District of Connecticut

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NEVILLE S. NICHOLSON, 60, formerly of the Bronx, New York, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to 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 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.  Each offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on January 24, 2019.

Nicholson has been detained since his arrest on related New York state charges on September 1, 2017.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTY MILES, 34, of Windsor Locks, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and various prescription medications.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2016, members of the North Central Narcotics Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating Christy Miles’ mother, Christine Miles, for distributing prescription narcotics and other controlled substances. Miles is a retired nurse.  The investigation revealed that Christy Miles was assisting her mother’s drug trafficking enterprise.

On March 30, 2016, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of five bags of heroin and six Vicodin tablets from Christy Miles at Christine Miles’ home at 350 North Street in Windsor Locks.  Investigators subsequently made two controlled purchases of prescription drugs from Christine Miles at her residence.

On August 4, 2016, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of 350 North Street and seized a large quantity of various prescription medications, approximately two pounds of marijuana, $10,093 in cash and more than $13,000 in gift cards.  Christine Miles and her husband, Oscar Montoya, were arrested on state charges after the search.

Christy Miles, Christine Miles and Montoya were arrested on federal charges on November 16, 2017, and have been detained since their arrests.  On February 2, 2018, another court-authorized search of the North Street residence revealed additional drug evidence and $41,904 in cash.

On May 22, 2018, Christy Miles pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin, oxymorphone, hydrocodone and alprazolam.

On May 15, 2018, Christine Miles pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin, oxymorphone, hydrocodone and alprazolam, and one count of engaging and attempting to engage in a monetary transaction affecting interstate commerce, involving criminally derived property of a value greater than $10,000.  On October 1, 2018, she was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment.

Montoya pleaded guilty to the same charges and, on September 4, 2018, was sentenced to 36 months of imprisonment.

As part of this case, Christine Miles and Montoya agreed to forfeit their Windsor Locks residence and $767,056.74 seized from the residence and multiple bank accounts.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Resident Office and the U.S. Marshals Service, with the valuable assistance of the North Central Narcotics Task Force and the Windsor Locks, Enfield, Vernon, East Windsor and Manchester Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David X. Sullivan and Patrick F. Caruso.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JEFFREY STOKARSKI, 44, of Waterbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to federal robbery and firearm charges stemming from a violent armed robbery spree in Connecticut in late 2017 and early 2018.

According to court documents and statements made in court:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stokarski has been detained since his arrest on January 9, 2018. 

Stokarski pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act Robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years.

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for January 24, 2019.

Borowy pleaded guilty on September 20, 2018, to aiding and abetting an armed robbery.  She awaits sentencing.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ELIJAH CHIN, 28, of Federal Way, Washington, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for fraud and identity theft offenses stemming from a credit card fraud scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately December 2016 and February 2017, Chin was involved in a scheme in which credit card accounts were opened electronically using personal identifying information from Connecticut residents.  After the credit card issuers mailed credit cards to the victims’ home addresses, Chin took the cards directly from the victims’ mailboxes.  Chin then used the credit cards to purchase gift cards, prepaid cards and other items totaling $63,941.60 at various retail establishments in Connecticut.

The Wilton Police Department arrested Chin on related state charges on February 22, 2017.  At the time of his arrest, Chin possessed numerous fraudulently issued credit cards, prepaid cards purchased with the fraudulently obtained credit cards, and mail addressed to Connecticut residents.

Judge Shea ordered Chin to pay full restitution.

On April 30, 2018, Chin pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.

Chin, who is released on bond, was ordered to report to prison on December 28.

This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Wilton Police Department and Ridgefield Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment today charging QIYON REED, also known as “Gutter,” 35, of New Haven, with one count of unlawful possession of firearms by a felon, and one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine.

As alleged in the indictment, on September 12, 2018, Reed possessed a Heritage Manufacturing Stealth C-2000 nine-millimeter, semi-automatic handgun and a Smith & Wesson MP9 Shield nine-millimeter, semi-automatic handgun.  Prior to that date, it is alleged that Reed sustained several felony convictions, including state convictions for possession and sale of narcotics and for carrying a dangerous weapon, and a federal conviction for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin.

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.

The indictment further alleges that, between October 2017 and September 2018, Reed possessed and distributed cocaine.

If convicted on the firearm charge, Reed faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  If convicted of the drug trafficking offense, he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. 

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and 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, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Haven Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elena L. Coronado.

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 RISHI MALIK, 46, of Fairfield, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to charges related to role in a conspiracy to defraud the State of Connecticut of millions of dollars in taxes due on tobacco products imported into the state.

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

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

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

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

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

Malik and Vaswani were arrested on January 11, 2018.

Malik pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to violate the Contraband Cigarette Trafficking Act (“CCTA”), an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and one count of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall on January 23, 2018.

On August 21, 2018, Vaswani, 40, of West Haven, pleaded guilty to the same offenses.  He awaits sentencing.

Both Malik and Vaswani have agreed to a restitution order of $5,821,057.

Malik and Vaswani are released on bonds pending sentencing.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that THOMAS MALONE, 49, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to charges related to his embezzlement of approximately $1 million from a New Haven biotech company that receives federal research grants.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Malone was the chief financial officer (CFO) of Artificial Cell Technologies, Inc. (ACT) of New Haven, a small biotech company that is currently working on developing better ways to deliver malaria and Respiratory Syncytial Virus vaccines to affected populations.  In addition to receiving funding from private investors, ACT has received approximately $4.1 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) since 2008.  As the CFO, Malone’s responsibilities included collecting, posting, and depositing investor and grant funds; tracking and reporting grant expenditures; managing accounts payable and cash disbursements; facilitating payroll; reconciling ACT credit card and bank accounts; and providing overall financial management.

In November 2016, ACT’s chief executive officer discovered that Malone was paying himself approximately $660,000 in annual salary, far above the approximately $281,000 in salary he was entitled to receive.  Upon further review of payroll and other financial records, ACT’s CEO discovered that, for several years, Malone had been writing checks to himself that were disguised as bonuses, that he had been giving himself unauthorized additional salary payments, that he had been using the ACT credit card for personal expenditures, and that he had used ACT’s funds to make unauthorized donations to an organization that Malone personally supported.  A subsequent forensic audit revealed that, between 2012 and 2016, Malone had embezzled nearly $1 million from ACT.

Malone was arrested on a criminal complaint on March 1, 2018.

Malone pleaded guilty to four counts of theft from a program involving federal funds, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count.  He also has agreed to pay restitution of $1,031,508.07.

Malone is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton on January 18, 2019.  He is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service, Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

New Haven – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut hosted a Community Policing Awards Ceremony this afternoon that recognized 15 law enforcement officers and community members from cities and towns across the state.

“Today we honor the very best in community policing in Connecticut,” said U.S. Attorney John H. Durham.  “These deserving law enforcement officers understand that community policing is an effective way to prevent crime, solve neighborhood problems and keep our cities and towns safe and secure.  They know that it is critically important to engage with members of the community in positive, friendly and constructive ways, long before a call for service.  My sincere congratulations to each of these award recipients.  I thank them for their invaluable work, which continues to strengthen the communities they serve.

Below is a list of the award winners and the nominations submitted on their behalf.  Photos of today’s ceremony are available on the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Facebook page.

Clinton Police Department
Chief Vincent DeMaio

Chief of Police Vincent DeMaio, nominated by the Clinton Board of Police Commissioners, has implemented multiple programs geared toward improving relations with the Clinton community while operating within a budget five percent below the previous year.

The Chief reintroduced the DARE program to the elementary and middle school to rave reviews by teachers and parents.  The revamped program focuses on decision-making strategies and awareness.

All Clinton officers have been trained and equipped to administer Narcan to combat opioid overdoses. To date, Narcan has been administered on 15 calls with three being life-saving.

The Child Safety Seat Installation Program is staffed by personnel trained and certified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Institute (NHTSA) in proper child safety seat installation.  The program has installed 100 seats and donated 20 to those unable to afford new car seats. Our trained officers visited the Day Care Centers in Clinton and held seminars to educate the parents on proper use.  This approach reached more people as it removed any fear of going to the police station.  It brought officers closer to the community they live and care about and left a positive message.

Additionally, the Chief has implemented the “R.A.D. Rape & Aggression Defense” program and a redesigned K9 program.  He has engaged the department in multiple social media platforms, created the Shoreline Technical Crimes Investigative Group and implemented the Lethality Assessment program.

The Clinton Police Department continuously looks for ways to educate the public on crime prevention and awareness of public safety hazards, frequently partnering with the school system and other community groups to make public service announcements or host presentations to help make the community safer.  One of the more recent successes was hosting the “Chasing the Dragon” program to raise awareness of the opioid epidemic facing our State and the Nation.

Lastly, Chief DeMaio hosts a monthly radio program on ICRV radio called “SCAM PATROL” which alerts citizens to many scams, frauds and other types of cyber-crime and how to protect themselves and their identities.

Connecticut State Police
Trooper First Class Dawn Taylor

TFC Taylor has approximately 13 years of service with the Connecticut State Police.  She has served as a Patrol Trooper, Academy Instructor, Resident Trooper and Narcotics K9 Handler.  Currently, she is the Resident Trooper in Deep River where she has an excellent reputation within the community.

TFC Taylor is involved in many events and activities in the Deep River and Troop F area.  She is actively involved with Regional School District #4 (Deep River, Essex and Chester).  She regularly visits the schools at bus drop-off and pick-up times and often walks the halls speaking with the students.  TFC Taylor supports the DARE program, conducts K9 demonstrations, attends school events and sporting games.  TFC Taylor is actively involved with many “Tri-Town” area groups to include the “Safety Awareness Committee,” “Youth & Family Coalition,” and “Juvenile Review Board.”  She also teaches a “Drug Endangered Children” (DEC) class at the Academy to new police recruits.

TFC Taylor is very involved with community events, which include the annual Deep River Muster weekend and several other parades and road races.  TFC Taylor’s positive and energized attitude about community policing make her “stand out” among her peers.

Connecticut State Police
Sergeant James T. Scott

Sergeant James Scott champions community policing efforts of the Connecticut State Police from the non-traditional role of supervisor for Recruitment and Selections. Sergeant Scott recognizes where normal recruiting suffers, and employs active recruiting efforts where building trust and community are needed.

