District of Connecticut

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CANDACE RISPOLI, 31, of Stamford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of wire fraud stemming from an embezzlement scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately January 2012 until June 2016, RISPOLI was employed by Lodestone Management Consultants, later known as Infosys Consulting (the “Company”).  Beginning in approximately 2013, RISPOLI worked for the Company from her former home in East Haven, which she shared with her then-boyfriend, Michael Miano.  In her capacity as a Company employee, RISPOLI had an American Express credit card to use to pay for travel, entertainment and other business expenses incurred by the Company’s employees and potential employees.

From approximately 2013 until July 2016, RISPOLI wrongfully charged more than $250,000 of her own and Miano’s personal expenses to the Company’s American Express card.  RISPOLI also wrongfully transferred more than $800,000 in funds from the Company’s American Express card to PayPal and Venmo accounts controlled by RISPOLI and Miano.  To conceal her scheme, RISPOLI altered the Company’s American Express account statements and created false billing summaries, which she emailed to the Company’s accounting firm.

In pleading guilty, RISPOLI has agreed to pay $1,098,176 in restitution.

Wire fraud carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.

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

On September 1, 2017, Miano, 31, of Branford, guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud related to this scheme.  He awaits sentencing.

This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather Cherry and Jonathan Francis.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, announced that Dr. BHARAT PATEL, 71, of Milford, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to narcotics distribution and health care fraud offenses.

“The investigation revealed that this defendant profited by prescribing highly addictive painkillers to individuals who were either addicted to opioids, or who turned around and illegally distributed the pills they received,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.  “As a result of his criminal conduct, tens of thousands of pills were dispensed to individuals who didn’t need them and shouldn’t have them.  I thank the DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad, the Norwalk Police Department and the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office for their efforts in this case, which has put a corrupt medical practice that helped fuel the opioid epidemic permanently out of business.”

“The DEA is committed to enforcing the Controlled Substance Act (CSA) by ensuring that all registrants are in compliance and abide by DEA’s distribution regulations,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Boyle.  “The actions by Dr. Patel contributed to the widespread abuse of opiates, which is a gateway to heroin addiction and is devastating our communities.  In response to the ongoing opioid epidemic DEA is committed to improve public safety and public health by working with our law enforcement and regulatory partners to ensure these rules and regulations are strictly followed.  This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement in Connecticut and our great partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

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

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

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

In pleading guilty, PATEL admitted that he wrote hundreds of medically unnecessary prescriptions for oxycodone and hydrocodone, and received $158,523.95 as a result of this and related criminal conduct. 

PATEL pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and hydrocodone, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count health care fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton on September 12, 2018.

PATEL has agreed to forfeit $158,523.95 to the government.  He also agrees to forfeit and surrender his federal controlled substances registration to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

PATEL has been detained since his arrest on July 12, 2017.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Boston, and Christopher W. Fonda, Supervisory Immigration Officer for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Office of Fraud Detection and National Security, today announced the unsealing of a 14-count indictment charging JODIAN STEPHENSON, also known as “Jodian Gordon,” 34, of Bridgeport, and DONOVAN LAWRENCE, 62, of Milford, with various federal offenses related to an extensive immigration marriage fraud scheme.

The indictment was returned on June 5 and STEPHENSON and LAWRENCE were arrested today.  They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport and were released on bonds in the amount of $350,000 and $100,000, respectively.

As alleged in the indictment, STEPHENSON has operated Stephenson Immigration and Legal Services, LLC, in Bridgeport, and LAWRENCE has operated Donovans Accounting Services, LLC, in Bridgeport.  Between approximately July 2012 and July 2017, STEPHENSON, LAWRENCE and others conspired to arrange sham marriages between U.S. citizens and non-citizens residing in the U.S. for the purpose of the non-citizens’ applying for and obtaining “lawful permanent residence” status, also known as a “green card.”  As part of the alleged scheme, STEPHENSON and LAWRENCE made and filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service false documents, including fraudulent green card applications and false tax returns in the names of the allegedly “married” couples.

The indictment identifies nine false marriages that resulted in the filing of fraudulent green card applications.  During the investigation, is it alleged that STEPHENSON offered to arrange a sham marriage for a federal law enforcement agent working in an undercover capacity, and help obtain a green card for the undercover agent, in exchange for a proposed fee of $20,000.  STEPHENSON then introduced the undercover agent to a U.S. citizen, advised them about the ways they could create the appearance that they were validly married and living together as husband and wife, and helped the undercover agent obtain a marriage license in exchange for a cash payment of $5,000 from the undercover agent.

The indictment charges STEPHENSON and LAWRENCE with one count of conspiracy to commit immigration marriage fraud and make false statements, and six counts of making false statements.  These charges carry a maximum term of imprisonment of five years on each count.  The indictment also charges STEPHENSON with seven counts of immigration documents fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count.

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

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, Office of Fraud Detection and National Security.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry K. Kopel.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that DANIEL ADEKUNLE OJO, 34, a citizen of Nigeria residing in Durham, N.C., pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to fraud and identity theft offenses stemming from a scheme to obtain the personal identifying information of school employees in Connecticut and elsewhere, and to file false tax returns in the names of those identity theft victims.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2017, an employee of the Glastonbury Public Schools received an email that appeared to be sent by another Glastonbury school system employee.  The email contained a request to send W-2 tax information for all employees of the school system.  The recipient of the email responded by sending copies of the W-2 information for approximately 1,600 Glastonbury Public Schools employees.  After the W-2 information was emailed, approximately 122 suspicious Forms 1040 were filed electronically with the IRS in the names of victims of the Glastonbury phishing scheme.  The 122 tax returns claimed tax refunds totaling $596,897.  Approximately six of the returns were processed, and $36,926 in fraudulently-obtained funds were electronically deposited into various bank accounts.

OJO controlled or used an aol.com email account and a gmail.com email account involved in this phishing scheme.  A search of OJO’s gmail account revealed emails implicating him in the scheme.  One email contained six W-2 forms of employees of Glastonbury Public Schools, and the employees’ personal identifying information.

This ongoing investigation by special agents from the FBI’s cybercrime squad in New Haven and the IRS includes phishing incidents that victimized the Groton Public Schools, and the Bloomington Independent School District in Bloomington, Minnesota.

OJO pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit 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 term of imprisonment of at least two years.  Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for September 13, 2018.

OJO has been detained since his arrest on August 3, 2017.  The investigation revealed that OJO entered the U.S. on a visitor’s visa in May 23, 2016, and failed to depart on his scheduled departure date of June 8, 2016.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, with the assistance of the Durham (N.C.) Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarala V. Nagala.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILLIAM MARRERO-BENITEZ, 25, of Hartford, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 45 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 14, 2016, Hartford Police officers conducting a heroin trafficking investigation attempted to stop a vehicle MARRERO-BENITEZ was driving in the area of New Britain Avenue and Broad Street.  MARRERO-BENITEZ accelerated from the scene at a high rate of speed, striking the front of a police vehicle, swerving through traffic, ignoring red lights and stop signs, and nearly striking at least two other vehicles head-on.  Officers pursued MARRERO-BENITEZ on I-84 East into East Hartford where MARRERO-BENITEZ drove off the road and down an embankment, and then fled the vehicle and ran into the woods.  An officer caught up to MARRERO-BENITEZ and, after a struggle during which the officer was kicked in the head, MARRERO-BENITEZ was apprehended.  At the time of his arrest, MARRERO-BENITEZ possessed 138 wax folds containing heroin.

In May 2015, MARRERO-BENITEZ, who was on state probation at the time, illegally possessed and sold a rifle to an individual working with law enforcement.  He subsequently pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon and, on July 7, 2016, was sentenced to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.  He was released from federal prison in October 2016.

On March 29, 2018, MARRERO-BENITEZ pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin.

Judge Covello sentenced MARRERO-BENITEZ to 27 months of imprisonment on the heroin offense, and a consecutive 18 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his federal supervised release.

MARRERO-BENITEZ has been detained since December 14, 2016.

This matter was investigated by the Hartford Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, and the Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey M. Stone and Michael J. Gustafson.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut hosted its annual United States Attorney’s Office Law Enforcement Awards Ceremony yesterday in New Haven.  The ceremony at the City of New Haven’s aldermanic chambers recognized more than 160 individuals for their investigative efforts and other contributions to 31 significant federal criminal prosecutions and civil cases in Connecticut.  Approximately 60 of the award recipients are members of local police departments from across Connecticut.

“We in the U.S. Attorney’s Office are persistently mindful that our work and success are dependent on the dedicated efforts of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners,” said U.S. Attorney John H. Durham.  “On behalf of everyone in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, my sincere congratulations to all of our award recipients.”

In addition to the criminal and civil case awards, U.S. Attorney Durham presented several special awards during the ceremony.

The U.S. Attorney’s Award for Outstanding Investigator was presented to Special Agent Maria Papageorgiou of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, for her expertise in complex financial fraud and tax investigations during her 17-year career in Connecticut.

