District of Connecticut

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that NICHOLAS ZANEN, 46, of Belgium, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson to a conspiracy charge stemming from his role in an insider trading scheme.

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

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

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

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

Zanen pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud.  Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for November 4, 2019, at which time Zanen faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  Zanen has been detained since his arrest.

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

In the companion case Securities and Exchange Commission v. Nicolas Zanen and Francis J. Van Steenberge, a judgment was issued ordering Zanen to pay a civil penalty of $432,775.70 to the SEC.  Zanen has paid the penalty.

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry.  U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs for its assistance in this matter, in particular former DOJ Rome Attache’ Cristina Posa.

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

John H. Durham. United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STEVEN F. HARVIN, 54, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to three years of probation, the first 60 days of which Harvin must serve in home confinement, for stealing from a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) program.  Judge Shea also ordered Harvin to perform 50 hours of community service.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (“HOPWA”) Program is a HUD program dedicated to the housing needs of people living with HIV/AIDS.  Under the HOPWA Program, HUD makes grants to local communities, states and nonprofit organizations for projects that benefit low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families.  HUD is also responsible for administering the Section 8 housing program, which provides federally subsidized housing to low income tenants.

From approximately August 2015 to September 2016, Harvin served as President of Zezzo House, a non-profit organization in Hartford that provides housing for individuals and families with health challenges, including HIV/AIDS.  HUD provides HOPWA funds to the City of Hartford, which in turn provides the HOPWA funds to organizations in the Hartford area, including Zezzo House.  Between January and August 2016, Zezzo House received $70,722 in HOPWA funds.  Harvin embezzled some of these funds through cash withdrawals, spent some of the funds on ineligible Zezzo House expenses, and he failed to account for the use of other funds. 

Zezzo House also receives Section 8 funding and, during this time period, Harvin diverted funds from rent checks from Section 8 tenants to his personal use. 

In total, Harvin misappropriated approximately $32,854 in HOPWA and Section 8 funds.

This matter was investigated by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, and the Hartford Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CLETUS JONES, 39, of Hartford, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 23, 2018, Hartford Police officers responded to a two-car motor vehicle accident near Elizabeth Park. At the scene, officers learned that Jones had gone into the park and placed something near a tree. A search of the area uncovered a loaded Taurus .38 semi-automatic handgun. Subsequently, Jones’ DNA profile was found on the gun.

Jones’ criminal history includes felony convictions for possession of narcotics, failure to appear in the first degree, robbery in the first degree and carjacking.

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.

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

Jones has been detained since his arrest on August 8, 2018.

 This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson and Law Student Intern Owen R. Eagan.

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 THOMAS POPILLO, 61, of Newington, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Hartford to one count of embezzlement and theft of labor union funds while serving as the president of the Communications Workers of America Local 81266.

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

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

Popillo is released on a $25,000 bond pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards.  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 JULIET JACOB, 50, of Wake Forest, North Carolina, formerly of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to a year and a day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in two separate Medicaid fraud schemes.

According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in January 2012, Jacob and Toshirea Jackson operated two businesses, Transitional Development And Training (TDAT), and It Takes A Promise (ITAP), both located at 360 Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport, which provided social and psychotherapy services.  The investigation revealed that Jacob and Jackson used ITAP and TDAT to bill Medicaid for psychotherapy services that were never provided.  As part of their scheme, Jacob and Jackson used the Medicaid provider numbers of two licensed health care providers who had neither rendered nor supervised any of the psychotherapy services that Jacob and Jackson billed to Medicaid.  Jackson, and the two licensed providers, were employees of the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS).  The two providers did not authorize Jacob and Jackson to obtain provider numbers for them at TDAT or ITAP, and were not aware that TDAT or ITAP were billing Medicaid as if the providers had personally rendered the psychotherapy services.  

The investigation further revealed that, in March 2012, Nikkita Chesney, who was employed by a health care provider that provided substance abuse treatment, including a detoxification program in Bridgeport, was approached by Jackson and, at Jackson’s request, began to steal the personal identification information of Medicaid clients who were patients of her employer.  The personal identifying information included the patients’ Medicaid identification number, Social Security Numbers and dates of birth.  Jacob, Jackson and Chesney then used the stolen identity information to bill Medicaid for psychotherapy services purportedly provided by TDAT and ITAP, when the Medicaid clients had never received any such services from TDAT or ITAP.

Chesney stole the identity information of more than 150 Medicaid clients, and she, Jacob and Jackson successfully billed Medicaid for approximately half of those clients.  The co-conspirators also fraudulently billed Medicaid for services to other clients that were never provided to those clients.

On October 18, 2018, Jacob pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud stemming from this scheme, and a separate Medicaid fraud scheme.  In that separate scheme, Jacob conspired with Ronnette Brown and Beverly Coker in 2010 and 2011 to defraud Medicaid of more than $214,000 by fraudulently billing for psychotherapy services that were not provided.

Judge Bolden ordered Jacob to pay $ 2,711,173 in restitution related to the two schemes.

Jacob, who is released on a $25,000 bond, is required to report to prison on September 20, 2019.

On December 13, 2018, Jackson, who was an employee of the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud.  On May 30, 2019, Judge Bolden sentenced her to 24 months of imprisonment and ordered her to pay restitution of $2,496,618.

On October 23, 2018, Chesney pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.  On July 12, 2019, she was sentenced to seven months of imprisonment and ordered to pay restitution of $1,369,654.

On May 26, 2017, a jury found Brown guilty of 23 counts of health care fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud.  On April 19, 2018, Judge Bolden sentenced Brown to 48 months of imprisonment and ordered her to pay restitution of $2,033,962.

On April 8, 2016, Coker pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud.  On May 8, 2018, she was sentenced to five years of probation and restitution of $214,555.

Three other individuals have been charged and convicted of separate health care fraud offenses as a result of this investigation, including Maurice Sharpe, who is Jacob’s ex-husband, and Patricia Lafayette, who is Sharpe’s mother and Jacob’s former mother-in-law.  In 2011, while Jacob and Sharpe were married and living with Lafayette, Jacob, Lafayette, and Sharpe formed Family First Community Support Services (Family First).  Sharpe and Lafayette then engaged in a health care fraud scheme with Anne Charlotte Silver, a licensed marriage and family therapist, in which Sharpe and Lafayette used Family First to submit fraudulent claims to Medicaid for psychotherapy under Silver’s Medicaid provider number.

On July 15, 2016, Lafayette pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud.  On April 27, 2017, she was sentenced to 21 months in prison and was ordered to pay restitution of $1,661,879.

On May 2, 2016, Silver pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud.  On May 8, 2017, she was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment and ordered to pay restitution of $1,619,019.

On December 13, 2016, Sharpe pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud.  On May 24, 2018, he was sentenced to five years probation and ordered to pay $211,130 in restitution.

This case was jointly investigated by the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office.  U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the Connecticut Department of Social Services for their role in identifying the fraudulent scheme and supporting the investigation and prosecution of the case.

“Today’s sentencing is the final step in a five-year investigation that resulted in convictions of eight individuals involved in three separate but related schemes to defraud Medicaid of over six million dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.  “These convictions demonstrate the combined efforts of Connecticut’s federal and state criminal and civil law enforcement agencies, working closely with the Connecticut Department of Social Services, to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals who commit Medicaid fraud.  We will continue to vigilantly protect the federal and state dollars that support these vital health care services.”

Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane expressed his appreciation to all involved in this successful investigation and prosecution.  “This is yet another example of what can be accomplished when agencies at levels of government work in collaboration to achieve their common goal,” said Chief State’s Attorney Kane.  “All of these agencies worked tirelessly over several years to assure that waste, fraud and abuse in our Medicaid program is uncovered and those responsible are punished accordingly.

“We will not tolerate criminals stealing precious dollars from our federal health care programs,” said Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.  “Today’s sentence shows our commitment to working with our state and federal law enforcement partners to swiftly investigate these fraud schemes and bring criminals to justice.”

This matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon and Auditor Susan Spiegel.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Chief State’s Attorney’s Office and Attorney General’s Office meet regularly as part of The Medicaid Fraud Working Group.  The Working Group also includes representatives from the Connecticut Department of Social Services; the Connecticut Department of Public Health; the Drug Control Division of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection; the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the FBI.  The Working Group reviews pending issues and cases, identifies trends that might indicate fraudulent activity, and coordinates efforts for maximum results.

People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDDY PENA, 30, of Providence, Rhode Island, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 179 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.

On February 20, 2019, a jury found Pena guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, one kilogram or more of heroin.  Prior to his trial, on February 4, 2019, Pena pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of heroin with intent to distribute.

According to court documents, statements made in court and the evidence introduced during the trial, this matter stems from an investigation that began after several heroin overdoses in southeastern Connecticut, including two overdose deaths involving a heroin and fentanyl mix that occurred in January, 2016.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Pena regularly supplied Michael Luciano, of New London, with large quantities of heroin.  Luciano, who also received heroin from sources in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, distributed the drug through a network of street-level dealers in southeastern Connecticut.  The evidence at trial also indicated that Pena supplied heroin to individuals in Providence, Rhode Island, and Fall River, Massachusetts, as early as 2012.   Based on the trial evidence, Judge Shea found that Pena was responsible for the trafficking of at least 10 kilograms of heroin but less than 30 kilograms of heroin, and that Pena was the leader of a conspiracy that was extensive and involved five or more participants.

Pena has been detained since his arrest on November 14, 2017.  On that date, investigators executed 12 federal search warrants and seized more than three kilograms of heroin from other members of the conspiracy, and approximately $14,000 in cash from Pena.

On December 12, 2017, a grand jury in Hartford returned a 25-count superseding indictment charging Pena, Luciano and 19 other individuals with various heroin trafficking offenses.

On June 27, 2018, Luciano pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.  On January 29, 2019, he was sentenced to 12 years of imprisonment.       

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Homeland Security Investigations, Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force East and the New London, Norwich, Waterford, Attleboro (Mass.) and Freetown (Mass.) Police Departments.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Dave Vatti and Geoffrey M. Stone.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached a settlement agreement with Il Pomod’Oro Restaurant in East Lyme to resolve allegations that the facility did not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”).

The settlement agreement resolves ADA complaints filed by individuals with disabilities alleging that Il Pomod’Oro was not accessible for individuals with physical disabilities.  The restaurant is in the process of making the changes required by the settlement agreement, including providing accessible parking spaces, ensuring that the restaurant has an accessible entrance with compliant handrails and thresholds, providing accessible dining tables throughout the restaurant, ensuring equivalent service for individuals in the restaurant’s bar area, ensuring access to the restaurant’s patio area, and designing and constructing an accessible restroom.  Il Pomod’Oro will continue to make improvements over the next 18 months.

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

“The Americans with Disabilities Act is an important part of the federal law enforcement responsibilities of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and we are committed to enforcing the ADA to ensure that individuals with disabilities are able to access and enjoy our state’s restaurants,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.  “We are pleased that Il Pomod’Oro has agreed to make changes to its facility in order to comply with the requirements of the ADA.”

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

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

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

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, Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Vernon Police Chief James Kenny today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment yesterday charging three individuals with offenses related to the illegal acquisition and distribution of oxycodone obtained through fraudulent prescriptions.  JAYSON KEMP, 42, of East Windsor, ORAL WELBORN, 58, of Columbia, South Carolina, and MARIA PIRULLI, 42, of New Haven, were arrested this morning.

As alleged in the indictment, between 2012 and 2014, Kemp obtained blank prescription paper from employees of various Connecticut medical practices, including from Pirulli, who formerly resided in Newington and was employed as an assistant and bookkeeper at a medical practice in Hartford.  Kemp kept some of the prescription paper for himself and also sold some of the prescription paper, for thousands of dollars, to other individuals, including Welborn, who formerly resided in Hartford.  Kemp, Welborn and another co-conspirator then recruited “runners,” who typically were individuals who received Medicaid and Medicare benefits, to fill fraudulent prescriptions at various pharmacies.  Kemp, Welborn and the other coconspirator filled out each prescription with the runner’s identifying information and forged a doctor’s signature on the prescription.  The runner then filled the fraudulent prescription at a pharmacy, generally using their Medicaid or Medicare benefits, and provided the pills to Kemp, Welborn and their co-conspirator in exchange for approximately $50 per prescription.  Kemp, Welborn and their co-conspirator then sold the pills to individuals suffering from opioid addictions.

It is alleged that Kemp, Welborn and their co-conspirator were responsible for filling at least 150 fraudulent prescriptions for oxycodone, almost all of which were for 150 30-mg oxycodone pills.

The indictment charges Kemp with one count of conspiracy to distribute narcotics, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; and two counts of health care fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count.

Welborn is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute narcotics and one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and Pirulli is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute narcotics.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, and the Vernon Police Department.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STANLEY HUGOCHUKWU NWOKE, also known as “Stanley Banks,” “Banks,” “Hugo Banks,” “Banky,” and “Jose Calderon,” 28, a citizen of Nigeria, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 36 months of imprisonment for his role in a business e-mail compromise scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Nwoke conspired with Adeyemi Odufuye and others in a business compromise scheme that targeted hundreds, if not thousands, of CFOs, controllers and others at businesses, nonprofit organizations, and schools in Connecticut and across the United States.  As part of the scheme, Odufuye, Nwoke and others, including Olumuyiwa Yahtrip Adejumo, sent e-mails addressed to executives that were made to appear to be sent from the legitimate e-mail address of the CEO or other executive from the business.  The emails were sent with the intent of having the recipients send or wire money to bank accounts used by members of the conspiracy.

The investigation revealed that scheme participants controlled multiple e-mail and social media accounts used in the scheme and, in certain instances, sent e-mails and attachments containing malware to the intended recipients.

In late 2015, Odufuye and others sent or caused to be sent dozens of e-mails to the controller of a company in Torrington, Connecticut.  In the e-mails, Odufuye posed at the real CEO of the victim company and instructed the controller to send multiple wire transfers exceeding a total of $1 million from the company’s accounts to various individuals and purported entities.  The company then sent five wire transfers totaling more than $500,000 to accounts in Virginia, Florida, Washington, D.C., and Hong Kong.

The investigation revealed that Odufuye and others also targeted a company headquartered in Waterbury, Connecticut, as part of this scheme.

Judge Hall ordered Nwoke to pay restitution of $662,053.87.

Nwoke was arrested in Mauritius on May 8, 2018, was extradited to the U.S., and has been detained since his arrest.  On May 7, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Odufuye, formerly residing in Sheffield, United Kingdom, and Adejumo, formerly residing in Toledo, Ohio, both citizens of Nigeria, previously pleaded guilty to related charges.  On December 12, 2018, Odufuye was sentenced to 45 months of imprisonment and was ordered to pay restitution of $921,497.87 to victims of the scheme.  On August 17, 2018, Adejumo was sentenced to 15 months of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut Cyber Task Force.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.

U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, the United Kingdom’s Metropolitan Police, and the Mauritius Police Force’s Central Criminal Investigation Department for their assistance in this case.  

To contact the Connecticut Cyber Task Force, please call the FBI in New Haven at 203-777-6311.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LEWIS CORWISE, 29, formerly of Norwich and New York City, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 5, 2018, Norwich Police arrived at a Norwich residence to arrest Corwise, who had a warrant for his arrest in New York.  Corwise attempted to run from police, resisted and was apprehended.  At the time of his arrest, Corwise possessed a loaded Springfield xD-45 handgun, a zip lock bag containing nearly 60 grams of heroin, a small quantity of marijuana, a digital scale, five cellphones and other items.

Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for October 24, 2019, at which time Corwise faces a mandatory term of imprisonment of at least five years.

