District of Connecticut

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that QUADELL DANIELS, 32, of New London, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

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 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.

In July 2017, Daniels and his girlfriend similarly purchased another five firearms at the same pawn shop, and they transported the guns to Connecticut.

Two of the seven firearms purchased by Daniels and his girlfriend were seized during the search of the New London residence on July 20, 2017.

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. 

Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for June 3, 2019, at which time Daniels faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Daniels is released on a $100,000 bond.

This matter is being 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 is being 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, and Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging ALAA HASAN QALB ALLOUZ, 34, a citizen of Syria last residing in New Haven, with one count of stalking in violation of a protective order.

The indictment was returned on February 5, 2019.  Allouz, who has been detained in state and then federal custody since January 10, 2017, appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.

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

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

If convicted of the charge, Allouz faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of one year and a maximum term of imprisonment of five 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MALCOLM LYTELL, 65, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to one count of bank robbery.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 21, 2018, Lytell, wearing a hooded jacket, dark gloves and a mask that covered most of his face, entered the TD Bank located at 636 Campbell Avenue in West Haven.  He then provided a black bag and a note demanding money to bank employees, and threatened to shoot employees if they did not comply.  Bank employees filled the bag with $1,260 in cash and Lytell exited the bank.  West Haven Police apprehended Lytell shortly after the robbery.

Lytell has been detained since his arrest.

Lytell has prior federal convictions for burglary and firearm offenses related to multiple armed bank robberies in Connecticut.  In January 1994, he was sentenced to 248 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release for those offenses.  He was released from federal prison in April 2018.        

The charge of bank robbery carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for May 31, 2019.

Lytell faces additional penalties for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the West Haven Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas P. Morabito and Margaret E. Maigret.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JASON BROCKETT, 45, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 14 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin and crack cocaine

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the fall of 2017, the FBI, ATF and Waterbury Police Department began an investigation into drug trafficking by suspected members of “Addicted to Money,” also known as “ATM,” a violent street gang operating in Waterbury.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance and controlled purchases of heroin and crack cocaine, resulted in federal charges against 11 individuals.

Intercepted communications revealed that Brockett purchased and sold distribution quantities of heroin and crack cocaine.

Brockett was arrested on July 17, 2018.  On December 20, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin and cocaine base (“crack”).

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Waterbury Police Department’s Gang Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick F. Caruso and Natasha M. Freismuth.

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 federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging 24 individuals connected to a southeastern Connecticut drug trafficking ring with narcotics and related offenses.

The indictment, which was returned on March 5 and unsealed today after eight defendants were arrested, stems from a joint investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Taskforce East, Connecticut Department of Correction and the New London, Waterford, City of Groton and Stonington Police Departments, into the distribution of narcotics and illegal possession of firearms in southeastern Connecticut.  The investigation has included court-authorized wiretaps, and controlled purchases and seizures of heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine, and firearms.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, the investigation revealed that Anthony Whyte, of New London, obtained heroin, fentanyl and cocaine from various sources in Connecticut and elsewhere, and distributed the narcotics to other members of the conspiracy.  Whyte’s co-conspirators then sold the drugs to customers and other street-level drug dealers.

On February 21, 2018, Whyte and 10 of his alleged co-conspirators were arrested on federal criminal complaints.  On that date, a search of Whyte’s New London apartment revealed more than 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, more than 350 grams of heroin, and 10 firearms.  Investigators seized additional narcotics, another firearm, and nearly $200,000 in cash from other members of the conspiracy.

The 22-count indictment charges each of the following individuals with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, various quantities of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and cocaine base (“crack cocaine”):

ANTHONY WHYTE, a.k.a. “Jak Mac,” 44, of New London
ROYSHAWN ALLGOOD, a.k.a. “Boy Roy,” 29, of Norwich and New London
HOLLY BUTLER, 41, of Norwich
KEMAR CAMERON, 31, of West Haven
NIREN DAVIS, a.k.a. “King,” 37, of Norwich
EARLENE DUDLEY, JR., a.k.a. “Big Fish,” 38, of Norwich
VICTOR ENCARNACION, 31, of Norwich
JOSHUA FELDMAN, 45, of New London
ANTOINE FORBES, a.k.a. “Cream,” 39, of Uncasville, Conn. and Westerly, R.I.
RAMEL GENERAL, a.k.a. “Ra,” 37, of Groton
BENJAMIN GREGOR, 33, of Uncasville
JACKIE HERNANDEZ, 41, of New London
JUAN HERNANDEZ, 35, of New London
RONALD KETTER, 38, of New London
ORLAYN MARQUEZ, a.k.a. “Cuba,” 36, of Bristol
BRIAN McCLELLAN, 29, of Norwich
AGGRAY MCLEOD, a.k.a. “Jamaican Berry,” 50, of New London
AMY SARCIA, 49, of Stonington
JEREMY SANBORN, a.k.a. “Jerm,” 40, of Ledyard
DILMA SOLANGE SILVA, 32, of Waterbury
RAYQUAN STOKLEY, a.k.a. “Gatz,” 36, of New London
SASHA SWAIN, 43, of Old Saybrook           

Two defendants charged in the indictment are still being sought by law enforcement.

The indictment alleges that, between March 2018 and February 2019, each defendant conspired to distribute various narcotics.  If convicted of this charge, based on the type and quantity of narcotics involved, Whyte, General and Marquez face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life; Allgood, Butler, Cameron, Dudley, Encarnacion, Gregor, Jackie Hernandez, Sarcia and Silva face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, and the remaining defendants face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

The indictment also charges Whyte, Allgood, Feldman, Jackie Hernandez and Juan Hernandez with one or more counts of possession and/or distribution of various narcotics.  In addition, Ketter is charged with one count of using a telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking felony.

Whyte is charged with possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of five years, and Sanborn is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Finally, the indictment charges Whyte and Sarcia with conspiracy to launder monetary instruments (“money laundering”), an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  It is alleged that Sarcia accepted narcotics proceeds from Whyte.  In exchange, Sarcia provided Whyte with quarterly paychecks from her business, Two Wives Pizza, and a federal W-2 tax form, in an attempt to disguise the narcotics proceeds as employment wages.  Sarcia also accepted cash from Whyte for allowing him to use a building she manages to store and dispense 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 investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Taskforce East, Connecticut Department of Correction and the New London, Waterford, City of Groton, Stonington, Norwich, Old Saybrook and UConn Police Departments,   The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and S. Dave Vatti.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that Med Tech, LLC, and its owner Thomas Macre, Sr., have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments and have agreed to pay more than $467,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the federal and state False Claims Acts.        

Med Tech is a Durable Medical Equipment Supplier in Orange, Connecticut.  Med Tech is enrolled as a provider in the Connecticut Medical Assistance Program (“CMAP”), which includes the state’s Medicaid program.  Thomas Macre, Sr. owns and operates Med Tech.  It is alleged that Med Tech and Macre billed Medicaid for back braces and electrical stimulation unit supplies that were not provided and/or were not medically necessary.  To resolve the allegations under the federal and state False Claims Acts, Med Tech and Macre have agreed to pay $467,090 in order to reimburse the Medicaid program, which covers conduct occurring from January 1, 2011 to June 1, 2017.

