District of Connecticut

United States Attorney Deirdre M. Daly and Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) Special Agent in Charge William Kalb announced that NANCY J. FRYE, 51, of Bristol, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud related to her involvement in an IRS impersonation scam that defrauded more than 500 victims in the United States and Canada.

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

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

Between October 2015 and May 2016, FRYE, and others working at her direction, received approximately $583,000 in wired funds from approximately 527 victims.

FRYE and Martin were arrested on September 15, 2016.

FRYE is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on September 20, 2017, at which time FRYE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Martin, 52, of Bristol, pleaded guilty to the same charge on May 18, 2017, and awaits sentencing.

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

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

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

U.S. Attorney Daly stated that the investigation is ongoing and encouraged individuals who receive impersonation calls, including those who have been victimized by this scheme, to report the information at https://www.treasury.gov/tigta/contact_report_scam.shtml.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TIMOTHY FORBES, 35, of Allentown, Pa., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 228 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a violent kidnapping and jewelry store robbery in April 2013.

According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 9:00 p.m. on April 11, 2013, Kasam Hennix, William Davis, Christopher Gay and Jeffrey Houston, all of whom were wearing masks and gloves and two of whom were armed with handguns, broke into an apartment on Gravel Street in Meriden, Conn., bound four victims with duct tape and covered their heads with pillowcases, towels and jackets.  Hennix, Davis, and Houston then forced two of the victims into a victim’s vehicle and drove to Lenox Jewelers in Fairfield, Conn., where the two victims worked.  FORBES traveled to Fairfield in a separate vehicle, and Gay remained in the Meriden apartment to guard the two other victims.

After Hennix, Davis and Houston arrived at the Fairfield store, they stole jewelry, watches and loose diamonds with a total replacement value of more than $3 million.  They then fled in the victim’s car, leaving the two victims bound inside the store.  Hennix, Davis and Houston abandoned the victim’s vehicle and got into FORBES’ vehicle.  One of the defendants called Gay to advise him that they had successfully carried out the robbery and that he should leave the apartment.  The defendants then fled the state.

The five defendants were arrested in May 2013.

Investigators determined that FORBES, Houston and Gay had traveled from Pennsylvania to Connecticut on several occasions in the weeks prior to the robbery in order to track the victims’ movements between Lenox Jewelers in Fairfield and their residence in Meriden.  In addition, FORBES and Gay placed a GPS on one of the victim’s vehicles in an effort to make it easier to track him.

On January 19, 2017, FORBES pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping, one count of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

Hennix, of Easton, Pa., Davis, of Allentown, Pa., Houston, of Allentown, and Gay, of the Bronx, N.Y., also pleaded guilty to related charges.  On April 17, 2015, Davis was sentenced to 176 months in prison; on January 27, 2016, Gay was sentenced to 102 months in prison; on February 8, 2016, Hennix was sentenced to 171 months of imprisonment, and, on April 26, 2017, Houston was sentenced to 90 months of imprisonment.

The defendants have been ordered to pay restitution of more than $3.1 million, and have forfeited gemstones, jewelry, watches, a vehicle, and more than $127,000 in cash seized from them at the time of their arrests.

FORBES has been involved in at least three other similar jewelry store robberies, including one that occurred in York, Pa., in July 2012.  During that robbery, one of FORBES’ co-defendants shot the owner of the store, permanently disabling him.  On March 23, 2016, FORBES was sentenced in the Middle District of Pennsylvania to 14 years of imprisonment for his role in that robbery.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fairfield Police Department and Meriden Police Department.  U.S. Attorney Daly also acknowledged the assistance provided by the U.S. Marshals Service and FBI in New York and Pennsylvania; the York, Allentown and Bethlehem Police Departments in Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Vizcarrondo.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut and Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that CRAIG FRANCIS, also known as Horus Durjaya Bey, 44, formerly of Windsor, has been charged by indictment with one count of filing a false tax return and one count of obstructing the administration of federal tax laws.

The indictment was returned by a grand jury in New Haven on February 11, 2015. FRANCIS, who is alleged to have absconded, was arrested on June 7, 2017, in Kissimmee, Florida. The indictment was unsealed on that date. After his arrest, FRANCIS appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karla R. Spaulding in Orlando and was ordered detained pending his removal to the District of Connecticut.