Corwise has been detained since his arrest.

This investigation has been conducted by the Norwich Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LEE FERGUSON, 62, of Farmington, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of money laundering stemming from a scheme in which he stole more than $3.3 million from his employees.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Ferguson owns and operates Ferguson Electric and Ferguson Mechanical, both headquartered in Plainville.  Between approximately 2013 and 2017, Ferguson caused to be deducted approximately $1.60 to $3.15 per hour from each of his employee’s fringe benefits package as a “third party administrator fee” for the employees’ pension plans.  Ferguson knew that the funds were not used to cover any administrative fees for the employees’ pension plans.  Instead, this “third party administrator fee” was paid over to TPA of Connecticut, a company that Ferguson established and controlled.  TPA of Connecticut, in turn, sent the monies to DJS Associates, a Florida company that Ferguson formed for the purported purpose of performing business-consulting services for him and his companies.  However, no such services were performed and Ferguson used the funds for personal expenses.

Through this scheme, Ferguson stole a total of $3,357,516 from more than 300 employees.

Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for October 24, 2019, at which time Ferguson faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

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

This investigation is being conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, and U.S. Department of Labor – Employee Benefits Security Administration, Boston Regional Office.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANDRE JOHNSON, also known as “Cuzz Crip” and “Cuzzy Blue,” 30, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 28, 2019, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of a handgun an extended magazine from Johnson in exchange for $900.  After the transaction, investigators seized a Taurus model PT 24/7 Pro DS 9mm, a loaded extended magazine and a loaded standard magazine that Johnson transferred during the purchase.

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

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

Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for October 23, 2019, at which time Johnson faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, announced that KENTWAN ROBINSON, also known as Thomas Robinson, 26, of Ansonia, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to fentanyl and crack cocaine distribution offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in November 2018, the Drug Enforcement Administration received information that Robinson was distributing fentanyl in the Bridgeport area.  On three occasions between November 2018 and January 2019, investigators conducted controlled purchases of fentanyl from Robinson at various locations.  During one of the transactions, Robinson also sold a quantity of crack cocaine.

Robinson was arrested at his Ansonia residence on February 6, 2019.  At the time of his arrest, he possessed approximately 10 grams of fentanyl that he intended to distribute and approximately $1,800 in cash.

Robinson pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of fentanyl, one count of distribution of fentanyl and cocaine base (“crack”), and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.  Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for October 23, 2019, at which time Robinson faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.

Robinson has been detained since his arrest.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department.  The Task Force includes personnel from the DEA, Connecticut State Police and Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford, Bridgeport and Trumbull Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Vizcarrondo.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MAHDI HENDERSON, 25, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

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

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

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

Henderson is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant November 7, 2019, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Henderson has been in state custody on unrelated charges since October 3, 2018.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTHONY A. VALENTINO, 76, of Palm City, Florida, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to nine months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for tax evasion.  Judge Dooley also ordered Valentino to pay a $10,000 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Valentino is a real estate investor who owns property in Connecticut and New York, including a 100-unit apartment complex in Naugatuck, Connecticut.  From 2011 to 2013, Valentino deposited more than $1.1 million of rental real estate receipts, paid in cash or checks, into his personal bank accounts in Connecticut and New York, and failed to report the receipts on his personal and partnership federal tax returns.

For the 2011 through 2013 tax years, Valentino failed to report $1,008,125 in taxable income on his tax returns, and only reported $42,815 in taxable income.  As a result, he evaded payment of $302,449 in income taxes.

The investigation also revealed that, in 2013, Valentino made or caused to be made 27 cash deposits totaling $247,100 into his savings account in Connecticut.  Many of the cash deposits, which ranged in amounts from $7,000 to $9,900, were made on the same day at different times, or on consecutive days.

Federal law requires all financial institutions to file a Currency Transaction Report (“CTR”) for currency transactions that exceed $10,000.  To evade the filing of a CTR, individuals will often structure their currency transactions so that no single transaction exceeds $10,000.

Valentino has paid restitution to the U.S. Treasury of $302,339, but still owes approximately $333,000 in tax penalties and interest.  He also has forfeited $100,000 related to his structuring of cash deposits.

On March 25, 2019, Valentino pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion.

Valentino, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on October 28, 2019.

This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and the Hartford and Stamford Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a jury in New Haven has found Robert Capelli, 33, of Milford, guilty of offenses related to his involvement in a large-scale marijuana trafficking conspiracy.  A trial before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton began on July 22 and the jury returned a split verdict late yesterday.

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

The investigation revealed that, over a period of approximately 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.

Capelli was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana.  Capelli was found not guilty of one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, and one count of money laundering.  Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for October 25, 2019, at which time Capelli faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 80 years.

In addition, Capelli has forfeited approximately $90,000 to date, and additional forfeiture proceedings are pending.

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.  On May 3, Capelli’s associate, Terrell Givens of Beacon Falls, pleaded guilty to the same charges.  On May 6, Burns pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana.  In pleading guilty, the defendants also agreed to the forfeiture of cash and various items, including Burns’ Piper aircraft, a 2012 Toyota Camry belonging to Bodnar, and a 2009 Jaguar XF and approximately $8,000 in jewelry belonging to Givens.

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 JEFFREY L. BACON, 60, of Bristol, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with multiple child exploitation offenses.

Bacon appeared this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford and was released on a $100,000 bond and electronic monitoring.

As alleged in the criminal complaint, in October 2018, Bacon began communicating with a 15-year-old-girl through the Kik messaging application after Bacon met the girl in a Kik chat group for teens.  During their communications, that girl told Bacon she was a minor.  Knowing that she was a minor, Bacon still sent the girl sexually explicit pictures of himself and described various sexual acts that he wanted to engage in with the girl.  The girl told her mother who reported the communications to the police.

It is further alleged that, on October 30, 2018, a law enforcement officer assumed the girl’s Kik identity to continue to correspond with Bacon.  Bacon asked the undercover officer, posing as the girl, to remind Bacon of her age.  The officer responded with “15.”  From October 30 to November 1, Bacon repeatedly sent sexually explicit pictures and videos of himself to the undercover officer.  Bacon also requested sexually explicit pictures in return.  During the course of their conversations, Bacon asked the undercover officer if he could pick her up from school so he could see her.  Bacon suggested they could go to the mall where the girl could try on clothes while Bacon watched and engaged in a sexual act.  Bacon also discussed going to a motel with the girl to engage in sexual acts with her.

On November 19, 2018, Bacon was arrested on related state charges.

It is alleged that, during a subsequent forensic examination of Bacon’s laptop computer, investigators found images of child pornography, including images depicting prepubescent females engaged in sexual acts with adults.

The complaint charges Bacon with enticing and attempting to entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, soliciting and attempting to solicit child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Enfield Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging NATHANIEL RODRIGUEZ, 23, of Enfield, with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

The indictment was returned on July 10, 2019.  Rodriguez appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.  If convicted of the offense, Rodriguez faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  Rodriguez was ordered detained pending trial.

As alleged in the indictment, on January 27, 2019, Rodriguez possessed a loaded M&P Bodyguard .380 caliber handgun.  Prior to that date, Rodriguez sustained felony convictions in Massachusetts for firearms, assault, drug and witness intimidation offenses.

Rodriguez was arrested on state charges by Hartford Police in Hartford on January 27 and was subsequently released on bond.  He has been detained since March 29 when he was arrested in Enfield in an unrelated case.

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that 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 Hartford Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JONATHAN RIVERA, also known as “Gitto,” 26, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 5, 2018, Rivera was arrested in Hartford’s South End after he sold 25 bags of fentanyl mixed with crack cocaine to another individual.  A subsequent search of Rivera’s Fairfield Avenue residence revealed more than 15,000 bags containing a similar mix of fentanyl and crack.

Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for October 16, 2019, at which time Rivera faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.