The U.S. Attorney’s Award for Outstanding Partnership was presented to Tammy Sneed, Director of Gender Responsive Adolescent Services for the Connecticut Department of Children and Families.  Ms. Sneed has been essential in coordinating services for human trafficking victims and assisting with local, state and federal investigations involving the sex trafficking of children.

The U.S. Attorney’s Outstanding Citizen Award was presented to Jose Casanova, Marvin Dixon and Jacqueline Marciano, whose quick thinking and disregard for their own safety helped to save the life of Hartford Police Officer Jill Kidik, the victim of a stabbing attack, on May 17, 2018.

The National Security and Major Crimes Unit Award was presented to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent Allison Haimila for her dedicated investigative work in child exploitation cases.

The Financial Fraud and Public Corruption Unit Award was presented to a team of FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigation special agents that investigated an extensive “pump-and-dump” securities fraud scheme that resulted in more than $20 million in losses to thousands of investors.

The Violent Crimes and Narcotics Unit Award was presented to The Justice Education Center, Inc., a West Hartford-based non-profit organization.  For more than a decade, the Justice Education Center and the U.S. Attorney’s Office have worked cooperatively on a number of initiatives, including Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal initiative to reduce violence in inner cities and develop prevention and early intervention programs to curb juvenile crime.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut and representing the federal government in civil litigation.  The Office is composed of approximately 68 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and 57 staff members at offices in New Haven, Bridgeport and Hartford.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that, on June 14, 2018, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging MIGUEL ANGEL ARCOS-VASQUEZ, also known as “Dimas Fernando Herrarte,” 26, with one count of illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.  ARCOS-VASQUEZ, a citizen of either Mexico or Guatemala, last resided in Norwalk.

ARCOS-VASQUEZ appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.

As alleged in 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.

It is also alleged that, in January 2016, ARCOS-VASQUEZ attempted to enter the U.S. three times through Texas, but was removed to Mexico after each attempt.

It is further alleged that, 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.

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

If convicted of the charge of illegal reentry, ARCOS-VASQUEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years.

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

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is entitled to a fair trial at which it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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 NICHOLAS AURORA JR., 34, of Hamden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to three years of probation, the first six months of which AURORA must serve in home confinement, for illegally distributing steroids.  Judge Bolden also ordered AURORA to pay a $2,000 fine and perform 200 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 another 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 AURORA’s purchase and redistribution of steroids.

The investigation revealed that AURORA was purchasing steroids from his source of supply every two weeks.  He personally used some of the steroids, and sold some, at a profit, to coworkers.

AURORA is a correctional officer with the Connecticut Department of Correction.

On March 14, 2018, AURORA pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute anabolic steroids.

This matter is being 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.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that KAMIL GOLEBIOWSKI, 26, of Shelton, was arrested yesterday on a federal criminal complaint charging him with various drug offenses related to the illegal distribution of counterfeit drugs.  The charges stem from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.

Following his arrest, GOLEBIOWSKI appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven and was ordered detained.

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

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

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

It is further alleged that, between August 2017 and May 2018, investigators made multiple controlled purchase of Xanax pills from GOLEBIOWSKI.  Analysis of the pills revealed that they were counterfeit.  In early June 2018, investigators intercepted two packages mailed from Canada and addressed to GOLEBIOWSKI.  The packages contained approximately 1,400 counterfeit Xanax pills.

The complaint charges GOLEBIOWSKI with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, a controlled substance; possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, a counterfeit substance; conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and use of a telecommunications facility in the distribution of narcotics.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JACOB FREEMAN, 22, of Ansonia, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.  Judge Meyer ordered FREEMAN to serve the first three months of his supervised release in home confinement.

According to court documents and statements made in court, FREEMAN, Jason Walker and Marquice Rumley were members of a drug trafficking organization that trafficked large quantities of crack cocaine throughout the Naugatuck Valley.  The investigation revealed that members of the organization shared the same cellphone to service drug customers in shifts over a 24-hour period.  Members of the drug trafficking organization also shared vehicles and serviced customers together.  Between May and September 2017, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of crack from FREEMAN and other members of the drug trafficking organization.

FREEMAN has been detained since his arrest on November 15, 2017.  On February 27, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

Walker and Rumley pleaded guilty to the same charge.  On June 19, 2018, Walker was sentenced to 36 months of imprisonment.  Rumley awaits sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and the Ansonia and Derby Police Departments.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that BYRON ELLIOTT VAUGHN, 32, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).

According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2009, VAUGHN was convicted in the Commonwealth of Virginia of rape.  He was sentenced to 10 years of incarceration, suspended after serving two years, and 15 years of probation.  VAUGHN also was ordered to comply with lifetime sex offender registration requirements.

VAUGHN was released from prison in November 2009, registered as a sex offender in Virginia and verified his registration as required through 2012.

In 2015, VAUGHN failed to update his sexual offender registration in Virginia, failed to advise Virginia of his change of residence to Connecticut, and failed to register in Connecticut as a sex offender when he moved to Connecticut and applied for employment in Waterbury in November 2016.  VAUGHN worked a hospital in Waterbury until he was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service on August 9, 2017, on a violation of probation warrant that was issued in Virginia in December 2015.

VAUGHN has been detained since his arrest.  Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for September 12, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

VAUGHN was convicted in Virginia of the probation violation and was sentenced to 77 months of imprisonment suspended after 60 months. 

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, announced that ONEL ARANA-GERVACIO, also known as “Arana Ricardo Leon Cepeda,” 44, a citizen of Mexico last residing in Houston, Texas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 48 months of imprisonment for heroin trafficking and immigration offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 21, 2016, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office in Alabama conducted a motor vehicle stop of a car hauler that was carrying a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu.  A search of the Malibu, which was registered to ARANA, revealed that it contained a hidden compartment (“trap”), which is commonly used to conceal and transport illegal contraband, including narcotics, firearms and currency.  Law enforcement officials obtained court authorization to install tracking devices on the vehicle and, between October 2016 and January 2017, HSI agents observed it at various locations in Connecticut and Rhode Island.

On January 17, 2017, agents located the Malibu at 1091 Maple Avenue in Hartford.  On January 20, 2017, surveillance officers observed activity on another vehicle located at the Maple Avenue residence consistent with manipulating a mechanical hidden compartment.  Officers then observed ARANA place two duffel bags into that second vehicle and then drive off.  At approximately 8:30 p.m., a Hartford Police cruiser pulled the car over.  The vehicle also contained a hidden trap, but a search revealed no contraband.

A subsequent search of 1091 Maple Avenue revealed more than six kilograms of heroin, approximately 500 grams of cocaine and a “finger press,” which is used to process bulk quantities of heroin into 10-gram-bags known as “fingers.”  Agents also seized drug distribution materials, including sifters, grinders, scales, vacuum sealers and kilo wrappers, which were coated in heroin residue and field-tested positive for the presence of fentanyl.

Agents then searched the Malibu, which was located in the garage of 1091 Maple Avenue, and recovered approximately $260,000 in cash from inside the trap.

Laboratory testing of the seized heroin revealed that some of it contained fentanyl.

The investigation revealed that in October 2013, a U.S. Border Patrol agent encountered ARANA near Hidalgo, Texas, and determined that ARANA had unlawfully entered the U.S. from Mexico.  He was removed to Mexico on November 2, 2013.

ARANA has been detained since his arrest on January 20, 2017.  On February 2, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, one kilogram or more of heroin, and one count of illegal reentry.

ARANA will be deported when he is released from prison.

This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Hartford Police Department and the Connecticut State Police, with the assistance of the Baldwin County (Ala.) Sheriff’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Gustafson and David T. Huang.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ENRIQUE FAJARDO MARIN, 40, a citizen of Ecuador recently residing in Danbury, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to one count of illegally reentering the U.S.

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

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

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

FAJARDO has been detained since his arrest.

Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for September 12, 2018, at which time FAJARDO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JASON WALKER, 30, of Ansonia, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.  Judge Meyer ordered WALKER to serve the first three months of his supervised release in home confinement.

According to court documents and statements made in court, WALKER, Jacob Freeman and Marquice Rumley were members of a drug trafficking organization that trafficked large quantities of crack cocaine throughout the Naugatuck Valley.  The investigation revealed that members of the organization shared the same cellphone to service drug customers in shifts over a 24-hour period.  Members of the drug trafficking organization also shared vehicles and serviced customers together.  Between May and September 2017, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of crack from WALKER and other members of the drug trafficking organization.

WALKER was arrested on November 15, 2017.  On March 12, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

Freeman and Rumley pleaded guilty to the same charge and await sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and the Ansonia and Derby Police Departments.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Hartford Police Chief David Rosado today announced that an investigation into the gang-related trafficking of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine and associated violence in Hartford’s South End has resulted in federal charges against 13 alleged members and associates of the Almighty Latin Kings Nation (“Latin Kings”).

