District of Connecticut

The FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Marshals Service, Connecticut State Police, Hartford Police Department anjd New Haven Police Department, in coordination with other federal, state and local law enforcement and emergency services agencies, continue to investigate several incidents of letters containing white powder that were mailed to government facilities and non-governmental organizations in Connecticut and elsewhere in the U.S., and began arriving on September 5, 2018.  It is alleged that many of these letters were mailed by an individual who has been in federal custody since his arrest, for alleged violations of his supervised release, on September 5.

Through the course of the investigation, investigators have seized unmailed letters, notified numerous potential recipients of letters, and successfully removed some letters from the mail stream prior to their delivery.  However, letters continue to arrive in various locations.

Although the seized and retrieved letters have caused no illness or injuries to date, we strongly urge anyone who receives a suspicious letter or package not to handle it further, and immediately call 911.  This will permit law enforcement and emergency services personnel to investigate the matter safely.

Finally, I note that these letters have caused emotional distress for recipients and have consumed valuable time and resources of our first responders.  This crime, and others like it, will be vigorously prosecuted.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that LOUIS GOLDBERG, 71, of New Haven, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of aiding and assisting in the filing of a false tax return.

According to court documents and statements made in court, GOLDBERG owns Good Copy Printing Center Inc. (GCP), a printing company located in New Haven.  GCP employed GOLDBERG’s nephew, Ira Malkin, as a principal salesman, and Malkin earned substantial commissions from GCP based on sales made to customers.  Between approximately 2003 and 2012, GOLDBERG was aware that GCP paid many of Malkin’s personal expenses.  With Malkin’s consent, GCP reduced his commissions by the amount of personal expenses the company paid.  GCP then reported to the IRS through filed W-2 forms that Malkin had earned substantially less income than he truly earned.  By reporting lower commissions paid, GCP also improperly reduced the amount of Medicare Payroll Taxes it reported and paid to the IRS.

In addition, GCP handled printing jobs for Comcast, which included GCP mailing out flyers and paying the relevant postage expense with the expectation that GCP would subsequently be reimbursed for that expense.  GOLDBERG knew that Malkin had GCP pay the postage expense for the Comcast mailings, had Comcast reimburse Malkin for the cost of the mailings, and then had GCP reduce Malkin’s earned commissions by the amount of postage paid by GCP.  Through this arrangement, between approximately 2009 and 2012, GCP further underreported Malkin’s income on W-2 forms filed with the IRS.  By reporting lower income, GCP again improperly reduced the amount of Medicare Payroll Taxes it reported and paid to the IRS.

Between 2003 and 2012, GCP underreported a total of $40,490 in Medicare taxes.

GOLDBERG is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall on November 29, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years.

On February 27, 2018, Malkin pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion and admitted that he failed to pay $484,581 in federal income taxes on more than $1.5 million in unreported income.  On August 9, he was sentenced to six months of imprisonment and six months of home confinement.  Malkin has repaid the IRS all of his back taxes, but still owes more than $700,000 in interest and penalties.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ISMAEL SANCHEZ COLON, 44, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).

According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2001, SANCHEZ COLON was convicted in the State of Wisconsin of the felony offense of causing a child between the ages of 13 and 18 to view sexual activity.  He was sentenced to 60 days of incarceration and five years of probation.  He also was ordered to comply with sex offender registration requirements for a period of 15 years after completion of his term of probation.

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

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

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

SANCHEZ COLON has been detained since his arrest on April 12, 2018.

Judge Bolden scheduled sentencing for November 29, at which time SANCHEZ COLON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging ROBERT DUDUKOVICH, 24, of Wakeman, Ohio, with five counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of aiding and abetting the transportation of child pornography.

The indictment was returned on August 30, 2018, and DUDUKOVICH was arrested yesterday in Berlin Heights, Ohio.  He appeared in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, in Toledo, and was ordered detained pending his removal to the District of Connecticut.

As alleged in the indictment, between July 10, 2017 and October 4, 2017, DUDUKOVICH managed a chat group on “Kik,” a smartphone messaging application, that provided a forum for group members to communicate about their sexual interest in young boys and to share and trade child pornography primarily depicting young boys engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  DUDUKOVICH shared with the group members, including an individual in Connecticut, images and videos of child pornography.  The child pornography included videos of a minor engaged in sexual acts with another minor, and a video of a minor engaged in a sexual act with an adult.  DUDUKOVICH also shared with the group members a link to his Dropbox account, which contained additional images and videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. 

If convicted, DUDUKOVICH faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.

The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven.

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

This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio for their assistance in this matter.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that BASHON WHITLEY, 28, of New London, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking narcotics.

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

Bashon Whitley has been detained since his federal arrest on January 24, 2018.  On May 30, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine and 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).

Anthony Whitley has been detained since his arrest on March 3, 2017.  He pleaded guilty to the same charge on July 31, 2018, and awaits sentencing.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAVED CHOUDHRY, 60, of Glastonbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to eight months of imprisonment, followed by four months of home confinement and three years of supervised release, for conspiracy and tax offenses related to a kickback scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, CHOUDHRY was employed by a construction company based in Stamford.  Between 2011 and 2014, CHOUDHRY received between $250,000 and $500,000 in cash kickbacks from construction contractors in exchange for steering them millions of dollars in contracts on construction projects in Stamford. 

In addition, CHOUDHRY failed to report to the Internal Revenue Service most of the income he received through the kickback scheme.

As part of his sentence, CHOUDHRY is required to pay back taxes of approximately $47,500, plus interest and penalties.

On May 16, 2017, CHOUDHRY pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of filing a false tax return.

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Raymond D. Moss, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Erin Joe, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that ROBERT J. BARRY, 77, of Woodbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of wire fraud relating to his theft from elderly client trust accounts.

According to court documents and statements made in court, BARRY was a partner in the law firm of Sturges and Mathes, located in Southbury.  The firm specialized in trust and estates work, and BARRY headed that practice.  As part of his practice, BARRY drafted trust agreements for clients designating himself as successor trustee in the event of the client’s death or incapacity.  He also prepared wills for clients that named BARRY as executor of the client’s estate upon death.

Beginning as least as early as 2008 and continuing until approximately December 2015, BARRY engaged in a scheme to defraud an elderly victim by stealing money from the victim’s client trust accounts while the victim was alive, and then stealing money from the victim’s estate after the victim died.  BARRY, in his role as executor and successor trustee for the victim, directed Sturges and Mathes staff members to prepare checks drawn on the victim’s accounts payable to the Sturges and Mathes operating account.  Once the money was deposited into the firm’s operating account, BARRY directed staff to cut a check against the firm operating account payable to a special account in the firm’s name over which BARRY had exclusive control.  BARRY then wrote himself checks from the special account to his personal bank account. 

In furtherance of the scheme, BARRY caused numerous false and misleading statements to be sent to the victim and the victim’s residual beneficiary about the disposition of assets.

Through this scheme, BARRY stole more than $2.4 million from the victim and the victim’s estate.

In order to hide the excess fees that he had taken, BARRY also caused a false federal estate tax return to be filed with the IRS.  The tax return underreported the amount of the victim’s estate by approximately $937,000.

BARRY is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on December 4, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

In addition to agreeing to a restitution order of more than $2.4 million for losses to the victim’s estate, BARRY has agreed to pay restitution to residual beneficiaries of other estate clients.

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

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Susan Wines and Jennifer Laraia.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian J. Taylor, Acting United States Marshal, announced that GARY JOSEPH GRAVELLE, 51, of New Haven, was arrested today in New Britain by members of the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force and the New Britain Police Department on federal supervised released violation.

Gravelle appeared this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector and was ordered detained.

According to statements made in court, Gravelle is under investigation for sending multiple threatening communications and for mailing multiple letters containing white powder to several federal and state offices, and community organizations, in September 2018.

On July 19, 2013, Gravelle was sentenced in Bridgeport federal court to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for mailing numerous threatening letters.  He was released from federal prison in November 2015.  It is alleged that Gravelle failed to comply with certain conditions of his supervised release, including failing to notify the U.S. Probation Office of a change of residence, and failing to comply with a mental health treatment requirement.

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The investigation concerning the sending of threatening communications is continuing.  Anyone with pertinent information is asked to call the FBI at 203-777-6311.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that OSCAR MONTOYA, 62, of Windsor Locks, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for drug trafficking and money laundering offenses related to the distribution of heroin and various prescription medications.

