District of Connecticut

A former senior oil and gas trader was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for his role in a nearly eight-year-long scheme to bribe Brazilian government officials and to launder money to secure business for Arcadia Fuels Ltd. (Arcadia) and Freepoint Commodities LLC (Freepoint), two companies where he worked. He was also fined $300,000.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Glenn Oztemel, 66, of Westport, Connecticut, paid over $1 million in bribes to officials at Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras), the Brazilian state-owned oil and gas company, in exchange for inside Petrobras information — including competitor bids and confidential pricing information from other U.S. companies — that gave Arcadia and Freepoint a competitive advantage in winning lucrative fuel oil contracts from Petrobras.

The evidence at trial showed that Oztemel and his co-conspirators caused Arcadia and Freepoint to make corrupt payments — disguised as purported consulting fees and commissions — to a third-party intermediary and agent, Eduardo Innecco, knowing that Innecco would pay a portion of those funds to Brazilian officials, including a Houston-based Petrobras trader, Rodrigo Berkowitz. To conceal the scheme, Oztemel, Innecco and their co-conspirators used coded language like “breakfast” and “freight deviation” to refer to the bribes and communicated using personal email accounts, encrypted messaging applications, disposable phones and fictitious names like “Spencer Kazisnaf” and “Nikita Maksimov.”

In September 2024, Oztemel was convicted of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), conspiracy to commit money laundering, three counts of violating the FCPA and two counts of money laundering. 

In a related matter, in December 2023, Freepoint admitted to bribing officials in Brazil in violation of the anti-bribery provisions of the FCPA. Freepoint entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut. As a part of the resolution, Freepoint agreed to pay more than $98 million in criminal penalties and forfeiture.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan for the District of Connecticut; and Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI Los Angeles Field Office’s International Corruption Squad investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and authorities in Brazil, Latvia, Switzerland, and Uruguay provided assistance with the investigation.

Trial Attorneys Allison McGuire and Clayton P. Solomon of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael McGarry for the District of Connecticut are prosecuting the case.

The Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting FCPA and Foreign Extortion Prevention Act (FEPA) matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA and FEPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New England, announced that MELISSA CRUZ, 37, of New Britain, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to an offense stemming from her participation in a conspiracy to import and sell counterfeit goods.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2021 and 2024, Cruz conspired with others to sell counterfeit clothing, luxury and designer handbags and purses, and jewelry bearing counterfeit trademarks to customers across the U.S., some of which she imported from outside the U.S.  She used Facebook to conduct live shows during which she showcased, advertised, and sold the counterfeit goods.  In total, Cruz and her co-conspirators made more than $4 million in gross sales for the counterfeit merchandise through various electronic peer-to-peer payment services including CashApp, Paypal, and Venmo.

Between March 2022 and March 2023, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized multiple international parcels containing dozens of counterfeit handbags from Thailand, China, and Hong Kong that were addressed to Cruz’s residence in New Britain.  On December 19, 2024, law enforcement conducted a court-authorized search of the residence and seized nearly 2,000 units of counterfeit goods.

Cruz each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to willfully infringe a copyright, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of one year.  She is released on her own recognizance pending sentencing, which is scheduled for March 12.

This investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the assistance of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Gordon.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that REYMON ROJAS, also known as Reymond Rojas, 40, of Hartford, has been charged in a five-count indictment with narcotics distribution and firearm possession offenses.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in June 2025, the DEA received information that Rojas, who co-owns the Los Bandoleros market at 717 Albany Avenue in Hartford, was trafficking narcotics.  Between July and October 2025, investigators made controlled purchases of fentanyl and cocaine from Rojas, some of which occurred at the market.

Rojas was arrested on November 3, 2025.  On that date, a court-authorized search of Rojas’ Park Street apartment revealed approximately 500 baggies of fentanyl, hundreds of counterfeit pills containing suspected fentanyl, a distribution quantity of cocaine, and a kilogram drug press.  A search of Los Bandoleros market revealed a safe containing hundreds of grams of fentanyl powder, approximately 1,500 sleeves of fentanyl, narcotics packaging and processing materials, and a loaded .45 caliber firearm.  A search of Rojas’ vehicle revealed distribution quantities of fentanyl, counterfeit pills, cocaine, and crack cocaine.

It is alleged that Rojas’ criminal history includes state felony convictions for drug and robbery offenses.

On November 12, 2025, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Rojas with one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life; two counts of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of cocaine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years on each count; one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years; and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years.  Rojas also faces enhanced penalties based on his previous conviction for a serious violent felony.

Rojas has been detained since his arrest.  On December 5, 2025, he appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish in Hartford and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

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

This investigation has been conducted by the DEA’s Hartford Task Force, which includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, Middletown, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

JULIAN SCOTT, also known as “Ju Sav,” 26, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to life in prison, and a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of 30 years, for offenses related to his involvement in the 960 gang, a violent Waterbury street gang.

Today’s announcement was made by David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Maureen T. Platt, State’s Attorney for the Waterbury Judicial District; P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; and Waterbury Police Chief Fernando C. Spagnolo.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address drug trafficking and related violence in Waterbury, the FBI, ATF, and Waterbury Police have been investigating multiple Waterbury-based groups, including the 960 gang.  On September 14, 2021, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned a 36-count indictment charging Scott, Gabriel Pulliam, and 14 other 960 gang members with various offenses, including racketeering, murder, attempted murder and assault, firearm possession, narcotics trafficking, and obstruction of justice offenses.

According to the evidence presented during Scott and Pulliam’s trial:

• On October 6, 2018, in a drive-by shooting in the area of Bank Street and Porter Street, Scott and other gang members attempted to murder individuals believed to be members of a rival gang, which resulted in gunshot wounds to an innocent bystander.
• On October 11, 2018, in an effort to murder rival gang members in retaliation for the murder of a fellow 960 member, Scott, Pulliam, and other 960 members shot into a crowd of people and killed an innocent bystander, 30-year-old Fransua Guzman, and paralyzed a second victim.
• On November 18, 2018, Scott and other gang members participated in a drive-by shooting of rival gang members in the area of Bank Street and Porter Street, which resulted in gunshot wounds to two individuals.

To promote 960, Scott and other 960 members made rap videos that glorified gang violence, firearm possession, and drug dealing.  Many of the rap lyrics were tied to criminal conduct committed by 960 members.

Scott has been detained since arrest on state charges on May 23, 2019.  On May 10, 2024, a federal jury found Scott and Pulliam guilty of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, murder in violation of the Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering (“VCAR”) statute, causing death through the use of a firearm and in relation to a crime of violence, attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, and carrying and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.  Pulliam was also found guilty of conspiracy to possess, with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances.

On November 5, 2025, Pulliam was sentenced to life in prison and a mandatory 10-year consecutive term of imprisonment.

This investigation identified at least 10 violent acts committed by 960 members in 2017 and 2018.  All 16 individuals charged have been convicted and sentenced.  In addition to Scott and Pulliam, Zaekwon McDaniel, Tahjay Love, and Malik Bayon also received life sentences.

This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, Waterbury Police Department, ATF, and U.S. Marshals Service, with the assistance of the Southington Police Department, Watertown Police Department, New Milford Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory, and the DEA Laboratory.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey M. Stone, John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Natasha M. Freismuth, and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Don E. Therkildesen, Jr. and Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney Alexandra Arroyo, who were cross-designated as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys in this matter.

This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ROBERTO MUY, 35, a citizen of Ecuador last residing in Torrington, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 18 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the United States after being deported.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2006, Muy was admitted to the U.S. using a fraudulent visitor visa under the alias of a Peruvian citizen.  In June 2012, he was convicted in Connecticut Superior Court in Torrington of sexual assault of a minor in the second degree, and was sentenced to 10 years of incarceration, suspended after 15 months, and 25 years of probation.  In June 2013, Muy was removed to Ecuador.

Muy illegally reentered the U.S. and, on November 9, 2024, was arrested by the Torrington Police Department and charged with illegal operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drug.  On March 18, 2025, he was sentenced in state court to two years of incarceration for violating his state probation related to his 2012 conviction, and a concurrent two days of incarceration for the 2024 motor vehicle offense.

Muy has been detained since his arrest.  He pleaded guilty to illegal reentry on August 18, 2025.

This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary G. Vitale.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JORGE GIOVANNI ESCOBAR GONZALEZ, 41, a citizen of Colombia last residing in Kissimmee, Florida, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 57 months of imprisonment for his involvement in an organized jewelry theft ring that targeted mall-based stores and kiosks across the country.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from May 2023 through April 2024, Escobar Gonzalez and several other Colombian nationals burglarized jewelry stores and kiosks in malls and then transported the stolen property or the proceeds from it across state lines.  Before the burglaries, Escobar Gonzalez and his associates surveilled the stores and kiosks to formulate game plans and, as part of that reconnaissance, Escobar Gonzalez more than once posed as a legitimate customer to examine the desired merchandise and assess the establishment’s security measures.  During the burglaries, Escobar Gonzalez frequently served as one of the thieves who broke into stores and display cases while other co-conspirators served as lookouts.

Escobar Gonzalez and his co-conspirators burglarized jewelry establishments in Paterson, New Jersey, on May 17, 2023; in Mentor, Ohio, on July 21, 2023; in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on August 13, 2023; in Greece, New York, on September 20, 2023; at the Connecticut Post Mall in Milford, Connecticut, on October 5, 2023; in Lombard, Illinois on October 17, 2023; in Hamilton Township, New Jersey, on October 27, 2023; and in Henrico, Virginia on November 4, 2023.  The total losses from these burglaries exceed $4.4 million. 

Members of the conspiracy also cased additional jewelry stores and kiosks in Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Delaware.

To date, none of the stolen jewelry has been recovered by law enforcement.

On April 9, 2025, Escobar Gonzalez pleaded guilty to interstate transportation of stolen property.  He has been detained since May 19, 2024, when he was arrested in Florida on state charges related to another jewelry burglary.

This investigation has been conducted by the FBI New Haven’s Transnational Organized Crime Task Force with the assistance of the Milford (Conn.) Police Department, the Hamilton Township (N.J.) Police Division, the Delaware State Police, the Henrico County (Va.) Police Division, the New York State Police, the New York Police Department, the Pensacola (Fla.) Police Department, the Paterson (N.J.) Police Department, the Mentor (Ohio) Police Department, the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Police Department, the Greece (N.Y.) Police Department, and the Lombard (Ill.) Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David T. Huang and Conor M. Reardon.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, and FBI Field Offices in New York, Dallas, Miami, and Tampa for their assistance.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that RUDOLPH GIRDHARI, 36, of Norwalk, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to possession of child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2012, Girdhari was convicted in state court of possession of child pornography in the second degree, and was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment, execution suspended after two years, and 20 years of probation.  In 2022 and 2023, an FBI investigation of individuals trading child sex abuse images and videos on Wickr, an encrypted communication service, determined that an email address connected to Girdhari was being used to access two child pornography trading networks on Wickr.

