District of Connecticut

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an eight-count indictment charging ARASH VAKSHOURI, 40, of Las Vegas, Nevada, with submitting false documents to a government agency and aggravated identity theft.

The indictment was returned on May 8, 2019, and Vakshouri was arrested in Las Vegas on June 20.  He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven, entered a plea of not guilty, and was released on a $50,000 bond.

As alleged in the indictment, between January and May 2017, Vakshouri sent a total of seven fraudulent letters to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in Connecticut purporting to be from two individuals who had applied to USCIS to become legal residents of the U.S. in March 2016.  The letters, which included the victims’ names, passport numbers, application numbers and alien file numbers, fraudulently requested the withdrawal or cancellation of the victims’ applications for legal permanent resident status in the U.S.

The indictment charges Vakshouri with seven counts of submitting a false document, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years on each count, and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of two years.

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

This matter is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Manchester Police Department.  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 CEWELL SHARPE, also known as “C.C.,” 36, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 151 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2015, the FBI’s Bridgeport State Streets Task Force, Bridgeport Police Department and Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force initiated an investigation into several heroin distributors operating in Bridgeport.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of heroin and physical surveillance, revealed that Sharpe and Harry Blake, also known as “Harry-O,” partnered to distribute large amounts of heroin in Bridgeport.  Sharpe frequently carried firearms in connection with his drug trafficking activity.

On April 12, 2019, Sharpe pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess and distribute heroin.

Sharpe has been in federal custody since January 26, 2016, after he was charged during a separate investigation into heroin and crack cocaine trafficking in Bridgeport.  He subsequently pleaded guilty and, on June 27, 2016, was sentenced to 48 months of imprisonment.

Judge Arterton ordered Sharpe’s 151-month sentence to run consecutively to the 48-month sentence he is currently serving.

On October 31, 2018, a jury found Blake guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. On June 26, 2019, he was sentenced to 168 months of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut State Police, Stratford Police Department, Stamford Police Department and the Trumbull Police Department K-9 Unit.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alina M. Reynolds and H. Gordon Hall.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAFAEL LOPEZ-MACIAS, 46, and his brother, JAIME LOPEZ, 37, both citizens of Mexico involved in trafficking narcotics, were sentenced today in Bridgeport federal court.  U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden sentenced Lopez-Macias to 120 months of imprisonment and Lopez to 60 months of imprisonment.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Lopez-Macias, Lopez and others conspired to traffic large quantities of narcotics, including cocaine and methamphetamine.

In June 1998, Lopez-Macias was convicted in California state court of a cocaine trafficking offense.  In February 2001, he was deported to Mexico.  Lopez-Macias illegally reentered the U.S. and, in March 2009, was arrested in Connecticut for a forgery offense.  In November 2009, he was again deported to Mexico.

Lopez-Macias again illegally reentered the U.S. and, between March and June 2018, he was intercepted on a court-authorized wiretap discussing the distribution of cocaine and methamphetamine. 

On June 11, 2018, in New Rochelle, New York, Lopez-Macias and a co-conspirator sold a kilogram of cocaine and a sample of methamphetamine for $31,500 to an individual working with law enforcement.

On June 26, 2018, Lopez-Macias traveled from Norwalk to New Rochelle, picked up a kilogram of methamphetamine from his co-conspirator, and began driving back to Norwalk with the narcotics.  While en route to Norwalk, Lopez-Macias was stopped by law enforcement and arrested for an immigration violation.  Officers searched the vehicle and seized the kilogram of methamphetamine.

As to Lopez, he was intercepted on a court-authorized wiretap discussing the distribution of cocaine and, in May 2018, he was involved in the purchase of a kilogram of cocaine for approximately $28,000 from a source of supply in New Rochelle, New York.

Lopez-Macias has been detained since his arrest on June 26, 2018.  On March 27, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and one count of reentry of removed alien. 

Lopez has been detained since his arrest on October 11, 2018.  On April 1, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

Both defendants face immigration proceedings when they complete their prison terms.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Connecticut State Police, and the New Rochelle, Norwalk and Stamford Police Departments.  The case is being 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 JOHN ANDERSON, 38, of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for one possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 11, 2018, Hartford Police officers responded to a ShotSpotter detection system alert of gunfire in the vicinity of Vernon Street.  At the scene, officers observed Anderson and another man pacing back and forth before entering a vehicle.  When officers approached the vehicle, they saw live ammunition in the center console cup holder.  A subsequent search of the car revealed a loaded Ruger Model EC9S 9mm semi-automatic handgun with an obliterated serial number underneath the seat Anderson had occupied.  Anderson later admitted to ownership of the handgun and firing it in the air.

Anderson’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for burglary in the third degree and assault 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.

Anderson has been detained since his arrest on October 11.  He pleaded guilty to the offense on April 4, 2019.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PASCUAL RODRIGUEZ, 51, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in New York, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 135 months of imprisonment for his role in a kidnapping and extortion scheme. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, on multiple occasions, Rodriguez approached victims after they exited buses at the Port Authority in New York.  The victims included women, men and children from Central American countries who did not speak English and were seeking asylum in the U.S.  Rodriguez, sometimes posing as an immigration officer, falsely told the victims that their connecting bus was unavailable and asked the victims for a phone number of a family member in the U.S.  He then contacted family members and informed them that the victims could not travel by bus, and that he would arrange for the transportation of the victims in exchange for money.  He then brought the victims to his co-conspirator, Lucilo Cabrera, who then drove the victims around for hours, refusing to release them until their families agreed to pay money.

Rodriguez has been detained since his arrest on January 23, 2018.  On October 12, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping.

Rodriguez faces immigration proceedings when he completes his sentence.

On March 9, 2018, a federal jury in Bridgeport found Cabrera, Francisco Betancourt and Carlos Antonio Hernandez guilty of offenses related to this extortion and kidnapping scheme.  They await sentencing.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that two men were sentenced today in Bridgeport federal court for trafficking narcotics.  U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill sentenced STEVEN McCOY, also known as “S Dot,” 26, of Hamden, to 60 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release, and CHRISTOPHER SERRANO, also known as “Mancho,” 35, of Milford, to time served, four years of supervised release, one year of home confinement and a $1,000 fine.

