to the Dominican Republic in August 2009 after he had served the federal sentence and a portion of the Texas sentence.

On April 19, 2018, the Danbury Police Department arrested Ubiera Maleno for drug distribution offenses.

Ubiera Maleno has been detained since his arrest.  On May 1, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry by a removed alien. 

The state charges against Ubiera Maleno are pending.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Jason J. Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Boston, and Christopher W. Fonda, Supervisory Immigration Officer for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Office of Fraud Detection and National Security, announced that JODIAN STEPHENSON, also known as “Jodian Gordon,” 35, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to a conspiracy charge stemming from her arrangement of numerous fraudulent marriages so that non-U.S. citizens would receive U.S. immigration benefits.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Stephenson operated Stephenson Immigration and Legal Services, LLC, in Bridgeport.  Between 2011 and 2017, Stephenson conspired with others to arrange 28 sham marriages between U.S. citizens and non-citizens residing in the U.S. for the purpose of the non-citizens’ applying for and obtaining “lawful permanent residence” (“LPR”) status, also known as a “green card.”

One of the 28 sham marriages was between Stephenson, who is a citizen of Jamaica, and a U.S. citizen.

For each of the other 27 fraudulent marriages, Stephenson found and introduced a U.S. citizen to be the non-citizen’s purported spouse and helped the couple obtain a marriage license.  She also organized the marriage ceremony and celebration, and coached the couple on how to make their marriage appear to be genuine despite their neither living together nor otherwise intending to remain actually married.

As part of the scheme, Stephenson prepared several immigration documents needed as part of the non-citizen’s LPR application.  She had the applicant and spouse sign the documents and, in many cases, mailed the documents to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service immigration authorities for the applicant.  In some cases, Stephenson or her assistants prepared other false documents for the couple, such as a false lease that portrayed the couple as living together.

Stephenson typically charged between $17,000 and $20,000 to complete this process for a non-citizen, and the citizen spouse received between $2,000 and $4,000 for his or her participation.

During the investigation, Stephenson offered to arrange a sham marriage for a federal law enforcement agent working in an undercover capacity, and help obtain a green card for the undercover agent, in exchange for a proposed fee of $20,000.  In recorded conversations, Stephenson then introduced the undercover agent to a U.S. citizen and advised them about the ways they could create the appearance that they were validly married and living together as husband and wife.

Stephenson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit immigration marriage fraud.  She faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years when she is sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.

Stephenson has been released on a $250,000 bond since her arrest on June 22, 2018.

Six other individuals involved in this scheme previously pleaded guilty.

On December 5, 2018, Donovan Lawrence, of Milford, who operated Donovans Accounting Services, LLC, in Bridgeport, pleaded guilty to his role in this conspiracy.  In addition, four U.S. citizens who entered into one or more fraudulent marriages with non-citizens, and one non-citizen who entered into a fraudulent marriage with a U.S. citizen, pleaded guilty.  All await sentencing.

This investigation is being conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service’s Office of Fraud Detection and National Security.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry K. Kopel.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE PENA, also known as “Papi,” 58, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to distributing heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in September 2018, law enforcement received information that Pena was distributing large quantities of heroin in Waterbury.  Investigators subsequently made a series of controlled purchases of heroin from Pena.

Pena was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on January 10, 2019.

Pena pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall on November 11, 2019. 

Pena, a citizen of the Dominican Republic and a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., is released on a $150,000 bond pending sentencing.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUIS QUINTANA, 28, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 29, 2018, Quintana pointed a firearm at a tow truck operator who had started the process of towing Quintana’s car, which had been improperly parked in a private lot on Garden Street in Hartford.  After the tow truck operator removed the car from the tow hitch and Quintana walked away, the victim’s partner called police.  Officers responded to the scene, apprehended Quintana who was nearby, and retrieved a loaded Ruger P95 9mm millimeter handgun that Quintana had discarded as police arrived.

Quintana’s criminal history includes felony convictions for possession of narcotics with intent to sell, and carrying a pistol without a permit.

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

Quintana is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on January 8, 2020, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Connecticut Violent Crime Task Force and the Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Clark and Michael 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, and Tyler C. Amon, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division in New England, announced that ALEKS RAKAJ, 46, of Trumbull, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to one year of probation and a $9,500 fine for illegally removing asbestos at a New Haven property.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Aleks Rakaj and his two cousins purchased a commercial property located at 206-220 Wallace Street in New Haven.  Prior to purchasing the property, the realtor informed Rakaj and his cousins that the property contained asbestos.  Shortly after the purchase was completed, Rakaj and his cousins failed to abide by laws and regulations concerning asbestos removal, resulting in exposure of those who were at the site to the negative health effects of asbestos.