On May 2, 2024, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of Girdhari’s residence and seized numerous electronic devices including phones, tablets, computers, hard drives, and thumb drives.  Analysis of the seized devices revealed more than 2,000 images and videos of child sex abuse.

Girdhari has been detained since May 16, 2024, when he was arrested for violating his state probation.

Sentencing is scheduled for February 27, 2026, at which time Girdhari faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  The penalties in this matter are enhanced based on Girdhari’s prior conviction for possession of child pornography.

This matter is being investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Office of Adult Probation and the Norwalk Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.

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

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

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JATNIEL MORALES GONZALEZ, 28, of Ponce, Puerto Rico, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 120 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release for trafficking cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation led by the  U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force identified Joseph Giovanni Soto as the leader of a cocaine trafficking operation that involved the shipment of parcels containing kilogram quantities of cocaine from U.S. Post Offices in Puerto Rico to various “drop addresses” in New Britain and Meriden, Connecticut, as well as addresses in Holyoke and West Springfield, Massachusetts.  The organization used “runners” to pick up the parcels from the drop addresses and deliver them to Soto’s residence in Bloomfield and the residence of Soto’s uncle, Ramon Soto, in New Britain.  Typically, Ramon Soto, at Joseph Soto’s direction, then delivered the cocaine to individuals in the Bronx, New York, and elsewhere, in return for payment.

During the investigation, task force members intercepted and seized 10 suspicious parcels, each of which contained approximately two kilograms of cocaine, and identified approximately 280 suspicious parcels likely containing kilogram quantities of cocaine that had been delivered to the various drop addresses.

Joseph Giovanni Soto was arrested on May 1, 2023.  In August 2023, investigators saw a reemergence of suspicious parcels coming from Puerto Rico to the New Britain and Meriden areas, and then to a Waterbury address where Morales Gonzalez was living.  Investigators determined that Morales Gonzalez and Soto had worked together prior to Soto’s arrest, and that Morales Gonzalez had assumed control of the Connecticut side of the cocaine trafficking network after Soto’s arrest.  Investigators identified several new drop addresses for suspicious parcels and observed Morales Gonzalez and others retrieving the parcels and bringing them to Morales Gonzalez’s residence before they were ultimately delivered to the Bronx.  During this part of the investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service identified 98 additional suspicious parcels and seized and searched four of them.  Each of the searched packages contained approximately two kilograms of cocaine.

On June 26, 2024, a court-authorized search of Morales Gonzalez’s residence revealed approximately two kilograms of cocaine, a loaded handgun, and a Smith and Wesson M&P 9 Shield firearm, and two drug ledgers.

On September 2, 2025, Morales Gonzales pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine.  Released on a $100,000 bond, he is required to report to prison on January 21.

Joseph Giovanni Soto pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on May 9, 2025, was sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment.  Ramon Soto pleaded guilty to a related charge and, on January 8, 2025, was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment.

Brian Martinez Rivera, 29, of Torrington, and Luis Torres Ortiz, 24, of New Britain, have also pleaded guilty to charges related to their involvement in this conspiracy and await sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force, which includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, and the Hartford, Plainville, and Meriden Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Levick and Konstantin Lantsman.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYRONE BROWN, 33, of Lithonia, Georgia, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 120 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release for trafficking methamphetamine pills to Connecticut.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately January 2022 and March 2024, Brown mailed parcels containing methamphetamine pills from Georgia to addresses in New Haven associated with Gregory Grant and others.  Investigators identified approximately 79 suspicious parcels shipped from Brown to Grant during that time.  In January 2023, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of an intercepted parcel and found 16 ziplock sandwich bags containing a total of more than four kilograms of multicolored methamphetamine pills and a firearm.  The investigation also revealed that Grant made multiple payments to Brown during the conspiracy.

Brown was arrested on April 7, 2025.  A search of his residence on that date revealed numerous pills and a handgun.

Brown has been detained since his arrest.  On September 2, 2025, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Grant, of New Haven, pleaded guilty on March 12, 2025, and is detained while awaiting sentencing.

This investigation has been conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Narcotics and Bulk Cash Trafficking Task Force, which includes members from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General, and the Hartford, Plainville, and Meriden Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathaniel J. Gentile and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that KELVIN PRADO-ROBLES, also known as FRANKELY ROBLES-GUZMAN, 49, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 57 months of imprisonment for fraud and immigration offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Prado-Robles has never held legal immigration status in the U.S.  In January 2008, he was sentenced in the District of Delaware to 24 months of imprisonment for false representation of citizenship, passport fraud, and identity theft offenses.  He was deported to the Dominican Republic in February 2009.  In February 2011, Prado-Robles was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Newark, New Jersey.  He was again deported in September 2011.

Prado-Robles illegally reentered the U.S. and, beginning in late 2017, conspired with Domingo St. Hilaire Rosario and Jamie Pinto to use stolen identities to obtain vehicles and motorcycles at dealerships in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.  As part of the scheme, Rosario arranged for a car or motorcycle to be purchased or leased from a dealership in the name of an identity theft victim, and Prado-Robles or Pinto impersonated the identity theft victim at the dealership to complete the paperwork.  Rosario supplied his co-conspirators with fraudulent identification documents bearing the victim’s personal identifying information, and with a fraudulent photo identification that contained the identifying information of the victim and a photograph of a co-conspirator.  The conspirators intended to sell or export the vehicles.

Through this scheme, they acquired at least 13 vehicles and attempted to acquire at least two more.  Some of the vehicles were recovered by law enforcement and returned to the dealers.  The thefts caused more than $200,000 in losses to the dealerships.

Rosario and Prado-Robles fled to the Dominican Republic in approximately 2018.

Prado-Robles was arrested in New Mexico in June 2023 and, under the name “Kelvin Prado-Roble,” was charged in the District of New Mexico with illegal reentry.  He pleaded guilty to the offense and, in November 2023, was sentenced to 10 months of imprisonment.  He was transferred to the District of Connecticut in June 2024 and is currently detained.

On August 8, 2025, Prado-Robles pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of reentry of a removed alien.

Rosario was extradited from the Dominican Republic in May 2020, pleaded guilty to fraud and identity theft offenses and, on October 20, 2021, was sentenced to 65 months of imprisonment. 

Pinto pleaded guilty to conspiracy, fraud and identity theft offenses and, on October 27, 2021, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with substantial assistance from the Vernon Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.

CHRISTOPHER ZIOGAS, 74, of Bristol, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to offenses related to interference with a state audit into a Medicaid provider who engaged in health care fraud, as well as a separate bank fraud offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between January and June 2020, Ziogas, who served as a State Representative for Connecticut’s 79th Assembly District, engaged in a scheme in which Konstantinos Diamantis, a senior official in the State’s Office of Policy and Management (“OPM”), solicited and received corrupt payments and benefits from Ziogas’s fiancée, Helen Zervas, an optometrist and owner of Family Eye Care in Bristol, in exchange for official acts concerning a state audit of Zervas’s and Family Eye Care’s Medicaid overbilling.

As part of the scheme, in January 2020, an official with Connecticut’s Department of Social Services (DSS) provided notice that it would perform an audit of Zervas’s and Family Eye Care’s Medicaid billing.  Zervas, who knew that she had fraudulently overbilled Medicaid for medical services that she had not provided, or that were not medically necessary, sought assistance from Ziogas to prevent the DSS audit from proceeding.  Ziogas, in turn, sought help from Diamantis in his role as a senior OPM official.  In exchange for payments from Ziogas and Zervas, Diamantis undertook official acts and pressured other state officials to undertake official acts aimed at favorably resolving Zervas’s DSS audit.

On March 4, 2020, Ziogas made a $20,000 bribe payment to Diamantis.  On that date, Zervas’s attorney emailed a DSS official with a settlement offer to resolve DSS’s audit.  The next day, Zervas reimbursed Ziogas with a $25,000 check from Family Eye Care.  On March 12, 2020, Ziogas made a $10,000 bribe payment to Diamantis, and was subsequently reimbursed by Zervas.  After having been advised and pressured directly by Diamantis and indirectly by him through officials at OPM and DSS, the DSS official cancelled the DSS audit and, on May 1, 2020, accepted Zervas’s settlement proposal.

On May 12, 2020, Ziogas and Diamantis delivered a settlement check from Family Eye Care in the amount of $599,810 to DSS.  On May 15, 2020, Ziogas, through Zervas, made a final bribe payment of $65,000 to Diamantis.

Ziogas made a false statement when interviewed by federal agents during the investigation of this matter.

Ziogas also separately committed bank fraud.  Ziogas was the trustee of a client trust, identified in court documents as “Trust-1.”  In November 2019, Ziogas prepared and caused to be negotiated a check from Trust-1 in the amount of $5,500 made out to Diamantis.

Ziogas pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, making false statements, which carries maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and bank fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.

Ziogas is released on a $500,000 bond pending sentencing, which is currently scheduled for February 18 before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport.

Zervas previously pleaded guilty to related charges and is awaiting sentencing.

Diamantis has been charged by indictment and is awaiting trial in this matter, which is scheduled for January 30 in Bridgeport.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office stressed that an indictment 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 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. Attorneys Jonathan N. Francis and Paul A. Riley.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ZACHARY WILLIAMS, 38, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Omar A. Williams in Hartford to 240 months of imprisonment for offenses related to his sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl he met on Snapchat.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2021, Williams began communicating with an 11-year old girl on Snapchat.  Williams groomed the girl and coerced her to send her sexually explicit images of herself.  Once in possession of the images, Williams threatened to post them online for her family, friends, and others to see, and used these tactics to pressure the girl to meet him in person for a sexual encounter.  Then, on two occasions in February 2021, Williams traveled to Connecticut, sexually abused the girl in her home while her family was asleep, and recorded the sexual acts on his iPhone.  After these encounters, Williams used the sexual videos and images he recorded to threaten the girl further so she would not expose his conduct.

Williams has been detained since March 13, 2021, after he was charged in the District of New Jersey with similar child exploitation offenses.  He was convicted after trial and sentenced on March 18, 2025, to life in prison.

On August 8, 2025, Williams pleaded guilty in the District of Connecticut to one count of production of child pornography and one count of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual conduct.

Williams is also charged with child exploitation offenses in the Eastern District of New York where he is currently awaiting trial.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Galloway Township (N.J.) Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nancy V. Gifford, Daniel E. Cummings, and Alexis L. Beyerlein.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey for its cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this case.

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.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HENRY MENESES JR., 33, of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, a Drug Enforcement Administration Hartford Task Force investigation revealed that Meneses was selling large quantities of fentanyl in the Hartford area.  On January 6, 2025, Meneses distributed 6,000 dose bags of fentanyl to an individual who had driven from Vermont to pick up the drugs.  On February 25, 2025, investigators made a controlled purchase of 1,200 dose bags of fentanyl from Meneses on Franklin Avenue in Hartford.