According to court documents and statements, 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.  On April 19, 2018, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging McCoy, Serrano and 17 other individuals with narcotics trafficking offenses.

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 investigation revealed that McCoy received large quantities of heroin from another member of the conspiracy and sold the drug in smaller amounts to his own customers.

On one occasion, in February 2018, Serrano acted as a middleman for a transaction involving a half-kilogram of cocaine between two other members of the conspiracy.

McCoy and Serrano were arrested on April 25, 2019.

On March 13, 2019, McCoy pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.  On January 14, 2019, Serrano pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

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 HIRAN SANCHEZ, also known as “Ivan” and “Pablo,” 22, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 135 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for the sex trafficking of two minors. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, Sanchez recruited two minor victims to engage in commercial sex acts.  Sanchez trafficked the first victim, who was 15 at the time, in the summer of 2016, and the second victim, who was 16, in April and May 2017.  After Sanchez advertised the victims’ prostitution services on Backpage.com, he transported the victims to Hartford-area hotels to meet with clients who paid them for sex.  The victims provided all of the money they were paid to Sanchez.

Judge Thompson ordered Sanchez to pay $3,750 in restitution to his first victim, and $3,900 in restitution to his second victim.

Sanchez has been detained since his arrest on January 22, 2018.  On January 29, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of sex trafficking of a minor.

This matter was investigated by the Connecticut State Police and Hartford Police Department, through the Connecticut Human Trafficking Task Force, and with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarala V. Nagala and Nancy V. Gifford.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SCOTT PIERSON, 58, of Vernon, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for downloading and possessing child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2018, the U.S. Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General received information that Pierson, an Administrative Officer assigned to the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) Bradley Flight Standards District Office in Enfield, was using his FAA-issued laptop computer to access websites known to contain images of child pornography.

On July 19, 2018, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of Pierson’s residence and seized computers and electronic storage devices, including his FAA-issued laptop.  Forensic examination of the seized items revealed more than 1,500 images and videos of children, including children younger than 12 years old, engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Pierson has been detained since his arrest on July 19, 2018.  On March 18, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.

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 ERIC WILLIAMS, 38, of Danbury, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of providing contraband in prison.

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

Williams was arrested on July 20, 2018 and is released on a $50,000 bond.

At sentencing, Williams faces a maximum term of imprisonment of six months and a fine of up to $5,000.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging ERRIE McCLENDON, also known as “Buck,” 28, of New Haven, with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The indictment was returned on June 11, 2019.  McClendon appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.  McClendon was ordered detained pending trial.

As alleged in the indictment, on May 11, 2019, McClendon possessed a Ruger, model P85, 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number.  Prior to that date, McClendon had been convicted in state court of felony narcotics and larceny offenses.

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

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

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

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 New Haven Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter D. Markle and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ANGEL CRUZ, 44, of Waterbury, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 33 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Luis “Gordo” Cirino, coordinated the shipment of multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine through the U.S. Mail from Puerto Rico to various locations in Connecticut.  Cirino, Cruz and others then distributed the drug in central Connecticut, and also in northeastern Pennsylvania.  Investigators seized approximately 13 kilograms of cocaine during the investigation.

On October 18, 2017, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Cirino, Cruz and six associates with cocaine trafficking offenses.

Cruz was arrested on October 25, 2017.  On January 24, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, cocaine.

Cirino pleaded guilty and, on April 29, 2019, was sentenced to 135 months of imprisonment.

This matter has been investigated by the DEA New Haven Task Force, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Middletown and New Britain Police Departments.  The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby, Middletown, Naugatuck and Waterbury Police Departments.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARCUS MOORE, also known as “Sparks,” 41, of Stamford, 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 distributing crack and powder cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in August and September 2018, investigators conducted five controlled purchases of crack cocaine from Moore.  During the fifth controlled purchase, Moore distributed cocaine instead of crack.

On September 20, 2018, during an attempted sixth controlled purchase of crack, Moore sped away from law enforcement at a high rate of speed.  Moore eventually crashed his vehicle into a law enforcement vehicle and was placed under arrest.  A subsequent search of Moore’s residence revealed quantities of cocaine and crack.

On February 12, 2019, Moore pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base (“crack”).

Moore’s criminal history includes state convictions for narcotics, firearm, assault, robbery and escape offenses.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and the Stamford 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 was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Vizcarrondo.

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 CLINICAL SCIENCE LABORATORY, INC. and its owners, STANLEY ELFBAUM and LOUIS AMORUSO, have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments and have paid $1,508,106 to resolve allegations that they violated the federal and state False Claims Acts.

Clinical Science Laboratory, Inc. (“CSL”), located in Mansfield, Massachusetts, provides laboratory-testing services, specifically urine drug testing services, for substance abuse patients enrolled in the Connecticut Medicaid program.  The government alleges that CSL, Elfbaum and Amoruso violated Connecticut’s so-called “Most Favored Nation” regulation (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 17b-262-649), which provides, in essence, that clinical laboratories should not seek payment from Connecticut Medicaid for services at a price that is higher than the lowest price the laboratory charges for the same or similar services from other third parties.  Specifically, the government alleges that CSL regularly accepted payments from Connecticut Medicaid for urine drug screen testing at the rate of $38 per test, while at the same time charging substance abuse treatment clinics approximately $2 per test

To resolve the governments’ allegations under the federal and state False Claims Acts, CSL, Elfbaum and Amoruso agreed to pay $1,508,106, which covers claims submitted to the Connecticut Medicaid program from October 1, 2016, through May 23, 2017.

 “We must ensure that taxpayers’ health care dollars used for substance abuse treatment are properly spent,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.  “Clinical laboratories should not charge government health care programs a higher price than they charge to other providers for the same or similar services, and those who do so will be held accountable.”

“With the deadly impact of addictive drugs reaching crisis proportions, every dollar for treatment programs must be fiercely guarded,” said Special Agent in Charge Coyne.  “Taxpayers and patients depending on state treatment programs should expect nothing less.  Working with our state and federal partners, we will continue to hold accountable those who profit by overbilling Medicaid.”

“Clinical Science Laboratory was billing the state's Medicaid program 19 times what it charged to other customers—diverting taxpayer resources away from other critical needs. Connecticut has been disproportionately devastated by the opioid epidemic, and we must ensure we are getting the absolute most out of every treatment dollar spent,” said Attorney General Tong.  “I want to thank our federal law enforcement partners and the DSS Office of Quality Assurance for their joint efforts in this investigation and strong settlement.”

