District of Connecticut

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RICHARD M. LACH, 32, of Richton Park, Illinois, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for operating a scheme to defraud state unemployment insurance programs in Connecticut and 37 other states.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Lach fraudulently filed claims with the Connecticut Department of Labor for unemployment benefits in the names of identity theft victims, using their names, dates of birth and social security numbers.  Lach directed that the unemployment benefits be directly deposited to Green Dot debit cards that he opened in the names of other identity theft victims.  For claims that were approved, the unemployment benefits were deposited to the Green Dot cards, and Lach withdrew the funds or otherwise spent the funds for his own personal use and benefit. 

In addition to fraudulently obtaining unemployment benefits from the Connecticut Department of Labor, Lach fraudulently filed or attempted to file for unemployment benefits, in the names of identity theft victims, from unemployment agencies in Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington DC, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.

In some cases, Lach purchased the personal information of identity theft victims through online websites, including a website that sold the information for $1, in bitcoins, per identity.  Lach shared his account on that website.  He also shared his Green Dot cards, and several email accounts he used, with other individuals so that they also could file fraudulent claims for unemployment benefits.

In total, Lach and others purchased identity information for approximately 845 identity theft victims through LACH’s account on the website that sold the information.  Between February 2017 and January 2018, Lach and others filed approximately 380 fraudulent claims for unemployment benefits in the names of identity theft victims.  If the state agencies had approved and paid benefits on all 380 claims, the total loss from this scheme would have exceeded $3.8 million.  However, the state agencies approved and paid benefits on only 42 of the claims, resulting in an actual loss of $54,006.

Lach also fraudulently purchased cars and obtained car loans in the names of two identity theft victims.  In September 2017, he fraudulently purchased a car for approximately $59,000 from a dealership in Florida and had it shipped to Illinois.  Lach provided copies of a fake driver’s license and utility bill in the name of in an identity theft victim in order to obtain a car loan to purchase the vehicle.  Similarly, in January 2018, Lach fraudulently purchased a car for approximately $83,000 from a dealership in Tennessee.  Again, LACH provided copies of a fake driver’s license, utility bill, W-2, and paystub in the name of an identity theft victim.  The cars were recovered and returned to the dealerships.

Judge Meyer ordered Lach to pay restitution in the total amount of $65,866.09 to the victim states and the two car dealerships.

Lach has been detained since his arrest on February 2, 2018.  On August 30, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, Office of the Chief State’s Attorney, Connecticut Department of Labor, New York State Department of Labor, State of New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, and Matteson (Illinois) Police Department, with assistance from the state unemployment agencies in the other states.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRANDON SPENCE, also known as “Spun,” 31, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 24 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 June 12, 2018, Hartford Police received information that Spence was in possession of a firearm on Enfield Street.  When officers encountered Spence on Enfield Street, Spence fled on foot.  During the pursuit, Spence discarded a Bryco Arms, model T380, .380 caliber firearm, loaded with seven rounds of ammunition.  The firearm was recovered, and Spence was arrested after officers found him hiding under the porch of a house on Greenfield Street.

Spence’s criminal history includes multiple convictions related to the illegal possession of firearms.

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 October 29, 2018, Spence pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition 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 JOSE LUIS MERINO HERNANDEZ, also known as “Jose Mendez,” 50, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to seven months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.  Merino Hernandez is a citizen of Mexico last residing in Waterbury.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2005, Merino Hernandez was removed from the U.S. to Mexico after he sustained convictions in New York.  He illegally reentered the U.S. and was encountered by ICE while he was incarcerated in New York in November 2010.  He was again removed to Mexico in January 2011.

U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents encountered Merino Hernandez in Tucson, Arizona, three times in May and June 2011.  After the third encounter, he was charged in the District of Arizona with illegal reentry.  He was convicted of the offense, sentenced to 120 days of imprisonment, and removed to Mexico in October 2011.

On June 9, 2018, Merino Hernandez was arrested in Waterbury and charged with four counts of risk of injury of a minor, one count of interfering/resisting arrest, one count of breach of peace and one count of assault 3rd degree.  He has been detained since his arrest.  On September 10, 2018, Merino Hernandez pleaded guilty in state court to one count of reckless endangerment in the first degree.  He was sentenced to 11 months of imprisonment, execution suspended, and three years of probation.

On November 19, 2018, Merino Hernandez pleaded guilty in Hartford federal court to one count of reentry of a removed alien.

Merino Hernandez will be removed to Mexico when he completes his federal sentence.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSEPH DANIELS, also known as “Sean,” 36, of Norwalk, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

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

Daniels has been detained since his arrest.

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for April 26, 2019.  The charge carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.  However, because Daniels has a prior conviction for a felony drug offense, he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that VINCENT JONES, 50, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of bank robbery.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Jones attempted to rob the Key Bank located at 245 Main Street in East Haven on July 31, 2017; robbed the Webster Bank located at 247 Boston Post Road in Orange of $5,469 on July 31, 2017, and robbed the Bank of America located at 1331 Boston Post Road in Milford of $6,578 on August 8, 2018.

Jones has been detained since August 9, 2018, when he was arrested on related state charges.

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

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the East Haven, Orange, Milford, New Haven and Waterbury Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that GREGORIO ANDERSON ROMERO, 36, a citizen of Honduras last residing in New Britain, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of reentry of a removed alien.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Romero, who has never held legal status in the U.S., was deported from the U.S. to Honduras in April 2009 following a conviction for attempted arson, and 366-day sentence, in Florida.

Romero subsequently reentered the U.S. illegally.

On August 12, 2018, Romero was arrested by the New Britain Police Department and charged with assault and disorderly conduct offenses.  He has been detained since his arrest.

Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for April 25, 2019, at which time Romero 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, with the assistance of the New Britain Police Department.  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 the U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached a settlement agreement with the Town of Bethlehem, Connecticut, to resolve allegations that Bethlehem’s Town Hall and Memorial Hall buildings were not operating in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”). 

The settlement agreement resolves an ADA complaint filed by an individual with disabilities alleging that Bethlehem’s Town Hall and Memorial Hall facilities were not accessible to individuals with physical disabilities.  Bethlehem is in the process of making changes to both facilities as required by the settlement agreement, including improving the accessibility of entrances and access routes, increasing the number of accessible parking spaces and adding van accessible parking spaces, adding accessible features to restrooms, and providing accessible signage.  Bethlehem is also updating its policies and procedures to ensure access for individuals with disabilities to the Town Clerks’ Office, the Registrar of Voters, and the First Selectman’s Office.  Bethlehem will continue to make improvements and changes to enhance accessibility over the next 23 months.

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

U.S. Attorney Durham commended the leadership of the Town of Bethlehem for having worked cooperatively and collaboratively with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to address the ADA issues expeditiously and without litigation.

