District of Connecticut

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CARRIE CAESAR, 47, of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for embezzling funds from Webster Bank Corporation.

According to court documents and statements made in court, CAESAR was a long-time employee of Webster Bank where she served in a variety of roles, including bank teller, account manager and, most recently, as manager of the Avon branch office.  Between 2003 and 2016, CAESAR withdrew at least $535,600 from account holders’ certificate of deposit (CD) accounts at Webster Bank, without the knowledge or consent of the account holders, used the embezzled funds for her own purposes, and took steps to conceal her misconduct.

CAESAR targeted primarily six customers, all of whom were at least 79 years old and with whom she had developed a relationship as an account manager. 

Judge Thompson ordered CAESAR to pay $535,600 in restitution to the bank.

On February 13, 2017, CAESAR pleaded guilty to one count of theft, embezzlement and misapplication by a bank officer and employee.

CAESAR, who is released on a $150,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on March 20, 2018.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that BERNARD HARRIS, 33, of Bridgeport, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in two fraud schemes.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the first scheme involved the theft of postal money orders.  Marc Anthony Alexander, formerly of Stratford and Oxford, and his wife, Rachael Alexander, also known as Rachael Vierling, devised a scheme to steal blocks of blank postal money orders from the U.S. Post Office in Old Greenwich.  The Alexanders and others then imprinted the money orders with various denominations using a computer font designed to make them appear to be authentic.  The Alexanders recruited HARRIS into the scheme to organize others to cash the money orders, or deposit them into numerous bank accounts, either at an ATM or at a teller window.  HARRIS recruited at least five individuals and paid them a portion of the proceeds.  He then turned the bulk of the money over to the Alexanders.  The Alexanders compensated HARRIS by giving him additional money orders that he cashed and converted to his own use.

The loss from this scheme was $313,570.

HARRIS, Marc Alexander and Rachael Alexander were charged by indictment and arrested on April 26, 2016.  On September 8, 2016, HARRIS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

On December 30, 2016, while he was released on bond, HARRIS went to a Waterbury check cashing business and presented a $3860 check that was allegedly issued by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families.  HARRIS provided his driver’s license as identification and provided two references, including the name of his federal pretrial services officer and his federal public defender.  He also cashed a second check from DCF.

On May 8, 2017, HARRIS pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud stemming from the fraudulent check scheme and was remanded into custody.

Marc and Rachael Alexander pleaded guilty to charges related to the postal money order scheme and a separate scheme that involved the fraudulent sale of financed vehicles.  On April 11, 2017, Marc Alexander was sentenced to 96 months of imprisonment.  Rachael Alexander awaits sentencing.

This investigation has been conducted by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force¸ U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Westport 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, today announced that on January 12, a federal jury in New Haven found STANLEY REDDICK, 34, of Hartford, guilty of multiple drug offenses.

According to the evidence introduced during a two-day trial before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer, on two occasions in April 2017, investigators made controlled purchases of a total of approximately 110 grams of crack cocaine from REDDICK.

REDDICK was arrested on May 3, 2017.  On that date, a search of REDDICK’s Ashford Street residence and his person revealed approximately 32 grams of crack, 42 grams of heroin, nine grams of a mixture of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, and items used to process and package narcotics for street sale.  Investigators also found a key to an inoperative vehicle that was parked behind the residence, a subsequent search of which revealed a 9mm firearm and approximately 28 grams of fentanyl.

The jury found REDDICK guilty of two counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”), one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.  The jury found REDDICK not guilty of one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

A sentencing date is not scheduled.

REDDICK has been detained since his arrest.

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Hartford Police Department’s Focused Violence Reduction Team.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marc H. Silverman and Michael J. Gustafson.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MANUEL ANTONIO GUAMAN, 34, a citizen of Ecuador last residing in Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to six months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for passport fraud.

According to court documents and statements made in court, GUAMAN is a native and citizen of Ecuador.  On or about August 2, 2006, he submitted in person an application for a U.S. passport, in the name of another individual, at a U.S. Post Office in Waterbury.  Claiming to be this individual, GUAMAN presented to the passport acceptance agent a Puerto Rican birth certificate and a Connecticut identity card.  Neither the birth certificate nor the identity card reflected the defendant’s true identity.  GUAMAN signed the passport application under oath claiming to be this other individual.  This passport was issued and used by GUAMAN to travel between the U.S. and Ecuador in 2012. 

On October 23, 2014, GUAMAN submitted a passport renewal application, and provided the previous passport as proof of his identity and U.S. citizenship.  On December 31, 2015, after conducting an investigation, law enforcement interviewed GUAMAN while he was incarcerated in a Connecticut Department of Correction facility.  GUAMAN admitted that he had signed and submitted the above-referenced passport renewal application, and that he was not the person whom he had claimed to be in the application.

On July 11, 2017, GUAMAN pleaded guilty to one count of use of a passport secured by false statement and one count of making a false statement in a passport application.

GUAMAN is currently serving a state sentence for assault in the first degree.  He will be removed to Ecuador after serving his state and federal prison terms.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that, on January 10, a grand jury in Bridgeport returned a 13-count indictment charging PAVAN VASWANI, 39, of West Haven, and RISHI MALIK, 45, formerly of Fairfield, with engaging in a conspiracy to defraud the State of Connecticut of millions of dollars in taxes due on tobacco products imported into the state.

VASWANI and MALIK were arrested yesterday and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport.  MALIK was detained pending a detention hearing that is scheduled for January 16.  VASWANI was released on a $250,000 bond.

As alleged in the indictment, VASWANI has operated KDV Discounts LLC, a wholesale tobacco business based in Bridgeport.  MALIK previously operated the business as Connecticut Discounts LLC before selling it to VASWANI in 2012.  Between 2013 and 2017, VASWANI filed false tax forms with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services that underreported his taxes due.  He then paid over those lower amounts instead of taxes actually owed.  MALIK conspired with VASWANI through means including forming a Pennsylvania company, Discount Deals, to acquire smokeless tobacco that was imported into Connecticut without payment of taxes.

It is alleged that the State of Connecticut was defrauded of approximately $5.8 million through this scheme.

The indictment charges VASWANI and MALIK with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to violate the Contraband Cigarette Trafficking Act (“CCTA”), an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  The indictment also charges VASWANI with 12 counts and MALIK with four counts of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, on each count.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that GEORGE KINNEY, 35, of Plainfield, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl to an overdose victim in 2016.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 31, 2016, the Plainfield Police Department responded to a report of an untimely death of a 38-year-old female at a hotel in Plainfield.  At the scene, officers seized drug and non-drug evidence, including bags that appear to have contained heroin and/or fentanyl that were located in a bathroom garbage can.  The investigation revealed that KINNEY had provided the drugs to the victim and her boyfriend shortly before the victim’s death.

The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner subsequently determined that the victim died due to the combined effects of ethanol and fentanyl.

KINNEY was arrested on May 9, 2017.  At the time of his arrest, KINNEY possessed 40 bags of heroin on his person, and another 150 bags that were hidden in secret compartment in his pickup truck.  The seized bags contained heroin and fentanyl, and most had identical labeling to the bags found in the victim’s hotel room.

Judge Bolden ordered KINNEY to forfeit his truck, a 2008 Ford F150 XL.

KINNEY has been detained since his arrest.  On October 18, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin and fentanyl.

KINNEY’s criminal history includes convictions for drug trafficking and a domestic violence offense.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and the Plainfield Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced today that it has settled False Claims Act allegations against dental management company Benevis LLC (formerly known as NCDR LLC) and more than 130 of its affiliated Kool Smiles dental clinics for which Benevis provides business management and administrative services.  Under the agreement, Benevis and the Kool Smiles clinics will pay the United States and participating states a total of $23.9 million, plus interest, to resolve allegations that they knowingly submitted false claims for payment to state Medicaid programs for medically unnecessary dental services performed on children insured by Medicaid.       