The following 11 individuals are charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and/or cocaine base (“crack cocaine”):

JIMMY FLORES, a.k.a. “Cuz-o,” 34, of East Hartford
NELSON FERRY, a.k.a. “300,” 28, of East Hartford
JULIAN BRAVO, a.k.a. “Pretty,” 23, of Hartford
JEFFREY FERRY, a.k.a. “30,” 31, of Manchester
YASIL SANTOS, a.k.a. “Lilo,” 23, of Hartford
RICHARD COLON, a.k.a. “Droopy,” 39, of Hartford
BRIAN MATOS, a.k.a. “Buddha,” 28, of Hartford
DANNIE DARLING, a.k.a. “Danny” and “David,” 30, of Hartford
CHARLENE MORALES, 35, of East Hartford
MARISOL FERRY, f.k.a. “Marisol Hernandez,” 25, of East Hartford
NOEL CORTES, 54, of Hartford

Jeffrey Ferry also is charged with possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

These defendants, with the exception of Santos and Cortes who are in state custody, were arrested today.  They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and are detained.  Two individuals are being sought by law enforcement.

As alleged in the criminal complaint, this matter stems from a joint law enforcement 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 in Hartford.  The investigation, which has included court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that that Jimmy Flores, also known as “Cuz-o,” and Nelson Ferry, also known as “300,” operated separate drug trafficking organizations comprising members of the Latin Kings in Hartford’s South End.  Both drug trafficking organizations distributed fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine, and use multiple locations to process, package, store and distribute narcotics.  Both organizations also possessed firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking activities.

The complaint further alleges that the Nelson Ferry drug trafficking organization operated a “trap house” at 149 Wethersfield Avenue in Hartford as a distribution point for drug customers.  On May 22, 2018, Julian Bravo was shot and seriously wounded in an apparent robbery of that location.

The complaint alleges that, on June 3, 2018, Jeffrey Ferry, also known as “30,” and Yasil Santos, also known as “Lilo,” were arrested on state charges after intercepted communications revealed that Jeffrey Ferry had a gun and planned to meet someone to settle a dispute.  Hartford Police officers stopped a car Ferry was driving and located a loaded 9mm pistol in the car’s glove box.  Santos was in the car’s passenger seat.              

In association with today’s arrests, investigators executed federal search warrants at two locations in Hartford and three locations in East Hartford and seized approximately 150 grams of fentanyl, approximately 20 grams of crack cocaine, other narcotics, and two firearms.

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

This matter is being investigated by the 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 ARGENYS RODRIGUEZ, 22, of Springfield, Massachusetts, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud stemming from an ATM “jackpotting” scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement agencies and ATM manufacturers have been investigating malware attacks on ATM machines in Connecticut and elsewhere.  In a scheme commonly referred to as “jackpotting,” individuals use malware that is designed to cause an ATM to eject all of the U.S. currency contained in the machine.  As part of the scheme, individuals dressed as legitimate repair technicians install malware on an ATM.  Other individuals then proceed to extract all of the cash from the ATM.

On January 27, 2018, Citizens Bank investigators contacted police after they observed what appeared to be a jackpotting attack on an ATM in Cromwell.  On that date, Cromwell Police encountered RODRIGUEZ and Alex Alberto Fajin-Diaz near an ATM that had been compromised with malware and was in the process of dispensing $20 bills.  A search of RODRIGUEZ and Fajin-Diaz’s vehicle revealed tools and electronic devices consistent with items needed to compromise an ATM machine to dispense its cash contents.  RODRIGUEZ and Fajin-Diaz were found in possession of approximately $5,600 in cash, but the investigation revealed that a total of $63,200 was taken from the ATM on that date.

The investigation further revealed that, on January 22, 2018, RODRIGUEZ, Fajin-Diaz and others illegally obtained $63,820 from a Citizens Bank ATM in Rhode Island.

RODRIGUEZ is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on September 26, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.  RODRIGUEZ is released on a $250,000 bond pending sentencing.

Fajin-Diaz, 32, a citizen of Spain, pleaded guilty to the same charge on June 12, 2018, and awaits sentencing.  He has been detained since his arrest on January 27.

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, U.S. Secret Service, Connecticut State Police, Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, Middlesex State’s Attorney’s Office, Cromwell Police Department, Middletown Police Department and Greenwich Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DIGBY KERR, 50, of Meriden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for defrauding four manufacturing companies of more than $600,000.

According to court documents and statements made in court, KERR owned and operated Transportation Cost Management, LLC (“TCM”), which was in the business of brokering shipping contracts between manufacturers and trucking companies.  As part of its business, TCM would receive shipping invoices from trucking companies, process the invoices, and forward the billing information to the manufacturers.  The manufacturers would transmit the payment funds to TCM for remittal to the trucking companies.  TCM would then remit payment to the trucking companies and send confirmation reports to the manufacturers indicating that payment had been made to the trucking companies.  The manufactures compensated TCM for providing this service.

Between approximately December 2016 and April 2017, KERR and TCM failed to remit $603,489.30 in payment funds that TCM received from four manufacturers to the trucking companies that transported goods for those victim manufacturers.  TCM, at KERR’s direction, e-mailed confirmation reports to the victim manufacturers that falsely represented that the manufacturers’ payments had been properly forwarded to the trucking companies.

Judge Meyer ordered KERR to pay restitution of $603,489.30.

On March 26, 2018, KERR pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

KERR, who is released on a $100,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on July 23.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.

WASHINGTON – Members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut and several local investigators were recognized by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director James Crowell, IV at the 34th Director’s Awards Ceremony today in Washington D.C. 

A total of 162 individuals were honored at the ceremony held today in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.  The Connecticut honorees received a Director’s Award for Superior Performance by a Litigative Team for their outstanding work investigating and prosecuting the Red Side Guerilla Brims, a violent New Haven-based street gang.

In addressing the award recipients and guests, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein said, “Today’s honorees earned the esteem of their colleagues.  But most importantly, they earned the gratitude of our fellow citizens – the people whose communities you made safer, whose lives you improved, and whose trust you rewarded.  Today, we pause to honor and recognize a small portion of your work.”

In January 2014, ATF and the New Haven Police Department began “Operation Red Side” through a series of controlled narcotics purchases and firearms seizures.  The investigation revealed that members and associates of the Red Side Guerilla Brims (“RSGB”), a sect of the Bloods street gang based in New Haven, were engaged in narcotics trafficking and related acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, assaults and armed robberies.  In addition to distributing crack cocaine and other narcotics in and around New Haven, the investigation indicated that members and associates of the RSGB, under the direction of Jeffrey Benton and others, transported the drugs to Bangor, Maine, and sold them in Bangor and its surrounding communities.  The RSGB also traded narcotics for firearms and used drug addicts as straw purchasers of firearms.  Members then brought the firearms back to New Haven and distributed them to gang members.

As a result of this investigation, 21 members and associates of the RSGB were convicted of federal charges in Connecticut and Maine.  The investigation has resolved seven murder cases, four attempted murders and four armed robberies that occurred in 2011 and 2012.

Benton pleaded guilty to various offenses stemming from this investigation and admitted that he participated in four gang-related murders and one attempted murder.  On October 4, 2017, he was sentenced to 40 years of imprisonment.

Director’s Award recipients include Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter D. Markle and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis, former Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector, and Paralegal Specialist Kori Arsenault of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut; ATF special agents Daniel Prather, Michael Zeppieri, Scott Riordan, and Brian Ross; Karl R. Jacobson and Misty Fitch of the New Haven Police Department; Craig Burnett of the Connecticut Department of Correction; Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Casey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine, and the late Christopher Gardner of the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.

“’Operation Red Side’ was an intensive investigation that dismantled a violent New Haven street gang whose members and associates were responsible for many murders, attempted murders, shootings, armed robberies and home invasions,” said U.S. Attorney John H. Durham.  “This gang trafficked crack cocaine and heroin, ruined lives from New Haven to Bangor, Maine, and used their drug trade to illegally acquire firearms.  This investigative and prosecution team solved seven homicides and put more than 20 dangerous individuals behind bars, providing justice for the victims’ families and making the New Haven community a safer place to live.  I could not be more proud of their efforts.”

EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country.  For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut and representing the federal government in civil litigation.  The Office is composed of approximately 68 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and 57 staff members at offices in New Haven, Bridgeport and Hartford.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that a grand jury in Hartford returned a four-count superseding indictment yesterday charging TIMOTHY ESTRIDGE, 37, of Wallingford, with drug trafficking offenses.

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

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

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

It is alleged that, on multiple occasions between July and December 2017, ESTRIDGE possessed and distributed heroin and amphetamines.  It is further alleged that ESTRIDGE supplied narcotics to the overdose victim shortly before the victim was found dead.

The indictment charges ESTRIDGE with two counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, amphetamine.  The charges carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.

