District of Connecticut

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EFRAIN ROLON-DONES, 29, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 15 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 ROLON-DONES, on the streets of New Haven.

In October 2016, investigators made two controlled purchases of heroin, totaling approximately 20 grams, from ROLON-DONES

The investigation has resulted in federal charges against 24 individuals.

ROLON-DONES has been detained since his arrest on March 16, 2017.  On August 14 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.

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

United States Attorney John H. Durham and Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen today announced that APT FOUNDATION, INC. and its Chief Executive Officer, LYNN MADDEN, have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments in which they will pay $883,859 to resolve allegations that they caused overpayments to be paid by the Connecticut Medicaid Program.

APT Foundation, Inc. (“APT”) is a healthcare organization that provides behavioral health and substance use disorder services to patients at its clinics in New Haven, North Haven and Bridgeport.  The allegations against APT and MADDEN arise out of improper billing for urine drug testing services.

APT entered into contracts with the State of Connecticut Department of Social Services (“DSS”) to provide behavioral health and substance use disorder services to Medicaid beneficiaries.  Medicaid reimburses methadone clinics, such as APT, utilizing a weekly rate payment for each Medicaid patient provided methadone treatment.  Regulations issued by the State of Connecticut in 2013 made it clear that the weekly payment was a “bundled” rate that included intake evaluation, initial physical examination, on-site drug abuse testing and monitoring, and individual, group and family counseling services (emphasis added).

On September 3, 2014, Medicaid issued a Provider Bulletin to all methadone clinics reminding them that the weekly rate payment included reimbursement for on-site drug abuse testing and monitoring.

On February 1, 2015, DSS published on its website an Audit Protocol for methadone clinics.   The Audit Protocol stated that if a DSS audit found Medicaid paid another laboratory provider for drug testing within a week of the date a methadone clinic was paid for methadone treatment, Medicaid would reduce the methadone clinic’s payment for the methadone treatment service by the cost of the laboratory service.

In 2015, DSS conducted an audit of APT and found that both APT and an independent laboratory billed Medicaid for drug testing performed by the laboratory, contrary to DSS’ weekly rate payment regulation.  The Audit Report warned APT that continued non-compliance with the weekly rate payment rule would result in financial disallowances in future audits.

The government alleges that despite clear guidance from the Medicaid program and the audit finding indicating that on-site drug testing was part of the bundled rate, APT and MADDEN routinely referred urine drug tests for APT’s patients to an outside, independent lab in Massachusetts.  As a result, Medicaid paid for the claims twice, once to APT pursuant to the bundled rate, and a second time to the outside lab in Massachusetts.

To resolve their liability, APT and MADDEN will pay $883,859 to the federal and state governments for conduct occurring between January 1, 2016 and November 30, 2016. 

“Providers who bill government health insurance programs must follow the relevant rules and regulations, and the failure to do so will have serious consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Molot, and by Assistant Attorneys General Michael Cole and Greggory O’Connell of the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.

People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS or the Health Care Fraud Task Force at (203) 777-6311.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FRANKLIN OMAR RODRIGUEZ, 36, a citizen of Honduras last residing in Norwalk, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of reentry of a removed alien.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2005, RODRIGUEZ was convicted in Carroll County, Georgia, of statutory rape and was sentenced to time served and three years of probation.  In February 2009, RODRIGUEZ was convicted in Carroll County, Georgia, of failure to register as a sex offender and two counts of false identification documents and was sentenced to 10 years of incarceration, execution suspended after two years, followed by eight years of probation.  In February 2011, RODRIGUEZ was deported from the U.S. to Honduras.

RODRIGUEZ illegally reentered the U.S. and, on January 13, 2017, was arrested by Stamford Police for the sale of illegal drugs, possession of narcotics with intent to sell and interfering/resisting arrest.

Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for March 6, 2018, at which time RODRIGUEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

The state case is pending in Stamford Superior Court.

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, Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Enfield Police Chief Carl Sferrazza announced that grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment today charging CHRISTOPHER BARRETO, 28, of Hartford, with 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, at approximately 9:52 a.m., on August 26, 2016, the Enfield Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in Enfield and found an unresponsive 31-year-old male slumped over a coffee table in the upstairs bedroom of the residence.  The victim was pronounced deceased.  Officers searched the immediate area and seized one empty white wax fold and six full white wax folds that contained suspected heroin.  Officers also seized the victim’s iPhone.  An analysis of text messages revealed that the victim had ordered heroin from an individual in the evening of August 25, 2016.

The State of Connecticut Chief Medical Examiner determined the victim’s cause of death to be “acute fentanyl and ethanol intoxication.”

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

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

It is alleged that BARRETO supplied heroin/fentanyl to an individual who, in turn, sold the drug to both overdose victims.

BARRETO was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on August 10, 2017.  At the time of his arrest, investigators seized approximately 2,000 wax folds of heroin from his residence.

The indictment alleges that BARRETO distributed heroin and fentanyl between April 2016 and August 2017.

The charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

BARRETO has been released on a $150,000 bond since October 24.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that YOHANDER HERNANDEZ-CEDENO, 21, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl-laced heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force revealed that Luis Sanchez, also known as “Viejo,” was distributing large quantities in Hartford’s South End.  On August 31, 2016, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of approximately 200 grams of heroin from Sanchez outside of a residence on New Britain Avenue that Sanchez shared with HERNANDEZ-CEDENO.  Sanchez was arrested at that time.  HERNANDEZ-CEDENO, who was inside the residence, was arrested after he was found in possession of approximately 83 grams of heroin, and a search of the residence revealed approximately 74 grams of heroin, 127 grams of cocaine, and items used to process and package heroin.

Subsequent laboratory testing of the seized heroin revealed the presence of fentanyl.

HERNANDEZ-CEDENO has been detained since his arrest.  On June 21, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 100 grams or more of heroin.

Sanchez pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on September 28, 2017, was sentenced to 33 months of imprisonment.

The FBI Task Force includes members of the FBI, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Tyler C. Amon, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division in New England, announced that STEPHEN CRAIG, 66, of Essex, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to six months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for falsely certifying the completion of a lead abatement course.  Judge Bryant also ordered CRAIG to pay a $20,000 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, STEPHEN CRAIG owned Boston Lead Company LLC (BLC), a Connecticut corporation that provided industrial hygiene and safety services.  Doing business as Environmental Training and Assessment (ETA), BLC offered a variety of training courses to individuals working with lead paint and asbestos.  STEPHEN CRAIG was the training manager and a primary instructor for those courses, and his son, Matthew Craig, provided hands-on instruction and assisted with course administration, including the grading of examinations.

ETA’s lead and asbestos training courses were subject to regulation under the training provider accreditation requirements of the federal Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).  TSCA allowed states to obtain U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) authorization to administer and enforce the standards, regulations and other requirements of the TSCA’s lead and asbestos programs, including the approval of training courses.  The State of Connecticut received such authorization for all lead and asbestos programs except the lead program that covered renovations, repairs and painting.  Individuals in Connecticut who perform lead abatement activities must be certified by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH).  To obtain certification, an individual must successfully complete an approved 32-hour lead abatement worker initial training course.  ETA applied for and received approval from CT DPH to offer a wide range of lead and asbestos training courses, including lead abatement worker initial and refresher courses.

In August 2011, ETA offered a lead abatement training course at its Middletown facility.  STEPHEN CRAIG was the training manager and primary course instructor, and Matthew Craig provided the hands-on training and graded the exams.  An undercover EPA agent attended the course under the fictitious identity, seeking a lead abatement worker initial course completion certificate.  The agent skipped the first two days of the course, and was two hours late on the third day.  Thereafter, the agent attended the course for a total of approximately 15 hours, including approximately three hours of hands-on training.  STEPHEN CRAIG was aware that agent did not attend the full training course.