In October 2016, noting the need and decline in diverse police applicants nationwide, Sergeant Scott actively sought to build diversity in not only CSP recruitment, but also with state and regional law enforcement.  The efforts in the spirit of building trust and legitimacy between police and the communities they serve begin with creating a workforce that is diverse.  In a recruitment cycle that began post-Ferguson and post-Dallas, it was expected that CSP recruitment might also follow the nationwide trend of fewer applicants, both minority and otherwise.  Sergeant Scott was also facing a recruitment cycle with no budget for recruitment efforts.

Despite these obstacles, Sergeant Scott used outside the box thinking to attract the most sought after candidates. This includes his collaboration with Central Connecticut State University’s Communications Department, where students produced two recruitment videos: one highlighting the multi-dimensional aspects of the duties of the State Police (known as the Action video); and a five-member impactful testimonial video highlighting minority and female troopers, who spoke about the State Police career, both in uniform and plain clothes (known as the Impact Testimonial video). The “Action” video was released upon announcement of the test and ran for three weeks. The “Testimonial” video was released with one week remaining during the application period, specifically designed to target minority and women applicants. He also utilized social media to an extent never before used by CSP in recruitment efforts, in a calculated attempt to reach younger candidates who may not have otherwise engaged with the CSP.

While the results of this campaign were expected to be noticeably lower than previous testing cycles due to recent events and trends (Ferguson, Dallas, etc.), the final numbers recorded for the 2017 recruitment cycle surprisingly were comparable to the 2014 efforts, with a near equal number of overall candidates. More importantly, the majority of individual minority demographic groups rose exponentially, to include a rise in applicants who identified as Hispanic males; African American and Hispanic females; and Asian, Native American and Pacific Islander applicants, each specifically registering as all-time highs (DAS, 2017).

In addition, Sgt. Scott continues to assist in other CSP initiatives through the year. This includes The Albertus Magnus Criminal Justice Camp, where he has assisted with coordinating the camp since its inception. This camp has been hosted free of charge for nine consecutive years, and over 1,000 students have registered to attend.  He also coordinates the annual Battle of the Badges, where he has partnered with Yale University Police Department and organized a bench press fundraiser for the last eight years. Over $5000 has been donated to Smilow Cancer Center as a result. Finally, Sgt. Scott serves in a volunteer leadership capacity for the Tunxis Community College Foundation, where in addition to serving on the board, he personally funds a criminal justice scholarship.

Connecticut State Police
Trooper Katharine Cummings

Trooper Kate Cummings is at the forefront of the Connecticut State Police community policing efforts as the Statewide D.A.R.E. Coordinator.  Although her title is the Statewide D.A.R.E. Coordinator for the Connecticut State Police, the role in which she has served over the course of the past year has evolved to include many aspects of the Juvenile Justice System, current adolescent trends, and the School Resource Officer Programs.  The highlights in community policing that she has accomplished during the 2017-2018 School Year include:

As the Statewide D.A.R.E. Coordinator, she serves as the D.A.R.E. Instructor in communities that do not have a certified D.A.R.E. Officer, a Police Department, or a Resident Trooper Program.  D.A.R.E. is a 10-week program of 45 minute sessions that cover the following topics:  responsibilities, risks, consequences, peer pressure, resistance strategies, and coping skills, bullying/cyber bullying reporting, being a good citizen, and health effects of alcohol and tobacco use.  She has taught 38 complete 10-week D.A.R.E. Programs during the last school year on her own.  In addition to the traditional D.A.R.E. Program, Trooper Cummings sits on the Connecticut Juvenile Justice Oversight and Policy Committee as the Connecticut State Police representative.  This year, the committee drafted a report for the Connecticut Legislature on ways to reduce the number of school-based arrests in the State of Connecticut.  Trooper Cummings is also bilingual as she is fluent in Spanish.  She is able to teach and present in schools where the students are best served by learning important skills and getting information in Spanish. This is illustrated by her presentation in Spanish at Hanover Elementary School in Meriden for their 5th Grade Career Day.

She also serves as one of the Connecticut State Police Social Media Liaisons through the Public Information Officer, and she moderates a public Instagram page, @CT_Dare_Trooper, which has nearly 6,000 followers from around the world.  The page is used to connect with communities to highlight the incredible work of Connecticut's students, showcase the many roles of Connecticut State Troopers, increase our partnerships with local Police Departments and non-profit agencies, provide safety information, and most importantly, serve as a positive social media role model for adolescents.  By using this medium, she connects with a younger generation in a variety of ways and demonstrates how we, as a society, can use social media in a positive, healthy way.

Over the past three years, Trooper Cummings developed internet safety and social media presentations for middle school students, high school students, college students, and a parent presentation, which covers social media trends and ways we can use social media safely and positively. 

Trooper Katharine Cummings has been a significant presence and a key component of the Community Policing effort for the Connecticut State Police.  Her interpersonal talent and bilingual ability gives her the skills to connect with children, teens and adults no matter the venue or issue.  She has provided a template for a multitude of law enforcement officers throughout the State of Connecticut by virtue of her willingness to connect with people no matter who they are and what their needs may be. 

East Hartford Police Department
Lieutenant Joshua Litwin

Lieutenant Josh Litwin has worked with the East Hartford Police Department since 2002 and has served as a Firearms Instructor, Field Training Officer and as an Investigator in the Detective Division.  In his current assignment as the Chief Executive Officer, Lieutenant Litwin has been instrumental in reviving the Community Service Officer program.  In this capacity, Lieutenant Litwin has hosted many community outreach events such as Block Watch Meetings, Toy Drives, and Sandwich with a Cop and Coffee with a Cop events.  He has also been the driving force behind the East Hartford Police Department’s involvement in the National Night Out event.  National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.  National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community.  Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.  Over the last two years, this event has brought hundreds of families throughout the community to the police department to share stories, see demonstrations and have a fun family night out.

Lieutenant Litwin has also participated in a variety of other programs that reach out to local religious and faith based organizations, and he helps to organize and present at the Department’s Citizen Police Academy.  Lieutenant Litwin’s tireless dedication to these community based programs is evident and he continues to look for new ways each year for his Department to create a partnership and improve the quality of life for the community he serves.

Enfield Police Department
Officer Eddie G. Nuno

Officer Eddie Nuno is a 25-year veteran of the Enfield Police Department.  (He undertook service with this agency after a period of service with the United States Coast Guard.)  Over the course of his Enfield Police Department career, Officer Nuno has worked in a variety of capacities, but apparent throughout his tenure has been a true dedication to the concept of community policing.

Officer Nuno serves as the Enfield Police Department’s representative to the town’s Juvenile Review Board, and also serves as the department’s liaison to the Enfield Youth Services Agency.  It is fair to say that he uses his bilingual language skills to serve as the department’s liaison to the town’s Hispanic community.  He is well known, particularly in the Thompsonville section of town, for his regular community interactions, stopping to visit with community youth, joining assorted sports games while they are “in progress,” meeting with landlord associations, and helping businesses do everything possible to succeed.  Enfield is also very fortunate in that Officer Nuno serves as a Field Training Officer, placing him in a position to pass on the skills and positive mindset that he possesses to the next generation of Enfield Police Officers.

Officer Nuno is among the most conscientious and committed of officers. His ability to maintain this demeanor after 25 years of service is indicative of just how deeply he believes in the policing mission.

Town of Groton Department
Officer Richard Savino

Officer Richard Savino is assigned as the Town of Groton Community Policing Officer (CPO) in which position he has been organizing and participating in multiple community events since his appointment.  These efforts have not only raised money for charitable causes, but have bridged the gap between law enforcement and the community he serves and protects.  Officer Savino has been an organizer, participant and supporter in all of the following events, prior to and during his official assignment as the CPO:

“Cop on Top,” where officers spent the night on top of a local car dealership in freezing cold temperatures to raise money for Special Olympics; “Law Enforcement Torch Run,” where officers from around the region run for miles in their communities with the Special Olympics Torch, raising money and awareness for Special Olympics; “Penguin Plunge,” where officers and members of the community dive into freezing ocean waters raising money and awareness for the Special Olympics; “Tip a Cop,” where officers wait on tables at a local restaurant raising money and awareness for Special Olympics; “Coffee With a Cop,” where law enforcement officers visit a local coffee shop encouraging community members to join them in conversation over a cup of coffee; “Bumpers ‘N Books,” where law enforcement and local residents decorate the trunks and bumpers of their vehicles in various popular children’s book themes; bringing the community together while encouraging children to read and visit their local library; “MADD Car Show” where multiple classic car owners display their vehicles while supporting those who have been impacted by drunk or drugged driving, and “National Night Out”  where multiple local businesses, restaurants, law enforcement agencies, emergency medical personnel and health care related organizations gather with the community, eating food, playing games and participating in various events.

The initiatives undertaken by Officer Savino are great examples of what constitutes effective community policing.

In addition to the community policing programs, Officer Savino meets with victims of domestic violence in the community, diligently following up on their cases and assuring that they are getting all of the assistance they need.  Officer Savino has been working with local businesses and residents in dealing with noise complaint issues; understanding the needs and concerns of all parties involved. 

Officer Savino is an example to all and a true leader in his community. 

New Canaan Police Department
Officer Ron Bentley

Officer Ron Bentley has been a member of the New Canaan Police Department since 2005.

Following a brazen daytime violent robbery of a local jewelry store, the New Canaan business community was terrified that this type of crime might happen again.  It was at that time, the New Canaan Police Department decided to create the position of Community Impact Officer. Officer Bentley was appointed to that position and is responsible for the New Canaan business district.  He has built strong relationships with business owners and residents, and has created a sense of safety and community in the center of town.

Officer Bentley helped implement “Coffee with a Cop” to further foster positive relationships between police officers and the community.  He has helped to deter criminal activity, and overall has made the center of New Canaan a safer place to visit.

In addition to his work downtown, Officer Bentley has worked with the town’s youth through his role as baseball coach for the New Canaan High School Varsity Baseball Team and was a previous School Resource Officer at New Canaan High School.

New London Police Department
Sergeant Max Bertsch

Sergeant Max Bertsch has been with the New London Police Department since January 2006.  He has been assigned to the Patrol Division, the School Resource Officer Program and is a certified motorcycle officer.  Sergeant Bertsch is currently assigned to the Patrol Division as a Street Sergeant.