ESTRIDGE has been detained since his arrest on a federal criminal complaint on April 3, 2018.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that DELTON PYLES, also known as “Koolie,” 29, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a violent New Haven street gang.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2014, ATF and the New Haven Police Department began “Operation Red Side” through a series of controlled narcotics purchases and firearms seizures.  The investigation revealed that members and associates of the Red Side Guerilla Brims (“RSGB”), a sect of the Bloods street gang based in New Haven, were engaged in narcotics trafficking and related acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, assaults and armed robberies.  In addition to distributing crack cocaine and other narcotics in and around New Haven, the investigation indicated that members and associates of the RSGB, under the direction of Jeffrey Benton and others, transported the drugs to Bangor, Maine, and sold them in Bangor and its surrounding communities.  The RSGB also traded narcotics for firearms and used drug addicts as straw purchasers of firearms.  Members then brought the firearms back to New Haven and distributed them to gang members.

PYLES was a member of the RSGB.  The investigation revealed that PYLES was a crack cocaine dealer in the New Haven area, and he supplied other RSGB members with distribution quantities of crack.  On March 19, 2012, PYLES and others were involved in a shootout with a rival gang on South Genessee Street in New Haven.  Although more than 20 rounds were fired, no one was injured.  The gun that PYLES used during the shooting had been acquired from a straw purchaser in Maine.

PYLES has been detained since his arrest on June 26, 2015.  On September 8, 2015, he pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine.

As a result of this investigation, 21 members and associates of the RSGB were convicted of federal charges in Connecticut and Maine.  The investigation has resolved seven murder cases, four attempted murders and four armed robberies that occurred in 2011 and 2012.

Benton pleaded guilty to various offenses stemming from this investigation and admitted that he participated in four gang-related murders and one attempted murder.  On October 4, 2017, he was sentenced to 480 months of imprisonment.

This investigation has been conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the New Haven Police Department, the Connecticut Department of Correction, the Connecticut State Police, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Hamden Police Department.  The New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office also provided critical assistance in the investigation.

An instrumental component of the investigation has been the work of the Connecticut State Crime Laboratory in utilizing the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to analyze ballistics evidence.

This matter is being prosecuted in the District of Connecticut by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn Kaoutzanis and Peter Markle.  A related case in the District of Maine is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Casey.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that STEPHEN T. GIONFRIDDO, 67, of Middletown, was arrested today on a criminal complaint charging him with wire fraud stemming from an alleged scheme in which he embezzled approximately $490,000 from his former employer, and then embezzled approximately $457,000 from a family member to pay back his former employer.

GIONFRIDDO appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven and was released on a $200,000 bond.

According to the criminal complaint, GIONFRIDDO was convicted of federal wire fraud and mail fraud offenses in 2006 for embezzling more than $633,000 from clients while acting as their attorney.

The complaint alleges that, from approximately December 2013 through September 2017, while GIONFRIDDO was working as a paralegal at a law firm in greater Hartford, he made bogus requisitions for approximately $377,895.67 in checks purportedly to pay client expenses.  GIONFRIDDO converted these funds for his personal use.  GIONFRIDDO also forged the signature of one of the firm’s partners in order to fraudulently convert a certificate of deposit (CD) of approximately $112,748.21 to a check, which funds he also converted for his personal use.  In total, GIONFRIDDO stole $490,648.88 from the law firm.

The complaint further alleges that principals at the law firm confronted GIONFRIDDO about the theft of funds in late September 2017, and GIONFRIDDO promised to repay the firm.  GIONFRIDDO then stole from a family member by taking approximately $45,000 from a checking account and approximately $217,000 from an online trading account.  He also caused a hardship withdrawal of $195,000 to be made against his family member’s defined contribution plan by impersonating his family member on recorded telephone calls with the plan’s provider and submitting bogus paperwork.

If convicted of wire fraud, GIONFRIDDO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STEVEN F. HARVIN, 53, of New Haven, was arrested today on a criminal complaint charging him with wire fraud and theft from programs receiving federal funds.

After his arrest, HARVIN appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven and was released on a $50,000 bond.

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

As alleged in the complaint, HARVIN is a reverend and, from approximately August 2015 to September 2016, he served as President of Zezzo House, a non-profit organization in Hartford that provides housing for individuals and families with health challenges, including HIV/AIDS.  HUD provides HOPWA funds to the City of Hartford, which in turn provides the HOPWA funds to organizations in the Hartford area, including Zezzo House.  Zezzo House also receives Section 8 funding. 

The complaint alleges that, from approximately January 2016 to September 2016, HARVIN diverted thousands of dollars in federal funds to his personal use.  During this time, Zezzo House received $70,722 in HOPWA funds, some of which HARVIN withdrew in cash for himself or spent on personal expenditures.  HARVIN also diverted funds from rent checks from Section 8 tenants to his personal use. 

The charge of wire fraud carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and the charge of theft from programs receiving federal funds carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that PABLO JOSE CRUZ, 46, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in the Bronx, N.Y., was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for supplying heroin to a New Haven drug trafficking ring.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad targeted a New Haven-based heroin trafficking organization led by Bienvenido and Antonio Gonzalez.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical and video surveillance, revealed that the Gonzalez brothers purchased bulk quantities of heroin from CRUZ and other New York suppliers and sold the heroin through a network of redistributors in New Haven and elsewhere.  CRUZ regularly traveled from New York to Connecticut to deliver up to a kilogram of heroin at a time to the Gonzalez organization.

The investigation resulted in federal charges against 24 individuals.

CRUZ was arrested on March 15, 2017.  On that date, a search of a vehicle that CRUZ traveled in to drive to a stash house used by Bienvenido Gonzalez led to the seizure of a kilogram of heroin.  A search of the stash house resulted in the seizure of another 400 grams of heroin and $10,000 in cash.

CRUZ has been detained since his arrest.  On January 23, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.

CRUZ, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.

Bienvenido Gonzalez and Antonio Gonzalez pleaded guilty to related charges.  On March 28, Bienvenido Gonzalez was sentenced to 144 months of imprisonment.  Antonio Gonzalez awaits sentencing.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached a settlement agreement with the Smokin’ with Chris Restaurant in Southington, to resolve allegations that the restaurant was not operating in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”).

The settlement agreement resolves an ADA complaint filed by an individual with mobility disabilities alleging that the Smokin’ with Chris facility was not accessible.  The restaurant is in the process of making the changes to its facility required by the settlement agreement, including creating accessible parking spaces, adding an accessible entry route and entrance to the restaurant, providing a ramp to the accessible entrance, constructing an accessible restroom, and adding accessible seating in the dining, bar, and patio areas.  Smokin’ with Chris will continue to make improvements to its facility over the next year.

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

U.S. Attorney Durham noted the commitment of the owners of Smokin’ with Chris to work collaboratively with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to address the ADA issues and to increase the restaurant’s accessibility without litigation.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act, which ensures that individuals are able to access and enjoy the state’s restaurants and other places of public accommodation,” stated U.S. Attorney Durham.  “We appreciate the cooperation of the owners of Smokin’ with Chris throughout our investigation and their readiness to agree to remediate the restaurant’s architectural barriers.”

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

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILLIE GARVIN, also known as “Tank” and “Black,” 27, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 132 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a violent New Haven street gang.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2014, ATF and the New Haven Police Department began “Operation Red Side” through a series of controlled narcotics purchases and firearms seizures.  The investigation revealed that members and associates of the Red Side Guerilla Brims (“RSGB”), a sect of the Bloods street gang based in New Haven, were engaged in narcotics trafficking and related acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, assaults and armed robberies.  In addition to distributing crack cocaine and other narcotics in and around New Haven, the investigation indicated that members and associates of the RSGB, under the direction of Jeffrey Benton and others, transported the drugs to Bangor, Maine, and sold them in Bangor and its surrounding communities.  The RSGB also traded narcotics for firearms and used drug addicts as straw purchasers of firearms.  Members then brought the firearms back to New Haven and distributed them to gang members.

GARVIN was an active member of the RSGB.  He traveled frequently to Maine and sold crack cocaine and heroin in the Bangor area.  He also coordinated the purchase of several firearms, which he transported to New Haven for his use and the use of other RSGB members.

The investigation also revealed that GARVIN regularly robbed other drug dealers for cash in the New Haven area.  On December 22, 2011, GARVIN and an associate shot and seriously wounded an individual during an attempted robbery.  On April 26, 2013, GARVIN and another individual robbed a marijuana dealer at gunpoint, stealing approximately $800, a quantity of marijuana and other items.

On June 8, 2014, GARVIN was arrested on state charges after he was found in possession of a loaded .22 caliber firearm.

In December 2014, a grand jury in Connecticut returned an indictment charging GARVIN with robbery and firearm offenses and, in February 2015, a grand jury in Maine returned an indictment charging GARVIN with narcotics and firearm offenses.  On July 30, 2015, he pleaded guilty in Connecticut to possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.  GARVIN also agreed to have his Maine case transferred to Connecticut and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and conspiracy to violate federal firearms laws.

GARVIN has been detained since his arrest on December 23, 2014.

As a result of this investigation, 21 members and associates of the RSGB were convicted of federal charges in Connecticut and Maine.  The investigation has resolved seven murder cases, four attempted murders and four armed robberies that occurred in 2011 and 2012.

Benton pleaded guilty to various offenses stemming from this investigation and admitted that he participated in four gang-related murders and one attempted murder.  On October 4, 2017, he was sentenced to 480 months of imprisonment.