Rivera, who was released on bond, was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service at the conclusion of today’s court proceeding.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging DESI WILLIAMS, 38, of Waterbury, with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The indictment was returned on July 1, 2019.  Williams appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.  Williams was ordered detained pending trial.

As alleged in the indictment, on January 28, 2019, Williams possessed a loaded Smith & Wesson .22 caliber revolver.

It is further alleged that, in 2016, Williams was convicted in federal court of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and was previously convicted in state court of felony robbery, burglary and failure to appear offenses.

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

Williams has been detained since January 28, 2019, when he was arrested by Waterbury Police on related charges.

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

Williams, who was on federal supervised release at the time of the alleged offense, also faces additional penalties if he is found to have violated the conditions of his supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that 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 Waterbury Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter D. Markle and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FREDDY ANTONIO MARTE-JEREZ, 58, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in Danbury, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of reentry of a removed alien.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 1998, Marte Jerez’s wife filed an I-130 Petition for an Alien Relative with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (“INS”) providing documentation that she was a U.S. citizen and that she and Marte Jerez were legally married.  After the petition was approved, Marte Jerez filed an I-485 Application for Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status.  This application was denied based on Marte Jerez’s failure to disclose a prior narcotics conviction in the State of Rhode Island.  In November 2000, Marte Jerez appeared before an Immigration Judge in Hartford and was released on bond while awaiting a hearing date.

In October 2007, Marte Jerez was convicted in Danbury Superior Court for sale of illegal drugs.  On March 3, 2010, following completion of his state sentence, Marte Jerez was deported to the Dominican Republic.

Marte Jerez illegally reentered the U.S. and was arrested while using the name “Antonio Nunez” in Danbury.  In December 2015, Marte Jerez was convicted in Danbury Superior Court of burglary in the third degree.  He was sentenced to three years of incarceration, execution suspended, and three years of probation.  Based on his use of a false identity, his arrest and conviction did not become known to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

On March 19, 2018, Marte Jerez, using a different identity, was arrested in Danbury for motor vehicle offenses.  His true identity was subsequently discovered through a fingerprint comparison and ICE took him into custody following his release from a state court appearance on June 27, 2018.  He has been detained since his arrest.

When he is sentenced, Marte Jerez faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years for illegal reentry.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.

This investigation is being conducted 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 GLENN JAMISON, 37, of Waterbury, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 25 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.

According to court documents and statement made in court, on January 10, 2018, Jamison possessed a loaded 9mm Ruger LC9 handgun in Waterbury.  At the time, he was on state probation and had two outstanding warrants for his arrest.

Jamison’s criminal history includes numerous felony convictions.  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.

Jamison has been detained in state custody since his arrest on January 10, 2018.  On April 24, 2019, he pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.  Jamison will not receive federal credit for approximately 16 months he served in state custody since his arrest.

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

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 CHRISTOPHER J. SAKELARAKIS, 35, of Milford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for an investment scheme that defrauded an elderly victim of $60,000.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Sakelarakis held himself out as having the necessary qualifications, experience and abilities to provide investment services to an elderly victim-investor.  Sakelarakis falsely represented to the victim that he had a number of investment clients, that he was making a substantial profit including by day trading, and that he had a contact in an investment firm who provided him with stock tips.  Sakelarakis also represented that he would invest in stocks, options and other financial instruments on behalf of the victim and that his compensation would be a commission on 10 percent of the profits.

In October 2017, the victim provided Sakelarakis with a $60,000 check.  The funds were more than half of what the victim had saved for retirement.  Within days after receiving and depositing the check, Sakelarakis withdrew $30,000 in cash, and then made additional cash withdrawals, including several large withdrawals at ATMs.  Sakelarakis spent a portion of the funds at stores such as Armani Exchange, Foot Locker, Macy’s and Gamestop.  In October and November 2017, Sakelarakis made several false representations in e-mails to the victim-investor relating to the status of the “investments” and the victim’s account.  No funds were ever returned to the victim.

Judge Hall ordered Sakelarakis to pay full restitution, plus interest, to the victim.

Sakelarakis was arrested on October 15, 2018.  On December 27, he pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

Sakelarakis, who is released on a $60,000 bond, is required to report to prison on September 4, 2019.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Wilton Police Department and Greenwich Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Banking.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry and Law Student Intern Evan Marlow.

U.S. Attorney Durham noted that this case has been brought as part of the Justice Department’s Elder Justice Initiative (EJI).  To learn more about EJI, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached a settlement agreement with the Golden Greek Restaurant and Pub in Killingly to resolve allegations that the restaurant was not operating in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”).

The settlement agreement resolves an ADA complaint filed by an individual with disabilities alleging that the Golden Greek was not accessible for individuals with physical disabilities.  The restaurant is in the process of making the changes required by the settlement agreement, including adding accessible parking spaces, creating accessible entrances to the restaurant and patio area, and renovating the restaurant’s restrooms to make them accessible for individuals with disabilities.  The restaurant will also implement new policies providing curbside carry out service for individuals with mobility disabilities and table service to individuals in wheelchairs in the restaurant’s bar area.  The Golden Greek will continue to make improvements over the next 22 months.

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

U.S. Attorney Durham noted that the ownership of the Golden Greek has worked cooperatively and collaboratively with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to address the ADA issues complained of without the need for litigation.

“The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures that individuals are able to access and enjoy the state’s restaurants, bars, and other places of public accommodation,” stated U.S. Attorney Durham. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to enforcing the ADA in order to ensure that places of public accommodation in the State of Connecticut are accessible for individuals with disabilities.  We appreciate that the Golden Greek has agreed to take the steps outlined in the settlement agreement in order to greatly increase the accessibility of its facility,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.

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

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ANTHONY PENA, 25, of Hartford, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 24, 2018, acting on informant information, members of the Hartford Police Department responded to the area of 862 Albany Avenue.  There, they found Mr. Pena in the driver’s seat of a parked vehicle.  A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded Glock 21 .45 caliber firearm with an extended magazine.  The firearm had been reported stolen in North Carolina in 2012.

In May 2012, Pena was convicted in state court of robbery in the first degree and conspiracy to commit robbery in the first degree.  In May 2014, he was convicted of failure to appear in the first degree.

Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for October 9, 2019, at which time Pena faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Pena has been detained since his federal arrest on June 24, 2018.

This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Connecticut Violent Crime Task Force and the Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer R. Laraia.

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

U.S. Attorney John H. Durham, Special Agent in Charge Phillip Coyne of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and Connecticut Attorney General William Tong today announced that COMPREHENSIVE PAIN AND HEADACHE TREATMENT CENTERS, LLC (“CPHTC”) and its owner, MARK THIMINEUR, M.D., have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments in which they will pay more than $425,000 to resolve allegations that they improperly billed the Medicare and Connecticut Medicaid programs.

CPHTC is an interventional pain management medical practice with offices in Derby and Meriden, Connecticut.  Thimineur is the owner of CPHTC.

The allegations against CPHTC and Thimineur arise out of improper billing for urine drug tests.  There are various types of urine drug tests.  Drug screening tests (also known as “qualitative” tests) determine the presence or absence of a drug or metabolite in a patient’s urine. “Quantitative” testing (also known as “definitive” or “confirmation” testing), provide a numerical concentration of a drug or metabolite in a patient’s urine.

It is alleged that CPHTC and Thimineur improperly submitted claims to Medicare and Medicaid for quantitative testing of patient urine samples, when such quantitative testing was not actually being performed.  It is further alleged that CPHTC and Thimineur violated the federal and state False Claims Acts by submitting claims for alcohol tests and amphetamine/methamphetamine tests conducted on patients’ urine samples, when those tests were components of urine drug screening tests for which the CPHTC and Thimineur were already being paid by the Medicare and Connecticut Medicaid programs. 