Sergeant Bertsch has organized the National Night Out program for the New London Police Department for the past eight years. This event links police and elementary school youth together in a fun atmosphere at Ocean Beach Park.  Each year the number of children attending and parents has increased, with over 500 in attendance this past August.  Sgt. Bertsch also served as the School Resource officer in New London prior to being promoted.  His devotion to the youth of the city has found him on numerous fishing trips with school-aged children on his own time.  As the SRO, he organized a school based program for high school aged children, similar to a citizens police academy, which continues to today. His efforts with the New London Schools has resulted in great strides being made in connecting youth to police and furthering the goals of Community Based Policing.

Norwalk Police Department
Officer Jean-Maxime Sixto

Born in Haiti, Jean-Maxime Sixto (“Max”) and his family moved to the United States in 1971, making a home in Norwalk.  He, like many other young adults from Norwalk, worked at Stew Leonard’s.  This is where Max honed his gift of conversation.  The Norwalk Police Department hired Max Sixto in January of 1997 and, in 1999, he was assigned to the Community Police Unit.  Officers in the unit worked out of the South Norwalk Train Station, patrolling and conducting outreach to specific areas of South Norwalk.

Officer Sixto was assigned to the Roodner Court Housing Complex.  At the time, Roodner Court was plagued with drug trafficking and violent crime.  The close relationships Max formed with many members of the Roodner Court community were invaluable in combating such crime. That is, many individuals living in Roodner Court had enough trust in Max that they were willing to share information about the rampant crime occurring in their community allowing the police to bring many of the offenders to justice.  The positive effect of Officer Sixto’s constant presence in Roodner Court and his incredibly warm personality were apparent the minute he entered the Housing Complex, whether by bicycle or on foot.  Today, Max cannot step foot in Roodner Court without a resident yelling, “Hey Sixto,” followed by a high-five or a hug.

In addition, Officer Sixto has worked with members of the Roodner Court community to beautify the complex with bright flower plantings.  This had a ripple effect within the complex, with residents pitching in to clean up and to even create two vegetable gardens within the complex.  Officer Sixto also spends a lot of time at the Roodner Court Learning Center, which provides afterschool education opportunities for the youth in Roodner Court.  Officer Sixto reads to the kids and is a positive role model for them.  He also spends time with the kids at Grass Roots Tennis and meets with the junior counselors to discuss leadership issues.  Officer Sixto recently noticed that a young resident of Roodner Court did not have a bicycle, and so he arranged to bring a donated bicycle to the little girl, bringing smiles to her face and to that of her grandmother.

In addition to his duties in Roodner Court, Officer Sixto is often called up to assist with other community outreach events such as Coffee with a Cop, NPD Ice Cream Day, Community Police Holiday Party, SoNo Alliance, Norwalk Open House and many more.

Max is a decorated officer receiving numerous awards and recognitions from not only the Norwalk Police Department, but from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Attorney’s Office.  Officer Sixto has received numerous letters of appreciation from community members as well as recognition for Community Service from the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Officer Max Sixto is the definition of a Community Police Officer.  His hard work and dedication to the community are second to none.  He has spent his career working hard to make Norwalk a safer place while creating police-community partnerships.  

Stamford Police Department
Officer Silas Redd

Officer Silas Redd has over 30 years’ experience with the Stamford Police Department and his commitment to the City of Stamford has never wavered.  Over the past 30 years, Officer Redd has helped the police department create and sustain a strong relationship with the community.  This is what we now call “Community Policing.”  Officer Redd has always taken the initiative to foster those relationships long before it became a catch phrase.  It is who he is!

Officer Redd is currently assigned to the Stamford Police Department’s Youth Bureau where he coordinates the Truancy Initiative Program.  He is also a founding member of the Juvenile Review Board, a member of the Absentee Review Board, a founding member of the Community Oriented Policing Program, and a founding member of the Stamford Police Boys Leadership Group.  Officer Redd also conducts mediations between troubled youths and families.  Officer Redd even takes it a step further and works diligently to assist those youth and families in seeking services that will have a positive influence with the families. 

Officer Redd is an advocate for cultivating strong lines of communication between the community and police by working closely with and meeting with community leaders. This is achieved through forums at churches, schools and community events.  Officer Redd has built lasting friendships and partnerships within the community that enable him to remedy and effectively address a host of issues.  Moreover, Officer Redd has been very instrumental in mentoring youth and stressing the importance of education, being a positive influence and making good choices. Officer Redd also spends a great deal of time educating other Stamford officers as to what the community wants and expects from the police. 

Officer Redd has demonstrated an unrivaled passion in educating youth and guiding them in the right direction.  He continues to be an asset for the department, but more importantly the community.  Officer Redd is a credit to the Stamford Police Department and his commitment to Stamford should be emulated by all. 

University of Connecticut Police Department
Officer Justin Cheney

Officer Justin Cheney joined the University of Connecticut Police Department in June of 2015 and immediately began a focus on community oriented policing work.  A long-standing member of the community and alumnus of UConn, Justin quickly became a friendly and recognizable member of the patrol operations section and exemplified the best tenets of community partnership and problem solving.  In 2016, he became a member of the UConn PD Safety Techniques and Awareness Resource Team, the unit of officers that provide educational programming and events across the community.  As a member of the S.T.A.R.T., he provides ongoing instruction and facilitation to the UConn and surrounding community in the areas of self-defense, general safety, primary prevention education to reduce sexual violence, team building and communication workshops, and more.  In the summer of 2017, Justin joined the Community Outreach Unit to engage in community education on a full-time basis.

Justin’s enthusiasm and innovative approach to community policing strategies helped him to propose a dynamic new program in the spring of 2018.  After considerable research in the area, he launched the UCPD Community Outreach Dog program.  With the generous support and assistance of Canine Companions for Independence, Justin was partnered with Tildy, a facility dog.  Tildy, a two-year-old yellow lab and golden retriever mix, was trained by CCI as a facility dog and Justin was matched and trained with her at CCl’s Northeast Training Center in April of 2018.

Tildy and Justin now spend their days engaging with the community in person and through Tildy’s increasingly popular lnstagram page where Justin has masterfully captured Tildy’s “voice” as a means to connect with people.  Justin and Tildy act as the police department’s outreach ambassadors and have promoted creative new ways to build bridges to the community.  Tildy can also act in a limited supportive role to victims of violent crime if her skills would assist in building comfort with the investigative process for the community.  Officer Cheney and Tildy are on lnstagram (uconnpd_officertildy) and have over 900 followers.  Tildy is absolutely adorable and a hit with our community. (They like Justin too!)

On a daily basis, Officer Justin Cheney has been an example of the best community oriented policing strategies in our profession and his innovative approach to the Community Outreach Dog program has opened doors in an unprecedented way.

University of New Haven Police Department
Sergeant Luis Dos Santos

Since joining the University of New Haven Police Department, after a long career at Western Connecticut State University, Sergeant Luis Dos Santos has become an integral part of the University community.  He has shown leadership and initiative in handling traditional police duties and excelled in community outreach.  He regularly volunteers to spearhead new outreach initiatives.  The UNHPD’s primary community policing vehicle is its Residence Hall Officer (RHO) program.  Each officer is assigned as a liaison to a Residence Hall, provides regular interaction with the students and staff, provides support to residence assistants, follows up on police incidents and provides educational programs for residents. Sgt. Dos Santos regularly attends Hall staff meetings, provides educational programs to residents such as “Think before you Drink” and proper behavior at off campus parties.  He assists other officers in presenting career development programs to our public safety discipline students, who are a significant proportion of the student body.  He also assists officers in presenting student safety and self-defense programs.  Some of the outreach programs that he has personally initiated or spearheaded are:

“Drunk Sundaes,” where students don “drunk goggles” and operate a controlled golf cart ride to truly appreciate how impaired driving can affect one’s judgement; “ARC Dream Orientation” for special needs students, and “Do NUT Drink and Drive,” a Public Safety Block Party to kick off National Campus Safety Month.

As a supervisor, Sgt. Dos Santos, provides guidance and assistance to other officers with community outreach programs.  As both a supervisor and officer, he diligently follows up on all incidents within his areas of responsibility.  His interventions and educational talks have mitigated many small problems before they became major issues.  His reputation for thoroughness and commitment to the community is well known throughout the University and the city of West Haven.

In short, Sgt. Dos Santos has become an overall role model and mentor for the University’s student population.

Waterbury Police Department
Sergeant Ryan Bessette
Lisa Velez

Sergeant Ryan Bessette serves as Officer in Charge of the Community Relations Division at the Waterbury Police Department.  This division encompasses various agencies including the Neighborhood Police Officers, Mounted Unit Officers, Police Activities League (PAL) and a civilian Blight Control Team.  This collaborative approach focuses on reaching out to 23 active neighborhood associations, addressing quality of life-related issues, building and fostering relationships with the community and providing mentorship/positive programs for Waterbury youths.  Sergeant Bessette works tirelessly with a team of dedicated officers and civilian personnel to serve the needs of the community and educate residents, all while preventing and solving crimes.

Lisa Velez, President of the Brooklyn Neighborhood Association, has also served as President of the Waterbury Neighborhood Council, which consists of various active neighborhood associations.  She has created a dedicated working relationship with Sergeant Bessette and the entire Community Relations Division.  Lisa has been a longtime advocate of community oriented policing and served to facilitate community engagement.  Importantly, she continues to help strengthen the relationship between the Neighborhood Council and the Waterbury Police Department.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that two men have pleaded guilty in Hartford federal court to charges related to the illegal manufacturing and possession of machine guns.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between July 2017 and April 2018, SEAN DEY, 39, of Torrington, made and manufactured machine guns, including AK-47-style and AR-style machine guns, suppressors, and other firearms.  Dey entered into an agreement with GEORGE JAIMAN, 69, of Bridgeport, to sell machine guns, suppressors and firearms to third parties for profit.  Neither Dey nor Jaiman possessed a valid license to deal firearms.

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

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

Dey was arrested on April 11, 2018, and Jaiman was arrested on June 4, 2018.

On October 25, 2018, Dey pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage unlawfully in the business of selling firearms, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and one count of unlawful possession and transfer of a machine gun, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  On October 26, Jaiman pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a machine gun, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Dey and Jaiman are scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on January 15, 2019.  Both defendants are released on bonds pending sentencing.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LESHANDA LONG, 37, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for fraud and identity theft offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2015, Long stole the identity of an individual and used the misappropriated identity to obtain a credit card, rent an automobile, pay personal expenses and obtain cash advances.

