District of Connecticut

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PEDRO VELEZ, also known as “Petey,” 25, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 51 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in September 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force learned that VELEZ was receiving kilogram quantities of heroin from a supplier, packaging the drug and then distributing it to street-level dealers in the Hartford area.  On September 8, 2016, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of 44 “stacks” (approximately 4,400 bags) of heroin from VELEZ.  Subsequent laboratory testing showed that the heroin had a net weight of 114 grams.

On October 21, 2016, investigators arrested VELEZ.  On that date, a court-authorized search of an apartment in Vernon where VELEZ had been staying revealed an additional 5.3 grams of heroin.

VELEZ has been detained since his arrest.  On April 5, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin. 

VELEZ’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for possession of narcotics and criminal possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle.  The firearm conviction stemmed from an incident in November 2011 during which VELEZ engaged in a drive-by shooting of a group on individuals on Orange Street in Hartford.

At the time VELEZ committed this federal offense, he was on state probation arising from a state narcotics conviction, and was on pretrial release on a $900,000 bond with respect to pending assault in the first degree and criminal possession of a firearm charges, stemming from an alleged drive-by shooting in Hartford in September 2015.  He also was on release on a $225,000 bond with respect to a pending violation of probation charge.

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment today charging JOSE ANTONIO QUIROZ-MARTINEZ, 26, last residing in East Hartford, with enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity.

The indictment alleges that in April and May 2017, QUIROZ-MARTINEZ used a cell phone to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity constituting a violation of federal law prohibiting the production of child pornography.

If convicted of the charge, QURIOZ-MARTINEZ faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

QUIROZ-MARTINEZ has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on May 4, 2017.

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 Homeland Security Investigations and the East Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.

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 DAVID ADAMS, 56, of Old Saybrook, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to a six-count superseding indictment charging him with various tax offenses.  A trial in this matter was scheduled to start today.

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early 1980s, and then continuing from 1996 onward, ADAMS was substantially delinquent in filing his tax returns and paying amounts owed to the IRS.  Starting at least as early as 1998, ADAMS repeatedly engaged with IRS collections officers tasked with trying to get ADAMS into compliance with the tax laws.  Although IRS collections officers repeatedly advised ADAMS about his obligations to pay estimated taxes, he continually failed to pay those taxes on time or in sufficient amounts. 

 

As part of this tax fraud scheme, ADAMS engaged the services of a certified public accountant to prepare his personal tax returns beginning in approximately 1993, and then repeatedly failed to give the accountant complete, accurate information.

 

In 2002, ADAMS sold an online floral business, which accounted for a significant portion of more than $6 million in taxable income he claimed on his 2002 tax return.  Although ADAMS represented to the IRS in August 2003 that he was enclosing payment of $1,250,000, no such payment was enclosed and ADAMS never made the payment.

 

In June 2011, ADAMS sold his partnership interest in another online floral business and received $4,708,419.20 wired into his personal bank account as part of the net proceeds owed to him as a result of the sale.  Although he knew that he owed substantial taxes on that amount, ADAMS engaged in a number of affirmative acts to conceal and attempt to conceal this income in order to evade the assessment of a tax including:  (1) failing to tell his accountant about the $4,708,419.20 in income ADAMS received in 2011; (2) providing the accountant with false information about ADAMS’s estimated tax payments for the year, telling the accountant that he had paid $220,000 when in fact, ADAMS knew he had only paid $100,000 in estimated taxes for 2011; (3) causing the accountant to prepare his 2011 tax return with false and fraudulent information; and (4) representing to an IRS revenue officer who was responsible for collecting ADAMS’s delinquent tax payments and securing ADAMS’s overdue tax returns, that he had hoped to have funds to pay down his back tax liability (including tax liability associated with the 2002 sale), but that nothing had been “panning out.”  ADAMS failed to disclose to the revenue officer that he had received $4,708,419.20 in cash less than three weeks earlier.

 

In June 2012, ADAMS received an additional $1,320,609.59 into his personal bank account as net proceeds of the 2011 sale.  Although he knew that he owed substantial taxes on that amount, ADAMS failed to disclose the income to his accountant, and failed to declare it on his tax return for that year.

 

In total, ADAMS engaged in a more than 16-year effort to inhibit the IRS’s efforts to collect back taxes from him.  Among other things, ADAMS bounced checks to the IRS; told IRS collections officers that payment had been sent when it had not; promised to pay delinquent tax liabilities in full and then delayed payment, made only partial payment, failed to pay at all, or paid off one liability while leaving another liability unpaid; claimed that he lacked funds to pay his delinquent tax but failed to disclose that he had access to enough cash to fully pay back his tax liabilities; filed false and fraudulent returns with the IRS; overstated the amounts of estimated taxes paid to the IRS, and failed to declare more than $6 million in income to the IRS.

 

ADAMS was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on April 14, 2016.

 

On December 6, 2016, a grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging ADAMS with two counts of tax evasion, three counts of making and subscribing a false tax return, and one count of attempting to interfere with the administration of the IRS laws.  Each tax evasion offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, each count of filing a false tax return carries a maximum term of imprisonment three years, and the interference charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years.

 

ADAMS is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on January 11, 2018.

 

As of October 2016, ADAMS owed more than $4.7 million in back taxes, interest and penalties for tax years 2002, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2012.  Interest and penalties have continued to accrue since that time.

 

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

 

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID VALENTIN, 38, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for heroin and firearm offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 29, 2016, VALENTIN was arrested after Hartford Police officers conducted a court-authorized search of his Congress Street residence and seized 2,684 wax folds of heroin, 15.1 grams of raw heroin, and a loaded .380 caliber pistol that had been reported stolen.

On April 18, 2017, VALENTIN pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

VALENTIN’s criminal history includes 10 felony convictions.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Hartford Police Department.  The 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 MAASEIYAH WILLIAMS, JR., 22, of Montville, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 34 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and for violating the conditions of his supervised release that followed a prior federal conviction.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 13, 2016, WILLIAMS began serving a three-year term of federal supervised release in connection with a conviction for possessing with intent to distribute crack cocaine.  On April 21, 2017, Judge Bryant placed WILLIAMS on home detention with location monitoring, pending a full compliance review hearing, after the Norwich Police Department arrested WILLIAMS on motor vehicle and firearms-related charges on April 15.

On April 25 and again on May 13, WILLIAMS sold heroin to individuals at his Uncasville residence.  On May 23, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at WILLIAMS’s residence and seized 13 bags of heroin packaged for sale.

WILLIAMS has been detained since his federal arrest on May 23, 2017.  On July 6, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin.

Judge Bryant sentenced WILLIAMS to 16 months of imprisonment for distributing heroin, and a consecutive 18 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.

The state charges against WILLIAMS stemming from his April 15 arrest are pending.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Norwich, Waterford, Montville and Groton Town Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah P. Karwan and Anthony E. Kaplan.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JONATHAN BOHANNON, 28, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 160 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for drug trafficking and firearm possession offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2012, the FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, Bridgeport Police Department and Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force began an investigation into narcotics trafficking and violent criminal activity in and around the Trumbull Gardens housing complex in Bridgeport.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that Ronell Hanks, also known as “Biz” and “Ace,” headed an organization that sold heroin and crack cocaine 24-hours a day, seven days a week.  Hanks regularly suppled BOHANNON with cocaine, which BOHANNON then “cooked” into crack and sold it to others.

BOHANNON was arrested on December 5, 2013.  At the time of his arrest, BOHANNON was in possession of more than 300 grams of cocaine, four handguns and 131 rounds of ammunition.

On December 18, 2013, a grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment charging Hanks, BOHANNON and 12 other individuals with a variety of narcotics and firearms trafficking offenses.

BOHANNON has been detained since his arrest.  On May 11, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute at least 280 grams of cocaine base (“crack”) and 500 grams of cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base, and one count of possession of firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

Hanks pleaded guilty and, on February 25, 2015, was sentenced to 17 years of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, in coordination with the Bridgeport Police Department, the Trumbull Police Department and the Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force.  The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Fairfield assisted this investigation and prosecution.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTHONY McKENZIE, 56, of Manchester, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 54 months of imprisonment, followed by three years supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.