Meneses was arrested on March 25, 2025.  On that date, searches of his residence and vehicle revealed two handguns, five gun magazines, ammunition, and more than $6,000 in cash.

On June 24, 2025, Meneses pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.  Released on a $100,000 bond, he is required to report to prison on January 7.

The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, Middletown, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments.  The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted the investigation.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Reed Durham.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on November 21, 2025, a federal jury in New Haven found ERIC D. COX, 42, of Southington, guilty of firearm and narcotics offenses stemming from a shooting in Hartford in 2020.

According to the evidence introduced during the trial, on September 4, 2020, Cox engaged in a violent altercation near Hartford Hospital in Hartford.  During the altercation in which Cox was slashed with a knife, Cox pulled out a gun and fired multiple shots at the individual who slashed him and others in the vicinity, which resulted in a bystander being shot multiple times.  Hartford Police responded to the incident and found several cartridge casings on Jefferson Street where the stabbing and shooting occurred, and a hospital employee found a discarded .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol outside the entrance of the hospital’s emergency department and notified law enforcement.  Police searched Cox’s car after the incident and found a bag containing approximately 28 grams of cocaine.  Subsequent analysis of the firearm revealed the presence of Cox’s DNA.

Cox’s criminal history includes a federal conviction in 2008 for a crack cocaine distribution offense for which he was sentenced to five years of imprisonment.

The jury found Cox guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and possession of cocaine, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of two years.

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

The Hartford State’s Attorney’s Office prosecuted the other individual involved in the altercation.     

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hartford Police Department, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Dearington and Mary G. Vitale.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DONALD OGMAN, also known as “Mainey-O” and ”Manny O,” 44, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 252 months of imprisonment, followed by eight years of supervised release, for methamphetamine and cocaine distribution offenses and for violating the conditions of his supervised release that followed a prior federal conviction.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Ogman has been a leader of the Grape Street Crips (GSC), a violent New Haven gang.  In 2012, the FBI arrested Ogman for offenses related to his role in GSC, including drug trafficking.  He pleaded guilty to narcotics offenses and, on March 10, 2015, was sentenced to 188 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release.  In August 2022, a federal judge granted Ogman’s motion for compassionate release, reduced Ogman’s sentence to time served, and he was released from prison. 

Ogman resumed his drug trafficking activity while on federal supervised release, distributing multi-colored pills containing methamphetamine marketed as ecstasy and crack cocaine in and around New Haven.  The investigation included surveillance, trash pulls, and controlled purchases of methamphetamine pills and crack cocaine from Ogman from November 2023 through April 2024.

Ogman was arrested on May 9, 2024.  On that date, searches of his person and residence revealed additional quantities of methamphetamine, as well as crack cocaine.  A loaded firearm was also located at a stash location that was searched on the same date.

Ogman has been detained since his arrest.  On April 16, 2025, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, methamphetamine; three counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; and one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of cocaine. 

Judge Oliver sentenced Ogman to 228 months of imprisonment for the new offenses, and a consecutive 24 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

This matter was investigated by the DEA New Haven District Office (NHDO) Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the New Haven Police Department and the Hamden Police Department.  The NHDO Task Force includes members from the DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Waterbury, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Naugatuck, and Shelton Police Departments.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie T. Levick and Nathan J. Guevremont through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. 

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New England, today announced that MARCOS ISMALEJ IXPANCOC, also known as Marcos Hernandez Lopez and Jose Ernandez, 39, a citizen of Guatemala residing in Stamford, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with illegally reentering the United States after being deported and making false statements on applications for immigration benefits.

Ixpancoc was arrested today.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and was ordered detained.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in October 2006, Ixpancoc was apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol in Arizona.  He identified himself to U.S. Border Patrol as Marcos Hernandez Lopez, claimed to be a citizen of Mexico, and was issued a voluntary return to Mexico.  In August 2012, Ixpancoc was again apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol in Texas.  He identified himself as Jose Ernandez and claimed to be a citizen of Guatemala.  He was removed to Guatemala in September 2012.  In June 2023, Ixpancoc submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) an application for legal permanent residency and work authorization under his true name and listed a home address in Stamford.  The fingerprints that USCIS collected in connection with those applications matched those collected when he was apprehended and removed under the names Marcos Hernandez Lopez and Jose Ernandez in 2006 and 2012.

It is further alleged that in Ixpancoc’s applications to USCIS, Ixpancoc falsely denied ever using any names other than Ixpancoc, falsely denied ever having been issued a final order of removal, and falsely denied ever having been removed from the U.S.  In addition, in connection with his application for legal permanent residency, Ixpancoc submitted a petition under the Violence Against Women Act claiming that he was the victim of abuse by a U.S. citizen spouse or child, and that his abuser was his son.  However, his son was two years old at the time he filed the petition.  Ixpancoc signed each of these applications under penalty of perjury.

If convicted of the charge of unlawful reentry, Ixpancoc faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years.  If convicted of the charge of making false statements on applications for immigration benefits, he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan 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 Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, today announced that ANTONIO BAEZ, also known as “Fat Boy,” 26; CORY LEWIS, also known as “City,” 36; JAVON HUTLEY, 33; and ROGER MOODY, 42, all of Hartford, have been charged by indictment with offenses related to the illegal trafficking of firearms and narcotics.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in June 2025, ATF began an investigation of Baez and other armed drug traffickers who were operating in the area of Evergreen Avenue in Hartford, where Baez and Moody resided.  Between June and October 2025, ATF undercover agents made multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl, which included carfentanil or other additives including xylazine and tramadol, from Baez, Lewis, and Moody, and a total of seven firearms from Baez, Lewis, and Hutley.

“The trafficking of guns and drugs, especially when the drugs are fentanyl mixed with extremely toxic additives, are a dangerous combination,” said U.S. Attorney Sullivan.  “We remain committed to using federal resources to thwart this criminal behavior and prosecute those involved.  I commend ATF for this effective undercover operation.  It has made our capital city safer.”

“This investigation targeted members of a criminal organization that endangered the community by trafficking firearms and distributing fentanyl,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Greco.  “ATF enforcement operations will continue to focus on disrupting shooters and those who enable them by providing firearms.”

Baez, Lewis, Hutley, and Moody were arrested on federal criminal complaints on October 15, 2025.  On that date, a search of Hutley’s residence on Sisson Avenue revealed two gun magazines and ammunition.  A search of Lewis’s residence on New Britain Avenue revealed a .357 magnum revolver.

On October 28, 2028, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a 16-count indictment charging the four defendants.  Baez, Lewis, and Moody are charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.  If convicted of this charge, based on the type and quantity of drug attributed to each defendant, an a defendant’s criminal history, Baez faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of 40 years, Lewis faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and Moody faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Baez, Lewis, and Moody are also charged with one or more counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of controlled substances.

The indictment also charges Baez, Lewis, and Hutley with firearms trafficking conspiracy and firearms trafficking, and Lewis and Hutley with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.  These charges carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years on each count.

Baez, Lewis, Hutley, and Moody, who have been detained since their arrests, appeared yesterday in Hartford federal court and entered pleas of not guilty to the charges in the indictment.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  A charge is only an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that three foreign nationals have been recently charged with illegally reentering the U.S. after being previously deported.

On November 10, 2025, FREDDY ALEXANDER MORALES TEJADA, 24, a citizen of El Salvador residing in Vernon, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty in New Haven federal court to illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.  According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2023, Morales Tejada was convicted and sentenced in Connecticut Superior Court of carrying a pistol without a permit and failure to appear in the first degree.  In February 2024, he was deported to El Salvador.  Morales Tejada unlawfully reentered the U.S. and was found in South Windsor on May 19, 2025, when he was arrested for engaging in a police pursuit, reckless driving, operating motor vehicle without license, and illegal operation of motor vehicle under suspension.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven on February 25, 2026, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  He has been detained since his federal arrest on October 23, 2025.

On November 3, 2025, IOAN ALIN ZELE, also known as Ioan Kanalos and Filippo Gaudenzi, 24, a citizen of Romania, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty in New Haven federal court to illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.  According to court documents and statements made in court, in September 2023, Zele was convicted in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California of bank fraud and unlawful use of unauthorized access devices for his involvement in a scheme to fraudulently obtain food stamp benefits by using skimming devices to clone other people’s food stamp (electronic benefits transfer) cards and then using those cloned cards to withdraw food stamp benefits.  He was sentenced to 16 months of imprisonment for the offense, and was removed to Romania in June 2024.  Zele unlawfully reentered the U.S. and, in December 2024, was arrested by Connecticut State Police under the name Ioan Kanalos and charged with computer crime third degree, fraudulent use of auto teller (ATM) card, larceny fourth degree, identity theft third degree, and illegal use of scanning device.  Zele pleaded guilty in Connecticut Superior Court and, after completing his state sentence, was arrested on October 2, 2025, on a federal criminal complaint charging him with illegally reentering the U.S.  He has been detained since his arrest and is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden on February 24, 2026, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

On October 15, 2025, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging CARLOS CABRERA-ZARUMA, 45, a citizen of Ecuador residing in Danbury, with illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.  According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2008, Cabrera-Zaruma was convicted and sentenced in Connecticut Superior Court of sexual assault in the second degree against a victim under the age of 16, and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  He was deported to Ecuador in September 2010. Cabrera-Zaruma subsequently unlawfully reentered the U.S. and returned to Connecticut.  He has been detained since his arrest on October 7, 2025.  U.S. Attorney Sullivan 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.

These matters are being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations.  The cases against Morales Tejada and Cabrera-Zaruma are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj. N. Patel, and the case against Zele is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexis L. Beyerlein.

These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

These cases are part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New England, and Stamford Police Chief Timothy Shaw today announced that RICK MARRO, 44, most recently residing in Stamford, has been charged by indictment with child exploitation offenses.

As alleged in the indictment and other court documents, law enforcement began investigating Marro in August 2023 after a 16-year-old male victim reported that he had been sexually exploited by Marro.  The victim reported that he met Marro on a dating application, and they then began communicating on Snapchat in April 2023.  The victim indicated that they met in person at Marro’s house on multiple occasions, and two of the encounters were sexual in nature.  The victim reported that Marro gave him “poppers,” that Marro was “into” asphyxiation, and, on one occasion, Marro strangled him and he passed out “for a minute or two.”  A law enforcement review of the victim’s Snapchat account showed that Marro sent him videos that Marro had recorded of them engaged in sexual activity.  He also sent the victim a video depicting Marro choking him.

It is further alleged that law enforcement subsequently seized and searched Marro’s cell phone.  During the examination of Marro’s phone, law enforcement located the same videos that he recorded and sent the victim showing them engaged in sexual activity.  Investigators also located text messages that Marro had sent to another individual in which Marro stated that he “choked [the victim] all the way to unconscious today by accident.”