 

“Billing Medicaid programs for dental procedures that are not necessary contributes to the soaring costs of healthcare,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.  “When healthcare providers put vulnerable patients at risk by performing medically unnecessary procedures to achieve financial goals, we will take action.”   

 

The United States alleged that between January 2009 and December 2011, Benevis and Kool Smiles clinics located throughout 17 states knowingly submitted false claims to state Medicaid programs for medically unnecessary pulpotomies (baby root canals), tooth extractions, and stainless steel crowns, in addition to seeking payment for pulpotomies that were never performed.  The United States alleges that Kool Smiles clinics routinely pressured and incentivized dentists to meet production goals through a system that disciplined “unproductive” dentists and awarded “productive” dentists with substantial cash bonuses based on the revenue generated by the procedures they performed.  According to the government’s allegations, Kool Smiles clinics ignored complaints from their own dentists regarding overutilization.  In addition, the United States further alleged that Kool Smiles clinics located in Texas knowingly submitted false claims to the Texas Medicaid Program for First Dental Home (FDH), a program intended to provide a comprehensive package of dental services aimed at improving the oral health of children under three years of age.  These clinics are alleged to have submitted false claims for FDH services that were not fully provided.  

 

Of the $23.9 million to be paid by Benevis and its affiliated Kool Smiles clinics, the federal government will receive a total of $14,244,073.49, plus interest, and a total of $9,655,926.51, plus interest, will be returned to individual states, which jointly funded improper claims submitted to state Medicaid programs.    

          

“The allegations in these cases are particularly egregious because they involved medically unnecessary dental services performed on children,” said John H. Durham, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut.  “Exploiting needy children for financial gain is inexcusable.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Connecticut is committed to aggressively pursuing health care providers that submit fraudulent claims to government health care programs.”

 

The government’s investigation was initiated by five lawsuits filed under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private citizens to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the government’s recovery.  Four of the cases are currently pending in the District of Connecticut and one is pending in the Western District of Texas.  As part of today’s resolution, three of the whistleblowers—former Kool Smiles employees Adam Abendano, Poonam Rai, and Robin Fitzgerald—will receive payments totaling more than $2.4 million from the federal share of the settlement. 

 

“When providers accept federal funds for reimbursement, they have a duty and responsibility to provide the best care possible to the patient, especially when their patients are economically disadvantaged children,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick for the Southern District of Texas. “The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas will aggressively prosecute healthcare providers who fail to provide care as required when it adversely affects the taxpayers.”

 

“The conduct of Kool Smiles reached across state lines to impact many patients, many of them vulnerable children,” said U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente for the Eastern District of Virginia. “I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their tireless effort and dedication in bringing about this nationwide resolution.”

 

“Today’s settlement sends a very clear signal:  Fraud in the federal healthcare system will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney John F. Bash for the Western District of Texas. “Especially when that fraud involves performing unnecessary procedures on kids—here, unnecessary baby root canals and tooth extractions, among other procedures—we will not hesitate to use every tool at our disposal to punish those who break the law.”

 

“It is intolerable when health care companies seek to boost profits by defrauding Medicaid and exploiting children," said Special Agent in Charge Phillip M. Coyne, HHS-OIG. "Systematically performing and billing for medically unnecessary dental procedures undermines the well-being of these young patients, corrupts the impartiality of medical decision-making, and diverts money from taxpayer-funded health care programs designed to pay for legitimate medical needs.”

 

The settlement with Benevis and its affiliated Kool Smiles clinics was the result of a collaborative effort among federal and state agencies.  The Commercial Litigation Branch of the Justice Department’s Civil Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the District of Connecticut, Southern District of Texas, Eastern District of Virginia, and Western District of Texas handled the cases, with substantial assistance from the National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units (NAMFCU).  The Civil Division and NAMFCU coordinated the nationwide investigation, which was conducted by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and NAMFCU.          

 

The cases are captioned United States, et al., ex rel. Abendano v. NCDR, LLC, et al., 3:10-cv-1100 (JBA) (D. Conn.); United States, et al., ex rel. Greenwald v. Kool Smiles Dentistry PC, et al., 3:10-cv-1100 (JBA) (D. Conn.); United States, et al., ex rel. Rai, et al. v. Kool Smiles Dentistry PC, et al., 3:17-cv-834 (JBA) (D. Conn.); United States, et al., ex rel. Bowne v. KS-VAP, PC, et al., 3:16-cv-369 (JBA) (D. Conn.); and United States, et al., ex rel. Alves, et al. v. NCDR, LLC, et al., SA-13-CV-0760H (W.D. Tex.).  The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. 

 

In the District of Connecticut, the investigation was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Molot.

The Justice Department announced today that it has settled False Claims Act allegations against dental management company Benevis LLC (formerly known as NCDR LLC) and more than 130 of its affiliated Kool Smiles dental clinics for which Benevis provides business management and administrative services.  Under the agreement, Benevis and the Kool Smiles clinics will pay the United States and participating states a total of $23.9 million, plus interest, to resolve allegations that they knowingly submitted false claims for payment to state Medicaid programs for medically unnecessary dental services performed on children insured by Medicaid.       

 

“Billing Medicaid programs for dental procedures that are not necessary contributes to the soaring costs of healthcare,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.  “When healthcare providers put vulnerable patients at risk by performing medically unnecessary procedures to achieve financial goals, we will take action.”   

 

The United States alleged that between January 2009 and December 2011, Benevis and Kool Smiles clinics located throughout 17 states knowingly submitted false claims to state Medicaid programs for medically unnecessary pulpotomies (baby root canals), tooth extractions, and stainless steel crowns, in addition to seeking payment for pulpotomies that were never performed.  The United States alleges that Kool Smiles clinics routinely pressured and incentivized dentists to meet production goals through a system that disciplined “unproductive” dentists and awarded “productive” dentists with substantial cash bonuses based on the revenue generated by the procedures they performed.  According to the government’s allegations, Kool Smiles clinics ignored complaints from their own dentists regarding overutilization.  In addition, the United States further alleged that Kool Smiles clinics located in Texas knowingly submitted false claims to the Texas Medicaid Program for First Dental Home (FDH), a program intended to provide a comprehensive package of dental services aimed at improving the oral health of children under three years of age.  These clinics are alleged to have submitted false claims for FDH services that were not fully provided.  

 

Of the $23.9 million to be paid by Benevis and its affiliated Kool Smiles clinics, the federal government will receive a total of $14,244,073.49, plus interest, and a total of $9,655,926.51, plus interest, will be returned to individual states, which jointly funded improper claims submitted to state Medicaid programs.     

          

“The allegations in these cases are particularly egregious because they involved medically unnecessary dental services performed on children,” said U.S. Attorney John H. Durham for the District of Connecticut.  “Exploiting needy children for financial gain is inexcusable.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Connecticut is committed to aggressively pursuing health care providers that submit fraudulent claims to government health care programs.”

 

The government’s investigation was initiated by five lawsuits filed under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private citizens to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the government’s recovery.  These cases are currently pending in the District of Connecticut and the Western District of Texas.  As part of today’s resolution, three of the whistleblowers—former Kool Smiles employees Adam Abendano, Poonam Rai, and Robin Fitzgerald—will receive payments totaling more than $2.4 million from the federal share of the settlement. 

 

“When providers accept federal funds for reimbursement, they have a duty and responsibility to provide the best care possible to the patient, especially when their patients are economically disadvantaged children,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick for the Southern District of Texas. “The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas will aggressively prosecute healthcare providers who fail to provide care as required when it adversely affects the taxpayers.”

 

“The conduct of Kool Smiles reached across state lines to impact many patients, many of them vulnerable children,” said U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente for the Eastern District of Virginia. “I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their tireless effort and dedication in bringing about this nationwide resolution.”