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 Anthony Shelton, also known as “Pretty,” Gerard Brown, also known as “Goldie,” and others, who converted much of the cocaine into crack and distributed both forms of the drug in the area of Barbour Street in Hartford. 

Shelton and Brown are McKENZIE’s sons.  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that Shelton and Brown supplied distribution quantities of crack cocaine to McKENZIE, who then sold the drug to his own customers in the Manchester area.

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

McKENZIE was arrested on February 2, 2016.  On December 22, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

McKENZIE’s criminal history spans approximately 40 years and includes multiple convictions and periods of incarceration.

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

This matter 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.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DEMEECO SAMPSON, also known as “Meeco,” 32, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.  Judge Thompson also ordered SAMPSON to perform 100 hours of community service.

This matter stems from a joint investigation by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Vice, Intelligence and Narcotics Unit into gang-related narcotics trafficking in Hartford’s North End.  SAMPSON and others targeted during the investigation were affiliated with groups and gangs who have been involved in acts of violence.  The investigation revealed that SAMPSON and others sold crack cocaine in the area of Edgewood Street and Albany Avenue.  In June and July 2015, law enforcement made controlled purchases of crack from SAMPSON and his associates. 

SAMPSON has been detained since his arrest on December 2, 2015.  On January 25, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

SAMPSON’s criminal history includes multiple state felony convictions.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TREVOR MURPHY, also known as “Snookie,” 29, of West Haven, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 360 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for murdering Joseph Zargo on December 23, 2011.

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

MURPHY was a member of RSGB.  According to court documents and statements made in court, MURPHY ordered a quantity of ecstasy from Joseph Zargo as part of a plan to rob him of drugs and cash.  Just after midnight on December 23, 2011, MURPHY met Zargo on Houston Street in New Haven.  After MURPHY took ecstasy pills from Zargo, MURPHY pulled out a firearm.  When Zargo reached into his pocket, MURPHY shot Zargo once in the chest.  Zargo died later that morning.

MURPHY has been detained since his arrest on September 30, 2015.  On February 8, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery, and one count of using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAMAEL ARTIS, also known as “Rah,” 36, of Norwich, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 15, 2016, a court-authorized search of ARTIS’ Norwich apartment revealed approximately 50 grams of heroin, a quantity of cocaine, and items used to process and package narcotics for street sale.

The investigation also revealed that between July 2015 and March 2016, ARTIS obtained four handguns by trading heroin for each firearm.

ARTIS is scheduled to be sentence by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford on January 3, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years of the heroin offense, and a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least five years on the firearm offense.

ARTIS has been detained since his arrest on March 15, 2016.

This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Safe Streets Task Force, and the Town of Groton, Norwich and Waterford Police Departments.  The 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 ELLSWORTH ROBERTSON, also known as “S,” 37, of New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a 2008 federal conviction.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 20, 2008, ROBERTSON was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for possessing with intent to distribute crack cocaine.  He was released from federal prison in February 2014.

On November 7, 2015, while he was on federal supervised release, ROBERTSON was arrested by the Mohegan Tribal Police Department after he was found in possession of distribution quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine in the wake a stabbing incident at the Mohegan Sun casino.  On that date, ROBERTSON and an associate, who is also a convicted felon, were involved in an altercation with another individual who was stabbed and seriously injured.

In May 2016, a court-authorized search of ROBERTSON’s New London apartment revealed two loaded semi-automatic pistols, more than two kilograms of cocaine, approximately 73 grams of heroin, drug paraphernalia, and thousands of dollars in U.S. currency.

ROBERTSON has been detained since his arrest on May 18, 2016.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the New London Police Department and the Connecticut State Police’s Statewide Narcotics Task Force.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John H. Durham.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that two members of a violent New Haven street gang were sentenced today in New Haven federal court for committing gang-related murders and other criminal activity.  Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall sentenced JEFFREY BENTON, also known as “Tall Man,” “Fresh,” and “JT,” 32, to 40 years of imprisonment and ROBERT SHORT, also known as “Santana,” 30, to 30 years of imprisonment.

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

On March 17, 2017, BENTON pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity, one count of money laundering and one count of conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).  In pleading guilty, he admitted his involvement in several acts of gang-related violence in New Haven, including the non-fatal shooting of an individual on February 23, 2011; the murder of Kevin Lee on April 20, 2011; the murder of Donell Allick on June 24, 2011; the murder of Darrick Cooper on September 19, 2011, and the murder of Donald Bolden on March 19, 2012.  He also admitted his participation in the gang-related trafficking of crack cocaine in Connecticut and Maine, and the transferring drug proceeds from Maine to Connecticut by using Western Union.

On March 21, 2017, SHORT pleaded guilty to one count of causing a death through the use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.  SHORT admitted that he was ordered by BENTON and other RSGB leaders to murder Darrick Cooper, who was a leader of a rival gang and seen as a threat.  On September 19, 2011, SHORT lured Cooper to a location in Hamden and shot Cooper in the back of the head as Cooper walked up a staircase.

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

“The Red Side Guerilla Brims, under the violent and brutal leadership of Jeffrey Benton, terrorized neighborhoods in New Haven in 2011 and 2012,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “Benton and his RSGB cohorts, including Robert Short, were responsible for at least seven murders, multiple attempted murders, armed robberies, and drug and gun running between Connecticut and Maine.  We hope that the lengthy prison terms imposed today bring a measure of solace to the families of the victims and the communities where these violent acts occurred.  I thank our law enforcement partners, notably the ATF, New Haven Police Department and Hamden Police Department, for their tireless dedication to the cause of justice during this investigation, which has made New Haven a safer and more secure place to live.  I also thank our counterparts in the Maine U.S. Attorney’s Office for their coordination in prosecuting a total of 21 individuals in this matter.”

“ATF’s primary mission is to combat violent gun crime committed by criminal organizations or individuals.” said Mickey Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division.  “Today’s sentencing is also another example of the importance of law enforcement partnerships and their effectiveness in protecting the citizens in our communities.”

BENTON has been in federal custody since May 17, 2012, and is currently serving a 108-month sentence for distributing heroin.  Chief Judge Hall ordered BENTON to begin serving the 40-year sentence after he completes his previous sentence.

SHORT has been detained since September 20, 2011, when he was arrested on a state offense.  Chief Judge Hall ordered that SHORT not receive federal credit for time served on his state sentence, which concluded in July 2017.

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

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

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT KUSS, 55, of Cheshire, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for defrauding the U.S. Postal Service of nearly $750,000.

According to court documents and statements made in court, KUSS was the managing partner of Creative Marketing Group, LLC (“CMG”), a mail service provider in the business of sending bulk mailings.  CMG has a Permit Imprint bulk mailing permit (“PI permit”) that allows the company to print postage indicia directly onto an envelope rather that affix a postage stamp or a meter impression to each piece of mail (the printed postage indicia tend to be pink printings on the upper right hand corner of an envelope).

Generally, a PI permit holder has an account from which the U.S. Postal Service (“USPS”) debits the appropriate postage charge for each bulk mailing.  To utilize its PI permit, a mailer generally drops off its bulk mailing at the office that maintains its permit, known as a Business Mail Entry Unit (“BMEU”) – in this instance the Bristol (Conn.) Post Office.  There, the mailing is examined and accepted by BMEU postal employees.  The USPS then debits the mailer’s account the appropriate amount for postage.

To save money, a bulk mailer may also transport the bulk mailing itself to a destination USPS facility to obtain lower postage rates rather than simply deliver the bulk mailing to the appropriate BMEU.  To do so, a mailer must bring both the bulk mailing and a form known as Postal Service Form 8125 (“PS 8125 Form”) to the BMEU for verification.  Once verified, the BMEU personnel debit the mailer’s account and fill out the PS 8125 Form with information about the bulk mailing, including the mailer’s permit number, the total number of pieces of mail and the total mail weight.  BMEU personnel also affix a USPS stamp to the form.  The mailer then takes the bulk mailing and the PS 8125 Form to the destination USPS facility for delivery.  A USPS employee at the destination facility reviews the bulk mailing and the form to ensure they match and for completeness before accepting the mailing and the PS 8125 Form.