At the conclusion of the course, the agent paid STEPHEN CRAIG $525 in cash and was allowed to sit for the lead abatement worker examination, which was proctored and graded by Matthew Craig.  The agent intentionally failed the examination.  Although Matthew Craig knew that the agent had failed the examination, Matthew Craig completed questions that the agent had left blank and corrected a sufficient number of incorrectly answered questions to bring the examination grade to a passing grade of 80 percent.

On August 12, 2011, ETA issued a false Certificate of Completion to the agent that stated that the agent had successfully completed a 32-hour lead abatement worker initial training course and passed an examination in accordance with CT DPH standards. 

On August 3, 2017, STEPHEN CRAIG pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement to the federal government.

Matthew Craig previously pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement and, on March 14, 2013, was sentenced to two years of probation and ordered to perform 100 hours of community service.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMES C. DUCKETT JR., 45, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a fraud scheme involving the redevelopment of Hartford’s Dillon Stadium and a plan to bring a professional soccer team to the city.  On July 6, a jury found DUCKETT guilty of conspiracy, fraud and money laundering offenses stemming from the scheme.

 

According to the evidence at trial, in September 2014, the City of Hartford entered into a professional services agreement with Mitchell Anderson and his company, Premier Sports Management Group (“PSMG”), to secure a professional soccer team and to develop a new, 9,000 seat facility at the Dillon Stadium location.  Under the terms of the agreement, PSMG was entitled to receive $775,000 for serving as the project manager for the $12 million plan.  In February 2015, Anderson joined with DUCKETT who agreed to be the majority owner of the professional soccer team.  DUCKETT and Anderson represented to various city officials that PSMG and DUCKETT’s Black Diamond Consulting Group had merged for purposes of completing the Dillon Stadium project and securing the professional soccer team.  DUCKETT represented that he was a former professional football player in the NFL and that Black Diamond was involved in a casino project and sports-related projects in Las Vegas and Atlanta.

 

Beginning in approximately March 2015, Anderson submitted invoices to the city for reimbursement to PSMG subcontractors working on the project.  However, rather than pay the total amounts owed to PSMG’s subcontractors, DUCKETT and Anderson directed more than $1 million that PSMG received from the city to themselves, PSMG, Black Diamond, and other entities not related to the Dillon Stadium project.  DUCKETT and Anderson also secured invoices from subcontractors who had not performed work for the project, which DUCKETT and Anderson caused to be submitted to the city as if the work had been performed.  DUCKETT and Anderson then illegally used the proceeds of the fraud in a series of bank transactions to pay individuals and companies for expenses unrelated to the Dillon Stadium.

 

The investigation revealed that DUCKETT used funds that the city provided to PSMG to purchase a Range Rover that cost approximately $120,000, to pay unrelated attorneys’ fees and a $20,000 “finder’s fee” to an individual, and for other personal expenses including luxury clothing and jewelry items.

 

DUCKETT was arrested on June 23, 2016.

 

The jury found DUCKETT guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, three counts of wire fraud, and eight counts of conducting illegal monetary transactions. The jury found DUCKETT not guilty of one count of conducting illegal monetary transactions.

 

The government advocated for a sentence of 60 months of imprisonment.

 

Judge Underhill will issue a restitution order after further submissions by the parties.

 

DUCKETT, who is released on bond, was ordered to report to prison on January 31, 2018.

 

On February 6, 2017, Anderson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, and one count of conducting illegal monetary transactions.  He awaits sentencing.  Anderson has agreed to make restitution in the total amount of $1,134,595.37 to the City of Hartford and two subcontractors of the Dillon Stadium project.

 

This matter was investigated by the Connecticut Public Corruption Task Force, notably the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.  The Task Force also includes members from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development- Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  The Hartford Police Department assisted the investigation.

 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Karwan and Douglas Morabito.

 

Citizens are encouraged to report corruption to the Connecticut Public Corruption Task Force by calling 203-238-0505.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANDREW SACCO, 44, of New Haven and formerly of Durham, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in a large-scale fencing operation.  Judge Shea also ordered SACCO to pay a $5,000 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between January 2012 and December 2014, SACCO participated in a conspiracy to purchase stolen property from “boosters,” who typically were shoplifters with opioid addictions, and then resold the property at online websites.  SACCO, his co-conspirator Matthew Harwood, and others instructed the boosters to steal certain items from retail stores such as Petco, Staples, Walmart, and Bed Bath & Beyond, and paid cash for the stolen items at approximately one-third of their retail price.

After receiving the stolen merchandise, SACCO and Harwood stored the merchandise at multiple locations, including SACCO’s former residence in Durham and business locations in North Haven.  SACCO and Harwood then sold the stolen products at online sites, including eBay and Amazon.

Through this scheme, retailers lost more than $3.9 million.

SACCO was arrested on July 15, 2016.  On June 21, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit the interstate transport of stolen property and one count of interstate transport of stolen property.

SACCO, who is released on a $100,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on February 6, 2018.

On November 3, 2016, Harwood pleaded guilty to the same charges.  He awaits sentencing.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILLIAM CARL BARTLETT, 65, of Eastpoint, Florida, formerly of Cheshire, Connecticut, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport to two counts of illegally transporting protected wildlife.

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, BARTLETT is a snake and reptile collector.  In July 2012, BARTLETT shipped via overnight mail courier 10 Outer Banks kingsnakes from Connecticut to an individual in Emporium, Pennsylvania.  Prior to that date, BARTLETT collected a male and female kingsnake from the Outer Banks in violation of North Carolina law.  In North Carolina, the Outer Banks kingsnake is designated as a species of special concern.  BARTLETT then bred the snakes in Connecticut.

 

Between April 29 and May 13, 2015, BARTLETT transported five Coastal Plain milk snakes from the Chesapeake Forest and the Pocomoke River State Forest in Worcester County, Maryland, to his home in Connecticut.  The snakes were collected in violation of Maryland law.

 

Judge Garfinkel scheduled sentencing for February 28, 2018, at which time BARTLETT faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years and a fine of up to $20,000.  BARTLETT is released on bond pending sentencing.

 

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement and Division of Refuge Law Enforcement, and the Maryland Natural Resources Police.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that on November 30, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a five-count indictment charging ANDREW DEME, 51, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with conspiracy and fraud offenses related to an investment fraud scheme.

DEME was arrested yesterday in Florida and is released on a $100,000 bond pending his arraignment in Connecticut.

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

The indictment alleges that DEME and others solicited prospective investors in Connecticut and across the U.S. by representing that investors’ would be used to develop the  business, and fund the operations, of WCW and Waters Club; that DEME’s co-conspirators were not receiving compensation for recruiting investors, or were exclusively compensated with stock in lieu of commissions or other payments, and that WCW and Waters Club were in sound financial condition.  In addition, in December 2016, DEME filed a Notice of Exempt Offering of Securities (“Form D”) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in which DEME represented that no sales commissions or finders’ fees were being paid to any person in connection with the sale of Waters Club stock.

The indictment alleges that, in fact, WCW and Waters Club were not in sound financial condition, and a substantial portion of investors’ money was not used to develop the business of WCW and Waters Club.  Approximately half of all money paid by investors for shares of WCW and Waters Club was misappropriated for the personal use of DEME and his co-conspirators, and DEME’s co-conspirators were compensated with sales commissions, and not stock, for recruiting investors.