According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in approximately 1998, MONTOYA’s wife, Christina Miles, who is a retired nurse, illegally possessed, dispensed and sold prescription medication and other controlled substances.  MONTOYA knew of Miles’ illegal activity and, at Miles’ direction, dispensed pills to at least one of Miles’ drug customers.   MONTOYA also was aware that family members outside of Connecticut were mailing pills to Miles at their Windsor Locks residence, and that his wife was selling the pills for profit.

On August 4, 2016, members of the North Central Narcotics Task Force and the DEA conducted a court-authorized search of Miles and MONTOYA’s residence at 350 North Street in Windsor Locks and seized a large quantity of various prescription medications, approximately two pounds of marijuana, $10,093 in cash and more than $13,000 in gift cards.  Miles and MONTOYA were arrested on state charges after the search.

The investigation revealed that, through this drug trafficking conspiracy, Miles and MONTOYA amassed more than $700,000 in a number of individual and jointly held bank accounts.  The investigation also revealed that, in April 2017, Miles and MONTOYA used $17,359 of drug proceeds to purchase 11 U.S. Postal Service money orders and a bank cashier’s check payable to a New Jersey-based moving company for a planned move from Connecticut to New Mexico.

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

On May 21, 2018, MONTOYA pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin, oxymorphone, hydrocodone and alprazolam, and one count of engaging and attempting to engage in a monetary transaction affecting interstate commerce, involving criminally derived property of a value greater than $10,000.

Miles pleaded guilty to the same charges on May 15, 2018.

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

Miles awaits sentencing.

On May 22, 2018, Miles’s daughter, Christy Miles, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin, oxymorphone, hydrocodone and alprazolam.  She also awaits sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad and the U.S. Marshals Service with the valuable assistance of the North Central Narcotics Task Force and the Windsor Locks, Enfield, Vernon, East Windsor, Manchester and Suffield Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David X. Sullivan and Patrick F. Caruso.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRYAN KELLY, 46, of Madison, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to three years of probation, the first six months of which KELLY must serve in home confinement with location monitoring, for distributing anabolic steroids.  Judge Bolden also ordered KELLY to pay a $1,000 fine and perform 100 hours of community service.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2017, the Statewide Narcotics Task Force West conducted a court-authorized search of an individual’s residence in Hamden and seized approximately 25,000 pills and 530 vials of anabolic steroids. Subsequent analysis of the individual’s cell phone revealed numerous text messages relating to KELLY’s purchase and redistribution of steroids.  At the time of the search, KELLY was a police officer with the Hamden Police Department.

The investigation revealed that KELLY purchased steroids from his source of supply since approximately October 2016.  He personally used some of the steroids and distributed some to friends and colleagues.

On May 21, 2018, KELLY pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute anabolic steroids.

KELLY has retired from the Hamden Police Department.

This matter has been investigated by the Connecticut State Police, Statewide Narcotics Task Force West, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan with the assistance of the State’s Attorney for the New Haven Judicial District.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on August 29, 2018, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a 21-count superseding indictment charging ROBERT V. MATTHEWS, 60, LESLIE R. EVANS, 71, and MARIA MATTHEWS, also known as “Mia Matthews,” 48, all of Palm Beach, Florida, with various offenses stemming from a scheme that defrauded foreign investors.

On March 14, 2018, a grand jury returned a 20-count indictment charging Robert Matthews and Evans with fraud and money laundering offenses.  The superseding indictment adds one count of tax evasion against Robert Matthews and Maria Matthews.

According to the indictment, Robert Matthews was a real estate developer in charge of The Palm House Hotel (“PHH”), a property that he sought to develop in Palm Beach.  Robert and Maria Matthews, who are married, maintained residences in both Florida and Connecticut.  Evans is a real estate attorney.

The EB-5 visa program is a federal program by which foreign nationals and their families are eligible to apply for lawful permanent resident status (commonly known as a “green card”) if they meet certain requirements by investing in a development project in the U.S.  Various entities in the U.S. act as intermediaries between potential foreign investors and investment projects.  One such entity, South Atlantic Regional Center, LLC (“SARC”) in Palm Beach, Florida, advertised EB-5 projects to foreign investors, collected funds from foreign investors that were earmarked for certain development projects, and made the funding available to the respective development project.

The PHH was a development project advertised by SARC to EB-5 investors between approximately 2012 and 2014.  Robert Matthews purchased the PHH property in August 2006, and then lost the property in foreclosure in 2009.  In August 2013, Robert Matthews reacquired control of the property through an entity called Palm House, LLC.  However, Robert Matthews’ brother, Gerry Matthews, was listed in incorporation documents as owning 99 percent of Palm House, LLC, and another individual, who had secured additional financing for Robert Matthews, was listed as owning the remaining 1 percent.

The indictment alleges that Robert Matthews, Evans and others defrauded EB-5 investors, SARC and the one-percent owner of PHH by representing that funds from EB-5 investors would be used to develop the PHH; that certain well-known individuals would be on the PHH advisory board and certain well-known entertainers, businesspeople and politicians “will be a part of the club”; and that Gerry Matthews was a member of the Palm House, LLC management team and was the 99 percent owner of the project.  EB-5 investors invested in the PHH project by providing money to bank accounts controlled by SARC.  SARC, in turn, provided EB-5 money earmarked for PHH use either into an account controlled by Robert Matthews, Evans and their agents, or into Evans’ Interest on Trust Account (“IOTA”) that was used to maintain his clients’ funds.

The indictment alleges that, while Gerry Matthews was the nominal 99 percent owner of Palm House, LLC, Robert Matthews controlled the company.  The indictment further alleges that Robert Matthews, Evans and others used EB-5 funding for purposes not related to the PHH project, including for Robert and Maria Matthews’ personal gain.  In addition, there was no evidence any of the proffered well-known individuals would be on the PHH advisory board or would be members of the club.

As part of this alleged scheme, Robert Matthews, Evans and others moved investor funds through various bank accounts located in Connecticut and Florida.  The funds were used to pay Robert and Maria Matthews’ credit card debts, to purchase two properties located in Washington Depot, Connecticut, and to assist in Robert Matthews’ purchase of a 151-foot yacht.  One of the Washington Depot properties was a property that Robert Matthews had previously lost in foreclosure.  Robert Matthews, Evans, Nicholas Laudano and others conspired to purchase the property out of foreclosure by concealing both the relationship between the co-conspirators, and the source of the funds used to purchase the property.

Laudano is a construction contractor who continuously worked on the development of the PHH project between approximately 2006 and 2016.  He also has operated several restaurants in Florida and Connecticut.

The indictment further alleges that, between approximately 2009 and March 2017, Robert and Maria Matthews willfully attempted to evade paying federal income tax they owed for the 2005 and 2007 calendar years in multiple ways, including by using limited liability companies, a company bank account, and the Evans IOTA account to pay for personal expenses.  In addition, after Robert and Maria Matthews received notice from the IRS that a failure to pay their delinquent income tax liabilities by September 2, 2016, would result in the seizure of all of their assets, Robert Matthews sold, on September 2, 2016, a Mercedes for $82,000 and, after paying off a lien, caused the proceeds of the sale to be wired into the Evans IOTA account.

The indictment charges Robert Matthews with eight counts of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, one count of bank fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, and 10 counts of illegal monetary transactions, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

The indictment charges Evans with eight counts of wire fraud, one count of bank fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, and one count of illegal monetary transactions.

Robert Matthews and Maria Matthews are charged with one count of tax evasion, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

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

Robert Matthews and Evans were arrested on March 15, 2018, and are released on bonds.  Maria Matthews and Robert Matthews are scheduled to be arraigned by U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven on September 4 at 10:30 a.m.

On March 7, 2018, Gerry Matthews, of Middlebury, Connecticut, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.  On March 12, 2018, Laudano, of Boynton Beach, Florida, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of illegal monetary transactions.  They await sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Pierpont, Jr. and David E. Novick.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that RICHARD M. LACH, 32, of Richton Park, Illinois, pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with a scheme to defraud state unemployment insurance programs in Connecticut and 37 other states.

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

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

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

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

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

LACH pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of aggravated identity theft, an offense that carries a mandatory, consecutive two-year term of imprisonment.  LACH is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer on November 27, 2018.

LACH has been detained since his arrest on February 2, 2018.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOEL BONILLA, 30, a citizen of Honduras last residing in Norwalk, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien.  In pleading guilty, BONILLA also acknowledged that he failed to register as a sex offender in Connecticut.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2007, BONILLA was convicted in the Commonwealth of Virginia of aggravated sexual battery.  He was sentenced to 20 years of incarceration, execution suspended after five years, and 10 years of probation.  He also was required to register as a sex offender.  After he served his prison term and registered as a sex offender in Virginia, BONILLA was remanded to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  In January 2011, BONILLA was deported Honduras. 

