District of Connecticut

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN G. KOUKOURAS, 40, of Eugene, Oregon, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the summer of 2017, KOUKOURAS and an individual in Connecticut utilized a residence located at 40 Guernsey Hill Road in Lagrangeville, New York, to grow, process and distribute marijuana.  On July 26, 2017, investigators executed a federal search warrant at the New York residence and seized 140 marijuana plants and equipment used to grow, process and distribute marijuana.

KOUKOURAS was arrested in Oregon on September 14, 2017.  At the time of his arrest, he possessed an additional approximately 50 marijuana plants and equipment used to grow and process marijuana.

Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for February 7, 2018, at which time KOUKOURAS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  KOUKOURAS is released on a $25,000 bond pending sentencing.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GUIDO A. CORTES-RODRIGUEZ, 65, of West Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to two years of probation, the first six months of which CORTES must serve in home confinement, for falsely certifying the completion of asbestos abatement courses.  Judge Chatigny also ordered CORTES to perform 160 hours of community service while he is on probation.

According to court documents and statements made in court, CORTES was a training instructor at North Star Center For Human Development (“North Star”), an organization that offered a variety of training courses and certification to individuals working with lead paint and asbestos.  CORTES was the training manager and a primary instructor for those courses.

North Star’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 asbestos and lead programs.  Individuals in Connecticut who perform or supervise asbestos abatement activities must be certified by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH).  To obtain certification, an individual must successfully complete an approved 40-hour asbestos abatement supervisor initial training course.  North Star applied for and received approval from CT DPH to offer a wide range of lead and asbestos training courses, including asbestos abatement supervisor initial and refresher courses.

On December 16, 2015, CORTES sent notice to the CT DPH that an asbestos abatement supervisor initial training course would be conducted at North Star’s facility in Hartford from December 27, 2015 to January 2, 2016.  Further, he advised that a 32-hour lead abatement worker initial course would be conducted from January 3 to January 6, 2016, at the same location.  CORTES was identified as the training manager and primary course instructor for both courses.

An undercover FBI agent attempted to attend the second course under a fictitious identity, seeking a lead abatement worker initial course completion certificate.  The agent skipped the first three days of the course, and attempted to attend on January 6, 2016.  Upon arrival at the facility, the agent learned that no course was being conducted at North Star that day, and further, that no classes had been conducted for weeks.

The agent called the instructor, CORTES, who agreed to meet him at the North Star facility the following day.  When the agent met with CORTES on January 7, 2016, the agent indicated he was interested in trying to get work as soon as possible.  CORTES provided him with a list of items he would need from the agent, including his name, mailing address, Social Security number, passport-type photos and $1,260.

Later that day, the agent returned to CORTES’s office with the listed items and CORTES met with him in a cubicle.  CORTES asked various biographical questions of the agent, filled out paperwork, and provided the agent with three certificates issued to A.R.:  A 40-Hour Asbestos Abatement Supervisor Initial Certification, a 32-Hour Lead Abatement Worker Initial Certification, and an OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Training Course.  CORTES accepted $1,260 cash in payment from the agent.  The agent attended no classes conducted by CORTES at North Star, received no training from CORTES in these subject areas, and did not take any examinations.  The false certificates issued by CORTES to the agent were signed by CORTES, bore an individual certificate number, and otherwise appeared to meet the requirements of Connecticut’s approved lead and asbestos accreditation programs, and therefore, the federal accreditation requirements.  Subsequent investigation determined that CORTES provided fraudulent training certificates on multiple occasions.

“Asbestos and lead removal training providers are entrusted with keeping safe the supervisors, workers and the public that hire them,” said Tyler C. Amon, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division in New England. “Trainers who cheat and provide false certificates will continue to be a focus for EPA enforcement since they pose too great a risk to the public health.”

On December 21, 2016, CORTES pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement to the federal government.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division and Office of Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Kenyon.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDWIN ESCRIBANO, also known as “Bebo,” 25, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of fentanyl and heroin.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 14, 2016, Rocky Hill Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a restaurant on a report of a male who had overdosed and was not breathing.  The male, who was 29 years old, was pronounced deceased at the scene.  Officers seized drug and non-drug evidence, including a cellophane tourniquet and syringe in the restaurant bathroom that ultimately tested positive for the presence of heroin and fentanyl.  The investigation, which included analysis of the victim’s cellphone, revealed that ESCRIBANO had provided the drugs to the victim shortly before the victim’s death.

ESCRIBANO was arrested on federal criminal complaint on May 30, 2017.

Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for February 9, 2018, at which time ESCRIBANO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Rocky Hill Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that FELIX LOPEZ, also known as “Pablo,” 23, of Hartford, was arrested yesterday on a criminal complaint charging him with narcotics distribution offenses.

 

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

 

LOPEZ appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford and was ordered detained.

 

As alleged in court documents, on September 13, 2017, Norwich Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a report of an untimely death at a residence in Norwich.  Responding officers were informed that the decedent, a 20-year-old woman, had an addiction to heroin.  At the scene, officers seized drug and non-drug evidence, including the victim’s cell phone.

 

The State of Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner subsequently determined that the victim died from acute fentanyl and heroin intoxication. 

 

It is alleged that LOPEZ supplied the heroin and fentanyl consumed by the victim shortly before she died.

 

At the time of his arrest, it is alleged that LOPEZ possessed a quantity of crack cocaine.

 

The complaint charges LOPEZ with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, controlled substances, and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.  Both offenses carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

 

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

 

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Norwich, Hartford and Manchester Police Departments.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that GARRETT GOMEZ, 27, of Barkhamsted, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to one count of distribution of fentanyl.  This prosecution is part of an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 20, 2016, Torrington Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in Torrington and found a deceased 30-year-old male lying on his bed.  At the scene, investigators collected six wax paper folds and three torn wax paper folds found on a bedside table.  They also found a hypodermic needle at the feet of the victim.

Subsequent laboratory testing of the contents of the wax folds confirmed the presence of fentanyl, and the State of Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that the victim died from acute fentanyl intoxication. 

The investigation, which included analysis of text messages contained on the victim’s cell phone, revealed that in the evening of May 19, 2016, the victim agreed to meet with GOMEZ to purchase “9 for 60.”  In the victim’s automobile, investigators found an ATM receipt showing a $60 withdrawal.

GOMEZ was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on August 23, 2016.

The charge of distribution of fentanyl carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for February 7, 2018.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and the Torrington Police Department.  The 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.  The 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 LUIS ROBLES, 27, of West Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 24 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 ROBLES, on the streets of New Haven.

The investigation has resulted in federal charges against 23 individuals.

On August 21, 2017, ROBLES 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, Greenwich, Hamden, Milford, New Haven, Shelton, Vernon and Wilton Police Departments.  The New Haven, East Haven and West Haven Police Departments, together with the U.S. Coast Guard, provided valuable assistance to the investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick F. Caruso.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN VOLOSHIN, 61, formerly of New Haven and Woodbridge, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 27 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for operating a fraud scheme and for violating a condition of his federal supervised release from a prior conviction.

 

On May 17, 2012, Judge Chatigny sentenced VOLOSHIN to 33 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for operating multiple fraud schemes that caused losses of more than $1.5 million to individuals and lenders.  As part of the schemes, VOLOSHIN forged signatures and used fabricated bank account statements, tax returns, mortgage releases and loan applications.  VOLOSHIN was released from prison on May 16, 2014, and began serving a three-year term of supervised release.

 

Shortly after his release from prison, in an attempt to gain permission from the U.S. Probation Office to travel to London, VOLOSHIN repeatedly lied to and misled his supervising probation officer by concocting a bogus job for a real estate concern in London.  On November 7, 2014, Judge Chatigny sentenced VOLOSHIN to an additional nine months of imprisonment and 27 months of supervised release for violating the terms and conditions of his federal supervised release. 

 

VOLOSHIN was released from prison on June 8, 2015, and began serving his 27-month term of supervised release.

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in the fall of 2015, VOLOSHIN engaged in another fraud scheme by soliciting money from individuals and representing that the money would be fully invested to generate very high returns.  Although VOLOSHIN did invest some of the victims’ money, he used substantial portions of the victims’ money for personal expenses, including a $20,000 payment toward a luxury apartment in Manhattan, and for plastic surgery, fine dining, retail shopping and alcohol.

 

Judge Chatigny ordered VOLOSHIN to pay $275,000 in restitution.  VOLOSHIN also has a substantial restitution obligation from his prior conviction.

 

VOLOSHIN has been detained since his arrest on May 26, 2016.  On January 4, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, and admitted to a violation of the terms and conditions of his federal supervised release.

 

Judge Chatigny sentenced VOLOSHIN to 21 months of imprisonment on the wire fraud conviction, and a consecutive six months of imprisonment on the supervised release violation.

 

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marc H. Silverman and David T. Huang.

 

 

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL KELLEY, 36, formerly of Plainville, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in September 2014, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and Hartford Police Department initiated an investigation into narcotics distribution, firearms trafficking and acts of violence carried out by members and associates Los Solidos in Hartford’s South End.  The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of heroin, crack cocaine and firearms, resulted in federal charges against approximately 30 individuals.

The investigation revealed that KELLEY supplied Eduardo Zayas with large quantities of crack cocaine.  Zayas, in turn, suppled crack to members and associates of Los Solidos.

On May 14, 2015, investigators learned that KELLEY and Zayas planned to meet to conduct a drug transaction.  That evening, Hartford Police confronted KELLEY and ZAYAS in a parking lot on New Britain Avenue.  A search of KELLEY’s person revealed approximately 320 grams of crack.  KELLEY also possessed four cell phones and $2,573 in cash.  KELLEY and Zayas were arrested on state charges at that time.

A subsequent search of an apartment in Plainville where KELLEY resided revealed approximately 1.1 kilograms of crack, approximately two kilograms of powder cocaine, approximately two kilograms of marijuana, and $49,026 in cash.  In addition, a search of a Hartford apartment connected to KELLEY revealed approximately 50 grams of crack.

KELLEY was arrested on federal charges on June 15, 2015.  On April 17, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

Zayas, of East Hartford, pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on January 27, 2017, was sentenced to 65 months of imprisonment.

The FBI 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, Major Crimes Unit, Shooting Task Force and South Conditions Unit have provided valuable assistance to the investigation, and the U.S. Marshals Service and Capitol Region Emergency Response Team (CREST) assisted with the arrests.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.

This prosecution stems from Project Longevity, a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence.  A critical component of the Project Longevity strategy is the “call-in,” a face-to-face meeting where Project Longevity partners engage group members and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it.

Members of Los Solidos attended call-ins that were held in April 2014 and August 2014.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that COREY MAPP, also known as “Fresh,” 32, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 34 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for firearm possession and drug distribution offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 12, 2016, Hartford Police, who were patrolling the Barbour Street area of Hartford in response to multiple incidents of shots fired the previous day, attempted to stop MAPP’s car as it departed MAPP’s Taylor Drive residence.  Officers had observed that the car did not have a front license plate.  The car fled at a high rate of speed.  Later that evening, officers located the car, a search of which revealed a 9mm pistol with a high capacity magazine loaded with 17 rounds of ammunition.  A search of MAPP’s residence also revealed approximately 28 grams of cocaine, narcotics packaging materials, a .40 caliber bullet, and approximately $2,800 in cash.

MAPP’s criminal history includes felony convictions.

MAPP has been detained since his arrest on May 13, 2016.  On June 26, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CARLOS ALBERTO LOPEZ-ZELADA, also known as “Willi Mexico,” 40, a citizen of El Salvador last residing in Willimantic, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 62 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine.