This investigation has been conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the New Haven Police Department, the Connecticut Department of Correction, the Connecticut State Police, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Hamden Police Department.  The New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office also provided critical assistance in the investigation.

An instrumental component of the investigation has been the work of the Connecticut State Crime Laboratory in utilizing the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to analyze ballistics evidence.

This matter is being prosecuted in the District of Connecticut by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter Markle and Jocelyn Kaoutzanis.  A related case in the District of Maine is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Casey.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL HULL, 61, of Shelton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for possessing child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operation revealed that HULL was accessing the dark web to search for, view and download child pornography.  On May 31, 2017, HSI agents and Shelton Police officers conducted a court-authorized search of HULL’s Shelton residence and seized approximately 16 electronic devices, including computers and external hard drives.  Forensic analysis of the seized devices revealed 13 images and 126 videos of child pornography, including many images and videos depicting children younger than 12 engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  Among the items seized were two encrypted tablets and an encrypted hard drive that could not be searched.

The investigation also revealed that HULL had a video camera installed in his bathroom.  The camera was connected to a VCR that captured images of individuals, including children, who used his bathroom.  Agents located and seized several VHS tapes containing these recordings in the home.

HULL has been detained since his arrest on May 31, 2017.  On January 30, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography.

As part of the sentence, pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015, Judge Underhill ordered HULL to pay a special assessment of $5,000, which is used to fund victim services.

This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Shelton Police Department and the Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacabed Rodriguez-Coss.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTHONY VITO, 28, pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to one count of aiding and abetting an armed bank robbery in Thomaston last year, and admitted that he aided and abetted two other commercial robberies on the same day.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 8, 2017, VITO drove Anthony Provost to the Mobil Gas Station and Dunkin Donuts located at 750 Straits Turnpike in Middlebury.  Provost first threatened the cashier at the Mobil station with what appeared to be a firearm, and instructed her to open the cash register and provide her with all of its contents.  The cashier complied and provided him with $578.  The cashier also complied with Provost’s demand that she give him cigarettes valued at approximately $131.  Provost then went to the cashier at the Dunkin Donuts, lifted his shirt to display what appeared to be a firearm and demanded money.  During the robbery, when a customer entered the premises, Provost pointed the firearm at her and told her to keep her hands out of her pocketbook.  The cashier gave Provost approximately $350.  Provost then fled the premises in the vehicle driven by VITO.

VITO then drove Provost to the Thomaston Savings Bank located at 508 South Main Street in Thomaston.  At the bank, Provost handed the teller a note stating “Robbery 20’s, 50’s, 100’s, quiet.”  Provost also displayed what appeared to be a firearm.   After the teller gave him money, Provost told her to get money from the other teller.  The teller complied, and Provost left the bank with $1,471.  Provost and VITO then fled the scene.

On December 9, 2017, Provost was arrested by Waterbury Police officers in a motel room that was occupied by VITO and another individual.  At the scene, officers recovered a silver and beige handled CO-2 powered BB gun, a black ski mask, a gray ski mask, $542 in cash, and multiple packs of cigarettes.  Officers also seized a red Ford Explorer that had been used during several of the robberies.  VITO was arrested shortly thereafter.

Provost and VITO have been detained since their arrests.

VITO is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill on August 31, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 25 years.

On April 26, 2018, Provost pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery and admitted that he committed these robberies and several others in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire late last year.  He awaits sentencing.

This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Waterbury, Southington, Thomaston, Putnam, Avon, Middlebury, Shrewsbury (Mass.) and Nashua (N.H.) Police Departments.  This 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 ANTHONY HARTSELL, also known as “Pop Off,” 37, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 90 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a violent New Haven street gang.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2014, ATF and the New Haven Police Department began “Operation Red Side” through a series of controlled narcotics purchases and firearms seizures.  The investigation revealed that members and associates of the Red Side Guerilla Brims (“RSGB”), a sect of the Bloods street gang based in New Haven, were engaged in narcotics trafficking and related acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, assaults and armed robberies.  In addition to distributing crack cocaine and other narcotics in and around New Haven, the investigation indicated that members and associates of the RSGB, under the direction of Jeffrey Benton and others, transported the drugs to Bangor, Maine, and sold them in Bangor and its surrounding communities.  The RSGB also traded narcotics for firearms, brought the firearms back to New Haven and distributed them to gang members.  HARTSELL served as second-in-command of the RSGB.

In September 2011, leaders of the RSGB, including Benton and HARTSELL, ordered Robert Short, also known as “Santana,” to murder Darrick Cooper, who was a leader of a rival New Haven gang and seen as a threat.  On September 19, 2011, Short lured Cooper to a location in Hamden.  Short then shot Cooper in the back of the head as Cooper walked up a staircase.

On May 17, 2016, HARTSELL pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering.

As a result of this investigation, 21 members and associates of the RSGB were convicted of federal charges in Connecticut and Maine.  The investigation has resolved seven murder cases, four attempted murders and four armed robberies that occurred in 2011 and 2012.

Benton and Short pleaded guilty to various offenses stemming from this investigation, and both admitted to participating in the murder of Darrick Cooper.  Benton also admitted that he participated in three other gang-related murders and one attempted murder.

On October 4, 2017, Benton was sentenced to 480 months of imprisonment.  Short awaits sentencing.

U.S. Attorney Durham noted that federal prisoners are required to serve at least 85 percent of their sentenced term of imprisonment and are not eligible for parole.

HARTSELL will begin serving his federal sentence after he completes a state sentence for an unrelated offense.

This investigation has been conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the New Haven Police Department, the Connecticut Department of Correction, the Connecticut State Police, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Hamden Police Department.  The New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office also provided critical assistance in the investigation.

An instrumental component of the investigation has been the work of the Connecticut State Crime Laboratory in utilizing the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to analyze ballistics evidence.

This matter is being prosecuted in the District of Connecticut by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter Markle and Jocelyn Kaoutzanis.  A related case in the District of Maine is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Casey.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ANDREW DEME, 52, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for defrauding investors in a yacht sharing club.

According to court documents and statements made in court, DEME was the President and sole Director of Waters Club Worldwide, Inc. (“WCW”).  In November 2016, WCW completed a merger with Petrus Resources Corporation and the merged company subsequently changed its name to Waters Club Holdings, Inc. (“Waters Club”).  DEME became President, Chief Executive Office and Chief Financial Officer of Waters Club.  According to a Waters Club document used to solicit investors and business partners, Waters Club sought to “introduce a revolutionary Sharing Economy model to yachting” by “form[ing] a membership-based Club with a fleet of yachts strategically located in the world’s leading cruising regions that members can share and use interchangeably for their yachting vacations.”

Promoters that DEME hired, including Thomas Heaphy, Jr. and Brian Ferraioli, made certain misrepresentations to prospective investors in Waters Club, including that money would be used to develop the business and fund the operations of Waters Club, and that promoters were not being paid commissions for recruiting investors.  In truth, DEME knew that approximately half of all the money paid by investors for shares of Waters Club was paid to Heaphy and Ferraioli as sales commissions.  Due in part to these payments, Waters Club lacked the capital to develop its membership-based club, did not pursue an IPO, and the shares purchased by investors were unsalable.

Heaphy and Ferraioli recruited at least 12 investors to pay a total of at least $1,289,500 for shares of Waters Club stock.  Heaphy’s total gain from the scheme was $307,658, and Ferraioli’s total gain was $297,546.  One of the victims of this investment scheme was a Connecticut resident who invested $475,000 in Waters Club.

Judge Meyer ordered DEME to pay restitution in the amount of $1,289,500.

DEME was arrested on December 5, 2017.  On March 15, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.

DEME, who is released on a $100,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on July 12, 2018.

Heaphy, of East Moriches, New York, and Ferraioli, of Sayville, New York, previously pleaded guilty to the same charge.  On May 7, 2018, they were each sentenced to 72 months of imprisonment for their roles in this scheme and an unrelated investment fraud scheme.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHANE BLAKE, 35, of Meriden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking narcotics.

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 Carlos Roman, also known as “Frizz,” of Middletown served as a primary distributor of narcotics for the organization, and that he regularly converted, or “cooked,” cocaine into crack cocaine.  During the investigation, an undercover officer made five controlled purchases of redistribution quantities of crack from Roman.

On April 11, 2017, Roman was arrested in possession of approximately 500 grams of cocaine.  A subsequent search of his residence revealed a .380 caliber handgun.  While Roman was incarcerated, BLAKE assisted the drug trafficking organization by obtaining cocaine and converting it to crack cocaine for distribution.

On July 20, 2017, a grand jury in New Haven returned a nine-count indictment charging BLAKE, Roman and nine other individuals with various offenses.

BLAKE has been detained since his arrest on July 26, 2017.  On March 8, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).

Roman previously pleaded guilty to one count of with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base, and one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.  On April 12, 2018, he was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment.