BONILLA illegally reentered the U.S. and resided in Norwalk as early as December 2015.  On January 14, 2018, BONILLA was involved in a motor vehicle stop with Norwalk Police.  Subsequent fingerprint analysis confirmed that BONILLA had been previously deported from the U.S.  He was taken into ICE custody on February 14, 2018.

The investigation revealed that BONILLA had not registered as a sex offender in the State of Connecticut, or updated his registration in the Commonwealth of Virginia, both required by law.  A sex offender is required to register following the assumption of residence in Connecticut “without undue delay.”

BONILLA is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on November 30, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

This matter has been investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Marshals Service, with the assistance of the Norwalk Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TIMOTHY CHARLEMAGNE, also known as “Red,” 42, of Windsor, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribution, and distribution of, controlled substances.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 11, 2015, members of the Enfield Police Department and medical personnel responded to an untimely death at a residence in Enfield.  The victim was located in a bedroom of the residence.  Investigators seized 30 empty wax folds from the bedroom where the victim was found, and the victim’s cell phone.

Analysis of the victim’s cellphone and witness interviews confirmed that the victim purchased heroin combined with fentanyl from CHARLEMAGNE shortly before the victim died.

CHARLEMAGNE has been detained since his arrest on December 20, 2017.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven on November 26, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Enfield Police Department, Windsor Police Department, Hartford Police Department and Connecticut’s Office of Adult Probation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patrick J. Griffin, State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of New Haven, announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned a three-count indictment today charging QUENTIN STAGGERS, also known as “Q,” 47, of New Haven, with distributing synthetic cannabinoids, commonly known as “K2” or “Spice.”

As alleged in the indictment, STAGGERS possessed with intent to distribute, and distributed, synthetic cannabinoids on July 20, August 15 and August 16, 2018.

STAGGERS has been detained since August 16 when he was arrested on a federal criminal complaint.

If convicted, STAGGERS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count of the indictment.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force and the New Haven Police Department.

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

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Caruso and Assistant State’s Attorney Karen Roberg.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOEL CRUZ, 35, of Meriden, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

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

CRUZ is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on November 28, 2018, at which time he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.  CRUZ also has agreed to forfeit the cash seized at the time of his arrest.

CRUZ is released on bond pending sentencing.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that OMAR VILLARREAL, 27, of La Puente, California, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to fentanyl trafficking offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 21, 2016, law enforcement officers stopped a tractor trailer on Route 34 in Derby.  A search of the cab of the tractor trailer revealed a box that contained 25 kilograms of fentanyl.  The driver of the vehicle, Erick Crespo-Escalante, was placed under arrest.  The investigation revealed that Crespo-Escalante was delivering the shipment of fentanyl to a location in Waterbury.

In pleading guilty, VILLARREAL admitted that, in October 2016, he traveled from California to Connecticut for the purpose of overseeing the shipment of the narcotics to Connecticut, took up residence in Waterbury for approximately two months for the purpose of coordinating the delivery, and established a “stash” location in Waterbury to which the shipment could be delivered.  After returning to California, VILLARREAL engaged in multiple phone calls with Crespo-Escalante to arrange the delivery via tractor trailer to Connecticut.

VILLARREAL pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting the possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of traveling in interstate commerce to promote an unlawful activity, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for November 28, 2018.

VILLARREAL has been detained since his arrest on May 15, 2017.

On April 4, 2017, Crespo-Escalante pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, fentanyl.  He awaits sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dave Vatti.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYESHON KING, 31, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 24, 2017, members of the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and Bridgeport Police Department conducted a court-authorized search of KING’s Bridgeport residence and seized a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol and a loaded .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol that had been reported stolen in Bridgeport in 2015.  Investigators also seized items used to process and package narcotics for street sale.

KING’s criminal history includes a state conviction in May 2007 for attempted assault in the first degree.  He received a sentence of 15 years of incarceration, suspended after three years, on that conviction.

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.

KING has been detained since his federal arrest on July 13, 2017.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton on November 19, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, and Bridgeport Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Vizcarrondo and Dave Vatti.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAMIEN PERRY, also known as “Damian Perry” and “Primo” 36, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 92 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin and crack cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration received information that PERRY, Luis “Twin” Padilla and others were trafficking heroin, crack cocaine and other narcotics from the Waterbury area to Eastern Maine.  On October 11, 2016, in Waterbury, investigators saw PERRY and Padilla meeting with Cecil Stanley, a resident of Maine, and saw Padilla stuff a package in the rear passenger area of Stanley’s vehicle.  The next day, investigators followed Stanley’s vehicle and another vehicle containing PERRY and Padilla as the cars traveled in close proximity to each other from Waterbury on I-84 East.  Connecticut State Police stopped Stanley’s vehicle in East Hartford and found approximately 55 grams of heroin and 95 grams of crack cocaine in a “trap” in the rear seat area of the car.

After State Police stopped Stanley’s vehicle, the vehicle containing PERRY and Padilla returned to Waterbury.

Subsequent analysis of text messages contained on Stanley’s cellphone revealed that PERRY and Padilla supplied Stanley with narcotics, which Stanley distributed in Maine.

On December 7, 2016, a grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment charging PERRY, Padilla and Stanley with heroin and crack cocaine trafficking offenses.

PERRY was arrested on December 15, 2016, and was released on a $25,000 bond.  On March 29, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Subsequent investigation revealed that PERRY continued to traffic narcotics while he was released on a bond.  On July 18, 2018, a grand jury in Bangor, Maine, returned an indictment charging PERRY, Padilla and five other individuals with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine.

PERRY has been detained since September 8, 2017. 

Padilla and Stanley pleaded guilty in the District of Connecticut.  On February 27, 2018, Padilla was sentenced to 78 months of imprisonment and Stanley was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment.

This matter has been investigated by the DEA New Haven Task Force with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and the Waterbury Police Department.  The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby and Middletown Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.

The indictment in the District of Maine is pending.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that two men involved in trafficking narcotics in central Connecticut were sentenced today in Hartford federal court.  U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant sentenced LEONEL QUIROS, also known as “Haze,” 34, of New Britain, to 27 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release, and DERRICK BRYANT, 27, of Middletown, to approximately 13 months of imprisonment, time already served, and five years of supervised release.

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

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

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

LEONEL QUIROS, BRYANT and others involved in this narcotics trafficking conspiracy were arrested on July 26, 2017.  On that date, investigators executed multiple search warrants and seized approximately seven kilograms of cocaine, several pounds of marijuana, three firearms, and nearly $100,000 in cash.  One of the firearms was found in LEONEL QUIROS’s residence

On February 15, 2018, LEONEL QUIROS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.  On May 31, 2018, BRYANT pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”).

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

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GEORGE GAROFANO, 26, of North Branford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to eight months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for engaging in a phishing scheme that gave him illegal access to more than 200 Apple iCloud accounts, many of which belonged to members of the entertainment industry.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from April 2013 through October 2014, GAROFANO engaged in a phishing scheme to obtain usernames and passwords for iCloud accounts.  GAROFANO admitted that he sent e-mails to victims that appeared to be from security accounts of Apple and encouraged the victims to send him their usernames and passwords, or to enter them on a third-party website, where he would later retrieve them.  GAROFANO used the usernames and passwords to access his victims’ iCloud accounts, which allowed him to steal personal information, including sensitive and private photographs and videos.  In some instances, GAROFANO traded the usernames and passwords, as well as the materials he stole from the victims, with other individuals.

By illegally accessing the iCloud accounts, GAROFANO gained access to approximately 240 accounts.  Although many of GAROFANO’s victims were members of the entertainment industry in California, many non-celebrities who live in Connecticut were also victimized.

This matter stems from an investigation conducted by the FBI in Los Angeles into the leaks of photographs of numerous female celebrities in September 2014.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, which is leading the prosecution, filed charges against GAROFANO on January 11, 2018, and the parties agreed to transfer the case to the District of Connecticut for further prosecution.

On April 11, 2018, GAROFANO pleaded guilty to one count of unauthorized access to a protected computer to obtain information.

GAROFANO, who is released on a $50,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on October 10, 2018.