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2015, the DEA, Willimantic Police Department and Connecticut State Police initiated an investigation into a Willimantic-based narcotics trafficking ring after several overdoses in the region.  The investigation, which included the use of confidential informants, physical surveillance, controlled purchases of drugs and court-authorized wiretaps on five cellular telephones utilized by the co-conspirators, revealed that Jose Miranda, also known as “Omar,” of the Bronx, N.Y., was supplying large quantities of heroin and cocaine to LOPEZ-ZELADA and others.  LOPEZ-ZELADA converted a portion of the cocaine he received into crack cocaine.  LOPEZ-ZELADA, with the help of other co-conspirators, then distributed heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine in the Willimantic area.

 

The investigation further revealed that LOPEZ-ZELADA utilized a garage unit located on Willimantic Road in Chaplin as a stash location and point of distribution for narcotics.

 

Miranda was arrested on June 23, 2016, after he was intercepted threatening to shoot a co-conspirator who refused to pay him for a quantity of heroin that Miranda had provided to the individual on consignment.

 

LOPEZ-ZELADA has been detained since his arrest on July 6, 2016.  On May 9, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”).

 

LOPEZ-ZELADA faces immigration proceedings when he is released from prison.

 

Miranda pleaded guilty to related charges and, on June 13, 2017, was sentenced to 74 months of imprisonment.

 

This matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Caruso, David Nelson and Amy Brown.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT DEWAYNE WATKINS, also known as “D,” 42, of Bristol, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin and cocaine base (“crack”).

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 18, 2017, Canton Police responded to a suspected overdose incident at a Collinsville restaurant and encountered a 29-year-old male in a bathroom of the restaurant.  After unsuccessful resuscitation efforts, the victim was pronounced deceased.  The investigation, which included witness interviews and analysis of the victim’s cellphone, revealed that the victim purchased heroin and crack cocaine from WATKINS shortly before his death.  Some of the heroin contained fentanyl.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has determined that the victim died from acute intoxication due to the combined effects of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, amphetamine and alprazolam.

WATKINS is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall on January 31, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

WATKINS has been detained since his arrest on July 25, 2017.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Canton Police Department.  The Tactical Diversion Squad includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe and Fairfield Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CLAUDE CARNAHAN, 54, of Westport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for embezzling more than $984,000 from his employer.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately 2008 until approximately 2014, while serving as the regional controller for Nations Roof LLC, CARNAHAN embezzled from the company by issuing company checks made payable to credit card companies with which he had personal accounts.  He then engaged in a sophisticated scheme to cover up his fraud by entering checks on company ledgers as being in payment of obligations to legitimate vendors, failing to post checks to the general ledger, removing copies of the checks from company bank statements so that anyone reviewing the statements would not see checks going to credit card companies, and entering invoices into the system but then voiding them after they were paid.
 

CARNAHAN stole $984,057.09 from Nations Roof during the approximately six-year period.

 

Judge Underhill ordered CARNAHAN to pay full restitution to Nations Roof.

 

On May 15, 2017, CARNAHAN pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud.

 

CARNAHAN, who is released on a $100,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on January 10, 2018.

 

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Greenwich Police Department.  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 LISA REID, 45, of Amityville, New York, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to fraud and identity theft offenses stemming from a credit card fraud scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between February 2015 and January 2017, REID was involved in a scheme to defraud credit card companies and their customers by fraudulently taking over credit card accounts and, using those accounts, making unauthorized purchases from high-end retailers.

Specifically, REID used publicly available information to obtain phone numbers for wealthy senior citizens.  She then called her victims pretending to be a representative of a credit card company and claiming that the company needed information about the victim’s account.  The victims then provided REID with their account information, including credit card numbers and passwords.  REID then contacted the credit card company, pretending to be the victim.  After providing all of the requested security information, she added a new phone number and address to the account.  The address was typically an abandoned or foreclosed property near her home in New York.  REID then used the compromised credit card accounts to order merchandise from high-end retailers and had the merchandise shipped to an address that she had previously added to the credit card account.  After REID, or a “runner,” retrieved the merchandise, she sold it at a pawnshop or to another individual.

Through this scheme, REID stole the identities of more than 50 individuals and used their credit card information to purchase more than $1 million in merchandise.  Victim credit card companies successfully thwarted approximately $3.8 million worth of REID’s attempted purchases. 

REID pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of aggravated identity theft, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of two years.  A sentencing date has not been scheduled.

REID has been detained since her arrest on February 5, 2017.

In October 2010, REID was convicted in the Eastern District of Kentucky of federal bank fraud and aggravated identity theft offenses, and was sentenced to 27 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release.  The convictions stemmed from a similar credit card takeover scheme that also defrauded victims of approximately $1 million.

REID, who was on supervised release while engaged in her most recent criminal conduct, faces an additional term of imprisonment if she is found to have violated the conditions of her supervised release.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Greenwich Police Department and Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, which also includes the U.S. Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service, Connecticut State Police and the Shelton, Stamford, Hartford, and Norwalk Police Departments.  The U.S. Marshals Service has assisted the investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID E. BYERS, 35, of Solana Beach, California, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to a federal robbery charge stemming from an east coast robbery spree and subsequent cross country pursuit.

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

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

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

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

BYERS was arrested in San Diego on May 2.

Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for January 30, 2018, at which time BYERS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  BYERS has been detained since his arrest.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT ABEL, 55, of St. Augustine, Florida, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of bank robbery and also admitted to two armed robberies in Florida and a carjacking in South Carolina.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 11, 2017, ABEL, brandishing a long silver blade, robbed a McDonald’s restaurant in East Palm Coast, Florida.  On February 12, brandishing a long knife, he robbed a CVS in St. Augustine, Florida.  ABEL stole a total of approximately $733 during these two robberies.

On February 15, ABLE stole a car from a woman in South Carolina, ordering the victim not to move or he would shoot her.

On February 17, ABEL stole $1,517 during a robbery of a Webster Bank branch in Stratford.  He then attempted to rob a Walgreens Pharmacy in Stratford, but left the store without any money.

ABEL has been detained since his arrest by the Milford Police Department on February 17, 2017.

ABEL is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on January 31, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Stratford Police Department and Milford Police Department, with the assistance of the Summerville (S.C.) Police Department, St. Augustine Police Department and the Flagler County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT BOWENS, 34, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 22, 2017, Connecticut State Police stopped a vehicle BOWENS was operating on I-95 in Bridgeport.  BOWENS attempted to flee and, during a struggle with troopers, produced a 9mm handgun.  Troopers knocked the firearm from BOWENS’ hand, but BOWENS broke free, jumped into an SUV that had arrived at the scene, and the vehicle fled.  BOWENS was apprehended on May 9.

BOWENS’ criminal history includes state felony convictions for possession with intent to sell, criminal possession of a weapon, and forgery.  He also has a prior federal conviction for possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, for which he was sentenced, in May 2009, to 57 months of imprisonment and two years of supervised release.  He was released from federal custody in June 2015.

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.

BOWENS has been detained since his arrest.

Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for January 29, 2018, at which time BOWENS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  He also faces an additional term of imprisonment if he is found to have violated his supervised release.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut State Police, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Connecticut Violent Fugitive Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department.  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 ASAFAK B. BHURA, 51, of Manchester, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 10 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for attempting to obstruct federal tax laws.  Judge Bryant also ordered BHURA to pay a $30,000 fine.

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, BHURA owned and operated Nafisa, LLC, and later BAB Enterprise, LLC, a convenience store located in Middletown.  The store was registered with the U.S. Department of Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) as a money service business that sold money wire services and money orders to the public for fees.  The store was never licensed by the State of Connecticut to be a check cashier, which would permit the store to cash checks for a fee greater than 50 cents per check.

 

In April 2010, in response to an Internal Revenue Service Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”) Compliance Audit, BHURA adopted an anti-money laundering (“AML”) program and check cashing policies and procedures for his store.  The procedures listed the acceptable forms of identification of those seeking to cash a check and required the collection and verification of the customer’s information, including addresses, home telephone number and place of employment, along with a copy or scan of the cashed checks.

 

From March 2012 to June 2012, BHURA accepted and cashed 126 U.S. Treasury tax refund checks totaling $787,187.17 for an individual.   BHURA did not properly identify the individual and the checks were not made payable to that individual.  In addition, he deposited the checks into his personal bank accounts rather than the store’s business operating accounts.

 

BHURA purposefully did not comply with his store’s AML program and check cashing policies and procedures.  Based on prior IRS BSA Compliance examinations of the store, BHURA knew the IRS BSA Compliance auditor reviewing the store’s money service business activities and business bank accounts would detect the cashed U.S. Treasury checks if they were deposited into the store’s business accounts.

 

The federal tax refund checks BHURA cashed were payable to payees residing in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey.  The investigation revealed that the checks were federal tax refund checks that others fraudulently obtained through the filing of federal income tax returns containing stolen or fraudulently obtained personal identifying information.

 

For his services, BHURA received and kept a five percent fee for cashing the 126 checks, which amounted to $39,359.  BHURA has paid restitution in that amount to the IRS. 

 

On May 10, 2017, BHURA pleaded guilty to attempting to interfere with the administration of Internal Revenue laws.

 

BHURA, who is released on a $50,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on December 27, 2017.

 

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMAL JOHNSON, 30, of Hartford, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing crack.

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.

Sixteen individuals were charged as a result of the investigation.

In November 2016, JOHNSON was intercepted over a wiretap ordering distribution quantities of crack cocaine.

At time of this offense, JOHNSON was on state probation for possession of a controlled substance.  He previously has served significant prison sentences for sale of narcotics, carrying a pistol without a permit, escape, and robbery in the first degree.

JOHNSON has been detained since his arrest on March 28, 2017.  On July 13, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”).

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 LONNIE ARNOLD, 37, of Hartford, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a cocaine distribution ring.

 

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

 

Gil-Grande secreted cash generated from his drug trafficking in resealed coffee cans and then shipped the cans back to Puerto Rico.  He also drove large amounts of cash to New York City where it would be sent to Puerto Rico.  On January 6, 2016, Gil_Grande was stopped as he drove to New York.  A subsequent search of his vehicle revealed approximately $92,000.

 

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

 

ARNOLD was intercepted on a court-authorized wiretap arranging narcotics transactions with Gil-Grande and discussing money he owed to Gil-Grande.

ARNOLD has been detained since his arrest on February 24, 2016.  On May 8, 2017, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

 

ARNOLD’s criminal history spans approximately 20 years and includes seven drug-related felony convictions, periods of incarceration, and multiple probation and parole violations.

 

Gil-Grande pleaded guilty to related charges and, on January 31, 2017, was sentenced to 70 months of imprisonment.

 

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

 

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 DOUGLAS S. MARTIN, 53, of Bristol, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 41 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in an IRS impersonation scam that defrauded more than 500 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, Nancy J. Frye, of Bristol, 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 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 May 2016, Frye and others received approximately $588,000 in wired funds from approximately 547 victims.  Martin participated in the scheme from approximately January 2016 to May 2016.

 

Judge Bryant ordered Martin to pay restitution in the amount of $279,881.13.

 

Frye and Martin were arrested on September 15, 2016.  On May 18, 2017, Martin pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.  Frye, who pleaded guilty to the same charge on June 12, awaits sentencing.

 

Martin’s criminal history includes more than 40 state convictions.

 

Judge Bryant ordered Martin, who is released on a $25,000 bond, to report to prison on January 4, 2018.

 

Since October 2013, TIGTA has received reports of more than 1.9 million impersonation related calls with more than 10,400 victims reporting losses of over $56 million.