According to the indictment, in February 2009, FRANCIS filed a federal income tax return falsely claiming that he was entitled to a $255,904 tax refund, and the Internal Revenue Service issued the refund before discovering the falsity of the tax return. The indictment also alleges that FRANCIS promptly spent the fraudulently obtained funds and engaged in various acts to avoid paying the funds back, including filing a false amended tax return, and submitting a series of false bonds to the IRS, which had no value but purported to pay off FRANCIS’s debt to the IRS.

If convicted of the charges, FRANCIS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of six years.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry Kopel with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JIMMIE SMITH, also known as “Prime,” 44, of Hartford, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.

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

Twenty individuals were charged as a result of the investigation.

SMITH has been detained since his arrest on February 9, 2016. On February 14, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

SMITH has a criminal history that began in 1993 and includes eight felony convictions, including a conviction for first degree assault on which he was sentenced to 54 months of imprisonment. He also was on state probation while he engaged in the criminal conduct that resulted in this federal prosecution.

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

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, William Kalb, Special Agent in Charge for the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), and Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment today charging RAYMOND McLAUGHLIN, also known as “Shakir Ra Ade Bey” and “Shakir Ade Bey,” 34, of East Hartford, with one count of obstructing the administration of federal tax laws, and one count of making a false statement.

McLAUGHLIN was arrested yesterday on a federal criminal complaint and is detained. An arraignment and bond hearing is scheduled for June 12 at 3:30 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis in New Haven.

As alleged in court documents, in March 2009, McLAUGHLIN and his wife refinanced the mortgage for their East Hartford residence, taking out a $233,371 refinancing loan. McLAUGHLIN and his wife failed to make a single mortgage payment for approximately six years thereafter while they resided in the home. In April 2011, the mortgage holder filed a foreclosure lawsuit in state court and, in December 2012, Judge Robert F. Vacchelli granted an Order of Foreclosure against McLAUGHLIN. On April 23, 2014, Judge Vacchelli denied the eleventh of McLAUGHLIN’s motions to vacate, reopen or otherwise set aside the foreclosure judgment. The next day, McLAUGHLIN mailed packages containing documents related to his foreclosure proceedings to both the U.S. Treasury Department in Washington, D.C., and the Internal Revenue Service in Austin, Texas. The packages included IRS Forms 1099-OID and 1099-A for the 2014 tax year that falsely claimed that McLAUGHLIN had paid $332,204.25 to Judge Vacchelli and the Connecticut state courts. The packages also contained an IRS Form 1096 on which McLAUGHLIN stated and declared under the penalties of perjury that he had examined the submissions and that they were true, correct and complete, when, in fact, he knew that he had not made a payment of any kind to either Judge Vacchelli or the courts.

If convicted of the charges, MCLAUGHLIN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of eight years.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry Kopel.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PETER RESSLER, 70, of Woodbridge, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to embezzling millions of dollars from his bankruptcy clients, and to related fraud offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, RESSLER, an attorney with a bankruptcy practice based in New Haven, defrauded numerous clients in various ways. First, RESSLER took retainers from at least 30 clients for various legal matters on their behalf, including protection under Chapters 7, 11, and 13 of the bankruptcy code. Although RESSLER represented that he would hold the funds in trust until he provided legal services, he used the monies for other expenses.

In addition, RESSLER required certain clients who were seeking a Chapter 11 or Chapter 13 reorganization to deposit funds and represented that such monies would be held in trust for purposes of the anticipated reorganization. RESSLER obtained the funds after he had filed formal bankruptcy actions, which created relevant bankruptcy estates for which he had a continuing duty to maintain client assets under his control and to give appropriate accountings to the U.S. bankruptcy court. RESSLER was entrusted with hundreds of thousands of dollars from at least 10 businesses involved with Chapter 11 reorganizations. Instead of holding the funds in trust, he used the monies for other purposes.

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

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

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

In total, RESSLER misappropriated at least $3.4 million in client funds and used the money for personal and family living expenses, to cover the expenses of his practice, and to fund payments relating to other clients and other bankruptcy estates from which he had previously improperly taken monies.

RESSLER pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, two counts of embezzlement from a bankruptcy estate, and one count of bankruptcy fraud. Judge Covello scheduled sentencing for September 6, 2017, at which time RESSLER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 35 years and a fine of up to approximately $6.8 million.

RESSLER has been released on a $100,000 bond since his arrest on April 25, 2016. He resigned from the Connecticut bar in March 2016.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that AURELLE HUCKABEE, 22, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 27 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl to an overdose victim. 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 July 7, 2016, Naugatuck Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a Naugatuck residence on a report of a suspected overdose. The victim, a 31-year-old male, was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Investigators seized two bags of suspected heroin and/or fentanyl, as well as the victim’s cellphone, from the scene.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner subsequently determined that the victim died as a result of “acute fentanyl intoxication.”