Judge Bolden ordered GAROFANO to perform 60 hours of community service while on supervised release.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj Patel of the District of Connecticut and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan White of the Central District of California.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JORGE TAVERAS-DeJESUS, 36, a citizen of the Dominican Republic formerly residing in Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and for illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matters stems from a DEA Hartford Task Force investigation of a heroin trafficking organization that was operating in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and the Dominican Republic.  Court-authorized wiretaps and law enforcement surveillance confirmed that TAVERAS regularly traveled to Connecticut to supply distribution quantities of heroin to individuals in Hartford.  The investigation revealed that members of the organization were distributing heroin from the Katty Grocery store located at 584 Franklin Avenue in Hartford. 

On February 24, 2017, investigators arrested TAVERAS in Hartford and seized from his person approximately 82 grams of combined heroin and fentanyl.

A subsequent fingerprint analysis revealed that TAVERAS had been deported from the U.S. after a 2006 New York state conviction for sale of narcotics, and again after a 2010 federal conviction for illegal reentry.

TAVERAS has been detained since his arrest.  On May 23, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin, and one count of reentry of a reentry of a removed alien.

Ten individuals have been charged with various narcotics and immigration offenses as a result of this investigation.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RUFUS HOWELL, 40, last residing in Manchester, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to gun possession and heroin distribution offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 21, 2017, HOWELL was arrested after a search of the car he was operating in Hartford’s North End contained a loaded Hi-Point 9mm pistol, approximately 14 grams of combined heroin and fentanyl, approximately 40 grams of cocaine, and a quantity of marijuana.

HOWELL’s criminal history includes multiple state felony convictions, and a federal felony narcotics conviction in 2005.  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.

HOWELL pleaded guilty to one count possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and one count of possession of heroin with intent to distribute, an offenses that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for November 16, 2018.

HOWELL has been detained since his arrest.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTOPHER MILLER, 43, of West Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 360 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for a drug-related murder and a subsequent attempt to destroy the body with a pipe bomb on July 4, 2015.

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

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

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

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

MILLER has been detained since his arrest on July 4, 2015.  On April 5, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm and explosive device in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Wearing pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack cocaine”) and one count of possession of an explosive by a convicted felon.  He awaits sentencing.

MILLER and Wearing also were charged with related state offenses.

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

United States Attorney John H. Durham, Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane, Acting Special Agent in Charge Erin Joe of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Hartford Police Chief David Rosado, today announced that a federal jury in Bridgeport has found has found three men guilty of the kidnapping, robbery and the execution-style murder of Charles Teasley, 35, of West Hartford, in January 2009.

HAROLD COOK, also known as “Oink,” 41, of Bloomfield, GERUND MICKENS, also known as “Breeze,” 42, of Bloomfield, and TERRELL HUNTER, also known as “Rell” and “Killer,” 36, of Hartford, were each found guilty of one count of kidnapping resulting in death, one count of using a firearm during a kidnapping and causing a death, and one count of using a firearm during a Hobbs Act robbery and causing a death.

The trial before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill began on August 6, 2018, and the jury returned the guilty verdicts late yesterday afternoon.

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

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

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

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

Cook, Mickens and Hunter have been detained since their arrests on April 4, 2017. 

On July 16, 2018, Ashanti, also known as “Black,” 42, of Hartford, pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping resulting in death, one count of using a firearm during a kidnapping and causing a death, and one count of using a firearm during a robbery and causing a death.  Ashanti is currently incarcerated in Massachusetts state custody after committing a series of bank robberies since 2010.

“I thank our partners in the FBI Task Force, Hartford Police Department and Chief State’s Attorney’s Office for their excellent investigative work in bringing to justice the men responsible for this brutal murder,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.  “The citizens of Hartford and family members of victims have benefited by this collaboration and the diligent work of the Cold Case Homicide Unit of the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney, formerly headed by Patrick Griffin, now State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of New Haven.  The Justice Department, through it Project Safe Neighborhoods program, is committed to reducing violent crime in our cities by prosecuting dangerous offenders.  We also will continue to work with our state counterparts in their ongoing efforts to solve other cold case murders, and provide justice for victims’ families.”

“I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the agencies involved in this matter,” said Chief State’s Attorney Kane.  “It is yet another example of how through collaboration government at all levels can accomplish much, which is particularly important in the current budget climate.”

“The Hartford Police Department is committed to working collaboratively with our state, local, and federal partners in addressing violent crimes in our cities,” said Chief Rosado.  “This is another great example of this partnership resulting in getting our most violent offenders off the street and making our communities safer.”

Chief State’s Attorney Kane noted that the unsolved homicide of Charles “Man” Teasley was included in cold case playing cards sold to inmates in Connecticut’s state correctional facilities.  Each card in the deck features a photograph and brief details about a homicide or missing person case and lists telephone, mail and e-mail contacts that inmates can use to supply information.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CARL HUBBARD, 35, of Stamford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 77 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine and marijuana.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Stamford Police Department made one controlled purchase of cocaine from HUBBARD, and two controlled purchases of crack cocaine from an associate of HUBBARD after HUBBARD had arranged the two sales.  A subsequent court-authorized wiretap investigation confirmed that HUBBARD was receiving marijuana from William Reyes of Stamford, and cocaine from other sources, and was distributing the drugs to individuals in Fairfield County.

HUBBARD and Reyes were arrested on July 26, 2017.  On that date, investigators seized $2,933 in cash from HUBBARD’s person and $9,450 in cash that HUBBARD kept at a family member’s residence.  Investigators also seized approximately 18 grams of cocaine and approximately 658 grams of marijuana from an individual who HUBBARD had given the drugs for safekeeping.  In addition, a court-authorized search of Reyes’ Stamford residence revealed approximately 18 kilograms of marijuana, paraphernalia associated with narcotics distribution, and $71,004 in cash, and a search of a residence in Lagrangeville, N.Y., that Reyes and another individual used to grow, process and distribute marijuana, revealed 140 marijuana plants and related equipment.

HUBBARD has been detained since his arrest.  On May 30, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and a quantity of marijuana.

Reyes pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and, on March 29, 2018, was sentenced to 41 months of imprisonment.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Stamford Police Department and New York State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Sarala V. Nagala.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GERARD BROWN, also known as “Goldie,” 38, of Hartford, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 100 months of imprisonment, followed by five years supervised release, for his role in a cocaine and crack cocaine distribution ring.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department that targeted a drug trafficking organization operating in Hartford’s North End.  The investigation revealed that David Gil-Grande, of Manchester, received shipments of cocaine, secreted in sealed coffee cans, from Puerto Rico.  He then supplied the cocaine to BROWN, Anthony “Pretty” Shelton, who is BROWN’s brother, and Trevon “B.J.” Terry.  BROWN, Shelton and Terry then converted much of the cocaine into crack and distributed both forms of the drug in the area of Barbour Street in Hartford.

Twenty individuals were charged and convicted as a result of the investigation.

BROWN has been detained since his arrest on January 21, 2016.  On that date, a search of BROWN’s Kensington Street residence revealed items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, and a search of BROWN’s person revealed $2,693 in cash.

On April 10, 2017, BROWN pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine

BROWN has forfeited the cash that was seized from him at the time of his arrest.

BROWN’s criminal history includes state firearm and drug convictions, and a robbery conviction for which he was sentenced to 18 years of incarceration, suspended after seven years. 

Gil-Grande, Shelton and Terry previously pleaded guilty to related charges.  On January 31, 2017, Gil-Grande was sentenced to 70 months of imprisonment, on December 18, 2017, Terry was sentenced to 57 months of imprisonment and, on August 7, 2018, Shelton was sentenced to 110 months of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, which includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.  The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division and the Drug Enforcement Administration have provided valuable assistance to the investigation. 

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARK J. ZITO, 55, of Shelton, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for defrauding the owner of a Stamford ice skating facility that he managed.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from October 1999 to August 2014, ZITO was the general manager of Stamford Twin Rinks, an ice skating facility in Stamford.  The facility is owned and operated by RivCan Associates, LLC (“RivCan”).  ZITO was responsible for managing and overseeing the ice skating facility’s operations, and he had a written contract with RivCan in which he would be paid commissions for securing agreements from third party vendors to place advertising at the ice skating facility.  ZITO created and utilized AAZ Consulting, an unincorporated entity controlled by him, to bill RivCan for these commissions.

During his employment, ZITO submitted to RivCan numerous fraudulent invoices, primarily for services that RivCan neither requested nor authorized, or for commissions that were either fraudulent or grossly inflated.  As general manager, ZITO approved the payment of these invoices and directed his subordinates to issue him checks payable to AAZ Consulting.