 

This matter is being investigated by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and the 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 ANTHONY LEE PAROWSKI, 30, of Stratford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 57 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2017, the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and Milford Police Department received information that PAROWSKI was distributing heroin to numerous individuals.  In April 2017, investigators conducted two controlled purchases of heroin from PAROWSKI, the second of which occurred in a Milford motel room that PAROWSKI had rented.  On April 20, investigators approached PAROWSKI as he exited the motel carrying a cardboard box.  PAROWSKI dropped the box and ran, and was observed discarding items as he ran.  He was apprehended after a brief pursuit.  A search of PAROWSKI’s person, the cardboard box and the area of the chase revealed approximately 190 dose bags of heroin, 66 grams of additional heroin, and items used to process and package heroin for street sale.  A subsequent search of PAROWSKI’s Stratford residence revealed $32,210 in cash.

PAROWSKI has been detained since his federal arrest on April 25.  On July 25, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of heroin.

Judge Bolden ordered PAROWSKI to forfeit the cash seized from his residence.

The DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force includes members from the Bridgeport, Stamford, Stratford, Norwalk and Milford Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PETER HASKELL, 32, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin involved in the overdose death of a Winsted woman last year.

 

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

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the morning of April 17, 2016, Winchester Police officers and emergency medical personnel responded to a Winsted residence on the report of an unresponsive woman.  The woman, who was 27, was pronounced deceased at the scene.  Within the residence, officers located and seized several opened and unopened wax folds (“bags”) of suspected heroin/fentanyl, and other narcotics paraphernalia.  Investigators also seized the victim’s cell phone.

 

The Connecticut Chief Medical Examiner’s Office determined that the victim’s death was caused by acute intoxication due to the combined effects of fentanyl, heroin, hydrocodone and alcohol.

 

The investigation revealed that the day before she was found dead, the victim traveled to Waterbury to purchase heroin from HASKELL.  HASKELL subsequently admitted that he sold the heroin that the victim used just before her death.

 

HASKELL was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on April 21, 2017, and has been detained since his arrest.  On July 11, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.

 

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Winchester Police Department.  The Tactical Diversion Squad includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe and Fairfield Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.

 

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert M. Spector and Natasha Freismuth.

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 Shelly A. Binkowski, Inspector in Charge for the Boston Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, today announced that, on October 18, 2017, a grand jury in New Haven returned seven-count indictment charging the following eight individuals with cocaine trafficking offenses:

LUIS CIRINO, a.k.a. “Gordo” and “G,” 40, of New Britain
MICHAEL RIVERA, 23, of New Britain
ANGEL SALINAS, a.k.a. “Chino,” 21, of Waterbury
JAVIER VASQUEZ, 46, of Willimantic
ANGEL CRUZ, 43, of New Britain
ALBA LORENGIE FILOMENO-GOMEZ, 22, of New London
JASMINE DELGADO, 27, of Middletown
OMAR RIVERA, a.k.a. “O,” 34, of New Britain

The indictment stems from an ongoing investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service that has included the use of court-authorized wiretaps and the seizure of more than 12 kilograms of cocaine.  According to statements made in court, it is alleged that Luis Cirino, of New Britain, coordinated the shipment of multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine through the U.S. Mail from Puerto Rico to various locations in Connecticut.  Cirino, who was assisted by individuals who received the cocaine on his behalf, then distributed the drug in Connecticut with the assistance of Michael Rivera, Angel Cruz and Omar Rivera, all of New Britain.

Cirino, Michael Rivera, Salinas, Cruz, Filomeno-Gomez and Delgado were arrested on October 25 and Vasquez was arrested on October 27.

Omar Rivera, who is charged in two pending, related indictments, has been detained since his arrest on July 26.  It is alleged that Omar Rivera also received cocaine from Orlando Quiros, also known as “O” and “Gordo,” of Suffield, and supplied cocaine received from both Quiros and Cirino to Westley Northrup, also known as “Piff,” formerly of Meriden.  Northrup operated a cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking ring while he was incarcerated in state custody.  The two related indictments charge a total of 17 individuals.

Each of the defendants in the Cirino, et al, indictment are charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.  If convicted of this charge, based on their conduct and the quantity of cocaine involved in the conspiracy, Cirino, Michael Rivera and Salinas face a minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.  Vasquez, Cruz, Filomeno-Gomez, Delgado and Rivera face a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.  Each defendant, with the exception of Salinas and Cruz, is also charged with one or more counts of possession, or attempted possession, with intent to distribute cocaine. 

Cirino, who is on federal supervised release from a prior federal conviction in the District of Connecticut, faces an additional term of imprisonment if he is found to have violated the conditions of his supervised release.

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 DEA New Haven Task Force, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Middletown and New Britain Police Departments.  The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, East Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden and Derby Police Departments, and the U.S. Marshals Service.  The U.S. Marshals Service, ATF, FBI and the Suffield, Bloomfield and Springfield (Mass.) Police Departments have assisted the investigation.

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

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE DAVILA, also known as “Fallo,” 33, of Groton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation by the Groton Town Police Department and the Regional Community Enhancement Task Force revealed that DAVILA was selling heroin from a camper located on a property on South Road in Groton.  On May 23, 2016, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of the camper and seized more than 100 grams of heroin, items used to process and package heroin for street sale, a .380 cailber pistol with an obliterated serial number, and 80 rounds of ammunition.  DAVILA was arrested on that date.

On March 1, 2017, DAVILA pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin.  He has been detained since his arrest.

DAVILA’s criminal history includes at least four prior convictions, including convictions for threatening, sale of illegal drugs, and risk of injury to a child.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) settlement with the North Canaan School District to ensure equal access for children with disabilities at the North Canaan Elementary School playground.

The settlement agreement resolves an ADA complaint filed by the parent of a child with disabilities alleging that the playground at the North Canaan Elementary School was not accessible for children with physical disabilities.  The school is in the process of making the changes required by the settlement agreement, which include significant modifications and improvements to designated areas of the school playground.

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

U.S. Attorney Daly noted that the North Canaan School District has worked quickly and cooperatively to address the ADA issues without litigation.

“The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures that children are able to access and enjoy school playgrounds,” stated U.S. Attorney Daly.  “Our Office is committed to enforcing the ADA, which requires our schools to allow equal access to every child.  We appreciate the cooperation of the North Canaan School District and their willingness to make the necessary changes to the play areas for children with disabilities.”

Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that a child does not have equal access to a public playground or other places of public accommodation in Connecticut may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 203-821-3700.

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

This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ndidi N. Moses, with the assistance of the Disability Rights Section of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.

 After serving for over four years as United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Deirdre M. Daly today announced her resignation, effective midnight tonight.

“It has been a great honor and privilege to serve as Connecticut’s United States Attorney,” Daly said.  “I am extremely proud of the tremendous accomplishments of the women and men of this office.  I applaud their tireless work holding our most violent offenders accountable and standing up to those who abuse their power and influence, whether in government or on Wall Street.  They have advocated for the most vulnerable, victims of child exploitation, human trafficking, drug overdose deaths, civil rights violations and investor fraud.  Together, we have strengthened the relationship between law enforcement and minority communities, focused on the well-being of our police, supported formerly incarcerated individuals and collaborated with schools to combat the opioid epidemic.  I am confident this important work will continue to thrive.”

Attorney General Jeff Sessions signed an order appointing John H. Durham the Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut.  Mr. Durham was sworn in today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven.

“The people of Connecticut will be in excellent hands with U.S. Attorney John Durham, and the 112 career employees in the office who dedicate themselves to always doing what is fair and right,” Daly said.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut and representing the federal government in civil litigation.  The Office is composed of 66 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and 46 staff members at offices in Bridgeport, New Haven and Hartford.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on October 11, 2017, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging JOHN J. McCARTHY, 63, of Newtown, with one count of armed bank robbery.

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

As alleged in the indictment, on August 24, 2017, McCARTHY, armed with a large knife, robbed a branch of Bank of America located on Queen Street in Newtown.

McCARTHY has been detained since his arrest by Newtown Police on August 24.

On January 28, 1994, McCARTHY was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Waterbury to 235 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.  He was released from federal prison in March 2017 and is currently on supervised release.

If convicted of the charge, McCARTHY faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 25 years.  He also faces an additional term of imprisonment if he is found to have violated the conditions of his supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Daly 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 Newtown Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John H. Durham.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Christy Goldsmith Romero, Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP), and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that global securities firm RBS Securities Inc. and the U.S. Attorney’s Office have entered into a non-prosecution agreement relating to RBS’s fraudulent trading through its now-defunct U.S. Asset-Backed Securities, Mortgage-Backed Securities and Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities Trading group.  As part of this agreement, RBS will pay a monetary penalty of $35 million and pay more than $9 million of restitution to victim customers, which include firms affiliated with recipients of federal bailout funds through the Troubled Asset Relief Program.

The government’s investigation revealed that RBS – principally from its trading floor in Stamford, Connecticut – perpetrated a scheme from 2008 to 2013 to defraud its customers in trades of residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) and collateralized loan obligations (CLOs).  The purpose and effect of RBS’s fraud was to increase its profits on RMBS and CLO trades at the expense of victim customers.  RBS conducted this scheme by, through and with its employees, who acted with the knowledge, encouragement and participation of RBS supervisors or its compliance-related personnel.

RBS conducted its scheme in various ways.  First, RBS misrepresented material facts to deceive and cheat its customers in trades.  For instance, in certain transactions, RBS lied to the buyer about the seller’s asking price (or vice versa), keeping the difference between the price paid by the buyer and the price paid to the seller for RBS.  In other transactions, RBS misrepresented to the buyer that bonds held in RBS’s inventory were being offered for sale by a fictitious third-party seller, which allowed RBS to charge the buyer an extra, unearned commission.  Second, RBS instructed its RMBS and CLO traders in, and caused them to use, fraudulent trading practices.  Third, RBS lied to victims who detected or suspected that they had been the victims of fraud.  Fourth, RBS ignored or refused to act on complaints by its own employees who were not part of the scheme.  Fifth, RBS used its purportedly independent proprietary trading operation, known as its “prop desk,” as an arm of its RMBS and CLO trading desk in order to deceive rival broker-dealers in trades, including by allowing its RMBS and CLO traders to direct the prop desk’s negotiations in the sale of bonds.  Finally, RBS concealed its fraudulent conduct from its customers, and from its own employees who were not participants in the scheme, in order to prevent or delay discovery.

“For years, RBS fostered a culture of securities fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “Those in a position of authority taught and encouraged fraudulent trading practices.  Worse, those supervisors and compliance personnel then took steps to prevent victims and honest RBS employees from discovering and exposing the scheme.  After our joint investigation into fixed income trading began, RBS saw the error of its ways.  RBS was able to avoid criminal charges in this case only because of its voluntary self-reporting and extraordinary cooperative efforts.  By entering into this agreement, RBS has admitted the seriousness of its past criminal conduct and made a clean break.  This is another step in our continuing joint effort to make clear to broker-dealers that lying to customers to increase profits is a crime, and that only by rooting out and reporting such misconduct on their own trading floors can they avoid significant criminal liability.  We thank SIGTARP and Connecticut FBI for their excellent work on this important case.”

“This investigation uncovered that RBS officials committed a long-running scheme to increase profits by defrauding customers, including TARP banks,” said Christy Goldsmith Romero, Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program.  “I applaud RBS's prompt decision to cooperate fully with SIGTARP’s investigation that, in addition to this settlement, helped lead to the convictions of an RBS trader and an RBS supervisor.  RBS’s cooperation in SIGTARP’s investigation and subsequent actions to right this wrong are the correct response when federal law enforcement shows up.  U.S. Attorney Deirdre Daly has my deep gratitude as she and her team have stood steadfast with SIGTARP as a leader in fighting RMBS crime related to TARP.”

“It is incredibly troubling that RBS supervisors participated in and encouraged lower level employees to commit securities fraud, then took steps to prevent honest employees from reporting their concerns,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Ferrick.  “Had RBS not decided to self-report and cooperate, it would have faced much harsher consequences for its egregious criminal conduct.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office, SIGTARP and the FBI have forged a formidable partnership in our investigation into fraud in the RMBS and related markets.”