“Among the most important protections provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act are those ensuring individuals with disabilities have access to public services, such as voting and participating in civic activities and town meetings,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.  “Our Office is committed to enforcing the ADA, which requires public entities, including municipalities, to provide access to individuals with disabilities.  We greatly appreciate the willingness of the Town of Bethlehem and the commitment of its First Selectman to greatly increase the accessibility and usability of Bethlehem’s Town Hall and Memorial Hall facilities.”

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

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NEVILLE S. NICHOLSON, 62, a citizen of Jamaica last residing in the Bronx, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to approximately 12 months of imprisonment, time already served, for passport fraud offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2014, Nicholson submitted an application for a U.S. passport, in the name of another individual, at the Ferguson Library in Stamford, Connecticut.  With his application, Nicholson provided the passport acceptance agent with a false birth certificate, a fraudulent New York State driver’s license, and his photograph for inclusion in the passport.  Nicholson then signed under oath claiming to be the other individual.  The U.S. Department of State subsequently issued a passport to Nicholson.

Nicholson used the fraudulent passport to travel between New York and Jamaica in 2014 and 2016.

Nicholson has been detained since his arrest on related New York state charges on September 1, 2017.  He was transferred to federal custody on January 19, 2018.

On November 1, 2018, Nicholson pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement in a passport application, and two counts of using a passport secured by false statement.

At the conclusion of today’s sentencing, Nicholson was transferred to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and is subject to removal proceedings.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, with assistance from the New York City Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen. 

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Boston, today announced that KISHORE BABU AMMISETTI, 30, a citizen of India, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with fraud offenses stemming from an alleged “provisional credit” scheme.

As alleged in the complaint, Ammisetti used Facebook Marketplace and other media to victimize individuals, primarily of Indian decent, who advertised items for sale or rooms for rent.  Through this scheme, Ammisetti would contact a victim to express interest in purchasing an item or renting a room.  He would then gather the victim’s bank account information and other personal information under the guise of making a deposit to the victim’s bank account.  He also would offer to provide a “deposit” directly into the victim’s account via a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) transfer.

The complaint further alleges that Ammisetti would then contact the victim’s bank and, posing as the victim, would claim to have made an ATM deposit that did not register on the victim’s bank account.  While researching the “unregistered deposit,” the bank would credit the victim’s account with a provisional credit.  Ammisetti would then contact the victim and claim that the provisional credit to the victim’s bank account was a mistaken transfer by Ammisetti to the victim’s account.  Ammisetti would then request either a full or partial refund of that money, which the victim would provide via a P2P transfer.  After the bank determined that there was no unregistered deposit to the victim’s account, the funds provided as a provisional credit would be removed from the account.

It is alleged that Ammisetti stole at least $800,000 from more than 400 victims through this scheme.  The investigation has revealed that Ammisetti often operated this scheme while staying at casino hotels in Connecticut.

Ammisetti was arrested on January 25, 2019.  He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford and was ordered detained.

It is alleged that Ammisetti entered the U.S. in 2013 on a student visa, which was revoked in 2014.

The complaint charges Ammisetti with bank fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, and wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

This matter is being investigated by HSI with the assistance of the Mohegan Tribal Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL LUCIANO, 33, of New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 144 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.

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 Luciano regularly obtained large quantities of heroin from sources in Rhode Island and Massachusetts and distributed the drug through a network of street-level dealers in southeastern Connecticut.

Luciano has been detained since his arrest on November 14, 2017.  On December 12, 2017, a grand jury in Hartford returned a 25-count superseding indictment charging Luciano and 20 other individuals with various heroin trafficking offenses.  On June 27, 2018, Luciano pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.

Luciano’s criminal history includes a federal conviction in the District of Rhode Island for possession with intent to distribute heroin.  In September 2010, he was sentenced to 18 months of imprisonment for that offense. 

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.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that HAROLD GORDON, 69, of Templeton, Massachusetts, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of wire fraud.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in approximately October 2012, Gordon began communicating by phone and email with a respected art dealer and appraiser (the “victim”) in Connecticut, to induce the victim to purchase a tall antique desk, commonly known as a “secretary desk.”  In these communications, Gordon falsely represented to the victim that the desk was decorated and dedicated as a Civil War memorial for a Connecticut soldier who died at the Battle of Antietam while fighting for the Union Army.  These misrepresentations included Gordon’s claims that the surviving soldiers in the fallen soldier’s Connecticut regiment had crafted the desk to serve as a war memorial for the deceased soldier’s family; that other than cleaning the vintage clock, Gordon had done nothing else to refurbish or decorate the desk; and that Gordon had purchased the desk from a descendant of the deceased Connecticut soldier.

In early March 2014, the victim examined the secretary desk at Gordon’s Massachusetts residence, and then took subsequent steps to confirm the desk’s authenticity.  The victim then purchased the desk from Gordon for $64,500.  At Gordon’s request, the victim provided the payment in three separate checks.

In February 2015, the victim sold the desk to a museum and non-profit institution in Connecticut.  After completing this transaction, the victim sent Gordon an additional payment of $25,000 because the victim had made a significant profit from the sale.

In February 2018, various third parties made inquiries to the victim about the authenticity of the secretary desk.  The victim contacted Gordon, who admitted that he had refurbished and decorated the desk himself, created the false narrative about the desk’s history, and targeted the victim to purchase it due to the victim’s respected stature in the American folk art community.  The victim then made full restitution to the institution that had purchased the desk from him.

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for April 23, 2019, at which time Gordon faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MIGUEL MARTINEZ, also known as “Nitro,” 34, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for firearm and drug offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division targeting gang violence and narcotics trafficking in Hartford.  In May 2018, Martinez and nine other alleged members and associates of the Almighty Latin Kings Nation were charged with offenses related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine in Hartford.  Four of the defendants, including Martinez, were charged with firearm offenses.

On June 8, 2017, Martinez sold a Taurus 9mm pistol, loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition, to an individual working with law enforcement.  At the time of the sale, Martinez was a convicted felon and stated that the gun had been used to pistol whip someone and that it may still have blood on it.  On June 23, 2017, Martinez sold heroin and fentanyl to the same individual.

Martinez was arrested on May 10, 2018.  On August 9, 2018, while he was released on bond and wearing an electronic monitoring device, Martinez sold crack cocaine to an undercover police officer.  His bond was revoked on August 22, 2018.  On October 16, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin and fentanyl.

The FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HIRAN SANCHEZ, also known as “Ivan” and “Pablo,” 21, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of sex trafficking of a minor.

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

Sanchez has been detained since his arrest on January 22, 2018.

The charge of sex trafficking of a minor carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.  Sanchez is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on May 8, 2019.

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

January 2019 is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a nine-count indictment charging three Michigan residents with conspiracy and fraud charges stemming from an alleged scheme to qualify prospective and current federal inmates who do not require substance abuse treatment for admission into a Federal Bureau of Prisons program that, if completed successfully, will result in a shortened prison term.

