District of Connecticut

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment today charging ROBERT DEWAYNE WATKINS, also known as “D,” 42, of Bristol, with one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin and cocaine base (“crack”).

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

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

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

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

If convicted of the charge, WATKINS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JEFFREY GENTILE, 35, of Ansonia, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to three years of probation for his role in a steroids and prescription pill distribution conspiracy. Judge Chatigny also ordered GENTILE to perform 150 hours of community service.

According to court documents and statements made in court, a long-term investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations revealed that Steven Santucci, a former Newtown Police sergeant, and others were receiving shipments of steroid ingredients from China and manufacturing and distributing wholesale quantities of steroids. Certain members of the conspiracy also distributed prescription pills, including oxycodone, as well as cocaine.

The investigation revealed that Alex Kenyhercz, of Ansonia, purchased anabolic steroids from Santucci and distributed them to others. GENTILE obtained steroids from Kenyhercz by paying him, in part, with Adderall, which is an amphetamine.

At the time of this offense, Gentile was a Connecticut Juvenile Detention Officer.

GENTILE was arrested on April 29, 2015. On October 5, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of using a telephone to facilitate the distribution of amphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

Santucci and Kenyhercz pleaded guilty to related charges. On August 25, 2016, Santucci was sentenced to 16 months of imprisonment, six months of home confinement, 120 hours of community service and a $5,000 fine. Kenyhercz awaits sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale and Robert M. Spector.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HARRY DUREN, 74, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, oxycodone.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately March 2011 and April 2016, DUREN obtained prescriptions for medications containing oxycodone from doctors in Connecticut and then arranged to resell the medications for his own profit. In total, DUREN and his co-conspirators sold approximately 45,000 30mg oxycodone pills. DUREN’s profit from the drug sales was approximately $700,000.

DUREN is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford on November 29, 2017, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

This investigation is being conducted by the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, which includes officers from the Bristol, Greenwich, Hamden, Milford, New Haven, Shelton, Vernon and Wilton Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a grand jury sitting in Hartford returned an indictment today charging MOHAMED ABDI, also known as “Vic,” 25, of Worcester, Massachusetts, with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion.

As alleged in the indictment, between late December 2016 and January 5, 2017, ABDI recruited, harbored, transported and maintained a female victim to engage in commercial acts, benefitted financially, and used force, fraud or coercion.

ABDI has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on January 5, 2017.

If convicted, ABDI faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life on the sex trafficking charge, and a maximum term of imprisonment of life on the conspiracy charge.

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 Connecticut Human Trafficking Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Connecticut State Police, with the assistance of the Wethersfield Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut will implement an online messaging campaign in September during National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month to highlight the importance of law enforcement wellness and suicide prevention. According to Badge of Life, more officers die of suicide than from gunfire and traffic accidents combined. The Police Suicide Study estimates that an average of 130 law enforcement suicides occur per year, which is more than ten per month.

“The hard truth is that every year far more police officers take their own lives than are killed in the line of duty by criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly.  “This is not surprising when we consider the relentless demands and undeniable toll of the job.  Police work draws people of exceptional courage and humility.  But far too many officers suffer in silence unable to seek the help they need.  We need to do everything we can to prioritize the well-being of all law enforcement officers.”

Over the course of the month, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will disseminate messages via social media using the hashtag #OfficerWellness.

In 2012, federal, state and local officials combined to launch an innovative anti-violence initiative in New Haven.  We called it Project Longevity in recognition of our goal to provide longevity to the lives of urban black males – who too often are cut down by gun violence – and because we aspired to instill the program’s core concepts in our police departments as an enduring way of “doing business.”  Within the year, Bridgeport and Hartford were also up and running.

Project Longevity has lived up to its name.  Now in its fifth year, it continues to bring together law enforcement, community members and service providers to collectively address violent crime. The budget for Project Longevity has included the salaries for a Statewide Manager, three city Project Managers, and three Service Coordinators.  These seven individuals are the backbone of the operation.  They have worked hard to forge partnerships between law enforcement, social service providers and members of violent groups to help those who want to step away from dangerous associations toward a new, law abiding life.  This is not easy work, as it requires overcoming challenges involving employment, housing, addiction, anger management and transportation.  Through the unwavering commitment of our Project Longevity leaders, they have earned the trust of both community members and violent offenders.

The Project Longevity leaders’ diligence has also led to remarkable relationships amongst all of our law enforcement partners. The police departments of our state’s three largest cities are working hand-in-hand with our Statewide Coordinator and their city’s Program Manager.  Some departments insist that their special units meet and share intelligence on a daily or weekly basis.  In New Haven, we have meetings four days a week, with representatives from the NHPD intel unit, shooting task force, homicide, robbery/burglary, and detective units, District Managers, SROs, Narcotics, Bureau of Identification, ATF, FBI, DEA, DOC, West Haven and Hamden Police Departments, adult probation, adult parole, juvenile prosecutor’s office, juvenile probation, and juvenile parole, federal probation, State’s Attorney’s Office, United States Attorney’s Office and the Project Longevity Project Manager in attendance. The group’s sole aim is to reduce, prevent and solve violent crime by quickly and resolutely responding to the latest group to act violently.  Their success is boldly reflected in the dramatic decline in violent crime in New Haven since Project Longevity’s inception in 2012.

Taxpayers benefit directly from Project Longevity in the form of averted medical, law enforcement, and criminal justice expenses that otherwise are incurred by the government. Taking the yearly cost of the entire program, one study suggests that Connecticut taxpayers benefit from almost $5 million in net savings.  But in light of Connecticut’s fiscal crisis, our Statewide Coordinator, three Project Managers and three Service Coordinators are working without pay or assurance they will receive retroactive remuneration.  Each year, our project managers conduct at least three Call-Ins, participate in hundreds of Custom Notifications, deliver anti-violence presentations to community groups and schools, and spearhead food and clothing drives.  Although this small team has not been paid for months, they have not stopped working to make our communities safer.  Their dedication to Project longevity does not depend on a paycheck.  We hope we can keep our promises to these faithful professionals.

U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly
Bridgeport Police Chief Armando J. Perez
Hartford Police Chief James C. Rovella
New Haven Police Chief Anthony Campbell

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PAUL MOTT, 29, of Groton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, 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, MOTT conspired with others to obtain and distribute cocaine. MOTT regularly took orders for cocaine from his 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 his co-conspirators 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.

MOTT was arrested on August 8, 2016, after he was found in possession of approximately 319 grams of cocaine that he obtained in New York and transported to southeastern Connecticut to redistribute. On that date, a search of a hotel room in Groton, where MOTT was residing, revealed an additional quantity of cocaine, as well as items used to process and package the drug.

As part of his sentence, MOTT was ordered to forfeit a 2013 Toyota 4Runner and approximately $3,494 that was seized from him at the time of his arrest.

MOTT has been detained since his arrest. On May 11, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possesses with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

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 ERISON PERALTA, 39, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 42 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, on October 21, 2016, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office in Alabama conducted a motor vehicle stop of a car hauler that was carrying a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. A search of the Malibu revealed that it contained a hidden compartment (“trap”), which is commonly used to conceal and transport illegal contraband, including narcotics, firearms and currency. Law enforcement officials obtained court authorization to install tracking devices on the vehicle and, between October 2016 and January 2017, HSI agents observed it at various locations in Connecticut and Rhode Island.