Surveillance video at a bank ATM captured Long, disguised with an orange scarf and distinctive sunglasses, obtaining cash advances.  A subsequent search of Long’s residence revealed the scarf and sunglasses, as well as the victim’s personal identifying material and the fraudulently obtained credit card.

Long was arrested on February 24, 2017.  On September 7, 2017, she pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.  She has been detained since October 17, 2017, when her bond was revoked.

Long’s criminal history includes 21 prior convictions, including convictions for identity theft and larceny.  She also has pending state charges for identity theft, forgery, larceny and robbery offenses.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, West Haven Police Department and New Haven Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRANDON SPENCE, also known as “Spun,” 30, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today in Hartford 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 12, 2018, Hartford Police received information that Spence was in possession of a firearm on Enfield Street.  Spence ran from officers who encountered him on Enfield Street.  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.

Spence is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on January 22, 2019, at which time Spence faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

This case is being investigated 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 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 EUGENE CARLIN, 58, of Middletown, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to drug trafficking and tax offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on two occasions in July 2018, law enforcement made controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Carlin.  The investigation revealed that, for over a year, Carlin worked with others to distribute methamphetamine in the Middletown area.

The investigation further revealed that Carlin ran a tax preparation business from his home, and that he helped clients to prepare and file false tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service.

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

Today, Carlin pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and one count of aiding in the preparation of false tax returns.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on January 16, 2019, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 43 years.

Carlin also has agreed to forfeit $100,000, which represents his proceeds from the sale of methamphetamine.

This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and Middletown Police Department, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  The 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.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.

A man who is alleged to have kidnapped his 21-month old son in Canada in 1987 was arrested this morning in Vernon, Connecticut.

U.S. Attorney John H. Durham, U.S. Marshal Brian J. Taylor, and Special Agent in Charge Christina D. Scaringi of the Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, made the announcement.

According to court documents and statements made in court, it is alleged that ALLAN MANN, JR., 66, abducted his 21-month-old son, Jermaine Allan Mann, on June 24, 1987, during a court-ordered visit in Toronto, Canada.  Allan Mann, who has dual Canadian and Ghanaian citizenship, and his son subsequently entered the U.S.  Allan Mann changed his name to HAILEE RANDOLPH DeSOUZA, changed the name of his son, and acquired counterfeit birth certificates for him and his son.

It is further alleged that DeSouza has most recently been residing in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) Section 8 subsidized housing in Vernon, Connecticut.  In connection with his rental application to participate in HUD’s Section 8 program, DeSouza provided a birth certificate purportedly issued in 1985 by the State of Texas for his birth at St. Joseph Hospital in Houston, Texas, in 1957.  The State of Texas has confirmed that the birth certificate is counterfeit and that no such birth of an individual bearing that name was recorded in the State of Texas. 

Mann/DeSouza was arrested this morning on a federal criminal complaint charging him with making false statements, and making false statements in HUD transactions.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and is detained.

The U.S. Marshals Service is working closely with Canadian law enforcement authorities, and Jermaine Allan Mann’s mother has been notified that her son has been identified and located.

“After taking his son away from his son’s mother, this defendant is alleged to have lived a lie for the last 31 years in violation of numerous U.S. laws,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.  “We thank the many law enforcement agencies, in the U.S. and Canada, that have investigated this matter, worked hard to apprehend this fugitive, and finally provided some answers to a mother who has suffered with her son’s absence for far too long.”

“We are extremely ecstatic to have Allan Mann in custody and to bring closure to this kidnapping case after 31 years,” said U.S. Marshall Taylor.

“This is one of those rare cases that tugs at your heart strings,” said HUD-OIG Special Agent in Charge Scaringi.  “Not only did we, working collectively, get this alleged bad actor off the street, but we played a role in reuniting an unjustly separated family.” 

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BARTON STUCK, 72, of Westport, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to multiple offenses stemming from an investment fraud scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Stuck controlled related business entities, including Signal Lake General Partner LLC, Signal Lake Operations LLC, Signal Lake Management LLC, Signal Lake Side Fund LP, Signal Lake Side Fund II LP, Signal Lake Side Fund IIA LP, Signal Lake Top Prospects Fund, and SLT Logic LLC (collectively, the “Signal Lake entities”).  The Signal Lake entities were venture capital vehicles investing in various technology companies.  Stuck solicited investments for the Signal Lake entities.

In pleading guilty, Stuck admitted that he committed fraud in 2015 and 2016 by, among other things, misrepresenting the financial health and prospects of the Signal Lake entities and their investments in order to enrich himself.  In one instance, Stuck made misrepresentations to an undercover FBI agent posing as a prospective investor.  Stuck falsely guaranteed a payment of twice the original $500,000 investment, falsely claimed that a Signal Lake entity had $200 million in a particular bank account, and falsely stated that a $50,000 fee would be used for accounting and legal expenses.

Stuck also admitted that he made false statements in forms that he filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2016 and 2017.  Specifically, Stuck falsely claimed that a Signal Lake entity managed and had a gross asset value of $145 million, and was subject to annual audits by a Stamford accounting firm.

On February 21, 2018, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Stuck with one count of wire fraud, one count of engaging in illegal monetary transactions, and two counts of making false statements to the SEC.  Today, Stuck pleaded guilty to all four counts of the indictment.

Stuck is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer on January 22, 2019, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.

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

Signal Lake investors who believe that they may be victims of this investment scheme are encouraged to contact FBI Special Agent Mark Munster at (203) 777-6311.

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Francis.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that BRUNO DiFABIO, 49, of Ridgefield, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to a federal tax offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, DeFabio has had various ownership interests in several pizza restaurants in Connecticut and New York, including Pinocchio Pizza LLC, doing business as Pinocchio Pizza in New Canaan, Connecticut; Top Oven Restaurant Corp., doing business as Pinocchio Pizza in Wilton, Connecticut; DiFabio Brothers Pizza Corp., doing business as Amore Pizza in Scarsdale, New York; Odell Pizza, Inc., doing business as Amore Cucina and Bar in Stamford, Connecticut; Nepperhan Restaurants Group, Inc., doing business as ReNapoli Pizza, in Old Greenwich, Connecticut, and Homefield Restaurant Corp., doing business as Pinocchio Pizza in Pound Ridge, New York.

DiFabio and others in the businesses engaged in a practice whereby cash was removed from the cash register and not deposited into the restaurant’s operating bank account.  The businesses’ outside bookkeeper and accountant used the bank records to determine business gross receipts.  When cash was removed from the register and not deposited into the business bank account, the cash would not be reported to the Internal Revenue Service.  DiFabio also knew that certain employees had their wages paid in cash, and that a certain number of the employees were paid either a portion or the entirety of their wages “off the books.”  By paying various expenses in cash and “off the books,” DiFabio, his business partner and others facilitated the manipulation of net income reported to the IRS and the underpayment of withholding taxes to the IRS.

As a result of the scheme, the loss to the IRS in income taxes and employment taxes for the 2013 through 2015 tax years was $816,954.

DiFabio pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to file false income tax returns and payroll tax returns.  When he is sentenced, he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of up to approximately $1.6 million, and full restitution to the IRS.

DiFabio is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing, which is not yet scheduled.

On September 24, 2018, DiFabio’s business partner in some of his restaurants, Steven Cioffi, pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting in the filing of a false tax return.  He awaits sentencing.

This investigation is being conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Willimantic Police Chief Roberto Rosado today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment yesterday charging the following seven Willimantic residents with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin:

XAVIER DIAZ, a.k.a. “Coco,” 29
MOISES RIVERA, a.k.a. “Burny,” 30
MIGUEL CEBALLO-CRUZ, 26
KIMBERLY ROMAN, 25
JESUS OMAR VAZQUEZ-MARTINEZ, 34
JORGE ROSADO, 42
HENRY SOTO, a.k.a. “Yomo,” “Jomo” and “Shorty,” 25

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in May 2018, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and Willimantic Police Department investigating a heroin/fentanyl overdose death that occurred in August 2017 received information that Xavier Diaz was operating a heroin distribution ring in Willimantic.  The investigation revealed that drug purchasers called a phone shared by members of the conspiracy to place an order for heroin.  Thereafter, a “runner” would meet the purchaser to complete the transaction.

On October 15, 2018, Diaz, Rivera, Ceballo-Cruz, Roman and Rosado were arrested on federal criminal complaints.  On that date, a search of Diaz’s residence revealed approximately 1,000 bags of heroin, a stolen firearm, and ammunition.  In addition, a search of a storage unit connected to the organization revealed approximately $20,000 in cash.

Vazquez-Martinez is currently detained in state custody, and Soto is being sought by law enforcement.

If convicted of the charge in the indictment, each defendant faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ADAM CLARKE, 37, of Norwich, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2017, law enforcement conducted a long-term investigation into the distribution of drugs in the Norwich and New London area.  On multiple occasions in October 2017, Clarke was intercepted on a court-authorized wiretap discussing the distribution of heroin and prescription narcotics.  Clarke was working as a state judicial marshal at the time of this conduct.

The investigation revealed that Clarke received prescription pills from a known drug dealer while he was at work, assisted the drug dealer in avoiding detection by law enforcement by identifying law enforcement actions and vehicles, and agreed to broker at least one heroin transaction between the drug dealer and a third party.

Clarke is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport on January 17, 2019, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Clarke is released pending sentencing.  He is no longer employed as a state judicial marshal.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Norwich, Waterford and Town of Groton Police Departments.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Nelson.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that REGAN TIPPETT, 43, of East Lyme, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to federal tax offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Tippett is a partner in the bails bonds company, Statewide Bail Bonds.  For the 2010 through 2012 tax years, Tippett deposited income derived from bail bond fees into his personal bank account and failed to report that income to the company’s outside accountant who prepared both the company’s and Tippett’s federal income tax returns.  As a result, Tippett underpaid his federal income taxes by a total of $69,837.

Tippett pleaded guilty to two counts of willful failure to keep tax records.  Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for January 18, 2019, at which time Tippett faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years.

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

This matter has been investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas P. Morabito and Christopher W. Schmeisser.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL BAUER, 37, of North Branford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 35 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for downloading child pornography from the dark web.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from “Operation Pacifier,” an FBI investigation into Playpen, a global online forum through which registered users advertised, distributed and accessed child pornography.  On February 20, 2015, the FBI seized a computer server hosting Playpen from a webhosting facility in North Carolina.  Pursuant to a federal court order in the Eastern District of Virginia, the website operated under FBI supervision February 20 to March 4, 2015.  During that time, the FBI collected information to identify members of Playpen.