The indictment charges DEME with one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, two counts of wire fraud, and two counts of mail fraud.  Each charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

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

Citizens with information that may be helpful to this ongoing investigation, or who believe they may have been victimized by this scheme, are encouraged to contact the FBI at (203) 777-6311.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAQUONE JOHNSON, 25, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 13 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin involved in an overdose death of a Monroe woman last year.  Judge Thompson also ordered JOHNSON to perform 25 hours of community service while on 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 May 9, 2016, a 30-year-old female was found unresponsive at a residence in Monroe.  Police and medical personnel responded to the scene and administered multiple doses of Narcan to the victim.  The victim, who did not respond to the Narcan, was transported to the hospital where she was pronounced deceased.  While administering aide to the victim, hospital staff located unopened heroin folds on the victim’s person.  The substance within the folds later tested positive for heroin and fentanyl, and the Connecticut Office of the Medical Examiner has determined the victim’s cause of death to be acute heroin and fentanyl toxicity.

The investigation, which included witness interviews and analysis of calls and text messages to and from the victim’s phone, revealed that the victim ordered heroin from JOHNSON on the day of her death.

JOHNSON was arrested on June 13, 2016, after law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of heroin from him.  On March 30, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of heroin.

JOHNSON, who is released on a $125,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on February 8, 2018.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, and the Monroe, Milford and Bridgeport Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMES CAVE, 46, of Winsted, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for federal firearm offenses. 

According to court documents and statement made in court, in 2014 and early 2015, CAVE obtained a Norinco semi-automatic rifle, a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun, and a Shooters Arms .45 caliber handgun, all of which he transported into Connecticut and sold to another individual.

On April 4, 2015, CAVE sold a Smith & Wesson .357 caliber handgun to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement.  Investigators subsequently determined that the handgun had been stolen from a residence in Connecticut.

On April 7, 2015, CAVE met an undercover ATF agent at a location in Torrington and sold him a Webley .455 caliber revolver in exchange for $700 in cash.  This firearm also had been stolen from a residence in Connecticut.

CAVE was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on April 30, 2015.  On November 5, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, and one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license.

CAVE had sustained a felony conviction in Connecticut state court in October 2003.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Torrington Police Department.  The 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 JEREMY WAVER, 31, of Waterbury, was waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer to distributing controlled substances.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 2, 2017, Ansonia Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a report of an overdose death at an Ansonia residence.  At the residence, responders encountered a deceased 23-year-old female.  Investigators collected evidence including a hypodermic needle and several wax folds of a substance that was later determined to contain furanyl fentanyl.   Investigators also seized the victim’s iPhone.

The investigation revealed that, on April 1, the victim and another individual purchased heroin from WAVER in Waterbury.

WAVER was arrested in Waterbury on May 4.  At the time of his arrest, WAVER possessed more than 100 wax folds of substances that contained heroin, U-47700 (a synthetic opioid), and fentanyl.  In addition, WAVER possessed a quantity of crack cocaine.  Many of the folds were stamped with the same image found on the folds recovered at the scene of the victim’s overdose death.

WAVER pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, controlled substances, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for February 28, 2018.

WAVER’s criminal history includes numerous drug convictions.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Ansonia Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Laraia. 

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RICHARD ROTANTE, 57, of Stamford, 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 possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

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

Chief Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for February 28, 2018, at which time ROTANTE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.  ROTANTE is released on a $150,000 bond pending sentencing.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WAYNE ALEXANDER, also known as “Uncle Easy” and “Bones,” 52, of Stamford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 64 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine and heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between February 2015 and April 2015, law enforcement officers made three controlled purchases of crack cocaine, totaling approximately 130 grams, from ALEXANDER.

ALEXANDER was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on May 11, 2015, and was released on bond.  On April 4, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

On May 11, 2016, a federal grand jury in Vermont returned an indictment charging ALEXANDER with one count of distributing heroin on April 2, 2016.  The case was transferred to the District of Connecticut for further prosecution and, on April 18, 2017, ALEXANDER pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.

ALEXANDER has been detained since May 11, 2016.

The Connecticut case was investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bridgeport Police Department and Stamford Police Department, and the Vermont case was investigated by the Vermont Drug Task Force.

This matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito of the District of Connecticut and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina E. Nolan of the District of Vermont.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RASHON GRAY, also known as “Loke,” 24, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to a federal robbery charge stemming from the armed robbery of a Hamden store in April 2016.

According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 4:22 p.m. on April 27, 2016, two men and two women, who had their head and faces partially concealed, entered the Game X Change in Hamden.  One of the men pulled out a gun and ordered the store’s three employees to get down on the ground.  The man with the gun put his foot on an employee’s back and pressed the gun against the employee’s head and neck, threatening to kill the employee if he did not give him money and the keys to the display case.  The employee complied and the four suspects took several items, including cell phones, an iPad, an iPod, “Beats” headphones, and a cash box that contained $830.  The four ran out of the store to a waiting car.

Investigators subsequently identified GRAY as the individual who brandished the firearm and threatened the store employee.

GRAY was on state probation at the time of the offense.  On May 6, 2016, police and probation officers found him in possession of a cell phone that had been taken during the robbery and his probation was revoked.

GRAY has been detained in federal custody since his arrest on July 21, 2017.

GRAY pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act Robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for February 26, 2018.

Four other individuals have been charged and convicted as a result of this investigation.

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Hamden Police Department, 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 NANCY J. FRYE, 51, of Bristol, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for her involvement in an IRS impersonation scam that defrauded hundreds of victims in the United States and Canada.

 

An IRS impersonation scam is operated by individuals who falsely represent themselves as employees of the IRS to obtain money from victims.  Typically, those executing the fraudulent scheme make unsolicited telephone calls to people and tell them that they are IRS agents or officers calling on behalf of the IRS.  During the calls, the impersonator tells the call recipient that the recipient has an outstanding debt with the IRS that must be paid immediately.  The impersonator then threatens persons with either arrest or a lawsuit if they do not immediately settle the bogus IRS debt.  Victims are instructed to wire money to individuals they believe are employees of the IRS in order to avoid the threatened action.

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2015, FRYE received phone calls and text messages from individuals who successfully recruited her to pick up money that was wired through MoneyGram and Western Union and to deposit the money into specific bank accounts.  FRYE, in turn, recruited Douglas Martin and others to assist her in picking up wired funds from locations in central Connecticut.  FRYE then deposited the money that she collected into the bank accounts.

 

Between October 2015 and June 2016, FRYE, and others working at her direction, received approximately $588,000 in wired funds from approximately 574 victims.Judge Bryant ordered FRYE to pay restitution in the amount of $585,321.

 

FRYE and Martin were arrested on September 15, 2016.

 

On June 12, 2017, FRYE pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

 

Martin pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on November 2, 2017, was sentenced to 41 months of imprisonment.

 

Judge Bryant ordered FRYE, who is released on bond, to report to prison on January 8, 2018.

 

Since October 2013, TIGTA has received reports of more than 2.1 million impersonation related calls with more than 12,400 victims reporting losses of approximately $62 million.

 

This matter is being investigated by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  The U.S. Attorney gratefully acknowledges the assistance provided by the Rocky Hill Police Department, Bristol Police Department, and New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.

 

U.S. Attorney Durham stated that the investigation is ongoing and encouraged individuals who receive impersonation calls, including those who have been victimized by this scheme, to report the information at this link.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DONALD J. McCARTHY, 67, of East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for tax evasion.

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, for the tax years 1997 through 1999, 2001, 2003, and 2008 through 2011, McCARTHY, an attorney, filed federal personal income tax returns, but failed to pay the outstanding tax balances due and owing for those years, or failed to pay interest and penalties that had accrued on outstanding amounts.  In addition, for the tax years 2012 through 2014, McCARTHY did not file personal income tax returns at all, and failed to pay taxes that were due and owing, as well as interest and penalties that had accrued on outstanding amounts.

 

The investigation revealed that McCARTHY attempted to evade the payment of income taxes by depositing his payroll checks into his personal bank account and then, shortly thereafter, withdrawing a substantial portion of the monies in cash and bank checks.