Between approximately July 2014 and March 2016, KUSS brought bulk mailings to destination USPS facilities with fraudulent PS 8125 Forms.  KUSS had filled out and stamped the forms to appear as though the bulk mailings had been brought to and verified by the BMEU in Bristol, and as though the USPS had appropriately debited his advanced deposit account.  In fact, KUSS had not brought the bulk mailings to the BMEU, the BMEU had not verified the mailings, and the USPS had not debited his advanced deposit account.

KUSS delivered at least 125 bulk mailings to destination USPS facilities around the country pursuant to this scheme.  As a result, he sent 3,260,183 pieces of mail without paying for postage, and the USPS lost $749,573.

Judge Chatigny ordered KUSS to pay full restitution to the USPS.

On December 12, 2016, KUSS pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud.

KUSS, who is released on a $100,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on November 8, 2017.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Pierpont, Jr. and John H. Durham.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MACKENZY NOZE, 33, a citizen of Haiti last residing in Norwich, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 48 months of imprisonment for staging car accidents for the purpose of defrauding automobile insurance companies.

On June 15, 2017, a jury found 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 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, 11 of which were described in detail during the trial.

Judge Meyer ordered NOZE to pay restitution in the amount of $207,083.36.

NOZE was arrested on May 23, 2016, and is detained.  He is a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. and faces immigration proceedings after he serves his sentence.

Six 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.

The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut announced that CAVAN DEVINE, 25, formerly of Easton, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to one count of possession of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of Xanax.

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 4, 2016, Easton Police seized a bag belonging to DEVINE that contained approximately 744 grams of methamphetamine, 577 and one-half pills labeled “Xanax,” and drug paraphernalia.  DEVINE was arrested the next day.  A subsequent search of a hotel room rented by DEVINE revealed an additional quantity of methamphetamine, as well as items used to process, package and mail drugs.  Investigators also seized a laptop computer.

 

The investigation established that DEVINE had obtained the methamphetamine and Xanax over the internet, which he was also using to distribute the drugs.

 

Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for December 22, 2017, at which time DEVINE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.

DEVINE is released on a $200,000 bond and residing at an inpatient drug treatment facility while awaiting sentencing.

 

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut State Police and Easton Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.

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 ROBERT KEHAYIAS, 58, of Old Saybrook, 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 filing a false tax return.

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, KEHAYIAS owns and operates Pizza Works (also known as Pizza Junction, LLC), a restaurant located in Old Saybrook.  For the 2010 through 2014 tax years, KEHAYIAS deposited most of the cash receipts generated by the restaurant into his personal money market account, a portion of the cash receipts into other personal bank accounts, and only a minimal amount of cash into the business bank account.  During this time, KEHAYIAS provided his tax return preparer with Quickbooks reports that significantly understated the gross receipts of the business each year.  As a result, KEHAYIAS failed to report more $765,733 in taxable income on his federal income tax returns for the 2010 through 2014 tax years, and failed to pay approximately $340,000 in taxes.

 

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for January 16, 2018, at which time KEHAYIAS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years, a fine of up to approximately $680,000 and back taxes, interest and penalties.

 

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that LUIS SANCHEZ, 55, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in New York and Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 33 months of imprisonment for distributing fentanyl-laced heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force revealed that SANCHEZ was distributing large quantities in Hartford’s South End.  On August 31, 2016, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of approximately 200 grams of heroin from SANCHEZ outside of residence on New Britain Avenue where SANCHEZ was living temporarily.  SANCHEZ was arrested at that time.  On that date, investigators also arrested Yohander Hernandez-Cedeno, whose apartment SANCHEZ was sharing, after Hernandez-Cedeno was found in possession of approximately 83 grams of heroin.  A search of the apartment revealed approximately 74 grams of heroin, 127 grams of cocaine, and items used to process and package heroin.

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

SANCHEZ has been detained since his arrest.  On June 5, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 100 grams or more of heroin.

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

Hernandez-Cedeno has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RICHARD BRUNO, 47, of Waterford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 192 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for producing child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 5, 2016, the Connecticut State Police executed search warrants at BRUNO’s residence in Waterford and at his company’s warehouse located at 19 Mountain Avenue in New London.  At BRUNO’s residence, investigators seized a hard drive that was connected to a computer.  Analysis of the hard drive revealed 46 homemade videos depicting nine different females engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  Most of the videos depicted BRUNO engaging in sex acts with the females.  One of the females was 17 years old at the time.

The investigation revealed that BRUNO was the minor victim’s landlord.  BRUNO met the minor victim in approximately November 2015 and she told him she was 17.  On four occasions, BRUNO videotaped the minor victim engaged in sexual acts with him at his company’s warehouse.  For each of these sessions, BRUNO paid the minor victim in either marijuana or cash.

The investigation further revealed that BRUNO communicated with the victim using the Kik instant messaging application.  Analysis of BRUNO’s cellphone revealed messages from BRUNO to the victim, including “If you wanted to play around I get you some mon[ey].” “Or if you let me film you for a little whi[le].”

In April 2016, law enforcement initiated an undercover investigation of BRUNO in which a Connecticut State Police detective posed as a single woman with a 13-year-old daughter who was looking for an apartment to rent.  During the investigation, BRUNO engaged in text messages with the “13-year-old girl,” asked her for pictures of herself and coaxed her, with promises of money, to come to New London to engage in illicit sexual activity.  On May 19, 2016, BRUNO was arrested by New London Police detectives at the time and place he agreed to meet the “girl.”

The investigation revealed several other instances of BRUNO’s inappropriate conduct with vulnerable woman and girls, and voyeuristic videos that BRUNO took of women and girls.

BRUNO has been detained since his arrest.  On May 8, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography.

As part of his sentence, BRUNO was ordered to forfeit his company’s New London warehouse, a multi-family residence he owns at 27 West Coit Street in New London, and a van owned by his company.

Also, BRUNO has paid the victim restitution through a settlement in a separate federal civil case (Doe v. Bruno 3:17cv217).

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police and New London Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment yesterday charging OMAR VILLARREAL, 26, of La Puente, California, with fentanyl trafficking offenses.

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

It is alleged that VILLARREAL traveled to Connecticut from October to November 2016 and coordinated the transportation and delivery of the fentanyl shipment with Crespo-Escalante.

The indictment charges VILLARREAL with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, a controlled substance, and one count of aiding and abetting the distribution of fentanyl.  Both offenses carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  The indictment also charges VILLARREAL with one count of traveling in interstate commerce to promote an unlawful activity, and offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

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

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

As to VILLARREAL, 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 Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.

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 ROBIN REID, 54, of Bristol, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to preparing false federal income tax returns.

According to court documents and statements made in court, REID operated a tax return preparation practice.  From at least 2005 and continuing until 2015, REID falsified information on numerous returns that she prepared for clients by inflating deductions for medical and dental expenses, charitable contributions, employee-related expenses, and other expenses.  REID often created fictitious Schedule C forms in order to fabricate deductible business expenses, and fictitious Schedule E forms to inflate expenses relating to rental properties.  By routinely overstating deductions, REID reduced taxable income on the respective returns, and caused a tax loss of $1,126,011 to the government.

REID pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years, a fine of up to approximately $2.2 million, and restitution.  Chief Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for December 21, 2017.

REID’s clients are required to resolve their own tax liability with the Internal Revenue Service.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in Hartford has found HECTOR CARDONA-DIAZ, 30, of Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico, guilty of orchestrating the murder of a Connecticut man in December 2014, and a related cocaine trafficking offense.  The trial before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea began on September 11, and the guilty verdicts were returned yesterday afternoon.

“This defendant orchestrated the murder of an individual in retribution for a drug debt,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “It’s another senseless violent crime, and one that will result in a lifetime prison term.  I commend the Postal Inspectors, members of the DEA Task Force and New Britain Police officers, who together navigated a complex trail of postal, phone and cell site records to solve this murder.”