The victim’s cellphone contained hundreds of text messages between the victim and HUCKABEE. The text messages revealed that HUCKABEE regularly supplied heroin to the victim in the weeks preceding the victim’s death.

HUCKABEE has been detained since his arrest on January 4, 2017. On March 9, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of heroin.

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SCOTT LIFF, 47, of East Williston, New York was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for selling guns in exchange for drugs.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 18, 2012, New Haven Police officers arrested an individual for criminal possession of a weapon. The individual said he purchased the firearm from an individual on the streets of Bridgeport. The gun was registered to LIFF. On December 24, 2013, Norwalk Police officers arrested an individual for a shooting. This individual also possessed a firearm registered to LIFF. Officers then interviewed LIFF, who falsely told them that the firearms had been stolen and that he had not reported their theft.

The investigation revealed that LIFF had a crack cocaine addiction during the time at which he owned the firearms. LIFF subsequently admitted to law enforcement that he had sold as many as 10 guns, including an assault rifle, to drug dealers in Bridgeport and elsewhere in exchange for crack cocaine.

On July 27, 2015, LIFF pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive, Norwalk Police Department and New Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Richards.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ARTURO CASTRO, 52, of Wilmette, Illinois, pleaded guilty yesterday in Bridgeport federal court to one count of use of an interstate facility to persuade a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity.

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. 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.

CASTRO is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill on August 28, 2017, at which time he faces a minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

CASTRO is a citizen of Mexico and a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.

This investigation has been conducted by Homeland Security Investigations in New Haven and Chicago, and the Clinton (Conn.) Police Department. The case is being 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 HECTOR RAUL CINTRON, also known as “G” and “Big G,” 23, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.

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

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

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

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

CINTRON was arrested on December 15, 2016.

CINTRON is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on September 20, 2017, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He is released on a $50,000 bond.

Scanlan pleaded guilty to a related charge and awaits sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force East, and East Haddam Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHARLES JERNIGAN, also known as “CJ” and “Snooze,” 23, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine. Judge Thompson also ordered JERNIGAN to perform 50 hours of community service.

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

JERNIGAN has been detained since his arrest on September 17, 2015. On November 22, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

JERNIGAN’s criminal history includes multiple drug-related convictions. He also is a victim of two gang-related shootings.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NICHOLAS MURPHY, 27, of Exeter, R.I., pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of traveling to engage in illegal sexual activity with a minor.

Accord to court documents and statements made in court, MURPHY communicated with a minor victim through online platforms including Facebook. The victim told MURPHY that she was 16 years old when, in fact, she was younger than 16, but older than 13. In May and June 2015, MURPHY travelled from Rhode Island to Connecticut to meet the victim. On at least one occasion during this time, MURPHY engaged in illicit sexual conduct with the minor victim in his truck.

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

MURPHY is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on September 13, 2017, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.

MURPHY was arrested on related state charges on May 9, 2016. He is released on a $150,000 bond.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DANIELLE FAUX, 49, of Weston, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to two years of probation, the first six months of which FAUX must spend in home confinement, for obstruction and tax fraud offenses. Judge Underhill also ordered FAUX to perform 100 hours of community service and pay a $3,000 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, FAUX owned and operated Danielle Faux PT, LLC, a physical therapy clinic located at 27 Lois Street in Norwalk. In August 2009, a contractor for the Medicare program conducting an audit of FAUX’s physical therapy practice contacted FAUX and requested records of 40 claims for physical therapy that FAUX had submitted to Medicare. The requested records included appropriate documentation to support the services billed, including the physical therapy progress notes, physical therapy flow sheet/activity sheets, and any additional documentation verifying medical necessity for the physical therapy procedures. Because no patient progress notes or similar records existed that would support many of the Medicare claims, FAUX instructed a physical therapist working for her to create detailed notes in the patient files that were requested in the audit, and FAUX similarly created such records.

In addition, from 2008 through 2011, FAUX skimmed checks and cash proceeds from her physical therapy practice and did not declare the skimmed proceeds on her federal income tax returns. Through this conduct, FAUX avoided paying $77,640 in taxes over the four-year period.

Judge Underhill ordered FAUX to pay full restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.

On September 22, 2016, FAUX pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of a federal audit, and one count of making false statement on a federal income tax return.