Marro was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on January 18, 2024.  On October 15, 2025, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Marro with production of child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years; receipt and distribution of child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; and possession of child pornography, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

Marro was arraigned on November 6, 2025, and pleaded not guilty.  He has been detained since his arrest, and a trial in this matter is scheduled for August 2026.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan 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 Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Stamford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

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

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

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JAIRO ABREU, 33, of Danbury, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 30 months of imprisonment and one year of supervised release for trafficking fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and Hartford Police Department revealed that Abreu was trafficking fentanyl into Hartford.  Abreu was arrested on state charges on October 17, 2023.  Following his arrest, a search of his Danbury residence revealed approximately 2.8 kilograms of fentanyl and an additional approximately 2,000 wax sleeves containing fentanyl.

Abreu was federally arrested on February 23, 2024.  He pleaded guilty on April 25, 2024.

Abreu, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 15.

This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, including members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Manchester Police Department, New Britain Police Department, West Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean P. Mahard and Reed Durham through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that EDWARD J. SODLOSKY, 71, of Middlebury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to tax evasion.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Sodlosky, a self-employed Certified Public Accountant, owned and operated Edward J. Sodlosky, Certified Public Accountant (“EJS-CPA”) in Naugatuck.  From 2016 through 2022, Sodlosky prepared and filed annual joint income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service on behalf of himself and his spouse.  He also filed annual partnership income tax returns for an entity named FinGLTD, which he owned with his spouse.  During this seven-year period, Sodlosky willfully cashed more than 2,000 client payment checks to hide income generated by EJS-CPA. As a result, a substantial amount of EJS-CPA’s business receipts was diverted from EJS-CPA’s bank accounts, and not reported in his joint income tax returns (Forms 1040 and 1040-SR) or partnership income tax returns (Form 1065).

Sodlosky deposited funds derived from the cashed checks, as well as client payment checks to EJS-CPA, into a network of business, personal, and nominee accounts.  He maintained, controlled, and used 15 different bank accounts to deposit business receipts and to evade income taxes.  Through this scheme, Sodlosky failed to report to the IRS $1,379,694.21 in additional income, resulting in a tax loss to the government of $422,720.

Sodlosky is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford on April 15, 2026, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  He is also required to make full restitution to the IRS.

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

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

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRIAN BAKER, 48, of Scott City, Kansas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for trafficking firearms into Connecticut.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2023, members of the FBI Waterbury Safe Streets Task Force conducted three controlled purchases of a total of nine firearms, and one controlled purchase of cocaine, from Luis Perez in Waterbury.  An expanded investigation revealed that Perez was acquiring numerous firearms, most of which were purchased, at Baker’s direction, by individuals from licensed gun dealers in Kansas and then shipped through the U.S. Mail to a stash location maintained by Perez’s associate, Algelly Diaz, in Hartford.  Perez then sold the firearms, which included assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, to others throughout Connecticut.

Perez coordinated the purchase of the firearms through Baker in Kansas and Fernando Soto, Jr. in California.  Baker, a convicted felon with a lengthy criminal history, used straw purchasers to purchase the firearms and then shipped them to Connecticut, or to Soto, who then shipped them to Connecticut and elsewhere.

Between August 2020 and May 2023, one of Baker’s straw purchasers, Ramon Pichardo, purchased at least 73 firearms from a licensed gun dealer in Deerfield, Kansas.

Baker and others involved in the conspiracy were arrested on May 19, 2023.  On that date, investigators executed search warrants at locations in Connecticut, Kansas, and California.  A search of Perez’s residence and vehicle revealed nine firearms; more than 200 rounds of ammunition; distribution quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl/heroin; items used to process and package narcotics for street sale; and more than $7,000 in cash.  In addition, a search of Diaz’s residence revealed approximately 90 rounds of ammunition, and a search of a package that was shipped to Diaz and seized from the mail stream revealed an additional three firearms.

To date, approximately 34 of the trafficked firearms have been recovered by law enforcement in Connecticut and elsewhere, including one that recovered on August 27, 2022, in San Bernardino, California, at the scene of the homicide of a juvenile.

Baker has been detained since his arrest.  On March 26, 2025, he pleaded guilty to one count of firearms trafficking conspiracy, two counts of firearms trafficking, and two counts of mailing nonmailable firearms.

On March 19, 2025, Perez pleaded guilty to one count of firearms trafficking conspiracy, three counts of firearms trafficking, two counts of mailing nonmailable firearms, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine.  On April 4, 2025, a jury found him guilty of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  He awaits sentencing.

Diaz pleaded guilty and, on February 4, 2025, was sentenced to 48 months of imprisonment.

Soto and Pichardo have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Connecticut State Police; and the Waterbury, Meriden, Hartford, Manchester, East Hartford, West Hartford, and Chino (Calif.) Police Departments.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and Christopher J. Lembo through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California for their assistance in the investigation and prosecution of this case.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New England, today announced that JAMIRA DENISE MYERS, also known as “Chocolate,” 42, of Hamden, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with sex trafficking and attempted sex trafficking of minors, forced labor and attempted forced labor of minors, and obstruction and attempted obstruction of sex trafficking enforcement.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in July 2025, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (“NCMEC”) reported to the New Haven Police Department that images of a 16-year-old girl had been seen on skipthegames.com, a website that advertises commercial sex services.  An HSI Task Force investigation revealed that Myers used the website to post advertisements for sexual services involving the 16-year-old girl and at least four other minor girls between the ages of 14 and 17.  Myers arranged meetings between clients and the minors and transported the minors to the meetings, including hotel rooms she rented.  Myers initially instructed the minors to rob clients upon meeting them, splitting the stolen money with the minors.  She later directed at least one minor girl to engage in sexual acts with clients.

Myers was arrested on October 10, 2025, and is currently detained.  If convicted of the most serious charges, she faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan 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.

The matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with assistance from the New Haven Police Department and the Watertown Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angel M. Krull and Daniel P. Gordon.

To report information that may be helpful to the investigation and prosecution of this matter, please call the HSI Tip Line at 1-866-347-2423.  To report cases of child exploitation, please visit https://report.cybertip.org.

Two Connecticut dental providers have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments to resolve allegations of violations of the federal and state False Claims Acts.  The settlements stem from a larger investigation into fraudulent activity by health care providers who submit kickback-tainted claims to the Connecticut Medical Assistance Program (“CTMAP”) for services rendered to Connecticut Medicaid patients referred by third-party “patient recruiting” companies.

It is alleged that, in violation of their CTMAP provider agreements and the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, DENT PLUS FAMILY DENTISTRY, PLLC, a now dissolved dental practice based in Stamford, L&M FAMILY DENTISTRY, LLC, a now dissolved dental practice based in New Haven, and their owners, IVAN MAKAR, DDS and OLEG LOSIN, DDS, submitted claims to the CTMAP, which includes the state’s Medicaid program, related to dental services rendered to Connecticut Medicaid patients referred to the businesses by a third-party patient recruiting company.  Dent Plus Family Dentistry and L&M Family Dentistry paid a patient recruiter for each Connecticut Medicaid patient the recruiter referred to the practices.  With each submitted claim, Dent Plus Family Dentistry, L&M Family Dentistry, and their owners impliedly certified that the conditions of receiving payment were met, including, but not limited to, that they did not pay kickbacks or violate any terms or provisions of the Connecticut Dental Health Partnership (“CTDHP”) provider manual concerning the submitted claim.

The CTDHP provider manual, which is an addendum to both the CTMAP provider agreement and the CTMAP provider manual, expressly prohibits per-patient compensation for individuals referred to CMAP providers.

To resolve the allegations under the federal and state False Claims Acts, Makar and Losin paid $714,446.27 to reimburse the Medicaid program for conduct occurring from January 1, 2019, through September 6, 2020.

In entering into the civil settlement agreement, the providers and their practices did not admit liability.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General; the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office; and the Connecticut Department of Social Services.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Thidemann and Assistant Attorney General Joshua L. Jackson of the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.

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

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on November 5, 2025, DARYL TODD, 45, of Vernon, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 84 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release for enticing minors to send him sexually explicit images and videos on Snapchat.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force revealed that Todd used Snapchat to communicate with minor girls and entice them to send him sexually explicit images and videos of themselves, sometimes in return for money that Todd sent the victims using the mobile payment service Cash App.  Todd also sent sexually explicit images of himself to the minor victims.

After Todd was arrested on March 7, 2024, analysis of his cellphone and tablet revealed sexually explicit images of minor females.

On April 8, 2025, Todd pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography.

Todd, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 7.

This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford through 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.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CANYON BEASLEY, 22, of Gresham, Oregon, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarah F. Russell in New Haven to 84 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release for a child exploitation offense involving his engaging in an online relationship and unlawful sexual activity with a minor in Connecticut.

According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in approximately January 2023, Beasley began communicating with a minor victim in Connecticut primarily through text messaging and Snapchat.  In July 2023, he began requesting sexually explicit images and videos from the minor victim.  In August 2023, he learned that the minor victim was 13 years old.  For more than a year, Beasley and the minor victim exchanged sexually explicit images through these online platforms.  In June 2024, Beasley traveled to Connecticut to engage in sexual activity with the minor victim and recorded the sexual activity using his phone.

Beasley was arrested on September 30, 2024.  On April 25, 2025, he pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography.

Beasley, who is released on a $250,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 28.

Beasley pleaded guilty in Connecticut state court to a related charge and is awaiting sentencing in that matter.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Cheshire Police Department and the Connecticut State Police.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Lembo.

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.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANDRE MESSAM, also known as “Dre,” 49, of Derby, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 72 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for distributing methamphetamine and cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in May and June 2023, the FBI’s Transnational Organized Crime Task Force conducted two controlled purchases totaling approximately 80 grams of methamphetamine and five grams of cocaine from Messam.  Laboratory analysis of the methamphetamine determined that it was 100 percent pure.  Investigators then arranged to purchase a kilogram of cocaine from Messam.

On July 19, 2023, as he traveled to the planned meeting location to conduct the cocaine transaction, Messam fled from law enforcement officers who attempted to stop his car in North Haven.  Later that day, he was located and arrested at a rental car agency on the Berlin Turnpike in Newington.  Messam possessed approximately $7,200 in cash at the time of his arrest.

Approximately two weeks later, a review of surveillance video revealed that Messam had thrown an object from the car as he drove on an entrance ramp to I-91 North.  Investigators went to the area and found a kilogram brick of cocaine wrapped in cellophane.

On May 20, 2024, Messam pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, five grams or more of methamphetamine.