According to the evidence at trial, on December 30, 2014, Jesus Silva, 24, of Meriden was murdered by a gunshot to the head as he sat in his car on Yeaton Street in New Britain.  The investigation revealed that CARDONA-DIAZ was a large-scale narcotics trafficker who regularly supplied Silva and others in the Hartford and Springfield area with distribution quantities of cocaine that he concealed in ceramic moldings and shipped in packages using the U.S. Mail.  Silva and others then mailed cash proceeds of the sale of cocaine back to CARDONA-DIAZ.  Over time, CARDONA-DIAZ believed that Silva had failed to provide him with a large amount of cash generated from the drug trafficking enterprise and planned his murder.

The investigation further revealed that CARDONA-DIAZ hired Jesus Sierra, of Springfield, Massachusetts, to murder Silva with a promise to pay him $5,000 and supply him with future shipments of cocaine.  Sierra then received a firearm from Joel Jaquez, also of Springfield, and promised to pay Jaquez approximately half of the money Sierra was going to be paid by CARDONA-DIAZ.

On December 30, 2014, Sierra arranged to meet Silva in Meriden, purportedly to purchase a car from him.  Sierra and Jaquez then traveled to Connecticut to meet Silva.  Sierra and Silva then drove together to New Britain under the ruse that Sierra needed a mechanic in New Britain to examine the car.  Jaquez followed Sierra and Silva in a separate car.  In New Britain, Sierra shot and killed and Silva.

The jury found CARDONA-DIAZ guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit murder for hire resulting in death and one count of murder for hire by interstate travel resulting in death.  Each of these charges carry a mandatory term of imprisonment of life.  The jury also found CARDONA-DIAZ guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, an offense that carries a mandatory term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

A sentencing date has not been scheduled.

In January 2017, Sierra and Jaquez each pleaded guilty to one count of murder for hire by interstate travel resulting in death.  They await sentencing.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that EDWARD TARKA, a podiatrist with a practice in Norwich, has entered into a civil settlement with the government in which he will pay $35,000 to resolve allegations that he violated the False Claims Act.

The allegations against TARKA involve fraudulent billing to Medicare for avulsion services, a surgical procedure to treat ingrown toenails.  The procedure involves the surgical separation and removal of all or part of a toenail from the tip of the nail back to the base of the nail.  The government alleges that TARKA submitted claims to Medicare for avulsion services under CTP Code 11730 that were not performed in accordance with Medicare requirements.  Specifically, the government alleges that TARKA “upcoded” ingrown toenail services, submitting claims to Medicare for avulsion services when in fact he had provided only “routine foot care” services to his Medicare patients.

Routine foot care is typically not a payable service under relevant Medicare regulations, except in limited circumstances for patients with certain systemic conditions or other significant medical issues.

To resolve his liability under the False Claims Act, TARKA will pay $35,000, in order to reimburse the Medicare program for conduct occurring between August 2008 and August 2012.

Under the False Claims Act, the government can recover up to three times its actual damages, plus penalties of $10,957 to $21,916 for each false claim.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne F. Thidemann with the assistance of Auditor Kevin A. Saunders.

U.S. Attorney Daly encourages individuals who suspect health care fraud to report it by calling the Health Care Fraud Task Force at (203) 777-6311 or. 1-800-HHS-TIPS.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAMIAN DELGADO, also known as “Michael Neumann,” 44, of Orlando, Florida, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a securities fraud scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately 2009 and July 2016, DELGADO conspired with others, including Christian Meissenn and William Lieberman, to defraud investors through a stock “pump and dump” scheme.  DELGADO and his co-conspirators induced investors to purchase securities by making false and misleading representations in calls, emails and press releases concerning the securities and the issuing companies, thereby causing the price of those securities to become falsely inflated.  The issuing companies, which were essentially shell companies with virtually no legitimate business activities, were controlled by Lieberman and others.  They included Terra Energy Resources Ltd. (stock symbol “TRRE”); Mammoth Energy Group, Inc. (stock symbol “MMTE”), a company that later became Strategic Asset Leasing Inc. (stock symbol “LEAS”); Trilliant Exploration Corporation (stock symbol “TTXP”); Hermes Jets, Inc. (stock symbol “HRMJ”), which later became Continental Beverage Brands Corporation (stock symbol “CBBB”); Dolat Ventures, Inc. (stock symbol “DOLV”), and Fox Petroleum, Inc. (stock symbol “FXPT”). 

DELGADO used pseudonyms in his communications with investors in order to conceal his prior felony convictions and his permanent bar by the Securities and Exchange Commission from participating in any offering of penny stocks.  His numerous misrepresentations induced investors to purchase securities, thus causing the share price of the securities to become artificially inflated.  Certain of DELGADO’s co-conspirators then sold their own preexisting positions in the securities at a profit.  They then allowed the price of the securities to fall, leaving investors with worthless and unsalable stock.  As a result, victim investors lost millions of dollars.

DELGADO received approximately 25 percent of all money that he induced individuals to invest.  His personal gain from the scheme totaled $346,652.18.  DELGADO disguised the income by having the funds flow through the trust accounts of various attorneys, including Corey Brinson in Connecticut, to bank accounts in the name of DELGADO’s wife, his stepdaughter and various shell entities he and his wife controlled.  DELGADO’s failure to pay taxes on this income resulted in a loss of $54,080 to Internal Revenue Service. 

On May 12, 2017, DELGADO pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and one count of tax evasion.

Judge Meyer will issue a restitution order after further submissions by the parties.  In addition to making restitution to his victims, DELGADO is required to pay back taxes, interest and penalties to the Internal Revenue Service.

DELGADO, who is released on bond, was ordered to report to prison on November 8.

On January 20, 2017, Brinson, of Hartford, pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a monetary transaction in property derived from specified unlawful activity.  On April 13, 2017, he was sentenced to 36 months of imprisonment.

Meissenn, Lieberman and two other individuals involved in this scheme have pleaded guilty to conspiracy and tax offenses and await sentencing.   

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Connecticut Department of Banking and the Hartford and Stamford Police Departments.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Avi M. Perry and Peter S. Jongbloed.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALBERTO COLBERG, 45, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation headed by the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Stamford Police Department, Norwalk Police Department and Connecticut State Police into a drug trafficking organization led by Wilfredo Gutierrez, also known as “Bean” and “Big Pun,” and his brother, Bobby Gutierrez, also known as “B.O.”  The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance, revealed that Wilfredo Gutierrez, Bobby Gutierrez and others, including COLBERG, conspired to distribute heroin in Fairfield County. 

In January and February 2016, investigators made several controlled purchases of heroin from COLBERG.  In addition, COLBERG was recorded on prison calls speaking to Wilfredo Gutierrez while Gutierrez was incarcerated.  The recordings confirmed that COLBERG helped run the Gutierrez drug trafficking operation while Gutierrez was in prison, or was in a halfway house and his movements were restricted.  A wiretap also confirmed that COLBERG assisted Bobby Gutierrez’s narcotics trafficking activities.

As part of his sentence, COLBERG was ordered to forfeit $7,081 that was seized from his residence.

COLBERG has been detained since his arrest on May 27, 2016.  On January 3, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin.

Nine individuals were charged as a result of the investigation.  All pleaded guilty.

On March 16, 2017, Wilfredo Gutierrez was sentenced to 180 months of imprisonment and, on April 24, 2017, Bobby Gutierrez was sentenced to 160 months of imprisonment.  Bobby Gutierrez also was ordered to forfeit $171,462 in cash.

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

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Kaplan and Heather Cherry.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ELENA ILIZAROV, 45, of Stamford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for using an identity theft victim’s personal identifying information to submit fraudulent bills to private insurance companies offering dental insurance.

According to court documents and statements made in court, ILIZAROV served as the office manager for Advanced Dentistry, a dental practice located in Stamford.  Between 2005 and 2016, ILIZAROV billed 37 private dental insurance companies for services allegedly performed by an identity theft victim for patients of Advanced Dentistry, when the victim did not in fact perform those services.  The identity theft victim was a dentist who had been affiliated with Advanced Dentistry for a short period of time and retired fully from dentistry in 2011.  In total, ILIZAROV earned more than $1.2 million by billing in the name of the retired dentist.