 

By June 2015, when he learned of the criminal investigation being conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, McCARTHY owed $1,437,037 in back taxes, interest and penalties.  McCARTHY’s restitution to the IRS now totals $1,522,734.

 

On September 11, 2017, McCARTHY pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion.

 

McCARTHY, who is released on a $50,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on January 31, 2018.

 

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that on November 20, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a 39-count superseding indictment charging THOMAS J. CONNERTON, 65, of Stamford, with various offenses stemming from an investment scheme that defrauded individuals of more than $2 million.

On March 7, 2017, the grand jury returned an indictment charging CONNERTON with fraud and money laundering offenses stemming from the scheme.  The superseding indictment charges CONNERTON with an additional count of tax evasion.

As alleged in the superseding indictment, CONNERTON was the founder, president, and CEO of Safety Technologies, LLC (“Safety Tech”), a Connecticut company that had its principal place of business at various times in Simsbury, Madison, Westport and Stamford.  Safety Tech was founded in 2006, purportedly for the purpose of developing and commercializing what was represented to be a highly durable puncture and cut resistant material that was to be used in the surgical glove market and other related markets.  Safety Tech has not yet obtained any patents from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and CONNERTON did not register Safety Tech’s securities with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

The indictment alleges that, beginning in approximately June 2009, CONNERTON induced victim-investors to provide him funds and to purchase Safety Tech securities by falsely representing that the valuation of Safety Tech was realistically in the tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, that a lucrative deal to sell or license his glove technology was imminent, and that he would use their funds for research and development, product testing, and to bring the product to market.  CONNERTON offered his investors small amounts of equity in Safety Tech through “Subscription Agreements” or investments contracts through which he sold what he described as “Units.”

It is alleged that CONNERTON made numerous other false representations to victim-investors, including stating in September 2015, “I will go on the record to state that there is not a single investor that will lose one dollar invested in Safety Technologies.”

The indictment alleges that even though CONNERTON represented to victim-investors and potential victim-investors that the funds they invested would be used to fund research and development, for product testing, for business expenses and for legal fees, he used invested funds to pay personal expenses including, on two separate occasions, to purchase diamond engagement rings from Tiffany & Co.  CONNERTON also used funds to repay loans to an earlier investor.

Through this scheme, it is alleged that CONNERTON defrauded more than 50 victim-investors of more than $2 million.

The indictment further alleges that CONNERTON engaged in monetary transactions in an attempt to conceal from the FBI and the SEC the nature and source of funds received by Safety Tech from the sale of Safety Tech securities.  CONNERTON negotiated checks and purchased bank checks in order to move the fraudulent proceeds from one account to another.

Finally, the indictment alleges that CONNERTON willfully failed to pay $271,375 in federal income taxes between 2004 and 2015.

The indictment charges CONNERTON with 12 counts of wire fraud, one count of mail fraud and 18 counts of securities fraud, offenses that carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.  The indictment also charges CONNERTON with six counts of money laundering, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count, one count of money laundering conspiracy, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of tax evasion, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

CONNERTON has been detained since his arrest on March 9, 2017.  A trial in this matter is scheduled for May 9, 2018, before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry.

Citizens with information that may be helpful to this ongoing investigation, or who believe they have been victimized by this scheme, are encouraged to contact the FBI at (203) 777-6311.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CHRISTIAN CABA, 32, of Norwich, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and for violating the conditions of his supervised release that followed a prior federal conviction for distribution heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 8, 2015, CABA was sentenced in federal court to 24 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for distributing heroin in southeastern Connecticut.  He was released from custody in February 2016.

In July and August 2016, the Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force East made two controlled purchases of heroin from CABA.  CABA was arrested on November 1, 2016, as he exited a unit at a storage facility in Groton.  At the time of his arrest, CABA possessed a quantity of heroin on his person, and a search of the storage unit revealed quantities of heroin and cocaine, as well as items used to process and package narcotics for street sale.  In total, CABA possessed approximately 40 grams of heroin and 30 grams of cocaine.

CABA has been detained since his arrest.  On September 7, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, and admitted to violating his federal supervised release.

Chief Judge Hall sentenced CABA to 30 months of imprisonment for distributing heroin, and a consecutive 18 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced today that JUAN CARLOS ACOSTA, also known as “Juan Carlos Acosta-Santos,” 32, a citizen of El Salvador last residing in Manchester, pleaded guilty yesterday before Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien.

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 27, 2006, ACOSTA was convicted in Manchester Superior Court of assault in the first degree and sentenced to one year of imprisonment, time served, and a one-day conditional discharge.  On December 11, 2006, he was removed to El Salvador.

 

In February 2015, ACOSTA was arrested in East Hartford on charges of breach of peace in the second degree and interfering.  On April 17, 2015, he was removed to El Salvador without a resolution on the state charges.

 

In December 2015, ACOSTA was found in the U.S. near Rio Grande Valley, Texas.  On December 23, 2015, he was removed to El Salvador.

 

On February 12, 2017, the Connecticut State Police arrested ACOSTA for assault in the second degree with a weapon, and related misdemeanor offenses.  He has been detained since arrest.

 

Chief Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for February 26, 2018, at which time ACOSTA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

 

The state charges against ACOSTA are pending in Rockville Superior Court.

 

This matter is being investigated 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 Hal Chen.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced a settlement of a government lawsuit alleging that the Housing Authority for the City of Bridgeport, doing business as Park City Communities, (“HACB”), violated the Fair Housing Act by refusing to provide reasonable accommodations to a woman with disabilities who lives in one of the housing authority’s properties.

In November 2016, the U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a complaint in federal court alleging that HACB discriminated against the victim on the basis of disability, in violation of the Fair Housing Act.  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) attempted to resolve the case with HACB before referring it the U.S. Department of Justice.  The complaint alleges that, in July 2014, the victim submitted a reasonable accommodation request to HACB for a transfer out of her apartment because she experienced anxiety and depression due to a homicide that occurred in front of her home.  In May 2016, a physician diagnosed the victim with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  HACB denied the request after concluding that the request was “not reasonable.”

In January 2017, after the government filed the lawsuit, the victim was moved to another HACB property and HACB incurred all of the victim’s moving expenses.

Under this settlement, HACB will pay $10,000 to the victim.  The settlement also requires HACB employees to undergo fair housing training, and HACB to provide periodic reports to the Justice Department.

“As this lawsuit demonstrates, we will vigorously pursue violations of the Fair Housing Act in Connecticut,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.

“Individuals with disabilities shouldn’t be denied the accommodations that allow them to fully enjoy their homes,” said Anna Maria Farias, HUD Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.  “Today’s settlement sends a clear message that HUD and the Department of Justice are fully committed to ensuring that housing providers, especially housing authorities, meet their obligation to comply with federal fair housing laws.”

In a related matter, on November 15, 2017, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against HACB alleging violations of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Fair Housing Act.  The lawsuit is pending.

The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status.  More information about the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.  Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against by the HACB can contact the Civil Rights Division at 1-800-896-7743, mailbox number 992, or by email at fairhousing@usdoj.gov.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARK D. HUBER, 57, of Mahopac, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 28 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally manufacturing and possessing explosives. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 21, 2016, the Connecticut State Police received a report that several items that appeared to be explosive devices were in a garage of a residence in Warren, Connecticut.  HUBER previously resided at the home.  The State Police and FBI Bomb Squad searched the garage and discovered that HUBER had manufactured black powder and flash powder, which can be used as the explosive charge in an improvised explosive device (IED).  Investigators found and seized approximately 12 IEDs, and approximately 35 devices that were missing only the explosive powder.

HUBER was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on July 22, 2016.  A subsequent search of residences in Ossining and Mahopac, New York, where HUBER resided prior to his arrest, revealed additional pyrotechnic mixtures, fuses and fully assembled explosive devices.