Playpen had more than 150,000 members who created and viewed tens of thousands of postings related to child pornography.  Images and videos shared through the site were highly categorized according to victim age and gender, as well as the type of sexual activity.  The site also included discussion forums that included tips for grooming victims and avoiding detection.

The FBI determined that a user name connected to an IP address operating at BAUER’s North Branford residence had accessed Playpen for more than 53 hours between September 2014 and March 2015.

On December 10, 2015, the FBI conducted a court-authorized search of BAUER’s North Branford residence and seized approximately 19 electronic devices, including external hard drives.  A forensic examination of the seized devices revealed more than 100,000 images and more than 1,300 videos of child pornography, including images and videos depicting children younger than 12 engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  Some of the images and videos depict sadistic and masochistic conduct.

On May 7, 2018, Bauer pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.

BAUER, who is released on a $100,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on January 11, 2019.

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 DEQUEISHA SLEDGE, also known as “Queish” and “Shontay,” 36, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 18 months of home confinement and five years of supervised release for her role in a New Haven drug distribution ring.

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

Sledge distributed crack cocaine on behalf of the organization numerous times between September 2017 and January 2018.  She also collected drug proceeds from other members of the organization.

Sledge and several other members of the organization were arrested on federal criminal complaints on February 6, 2018.  On February 8, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 30-count indictment charging Sledge and 18 other individuals with various offenses.

On July 2, 2018, Sledge pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, cocaine base (“crack”).

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CURTIS DRAUGHN, also known as “Kirk,” 63, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, following the December 2016 overdose death of a 33-year-old New Haven man, investigators determined that the victim had called “Kirk” prior to his overdose.  In May 2017, investigators contacted “Kirk,” who was identified to be Draughn, asking about purchasing heroin.  In May, June and August 2017, investigators made three controlled purchases of heroin from Draughn.

Draughn was arrested on October 25, 2017, and a federal grand jury later returned an indictment charging him with the three heroin sales.

The charge of distribution of heroin carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Draughn is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford on February 14, 2019.

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

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and the New Haven Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed and Law Student Intern John Super.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patrick Griffin, State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of New Haven, announced that QUENTIN STAGGERS, 47, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to possessing with intent to distribute a synthetic cannabinoid commonly known as “K2.”

This matter stems from a joint investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies into the distribution of K2 on the New Haven Green in July 2018.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 20, 2018, investigators conducted a trash pull at Staggers’ Farren Avenue residence and discovered suspected K2 packaging.  The packaging and residue were submitted to the DEA’s forensic laboratory for testing.  The tests confirmed the presence of AMB-FUBINACA, a synthetic cannabinoid, which is a Schedule I, federally controlled substance.

Staggers was arrested on August 16, 2018.

Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for January 16, 2019, at which time Staggers faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

This matter is being investigated by the DEA’s New Haven Task Force and the New Haven and Branford Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick F. Caruso and William J. Nardini, and Assistant State’s Attorney Karen Roberg.

United States Attorney John H. Durham, Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane, Special Agent in Charge Brian C. Turner of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Hartford Police Chief David Rosado today announced that a federal jury in Bridgeport has found DOUGLAS LEE, also known as “Fly,” 43, of Hartford, guilty of a federal kidnapping charge related to his role in the kidnapping, robbery and execution-style murder of Charles Teasley, 35, of West Hartford, in January 2009.

The trial before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill began on October 15 and the jury returned the guilty verdict this afternoon.

This matter stems from an investigation conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, Hartford Police Department and the Cold Case Homicide Unit of the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney.

According to evidence presented during the trial, on January 12, 2009, Hartford Police responded to Colebrook Street in response to a 911 call concerning a dead body being found in the back seat of a vehicle parked on the street.  Upon arrival, Charles Teasley was found dead in the back seat of his own vehicle, a 1999 Acura TL.  He had suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his head and face, and his hands were zip-tied behind his back.

The investigation revealed that Harold Cook, Gerund Cook, Terrell Hunter and Jesus Ashanti were involved in committing armed robberies of persons they believed to be drug dealers operating in the greater Hartford area.  On January 9, 2009, Lee advised Cook that he had arranged to conduct a cocaine transaction with Charles Teasley, also known as “Man.”  Lee provided the particulars of the planned transaction to Cook so that Teasley could be kidnapped and robbed of drugs and money.  After Lee met with Teasley at the approximate time and location he had provided to Cook, Cook, Mickens, Hunter and Ashanti went to the location and kidnapped Teasley by using zip-ties to bind his hands and forcing him back into the rear seat of  his own vehicle.  In the vehicle, they threatened Teasley at gunpoint, assaulted him and forced him to make a telephone call directing his girlfriend to bring to Cook, Mickens, Hunter and Ashanti a safe that Teasley had kept at his and his girlfriend’s West Hartford residence.  They drove to the residence and acquired the safe.  Cook, Mickens and Hunter then drove Teasley to the Colebrook Street area of Hartford, and Ashanti followed them in a separate car.  On the way, Hunter and Cook shot Teasley in the head causing his death.  After arriving on Colebrook Street, Cook, Mickens and Hunter left the Acura and Teasley’s body, and then fled the area in the car driven by Ashanti.

Cook, Mickens and Hunter were arrested on April 4, 2017, and Lee was arrested on April 6, 2017.  They have been detained since their arrests.

The jury found Lee guilty of one count of kidnapping resulting in death.  The jury found him not guilty of one count of using a firearm during a kidnapping and causing a death, and one count of using a firearm during a Hobbs Act robbery and causing a death.

On August 21, 2018, in a separate trial in Bridgeport, a jury found Cook, Mickens and Hunter guilty of these three offenses.

At sentencing, each defendant faces a mandatory term of life imprisonment without parole.

On July 16, 2018, Ashanti, of Hartford, pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping resulting in death, one count of using a firearm during a kidnapping and causing a death, and one count of using a firearm during a robbery and causing a death.  Ashanti is currently incarcerated in Massachusetts state custody after committing a series of bank robberies since 2010.

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.

The case is being prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Durham, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis and Peter D. Markle, and Assistant State’s Attorney Andrew Reed Durham, who has been cross-designated as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in this matter.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment today charging JULIAN DeJESUS CASTILLO, 34, with possession of contraband in a federal prison.

The indictment alleges that Castillo, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, Connecticut, possessed weapons, or objects designed or intended to be used as weapons, on February 8, 2018. 

If convicted, Castillo faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  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 HUGO TEJEDA, 26, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 57 months of imprisonment for trafficking “black tar” heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2015, the Drug Enforcement Administration received information that an individual was in possession of approximately 1.5 kilograms of “black tar” heroin from Mexico and was searching for a buyer.  The DEA subsequently identified the individual as Tejeda, and Ivan Lerma and Vladimir Rodriguez-Lara as his associates.

On August 10 and August 20, 2018, Tejeda drove Lerma to meetings at which Lerma supplied black tar heroin to confidential informants working for the DEA.  On August 13, 2015, Tejeda drove Lerma to a meeting during which Lerma agreed to sell 1.5 kilograms of heroin to a confidential informant in exchange for $76,000.

Investigators arrested Tejeda, Lerma and Rodriguez-Lara on August 27, 2015, after they attempted to sell the 1.5 kilograms of heroin to the confidential informants.

On July 20, 2016, Tejeda pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, of heroin.

Lerma and Rodriguez-Lara pleaded guilty to related charges and were previously sentenced.

Tejeda faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.

This investigation was conducted by the Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, including personnel from the DEA, Connecticut State Police and the Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford and Milford Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alina Reynolds.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTHONY WHITLEY, 35, of Hartford and New London, 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 narcotics.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 3, 2017, a court-authorized search of a New London apartment connected to Whitley and his nephew, Bashon Whitley, revealed approximately 14 grams of heroin, approximately 27 grams of cocaine, approximately 150 grams of crack cocaine, items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, a .380 caliber semiautomatic handgun, ammunition and $9,180 in cash.  Anthony and Bashon Whitley were arrested on state charges at that time.

Anthony Whitley has been detained since his arrest on March 3, 2017.  On July 31, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine and 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).

Whitley has eight prior convictions, including state felony convictions for drug and firearm offenses.

On May 30, 2018, Bashon Whitley pleaded guilty to the same charge.  On September 5, he was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force East, and New London Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NIKKITA CHESNEY, 45, 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 and one count of aggravated identity theft.

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

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

When she is sentenced, Chesney faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years for health care fraud, and a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years for aggravated identity theft.  She also has agreed to a restitution order of $1,364,698.  A sentencing date has not been scheduled.

Chesney 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.  She faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and has agreed to a restitution order of $2,711,173.

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

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 JOSE DEL CARMEN HERNANDEZ HERNANDEZ, 43, a citizen of Mexico last residing in Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction for illegally reentering the U.S.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between 1999 and 2009, HERNANDEZ, who has never held legal status in the U.S., sustained multiple state convictions, including convictions for assault, threatening and operating under the influence.  In April 2009, he was removed to Mexico.  HERNANDEZ unlawfully reentered the U.S., returned to Connecticut and was subsequently convicted in state court on charges of evasion with injury, and criminal mischief.  After he was arrested in Hartford, in March 2013, on breach of peace and criminal mischief offenses, HERNANDEZ was identified by federal immigration authorities and was charged and convicted in federal court of reentry of a removed alien.  On September 10, 2013, he was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 12 months of imprisonment.  In April 2014, he was again deported to Mexico.

HERNANDEZ illegally reentered the U.S. a second time and returned to Connecticut.  In November 2015, HERNANDEZ was arrested by Hartford Police for driving under the influence.  He subsequently was charged and convicted in federal court of reentry of a removed alien and, on July 15, 2016, Judge Meyer sentenced him to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.  On July 26, 2016, he was convicted in state court of operating under the influence and was sentenced to three years of incarceration, suspended after one year.  After he served his federal and state sentences, he was removed to Mexico in May 2017.

HERNANDEZ illegally reentered the U.S. a third time and, on January 11, 2018, was arrested by the Hartford Police Department for multiple motor vehicle violations, including operating under the influence.  He has been detained since his arrest.