 

“Today’s settlement sends a very clear signal:  Fraud in the federal healthcare system will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney John F. Bash for the Western District of Texas. “Especially when that fraud involves performing unnecessary procedures on kids—here, unnecessary baby root canals and tooth extractions, among other procedures—we will not hesitate to use every tool at our disposal to punish those who break the law.”

 

“It is intolerable when health care companies seek to boost profits by defrauding Medicaid and exploiting children," said Special Agent in Charge Phillip M. Coyne, HHS-OIG. "Systematically performing and billing for medically unnecessary dental procedures undermines the well-being of these young patients, corrupts the impartiality of medical decision-making, and diverts money from taxpayer-funded health care programs designed to pay for legitimate medical needs.”

 

The settlement with Benevis and its affiliated Kool Smiles clinics was the result of a collaborative effort among federal and state agencies.  The Commercial Litigation Branch of the Justice Department’s Civil Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the District of Connecticut, Southern District of Texas, Eastern District of Virginia, and Western District of Texas handled the cases, with substantial assistance from the National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units (NAMFCU).  The Civil Division and NAMFCU coordinated the nationwide investigation, which was conducted by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and NAMFCU.          

 

The cases are captioned United States, et al., ex rel. Abendano v. NCDR, LLC, et al., 3:10-cv-1100 (JBA) (D. Conn.); United States, et al., ex rel. Greenwald v. Kool Smiles Dentistry PC, et al., 3:10-cv-1100 (JBA) (D. Conn.); United States, et al., ex rel. Rai, et al. v. Kool Smiles Dentistry PC, et al., 3:17-cv-834 (JBA) (D. Conn.); United States, et al., ex rel. Bowne v. KS-VAP, PC, et al., 3:16-cv-369 (JBA) (D. Conn.); and United States, et al., ex rel. Alves, et al. v. NCDR, LLC, et al., SA-13-CV-0760H (W.D. Tex.).  The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GUSTAVO GARCIA, 29, of Queens, New York, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana.

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

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

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

Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for April 4, 2018, at which time GARCIA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  GARCIA also has agreed to forfeit the cash and jewelry that investigators seized at the time of his arrest.

GARCIA is released on a $250,000 bond pending sentencing.

Reyes pleaded guilty to the same charge on January 5 and awaits sentencing.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DION EDWARD THOMPSON, 40, formerly of East Hartford, and Colorado Springs, Colorado, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for robbing a U.S. Postal Service employee in Hartford in September 2014.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 9, 2014, THOMPSON, and another man who was armed with what appeared to be a firearm, robbed a U.S. Postal Service employee of U.S. Postal Service funds at the Barry Square Post Office, located at 645 Maple Avenue in Hartford.  The robbery occurred as the employee was loading the Post Office’s daily proceeds into a postal vehicle, which was parked at the loading dock.  Approximately $21,817 in cash, checks and money orders was stolen during the robbery.

On January 17, 2017, THOMPSON pleaded guilty to one count of robbery of a U.S. Postal Service employee.

THOMPSON’s criminal history includes numerous convictions.

This investigation has been conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with the assistance of the Hartford Police Department and the Colorado Springs Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deborah R. Slater and Douglas P. Morabito.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Shelly A. Binkowski, Inspector in Charge for the Boston Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that PETER CEPLENSKI, 47, of Essex, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to using the dark web to acquire and distribute various controlled substances.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation headed by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Drug Enforcement Administration revealed that CEPLENSKI used the dark web to buy and sell various drugs.  On September 6, 2017, investigators searched a package containing approximately 1,000 alprazolam (Xanax) tablets that was being mailed to CEPLENSKI.  On September 7, CEPLENSKI was arrested on a federal criminal complaint after investigators delivered the package to his residence.  On that date, a search of the residence revealed approximately 500 tablets that CEPLENSKI believed contained fentanyl, and a second package containing approximately 1,000 alprazolam tablets.

CEPLENSKI admitted that he had shipped a quantity of fentanyl powder to another individual who had the ability to manufacture pills, and who then shipped fentanyl pills back to CEPLENSKI.  The seized pills that CEPLENSKI believed contained fentanyl actually contained no controlled substances.

After CEPLENSKI’s arrest, law enforcement officers seized two additional packages as part of the investigation.  One package contained what CEPLENSKI believed were amphetamine pills but were, in fact, pills that contained methamphetamine.  The second package, which had been mailed from Pakistan, contained what appeared to be 61 oxycodone tablets.  A lab test of the pills confirmed that they contained heroin, not oxycodone.

CEPLENSKI pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, oxycodone, methamphetamine, fentanyl and alprazolam, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  He also has agreed to forfeit $40,642.25, and multiple laptops, iPads and iPhones that were seized from his at the time of his arrest.

CEPLENSKI is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on April 4, 2018.  He is released on bond pending sentencing.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILLIAM REYES, also known as “Big Head,” 36, of Stamford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the summer of 2017, REYES and John Koukouras utilized a residence located at 40 Guernsey Hill Road in Lagrangeville, New York, to grow, process and distribute marijuana.  The investigation revealed that REYES was also being supplied by an individual in New York City with large quantities of marijuana.  In July 2017, the marijuana supplier delivered approximately 40 pounds of marijuana to REYES in exchange for approximately $80,000.

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

Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for March 30, 2018, at which time REYES faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  REYES also has agreed to forfeit his interest in both the $71,004 in cash seized from his residence, and a 2012 Toyota Camry.

REYES has been detained since his arrest.

Koukouras, of Eugene, Oregon, pleaded guilty to the same charge on November 15, 2017, and awaits sentencing.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PETER G. KRUZYNSKI, 51, of Shelton, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to one count of enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity.

According to court documents and statements made in court, KRUZYNSKI used his mobile phone and text messaging to entice a male victim, who was under the age of 16, to engage in sexual activity.  Specifically, KRUZYNSKI sent text messages to the victim asking him to come to KRUZYNSKI’s home, where KRUZYNSKI then engaged in sexual activity with the victim.  In addition, on one occasion in December 2014, KRUZYNSKI used his phone to take photographs of the victim engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The victim was under the age of 18, and therefore a minor under federal law, at the time the photographs were taken.

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for March 28, 2018, at which time KRUZYNSKI faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

KRUZYNSKI was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on September 16, 2016.  He has been in custody since October 24, 2016, when his bond was revoked for failing to comply with his release conditions.

KRUZYNSKI is also charged with related state offenses.

KRUZYNSKI is an attorney who had a law practice in Shelton.  On December 15, 2016, he was suspended from the practice of law on an interim basis following his arrest in this case.

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

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

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

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 ADEYEMI ODUFUYE, also known as “Micky,” “Micky Bricks,” “Yemi,” “GMB,” “Bawz,” and “Jefe,” 31, a citizen of Nigeria, pleaded guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to fraud and identity theft offenses stemming from a business e-mail compromise scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI has been investigating a business compromise scheme in which ODUFUYE and others targeted CEOs, CFOs, controllers and others at U.S. businesses using sophisticated cyber techniques to defraud the businesses of millions of dollars.  As part of this scheme, in late 2015, ODUFUYE and others sent or caused to be sent dozens of e-mails to the controller of a company in Torrington, Connecticut.  In the e-mails, ODUFUYE posed at the real CEO of the victim company and instructed the controller to send multiple wire transfers exceeding a total of $1 million from the company’s accounts to various individuals and purported entities.  The company then sent five wire transfers totaling more than $500,000 to accounts in Virginia, Florida, Washington, D.C., and Hong Kong.

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

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

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

ODUFUYE pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least two years.  Chief Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for March 28, 2018.

On December 19, 2016, ODUFUYE was arrested in the United Kingdom where he was a student at Sheffield Hallam University in Sheffield, England.  He was extradited from the U.K. to the U.S. and is detained.

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

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JULIO FLORES, 39, of Webster, Mass., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a heroin 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.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical and video surveillance, revealed that members of the organization regularly purchased bulk quantities of heroin from suppliers located in the Bronx, New York, and sold the heroin through a network of redistributors, including FLORES, in New Haven and elsewhere.  FLORES distributed heroin in Massachusetts.