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARTIN NUNEZ, 41, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 15, 2018, state parole officers, with the assistance of Hartford Police, conducted a compliance check of Nunez at his residence.  A search of the residence revealed a .380 caliber handgun, a firearm magazine, and five rounds of ammunition in a dresser drawer in Nunez’s bedroom.  Nunez was arrested at that time.

Nunez’s criminal history includes four state felony convictions for distributing narcotics and one conviction for assault in the first degree.

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

Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for September 18, 2019, at which time Nunez faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Nunez has been detained since his arrest.

This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department.  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 Hal Chen.

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 JAMES RIPBERGER, 63, of Glastonbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 150 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for child exploitation offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 12, 2017, law enforcement officers conducted a search of Ripberger’s Glastonbury residence and seized computers and electronic storage devices.  Analysis of the seized items revealed more than 2,200 images and videos of child pornography, more than 17,000 images of child erotica, and multiple images and videos of a minor victim who Ripberger surreptitiously recorded in various states of undress.

Ripberger has been detained since December 15, 2017, when he was arrested on a federal criminal complaint.  On January 16, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography.

This investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Glastonbury Police Department and the Connecticut Center for Digital Investigations.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Boston, announced that BRIEN PENNELL, 31, of Stamford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of receipt of child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2008, Pennell was convicted in state court of sexual assault and possession of child pornography offenses.  Pennell served 30 months in prison and was sentenced to 15 years of probation for those offenses.

On February 2, 2018, after an investigation revealed that an IP address registered to Pennell was being used to share images and videos of child pornography via the Kik application, Connecticut probation officers conducted a compliance search of Pennell’s residence and vehicle and seized various electronic media, including a smart phone and a tablet, both of which were located in a hidden compartment under the steering wheel of Pennell’s vehicle.

Subsequent analysis of the seized electronic devices, Pennell’s Kik account and a Dropbox account he maintained, revealed 148 videos and 40 images of child pornography, some of which depict children younger than 12 engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

Pennell is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on September 12, 2019, at which time Pennell faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.  The minimum and maximum penalties in this case are enhanced based on Pennell’s criminal history.

Pennell has been detained since his federal arrest on March 20, 2018.

This matter is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with the assistance of Connecticut’s Office of Adult Probation and the Stamford Police Department.  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.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury sitting New Haven returned an indictment today charging KEISHAN SULLIVAN, also known as “Stack Boy Kee,” 24, of New Haven, with one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).

As alleged in court documents, in January 2019, members of the Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force conducted controlled purchases of crack cocaine and heroin from Sullivan.  On May 2, 2019, a court-authorized search of Sullivan’s residence revealed approximately 94 grams of crack cocaine, 485 grams of marijuana, $14,000 in cash, digital scales and other items used to process and package drugs for street sale.  Sullivan was arrested on state charges on that date and was subsequently released on bond.

It is further alleged that, on June 5, 2019, investigators conducted another controlled purchase of crack from Sullivan.

Sullivan has been detained since his arrest on a federal criminal complaint on June 13, 2019.

The charge of with one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.

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 Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the New Haven Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CRISPIN ABARIENTOS, M.D., 44, of Middletown, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of health care fraud.

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

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

Abarientos subsequently attempted to hide the scheme from investigators by submitting documents that had been falsified to make it appear as if the patients he utilized to obtain the Remicade from Medicaid were being treated with the medication when they were not.

Abarientos is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on October 30, 2019, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

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

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 ORLANDO SOTO, 27, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 9, 2018, Hartford Police arrested Soto after a search of a vehicle Soto was using revealed a duffle bag containing three loaded handguns, 276 wax sleeves containing fentanyl, approximately 11 grams of crack cocaine, and a digital scale.  Two of the three handguns had been reported stolen.

Soto’s criminal history includes felony firearm, narcotics and larceny convictions.

Soto has been detained since his arrest.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 16, 2019, at which time Soto faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

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

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 HARRY BLAKE, also known as “Harry-O” and “O,” 37, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 168 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2015, the FBI’s Bridgeport State Streets Task Force, Bridgeport Police Department and Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force initiated an investigation into several heroin distributors operating in Bridgeport.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of heroin and physical surveillance, revealed that Kareem Roseboro, also known as “Swiss,” was supplying heroin to other distributors, including Blake.  Roseboro, Blake and others used the Stylz Barbershop, located on State Street in Bridgeport, as a hub for their narcotics distribution activity.

Between March and July 2015, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of heroin, and on one occasion, crack cocaine, from Blake.

During the course of the investigation, investigators seized multiple “bricks” of heroin, items used in the processing and packaging of heroin, and five firearms.  A brick of heroin contains 100 individual dose bags.

On June 6, 2016, a grand jury in Bridgeport returned an eight-count indictment charging Blake, Roseboro and five other Bridgeport residents with heroin trafficking offenses.  The seven defendants were arrested on June 7, 2016.  An eighth defendant was added in a superseding indictment.

Blake has been detained since his arrest.  On October 31, 2018, a jury found him guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

Blake’s criminal history dates to 1999 and includes state convictions for firearm, drug, assault, threatening and larceny offenses.

Roseboro pleaded guilty to related offenses and awaits sentencing.

This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut State Police, Stratford Police Department, Stamford Police Department and the Trumbull Police Department K-9 Unit.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alina M. Reynolds and H. Gordon Hall.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CARLOS DIAZ, 43, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in August and September 2017, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crime Gang Task Force and Hartford Police made a total of eight controlled purchases of heroin and fentanyl from Diaz and his associate, Louis Serrano, in the rear parking lot of an apartment complex on Elliott Street in Hartford.  Diaz typically took the order for the drugs and negotiated the price, and then instructed the purchaser to meet Serrano, who delivered the drugs and accepted the payment.

Diaz was arrested on September 28, 2017.  On that date, a search of his residence revealed approximately 700 grams of raw unprocessed heroin, more than 5,000 bags of heroin and/or fentanyl, three digital scales, and other items used to process and package narcotics for street sale.