Messam’s criminal history includes state convictions and a federal heroin trafficking conviction.  In June 2011, he was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 105 months of imprisonment.  In March 2015, after federal sentencing guidelines were amended, his sentence was reduced to 81 months of imprisonment

Messam, who is released on a $250,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 6.   This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Transnational Organized Crime Task Force, including members from the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the Brookfield and New Milford Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KHAWAR M. KHOKHAR, 37, of Ellington, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 20 months of imprisonment and two years of supervised release for defrauding the State of Connecticut of more than $1.2 million in tobacco tax revenue.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Khokhar operated Smokin’ Wholesale LLC, a Connecticut-licensed tobacco wholesale business that acquired smokeless tobacco and other tobacco products from out-of-state distributors, including businesses in Pennsylvania and Illinois, and sold the products to retail merchants in Connecticut.  Between approximately May 2017 and June 2019, Khokhar and Smokin’ Wholesale purchased approximately $2 million in tobacco products from the distributors, but failed to report accurately to the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services the value of the products imported into the state, and failed to pay to the state the tobacco-related taxes owed.  Through this scheme, Khokhar and others caused Connecticut to suffer a tax loss of more than $1.2 million.

Judge Nagala ordered Khokhar to pay restitution in the amount of $1,140,994.13, and to forfeit $60,707 that was seized during the investigation.

Khokhar was arrested on May 20, 2024.  On April 3, 2025, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy.

Khokhar, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison January 19.

This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services, Criminal Investigations Division.  The case was by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALYSON CRANICK, 44, of Columbia, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Cranick, first using text messaging and Snapchat, and then using the internet chat service Discord, coerced an 11-year-old boy to engage in sexually explicit conduct with her.  Several times during the summer and into the fall of 2022, Cranick induced the minor victim to leave his house after midnight to meet up with her.  Cranick sexually assaulted the minor victim during these meetings.

Between July and October 2022, Cranick exchanged more than 4,700 messages with the minor victim on Discord.

Cranick was arrested on related state charges on November 14, 2023, and has been detained since November 28, 2023.  She was federally charged in July 2024.

Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for February 12, at which time Cranick faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force and the Connecticut State Police’s Eastern District Major Crime Unit.  The FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force includes federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel E. Cummings and Katherine E. Boyles through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Tolland for its close cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on October 30, 2025, HERNAN AYALA, 33, of Manchester, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 348 months of imprisonment, followed by 40 years of supervised release, for child exploitation offenses related to his sexual abuse of a minor.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2024, the Manchester Police Department received a complaint that a minor female had been sexually abused by Ayala.  The minor female reported that Ayala had engaged in sexual conduct with her for more than eight years, and that Ayala had recorded his sexual abuse of her on his cellphone.  On that date, investigators searched Ayala’s residence and seized several electronic devices, including his iPhone.  Analysis of the seized phone revealed numerous videos and images of Ayala engaging in sexual conduct with the minor victim.

Ayala has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on March 9, 2024.  On July 8, 2025, he pleaded guilty in federal court to production of child pornography and possession of child pornography.

This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Manchester Police Department, the Glastonbury Police Department, and the Connecticut Center for Digital Investigations.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the State’s Attorney’s Offices for the Judicial Districts of Hartford and Tolland for their cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this case.

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.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a five-count indictment charging PAMELA AGUILAR, 65, of Shelton, with fraud offenses stemming from an alleged embezzlement scheme that defrauded a Connecticut company of approximately $700,000.

As alleged in the indictment, Aguilar was employed as Chief Financial Officer of a Connecticut software company, identified in court documents as “Company A.”  Between approximately 2018 and 2025, Aguilar defrauded Company A’s by making ACH and wire transfers from Company A’s account to personal bank accounts, writing checks and making cash withdrawals from Company A’s account, and by making PayPal and credit card payments from Company A’s account for her own benefit.

It is alleged that through this scheme, Aguila stole approximately $700,000 from Company A.  Aguilar attempted to cover up her criminal behavior by providing false weekly cash reports and false monthly financial statements to Company A’s Chief Executive Officer.

The indictment was returned on October 15, 2025.  On October 22, Aguilar appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven, pleaded not guilty to the charges, and was released on a $50,000 bond.

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

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

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAQWON GRAHAM, also known as “Seagull” and “Energy,” 31, of Ansonia, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 130 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for a fentanyl trafficking offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and Stamford Police Department identified Graham as a large-scale fentanyl distributor in and around Fairfield County.  Investigators also connected Graham’s drug trafficking activities to an overdose death of a male victim in Branford in March 2023, and an overdose death of a female victim in Shelton in October 2024.  In January and February 2025, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl mixed with xylazine from Graham.

Graham was arrested on February 26, 2025, in Stamford after investigators coordinated a purchase of a large quantity of fentanyl and found him in possession of approximately 400 grams of the drug.  A subsequent search of his person revealed additional quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine.

Graham has been detained since his arrest.  On July 23, 2025, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Danbury, Norwalk, Stamford, and Stratford Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.

A naturalized U.S. citizen from Bosnia and Herzegovina pleaded guilty on Nov. 10 to criminal charges related to her lying about her prior criminal conduct to obtain U.S. citizenship.

“The defendant obtained the privileges of U.S. citizenship through lies and deceit, concealing the violent crimes she committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Department is fully committed to holding accountable those who exploit our immigration system and pose a threat to public safety.”

“Covering up past human rights abuses to attain U.S. citizenship is an egregious  offense, and I thank our law enforcement partners both here in the U.S. and in Bosnia and Herzegovina for investigating this matter to ensure that justice is done,” said U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan for the District of Connecticut. 

“Individuals who lie on their naturalization documents undermine the process for all who justly apply to be a part of our great nation,” said Special Agent in Charge P.J. O’Brien of the FBI New Haven Field Office. “Tomanic’s admissions of fraud are detestable because of her history of targeting people based on their ethnicity and religion. The FBI, along with our partners at the the Department of Homeland Security’s Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center, and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Office of Fraud Detection and National Security will continue to investigate crimes of this nature to ensure the sanctity of the immigration process for all who righteously apply for U.S. Citizenship.”

According to court documents, Nada Radovan Tomanic, 53, served with the Zulfikar Special Unit of the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 1990s, during the armed conflict in the region. Along with other Zulfikar Special Unit soldiers, Tomanic participated in the physical and psychological abuse of Bosnian Serb civilian prisoners.

When applying for U.S. naturalization in 2012, Tomanic falsely denied having served in a detention facility or in any other situation involving the detention of others. She also falsely denied having committed a crime for which she had not been arrested – specifically, the crime of inflicting serious bodily harm under the Criminal Law of the Socialist Republic of Yugoslavia.

Tomanic’s deception extended beyond her written naturalization application. During her interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer, she was placed under oath and legally obligated to answer questions truthfully. Despite that obligation, she again lied about her service in a detention facility and her past criminal conduct.

Tomanic pleaded guilty to one count of procuring citizenship contrary to law. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 3, 2026. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The defendant faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

Trial Attorney Elizabeth Nielsen of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anastasia King and Angel Krull for the District of Connecticut are prosecuting the case, with assistance from HRSP historians. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs also provided assistance.

The FBI is investigating the case, with coordination provided by the Department of Homeland Security’s Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center (HRVWCC) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Office of Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS), along with the FBI’s International Human Rights Unit (IHRU). The Justice Department thanks authorities from Bosnia and Herzegovina, to include the Ministry of Justice of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Srpska Ministry of Interior, Serbian authorities, and the United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, who were instrumental in providing assistance that aided in furthering the investigation.

Members of the public who have information about human rights violators in the United States are urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALLFBI (1-800-225-5324) or through the FBI’s online tip form at www.tips.fbi.gov/, or Homeland Security Investigations at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423) or through ICE’s online tip form at www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that two men involved in a southwestern Connecticut narcotics trafficking ring were sentenced last month by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford.  On October 17, RONALD VINCENT, 30, of Stratford, was sentenced to 84 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release, and on October 20, MARQUIS JONES, 30, of Derby, was sentenced to 40 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2022, the FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, which was investigating gang activity in the South End and West Side of Bridgeport, identified Christian Pichardo as a supplier of various narcotics to gang members and other drug distributors.  During the investigation, investigators intercepted calls and text messages over court-authorized wiretaps between Pichardo and his associates, including Vincent and Jones, made controlled purchases of narcotics, and seized drugs from members of the conspiracy and their drug customers.  Some of the drugs seized during the investigation had been cut with fentanyl analogues, nitazines, and xylazine.  Nitazines are synthetic opioids stronger than fentanyl, and xylazine is a large animal tranquilizer.

Vincent and Jones resided in Bridgeport during the investigation.  Vincent was a close associate of Pichardo who primarily trafficked fentanyl.  Jones trafficked fentanyl to crack cocaine to gang members and others.

Vincent and Jones were each arrested on August 5, 2024, and subsequently pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.  Released on $100,000 bonds, they are required to report to prison on December 16 and January 7, respectively.

Pichardo pleaded guilty to a related charge and, on July 14, 2025, was sentenced to 12 years of imprisonment.

This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bridgeport, Stratford, and Norwalk Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Peck through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging JULIAN FOSTER, 35, of Hartford; LATEECHA GORDON, 37, of Hartford; and TERRELL BARNES, 43, of New Haven, with offenses related to the illegal trafficking and possession of firearms.

Foster was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on September 30, 2025, and is currently detained.  Gordon and Barnes were arrested today, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven, enter pleas of not guilty, and were released on $100,000 bonds.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, an ATF investigation determined that Foster was acquiring firearms from a source in Texas, transporting them to Connecticut, and offering them for sale.  The investigation revealed that Gordon and Barnes were assisting Foster.  On September 3, 2025, an undercover ATF agent purchased a 9mm pistol, a 12-gauge shotgun, and a 5.56 caliber rifle from Foster in exchange for $6,000 in New Haven.  At the meeting, Foster indicated that he intended to acquire additional firearms that he would sell to the undercover agent.  On September 11, Foster and Gordon were arrested in Huntsville, Texas, after Huntsville Police stopped Foster’s vehicle and found three firearms concealed in the engine bay of the vehicle, and found Gordon in possession of drug paraphernalia.  On September 12, a related search of a storage facility that Gordon rented in Houston revealed five firearms, ammunition, gun magazines, miscellaneous gun parts, and other items.

It is further alleged that on September 19, Foster contacted the undercover agent and offered to sell additional firearms.  Foster provided the agent with photos of two firearms and a video of an auto sear conversion device, which, when equipped to a firearm, allows it to shoot at a fully automatic rate.

It is alleged that investigators seized an AM-15 rifle and a 12-gauge shotgun from Foster’s vehicle in New Haven after he was federally arrested on September 30.

The indictment, which was returned yesterday, charges Foster, Gordon, and Barnes, with firearms trafficking conspiracy, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.  The indictment also charges Foster and Barnes with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.