On August 7, 2018, HERNANDEZ pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry.

HERNANDEZ’s driving under the influence case is pending in state court.

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 Deborah R. Slater.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that TIMOTHY ESTRIDGE, 37, of Wallingford, pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, amphetamine.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 16, 2017, the Wallingford Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a Wallingford residence after a 9-1-1 call reported the untimely death of a 38-year-old male.  The caller who reported the death did not leave contact information and was not on scene when responders arrived.  The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, where investigators seized evidence of illicit drug use, including a small plastic baggy containing approximately eight suspected oxycodone pills, a glass dish with white powder residue, a broken credit card, pieces of wax folds commonly used as heroin packaging, a used plastic syringe, and prescription pill bottles.

One of the pill bottles recovered was an empty bottle, in Estridge’s name, for 30 10-milligram Adderall pills.

The State of Connecticut Chief Medical Examiner determined the victim’s cause of death to be intoxication of a combination of heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, alprazolam, amphetamine, and ethanol.

The investigation revealed that, on December 1, 2017, Estridge filled a prescription for Adderall, which contains amphetamine, and subsequently distributed the pills to the victim.

The investigation further revealed that, on multiple occasions between July and December 2017, Estridge possessed and distributed heroin and amphetamines. 

Estridge is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford on January 9, 2019, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Estridge is detained pending sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and the Wallingford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JULIET JACOB, 49, of Wake Forest, North Carolina, formerly 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 stemming from a Medicaid fraud scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in January 2012, Jacob and another individual operated two businesses, Transitional Development And Training (TDAT), and It Takes A Promise (ITAP), both located at 360 Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport.  The businesses were to provide social and psychotherapy services to the Bridgeport area.  Jacob and the other individual used ITAP and TDAT to bill Medicaid for psychotherapy services that were never provided.  As part of their scheme, Jacob and the other individual used the Medicaid provider numbers of two licensed health care providers who had neither rendered nor supervised any of the psychotherapy services that Jacob and the other individual billed to Medicaid.

Through this scheme, Jacob and the other individual defrauded Medicaid of approximately $2.5 million.

As part of her guilty plea, Jacob also admitted that, in a separate scheme in 2010 and 2011, she conspired with Ronnette Brown and Beverly Coker to defraud Medicaid of more than $214,000 by fraudulently billing for psychotherapy services that were not provided.

When she is sentenced, Jacob faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  She also has agreed to a restitution order of $2,711,173.  A sentencing date has not been scheduled.

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

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

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

Three other individuals have been charged and convicted of health care fraud offenses stemming from this ongoing investigation.

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, 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, and Leigh-Alistair Barzey, Special Agent in Charge of the DCIS Northeast Field Office, today announced that CHRISTOPHER TEIXEIRA, 34, of Darien, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to one count of wire fraud relating to his theft of more than $57,000 from a former U.S. Navy service member.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (“DFAS”) is the agency of the U.S. Department of Defense that administers all payments to U.S. service members.  DFAS operates the “MyPay” online portal, through which service members may provide and obtain information related to payments from DFAS.

A U.S. Navy service member (“the victim”) was scheduled to receive a medical severance payment from the Navy in January 2017.  The victim provided his MyPay login and password information to Teixeira, who he trusted with certain financial responsibilities.  On January 10, 2017, before the victim was to receive the medical severance payment, Teixeira changed the victim’s direct deposit information to a bank account controlled by Teixeira.  DFAS then sent the victim’s $57,255.66 medical severance payment to Teixeira’s account.  In order to avoid detection, Teixeira logged back into the victim’s MyPay account and reverted the direct deposit instructions back to the victim’s bank account.

Teixeira and the victim communicated after Teixeira stole the medical severance payment.  Instead of admitting to the theft, Teixeira told the victim that he would assist in finding the money.  When the victim indicated he was in need of funds, Teixeira transferred approximately $6,500 to the victim without telling him that Teixeira had stolen the money.

Teixeira used the stolen funds to pay his own personal expenses, and transferred $25,000 to another individual’s account.

The charge of wire fraud carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Teixeira is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on February 20, 2019.

Teixeira is released pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and the Defense Finance and Accounting Service.  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 DEVELL CONLEY, 32, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to narcotics distribution offenses.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 5, 2017, the East Haven Police Department responded to a report of an untimely death of a 27-year-old female at a residence in East Haven.  At the scene, officers seized drug and non-drug evidence, including three small bags that contained a substance that tested positive for the presence of fentanyl. Investigators also seized the victim’s cellphone.

The investigation revealed that CONLEY had provided drugs to the victim shortly before her death.  He also had distributed heroin and crack cocaine to several drug users between July 2016 and May 2017.

CONLEY has been detained since his arrest on May 18, 2017.

CONLEY pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of heroin and fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of heroin and cocaine base (“crack”).  Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for January 9, 2019, at which time CONLEY faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and the East Haven and New Haven Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick F. Caruso.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that, on September 18, 2018, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging VINCENT JONES, 50, of New Haven with two counts of bank robbery and one count of attempted bank robbery.

JONES appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.  He has been detained since August 9, 2018, when he was arrested on related state charges.

The indictment alleges that 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.

If convicted, JONES faces 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 a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the 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, announced that RAFAEL GARCIA, 28, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matters stems from a DEA Hartford Task Force investigation of a heroin trafficking organization that was operating in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and the Dominican Republic.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that members of the organization distributed heroin and fentanyl from the Katty Grocery store located at 584 Franklin Avenue in Hartford.  The investigation also revealed that certain members of the organization stored a significant amount of narcotics in a house on Whitmore Street in Hartford’s South End.  Investigators identified GARCIA as a narcotics distributor who obtained large quantities of heroin/fentanyl from members of the organization.

On January 20, 2017, investigators stopped GARCIA’s car as he drove away from the Whitmore Street stash house.  During the stop, investigators seized a bag containing approximately 20 grams of fentanyl.  GARCIA was arrested on state charges at that time.

On April 27, 2017, a grand jury returned an indictment charging GARCIA and nine other individuals with various heroin trafficking offenses.  GARCIA was arrested federally on May 10, 2017.  On May 30, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin.

The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RASCELL LEGGETT, 31, Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to one count of possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

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 imprisonment.  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.

Leggett has been detained since his arrest.

Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for January 10, 2019, at which time Leggett faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.  Leggett also faces supervised release violation proceedings.

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 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, announced that ANTONIO GONZALEZ, 47, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad targeted a New Haven-based heroin trafficking organization led by Gonzalez and his brother, Bienvenido Gonzalez.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical and video surveillance, revealed that the Gonzalez brothers regularly purchased bulk quantities of heroin from suppliers located in the Bronx, New York, and sold the heroin through a network of redistributors in New Haven and elsewhere.  The investigation resulted in federal charges against 23 individuals, including four other brothers of Antonio and Bienvenido Gonzalez.

Antonio Gonzalez, Bienvenido Gonzalez and several co-defendants were arrested on March 15, 2017.  On that date, investigators seized a kilogram of heroin from a vehicle that a co-defendant had driven to a stash house used by Bienvenido Gonzalez, and more than 400 grams of heroin and $10,000 in cash from the stash house itself.  Investigators also seized $1,500 from Antonio Gonzalez, and approximately $119,000 from a bank account in Puerto Rico connected to Antonio Gonzalez.

The investigation revealed that Bienvenido Gonzalez used the proceeds from the heroin trafficking enterprise to purchase a New Haven barbershop, fund a drag racing team, purchase roosters for cockfighting, gamble, and travel.

Antonio Gonzalez has been detained since his arrest.  On January 18, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, one kilogram or more of heroin

Bienvenido Gonzalez pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on March 28, 2018, he was sentenced to 144 months of imprisonment.

The DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad includes officers from the Bristol, Hamden, Milford, Monroe, New Haven, Shelton, Wallingford and Wilton Police Departments.  The New Haven, East Haven and West Haven Police Departments, together with the U.S. Coast Guard, provided valuable assistance to the investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and Patrick F. Caruso.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CARLEN DAVIS, 37, of Meriden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 188 months of imprisonment, followed by 15 years of supervised release, for sex trafficking three teenage girls, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2015 and 2016, Davis recruited harbored and transported three females, who at the time were 14, 15 and 16 years old, to engage in commercial sex acts.  Davis used the website Backpage to advertise the minor victims’ services, and he transported the girls to various Connecticut hotels, including hotels in Meriden, Milford and Hamden, where they worked in prostitution for Davis.

On December 9, 2016, Davis was arrested on related state charges.  He has been detained since his arrest and the state charges are pending.

On August 17, 2017, Davis pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of sex trafficking of a minor.

In September 2006, Davis was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 150 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.  Due to changes in the federal crack cocaine sentencing guidelines, Davis had his sentence reduced in December 2013 to 130 months of imprisonment.  He was released from federal prison in June 2014.

Judge Shea sentenced Davis to a concurrent 60-month prison term for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

This matter was investigated by the Connecticut Human Trafficking Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Meriden Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anastasia E. King and Sarala V. Nagala.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut announced that a federal jury in Bridgeport has found CHRISTOPHER HAMLETT, also known as “Cadi” and “Cadillac Black,” 25, of Hartford, with multiple federal offenses related to the sex trafficking of minors.

A trial before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden began on October 9 and the jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts of a nine-count indictment this morning.

When he is sentenced, HAMLETT faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.

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

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

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

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

The jury found HAMLETT guilty of two counts of sex trafficking of a minor, five counts of using a facility of interstate commerce to promote commercial sex, and two counts of production of child pornography.

HAMLETT has been detained since his arrest on February 8, 2018.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LAPRESE GOLLMAN, 43, of Springfield, Massachusetts, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by eight years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.

According to court document and statements made in court, on May 30, 2018, GOLLMAN was arrested after he drove to New Haven in an attempt to purchase four kilograms of cocaine.  Investigators seized $100,000 from GOLLMAN at the time of his arrest.

GOLLMAN has been detained since his arrest.  On July 16, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 500 grams or more of cocaine.