Diaz has been detained since his arrest.  On June 11, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 100 grams or more of heroin and a quantity of fentanyl.

Serrano, 25, pleaded guilty to the same charge on March 22, 2018, and 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 Michael J. Gustafson.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TERRANCE SAUNDERS, 33, of Waterbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.

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

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

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

Saunders was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on December 27, 2018.

Saunders is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on October 16, 2019, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

Johnson, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty to the same charge on June 19, 2019, and awaits sentencing.

This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and the Shelton, Ansonia and Monroe Police Departments.  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 ALEXANDER PEDRAZA, 28, of East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for sex trafficking of a minor. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, Pedraza promoted the prostitution of a 16-year-old girl by advertising the victim’s prostitution services and soliciting clients on Backpage.com.  In March 2017, he harbored the victim in motel rooms he rented in Hartford, Windsor and East Windsor, where clients met the victim and paid for sex acts.  Pedraza also had sexual contact with the victim.

The investigation also revealed that, between September and December 2016, Pedraza engaged in sex trafficking of at least two 18-year-old females.

Pedraza has been detained since his arrest on May 26, 2017.  On February 11, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of sex trafficking of a minor.

This investigating was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the East Windsor Police Department, through the Connecticut Human Trafficking Task Force.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neeraj N. Patel and Sarala V. Nagala.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NATALIE LEVINE, 35, of Scottsdale, Arizona, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to five years of probation for engaging in a kickback scheme related to fentanyl spray prescriptions.  Judge Arterton also ordered Levine to spend the first six months of probation in home confinement, and to perform 150 hours of community service.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately March 2013 to October 2014, Levine was employed by Insys Therapeutics, an Arizona-based pharmaceutical company that manufactured and sold Subsys, a fentanyl-based sublingual spray that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration solely for the management of breakthrough pain in cancer patients.  Levine was a sales representative for the company and was responsible for covering the territories that included Connecticut, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

Levine induced certain medical practitioners, including an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) in Connecticut, a physician’s assistant (PA) in New Hampshire, and a physician in Rhode Island, to prescribe Subsys by paying them to participate in hundreds of sham “Speaker Programs.”  The Speaker Programs, which were typically held at high-end restaurants, were ostensibly designed to gather licensed healthcare professionals who had the capacity to prescribe Subsys and educate them about the drug.  In truth, the events were usually just a gathering of friends and co-workers, most of whom did not have the ability to prescribe Subsys, and no educational component took place.  “Speakers” were paid a fee that ranged from $1,000 to several thousand dollars for attending these dinners.  At times, the sign-in sheets for the Speaker Programs were forged so as to make it appear that the programs had an appropriate audience of healthcare professionals.

The medical practitioners were paid thousands of dollars in illegal kickbacks in order to prescribe Subsys, and induce others to prescribe Subsys, over similar medications.  Medicare Part D plans authorized payment for hundreds of Subsys prescriptions written by the three medical practitioners, resulting in a loss of approximately $4.5 million. 

Levine’s restitution figure will be determined after additional court proceedings.

On July 11, 2017, Levine pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the anti-kickback law.

Several other individuals affiliated with Insys Therapeutics, and medical practitioners involved in this kickback scheme, have been charged and convicted in the District of Connecticut and in other Districts across the United States.  In sentencing Levine, Judge Arterton credited Levine’s significant cooperation and assistance to the government’s prosecution of defendants in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

On January 3, 2019, Levine’s husband, Michael Babich, who was the CEO and President of Insys Therapeutics, pleaded guilty in the District of Massachusetts to conspiracy and fraud charges stemming from the scheme.  He awaits sentencing.

On May 2, 2019, a federal jury in Boston found John N. Kapoor, the founder and former Executive Chairman of Insys Therapeutics, and four other former Insys executives guilty of racketeering conspiracy.

Earlier this month, Insys Therapeutics agreed to pay a total of $225 million to resolve criminal and civil investigations of the company.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ISMAEL MANGUAL, 43, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 137 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for heroin distribution and firearm possession offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 31, 2017, Milford Police stopped a vehicle Mangual was driving.  Mangual did not have a driver’s license, the car was not registered or insured, and there was a six-year-old boy in the back seat without a car seat or seatbelt.  A subsequent search of the car revealed a loaded Glock 27 .40 caliber handgun, a Glock 30 .45 handgun that had been reported stolen, approximately 140 grams of heroin and a digital scale.  The loaded firearm was found in the rear footwell of the car, close to where the child had been sitting.  Mangual was arrested on state charges on that date.

On March 28, 2019, Mangual pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, and one count of possession a firearm in furtherance of a narcotics trafficking offense.

Mangual’s criminal history includes state convictions for robbery and narcotics offenses.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ZARKEE SANDERS, 42, of Hamden, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 65 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a New Haven drug trafficking ring, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

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 members of the organization were distributing crack cocaine and oxycodone in the New Haven area.  Sanders supplied cocaine to another member of the drug organization knowing that a portion of the cocaine would be converted into crack.

Sanders 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 Sanders and 18 other individuals with various offenses.

Sanders’ criminal history includes seven drug trafficking convictions, including a federal cocaine trafficking conviction in 2013.

At the time of his arrest, Sanders was on federal supervised release.  Judge Bryant sentenced Sanders to 41 months of imprisonment for trafficking cocaine, and a consecutive 24 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

Sanders has been detained since his arrest.  On March 14, 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.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARQUISE GODWIN, also known as Craig Godwin, 32, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 33 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 3, 2018, Hartford Police encountered Godwin in his car after he was involved in a traffic accident on Main Street in Hartford.  At the time of the accident, Godwin, who was intoxicated, possessed a loaded .40 caliber Astra A75 handgun.

The firearm had been reported stolen during a burglary in Hartford in September 2017.

Godwin’s criminal history includes convictions in state court for weapons, narcotics, escape and risk of injury 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.

Godwin has been detained since June 3, 2018.  On November 27, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that a grand jury in Hartford has returned a four-count indictment charging JOHN MATTHEWS, also known as “Jay” and “Gotti,” 34, and DEANDRA BLOSCHICHAK, also known as “Tash” and “Tosh,” 19, both of Bridgeport, with fentanyl distribution offenses.

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

The indictment was returned on June 12, 2019, and was unsealed yesterday after Bloschichak was arrested.  Matthews is currently in state custody on related charges.