Under the terms of the non-prosecution agreement, which was entered into on October 25, 2017, RBS agreed to pay a penalty of $35 million and make restitution to victims of at least $9,091,317.14.  This resolution takes into account RBS’s voluntary self-reporting, extensive and continuing commitment to cooperate, acceptance of responsibility for its and its employees’ conduct, and remediation efforts.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office did not require RBS to retain an independent consultant to assess and improve RBS’s compliance and ethics program because RBS’s U.S. Asset-Backed Securities, Mortgage-Backed Securities and Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities Trading group substantially ceased operations in March 2015 and RBS has already taken steps to reasonably prevent and detect further fraud.

The agreement announced today addresses only the corporate criminal liability of RBS Securities Inc., not potential criminal charges for any individual.  The criminal investigation of individuals associated with RBS’s trading activities remains open. 

On March 11, 2015, Matthew Katke, a registered broker-dealer and managing director at RBS, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud and began cooperating with the government.  On December 21, 2015, Adam Siegel, the Co-Head of U.S. Asset-Backed Securities, Mortgage-Backed Securities and Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities Trading at RBS, pleaded guilty to the same charge and also began cooperating.

This matter is being investigated by the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Francis and Heather Cherry.

This case received support from the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force, a federal and state law enforcement effort focused on investigating and prosecuting significant financial crimes and on recovering proceeds for victims of financial crimes.

rbs_securities_npa.pdf

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that EDDIE CHAN, 57, of Norwalk, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to one count of making a false statement on a federal income tax return.

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, CHAN was employed as a bookkeeper for a private art firm located in New York City.  Between 2013 and 2015, CHAN withdrew funds from the firm’s business accounts without authorization from his employer, and used the money for personal expenses.  CHAN failed to declare a total of $271,166 in misappropriated funds on his federal income tax returns for 2013 and 2014, resulting in a loss of $78,214 to the Internal Revenue Service.

 

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for January 18, 2018, at which time CHAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years and a fine of up to $100,000.  He also has agreed to cooperate with the IRS to pay all outstanding taxes, interest and penalties.

 

CHAN was released on bond pending sentencing.

 

This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and in being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CURTIS DRAUGHN, also known as “Kirk,” 62, of New Haven, was arrested yesterday on a criminal complaint charging him with 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.

DRAUGHN appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis in New Haven and was released on a $100,000 bond.

As alleged in court documents, on December 22, 2016, New Haven Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a 911 call indicating that a man who had suffered an apparent overdose was found unconscious and slumped over the steering wheel in a parked car on Read Street.  First responders transported the victim to the hospital where he was placed on life support.  At the scene, officers seized several glassine baggies containing powder, several discarded empty baggies, other narcotics and drug paraphernalia.  A subsequent test of the powder in the baggies revealed the presence of fentanyl.

The victim, who was 33, was taken off life support and died on December 26, 2016.

It is alleged that the victim purchased heroin from DRAUGHN shortly before he died.

Between May and August 2017, investigators made three controlled purchases of heroin from DRAUGHN.

The complaint charges DRAUGHN with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, controlled substances, and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.  Both offenses carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the New Haven Police Department.  The Tactical Diversion Squad includes members from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe and Fairfield Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MOHSEN YOUSSEF, 27, formerly of Vernon, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to fraud offenses relating to a scheme to secure more than $3 million in funding for his purported pita manufacturing business.

According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in approximately October 2011, YOUSSEF defrauded various banks, a corporate leasing and vendor finance company, and the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, in a scheme to secure funding for equipment purchases for his company, Amoun Pita and Distribution LLC (“Amoun Pita”), and other companies he controlled.  According to its business plan, Amoun Pita was a bakery that manufactured pocket pita bread from a production facility in South Windsor, Connecticut.

As part of the scheme, YOUSSEF provided false information when applying for loans, lines of credit, lease financing and state grants, purportedly to finance the acquisition of new pita manufacturing equipment, other machinery and inventory related to his businesses.  The false information included documentation that inflated the assets and income of YOUSSEF and his companies, as well as fraudulently created invoices purporting to document equipment purchases that, in fact, never occurred.  In order to induce victims to rely on the invoices he provided, YOUSSEF created marketing materials and websites for non-existent vendors.

YOUSSEF caused more than $3 million in losses through this scheme.

YOUSSEF pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, and one count of mail fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

YOUSEEF has agreed to pay the victim lenders restitution in the amount of $3,209,603.17.

Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for January 18, 2018.

YOUSSEF, who has dual U.S and Egyptian citizenship, moved to Canada in 2014.  On Oct 22, 2015, a grand jury returned a 14-count indictment charging YOUSSEF with various fraud offenses.  He was arrested in Canada on March 1, 2017, and has been detained since his arrest.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Quebec Provincial Police RELEX Unit, Montreal Police Service and Royal Canadian Mounted Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David E. Novick and Avi M. Perry.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached a settlement agreement with the Wyndham Southbury Hotel in Southbury, Connecticut, to resolve allegations that the hotel had not been operating in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”).

The settlement agreement resolves an ADA complaint filed by an individual with disabilities alleging that the Wyndham Southbury Hotel was not accessible for individuals with physical disabilities.  The hotel is in the process of making the changes required by the settlement agreement, which include significant improvements to designated accessible guest rooms, the addition of accessible public restrooms in the lobby, and the addition of parking spaces, including van accessible parking spaces, for individuals with disabilities.  The hotel will continue to make improvements over the next two years.

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

U.S. Attorney Daly noted that the Wyndham Southbury Hotel’s management has worked quickly and cooperatively with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to address the ADA issues without litigation.

“The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures that individuals are able to access and enjoy the state’s hotels and other public accommodations,” stated U.S. Attorney Daly.  “Our Office is committed to enforcing the ADA, which requires businesses to appropriately serve the diverse population of patrons who live, work, and visit Connecticut.  We appreciate the cooperation of the management of the Wyndham Southbury Hotel and their willingness to make the necessary changes to the hotel in order to increase accessibility.”

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

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JONAS JOSEPH, also known as “James,” 34, of Norwich, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to eight months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a scheme to stage car accidents for the purpose of defrauding automobile insurance companies.

On June 15, 2017, a jury found JOSEPH guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and Mackenzy Noze guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, five counts of wire fraud and three counts of mail fraud.

According to the evidence presented during the trial, between March 2011 and February 2014, Noze, JOSEPH and others conspired to stage numerous car crashes in eastern Connecticut for the purpose of defrauding automobile insurance companies and enriching themselves.  A high percentage of these planned crashes were single-vehicle accidents on remote roads where there were no witnesses other than the occupants of the crashed vehicle.  After each staged accident, the defendants filed fraudulent property damage and bodily injury claims with various automobile insurance companies. They then collected payouts on the fraudulent claims from the victim insurance companies. These payouts typically ranged from approximately $10,000 to $30,000 per accident.

The evidence at trial indicated that Noze participated in as many as 50 staged crashes, and JOSEPH was personally involved in six crashes.  In three of the crashes, JOSEPH feigned injury and filed fraudulent bodily injury claims.  In the other three, he allowed others to crash into his vehicle so that he could collect payouts on fraudulent property damage claims.

Judge Meyer ordered JOSEPH to pay restitution of $44,153.42.

JOSEPH has been released on a $10,000 bond since his arrest on June 1, 2016.  Judge Meyer ordered him to report to prison on November 27.

On October 2, 2017, Judge Meyer sentenced Noze to 48 months in prison.

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

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Norwich Police Department, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Avi Perry and Michael J. Gustafson.

New Haven – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut hosted a Community Policing Awards Ceremony this afternoon that recognized 29 law enforcement officers and community members from cities and towns across the state.

“Our honorees represent the very best in community policing,” said U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly.  “In innovative and practical ways, they have reached out to make meaningful connections with people living in our communities.  We thank them for their commitment to building public trust and strengthening relationships between the police and the communities they serve.  The importance of this work can never be overstated.  If the public does not have confidence in the police, they may well not report crimes, cooperate in criminal investigations or support our justice system.  We applaud them and we thank them for their dedicated and invaluable service.  They have made lasting and purposeful contributions to ensuring that Connecticut is a safer and more secure place to live.”

Below is a list of the award winners and the nominations submitted on their behalf.

(Photos of today’s ceremony are available on our Facebook page.)

 

 

Bristol Police Department
Officer James Pelletier
Pastor Patricia Washington-Rice
2nd Vice President, NAACP, Morris Patton

We are all well aware of events that have taken place across our nation that have strained relations between the community and the police.  In Bristol, the Bristol Police Department took proactive measures to ensure its community that the police department was committed to working together to strengthen relationships.  This was a team effort and many great relationships were developed.  Three stars on this team certainly went above and beyond: Pastor Patricia Washington-Rice, Morris “Rippy” Patton and Bristol Police Officer James Pelletier.

Pastor Rice sits on the Executive Board of the Bristol NAACP and is Pastor of the Beulah AME Zion Church in Bristol. Pastor Rice took the lead on improving relations between the community and the police by opening her church to the public on several occasions. Members of the Bristol Police Department, Bristol NAACP and other community members held several forums at the Church to exchange thoughts, ideas, etc., all with the intent of strengthening our bond.

Mr. Patton, who insists on going by the name of “Rippy,” is 2nd Vice President of the Bristol NAACP.  It was Rippy’s idea to hold a softball tournament to promote local unity. Our first tournament was held on September 17, 2016, and the second, this past September. The teams consisted of Bristol Police Officers, Bristol Firefighters, Bristol EMS, Bristol Teachers and individuals from our community. The tournament, titled “WE ARE ONE,” consisted of several teams in which the team members were randomly selected. The goal was to have representatives from each of the above groups play together as teammates. Rippy wanted to demonstrate that there was no “us vs. them” and that we all could come together as one and have a great time.

Officer Pelletier has been a member of the Bristol Police Department for over nine years and utilizes his free time volunteering to sit on several local committees.  He chooses to take on leadership roles so that he can be more involved and influential. Officer Pelletier has been at the table when meeting with our local community leaders such as the Bristol NAACP and he worked very closely with Rippy Patton in coordinating the WE ARE ONE softball tournaments. This past year, Officer Pelletier was asked to become more involved in raising funds for the Connecticut Special Olympics.  Typically, the Bristol Police Department would raise about $5,000 -$6,000 a year for the Special Olympics. Officer Pelletier hit the ground running and his extraordinary efforts have resulted in the Bristol Police Department raising in excess of $20,000 to date, for the Connecticut Special Olympics.

These three have helped make Bristol a better place to live!

Clinton Police Department
Sergeant Jeremiah Dunn

Sergeant Dunn is currently assigned to the Patrol Division as an evening shift supervisor and is also assigned as the Department’s Public Information Officer.  Additionally, Sergeant Dunn acts as the President of the Clinton Police Benevolent Association.  He is truly an example of community policing spirit.  Annually, Sergeant Dunn runs Clinton’s Citizen’s Police Academy, a program that runs for 10 weeks each year and provides citizens of Clinton with an in-depth look at the many facets of modern policing.  He has run the academy for groups of 25 to 30 Clinton residents per year and has received rave reviews for the past 21 years.  Sergeant Dunn also organizes the department’s fundraising events, coordinates the annual participation in the Connecticut Special Olympics, and spearheads the Department’s annual toy drive every Christmas season.