To resolve their liability, CPHTC and Thimineur will pay $427,691.90 to the federal and state governments for conduct occurring between May 15, 2013 and December 31, 2015.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that IVAN ROSARIO, also known as “Ghost,” 34, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 210 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in the destruction of evidence.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation revealed that Rosario headed a Bridgeport-based heroin trafficking organization that, between approximately April 2015 and March 2017, received at least 30 kilograms of heroin that had been transported from Mexico to Bridgeport hidden inside motorcycles equipped with secret compartments.  The organization then distributed the drug in the Bridgeport area. 

During the investigation, investigators seized approximately $100,000 from a hidden compartment in one of Rosario’s cars, and approximately $90,000 in cash that was hidden in the residences of family members.

On March 16, 2017, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Rosario and six other individuals with heroin trafficking and related offenses.

Between March and May 2017, while he was detained in federal custody and awaiting trial, Rosario schemed to destroy potential evidence.  As part of the scheme, Rosario used threats to force his child’s mother to destroy her cellphone because it contained “dangerous” information that would be used against him during trial.  According to testimony at Rosario’s trial, the cellphone was discarded in the Long Island Sound.

On April 24, 2018, a jury found Rosario guilty of one count of causing or inducing any person to destroy evidence.  The jury could not reach a verdict on one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and found Rosario not guilty of one count of witness tampering and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Rosario has been detained since his arrest on March 3, 2017.

This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Bridgeport Police Department and Stratford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Vizcarrondo and Alina Reynolds.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RASHAAN WOOLFOLK, also known as “Booka,” 27, of West Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a New Haven drug trafficking ring.

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

Woolfolk 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 Woolfolk and 18 other individuals with various offenses.

Woolfolk has been detained since his arrest.  On March 18, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, cocaine base (“crack”).

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.

U.S. Attorney John H. Durham, Chief Michael Shaw of the Webster (Mass.) Police Department, Colonel Stavros Mellekas of the Connecticut State Police, FBI Special Agent in Charge Brian C. Turner of the New Haven Division and FBI Special Agent in Charge Joseph R. Bonavolonta of the Boston Division announced that JOSHUA BESAW, 35, of Thompson, Connecticut, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with offenses related to the kidnapping and sexual assault of 12-year-old girl.

Besaw appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford and was ordered detained.

As alleged in the complaint, on May 31, 2019, Besaw encountered a 12-year-old girl (“minor victim”) at a park in Webster, Massachusetts, and enticed the minor victim to enter his vehicle.  Besaw, who identified himself as “Chuck,” then drove the minor victim to a wooded area in Thompson, Connecticut, where he sexually assaulted her.  After the assault, Besaw drove the minor victim to Dudley, Massachusetts, where he released the minor victim in a neighborhood that was unfamiliar to her.  The minor victim then borrowed a phone from a stranger to contact her parents who picked her up and brought her to the police station to report the incident.  Later that day, a sexual assault examination of the victim was conducted at a medical facility.

It is alleged that Besaw was identified as a suspect after an extensive investigation led by Webster Police with support from the Connecticut State Police, which included analysis of surveillance video collected from numerous residences and businesses in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

On July 10, 2019, investigators conducting surveillance of Besaw collected cigarette butts that Besaw had discarded.  It is alleged that DNA evidence collected from the discarded cigarette butts matched DNA evidence collected from the minor victim on May 31, 2019.

The complaint charges Besaw with kidnapping, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and with transportation of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Webster Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.

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

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

WASHINGTON – Paul M. Camara Jr., president and co-owner of an insulation contractor, pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport, Connecticut, for his role in schemes to rig bids in violation of the antitrust laws and engage in criminal fraud on insulation contracts, marking the third conviction in this ongoing investigation, the Department of Justice announced. 

According to court documents, from October 2011 and continuing until March 2018, Camara, of Brooklyn, Connecticut, conspired with other insulation contractors to rig bids and engage in fraud on contracts for installing insulation around pipes and ducts on construction projects at universities, hospitals, and other public and private entities in Connecticut and elsewhere.  The conspirators discussed prices and agreed on bids that inflated prices to their customers by at least 10%.  In order to conceal their actions, the conspirators perpetrated the bid-rigging and fraud schemes using burner phones.

“Today’s guilty plea is the result of the coordinated effort by the Justice Department and our law enforcement partners, including the FBI and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), to root out collusion relating to a $45 million scheme to rig bids and fix prices on contracts to the detriment of taxpayer-funded schools, hospitals, and other businesses,” said Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division.  “This plea is a warning to contractors engaged in bid rigging and fraud that they will be held accountable.”

“This is the third insulation contractor executive to admit his involvement in this extensive bid rigging and fraud scheme,” said U.S. Attorney Durham for the District of Connecticut.  “I commend the FBI, DCIS, and our colleagues at the Antitrust Division who, together, are ensuring that those responsible for these schemes are brought to justice.”

“Guilty pleas like today’s solidify a strong message from law enforcement to contractors and others engaged in deceit and fraud of the American public, that we will aggressively pursue those individuals with the full gravity of our collective resources until justice is served,” said Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of FBI’s New Haven Field Office.

“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),” stated Leigh-Alistair Barzey, Special Agent in Charge of the DCIS Northeast Field Office.  “Bid rigging and fraud schemes, such as the ones in this case, disrupts the integrity of the procurement process and betrays the public’s trust. Unethical decisions that occur within the DoD contractor community continue to strain the U.S. Defense budget, impacting DoD’s resources and the American taxpayer.  Today’s guilty plea is the direct result of a joint effort and demonstrates the DCIS’ commitment to work with the FBI, the DOJ Antitrust Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, to investigate and prosecute individuals and companies that engage in anticompetitive and fraudulent activity impacting the DoD.”

The antitrust charge announced today carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a criminal fine of $1 million for individuals.  The fraud conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.  The fines for the antitrust and fraud conspiracy charges may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime, if either of those amounts is greater than the statutory maximum fine.  In addition to his guilty plea, Camara has agreed to pay restitution to the victims.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s New York Office, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut, the FBI’s New Haven Division, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.  Anyone with information in connection with this investigation is urged to call the Antitrust Division’s New York Office at 212-335-8035, or visit http://www.justice.gov/atr/contact/newcase.html.

Paul M. Camara Jr., president and co-owner of an insulation contractor, pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport, Connecticut, for his role in schemes to rig bids in violation of the antitrust laws and engage in criminal fraud on insulation contracts, marking the third conviction in this ongoing investigation, the Department of Justice announced. 

According to court documents, from October 2011 and continuing until March 2018, Camara, of Brooklyn, Connecticut, conspired with other insulation contractors to rig bids and engage in fraud on contracts for installing insulation around pipes and ducts on construction projects at universities, hospitals, and other public and private entities in Connecticut and elsewhere.  The conspirators discussed prices and agreed on bids that inflated prices to their customers by at least 10%.  In order to conceal their actions, the conspirators perpetrated the bid-rigging and fraud schemes using burner phones.

“Today’s guilty plea is the result of the coordinated effort by the Justice Department and our law enforcement partners, including the FBI and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), to root out collusion relating to a $45 million scheme to rig bids and fix prices on contracts to the detriment of taxpayer-funded schools, hospitals, and other businesses,” said Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division.  “This plea is a warning to contractors engaged in bid rigging and fraud that they will be held accountable.”

“This is the third insulation contractor executive to admit his involvement in this extensive bid rigging and fraud scheme,” said U.S. Attorney Durham for the District of Connecticut.  “I commend the FBI, DCIS, and our colleagues at the Antitrust Division who, together, are ensuring that those responsible for these schemes are brought to justice.”

“Guilty pleas like today’s solidify a strong message from law enforcement to contractors and others engaged in deceit and fraud of the American public, that we will aggressively pursue those individuals with the full gravity of our collective resources until justice is served,” said Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of FBI’s New Haven Field Office.