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

PERALTA was arrested after he and others were located inside of 1091 Maple Avenue and a search of the residence revealed more than six kilograms of heroin, approximately 500 grams of cocaine and a “finger press,” which is used to process bulk quantities of heroin into 10-gram-bags known as “fingers.” Agents also seized drug distribution materials, including sifters, grinders, scales, vacuum sealers and kilo wrappers, which were coated in heroin residue and field-tested positive for the presence of fentanyl. Agents then searched the Malibu, which was located in the garage of 1091 Maple Avenue, and recovered approximately $260,000 in cash from inside the trap.

Subsequent laboratory testing of the seized heroin revealed that most of it contained fentanyl.

PERALTA has been detained since his arrest. On March 24, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin.

PERALTA, who faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term, has agreed not to contest his deportation.

This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Hartford Police Department and the Connecticut State Police, with the assistance of the Baldwin County (Ala.) Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that PABLO TEXIDOR, 40, of West Hartford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to importing a tableting machine and tableting dies to manufacture fake oxycodone pills that contain heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 15, 2017, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials inspected a parcel from China that was being shipped to TEXIDOR’s West Hartford residence. The parcel, which was described as containing “machine spare parts,” contained one set of tablet press dies.

Pill presses are often used by individuals engaged in the manufacturing of distribution-quantities of pills or capsules. A pill die is used with a pill press to cut and mark tablets.

The investigation revealed that five parcels had been shipped previously from China to TEXIDOR’s residence. Four of the parcels were described as containing “machine spare parts,” and one parcel was described as containing a “hole puncher machine for sample.”

On March 30, 2017, DEA agents searched TEXIDOR’s residence and seized a tableting press, seven pill dies, 99 fake oxycodone pills, a bag containing approximately four grams of heroin, and a bag containing approximately 500 grams of a binding powder. A subsequent lab test revealed that the pills contained no oxycodone, but instead contained heroin.

TEXIDOR pleaded guilty to one count of importation of any product used to manufacture a controlled substance, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of four years. Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for November 28, 2017.

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

This matter is being investigated by the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, with the assistance of the West Hartford Police Department. The DEA Tactical Diversion Squad includes officers from the Bristol, Greenwich, Hamden, Milford, New Haven, Shelton, Vernon and Wilton Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE LIZARDO-OLEA, 30, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in Windham, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 15 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine and crack.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2015, the DEA, Willimantic Police Department and Connecticut State Police initiated an investigation into a Willimantic-based narcotics trafficking ring after several overdoses in the region. The investigation, which included the use of confidential informants, physical surveillance, controlled purchases of drugs and court authorized wiretaps on five cellular telephones utilized by the co-conspirators, revealed that Jose Miranda, also known as “Omar,” 52, of the Bronx, N.Y., was supplying large quantities of heroin and cocaine to individuals in eastern Connecticut and Rhode Island, including Carlos Alberto Lopez-Zelada, of Willimantic, and Persio Hernandez, of North Windham. In Connecticut, Lopez-Zelada converted a portion of the cocaine he received into crack cocaine. Lopez-Zelada, Hernandez and other co-conspirators then distributed heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine in the Willimantic area.

LIZARDO-OLEA worked with Carlos Lopez-Zelada in supplying cocaine and crack cocaine, connecting Lopez-Zelada to customers, and delivering drugs for Lopez-Zelada.

LIZARDO-OLEA was arrested on July 6, 2016. On December 23, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”).

LIZARDO-OLEA faces immigration proceedings when he is released from prison.

Miranda, Lopez-Zelada and Hernandez pleaded guilty to related charges. On June 13, Miranda was sentenced to 74 months of imprisonment. Lopez-Zelada and Hernandez await sentencing.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAYMOND J. GORDON, also known as “X-RAY,” 30, of Stratford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to one count of distribution of heroin.

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

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

GORDON has been detained since his arrest on May 16, 2017.

Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for November 21, 2017, at which time GORDON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Stratford Police Department. The task force includes personnel from the Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford and Bridgeport Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police. 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 BYRON RIVERA, 27, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a heroin distribution ring.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2016, the East Hartford Police Department received information that individuals were packaging and selling heroin from an apartment at 50 Forest Street in Hartford, and that there were guns in the apartment. A law enforcement investigation in August and September 2016 confirmed drug activity at the location.

On September 13, 2016, members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department and the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force executed a search warrant at the apartment and encountered RIVERA and others inside. A search of the apartment revealed more than 39,000 bags of heroin, approximately 283 grams of unpackaged heroin, three fentanyl patches, scales and other items used in the processing and packaging of heroin, two handguns and numerous rounds of ammunition.

RIVERA was arrested on September 13, 2016. On May 16, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin.

The FBI Task Force includes members of the U.S. Marshals Service, 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 ARTURO CASTRO, 53, of Wilmette, Illinois, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for traveling to Connecticut to engage in sex with a minor.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in approximately December 2013, CASTRO began communicating with a 15-year-old female in Connecticut through “Chess with Friends,” and online app. Using the app’s chat option, CASTRO asked the minor victim to send him naked photographs of herself, and subsequently enticed the minor victim to create videos depicting the minor victim engaged in sexually explicit conduct and send those videos to CASTRO. CASTRO also sent sexually explicit pictures and videos to the victim. In March 2014, CASTRO traveled from Illinois to Connecticut and engaged in illicit sexual activity with the minor victim.

CASTRO has been detained since his arrest on December 13, 2016. On June 5, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of use of an interstate facility to persuade a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity.

CASTRO, a citizen of Mexico and lawful permanent resident of the U.S., faces immigration proceedings when he is released from prison.

This investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations in Hartford and Chicago, and the Clinton (Conn.) Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacabed Rodriguez-Coss.

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that, YACOV OCASIO, also known as “Little,” 21, 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 heroin. Judge Thompson also ordered OCASIO to perform 150 hours of community service.

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 August 26, 2016, Middletown Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a Middletown apartment on the report of a possible overdose and found an unresponsive 28-year-old male lying in a bed. Medical intervention was unsuccessful and the victim was pronounced dead. Officers located and seized one torn baggy, commonly used to package heroin, from the victim’s pants pocket. Officers also seized the victim’s iPhone.

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 revealed that, on August 25, 2016, the victim arranged to purchase heroin from OCASIO, and then drove to Hartford to complete the purchase.

In November 2016, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of heroin from OCASIO.

OCASIO was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on January 18, 2017. On February 24, 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 Middletown Police Department. The Tactical Diversion Squad includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe and Fairfield Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Spector and Jocelyn Kaoutzanis, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugene Calistro, with the support and assistance of the Middlesex State’s Attorney’s Office.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JACQUES FLEURIJEUNE, 28, also known as “Magic,” a citizen of Haiti last residing in New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to approximately five months of imprisonment, time already served, and three years of supervised release, for his involvement in an insurance fraud scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between April 2011 and April 2014, FLEURIJEUNE and others conspired to stage approximately 50 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 about $10,000 to about $30,000 per accident.

On February 13, 2017, FLEURIJEUNE pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. In pleading guilty, he admitted to his personal involvement in one staged crash that occurred on October 22, 2013, in Norwich. On that date Mackenzy Noze deliberately crashed FLEURIJEUNE’s car, which was in poor condition, in part so that FLEURIJEUNE could receive money from his insurance provider to purchase a new vehicle. After Noze crashed the vehicle, FLEURIJEUNE replaced Noze in the driver’s seat and falsely reported to responding law enforcement officers that FLEURIJEUNE had been driving the car at the time of the crash, and that the crash occurred because he swerved into a tree to avoid hitting a deer in the road.