Charged in the indictment, which was returned on January 15, 2019, are TONY TUAN PHAM, also known as “Anh Nguyen,” 49, of Grand Rapids, Michigan; SAMUEL COPENHAVER, 47, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and CONSTANCE MOERLAND, 33, of Hudsonville, Michigan.  The three defendants were arrested on January 23.

According to the indictment, the Residential Drug Abuse Program (“RDAP”) is a 500-hour substance abuse treatment program that is administered by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (“BOP”).  In order to gain admission to the RDAP, a federal inmate must meet certain criteria, including having a diagnosable and verifiable drug or alcohol abuse disorder.  By successfully completing the RDAP, an inmate can qualify for up to 12 months in early release from custody.

The indictment alleges that Pham, Copenhaver and Moerland were managing partners of Michigan-based RDAP Law Consultants, LLC.  The defendants solicited prospective and current federal inmates, including individuals in Connecticut, through telephone calls and emails with offers of assistance in applying to, and qualifying for, the RDAP.  For a fee, the defendants coached and advised prospective and current inmates on how to gain admission to the RDAP by lying to the BOP about the existence, duration and extent of a qualifying substance abuse disorder.

“The indictment alleges that these defendants profited by coaching federal inmates and prospective inmates to lie about substance abuse issues in order to be released from prison well before each sentencing judge intended,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.  “This is a scheme that defrauds the public by taking advantage of an important Bureau of Prisons treatment program that exists to help rehabilitate inmates with real addiction problems in order to prepare them for life after prison.”

“This indictment illustrates the depths to which federal investigators will go to uncover fraud of all types,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Turner.  “The alleged fraudulent methods used to defraud government programs will not be tolerated and will continue to be vigorously investigated.”

“In this alleged RDAP scheme, the fraudsters not only undermined the authority of the judicial system to administer fair and impactful sentences, but they diverted vital substance abuse treatment from inmates who really needed it,” said IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge O’Connell.  “IRS-CI’s tracing of fees allowed investigators to uncover the breadth of this alleged fraud and we are proud of our role in this collaborative law enforcement effort.”

The indictment charges Pham, Copenhaver and Moerland with one count of conspiracy, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  The indictment also charges Pham and Copenhaver with multiple counts of wire fraud, and offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.

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

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Avi Perry of the Department of Justice’s Fraud Section, who has been designated as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for this matter.  The prosecution in the District of Connecticut was facilitated by significant assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith George Thomas of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.

U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan for its assistance in this matter.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RASCELL LEGGETT, 32, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 22, 2011, Leggett was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing marijuana and crack cocaine in Hartford.  He was released from federal prison in February 2015.  Leggett subsequently violated the conditions of his supervised release and, in June 2016, was sentenced to an additional four months of imprisonment, followed by two years and eight months of supervised release.  He was released from federal prison in November 2016.

In August 2017, Leggett was arrested by Hartford Police and charged with illegal operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and illegal operation of a motor vehicle under suspension.  Leggett subsequently failed to appear for a federal supervised release violation hearing on November 6, 2017.

On December 18, 2017, investigators arrested Leggett after they stopped a vehicle he was operating on Albany Avenue in Hartford.  A search of the car revealed 148 bags of heroin, a Ruger 9mm pistol loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition, and $655 in cash.  A search of Leggett’s person revealed approximately four grams of crack cocaine.

At the time of his arrest, Leggett also had an active Hartford Police arrest warrant for attempted first degree assault with a firearm, criminal possession of a weapon, and risk if injury to a minor.  The charges stemmed from an incident on December 13, 2017, when Leggett fired a gun into a car occupied by a woman and her minor child.

Leggett has been detained since his arrest.  On October 17, 2018, he pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Judge Hall sentenced Leggett to 60 months of imprisonment for possessing a firearm, and a consecutive 24 months of imprisonment for violating his supervised release.

Leggett has also pleaded guilty in state court to offenses stemming from the shooting on December 13, 2017, and awaits sentencing.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on December 18, 2018, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned a five-count superseding indictment charging CARLOS DELGADO, also known as “Los,” 49, of Mansfield, and LUIS ALAMO, 42, of Willimantic, with narcotics trafficking and firearm offenses.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, earlier this year the DEA Hartford Task Force, Willimantic Police Department and Connecticut State Police began investigating an eastern Connecticut drug trafficking organization headed by Delgado.  The investigation revealed that Delgado was having kilogram quantities of cocaine shipped through the U.S. Mail from Puerto Rico to various locations in Eastern Connecticut.  He distributed the drugs with the assistance of Alamo and others, and mailed cash proceeds from narcotics sales back to individuals in Puerto Rico.

During the investigation, investigators seized quantities of cocaine and heroin, five firearms, including an AK-15 rifle, and more than $140,000 in cash.

Delgado has been detained since his arrest on a federal criminal complaint on July 9, 2018.

Alamo was arrested yesterday and is released on a $50,000 bond.

The indictment charges Delgado and Alamo with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine.  If convicted of this charge, based on the quantity of cocaine involved in the conspiracy, Delgado faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of life in prison, and Alamo faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

The indictment also charges Delgado with one count of possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life; one count of possession of firearm by a previously convicted felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years, and one count of money laundering, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. 

This matter is being investigated by the DEA Hartford Task Force, Connecticut State Police, Willimantic Police Department, the Willimantic Police Department, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  The DEA Task Force includes participants from the Bristol, East Hartford, Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Willimantic and Windsor Locks Police Departments, and the Food and Drug Administration.

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 case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha Freismuth.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MICHAEL BOBOWSKI, 43, of Hartford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, d-methamphetamine hydrochloride, also known as “ice” and other street names.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in August and September 2018, investigators conducted two controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Bobowski at his Whitney Street residence.  The investigation revealed that, between May and October 2018, Bobowski conspired to distribute between 100 and 150 grams of d-methamphetamine hydrochloride.

Bobowski was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on October 4, 2018.

Bobowski is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on March 14, 2019, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.  He is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and Middletown Police Department, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  The DEA Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby and Middletown Police Departments, the U.S. Marshals Service and the IRS – Criminal Investigation Division.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer R. Laraia.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRANDEN HUERTAS, 37, formerly of Norwalk, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to escaping from custody.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 22, 2018, Huertas escaped from custody at the Chase Center in Waterbury.  Huertas had been confined to the Chase Center to complete a 60-month prison term for unlawful possession of a firearm.

Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for March 20, 2019, at which time Huertas faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Clark.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that OLUKAYODE IBRAHIM LAWAL, 36, a citizen of Nigeria last residing in Smyrna, Georgia, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to a conspiracy charge stemming from 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 last year.

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 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 pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, an offense that carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for March 14, 2019.

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. 

This matter is being 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, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging EDWARD LUGO, 37, of New Haven, with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

The indictment was returned on December 13, 2018.  Lugo appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.