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 New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, East Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden and Derby Police Departments, and the U.S. Marshals Service.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached a settlement agreement with the Good News Restaurant and Bar (“Good News”) in Woodbury to resolve allegations that the restaurant was not operating in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”).

The settlement agreement resolves an ADA complaint filed by an individual with physical disabilities alleging that the restaurant did not meet the ADA’s requirements for accessibility.  The restaurant is in the process of making the changes required by the settlement agreement, including ensuring the availability of accessible parking, creating an accessible entrance and providing an accessible entry route to the new accessible entrance, constructing an accessible restroom, increasing accessible seating within the restaurant, bar and patio area, and ensuring that the route to the patio area is accessible.  Good News will continue to make improvements over the next eighteen months.

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

U.S. Attorney Durham noted that the owners of Good News have worked with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in a collaborative manner to address the ADA issues complained of without the need for litigation.

“Our office is committed to enforcing the ADA, and we appreciate that the Good News Restaurant and Bar has agreed to take the steps outlined in the settlement agreement in order to greatly increase the accessibility of the restaurant,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.

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

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID E. BYERS, 35, of Solana Beach, California, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 88 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for engaging in an east coast robbery spree and subsequent cross-country pursuit.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 19, 2017, BYERS, wearing a bandana over his face and displaying what appeared to be the handle from a handgun, robbed a Gulf gas station in Nesconset, N.Y., of $300.  On April 20, he robbed a Chase Bank branch in Stony Brook, N.Y., of $2,107.  On April 24, BYERS, wearing a bandana over his face and displaying what appeared to be a handgun, robbed a Citgo gas station in Greenwich, Conn., of $223.  On April 25, again wearing a bandana over his face, he robbed a Chase Bank branch in Greenwich of $8,722.  On April 26, BYERS returned to the Chase Bank branch in Greenwich and robbed it of $3,391.

On April 28, 2017, Greenwich Police saw BYERS driving a vehicle and attempted to apprehend him, but he drove away at a high rate of speed, subsequently abandoned the vehicle on I-95 and evaded police on foot.  He then stole another vehicle in Port Chester, N.Y., placed a stolen license plate on the vehicle, and proceeded to drive to California.

Pennsylvania State Police attempted to apprehend BYERS in Pennsylvania by deploying a tire deflation device, but BYERS was able to abandon the vehicle and fled on foot.  He then stole a pickup truck that had keys in it.  At a rest stop, he stole Maryland license plates, put them on the truck and continued driving west.

On May 1, 2017, BYERS engaged the Arizona State Police in a high-speed chase before abandoning the vehicle and fleeing on foot.

BYERS was arrested in San Diego on May 2, 2017, and has been detained since his arrest.  On November 7, he pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery.

Judge Shea ordered BYERS to pay restitution of $14,753.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Greenwich Police Department, Suffolk County (N.Y.) Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Arizona State Police and San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.

U.S. Attorney John H. Durham today announced that Leonard C. Boyle has returned to the U.S. Attorney’s Office to serve as First Assistant United States Attorney, the office’s second-ranking position.

Since July 2009, Mr. Boyle served as Deputy Chief State’s Attorney where he supervised all prosecutions and investigations conducted by the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney.  Mr. Boyle previously served in the U.S. Attorney’s Office from 1986 to 1998, the last four years of which he was Chief of the Criminal Division.  After a short time in private practice, Mr. Boyle returned to government service in April 1999 as a Special Attorney to the U.S. Attorney General and investigated and prosecuted corrupt relationships between law enforcement personnel and organized crime figures in the Boston area.  From January 2003 to August 2004, Mr. Boyle served in the U.S. Attorney’s Office as Counsel to the U.S. Attorney, and also supervised the Office’s Corporate Fraud Unit.

U.S. Attorney Durham notes that in addition to Mr. Boyle’s earlier work as a federal prosecutor, his wealth of law enforcement and management experience includes previous service as the Director of the FBI’s Terrorist Screening Center in Washington, D.C., from March 2007 to February 2009, and as Commissioner of Connecticut’s Department of Public Safety from August 2004 to March 2007.

Mr. Boyle graduated from the University of Hartford in 1980, and from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1983.  From 1975 to 1980, Mr. Boyle was a police officer for the Town of East Hartford.

“Len Boyle is a true public servant, and we and the entire Department of Justice are tremendously fortunate that he has decided to bring his legal skill, extraordinary judgment and decades of professional experience back to our Office,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.

In addition to the appointment of Mr. Boyle as First Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney Durham announced a change to the supervisory structure of the office, and the appointment of several Assistant U.S. Attorneys to office leadership positions.

U.S. Attorney Durham has appointed Susan L. Wines as Executive Assistant United States Attorney.  Ms. Wines has been an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Connecticut since December 2007, prosecuting complex white collar crime, elder fraud and tax matters.  Prior to joining the office, she was in private practice in Los Angeles and, from 1997 to 2002, was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Central District of California where she prosecuted many violent offenders, including members and associates of the Mexican Mafia.

For several years, the office’s Criminal Division, which continues to be led by Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Nardini, has included three program-based units:  National Security and Major Crimes, Violent Crimes and Narcotics, and Financial Fraud and Public Corruption.  The Criminal Division now comprises four units, as the National Security and Major Crimes Unit has been separated into two groups:  National Security and Cybercrime, which is responsible for prosecuting matters involving international and domestic terrorism, customs enforcement and identity theft, and the rapidly expanding problem of sophisticated cybercrimes, and Major Crimes, which will be responsible for prosecuting matters including immigration, child exploitation, human trafficking, civil rights and hate crimes, government program fraud and environmental crimes.

U.S. Attorney Durham has appointed Peter S. Jongbloed as Chief of the National Security and Cybercrime Unit and Vanessa Richards as Deputy Chief.  Sarah P. Karwan has been elevated to the position of Chief of the Major Crimes Unit and Sarala V. Nagala will serve as Deputy Chief.

The Violent Crimes and Narcotics Unit (VCN), which includes Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) prosecutions, the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), and violent crime, gangs and narcotics investigations, and will continue with S. Dave Vatti as Chief of the unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson has been named as a new Deputy Chief of the unit and will serve as PSN Coordinator, overseeing firearms prosecutions that seek to deter the illegal possession of guns and reduce gun and gang violence.  Anthony E. Kaplan, has been named as the second Deputy Chief of the Unit, and will serve as OCDETF Coordinator, which targets major drug trafficking operations responsible for the distribution of large quantities of narcotics by major drug trafficking organizations.

Within the VCN Unit, Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick F. Caruso has been named Opioid Coordinator, with responsibilities that include managing the Office’s HEAT program and other outreach efforts, prosecuting cases related to the overprescribing and dispensing of opioids, and leading the Office’s statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.

The Financial Fraud and Public Corruption Unit is responsible for investigating matters involving securities and investor fraud, public corruption, bank fraud and embezzlement, mortgage fraud, tax fraud, health care fraud, bankruptcy fraud and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations.  David E. Novick continues to serve as Chief of the unit, and Michael S. McGarry remains as Deputy Chief.

U.S. Attorney Durham also announced that John B. Hughes remains the longstanding Chief of the Civil Division.  In the Civil Division, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle McConaghy continues to lead the Defensive Unit, which defends claims filed against the U.S., including tort, medical malpractice, employment discrimination, immigration and foreclosures.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Molot heads the Civil Division’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement and Civil Rights Unit, which pursues claims on behalf of the U.S. in cases involving health care fraud, defense contractor fraud, drug diversion, forfeitures and environmental violations.

U.S. Attorney Durham also notice that Sandra S. Glover and Marc H. Silverman continue as Chief of Appeals and Deputy Chief of Appeals, respectively.

“Throughout my career, I have never failed to be impressed by the number of incredibly bright and talented individuals who choose federal service and work in our Office, and the professionalism with which they do their jobs,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.  “Every member of this supervisory team and their colleagues are committed to making Connecticut a safer and better place to live, and every day I’m proud to work by their side in the cause of justice.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut and representing the federal government in civil litigation.  The Office is composed of approximately 68 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and 57 staff members at offices in New Haven, Bridgeport and Hartford.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT EPPS, 25, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 40 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 28, 2017, EPPS participated in the sale of a stolen Smith and Wesson .223 caliber semi-automatic rifle and two rifle magazines containing a total of 39 rounds of .223 caliber ammunition.  On that date, EPPS transported the rifle and ammunition to a parking lot in New Haven.  He then removed the firearm and ammunition from the trunk of his vehicle and handed the items to another person who, in turn, handed them to the purchaser.

EPPS’ criminal history includes state felony convictions for narcotics distribution and identity theft.

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 February 2, 2018, EPPS pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HARRY BRIGHT, also known as “Buddy Bright,” 78, of Waterbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of distribution of obscene matter to a minor.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in November 2017, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) contacted Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to report that NCMEC had been notified by Facebook’s Trust and Safety team that BRIGHT was enticing a 15-year-old female through Facebook instant messaging to engage in sexual activity, and was planning on traveling to the Philippines on December 4, 2017, to meet the minor victim.  The investigation revealed that BRIGHT started communicating with the minor victim in late August 2017, sent her sexually explicit messages and requested that she send him nude photographs of herself.  In September 2017, BRIGHT sent the minor victim nude pictures of himself.