The investigation resulted in federal charges against 24 individuals.

FLORES was arrested on March 16, 2017.  On that date, investigators seized $18,180 from a safe that he controlled.

On October 11, 2017, FLORES pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.

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 PERRY DESHAZO, also known as “Hov” and “Amafia Hov,” 27, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Jeffery A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of 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, on December 2, 2016, at approximately 1:35 a.m., Bridgeport Police responded to St. Vincent’s Medical Center after a report of a suspicious death.  Hospital staff told officers that a 40-year old female had been dropped off at the hospital and was dead upon arrival. 

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 fentanyl, heroin and alcohol.”

The investigation, which included witness interviews and analysis of cell phone records and social media sites, revealed that DESHAZO supplied the narcotics consumed by the victim shortly before her death.

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for March 27, 2018, at which time DESHAZO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

DESHAZO has been detained since his arrest on July 17, 2017.

This matter is being investigated by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis and Peter Markle.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ZACHARY PROVOST, 32, of Waterbury, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with committing two armed robberies in Middlebury last month.

PROVOST has been detained since his arrest on state charges on December 9, 2017.  He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis in New Haven and was ordered detained.

As alleged in the criminal complaint, at approximately 10:00 a.m. on December 8, 2017, PROVOST robbed the Mobil gas station, located at 750 Straits Turnpike in Middlebury, and the Dunkin’ Donuts located inside the Mobil gas station.  PROVOST first robbed the Mobil by pointing what appeared to be firearm at the cashier and ordering the cashier to give him the contents of the cash register.  The cashier unlocked the cash register and PROVOST took approximately $578 in cash from the register.  PROVOST also demanded and received cigarettes valued at approximately $131, from the cashier.  PROVOST then walked to the Dunkin’ Donuts counter, displayed a handgun to the cashier and took approximately $350 in cash from the cash register.

It is further alleged that law enforcement identified PROVOST from surveillance images, and that PROVOST is also a suspect in multiple bank robberies.

On December 9, 2017, PROVOST was arrested by Waterbury Police officers after they responded to a call of an overdose of a woman at a motel in Waterbury.  Officers were able to revive the overdose victim, who had been staying in the same room as PROVOST.

The complaint charges PROVOST with Hobbs Act Robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Waterbury Police Department and other state and local law enforcement agencies.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.

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.

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, and Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, announced that SIDIKJON MAMADJONOV, 31, a citizen of Uzbekistan residing in New Britain, was arrested today on a criminal complaint charging him with immigration offenses.

MAMADJONOV appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven and was ordered detained.

As alleged in court documents, MAMADJONOV immigrated to the U.S. in February 2009 and became a lawful permanent resident in September 2010.  On September 8, 2014, MAMADJONOV submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services an Application for Naturalization, Form N-400.

It is alleged that, on November 20, 2017, in an interview with the FBI, MAMADJONOV stated that on a trip to Turkey in May 2013, he was informed that his brother Saidjon had died in May or June 2013 while fighting in Syria with the “Nusra” group, which was affiliated with ISIS.  When MAMADJONOV returned from Turkey, he received a FedEx package that contained what he believed to be Saidjon’s iPhone.  The iPhone contained several videos and photographs depicting Saidjon in Syria.  MAMADJONOV recalled a video in which Saidjon stated, “Join us brother, we are here.”  Also contained on the phone were photographs of Saidjon cleaning weapons in military dress while armed with a weapon, as well as a photograph of Saidjon’s dead body and his bloodied face. 

The complaint alleges that in FBI interviews on May 14 and May 29, 2014, and on November 28, 2014, MAMADJONOV responded to questions about the trip he took to Turkey in May 2013, and questions about his brother, Saidjon Mamadjonov.  During all three interviews, MAMADJONOV stated that Saidjon Mamadjonov was still alive when he knew he was dead.

It is further alleged that in an FBI interview on August 17, 2016, MAMADJONOV stated that he did not know the whereabouts of Saidjon, had not overheard any discussions of Uzbeks in the U.S. going over to Syria to fight, and was not aware of any Uzbeks travelling to Syria.

It is alleged that in response to Part 11, Question 10 of the Form N-400 MAMADJONOV submitted in September 2014, “Have you ever been a member of, or in any way associated (either directly or indirectly) with: C. A terrorist organization?” MAMADJONOV responded “No.”  Also, in response to Part 11, Question 31 of Form N-400, “Have you ever given any Government official information that was materially false, fraudulent or misleading?” MAMADJONOV responded “No.”  MAMADJONOV signed the form below the statement “I certify, under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America, that this application, and the evidence submitted with it, are all true and correct.”

It is further alleged that, on October 27, 2016, in an interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer regarding his Form N-400, MAMADJONOV again provided false statements and concealed information about his association with a member of a known terrorist organization.  At the conclusion of the interview, he swore an oath under penalty of perjury that his responses were true.

The complaint charges MAMADJONOV with the unlawful procurement of naturalization, and making a false oath or declaration under penalty of perjury, offenses that carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  The complaint also charges MAMADJONOV with making false statements on a naturalization application, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five 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’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, New Britain Police Department and Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito, with the assistance of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that JUAN SILVA, 37, of Stratford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to preparing false federal income tax returns.

According to court documents and statements made in court, SILVA operated Oficina Hispana, a multi-service business that included tax return preparation.  Between approximately 2011 and 2017, SILVA falsified itemized deductions and unreimbursed employee business expenses on numerous returns that he prepared for clients.  In addition, for the 2011, 2012 and 2013 tax years, SILVA made substantial deposits of business receipts from his tax preparation business into his personal bank accounts, and failed to report to the IRS a total of more than $306,000 in income.

SILVA pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return.  At sentencing, he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years, a fine of up to approximately $300,000, and restitution of $143,693.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.

The IRS is taking action to recover unpaid taxes from SILVA’s clients.

This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.

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, and Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, announced that SIDIKJON MAMADJONOV, 31, a citizen of Uzbekistan residing in New Britain, was arrested today on a criminal complaint charging him with immigration offenses.

MAMADJONOV appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven and was ordered detained.

As alleged in court documents, MAMADJONOV was admitted to the U.S. in February 2009 and became a lawful permanent resident in September 2010.  On September 8, 2014, MAMADJONOV submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services an Application for Naturalization, Form N-400.

The complaint alleged that, on November 20, 2017, in an interview with the FBI, MAMADJONOV stated that on a trip to Turkey in May 2013, he was informed that his brother Saidjon had died in May or June 2013 while fighting in Syria with the “Nusra” group, which was affiliated with ISIS.  When MAMADJONOV returned from Turkey, he received a FedEx package that contained what he believed to be Saidjon’s iPhone.  The iPhone contained several videos and photographs depicting Saidjon in Syria.  MAMADJONOV recalled a video in which Saidjon stated, “Join us brother, we are here.”  Also contained on the phone were photographs of Saidjon cleaning weapons in military dress while armed with a weapon, as well as a photograph of Saidjon’s dead body and his bloodied face. 

The complaint alleges that in FBI interviews on May 14 and May 29, 2014, and on November 28, 2014, MAMADJONOV responded to questions about the trip he took to Turkey in May 2013, and questions about his brother, Saidjon Mamadjonov.  During all three interviews, MAMADJONOV stated that Saidjon Mamadjonov was still alive when he knew he was dead.

The complaint further alleged that in an FBI interview on August 17, 2016, MAMADJONOV stated that he did not know the whereabouts of Saidjon, had not overheard any discussions of Uzbeks in the U.S. going over to Syria to fight, and was not aware of any Uzbeks travelling to Syria.