As alleged in the indictment, on September 19, 2018, Lugo possessed a 9mm Kel-Tec Model P-11 pistol and more than 100 rounds of assorted ammunition.

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

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

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

Lugo has been detained since his arrest on September 19.

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 Statewide Narcotics Task Force, New Haven Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret E. Maigret.

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, Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, and Hartford Police Chief David Rosado today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment yesterday charging JOHN ANDERSON, 37, of New Britain, with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

As alleged in the indictment, on October 11, 2018, Anderson possessed a Ruger, Model EC9S, 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number, and six rounds of 9mm ammunition.  Anderson’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for burglary in the third degree and assault in the second degree.

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

Anderson has been detained in state custody since his arrest by Hartford Police on October 11.

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

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

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILLIAM GAUVIN, 43, of Andover, Massachusetts, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for paying a minor to engage in sexual activity over Skype.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately October 2016 and March 2017, Gauvin, using the name “Will Wiggins,” solicited a 17-year-old boy in Connecticut to engage in sexually explicit conduct over Skype.  In exchange for the minor victim transmitting visual depictions of sexually explicit conduct to Gauvin, Gauvin paid the minor victim more than $3,000 using PayPal.  Gauvin also asked the minor victim to persuade his brother, who was 15, to engage in sexually explicit conduct in exchange for money.

Gauvin resided in Worcester, Massachusetts, at the time of the criminal conduct.

The investigation revealed that Gauvin also paid other minor victims to engage in sexually explicit conduct online.

GAUVIN was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on November 1, 2017.  On September 25, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography.

Gauvin, who is released on a $100,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on February 15, 2019.

This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Connecticut State Police, with the assistance of the Worcester Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.

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

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

John H. Durham. United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUQMAN GOTTI, formerly known as Timothy Pennington, 37, of Manchester, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to a child pornography offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2017, Gotti and a 13-year-old boy were communicating through the Kik messaging application.  After the boy informed Gotti that he was 14 years old, Gotti asked the boy for pictures and sent the boy a sexually explicit image of himself, intending that the boy send Gotti a sexually explicit picture in return.  The boy then sent sexually explicit pictures of himself to Gotti.  Later in the conversation, Gotti told the boy “I already went to jail over a 14 year old not trying to go through that again.”  Gotti then asked the boy for more sexually explicit pictures.  In response, the boy sent GOTTI another sexually explicit photograph and video of himself.

Gotti pleaded guilty to one count of accessing with intent to view child pornography, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  However, based on Gotti’s prior felony conviction in the state of Connecticut for second degree sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl, the government’s position is that Gotti faces enhanced penalties of a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Gotti’s name in 2000, when he sustained the sexual assault conviction, was Timothy Pennington.  Gotti legally changed his name from Timothy Pennington.

Gotti was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on April 25, 2018.  He has been in state custody on related charges since November 14, 2017.

A sentencing date has not been scheduled.

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

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, announced that DAVID McKEMMIE, JR., 30, of Windsor, was arrested today and charged by federal criminal complaint with possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon.

Following his arrest, McKemmie appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven and was ordered detained pending a detention hearing that is scheduled for December 21, 2018.

As alleged in the criminal complaint, at approximately 6:20 a.m. today, ATF special agents conducted a court-authorized search of McKemmie’s residence at 61 Park Avenue in Windsor.  McKemmie was arrested after investigators collected from his bedroom nine handguns, two AR15 rifles, an AR15 pistol that had no markings, more than 500 rounds of ammunition, and various firearms parts and materials used in the construction of firearms.

It is alleged that McKemmie is a previously convicted felon.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut State Police and Windsor Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

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 ALBERT LEE ROBINSON, 57, of Stamford, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.  Robinson also admitted that he violated the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 16, 2004, Judge Underhill sentenced Robinson to 188 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.  Robinson was sentenced as a career offender based on prior convictions for burglary, narcotics and robbery offenses.  Robinson was released from prison in August 2017 and began serving his five-year term of supervised release.

On August 14, 2018, Stamford Police arrested Robinson on state charges after he was found in possession of approximately 17 grams of heroin, 19 grams of crack cocaine, 14 grams of powder cocaine and a quantity of marijuana, much of which was packaged for distribution.  Officers also seized a digital scale and $2,052 in cash.

On September 5, 2018, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Robinson with one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances on August 14.

On September 6, 2018, members of the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and Stamford Police Department executed a federal arrest warrant for Robinson.  At this time of his arrest, Robinson possessed a bag of powder cocaine on his person.

Robinson has been detained since his federal arrest.

Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for March 12, 2019, at which time Robinson faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years for distributing controlled substances, and an additional term of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

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, today announced that on December 18, 2018, a federal jury in Hartford found ANDREW DAVIS, 38, a citizen of Jamaica last residing in Hamden, guilty of marijuana trafficking, firearm possession and money laundering offenses.

According to the evidence presented during the trial, in 2013, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Connecticut State Police began an investigation into individuals who were moving large amounts of marijuana from the Southwestern United States to Connecticut.  During the investigation, investigators intercepted four packages, each containing approximately eight kilograms of marijuana, from the U.S. Mail, and made multiple controlled purchases of the drug from a member of the trafficking ring.

Davis was arrested on February 1, 2017, after investigators conducted court-authorized searches of a Hamden apartment that Davis shared with his girlfriend, Shanice Goffe; a storage unit in West Haven that was rented in Goffe’s name, and two Bridgeport apartments that Davis maintained under different aliases.

A search of the Hamden residence revealed more than one pound of marijuana, a loaded 9mm handgun, boxes of .45 caliber ammunition, $62,409 in cash, and numerous false identifications, including a U.S. passport, all of which contained a photo of Davis.  A search of the storage unit revealed approximately 33 kilograms of marijuana, ammunition and firearm magazines, additional false identifications, and $350,100 in cash.  A search of a Bridgeport apartment rented in the name of “Cordel Freckleton” yielded one firearm, and a search of an apartment rented in the name of “Andrew Carter” revealed more than 60 pounds of marijuana and two firearms, one of which was stolen.

Investigators also seized a 2014 BMW X6, a 2016 Honda Accord, and a 2008 Honda Odyssey, all of which were registered to Goffe and had been purchased with proceeds of the marijuana trafficking enterprise.

The investigation further revealed that Davis, using the name “Steve Williams,” was under investigation in 2008 for marijuana trafficking.  In August 2008, Bridgeport Police conducted a search of Davis’s Bridgeport apartment and discovered a fake identification, photos of Davis/Williams, three firearms, extended magazines, ammunition, drug packaging paraphernalia, marijuana packaged for resale, and eight UPS receipts for packages that had not arrived.  Bridgeport Police subsequently seized the UPS packages, which contained a total of more than 75 pounds of marijuana.  “Williams” was never located.