After the crash, FLEURIJEUNE and his co-conspirators submitted fraudulent insurance claims that misrepresented the conditions that caused the crash, who was driving the vehicle at the time of the crash, and whether and to what extent the occupants of the vehicle suffered injuries as a result of the crash. As a result, FLEURIJEUNE and others collected a total of $30,534.52 from the insurer.

FLEURIJEUNE, who is detained, faces immigration proceedings.

Six other individuals involved in this scheme, including Noze, have been convicted. Noze awaits sentencing.

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.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that AARON J. JOHNSON, 37, of Haddam, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for defrauding clients of his investment business.

According to court documents and statements made in court, JOHNSON was President and Chief Investment Officer of J. Capital Advisors, and was a registered investment advisor until October 21, 2013, when his and J. Capital Advisors’ registration was revoked by the State of Connecticut

In approximately April 2010, JOHNSON became a registered investment advisor with Trade PMR, a Florida company that provides brokerage and custody services for registered investment advisors. Almost immediately, JOHNSON began skimming excessive and unearned fees from client accounts. JOHNSON would submit a request to Trade PMR for fees for a particular client supposedly earned during a particular time period, and Trade PMR would, in turn, arrange for those fees to be deducted from the client’s account and deposited into a J. Capital Advisors’ sundry account over which JOHNSON maintained exclusive control. By December 2012, when Trade PMR terminated its relationship with JOHNSON, JOHNSON had taken a total of $619,231.09 in excessive fees from 19 victim clients.

JOHNSON also attempted to obstruct, delay and prevent the discovery of the full scope of his scheme by falsely claiming to one of his victims and to investigators with the State of Connecticut Department of Banking that fees taken from that victim’s account were due to a “glitch” in his billing system. JOHNSON submitted falsified documentation to Trade PMR including bogus account statements for clients, and letters of authorization that JOHNSON forged purporting to allow him to take fees from client accounts. JOHNSON also submitted a falsified account statement to Department of Banking investigators in an attempt to show that he had funds with which to pay restitution.

Judge Meyer ordered JOHNSON to pay full restitution to his victims.

JOHNSON was arrested on February 17, 2016. On February 23, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud.

JOHNSON, who is released on a $250,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on October 2, 2017.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the State of Connecticut Department of Banking, Securities and Business Investments Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan L. Wines.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that DANIEL GUILLEN, 28, of Wallingford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 41 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and fentanyl involved in an overdose death last year. This matter stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 31, 2016, the Wallingford Police Department and medical personnel responded to a residence after a report of an untimely death of a 30-year-old male. At the scene, officers seized 12 wax paper folds, eight of which contained a powdery substance. The State of Connecticut Forensics Laboratory subsequently reported that the substance tested positive for the presence of fentanyl and heroin. The investigation revealed that GUILLEN had provided the drugs to the victim shortly before the victim’s death.

GUILLEN has been detained since his arrest on January 19, 2017. On April 19, 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 New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, Wallingford Police Department, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and State of Connecticut Department of Parole and Community Services. The Task Force 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 John T. Pierpont, Jr.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RICHARD PISKE, 34, of Norwalk, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of distribution of heroin.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, early in the morning of June 29, 2016, Bridgeport Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a report of an apparent overdose and found a 25-year-old female dead on a bedroom floor

The investigation revealed that, on June 28, 2016, the victim’s boyfriend purchased a quantity of heroin from PISKE. Later that day, the victim and her boyfriend ingested some of the heroin that had been purchased from PISKE.

The boyfriend reported that he passed out from the heroin that he had ingested and, when he awoke, his girlfriend was dead.

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

PISKE was arrested on a criminal complaint on September 29, 2016.

PISKE is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer on November 15, 2017, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He is released on a $25,000 bond.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Bridgeport 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael E. Runowicz.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ERIC MUNOZ, 21, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 31 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2014, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force received information that David Alvarado, also known as “Flaco,” was distributing heroin to street-level dealers and drug customers in the vicinity of his residence on Wethersfield Avenue in Hartford. Between August 2014 and May 2015, investigators made eight controlled purchases of heroin from Alvarado.

A wiretap investigation revealed that Alvarado was being supplied with heroin by MUNOZ and other individuals. At times, MUNOZ also obtained distribution quantities of heroin from Alvarado when Munoz’s sources were “dry.”

On May 26, 2015, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of Alvarado’s residence and seized raw heroin, bagged heroin, heroin stamps, digital scales, thousands of wax folds, and other items used to process and package heroin. Investigators also seized a 9mm Beretta pistol with a loaded magazine, and numerous rounds of ammunition.

On May 11, 2017, MUNOZ pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin.

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, today announced that JOHN VIBBERT, 37, of Fairfield, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to one count of distribution of heroin and fentanyl.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early hours of May 31, 2016, Connecticut State Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in Deep River and found an unresponsive 35-year-old male. Although CPR was performed and Narcan was administered, the man was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The investigation, which has included analysis of the victim’s cellphone and a witness interview, revealed that, on May 30, 2016, the victim contacted VIBBERT to purchase heroin. The victim then drove to a restaurant near I-95 in Bridgeport where he met VIBBERT to complete the purchase.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has determined that the cause of death to be “acute heroin and fentanyl toxicities.”

VIBBERT was arrested on a criminal complaint on March 27, 2017.

VIBBERT is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on November 15, 2017, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He is released on a $50,000 bond.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Connecticut State Police, with the assistance of the Monroe Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael E. Runowicz.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARK W. ERRICO, 64, of Norwalk, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for embezzlement and tax evasion offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, for approximately 20 years, ERRICO worked for the owner of two companies located in Norwalk, handling the companies’ finances, including payroll, bank accounts, accounts payable and accounts receivable. Between approximately February 2011 and March 2014, ERRICO embezzled approximately $823,476.22 from the two companies. ERRICO transferred stolen funds from the companies’ accounts to pay his personal credit card debts, and also forged the signature of the companies’ owner on company checks and cashed them or made them payable to his own company and deposited them into his company’s business account.

For the 2011 through 2014 tax years, ERRICO attempted to evade paying federal taxes on $851,076.22 of unreported income, which resulted in a total tax loss of $265,326.

As an example, for tax year 2013, ERRICO filed a federal individual tax return for himself in which he stated his taxable income for 2013 was $31,200. The tax return failed to report approximately $536,434.50 in money he stole from the two Norwalk companies.

Judge Underhill ordered ERRICO to pay $649,346.09 in restitution to the two companies from which he stole money, and $265,326 in back taxes, plus penalties and interest, to the IRS.

On April 24, 2017, ERRICO pleaded guilty to one count of the interstate transportation of money obtained by fraud and one count of tax evasion.

ERRICO, who is released on bond, was ordered to report to prison on October 18, 2017.

This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Secret Service and Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that BRANDON WILLIAMS, also known as “14K,” 37, of Bridgeport, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 74 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for sex trafficking a minor girl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in July and August 2015, WILLIAMS caused a minor female, who he knew was under the age of 18, to engage in commercial sex acts. The minor victim’s sexual services were advertised on the internet websites Backpage and Cityvibe, and WILLIAMS rented hotel rooms in which he and the minor victim stayed.

Judge Shea ordered WILLIAMS to pay $1980 in restitution to the victim.

WILLIAMS has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on August 26, 2015. On March 3, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of sex trafficking of a minor.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Bridgeport Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarala V. Nagala and David E. Novick.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RODNEY KINCAID, 36, formerly of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 66 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl and other controlled substances.