Sergeant Dunn is always looking for ways to help others in need and often encourages other officers in the Department to do the same.  A perfect example of this was when a 10-year-old boy announced at a community meeting that his birthday was the next day but later noted that he was not expecting any presents because his family could not afford them.  That night Sergeant Dunn, with Officer Adrian Santiago, appeared at the child’s house with a new bicycle, a skateboard, a toy badge, and DARE bracelet so that the child would have gifts to open the next day.  On that next day, the Clinton Police Department brought the child a cake and sang happy birthday to him.  This truly represents who Sergeant Dunn is as a person.  He continues to build strong relationships with the community he serves and the public at large with his compassion and caring, particularly for those with special needs or those in difficult situations.  

Connecticut Police Chiefs Association
Chief Vernon Riddick
Chief John Gavallas
Chief Douglas Fuchs

While generally these nominations include the patrol ranks, these three police chiefs have fought hard to develop and implement the Breaking Barriers Program in an effort to foster improved communications between law enforcement and motorists during a traffic stop.

The program has been developed in partnership with multiple community leaders, members of the public, and public relations professionals to ensure that any curriculum developed and message communicated would be one which was inclusive, tested, and a collaboration between the police and the communities whom they serve.

Breaking Barriers is aimed at improving interactions between the police and the public during traffic stops, with the ultimate goal of making everyone safer during this police encounter.  Police in Connecticut conduct in excess of 700,000 motor vehicle stops each year – it is by far the most likely encounter the public might have with the police. Working with civil rights organizations and youth from across Connecticut, a slogan and artwork (or branding) was developed to begin to collaboratively develop the curriculum for this program.

By working with Driver’s Education and community based programs,  police officers across Connecticut have become a part of the learning process for new drivers – teaching what to expect during a traffic stop and how police and the public can work together to ensure that all motor vehicle stops are as safe and comfortable for all involved as is possible.  While a particular traffic stop might be their fifth of the day – it might be the first time that a motorist has ever been pulled over.  Educating motorists that although traffic stops are something police officers do with great frequency, they can also be an extremely dangerous task – reminding all that one might be the most congenial of people – never have committed a violation of law – and have been stopped for a minor traffic offense – but the police officer has no way of knowing that when approaching your vehicle.  It is about mutual respect and understanding.

Connecticut State Police
Detective Michael Mudry
Training Coordinator Wayne Kowal
Director, Griswold Pride, Miranda Nagle

The Bureau of Special Investigation recently implemented a new community oriented police outreach program named “CRISIS,” standing for Connection to Recovery through Intervention, Support & Initiating Services.  The geographic focal point of the pilot initiative was and is Griswold due to the high number of NARCAN deployments and attendant lives saved, all associated with the ongoing opioid epidemic being experienced in the State of Connecticut.

In its broadest sense, the CRISIS Initiative is a partnership between the Connecticut State Police, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), Southeastern Mental Health Authority, Griswold PRIDE, the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR), the Connecticut Alliance to Benefit Law Enforcement (CABLE), other non-profit organizations, and the community at large. The benefit to this initiative is to provide the community with a healthier quality of life, to enhance the community’s relationship and trust with law enforcement, and ultimately, to provide a fast track into recovery services.  Through collaboration with the above-mentioned organizations, a “bridge was built” to provide healthier outcomes for individuals and families struggling with addiction and mental health issues.

Our partnership with DMHAS has allowed for a full-time Licensed Clinical Social Worker that is available to conduct immediate assessments and assist people in need of addiction and/or mental health services to be tasked to this program.  In addition, a formal referral system was developed, utilized by State Troopers and Dispatchers that provide individuals in need a direct avenue into the DMHAS system.

This initiative would not have come to fruition if not for the determination, perseverance, and tireless efforts of Detective Michael Mudry, Training Coordinator Wayne Kowal, and Director Miranda Nagle to collaborate and build relationships with community leaders such as the Griswold First Selectman, DMHAS, CCAR, Troop “E” personnel, and most importantly, the residents within the community of Griswold.  All were instrumental in the development of the policy and procedures of the CRISIS Initiative.  Their commitment and dedication is in the highest tradition of the Connecticut State Police.

East Hartford Police Department
Officer Ted Branon

Recognizing the paramount need to improve community/police relations everywhere, the East Hartford Police Department appealed to the Town Council for approval of a full-time Community Service Officer. Upon Council approval, veteran Officer Ted Branon was selected from a number of internal applicants and went to work in this new position one year ago.

During the last year, Officer Branon has rewritten the manual on Community Policing and set the standard for successful relations between police departments and the communities they serve. He has been involved in organizing successful Coffee With A Cop events and the Department's first-ever participation in National Night Out; conducting Neighborhood Block Watch meetings; coordinating Convenience Store and Unlicensed Repair Shop compliance checks; hosting youth, elderly, and school safety seminars; participating in stuff-a-cruiser events and toy drives, as well as assisting with food-share and clothing donations for those less fortunate; and even organizing regular “roundtable” meetings bringing clergy from every religious organization in Town together at once to discuss and share community affairs, all while augmenting patrol enforcement of Town Ordinances designed to regulate blight and improve neighborhood quality of life.

Also, this past summer, Officer Branon created a weekly Youth Basketball Program designed to build relationships between East Hartford youth, Police Officers, and the community through positive engagement and to provide a structured environment for the youth to learn, develop, and improve their basketball skills.  The instructor staff, made up of East Hartford Police Officers, focused on individual and team fundamental skills, while emphasizing the importance of teamwork, respect, attention to detail, effective communication, and knowledge of the game - with the overall goal of having fun and getting to know a police officer in town. The program was a tremendous success and will return next summer.

Whether in a group setting or one-on-one, Officer Branon's efforts toward combining aspects of traditional law enforcement while incorporating crime prevention and problem solving through community engagements and partnerships have forged a necessary bond among residents of the community and the Department. Communication between citizens and police has improved, fear of crime has been reduced and mutual trust and understanding has been enhanced. In just one short year, Officer Branon has led the mission to help the East Hartford Police Department and the community they serve unite as partners with measurable success.

East Haven Police Department
Lieutenant David Emerman

Lieutenant Emerman has been an integral member of the East Haven Police Department since 2004 and has been instrumental in helping reform the Department into a community-driven law enforcement agency that is nationally recognized as change leaders in 21st Century Policing. Lieutenant Emerman is bilingual, in English and Spanish, and serves as the Language Access Coordinator and Community Liaison Officer for the Department.  In this capacity, he has forged strong relationships within the community, with community stakeholders, as well as the Ecuadorian Consulate.  He is well respected and possesses all the qualities necessary to engage and improve relations between police and the community they serve.

In June 2016, Lieutenant Emerman was appointed as the Compliance Coordinator to the U.S. Department of Justice Settlement Agreement for the Town of East Haven.  He is responsible for ensuring compliance with our settlement agreement as well as all communications and coordination between the Department and the U.S. Department of Justice.

Greenwich Police Department
Community Impact Section Sergeant John Thorme
Community Impact Officer Keith Hirsch
Community Impact Officer Daniel Paladino

Over the past few years, Greenwich Police Department Community Impact Section Sergeant John Thorme, Community Impact Officer Keith Hirsch, and Community Impact Officer Daniel Paladino have successfully conducted the following community programs that have strengthened community relations between the Police Department and the citizens of the community.

They have coordinated Spring and Fall 7-week Citizen’s Police Academy (CPA) programs (In 2016 a department record of 93 people graduated from the CPA); a one-week Spring Youth Citizen’s Police Academy (Police Explorer Camp for 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students through the Boy Scouts) consisting of approximately 45 participants; and Spring and Fall 6-week Women’s Self Defense classes, along with a Spring High School Girls’ Self Defense class.  They are also responsible for the Citizen’s Emergency Response Team (CERT), conduct neighborhood Community and Police Partnership (CAPP) groups throughout the community, and have created several “Coffee with a Cop” mornings in local establishments, as well as assisted with “Thank a Cop Day” at a local restaurant. They have successfully implemented the Drug Drop-off and Disposal Program.  They investigate property crime victim follow-ups, including security assessments of resident's homes and businesses. These officers implemented a Town of Greenwich Employee Response to Active Shooter Program. They also oversee a Boy Scout Police Explorer program that runs a very active Law Enforcement Career interest Explorer Post.

Through their tireless efforts, a strong bond has been created with Greenwich Police Department and the community.

City of Groton Police Department
Officer Patricia Lieteau

Officer Lieteau is a veteran officer not only of this agency, but in a previous career retiring as a New London Police Sergeant.  Where many would retire and do far less, Officer Lieteau draws on her experience and her ability seeking to always do more.  She embodies the spirit and commitment of the community policing model in her daily comportment and interaction with the public, and casts a strong presence in the City of Groton. She is often sought by our community stakeholders as a mediator, confidant and a trusted voice of reason. A product of New London High School and always active in her community locally, her opinion is often sought regionally.

Officer Lieteau, by her integrity, ability and caring, has the unique ability to engage all our community’s diverse demographics in her always professional and effective manner.  Her recent work in the City of Groton with a Police Cadet initiative has been exemplary. Working off duty and on her own time, she has worked with local youth and engaged them. She has presented this agency to this group of local youth as caring and devoted to this community, she has built strong bridges to our local youth involved here and ensured trust and ultimately respect is produced.  The effect she has had is palpable and she has filled a void with structure, positive encouragement and caring.  She is truly beloved by these cadets. She even at her own expense purchased radios for the group and had them assigned where they served with distinction recently addressing parking at the heavily attended City of Groton Day event. Her day to day efforts are deeply respected and appreciated, she always makes a difference. Her efforts to develop and create a Groton City Police Cadet Program are in the highest traditions of not only the City of Groton Police Department but of the concept of community service, community engagement and community policing.

New Canaan Police Department
Officer Jeffrey Deak

Officer Jeffery Deak has been a member of the New Canaan Police Department since 1995. He serves the School Resource Officers at our Middle School and is one of our firearms instructors.  He is a great example of how effective one officer can be in a community while interacting with its youth.

Officer Deak has developed tremendous ties and relationships with students and staff.  He makes safety presentations, interacts daily with students in the schools, and is a 24/7 resource for New Canaan’s youth and families.

In addition to his school based interactions, Officer Deak has selflessly volunteered his time for many years at police sponsored functions and events such as visiting sick children as Santa Clause at local hospitals and at the department’s Children’s Christmas party.  Officer Deak is an exemplary Police Officer and the New Canaan Police Department is proud to have him among the rank and file.

New Haven Police Department
Lieutenant Karl Jacobson
Lieutenant Maneet Colon

On October 4, 2017, the New Haven Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office partnered together for the 2nd Annual Cops & Ballers, 3 on 3 basketball tournament with members of the community.  Last year it was part of National Community Policing Week and due to the overwhelming response, it was repeated again this year.  The local police were provided an opportunity to engage with residents in a way that broke traditional forms of dialogue in favor of competitive fun on the courts.  It was the latest attempt at community outreach from a law enforcement community eager to build both familiarity and trust among the population it serves.

To organize the troops from the police department and the community was no easy feat, but the task was undertaken by Lieutenant Maneet Colon, the Westville/West Hills District Manager and Lieutenant Karl Jacobson, the Officer in Charge of the Criminal Intelligence Unit.  Both stepped up to take responsibility of forming teams, ordering t-shirts, seeking out a referee and equipment, as well as preparing the Goffe Street Park for some serious half-court tournament competition.  There are many fine details that go into a large event comprised of multiple teams, playing on the courts, but the games went off smoothly and a good time was had by all.  Lt. Jacobson even participated in some of the games, while Lt. Colon kept score and encouraged the players. 

Norwich Police Department
Lieutenant John Perry

Lieutenant John Perry is a 15-year member of the Norwich Police Department and has led the Norwich Police Community Policing Unit since 2016.   In the area of community relations Lt. Perry’s actions were truly exceptional.  Lt. Perry would work hand-in-hand with community and faith based organizations to jointly sponsor community forums and events that were all highly successful.  Lt. Perry became the “face” of the Norwich Police Department and there was not one community event that did not have NPD CPU involvement.