At the time of Davis’s federal arrest on February 1, 2017, investigators seized more than 40 identification cards with false names, including the names of the addressees of the 2008 Bridgeport packages.  When presented to U.S. Marshals and asked his name, Davis said, “Let’s go with Steve Williams.”

The jury found Davis guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years; one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 kilograms or more of marijuana, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, an offense that carries a consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Davis is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on March 13, 2019.

On November 20, 2017, Goffe pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 50 kilograms or more of marijuana, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.  On February 28, 2018, she was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment.

This matter has been investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Connecticut State Police, with the assistance of Bridgeport Police Department, U.S Customs and Border Patrol and the U.S. Marshals Service.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned a 15-count indictment charging FRANK MOSS, 31, of Prospect, with offenses related to the illegal purchase and possession of firearms.

The indictment was returned on December 4, 2018.  Moss appeared today 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 $50,000 bond.

As alleged in the indictment, on seven dates between June 14, 2017 and November 1, 2017, Moss, being an unlawful user of or addicted to controlled substances, made false statements in connection with the purchase of 11 firearms at gun stores in Wolcott, Seymour and Waterbury.

The indictment charges Moss with eight count of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm by representing that he was not an unlawful user of, or addicted to, controlled substances.  The indictment also charges Moss with seven counts of possession of a firearm by an individual who is an unlawful user of, or addicted to, any controlled substance.

If convicted, Moss faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count.

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

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE RODRIGUEZ, also known as “Juice,” 48, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine and crack cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division targeting gang violence and narcotics trafficking in Hartford.  In May 2018, Rodriguez and nine other alleged members and associates of the Almighty Latin Kings Nation were charged with offenses related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine in Hartford.  Four of the defendants also were charged with firearm offenses.

The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that Rodriguez distributed crack and powder cocaine that he purchased from an ALKN member.

Rodriguez’s criminal history includes more than 20 convictions.  In September 2017, he was shot four times during an apparent drug robbery.

Rodriguez has been detained since his arrest on May 7, 2018.  On September 25, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).

The FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTOPHER BARRETO, 29, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing drugs involved in two overdose deaths in Enfield in 2016.

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 9:52 a.m., on August 26, 2016, the Enfield Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in Enfield and found an unresponsive 31-year-old male in the upstairs bedroom of the residence.  The victim was pronounced deceased.  Officers searched the immediate area and seized one empty white wax fold and six full white wax folds that contained suspected heroin.  Officers also seized the victim’s iPhone.  An analysis of text messages revealed that the victim had ordered heroin from an individual in the evening of August 25, 2016.

According to the State of Connecticut Chief Medical Examiner, the victim’s death was determined to be caused by “acute fentanyl and ethanol intoxication.”

At approximately 8:23 p.m., on October 27, 2016, the Enfield Police Department and emergency personnel responded to another residence in Enfield and found an unresponsive 36-year-old man outside the house.  The victim was transported to the hospital for medical attention and pronounced deceased.  Officers subsequently recovered the victim’s cell phone and 20 white wax folds that contained suspected heroin.  Analysis of the victim’s cell phone revealed that the victim had purchased heroin from the same individual two days before his death.

Connecticut’s Chief Medical Examiner concluded the victim died as a result of the “combined effects of fentanyl, furanyl fentanyl and heroin.”

Analysis of text messages revealed that both victims purchased heroin from an individual who had purchased the heroin from Barreto.  The text messages also revealed that Barreto was consistently dealing narcotics from April 2016 until he was arrested on August 10, 2017.

At the time of his arrest, investigators seized approximately 2,000 wax folds of heroin from Barreto’s residence.

On August 1, 2018, Barreto pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribution, and distribution of, controlled substances.

Barreto has been detained since October 22, 2018, when he bond was revoked.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALFREDO DAGOBERTO HERCULES-SANTOS, 40, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of reentry of removed alien.  Hercules-Santos is a citizen of El Salvador last residing in New Britain.

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 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.  At the time, he had a separate driving under the influence case pending in New Britain Superior Court.  Both cases were resolved with guilty pleas.

Hercules-Santos has been detained since his arrest.

Judge Bolden scheduled sentencing for February 19, 2019, at which time Hercules-Santos faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ERICK SANABRIA-HERNANDES, 34, a citizen of Honduras last residing in Stamford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 15 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Sanabria-Hernandes was encountered by U.S. Border Patrol in May 2004 after he illegally crossed the border from Mexico.  On August 23, 2005, he failed to appear at a scheduled immigration hearing in San Antonio, Texas, and was ordered removed in absentia by an immigration judge.

In December 2005, Sanabria-Hernandes was arrested by the Stamford Police Department on charges of carrying/selling a dangerous weapon and threatening second degree.  He was subsequently convicted and sentenced to 18 months of incarceration.  In August 2007, he was removed to Honduras.

On July 10, 2017, Sanabria-Hernandes, using the alias Mery Sanabra-Hernandez, was arrested by Stamford Police after a domestic incident and charged with assault third degree, disorderly conduct, unlawful restraint second degree, strangulation second degree, and interfering with an emergency call.  He was convicted of strangulation second degree and risk of injury and sentenced to nine months of incarceration.

Sanabria-Hernandes was charged with one count of illegal reentry and was transferred into federal custody on April 30, 2018.  He pleaded guilty to the offense on September 19, 2018.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacabed Rodriguez-Coss.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, and Willimantic Police Chief Roberto Rosado today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned a superseding indictment yesterday charging MOHAMMADREZA KAMALI, also known as “Reza,” 18, of Willimantic, with several firearms offenses. 

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, the investigation into Kamali began after law enforcement learned that Kamali was offering to sell firearms to individuals in Connecticut.  On November 2, 2018, Kamali was arrested on a federal criminal complaint after he sold four AR-15 style firearms, which he had built himself after ordering parts on the internet, to an undercover ATF special agent.

On November 14, 2018, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Kamali with one count of dealing in firearms without a license, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  The three-count superseding indictment returned today adds one count of possession of a firearm made in violation of the National Firearms Act, and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm.  Both of these charges, which carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count, relate to Kamali’s alleged sale of a short-barreled rifle to the undercover ATF agent.

Kamali has been released on a $50,000 bond since November 29, 2018.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Willimantic Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Clark.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYMON PETERSON, 29, of Stratford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to one count of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm.

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

Peterson was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on January 1, 2018.

Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for March 8, 2019, at which time Peterson faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

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

Weir, 29, of Bridgeport, has been detained since his arrest on September 17, 2018.  On December 6, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 1, 2019.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TOSHIREA JACKSON, 49, of Bridgeport, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of health care fraud.

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

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

In pleading guilty, Jackson admitted that the scheme involved stealing the identity of more than 150 Medicaid clients, and that she and her co-conspirators successfully billed Medicaid for approximately half of those clients.  Jackson further admitted that she and her co-conspirators also billed Medicaid for services to other clients that were never provided to those clients.