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

On April 18, 2016, KINCAID was arrested on related state charges after he purchased approximately 28 grams of fentanyl from Petersen.

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

KINCAID has been detained since his arrest.. On April 26, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl.

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

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. Agencies assisting the investigation include the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, New Britain State’s Attorney’s Office and Connecticut State Police.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that URMILA SRI THAKUR, also known as Urmila Buddhu-Thakur and Indro Buddhu-Thakur, 72, of Wethersfield, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to a money laundering offense stemming from a fraudulent debt elimination scheme.

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

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

THAKUR pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. She is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford on November 20, 2017.

As part of her plea, THAKUR has agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $335,072, which is the amount attributable to the underlying fraudulent debt elimination scheme.

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

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FORREST HEMPSTEAD, 32, of New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine and violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

This matter stems from a long-term investigation headed by the Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force East and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration into the large-scale distribution of narcotics in southeastern Connecticut. The investigation revealed that John “Soy” King, Sydney “Fatz” Jackson and others regularly acquired kilogram quantities of cocaine and heroin from sources in New York and transported the drugs to southeastern Connecticut. Much of the cocaine was converted to crack cocaine and the drugs were distributed through a network of dealers in Groton, Norwich, New London, Stonington, Westerly, R.I. and the surrounding area.

King used an apartment on East Main Street in Norwich to store, process and package narcotics for street sale. On April 28, 2015, law enforcement officers made entry into the apartment and seized approximately 150 grams of crack cocaine and approximately 80 grams of heroin. On April 30, 2015, officers searched a vehicle that was registered to King and was parked outside of the stash house and seized a kilogram of cocaine. The investigation revealed that the cocaine had been transported from New York to Connecticut on HEMPSTEAD’s behalf and HEMPSTEAD was its intended recipient.

On November 24, 2015, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned a 35-count superseding indictment charging HEMPSTEAD, King, Jackson and 10 other defendants with various narcotics trafficking and firearm offenses. In addition, approximately 20 individuals were prosecuted on related state charges.

HEMPSTEAD was arrested on December 9, 2015, and is detained. On February 21, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

HEMPSTEAD’s criminal history includes state drug and weapons convictions, and a 2011 federal conviction for distributing crack cocaine. HEMPSTEAD was released from federal prison in March 2014 and was serving a four-year term of supervised release while engaged in the criminal conduct in this case.

King and Jackson previously pleaded guilty and were each sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment.

This matter has been investigated by the Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force East, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshals Service, Connecticut Department of Correction and Groton City, Groton Town, New London, Norwich and Waterford Police Departments.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dave Vatti and Joseph Vizcarrondo, with the assistance of Senior Assistant State’s Attorneys Paul Narducci and David Smith of the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of New London.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CARLEN DAVIS, 36, of Meriden, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of sex trafficking of a minor.
 

According to court documents and statements made in court, at various time between late 2014 and November 2016, DAVIS recruited harbored and transported three females, who at the time were 14, 15 and 16 years old, to engage in commercial acts. DAVIS used the website Backpage.com to advertise the minor victims’ services, and he transported the girls to various Connecticut hotels, including hotels in Meriden, Milford and Hamden, where they engaged in prostitution.

DAVIS has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on December 9, 2016.

Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for November 14, 2017, at which time DAVIS faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life. DAVIS also has agreed to pay restitution to the minor victims.

This matter is being investigated by the Connecticut Human Trafficking Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Meriden Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anastasia E. King and Sarala V. Nagala.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a grand jury sitting in New Haven returned an indictment today charging THOMAS M. MURTHA, 61, of Newtown, Connecticut, and Birmingham, Michigan, with four counts of wire fraud.  MURTHA previously operated a law practice in Bridgeport.

As alleged in the indictment, between approximately November 2011 and April 2017, MURTHA fraudulently obtained and converted hundreds of thousands of dollars from his victims, including clients of his law practice, family members and friends.  MURTHA falsely represented to client-victims that he had safeguarded and disbursed the proceeds from legal representations when, in fact, he had used their money for his own benefit, including making payments to other victims.  In furtherance of the fraud, MURTHA used false and forged documents, including at least one mortgage and a trust document.

It is alleged that MURTHA used some of the stolen funds to purchase a $725,000 house in Michigan, a 2.11 carat diamond engagement ring, and other items.

If convicted, MURTHA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count of the indictment.

The indictment seeks the forfeiture of the Michigan house and the engagement ring, as well as a money judgment of at least $1,991,628.83, which constitutes proceeds of the alleged fraud scheme.

MURTHA was arrested on a criminal complaint on April 5, 2017, and is released on a $10,000 bond.  His arraignment is not yet scheduled.

In September 2016, MURTHA resigned from the bar after three grievance complaints were filed against him.

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.

U.S. Attorney Daly noted that the investigation is ongoing.  Anyone with information that may be helpful to the investigation, or those who believe they have been victimized by this alleged scheme, are encouraged to contact Detective Robert McKiernan at (203) 382-6660.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Greenwich Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Laraia and David Huang. 

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, 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 THOMAS J. HALLERAN, 36, of Cheshire, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with distributing heroin.

HALLERAN appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and was ordered detained pending a detention hearing that is scheduled for August 23.

As alleged in court documents, on July 25, 2017, Southington Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in Southington where they encountered an unresponsive 31-year-old female on the floor. The female was pronounced deceased. Investigators seized two folds of suspected heroin and/or fentanyl, other drug paraphernalia, and the victim’s cellphone. Analysis of the seized cellphone revealed that HALLERAN supplied heroin/fentanyl to the victim shortly before the victim’s death.

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

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

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and Southington 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAMON L. KILLINGS, also known as “Blade,” 39, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release for distributing heroin involved in a Stratford woman’s overdose late last year.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning of December 4, 2016, Stratford Police responding to a 911 call encountered a 33-year-old female who had died from a suspected drug overdose in the bedroom of a residence in Stratford. Responding officers collected wax folds containing suspected heroin, a hypodermic needle and other drug paraphernalia from the bedroom. The investigation revealed that the victim’s boyfriend purchased heroin from KILLINGS the previous evening, and then he and the victim injected the heroin he had purchased.

In December 2016 and January 2017, law enforcement made controlled purchases of heroin from KILLINGS.

On January 18, 2017, KILLINGS was arrested on a federal criminal complaint. At the time of his arrest, he possessed quantities of heroin and crack cocaine.

On May 24, 2017, KILLINGS pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of heroin.

KILLINGS, who is released on bond, was ordered to report to prison on September 8.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Stratford Police Department. The task force includes personnel from the Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford and Bridgeport 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 JASON PRAWL, also known as “Boots,” 29, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 151 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking two minors to engage in sex.

According to court documents and statements made in court, PRAWL recruited, harbored and transported two minor victims to engage in commercial acts. In the summer of 2015, PRAWL began promoting a 17-year-old female to engage in prostitution. PRAWL arranged prostitution appointments for the victim that were priced at $60 for 10 minutes, $100 for 30 minutes, $150 to $200 for an hour, and $500 or more for longer than an hour. PRAWL kept all of the money that the victim earned.

Beginning in approximately December 2015, a second 17-year-old victim began to see prostitution clients at PRAWL’s residence. PRAWL used the website Backpage.com to advertise the minor victim’s services, and the victim saw approximately four clients a day for approximately 30 days. PRAWL took approximately $20 from each appointment, as well as money for gas and other expenses when he would drive the minor victim to appointments away from his residence.