The total loss from ZITO’s illegal conduct is $490,468.81, which also includes funds he received by claiming payments for purportedly maintaining and updating the skating rink facility’s internet website, and through unauthorized benefits in the form of excess salary payments, excess vacation pay, and cellular telephone reimbursements. 

Chief Judge Hall ordered ZITO to make full restitution.

On December 20, 2017, ZITO pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

ZITO, who is released on bond, was ordered to report to prison on September 25, 2018.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, Stamford Police Department, Connecticut State Police, and Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GUSTAVO GARCIA, 30, of Queens, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking marijuana.  Judge Arterton also ordered GARCIA to pay a $1,000 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in June and July 2017, GARCIA delivered between approximately 120 to 130 pounds of marijuana to William Reyes in Stamford, including approximately 40 pounds of marijuana that GARCIA sold to Reyes for approximately $80,000 and delivered in July.

GARCIA was arrested on October 3, 2017.  On that date, a search of GARCIA’s residence revealed approximately two pounds of marijuana, narcotics paraphernalia, $93,560 in cash, and approximately $100,000 in jewelry that was purchased with marijuana trafficking proceeds.

GARCIA has forfeited the seized cash and jewelry.

Reyes was arrested on July 26, 2017.  On that date, investigators conducted court-authorized searches of Reyes’ Stamford residence and a residence in Lagrangeville, N.Y., that Reyes and another individual used to grow, process and distribute marijuana.  A search of the Stamford residence revealed approximately 18 kilograms of marijuana, paraphernalia associated with narcotics distribution, and $71,004 in cash, and a search of the Lagrangeville residence revealed 140 marijuana plants and related equipment.

On January 9, 2018, GARCIA pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana.

Reyes pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on March 29, was sentenced to 41 months of imprisonment.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Stamford Police Department and New York State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Sarala V. Nagala.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that OLUMUYIWA YAHTRIP ADEJUMO, also known as “Ade,” “Slimwaco,” “Waco,” “Waco Jamon,” “Hade” and “Hadey,” 33, of Toledo, Ohio, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 15 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a business e-mail compromise scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, ADEJUMO, his co-conspirator Adeyemi Odufuye and others targeted CEOs, CFOs, controllers and others at U.S. businesses, including businesses in Connecticut, using sophisticated cyber techniques to defraud the businesses.  ADEJUMO and his co-conspirators sent e-mails addressed to executives that were made to appear to be sent from the legitimate e-mail address of the CEO or other executive from the business.  ADEJUMO and his co-conspirators sent the e-mails with the intent of having the recipients send or wire money to bank accounts used by members of the conspiracy.

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

In pleading guilty, ADEJUMO admitted that his participation in the scheme caused total losses of more than $100,000 to at least three organizational victims.

Chief Judge Hall ordered ADEJUMO to pay restitution in the amount of $90,930.

ADEJUMO has been detained since his arrest on November 16, 2017.  On April 20, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

ADEJUMO, a citizen of Nigeria and lawful permanent resident of the U.S., faces immigration proceedings when he is released from prison.

Odufuye, also known as “Micky,” “Micky Bricks,” “Yemi,” “GMB,” “Bawz,” and “Jefe,” is a citizen of Nigeria.  On December 19, 2016, he was arrested in the United Kingdom.  Odufuye was extradited from the U.K. to the U.S. and, on January 3, 2018, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.  He is detained while awaiting sentencing.

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

U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio and the FBI’s Cleveland Field Office for their assistance in this case.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ANTWANE WILLIAMS-BEY, also known as “Buck,” 27, of East Windsor, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division targeting gang violence and narcotics trafficking by members and associates of the Orange Street Killas (OSK) in Hartford’s Parkville neighborhood.  The investigation followed a series of reports of shots fired in the area, and a homicide that was committed on Cherry Street in October 2015.  The prosecution was built on court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical and video surveillance, all of which revealed that OSK members acquired heroin and crack cocaine and then sold the drugs on the streets of Hartford.

The investigation revealed that WILLIAMS-BEY, an OSK member, supplied heroin and crack to other OSK members for street sale.  WILLIAMS-BEY also used the home of a family member on Sterling Street in Hartford to store narcotics and service drug customers.

WILLIAMS-BEY was arrested on February 10, 2017.  On that date, a search of his East Windsor residence revealed approximately 800 bags of heroin and $1,650 in cash.  A search of the home on Sterling Street revealed distribution quantities of heroin and crack cocaine.

WILLIAMS-BEY has been detained since his arrest.  On February 22, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

WILLIAMS-BEY’s criminal history includes convictions for firearm, drug and assault offenses.  The assault conviction stems from an incident in August 2009 when he shot a man from a car sunroof in West Hartford.

Sixteen individuals were charged and convicted as a result of this investigation. 

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department.  The Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.  The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division and Shooting Task Force have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MIGUEL ANGEL ARCOS-VASQUEZ, also known as “Dimas Fernando Herrarte,” 26, pleaded guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to one count of illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.  ARCOS-VASQUEZ, a citizen of either Mexico or Guatemala, last resided in Norwalk.

According to court documents and statements made in court, ARCOS-VASQUEZ illegally entered the U.S. in or before 2014.  In March 2014, he was arrested by the Stratford Police Department for a burglary offense.  In April 2014, he also was charged with failure to appear.  He was not encountered by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at this time.

In January 2016, ARCOS-VASQUEZ attempted to enter the U.S. three times through Texas, but was removed to Mexico after each attempt.

On January 24, 2017, ARCOS-VASQUEZ was arrested by the Stamford Police Department on charges of threatening in the first degree.  On January 27, 2017, under the name of Dimas Herrarte-Ramirez, he was charged by the Norwalk Police Department with sale of a hallucinogen/narcotic and criminal possession of a firearm.  ARCOS-VASQUEZ has been detained since that time, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was notified.

Chief Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for November 14, 2018, at which time ARCOS-VASQUEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years.

In October 2017, the state charges against ARCOS-VASQUEZ were resolved and he is currently serving a state sentence of five years of imprisonment, execution suspended after two years.

Immigration authorities are in the process of determining if ARCOS-VASQUEZ is a citizen of Mexico or Guatemala.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SAMIR FATTAH, 55, of Oxford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to three months of imprisonment, three months of home confinement and one year of supervised release for filing false tax returns.

According to court documents and statements made in court, FATTAH and his father jointly own Abu-Goush Market, doing business as International Farmers Market (“AGM”), a grocery store in Bridgeport.  FATTAH was responsible for AGM’s day-to-day operations, including making cash deposits to AGM’s business bank accounts.  During 2011, 2012 and 2014, without his father’s knowledge and approval, FATTAH deposited hundreds of thousands of dollars of AGM’s net cash receipts into his personal bank accounts.  FATTAH used some of the funds to pay AGM’s business expenses, but embezzled a total of $213,086 through this scheme.

FATTAH failed to pay federal income taxes on the embezzled income for the 2011, 2012 and 2014 tax years resulting in a total tax loss of $54,067. 

As part of his sentence, FATTAH has paid $54,067 in back taxes, plus penalties and interest.

On May 24, 2018, FATTAH pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return.    

FATTAH, who is released on bond, was ordered to report to prison on November 15, 2018.

This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RICHARD RIVERA, 35, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, a DEA Hartford Task Force investigation revealed that individuals were distributing heroin from the Katty Grocery store located at 584 Franklin Avenue in Hartford.  During the investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, RIVERA obtained distribution quantities of heroin from Franklyn Caraballo-Almonte at the Katty Grocery.  In December 2016 and January 2017, an undercover agent made multiple controlled purchases of heroin from RIVERA.

On January 31, 2017, RIVERA was arrested on state narcotics charges after he agreed to sell 900 bags of heroin to the undercover agent.  On that date, investigators seized from RIVERA 950 bags of heroin and $1,642 in cash.  A subsequent search of RIVERA’s South Street residence revealed quantities of crack cocaine and marijuana, $14,963 in cash, and items used to process and package narcotics for street sale.

RIVERA has been detained since his arrest.  On February 21, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin.

RIVERA forfeited the cash seized during the investigation.

Caraballo-Almonte has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that, on August 7, 2018, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging MUHAMMAD SHAHBAZ, 49, a citizen of Pakistan residing in Jersey City, New Jersey, with one count of conspiracy to commit food stamp fraud and two counts of unlawful use of food stamp benefits.

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

As alleged in the indictment, SHAHBAZ was employed at WB Trade Fair Grocery, LLC, a grocery and convenience store located 43 Willow Street in Waterbury.  From November 2014 until June 2016, SHAHBAZ and others illegally allowed customers to redeem their food stamp benefits for cash and other ineligible items, including cigarettes, pipes, hookahs and a circular saw.