In a related civil matter, FAUX agreed to pay $50,000 to settle allegations that she and her practice submitted false records to the Medicare program in violation of the False Claims Act.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General, and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Sheldon and Richard M. Molot.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ISAIAH HART, 22, of Brooklyn, N.Y., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 16 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.  Judge Shea also ordered HART to perform 96 hours of community service while he is on supervised release.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning of December 8, 2015, Greenwich Police officers and emergency medical personnel responded to a Greenwich residence on the report of an unresponsive man.  The man, who was 26, was pronounced dead.  Within the residence, officers located and found opened and unopened wax folds (“bags”) with a green colored label “Emerald City” stamped on them. 

The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Scientific Services later analyzed the unopened bags and determined the powder contained heroin, and according to the Connecticut Chief Medical Examiner’s Office, the victim’s death was caused by acute heroin toxicity.

Investigators determined that, shortly before his death, the victim had contacted “Tony” to order heroin in response to a Craig’s List advertisement for “dog food.”  The victim then drove from Greenwich to Brooklyn and purchased two bundles (20 bags) of heroin from HART for $185.

HART was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on April 14, 2016.  On February 22, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin.

HART has related drug charges pending in Brooklyn stemming from his selling heroin, in bags stamped “Emerald City,” to an undercover law enforcement officer on December 8, 2015.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 5 in King’s Country Supreme Court in Brooklyn and is expected to receive a two-year sentence.

HART, who had been released on bond, was remanded at the conclusion of today’s court proceeding.

This matter was investigated by the DEA’s New Haven Task Force and the Greenwich Police Department.  The Task Force includes DEA agents and task force officers from the North Haven, East Haven, West Haven, New Haven, Hamden, Branford, Ansonia, Derby and Meriden Police Departments.  U.S. Attorney Daly also acknowledged the significant assistance of the New York Police Department in this investigation.

This 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 a federal jury in Hartford has found PETER J. SANTOS, 41, of Manchester, guilty of one count of threatening a federal official. The trial before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson began on May 30 and the jury returned the verdict this afternoon.

According to the evidence at trial, in January 2014, SANTOS was sentenced in the Southern District of New York to 25 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiring to transport stolen goods, conspiring to receive stolen goods and conspiring to commit wire fraud. On December 31, 2015, after completing his period of incarceration, he began serving his three-year period of supervised release, which was transferred to the U.S. Probation Office in the District the Connecticut.

While on supervised release, SANTOS tested positive for controlled substances on multiple occasions. On August 31, 2016, SANTOS appeared before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven for a supervised release violation hearing. Judge Arterton revoked SANTOS’ supervised release and imposed a penalty of six months of imprisonment to be followed by 24 months of additional supervised release. As the U.S. Marshals were walking SANTOS out of the courtroom, SANTOS looked at his supervising U.S. Probation Officer and stated “When I get out, I’m coming for you.” The Probation Officer responded, “Excuse me?” SANTOS responded, “You heard me.”

After they left the courtroom, a Deputy U.S. Marshal said to SANTOS, “That’s not smart.” SANTOS responded by stating that he did not care and he was tired of it, adding that, “Everyone has to meet their maker whether it is by me or some other way.”

The investigation revealed that SANTOS made additional threats while he was incarcerated on the supervised release violation.

Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for August 29, 2017, at which time SANTOS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of six years.

This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John H. Durham.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that IMRAN KHAN, 43, of North Haven, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to violating U.S. export law.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from at least 2012 to December 2016, KHAN and others were engaged in a scheme to purchase goods that were controlled under the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”) and export those goods without a license to Pakistan, in violation of the EAR. KHAN conducted business as Brush Locker Tools or as Kauser Enterprises-USA. When asked by U.S. manufacturers about the end-user for a product, KHAN either informed the manufacturer that the product would remain in the U.S., or he completed an end-user certification indicating that the product would not be exported.

After the products were purchased, they were shipped by the manufacturer to KHAN’s North Haven residence or Cerda Market in New Haven, a business owned by KHAN. The products were then shipped to Pakistan on behalf of either the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (“PAEC”), the Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (“SUPARCO”), or the National Institute of Lasers & Optronics (“NILOP”), all of which were listed on the U.S. Department of Commerce Entity List. KHAN never obtained a license to export any item to the designated entity even though he knew that a license was required prior to export.