The investigation revealed that PRAWL attempted to recruit a third minor into prostitution.

Judge Shea ordered PRAWL to pay restitution of $10,080 to the first minor victim and $2,500 to the second minor victim.

PRAWL has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on March 9, 2016. On May 9, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of sex trafficking of a minor.

This matter was investigated by the Connecticut Human Trafficking Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Connecticut State Police, Bridgeport Police Department and Milford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarala V. Nagala and David E. Novick.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CAREEM BENTLEY, also known as “C-Lows,” 34, of Bridgeport, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of distribution of heroin.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 23, 2016, Monroe Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in Monroe on a report of a suspected drug overdose. At the scene, responders encountered an unresponsive 37-year-old male lying on the floor. The male was pronounced deceased. Investigators seized the victim’s cellphone, multiple folds of suspected heroin, and other items, and subsequently concluded that the victim purchased heroin from BENTLEY in the late evening of November 22, 2016.

BENTLEY was arrested on a criminal complaint on April 26, 2017, and is currently detained. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford on November 3, 2017, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and Monroe 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN KING, also known as “Soy,” 33, of Queens, N.Y., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin and crack cocaine.

This matter stems from a long-term investigation headed by the Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force East and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration into the large-scale distribution of narcotics in southeastern Connecticut. The investigation revealed that KING, Sydney “Fatz” Jackson and others regularly acquired kilogram quantities of cocaine and heroin from sources in New York and transported the drugs to southeastern Connecticut. Much of the cocaine was converted to crack cocaine and the drugs were distributed through a network of dealers in Groton, Norwich, New London, Stonington, Westerly, R.I. and the surrounding area.

KING used an apartment on East Main Street in Norwich to store, process and package narcotics for street sale. On April 28, 2015, law enforcement officers made entry into the apartment and seized approximately 150 grams of crack cocaine and approximately 80 grams of heroin. Officers subsequently searched a vehicle that was registered to KING and was parked outside of the stash house and seized a kilogram of cocaine.

At the time of the drug seizure, KING was incarcerated and awaiting sentencing in New York after having pleaded guilty to assault in the second degree with intent to cause serious physical injury. The conviction stemmed from an incident in which KING shot another individual. Recorded prison calls revealed that KING continued to run his narcotics trafficking enterprise while he was incarcerated.

On November 24, 2015, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned a 35-count superseding indictment charging KING, Jackson and 11 other defendants with various narcotics trafficking and firearm offenses. In addition, approximately 20 individuals were prosecuted on related state charges.

On March 8, 2017, KING pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).

Jackson previously pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on February 16, 2017, was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment.

This matter has been investigated by the Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force East, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshals Service, Connecticut Department of Correction and Groton City, Groton Town, New London, Norwich and Waterford Police Departments.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dave Vatti and Joseph Vizcarrondo, with the assistance of Senior Assistant State’s Attorneys Paul Narducci and David Smith of the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of New London.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment today charging RYAN STONE, 30, of Plainfield, with one count of production of child pornography.

The indictment alleges that between March 30 and April 1, 2017, STONE used a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a video depiction of such conduct.

If convicted of the offense, STONE faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of life.

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

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 Plainfield 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, announced that BRIAN FERRAIOLI, 40, of Sayville, N.Y., waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to conspiracy and tax offenses stemming from his role in a securities fraud scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately 2009 and July 2016, FERRAIOLI conspired with others, including Christian Meissenn, William Lieberman, Damian Delgado and Thomas Heaphy, to defraud investors through a stock “pump and dump” scheme. FERRAIOLI 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, 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”).

FERRAIOLI’s numerous misrepresentations induced investors to purchase securities, thus causing the share price of the securities to become artificially inflated. Certain of FERRAIOLI’s co-conspirators then sold their own preexisting positions in the securities at a profit. They then allowed he price of the securities to fall, leaving investors with worthless and unsalable stock. As a result, victim investors lost approximately $19.5 million.

FERRAIOLI received approximately 25 percent of all money that he induced individuals to invest. His personal gain from the scheme totaled approximately $1.25 million. FERRAIOLI disguised the income by having the funds flow through the trust accounts of various attorneys, including Corey Brinson in Connecticut, into bank accounts in the name of various shell entities under FERRAIOLI’s control. FERRAIOLI’s failure to pay taxes on approximately $1.1 million in income from this scheme, as well as unrelated income, during the 2010, 2012, 2015 and 2016 tax years resulted in a loss of $305,733 to the Internal Revenue Service.

FERRAIOLI pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of tax evasion, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer on November 6, 2017.

At sentencing, FERRAIOLI will be ordered to pay restitution to his victims, as well as back taxes, interest and penalties to the Internal Revenue Service.

On November 8, 2016, Meissenn, also known as “Christian Nigohossian,” of Suffield, Conn., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and one count of tax evasion. He awaits sentencing.

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.

Lieberman, Delgado and Heaphy each previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and one count of tax evasion. They 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.

U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly, ATF Special Agent in Charge Mickey D. Leadingham and New Haven Police Chief Anthony Campbell today announced that a long-term investigation into numerous shooting incidents in New Haven has resulted in federal racketeering, attempted murder, firearm and narcotics trafficking offenses against alleged members and associates of a local New Haven street gang.

According to statements made in court, the New Haven Police Department’s Shooting Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have been investigating approximately 40 unsolved shootings in New Haven and Hamden. Ballistic examination of recovered cartridge cases has determined that three firearms were used in 18 shootings committed in or around New Haven last year. It is alleged that the three firearms were possessed by members and associates of the Goodrich Street Boys (“GSB”), a New Haven street gang, and that GSB members also were involved in a number of other shootings in 2016, many of them retaliatory against rival gang members.

On August 3, 2017, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 13-count indictment charging the following six New Haven residents with conspiring to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity that includes multiple shootings and narcotics trafficking:

MILTON WESTLEY, a.k.a. “Reese,” 19
CLIFFORD BRODIE, a.k.a. “Cliff G,” 20
SEDALE PERVIS, a.k.a. “Scope,” 25
DEJUAN WARD, a.k.a. “Hot Boi,” 20
MICHAEL BELLE, a.k.a. “MB,” 18
MICHAEL VIA, a.k.a. “Mike Live” 20

WESTLEY, BRODIE, BELLE and VIA were arrested today. They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons in Bridgeport and were ordered detained.

PERVIS and WARD were previously arrested and are detained in federal custody.

The indictment alleges that the six defendants have been affiliated with “GSB,” which has ties to Goodrich Street in the Newhallville area of New Haven and currently has members and associates living throughout the city of New Haven. Recently, GSB has aligned with Fruit Town Piru (a Bloods sect) against rival criminal organizations in New Haven including an alliance of street gangs known as Starrblock, West Read Street (“WR2”), Read St. (“R2”), and Slutwave. GSB members and associates have been engaged in the distribution of heroin, crack cocaine and marijuana and, as a part of its criminal enterprise, have committed acts of violence, including assaults and attempted murder.

The indictment alleges that, between September 2015 and May 2016, GSB members and associates were involved in six gang-related shootings that caused injuries to five individuals. The indictment further alleges that GSB members and associates also distributed heroin, crack cocaine and marijuana.

“This investigation, which has been a great collaboration between our Office, ATF and the New Haven Police Department, has utilized cutting-edge ballistic analysis to connect 18 recent shootings to three handguns that, we allege, were possessed by GSB members and associates,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “The indictment specifically alleges that GSB members were involved in multiple shootings and, as a result, five individuals suffered gunshot wounds. Studies show, and this investigation seems to confirm, that an incredibly small percentage of a city’s population is responsible for most of the gun violence that occurs there. The murder rate in New Haven has plummeted in recent years, and we will continue to identify and root out violent actors to ensure that this positive trend continues.”