“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),” stated Leigh-Alistair Barzey, Special Agent in Charge of the DCIS Northeast Field Office.  “Bid rigging and fraud schemes, such as the ones in this case, disrupts the integrity of the procurement process and betrays the public’s trust. Unethical decisions that occur within the DoD contractor community continue to strain the U.S. Defense budget, impacting DoD’s resources and the American taxpayer.  Today’s guilty plea is the direct result of a joint effort and demonstrates the DCIS’ commitment to work with the FBI, the DOJ Antitrust Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, to investigate and prosecute individuals and companies that engage in anticompetitive and fraudulent activity impacting the DoD.”

The antitrust charge announced today carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a criminal fine of $1 million for individuals.  The fraud conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.  The fines for the antitrust and fraud conspiracy charges may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime, if either of those amounts is greater than the statutory maximum fine.  In addition to his guilty plea, Camara has agreed to pay restitution to the victims.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s New York Office, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut, the FBI’s New Haven Division, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.  Anyone with information in connection with this investigation is urged to call the Antitrust Division’s New York Office at 212-335-8035, or visit http://www.justice.gov/atr/contact/newcase.html.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT DUDUKOVICH, 25, of Wakeman, Ohio, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of distribution of child pornography.

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

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

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

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for October 9, 2019, at which time Dudukovich faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FERNANDO RODRIGUEZ, also known as “Sosa,” 28, of Danbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm in connection with his drug trafficking activities.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 12, 2018, Stamford Police arrested Rodriguez after he arrived at a location on Wardwell Street in Stamford to conduct a drug transaction.  A search of a backpack that Rodriguez was holding at the time of his arrest revealed approximately 58 grams of cocaine and 116 grams of marijuana.  A search of a secret storage compartment, or “trap,” within the vehicle that Rodriguez drove to the location revealed an additional 100 grams of cocaine, a Ruger 9mm handgun, and a loaded 9mm magazine.

Rodriguez has been detained since his federal arrest on January 10, 2019.  On March 15, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Stamford Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Peck and Law Student Intern Matthew Renetzky.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport has returned a six-count indictment charging LYNWOOD COGDELL, 32, of Bridgeport, with firearms and narcotics offenses.

The indictment was returned on July 2, 2019.  Cogdell appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 1, 2015, Cogdell pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of possessing of a firearm by a convicted felon.  On March 15, 2016, he was sentenced to 36 months of imprisonment and three years of supervise for that offense.  He was released from federal prison in June 2018.

It is alleged that, on August 10, 2018, while on supervised release, Cogdell possessed heroin, which he intended to distribute, along with a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol.  It is further alleged that, on April 15, 2019, Cogdell possessed heroin and fentanyl, which he intended to distribute, and a different .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol.

The indictment charges Cogdell with two counts of possession of narcotics with intent to distribute, which carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count; two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, which carry mandatory consecutive terms of imprisonment of at least five years on each count, and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, which carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count.

Cogdell faces additional penalties if he is found to have violated the conditions of his supervised release.

Cogdell has been detained since his arrest on April 15, 2019.

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

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service, Stamford Police Department, Bridgeport Police Department, and Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.

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 SYBIL F. BUTLER, 57, of Norwalk, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to three years of probation for stealing federal annuity benefits.  Judge Underhill also ordered Butler to pay full restitution and a $1,000 fine, and to perform 150 hours of community service.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Butler’s mother received monthly annuity payments following her retirement from the U.S. Postal Service.  Butler’s mother died in June 2014.  Between June 2014 and October 2016, Butler impersonated her mother in phone calls to the Office of Personnel Management, and also forged her mother’s signature on numerous documents indicating that her mother was alive.  As a result, $71,701.13 in federal annuity benefits were deposited into Butler’s and her mother’s joint bank account after her mother’s death.

Butler was arrested on a criminal complaint on October 3, 2018.  On March 5, 2019, she pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government funds.

This matter was investigated by the Office of Personnel Management, Office of Inspector General.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a three-count indictment charging DANIEL FRANCOIS, also known as “Bear,” 29, of Norwich, with firearm possession and drug trafficking offenses.

The indictment was returned on June 19, 2019, and Francois was arraigned today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven.

The indictment alleges that, on May 20, 2019, Francois distributed crack cocaine, and that he possessed two Davis model P-380 .380 caliber pistols in connection with his drug trafficking activity.

The indictment further alleges that Francois has been previously convicted of felony robbery and drug offenses.

The indictment charges Francois with one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of cocaine base (“crack”), which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory consecutive prison term of at least five years.

Francois has been detained since his arrest on May 20, 2019.

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 matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Ledyard and Norwich Police Departments, with the assistance of Connecticut State Parole.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret E. Maigret.

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 JOHN T. FINKLE III, 57, of, East Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud related to a scheme to defraud an Illinois-based company.

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

The government contends that Company A was defrauded of more than $3 million through this scheme.

Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for October 8, 2019, at which time Finkle faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Finkle is released on a $500,000 bond pending sentencing.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STANLEY REDDICK, 35, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for multiple drug offenses.

According to the evidence introduced during the trial in this matter, on two occasions in April 2017, investigators made controlled purchases of a total of approximately 110 grams of crack cocaine from Reddick.

Reddick was arrested on May 3, 2017.  On that date, a search of his residence and his person revealed approximately 32 grams of crack, 42 grams of heroin, nine grams of a mixture of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, and items used to process and package narcotics for street sale.  Investigators also found a key to an inoperative vehicle that was parked behind the residence, a subsequent search of which revealed a 9mm firearm and approximately 28 grams of fentanyl.

On January 12, 2018, a jury found Reddick guilty of two counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”), one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.  The jury found Reddick not guilty of one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Reddick has been detained since his arrest.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Hartford Police Department’s Focused Violence Reduction Team.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marc H. Silverman and Michael J. Gustafson.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LOUIS POCOGRANO, 58, of Guilford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to three months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for tax evasion.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Pocograno owns Poco & Son Lawn Care, LLC, a landscaping and snowplowing business based in Guilford.  Between approximately 2013 and 2016, Pocograno cashed numerous checks from clients that were made payable to him rather than his business, and he failed to report this income to the IRS.  He also used a portion of the cash to pay undocumented workers he employed, and failed to collect and pay over the employment taxes for these employees.

Pocograno will pay the IRS restitution of $33,383, which represents income tax that is due for the 2013 through 2016 tax years, and an additional $250,364.59, which represents the employment tax that is due for those years, plus interest and penalties.

On March 22, 2019, Pocograno pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that TYMON PETERSON, 29, of Stratford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to two months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in an illegal firearm purchase at a Newington gun store.  Judge Hall also ordered Peterson to serve the first four months of his supervised release in home confinement, and to pay an $1,800 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in August and September 2017, Jamal Weir and Tymon Peterson texted one another about purchasing firearms.  Peterson possessed a valid pistol permit and was able to purchase firearms legally, but Weir, as a convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing firearms.  On September 22, 2017, Weir and Peterson travelled together to Hoffman’s Gun Center in Newington.  At the store, Weir provided Peterson with cash to purchase at least one firearm on his behalf.  On that date, Peterson filled out an ATF Form 4473 in which he falsely represented that he was the actual purchaser of a SCCY Model CPX-2, 9mm semi-automatic pistol, and that he was not acquiring the firearm for another person.  Peterson gave the pistol to Weir after they exited the store.

Weir’s criminal history includes state convictions for illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle, possession of narcotics with intent to sell, and carrying a pistol without a permit.

Peterson was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on January 1, 2018.  On December 14, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm.

On December 6, 2018, Weir pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  On May 29, 2019, Judge Hall sentenced him to 21 months of imprisonment.

This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police, the Newington Police Department and Hoffman’s Gun Center.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Margaret E. Maigret.

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 MIGUEL CLAUDIO, also known as “Mega,” 36, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 96 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for firearm offenses related to a shootout in Hartford’s South End in April 2017.

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.

On April 28, 2017, Velez, Claudio and three other Latin Kings members were involved in a shootout after they confronted a rival drug dealer in the area of Franklin Avenue and Barker Street in Hartford.  Claudio shot and wounded two individuals during the gunfire exchange, and was shot multiple times himself.