KHAN pleaded guilty to one count of violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. In pleading guilty, KHAN specifically admitted that, between August 2012 and January 2013, he procured, received and exported to PAEC an Alpha Duo Spectrometer without a license to do so.

KHAN is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on August 25, 2017, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. KHAN has been released on a $100,000 bond since he was arrested on December 13, 2016.

“The U.S. Attorney’s office in Connecticut is committed to working with our law federal law enforcement partners to ensure that sensitive technology, manufactured in the U.S. and elsewhere, does not fall into the wrong hands,” said U.S. Attorney Deirdre Daly. “Repeated violations of our export laws will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

“The illegal exportation of sensitive technology to prohibited entities such as PAEC, SUPARCO and NILOP, poses a significant threat to our national security,” said Leigh-Alistair Barzey, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Northeast Field Office. “Today’s guilty plea demonstrates DCIS’s ongoing commitment to work in partnership with the DOJ, FBI, HSI, Commerce Export Enforcement and the Postal Inspection Service, to protect our national security by prosecuting those who violate our export laws.”

This matter is being investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacabed Rodriguez-Coss.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MARK BERLIN, 63, of Boca Raton, Florida, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday in Bridgeport federal court to one count of wire fraud related to his defrauding three restaurant groups of more than $3.5 million.

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

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

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

In pleading guilty, BERLIN contends that not all of the approximately $5.3 million owed to his retail victims was obtained by fraud. The government’s position is that BERLIN obtained at least $3.5 million and as much as $5.3 million by fraud.

BERLIN is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill on August 25, 2017, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HOWARD HAMMER, 45, of New Milford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in an extortion scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in late December 2015 to early January 2016, James Broderick, of New Milford, lent an individual approximately $1,500 with an understanding that the individual was required to pay Broderick $1,500, plus an additional $500 in interest, within four days of the initial loan. When the individual failed to pay the loan within four days, Broderick asked HAMMER to assist him in collecting on the loan. HAMMER then sent text messages to the victim that threatened harm to the victim if he failed to pay his debt. HAMMER took screen shots of the threatening text messages and forwarded them to Broderick. HAMMER and Broderick also discussed taking the victim’s car either as payment for the debt or as punishment for failure to pay the debt.

On January 25, 2016, members of the New Milford Police Department received a 911 call and responded to a local hotel where they found the victim of this extortion scheme, beaten and bloodied, in a room at the hotel. The victim had been stabbed eight times in back, causing internal injuries, and had suffered severe fractures to his skull and facial bones. The investigation revealed that members of the Hells Angels motorcycle club had stabbed the victim and beaten him with a hammer in connection with this extortion scheme.

HAMMER has been detained since his arrest on May 27, 2016. On December 2, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to participate in the collection and attempted collection of an extension of credit by extortionate means.

Broderick pleaded guilty to the same charge on December 7, 2016. He awaits sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the FBI Violent Crime Task Force, New Milford Police Department and Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crime Squad. 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 a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging ANA GUITY, 30, of West Haven, with three counts of theft of mail matter by a U.S. postal employee.

The indictment was returned on May 18, 2017. GUITY appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport, entered a plea of not guilty to the charges and was released on a $25,000 bond.

As alleged in the indictment and statements made in court, GUITY was employed by the U.S. Postal Service as a window clerk at post offices in Westbrook and Chester. In late 2016 and early 2017, GUITY stole numerous letters from the mail, primarily greeting cards that she suspected would contain gift cards or cash.

If convicted, GUITY faces maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count of the indictment.

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

GUITY is a citizen of Honduras and a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General and is prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that EDWIN ESCRIBANO, also known as “Bebo,” 25, of Hartford, was arrested yesterday on a federal criminal complaint charging him with distributing heroin and fentanyl. The charges stem from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.

ESCRIBANO appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford and was ordered detained pending a detention hearing currently scheduled for June 2 at 12:30 p.m.

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

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

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROY ISIAH JACKSON, also known as “I,” 22, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 110 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for racketeering and firearm offenses stemming from his participation in a violent New Haven-based street gang.

This matter stems from an investigation into a criminal enterprise known as the Red Side Guerilla Brims (“RSGB”), a sect of the Bloods street gang that operated in New Haven from 2011 through 2015, which was engaged in narcotics trafficking and related acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, assaults and armed robberies. In addition to distributing crack cocaine and other narcotics in and around New Haven, members and associates of the RSGB transported crack and heroin to Bangor, Maine, and sold the drugs in Bangor and its surrounding communities. The RSGB also traded narcotics for firearms, brought the firearms back to New Haven and distributed them to gang members. To date, approximately 22 members and associates of the Connecticut faction of the RSGB been charged and convicted of federal narcotics and firearms offenses in Connecticut and Maine.