HUBER has been detained since his arrest.  On July 12, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of an unregistered explosive device.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Richards.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JAHMAL GIBBS, 21, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 26, 2016, members of the U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force arrested GIBBS in an apartment on Henry Street in New Haven.  A search of a bedroom in the apartment revealed a loaded .357 caliber revolver that was hidden between a mattress and a box spring.

In September 2014, GIBBS was convicted of a state felony firearm offense.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

On November 2, 2016, GIBBS pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter D. Markle.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that RODOLFO BOLIVAR TEPAN, 38, a citizen of Ecuador last residing in Danbury, pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to one count of reentry of a removed alien.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2016, TEPAN was sentenced in Danbury Superior Court to 10 years of incarceration, execution suspended, and five years of probation, for risk of injury to a minor.  In October 2016, TEPAN was deported from the U.S. to Ecuador.

TEPAN illegally reentered the U.S. and, on May 12, 2017, was arrested by Danbury Police for failure to register as a sex offender.  He was convicted of the offense and, on July 28, was sentenced in state court to 18 months of incarceration.  TEPAN has been detained since his arrest.

The charge of illegal reentry carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  TEPAN is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on February 26, 2018.

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 ANORIS DELGADO, also known as “Alex,” 29, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to five months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.  Judge Bolden ordered DELGADO to serve the first six months of his supervised release in home confinement.

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, in the morning of April 25, 2016, Bridgeport Police and medical personnel responded to a location on Washington Avenue on a report of a possible drug overdose.  The overdose victim was revived with two doses of Narcan and was transported to the hospital.  A friend of the victim, who was with the victim at the time and contacted medical professionals after the overdose, told investigators that he and the victim purchased heroin from and individual he knew as “Eric” in the area of Brooks Street and Ogden Street in Bridgeport.  The victim subsequently identified DELGADO’s brother, Erick Delgado, as the source of the heroin he used.

In the evening of April 25, 2016, Monroe Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a report of an unresponsive 48-year-old male at residence in Monroe.  The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.  A subsequent interview with an acquaintance of the victim revealed that, on April 25, the victim and his acquaintance traveled to the area of Brooks Street and Ogden Street where the victim purchased heroin from Erick Delgado.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner subsequently determined the victim’s cause of death to be acute fentanyl intoxication.

On May 3, 2016, an individual working with law enforcement contacted Erick Delgado to arrange the purchase of heroin.  When the individual and an undercover officer arrived in the area of Brooks Street and Ogden Street, they were met by ANORIS DELGADO who subsequently provided them with 20 bags of heroin.  The undercover officer purchased another 20 bags of heroin from ANORIS DELGADO on May 20.

ANORIS DELGADO was arrested on June 21, 2016, and was subsequently released on bond.  On October 25, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of heroin.  He has been detained since July 11, 2017, when his bond was revoked.

Erick Delgado pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on January 26, 2017, was sentenced to 13 months of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, and the Monroe and Bridgeport Police Departments.  The case is was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

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 a federal jury in Hartford has found EDWARD J. KOSINSKI, 70, of Weston, guilty of insider trading offenses.  The trial before U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant began on November 13 and the jury returned its verdict this afternoon.

 

According to the evidence presented during the trial, on January 29, 2014, KOSINSKI entered into a Clinical Study and Research Agreement with an authorized agent of Regado Biosciences, Inc., formerly a Delaware corporation whose common stock traded on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “RGDO.”  KOSINSKI, as a principal investigator for Regado’s clinical trial, was required to maintain in strict confidence all confidential information he received from Regado or its agent during the course of the clinical trial.  In May 2014, KOSINSKI owned 40,000 shares of Regado common stock.

 

On June 29, 2014, KOSINSKI and other principal investigators received an email from the clinical trial team stating that there had been several allergic reactions during the clinical trial, the acceptance of new subjects was put on hold and the Data and Safety Monitoring Board (“DSMB”) would be reviewing the recent events.  On June 30, 2014, while in possession of this non-public information, KOSINSKI sold his 40,000 shares of Regado common stock for between $6.59 and $7.00 per share.  On July 2, 2014, after the close of the market, Regado publicly announced that the DSMB initiated an unplanned review of the clinical trial and patient enrollment had been suspended until the DSMB completed its review.  On July 3, 2014, the stock fell $3.95 from the day’s previous closing price, to close at $2.81.

 

By selling his shares of Regado stock, KOSINSKI avoided a loss of approximately $160,000.

 

On July 29, 2014, KOSINSKI and other principal investigators received an email from the clinical trial team stating that a death occurred in the clinical trial and that the trial was on hold.  On July 31, 2014, while in possession of this material, non-public information, KOSINSKI purchased 50 Regado common stock put option contracts with a strike price of $2.50.  On August 25, 2014, before the market opened, Regado publicly announced that it permanently halted the clinical trial and the price of Regado common stock fell approximately 60 percent.  KOSINSKI then purchased 5,000 shares of Regado common stock for approximately $1.13 per share and exercised his put options, netting more than $3,000.

 

KOSINSKI was convicted of two counts of securities fraud-insider trading, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.  A sentencing date is not scheduled.

 

KOSINSKI is released on a $500,000 bond pending sentencing.

 

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather Cherry and Jonathan Francis.

 

In a related federal civil matter, KOSINSKY has been charged by the Securities and Exchange Commission.  (Securities and Exchange Commission v. Edward J. Kosinski 3:16-cv-01322)

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CLARENCE BELL, also known as “Solo,” 22, of West Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to time served and three years of supervised release for illegally distributing Xanax that contributed to an overdose death last year.  Judge Underhill ordered BELL to serve the first year of supervised release in home confinement with electronic monitoring.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 6:10 a.m. on May 24, 2016, the West Haven Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in West Haven on report of a sudden death of a 20-year-old male.  Upon arrival, the initial responding patrol units determined that the death was suspicious in nature and appeared to be drug related.  The investigation, which included witness interviews and analysis of phone records and surveillance cameras, revealed that at approximately 10:00 p.m. on May 23, 2016, the victim purchased a quantity of Xanax pills from BELL.  The victim them crushed approximately three of pills and snorted the powder.

The victim’s autopsy report states the official cause of death as acute intoxication due to the combined effects of heroin, alprazolam (Xanax) and cocaine.

BELL was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on September 26, 2016, and has been released on a $25,000 bond since September 29, 2016.  On May 17, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of Xanax, a Schedule IV controlled substance.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the West Haven 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 JOHN EASTMAN, 50, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 204 months of imprisonment, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for enticing minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct during online video chats.

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, between June and November 2012, EASTMAN engaged in video chats with minors over the internet using his computer and online video chatting services such as Skype.  During these video chats, EASTMAN enticed the minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct, which EASTMAN recorded or photographed and then saved on his computer.  In order to deceive and entice the minors, EASTMAN posed as famous singers and musicians that are popular to teenagers.

 

As an example, in November 2012, EASTMAN used the screen name justin.bieber727 to communicate via Skype with a female who was under the age of 18.  During the video chat, EASTMAN asked the minor to expose herself and pose in a sexually explicit manner.  EASTMAN then saved on his computer a still image of the female exposing herself.

 

EASTMAN has been detained since his arrest on related state charges in May 2013.  On March 2, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of use of an interstate facility to persuade a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity.

 

EASTMAN’s criminal history includes 31 convictions, including convictions for attempted sexual assault in the fourth degree and risk of injury to a minor relating to inappropriate contact he had with a nine-year-old girl approximately 20 years ago.  As a result of these convictions, he was placed on the sex offender registry for 10 years.

 

This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Waterbury Police Department.  The case was 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, announced that THOMAS CAPECELATRO, 62, of Orange, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of willful failure to account for and pay over more than $66,000 in employment taxes.