Between 2011 and 2015, approximately $581,729 was paid by private insurance companies to Advanced Dentistry for services allegedly provided by the retired dentist.  As a result, the insurance companies issued 1099 forms to the Internal Revenue Service pertaining to the retired dentist.  In 2015 and 2016, ILIZAROV renewed the retired dentist’s Connecticut dental license and controlled substance registrations, paying for the renewals with her personal credit card.  She also applied for, and received, liability insurance in the name of the retired dentist for several years.

ILIZAROV was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on June 21, 2016.  On March 13, 2017, she pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

Judge Bolden will issue a restitution order within 30 days.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarala V. Nagala and David J. Sheldon.

U.S. Attorney Daly encourages individuals who suspect health care fraud to report it by calling the Health Care Fraud Task Force at (203) 777-6311 or 1-800-HHS-TIPS.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LORENA COBURN, 43, of West Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 16 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for her role in a fraud and identity theft scheme.

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately 2012 and July 2016, Jamila Williams-Stevenson and COBURN worked together to steal personal identifying information from victims and commit fraud using the stolen information.  The sources of the personal identifying information included patients at Yale New Haven Hospital, where Williams-Stevenson worked as a care companion.

 

As part of the scheme, Williams-Stevenson and COBURN submitted to the U.S. Postal Service change of address applications for their victims so that the victims’ mail, including checks that were intended for the victims, would be diverted from the victims’ true addresses to addresses that were controlled by Williams-Stevenson and COBURN.  Williams-Stevenson and COBURN also stole checks from residential and business mailboxes and then counterfeited the checks so that they were payable to their identity theft victims.  They then opened bank accounts in the names of identity theft victims, deposited the stolen and counterfeit checks into those accounts, and then withdrew the funds from those accounts.

 

Williams-Stevenson and COBURN also obtained a life insurance policy in the amount of $75,000 in the name of an identity theft victim, and Williams-Stevenson was named as the beneficiary on the policy.  Forensic analysis of Williams-Stevenson’s iPhone, which was seized at the time of her arrest, revealed a series of text messages between Williams-Stevenson and COBURN discussing how they might be able to cause the death of this victim in order to collect on the life insurance policy.

 

More than 30 individuals were victimized through this scheme, resulting in an attempted loss of more than $150,000 to banks and victims.

 

Williams-Stevenson was arrested on July 21, 2016.  On that date, agents executed searches at her house and storage unit and found more than 200 unique credit and debit cards in the names of various identity theft victims.

COBURN was arrested on July 27, 2016.  On November 30, 2016, she pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.

 

Judge Bolden ordered COBURN to pay restitution of $53,365.37 to various financial institutions and a university that suffered financial losses.

 

On December 12, 2016, Williams-Stevenson pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.  On August 8, 2017, she was sentenced to 48 months of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and $53,365.37 in restitution.

 

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force and the West Haven, New Haven and Orange Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarala V. Nagala.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ROLANDO PINO-MARTINEZ, 29, of Springfield, Mass., was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy.

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the fall of 2015, the DEA New Haven Task Force initiated an investigation into a cocaine trafficking organization headed by Halby Lopez, also known as “Harv,” of New Haven.  Omar Polanco-Mendez and Bernardo Roman-Rolan served as Lopez’s second and third in command, respectively.  The investigation revealed that Lopez, Polanco-Mendez and Roman-Rolan were obtaining bulk quantities of cocaine from multiple suppliers and redistributing the cocaine to a network of New Haven-area street-level dealers.  The investigation included court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of drugs and the seizure of multiple kilograms of cocaine.

 

Between January 2016 and March 2016, Lopez, with the assistance of Polanco-Mendez, arranged for the delivery of approximately seven kilograms of cocaine.  Lopez used the La Familia Barber Shop located on Howard Avenue in New Haven, which he owned and operated, to distribute cocaine.

 

PINO-MARTINEZ acted as a courier for a Springfield-based cocaine supplier.  On February 11, 2016, investigators learned that PINO-MARTINEZ would be making a delivery of cocaine to the Lopez organization, which Polanco-Mendez had arranged.  At approximately 9:00 p.m. on that date, the Connecticut State Police stopped PINO-MARTINEZ’s vehicle on I-91 South in Meriden.  A subsequent search of the car revealed two kilograms of cocaine that were concealed in a cereal box.

 

PINO-MARTINEZ was arrested on federal charges on March 16, 2016.  On March 24, 2016, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 13-count indictment charging PINO-MARTINEZ, Lopez, Polanco-Mendez, Roman-Rolan and six other individuals with various narcotics offenses.  On October 4, 2016, PINO-MARTINEZ pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

 

All of the 10 defendants in this case pleaded guilty, and PINO-MARTINEZ is the last to be sentenced.

 

Lopez and Polanco-Mendez are currently serving prison terms of 10 years, and Roman-Rolan is serving a 68-month prison term.

 

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.

This matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Caruso and Jennifer Laraia.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned three indictments yesterday charging three Hartford residents with various drug and firearm offenses.

A three-count indictment alleges that, on September 7, 2017, DAQUAN PATTERSON-GREENE, 22, possessed a Glock 22 .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, as well as cocaine, ecstasy and marijuana with the intent to distribute these drugs.  Prior to that date, PATTERSON-GREEN had sustained felony convictions for first-degree assault and possession of a pistol without a permit.

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. 

The indictment charges PATTERSON-GREEN with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, MDMA (“ecstasy”) and marijuana, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and offense that carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of five years of imprisonment, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

PATTERSON-GREEN has been detained since his arrest on a federal criminal complaint on September 7.

A one-count indictment charges TYSHAWN COLEMAN, 28, with unlawful possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.

The indictment alleges that, on August 5, 2017, COLEMAN possessed a .45 caliber live round.  Prior to that date, COLEMAN had sustained two felony convictions for conspiracy to commit murder, three felony convictions for accessory to first-degree assault, one felony conviction for first degree assault, and one felony conviction for sale of a controlled substance.

If convicted of the charge, COLEMAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

COLEMAN has been detained since his arrest on a federal criminal complaint on August 5.

A one-count indictment charges WILLIAM MARRERO-BENITEZ, 24, with possession of heroin with intent to distribute.

The indictment alleges that, on December 14, 2016, MARRERO-BENITEZ possessed heroin that he intended to distribute.  At the time of the alleged offense, MARRERO-BENITEZ was serving a term of supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

If convicted, MARRERO-BENITEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on the heroin distribution offenses, and an additional term of imprisonment if he is found to have violated the conditions of his federal supervised release.

MARRERO-BENITEZ has been detained in state custody since his arrest by Hartford Police on December 14.

U.S. Attorney Daly 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.

These cases are being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, and the Hartford Police Department.  The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney John F. Fahey of the Hartford State’s Attorney’s Office.

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 RYAN S. ROZYCKI, 41, of Norwalk, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of tax evasion.

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, ROZYCKI owns and operates bangthebook.com, a sports gaming information website, as well as other website businesses and rental properties.  For the 2009 through 2014 tax years, ROZYCKI reported more than $1.6 million in gross receipts on his federal income tax returns, but failed to report more than $1.1 million in taxable income, which he had deposited into his personal bank accounts.  ROZYCKI had worked with an accountant to prepare his tax returns, but did not provide his accountant with any information regarding his personal accounts and the business receipts that had been deposited into them.

 

As a result, ROZYCKI failed to pay $371,161 in taxes for the 2009 through 2014 tax years.

 

ROZYCKI is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford on December 18, 2017, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of up to approximately $742,000, and back taxes, interest and penalties.

 

ROZYCKI was released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.

 

This case has been investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NESTOR SANTANA, also known as “Beans,” 30, of New London, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to a heroin distribution charge stemming from an investigation of two drug overdose deaths in May 2016.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SANTANA pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on December 13, 2017, in Hartford.