It is alleged that Foster was previously convicted in Connecticut state court of robbery in the first degree involving the display or threatened use of a firearm, failure to appear in the first degree, and sale of a controlled substance, and that Barnes was previously convicted in Connecticut state court of sale of a narcotic substance and conspiracy to commit larceny in the third degree.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  A charge is only an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with the assistance of the Huntsville (Texas) Police Department and the Arkansas State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan J. Guevremont.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that on October 1, 2025, DIANA MILLER-LLOYD, also known as “Diana Rabin” and “Diana Lloyd,” 44, of Jacksonville, Florida, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty in Hartford federal court to aiding in the preparation of false tax returns.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Miller-Lloyd formerly resided in Middlefield and operated Lloyd Forenzique & Accounting Services Corporation, a tax return preparation business in Connecticut.  She established the business in 2017 in Windsor, and subsequently moved it to Branford in 2019 and to Guilford in 2021.  Before 2017, Miller-Lloyd provided tax preparation services under the business name Lloyd Forensic & Accounting Services.  Miller-Lloyd routinely obtained substantial federal tax refunds for her clients, many of whom had annual incomes exceeding $500,000, by disregarding information provided by the clients and their employers, and by fabricating and improperly deducting charitable contributions and business expenses, including advertising, repairs and maintenance, travel, meals, utilities, insurance, and legal services.

As a result of these fraudulent deductions, for the 2016 through 2021 tax years, Miller-Lloyd attempted to obtain for her clients at least $1,062,293 in either fraudulent refunds or fraudulent reductions on owed tax payments.  The IRS detected apparent fraudulent activity on several of the filed returns before refund monies were paid, resulting in an actual loss to the government of $472,913.

In addition, Miller-Lloyd at times used the professional credentials of another person, who was a certified public accountant, to defend filed returns when audited by the IRS.

Miller-Lloyd pleaded guilty to two counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false and fraudulent income tax returns, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years on each count.  She is released on a $25,000 bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for February 23.

Miller-Lloyd has agreed to pay to the IRS restitution of $472,913.

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

A naturalized U.S. citizen from Bosnia and Herzegovina pleaded guilty on November 10, 2025, in Bridgeport federal court to criminal charges related to her lying about her prior criminal conduct to obtain U.S. citizenship.

“The defendant obtained the privileges of U.S. citizenship through lies and deceit, concealing the violent crimes she committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Department is fully committed to holding accountable those who exploit our immigration system and pose a threat to public safety.”

“Covering up past human rights abuses to attain U.S. citizenship is an egregious offense, and I thank our law enforcement partners both here in the U.S. and in Bosnia and Herzegovina for investigating this matter to ensure that justice is done,” said U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan for the District of Connecticut. 

“Individuals who lie on their naturalization documents undermine the process for all who justly apply to be a part of our great nation,” said Special Agent in Charge P.J. O’Brien of the FBI. “Tomanic’s admissions of fraud are detestable because of her history of targeting people based on their ethnicity and religion. The FBI, along with our partners at the Department of Homeland Security’s Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center, and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Office of Fraud Detection and National Security will continue to investigate crimes of this nature to ensure the sanctity of the immigration process for all who righteously apply for U.S. Citizenship.”

According to court documents, Nada Radovan Tomanic, 53, of West Virginia, formerly of Hartford, Connecticut, served with the Zulfikar Special Unit of the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 1990s, during the armed conflict in the region.  Along with other Zulfikar Special Unit soldiers, Tomanic participated in the physical and psychological abuse of Bosnian Serb civilian prisoners.

When applying for U.S. naturalization in 2012, Tomanic falsely denied having served in a detention facility or in any other situation involving the detention of others.  She also falsely denied having committed a crime for which she had not been arrested – specifically, the crime of inflicting serious bodily harm under the Criminal Law of the Socialist Republic of Yugoslavia.

Tomanic’s deception extended beyond her written naturalization application.  During her interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer, she was placed under oath and legally obligated to answer questions truthfully.  Despite that obligation, she again lied about her service in a detention facility and her past criminal conduct.

Tomanic pleaded guilty to one count of procuring citizenship contrary to law.  She is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 3, 2026, and faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. 

Trial Attorney Elizabeth Nielsen of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angel Krull and Anastasia King for the District of Connecticut are prosecuting the case, with assistance from HRSP historians.  The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs also provided assistance.

The FBI is investigating the case, with coordination provided by the Department of Homeland Security’s Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center (HRVWCC) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Office of Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS), along with the FBI’s International Human Rights Unit (IHRU). The Justice Department thanks authorities from Bosnia and Herzegovina, to include the Ministry of Justice of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Srpska Ministry of Interior, Serbian authorities, and the United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, who were instrumental in providing assistance that aided in furthering the investigation.

Members of the public who have information about human rights violators in the United States are urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALLFBI (1-800-225-5324) or through the FBI’s online tip form at www.tips.fbi.gov/, or Homeland Security Investigations at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423) or through ICE’s online tip form at www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUIS MUNOZ, also known as “P.R.” and “Puerto Rico,” 41, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 40 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a Waterbury drug trafficking organization.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI’s Waterbury Safe Streets Gang Task Force and other law enforcement agencies investigated two drug trafficking organizations based in the city of Waterbury.  One organization was headed by Angel Quiros and operated in the area of William Street, and the other was headed by Daniel Diaz-Rivera and operated in the area of Maple Avenue.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones, video surveillance, GPS tracking of vehicles, and numerous controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that the two organizations distributed cocaine, crack, and fentanyl through a network of sellers.  The organizations shared sources of supply, worked together to further their operations, and sold narcotics all hours of the day and night.

Munoz distributed cocaine, crack, and fentanyl as part of the Quiros organization.

Munoz, Quiros, Diaz-Rivera, and 14 associates were charged with federal offenses as a result of the investigation.  Munoz, Quiros, Diaz-Rivera, and several codefendants were arrested on November 29, 2023.  In association with the arrests, investigators executed multiple search warrants and seized approximately 700 grams of crack cocaine, more than 900 vials (“caps”) of crack, approximately 200 grams of loose fentanyl, more than 1,600 dose bags of fentanyl/heroin, two stolen firearms, numerous rounds of ammunition, and more than $39,000 in cash.  Investigators seized from Munoz approximately 234 grams of cocaine, 22 grams of fentanyl, and $2,100 in cash.

On March 7, 2025, Munoz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.  Released on $100,000 bond, he is required to report to prison on January 16.

Quiros and Diaz-Rivera pleaded guilty to related charges.  On August 19, 2025, Quiros was sentenced to 63 months of imprisonment, and on June 23, 2025, Diaz-Rivera was sentenced to 210 months of imprisonment.

The FBI’s Waterbury Safe Streets Gang Task includes members from the FBI, the Waterbury Police Department, the Naugatuck Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction.  The DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Connecticut State Police, Wolcott Police Department, and Meriden Police Department have assisted the investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Freismuth and Shan Patel through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the Waterbury State Attorney’s Office for its cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this case.

A federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a 19-count indictment charging MICHAEL ATKINSON, 27, of East Hartford; ROLAND McTAGGART, 27, of Hartford; SHARIF DJIBO, 28, of East Hartford; ROMARIO ROSE, 31, of Newington; JASHAWN ATKINSON, 23, of Hartford; and ADRIAN OLIVERO, 53, of New Britain, with offenses related to the cashing of stolen U.S. Treasury checks at a U.S. Post Office in Hartford.  The indictment was returned on October 28, 2025, and Michael Atkinson, McTaggart, Djibo, Rose, Jashawn Atkinson, and RASHELLE SAILOR, 40, of Hartford, an alleged co-conspirator who is charged by federal criminal complaint, were arrested on November 6, 2025.  Olivero is currently being sought by law enforcement.

The announcement was made by David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office; Ricky J. Patel, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York; Michael Carpenter, Special Agent in Charge of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA); Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and Hartford Police Chief James Rovella.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, Michael Atkinson, McTaggart, Djibo, Rose, Jashawn Atkinson, Olivero, and others obtained stolen U.S. Treasury checks and cashed them at the Blue Hills Post Office on Woodland Street in Hartford, where Sailor was employed as a postal clerk.  To ensure that there was sufficient cash available for a transaction, the co-conspirators often purchased postal money orders with cash prior to presenting the checks to Sailor who cashed them.  Sailor also cashed stolen checks she had obtained herself.  Between February and July 2025, the defendants cashed more than 1,300 stolen U.S. Treasury checks worth a total of more than $3.1 million.  Of that total, Sailor was involved in the cashing of more than 1,200 checks worth more than $2.7 million.

“As alleged, these co-conspirators collectively stole more than $3 million from the government in a relatively short period of time,” said U.S. Attorney Sullivan.  “The fact that the scheme involved, and would not have been successful without, the participation of at least one corrupt government employee, is particularly disturbing.  I thank our partner law enforcement agencies for shutting down this operation and bringing these individuals to justice.  The investigation to determine those responsible for the theft of the U.S. Treasury Checks, and others involved in the scheme, is ongoing.”

“The Special Agents of the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG) will vigorously investigate those who use their position to commit crimes against the American public and the Postal Service,” said Special Agent in Charge Modafferi of U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General.  “The conduct alleged is disgraceful, and our office will continue to tirelessly investigate Postal Service employees and their co-conspirators who violate the public’s trust.  This case serves as an excellent example of the successful collaboration between the USPS OIG, our law enforcement partners, and the District of Connecticut U.S Attorney’s Office to pursue and prosecute Postal Service employees involved in criminal activity.”

“Today’s announcement shines a harsh light on an alleged public corruption scheme in which a federal employee partnered with individuals to steal from the hardworking communities they were entrusted to serve,” said HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. “The defendants are accused of exploiting government systems for their own greed, and robbing innocent Americans of money intended for them.  Their alleged actions reflect an audacious disregard for the law and the communities they harmed.  HSI New York will work tirelessly with our partners to dismantle these criminal networks and bring every perpetrator to justice.”

“The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) aggressively investigates individuals who attempt to exploit U.S Treasury refund checks meant for hard working taxpayers for their own private gain,” said TIGTA Special Agent in Charge Michael Carpenter.  “TIGTA's mission is to protect the integrity of our nation’s tax administration system.  We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who violate federal laws are prosecuted to the fullest extent possible.”

“These defendants sought to enrich themselves through an elaborate scheme involving the cashing of stolen U.S. Treasury checks at a Hartford Post Office,” said Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division.  “They then compounded their crimes by laundering some of the proceeds through the purchase of postal money orders.  The Postal Inspection Service will not tolerate thieves — regardless of who they are — using the U.S. Mail to harm postal customers or the financial institutions that serve them. We are grateful to all the agencies involved in bringing this group to justice.”

Each of the defendants is charged with conspiracy, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and with one or more counts of theft of government property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count.  Each defendant is also charged with aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of two years.