On February 14, 2017, JACKSON, a member of the RSGB, pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity, one count of attempted assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, and one count of carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

In pleading guilty, JACKSON admitted that, on March 19, 2012, he was involved in an exchange of gunfire with a rival gang on South Genesee Street in New Haven. Although approximately 30 shots were fired during the incident, no one was injured. He also admitted that, on May 30, 2012, he and others, armed with firearms, committed a home invasion robbery of a residence located on Putnam Street in New Haven, during which they threatened the residents and removed a safe containing an amount of cash from the home.

JACKSON also participated in the trafficking of crack cocaine in Connecticut and Maine, and he sold crack in Maine in exchange for firearms that he and others transported to Connecticut.

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

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging ALEXANDER PEDRAZA, 26, of East Hartford, with one count of sex trafficking of a minor.

The indictment was returned on May 24, 2017, and was unsealed on May 26 when PEDRAZA was arrested. Following his arrest, PEDRAZA appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. PEDRAZA was ordered detained pending a bond hearing that will be scheduled for later this week.

According to the indictment, PEDRAZA recruited, harbored and transported a minor victim, who was under the age of 18, to engage in commercial sex acts between approximately March 5 and March 12, 2017.

If convicted of the offense, PEDRAZA faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of life imprisonment.

U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the 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 East Windsor Police Department, through the Connecticut Human Trafficking Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neeraj N. Patel and Sarala V. Nagala.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane today announced that on May 26, a jury in Bridgeport convicted RONNETTE BROWN, 44, of Bristol, on 23 counts of health care fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. The trial before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden began on May 22 and the jury returned a verdict of guilty on all counts of the indictment on Friday afternoon.

According to the evidence at trial, Brown owned and operated WeMPACT, LLC, a social services business with offices in Bristol and Torrington. Between August 2010 and April 2014, Brown billed Medicaid for psychotherapy services that were not performed. In addition to that scheme, Brown separately conspired with Beverly Coker and another unnamed individual to bill Medicaid for psychotherapy services that represented Coker had performed the services when, in fact, the services were provided by unlicensed individuals, or were not provided at all.

According to court documents and statements made in earlier court proceedings, Coker, a licensed clinical social worker, owned and operated New Beginnings Family Center, LLC, in Hartford. On April 8, 2016, Coker, of Windsor, waived her right to indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud, admitting that between October 2010 and November 2011, she engaged in a scheme to defraud Medicaid by permitting Brown and another individual to bill Medicaid for psychotherapy services using Coker’s Medicaid provider number. The services were either performed by unlicensed individuals or not performed at all. Under the scheme, Coker kept 30 percent of the proceeds, and paid the remaining 70 percent to Brown and the other individual. As part of her plea, Coker admitted to defrauding Medicaid of approximately $214,555 through the scheme.

Judge Bolden scheduled sentencing for August 18, 2017, at which time Brown faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count of health care fraud, and a maximum term of imprisonment of five years on the conspiracy count. She has been released on a $100,000 bond since her arrest on May 23, 2016.

Coker awaits sentencing. Three other individuals were charged and convicted of health care fraud offenses stemming from this investigation.

“This conviction is the latest example of the successful efforts of the Connecticut Medicaid Fraud Working Group,” said Attorney Daly. “Through that group, federal and state law enforcement and representatives of state agencies combine our efforts to detect, investigate, and prosecute Medicaid fraud through criminal and civil prosecutions. In this particular case, federal agents worked alongside our partners from the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, and were supported by the State Attorney General’s Office and the Connecticut Departments of Health (DPH) and Social Services (DSS). This seamless coordination ensures that the Connecticut Medicaid program is protected from unscrupulous providers. We look forward to continuing the teamwork with our state and federal partners to ensure that every dollar spent by the Medicaid program goes to provide much-needed medical services to Medicaid clients.”

“Being a health care provider in the Medicaid program is a privilege, not a right,” said HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Coyne. “When Ronnette Brown conspired to enrich herself by billing the government for services never provided or provided by unqualified professionals, she violated the basic trust that taxpayers extend to healthcare professionals. Our agents continue to work with Medicaid Fraud Control Units to root out such fraud schemes, which undermine the financial health of government health care programs and the public’s trust in medical professionals.”