“Medical equipment suppliers must bill Medicaid accurately, and we will continue to work with our federal and state partners to protect the integrity of all federal healthcare programs,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.

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

This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Thidemann, and Assistant Attorney General Antonia Conti of the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GEORGES AVRIDOR, 43, a citizen of Haiti formerly residing in Greenwich and Stamford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 37 months of imprisonment for stealing more than $800,000 from his employers.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between July 2013 and October 2016, Avridor stole personal bank checks from two Greenwich residents who employed him as a driver.  He made the checks payable either to “Cash” or to himself for various amounts of money and forged the signature of one of his employers on the checks.  He then cashed the checks at a bank or had the proceeds deposited into a bank account that he controlled.  Avridor stole $889,425 through this scheme, and used some of the funds to take an African safari and to rent luxury sports cars.

Avridor was arrested on June 30, 2017.  On April 4, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud.

On May 8, 2018, while he was released on a $50,000 bond, Avridor was arrested on unrelated state charges for using a credit card belonging to another individual and for cashing fake checks.  He has been detained in state custody since that time.

Avridor will be deported to Haiti when he is released from prison.

This matter was investigated by the Greenwich Police Department, U.S. Secret Service and Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging DAMON HILL, 39, of Hartford, with one count of possession of a firearm a by a convicted felon.

The indictment was returned on February 5, 2019.  Hill appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford and entered a plea of not guilty to the offense.

The indictment alleges that, on October 23, 2018, Hill unlawfully possessed a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber semi-automatic firearm in Hartford.

It is further alleged that Hill’s criminal history includes a 2005 state felony conviction for possession of narcotics, and a 2006 federal felony conviction for conspiring to distribute cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

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, Hill faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

Hill has been detained since his arrest by Hartford Police on October 23, 2018.

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

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

New Haven – U.S. Attorney John H. Durham today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut collected $49,188,380.37 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2018.  Of this amount, $7,111,152.86 was collected in criminal actions and $42,077,227.51 was collected in civil actions.   

Overall, the Justice Department collected a total of just over $15 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018. 

“This past fiscal year, our Office’s dedicated attorneys and staff helped to recover more than $49 million,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.  “We are gratified that these funds are returned directly to victims of crime, provide needed services for these victims and fund ongoing federal, state and local law enforcement efforts.  One of our primary missions is to seek justice for victims, remove ill-gotten gains from wrongdoers and protect the integrity of important government programs.”

The largest civil collections in the District of Connecticut were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct, or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws.  In addition, civil debts owed to several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration and Department of Education, were collected by the U.S. Attorney’s Office from debtors located in Connecticut.

All of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s criminal recoveries in fiscal year 2018 were the result of successful enforcement against criminal defendants who committed various types of crime, with the largest recoveries in cases involving wire and securities fraud.

Nationally, the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and victims of federal crimes.  The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss.  While restitution is paid directly to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are also collected by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in the District of Connecticut, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $5,407,828.00 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2018.  Of this amount, $3,962,387 was collected in civil cases and $826,833 was collected criminal cases.  $618,608 was collected administratively.  Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

“The men and women of the U.S. Attorneys’ offices across the country work diligently, day in and day out, to see that the citizens of our nation receive justice.  The money that we are able to recover for victims and this country as a whole is a direct result of their hard work,” Director James A. Crowell, IV, Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys.

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 approximately 57 staff members at offices in New Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport.

For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut, please visit www.justice.gov/ct.

New Haven – U.S. Attorney John H. Durham today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut collected $49,188,380.37 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2018.  Of this amount, $7,111,152.86 was collected in criminal actions and $42,077,227.51 was collected in civil actions.   

Overall, the Justice Department collected a total of just over $15 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018. 

“This past fiscal year, our Office’s dedicated attorneys and staff helped to recover more than $49 million,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.  “We are gratified that these funds are returned directly to victims of crime, provide needed services for these victims and fund ongoing federal, state and local law enforcement efforts.  One of our primary missions is to seek justice for victims, remove ill-gotten gains from wrongdoers and protect the integrity of important government programs.”

The largest civil collections in the District of Connecticut were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct, or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws.  In addition, civil debts owed to several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration and Department of Education, were collected by the U.S. Attorney’s Office from debtors located in Connecticut.

All of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s criminal recoveries in fiscal year 2018 were the result of successful enforcement against criminal defendants who committed various types of crime, with the largest recoveries in cases involving wire and securities fraud.

Nationally, the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and victims of federal crimes.  The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss.  While restitution is paid directly to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are also collected by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in the District of Connecticut, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $5,407,828.00 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2018.  Of this amount, $3,962,387 was collected in civil cases and $826,833 was collected criminal cases.  $618,608 was collected administratively.  Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

“The men and women of the U.S. Attorneys’ offices across the country work diligently, day in and day out, to see that the citizens of our nation receive justice.  The money that we are able to recover for victims and this country as a whole is a direct result of their hard work,” Director James A. Crowell, IV, Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys.

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 approximately 57 staff members at offices in New Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a 21-count indictment today charging LEON C. VACCARELLI, 42, of Waterbury, with fraud and money laundering offenses stemming from an investment scheme that defrauded individuals of more than $1 million.

On May 2, 2018, a grand jury returned a 12-count indictment charging Vaccarelli with three counts of mail fraud, six counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering.  The superseding indictment adds an additional three counts of wire fraud and six counts of securities fraud.

As alleged in the superseding indictment, Vaccarelli was a registered representative of The Investment Center (“TIC”), a brokerage company, and was an investment adviser associated with IC Advisory Services, Inc. (“IC Advisory”).  He also was the owner and only member of LWLVACC, LLC, and conducted business through an entity named Lux Financial Services (“Lux Financial”).  Using these various entities, Vaccarelli operated a financial advisory and brokerage service through which he offered investment advice and sold investments and securities to individuals and families in the Waterbury area.

Between approximately 2011 and 2017, it is alleged that Vaccarelli defrauded victim investors of more than $1 million by falsely representing that he would invest his clients’ money in IRA rollover accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit (“CDs”), or other types of interest-earning investments.  However, instead of investing customers’ funds as he had represented, Vaccarelli deposited customer funds into his own personal account and business bank accounts, commingled those funds with his own money, and used the funds to pay both business and personal expenses, including tuition and mortgage payments.  In some instances, he also used customer funds to make bogus “interest payments” to other victim-investors.

Mail fraud, wire fraud and securities fraud carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.  Money laundering carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count.

Vaccarelli is released on a $100,000 bond pending trial.

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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael S. McGarry and Jennifer R. Laraia.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SYBIL F. BUTLER, 56, of Norwalk, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to one count of theft of government funds.

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

Butler was arrested on a criminal complaint on October 3, 2018.  She is released on a $10,000 bond pending sentencing, which is not yet scheduled.

The charge of theft of government funds carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that OLUKAYODE IBRAHIM LAWAL, 36, a citizen of Nigeria last residing in Smyrna, Georgia, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to approximately 10 months of imprisonment, time already served, for his role in a scheme to obtain the personal identifying information of school employees in Connecticut and elsewhere.

According to court documents and statements made in court, special agents from the FBI’s cybercrime squad in New Haven and the IRS have been investigating “phishing” emails that were sent to various school districts in Connecticut in 2017.