Lt. Perry also partnered with Norwich Mayor Hinchey to do business visits with the Norwich businesses.  These visits allowed Lt. Perry to act as an ambassador for the Norwich Police Department while learning the needs and challenges Norwich businesses face.  Lt. Perry was able, using community policing problem solving skills, to address and, in most cases, solve the issues making Norwich an attractive community to do business in.

In May 2017, Lt. Perry was recognized by the Norwich Branch NAACP for his efforts and was awarded the Robertsine Duncan Youth Council Community Service Award.  Lt. Perry is also very active as a volunteer in the Norwich community where he resides.  Lt. Perry serves as a volunteer basketball and soccer coach for the Norwich PAL.

Torrington Police Department
Chief Michael Maniago
Deputy Chief Chris Smedick
Officer Antony Pietrafesa
Officer Robert Simon

The Torrington Police Department Community Policing philosophy is based upon a partnership between the police and the community whereby we share responsibility for identifying, reducing, eliminating and preventing problems that impact community safety. By working together, the police and the community can reduce the fear and incidence of crime and improve the quality of life in neighborhoods citywide.

Our Community Policing Officers recently opened a Downtown Police Outreach Center where they offer educational opportunities for school children, seniors, and local corporations. From this location, they also respond to the needs of our Downtown Business District. Active shooter training for schools and businesses, stay safe presentations, block watch meetings, DARE, Park, Walk and Talk Patrols represent a fraction of their activities. Torrington’s Community Policing Officers play active roles in organizing and participating in local efforts to reduce homelessness, plan and hold food drives and toy drives, just to name a few.

The Torrington Police Department holds to the philosophy of “the most effective way to reach the community is through collaboration with our local partners.”  Some of these partners include the United Way, Chamber of Commerce, the Parks and Recreation department, our local Soup Kitchen, and the Latina Woman's Association. Their officers have expanded their Police Activities League (PAL). They currently service close to 800 children from kindergarten to the 12th grade by sponsoring and operating sports programs, day camps, and the arts; twelve months a year.

For Community Policing to take hold in a community, the work must be a department wide philosophy, from the Chief all the way down to the newest officer or civilian clerk.

Trumbull Police Department
Officer Timothy Fedor

Officer Timothy Fedor has distinguished himself through exemplary contributions to community policing and improving the relationship between police and the community.

Officer Timothy Fedor has been a member of the Trumbull Police Department since 2001. During his tenure as a Trumbull police officer he has been a School Resource Officer and currently serves as our Training Officer.  As the sole Training Officer for the Department of 81 sworn police officers, Officer Fedor is responsible for all recruit officers and their certifications and the constant recertification of the entire Department.

Most importantly, Officer Fedor still contributes to the community more than any other officer of this Department. He trains residents in medical procedures when they become volunteers at the EMS center.  He is and has been an integral part of the Trumbull Partnership Against Under Age Drinking, TPAUD, since its inception, more than 11 years ago.  He works with its members to train our officers in "Party Patrol" techniques and in the usage of Narcan as First Responders.  Officer Fedor has also participated in public training of Narcan deployment to residents through the TPAUD organization.

Officer Fedor coordinates Coffee with a Cop events in Trumbull, which have become important to our agency to meet residents and their children in local coffee shops. It is a “no agenda” listening and getting to know one another outside the role of a police officer.

Officer Fedor is the Advisor of our Department's Police Cadet Program.  The Cadet program involves local students from ages 14 through 22 that have an interest in law enforcement. Officer Fedor meets weekly with the Cadets and instructs them in law enforcement practices. The Cadets, through Officer Fedor, sponsor a Toys for Tots donation drive during the Christmas Season; the annual Freshman Forum at the Trumbull High School; Shop a Mile in Her Shoes, an event held annually at the Trumbull Mall to raise awareness of domestic violence; the annual Domestic Violence Vigil held in Trumbull; the 9/11 ride through Trumbull held each year, and the two-day Fall Festival event.

Officer Fedor is the epitome of what a community police officer is.  He is always willing to take on more duties and responsibilities and is professional in all of his interactions with residents and community members.  Officer Fedor has without question single-handedly raised the bar of community policing.  He has made Trumbull a safer and better place to live and raise a family.

University of Connecticut Police Department
Lieutenant Jason Hyland

Lieutenant Jason Hyland has served in law enforcement for 20 years and has been part of the UConn Police Department for 17 years.  He is described by his supervisors as a proactive and innovative person who is genuinely interested in helping the community. Lieutenant Hyland was assigned to the Community Outreach Unit in 2015 and has taken the initiative to enhance the relationship between police and the UConn community with new and innovative programming.

Using student focus groups, he has developed successful safety campaigns branded under Bright Futures. Bright Futures campaigns are geared toward engaging UCPD officers with the community while working hand-in-hand to identify public safety concerns, provide education, and host community events.  The campaign’s goal is to realize practical and effective solutions to the issues facing our neighborhoods. One of the most notable campaigns is Bright Future: Alcohol or Other Drug Safety. Since the release of this campaign in 2016, there have been hundreds of presentations and events for students.

Lieutenant Hyland also has a special interest in promoting understanding of mental health issues and people with developmental disabilities and was instrumental in the creation of the UConn Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Program. CIT is a nationwide, innovative model community initiative and has been implemented at UConn with all the officers.  Lieutenant Hyland’s dedication and love for the UConn Community has brought the UConn Police Department’s community relations from good and positive to outstanding.

Lieutenant Hyland has received many awards from the Department as well as our community for his efforts.  Most recently, Lieutenant Hyland received the Gerald N. Weller Award from the UConn Division of Student Affairs. The Weller Award recognizes individuals in the UConn Community, beyond the Division of Student Affairs, who serve students and support the efforts of the Division in the true spirit exemplified by Gerald Weller.

West Hartford Police Department
Officer Dante Ursini

Officer Ursini has been a police officer for 10 years and a School Resource Officer in the Community Relations Division for the past 2 years.  He is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in Social Work.

Officer Ursini is a pleasure to work with and we have frequently fielded compliments and accolades for the exceptional way he has handled calls, especially those involving children with special needs.  Officer Ursini has worked, for many years now, with a student whose family has many legal, financial and mental challenges.  Officer Ursini has met with the child on a regular basis, has incorporated other resources, and has worked with the school system in an effort to show this child that there are people who care for him.  Officer Ursini sees the promise this child holds and continues to provide full support to the family.  This is but one instance of the many “above and beyond” cases he works on in our schools. 

In 2017, Officer Ursini developed a “Care Card” program while working with the Board of Education.  The Care Card identification program issues cards to residents for a variety of purposes, including – but not limited to – those with cognitive impairments, specifically special needs students and the elderly.  Those with special needs may not have the ability to recall personal information, or may not be able to obtain another form of ID, and can be issued a Care Card.  This photo ID card is linked to the police database and is completely customizable based on the patient’s privacy concerns. The card enables people to be quickly identified by police as having an impairment.  It contains emergency contact and hospital information, also.  The goal is to help officers quickly reunite these patients with their loved ones or to connect them with proper care.  The program has gained positive media attention and is very popular with senior citizens centers, convalescent homes and has been shared with local Autism centers.

Officer Ursini regularly presents to a variety of groups on a host of topics including teen driving, internet safety, drug awareness, law enforcement & the elderly – to name only a few.

Officer Ursini works tirelessly in order to keep West Hartford residents safe.

Westport Police Department
Officer Ned Batlin

Officer Batlin has continuously worked to improve the relationship between the police and the community over his 16-year career.

Officer Batlin is a member of the Westport Youth Commission, which is a panel of students and adults from the community that report directly to our first selectman.  He was instrumental in creating this Commission, and has worked with this group for years.  They have created multiple events to bring cops and kids together in a positive environment.  After the Commission’s success, Officer Batlin pioneered the Westport Police Youth Collaborative.  This is a club for high school students and officers to work together on community service projects, team building and some instructional information about the job of law enforcement.  This past spring he was the program coordinator for our first ever Police Youth Citizens Academy.  He has also been an instrumental member of our Community Policing Panel.

Officer Batlin is the first patrol officer to be named President of the Police Athletic League in Westport.  Westport P.A.L. provides multiple organized sports for boys and girls as well as host of other community based programs.  Officer Batlin is also a football and lacrosse coach at the youth and high school level while balancing his law enforcement career. This has made him a valuable and trusted member of the community.  He makes himself available to numerous groups annually as a guest speaker on a variety of subjects ranging from “Risky Behavior” panels, to talking with local scouting groups.  He organizes guest speakers to speak with the public on a wide range of topics including domestic violence, underage drinking, and heroin addiction.  Officer Batlin partnered with Staples High School’s “Teen Awareness Group and Positive Directions” to place a full time Drug Take Back Box in the Police Department lobby.  He also sits on the Norwalk / Westport Juvenile Review Board and has been there since its inception.

Most importantly, Officer Batlin has forged many strong, positive relationships in the community from the programs listed here, as well as his many years on patrol.

Willimantic Police Department
Corporal Joshua Clark

Corporal Joshua Clark started his career with the Willimantic Police Department in 2007.   Cpl. Clark currently serves as a supervisor on the Day Shift Patrol and serves as a member the Willimantic Police Department SWAT team. Cpl. Clark was born and raised in Willimantic and cares deeply for the Willimantic Community.  During the past few years Cpl. Clark has been involved in numerous community events.  Most of these events revolve around the youth of the community.

Cpl. Clark has been a key member of the Windham PRIDE (Prevention to reduce the influence of drugs for everyone) Coalition and has helped organize several week-long youth leadership academies.  These academies have helped bridge a gap between the city’s youth and the Willimantic Police Department.

Cpl. Clark also administers the Windham PRIDE Facebook page highlighting not only the Police Department’s involvement in the community, but also the children’s involvement within the community.  His expertise with social media has created a connection between the public and the Willimantic Police Department and has shown the public so many of the great things happening in Willimantic.

Cpl. Clark has tirelessly helped organize several Christmas toy drives that resulted in numerous truckloads of toys that were handed out to the community.  He has also been involved in organizing back to school events where backpacks and sneakers were given to the children. Whether he is helping with a bicycle giveaway throughout the Willimantic Schools or  Halloween safety events, Cpl. Clark is there working to help the children of the community.

When there is any type of charitable event in the city of Willimantic, Cpl. Clark is always there willing to volunteer his time.  His effort does not go unnoticed.  During community events, the children flock to him because of their connection to him and his outgoing personality.

Before becoming a Police officer, Cpl. Clark was in the U.S. Army and at one point served in Iraq.  While in Iraq he was injured and received the Purple Heart.  

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROGER TUSCANO, 47, of Bristol, was arrested today on a criminal complaint charging him with distributing heroin.

 

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

 

TUSCANO appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and was released on a $100,000 bond into an inpatient drug treatment program.

 

As alleged in court documents, on April 26, 2017, the Southington Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence for an unresponsive 54-year-old female who had suffered an apparent drug overdose.  Responders attempted lifesaving measures on the victim, including administering naloxone, with minimal effect.  The victim was then transported to the hospital.

 

At the scene, officers seized drug and non-drug evidence, including four wax folds that contained heroin.

 

The victim died on April 28.  The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has determined that the victim’s death was caused by a combination of heroin and clonazepam.

 

It is alleged that on the morning of April 26, the victim purchased heroin from TUSCANO at a gas station in New Britain.

 

The complaint charges TUSCANO with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

 

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

 

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, Southington Police Department and Bristol Police Department.  The Tactical Diversion Squad includes members from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe and Fairfield Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.

 

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANDREW THIBODEAU, 72, of East Hartford, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to three months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for embezzling more than $70,000 from his union.