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, CAPECELATRO has owned and operated an unincorporated landscaping business known as Chestnut Ridge Landscaping (“Chestnut Ridge”) since approximately 1984.  From approximately October 2010 through 2013, CAPECELATRO caused Chestnut Ridge to withhold $42,322.64 in payroll taxes from its employees but failed to truthfully account for and pay over that money to the Internal Revenue Service.  During that same period, CAPECELATRO failed to pay $24,089.28 in federal employment taxes and $1,347.54 in federal unemployment taxes that Chestnut Ridge owed.  Chestnut Ridge also failed to file quarterly employment tax returns (Forms 941) with the IRS.

 

The total tax loss to the U.S. Treasury from October 2010 through 2013 was $67,759.46.

 

Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for February 21, 2018, at which time CAPECELATRO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $10,000.  CAPECELATRO made restitution of $67,759.46 to the IRS in May 2017.

 

This matter has been investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan L. Wines.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TICO GARRETT, 37, of New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation by the FBI Northern Connecticut Safe Streets Task Force, Norwich Police Department, Waterford Police Department and Groton Town Police revealed that in the summer of 2016, Paul Mott, of Groton, conspired with others to obtain and distribute cocaine.  Mott regularly took orders for cocaine from individuals, including GARRETT, and then drove to his supplier in the Bronx, New York, to obtain the drug.  When he returned to Connecticut, Mott provided the cocaine to GARRETT and others for further distribution.  Some of Mott’s narcotics trafficking activity occurred at his restaurant, Caribbean American Kitchen to Go, located on Truman Street in New London.

GARRETT was arrested on August 8, 2016.  On May 10, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

Mott also pleaded guilty and, on September 5, 2017, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment and was ordered to forfeit a 2013 Toyota 4Runner and approximately $3,494 that was seized from him at the time of his arrest.

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

Judge Meyer ordered GARRETT, who is released on a $100,000 bond, to report to prison on January 5, 2018.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a grand jury in Hartford returned a 14-count indictment today charging the following 10 individuals with heroin trafficking offenses:

MICHAEL LUCIANO, 32, of New London
EDDY PENA, 29, of Montville
MARIO RECINOS, 26, of Central Falls, R.I.
ELIZABETH MORALES, 47, a citizen of Guatamala residing in Johnston, R.I.
MAYCOL CAMPOS, 36, of Attleboro, Mass.
SELENA MENA, 28, of New London
ROBERTO ROMAN, a.k.a. “Indio,” 47, of New London
WILLIAM GONZALEZ-NIEVES, 26, of Norwich
JOSE QUINONES, 56, of Providence, R.I.
HECTOR QUINONES, 38, of Freetown, Mass.

The indictment stems from an investigation headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force East and New London Police Department targeting a southeastern Connecticut heroin trafficking ring.  The investigation began after several heroin overdoses in southeastern Connecticut, including two overdose deaths involving a heroin and fentanyl mix that occurred in January 2016.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, between January and June 2017, investigators made controlled purchases of heroin from Luciano and Gonzalez-Nieves.  Subsequent court-authorized wiretaps revealed that Recinos and Morales, with the assistance of Campos, regularly supplied heroin on credit to Luciano, who then distributed the drug to a large customer base in southeastern Connecticut.  Pena also supplied Luciano with heroin.  Mena and Roman assisted Luciano by packaging heroin for distribution, making deliveries and collecting drug proceeds that Luciano then delivered to Recinos and Morales.

It is further alleged that Recinos supplied Hector Quinones and Morales supplied Jose Quinones with distribution quantities of heroin.

All of the defendants, with the exception of Hector Quinones, who has been incarcerated in Rhode Island for an unrelated state offense, were arrested on November 14.  On that date, investigators executed 12 federal search warrants and seized more than three kilograms of heroin, including significant quantities from Luciano, Recinos, Morales, Jose Quinones, Roman and Campos.  Investigators also seized approximately 100 grams of fentanyl from Campos, more than $14,000 in cash from Pena, and more than $13,000 in cash from Morales.

All of the defendants are charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin.  If convicted of this charge, based on their conduct and the quantity of heroin involved in the conspiracy, Luciano, Recinos, Morales, Campos, Roman and Mena face a minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life; Pena, Gonzalez-Nieves and Jose Quinones face a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, and Hector Quinones faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Luciano, Pena, Mena, Roman and Gonzalez-Nieves are also charged with one or more counts of possession with intent to distribute, and/or distribution of, heroin. 

All of the defendants are detained.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ERIC BOONE, 48, of Norwich, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.  Judge Meyer also ordered BOONE to perform 100 hours of community service while on supervised release.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation by the FBI Northern Connecticut Safe Streets Task Force, Norwich Police Department, Waterford Police Department and Groton Town Police revealed that in the summer of 2016, Paul Mott, of Groton, conspired with others to obtain and distribute cocaine.  Mott regularly took orders for cocaine from individuals and then drove to his supplier in the Bronx, New York, to obtain the drug.  When he returned to Connecticut, Mott provided the cocaine to others, including Marybeth Harvey, of Norwich, for further distribution.  Some of Mott’s narcotics trafficking activity occurred at his restaurant, Caribbean American Kitchen to Go, located on Truman Street in New London.

The investigation revealed that Harvey supplied some of the cocaine she received from Mott to BOONE, who then distributed it to others.  On July 25, 2016, law enforcement stopped BOONE’s car, after BOONE left Harvey’s house, and seized approximately 49 grams of cocaine and 15 grams of crack cocaine that BOONE had thrown from the car before he stopped.

BOONE has been detained since his federal arrest on August 26, 2016.  On May 31, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

Mott and Harvey also pleaded guilty.  On September 5, 2017, Mott was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment and was ordered to forfeit a 2013 Toyota 4Runner and approximately $3,494 that was seized from him at the time of his arrest.  On September 14, Harvey was sentenced to 12 months of imprisonment and was ordered to forfeit $4,800.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DARIS SNOW, also known as “Eagle,” 25, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to a federal robbery charge stemming from the armed robbery of a Hamden store in April 2016.

According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 4:22 p.m. on April 27, 2016, two men and two women, who had their head and faces partially concealed, entered the Game X Change in Hamden.  One of the men pulled out a gun and ordered the store’s three employees to get down on the ground.  The man with the gun put his foot on an employee’s back and pressed the gun against the employee’s head and neck, threatening to kill the employee if he did not give him money and the keys to the display case.  The employee complied and the four suspects took several items, including cellular telephones, an iPad, an iPod, “Beats” headphones, and a cash box that contained $830.  The four ran out of the store to a waiting car.

Investigators subsequently identified SNOW as one of the four individuals who committed the armed robbery of the store, and learned that SNOW had made threatening statements to and about a woman who participated in the robbery with him.  SNOW was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on June 2, 2017.

SNOW pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act Robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for February 16, 2018.

SNOW has been detained since his arrest.

Four other individuals have been charged as a result of this investigation.

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Hamden Police Department, 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 JHOVANY VALDES, 41, of East Windsor, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 63 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.

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

The investigation revealed that VALDES supplied an OSK member with thousands of bags of heroin for further distribution.

On February 10, 2017, investigators arrested VALDES and several of his codefendants.  On that date, a search of VALDES’ East Windsor residence revealed approximately 155 grams of heroin mixed with fentanyl, most of which was packaged in approximately 2,000 bags, as well as numerous items used to process and package heroin, including a kilogram press.  The search also revealed three loaded handguns, one of which had been reported stolen.