The investigation further revealed that BRIGHT had engaged in sexually explicit conversations with at least two other 15-year-old females in the Philippines through Facebook, and that he sent one of those minor victims a nude picture of himself.

BRIGHT was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on December 4, 2017.

BRIGHT is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on September 11, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  He is released on a $75,000 bond pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and is be being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacabed Rodriguez-Coss.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RICHARD ROTANTE, 57, of Stamford, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 18, 2017, Stamford Police arrested ROTANTE on the basis of three sales of cocaine that ROTANTE had made to an individual cooperating with law enforcement.  On that date, a search of ROTANTE’s person, residence and two of his vehicles revealed approximately 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, items used to process and package narcotics, and $68,923 in cash.

On December 5, 2017, ROTANTE pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

ROTANTE has a previous federal conviction for distributing cocaine.  On April 25, 2007, he was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, eight months of home confinement, and a fine of $3,500.

ROTANTE, who is released on a $150,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on July 11, 2018.

This matter was investigated by the Stamford Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Stamford State’s Attorney’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Karwan.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BASHON WHITLEY, 27, of New London, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine and 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 3, 2017, a court-authorized search of a New London apartment connected to WHITLEY and his uncle revealed approximately 14.5 grams of heroin, approximately 27 grams of cocaine, approximately 177 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.  WHITLEY and his uncle were arrested on state charges at that time.

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for August 27, 2018, at which time WHITLEY faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.

WHITLEY has been detained since his federal arrest on January 24, 2018.

WHITLEY’s uncle has been charged with federal narcotics trafficking and firearm possession offenses and is detained while awaiting trial.  U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the 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 THOMAS M. MURTHA, 62, of Birmingham, Michigan and formerly of Newtown, Connecticut, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of wire fraud related to his theft of more than $1.3 million from victims.

According to court documents and statements made in court, MURTHA operated a law practice under the name Maher & Murtha LLC in Bridgeport.  Beginning in approximately November 2011, MURTHA stole at least $1.3 million from more than 20 individuals, including law clients, friends and family members.  More than $516,000 of the stolen funds were for the benefit of an individual with mental health issues.  As part of the scheme, MURTHA submitted false or forged documents to victims.  He also incurred charges on credit cards in the names of others without their knowledge or permission.

The investigation revealed that MURTHA used some of the stolen funds in connection with the purchase of a $725,000 house in Birmingham, Michigan.

In September 2016, MURTHA resigned from the bar after three grievance complaints were filed against him.  He was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on April 5, 2017, and a grand jury returned a multi-count indictment against him on August 16, 2017.

MURTHA is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on September 11, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

MURTHA has agreed to pay total restitution of at least $1,364,119.15, and to forfeit his interests in the house in Michigan and a 2.11 carat diamond engagement ring that the government has seized.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Greenwich Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer R. Laraia and David T. Huang.

John H, Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JANZAYB KHAN, 29, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to five years of probation for his involvement in a credit card “bust-out” scheme that defrauded more than a dozen financial institutions, and for attempting to cover up his role during a bankruptcy proceeding.

According to the court documents and statements made in court, KHAN provided his personal information to a co-conspirator so that the co-conspirator could obtain credit cards in KHAN’s name.  In total, the co-conspirator obtained 31 credit cards in KHAN’s name from more than a dozen financial institutions.  In many cases, the credit card applications contained false statements about KHAN’s income, assets, address and employment history.  Then, within a short period in January 2013, nearly all of the available credit on the cards were rapidly utilized or “busted out.”  More than $59,000 was spent on cash advances, gift cards and precious metals.  Some of the proceeds from the cash advances were deposited and/or transferred to bank accounts in the name of KHAN’s co-conspirator and/or the co-conspirator’s relatives.

In addition, almost $70,000 was charged in sham transactions at three merchants, who then issued checks from the proceeds that were later deposited into bank accounts in the name of the co-conspirator and/or the co-conspirator’s relatives.

The co-conspirator paid KHAN approximately $10,000 in cash for his role in the scheme.

After the bust-out, there was more than $165,954 in accumulated debt on the 31 cards in KHAN’s name.  In June 2013, KHAN filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in U.S. Bankruptcy Court and attempted to discharge all of his credit card debt.  In his bankruptcy court filings, KHAN falsely stated that the majority of his debt was due to gambling losses as casinos.  KHAN also made a number of other false statements under oath during an examination by the U.S. Trustee in his bankruptcy case.  The U.S. Bankruptcy Court later denied the discharge of KHAN’s debts.

KHAN was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on April 4, 2017.  On December 11, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of making a false oath in a bankruptcy proceeding.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached a settlement agreement with The UPS Store #1217 in the Riverside section of Greenwich (the “Riverside UPS Store”), to resolve allegations that the store was not operating in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”).

The settlement agreement resolves an ADA complaint filed by an individual with disabilities alleging that the Riverside UPS Store required her to remove her service animal from the store as a condition of service.  As a result of the settlement agreement, the store is in the process of posting signage indicating “Service Animals Welcome,” implementing a “Service Animal Policy,” which includes the types of legally permissible inquiries store employees may make of a customer who enters the store with a service animal, and training employees regarding the policy.  Additionally, the Riverside UPS Store will compensate the complainant in the amount of $1,000.

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

U.S. Attorney Durham noted that the owner of the Riverside UPS Store has worked cooperatively with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to promptly address the ADA issues without litigation.

“The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures that individuals are able to access our state’s retail stores, service establishments and other places of public accommodation,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to enforcing the ADA, which requires businesses to appropriately serve the diverse populations of patrons who live, work and visit Connecticut.  We appreciate the Riverside UPS Store’s commitment to increasing access to its store for individuals with disabilities who require service animal assistance.”

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

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JESUS GOMEZ-VALDIVIA, 39, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 36 months of imprisonment for drug trafficking and immigration offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 12, 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration received information that GOMEZ was couriering narcotics on a flight that had departed Los Angeles International Airport and would be arriving at Tweed New Haven Airport later that day.  DEA Agents traveled to Tweed New Haven Airport and, after the flight landed, identified two pieces of luggage that GOMEZ had checked.  Agents then met GOMEZ in the baggage claim area after he retrieved his luggage.  GOMEZ was arrested after investigators discovered that nearly two kilograms of heroin and approximately 500 grams of fentanyl had been sewed into one of the suitcases.

The investigation also revealed that GOMEZ was deported from the U.S. to Mexico in November 2001, and subsequently reentered the U.S. illegally.

On December 13, 2017, GOMEZ pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of reentry of a removed alien.

GOMEZ has been detained since his arrest.  He will be deported to Mexico when he is released from prison.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the New Haven Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MAURICE SHARPE, 46, of Torrington, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to five years of probation for committing health care fraud.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2011, SHARPE and his mother, Patricia Lafayette, and another individual formed Family First Community Support Services, LLC, a social services agency located in Torrington.  SHARPE was the office manager for the agency.  Lafayette and the other individual approached Anne Charlotte Silver, a licensed clinical social worker who owned and operated Silver Counseling Services, LLC, in Canton and Bantam.  Lafayette and the other individual proposed a scheme to Silver to defraud Medicaid by permitting Lafayette and the other individual to bill Medicaid for psychotherapy services using Silver’s Medicaid provider number.   The services were either performed by unlicensed individuals or not performed at all.  Under the scheme, Silver kept 25 percent of the proceeds, and paid the remaining 75 percent to Lafayette and the other individual.

Medicaid was defrauded of approximately $1.6 million through this scheme, of which Lafayette received more than $1.2 million.

On December 13, 2016, SHARPE pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud and admitted that he submitted claims to Medicaid for psychotherapy services that falsely represented that Silver had personally provided the services.  SHARPE also admitted that he submitted hundreds of claims to Medicaid for psychotherapy services purportedly provided to SHARPE’s family members, including SHARPE’s children and nieces and nephews, when no such services were ever provided.  SHARPE also assisted in the preparation of records that falsely documented the nature and extent of the services received by his family members.

Judge Bolden ordered SHARPE to restitution of $211,131.

Lafayette and Silver also pleaded guilty to health care fraud for their roles in the scheme.  On April 27, 2017, Lafayette was sentenced to 21 months of imprisonment and six months of home confinement.  On May 8, 2017, Silver was sentenced to 10 months of imprisonment.  Lafayette and Silver were ordered to pay restitution of $1.6 million.

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

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

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that WAYNE MARGARUM, SR., 71, of Stamford, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to two counts of willful failure to file an income tax return.

According to court documents and statements made in court, for more than 40 years, MARGARUM has owned and operated Margarum Refuse, providing garbage removal services for customers in the Stamford area and parts of Westchester County, New York.  The business services approximately 600 to 700 clients with fees ranging from $25 to $60 per month.  Neither MARGARUM nor his business has filed tax returns for the tax years 2004 until the present. 