According to court documents and statements made in court, THIBODEAU was a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 1433.  Beginning in approximately 2004, THIBODEAU served as secretary/treasurer of the local office of the union in Kensington.  For several years, THIBODEAU used his access to the union’s funds to defraud the union in various ways.  He issued unauthorized paychecks to himself, sometimes forging the signature of another union official so the bank would cash the check.  He also reimbursed himself for fraudulent expenses for maintenance, officer duties and supplies.  At times, he charged expenses to the union’s credit card, paid the resulting bill with union funds, and then wrote a check for the same amount to himself.

Between 2010 and 2014, THIBODEAU embezzled $70,379.30 from the union.

Judge Covello ordered THIBODEAU to make full restitution.

On April 5, 2017, THIBODEAU pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement and theft of labor union assets.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, and U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.

United States Attorney Deirdre M. Daly and representatives of federal, state and local law enforcement today announced the formation of the Connecticut Cyber Task Force to investigate complex crimes in cyberspace.

The Connecticut Cyber Task Force, which is based at the FBI in New Haven, includes representatives from the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Connecticut State Police and 11 police departments from across the state, including the Bridgeport, Bristol, Fairfield, Greenwich, Hartford, New Canaan, New London, Norwalk, Stamford, Torrington and Westport Police Departments.

“The broad reach of cyber criminals can be felt almost every day in Connecticut,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “Day after day, we learn of companies, municipalities, educational institutions, hospitals, public utilities, nonprofits and citizens being targeted by bad actors.  These cyber criminals seek to disrupt our work, steal our intellectual property, compromise the personal or financial information of employees, customers and citizens through dedicated denial of service (DDOS) attacks, spear phishing campaigns, ransomware and malware attacks and other computer hacks or cyber intrusions.”

“The Connecticut Cyber Task Force will address the significant increase in the number and frequency of cyber-attacks occurring in Connecticut,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Patricia M. Ferrick.  “The primary goal of the task force is to combine available federal, state and local law enforcement resources in Connecticut to address challenging and emerging cyber threats such as the use of the Dark Markets, crypto currencies such as Bitcoin, and encrypted routing services, including TOR, to hide the advertising, sale and distribution of controlled substances and the sale of stolen personal identification, user credentials and financial information.  We will also work closely with our law enforcement partners to provide training, resources and investigative strategies to address the significant ransomware and business email compromise attacks in Connecticut.  It is our hope that this task force will make a significant impact and serve to better protect the citizens of Connecticut from the ever-changing criminal threats emanating from the internet.”

“Cybercrime is an increasing threat to individuals, businesses, and government in Connecticut and across the country,” said Commissioner Dr. Dora Schriro of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.  “Neither impeded by geographic boundaries nor governmental jurisdictions, no single law enforcement agency can adequately address cybercrime. The Connecticut State Police welcomes the opportunity to expand our efforts and outreach in this important area through collaborative efforts such as this. Working closely with federal and local partners is key to keeping our communities safe and to holding accountable those who are responsible.”

Initially, the Task Force will prioritize cybercrime investigations in two areas.  First, the Task Force will work to identify and disrupt criminal organizations that use computer intrusions to defraud companies of their money and information.  “According to some estimates, in the last four years alone, ‘business compromise’ schemes have cost American companies more than $1.6 billion,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “The FBI, Secret Service, HSI and IRS have made great strides in minimizing the impacts of these frauds through both prosecution of fraudsters and numerous outreach efforts to the business communities, but by working together and with state and local law enforcement, we believe that we will detect trends across intrusions, thereby allowing us to identify, arrest and prosecute the most serious offenders.”

“On behalf of HSI, I am extremely pleased to join the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut on this new cyber task force,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Etre of HSI Boston.  “HSI’s unique authorities, broad scope of investigative areas, and cyber-specific assets bring to the table an extensive toolkit that can track down cyber criminals and bring them to justice, no matter where they hide. Our methods have been tried and tested over many years, helping to make HSI a world leader in cyber investigations.”

“Our growing reliance on computer networks and electronic devices in almost every aspect of our lives has been accompanied by an increased threat from individuals, organized criminal networks, and nation states that victimize American citizens and businesses,” said Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation.  “Recent revelations about massive thefts of financial and other sensitive data, from both the public and private sector, serve as a stark reminder of how vulnerable we all are to cyber-attacks.  IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to investigating and prosecuting those perpetrating criminal schemes in the cyber world.  Through our partnership with the U.S. Attorney's Office and our federal, state and local partners, we will aggressively pursue those who threaten our citizens and our nation.”

Second, the Task Force will target criminal activity on the dark web, notably the illicit acquisition and distribution of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs that are the cause of tens of thousands of overdose deaths annually.  “Many dark web forums are an online version of an open-air drug market where narcotics are openly marketed and sold with impunity,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “We believe that the vast majority of fentanyl that is killing far too many Americans is being produced overseas, and then sold on the dark web.  Our Office, in partnership with the DEA and Postal Inspectors, has arrested and prosecuted online distributors of fentanyl and other drugs.  The goal of the Task Force is to now marshal our resources and focus attention on those who operate and profit from the online forums themselves.”

“The DEA continues to be proactive in attacking criminal organizations that use the internet to conduct their illicit trade,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson.  “Many times these organizations are utilizing the Dark Web to procure fentanyl directly from China.  Connecticut has been experiencing a deadly opioid epidemic and the majority of these deaths can be attributed to a combination of fentanyl and heroin.  The creation of this Task Force will give us additional resources to target and attack those individuals who are responsible for bringing this deadly poison into the United States and onto the streets of Connecticut.”

“The need to combat cybercrimes is increasing as more individuals become victims to these types of crimes,” said Inspector in Charge Shelly Binkowski of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.”  The U.S. Postal Inspection Service looks forward to working collaboratively with our law enforcement partners to keep the American public safe.”

“Cybercrimes that could compromise the integrity of the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) Information Network or result in the disclosure of sensitive or classified DoD data are a top priority for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS),” said Special Agent-in-Charge Leigh-Alistair Barzey, DCIS Northeast Field Office.  “DCIS welcomes the opportunity to join the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI New Haven Division and its law enforcement partners in this important initiative to combat cyber-related crimes.”

U.S. Attorney Daly noted several significant cybercrime matters that were investigated and prosecuted in Connecticut in the last decade, including the dismantling of the Coreflood botnet in 2011, a groundbreaking case that utilized legal and technical tools that are now used regularly throughout the country; the prosecution and extradition of several Romanian citizens who stole financial and personal information in phishing schemes; a fentanyl distribution investigation that revealed the drug was being acquired in kilogram quantities over the dark web; the arrest this past August of a Nigerian citizen who is alleged to have operated a phishing scheme to acquire tax information from school system employees, which information was used to file numerous false tax returns, and the arrest in Spain of a Russian citizen who is alleged to have operated the Kelihos botnet for more than 10 years.

U.S. Attorney Daly announced that Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vanessa Richards, David Huang and Neeraj Patel are coordinating the efforts of the Task Force within the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  “Over the last two years, the Office has made a singular commitment to fighting cyber crime by creating a cyber bench  – a group of prosecutors specially trained in this complex area,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “These dedicated prosecutors have presented to Connecticut’s largest companies to educate businesses on how to avoid becoming the victim of a cyber-attack, and what to do when attacked.”

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JASON SHEPHARD, also known as “Angel,” 19, of New London, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of distribution of heroin.

 

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

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 1, 2017, the New London Police Department received a 911 call regarding a drug overdose in New London.  The caller indicated that a male in her apartment was unconscious and barely breathing.  Police and emergency medical personnel responded to the apartment and attempted life-saving measures.  The victim, who was 36, was transported to the hospital and later pronounced deceased.  At the scene, officers seized numerous empty bags that contained a trace amount of white and brown drug residue.

 

The investigation revealed that SHEPHARD supplied the heroin consumed by the victim hours before the victim died.

 

On May 1 and May 3, New London Police conducted controlled purchases of heroin from SHEPHARD.  Some of the heroin bags purchased contained fentanyl, and all were marked with the same brand stamp that marked the empty bags of heroin found at the scene of the overdose.

 

The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has determined that the victim’s death was caused by a combination of fentanyl and alcohol.

 

Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for January 19, 2018, at which time SHEPHARD faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

 

SHEPHARD was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on May 31, 2017.  He 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 New London Police Department.  The Tactical Diversion Squad includes members from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe and Fairfield Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.

 

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarala V. Nagala.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ALEX BORRERO, also known as “Red,” 50, of New Haven, was arrested yesterday on a criminal complaint charging him with distributing fentanyl and heroin.

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

BORRERO appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A.L. Merriam in New Haven and was released on a $50,000 bond into an inpatient drug counseling program.

As alleged in court documents, on February 28, 2017, the Wallingford Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a report of an untimely death of a 25-year-old male at a residence in Wallingford.  At the scene, officers seized drug and non-drug evidence, including the victim’s cellphone and six empty wax folds bags that contained a white powder residue.

The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has determined that the victim’s death was caused by a combination of fentanyl and alprazolam (Xanax).

It is alleged that BORRERO was the source of the fentanyl involved in the overdose death of the victim.

This ongoing investigation also includes an overdose death of a 31-year-old male in Branford on May 18, 2017.

At the time of his arrest, it is alleged that BORRERO possessed approximately 30 grams of heroin and approximately $1,900 in cash.

The complaint charges BORRERO with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl and heroin, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, Wallingford Police Department and Branford Police Department.  The Tactical Diversion Squad includes members from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe and Fairfield Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that TERENCE GARRETT, 46, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a loaded handgun.

According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement received information that GARRETT was selling heroin out a Shelton Avenue apartment, and that he was in possession of a firearm.  On October 13, 2016, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of the apartment and seized a .25 caliber pistol loaded with five rounds of ammunition.  Investigators also seized 12 bags of heroin and a digital scale.  GARRETT was arrested at that time.

GARRETT’s criminal history includes 11 felony convictions, including two convictions for possessing a firearm without a permit, and two convictions for carrying a dangerous weapon.

It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

GARRETT has been detained since his arrest.  On April 12, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a previously convicted felon.

The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and New Haven Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Kaplan and Jennifer Laraia.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GEORGE KINNEY, 34, of Plainfield, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of heroin and fentanyl.

 

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

 

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

 

KINNEY was arrested on May 9, 2017.  At the time of his arrest, KINNEY possessed 40 bags of heroin, most of which had identical labeling to the bags found at the hotel.  Forensic analysis of the bags revealed the presence of heroin and fentanyl.

 

KINNEY has been detained since his arrest.

 

Judge BOLDEN scheduled sentencing for January 10, 2018, at which time KINNEY faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

 

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Plainfield Police Department.  The Tactical Diversion Squad includes members from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe and Fairfield Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.

 

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that BRIAN PAGE, 43, of Guilford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 97 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a scheme to distribute oxycodone that was obtained through fraudulent prescriptions.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2012, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad began an investigation into a drug trafficking organization that manufactured fraudulent prescriptions for oxycodone and distributed the drug in the greater New Haven area.  The investigation revealed that David Thompson, also known as “Super Dave,” headed the organization that obtained the personal identifying information of medical practitioners and used the information to create fraudulent prescriptions. Organization members also purchased legitimate prescriptions for oxycodone from individuals.  The organization then used individuals, or “runners,” to fill the fraudulent prescriptions at pharmacies throughout Connecticut.  Once a runner provided his or her personal information to a member of the organization, the runner’s information was kept on file and used to create other fraudulent prescriptions.

Thompson recruited PAGE into the conspiracy, and PAGE soon played a critical role in the scheme by using a software program on his computer to print prescriptions that appeared to be real.  Once he began manufacturing prescriptions himself, PAGE recruited his own network of runners to fill them.