In March 2017, an employee of the Groton Public Schools received an email that appeared to be sent by another Groton school system employee.  The email contained a request to send W-2 tax information for all employees of the school system.  The recipient of the email responded by sending copies of the W-2 information for approximately 1,300 Groton Public Schools employees.  After the W-2 information was emailed, approximately 100 suspicious Forms 1040 were filed electronically with the IRS in the names of victims of the Groton phishing scheme.  The 100 tax returns claimed refunds totaling $491,737.  Approximately three of the returns were processed, and $23,543 in fraudulently-obtained funds were electronically deposited into various bank accounts.  The other returns were not processed because they were suspected of being fraudulent.

Lawal controlled or used certain email accounts involved in this phishing scheme.  A co-conspirator of Lawal sent personal identifying information, including names and Social Security Numbers, of at least 10 employees to an email account that Lawal used.  Lawal then sent the victims’ personal identifying information to another co-conspirator.

The investigation further revealed that in February 2017, in a related scheme, Sacred Heart Academy in Hamden was victimized by a phishing e-mail that requested W-2 forms for its employees.  Approximately 103 employee W-2 forms were compromised as a result of the phishing e-mail.  The IRS confirmed that 33 victims had fraudulent tax returns filed electronically with the IRS, claiming refunds in the amount of $314,184.  The returns were not processed because they were suspected of being fraudulent.

Lawal entered the U.S. on a visitor’s visa on November 24, 2016, and failed to depart on his scheduled departure date of December 1, 2016.  He has been detained since his arrest on May 9, 2018.  On December 20, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Lawal, who is now in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, will be removed to Nigeria.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarala V. Nagala.

U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the FBI and IRS in Atlanta, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, for their valuable assistance in this matter.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that OSHANE ELLIS, 26, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing two loaded firearms.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 5, 2018, at approximately 10:15 pm, Hartford Police officers responded to a report that a man named “Oshane” was waving a gun in the air and threatening to kick a woman’s apartment door down.  Ellis was found in the vicinity sitting in a car.  A search of the car revealed a loaded .357 caliber revolver and a loaded Glock 21, .45 caliber pistol.  The .357 caliber revolver had been reported stolen from a Hartford residence in June 2018.

Ellis’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for burglary and larceny offenses, and was on special parole at the time he possessed the two firearms.

Ellis has been detained in state custody since his arrest on August 5, 2018, and he is currently serving a state sentence for violating his parole.  Ellis’s state sentence is scheduled to expire in August 2022. 

On November 26, 2018, Ellis pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon.

This case was investigated by the Hartford Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DANIEL VAZQUEZ, also known as “Chino,” 21, of East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a gun trafficking ring and a shooting in 2016.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, sometime in or before 2014, Vazquez and others were robbed at gunpoint while they were attempting to purchase marijuana that they intended to redistribute.  On July 6, 2016, Vazquez saw the person who had robbed him driving a car at the intersection of Tolland Street and Moore Avenue in East Hartford and shot at him.  Vazquez was arrested on that date, and a search of his residence revealed a Ruger LC93 9mm handgun, which he had used in the shooting, and a Taurus 9mm handgun.

The investigation revealed that Courtney Johnson had moved from East Hartford to Minot, North Dakota.  In late June 2016, Lawrence Christie, an East Hartford resident who was staying with Johnson in Minot, contacted Vazquez and asked him to drive from Connecticut to North Dakota to assist Christie in purchasing firearms.  Vazquez and Justin Gay, also from East Hartford, then drove to North Dakota where they stayed with Johnson.  In Minot, Vazquez, Christie, Johnson, Gay and others, sometimes using counterfeit currency, purchased firearms from sellers who had advertised the guns for sale on a website.  Vazquez, Christie and Gay then transported five firearms from North Dakota to Connecticut.  Two of the five guns purchased in North Dakota were found in Vazquez’s residence on July 6, 2016.

To date, investigators have traced a total of nine firearms that were obtained in North Dakota and transported to Connecticut.  Some of the guns have been used in shootings in the Hartford area.  Investigators also purchased and seized quantities of heroin, cocaine and marijuana during the investigation.

Vazquez has been detained since his arrest on July 6, 2016.  He previously pleaded guilty in state court to possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle and was sentenced to 18 months of incarceration.  On November 13, 2018, Vazquez pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Johnson, Christie and Gay have pleaded guilty to firearm and drug offenses related to this scheme and await sentencing.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that, on February 27, 2019, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a five-count indictment alleging that LYDIA CABRERA, 36, of Southington, embezzled from her employer.

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

Cabrera was arrested on March 1.  Following her arrest, she appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and was ordered detained.

The indictment charges Cabrera with five counts of bank fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years on each count.

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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that THERESA FOREMAN, 57, of St. Cloud, Florida, formerly of Madison, Connecticut, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of tax evasion.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Foreman operated Equinox Home Care, LLC, a home healthcare staffing agency based in Stratford, Connecticut.  Beginning as early as 2012, Foreman took money out of the company by depositing or cashing, and causing to be deposited or cashed, checks written to individuals who did not actually work for Equinox Home Care.  Between May 2012 and December 2013, approximately $413,000 in payroll checks to these “ghost employees” were deposited into accounts controlled by Foreman’s brother. During the same period, approximately $465,000 was withdrawn from the accounts in cash, cash back from deposits, or checks payable to Foreman.  Foreman also had employees cash company checks and return the funds to her, and she cashed or caused to be cashed mileage reimbursement checks made out to other individuals and used the funds for her own benefit.

The investigation also revealed that between August 2014 and November 2015, Foreman made or caused to be made 101 cash deposits totaling $580,580 to a bank account in a family member’s name.

Foreman failed to report the amounts that she received through this scheme on her federal tax returns for 2012, 2013, and 2014.  Foreman also owed tax for the 2010 and 2011 tax years and, on a statement submitted to the IRS, provided false information about her income and assets.  In pleading guilty, Foreman agreed that her conduct for the 2010 through 2014 tax years has resulted in a loss of $712,445.71 to the Internal Revenue Service.

When she is sentenced, Foreman faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine and an order of restitution.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.

Foreman is a released on a $10,000 bond pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter S. Jongbloed and Jennifer R. Laraia.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ISIAH SHIPMAN, 29, of Bloomfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 20 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a loaded handgun.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 14, 2018, Shipman ran from Hartford Police officers who had responded to a report of a street fight in the area of Essex Street and Maple Avenue.  After officers apprehended Shipman, a search of his person revealed a loaded Smith and Wesson .40 caliber handgun.  The firearm had been reported stolen in Hartford in August 2016.

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

On December 10, 2018, Shipman pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

Shipman, who is released on a $100,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on May 12, 2019.

This case was investigated by the Hartford Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on February 27, 2019, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging DOMINQUE PERRY, 23, and JOSE NUNEZ-TORRES, also known as “Jose Nunez” and “J-Money,” 19, both of Hartford, with stealing government property.