As alleged in the indictment and statements made in court, on November 1, 2018, a 35-year-old man in Trumbull died of a drug overdose.  The Connecticut Medical Examiner subsequently determined the victim’s death was caused by acute fentanyl intoxication.  The investigation revealed that Matthews sold the victim the fentanyl that caused the victim’s death.

It is further alleged that Matthews and Bloschichak conspired to distribute fentanyl between September and November 2018.

The indictment charges Matthews and Bloschichak with one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl and heroin, and each with one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.  These charges carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.

The indictment also charges Matthews with one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in the death of another person.  If convicted of this charge, Matthews faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a maximum of life imprisonment. 

“As alleged, John Matthews sold the fentanyl that caused the death of a Trumbull man last November,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.  “In 2018, more than 1,000 Connecticut residents died by drug overdose, and fentanyl was a contributing substance in the vast majority of those overdoses.  Drug dealers who continue to profit from the deadly opioid trade are warned:  When a toxicology report clearly determines the substance that caused an overdose death, and the investigation reveals the indisputable source of that substance, our Office is prepared to charge this very serious, 20-year mandatory minimum offense.”

“Fentanyl is causing great damage to our communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Boyle.  “Those who distribute fentanyl are endangering the safety of the citizens of Connecticut.  This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative local, county and state law enforcement efforts in Connecticut and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Trumbull Police Department and Bridgeport Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Freismuth and Michael Gustafson.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RASHAD JOHNSON, 27, of Waterbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.

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

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

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

Johnson was arrested on federal criminal complaint on January 11, 2019.

Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on October 9, 2019, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and the Shelton, Ansonia and Monroe Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that WILLIAM SCALZI, 62, of Durham, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to three years of probation, the first six months of which Scalzi must serve in home confinement, for filing false tax returns.  Judge Bolden also ordered Scalzi to pay a $2,500 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Scalzi, the owner of Transportation General, Inc., of West Haven, understated his taxable income by running personal expenses through his company.  Scalzi used his company’s credit cards to pay for numerous personal expenses, which were deducted as business expenses on Transportation General’s corporate tax returns.  He also did not include these personal expenses as income on his personal tax returns for the 2007 through 2010 tax years.

On February 25, 2019, Scalzi pleaded guilty to one count of subscribing a false tax return.

Scalzi has paid $297,319.31 in restitution to the IRS, which satisfied his criminal and civil tax liabilities for the 2007 through 2010 tax years.

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, announced that EDWARD LUGO, 38, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing firearms and ammunition. 

According to court documents, on September 19, 2018, Lugo possessed a 9mm Kel-Tec Model P-11 pistol, an AR-style pistol with no serial number, and more than 100 rounds of assorted ammunition.

Lugo’s criminal history includes felony convictions in Connecticut and New York for firearm, weapon, drug, larceny and possession of stolen property 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.

Lugo has been detained since December 20, 2018.  On March 21, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

This matter was investigated by the Statewide Narcotics Task Force, New Haven Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret E. Maigret and Sarah P. Karwan.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment today charging RONALD DANIEL, 49, of Hartford, with two counts of production of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography.

The indictment alleges that, between February 2018 and December 2018, Daniel produced and distributed child pornography.

The charge of production of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years on each count.  Distribution of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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.

Daniel has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on June 10, 2019.

This matter is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Connecticut State Police and the Vernon Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PATRICK ROGERS, 39, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 33 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing firearms.            

According to court documents and statements made in court, ATF received information that Rogers was distributing heroin and was interested in acquiring firearms.  In August and September 2018, an ATF special agent working in an undercover capacity made two controlled purchases of suspected heroin from Rogers.  Rogers then agreed to provide a quantity of heroin to the undercover agent in exchange for two firearms.  On September 26, 2018, Rogers was arrested after he met the undercover agent at a location in Waterbury and took possession of two firearms that he traded for 160 bags of heroin.  Subsequent lab analysis confirmed that the bags contained heroin and fentanyl.

Rogers was convicted in state court in 1998 of sale of a hallucinogen or narcotic and robbery in the second degree, in 2008 of violation of a protective order, and in 2016 of possession of narcotics with the intent to distribute.

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.

Rogers has been detained since his arrest.  On January 22, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of firearms by a previously convicted felon.  

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

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, Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, and Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that PAUL GILENO, 46, of Brewster, New York, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to fraud and tax evasion charges stemming from a $1.5 million embezzlement scheme.

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

Gileno pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of tax evasion, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  Gileno also faces a fine, an order of full restitution to both the United States Pain Foundation and Internal Revenue Service, as well as tax penalties and interest.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.

Gileno is released pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and Federal Bureau of Investigation.  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 ABDURRAHMAN AKHDAR, 27, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of possession of stolen firearms.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 30, 2015, Akhdar unlawfully possessed, stored and disposed of a Smith & Wesson .380 caliber pistol and a Colt .45 caliber pistol, both of which Akhdar had stolen.

Akhdar is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall on September 10, 2019, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Akhdar is currently incarcerated in state custody serving an unrelated prison sentence.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hamden Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that SHAQUILLE PEARSON, 25, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm, and also admitted that he violated the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal firearm conviction.

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

On March 21, 2019, after leading New Haven police officers on a foot chase, Pearson was found in possession of a loaded Taurus PT25, .25 caliber handgun.

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

Pearson is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on September 9, 2019, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years for unlawfully possessing a firearm, and additional penalties for violating the conditions of his supervised release from his 2017 federal conviction.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that, on June 14, 2019, MUHAMMAD SHAHBAZ, 50, of Jersey City, New Jersey, pleaded guilty in Hartford federal court to food stamp fraud.

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

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

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

Shahbaz is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on October 2, 2019, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

Raul Carlos Monarca-Gonzalez, Tallat Mahmood and Tahir Shahzad, who all who worked at WB Trade Fair Grocery, previously pleaded guilty to food stamp fraud.  Monarca-Gonzalez and Mahmood were each sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment, and Shahzad awaits sentencing.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SAUL ONZURES, 45, of El Paso, Texas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 27 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 20, 2018, an Orange County (N.Y) Sheriff conducted a motor vehicle stop of a tractor-trailer at a toll barrier on Interstate 87 in Newburgh, New York.  A search of the truck, which Onzures was driving revealed 10 kilograms of cocaine located in a black backpack under the mattress of the truck.  Francisco Castillo, also of El Paso, was a passenger in the truck.  The investigation revealed that the cocaine was destined for Henly Feliz Santiago in Torrington, Connecticut.