VALDES has been detained since his arrest.  On August 29, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

Sixteen individuals were charged as a result of the investigation.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTIAN PAULINO RODRIGUEZ, 47, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in Stamford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 42 months of imprisonment for trafficking cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in November 2016, RODRIGUEZ arranged for the sale and delivery of kilogram quantities of cocaine, for $31,000 per kilogram, to an individual working with law enforcement.  DEA Task Force officers arrested RODRIGUEZ on November 15, 2016, after he coordinated the sale of approximately five kilograms of cocaine to the individual.

RODRIGUEZ has been detained since his arrest.  On July 18, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 500 grams or more of cocaine.

RODRIGUEZ faces immigration proceedings when he is released from prison.

This matter has been investigated by the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Stamford and Norwalk Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Vizcarrondo.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that URMILA SRI THAKUR, also known as Urmila Buddhu-Thakur and Indro Buddhu-Thakur, 73, of Wethersfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to four years of probation, the first four months of which THAKUR must serve in home confinement, for her role in a fraudulent debt elimination scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2009 to June 2012, THAKUR’s former husband, Deowraj “Deo” Buddhu and their daughter, Sunita Buddhu, sold a debt elimination “program” to vulnerable individuals through various businesses, including Paradise Consulting Service, Hema, Inc., and Secured Redemption.  In exchange for substantial fees, Deo Buddhu told victims about a little-known government fund that could be used to pay off their mortgages and other debts.  In fact, no such fund exists.  Buddhu instructed his victims to stop making payments on their mortgages, credit cards and other debts, and to stop paying their property taxes.  He also provided his victims with fictitious promissory notes, which he called “bonds,” as well as other frivolous documentation, and advised his victims to use them to pay their debts.

On June 12, 2012, the day after Deo Buddhu’s arrest, THAKUR withdrew $75,000 from a certificate of deposit account that contained funds from the scheme.  She also obtained several cashier’s checks, including one for $50,000 made payable to THAKUR, which she thereafter negotiated using accounts in the name of SDK SYS Solutions and TRK Consulting Services.

Judge Thompson ordered THAKUR to pay restitution of $335,072, which is the amount attributable to the underlying fraudulent debt elimination scheme.

On August 18, 2017, THAKUR pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering.

Deo Buddhu and Sunita Buddhu were previously convicted in Hartford federal court.

This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Pierpont, Jr. and Liam Brennan.

United States Attorney John H. Durham and Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane announced that KARL ROYE, also known as “Eagle,” 26, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to a life term of imprisonment for committing the murder of Anthony Parker of Hartford in April 2011.

This matter stems from a long-term investigation into narcotics trafficking and related violent activity by members and associates of the Westhell and Team Grease groups.

At approximately 10:47 a.m. on April 6, 2011, the Hartford Police Department received a report of shots fired in the vicinity of 15 Thomaston Street in the Blue Hills Section of Hartford.  Officers responding to the scene located Anthony Parker, also known as “Smooth,” 24, seated in the driver’s seat of a vehicle in the driveway of 15 Thomaston Street.  Parker was unconscious and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.  Parker was transported by ambulance to Saint Francis Hospital where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

According to testimony and evidence presented during a weeklong trial, ROYE and Jimel Frank, both armed with 9mm handguns, opened fire on Parker from opposite sides of the vehicle in which he was seated.  ROYE and Frank were members of the Wall Street group, which later became generally known as “Team Grease.” 

On August 4, 2016, a jury found ROYE guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit a violent crime in aid of racketeering and one count of committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering.

ROYE has been detained since his arrest on March 4, 2015.

Frank, also known as “30” and “Velly,” pleaded guilty on November 12, 2015, and awaits sentencing.

This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, DEA, Hartford Police Department and Cold Case Unit of the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney.  The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.  The case is being prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Durham and Assistant State’s Attorney Andrew Reed Durham, who has been cross designated as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in this matter.

The homicide of Anthony “Smooth” Parker was included in cold case playing cards sold to inmates in Connecticut’s state correctional facilities.  Each card in the deck features a photograph and brief details about a homicide or missing person case and lists telephone, mail and e-mail contacts that inmates can use to supply information.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KHADAFI CASTRO, 39, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to one count of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin and cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

According to court documents and statements made in court, between March and August 2017, investigators made eight controlled purchases of heroin, fentanyl and/or crack cocaine from CASTRO on Hungerford Street in Hartford.  During the last three drug sales, all of which occurred in August 2017, CASTRO was assisted by his associate, Todd Peters.

CASTRO has been detained since his arrest on August 14.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill on February 12, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Peters, 43, of Hartford, pleaded guilty to the same charge on November 16 and awaits sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc H. Silverman.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RICHARD PISKE, 34, of Manchester, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin that contributed to an overdose death of a Bridgeport woman last year.

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, early in the morning of June 29, 2016, Bridgeport Police and emergency medical personnel responded to Bridgeport residence on a report of an apparent overdose.  At the residence, responders found a deceased 25-year-old female on the floor of a bedroom.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that the victim died from acute heroin, cocaine and alcohol intoxication.  

The investigation, which included analysis of PISKE’s cell phone and the victim’s boyfriend’s cell phone, revealed that, on June 28, 2016, the victim’s boyfriend purchased a quantity of heroin from PISKE, who was residing in Norwalk at the time.  Later that day, the victim and her boyfriend ingested some of the heroin that had been purchased from PISKE.

PISKE was arrested on a criminal complaint on September 29, 2016.  On August 24, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of heroin.

PISKE, who is released on a $25,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on January 3, 2018.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Bridgeport Police Department.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael E. Runowicz.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JONATHAN REED, 32, of Enfield, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford 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, at approximately 9:52 a.m. on August 26, 2016, Enfield Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in Enfield and found an unresponsive 31-year-old male slumped over a coffee table in the upstairs bedroom of the residence.  The victim was pronounced deceased.  Officers searched the immediate area and seized one empty white wax fold and six full white wax folds that contained suspected heroin.  Officers also seized the victim’s iPhone. An analysis of text messages revealed that the victim had ordered heroin from REED the evening before the victim died.

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

REED was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on April 27, 2017.

The charge of distribution of heroin and fentanyl carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  A sentencing date has not been scheduled.

REED is released on a $200,000 bond pending sentencing.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BAYOHAN MANGUAL, also known as “YG,” 32, of Willimantic and Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 57 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2014, MANGUAL was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine and heroin.  He was released from prison in November 2015.

In February 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force received information that MANGUAL was distributing large quantities of crack cocaine in the Willimantic area.  In February and March, investigators conducted two controlled purchases of distribution quantities of crack from MANGUAL in Willimantic.  MANGUAL was arrested on March 31 after investigators stopped a car he was driving and seized approximately 55 grams of cocaine from his person.

MANGUAL has been detained since his arrest.  On August 24, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine base (“crack”), and he admitted to violating the conditions of his supervised release.

Judge Shea sentenced MANGUAL to 33 months of imprisonment on the new drug offense, and a consecutive 24 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

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

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on November 9, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a five-count indictment charging CHRISTINE MILES, 58, OSCAR MONTOYA, 62, and CHRISTY MILES, 33, all of Windsor Locks, with drug trafficking offenses stemming from the distribution of heroin and various prescription medications.

The three defendants were arrested yesterday.  They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford and were ordered detained.  Detention hearings are scheduled for next week.

The indictment alleges that, beginning in approximately 1998, Christine Miles, her husband Oscar Montoya, and Christy Miles, who is the daughter of Christine Miles, conspired to possess and distribute heroin, oxymorphone, hydrocodone and alprazolam.

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

The indictment charges each of the defendants with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substance, and with one or more counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, certain controlled substances.

Each of the charges carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of the 350 North Street residence, the cash and gift cards seized during the August 2016 search, and more than $700,000 contained in numerous bank accounts.  The seized cash, gift cards and bank accounts have been the subject of a pending civil forfeiture action.