As alleged in the indictment and statements made in court, on January 29, 2019, Perry and Nunez-Torres stole a 2016 Honda Accord from a residence in Newington.  The vehicle was the property of a federal law enforcement agency, and contained fully loaded firearm magazines for multiple weapons, ammunition, handcuffs and other restraints, a ballistic vest and its component parts, and raid jackets.  After stealing the vehicle, Perry drove the Accord to a location in Bloomfield where he and Nunez-Torres removed the vehicle’s tires and rims.  Perry and Nunez-Torres subsequently sold the tires and rims, and attempted to sell the loaded firearm magazines, ammunition, ballistic vest and other items.

Perry was arrested on February 6 on a federal criminal complaint, and Nunez-Torres was arrested today.  Most of the stolen items have been recovered.

The indictment charges Perry and Nunez-Torres with one count of conspiracy to steal government property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and one count of theft of government property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and each 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, with the assistance of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Newington and Hartford Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Durham.

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 Roberto Quiroga, Resident Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Bridgeport Resident Office, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging KASEBA KATAMBWA, a.k.a. “Patrick Ndaya Katambwa,” “Katambwa Patrick Ndaya,” and “Patrick Katambwa Ndaya,” 50, with one count of making a false statement in an immigration document.

The indictment alleges that, in April 2018, Katambwa stated in an asylum application that his name was “Patrick Ndaya Katambwa,” “Katambwa Patrick Ndaya,” and “Patrick Katambwa Ndaya,” with a specific date of birth; that he had resided in the Democratic Republic of Congo (“DRC”) from February 1969 to January 2018; and that he had been arrested, convicted and sentenced, or imprisoned solely in the DRC, and not in any country other than the U.S.  These statements were false.  In addition to failing to state his true name and date of birth, Katambwa failed to state that he had resided in the United Kingdom for multiple years between February 1969 and January 2018, and that, under the name of Kaseba Katambwa, he had been previously convicted, sentenced, and imprisoned in the U.K. for rape, entering into an arrangement to facilitate the acquisition or use of criminal property, and dishonestly retaining a wrongful credit.

Katambwa, who was residing in Bridgeport, has been detained since his arrest on a federal criminal complaint on February 1, 2019.  The indictment was returned on February 13, 2019.  Katambwa appeared yesterday before U.S Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge. 

If convicted of the charge, Katambwa faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  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), and U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ERIC BERGENN, 64, of Windham, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for marijuana trafficking and money laundering offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2014, the DEA and IRS-Criminal Investigation began investigating Eric Bergenn and his son, Arthur Bergenn, for the illegal production and distribution of marijuana and related money laundering.  The investigation revealed that Arthur Bergenn moved from Connecticut to California and began purchasing large quantities of marijuana.  Arthur then shipped marijuana via the U.S. Postal Service to individuals in Connecticut, where the marijuana was sold for profit.

The investigation further revealed that Eric Bergenn deposited cash proceeds from the sale of the marijuana into bank accounts he and his son maintained, and that he also mailed bulk amounts of cash to Arthur in California.    Arthur withdrew cash from the bank accounts while in California.  Arthur used the cash to finance the marijuana operation, and eventually used the funds to purchase three properties in Tehama County, California, on which he cultivated marijuana.

Between April 2010 and June 2014, more than $1.2 million in cash was deposited into 12 separate bank accounts controlled by Arthur and Eric Bergenn.  All of the cash deposits were in structured amounts of less than $10,000 in an apparent attempt to evade the filing of Currency Transaction Reports.  During this time, Arthur had no legitimate employment or source of income.

On August 11, 2014, investigators conducted court-authorized searches of Arthur Bergenn’s three California properties and seized approximately 300 marijuana plants, more than 50 pounds of processed marijuana, and numerous items used to cultivate, process and package marijuana.  Arthur and Eric Bergenn, who were present at one of the California properties, were arrested on state charges at that time.

On August 11, 2016, Arthur Bergenn pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute marijuana, and one count of conspiracy to engage in money laundering.  Eric Bergenn pleaded guilty to the same charges on April 19, 2018.

Arthur Bergenn, 33, awaits sentencing.

In resolving this case, Arthur and Eric Bergenn have agreed to forfeit their interest in 20635 Canal View Road in Corning, California; 15950 N. Mendocino Drive in Corning, California; 160 acres of land in Tehama County, California, and approximately $50,000 in cash that was seized during the investigation.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut State Police, Hartford Police Department, and Tehama County Sheriff’s Office.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.

U.S. Attorney John H. Durham and Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Justice Department have filed a lawsuit in the District of Connecticut alleging that female tenants and applicants of residential rental properties in and around New London, Connecticut, were subjected to sexual harassment, coercion, intimidation and threats, in violation of the federal Fair Housing Act.

The lawsuit alleges that from at least 2011 through 2016, Richard Bruno sexually harassed female tenants and applicants of rental properties owned or co-owned by Bruno, Domco LLC, and Domco II LLC.  Bruno was an agent and property manager for Domco, which was owned by Bruno’s ex-wife.  Domco II was owned by Bruno and his ex-wife.  According to the complaint, Bruno engaged in harassment that included making unwelcome sexual advances and comments; engaging in unwanted sexual touching; demanding or pressuring female applicants to engage in sexual acts to obtain rental privileges; evicting or threatening to evict female tenants who objected to or refused sexual advances; entering the homes of female tenants without their consent; asking to take and taking pictures and videos of the bodies of his tenants and their female children, and establishing, maintaining and forcing his tenants and their minor female children to view “dungeons” or “sex rooms” in the rental properties.

The lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate the victims, civil penalties and a court order barring future discrimination.

Bruno, a former resident of Waterford, Connecticut, has been incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institute at Otisville since 2017.  Bruno pleaded guilty and, on September 28, 2017, was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 16 years in prison for producing child pornography in one of the properties owned by Domco II, with one of the minors who resided in one of properties owned by Domco.

“This federal lawsuit represents a significant step toward achieving justice and compensation for vulnerable victims of civil rights violations,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.  “Everyone has the right to be free from unwanted sexual harassment and intimidation by a landlord or property manager, loan officer or housing official, maintenance worker or security guard.  Individuals who are being victimized as a condition of their housing have rights, and all are encouraged to report this type of reprehensible behavior to the Justice Department.”

“Female tenants should never be subjected to sexual harassment in a place that should be free from coercion and intimidation,” said Assistant Attorney General Dreiband. “The Civil Rights Division is committed to enforcing the Fair Housing Act and taking action against landlords and property managers who prey on women and cause them to feel unsafe in their own homes.”

In October 2017, the Justice Department launched an initiative to combat sexual harassment in housing.  In April 2018, the Department announced the nationwide rollout of the initiative, including three major components: a new joint Task Force with the Department of Housing and Urban Development to combat sexual harassment in housing, an outreach toolkit to leverage the Department’s nationwide network of U.S. Attorney’s Offices, and a public awareness campaign, including the launch of a national Public Service Announcement.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office urges individuals who believe that they have been victimized by sexual harassment or other types of housing discrimination at rental dwellings previously owned or operated by Richard Bruno, Domco or Domco II, or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, to contact Investigator John Sereno at 203-696-3036, or john.sereno@usdoj.gov.

Victims of sexual harassment related to housing can also contact the Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative by calling 1-844-380-6178, or through email at fairhousing@usdoj.gov.  Individuals can also report sexual harassment and other forms of housing discrimination by e-mailing the U.S. Attorney’s Office at USACT.Citizenscomplaint@usdoj.gov.