Onzures has been detained since his arrest.  On March 11, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

Castillo and Santiago also pleaded guilty.  On March 28, 2019, Castillo, 44, was sentenced to 25 months of imprisonment.  Santiago awaits sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GABRI JAVIER DELAPAZ, 27, last residing in Providence, Rhode Island, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 33 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 13, 2017, Delapaz and his associate, Alcides Alba-Gomez, traveled from Rhode Island to New York to pick up narcotics from a supplier.  As they were returning to Rhode Island, the Connecticut State Police stopped their car on I-95 in Old Lyme.  A search of the car revealed a package containing approximately one kilogram of fentanyl that was hidden beneath a rear seat cushion.

Delapaz, who has no prior criminal convictions, has been detained since his arrest on September 13, 2017.  On January 16, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. 

Delapaz, a citizen of the Dominican Republic and a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.

Alba-Gomez, 29, of Providence, pleaded guilty to the same offense on January 24, 2019.  On April 18, he was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force East, and New London Police Department.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Dave Vatti.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that, on June 14, 2019, SAMUEL CRUZ, 41, of New Haven, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin and cocaine.

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, on multiple occasions between December 2017 and March 2018, Cruz was intercepted on a court-authorized wiretap obtaining heroin and cocaine from another member of the conspiracy.  He then distributed the drugs to his own customers.

On April 19, 2018, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Cruz and 18 other individuals with narcotics trafficking offenses.  Cruz has been detained since his arrest on April 25, 2019.  On March 14, 2019, he 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.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut hosted its annual United States Attorney’s Office Law Enforcement Awards Ceremony on Friday, June 14, in New Haven.  The ceremony at the City of New Haven’s aldermanic chambers recognized 126 individuals for their investigative efforts and other contributions to 24 significant federal criminal prosecutions and civil cases in Connecticut.  More than 40 of the award recipients are members of local police departments from across Connecticut.

“We in the U.S. Attorney’s Office are forever mindful that our work and success are dependent on the dedicated efforts of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners,” said U.S. Attorney John H. Durham.  “On behalf of everyone in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, my sincere congratulations to all of our award recipients, many of whom put themselves at risk every day for the safety of our communities.”

In addition to the criminal and civil case awards, U.S. Attorney Durham presented several special awards during the ceremony.

The U.S. Attorney’s Award for Outstanding Investigator was presented to Special Agent Daniel Prather of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, for his outstanding and tireless work to reduce drug trafficking and associated gun violence across Connecticut during his 15-year career in federal law enforcement.

The U.S. Attorney’s Award for Outstanding Partnership was presented to State’s Attorney Patrick Griffin and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office.  State’s Attorney Griffin and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office have worked closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to prosecute some of New Haven’s most persistent and violent offenders, and on innovative efforts to reduce violent crime in the region.

The Financial Fraud and Public Corruption Unit Award was presented to a team of investigators who exposed a greater New Haven “fencing” operation that was responsible for nearly $10 million in losses to major retailers over the last decade.  Five individuals involved in the scheme were charged and convicted due to the work of the members of the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Connecticut State Police who conducted this investigation.

The Major Crimes Unit Award was given to Special Agent Ryan Mahar of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), who was honored for expertly investigating complex child exploitation, fraud and identity theft offenses, and serves as a valuable resource to other investigators as a computer forensic specialist.

The National Security and Cyber Crimes Unit Award honored three Internal Revenue Service agents for their diligent investigation of a former police officer turned “Sovereign Citizen” who, for years, made numerous frivolous court filings and used other obstructive tactics while continuing to live in a home on which he never made a mortgage payment.

The Violent Crimes and Narcotics Unit Award was presented to Detective Frank Bellizzi, who recently retired after a 20-year career with the New Britain Police Department.  For 12 years, Detective Bellizzi served as a task force officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and played a critical role in investigating large-scale drug trafficking organizations, which resulted in the successful prosecution of dozens of federal defendants.

The Civil Division’s Affirmative Enforcement and Civil Rights Unit Award was given to

Professor Jon Bauer of the UConn School of Law for providing critical support to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in resolving an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complaint related to the alleged discrimination against individuals with mental health disabilities in the admission process for the Connecticut Bar.

The Civil Division’s Financial Litigation Unit recognized both Trial Attorney Ann D’Arpino of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and John Carroll, an Advisor with the Internal Revenue Service, for providing valuable assistance to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for many years.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut and representing the federal government in civil litigation.  The Office is composed of approximately 68 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and 57 staff members at offices in New Haven, Bridgeport and Hartford.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAMON HERNANDEZ, 60, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and admitted that he violated the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

According court documents and statements made in court, on February 13, 2019, Hernandez possessed and intended to distribute more than 250 grams of cocaine.

In March 2006, Hernandez was sentenced in Bridgeport federal court to 84 months of imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release for his role in a cocaine trafficking ring.  He was released from federal prison in August 2011.

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for September 26, 2019, at which time Hernandez faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on the new narcotics charge, and an additional term of imprisonment of up to five years for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

Hernandez has been detained since February 13, 2019.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that a federal jury in Bridgeport has found AMAURY VLADIMIR REYES-BATISTA, 43, a citizen of the Dominican Republic residing in New Britain, guilty of multiple charges related to his involvement in a stolen identity tax refund fraud scheme.  The trial before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill began on June 10 and the jury returned its verdict late yesterday.

According to court documents, statements made in court and the evidence introduced during the trial, this matter stems from an investigation into individuals who, through various means, obtained fraudulent U.S. Treasury tax refund checks using stolen identities.  The investigation revealed that Reyes-Batista and an associate obtained, on the black market, federal tax refund checks that were fraudulently obtained in the names of other persons.  Reyes-Batista then deposited the checks into a bank account controlled by his associate.  In January 2012, Reyes-Batista deposited 21 refund checks totaling approximately $124,000 at TD Bank branches in New Britain, Berlin and Southington. 