SHAHBAZ was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on July 31, 2017.  He is released on a $50,000 bond.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that IRA MALKIN, 49, of Hamden, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to six months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for tax evasion.  During his term of supervised release, MALKIN must spend six months in home confinement and perform 200 hours of community service.  

According to court documents and statements made in court, MALKIN worked as a principal salesman for Good Copy Printing Center Inc. (GCP), a printing company located in New Haven.  MALKIN earned substantial commissions from GCP based on sales made to customers.  Between approximately 2003 and 2012, GCP paid many of MALKIN’s personal expenses.  With MALKIN’s consent, GCP reduced MALKIN’s commissions by the amount of personal expenses the company paid.  GCP then reported to the IRS through filed W-2 forms that MALKIN had earned substantially less income than he truly earned.

In addition, GCP handled printing jobs for Comcast, which included GCP mailing out flyers and paying the relevant postage expense with the expectation that GCP would subsequently be reimbursed for that expense.  MALKIN had GCP pay the postage expense for the Comcast mailings, had Comcast reimburse him for the cost of the mailings, and then had GCP reduce his earned commissions by the amount of postage paid by GCP.  Through this arrangement, between approximately 2009 and 2012, GCP further underreported MALKIN’s income on W-2 forms filed with the IRS.

Through this scheme, MALKIN underreported more than $1.5 million in income, and failed to pay $484,581 in federal income taxes.

MALKIN has paid all of his back taxes, but still owes the IRS more than $700,000 in interest and penalties.

On February 27, 2018, MALKIN pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion.

MALKIN, who is released on a $50,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on October 11, 2018.

This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2017, law enforcement received information that BARROS was distributing cocaine and other drugs in southeastern Connecticut.  Investigators made three controlled purchases of cocaine from BARROS, and a wiretap investigation revealed that BARROS was supplying cocaine to local distributors.  BARROS was arrested on December 21, 2017.

BARROS is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford on October 31, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  BARROS is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the New London FBI Task Force with the assistance of the Norwich Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Nelson.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTON MITCHELL, also known as “Blaze,” 29, of Hartford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2018, law enforcement received information that MITCHELL was attempting to sell a firearm.  On May 9, 2018, investigators attempted a controlled purchase of a firearm from MITCHELL in exchange for $450.  During the transaction on Farmington Avenue in Hartford, MITCHELL fled from law enforcement in a car at a high rate of speed.  The pursuit ended in Wethersfield where MITCHELL was apprehended.  At the time of his arrest, MITCHELL possessed a loaded .40 caliber Hi-Point, Smith and Wesson handgun.

MITCHELL was convicted in state court in 2014 for criminal possession of a weapon, in 2011 for conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery, in 2009 for second-degree burglary and second-degree sexual assault, in 2008 for third-degree larceny, and in 2007 for third-degree robbery and carrying a dangerous weapon.

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.

MITCHELL is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on October 31, 2018, at which time MITCHELL faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  MITCHELL has been detained since his arrest.

This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JEFFREY PEARLMAN, 51, of Edgewood, N.J., pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to engaging in a kickback scheme that defrauded federal healthcare programs.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately September 2012 until November 2015, PEARLMAN was employed by Insys Therapeutics, an Arizona-based pharmaceutical company that manufactured and sold Subsys, a fentanyl-based sublingual spray that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration solely for the management of breakthrough pain in cancer patients.  The company first hired PEARLMAN as a sales representative and subsequently promoted him to the position of District Sales Manager.  As a District Sales Manager, PEARLMAN was responsible for managing the company’s sales representatives who called on licensed healthcare providers in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island.

In pleading guilty, PEARLMAN admitted that he and the sales representatives he managed induced certain physicians, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and physicians’ assistants to prescribe Subsys by paying them to participate in numerous sham “Speaker Programs.”  The Speaker Programs, which were typically held at high-end restaurants in Connecticut and elsewhere, were ostensibly designed to gather licensed healthcare professionals who had the capacity to prescribe Subsys and educate them about the drug.  In truth, the events were usually just a gathering of friends and co-workers, most of whom did not have the ability to prescribe Subsys, and no educational component took place.  “Speakers” were paid a fee that ranged from $1,000 to several thousand dollars for attending these dinners.

In 2013, PEARLMAN attended a dinner at a New Haven restaurant where a Connecticut healthcare provider was paid a speaker fee even though no other healthcare professionals were present, and no presentation of Subsys took place.

In a meeting that occurred with the same Connecticut healthcare provider in the spring of 2013, PEARLMAN told the provider that the more prescriptions of Subsys that the provider wrote, the more Speaker Programs PEARLMAN could provide.  In June 2013, when these prescriptions were not initially being written as planned, PEARLMAN emailed the Insys sales representative who was responsible for calling on the provider and reiterated that per the “verbal agreement” PEARLMAN had made with the provider, the provider needed to write more Subsys prescriptions or he was “going to have tremendous difficulty in justifying more [speaker] programs.”

As a result of this scheme, Medicare Part D plans authorized payment for nearly 400 Subsys prescriptions made by the Connecticut healthcare provider, causing millions of dollars of losses.  PEARLMAN personally profited from this scheme through inflated quarterly bonuses he received that were based in large part on the sales results of the sales representatives he managed.

PEARLMAN pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the anti-kickback law, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.  Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for October 31, 2018.

PEARLMAN was arrested on September 29, 2016.  He is released on a $200,000 bond pending sentencing.

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

Several other individuals affiliated with Insys Therapeutics, and medical practitioners involved in this kickback scheme, have been charged in the District of Connecticut and in other Districts across the United States.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTHONY SHELTON, also known as “Pretty,” 39, of Hartford, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 110 months of imprisonment, followed by five years supervised release, for his role in a cocaine and crack cocaine distribution ring.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department that targeted a drug trafficking organization operating in Hartford’s North End.  The investigation revealed that David Gil-Grande, of Manchester, received shipments of cocaine, secreted in sealed coffee cans, from Puerto Rico.  He then supplied the cocaine to SHELTON, Gerard “Goldie” Brown, who is SHELTON’s brother, and Trevon “B.J.” Terry.  SHELTON, Brown and Terry then converted much of the cocaine into crack and distributed both forms of the drug in the area of Barbour Street in Hartford.

Twenty individuals were charged and convicted as a result of the investigation.

On January 21, 2016, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of SHELTON’s residence and seized a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol, ammunition, body armor, and items used to process and package narcotics.  SHELTON was arrested the next day at a hotel in Branford.  At the time of his arrest, he possessed $32,673 in cash and expensive jewelry.

SHELTON has forfeited the seized firearm, body armor, cash and jewelry, and a 2006 Audi A6.

SHELTON has been detained since his arrest on January 22, 2016.  On May 22, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

SHELTON’s criminal history includes six drug-related convictions.  In 2003, he was sentenced in state court to 12 years of incarceration for a drug offense.

Gil-Grande, Brown and Terry have pleaded guilty to related charges.  On January 31, 2017, Gil-Grande was sentenced to 70 months of imprisonment and, on December 18, 2017, Terry was sentenced to 57 months of imprisonment.  Brown awaits sentencing.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, which includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.  The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division and the Drug Enforcement Administration have provided valuable assistance to the investigation. 

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRYCE ALEXANDER LAISTER, 26, formerly of Bridgeport and Stratford, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 107 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for robbing five Connecticut banks between November 2016 and June 2017.

According to court documents and statements made in court, LAISTER robbed the Webster Bank at 314 Merwin Avenue in Milford on November 30, 2016; the Key Bank at 133 East Main Street in Plainville on April 7, 2017; the Key Bank at 1328 Boston Post Road in Westbrook on May 5, 2017; the People’s United Bank located inside the Stop and Shop at 898 Bridgeport Avenue in Shelton on May 30, 2017, and the People’s United Bank located inside the Stop and Shop at 112 Amity Road in New Haven on June 10, 2017.

During the Shelton robbery, LAISTER brandished a pistol, and during the Plainville and Westbrook robberies, LAISTER threatened to kill or shoot bank employees if they did not comply with his demands.

LAISTER was located and arrested in Stratford on June 15, 2017, after he engaged in a two-hour standoff with local and federal law enforcement officers.  At the time of his arrest, LAISTER possessed a .380 caliber pistol and a magazine loaded with two bullets.  A subsequent search one of LAISTER’s vehicles revealed clothing he wore during the robbery on June 10, a makeup kit he used to disguise his features, and a Stop and Shop circular.