More information about the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at http://www.justice.gov/crt.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that two men have been sentenced in Hartford federal court for their participation in a Southeastern Connecticut heroin trafficking ring. 

Yesterday, U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea sentenced ROBERTO ROMAN, also known as “Indio,” 49, of New London, to 72 months of imprisonment and eight years of supervised release.  Today, Judge Shea sentenced MARCUS ANTON, 34, of Montville, to 48 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation that began after several heroin overdoses in southeastern Connecticut, including two overdose deaths involving a heroin and fentanyl mix that occurred in January 2016.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Michael Luciano, of New London, was distributing heroin through a network of street-level dealers in southeastern Connecticut.

Roman served as a “runner” for Luciano, delivering heroin to Luciano’s customers, collecting cash from them, and then delivering the money Luciano.  Anton was a street-level heroin dealer who was supplied by Luciano.

On December 12, 2017, a grand jury in Hartford returned a 25-count superseding indictment charging Luciano, Roman, Anton and 18 other individuals with various heroin trafficking offenses.

On August 30, 2018, Anton pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin.  On September 27, 2018, Roman pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

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

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STEPHEN T. GIONFRIDDO, 68, of Middletown, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for embezzling more than $500,000 from his former employer, and stealing nearly $400,000 from his brother to pay back his employer.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Gionfriddo was hired by a Rocky Hill law firm as a paralegal in approximately August 2013.  Beginning in approximately December 2013, Gionfriddo caused the firm’s bookkeeper to prepare checks payable to various of Gionfriddo’s creditors by misrepresenting that the funds were needed to pay client expenses.  Gionfriddo also intercepted numerous checks payable to the law firm or to the firm’s clients, endorsed the checks over to himself, and then deposited the checks into his personal bank account for his own use.

In July 2017, Gionfriddo forged the signature of one of the firm’s partners on a Notice of Certificate Maturity in order to cancel a certificate of deposit (CD) in the name of one of the firm’s clients, and then mailed the form.  When the $112,748.21 distribution check representing the proceeds of the client’s CD was mailed to the firm, Gionfriddo intercepted it, forged the signature of the payee, and converted it to his own use.

Through this scheme, Gionfriddo stole $543,372.21 from the law firm and its clients.

In late September 2017, the principals at the law firm confronted Gionfriddo about the theft of funds, and Gionfriddo promised to repay the firm.  On October 3, 2017, Gionfriddo called the Thrift Savings Plan (“TSP”), a defined contribution plan for federal employees, and impersonated his brother, who had worked for the federal government, maintains a TSP account, and suffers from a debilitating medical condition.  During the call, Gionfriddo obtained information about how to effect a hardship withdrawal of money from the account and have it sent to a bank account he controlled.  Gionfriddo also was advised on that call that TSP would issue a Form 1099 in January as a result of the hardship withdrawal.

On October 4, 2017, Gionfriddo faxed a form requesting a withdrawal of $195,000 from his brother’s TSP account for “medical expenses.”  Gionfriddo directed the TSP to deposit the funds into a bank account that he controlled.

In an effort to conceal this scheme from his brother, Gionfriddo contacted the U.S. Postal Service and had his brother’s mail held for the entire month of January 2018.

Gionfriddo also stole from his brother’s bank and investment accounts in the total amount of $201,518.

Judge Meyer ordered Gionfriddo to pay restitution of $446,111.67, most of which is owed to Gionfriddo’s brother.

Gionfriddo was arrested on a criminal complaint on June 12, 2018.  On November 20, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and one count of wire fraud.

Gionfriddo, who is released on bond, was ordered to report to prison on April 1, 2019.

In 2006, Gionfriddo was convicted of federal wire fraud and mail fraud offenses for embezzling more than $633,000 from clients while acting as their attorney.  In October 2006, he was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 30 months of imprisonment.  To date, he has paid $44,910.66 in restitution to victims of this previous crime.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan L. Wines.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOEL CRUZ, 36, of Meriden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 63 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 2, 2017, Cruz engaged Milford and Connecticut State Police in a high-speed chase from I-95 in Milford to I-91 in New Haven.  During the chase, Cruz threw a package containing approximately one kilogram of cocaine from his vehicle.  When he was apprehended in the area of Exit 5 on I-91, he possessed $34,360 in cash.

On August 30, 2018, Cruz pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

CRUZ has forfeited the cash seized at the time of his arrest.

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

This matter was investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, Connecticut State Police and Milford Police Department.  The Task Force includes members from the New Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, West Haven Police Department and Connecticut Department of Correction.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Nathaniel J. Gentile.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MANUEL ASHLEY, also known as “Fresh,” 27, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for firearm and drug offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 31 and June 1, 2017, Ashley sold approximately 90 bags containing a mixture of heroin and fentanyl to another individual.

Hartford Police arrested Ashley on June 6, 2017, after he sold a stolen .380 caliber pistol to another individual.  On that date, a search of Ashley’s Babcock Street residence revealed 44 bags containing a mixture of heroin and fentanyl.  

Ashley has been detained since his arrest.  On November 26, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Ashley’s criminal history includes multiple state felony convictions.

This investigation was conducted by the Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force.  The Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that two men have been sentenced in Hartford federal court for conspiring to manufacture counterfeit Xanax tablets and anabolic steroids, and distribute the controlled substances on the dark web.  Yesterday, U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson sentenced WILLIAM FUSCO, 34, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to 20 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.  Today, Judge Thompson sentenced JASON CHEN, 34, of Norwich, Connecticut, to three years of probation, the first three months of which Chen must serve in home confinement.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Fusco marketed counterfeit Xanax tablets and anabolic steroid pills on dark web forums such as Alphabay.  Fusco paid Chen to maintain two pill presses at Chen’s residence and help Fusco manufacture and distribute the counterfeit Xanax and steroids to Fusco’s customers.  Fusco arranged to have chemicals needed to produce Xanax and steroids shipped to Chen’s residence.  On several occasions, Fusco traveled to Chen’s home to mix chemicals and press chemicals, including Alprazolam powder into Xanax pills.

Fusco sent Chen emails that indicated the product, quantity, and mailing address of each customer, as well as a link for Chen to click on to get a prepaid shipping label that corresponded to the order.  Chen packaged the controlled substances, printed the prepaid shipping labels, applied the labels onto the corresponding packages, and then dropped the packages into various blue U.S. Postal Service collection boxes.  For several months, Chen shipped approximately 30 packages per week.  Fusco paid Chen between $10 and $20, in Bitcoin, for each package.

A court-authorized search of Chen’s residence revealed two industrial pill tableting machines, tool and dye molds, one electric powder mixer/hopper, approximately 65,122 Xanax tablets, approximately 792 grams of Alprazolam powder, approximately 12,000 steroid capsules, more than 321/100ml liquid steroid vials, and approximately $8,900 in cash.

Fusco was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on June 16, 2017.  On that date, a court-authorized search of his residence revealed tool and dye molds, electronic scales, chemistry equipment, pill capsules, steroid bottle caps, other items used to process and package controlled substances, $42,448 in cash, eight firearms, and ammunition.