“This is yet another example of how much we can achieve when agencies at all levels of government work together in collaboration,” said Chief State’s Attorney Kane. “This conviction will hopefully put all health care providers on notice that we are committed at all levels of government to detecting, investigating and prosecuting fraud that steals scarce resources from the programs that serve people in need.”

This matter has been jointly investigated by the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, with assistance from the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office. U.S. Attorney Daly also thanked the Connecticut Department of Social Services for their role in identifying the fraudulent scheme and supporting the investigation and prosecution of the case.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Chief State’s Attorney’s Office and Attorney General’s Office meet regularly as part of The Medicaid Fraud Working Group. The Working Group also includes representatives from the Connecticut Department of Social Services; the Connecticut Department of Public Health; the Drug Control Division of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection; the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the FBI. The Working Group reviews pending issues and cases, identifies trends that might indicate fraudulent activity, and coordinates efforts for maximum results.

This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Sheldon and Christopher W. Schmeisser.

People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CAROL “CASEY” SMITH, 56, of Chester, Virginia, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to a federal charge related to his false certification of bridge inspection vehicles.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Under Bridge Inspection (“UBI”) vehicles are vehicles that contain a moveable boom with a platform. The vehicles are used to conduct inspections of bridges by positioning the vehicle on top of the bridge and, using the boom, lifting a platform carrying inspectors alongside or beneath a bridge deck. “Company A” rents or leases bridge access equipment, including UBI vehicles, to engineering companies and government agencies for use on bridge inspection and bridge maintenance projects. Company A’s UBI vehicles travel on interstate highways to job locations throughout the U.S. Company A has several locations, including one in Connecticut.

SMITH was the president and chief surveyor for Virginia-based Martin Enterprizes, Inc. (“MEI”). Between January 2012 and January 2015, SMITH falsely represented that he, as the chief surveyor for MEI, examined the UBI vehicles in Company A’s fleet on an annual basis. During that time, SMITH created 165 Certificates of Unit Text/Examination of Material Handling Device (the “Certificate of Inspection”) for UBI vehicles in Company A’s fleet. As part of the Certificate of Inspection, SMITH verified that he personally examined the specified UBI vehicle and that the UBI vehicle met federal requirements. SMITH also issued 165 annual stickers representing that he had inspected the UBI Vehicles, and he knew that an employee or employees of Company A would affix the stickers to the UBI vehicles, and that those UBI vehicles would be driven on interstate highways and used on jobs throughout the U.S., including Connecticut.

Between 2012 and 2015, in exchange for the Certificates of Inspection for the UBI vehicles, as well as other vehicles in its fleet, Company A paid SMITH a total of $76,400.

SMITH pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. A sentencing date is not scheduled.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General. 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 HALBY LOPEZ, also known as “Harv,” 41, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.

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

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

On March 24, 2016, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 13-count indictment charging LOPEZ, Polanco-Mendez, Roman-Rolan and seven other individuals with various narcotics offenses. All of the defendants pleaded guilty.

LOPEZ has been detained since his arrest on March 11, 2016. On September 14, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine.

LOPEZ’s criminal history includes convictions for drug trafficking, weapons possession and burglary.

On February 24, 2017, Polanco-Mendez was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment. On March 2, 2017, Roman-Rolan was sentenced to 68 months of imprisonment.

The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, East Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden and Derby Police Departments, and the U.S. Marshals Service.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JAMES HAYES, also known as “T.Y.,” 33, of Waterbury, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing heroin that contributed to the overdose death of a Monroe woman last year. This matter stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 16, 2016, Monroe Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in Monroe on report of a possible heroin overdose and found an unresponsive 32-year-old female on the floor of her bedroom. The victim was pronounced deceased shortly thereafter. Investigators seized various items that were located in the bedroom, including several empty wax folds and one wax fold that contained suspected heroin. The investigation revealed that HAYES distributed heroin that was consumed by the victim shortly before her death.

HAYES has been detained since his arrest on August 22, 2016. On January 20, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of heroin.

Judge Bryant ordered HAYES to forfeit $710 in cash seized from him at the time of his arrest.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JULIUS NELSON, 32, of Meriden, was sentenced yesterday by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.

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

Twenty individuals were charged as a result of the investigation.

NELSON was arrested on February 2, 2016. On February 7, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

NELSON’s criminal history includes convictions for felony assault, conspiracy to commit robbery, and multiple convictions for selling drugs.