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

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the U.S Postal Service Office of the Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the Hartford Police Department, and the New York City Police Department/Homeland Security Investigations Violent Gang Task Force.   The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Chang.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KAREN GASTON, 45, of East Granby, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarah F. Russell in New Haven to three years of probation for defrauding COVID-19 pandemic relief programs of more than $1.1 million.  During her probation, Gaston was ordered to serve four weekends of incarceration, 10 months in home detention, and 500 hours of community service.

In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”).  The PPP was overseen by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”), and individual PPP loans were issued by private lenders, which received and processed PPP applications and supporting documentation, and then made loans using the lenders’ own funds, which were guaranteed by the SBA.  The CARES Act also authorized SBA to distribute Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDLs”), which provided working capital to eligible small businesses, including sole proprietors, to meet operating expenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2020, Gaston controlled certain entities including LNK, Elegant Clinical, Ruby Red LLC, and Diamond Shine LLC.  LNK and Diamond Shine LLC were operational, but shared resources and employees.  Ruby Red LLC had only one client and Gaston was its sole employee.   Elegant Clinical was no longer operational.  Beginning in approximately April 2020, Gaston submitted loan applications to the PPP and EIDL programs that falsely represented the status of the operations, resources, and employees of these entities.  She also filed loan applications at separate financial institutions in order to disguise the true nature of her criminal activity. 

Specifically, Gaston’s loan applications falsely represented that her businesses were all active and operating concerns; falsely represented the number of employees and the amount of wages purportedly paid by the businesses; included copies of fraudulent tax returns and tax related documents; and falsely represented that a family member, used as an applicant on an application, was a part owner of one of her entities.  As least one loan application was submitted after Gaston was arrested for state offenses related to a Medicaid fraud scheme.

Gaston received $1,163,910 in PPP and EIDL loan funds through this scheme.  Instead of using the funds for payroll or other operating expenses, she spent the money on personal expenditures, including, cares, travel, food, luxury home goods, expensive jewelry, and paying off her home mortgage.

Judge Russell ordered Gaston to pay full restitution.  She also forfeited a ring she purchased in July 2020 from the jeweler Harry Winston for $39,521.63.

On June 12, 2025, Gaston pleaded guilty to wire fraud and making illegal monetary transactions.

This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry.

Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Bryan DiGirolamo, Acting Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; and Hartford Police Chief James C. Rovella today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging KEVIN BARCO, 41, of Hartford, with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.

The indictment was returned on September 3, 2025.  Barco appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.  He has been detained since his arrest by Hartford Police on related state charges on April 24, 2025.

The indictment alleges that, on April 24, 2025, Barco possessed a Springfield Armory XD .40 caliber handgun with an obliterated serial number and a high-capacity magazine loaded with 17 rounds of ammunition.

The indictment further alleges that Barco’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for weapon, robbery, and larceny offenses.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

If convicted of the charge, Barco faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.  He also faces additional penalties if he is found to have violated the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

On September 27, 2021, Barco was sentenced in Bridgeport federal court to 39 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for illegally possessing a sawed-off shotgun.  He was released from federal prison in April 2024.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  A charge is only an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Harford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TAYLOR DZICZEK, 43, formerly of Chicopee, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to bank robbery charges.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI and state and local law enforcement investigated a series of robberies of banks and credit unions that occurred between September 2021 and August 2022 in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, and New Hampshire, and which were committed by what appeared to be the same individual.   During the investigation, Dziczek was identified as a suspect who robbed the Peoples United Bank, located at 117 East Street in Plainville, Connecticut, on May 26, 2022.  On that date, Dziczek entered the bank, approached the teller counter and gave the teller a note stating words to the effect of, “I have a gun. Don‘t call 911. Don‘t set off any alarms.“  When the teller stated she did not have any more money, Dziczek pulled what appeared to be a black firearm from the front pocket of his sweatshirt and made additional statements including “Give me all the money,” “I have a gun,” and “Don‘t be a hero.”

Dziczek removed some of the paper money wrappers from the money he received from the teller and discarded them at the bank before he fled the scene.   Plainville Police detectives collected the discarded money wrappers as evidence.  

On October 21, 2022, FBI special agents surveilled Dziczek while he was in the MGM Casino in Springfield, Massachusetts, and retrieved a Red Bull energy drink can with a black straw from which Dziczek was observed drinking.  Laboratory analysis connected DNA found on the black straw to DNA found on discarded money wrappers from the Plainville bank robbery.

Dziczek was arrested on December 1, 2022.

Dziczek pleaded guilty to three counts of bank robbery and admitted that committed the Plainville bank robbery, as well as the robberies of a Webster Bank branch in Somers, Connecticut, on October 22, 2021; a Key Bank branch in East Windsor, Connecticut, on January 6, 2022; a TD Bank branch in Nashua, New Hampshire, on June 3, 2022, during which he pointed what appeared to be a black pistol at the tellers; and a Liberty Bank branch in Meriden, Connecticut, on August 17, 2022.

Judge Nagala scheduled sentencing for February 20, 2026, at which time Dziczek faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 60 years.  Dziczek has agreed to pay restitution in the total amount of $82,567.

Dziczek has been detained since his arrest.

This investigation has been conducted by the FBI New Haven Division’s Violent Crimes Task Force, FBI Boston Division, FBI Albany Division, Connecticut State Police, Massachusetts State Police, Athol (Mass.) Police Department, Avon (Conn.) Police Department, Brattleboro (Vt.) Police Department, Chicopee (Mass.) Police Department, East Windsor (Conn.) Police Department, Enfield (Conn.) Police Department, Greenfield (Mass.) Police Department, Keene (N.H.) Police Department, Meriden (Conn.) Police Department, Montague (Mass.) Police Department, Nashua (N.H.) Police Department, Plainville (Conn.) Police Department, Somers (Conn.) Police Department, and Springfield (Mass.) Police Department.  The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Scientific Services has provided valuable assistance to the investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel E. Cummings, and Stephanie T. Levick.  U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Districts of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Vermont and for their close cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that YESENIA MELENDEZ RINCON, 41, a citizen of Colombia last residing in Kissimmee, Florida, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 24 months of imprisonment for her involvement in an organized jewelry theft ring that targeted mall-based stores and kiosks across the country.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from May 2023 through April 2024, Melendez Rincon and several other Colombian nationals burglarized jewelry stores and kiosks in malls and then transported the stolen property or the proceeds from it across state lines.  Melendez Rincon and her co-conspirators burglarized jewelry establishments at the Connecticut Post Mall in Milford, Connecticut, on October 5, 2023; in Lombard, Illinois on October 17, 2023; in Hamilton Township, New Jersey, on October 27, 2023; and in Henrico, Virginia on November 4, 2023.  The total losses from these burglaries exceed $1.33 million. 

Melendez Rincon typically cased the targeted business, served as a “lookout” during the burglaries, and she was involved in the sale of the stolen jewelry to others.

A photo taken in January 2024 and retrieved from Melendez Rincon’s iCloud account shows Melendez Rincon wearing a distinctive heart-shaped ring that was stolen during the Milford, Connecticut, burglary in October 2023.

The investigation revealed that Melendez Rincon’s co-conspirators also were involved in the theft of an additional $3.1 million in jewelry from establishments in Paterson, New Jersey, on May 17, 2023; in Mentor, Ohio, on July 21, 2023; in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on August 13, 2023; in Greece, New York, on September 20, 2023; and in Horseheads, New York, on April 18, 2024.  Members of the conspiracy also cased additional jewelry stores and kiosks in Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Delaware.

To date, none of the stolen jewelry has been recovered by law enforcement.

Melendez Rincon was arrested on July 18, 2024.  On July 1, 2025, she pleaded guilty to conspiracy.

Melendez Rincon, who had been released pending sentencing, was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service at the conclusion of the sentencing.  She faces immigration proceedings when she completes her prison term.

This investigation is being conducted by the FBI New Haven’s Transnational Organized Crime Task Force with the assistance of the Milford (Conn.) Police Department, the Hamilton Township (N.J.) Police Division, the Delaware State Police, the Henrico County (Va.) Police Division, the New York State Police, the New York Police Department, the Pensacola (Fla.) Police Department, the Paterson (N.J.) Police Department, the Mentor (Ohio) Police Department, the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Police Department, the Greece (N.Y.) Police Department, and the Lombard (Ill.) Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David T. Huang and Conor M. Reardon.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, and the FBI Field Offices in New York, Dallas, Miami, and Tampa for their assistance.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced ANGELO DELMARO, 48, of Farmington, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to tax evasion.

According to court documents and statements made in court, since at least 2012, Delmaro has owned and operated commercial roofing businesses in Connecticut, initially doing business as “Value Roofing,” then “Roofing Services of New England,” and most recently as “Roofing Services.”  The businesses also provided paving services.  None of Delmaro’s companies registered with the Connecticut Secretary of State or had a federal Taxpayer Identification Number.  From 2012 to 2022, Delmaro’s companies earned approximately $12.7 million in customer receipts, but Delmaro paid his workers in cash, never filed income or payroll tax returns for himself or the business, and took several steps to conceal income and operating expenses from the IRS.

As part of his tax evasion scheme, Delmaro and others associated with his business cashed checks from customers at various check cashing businesses instead of depositing them into bank accounts.  Delmaro provided the check cashers with addresses associated with UPS mailboxes rather than his home address.  When the check cashers filed Currency Transaction Reports (“CTRs”), the IRS only had a UPS mailbox location to try to identify source of income.  

Delmaro also had customers file false Forms 1099 made out to a family member, rather than his business, or made out to Delmaro himself, making income attribution more difficult.  At times, when a customer requested that Delmaro provide a completed Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification, Form W-9, Delmaro worked with his father to prepare a false W-9 that included the name and social security number of his father and a UPS mailbox address.  Delmaro sometimes provided customers with W-9 forms using false identities, such as “Harvey Rubino” or “Tony Stano,” which the customers used on the 1099.  Delmaro’s father used an alias, which differed from the name and information Delmaro provided to the customer.

Delmaro has agreed to pay restitution of $630,869 to the IRS.

Judge Nagala scheduled sentencing for January 21.

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

This investigation has been conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division and the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging the following 15 individuals with conspiring to traffic fentanyl and cocaine into and around southern Connecticut:

DAMIEN HAZEL, 26, of Bridgeport
YANISHKA ARROYO-RIVERA, a.k.a. “Nani,” 22, of Bridgeport
NICHOLAS VEGA, a.k.a. “Nick,” 25, of Ansonia
OMAR VIERA, a.k.a. “O,” 32, of Waterbury
JONATHAN MEJIA, a.k.a. “Big Head,” 27, of Kentucky, formerly of Hamden
NESTOR ROSADO, a.k.a. “Joey,” 27, of Bridgeport
VICTOR FRANCISCO BONILLA, a.k.a. “Mostro,” 34, of Bridgeport
KELVIN OLIVO, 34, of Naugatuck
BRENJINELLIE GONZALEZ, a.k.a. “Brenji,” 24, of New Haven
ROBERTO DEJESUS, a.k.a. “Pedro Ramirez” and “Tito,” 50, of Bridgeport
DANIEL RUIZ, a.k.a. “Jumbo,” 38, of Bridgeport
JAFFAR ALI, 32, a citizen of the Dominican Republic residing in Trumbull
DAVON WARNER, a.k.a. “DaeDae,” 25, of New Haven
MADISON CRUZ, a.k.a. “Maddie,” 23, of Shelton
JASZAE VAZQUEZ, 26, of Derby

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, an FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force investigation determined that Hazel headed a narcotics trafficking organization that distributed fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine in southern Connecticut.  Hazel and others traveled to the Bronx, New York, to acquire kilogram quantities of fentanyl and deliver narcotics proceeds, and to Puerto Rico to acquire cocaine and ship it through the U.S. Mail to various addresses in Connecticut.  During the investigation, the FBI Task Force and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service seized several packages containing a total of at least 16 kilograms of cocaine, and identified several more that likely contained narcotics. 