“These arrests demonstrate the outstanding partnership between the ATF, the New Haven and Hamden Police Departments, and the United States Attorney’s Office,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Leadingham. “We share a strong commitment to working together to remove illegal firearms, drugs and violent criminals that compromise the safety of our communities.”

“This investigation in another example of terrific collaboration between the New Haven Police Department, ATF and U.S. Attorney’s Office to reduce violent crime in New Haven,” said Chief Campbell. “We believe that members of this gang were responsible for a large percentage of the shootings that occurred in our city in 2016. Together with our federal law enforcement partners we will continue to remove violent individuals from the community and make New Haven a safe place to live.”

U.S. Attorney Daly noted that this prosecution is a Project Longevity enforcement action. Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it.

“Project Longevity aims to deter violence and not simply react to it,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “However, if a group or gang, such as GSB, engages in gun violence, they will become the focus of all the law enforcement partners who participate in the Project Longevity Intelligence meetings held at the NHPD four days a week, and appropriate federal and state criminal violations will be charged.”

In addition to the racketeering conspiracy charge, the indictment charges each of the defendants with carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and/or drug trafficking crime. WARD and BRODIE are also charged with committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering (VCAR), specifically attempted murder, and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. PERVIS is charged with knowing transfer of a firearm for use in a crime of violence, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. WARD is charged with receipt of a firearm by an individual who is addicted to a controlled substance, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. WESTLEY and BRODIE are charged with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin and cocaine base (“crack”). Finally, BRODIE and BELLE are charged with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, marijuana.

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.

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the New Haven Police Department. The FBI, Hamden Police Department and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office have provided critical assistance in the investigation.

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

This matter is being prosecuted in the District of Connecticut by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis, Peter D. Markle and Rahul Kale.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMILA WILLIAMS-STEVENSON, 37, of West Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for operating a fraud and identity theft scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately 2012 and July 2016, WILLIAMS-STEVENSON and Lorena 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 WILLIAMS-STEVENSON’s house and storage unit and found more than 200 unique credit and debit cards in the names of various identity theft victims.

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

WILLIAMS-STEVENSON has been detained since her arrest. On December 12, 2016, she pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.

Coburn, of West Haven, pleaded guilty to the same charges on November 30, 2016, and is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that DANIEL ADEKUNLE OJO, 33, a citizen of Nigeria residing in Durham, N.C., was arrested yesterday on a federal criminal complaint charging him with fraud and identity theft offenses stemming from a scheme to obtain the personal identifying information of school employees in Connecticut and elsewhere.

Following his arrest at his Durham residence, OJO appeared before a U.S. magistrate judge in Greensboro, N.C., and was ordered detained pending his transfer to the District of Connecticut.

As alleged in the criminal complaint, special agents from the FBI’s cybercrime squad in New Haven and the IRS have been investigating “phishing” emails that were sent to various school districts in Connecticut earlier this year.

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

The complaint alleges that OJO controlled or used an aol.com email account and a gmail.com email account involved in this phishing scheme, and that he participated in the scheme to obtain the Glastonbury school system employees’ personal identifying information and use it for personal gain.

This ongoing investigation also includes phishing incidents that victimized the Groton Public Schools, and the Bloomington Independent School District in Bloomington, Minnesota.

As to the Groton Public Schools, in March 2017, a school system employee emailed copies of the W-2 information for approximately 1,300 employees.  After the W-2 information was sent, approximately 66 suspicious Forms 1040 were filed electronically with the IRS in the names of victims of the Groton phishing scheme.  The tax returns claimed tax refunds totaling $364,188.  The fraudulent tax returns were not processed by the IRS because they were flagged as being part of an identity theft scheme, and no money was released in connection with the returns.

The complaint alleges that OJO entered the U.S. on a visitor’s visa in May 23, 2016, and failed to depart on his scheduled departure date of June 8, 2016.

“Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly cunning in exploiting technology to steal identifying information from unwitting victims,” said U.S. Attorney Deirdre Daly.  “Fortunately, our cyber investigators are skilled at cracking these crimes and catching these fraudsters.  To help avoid becoming a victim, always remember when you click on a link or send an email, check – and then double check – that the link you’re being asked to open, or the email address you are responding to, is authentic.  A single mistake can lead to a lot of misery.  I commend the FBI cybercrime squad and IRS for quickly bringing this individual to justice.  This investigation is ongoing.”

“The individuals that conduct these phishing schemes have one goal:  To steal personal information for financial gain,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Ferrick.  “This case is particularly disturbing due to the methods used and the targeted victims.  Cybercrimes are on the rise so we need corporations and the general public to be cognizant of their day to day computer use and vulnerabilities.  We will continue to utilize our best resources and top law enforcement personal to bring cybercriminals to justice.”

 “Investigating identity theft and refund fraud is a top priority for IRS Criminal Investigation,” said Special Agent in Charge Garland.  “Stealing identities and filing false tax returns is a serious crime that harms innocent taxpayers.  This arrest, in cooperation with the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office, should serve as a strong warning to those who are considering similar conduct.  Law enforcement will aggressively pursue cyber-criminals who undermine the integrity of the U.S. tax system.”

The complaint charges OJO with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and aggravated identity theft, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least two 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, with the assistance of the Durham (N.C.) Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarala V. Nagala, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NEFTY RODRIGUEZ, 24, of Hartford, was arrested today on an indictment charging him with one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin and cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

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

The indictment, which was returned on July 19, 2017, alleges that RODRIGUEZ sold heroin and crack cocaine between June 2015 and September 2015.

RODRIGUEZ appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and was ordered detained.

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that SAMUEL CORTES, 28, of West Hartford, 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.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2014, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force received information that David Alvarado, also known as “Flaco,” was distributing heroin to street-level dealers and drug customers in the vicinity of his residence on Wethersfield Avenue in Hartford. Between August 2014 and May 2015, investigators made eight controlled purchases of heroin from Alvarado. A wiretap investigation revealed that Alvarado was being supplied with heroin by CORTES and other individuals.

On May 26, 2015, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of Alvarado’s residence and seized raw heroin, bagged heroin, heroin stamps, digital scales, thousands of wax folds, and other items used to process and package heroin. Investigators also seized a 9mm Beretta pistol with a loaded magazine, and numerous rounds of ammunition.

CORTES has been detained since his arrest on November 30, 2016. On May 8, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin.

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, and Tyler C. Amon, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division in New England, announced that STEPHEN CRAIG, 66, of Essex, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of making a false statement to the federal government.

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

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

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

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

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

“Asbestos and Lead removal training providers, like Stephen Craig’s businesses, are entrusted with keeping safe the supervisors, workers and the public that hire them,” stated Special Agent in Charge Amon. “Sham trainers will continue to be a focus for EPA enforcement since they pose too great a risk to the public health.”

STEPHEN CRAIG is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on November 2, 2017, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.

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

This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 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, announced that PHILLIP STEWART, 46, a citizen of Jamaica last residing in Queens, N.Y., was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 14 months of imprisonment for distributing ecstasy.

According to court documents and statements made in court, STEWART conspired with Collin Fletcher and others to sell ecstasy to customers in Connecticut, New York and elsewhere. On October 27, 2016, and again on November 1, 2016, investigators made two controlled purchases of ecstasy from Fletcher.