On June 23, 2008, GOLLMAN was sentenced in the District of Massachusetts to 126 months of imprisonment, followed by eight years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.  He was released from federal prison in December 2014 and was on federal supervised release at the time of his arrest in May 2018.  Judge Bolden sentenced GOLLMAN to a concurrent 30-month prison term for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and the New Haven and Hamden Police Departments.  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 LUIS GONZALEZ, 48, of New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 27 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for his role in a southeastern Connecticut heroin trafficking ring.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation that began after several heroin overdoses in southeastern Connecticut, including two overdose deaths involving a heroin and fentanyl mix that occurred in January 2016.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Michael Luciano operated a drug trafficking organization that distributed heroin to numerous street-level dealers, including GONZALEZ, in southeastern Connecticut.

On December 12, 2017, a grand jury in Hartford returned a 25-count superseding indictment charging GONZALEZ, Luciano and 19 other individuals with various heroin trafficking offenses.  GONZALEZ was arrested on December 14, 2017.  On June 5, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of use of a telephone to facilitate the commission of a drug trafficking felony.  He has been detained since his arrest.

Luciano, of New London, has been detained since his arrest on November 14, 2017.  On June 27, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, one kilogram or more of heroin.

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, today announced that, on October 11, 2018, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging CHRISTOPHER J. SAKELARAKIS, 34, of Milford, with fraud and money laundering offenses stemming from an investment scheme that defrauded an elderly victim of $60,000.

SAKELARAKIS was arrested this morning.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A.L. Merriam in New Haven, entered a plea of not guilty to the charges, and was released on a $60,000 bond.

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

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

The indictment charges SAKELARAKIS with five counts of wire fraud and three counts of securities fraud, offenses that carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.  The indictment also charges SAKELARAKIS with one count of money laundering, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Wilton Police Department and Greenwich Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on October 12, 2018, PASCUAL RODRIGUEZ, 50, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in New York, New York, pleaded guilty in New Haven federal court to one count of kidnapping.

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

Rodriguez is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport on January 4, 2019, at which time Rodriguez faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

Rodriguez has been detained since his arrest on January 23, 2018.

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

This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vanessa Richards and Jacabed Rodriguez-Coss.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KAMIL GOLEBIOWSKI, 27, of Shelton, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to one count of distribution of alprazolam, also known as Xanax.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 9, 2017, the Seymour Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a report of a suspected overdose at a residence in Seymour.  At the residence, medical personnel pronounced a 29-year-old male deceased.  Investigators seized drug and non-drug evidence from the scene, including the victim’s cell phone.

The State of Connecticut Chief Medical Examiner determined the victim’s cause of death to be acute intoxication due to the combined effects of cocaine, etizolam, fentanyl, flubromazolam and heroin.

Analysis of the victim’s cell phone identified two individuals who purchased heroin and what they believed to be Xanax pills for the victim shortly before the victim died.  GOLEBIOWSKI was subsequently identified as a source of supply for Xanax pills.

Between August 2017 and May 2018, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of Xanax pills from GOLEBIOWSKI.  Analysis of the pills revealed that some of them were counterfeit.  In early June 2018, investigators intercepted two packages mailed from Canada and addressed to GOLEBIOWSKI.  The packages contained approximately 1,400 counterfeit Xanax pills.

GOLEBIOWSKI was arrested on June 19, 2018.

Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for January 4, 2019, at which time GOLEBIOWSKI faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

GOLEBIOWSKI is released on a $300,000 bond pending sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, Shelton Police Department and Seymour Police Department, with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, announced that BHARAT PATEL, 71, of Milford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 54 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for drug distribution and health care fraud offenses.

“A lengthy prison term is appropriate for any physician who abandons his oath and profits by selling prescriptions for opioids, by overprescribing these highly addictive drugs to patients – many of whom illegally distributed the drugs they received, and by defrauding our healthcare system,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.  “This doctor’s criminal conduct contributed to the ongoing opioid epidemic as tens of thousands of narcotic pills were dispensed to individuals who didn’t need them and shouldn’t have them.  I thank the DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad, the Norwalk Police Department and the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office for their excellent investigative efforts in this case.”

“The reckless action by Dr. Patel is not only a violation of the Controlled Substance Act but a betrayal of the public trust,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Boyle.  “Today’s sentence not only holds Dr. Patel accountable for his crimes, but serves as a warning to those who are fueling the opioid epidemic in order to profit and destroy people’s lives.  DEA pledges to work with our law enforcement and regulatory partners to ensure that these rules and regulations are followed.”

According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately 2011 to July 2017, PATEL was a physician operating out of Family Health Urgent Care, formerly known as Immediate Health Care, located at 235 Main Street in Norwalk.  During this time, PATEL saw numerous patients who had no legitimate medical purpose to see PATEL and only came to his medical practice in order to obtain prescriptions for controlled substances, primarily hydrocodone or oxycodone.  Some of those patients were enrolled in Medicaid or Medicare and paid for PATEL’s services, and had the prescriptions paid for, by those programs.

PATEL knew, and also was advised by pharmacists and his staff, that the prescriptions he was providing to his patients were medically unnecessary.  For example, PATEL had patients to whom he prescribed oxycodone or hydrocodone whose urine/blood tests showed no signs of opioid ingestion.  He also had patients to whom he prescribed oxycodone or hydrocodone whose urine/blood tests showed that they had other narcotics in their systems and that a prescription for oxycodone or hydrocodone would be a contraindication.  PATEL ignored the warnings and continued to prescribe controlled substances to these patients outside of the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.

On numerous occasions, PATEL wrote prescriptions to patients who paid him $100 in cash for each prescription.  At times, PATEL provided patients medically unnecessary prescriptions for oxycodone or hydrocodone, which he left at a liquor store next door to his practice.  Patients retrieved the prescriptions by exchanging an envelope with cash in it for the prescriptions.

PATEL wrote hundreds of medically unnecessary prescriptions for oxycodone and hydrocodone, and received $158,523.95 as a result of this and related criminal conduct.  He has forfeited this money to the government.

PATEL has been detained since his arrest on July 12, 2017.  On June 25, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and hydrocodone, and one count health care fraud.

PATEL has surrendered his federal controlled substances registration to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

This investigation was conducted by the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Norwalk Police Department, with the critical assistance of the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.  The DEA Tactical Diversion Squad includes officers from the Bristol, Hamden, Milford, Monroe, New Haven, Shelton, Wallingford and Wilton Police Departments.

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

Jeffrey White, 60, and Nicholas White, 33, both of Twin Peaks, California, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to conspiring to defraud Affordable Care Act programs in at least 12 states of more than $27 million.

U.S. Attorney John H. Durham of the District of Connecticut, Special Agent in Charge Phillip Coyne of the Boston Regional Office of the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services, Special Agent in Charge Brian C. Turner of the FBI’s New Haven Division, Special Agent in Charge Kristina O’Connell of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, and Inspector in Charge Joseph W. Cronin of the Boston Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service made the announcement.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Jeffrey White and his son, Nicholas White, conspired to defraud health care plans operating under the Affordable Care Act (“ACA,” commonly referred to as “Obamacare”) in Connecticut and other states by fraudulently enrolling individuals in ACA plans in states where the individuals did not live.  In order to further the conspiracy, the Whites created phony residential leases using fictitious landlords in various states, including locations in Danbury, Farmington, Hartford and Norwalk, Connecticut.  The Whites also used an online application to obtain false cell phone numbers for the individuals with area codes that made it appear that the individuals lived at the fictitious addresses, and provided the false cell phone numbers to the ACA plans.  If anyone at the ACA plan called the false local number, the call would ring through to a phone controlled by the Whites.

In order to enroll the individuals in an ACA plan, the Whites paid the insurance premiums for the individuals, and also paid to have the individuals transported to California where the individuals were placed in expensive residential substance abuse treatment programs.  The treatment programs then billed the ACA plans for thousands of dollars of treatment each week, including claims for expensive laboratory tests such as blood or urine toxicology screenings.

The treatment programs paid the Whites thousands of dollars for each referral, and some programs arranged for the Whites to receive a percentage of the money the treatment programs received from the ACA health insurance plans.  In order to maximize their proceeds from the fraud scheme, the Whites enrolled the individuals in ACA plans in states that paid the highest amount for substance abuse treatment, even though the individuals did not live in those states.

In pleading guilty, the Whites admitted that their scheme resulted in more than $27 million in losses to ACA plans across the country, including plans in Connecticut, Arizona, California, Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas.

 “This case is believed to be the first of its kind involving fraudulent enrollment of individuals in ACA plans on a national scale,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.  “Health care fraud on ACA plans results in higher insurance premiums for residents in the affected state who are seeking health insurance.  We greatly appreciate the outstanding work by the federal law enforcement agencies in identifying and investigating this fraud scheme that cost insurers more than $27 million.  This investigation is ongoing.”

“The ACA was implemented to expand health insurance coverage, not to line the pockets of crooks,” said HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Coyne.  “Healthcare fraud affects all Americans and we will continue working with our law enforcement partners to rid the system of fraud, waste and abuse.”

“The Whites conspired to defraud the Affordable Care Act, a program created to provide essential health care services to our nation’s uninsured,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Turner.  “The Whites exploited both the opioid epidemic and the ACA by enrolling people with serious drug addictions into insurance programs for the sole purpose of enriching themselves and so-called rehabilitation centers.  The ACA was not enacted to fill the coffers of greedy health care professionals.  The FBI is fully committed to investigating health care fraud in both government and private health insurance programs alike, and to bringing to justice those who commit such fraud.”

“Health care fraud is not a victimless crime,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge O’Connell.  “Schemes of this magnitude ultimately hurt the taxpaying citizens who suffer from higher insurance premiums and reduced patient services.  IRS will continue to lend our financial expertise to identify and prosecute those offenders who corrupt our health care system.”

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service continuously seeks to identify and stop complex fraud schemes,” said Postal Inspector in Charge Cronin.  “By circumventing the processes that are in place, the Whites created substantial losses to Affordable Care Act programs in multiple states.  We will continue our work with our law enforcement partners to stop those who are engaged in these types of fraudulent activities.”

Jeffrey White and Nicolas White each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson scheduled sentencing for January 4, 2019.  The Whites are released on bond pending sentencing.

This investigation is being conducted by the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health Human Services, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the Connecticut Affordable Care Act exchange, known as Access Health CT, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California for their assistance with the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that THOMAS JOHNSON, 27, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 156 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for robbery and firearm offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 30, 2016, at approximately 1:41 a.m., New Haven Police officers were dispatched to Ferry Street after a report that a person had been shot.  At the scene, officers found two victims.  One victim had been shot in the left elbow and was bleeding heavily, and the other victim was bleeding from the nose. 