Reyes-Batista was arrested on February 3, 2015.  At the time of his arrest, he provided a false name, date and place of birth, and Social Security Number to law enforcement.  The identifying information Reyes-Batista provided belonged to an individual living in Puerto Rico.

The jury found Reyes-Batista guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit theft of public money, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years; eight counts of theft of public money, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count, and one count of making false statements to law enforcement, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  Reyes-Batista was found not guilty of 13 additional counts of theft of public money.

Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for September 4, 2019.

Reyes-Batista was detained from the date of his arrest until April 19, 2018, when he was released on a $100,000 bond.

The investigation revealed that Reyes-Batista was removed to the Dominican Republic in 1996 after sustaining a conviction in New York state court for attempted heroin distribution.  He illegally returned to the U.S. in 1999.

This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTHONY HUNT, 20, of Winsted, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 12 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for selling heroin to a teen overdose victim. 

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 2, 2017, at approximately 5:41 p.m., members of the Connecticut State Police responded to a family-owned boat in Washington, Connecticut, on the report of a 17-year-old male in cardiac arrest.  Attempts to revive the victim were not successful and he was pronounced deceased.  Law enforcement officers seized various drug and non-drug evidence from the boat, including suspected heroin, miscellaneous pharmaceutical pills and an iPhone.

The State of Connecticut Medical Examiner determined that the victim died from toxicity associated with a number of controlled substances, including heroin and alprazolam (Xanax).

The investigation, which has included witness interviews and analysis of the seized iPhone, revealed that Hunt sold heroin and Xanax to the victim between May 17 and June 1, 2017, and that the victim traveled to Winsted to purchase drugs from Hunt the day before the victim died.

Hunt was arrested on a criminal complaint on March 22, 2018.  On September 13, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the Connecticut State Police.   The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that QUADELL DANIELS, 32, of New London, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking guns from Georgia to Connecticut. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 20, 2017, members of the Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Task Force East and New London Police Department conducted a court-authorized search of a New London residence and seized a Beretta, Model BU9 Nano, 9mm pistol, and a Jimenez Arms, Model J.A. Nine, 9mm pistol.  Subsequent investigation revealed that, in April 2017, Daniels and his former girlfriend entered a pawn shop in Hinesville, Georgia.  Daniels, who had provided cash to his girlfriend before entering the shop, selected two firearms for his girlfriend to purchase on his behalf.  After his girlfriend completed the purchase, she provided the firearms to Daniels.  Daniels transported the firearms to Connecticut and sold them for profit.

In July 2017, Daniels and his former girlfriend similarly purchased another five firearms at the same pawn shop and transported the guns to Connecticut, where Daniels sold them for profit.

Two of the seven firearms purchased by Daniels were seized during the search of the New London residence on July 20, 2017.  On February 28, 2019, New London Police recovered a Taurus, Model PT 111, 9mm handgun, which was one of the firearms Daniels had purchased in Georgia in April 2017.  The investigation into the recovered Taurus handgun, and the whereabouts of the four other firearms Daniels purchased, is ongoing.

In 2012, Daniels was convicted in Connecticut state court of attempted assault in the second degree, and possession of a firearm without a permit.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

Daniels was arrested on December 1, 2017.  On March 11, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force East and New London Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alina P. Reynolds.

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 KAKRA GYAMBIBI, 38, of Darnestown, Maryland, formerly of Connecticut, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to three months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for health care fraud.

According to court documents, statements made in court and the evidence presented during the trial of her husband, Kwasi Gyambibi, Advantage Pharmacy was a compounding pharmacy located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.  As a compounding pharmacy, Advantage created compound prescription drugs specifically tailored for individual patients who had a medical need for a compound drug, by mixing together individual ingredients in the exact strength and dosage prescribed by the health care provider to meet the unique needs of a patient.  One tube of a compound drug cream prepared and dispensed by Advantage Pharmacy typically cost health care benefit programs thousands of dollars, and some individual tubes of cream cost more than $11,000 for a one-month supply.  Kakra Gyambibi is a physician who worked as a hospitalist at Stamford Hospital, and Kwasi Gyambibi acted as, and eventually became, a sales representative for Advantage Pharmacy.

On January 9, 2019, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 19-count indictment alleging that, in 2014 and 2015, Kwasi and Kakra Gyambibi engaged in a scheme to defraud the State of Connecticut Pharmacy Benefit Plan, TRICARE and other health care programs by submitting prescriptions for compound pharmacy medications prepared and dispensed by Advantage Pharmacy.  Although the prescriptions sent to Advantage Pharmacy contained Kakra Gyambibi’s signature, Kakra Gyambibi did not treat, examine, or even meet with the patients for whom the prescriptions were written.  Based on these false and misleading claims, the victim health care programs paid Advantage Pharmacy for the compound prescription drugs.  Advantage Pharmacy, in tum, paid commissions of between 15 percent to 35 percent to sales representatives, including Kwasi Gyambibi’s close cousin, whom Kwasi Gyambibi considered his brother.

It is alleged that Kwasi and Kakra Gyambibi also induced the victim health care programs to pay Advantage Pharmacy more than $292,000 for their own compound prescription drugs.

The investigation has revealed that this scheme resulted in more than $1.6 million in losses to the victim health care programs.

On January 18, 2019, Kakra Gyambibi pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud. 

On February 22, 2019, a jury found Kwasi Gyambibi guilty of two counts of health care fraud related to fraudulent prescriptions for compound drugs that were submitted to Advantage Pharmacy in March 2015, and found him not guilty of seven counts of health care fraud.  The jury could not reach a verdict on the other 10 counts in the indictment.  Kwasi Gyambibi awaits sentencing.

Judge Meyer will set a hearing to determine restitution at a later date.  The government is seeking $1,650,332.35 in restitution.

Kakra Gyambibi, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on July 15, 2019.

This investigation has been conducted by New Haven Division of the FBI.  U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the Office of the Attorney General of the State of Connecticut, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Fraud Section, and the Jackson, Mississippi Division of the FBI for their assistance with the investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Sheldon and Christopher W. Schmeisser.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DANIEL JIMENEZ DE LA CRUZ, 33, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in Waterbury, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to fentanyl distribution and firearm possession offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Jimenez was arrested on September 20, 2018, after special agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant at his Waterbury residence.  Outside of Jimenez’s bedroom window, agents found a trash bag that contained a powdery substance that that later tested positive for fentanyl.  The trash bag also contained a loaded Smith and Wesson .38 caliber revolver. 