STEWART and Fletcher were arrested on November 18, 2016, after they attempted to sell approximately 10,000 capsules of ecstasy to an undercover officer. The capsules had a combined weight of approximately 923 grams of MDA.

MDA (Methylenedioxyamphetamine) is an analogue of MDMA (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine), and they are both commonly known as “ecstasy.”

On March 29, 2017, STEWART pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, MDA and MDMA.

STEWART faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.

Fletcher, a citizen of Jamaica last residing in Bridgeport, pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on May 12, 2017, was sentenced to 20 months of imprisonment. He also faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, which includes officers from the Bristol, Greenwich, Hamden, Milford, New Haven, Shelton, Vernon and Wilton Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi Perry.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that THOMAS HEAPHY, JR., 42, of East Moriches, N.Y., waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to conspiracy and tax offenses stemming from his role in a securities fraud scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately 2011 and July 2016, HEAPHY conspired with others, including Christian Meissenn, William Lieberman and Damian Delgado, to defraud investors through a stock “pump and dump” scheme. HEAPHY 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, 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”).

HEAPHY’s numerous misrepresentations induced investors to purchase securities, thus causing the share price of the securities to become artificially inflated. Certain of HEAPHY’s co-conspirators then sold their own preexisting positions in the securities at a profit. They then allowed he price of the securities to fall, leaving investors with worthless and unsalable stock. As a result, victim investors lost millions of dollars.

HEAPHY received approximately 25 percent of all money that he induced individuals to invest. His personal gain from the scheme totaled approximately $719,000. HEAPHY disguised the income by having the funds flow through the trust accounts of various attorneys, including Corey Brinson in Connecticut, into bank accounts in the name of various shell entities under HEAPHY’s control. HEAPHY’s failure to pay taxes on this income resulted in a loss of $147,345 to Internal Revenue Service.

HEAPHY pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of tax evasion, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer on October 20, 2017.

At sentencing, HEAPHY will be ordered to pay restitution to his victims, as well as back taxes, interest and penalties to the Internal Revenue Service.

On November 8, 2016, Meissenn, also known as “Christian Nigohossian,” of Suffield, Conn., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and one count of tax evasion. He awaits sentencing.

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.

On May 10, 2017, Lieberman, of Boca Raton, Fla., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and one count of tax evasion. He awaits sentencing.

On May 12, 2017, Delgado, of Orlando. Fla., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and one count of tax evasion. He awaits 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, Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England and Shelly A. Binkowski, Inspector in Charge for the Boston Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, today announced the unsealing of two indictments charging a total of 17 individuals with federal narcotics offenses related to the trafficking cocaine and crack cocaine in central Connecticut.

Thirteen of the 17 defendants were arrested on July 26, and three defendants have been incarcerated in state custody.  One defendant is currently being sought.

This matter stems from a joint investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force that has included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of crack cocaine, and seizures of cocaine and cash proceeds.  According to statements made in court, it is alleged that Westley Northrup, formerly of Meriden, operated a cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking ring while he was incarcerated in state custody.  Northrup conspired with Carlos Roman, of Middletown, to purchase cocaine from suppliers including Omar Rivera, convert some of the cocaine to crack cocaine, and then distribute crack and cocaine through a network of dealers.  Further investigation revealed that Rivera, of New Britain, was being supplied by Orlando Quiros, of Suffield, who regularly received packages containing multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine through the U.S. Mail from Puerto Rico.  Quiros’ operation was assisted by individuals who agreed to accept delivery of the packages, and by Steven Riccelli, a U.S. Postal Service employee.

During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers intercepted and seized approximately $240,000 in cash that Quiros had in a vehicle he was driving from Connecticut to New York. 

On July 26, law enforcement executed multiple search warrants and seized approximately seven kilograms of cocaine, several pounds of marijuana, three firearms, and nearly $100,000 in cash.

“The seizure of seven kilograms of cocaine in this case makes clear that these defendants were significant drug traffickers with multiple sources in Connecticut, as alleged in the indictments,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working closely with the DEA, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and our state and local law enforcement partners to shut down these drug pipelines and prosecute those responsible.”

“DEA is committed to investigating and dismantling large-scale drug trafficking organizations like this one operating in the central Connecticut area,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Ferguson.  “This prolific organization was responsible for supplying kilogram quantities of cocaine throughout the state of Connecticut.  As we all know, drug trafficking, along with the gun and physical violence that often accompanies it, is a serious threat to our families and our communities.  This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative local, state and federal law enforcement efforts in Connecticut and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to seek and bring to justice anyone who engages in these crimes.”

“The arrest of these individuals is an example of the commitment of Postal Inspectors and their law enforcement partners to bring to justice anyone who uses the U.S. Mail to facilitate the transport of illegal drugs, ensuring the safety of the mail, our employees and customers,” said Inspector in Charge Binkowski.

On July 20, 2017, a grand jury in New Haven returned a nine-count indictment charging

WESTLEY NORTHRUP, a.k.a. “Piff,” 29, of Meriden
CARLOS ROMAN, a.k.a. “Frizz,” 37, of Middletown
DENISE HERNANDEZ, a.k.a. “Booty,” 29, of Meriden
RIGOBERTO HERNANDEZ, a.k.a. “Tito,” 36, of Meriden
SHANE BLAKE, 34, of Bristol
OMAR RIVERA, a.k.a. “O,” 34, of New Britain
ANTONIO MIRANDA, a.k.a. “Tone” and “Primo,” 28, of New Britain
CALVIN VAUGHN, a.k.a. “Squeaks,” 34, of Middletown
TURON DAVIS, a.k.a. “Slim,” 39, of Middletown
KASEAN WHITE, a.k.a. “Slay,” 29, of Middletown
DERRICK BRYANT, 26, of Middletown

Each of the defendants in this indictment are charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”).  If convicted of this charge, based on the type and quantity of narcotics charged, Northrup, Roman and Rivera face a minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life; Denise Hernandez, Rigoberto Hernandez, Blake, Miranda and Kasean White face a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, and Vaughn, Davis and Bryant face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

The indictment also charges Roman with multiple counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, crack cocaine and/or cocaine, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of possession of firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime.

On July 20, 2017, the grand jury in New Haven returned a three-count indictment charging

ORLANDO QUIROS, a.k.a. “O” and “Gordo,” 40, of Suffield
LEONEL QUIROS, a.k.a. “Haze,” 33, of New Britain
COREY BEST, 32, of Bloomfield
LISETTE PEREZ, 34, of Springfield, Mass.
STEVEN RICCELLI, 42, of Unionville
LUIS ARROYO, 56, of New Britain
OMAR RIVERA, a.k.a. “O,” 34, of New Britain (also charged in the Northrup indictment)

Each of the defendants in this indictment are charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.  If convicted of this charge, with the exception of Rivera, each defendant faces a minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.  Rivera faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years on this charge.

The indictment also charges Orlando Quiros, Leonel Quiros and Best one count of attempt to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, and Orlando Quiros with one count of use of a facility in interstate commerce to distribute the proceed of drug trafficking.

Northrup, Roman and Miranda have been incarcerated in state custody.  Kasean White is currently being sought.

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.

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JUSTIN PARKER, also known as “Tre,” 31, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, PARKER was identified as a large-scale distributor of heroin in the greater New Haven area. On multiple occasions between January and March 2016, PARKER sold heroin to an ATF agent working in an undercover capacity. When investigators first attempted to arrest him on March 30, 2016, PARKER fled the scene and was observed discarding what appeared to be packets of heroin out of the window of his vehicle. He was apprehended the next day at a hotel in Milford.