The complaint alleged that in response to Part 11, Question 10 of the Form N-400 MAMADJONOV submitted in September 2014, “Have you ever been a member of, or in any way associated (either directly or indirectly) with: C. A terrorist organization?” MAMADJONOV responded “No.”  Also, in response to Part 11, Question 31 of Form N-400, “Have you ever given any Government official information that was materially false, fraudulent or misleading?” MAMADJONOV responded “No.”  MAMADJONOV signed the form below the statement “I certify, under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America, that this application, and the evidence submitted with it, are all true and correct.”

The complaint further alleged that, on October 27, 2016, in an interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer regarding his Form N-400, MAMADJONOV again provided false statements and concealed information about his association with a member of a known terrorist organization.  At the conclusion of the interview, he swore an oath under penalty of perjury that his responses were true.

The complaint charges MAMADJONOV with the unlawful procurement of naturalization, and making a false oath or declaration under penalty of perjury, offenses that carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  The complaint also charges MAMADJONOV with making false statements on a naturalization application, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five 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’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, New Britain Police Department and Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito, with the assistance of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALBERT BONNER, 31, of Killingly, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to eight months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for providing a firearm to a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 4, 2017, law enforcement officers removed a loaded Beretta 9mm Nano handgun and an improvised explosive device from the Killingly home of Blain Kollbeck   The handgun had an obliterated serial number, and was repainted orange.  The investigation revealed that BONNER was the registered owner of the gun, and that BONNER provided the gun to Kollbeck, who BONNER knew was a convicted felon.

On July 31, 2017, BONNER pleaded guilty to one count of providing a firearm to a convicted felon.

Kollbeck, 33, was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on January 10, 2017.  On December 18, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.  He is released on $100,000 bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for March 12, 2018.

This matter has been investigated by the Connecticut State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE DAVID SILVA PESTANO, 33, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to heroin trafficking charges.

According to court documents, SILVA PESTANO and others conspired to traffic multi-kilogram quantities of heroin from Mexico to the Bridgeport, Connecticut area.  On multiple occasions between approximately April 2015 and March 2017, SILVA PESTANO personally transported more than 30 kilograms of heroin into Connecticut.

On February 14, 2017, SILVA PESTANO was arrested in Nogales, Arizona, after he crossed the border on a motorcycle carrying 11.94 kilograms of heroin in a concealed compartment.

On March 16, 2017, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging SILVA PESTANO and six other individuals with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and related offenses.  SILVA PESTANO also was charged in the District of Arizona with possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.  The Arizona case was transferred to the District of Connecticut for further prosecution.

SILVA PESTANO pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and one count of possession with intent to distribute one kilogram of heroin.

Judge Bryant scheduled sentencing for March 22, 2018, at which time SILVA PESTANO faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years maximum term of imprisonment of life.

SILVA PESTANO has been detained since his arrest.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, announced that ANDRE REED, 25, of Waterbury, was arrested today on a criminal complaint charging him with heroin distribution offenses. 

REED appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven and was ordered detained.

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

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

It is alleged that REED supplied heroin to another individual who then sold it to the victim.

On December 29, 2016, at approximately 6:53 a.m., Torrington Police and emergency personnel responded to a Torrington residence on the report of an unresponsive female at the residence.  Efforts to resuscitate the victim, who was 29, were not successful.  Investigators seized drug and non-drug evidence indicating that the death was an opioid overdose.  Investigators also seized the victim’s cell phone.

On December 29, 2016, at approximately 8:28 a.m., Torrington Police and paramedics responded to another Torrington residence on the report of an unresponsive female.  The victim, who was 21, was pronounced deceased at the scene.  Investigators seized drug and non-drug evidence, including multiple empty “folds,” which are commonly used to package heroin.  Investigators also seized the victim’s cell phone.

As alleged in the complaint, analysis of the cell phones seized from the two Torrington overdose victims revealed that the 21-year-old victim contacted REED to purchase heroin on December 28, 2016.  Minutes later, the 21-year-old victim sent a text message to the 29-year-old victim that said “I already called my dude he’s around.”

The complaint charges REED with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin, and conspiracy to distribute heroin.  Both offenses carry 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 Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Torrington, Danbury and Wilton Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ZULEYMA CRUZ, 29, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for her role in a heroin trafficking operation.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a Drug Enforcement Administration Hartford Task Force investigation into a drug trafficking organization that distributed large quantities of heroin in the Hartford area.  The investigation revealed that CRUZ allowed members of the organization to store heroin, cocaine, drug packaging materials and cash at her Wayland Street apartment, and allowed her apartment to be used to process and package narcotics for street sale.

CRUZ and several co-conspirators were arrested on June 4, 2015.  On that date, a search of CRUZ’s apartment revealed a bag of cocaine, approximately 400 bags of heroin, a heroin stamp, six boxes containing hundreds of stamped bags for packaging heroin, and other items used to process and package heroin for street sale.

On February 17, 2017, CRUZ pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin.

CRUZ is currently incarcerated in state custody.  In September 2015, she was sentenced in Manchester Superior Court to a total effective sentence of seven and one-half years of incarceration on convictions for manslaughter with a motor vehicle and assault with a motor vehicle.

Judge Bryant ordered CRUZ to begin serving the 24-month federal sentence when she is released from state custody.

Six other individuals were charged as a result of this investigation.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police.  The DEA Task Force includes participants from the Bristol, East Hartford, Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Willimantic and Windsor Locks Police Departments, and the Food and Drug Administration.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment yesterday charging JAMES RIPBERGER, 62, of Glastonbury, with one count of receipt of child pornography.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on October 12, 2017, law enforcement officers conducted a search of RIPBERGER’s Glastonbury residence and seized computers and electronic storage devices.  Preliminary analysis of the seized items revealed more than 125 images and videos of child pornography.

If convicted of receipt of child pornography, RIPBERGER faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

RIPBERGER has been in federal custody since December 15, 2017, when he was arrested on a federal criminal complaint.

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 ongoing investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the Glastonbury Police Department and the Connecticut Center for Digital Investigations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE GREGORY CHARON, also known as “Yoshi,” 31, of Danbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of distribution of heroin.

This prosecution is part of an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 9, 2017, the Danbury Police Department responded to Danbury residence on a report of an untimely death of a woman.  Investigators collected from the scene three cellphones, a bottle of methadone and an empty glassine bag marked with a particular brand stamp.  Testing of the contents of the bag confirmed that it contained heroin. 

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that the victim died on April 8, 2017, as a result of a methadone and benzodiazepine (Xanax) overdose.

In May 2017, investigators made two controlled purchases of heroin from CHARON.  Several of the bags of heroin purchased on both occasions were marked with the same brand stamp that was on the empty bag found in the overdose victim’s residence.

CHARON was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on September 12.

The charge of distribution of heroin carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  CHARON is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on March 12, 2018.

This matter has been investigated by the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, the Danbury Police Department and the Darien Police Department.  The Task Force includes members from the Bridgeport, Stamford, Stratford, Norwalk and Milford Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas P. Morabito and David C. Nelson.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DIMAS ESCOBAR, 41, a citizen of Guatemala last residing in New Britain, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of reentry of a removed alien.

According to court documents and statements made in court, ESCOBAR was admitted to the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident in November 2004.

In October 2011, ESCOBAR was convicted in Bristol Superior Court of sexual assault in the second degree and was sentenced to eight years of incarceration, execution suspended after 18 months, and 10 years of probation.  He also was subject to mandatory sex offender registration.

In May 2013, ESCOBAR was deported from the U.S. to Guatemala.

On June 7, 2017, Plainville Police alerted ICE to ESCOBAR’s presence in the U.S.  On June 14, ICE officers arrested ESCOBAR following a traffic stop in New Britain.

ESCOBAR has been detained since his arrest.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford on March 15, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.  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 RAYMOND J. GORDON, also known as “X-RAY,” 30, of Stratford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing heroin involved in an overdose death last year.

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 10, 2016, Stratford Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a Stratford residence after receiving a report of an unresponsive 22-year-old female.  The female, who was in her bedroom, was pronounced deceased.  Responding officers collected wax folds containing suspected heroin, a hypodermic needle and other drug paraphernalia from the bedroom.  Investigators also seized the victim’s cellphone.  The investigation revealed that the victim purchased heroin from GORDON shortly before she died.