Judge Covello ordered LAISTER to make restitution of $25,279 to the victim banks.

LAISTER has been detained since his arrest.  On February 22, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery.

LAISTER’s criminal history includes felony convictions for narcotics, larceny and burglary offenses.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, Connecticut State Police and the Milford, Plainville, Shelton, New Haven and Stratford Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE DEL CARMEN HERNANDEZ HERNANDEZ, 41, a citizen of Mexico last residing in Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.  HERNANDEZ also admitted that he violated the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction for illegally reentering the U.S.

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

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

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

HERNANDEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years for illegal reentry, and a maximum term of imprisonment of two years for violating his supervised release.  Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for October 30, 2018.

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

U.S. Attorney John H. Durham, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement officials, today announced that 13 men have been charged with federal offenses related to the illegal possession of firearms in Hartford.  These prosecutions have been brought through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.

“Through Project Safe Neighborhoods in Hartford, the U.S. Attorney’s Office works closely with the Hartford State’s Attorney’s Office, Hartford Police Department, FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force and ATF to reduce gun violence in Hartford by identifying firearm cases that are appropriate for federal prosecution,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.  “All of the individuals whose cases we’re announcing today have criminal histories that prevent them from possessing guns legally.  Illegal guns and the violence they bring are a plague on our cities, and our office is committed to working with our law enforcement counterparts to remove these guns and the individuals who possess them from the community into order to reduce violent crime.”

“The Hartford State’s Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our federal partners to ensure that those who cannot lawfully possess firearms are apprehended and prosecuted – whether it be in federal or state court,” said Hartford State’s Attorney Gail P. Hardy.  “We are committed to making Hartford a safe place to live, work and visit.”

“The Hartford Police Department continues to work closely with our federal and state partners to reduce crime and keep our communities safe,” said Hartford Assistant Police Chief Rafael Medina, III.  “We are committed to identifying and apprehending those violent offenders who are in illegal possession of firearms so they can be prosecuted to the fullest.”

“The significance of these cases on the Hartford community cannot be overstated,” said Erin Joe, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  “The use of our collective law enforcement resources has again proved to be imperative in the fight to reduce the dissemination of guns and gun violence in the community.  The individuals charged through the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative are alleged to have demonstrated their disregard for the rule of law and must now face the consequences in federal court.”

“ATF’s top priority is combating violent crime and keeping firearms out of the hands of violent offenders,” said Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division.  “These charges are another example of the importance of law enforcement partnerships and their effectiveness in protecting our communities.”

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.

RAFAEL ARROYO, 33, of Hartford, is charged by indictment with one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  It is alleged that, on July 26, 2018, a court-authorized search of Arroyo’s Broad Street apartment revealed distribution quantities of heroin and cocaine, a Star S.A. 9mm semiautomatic pistol, an H&R “Sportsman” .22 caliber long rifle revolver, a Group Industries 9mm firearm, and assorted ammunition.  Arroyo’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for drug and firearm offenses.  Arroyo has been detained since his arrest on July 26 and the indictment was returned today.

O’SHANE CROSS, 30, of Hartford, is charged by indictment with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  The indictment alleges that, on July 19, 2018, Cross possessed a loaded Hi-Point Model JCP .40 caliber pistol.  The firearm was found in a search of CROSS’s bedroom after he discussed selling other guns to an informant.  In January 2010, Cross was convicted in state court of a burglary offense.  Cross has been detained since his arrest on July 19.

CRAIG GODWIN, 31, of Hartford, is charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm.  The complaint alleges that, on June 3, 2018, Hartford Police encountered Godwin in his car after a traffic accident on Main Street in Hartford.  Godwin possessed a loaded .40 caliber Astra A75 handgun.  The firearm had been reported stolen during a burglary in Hartford in September 2017.  Godwin’s criminal history includes convictions in state court for weapons, narcotics, escape and risk of injury offenses.  Godwin is currently detained in state custody.

RAKEEM GRANT, 29, of Hartford, is charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm.  The complaint alleges that, on April 23, 2018, Grant possessed a loaded .40 caliber Smith & Wesson SD40 VE handgun outside of nightclub that is a hotspot for shootings and violence on Main Street in Hartford.  In April 2017, Grant was convicted in state court of possession of a pistol without a permit.  Grant is currently detained in state custody.

CLETUS JONES, 38, of Hartford, is charged by indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm.  It is alleged that, on January 23, 2018, Jones attempted to hide a loaded Taurus model PT738 .38 caliber semi-automatic handgun in Elizabeth Park after being involved in a motor vehicle accident in Hartford’s West End.  Laboratory analysis of the seized firearm revealed Jones’s DNA.  Jones’s criminal history includes convictions in state court for narcotics, larceny, robbery and carjacking offenses.  Jones was arrested federally on August 2 and the indictment was returned today.  He is detained.

ENRIQUE LUCIANO, 31, of Hartford, is charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm.  The complaint alleges that, on June 4, 2018, Luciano pulled out a gun and pointed it at plainclothes Hartford Police detectives investigating drug activity on Cabot Street.  After the detectives identified themselves as police officers, Luciano fled and discarded the firearm.  Luciano was apprehended and the firearm, a loaded 9mm Taurus PT 908 with an obliterated serial number, was recovered.  In August 2017, Luciano was convicted in state court of possession of narcotics.  Luciano is currently detained in state custody.

AARON PEARSON, 27, of Hartford, is charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm.  The complaint alleges that, on March 28, 2018, Pearson appeared in a Facebook Live video brandishing a black semi-automatic handgun that had a Hoffman’s Gun Center tag hanging from its trigger.  Investigators obtained documents from Hoffman’s that showed the firearm, a Taurus PT 738 .380 caliber handgun, had been purchased by another individual who also appeared in the Facebook Live video.  Investigators recovered the firearm from Pearson’s residence on April 12, 2018.  In February 2012, Pearson was convicted in state court of carrying a pistol without a permit.  Pearson is currently detained in state custody. 

ANTHONY PENA, 24, of Hartford, is charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm.  The complaint alleges that, on June 24, 2018, Pena placed a backpack containing a firearm into a vehicle in the vicinity of 862 Albany Avenue.  A search of the vehicle revealed loaded Glock 21 .45 caliber firearm.  The firearm had been reported stolen in North Carolina in 2012.  In May 2012, Pena was convicted in state court of robbery in the first degree.  Pena is currently detained in state custody.

NOEL PEREZ, 21, of Hartford, is charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm.  The complaint alleges that, on May 29, 2018, Hartford Police stopped a vehicle Perez was driving on Wadsworth Street.  A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded Sig Sauer P2022 .40 caliber handgun.  Perez’s criminal history includes convictions in state court for assault, burglary and larceny offenses.  Perez is currently detained in state custody.

KELVIN PETERS, 41 of Hartford, is charged by indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.  It is alleged that, on May 9, 2018, Enfield Police stopped a car that was being operating erratically.  A search of the car revealed two loaded firearms, a Bersa Thunder 380 handgun and a High Point Model C9 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number.  Peters’ criminal history includes multiple convictions in state court for drug offenses, and a 2004 federal conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  Peters was arrested federally on August 1 and the indictment was returned today.  He is detained.

MARVIN PORTER, 26, of East Hartford, is charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm.  The complaint alleges that, on June 24, 2018, after officers approached a group of men in the vicinity of 862 Albany Avenue, Porter attempted to run away.  After Porter was apprehended, a search of his person revealed a loaded Beretta model 21A-22LR handgun and a quantity of crack cocaine.  In April 2007, Porter was convicted in state court of sexual assault in the first degree.  Porter was arrested federally on August 2 and he is released on bond.

ISIAH SHIPMAN, 28, of Bloomfield, is charged by indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm.  It is alleged that, on April 14, 2018, SHIPMAN ran from Hartford Police officers that had responded to a report of a street fight in the area of Essex Street and Maple Avenue.  After officers apprehended Shipman, a search of his person revealed a loaded Smith and Wesson .40 caliber handgun.  The gun had been reported stolen in Hartford in August 2016.  Shipman’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for narcotics and assault offenses.  Shipman has been detained since his federal arrest on August 2, and the indictment was returned today.

BENICIO VASQUEZ, 32, of Hartford, is charged by indictment with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  The indictment alleges that, on July 19, 2018, Vasquez possessed a Taurus .357 caliber revolver loaded with six rounds of ammunition.  Vasquez’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for drug and money laundering offenses.  Vasquez has been detained since his arrest on July 19.

The charge of possession of a firearm and/or ammunition by a previously convicted felon carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  The charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years.