In December 2017, Fusco and Chen each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances, and one count of possession of a tableting machine or any equipment used to manufacture a controlled substance.  In pleading guilty, they admitted that they conspired to distribute more than 213,000 counterfeit Xanax tablets and thousands of units of anabolic steroids.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Richards.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, announced that TYRUS PRUDE, 29, of Enfield, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 19, 2018, law enforcement conducted a court-authorized search of Prude’s Enfield residence and seized six live rounds of 9mm ammunition.

In 2011, Prude was convicted in state court of burglary in the third degree and possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle.

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.

Prude is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on May 21, 2019, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that TIMOTHY STATON, 23, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 13, 2018, Staton fled from Bridgeport Police officers outside of his Bridgeport residence.  During the pursuit, Staton removed a Glock 43 9mm handgun and threw it to the ground.

In 2010, Staton was convicted in state court of a felony robbery offense.  In 2014, he was convicted in state court of felony narcotics, firearm and racketeering 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.

Staton is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on May 20, 2019, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Staton has been detained since his arrest on September 13, 2018.

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

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 ALFREDO DAGOBERTO HERCULES-SANTOS, 40, a citizen of El Salvador last residing in New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to approximately six months of imprisonment, time already served, for illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2005, Hercules-Santos was removed from the U.S. to El Salvador.  He illegally reentered the U.S., was found in the U.S. in November 2012, and was removed to El Salvador in January 2013.  He again illegally reentered the U.S., was found in the U.S. in May 2014, and was removed to El Salvador in June 2014.

Hercules-Santos illegally reentered the U.S. a third time.  On April 26, 2018, he was arrested in New Britain for driving under the influence.  He posted bond on that case and then failed to appear in court to answer the charges.  On August 19, 2018, the Vernon Police Department arrested Hercules-Santos and charged him with driving under the influence after he crashed an SUV he was driving into an unmarked Vernon Police cruiser.  Both driving under the influence cases were resolved with guilty pleas.

Hercules-Santos has been detained since August 19, 2018.  On December 18, 2018, he pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of reentry of removed alien.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with the assistance of the Vernon Police Department.  The case was being by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan.

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, announced that WILLIAM SCALZI, 61, of Durham, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to a tax offense related to his filing of false tax returns.

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.

Scalzi pleaded guilty to one count of subscribing a false tax return, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years.  Scalzi also has agreed to make $297,319.31 in restitution to the IRS, which will satisfy his criminal and civil tax liabilities for the 2007 through 2010 tax years.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal jury in New Haven has found KWASI GYAMBIBI, 40, of Stamford, guilty of health care fraud offenses.

A trial before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer began on February 11 and the jury returned its verdict this afternoon.

According to court documents, statements made in court and the evidence presented during the trial, Kwasi Gyambibi worked at UConn-Stamford, and his wife, Kakra Gyambibi, was a physician who worked as a hospitalist at Stamford Hospital.  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.  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 $1.5 million in losses to the victim health care programs.

The 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.

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for May 28, 2019, at which time Kwasi Gyambibi faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

This investigation is being 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 on February 21, a federal jury in Bridgeport found NORMAN PETERS, also known as “Ski,” 38, of Stamford, guilty of cocaine distribution offenses.  The trial before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden began on February 19.

This matter stems from an investigation headed by the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Stamford Police Department, Norwalk Police Department and Connecticut State Police.

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

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

The jury found Peters guilty of one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of use of a telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking felony, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of four years.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.

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

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HECTOR OVIDIO DIAZ GARRIDO, 41, a citizen of Guatemala last residing in Norwalk, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to one count of reentry of a removed alien.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Diaz Garrido, who has never held legal status in the U.S., was deported from the U.S. to Guatemala in June 2011 following his March 2010 conviction in Connecticut Superior Court in Norwalk for felony assault on a police officer.

In April 2012, Diaz Garrido was encountered by U.S. Border Patrol in Weslaco, Texas.  His prior order of removal was reinstated and he was again deported to Guatemala.

On November 6, 2014, Diaz Garrido, using the name “Jimy Diaz,” was arrested by the Norwalk Police Department and charged with operating under the influence of alcohol.  On March 20, 2015, Diaz Garrido, again using the name “Jimy Diaz,” was arrested by Norwalk Police on a charge of operating a motor vehicle while under suspension.  Diaz Garrido’s true identity was confirmed through fingerprint analysis in November 2018 after he was convicted of operating while under the influence, operating a motor vehicle while under suspension, and three separate counts of failure to appear, and he had served his state sentence.

Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for May 20, 2019, at which time Diaz Garrido faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment yesterday charging ORLANDO SOTO, 27, of Hartford, with narcotics and firearms offenses.

As alleged in the indictment, on July 9, 2018, Soto possessed fentanyl and crack cocaine, which he intended to distribute, along with three handguns.  Prior to July 2018, Soto had been convicted in state court of felony narcotics, larceny and firearm offenses.  

Soto has been detained in state custody since his arrest by Hartford Police on July 9, 2018.

The indictment charges Soto with one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and crack cocaine, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

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

This matter is being investigated by the 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, and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging DANIEL JIMENEZ DE LA CRUZ, 33, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in Waterbury, with fentanyl distribution and firearm possession offenses.

As alleged in 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. 

Jiminez has been detained since his arrest.

The indictment charges Jiminez with one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years; one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of five years, and one count of possession of a firearm by an alien illegally or unlawfully in the U.S., an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the case is being 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, today announced that a federal jury in Hartford has found EDDY PENA, 30, of Providence, Rhode Island, guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, one kilogram or more of heroin.  The trial before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea began on February 11 and the jury returned the verdict this morning.

According to court documents, statements made in court and the evidence introduced during the trial, this matter stems from an investigation that began after several heroin overdoses in southeastern Connecticut, including two overdose deaths involving a heroin and fentanyl mix that occurred in January 2016.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Pena regularly supplied Michael Luciano, of New London, with large quantities of heroin.  Luciano, who also received heroin from sources in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, distributed the drug through a network of street-level dealers in southeastern Connecticut.

The evidence at trial in also indicated that Pena supplied heroin to individuals in Providence, Rhode Island, and Fall River, Massachusetts, as early as 2012.

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

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

Prior to his trial, on February 4, 2019, Pena pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of heroin with intent to distribute.

When he is sentenced, Pena faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.

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

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL LAWRENCE, 26, of Mount Vernon, New York, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal count to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 22, 2018, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Homeland Security, MTA Police Department, Connecticut State Police, New Haven Police Department and Orange Police Department conducted a criminal interdiction and enforcement operation at Union Station in New Haven.  During the course of a random inspection of Lawrence, a DEA special agent found a loaded .38 caliber handgun, and a small quantity of marijuana, in Lawrence’s backpack.  The gun was reported stolen in Alabama in July 2018.

In 2015, Lawrence was convicted in New York of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth 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.

Lawrence is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on May 15, 2019, at which time Lawrence faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Lawrence is currently incarcerated in New York for violating his probation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dave Vatti.

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 CHRISTOPHER FELICIANO, 29, of Enfield, pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution, of 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, at approximately 8:55 a.m., on October 8, 2017, Enfield Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in Enfield and found an unresponsive 24-year-old male in the home.  The victim was pronounced deceased.  Officers searched the immediate area and located narcotics paraphernalia.  Officers also seized the victim’s phone.  An analysis of Facebook messages and telephone contacts revealed that the victim had ordered heroin/fentanyl from Feliciano the day before the victim was found deceased.

The offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  A sentencing date is not scheduled. 

Feliciano is detained pending sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Enfield Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.

The Department of Justice today announced that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the State of Connecticut through the Connecticut Secretary of the State to help ensure compliance with federal law regarding maintenance of voter registration lists.  Under the agreement, Connecticut will coordinate its statewide voter registration database with Connecticut Department of Public Health records to identify registered voters who have died.

Section 303 of Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) requires states to implement a computerized statewide voter registration list and, along with Section 8 of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA), includes requirements for maintaining this computerized list.  As part of these requirements, a state must coordinate its voter registration lists with state agency records on death for purposes of removing the names of deceased voters from its voter rolls. 

“The requirements of HAVA and the NVRA help ensure that voter registration records remain accurate and current,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division.  “The Department of Justice appreciates Connecticut’s cooperative efforts to ensure its list maintenance procedures comply with the protections and procedures of HAVA and the NVRA.”

The parties’ agreement requires the Connecticut Secretary of the State to create and implement an administrative plan that includes procedures to coordinate the State’s voter registration list with Connecticut Department of Health records on deaths.  The agreement also requires the state to report certain data relating to the coordination of these databases and list maintenance activities resulting from that coordination. 

More information about the Help America Vote Act, the National Voter Registration Act, and other federal voting laws is available on the Department of Justice website at https://www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section.  Complaints about voter registration practices may be reported to the Civil Rights Division at 1-800-253-3931.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a grand jury in New Haven has returned a seven-count indictment alleging that JOHN T. FINKLE III, 57, of East Haven, Connecticut; STEVEN C. GOLD, 46, of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, and KENNETH J. PEDROLI, 59, of Stony Brook, New York, operated a scheme that defrauded an Illinois-based company of more than $1.5 million.

The indictment was returned on February 13, and Finkle surrendered to law enforcement this morning.  Following his arrest, he appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven, entered a plea of not guilty to the charges, and was released on a $500,000 bond secured by his East Haven residence and a rental property in East Haven owned by his wife.  Gold and Pedroli will be arraigned in the near future.

As alleged in the indictment, Finkle and Gold were employed by an Illinois-based supplier of electronic components, identified in the indictment as “Company A.”  Finkle was primarily employed in sales for the company and Gold operated the accounting and billing systems for the company.  Pedroli purchased electronic components from Company A for a business he operated in Islandia, New York.

The indictment alleges that between approximately February 2015 and December 2018, Finkle, Gold and Pedroli defrauded Company A through a scheme involving purchases that Pedroli made from the company.  As part of the scheme, Finkle instructed Pedroli to place his orders and list prices at a fraction of Company A’s published prices.  After Finkle submitted Pedroli’s orders to Company A at the discounted prices, the products were shipped from Company A to Pedroli.  Finkle instructed Pedroli to pay only a portion of the invoiced price and to make the payments directly to Finkle.  Pedroli then wrote checks to Finkle, which Finkle deposited into his personal bank account.

It is further alleged that Finkle instructed Gold to apply fictitious credits to the invoices in order to reduce the amount of money Pedroli owed Company A.  Finkle then wrote checks to Gold, which Gold deposited into his personal bank account.

It is alleged that Company A was defrauded of more than $1.5 million, and that Finkle profited more than $500,000, through this scheme.

The indictment charges each defendant with one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  The indictment also charges Finkle with two counts of wire fraud, Gold with two counts of wire fraud, and Pedroli with two counts of mail fraud.  Each of these charges also carries 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 each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ORLANDO QUIROS, also known as “O” and “Gordo, 42, formerly of New Britain and Suffield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 136 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for cocaine trafficking and firearm possession offenses.

This matter stems from a joint investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force into a central Connecticut cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking ring.  The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of crack cocaine and seizures of cocaine and cash proceeds, revealed that Westley Northrup, also known as “Piff,” operated a cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking ring while he was incarcerated in state custody at the Cheshire Correctional Institution.  Northrup conspired with Carlos Roman, also known as “Frizz,” of Middletown, to purchase cocaine from suppliers, including Omar Rivera, convert some of the cocaine to crack cocaine, and then distribute crack and cocaine through a network of dealers.

Further investigation revealed that Rivera, of New Britain, was being supplied with cocaine by Quiros, who regularly received packages containing multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine through the U.S. Mail from Puerto Rico.  Quiros’s operation was assisted by individuals who agreed to accept delivery of the packages.

On July 12, 2017, law enforcement officers intercepted and seized approximately $210,000 in cash that Quiros had in a vehicle he was driving from Connecticut to New York.

Quiros and others involved in this narcotics trafficking conspiracy were arrested on July 26, 2017.  On that date, investigators executed multiple search warrants and seized approximately seven kilograms of cocaine, several pounds of marijuana, four firearms, and nearly $100,000 in cash.

One of the firearms, and approximately $90,000 in cash, were found in a Hartford apartment that Quiros maintained.

Investigators also seized from Quiros a 2016 Maserati and 2016 BMW 6 Series.

On July 17, 2018, Quiros pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

Northrup, Roman and Rivera pleaded guilty to related charges.  On April 12, 2018, Roman was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment.  Northrup and Rivera await sentencing.

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, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby and Middletown Police Departments.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging MICHAEL SZWARC, 31, last residing in Hartford, with one count of receipt of child pornography.

The indictment was returned on February 5, 2019.  Szwarc, who had been detained in state custody since September 8, 2018, appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.  He is detained pending trial.

As alleged in the indictment, between June and September 2018, Szwarc received images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

The indictment further alleges that, in October 2013, Szwarc was convicted in Connecticut Superior Court of possession of child pornography.

If convicted of the federal charge, due to his alleged prior conviction, Scwarc faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hartford Police Department, with the assistance of the Office of Adult Probation.  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 SEAN DEY, 40, of Torrington, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by 12 months of home confinement and three years of supervised release, for illegally manufacturing and selling machine guns.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between July 2017 and April 2018, Dey manufactured machine guns, including AK-47-style and AR-style machine guns, suppressors, and other firearms.  Dey entered into an agreement with George Jaiman, of Bridgeport, to sell machine guns, suppressors and firearms to third parties for profit.  Neither Dey nor Jaiman possessed a valid license to deal firearms.

On March 28, 2018, in Bridgeport, Jaiman possessed an AK-47 style machine gun and an AR-style machine gun bearing a suppressor, neither of which had a serial number.

On April 3, 2018, Dey transferred an AR-style machine gun, which he had manufactured, to another individual for cash.

Dey was arrested on April 11, 2018.  On October 25, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage unlawfully in the business of selling firearms, and one count of unlawful possession and transfer of a machine gun.

On October 26, 2018, Jaiman pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a machine gun.  He awaits sentencing.

Dey, who is released on a $150,000 bond, is required to report to prison on March 29.