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 Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad and the U.S. Marshals Service with the valuable assistance of the North Central Narcotics Task Force and the Windsor Locks, Enfield, Vernon, East Windsor and Manchester Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David X. Sullivan and Michael E. Runowicz.

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 CANDIDO VALADARES, also known as Candide Valadares, 57, of Norwalk, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to one count of filing a false tax return.             

According to court documents and statements made in court, VALADARES operates two Norwalk-based landscaping businesses, Candide’s Landscaping and Water Gardens, LLC and Candide Contractor & Natural Pools, LLC.  He also provides snow-removal services to his clients during winter months.  An investigation revealed that VALADARES deposited receipts from his businesses into both his business and personal bank accounts.  He also paid various employee wages out of both his business and personal accounts.

VALADARES used a tax return preparer to prepare his yearly tax returns.  The tax preparer took figures from certain profit-and-loss statements obtained from VALADARES or his bookkeeper to prepare the relevant federal tax returns.  VALADARES knew that the profit-and-loss statements did not reflect all revenues deposited in VALADARES’ business and personal bank accounts.  As a result, VALADARES’ federal tax returns for 2009, 2010 and 2011 tax years underreported hundreds of thousands of dollars in total income.

VALADARES is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton on February 8, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years and a fine of up to $100,000.  VALADARES also has agreed to repay the U.S. Treasury $175,898 in restitution for the taxes he failed to pay, and additional penalties and interest that have accrued on his unpaid taxes.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL LEDBETTER, 26, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 15 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing ammunition.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 27, 2016, members of Hartford Police were dispatched to a residence on Nelson Street on a report of a possible domestic assault.  LEDBETTER left the residence before police arrived.  A short time later, an officer located LEDBETTER in a vehicle on Barbour Street.  After LEDBETTER was secured in handcuffs, an officer conducted a pat down of his person and discovered one .40 caliber Hornady live round in LEDBETTER’s right front pocket.

In April 2014, LEDBETTER was convicted in Connecticut Superior Court of six counts of accessory to first degree assault.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

LEDBETTER has been detained since his arrest on a federal criminal complaint on February 12, 2017.  On July 7, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.

This investigation was conducted by the Hartford Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson and Senior Assistant State’s Attorney John F. Fahey of the Hartford State’s Attorney’s Office, who has been cross designated as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in this matter.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CARLOS ANARIBA, also known as Marvin Guillen, 27, a citizen of Honduras last residing in Stamford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to one count of reentry of a removed alien.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in November 2008, ANARIBA, using the name Marvin Guillen, was charged in Connecticut Superior Court in Stamford with assault, weapons, breach of peace and forgery offenses.  After ANARIBA posted bond, he was released to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and, in March 2009, was deported from the U.S. to Honduras.

ANARIBA subsequently returned to the U.S.

In October 2014, ANARIBA, using his true name, was arrested by Stamford Police for a burglary offense.  In February 2016, he was arrested by Stamford Police on larceny charges.

A biometric match connected the three criminal cases and confirmed that ANARIBA and Guillen are the same individual.  ANARIBA resolved all three cases and, in October 2016, was sentenced in state court to 25 months of incarceration.

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for February 13, 2018, at which time ANARIBA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years.  He is detained pending sentencing.

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, today announced that BRIAN FLUMAN, 34, of Southbury, pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to one count of possession of a destructive device by a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 15, 2017, FLUMAN detonated a pipe bomb, which he had built, in the vicinity of Upper Grassy Hill Road in Woodbury.

On June 8, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of FLUMAN’s Southbury residence and seized three pipes with end caps, Pyrodex, a fuse, an electric blasting cap, and a semi-automatic rifle.

FLUMAN’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for larceny, burglary and narcotics possession.

FLUMAN has been detained since his arrest on July 26.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello on February 7, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Connecticut State Police and the Woodbury Resident Trooper’s Office.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacabed Rodriguez-Coss.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on November 14, MARK BERLIN, 64, of Boca Raton, Florida, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for defrauding three restaurant groups of millions of dollars.

According to court documents and statements made in court, BERLIN owned and operated Fairfield Food Services, LLC, a Bridgeport-based food distribution business that bought meat, fish and other foods from wholesale vendors and then sold the items to restaurants and retail food distributors (“retail victims”).  On a routine basis, BERLIN met with representatives for the retail victims to pitch them specific sales opportunities.  Between April 2012 and April 2015, BERLIN made various misrepresentations to secure the sales, including claiming that he had arrangements with wholesale suppliers to obtain “futures contracts” from the wholesalers, and that the retail victims could “lock in” low prices if they paid for products in advance with delivery at a later date.  BERLIN regularly told the retail victims that he had a “great deal” on particular products and the customers had to pay him fast in order to obtain the deals.  BERLIN provided the retail victims with “Bill and Hold” invoices purportedly reflecting specific monies to be paid to the wholesale suppliers for products at the prices indicated.  The retail victims then paid the “Bill and Hold” invoices in full with an understanding that the products or the futures contracts for products were being purchased from the suppliers.

The investigation revealed that BERLIN did not have “locked in” prices or “futures contracts” with wholesale suppliers, and BERLIN frequently used retail victims’ payments simply to cover his business’s immediate cash flow needs.  In fact, instead of paying wholesalers before products were delivered, BERLIN typically did not pay the wholesalers for 30 or 60 days after products were delivered.

By April 2015, BERLIN was unable to keep the scheme afloat and stopped providing products to the retail victims.  Shortly thereafter, Fairfield Food Services declared bankruptcy and closed its business.  The Fairfield Food Services’ bankruptcy filing lists a total of approximately $5.3 million owed to three restaurant groups that paid BERLIN in advance for products, and hundreds of thousands of dollars owed to wholesale suppliers for products for which Fairfield Food Services had already taken delivery.

BERLIN contends that not all of the approximately $5.3 million owed to his retail victims was obtained by fraud.  The government’s position is that BERLIN obtained at least $3.9 million and as much as $5.3 million by fraud.

Judge Underhill ordered BERLIN to pay restitution in the total amount of $5.3 million

On May 31, 2017, BERLIN pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

Judge Underhill ordered BERLIN, who is released on bond, to report to prison on June 8, 2018.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STEVEN SINGH, 39, of New Haven, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.  SINGH also admitted to violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 14, 2017, the FBI executed a search warrant at SINGH’s resident on Hallock Street in New Haven and seized approximately five grams of crack cocaine, narcotics paraphernalia, and a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol containing a magazine loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition.

 

SINGH has three prior federal convictions.  In June 2011, he was sentenced in Bridgeport federal court to 24 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release for distributing crack cocaine and, in July 2015, he was sentenced to 38 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for illegally possessing ammunition and violating the conditions of his supervised release imposed when he was sentenced in 2011.  He was released from prison in March 2016.

 

SINGH has been detained since his arrest on June 14, 2017.  When he is sentenced, SINGH faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years for the firearm offense, and a maximum term of imprisonment of two years for violating his supervised release.  A sentencing date has not been scheduled.

 

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Haven Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that AGUSTIN CIRINO, 29, of Hamden, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to distributing fentanyl disguised as oxycodone.

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 9, 2017, the Hamden Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a Hamden residence where a 30-year-old male was found deceased.  At the scene, investigators seized drug and non-drug evidence, including three suspected oxycodone tablets and the victim’s cellphone.  The investigation revealed that the victim arranged to purchase oxycodone tablets from CIRINO on March 7 and March 8.

The DEA Northeast Laboratory subsequently determined that the seized tablets contained fentanyl, acetaminophen and dipyrone, not oxycodone.  The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner also determined that the victim died as a result of “acute fentanyl toxicity, clonazepam, duloxetine use.”

CIRINO was arrested on May 9, 2017.  Today, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of fentanyl, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Chief Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for March 1, 2018.

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

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