When she is sentenced, Jackson faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  She also has agreed to a restitution order of $2,496,618.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.

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

On October 18, 2018, Jacob pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud for her role in this scheme and a separate Medicaid fraud scheme.  October 23, 2018, Chesney pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.  Both await sentencing.

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

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

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

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ADRIAN BELLE, also known as “A.B.,” 24, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 65 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 18, 2018, Belle was the passenger in a vehicle stopped by New Haven Police officers.  When the officers asked Belle to step out of the vehicle, he reached into the center console, exited the vehicle and then began to flee on foot.  Officers observed Belle throw an object during the pursuit.  Once Belle was stopped and secured in handcuffs, officers located a Smith and Wesson .380 Caliber firearm with an obliterated serial number in Belle’s front right jacket pocket.  Officers also retrieved a loaded firearm magazine that Belle had thrown while running.

Belle’s criminal history includes a conviction in October 2014 for robbery in the first degree.  During the robbery, Belle pointed a loaded firearm at a victim.  In August 2011, Belle was convicted of three counts of assault on personnel.

Belle has been detained since his arrest.  On September 17, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

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

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 ADEYEMI ODUFUYE, also known as “Micky,” “Micky Bricks,” “Yemi,” “GMB,” “Bawz,” and “Jefe,” 32, a citizen of Nigeria, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 45 months of imprisonment for his supervisory role in a business e-mail compromise scheme.

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

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

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

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

To date, the FBI has identified 36 wire confirmations in e-mail accounts utilized by Odufuye and others from September 2015 to May 2016, totaling more than $1.6 million.  This figure does not include the more than $500,000 in wire transfers from the victim company in Connecticut.

Judge Hall ordered Odufuye to pay restitution in the amount of $921,497.87 to 15 victims of the scheme.

On January 3, 2018, Odufuye pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.

On December 19, 2016, Odufuye was arrested in the United Kingdom where he was a student and was subsequently extradited to the U.S. to face these charges.  He has been detained since his arrest.

Adejumo, also a citizen of Nigeria, was living in Toledo, Ohio, as a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. at the time of his arrest on November 17, 2017.  He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and, on August 17, 2018, was sentenced to 15 months of imprisonment.

A third Nigerian citizen alleged to be involved in this scheme is awaiting trial.

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

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging ANA NUNEZ, also known as Ana Pagoaga, 47, of Naugatuck, with 12 counts of filing false tax returns.

The indictment was returned on December 6, 2018.  Nunez appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.

As alleged in the indictment, Nunez owned and operated Nunez MultiServices, LLC, a tax return preparation service located in Naugatuck.  From 2011 and continuing at least through 2016, Nunez falsified information on tax returns she prepared for clients and caused the returns to be filed with the Internal Revenue Service.  On the returns, Nunez routinely inflated income or created fictitious income; falsified expenses, including education and child care expenses, and falsified deductions, such as business mileage.  At times, without her clients’ knowledge, Nunez also falsely inflated information on her clients’ returns in order to increase their refunds and then directed the excess funds to an account she controlled.

If convicted, Nunez faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years on each count.

Nunez is released on a $150,000 bond.  As part of the conditions of her release, she is prohibited from preparing or assisting in the preparation of tax returns except for herself or immediate family members.

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

John H. Durham. United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STEVEN F. HARVIN, 53, of New Haven, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of theft from programs receiving federal funds.

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

Harvin is a reverend and, from approximately August 2015 to September 2016, he served as President of Zezzo House, a non-profit organization in Hartford that provides housing for individuals and families with health challenges, including HIV/AIDS.  HUD provides HOPWA funds to the City of Hartford, which in turn provides the HOPWA funds to organizations in the Hartford area, including Zezzo House.  Between January and August 2016, Zezzo House received $70,722 in HOPWA funds.  Harvin embezzled some of these funds through cash withdrawals, spent some of the funds on ineligible Zezzo House expenses, and he failed to account for the use of other funds.  In total, Harvin misappropriated approximately $25,120.47 in HOPWA funds.

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

Harvin is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Michael P. Shea on March 5, 2019, at which time Harvin faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.  Harvin is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALVIN CRAWFORD, also known as “Nardy,” 34, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to one count of possession of firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 2, 2018, Crawford, holding a yellow plastic bag, exited a car and ran from Hartford Police in the area of Rockville Street in Hartford.  Crawford ignored verbal commands to stop running, threw the yellow bag over the fence, scaled the fence, picked up the bag and continued to run.  Officers apprehended Crawford on Westland Street shortly after he had dropped the bag.  A search of the bag revealed a Taurus .38 Special revolver and five rounds of ammunition.

Crawford’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for criminal possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit, violation of a protective order, and assault in the second degree.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

Crawford has been detained since his arrest.

Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for March 7, 2019, at which time Crawford faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Guido Modano, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General’s New York Field Office, today announced that CARLOS SANCHEZ, 33, of Middlebury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to sexually abusing an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury (FCI Danbury).

According to court documents and statements made in court, Sanchez was employed as a correctional officer at FCI Danbury.  On two occasions in July and August 2018, Sanchez engaged in sexual activity with a female inmate at the prison.

Sanchez pleaded guilty to one count of sexual abuse of a ward, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.  A sentencing date has not been scheduled.

Sanchez is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.  He has resigned from the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

This matter is being investigated by the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FRANKLYN NIEVES, 63, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 28 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for allowing a Hartford apartment building he managed to be used as a drug trafficking hub.

According to court documents and statements made in court, a drug trafficking organization used 8-10 Hamilton Street, a six-unit apartment building in Hartford, to store, process and distribute heroin and fentanyl.  Nieves, who managed the building and resided in one of the apartments, was aware of the drug trafficking activity at the building, helped to secure the basement of the building for the trafficking organization’s drug activities, and knew that a 17-year-old was working for the organization and serving drug customers at the building.

Nieves was arrested on December 7, 2017.  On May 14, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises.

Nieves, who is released on a $50,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on January 16, 2019.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DIANE DALMY, 63, of Denver, Colorado, was resentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for her role in a securities fraud scheme, and for hiding money after her original sentencing proceeding earlier this year to avoid paying restitution to victims of the scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between January 2009 and July 2016, Dalmy used her position as an attorney to assist others in defrauding thousands of investors through a stock “pump and dump” scheme.  During the scheme, Dalmy wrote, and permitted a co-conspirator to write in her name, fraudulent opinion letters that were used to unrestrict the co-conspirators’ stock so that the stock could be freely traded on the open market, without having to register the stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Dalmy also provided fraudulent “adequacy” letters that were intended to mislead investors who were making investment decisions.  At times, she also provided co-conspirators with capital by advancing money, which belonged to other clients of her law practice, from her Lawyer Trust Account (“IOLTA”).  Finally, Dalmy laundered approximately $825,000 in proceeds of the scheme through a bank account for a private company she helped incorporate, and her IOLTA.