The investigation, which has included witness interviews, DNA evidence, ballistics evidence and footage from a surveillance video, revealed that JOHNSON and Shaquille Richardson attacked the two victims after they exited a convenience store in an attempt to steal marijuana and money from the victims.  JOHNSON shot one of the victims in his elbow, and Richardson struck the other victim in the face with a gun.

Officers apprehended Richardson near the scene of the robbery.  When Richardson was found, he was bleeding from a gash to his hand where one of the victims had slashed him with a knife in self-defense.  JOHNSON was arrested on July 28, 2016, during a motor vehicle stop.  At the time of his arrest, JOHNSON possessed the firearm he used during the robbery.

On April 4, 2018, JOHNSON pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act Robbery, one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, and one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Richardson pleaded guilty to related charges on January 31, 2018, and awaits sentencing.

JOHNSON and Richardson have been detained since their arrests.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that WILLIAM MILLETT, 28, of Groton, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for a child pornography offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an HSI investigation revealed that an internet protocol (IP) address associated with MILLETT was being used to access child pornography.  On November 7, 2017, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of MILLETT’s Groton residence and seized several electronic devices, including a thumb drive.  Forensic analysis of the thumb drive revealed 198 images and two videos of child pornography, as well as multiple instructional guides related to the sexual abuse of children.  An additional 37 images of child pornography were recovered from MILLETT’s email account.

MILLETT has been detained since his arrest on November 9, 2017.  On June 20, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography.

This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and Town of Groton Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacabed Rodriguez-Coss.

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 DARRYCK NORRIS, 25, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to distributing heroin while released on bond and awaiting sentencing for a prior heroin distribution offense. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 8:49 p.m. on October 27, 2016, Milford Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in Milford and found an unresponsive 37-year-old male slumped over in the downstairs living area of the residence.  Emergency personnel attempted lifesaving measures and administered two doses of the opiate antidote Narcan, which had no effect.  The victim was pronounced deceased.  Officers searched the immediate area and seized four empty baggies and one full baggy that contained suspected heroin.  Each of the bags was stamped with the same brand stamp.

Officers also seized the victim’s iPhone.  Analysis of text messages revealed that the victim had ordered heroin from NORRIS earlier that day.  Witness interviews and further cellphone analysis revealed that the victim had purchased heroin from NORRIS for several months prior to the victim’s overdose.

On November 1, 2016, members of the DEA and Milford Police Department conducted a controlled purchase of heroin from NORRIS in Bridgeport.  The heroin bags purchased were stamped with the same stamp that was found on the bags seized from the overdose victim’s residence.

NORRIS was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on November 3, 2016, and was released on a $50,000 bond.  On May 17, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of heroin.

Judge Underhill allowed NORRIS to remain released on bond pending sentencing, and granted NORRIS’s request to attend the U.S. District Court’s Support Court program.

On February 16, 2018, NORRIS was arrested by the Bridgeport Police Department and charged with possession of narcotics with intent to sell, and other offenses. Subsequent investigation revealed that NORRIS had been distributing heroin between approximately December 2017 and his arrest on February 16.

When he is sentenced, NORRIS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count of distribution of heroin.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport Resident Office, the DEA’s New Haven Task Force, and the Milford and Bridgeport Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

Geoffrey S. Berman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, William F. Sweeney, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James J. Hunt, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the New England Division of the DEA, Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, New Haven, and Joseph F. Schaller, the Commissioner of the New Rochelle Police Department, announced the results of a coordinated operation earlier today, in which federal, state, and local law enforcement officers arrested six defendants in Westchester County, New York, and three defendants in Fairfield County, Connecticut. 

Ten defendants are charged in two federal indictments, unsealed today.  Seven of the defendants were charged in the Southern District of New York with conspiracy to distribute five kilograms and more of cocaine and 50 grams and more of methamphetamine in and around New Rochelle, New York, since at least April 2018.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut has charged an additional three defendants with narcotics offenses, including conspiracy to distribute 500 grams and more of cocaine.  Those defendants arrested today who are charged in the federal indictment in the Southern District of New York were presented in White Plains federal court today before Magistrate Judge Paul E. Davison. 

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman stated:  “Our Office is committed to ridding New York neighborhoods of highly addictive and extremely dangerous drugs.  And we will continue to help coordinate our efforts with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and local and federal law enforcement agencies.”

Connecticut U.S. Attorney John H. Durham stated:  “We allege that these individuals were responsible for bringing significant amounts of cocaine and methamphetamine into our state.  I thank our federal, state and local law enforcement partners for their diligent efforts in these cases, and our counterparts in the Southern District on New York for coordinating with us in these investigations and today’s take down of the most significant members of this organization.”

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office William F. Sweeney stated:  “The distribution of illegal narcotics continues to be a scourge on our communities.  As alleged, these defendants profited from trafficking cocaine and methamphetamines at the expense of those subjected to all the negatives wrought by these substances.  Today’s charges should serve as a reminder that the FBI, through our Westchester County Safe Streets task force, will continue to target these offenders and the impact they are having on our communities.”

FBI Special Agent-in-Charge of the New Haven Office Brian C. Turner stated:  “Despite the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis in our communities, this indictment should make it abundantly clear that we at the FBI, along with all of our law enforcement partners, have not lost sight of the other illicit drugs and those that traffic them.  Together we will continue to pursue those that seek to pollute our communities.”         

DEA New York Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt stated:  “Earlier this year, DEA joined forces with FBI and the New Rochelle Police Department to dismantle a drug trafficking organization operating in Westchester and Fairfield Counties.  By shutting down this family-run methamphetamine operation, lives will be saved.  I applaud the efforts of our law enforcement partners and the US Attorney’s Offices Southern District of New York and District of Connecticut.”

DEA New England Special Agent-in-Charge Brian D. Boyle stated:  “DEA is committed to investigating and dismantling large-scale poly drug trafficking organizations like this one operating in the Bridgeport, Connecticut, area.  As we all know, drug trafficking, along with the gun and physical violence that often accompanies it, ravages the very foundations of our families and communities.  This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative local, state, and federal law enforcement efforts to seek and bring to justice anyone who engages in these crimes.”

New Rochelle Police Commissioner Joseph F. Schaller stated:  “This is another example of the excellent work being performed by the joint federal, state and local drug enforcement task forces operating in Westchester and Fairfield Counties.  The City of New Rochelle and the New Rochelle Police Department thank our law enforcement partners in this operation for their exceptional efforts and invaluable assistance in removing a significant number of dangerous drug traffickers from the streets of our city.”

As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in White Plains federal court:

From April 2018 up to October 2018, ULYSSES LOPEZ, VALENTINO LOPEZ, and CHRISTIAN LOPEZ conspired to distribute five kilograms and more of powder cocaine and 50 grams and more of methamphetamine, and FELIPE BARAJAS, a/k/a “Felipe Barajas Gallegos,” JOSE OCEGUERA, a/k/a “Cande,” FELIPE CORTES, and SATURNINO OLIVER FARIAS, a/k/a “Genaro Robles,” conspired to distribute five kilograms and more of powder cocaine.

As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in New Haven federal court:

From March 2018 through June 26, 2018, RAFAEL LOPEZ-MACIAS, a/k/a “Rafa,” a/k/a “Martin Sanchez,” JAIME LOPEZ, a/k/a “Compa,” and JUAN CARLOS FIGUEROA, a/k/a “Chaito,” conspired to distribute 500 grams or more of powder cocaine.  In addition, on June 26, 2018, RAFAEL LOPEZ-MACIAS possessed with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine, and on June 7, 2018, JAIME LOPEZ possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine. 

The defendants charged in White Plains federal court each face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, and a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison.  The defendants charged in New Haven federal court each face a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, and a mandatory minimum term of five years in prison.  The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencings of the defendants would be determined by the respective judges.

Mr. Berman and Mr. Durham praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI, DEA, the Connecticut State Police, and the New Rochelle, Norwalk and Stamford Police Departments.  Mr. Berman also thanked the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations for their assistance and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut for its ongoing coordination in the case.

This case is also the result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.  The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.

These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Deininger and Celia Cohen of Southern District of New York’s White Plains Division, and by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony Kaplan and Lauren Clark of the District of Connecticut.

The charges contained in the Indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MAURICE WEARING, 29, of West Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 140 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for drug trafficking and his role in an attempt to destroy the body of a victim of a related murder with a homemade pipe bomb on July 4, 2015.

According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 11:00 a.m. on July 4, 2015, an explosion took place on Wintergreen Avenue in Hamden.  Responding law enforcement located a deceased white male, who had been wrapped in plastic garbage bag material and bound by rope material, in a wooded area close to where the explosion had occurred.  An explosive-type device and debris were also located in close proximity to the body.  The victim, who had also sustained three apparent gunshot wounds, was subsequently identified as Edward Brooks, 39, of West Haven.

After West Haven Police informed investigators that Brooks had been residing with Christopher Miller at 59 Front Avenue in West Haven, and that Miller and other residents of 59 Front Avenue were subjects of an ongoing narcotics investigation, investigators executed a state narcotics search and seizure warrant at 59 Front Avenue and seized numerous items, including pipe bomb making materials that were consistent with the materials found at the Wintergreen Avenue explosion scene, approximately 16 grams of cocaine base (“crack cocaine), approximately 10.6 grams of methamphetamine and narcotics packaging material.  Investigators also seized a surveillance DVR, which captured video surveillance from eight cameras placed around the residence.

The investigation revealed that, in the early morning hours of July 4, 2015, Miller shot Brooks three times with a firearm that was equipped with a silencer, at their residence.  Miller and Wearing then wrapped Brooks’ body in plastic, drove the body to the wooded area in Hamden, placed a homemade pipe bomb underneath Brooks’ body, and detonated the pipe bomb in an attempt to destroy evidence.

The investigation further revealed that in the year prior to Brooks’ murder, Miller, Wearing and others distributed at least 1.6 kilograms of crack cocaine, as well as other narcotics.

On August 18, 2017, Wearing pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”), and one count of possession of an explosive by a convicted felon.

On April 5, 2017, Miller pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm and explosive device in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  On August 22, 2018, he was sentenced to 360 months of imprisonment.

Miller and Wearing also were charged with related state offenses.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut State Police and West Haven Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Richards in coordination with the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Ansonia-Milford.