Gomez and Bouthillier have pleaded guilty to sex trafficking of a minor and heroin distribution offenses, and Butler has pleaded guilty to a heroin distribution offense.  Each awaits sentencing.

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HECTOR RAUL CINTRON, also known as “G” and “Big G,” 23, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl involved in an overdose of an East Haddam resident last year.  Judge Bryant also ordered CINTRON to pay restitution to the victim’s family to cover the victim’s funeral expenses.

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 March 19, 2016, Connecticut State Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in East Haddam on the report of an “untimely death.”  The victim, an 18-year-old male, was pronounced dead at the scene.  At the scene, State Police seized the victim’s cell phone and multiple glassine bags containing powder residue.  The investigation revealed that Kerry Scanlan, of Avon, arranged to purchase heroin from CINTRON in Hartford.  On March 18, 2016, the victim drove to Avon, picked up Scanlan and then drove to Hartford to purchase heroin from CINTRON.

On April 4, 2016, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner issued a report listing the victim’s cause of death as “acute fentanyl intoxication.”

On two occasions in November 2016, CINTRON sold approximately 200 bags of heroin to an individual working with law enforcement.

CINTRON was arrested on December 15, 2016.  On June 6, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.

CINTRON, who is released on a $50,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on November 1.

Scanlan pleaded guilty to a related charge and awaits sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force East, and East Haddam Police Department.  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 AARON GYAMBIBI, also known as “E,” 27, of Hartford, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing heroin involved in an overdose death in Enfield last year.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 7, 2016, a 31-year-old male died of suspected drug overdose at an Enfield residence.  Enfield Police seized a quantity of heroin and narcotics paraphernalia from the scene.

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

The investigation, which included analysis of the victim’s cellphone, revealed that the heroin ingested by the victim shortly before his death was purchased from GYAMBIBI.

GYAMBIBI has been detained since his arrest on November 16, 2016.  On March 23, 2017, 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 Tactical Diversion Squad and the Enfield 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. Attorney H. Gordon Hall.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, announced that RICHARD ESTABA, also known as “Raw,” 23, of Bridgeport, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with heroin distribution offenses.  The charges stem from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on July 9, 2017, Seymour Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in Seymour on a report of a suspected drug overdose.  In the bathroom of the residence, responders encountered a 29-year-old male who was not breathing and did not have a pulse.  The male was pronounced deceased.  Investigators seized the victim’s cellphone, multiple folds of suspected heroin marked with two different brand stamps, and other drugs.  Subsequent cell phone analysis and witness interviews determined that ESTABA supplied the heroin consumed by the victim shortly before he was found dead.

It is further alleged that, in August 2017, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of 10 wax folds of heroin from ESTABA.  The folds were marked with a brand stamps that was found on some of the wax folds at the victim’s residence.

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

When he was arrested this morning, it is alleged that ESTABA possessed approximately 400 folds of heroin and $1,300 in cash.

ESTABA appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport and was released on a $100,000 bond.

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

U.S. Attorney 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 Seymour and Shelton Police Departments.  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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

The United States today filed civil denaturalization complaints in federal court in the Middle District of Florida, District of Connecticut and District of New Jersey, against three individuals who allegedly obtained their naturalized U.S. citizenship by fraud, the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced. Two Pakistan-born and one India-born individuals’ alleged frauds involved concealing their prior orders of exclusion and deportation under different identities than the identity under which they naturalized.

 

“The Justice Department is committed to preserving the integrity of our nation’s immigration system, and in particular, the asylum and naturalization processes,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The civil complaints charge that defendants in these cases exploited our immigration system and unlawfully secured the ultimate immigration benefit of naturalization. The filing of these cases sends a clear message to immigration fraudsters – if you break our immigration laws, we will prosecute you and denaturalize you.”

 

The three cases, United States of America v. Parvez Manzoor Khan (M.D. Fla.); United States of America v. Rashid Mahmood (D. Conn.); and United States of America v. Baljinder Singh (D.N.J.) were referred to the Department of Justice by USCIS and identified as part of Operation Janus. A Department of Homeland Security initiative, Operation Janus identified about 315,000 cases where some fingerprint data was missing from the centralized digital fingerprint repository. Among those cases, some may have sought to circumvent criminal record and other background checks in the naturalization process. These cases are the result of an ongoing collaboration between the two departments to investigate and seek denaturalization proceedings against those who obtained citizenship unlawfully.

“Naturalization is one of the most sacred honors bestowed by our nation,” said Acting USCIS Director James W. McCament. “USCIS takes great care and responsibility in determining to refer a case for denaturalization proceedings. We do so to send the strong message that individuals who seek to defraud the United States by obtaining naturalization unlawfully will be targeted to have their U.S. citizenship stripped. I am grateful for the USCIS team who devoted countless hours to the painstaking work of uncovering fraud in each of these cases.”

A description of the three cases and the allegations of the United States are:

 

Parvez Manzoor Khan

 

Parvez Manzoor Khan aka Mohammad Akhtar and Jaweed Khan, 60, a native of Pakistan, arrived at Los Angeles International Airport on Dec. 7, 1991, bearing a Pakistani passport in the name of Mohammad Akhtar. Immigration officials determined that the photo in the passport had been altered. Khan then applied for asylum, claiming his true name was Jaweed Khan. Khan failed to appear in immigration court and was ordered excluded and deported on Feb. 26, 1992. He subsequently failed to surrender for deportation. After having married a U.S. citizen, Khan, using the alias Parvez Manzoor Khan, was granted permanent resident status in 2001. He naturalized on July 3, 2006. Khan has been residing in Branford, Florida.

 

This case was investigated by USCIS and the Civil Division’s Office of Immigration Litigation, District Court Section (OIL-DCS). The case is being prosecuted by Counsel for National Security Aaron Petty of OIL-DCS’s National Security and Affirmative Litigation Unit (NS/A Unit), with support from USCIS Office of the Chief Counsel, Southeast Law Division.

 

Rashid Mahmood

 

Rashid Mahmood aka Rashid Mehmood, 44, a native of Pakistan, arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on July 9, 1992, and presented a fraudulent U.S. temporary resident card. He claimed his name was Rashid Mehmood. He was placed in exclusion proceedings, but failed to appear for his immigration court hearing and was ordered excluded and deported on Oct. 13, 1992. Three years later, on Oct. 10, 1995, he filed for adjustment of status under the surname Mahmood based on his marriage to a U.S. citizen, who filed a visa petition on his behalf. He naturalized under the name Rashid Mahmood on June 3, 2005. He also lied on his naturalization form failing to disclose that he claimed he was a member of the Pakistan People’s Party when he applied for entry into the United States in 1992. Mahmood has been residing in New Britain/Hartford, Connecticut.

 

This case was investigated by USCIS and OIL-DCS. The case is being prosecuted by Counsel for National Security Joseph F. Carilli, Jr. of NS/A Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Ikari for the District of Connecticut, with support from Associate Counsel Cortney V. Price of USCIS Office of the Chief Counsel, Central Law Division.

 

Baljinder Singh

 

Baljinder Singh aka Davinder Singh, 43, a native of India, arrived at San Francisco International Airport on Sept. 25, 1991, without any travel documents or proof of identity. He claimed his name was Davinder Singh. He was placed in exclusion proceedings, but failed to appear for his immigration court hearing and was ordered excluded and deported on Jan. 7, 1992. Four weeks later, on Feb. 6, 1992, he filed an asylum application under the name Baljinder Singh. He claimed to be an Indian who entered the United States without inspection. Singh abandoned that application after he married a U.S. citizen, who filed a visa petition on his behalf. Singh naturalized under the name Baljinder Singh on July 28, 2006. Singh has been residing in Carteret, New Jersey.

 

This case was investigated by USCIS and OIL-DCS. The case is being prosecuted by Counsel for National Security Aaron Petty of NS/A Unit, with support from Deputy Chief Patrice Rodman of USCIS Office of the Chief Counsel, Northeast Law Division.