As a result of the fraud scheme, more than 12,000 victim investors collectively lost nearly $19 million.  Dalmy’s total gain from her participation in this conspiracy, and related legal work, was approximately $30,000.

On February 6, 2018, Dalmy pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy.  In March 2018, she provided the court with a financial affidavit that required her, under penalty of perjury, to disclose all of her financial resources.  On May 15, 2018, Judge Meyer sentenced Dalmy to 36 months of imprisonment and ordered her to pay $2 million in restitution.

After her original sentencing and prior to her reporting to prison in June 2018, Dalmy attempted to hide approximately $47,000 in cash.  The money had been omitted from her financial affidavit.

In July 2018, the government notified the court of Dalmy’s willful failure to pay restitution.

Judge Meyer ordered a resentencing hearing and, today, sentenced Dalmy to an additional 24 months of imprisonment, for a total sentence of 60 months of imprisonment.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, with assistance from the Connecticut Department of Banking, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Hartford and Stamford Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Avi M. Perry of the Department of Justice’s Fraud Section, who has been designated as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for this matter.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ENRIQUE FAJARDO MARIN, 40, a citizen of Ecuador recently residing in Danbury, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 18 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the U.S.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2011, Fajardo was convicted in Danbury Superior Court of illegal sexual contact with a minor and risk of injury.  He was sentenced to 18 years of incarceration, execution suspended after 10 years, with 20 years of probation.  Fajardo also was required to register as a sex offender for a period of 10 years.

On February 5, 2016, after he was released from state custody, Fajardo was deported from the U.S. to Ecuador.

On June 28, 2017, Farjardo was arrested in Worcester, Massachusetts.  The investigation revealed that Fajardo illegally reentered the U.S. and had been residing in Danbury since approximately December 2016.  Fajardo also had failed to register as a sex offender in Connecticut.

Fajardo has been detained since his arrest and is currently incarcerated in state custody for violating his parole.  On June 18, 2018, he pleaded guilty in federal court to illegally reentering the U.S.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the U.S. Marshals Service, with the assistance of Connecticut State Parole.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.

Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker and U.S. Attorney John H. Durham announced that a Connecticut crime prevention organization is the recipient of one of 16 awards presented today during the 2018 Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) National Conference in Kansas City, Missouri.  The awards recognize individuals and groups for their dedication and contribution to the success of 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.

“Project Safe Neighborhoods is making our prosecutions more targeted and more effective – and that makes the American people safer,” said Acting Attorney General Whitaker. “Today the Department recognizes 16 examples of those who go above and beyond the call of duty in using PSN to reduce violent crime.  We had a lot of impressive nominees, but even with tough competition, these 16 stood out.  I want to thank each one of them for their service and congratulate them on a job well done.”

The Justice Education Center, Inc., based in West Hartford, received a PSN award for Innovative Prevention/Reentry Strategy.  This award is given to those who have made an impact to reduce offenses, prevent crime by mitigating risk, and prevent recidivism on the part of those reintegrating into society.

Specifically noted during today’s ceremony, the Justice Education Center and the Connecticut U.S. Attorney’s Office developed the Career Pathways Technology Collaborative, a program designed to provide skilled vocational, credentialed training to at-risk youth, 16 to 24 years of age.  Career Pathways enables young people to acquire credits toward their high school diploma or GED, obtain entry or competitive level employment, or seek further technology certifications through union or community college programs.  This collaborative is deeply community-based, as the Justice Education Center has developed partnerships with local boards of education, community colleges, workforce development boards, and unions.  Of the 133 youths enrolled in the program since 2015, more than 70 percent received credit towards graduation.  The success of the partnership between the Justice Education Center and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut has fostered the development of new investments in education, risk reduction and career readiness – with PSN funds serving as critical leverage for additional state, municipal and foundation support.

“The Justice Education Center is dedicated to finding creative ways to prevent crime, improve public safety and strengthen our communities in Connecticut,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.”  “For more than a decade, the Justice Education Center and U.S. Attorney’s Office have collaborated closely on initiatives to reduce violent crime and curb juvenile crime.  I congratulate the Justice Education Center – under the dedicated, tireless and enthusiastic leadership of its executive director Sherry Haller – for this well-deserved national recognition.”

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAQUAN PATTERSON-GREENE, 22, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 96 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for drug and firearm offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 7, 2017, Patterson-Greene led Hartford Police officers on a foot chase in Hartford’s North End.  During the chase, Patterson-Greene discarded a loaded Glock 22 .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, a firearm magazine containing 15 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition, and an orange backpack.

Officers apprehended Patterson-Greene on Vineland Terrace and recovered the discarded pistol, ammunition and backpack.  A search of Patterson-Greene’s person revealed $252 in cash and small amount of marijuana.  A search of the backpack revealed approximately 13 ounces of marijuana, 13 zip lock bags containing marijuana, a knotted plastic bag containing several pieces of a substance that field-tested positive for the presence of MDMA (ecstasy), a digital scale, and a box of sandwich bags.

Subsequent analysis of the suspected MDMA identified it as N-Ethylpentylone, which is a controlled analogue of MDMA.

Patterson-Greene’s criminal history includes felony convictions for first-degree assault and possession of a pistol without a permit.  In addition, he was on state probation at the time of his arrest.

Patterson-Greene has been detained since his arrest on September 7, 2017.  On September 11, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Judge Thompson ordered Patterson-Greene to perform 100 hours of community service during his term of supervised release.

This matter was investigated by the Hartford Police Department and the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney John F. Fahey of the Hartford State’s Attorney’s Office.

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 NOEL PEREZ, 22, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 29, 2018, Hartford Police stopped a vehicle Perez was driving on Wadsworth Street.  A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded Sig Sauer P2022 .40 caliber handgun, which had a laser sight attached to its barrel.

Perez’s criminal history includes felony convictions in state court for assault, burglary and larceny offenses. 

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

Perez has been detained since his arrest.

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for February 27, 2019, at which time Perez faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

This investigation has been conducted by the Hartford Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.

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 STEPHEN CARBONELLA, 60, of Hamden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for embezzling funds from Webster Bank Corporation, where he served as bank manager of the Orange branch office.  Judge Chatigny also ordered Carbonella to serve the first six months of his supervised release in home confinement.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately 2003 and 2017, Carbonella withdrew $879,016.48 from approximately 20 account holders’ certificate of deposit (CD) accounts at Webster Bank, without the knowledge or consent of the account holders, and used the embezzled funds for his own purposes.  He also took steps to conceal his misconduct, including by forging signatures and falsifying documents.

Judge Chatigny ordered Carbonella to pay full restitution.

On September 12, 2018, Carbonella pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement by a bank officer or employee.