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

Claudio has been detained since his arrest on May 7, 2018.  On March 8, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to carry and use a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

Claudio’s criminal history includes convictions for robbery and assault with a firearm.

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 NIKKITA CHESNEY, 46, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to seven months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for her role in a Medicaid fraud scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2012, Chesney was employed by a health care provider that provided substance abuse treatment, including a detoxification program located in Bridgeport, when she was approached by Toshirea Jackson.    Jackson and Juliet Jacob operated two businesses, Transitional Development And Training (TDAT) and It Takes A Promise (ITAP), both located at 360 Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport, which provided social and psychotherapy services.  At Jackson’s suggestion, Chesney began to steal the personal identification information of Medicaid clients who were patients of her employer.  The personal identifying information included the patients’ Medicaid identification number, Social Security Numbers and dates of birth.  Chesney, Jackson and Jacob then used the stolen identity information to bill Medicaid for psychotherapy services purportedly provided by TDAT and ITAP, when the Medicaid clients had never received any such services from TDAT and ITAP.

Chesney has admitted that she stole the identity information of more than 150 Medicaid clients, and that she and her co-conspirators successfully billed Medicaid for approximately half of those clients.  Chesney further admitted that she and her co-conspirators also billed Medicaid for services to other clients that were never provided to those clients.

Judge Bolden ordered Chesney to pay restitution of $1,369,654.57.

On October 23, 2018, Chesney pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.

Chesney, who is released on a $25,000 bond, is required to report to prison on September 20, 2019.

Jackson and Jacob each pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud for their roles in this scheme and a separate Medicaid fraud scheme.  On May 30, 2019, Jackson, who was an employee of the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment and ordered to pay restitution of $2,496,618.  Jacob awaits sentencing.

Five other individuals have been charged and convicted of health care fraud offenses as a result of this and related investigations.

Chesney also has pending state charges stemming from a fraud scheme she engaged in while employed by a state contractor that provided services to individuals who were transitioning to the community following completion of substance abuse treatment.  In 2017, Chesney and others submitted fraudulent claims for childcare services to a state program.  Chesney’s role in the scheme involved 20 fraudulent claims that resulted in a loss of more than $35,000 to the state program.

This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon and Auditor Susan Spiegel.

This case has been investigated by the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office.  U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the Connecticut Department of Social Services for their role in identifying the fraudulent scheme and supporting the investigation and prosecution of the case.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Chief State’s Attorney’s Office and Attorney General’s Office meet regularly as part of The Medicaid Fraud Working Group.  The Working Group also includes representatives from the Connecticut Department of Social Services; the Connecticut Department of Public Health; the Drug Control Division of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection; the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the FBI.  The Working Group reviews pending issues and cases, identifies trends that might indicate fraudulent activity, and coordinates efforts for maximum results.

People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JEFFREY STOKARSKI, 44, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 216 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for committing several violent armed robberies in late 2017 and early 2018.

According to court documents and statements made in court:

On December 27, 2017, Stokarski entered the Henny Penny located at 273 Meriden Waterbury Turnpike in Southington, pushed the sales clerk into the counter and verbally instructed her not to touch or say anything.  Stokarski opened the cash register with a screwdriver and stole approximately $289 in cash.

Also on December 27, Stokarski approached a vehicle in the parking lot of the Country Cloverleaf Shell at 237 Route 81 in Killingworth, opened the driver’s door and punched the driver repeatedly in the face while demanding the driver’s wallet.  During the robbery, Stokarski took from the driver an electronic cigarette worth approximately $110, a cell phone worth approximately $50, and the driver’s wallet containing approximately $90 in cash and gift cards.

Also on December 27, Stokarski entered the Krauszer’s Food Store located at 459 Madison Road in Durham, placed the store clerk in a headlock, pulled out a knife and placed it on the clerk’s back, dragged the clerk over to the register and then stole approximately $3,264 in cash and store items.

On December 31, 2017, Stokarski again entered the Henny Penny located at 273 Meriden Waterbury Turnpike in Southington, and demanded cash from the register.  The clerk complied and gave Stokarski approximately $161 in cash from the register.  

On January 1, 2018, Stokarski’s associate, Stacey Borowy, drove Stokarski to the Citgo Gas Station at 199 West Street in Litchfield.  After entering the store, Stokarski grabbed the clerk, pulled out a knife and placed the knife across the clerk’s neck area while demanding that the clerk give up all the money.  The clerk complied and provided Stokarski with approximately $2,084 in cash.  Stokarski also stole several store items worth approximately $49.

Also on January 1, Stokarski entered the Dunkin Donuts located at 220 Main Street in New Hartford, pulled out a knife, jumped over the counter and while grabbing the clerk, yelled for the clerk to open the registers.  The clerk complied and gave Stokarski all of the cash from within the registers.

On January 3, 2018, Borowy drove Stokarski to the Rayon Market located at 214 Edgewood Avenue in New Haven where Stokarski stole $1,400 in cash and a handgun from the clerk at knifepoint.  Later that day, Stokarski entered the Cumberland Farms gas station located at 69 Rubber Avenue in Naugatuck, walked behind the counter and demanded money.  He then pulled the stolen handgun from his waist area to show the clerk that he had a gun.  The clerk complied with Stokarski’s demand and opened the registers.  Stokarski then stole approximately $132 in cash and approximately $536 worth of cigarettes and fled in a vehicle driven by Borowy. 

On January 6, 2018, Stokarski entered the Food Land grocery store located at 250 South Colon Road in Wallingford, pulled out a knife, dragged the clerk to the register and ultimately stole approximately $2,254 in cash, while injuring the clerk in the process. 

Also on January 6, Stokarski and another man entered the Mobil gas station located at 385 Watertown Avenue in Waterbury and approached the register.  Stokarski went behind the register, pulled out a knife and told the cashier to get back while Stokarski pried open the register, ultimately stealing approximately $727 in cash and several cartons of cigarettes.

On January 7, 2018, Stokarski entered the Valero Fas Mart gas station located at 384 Main Street in Durham, grabbed the clerk’s arm, and demanded that she open the register.  He then pulled out a knife in an attempt to pry open the register himself.  The clerk ultimately complied with Stokarski’s demand to open the register and Stokarski removed approximately $130 in cash.

On January 9, 2018, Stokarski entered Food Bag located at 960 Meriden Waterbury Turnpike in Southington, approached the register, pulled out a knife and began to pry open the register.  He then removed approximately $100 from the register and about $500 in cigarettes.

Stokarski has been detained since his arrest on January 9, 2018.  On October 30, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act Robbery and one count of using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

Borowy, 39, of Farmington, pleaded guilty on September 20, 2018, to aiding and abetting an armed robbery.  On July 10, 2019, Judge Meyer sentenced her to 18 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police, and the Naugatuck, Southington, New Hartford, New Haven, Wallingford and Waterbury Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Lauren C. Clark.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RONNELL ROGERS, 26, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to approximately 17 months of imprisonment, time already served, and three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing ammunition.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 11, 2018, New Haven Police detectives encountered Rogers and another individual sitting in a car in a parking lot in New Haven.  One of the detectives observed through the car window a marijuana cigarette and a clear plastic bag containing marijuana.  Rogers was asked to exit the car and was detained in handcuffs.  A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded Glock 21, .45 caliber firearm with an altered serial number.  When the detectives found the firearm, Rogers, who was still handcuffed, began to run.  He was quickly apprehended, and a search of his person revealed a .45 caliber round in his pants pocket and a quantity of crack cocaine concealed in his underwear.

Rogers’ criminal history includes felony convictions for firearm, larceny and risk of injury offenses.

Rogers has been detained since his arrest.  On April 17, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.