On November 20, 2015, inspectors from the City of New Haven Health Department, conducting an unannounced inspection, discovered the illegal asbestos removal project at 206-220 Wallace Street.  The inspection revealed multiple instances of illegal removal of asbestos-containing “air cell” pipe wrap and asbestos-containing “mag block” tank and boiler insulation.  The workers failed to abide by legally required safety measures, failed to perform necessary wetting and failed to dispose of the asbestos-containing waste material at appropriate disposal sites.  Inspectors also observed and photographed 100-150 standard garbage bags filled with unlabeled, unwetted asbestos-containing material.

On May 22, 2019, Rakaj pleaded guilty to one count of illegal asbestos removal in violation of the Clean Air Act.

Rakaj’s cousins, Rezart Rakaj, of Ansonia, and Kliton Rakaj, of Monroe, previously pleaded guilty to the same offense.  On April 1, 2019, they were each sentenced to one year of probation, a fine of $9,500, and 50 hours of community service.

“The illegal removal of asbestos insulation and the associated removal of scrap pipe and boilers from old buildings continues to be a problem throughout the Northeast,” said EPA-CID Special Agent in Charge Amon.  “Inhalation of asbestos fibers can result in lung cancer and it therefore poses significant health risks to all exposed.  EPA will continue to hold accountable those who commit such offenses.”

This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division, with the assistance of the City of New Haven Health Department and U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarala V. Nagala and Elena L. Coronado.

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 Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging DR. JENNIFER FARRELL, 37, with 35 counts of distribution of narcotics without a legitimate medical purpose.

As alleged in the indictment, Farrell was a medical resident at Yale New Haven Health (“YNHH”) in the Emergency Department from July 2017 until June 2019.  From March 2018 to March 2019, Farrell wrote at least 35 prescriptions for oxycodone for non-legitimate medical purposes outside the scope of her professional practice in the name of at least five individuals.  Farrell did not see any of the individuals for any medical purpose at any YNHH facility during the entire period of her residency.

If convicted, Farrell faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.

Farrell was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on July 31, 2019, and is released on a $200,000 bond.

Farrell, who was living in New Haven at the time of her arrest, is currently residing in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EUGENE CARLIN, 59, of Middletown, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for drug trafficking and tax offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2018, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Carlin’s Middletown residence and seized approximately 170 grams of d-methamphetamine hydrochloride of very high purity.  Carlin subsequently admitted that, for over a year, he worked with others to distribute methamphetamine in the Middletown area.

The investigation further revealed that Carlin he helped clients to prepare and file false tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service.

In 2007, Carlin was convicted in Hartford federal court of tax evasion, and aiding in the preparation of false tax returns.  That matter also involved Carlin helping clients of his tax preparation business to file false returns.  In August 2007, Carlin was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, and six months of home confinement.  He also agreed to refrain, permanently, from preparing tax returns for other people.

As part of the resolution of this case, Carlin has been ordered to forfeit $100,000, which represents his proceeds from the sale of methamphetamine.

On October 26, 2018, Carlin pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, methamphetamine, and one count of aiding in the preparation of false tax returns.

This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and Middletown Police Department, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  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 PAGE, 45, of Guilford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to an additional three months of imprisonment for failing to surrender for service of his federal sentence.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 17, 2017, Judge Thompson sentenced Page to 97 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a scheme to distribute oxycodone that was obtained through fraudulent prescriptions.  Judge Thompson ordered Page, who was released on a $200,000 bond, to surrender for service of his sentence on November 17, 2017.

Page was subsequently designated by the Bureau of Prisons to the Federal Correctional Institute at Fort Dix, New Jersey.

Page did not surrender to FCI Fort Dix on November 17, 2017.  The U.S. Marshals Service located and arrested Page at a hotel in Branford on December 7, 2017.  He has been detained since his arrest.

Judge Thompson ordered Page to serve three months of imprisonment, followed by six months of home confinement, when Page completes his original 97-month sentence.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis and Anthony E. Kaplan.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTOINE SNELL and TREYQUANE SNELL, both 20 of Bridgeport, each pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to a federal robbery offense stemming from a violent robbery and carjacking of a food delivery driver in Ansonia.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 21, 2016, Antoine and Treyquane Snell, who are twin brothers, and a juvenile male, placed a food order with an Ansonia restaurant to be delivered to a location on Dwight Street.  After the driver arrived at the location, the three males ordered the driver out of his car, attacked him and stole the car.  The victim suffered serious injuries, including multiple broken bones in his face and bleeding in his brain.