Carbonella, who is released on a $200,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 29, 2019.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FEDERICO CANNON, also known as “Rico,” 36, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a previous federal conviction.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 26, 2017, Cannon was released from federal prison after serving a 70-month sentence for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  On July 31, 2017, while Cannon was on federal supervised release, Bridgeport Police received information that Cannon had a gun and was riding in a car in the area of the Trumbull Gardens housing complex in Bridgeport.  Officers located and stopped the vehicle.  After Cannon was removed from the car, officers located a 9mm semi-automatic SAR B6P handgun from the floor below the passenger seat where Cannon had been sitting.  The gun was loaded with 16 rounds of ammunition.

Cannon has been detained since his arrest on July 31, 2017.  On July 9, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Judge Underhill sentenced Cannon to 60 months of imprisonment for the firearm offense, and a consecutive 24 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

This is Cannon’s third federal conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

In the early morning hours of October 21, 2004, Cannon was in a car with three other individuals driving northbound on Interstate 95 between Norwalk and Bridgeport when they initiated a confrontation with another car occupied by two men.  The confrontation culminated at the bottom of the Exit 25 ramp in Bridgeport when approximately seven or eight shots were fired at the victims’ vehicle.  A subsequent search of the vehicle in which Cannon was a passenger revealed a semi-automatic pistol at Cannon’s feet in the right rear passenger seat of the vehicle.  A jury in New Haven found Cannon guilty and, on April 12, 2006, he was sentenced to 42 months of imprisonment.

In the early morning hours of February 25, 2012, Bridgeport Police stopped a vehicle in which Cannon was a passenger on Caroline Street in Bridgeport.  Cannon initially exited the vehicle and attempted to walk away, but police ordered him back into the car.  After directing the driver out of the vehicle, a Bridgeport Police detective observed a 9mm semi-automatic pistol on the floor of the rear passenger area near where Cannon was sitting.  The firearm was loaded with 10 live hollow-point cartridges and two full-metal jacket cartridges.  A jury in Hartford found Cannon guilty and, on July 11, 2014, he was sentenced to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. 

Cannon also has a state conviction stemming from a car stop by Bridgeport Police on June 6, 1999.  On that date, officers located a .25 caliber semi-automatic handgun concealed under the right front passenger seat where Cannon had been sitting. 

This matter was investigated by the Bridgeport Police Department’s Tactical Narcotics Team and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.

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 DANIEL CARPENTER, 64, of Simsbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for defrauding insurance companies into issuing insurance policies on the lives of elderly people for the financial benefit of Carpenter and other investors in the scheme.

On June 9, 2016, Judge Chatigny found Carpenter guilty of 57 counts of conspiracy, mail and wire fraud, money laundering and illegal monetary transaction offenses stemming from the scheme, also known as a stranger-originated life insurance scheme.  The verdict followed a bench trial that began on February 16, 2016 and concluded on March 21, 2016.  Carpenter had waived his right to a trial by jury.

According to the evidence at trial, Carpenter controlled a series of companies, based in Simsbury and Stamford, that developed the Charter Oak Trust (the “Trust”), an employee welfare benefit plan and trust whose primary objective was to secure insurance policies on the lives of elderly individuals that could be held by Carpenter’s companies as investments, or resold on the life settlement market, which is a third-party market for life insurance policies.  Typically, insurance agents working with, for, or on behalf of Carpenter and his companies approached elderly individuals (the “Straw Insureds”).  The agents promised to provide the Straw Insureds with free life insurance for two years, and, at the end of the two years, would attempt to sell the policies on the life settlement market.  In most cases, the agents promised the Straw Insureds that they would receive a portion of any sale proceeds. 

The evidence at trial established that Carpenter, working with insurance agents, caused to be submitted to several insurance providers numerous insurance applications that contained several material misrepresentations, including falsely denying that third-parties were paying the premiums for the insurance, falsely denying discussions about the resale of the policies, falsely inflating the net worth and/or income of the insured, and falsely claiming that the insurance was being purchased for legitimate estate planning-related needs.  All applications were signed by Carpenter’s brother-in-law, who acted as trustee of the Charter Oak Trust, which was to be the “owner” of all policies in the trust.  Moreover, the applications purported that the Charter Oak Trust was a bona fide welfare benefit trust under Internal Revenue Code Section 419(e), wherein employers would be making contributions to the Charter Oak Trust in order to fund the life insurance policies for the benefit of certain select employees.

The evidence further established that, in truth, no “employer” or Straw Insured ever paid a premium into the Charter Oak Trust.  Rather, the premiums were funded by loans primarily from another company headquartered in Simsbury and controlled by Carpenter.  In many cases, those loans were, in turn, financed by another third-party financing company based in Stamford.  The loan arrangements were withheld from the insurance providers, who would not have issued policies had they known the true nature of the Charter Oak Trust, and had the insurance applications been filled out truthfully.

Based on the false applications that were submitted to the insurance providers, the Charter Oak Trust procured 84 insurance policies that had a total aggregate death benefit of more than $459 million on the lives of 76 different Straw Insureds.  In addition, another company controlled by Carpenter received more than $12 million in commissions from the insurance providers, who would not have paid the commissions had they known about the false representations on the insurance applications and the true nature of the Charter Oak Trust. 

Finally, the trial evidence showed that one Straw Insured died within the first two years of the issuance of the two insurance policies on his life.  Those policies had been issued in late 2006 and early 2007 based on misrepresentations similar to those described above, specifically that his policies were not being funded by a third party and were not intended for resale.  The two insurance policies had a combined death benefit of $30 million, which the insurer paid to the Charter Oak Trust in May 2009.  At Carpenter’s direction, the Charter Oak Trust failed to pay the $30 million to the Straw Insured’s beneficiary, and instead used the funds to pay for various expenses, including other insurance premiums that were related to the underlying fraud, as well as to purchase a home in Rhode Island.

Judge Chatigny will issue a restitution order at a later date.

Carpenter, who is released on bond, was ordered to report to prison on March 4, 2019.

Carpenter was previously convicted in the District of Massachusetts of mail fraud and wire fraud offenses stemming from an unrelated business scheme.  On February 26, 2014, he was sentenced to 36 months of imprisonment for those offenses.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Labor – Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Boston Office, and the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David E. Novick and Neeraj N. Patel.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ENRIQUE LUCIANO, 31, of Hartford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 4, 2018, Luciano approached a car on Cabot Street in Hartford and pointed a gun at the car.  The car was occupied by two undercover Hartford Police detectives investigating drug activity on Cabot Street.  After the detectives identified themselves as police officers, Luciano fled and discarded the gun.  Luciano was apprehended and the firearm, a loaded 9mm Taurus PT 908 handgun with an obliterated serial number, was recovered.

Luciano has a previous federal conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and, in May 2010, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment for that offense.  He also has prior convictions in state court for drug offenses.

Luciano is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden on February 28, 2019, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Luciano has been detained since his arrest.

This investigation has been conducted by the Hartford Police Department and the FBI’s Connecticut Violent Crime Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.

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.