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

These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson, PSN Program Coordinator; Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas Morabito, Ray Miller, Anastasia King and Jennifer Laraia, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney John F. Fahey of the Hartford State’s Attorney’s Office.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANDRE REED, 26, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin to a Danbury overdose victim.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 1, 2016, at approximately 11:39 p.m., Danbury Police responded to a service station on the report of a woman in medical distress in a restroom.  At the location, officers observed the victim on her knees, with her face on the floor, taking a deep gasping breath every 20 seconds.  The victim also was holding a syringe.  The victim was transported to the hospital, where she was placed on life support.  She has since recovered from the overdose.

The investigation revealed that REED supplied heroin to another individual who then sold it to the victim.

Reed was arrested on December 21, 2017.  On April 4, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of heroin.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and the Torrington, Danbury and Wilton Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARCUS GARY, 35, of Hartford, formerly of South Windsor, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division targeting gang violence and narcotics trafficking by members and associates of the Orange Street Killas (OSK) in Hartford’s Parkville neighborhood.  The investigation followed a series of reports of shots fired in the area, and a homicide that was committed on Cherry Street in October 2015.  The prosecution was built on court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical and video surveillance, all of which revealed that OSK members acquired heroin and crack cocaine and then sold the drugs on the streets of Hartford.

The investigation revealed that GARY supplied heroin to Antwane Williams-Bey, also known as “Buck,” an OSK member, for street sale.

GARY was arrested on March 8, 2017.  On March 30, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin.

GARY, who had been released on bond, was remanded to custody at the conclusion of today’s court proceeding.

GARY’s criminal history includes convictions for firearm and drug offenses.

Sixteen individuals were charged and convicted as a result of this investigation.  Williams-Bey pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department.  The Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.  The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division and Shooting Task Force have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILFREDO LEBRON, also known as “Tony,” 47, of New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for his role in a southeastern Connecticut heroin trafficking ring.

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

On December 12, 2017, a grand jury in Hartford returned a 25-count superseding indictment charging LEBRON, Luciano and 19 other individuals with various heroin trafficking offenses.  LEBRON was arrested on December 14, 2017.  On April 27, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of use of a telephone to facilitate the commission of a drug trafficking felony.  He has been detained since his arrest.

LEBRON’s criminal history includes five felony convictions.

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

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ADAM STRONG, 38, of Naugatuck, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).  STRONG also admitted that he violated the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in February and May 2018, law enforcement conducted two controlled purchases of crack cocaine from STRONG.  The investigation revealed that between March 2017 and May 2018, STRONG conspired to distribute more than 250 grams of crack to customers in the Naugatuck and Waterbury areas.  At the time, STRONG was on supervised release following a 2016 federal conviction for trafficking cocaine and crack.

STRONG was arrested on May 8, 2018.

STRONG is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on October 25, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years for the narcotics offense, and a maximum term of imprisonment of three years for violating his supervised release.

STRONG’s criminal history also includes two state robbery convictions.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven Task Force, with the assistance of the Naugatuck Police Department.  The Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby and Middletown Police Departments, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Hartford Police Chief David Rosado announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned a 28-count indictment today charging the following 16 individuals with various offenses related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl and other narcotics in the Hartford area.

JULIO OLIVERAS, a.k.a. “Cuzzo Jay,” 32, of Hartford and New Britain
VICTOR PERDOMO, a.k.a. “Domi,” 32, of Hartford
JEREMY RODRIGUEZ, 21, of Hartford
ROBERT CAMPBELL, a.k.a. “Ant” and “Anthony,” 26, of Hartford
PEDRO RIVERA, a.k.a. “Heavy,” 40, of Hartford
JONATHAN QUINONES, 28, of Hartford
ALEXIS DeJESUS, 31, of Hartford
LUIS RODRIGUEZ, 32, of Hartford
ANGEL GONZALEZ, a.k.a. “Spider” and “June,” 40, of Hartford
ANGEL ROMAN, 31, of Hartford
JOSE COTTO, a.k.a. “White Boy,” 27, of Hartford
ANTONIO JOHNSON, a.k.a. “Unk,” 41, of Hartford
MIGUEL ORTIZ, 39, of Hartford
BIANCA VELASQUEZ, 21, of Hartford
JENNIFER JONES, 39, of Hartford
MICHAEL SPERO, 34, of Hartford

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in August 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force targeted a narcotics trafficking organization headed by Julio Oliveras, also known as “Cuzzo Jay,” of Hartford.  The investigation, which included approximately six months of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance, revealed that Oliveras was supplying distribution quantities of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine to multiple Hartford-area drug dealers, and also was selling drugs in smaller amounts to his own customers.  The investigation also revealed that Victor Perdomo, also known as “Domi,” was Oliveras’s primary source of supply of heroin and fentanyl.  Oliveras used multiple locations in Hartford to process, store and distribute narcotics.  In addition, Oliveras stored multiple firearms within a U-Haul storage unit in Hartford.

On July 19 and July 26, 2018, investigators arrested 15 of the 16 defendants on federal criminal complaints.  (Robert Campbell, also known as “Ant” and “Anthony,” has been in custody in Florida since February 2018.)  On July 19, investigators executed 10 search warrants and seized approximately five to six kilograms of suspected heroin and/or fentanyl, approximately 600 grams of crack cocaine, eight firearms, and other evidence of narcotics trafficking activity.

“It is alleged that this drug trafficking organization was responsible for the distribution of a significant amount of heroin and fentanyl, as well as other narcotics, in the Hartford region,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.  “As the epidemic of opioid abuse continues to ruin lives across our state, our office is committed to prosecuting heroin and fentanyl traffickers and seeking lengthy terms of incarceration.  I thank the DEA Task Force members, including the Hartford Police, for their work in this investigation, which removed more than five kilos of heroin and fentanyl, as well as eight firearms, from the streets of Hartford just last month.  Their ongoing efforts in this case and others have undoubtedly save lives.”

“DEA is committed to investigating and dismantling drug trafficking organizations that are responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl and heroin to the citizens of Hartford,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Boyle.  “Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities so every time we take fentanyl and heroin off the streets, lives are saved.  This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative local, state and federal law enforcement efforts in Connecticut and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

The indictment charges the 16 defendants with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).  If convicted of conspiracy, based on the type and quantity of narcotics charged, Oliveras, Perdomo and Quinones face a minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life; Jeremy Rodriguez, Rivera, DeJesus, Luis Rodriguez, Johnson, Ortiz, Jones and Spero face a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, and Campbell, Gonzalez, Roman, Cotto and Velasquez face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

In addition to the conspiracy count, Oliveras, Jeremy Rodriguez, Rivera, Quinones, DeJesus, Gonzalez, Roman, Cotto, Ortiz, Velasquez, Jones and Spero are each charged with one or more counts of possession and/or distribution of various controlled substances.

The indictment also charges Jeremy Rodriguez, Quinones and DeJesus with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  If convicted of this offense, these defendants face a mandatory consecutive five-year term of imprisonment.  Oliveras and DeJesus are also charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments.  Agencies assisting the investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Connecticut Department of Correction, and the East Hartford, New Britain, Newington and West Hartford Police Departments.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CHRISTOPHER BARRETO, 29, of Hartford, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of possession with intent to distribution, and distribution of, controlled substances.

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

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

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

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

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

Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for October 31, 2018, at which time BARRETO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  BARRETO is released on bond pending sentencing.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MATTHEW PETROVITCH, 38, of Stratford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing firearms and ammunition

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 26, 2017, Stratford Police responded to PETROVITCH’s residence after a female victim reported that PETROVITCH had physically assaulted her and threatened her with a firearm while she was holding a young child.  After PETROVITCH was taken into custody, officers searched the residence and seized an AK-74 semiautomatic rifle, a short-barreled shotgun, and more than 350 rounds of assorted ammunition.

The short-barreled shotgun was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as required.

In March 2000, PETROVITCH was convicted in state court of conspiracy to commit assault in the first degree, and robbery 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.

On May 8, 2018, PETROVITCH pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

PETROVITCH previously pleaded guilty in Bridgeport Superior Court to state charges related to this incident.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Stratford Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alina P. Reynolds, in coordination with the State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District.

In 1994, Congress passed the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in recognition of the severity of crimes associated with domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.  To learn more about VAWA and resources that are available, contact the Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women.

In an emergency, victims of domestic violence should call 911 or contact state or local law enforcement officials, who can respond to these crimes.  Individuals in need of non-emergency assistance can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or visit www.TheHotline.org.