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

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 ROBERT J. BARRY, 78, of Woodbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, the first six months of which Barry must serve in home confinement, for stealing from his elderly client trust accounts.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Barry was a partner in the law firm of Sturges and Mathes, located in Southbury.  The firm specialized in trust and estates work, and Barry headed that practice.  As part of his practice, Barry drafted trust agreements for clients designating himself as successor trustee in the event of the client’s death or incapacity.  He also prepared wills for clients that named Barry as executor of the client’s estate upon death.

Beginning in June 2010 and continuing until approximately December 2015, Barry engaged in a scheme to defraud an elderly victim by stealing money from the victim’s client trust accounts while the victim was alive, and then stealing money from the victim’s estate after the victim died.  Barry, in his role as executor and successor trustee for the victim, directed Sturges and Mathes staff members to prepare checks drawn on the victim’s accounts payable to the Sturges and Mathes operating account.  Once the money was deposited into the firm’s operating account, Barry directed staff to cut a check against the firm operating account payable to a special account in the firm’s name over which Barry had exclusive control.  Barry then wrote himself checks from the special account to his personal bank account. 

In furtherance of the scheme, Barry caused numerous false and misleading statements to be sent to the victim and the victim’s residual beneficiary about the disposition of assets.

Through this scheme, Barry stole more than $2.4 million from the victim and the victim’s estate.

In order to hide the excess fees that he had taken, Barry also caused a false federal estate tax return to be filed with the IRS.  The tax return underreported the amount of the victim’s estate by approximately $937,000.

Judge Chatigny ordered Barry to pay $2,440,285 to the victim’s estate, and $1,507,240 to residual beneficiaries of other estate clients.

On September 5, 2018, Barry pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

Barry, who is released on a $100,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on September 3, 2019.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Susan Wines and Jennifer Laraia.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and New Haven Police Chief Otoniel Reyes today announced that a grand jury in New Haven returned a 15-count indictment yesterday charging 25 individuals with federal narcotics offenses related to the distribution of crack cocaine, cocaine and heroin in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

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

Charged in the indictment are:

TOMMY JULIUS, a.k.a. “General” and “J,” 36, of New Haven
CARL MERRITT, a.k.a. “C,” 39, of New Haven
FRANK CARR, a.k.a. “FL,” 52, of Hamden
BRIAN K. BACKMAN, a.k.a. “B,” “NYB” and “New York B,” 54, of New Haven
ANDERSON ATKINSON, a.k.a. “Barry,” 58, of Hamden
BRYANT WILLIAMS, 44, of New Haven
JEFFREY BRAZIER, 49, of Hamden
ERIC BURRUSS, a.k.a. “E,” 40, of New Haven
MERVIN BRANDY, 52, of Hamden
PRISHONNA TURNER, a.k.a. “Nonnie,” 23, of Hartford
SHARMAINE CROSLEY, a.k.a. “Shar,” 35, of New Haven
JESSENIA ROMAN, a.k.a. “Red,” 32, of New Haven
THEODORE SMITH, a.k.a. “Ted,” 36, of New Haven
WANDA CARTER, a.k.a. “WaWa,” 40, of Hamden
GERARD SENIOR, 20, of New Haven
SHAVAR BELLAMY, a.k.a. “Lil B,” “LB” and “Little Black,” 33, of New Haven
MATTHEW MOORE, a.k.a. “Matt,” 44, of Fitchburg, Mass.
SHAUN ARMSTRONG, 39, of Fitchburg, Mass.
JAMAINE JACKSON, a.k.a. “Jack,” 45, of Bridgeport
MAKENE JACOBS, a.k.a. “Mac” and “Bridgeport,” 43, of West Haven
TYRESE STANLEY, a.k.a. “Scoot,” 29, of New Haven
MELVIN ROBERTS, a.k.a. “Psycho” and “Mel,” 62, of New Haven
DENA DRAUGHN, 55, of Hamden

Eighteen of the defendants were arrested today, five defendants were already in custody and two defendants are still being sought.

“As alleged, these drug trafficking networks have been responsible for the distribution of significant quantities of heroin, crack and cocaine in Connecticut and Massachusetts,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our federal, state and local partners to stem the drug trade in our cities, and the violence associated with it, by prosecuting those involved in this criminal behavior.”

“Today’s takedown is yet another example of our great working relationship with the New Haven Police Department and all of our law enforcement partners across the state,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Turner.  “All of our efforts are aimed at improving the quality of life of all law abiding residents of Connecticut.”

“On behalf of the New Haven Police Department, I want to thank the FBI and all of our law enforcement partners for their work in this investigation and for the ongoing collaboration to reduce gun violence and improve the quality of life for the citizens of New Haven,” said Chief Reyes.

The indictment charges Julius, Merritt, Carr, Backman, Atkinson, Williams, Brazier, Burruss, Brandy, Turner, Crosley, Roman, Smith, Carter, Senior, Bellamy, Moore and Armstrong with one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, cocaine base (“crack”), cocaine and heroin.  If convicted of this offense, based on the type and quantity of narcotics charged, Julius, Merritt, Carr, Burruss, Crosley and Bellamy face a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.  The other defendants, if convicted of this charge, face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

The indictment also charges Backman, Atkinson, Jackson, Jacobs, Stanley, Roberts and Draughn with one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, heroin.  If convicted of this offense, based on the quantity of heroin charged, Backman, Atkinson and Draughn face a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.  The other defendants, if convicted of this charge, face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

On June 16, 2019, Atkinson and Draughn were arrested in connection with the seizure of approximately 10,000 bags of heroin.

The indictment also charges several defendants with one or more counts related to the distribution of various narcotics.

In addition, Merritt is charged with one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least five years, and one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  On April 12, 2019, Merritt was arrested after a search of his vehicle revealed a Berretta 9mm pistol and two loaded gun magazines.  It is alleged that Merritt’s criminal history includes multiple felony convictions for assault, risk of injury and robbery.

At the time of Merritt’s arrest, he also possessed $73,343 in cash and six cell phones.  The indictment seeks the forfeiture of the cash and Merritt’s 2018 Nissan Maxima.

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

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DANIEL FLEISCHAUER, 33, of North Branford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 168 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for enticing minors to engage in sexual activity online.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately 2013 and 2017, Fleischauer communicated with minor females on internet applications, including Kik and Cypher.  He met and befriended the minors online, developed friendships with them over time, and then exploited those friendships.  At times, his communications with the minor females turned to sexual topics.  During these communications, Fleischauer requested, and received, images and videos of minor females engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  Fleischauer also sent sexually explicit images of himself to minor females.    Fleischauer believed that one of the minors with whom he engaged in this conduct was under the age of 12.

Fleischauer has been detained since his arrest on December 13, 2017.  On November 15, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity.

This matter was investigated by the Connecticut Human Trafficking Task Force and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with the assistance of the Naugatuck Police Department, North Branford Police Department and Kik Interactive.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STEPHEN JONES, also known as “EVX” and “Stevie D,” 35, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a heroin and cocaine trafficking ring.

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.  According to court documents and statements made in court, Jones packaged narcotics for street sale and, at times, delivered drugs to 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, 2019.  On January 29, 2019, Jones pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 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.

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 PATRICK NDAYA KATAMBWA, also known as KASEBA KATAMBWA, 50, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of making a false statement in an immigration document.

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

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

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

Katambwa is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on September 18, 2019, at which he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, announced that LATRICE M. COLVIN, 32, of Bridgeport, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to one count of mail fraud related to a credit card fraud scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between September 2015 and July 2017, Colvin used the internet, including the dark web, to obtain the personal identifying info of numerous victims.  She then contacted credit card companies and used the victims’ information to change the mailing address on certain accounts to her own address, and also to apply for and obtain fraudulent credit cards in the names of victims.  After fraudulently obtained cards were mailed to her residence, she used them and to buy merchandise in person and online, and to obtain cash advances at ATMs.

Through this scheme, Colvin defrauded 37 victims of a total of $24,796.

Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for December 5, 2019, at which time Colvin faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.

Colvin is released on a $25,000 bond pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.