Judge Thompson ordered Dey to perform 100 hours of community service when he is released from prison.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RISHI MALIK, 46, a citizen of India residing in Fairfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to three years of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for defrauding the State of Connecticut of more than $5.8 million in taxes due on tobacco products imported into the state.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the State of Connecticut imposes tax on tobacco products imported into Connecticut for distribution within Connecticut. Tobacco amounts purchased, and taxes due, are reported on Forms OP-300, which are filed with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services.

For several years until 2012, Malik and a partner operated Connecticut Discounts LLC, a tobacco wholesale business based in Bridgeport.  Through that company, Malik obtained tobacco products from out-of-state suppliers and distributed the products to a network of clients who offered tobacco products for retail sale.  While operating Connecticut Discounts, Malik caused OP-300 forms to be filed with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services, which underreported the amount of tobacco he imported into the state for distribution.

In June 2012, Malik sold Connecticut Discounts to Pavan Vaswani, who continued the tobacco wholesale business under the name KDV Discounts, LLC.  From approximately June 2012 to April 2017, Malik frequently assisted Vaswani in importing tobacco products from out-of-state suppliers, including suppliers in Pennsylvania.  Malik frequently drove to Pennsylvania to pick up products that he delivered to KDV in Connecticut.  He also participated in making orders, and sometimes delivered payments in cash.

Between January 2013 and April 2017, KDV acquired almost $12 million in tobacco products, primarily cigars and other products, from suppliers in Pennsylvania, and distributed these products to hundreds of customers in Connecticut that stocked tobacco products for retail sale.  On the OP-300 forms that Vaswani filed with the Department of Revenue Services on behalf of KDV, the amounts reported were a small fraction of what KDV actually acquired.  Through this scheme, Vaswani failed to report approximately $5,821,057 in tax to the State of Connecticut.

In 2014, Malik registered Discount Deals, LLC, with an address in Sciota, Pennsylvania. Malik held out Discount Deals to be a tobacco distribution business.  However, the unit he rented was not a space for a legitimate tobacco business and was maintained to create the appearance that Discount Deals was a legitimate Pennsylvania-based tobacco wholesaler.  Between 2014 and at least April 2017, to subvert other federal regulations regarding interstate transport of smokeless tobacco, Malik used Discount Deals to purchase more than $1.1 million in smokeless tobacco products from Pennsylvania suppliers.  A substantial amount of these smokeless tobacco products were provided to KDV for distribution in Connecticut.  Discount Deals made no tax payments to the State of Connecticut between 2014 and 2017, and approximately $400,000 in smokeless tobacco tax was not reported to Connecticut or other states.

Malik and Vaswani were arrested on January 11, 2018.

Judge Hall ordered Malik to pay restitution of $5,821,057.

On October 30, 2018, Malik pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to violate the Contraband Cigarette Trafficking Act (“CCTA”), and one count of wire fraud.

On August 21, 2018, Vaswani, of West Haven, pleaded guilty to the same offenses.  He awaits sentencing.

Malik, who is released on $1.2 million bond, is required to report to prison on March 13, 2019.

Malik faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services, Criminal Investigations Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer R. Laraia and Michael S. McGarry.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging VICKI MILLER, 56, of Colchester, with one count of wire fraud stemming from an embezzlement scheme.

Miller was arrested this morning.  Following her arrest, she appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven and was released on a $50,000 bond.

As alleged in the indictment, from approximately June 2017 until August 2018, Miller was employed as a bookkeeper by Greylock Property Group LLC and its owner.  Beginning in approximately July 2017, Miller used her access to her employers’ bank accounts to embezzle their money by making withdrawals at ATMs, writing checks to herself, and transferring funds to her own accounts.

It is alleged that Miller stole more than $400,000 through this scheme.

If convicted of the charge in the indictment, Miller faces 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.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LATOYA McKREITH, 36, of Chicopee, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 30, 2018, McKreith and Laprese Gollman were arrested after they drove to New Haven in an attempt to purchase four kilograms of cocaine.  Investigators seized approximately $100,000 from Gollman at the time of his arrest.

Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for May 8, 2019, at which time McKreith faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.  McKreith is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.

Gollman, of Springfield, Massachusetts, previously pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on October 15, 2018, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by eight years of supervised release.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and the New Haven and Hamden Police Departments.  This 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 CURTIS DRAUGHN, also known as “Kirk,” 63, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 15 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing 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, following the December 2016 overdose death of a 33-year-old New Haven man, investigators determined that the victim had called “Kirk” prior to his overdose.  In May 2017, investigators contacted “Kirk,” who was identified to be Draughn, asking about purchasing heroin.  In May, June and August 2017, investigators made three controlled purchases of heroin from Draughn.

Draughn was arrested on October 25, 2017.  On October 23, 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’s New Haven Task Force and the New Haven Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALEXANDER PEDRAZA, 28, of East Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of 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.

When he is sentenced, Pedraza faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of life imprisonment.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the East Windsor Police Department, through the Connecticut Human Trafficking Task Force.  The case is being 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, FELIX COLON, 21, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the fall of 2017, the FBI, ATF and Waterbury Police Department began an investigation into drug trafficking by suspected members of “Addicted to Money,” also known as “ATM,” a violent street gang operating in Waterbury.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance and controlled purchases of heroin and crack cocaine, resulted in federal charges against 11 individuals.

Intercepted communications revealed that Colon purchased and sold distribution quantities of heroin.

Colon was arrested on July 17, 2018.  On that date, a search of his residence revealed approximately 56 gross grams of heroin packaged for distribution, approximately 41 gross grams of marijuana, a .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol, .40 and .45 caliber ammunition, a digital scale, and multiple cell phones.

The National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) has identified the seized .40 caliber pistol as the firearm that was used in a shooting of a member of a rival gang in Waterbury in May 2017.  The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

Colon has been detained since his arrest.  On November 16, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Waterbury Police Department’s Gang Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick F. Caruso and Natasha M. Freismuth.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ISMAEL SANCHEZ COLON, 44, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 10 months of imprisonment, three months of home confinement and five years of supervised release, for violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).

According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2001, Sanchez Colon was convicted in the State of Wisconsin of the felony offense of causing a child between the ages of 13 and 18 to view sexual activity, and he was subsequently ordered to comply with sex offender registration requirements for a period of 15 years after completion of a five-year term of probation.

In March 2009, Sanchez Colon advised the State of Wisconsin that he had moved to Puerto Rico.

Sanchez Colon began residing in Connecticut in approximately April 2016, based on evidence that he obtained food stamps and Husky healthcare benefits at that time, and did not register as a sex offender in this state, as required by law.  He subsequently began working at a restaurant in Waterbury, and he obtained a Connecticut driver’s license.  Between April 2016 and March 2018, Sanchez Colon was registered in Puerto Rico, and he traveled to Puerto Rico to update his registration.  At no time did Sanchez Colon advise Wisconsin and Puerto Rico of his Connecticut residence.

Sanchez Colon’s non-compliance with sex offender registration requirements in Connecticut was discovered when he used his Waterbury address in the process of renewing his U.S. passport. 

Sanchez Colon has been detained since his arrest on April 12, 2018.  On September 5, 2018, he pleaded guilty to the SORNA violation.

Sanchez Colon has two previous convictions for SORNA violations, and he has a SORNA charge pending in Colorado.

Sanchez Colon will reside in Puerto Rico when he is released from prison.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.