The brothers each pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for November 6, 2019.

The brothers are detained pending sentencing.

The juvenile involved in the robbery and carjacking was charged, convicted and sentenced in state court.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ansonia Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas P. Morabito and Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.

U.S. Attorney John H. Durham and officials from the U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. General Services Administration today announced that CLASSIC SITE SOLUTIONS, INC. (“CSS”) and its owner, CHERYL SADY, have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the United States in which they will pay $1.3 million dollars to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act.

CSS is a Massachusetts corporation that performs construction management and general contracting services for various federal agencies.  The government alleges that CSS and Sady made false statements to the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) to obtain certification as a Historically Underutilized Business Zone (“HUBZone”) company.  One of the central purposes of the HUBZone program is to support small businesses that locate in geographic areas that have historically been unable to attract businesses and jobs.  The government awards certain contracts only to HUBZone-certified businesses and applies a price preference to HUBZone contractors making bids on other contracts.

The government alleges that CSS and Sady falsely claimed to the SBA that CSS’s principal office was located in a designated HUBZone when, in fact, it was not.  Using the fraudulently obtained HUBZone certification from the SBA, CSS bid on and was awarded government contracts worth millions of dollars that had been set aside for qualified HUBZone companies, as well as contracts for which a price preference was available to HUBZone companies.  After CSS’s fraudulently procured HUBZone certification was discovered, CSS and Sady made further false statements to federal agents about CSS’s HUBZone eligibility and the location of its principal office.

To resolve the government’s allegations, CSS and Sady have agreed to pay $1.3 million for conduct occurring between 2009 and 2015.

“Companies that make false representations to take advantage of federal government contract programs for which they don’t qualify will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.  “We thank the SBA’s Office of Inspector General and Office of General Counsel, and the GSA Office of Inspector General, for their diligent work on this case and their efforts to protect both the integrity of the HUBZone program and taxpayer money.”

“The outcome in this case is the product of enhanced efforts by federal agencies such as the Small Business Administration working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other federal law enforcement partners to detect procurement fraud and prosecute those individuals and companies that engage in such activities,” said SBA’s General Counsel Christopher M. Pilkerton.

 “A small business wishing to participate in SBA’s HUBZone Program must fulfill all the program requirements, which are designed to encourage economic development and increase employment opportunities in the distressed area,” said SBA Inspector General Hannibal “Mike” Ware.  “SBA OIG will continue to aggressively pursue parties that undermine Americans’ confidence in preferential federal contracting programs for small businesses.  I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication to enforcing compliance in SBA’s contracting programs.”

“Entities must be truthful in their dealings with the federal government,” said Inspector General Carol Ochoa of the U.S. General Services Administration Office of Inspector General.  “The GSA OIG will aggressively pursue those who make false representations to obtain federal contracts.”

Under the False Claims Act, the government can recover up to three times its actual damages, plus penalties of $11,181 to $22,363 for each false claim.

This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. General Services Administration Office of Inspector General.  This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Gruber, with the assistance of Auditor Susan N. Spiegel.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ROLANDO RUSSELL, 62, of Bridgeport, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 50 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for preparing false tax returns for clients.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Russell prepared approximately 1,820 federal tax returns for the 2013 through 2016 tax years through a tax return preparation practice he operated in Bridgeport.  The returns claimed a total of approximately $11.26 million in refunds, of which the IRS issued approximately $10 million.  An investigation revealed that many of the tax returns he prepared included false Schedule C forms (“Profit or Loss from Business”), false unreimbursed employee expenses and false charitable contributions.   Based on the investigation, Russell’s false filings resulted in at least $1.5 million in losses to the IRS.

Judge Thompson ordered Russell to pay restitution of $1,501,000.

As a result of Russell’s fraudulent conduct, many of his clients’ filed tax returns for the 2013 through 2016 tax years will need to be amended.  IRS notices are being sent to impacted clients.

On April 26, 2019, Russell pleaded guilty to two counts of aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return.

Russell, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on October 16.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL DAVIS, also known as “Clep,” “Clip,” and “Michael Smith,” 33, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 45 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for firearm and narcotics offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 4, 2018, Davis was told to leave the premises of a New Haven bar after he argued with a bouncer.  Davis then went outside, pulled a handgun out of his pants, loaded an extended magazine into the firearm and threatened to shoot the bar owner.

Davis was arrested on December 7, 2018.  At the time of his arrest, he possessed distribution quantities of heroin and cocaine.  A subsequent search of his vehicle revealed a Smith & Wesson SD 40 handgun.

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

On April 30, 2019, Davis pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, and one count of possession of heroin with intent to distribute.

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