 

The civil complaints contain charges against defendants that include illegal procurement of naturalization by not being lawfully admitted for permanent residence (fraud or willful misrepresentation), illegal procurement of naturalization due to lack of good moral character (false testimony) and procurement of U.S. citizenship (concealment of a material fact or willful misrepresentation; false testimony).

 

The claims made in the complaints are allegations only, and there have been no determinations of liability.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TIMOTHY J. ALLEN, 36, of Torrington, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for possessing child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from “Operation Pacifier,” an FBI investigation into Playpen, a global online forum through which registered users advertised, distributed and accessed child pornography. On February 20, 2015, the FBI seized a computer server hosting Playpen from a webhosting facility in North Carolina. Pursuant to a federal court order in the Eastern District of Virginia, the website operated under FBI supervision February 20 to March 4, 2015. During that time, the FBI collected information to identify members of Playpen.

Playpen had more than 150,000 members who created and viewed tens of thousands of postings related to child pornography. Images and videos shared through the site were highly categorized according to victim age and gender, as well as the type of sexual activity. The site also included discussion forums that included tips for grooming victims and avoiding detection.

The FBI determined that a user name connected to an IP address operating at ALLEN’s Torrington residence had accessed Playpen for approximately 34 hours during the monitoring period. Investigators subsequently searched ALLEN’s residence and seized several devices that ALLEN used to view child pornography. Forensic analysis of the devices revealed more than 4,000 images of child pornography, including images and videos of prepubescent minors, as well as more than 60 voyeurism videos.

ALLEN was arrested on September 2, 2015. On June 7, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.

ALLEN, who is released on a $50,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on October 17, 2017.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacabed Rodriguez-Coss.

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARYBETH HARVEY, 35, of Norwich, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 12 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine. Judge Meyer also ordered HARVEY to forfeit $4,800.

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 HARVEY 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 HARVEY 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.

HARVEY and Mott were arrested on August 8, 2016. On that date, a search of HARVEY’s residence revealed approximately 23 grams of cocaine.

On May 9, 2017, HARVEY pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possesses with intent to distribute 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.

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 DWIGHT JARVIS, 28, of Monroe, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 27, 2016, a search of JARVIS’ Monroe residence revealed approximately 29 grams of cocaine, approximately 25 grams of crack cocaine, 70 dose bags of heroin, and other items used to process and package narcotics for street sale.

JARVIS was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on December 16, 2016. On April 27, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine base (“crack”).

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LENWORTH STYLE, 44, a citizen of Jamaica last residing in the Bronx, New York, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to approximately 16 months of imprisonment, time already served, for making a false statement in a U.S. passport application. A jury convicted STYLE of the offense on September 12, 2017.

According to the evidence at trial, on June 19, 2012, STYLE submitted an application for a U.S. passport, in the name of a legitimate U.S. citizen, at a U.S. Post Office in Bridgeport. Claiming to be this individual, STYLE presented a New York birth certificate and a fraudulent Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles identity card in the name of the U.S. citizen, but bearing STYLE’s photograph. STYLE then signed the passport application under oath claiming to be the U.S. citizen.

Passport authorities flagged the application as possibly fraudulent and did not issue the passport. The U.S. citizen whose identity that STYLE used subsequently told law enforcement that he had never applied for a passport, and latent fingerprints on the fraudulent passport application matched STYLE’s fingerprints.

STYLE has been in federal custody since his arrest on April 25, 2016. He is subject to an immigration detainer and a detainer from the State of Rhode Island for unrelated criminal charges.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hal Chen and Nancy Gifford.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that FELIPE RODRIGUEZ, also known as “Flip,” 36, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 51 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for gun and drug offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 10, 2015, members of the Hartford Police Department and other investigators were conducting an investigation into narcotics trafficking in the area of Park and Hungerford Streets. While conducting surveillance, they observed a vehicle pull over on Park Street and the driver of the vehicle hand a package to a person who investigators suspected was distributing narcotics in the area. Officers conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle after it drove away. RODRIGUEZ was in the rear passenger seat of the car. A search of his person revealed 49 bags of marijuana packaged for street sale, and a search of the vehicle revealed a .32 caliber handgun. RODRIGUEZ admitted that the gun was his.

Prior to March 2015, RODRIGUEZ had been convicted of felony offenses, including larceny and robbery.

On June 29, 2016, RODRIGUEZ pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

In December 2016, while RODRIGUEZ was released on bond and participating in Support Court, investigators conducted two controlled purchases of heroin from RODRIGUEZ. RODRIGUEZ was arrested on December 15, 2016. On that date, a search of his residence revealed a loaded .22 caliber firearm, additional rounds of ammunition, and a Los Solidos gang “contract.” He has been detained since his arrest.

This case was investigated by the Hartford Police Department and the FBI’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 case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging JOSE CARRASQUILLO, also known as “Pete,” 31, of Wethersfield, and DWAYNE THOMPSON, 32, of West Hartford, with heroin trafficking offenses. The indictment also charges THOMPSON with illegally possessing a firearm.

As alleged in court documents, in July 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force received information that CARRASQUILLO was interested in acquiring heroin to distribute. In August, CARRASQUILLO agreed to purchase three kilograms of heroin from an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a heroin supplier. On August 22, CARRASQUILLO and THOMPSON, arriving in separate vehicles, met in South Windsor with an individual working with law enforcement to complete the transaction. THOMPSON was arrested on that date after he was found in possession of a firearm and $126,200 in cash. CARRASQUILLO, who fled at a high rate of speed and was able to elude capture, surrendered to law enforcement on August 24.

The indictment charges CARRASQUILLO and THOMPSON with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and one count of attempt to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. Both of these charges carry a maximum term of imprisonment of life. The indictment also charges THOMPSON with one count of carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years.

The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of the cash and firearm seized at the time of THOMPSON’s arrest.

CARRASQUILLO and THOMPSON are released on bonds in the amounts of $150,000 and $100,000, respectively.

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

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NICHOLAS MURPHY, 27, of Exeter, R.I., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for traveling to Connecticut to engage in sex with a minor.

According to court documents and statements made in court, MURPHY communicated with a minor victim through online platforms including Facebook. The victim told MURPHY that she was 16 years old when, in fact, she was 14.

In May and June 2015, MURPHY travelled from Rhode Island to Connecticut to meet the victim. On at least one occasion during this time, MURPHY engaged in illicit sexual conduct with the minor victim in his truck.

On the evening of September 16, 2015, after communicating on Facebook, MURPHY drove from Rhode Island to Connecticut to meet the victim. MURPHY knew that the victim was sneaking out of her home without her parents’ knowledge to meet him. MURPHY picked up the victim in his truck and then drove to a secluded area where he and the victim engaged in illicit sexual conduct.

MURPHY was arrested on related state charges on May 9, 2016. On June 5, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of traveling to engage in illegal sexual activity with a minor. He has been detained since that date.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Plainfield Police Department, Rhode Island State Police and the U.S. Air Force’s Office of Special Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WEST ROBERTSON, also known as “Po,” 34, of New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing ammunition in connection with a shooting in New London. Judge Bryant also ordered ROBERTSON to perform 200 hours of community service.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 29, 2014, in the vicinity of Maple Avenue in New London, ROBERTSON became involved in an altercation with another individual and shot the victim several times. ROBERTSON then fled the scene.

The victim’s injuries were not life-threatening.

Eyewitness accounts identified ROBERTSON as the shooter, and a video surveillance camera captured his girlfriend’s car fleeing the scene of the shooting. Police also recovered ammunition shell casings in the Maple Avenue area.

ROBERTSON was arrested on June 6, 2014. The firearm he used in the shooting was later recovered.

ROBERTSON has multiple state felony convictions including those for robbery, kidnapping and possession of narcotics. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

On December 1, 2014, ROBERTSON pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition.

ROBERTSON has been detained since his arrest.

This matter was investigated by the New London Police Department with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police, New London State’s Attorney’s Office, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Karwan.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTOPHER BRYAN COLEMAN, 28, of Waterbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of escape from custody.

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

On August 9, 2017, the U.S. Marshals Service located COLEMAN at a private residence in Waterbury and arrested him. He has been detained since his arrest.