The investigation revealed that, between 2013 and 2015, the organization stole the personal identifying information of more than 50 doctors and medical professionals and fraudulently obtained more than 80,000 oxycodone pills.  Investigators identified more than 800 fraudulent prescriptions passed by members of the organization using more than 270 different “patient” names.

Nearly all of the runners employed by the conspiracy held state-sponsored medical insurance, so the costs of the prescriptions were billed to Medicaid.  Members of the drug trafficking organization then sold the oxycodone for $20 to $30 per 30 milligram pill.

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

On April 14, 2015, PAGE pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone.

Thompson pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on July 11, 2017, was sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment.

The DEA Tactical Diversion Squad includes members from the Bristol, Greenwich, Hamden, Milford, New Haven, Shelton, Vernon and Wilton Police Departments.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy C. Brown and Robert M. Spector.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUIS MANUEL RODRIGUEZ BURGOS, 36, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 15 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.

According to court documents and statements made in court, RODRIGUEZ BURGOS was admitted to the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident in 1995.  In September 2005, RODRIGUEZ BURGOS was convicted in Arizona of attempted transportation of narcotic drugs for sale and was sentenced to more than three years of imprisonment.  The offense involved 10 kilograms of cocaine and more than 170 grams of heroin concealed within a hidden compartment in the vehicle in which RODRIGUEZ BURGOS was travelling.  In August 2006, he was deported from the U.S. to the Dominican Republic.

In August 2012, local law enforcement arrested RODRIGUEZ BURGOS in New York City for driving under the influence, and subsequently alerted federal immigration authorities.  In October 2012, RODRIGUEZ BURGOS was again removed to the Dominican Republic.

RODRIGUEZ BURGOS illegally reentered the U.S. in late 2012.  On October 27, 2015, he was arrested by the Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Task Force in Bridgeport for distributing heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine.  At the time of his arrest, RODRIGUEZ BURGOS possessed a fraudulent Puerto Rico driver’s license, in the name of another individual, which he had purchased for $100.

RODRIGUEZ BURGOS has pleaded guilty in state court to drug sale and conspiracy offenses and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 20 to an agreed upon sentence of seven years of incarceration, with a mandatory minimum of five years, to be followed by five years of special parole.

Judge Underhill imposed the federal sentence to run concurrently with RODRIGUEZ BURGOS’ state sentence.

On July 26, 2017, RODRIGUEZ BURGOS pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOVANNI REYES, 23, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in late 2016, Bridgeport Police made three controlled purchases of heroin from REYES.  On December 8, 2016, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of REYES’s Voight Avenue residence and seized more than 120 folds of heroin and a loaded 9mm handgun.  The firearm had been reported stolen.

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for January 12, 2018, at which time REYES faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

REYES has been detained since his federal arrest on January 25, 2017.

This prosecution stems from Project Longevity, a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities.  Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to violence.  A critical component of the Project Longevity strategy is the “call-in,” a face-to-face meeting where Project Longevity partners engage group members and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it.  REYES attended a call-in in 2015, and declined Project Longevity services that were offered to him.

This matter has been investigated by the Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale and Vanessa Richards.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ADELE BOUTHILLIER, 43, of Groton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for sex trafficking of a minor and heroin distribution offenses.

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

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

The investigation revealed that Ramon Gomez, also known as “B.I.,” brought the victim to the motel to engage in prostitution, and the victim stayed in a room there with BOUTHILLIER.  Both Gomez and BOUTHILLIER, who was engaged in prostitution and worked with Gomez, knew that the victim was under the age of 18.  On the morning of May 28, 2016, BOUTHILLIER purchased a quantity of heroin from Gomez and gave it to the victim, who snorted it.  At approximately 10:00 p.m. that day, BOUTHILLIER awoke to find the victim to be unresponsive.  BOUTHILLIER waited approximately four hours before calling 911.

BOUTHILLIER was arrested on June 8, 2016.  On March 30, 2017, she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin.

Gomez pleaded guilty on November 17, 2016, and awaits sentencing.  He has been detained since his arrest on June 1, 2016.

On September 20, 2017, Nestor Santana, also known as “Beans,” of New London, pleaded guilty to a heroin distribution offense stemming from this investigation.  Santana supplied Gomez with the heroin that subsequently caused the death of the victim.  He also is detained and awaits sentencing

This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Town of Groton Police Department and the Regional Community Enhancement Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BOBBY HEMINGWAY, 36, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 96 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2016, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force received information that HEMINGWAY was distributing crack cocaine in the Enfield Street and Westland Street area of Hartford.  Between February and April 2016, investigators made four controlled purchases of crack from HEMINGWAY.

HEMINGWAY was arrested on April 21, 2016.  On that date, a search of his Westland Street residence revealed a loaded .22 caliber handgun and approximately 26 grams of marijuana.

HEMINGWAY has been detained since his arrest.  On January 23, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base (“crack”).

HEMINGWAY’s criminal history includes five felony convictions, including a conviction for first-degree assault stemming from his role in a drive-by shooting in Hartford in 2008.

In November 23, 2009, HEMINGWAY was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to 44 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.  He was released from prison in January 2013 and was on federal supervised release when he engaged in the criminal activity that led to his most recent federal conviction.

Judge Thompson sentenced HEMINGWAY to 84 months of imprisonment on the drug distribution offense, and a consecutive 12 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DUSAN MLADEN, also known as David Mladen, 62, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to one count of making a false statement to a federal law enforcement agent investigating threats against a U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge.

According to court documents and statements made in court, MLADEN was a litigant in a proceeding pending before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the District of Connecticut, captioned In re: Eternal Enterprise, Inc.  MLADEN formerly owned Eternal Enterprise, Inc., which owns several residential apartment properties in Hartford, and he has continued to be active in the management and decision making for the company.

On July 5, 2017, the judge presiding over the Eternal Enterprise matter discovered in the mailbox of her residence an anonymous handwritten note containing the phrases “BACK OFF,” “YOU ARE OVERSTEPPING AUTHORITY” and “JUST WARNING FOR NOW.”

On July 10, the judge received a phone call that had been placed to her home phone number.  During the call, the caller stated that he had visited the judge’s house last week and “I left a message for you.”  He said that he wanted her to file an order tomorrow “extending the deadline to September 30,” and “then maybe everything will be ok.”  Although the caller refused to identify himself, the judge recognized the voice as MLADEN’s.  The U.S. Marshals Service subsequently confirmed that the cell phone used to make the call was at a location in the vicinity of MLADEN’s residence, and that it had been purchased by MLADEN under a fictitious name.

On July 11, deputy U.S. Marshals interviewed MLADEN at his residence.  During the conversation, MLADEN denied having gone to the judge’s house the previous week and having called the judge on July 10, and he stated that he did not have the judge’s phone number.  Each of these statements was false.  Pursuant to a court-authorized search of MLADEN’s car, the U.S. Marshals discovered that the judge’s home address was programmed into the defendant’s GPS unit.

MLADEN has been detained since his arrest on July 11.

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for January 15, 2018, at which time MLADEN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Nardini.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DONALD HUGHES, 42, of Groton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 12 months 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 HUGHES and other co-conspirators 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 HUGHES and others for further distribution.  Some of Mott’s narcotics trafficking activity occurred his restaurant, Caribbean American Kitchen to Go, located on Truman Street in New London.

 

HUGHES and Mott were arrested on August 8, 2016.  On that date, a search of HUGHES possessed 319 grams of cocaine.

 

On May 9, 2017, HUGHES pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

 

Mott also pleaded guilty and, on September 5, 2017, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment.  He also 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.

 

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PETER RESSLER, 70, of Woodbridge, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 63 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for embezzling millions of dollars from his bankruptcy clients, and related fraud offenses.

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, RESSLER, an attorney with a bankruptcy practice based in New Haven, defrauded numerous clients in various ways.  RESSLER required certain clients who were seeking a Chapter 11 or Chapter 13 reorganization to deposit funds and represented that the monies would be held in trust for purposes of the anticipated reorganization.  RESSLER obtained certain of the funds after he had filed formal bankruptcy actions, which created relevant bankruptcy estates for which he had a continuing duty to maintain client assets under his control and to give appropriate accountings to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.  RESSLER was entrusted with hundreds of thousands of dollars from at least 10 businesses involved with Chapter 11 reorganizations.  Instead of holding the funds in trust, he used the monies for other purposes.

 

As part of both Chapter 11 and Chapter 13 filings, RESSLER submitted multiple documents to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court that represented the status of a debtor’s assets and liquidity, including the debtor-in-possession monthly operating reports.  In various instances, RESSLER had already improperly dissipated a portion of a client/debtor’s assets and knew that operating reports filed for certain clients contained false representations, which misled both the court and creditors as to a debtor’s true financial condition.  When asked directly in hearings as to whether certain assets existed in certain accounts, RESSLER falsely represented that certain assets existed, when he knew that they did not.

 

RESSLER also engaged in “work outs” where he would attempt to settle a client’s debts with creditors without relying on the protections of bankruptcy.  As part of this process, RESSLER requested that his clients deposit with him funds and represented that he would hold the funds in trust and then use them to settle disagreements with financial institutions or other creditors, such as the IRS, or for some other purpose on behalf of his clients.  The investigation revealed that RESSLER took $64,000 from a client purportedly to purchase property; $180,000 from a client to hold money in escrow; $45,000 from another client purportedly to buy back a home in foreclosure; $100,000 from a client to hold money in escrow; $97,000 from a client to hold money in escrow;  $102,000 and $50,000 from two other clients purportedly to settle tax obligations with the IRS; at least $199,000 from a client to negotiate a settlement with the IRS; $141,000 from a client to settle debts with IRS and a lender; and $165,000 from a client purportedly to negotiate a loan modification with a lender.  In each instance, RESSLER used the monies for other purposes.

 

In the spring of 2016, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court identified criminal conduct by RESSLER in cases involving debtors that were his clients.  In one case, the debtor entrusted RESSLER with $450,000, which were proceeds of a legal settlement, to be held by RESSLER’s firm for the benefit of the debtor and its creditors.  In a second case, the debtor entrusted RESSLER’s firm with approximately $321,409.  In both cases, RESSLER used most of the deposited funds for other purposes than on behalf of the relevant clients.

 

In total, RESSLER misappropriated $3,401,452 from 48 clients and used the money for personal and family living expenses, to cover the expenses of his practice, and to fund payments relating to other clients and other bankruptcy estates from which he had previously improperly taken monies.

 

Judge Covello ordered RESSLER to pay a total of $4,856,931 in restitution.  The larger restitution figure includes the embezzled funds and additional monies RESSLER did not embezzle, but owes to more than 60 other clients of his law practice.

 

On June 7, 2017, RESSLER pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, two counts of embezzlement from a bankruptcy estate, and one count of bankruptcy fraud.

 

RESSLER, who has been released on a $100,000 bond since his arrest on April 25, 2016, was ordered to report to prison on January 15, 2018.

 

RESSLER resigned from the Connecticut bar in March 2016.

 

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on September 21, 2017, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a four-count indictment charging ELIJAH CHIN, 27, of Federal Way, Washington, with fraud and identity theft offenses.

CHIN appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.  He was released on a $250,000 bond.

The indictment alleges that between approximately December 2016 and February 2017, CHIN was involved in a scheme in which credit card accounts were opened electronically using personal identifying information from Connecticut residents.  After the credit card issuers mailed credit cards to the victims’ home addresses, CHIN took the cards directly from the victims’ mailboxes.  CHIN then used the credit cards to purchase gift cards, pre-paid cards and other items at various retail establishments in Connecticut.

The indictment charges CHIN with two counts of wire fraud, which carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count, and two counts of aggravated identity theft, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of two years.

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

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Wilton Police Department and Ridgefield Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.