Hazel and 13 of his alleged co-conspirators were arrested on criminal complaints on September 10, 2025, and DeJesus was arrested on September 12, 2025.  In association with the arrests, investigators seized two firearms and assorted ammunition from a residence shared by Hazel and Arroyo-Rivera, ammunition and suspected narcotics from DeJesus, and suspected narcotics from Vega, Ali, and Warner.

“As alleged, this organization trafficked a significant amount of fentanyl and cocaine into our state, and I thank the members of FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, with the assistance of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, who shut down this drug importation and distribution network,” said U.S. Attorney Sullivan.  “The scourge of illegal narcotics continues to ruin lives in Connecticut, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to targeting and prosecuting those who are profiting from it.”

“This indictment demonstrates FBI New Haven’s top priority of crushing violent crime,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge P.J. O’Brien.  “Along with our federal and local partners, we are committed to removing dangerous drugs, like fentanyl and cocaine, from the streets of Connecticut.  The FBI will continue to bring the full breadth of our resources to the table to support our partners and keep our neighborhoods safe.”

The indictment charges each defendant with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl.  If convicted of the charge, based on the type and quantity of drug attributed to each defendant, Hazel, Arroyo-Rivera, Vega, Viera, Mejia, Rosado, Bonilla, Olivo, and Gonzalez, face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and DeJesus, Ruiz, Ali, Warner, Cruz, and Vazquez face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.

Hazel, DeJesus, Vega, Mejia, Bonilla, Ruiz, and Ali are currently detained, and the remaining eight defendants are released pending trial.

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

This investigation is being conducted by the FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Norwalk, Trumbull, Hartford, Fairfield, Shelton, Ansonia, Derby, Greenwich, Stamford, New Haven, Waterbury, and Louisville (Ky.) Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and Kenneth L. Gresham.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RYAN SQUILLANTE, 40, of Weston, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to two months of imprisonment, 18 months of supervised release, and a $331,368 fine for an insider trading offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, working from his home, Squillante was employed as the Head of Equity Trading at an investment company headquartered in Denver, Colorado.  In his position, Squillante received material non-public information (“MNPI”) about various publicly traded companies.  On 15 different occasions between August 2022 and May 2023, Squillante used MNPI for his own benefit by executing transactions in securities of these companies, making a total profit of $220,912.

As an example, in February 2023, Squillante received MNPI about Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc. (“Praxis”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company whose common stock traded on the NASDAQ.  Between February 27 and March 2, 2023, Squillante “sold short” 38,086 shares of Praxis at an average price per share of approximately $3.04.  On March 3, 2023, before the market opened, Praxis announced poor results from its drug trial, stating that the drug’s effects did not achieve its primary endpoint with statistical significance.  Following the announcement, Squillante “covered” his short sale by purchasing 38,086 Praxis shares at an average price per share of approximately $1.82, making a profit of approximately $46,421.

On June 6, 2025, Squillante pleaded guilty to securities fraud.  He is required to report to prison on January 7.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather L. Cherry.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Bridgeport Judicial District; P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bryan DiGirolamo, Acting Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter; and Norwalk Police Chief James Walsh today announced that SAMUEL BRANCH, also known as “Sosa,” 27; GIOVANNI HUDSON, 34; DONTAE SCULLARK, 22; and WILLIAM HINTON, 22, all of Norwalk, have been federally charged for their alleged involvement in a kidnapping and carjacking in August 2023.

As alleged in the indictment, Branch, Hudson, Scullark, and Hinton conspired to kidnap a victim in Bridgeport.  In the evening of August 2 and morning of August 3, 2023, the four defendants, traveling together in an SUV, surveilled the victim as he drove to a restaurant on Boston Avenue, parked his Mercedes Benz, and entered the restaurant.  Hudson, in possession of a handgun with an extended magazine, then entered the back seat of the Mercedes Benz and laid in wait for the victim.  When the victim entered his car, Hudson placed the gun to the victim’s head and instructed him to drive.  Branch, Scullark, and Hinton followed in the SUV.  After Hudson told the victim to pull over, at least one of the co-conspirators climbed into the Mercedes Benz and also threatened the victim at gunpoint.  The co-conspirators stole cash, credit cards, jewelry, a cell phone, and other items from the victim and demanded that the victim provide access to his digital bank on his cell phone.  They then let the victim out of the Mercedes Benz, took the vehicle, and drove it and the SUV away.

On September 4, 2025, a grand jury in Bridgeport returned a four-count indictment charging Branch, Hudson, Scullark, and Hinton with conspiracy to commit kidnapping, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of life.  The indictment also charges Branch, Hudson, and Scullark with kidnapping, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and with carjacking, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.  Hudson is also charged with carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, an offense that mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least seven years.

Scullark and Hinton were arrested on September 5, 2025, and are currently detained.  Branch and Hudson, who are currently in state custody, are scheduled to be arraigned today.

Branch is also charged in an unrelated indictment, returned in March 2025, with drug distribution and firearm possession offenses.  He has been detained since September 2023.

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

This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, the Bridgeport Police Department, and the Norwalk Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Michael A. DeJoseph who is cross designated as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in this matter.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARTIN ONOFRE-MENDEZ, 50, a citizen of Mexico last residing in New Haven, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to a cocaine trafficking offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2024, the DEA New Haven District Office Task Force learned that Onofre-Mendez was distributing narcotics from a restaurant on Grand Avenue in New Haven.  Between May and September 2024, investigators made multiple controlled purchases totaling approximately 600 grams of cocaine from Onofre-Mendez.

Onofre-Mendez was arrested on October 1, 2024.  On that date, investigators seized 225 grams of cocaine from Onofre-Mendez and 480 grams of cocaine from a location he used to store drugs.  He has been detained since his arrest.

Onofre-Mendez pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  He is scheduled to sentenced on December 12.

This matter has been investigated by the DEA New Haven District Office (NHDO) Task Force and the New Haven Police Department.  The Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Waterbury, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Naugatuck, and Shelton Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan J. Keefe.

MALIK BAYON, also known as “Pop” and “Dirt,” 29, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to life in prison, and a mandatory five-year consecutive term of imprisonment, for offenses related to his involvement in the 960 gang, a violent Waterbury street gang.

Today’s announcement was made by David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Maureen T. Platt, State’s Attorney for the Waterbury Judicial District; P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bryan DiGirolamo, Acting Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; and Waterbury Police Chief Fernando C. Spagnolo.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address drug trafficking and related violence in Waterbury, the FBI, ATF, and Waterbury Police have been investigating multiple Waterbury-based groups, including the 960 gang.  On September 14, 2021, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned a 36-count indictment charging Bayon and 15 other 960 gang members with various offenses, including racketeering, murder, attempted murder and assault, firearm possession, narcotics trafficking, and obstruction of justice offenses.

According to the evidence presented during his trial:

• On October 31, 2017, Bayon and other 960 members were involved in a drive-by shooting in the area of Porter Street and Bank Street in Waterbury in an attempt to murder members of a rival gang.  An individual was shot and wounded in the shooting.      Investigators recovered 17 shell casings from four different firearms at the scene.
• On November 22, 2017, Bayon and 960 members Zaekwon McDaniel and Tahjay Love shot at Clarence Lewis and Antonio Santos who were in a car at a restaurant in Waterbury.  Lewis sped from the scene at a high rate of speed and crashed into a house at the intersection of Wolcott Street and Dallas Avenue in Waterbury.      Lewis, 22, and Santos, 20, were pronounced dead at the scene.  Shell casings connected two of firearms used during the shooting to the shooting that occurred on October 31, 2017.
• On December 29, 2017, shortly before 9:00 p.m., Bayon, McDaniel, and Love shot and injured the father of a rival gang member who was taking out the trash in front of his residence.  960 members videoed themselves wearing masks at the scene minutes before the shooting.

To promote 960, Bayon and other 960 members made rap videos that glorified gang violence, firearm possession, and drug dealing.  Many of the rap lyrics were tied to criminal conduct committed by 960 members.

Bayon has been detained since his federal arrest on September 16, 2021. He was flushing fentanyl in a toilet at the time of his arrest, and a search of his residence revealed a firearm, an extended gun magazine and additional gun magazines, and ammunition.

On February 14, 2024, a jury found Bayon, McDaniel, and Love guilty of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity with special circumstances, murder in violation of the Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering (“VCAR”) statute, and two counts of causing death through the use of a firearm and in relation to a crime of violence.  The jury also found McDaniel guilty of attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, and carrying and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; Love guilty of obstruction of justice; and Bayon guilty of conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute narcotics, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

On September 9, 2025, McDaniel was sentenced to life in prison and a mandatory 10-year consecutive term of imprisonment.  Love awaits sentencing.

This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, Waterbury Police Department, ATF, and U.S. Marshals Service, with the assistance of the Southington Police Department, Watertown Police Department, New Milford Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory, and the DEA Laboratory.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey M. Stone, John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Natasha M. Freismuth, and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Don E. Therkildesen, Jr. and Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney Alexandra Arroyo, who were cross-designated as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys in this matter.

This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ORLANDO GUZMAN, 74, of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 240 months of imprisonment and a lifetime of supervised release for recording his sexual abuse of a minor and possessing thousands of child sexual abuse images and videos.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has been investigating a network of individuals who have been using private groups on an internet chat application to share images and videos of child sexual abuse.  The investigation revealed that an account associated with Guzman was an active member of two of these groups.  The investigation further revealed that, between February and August 2022, Guzman sexually abused a minor female and used mobile devices to record and store images and videos of the abuse.

On September 2, 2022, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of Guzman’s mobile devices.  Analysis of the devices revealed more than 3,000 video files and more than 2,000 image files of child pornography, including images and videos depicting Guzman’s abuse of the minor victim.

Guzman has been detained since his arrest on September 7, 2022.  On January 22, 2025, he pleaded guilty to production of child pornography and possession of child pornography.

This investigation was conducted by HSI with the assistance of the New Britain Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings.

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.