When he is sentenced, COLEMAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. A sentencing date is not scheduled.

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, announced that JOSE GREGORY CHARON, also known as “Yoshi,” 31, of Danbury, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.

CHARON appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport and was ordered detained. The offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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.

As alleged in the criminal complaint, on April 9, 2017, the Danbury Police Department responded to Danbury residence on a report of an untimely death of a woman. Evidence collected from the scene included three cellphones, a bottle of methadone and an empty glassine bag marked with a particular brand stamp.

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

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that JOHN DiMENNA, 74, of Vero Beach, Florida, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to two counts of wire fraud stemming from an extensive real estate investment and financing scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, DiMENNA worked in the commercial real estate industry, arranging for the purchase and development of large commercial real estate projects in Fairfield County, including hotels or multi-tenant properties with hundreds of apartments. DiMENNA and his business partners operated through various entities including Seaboard Realty LLC, Seaboard Stamford Investment Group (SSIG), and Seaboard Properties Group LLC. To raise capital for real estate projects, DiMENNA and his partners sold membership interests to outside investors in each LLC that owned or was to purchase a designated commercial property. DiMENNA also sold interests to investors in other LLCs that did not own specific properties but were to have some involvement in certain projects. Various financial institutions and other entities provided millions of dollars in financing to purchase, renovate or construct DiMENNA’s commercial real estate projects. DiMENNA oversaw each project, including each entity’s profitability, its cash flow, operating cash needs and any additional funds needed for repairs or renovations.

Between approximately 2010 and March 2016, DiMENNA engaged in a scheme to defraud investors and financial institutions. Knowing that certain of his properties were not cash positive, and without disclosing this fact to investors and lenders, DiMENNA used funds from separate cash-positive entities to support capital improvements, construction, and operating expenditures in other LLCs that needed the cash. In addition, DiMENNA used funds from cash positive entities to continue to make required interest and preferred returns to investors of any entity that he managed, regardless of the true available cash that an entity might have to fund such payments.

As part of the scheme, DiMENNA prepared spreadsheets that inflated the projected cash flows of certain projects, and then shared the spreadsheets with his business partners knowing that they would be marketing the ventures to potential investors. DiMENNA also provided his business partners with false sales contracts, false lease commitments and other false documents concerning the status and prospect of the various real estate investments.

DiMENNA provided existing investors inaccurate financial information in order to induce investors not to withdraw an investment, and he provided prospective investors with false information about a project’s financial viability to induce them to invest. DiMENNA frequently received a template from his accounting manager that set forth actual financial figures relating to a property, and then changed the numbers to make the figures appear stronger. In certain instances, DiMENNA simply created his own template with his own false figures and then provided the summaries to current and potential investors.

DiMENNA also sold investors equity in certain entities at a time when he knew the entities were fully subscribed and thus not eligible for receiving investment monies.

During the scheme, DiMENNA provided lenders and appraisers with inaccurate financial data concerning the various real estate properties and other entities used to collateralize various loans, including providing lenders with overstated income figures, understated expense figures, false personal financial statements, false bank statements, and false tax returns relating to the properties. He also failed to disclose to potential lenders intercompany debt obligations and all unrecorded liens on particular properties, and he created false releases of liens and UCC filing documents.

DiMENNA often sought financing from various lenders without informing existing lenders of prior loans secured by the property at issue, entered loan agreements with lenders without recording such agreements, and forged the names of his two business partners on various documents without their knowledge to secure financing. At times, DiMENNA entered into financing agreements with lenders without the knowledge, consent or authorization of his two business partners.

The government contends that, through this scheme, victim investors lost approximately $28 million and victim lenders lost approximately $41 million, for a total combined loss of $69,617,685.38.

DiMENNA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 50 years when he is sentenced by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport. A sentencing date is not scheduled.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Schmeisser.

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 DONALD J. McCARTHY, 67, of East Hartford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to one count of tax evasion.

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

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

By June 2015, when he learned of the criminal investigation being conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, McCARTHY owed $1,437,037 in back taxes, interest and penalties.

Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for December 4, 2017, at which time McCARTHY faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  McCARTHY also has agreed to cooperate with the IRS to pay all outstanding taxes, interest and penalties.

McCARTHY was released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that LESHANDA LONG, 36, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to fraud and identity theft offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2016, LONG stole the identity of an individual and used the misappropriated identity to obtain a credit card, rent an automobile, pay personal expenses and obtain cash advances.

Surveillance video at a bank ATM captured LONG obtaining cash advances disguised with an orange scarf and distinctive sunglasses. A subsequent search of LONG’s residence revealed the scarf and sunglasses, as well as the victim’s personal identifying material and the fraudulently obtained credit card.

LONG pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of two years. She is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford on December 11, 2017.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury sitting in Hartford returned a seven-count indictment yesterday charging RAYMOND ORTEGA, 23, of Hartford, with drug and firearm offenses.

The indictment alleges that in July and August 2017, ORTEGA distributed heroin and crack cocaine. The indictment further alleges that on August 2, 2017, ORTEGA possessed distribution quantities of heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine; a Springfield Armory XDS 4.0 .45 ACP firearm with an obliterated serial number, and a Glock .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol.

The indictment charges ORTEGA with five counts of possessing with intent to distribute and/or distributing heroin, cocaine, and/or cocaine base (“crack cocaine”). Each of these charges carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. The indictment also charges ORTEGA with one count of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of life.

ORTEGA has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on August 2.

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 case is being 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc H. Silverman.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MARCO PADILLA, 51, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 60 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 PADILLA, on the streets of New Haven.

The investigation has resulted in federal charges against 23 individuals.

PADILLA has been detained since his arrest on March 16, 2017. On May 22, 2017, PADILLA pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.

PADILLA’s criminal history includes numerous prior convictions, including several narcotics-related convictions.

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. Attorneys Amy C. Brown and Patrick F. Caruso.

United States Attorney Deirdre M. Daly and Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen today announced that a Connecticut substance abuse treatment provider and its former CEO will pay $627,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the federal and state False Claims Acts.

THE HARTFORD DISPENSARY and THE HARTFORD DISPENSARY ENDOWMENT CORPORATION (collectively, “Hartford Dispensary”) is a healthcare organization that provides behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment services. It operates various outpatient treatment programs through its nine clinics located in Connecticut. PAUL McLAUGHLIN is the former President and Chief Executive Officer of Hartford Dispensary.

To be certified as an opioid treatment provider (OTP), the OTP must formally designate a medical director, who assumes responsibility for administering all medical services performed by the OTP. The medical director is also responsible for ensuring that the OTP is in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

The government alleges that Hartford Dispensary and McLaughlin made repeated false representations and false certifications to federal and state authorities that Hartford Dispensary had a medical director, as defined by relevant regulations, who was performing the duties and responsibilities required by federal and state law. The government further alleges that these false representations and certifications were material to false or fraudulent claims submitted to the Medicaid program.

To resolve the government’s allegations under the federal and state False Claims Acts, Hartford Dispensary and McLaughlin have agreed to pay $627,000, which covers conduct occurring from January 1, 2009 through November 20, 2015.

A complaint against Hartford Dispensary was filed in the U.S. District Court in Connecticut under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the both the federal and state False Claims Acts. The relators (whistleblowers), Russell Buchner and Charles Hatheway, former employees of Hartford Dispensary, will receive a share of the proceeds of the settlement in the amount of $112,860. The whistleblower provisions of both the federal and state False Claims Acts provide that the whistleblower is entitled to receive a percentage of the proceeds of any judgment or settlement recovered by the government.

“Health care providers must be completely honest when certifying information to the government, and the failure to do so will have serious consequences,” stated U.S. Attorney Daly. “The U.S. Attorney’s office is committed to vigorously pursuing health care providers who make false representations to federal health care programs.”

“Medicaid providers are required to comply with the applicable rules of the program and to certify honestly their compliance,” said Attorney General Jepsen. “I’m grateful to our state and federal partners for their continued cooperation and coordination as we work to protect our taxpayer-funded healthcare programs.”

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

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