After his arrest, PARKER admitted that he had thrown five “bricks” (250 bags) of heroin from his car window when he fled from law enforcement.

PARKER has been detained since his arrest on March 31, 2016. On May 4, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis and Peter D. Markle.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that WILMER ANTONIO GOMEZ-RODRIGUEZ, 30, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in New York, N.Y., was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 87 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin. Judge Bryant also ordered GOMEZ-RODRIGUEZ to pay a $15,000 fine.

On September 10, 2015, a jury found GOMEZ-RODRIGUEZ guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, one kilogram or more of heroin, and one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 100 grams or more of heroin.

Accoring to trial testimony and the evidence disclosed during the trial, this matter stems from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) and the Norwalk Police Department into suspected cocaine and heroin distribution by Omar Andrade. In September 2014, Andrade agreed to provide one kilogram of heroin to a DEA Task Force officer acting in an undercover capacity. Andrade, GOMEZ-RODRIGUEZ and Joel A. Estrella-Disla, were arrested on September 30, 2014, after they delivered approximately one kilogram of heroin to a pre-arranged location in Norwalk.

GOMEZ-RODRIGUEZ has been detained since September 10, 2015. He faces immigration proceedings when he is released from prison.

Andrade and Estrella-Disla each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin. On January 6, 2016, Andrade, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to 70 months of imprisonment. On March 2, 2016, Estrella-Disla, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney H. Gordon Hall.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that LUIS MANUEL RODRIGUEZ BURGOS, 36, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty yesterday in Bridgeport federal court to one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien.

According to court documents and statements made in court, RODRIGUEZ BURGOS was admitted to the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident in 1995. In September 2005, RODRIGUEZ BURGOS was convicted in Arizona of attempted transportation of narcotic drugs for sale and was sentenced to more than three years of imprisonment. In August 2006, he was deported from the U.S. to the Dominican Republic.

In August 2012, local law enforcement encountered RODRIGUEZ BURGOS in New York City and alerted federal immigration authorities. In October 2012, he was again removed to the Dominican Republic.

RODRIGUEZ BURGOS illegally reentered the U.S. and, in October 2015, was arrested in Bridgeport for narcotics offenses. He pleaded guilty in state court to sale of certain illegal drugs and conspiracy, and is currently scheduled to be sentenced on those offenses in October

On this federal immigration offense, RODRIGUEZ BURGOS is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill on October 18, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID NIKOLASHVILI, 52, a citizen of the Republic of Georgia residing in Stamford, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to engaging in an immigration fraud scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, NIKOLASHVILI operated an immigration fraud scheme through which he obtained false immigration status from U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services for approximately 50 to 60 citizens of European countries. As part of the scheme, after aliens paid NIKOLASHVILI between $12,000 and $16,000, he would arrange sham marriages between the aliens and U.S. citizens in order to obtain immigration benefits for the aliens. The U.S. citizens were paid to enter into the sham marriages.

NIKOLASHVILI pleaded guilty to one count of making a false swearing in an immigration matter, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on October 27, 2017.

NIKOLASHVILI was arrested on June 21, 2016. He is released on a $75,000 bond pending sentencing.

This investigation has been conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Office of Fraud Detection and National Security Unit, and U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security. 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 a federal grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment today charging Dr. BHARAT PATEL, 70, of Milford, and Dr. RAMIL MANSOUROV, 47, of Darien, with narcotics distribution, health care fraud and money laundering offenses.

PATEL was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on July 12 and is detained. MANSOUROV was apprehended by the Canada Border Services Agency on an immigration offense on July 13 and is currently detained in Canada.

As alleged in court documents, PATEL and MANSOUROV are physicians who operated out of Family Health Urgent Care, located at 235 Main Street in Norwalk. The medical practice was formerly known as Immediate Health Care, which was owned by PATEL. In approximately 2012, MANSOUROV purchased the practice from PATEL and renamed it Family Urgent Health Care, and PATEL continued to work at the practice. PATEL and MANSOUROV have been participating providers with Medicare and the Connecticut Medicaid Program. Beginning in approximately 2013, the Drug Enforcement Administration received information that PATEL and MANSOUROV may be writing prescriptions for controlled substances outside the scope of legitimate medical practice.

It is alleged that PATEL regularly provided prescriptions for narcotics, including oxycodone and hydrocodone, to patients that he knew were addicted or had been arrested for distributing or possessing controlled substances. On numerous occasions, PATEL provided prescriptions to patients who paid him $100 in cash for each prescription. In certain instances, PATEL would write prescriptions for individuals who were not his patients in exchange for cash. At times, when PATEL was not available, MANSOUROV provided PATEL’s patients with unnecessary prescriptions. PATEL and MANSOUROV also regularly provided post-dated prescriptions to individuals, sometimes with dates that matched future dates when the doctors would be out of the country.

It is alleged that certain individuals who paid PATEL cash for prescriptions paid for the filled prescriptions by using a state Medicaid card, and then illegally distributed the drugs. The investigation revealed that in 2014 alone, more than $50,000 in cash deposits were made into PATEL and his wife’s bank accounts, and that some of these funds were used to purchase PATEL’s current residence.

It is further alleged that between November 2013 and December 2016, MANSOUROV defrauded the state’s Medicaid program of more than $4 million by billing for home visits that he never made, billing for nursing home visits that he never made, billing for office visits that never happened, and billing for visits that he claimed took place on dates on which he was actually out of state or out of the country. Billing records also reveal that, on some occasions, MANSOUROV and PATEL billed Medicaid for the same patient on the same day at two different locations.

It is alleged that MANSOUROV moved some of the stolen funds to a bank account in Switzerland.

The five-count indictment charges PATEL and MANSOUROV with one count of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and hydrocodone, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count health care fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. The indictment also charges MANSOUROV with two counts and PATEL with one count of money laundering, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of PATEL’s Milford residence, MANSOUROV’s Darien residence, $16,521.25 seized from a safe deposit box rented by PATEL, and money judgments equal to the proceeds of PATEL and MANSOUROV’s alleged criminal conduct.

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.

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

U.S. Attorney Daly thanked the Canada Border Services Agency and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine for their assistance in this matter.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging SHAMAR MADDEN, also known as “Sheist,” 37, of Atlanta, Georgia, with one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 100 kilograms or more of marijuana.

The indictment was returned under seal on July 6 and MADDEN was arrested yesterday in Atlanta. He appeared before a U.S. magistrate judge in Atlanta and is detained pending a detention hearing that is scheduled for tomorrow.

The indictment alleges that between August 2016 and February 2017, MADDEN, Malek Long and others conspired to distribute marijuana.

If convicted of the offense, MADDEN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.

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.

On May 12, 2017, Long, of New Haven, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty to the same charge. In pleading guilty, Long admitted that he and others had used the U.S. Mail to ship substantial quantities of marijuana from California to New Haven, and then distributed the marijuana throughout the area. As part of the investigation, on February 22, 2017, law enforcement searched two storage lockers that Long maintained at a self-storage facility in West Haven and seized approximately $404,000 in cash.

Long awaits sentencing.

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, New Haven Police Department and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney H. Gordon Hall.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTHONY LEE PAROWSKI, 30, of Stratford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of distribution of heroin.

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

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

PAROWSKI has been detained since his federal arrest on April 25.

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

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