GORDON has been detained since his arrest on May 16, 2017.  On August 29, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of heroin.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Stratford Police Department.  The task force includes personnel from the Bridgeport, Milford, Norwalk, Stamford and Stratford Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARK J. ZITO, 55, of Shelton, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to one count of wire fraud. 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Chief Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for March 19, 2018, at which time ZITO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  ZITO is released on bond pending sentencing.

 

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RYAN STONE, 30, of Plainfield, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of production of child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between March 30 and April 1, 2017, STONE took sexually explicit photographs and video of a six-year-old girl.

STONE is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on March 21, 2018, at which time he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.

STONE has been in state custody since April 19 when he was arrested for criminal trespass in the first degree and criminal violation of a restraining order.

This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Plainfield Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.

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, today announced that two Nigerian nationals have been charged with various federal offenses stemming from a business e-mail compromise scheme.

OLUMUYIWA YAHTRIP ADEJUMO, also known as “Ade,” “Slimwaco,” “Waco,” “Waco Jamon,” “Hade” and “Hadey,” 32, was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on November 16, 2017, in Toledo, Ohio, where he was living as a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.  The complaint charges ADEJUMO with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and wire fraud.  ADEJUMO, who has been detained since his arrest, made his initial appearance in the District of Connecticut today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven.

ADEYEMI ODUFUYE, also known as “Micky,” “Micky Bricks,” “Yemi,” “GMB,” “Bawz,” and “Jefe,” 31, was arrested in the United Kingdom on December 19, 2016.  ODUFUYE had been residing in Sheffield, England, where he was a student at Sheffield Hallam University.  On December 20, 2016, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a seven-count indictment charging ODUFUYE and another individual with one count of conspiracy, five counts of wire fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft.  ODUFUYE was extradited from the U.K. to the U.S. and is detained while awaiting trial.  The other individual in the indictment has not been apprehended, and his identity has not been publicly revealed.

As alleged in court documents, the FBI has been investigating a business compromise scheme in which ADEJUMO, ODUFUYE and others targeted CEOs, CFOs, controllers and others at U.S. businesses using sophisticated cyber techniques to defraud the businesses of millions of dollars.  As part of this scheme, in late 2015, ADEJUMO, ODUFUYE and others sent or caused to be sent dozens of e-mails to the controller of a company in Torrington, Connecticut.  In the e-mails, ODUFUYE posed at the real CEO of the victim company and instructed the controller to send multiple wire transfers exceeding a total of $1 million from the company’s accounts to various individuals and purported entities.  Because of these fraudulent emails, the company sent five wire transfers totaling more than $500,000 to accounts in Virginia, Florida, Washington, D.C., and Hong Kong.  The investigation has revealed that ADEJUMO and ODUFUYE controlled multiple e-mail and social media accounts used in the scheme.

It is further alleged that the co-conspirators sent e-mails and attachments containing malware to the intended recipients.

It is alleged that ODUFUYE and others also targeted a company headquartered in Waterbury, Connecticut, as part of this scheme.

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

Each charge of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least two years.

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

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

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

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

 John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on November 30, 2017, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned a six-count indictment charging ISAIAH HALLIDAY, 18, of Hartford, with robbery and firearm offenses stemming from a scheme that victimized several individuals who sought to purchase items over mobile classifieds web apps.

HALLIDAY has been detained since his arrest on November 17.  He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven, entered a plea of not guilty to the charges, and was ordered detained.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between September and November 2017, more than a dozen robberies have occurred in Hartford during which individuals lured would-be customers with real or nonexistent items posted to mobile classifieds web apps, such as Offer Up, Letgo and Craigslist, through the use of a fake account.  Upon arrival, the customers were robbed of money and cell phones.  In all of the robberies, assailants brandished what victims described to be a firearm.

It is alleged that on November 11, 2017, Hartford Police officers responded to a location on Blue Hills Avenue in response to a report of a male suffering from a gunshot wound.  Upon arrival, the victim stated that he had traveled to Mansfield Street in Hartford to meet with an individual he contacted on Offer Up to purchase an iPhone.  When he arrived, an individual, who was subsequently identified as HALLIDAY, approached the front passenger door of his vehicle and pointed a black handgun at him.  After the victim attempted to drive away, HALLIDAY fired one round at him, striking him in the right forearm.

 The indictment charges HALLIDAY with two counts of interference with commerce by robbery, for robberies that occurred on September 19 and October 16; one count of attempt to interfere with commerce by robbery and one count of use of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, for the robbery that occurred on November 11 describe above; one count of attempt to interfere with commerce by robbery for another attempted robbery on November 11, and one count of attempt to interfere with commerce by robbery on November 17.

Each of the robbery offenses carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and the firearm offenses carries a consecutive term of imprisonment of at least 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TIMOTHY O’MARA, 36, of West Haven, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of possessing firearms while being an unlawful user of a federally controlled substance.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 13, 2016, members of the ATF’s New Haven Task Force arrested O’MARA at his West Haven residence.  Task force officers conducted a search of O’MARA’s person and found a cigarette box that contained oxycodone pills, and several straws with a powdery residue, which O’MARA admitted would test positive for the presence of drugs.  A search of O’MARA’s residence on that date revealed two pistols, four rifles, two shotguns and assorted ammunition.  Subsequent analysis of O’MARA’s cell phone revealed text messages in which O’MARA repeatedly arranged for the illegal purchase of oxycodone pills.

The charge of possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  O’MARA is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall on March 13, 2018.  He is released on a $10,000 bond pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the ATF’s New Haven Task Force with the assistance of the New Haven Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael E. Runowicz.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION (“UTC”) has entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal government and paid $1,060,000 to resolve federal False Claims Act violations involving Goodrich Pump and Engine Controls Systems, a company UTC indirectly owned from July 2012 through March 2013. 

As alleged in the settlement agreement, Rolls-Royce was a prime contractor to the U.S. Army, and Goodrich Pump and Engine Controls Systems (GPECS) was a subcontractor to Rolls Royce.  GPECS sold its Full Authority Digital Engine Control Units, which includes the Engine Control Unit (FADEC/ECU), to Rolls-Royce Corporation for installation into its M-250 series engines.  The M-250 series engines were then sent to the U.S. Army for installation into U.S. Army helicopters, specifically the OH-58 Kiowa Warrior aircraft and A/MH-6M Mission Enhanced Little Bird (MELB).  From 2005 to 2012, GPECS purchased, shipped and caused counterfeit microprocessors to be integrated into FADEC/ECU assemblies, which were then incorporated into the M-250 series engine, ultimately for the Kiowa Warrior aircraft and MELB.

It is further alleged that from 2005 through 2012, GPECS provided to the government numerous false certifications as to the authenticity of the FADEC/ECU assemblies, and that 172 false certifications occurred between 2011 and 2012, alone.

“Federal contractors must abide by the certification requirements set forth in government contracts so that taxpayer dollars are not wasted, and our national security is not threatened,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.  “Vulnerabilities caused by counterfeit parts will not be tolerated.  We thank the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General for thoroughly investigating this matter, and UTC for cooperating with the government’s investigation.”

“This settlement agreement is the direct result of a successful investigation conducted by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the DOT-OIG and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Connecticut,” stated Special Agent-in-Charge Leigh-Alistair Barzey, DCIS Northeast Field Office.  “The integrity of the DoD’s supply chain is of critical importance to America’s national security and DCIS is committed to working with the DOJ and its law enforcement partners to ensure that counterfeit materials do not endanger U.S. military forces.”

This matter was investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General, and was handled within the U.S. Attorney’s Office by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ndidi N. Moses.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RYAN BUDD, 27, of Branford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to time served and three years of supervised release for distributing heroin that contributed to a non-fatal overdose last year.  Judge Meyer ordered BUDD to perform 150 hours of community service during his term of supervised release.