In pleading guilty, MARGARUM has agreed to make $356,330 in restitution to the U.S. Treasury, and to cooperate with the IRS to pay all outstanding taxes, interest and penalties.

MARGARUM is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on September 19, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years and a maximum fine of approximately $700,000.

MARGARUM is released on bond pending sentencing.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JOSE GONZALEZ, also known as “Montana,” “Beat Montana” and “Carl Montana,” 22, of Hartford, pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to one count possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin and fentanyl.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 10:30 a.m., on April 26, 2017, East Hartford Police and emergency medical personnel were dispatched to a residence on Main Street in East Hartford on a report of an unconscious male who was not breathing.  First responders located 20-year-old male on the couch in the living room and pronounced him deceased.  At the scene, investigators located and collected drug paraphernalia, several empty wax baggies, and the victim’s cellphone.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner subsequently determined that the victim’s death was caused by “acute intoxication due to the combined effects of alprazolam, fentanyl and heroin.”

The investigation, which has included witness interviews and analysis of the victim’s cellphone, revealed that the victim traveled to Hartford the night before his death and purchased heroin/fentanyl from GONZALEZ.  Analysis of another individual’s cellphone revealed that GONZALEZ sold heroin and fentanyl from at least December 2016 through April 2017.

GONZALEZ was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on November 30, 2017.

GONZALEZ is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on August 15, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  He has been detained since his arrest.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force, East Hartford Police Department and Monroe 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, and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that SAMIR FATTAH, 55, of Oxford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of filing a false tax return.

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. 

FATTAH is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford on August 16, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years and a fine of up to $100,000.  FATTAH also has agreed to repay the U.S. Treasury $54,067 in restitution for the taxes he failed to pay, and additional penalties and interest that have accrued on his unpaid taxes.

FATTAH is released on bond pending sentencing.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in Hartford has found GEORGE J. CONNELLY, JR., 48, of New Haven, and WILLIAM REIDELL, 41, of Branford, guilty of federal offenses related to their role in a large-scale fencing operation.  The trial before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea began on May 10 and the jury returned the guilty verdicts this afternoon.

According to the evidence at trial, CONNELLY and Paul Muzyka operated a licensed secondhand store, Ace Amusements, located at 42 Kimberly Avenue in New Haven.   At Ace Amusements, CONNELLY and Muzyka knowingly purchased stolen property from “boosters,” who typically were shoplifters with opioid addictions.  The boosters stole the goods from retail stores such as Home Depot, Target, CVS, and Lowe’s, and sold the goods at Ace Amusements for approximately one-third of their retail prices.  CONNELLY and Muzyka then resold the stolen goods at Ace Amusements, and also online at websites such as eBay.  CONNELLY and Muzyka also sold property to resellers, including REIDELL, who then resold the property online using online websites.

The trial evidence showed at least $1.5 million in sales on eBay from 2007 to 2016 by individuals, including REIDELL, who purchased stolen items at Ace Amusements to resell online.

The jury found CONNELLY and REIDELL guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit the interstate transport of stolen property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  The jury also found CONNELLY guilty of two counts, and REIDELL guilty of one count, of interstate transport of stolen property, an an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count.  The jury found CONNELLY not guilty of one count of interstate transport of stolen property.

CONNELLY and REIDELL are released on $100,000 bonds pending sentencing.  Sentencing dates are not yet scheduled.

On March 16, 2018, Muzyka, of North Haven, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit the interstate transport of stolen property and one count of interstate transport of stolen property.  He awaits sentencing.

This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Connecticut State Police, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut Department of Correction, Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, and the New Haven, North Haven, Milford, West Haven, Wallingford, Hamden and Orange Police Departments.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Pierpont, Jr. and David T. Huang.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MELVIN CORREA, 51, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to approximately five months of imprisonment, time already served, and five years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between September 24 and October 9, 2016, overdose deaths in Southington, Montville, Manchester and East Hartford were connected to heroin/fentanyl being distributed in dose bags marked with a specific brand stamp.  In late October 2016, law enforcement learned that CORREA was selling fentanyl in bags marked with the same brand stamp in Hartford.

On November 3, 2016, as part of a controlled purchase of heroin/fentanyl, CORREA told an undercover police officer that he had bags of the drug marked with the same brand stamp, but cautioned that it was “good stuff” and “real strong,” and that someone had died two days earlier by overdosing on it.  Later that day, the undercover officer met CORREA at 109 Franklin Avenue and purchased 200 bags of “heroin” for $600.  On November 7, 2016, the undercover officer purchased another 300 bags of the drug from CORREA for $900.  The bags bore the same brand stamp on those recovered from the scenes of the identified overdose deaths.

Subsequent laboratory testing of the purchased drugs revealed that the bags contained only fentanyl

As investigators sought to identify CORREA’s source of supply, they made additional purchases of fentanyl from CORREA.  During some of the transactions, CORREA was assisted by his associate, Jovii Valentin.

CORREA and Valentin were arrested on December 22, 2016.

CORREA was detained until his release on bond on May 25, 2017.  On November 2, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, fentanyl. 

Valentin pleaded guilty to the same charge on November 8, 2017, and awaits sentencing.  He has been detained since his arrest.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that REBECCA BLOCK, 43, of Windsor, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for embezzling approximately $190,000 from her former employer and failing to pay federal income taxes on the embezzled income.

According to court documents and statements made in court, BLOCK was employed by PG Life Planning Associates, Inc. in West Hartford.  Between 2010 and 2013, BLOCK stole from the company by issuing more than 200 checks payable to herself and depositing those checks into her personal bank account.  She concealed the embezzlement from her employer by disguising the payments in PG Life’s internal accounting records as legitimate business expenses.  BLOCK embezzled approximately $190,399 over the approximately four-year period, and failed to report a total of $42,004 in income taxes on her 2010 through 2013 federal tax returns.

On February 20, 2018, BLOCK pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return.

Judge Underhill ordered BLOCK to make restitution in amount of $190,399 to PG Life, and $42,004, plus applicable interest and penalties, to the IRS.

BLOCK, who is released on a $40,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on August 15, 2018.

This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal jury in New Haven today found TONEY KELSEY, also known as “Blaze,” 26, of Hartford, guilty of sex trafficking of minors.  The trial before Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall began on May 15.

According to the evidence at trial, in late May 2015, KELSEY recruited a 17-year-old female to work in prostitution with the profits to be split evenly between them.  On the day they met, KELSEY engaged in sexual activity with the minor victim.  KELSEY posted advertisements on the Backpage and Cityvibe websites soliciting customers for the minor victim, and the minor victim saw prostitution clients at hotels in the greater Hartford area in May and June 2015.  The minor victim was then recovered by law enforcement.

In November 2016, KELSEY used his Facebook account to contact a second minor victim, who was 15 years old at the time.  KELSEY asked the minor victim if she wanted to earn “fast money” giving “sexual favors” to clients and promised the minor victim $300 per hour.  The minor victim represented that she was 17 years old and KELSEY responded “Cool u old enough.” KELSEY picked up the minor victim at her house and took her to his Hartford residence.  From there, KELSEY arranged “missions,” or prostitution appointments, for the minor victim, and KELSEY drove her to the appointments.  During this time, KELSEY, the minor victim and two other individuals were involved in a car accident.  The next day, KELSEY had arranged prostitution appointments for the minor victim at the Cityside Inn on the Berlin Turnpike in Wethersfield.  At the motel, one prospective client arranged by KELSEY decided not to engage in sexual activity with the minor victim because of the scars on her face sustained during the car accident.

On the morning of November 18, 2016, KELSEY left the minor victim and another female at the Cityside Inn.  Wethersfield Police recovered the minor victim near the motel.

The jury found KELSEY guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor and two counts of sex trafficking of minors.

During the trial, the jury also heard evidence of a third minor victim, a 17-year-old girl that KELSEY contacted through a social media application in May 2016.  KELSEY posted a photograph of the minor victim on Backpage, where he solicited prostitution clients for her.  He then drove the minor victim to two prostitution appointments.

KELSEY has been detained since his arrest by Wethersfield Police on related state charges on November 30, 2016.

Chief Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for August 14, 2018, at which time KELSEY faces a minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of life imprisonment. 

This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, Wethersfield Police Department and Hartford Police Department, through the Connecticut Human Trafficking Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarala V. Nagala and Marc H. Silverman.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that OSCAR MONTOYA, 62, of Windsor Locks, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 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.  On February 2, 2018, another court-authorized search of their North Street residence revealed additional drug evidence and $41,904 in cash.

MONTOYA pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin, oxymorphone, hydrocodone and alprazolam, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, 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, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

In pleading guilty, MONTOYA agreed to forfeit his interest in the Windsor Locks residence and $767,056.74 seized from the residence and multiple bank accounts.

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for September 4, 2018.  MONTOYA has been detained since his federal arrest.

Miles pleaded guilty to the same charges on May 15, 2018, and is detained while awaiting sentencing.  She also has agreed to forfeit her interest in the Windsor Locks residence and the seized money.

This matter is being 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.