Jimenez pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least five years, and one count of possession of a firearm by an alien illegally or unlawfully in the U.S., which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for September 4, 2019.

Jiminez has been detained since his arrest.

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

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 ALEX BORRERO, also known as “Red,” 51, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by six years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and fentanyl.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 28, 2017, the Wallingford Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a report of an untimely death of a 25-year-old male at a residence in Wallingford.  At the scene, officers seized drug and non-drug evidence, including the victim’s cellphone and six empty wax folds bags that contained a white powder residue.

The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that the victim’s death was caused by a combination of fentanyl and alprazolam (Xanax).

The investigation revealed that Borrero, who had been selling heroin and fentanyl in the New Haven area, was the source of the fentanyl involved in the overdose death of the victim.  The investigation also revealed that another of Borrero’s drug customers, a 31-year-old male, died of an overdose in Branford on May 18, 2017.

Borrero was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on October 23, 2017.  At the time of his arrest, he possessed approximately 30 grams of heroin and approximately $1,900 in cash.

On May 15, 2018, Borrero pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin and fentanyl.

Borrero, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on August 14.

Borrero’s criminal history dates to 1988 and includes 11 felony convictions, including a federal conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin.  In 1998, he was sentenced in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, in Orlando, to 188 months of imprisonment.  He was released from federal prison in 2011.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and the Wallingford and Branford Police Departments.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Michael S. McGarry.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Boston, and East Hartford Police Chief Scott M. Sansom announced that JOSE ANTONIO QUIROZ-MARTINEZ, 27, a citizen of Mexico last residing in East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 270 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in April and May 2017, Quiroz-Martinez used a cell phone to send sexually explicit texts and pictures of himself to an 11-year-old girl, and enticed the minor victim to send him sexually explicit pictures of herself.  Quiroz-Martinez also attempted to meet the minor victim to engage in sexual activity.

Analysis of Quiroz-Martinez’s cell phone also revealed more than 4,000 images of child pornography, including numerous images of toddlers or infants, images depicting sadistic or masochistic conduct and/or violence, and images of bestiality.

In sentencing Quiroz-Martinez, Judge Thompson also considered evidence that Quiroz-Martinez sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl and a 17-year-old girl in 2015.

Quiroz-Martinez has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on May 4, 2017.  On January 4, 2019, he pleaded guilty to using an interstate facility to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity.

Quiroz-Martinez faces immigration proceedings when he is released from prison.

This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the East Hartford Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Interim Police Chief Otoniel Reyes of the New Haven Police Department today announced that a grand jury in New Haven has returned a nine-count superseding indictment charging the following 14 individuals with heroin, cocaine and fentanyl trafficking offenses:

MALBIN RUBIERA-HERRERA, a.k.a. “Chaca,” 28, of New Haven
JUAN LANTIGUA-CID, a.k.a. “Manager,” 46, of Linden, New Jersey
EDUARDO RAMOS, 33, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
BRIAN ABREU, a.k.a. “Braga,” 26, of New Haven
WILLIAM CLAUDIO-SUAREZ, a.k.a. “Willy,” 33, of New Haven
PEDRO ORTA-RIVAS a.k.a. “Cuba” and “El Brujo,” 50, of East Haven
OSVALDO HODGE, a.k.a. “Mono,” 43, of New Haven
STEVEN SANTOS, 38, of Bridgeport
JOSE ANGEL SUAREZ, 36, of Veja Baja, Puerto Rico
MARIO LLANOS-AYALA, 44, of Deltona, Florida
ROBERTO ANTHONY TORRES, a.k.a. “Toni,” 52, of New Haven
MICHAEL MILLER, 38, of New Haven
TAKAI QUNTAY BELLAMY, 25, of New Haven
CHRISTIAN RIVERA-TORRES, a.k.a. “Pantera,” 40, of New Haven

The indictment stems from an investigation headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and New Haven Police Department.  As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, the investigation revealed that Malbin Rubiera-Herrera acquired heroin and cocaine from sources in Connecticut and New Jersey and distributed the drugs through a network of associates in the greater New Haven.  Between October and December 2018, investigators made controlled purchases of heroin and cocaine from Rubiera-Herrera.  Subsequent court-authorized wiretaps revealed a widespread narcotics trafficking conspiracy that involved the trafficking of kilogram-quantities of heroin into Connecticut.

On April 30, 2019, Rubiera-Herrera, Juan Lantigua-Cid, Eduardo Ramos and Brian Abreu were arrested on federal criminal complaints.  On that date, a search of Rubiera-Herrera’s residence on Augustine Street revealed approximately 700 gross grams of fentanyl.

On May 8, 2019, the grand jury returned an indictment charging the four defendants arrested on April 30, as well as William Claudio-Suarez, Pedro Orta-Rivas and Osvaldo Hodge, who were subsequently arrested.  The superseding indictment, which was returned on June 5, was unsealed yesterday after the arrests of Steven Santos, Roberto Anthony Torres and Takai Quantay Bellamy.  Michael Miller and Christian Rivera-Torres are being transferred from state to federal custody today, and Llanos-Ayala is currently in state custody in New Jersey.  Suarez is being sought by law enforcement.

All of the defendants are charged with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, heroin, cocaine and fentanyl.  If convicted of this charge, based on their conduct and the quantity of controlled substances attributable to them as a result of their involvement in the conspiracy, Rubiera-Herrera, Lantigua-Cid, Ramos and Abreu face a minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life; Claudio-Suarez, Orta-Rivas, Santos, Suarez, Llanos-Ayala and Torres face a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, and Hodge, Miller, Bellamy and Rivera-Torres face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

The indictment also charges Rubiera-Herrera, Abreu, Orta-Rivas and Hodge with one or more counts of possession with intent to distribute various 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 DEA New Haven Task Force and the New Haven Police Department, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Marshals Service, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction, East Haven Police Department, Easton Police Department, Orange Police Department, and the Cape May County (N.J.) Prosecutor’s Office, Gangs, Guns and Narcotics Task Force.

The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby, Middletown, Naugatuck and Waterbury Police Departments.

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