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

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

The victim was transported to the hospital, where she was placed on life support.  She has since recovered from the overdose.

At the service station, officers collected various items as evidence, including a second syringe, three folds of heroin and two cell phones.

The investigation identified BUDD as the heroin source of supply in this overdose case.

BUDD, who resided in Bethel at the time of the offense, was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on March 9, 2016, and has been released on a $100,000 bond since March 16, 2016.  On July 7, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.

This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, the Danbury Police Department and the Wilton Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

John H. Durham. United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DARRYLL HARMON, 44, of Stratford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of bankruptcy fraud.

According to court documents and statements made in court, HARMON was in default on his HUD-insured mortgage, which was held by the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (“CHFA”).  In January 2009, CHFA commenced foreclosure proceedings in Connecticut Superior Court.  Between January 2009 and October 2013, HARMON filed seven petitions for bankruptcy in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut, which caused the foreclosure proceedings to be automatically stayed until the bankruptcy proceedings were resolved.  The bankruptcy court dismissed all but one of the bankruptcy petitions because HARMON failed to pay filing fees or to file required information.  On July 25, 2014, the bankruptcy court dismissed HARMON’s seventh bankruptcy petition and issued an order barring HARMON from filing for bankruptcy for the two-year period from July 17, 2014 through July 17, 2016. 

On July 1, 2016, HARMON filed another bankruptcy petition, this time in the name of another individual who lived in Texas.  HARMON falsely listed his home as the other individual’s residence and forged that individual’s signature on the bankruptcy petition.  The individual did not authorize the petition to be filed and did not have knowledge that it was being filed.  The filing of the false bankruptcy petition caused another automatic stay of the foreclosure sale on HARMON’s home, thereby hindering and preventing CHFA from foreclosing on the HUD-insured mortgage and collecting the debts owed to it. 

Bankruptcy fraud carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  A sentencing date has not been scheduled.  HARMON is released on a $75,000 bond.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TREVON TERRY, also known as “B.J.,” 39, of Newington, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 57 months of imprisonment, followed by three years supervised release, for his role in a cocaine and crack cocaine distribution ring.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department that targeted a drug trafficking organization operating in Hartford’s North End that was distributing crack and powder cocaine.  The investigation revealed that David Gil-Grande, of Manchester, received shipments of cocaine, secreted in sealed coffee cans, from Puerto Rico.  He then supplied the cocaine to TERRY, Anthony Shelton, also known as “Pretty,” and Gerard Brown, also known as “Goldie,” who converted much of the cocaine into crack and distributed both forms of the drug in the area of Barbour Street in Hartford. 

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

TERRY has been detained since his arrest on January 21, 2016.  On that date, investigators seized $19,487 in cash from a safe in his Newington residence.

On August 31, 2017, TERRY pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

TERRY’s criminal history includes several state drug convictions, including a 2008 conviction for sale of narcotics for which he was sentenced to 11 years of incarceration, suspended after four years, and five years of probation.  He was on probation for that narcotics offense while he was engaged in the criminal conduct that led to this federal conviction.

Gil-Grande, Shelton and Brown have pleaded guilty to related charges.  On January 31, 2017, Gil-Grande was sentenced to 70 months of imprisonment.  Shelton and Brown await sentencing.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ISMAEL RUIZ, also known as “Papo,” 51, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a heroin 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.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical and video surveillance, revealed that members of the organization regularly purchased bulk quantities of heroin from suppliers located in the Bronx, New York, and sold the heroin through a network of redistributors, including RUIZ, on the streets of New Haven.

The investigation has resulted in federal charges against 24 individuals.

RUIZ was arrested on March 15, 2017.  On August 10, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.

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 JAVON MORSE, 22, of Norwich, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in early 2017, members of the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Safe Streets Task Force and Norwich Police Department conducted three controlled purchases of cocaine from MORSE.  The investigation revealed that MORSE was utilizing storage units at two separate storage facilities in Waterford to hide drugs and cash.

On April 24, 2017, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of MORSE’s rented storage units.  A search of one unit revealed two kilogram packages of cocaine, a quantity of marijuana, items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, and a loaded .25 caliber handgun.  A search of the second unit revealed a loaded .357 magnum caliber handgun, two types of loose ammunition, digital scales, an empty kilogram wrap with cocaine residue, and empty bank cash wraps.

MORSE has been detained since his arrest on May 24, 2017.  On August 8, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JOHN RODRIGUEZ, 37, of West Haven, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday in Bridgeport federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, shortly after midnight on November 7, 2015, Bridgeport Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in Bridgeport after a 29-year-old male had been found unresponsive by his roommate.  The victim was transported by ambulance to the hospital where, after several attempts to revive him, he was pronounced dead.

The investigation, which included witness interviews and analysis of text message communication, revealed that RODRIGUEZ supplied heroin to the victim the day before he died.

A post-mortem toxicology report found fentanyl, marijuana and several anti-depressant drugs in the victim’s system, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Connecticut concluded that the victim died from acute fentanyl intoxication.

RODRIGUEZ was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on September 22, 2016.

RODRIGUEZ is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford on March 5, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

At the conclusion of yesterday’s guilty plea proceeding, U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel ordered RODRIGUEZ, who had been released on bond, to be remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the West Haven and Bridgeport Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in Hartford has found DON MEEKER, 30, of West Haven, guilty of carjacking.  The trial before U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant began on December 8 and the jury returned its verdict late yesterday afternoon.

According to the evidence at trial, on January 1, 2016, two men from out of state who were driving a rented 2015 Volkswagen Passat were victims of an armed carjacking in the vicinity of Hobart Street and Myrtle Street in Meriden.  The victims reported that they had asked an individual, later identified as Kyle Valentine, for directions at a gas station. Valentine told the victims to follow a car in which Valentine was a passenger.  After traveling a few minutes, the car stopped.  Valentine and Elbert Llorrens then exited the car and approached the Passat.  Llorens pointed a handgun at one of the victims who was sitting in the passenger seat of the car, opened the door and stated “I want everything.”  The victims exited the car and Llorens and Valentine stole their wallets and cell phones and then drove away in the Passat.

The investigation revealed that MEEKER drove the car that the carjacking victims followed, and that MEEKER provided the handgun to Llorens.  After the robbery, MEEKER, Llorens and Valentine spilt the money stolen from the victims.

MEEKER was arrested on March 9, 2017.

MEEKER was convicted of one count of taking a motor vehicle from a person by force and violence or by intimidation, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.  Judge Bryant scheduled sentencing for March 14, 2018.  Judge Bryant also ordered MEEKER, who has been released on a $200,000 bond since June 2016, to be remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.

Elbert Llorens and Kyle Valentine, both of New Haven, previously pleaded guilty to charges related to their roles in this carjacking.  On March 20, 2017, Llorens was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment.  Valentine awaits sentencing.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the East Haven, Meriden, Milford, New Haven and West Haven Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas P. Morabito and Patrick F. Caruso.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NESTOR SANTANA, also known as “Beans,” 30, of New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 62 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing heroin that contributed to two overdose deaths in May 2016.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning hours of May 29, 2016, members of the Groton Police Department and emergency services personnel responded to a Groton motel room on the report of a suspected drug overdose.  The victim, a 17-year-old female, was administered two doses of Narcan (Naloxone), which were deemed unsuccessful, before she was transported to the hospital and died later that morning.

The investigation revealed that Ramon Gomez, also known as “B.I.,” who knew the victim was under the age of 18, brought the victim to the motel to engage in prostitution.  On the morning of May 28, 2016, Gomez sold a quantity of heroin to Adele Bouthillier, who then distributed the heroin to the victim.  SANTANA supplied Gomez with the heroin that caused the death of the victim.

On May 31, 2016, members of the Montville Police Department responded to an apartment on Route 32 for an “untimely death” investigation.  Upon arrival, officers found a deceased 34-year-old female lying face down on the bathroom floor. 

The Connecticut’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner subsequently determined the cause of the 34-year-old female’s death to be “Acute Ethanol and Fentanyl Intoxication.”

The investigation revealed that the victim was supplied with heroin/fentanyl by James Butler.  Butler had been supplied with the drugs by Gomez, who in turn was supplied by SANTANA.

In August and September 2016, investigators made controlled purchases of heroin from SANTANA.

SANTANA was arrested on state charges on September 29, 2016.  A search of his residence at the time of his arrest revealed an additional quantity of heroin and items used to process and package narcotics.  He was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on January 31, 2017.

On September 20, SANTANA pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin.

Gomez and Bouthillier each pleaded guilty to sex trafficking of a minor and heroin distribution offenses.  On October 17, Bouthillier was sentenced to 43 months of imprisonment and, on December 12, Gomez was sentenced to 96 months of imprisonment.

Butler has pleaded guilty to a heroin distribution offense and awaits sentencing.

This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut State Police, Groton Police Department, Montville Police Department, New London Police Department, Statewide Narcotics Task Force – East, and the Regional Community Enhancement Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTRUM COSTON, 35, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 40 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for gun and drug offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 11, 2016, New Haven Police stopped a vehicle COSTON was driving.  A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded Jimenez Arms 9 millimeter pistol, and a search of COSTON’s person revealed 13 baggies of cocaine and a quantity of crack cocaine.  The firearm had been previously reported stolen.

Prior to January 2016, COSTON had sustained multiple felony convictions, including a federal conviction in 2004 for possession of a firearm by a felon.  COSTON was sentenced to 37 months of imprisonment on that prior federal conviction and, in June 2007, an additional 18 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

On May 18, 2017, COSTON pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”).

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Haven Police Department.   This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer R. Laraia and Michael E. Runowicz.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, announced that JESUS GOMEZ-VALDIVIA, 38, a citizen of Mexico, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 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.

GOMEZ pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of reentry of a removed alien, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of two years.  Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for March 7, 2018.

GOMEZ has been detained since his arrest.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAMON GOMEZ, also known as “B.I.,” 41, of Uncasville, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 96 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for sex trafficking of a minor and heroin distribution offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning hours of May 29, 2016, members of the Groton Police Department and emergency services personnel responded to a Groton motel room on the report of a suspected drug overdose.  The victim, a 17-year-old female, was administered two doses of Narcan, which were deemed unsuccessful, before she was transported to the hospital and died later that morning.

The investigation revealed that GOMEZ, who knew the victim was under the age of 18, brought the victim to the motel to engage in prostitution, where the victim stayed with Adele Bouthillier, who also was engaged in prostitution.  On the morning of May 28, 2016, GOMEZ sold a quantity of heroin to Bouthillier who then gave it to the victim.

GOMEZ has been detained since his arrest on June 1, 2016.  On November 17, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of sex trafficking of a minor, and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin.

Bouthillier pleaded guilty to the same charges and, on October 17, 2017, was sentenced to 43 months of imprisonment.

On September 20, 2017, Nestor Santana, also known as “Beans,” of New London, pleaded guilty to a heroin distribution offense stemming from this investigation.  Santana supplied GOMEZ with the heroin that subsequently caused the death of the victim.  He is scheduled to be sentenced tomorrow at 10 a.m.

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

This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Town of Groton Police Department and the Regional Community Enhancement Task Force.  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 a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment today charging BRIAN PAGE, 43, of Guilford, with one count of failure to surrender for service of his federal sentence.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 17, 2017, U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson sentenced PAGE in Hartford to 97 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a scheme to distribute oxycodone that was obtained through fraudulent prescriptions.  Judge Thompson ordered PAGE, who was released on a $200,000 bond, to surrender for service of his sentence on November 17.  PAGE was designated by the Bureau of Prisons to the Federal Correctional Institute at Fort Dix, New Jersey.

The indictment alleges that PAGE did not self-surrender to FCI Fort Dix on November 17, 2017.

The U.S. Marshals Service located and arrested PAGE at a hotel in Branford on December 7.

The charge of failure to surrender for service of a federal sentence carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, which must be imposed consecutively to the underlying sentence.

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

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.

John H, Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Scott Pierce, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, announced that MARCEL VAN WOLVELAERD, 62, of Guilford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to submitting false documents to the U.S. Postal Service.

According to court documents and statements made in court, VAN WOLVELAERD owns and operates CableComm, LLC.  From approximately 2007 through 2014, the U.S. Postal Service (“USPS”) contracted with CableComm to perform repair and maintenance work at various USPS facilities.  In 2017, VAN WOLVELAERD sought payment on certain repair and maintenance work done in Connecticut.  Prior to making payment, the USPS requested that VAN WOLVELAERD show proof of his costs.  In response, VAN WOLVELAERD submitted to the USPS a certified claim that included several invoices detailing his costs, including three false invoices from an electric company.  Two of the invoices falsely inflated CableComm’s costs, and the third was entirely fictitious.

VAN WOLVELAERD is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford on March 6, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

VAN WOLVELAERD is released on $20,000 bond pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Liam Brennan.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JARED McBRIARTY, 32, of Bristol, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl and other controlled substances.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in late December 2015, the DEA’s Hartford Task Force and New Britain Police Department received information that Kyle Petersen, of New Britain, was selling fentanyl powder, prescription pills and marijuana.  DEA Task Force Officers and the New Britain Police Department Special Services Unit initiated an investigation and made multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl from Petersen.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that John Casadei, of Morris, used the darknet, an internet network that can only be accessed through the use of specific software or authorizations, to purchase large quantities of fentanyl that were shipped from China.  Casadei also obtained and distributed various prescription pills, including Xanax and oxycodone.  Casadei then supplied fentanyl and various prescription pills to McBRIARTY who, in turn, supplied them to Petersen.  Petersen distributed the drugs to other individuals who sold them throughout central Connecticut.

McBRIARTY, Petersen, Casadei and other individuals involved in this narcotics distribution ring were arrested on May 19, 2016.  On that date, law enforcement searched a New Britain residence that Petersen used as a stash location and seized approximately $740,000 in cash, approximately 3.2 kilograms of MDMA (commonly known as “ecstasy”), and more than 40,000 Xanax pills.  A search of Petersen’s residence revealed additional quantities of narcotics and more than $11,000 in cash.  Law enforcement subsequently seized approximately $80,000 from Petersen’s bank account.

On April 18, 2017, McBRIARTY pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl.

Petersen and Casadei pleaded guilty to related charges.  On July 19, Petersen was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment.  Casadei awaits sentencing. 

McBRIARTY, who is released on a $250,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on January 23, 2018.

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office; the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Windsor Locks and Willimantic Police Departments, and the Food and Drug Administration.  Agencies assisting the investigation include the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, New Britain State’s Attorney’s Office and Connecticut State Police.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Dave Vatti.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTOPHER BRYAN COLEMAN, 28, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for escaping from federal custody.  Judge Bolden also ordered COLEMAN to serve the first 90 days of supervised release in home confinement.

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 22, 2014, COLEMAN was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 42 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  On May 24, 2017, COLEMAN was transferred from a federal prison in Pennsylvania to a halfway house in Waterbury to serve the remainder of his sentence.  On July 16, 2017, he left the halfway house without prior authorization and did not return.

 

On August 9, 2017, the U.S. Marshals Service located COLEMAN at a private residence in Waterbury and arrested him.

 

On September 12, COLEMAN pleaded guilty to one count of escape from custody

 

COLEMAN’s criminal history also includes drug convictions and a conviction for escape in the first degree.

 

This matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.

John H, Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JANZAYB KHAN, 29, of Waterbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of making a false oath in a bankruptcy proceeding in connection with a credit card “bust-out” scheme that defrauded more than a dozen financial institutions.

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.

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for March 5, 2018, at which time KHAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 35 years.

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