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

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID QUATRELLA, 62, of Trumbull, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in a scheme to defraud insurance companies into issuing insurance policies on the lives of elderly people for the benefit of QUATRELLA and other investors. The scheme is known as a stranger-originated life insurance (“STOLI”) scheme.

According to court documents and statement made in court, between approximately June 2008 and January 2016, QUATRELLA and others, including insurance brokers based in California, New Jersey and Florida, assisted elderly persons in applying for multimillion dollar life insurance policies. QUATRELLA, who is an attorney, and his co-conspirators offered the insureds the promise of free life insurance for two years, after which QUATRELLA and his co-conspirators would attempt to sell the policy and provide a share of the proceeds to the insured. The insured was not obligated to pay anything and was commonly told that the premiums were being borrowed from a third-party source. As part of the scheme, QUATRELLA and others recruited investors to finance the payment of premiums on the life insurance policies, with the understanding that the investors would earn a profit upon the sale of the policy.

QUATRELLA and his co-conspirators then caused to be submitted to various life insurance providers applications containing false and misleading information, and which failed to disclose the third-party premium funding arrangements for the policies.

QUATRELLA and his co-conspirators received large commissions from the providers as a result of the issuance of insurance policies on the lives of the insureds, and QUATRELLA personally profited approximately $272,000 as a result of the scheme. QUATRELLA and his co-conspirators attempted to sell the life insurance policies to life settlement investment funds or brokers but, in certain cases, they could not find a buyer and the policies lapsed.

Although the insurance companies were exposed to a total loss of nearly $15 million as a result of this scheme, no death benefits were paid on any of the policies.

On January 4, 2017, QUATRELLA pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He also has agreed to forfeit $272,000, and a restitution order will be entered after further court proceedings.

QUATRELLA has voluntarily surrendered his law license.

QUATRELLA, who is released on bond, was ordered to report to prison on July 28, 2017.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAMON L. KILLINGS, also known as “Blade,” 39, of Bridgeport, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Hartford 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, 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.

KILLINGS is scheduled to be sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello on August 16, 2017, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He is released on a $20,000 bond.

This matter has been 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 SHAQUILLE PEARSON, 23, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 30, 2016, officers from the New Haven Police Department executed a search and seizure warrant at PEARSON’s residence on Button Street in New Haven. In the residence, an officer encountered PEARSON who was holding a sneaker that contained a loaded 9mm pistol. A subsequent search of the residence also revealed a .380 handgun that was hidden in another sneaker.

Prior to June 2016, PEARSON was convicted of state felony offenses, including carrying a dangerous weapon and third degree burglary. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

PEARSON has been detained since his arrest on June 30, 2016. On March 1, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Chief Judge Hall ordered PEARSON not to interact or communicate with any members of the “Slut Wave” street gang while he is on supervised release.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CARLOS CARRILLO, 20, of Wethersfield, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to six months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin involved an overdose death of a Wethersfield teenager last summer. Judge Covello also ordered CARRILLO to pay restitution of $10,524.02 to the victim’s family to cover the victim’s funeral expenses.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 16, 2016, Wethersfield Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in Wethersfield and found an unresponsive 19-year-old female on a bed in a bedroom of the home. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. Investigators located a torn wax paper packet under the female’s body and another packet on the nightstand. Subsequent laboratory testing of the contents of the packets confirmed the presence of heroin.

The investigation revealed that earlier on July 16, 2016, the victim and a juvenile friend met with CARRILLO in the parking lot of a Wethersfield motel and purchased two bags of heroin from CARRILLO for 10 dollars.

CARRILLO was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on August 2, 2016. On January 26, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of heroin.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Wethersfield Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer P. Laraia and Michael E. Runowicz.

Hartford, Conn. – Singapore-based ODFJELL ASIA II PTE LTD (“OAII”), which was convicted in 2014 of violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, has admitted to violating the conditions of its probation, announced Deirdre M. Daly, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Jeffrey H. Wood, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). As a result, OAII’s term of probation, which was scheduled to conclude this month, was extended by one year, and the company has agreed to additional probation conditions.

On May 14, 2014, U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford sentenced OAII to a three-year term of probation and a total criminal penalty of $1.2 million dollars for violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (“APPS”). The APPS is the U.S. law that implements the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (“MARPOL”). A special condition of probation required OAII to implement remedial environmental measures as part of an Environmental Management System Plan (EMS/P). As part of the EMS/P, OAII was required to implement enhanced procedures for internal reporting of violations.

On May 16, 2016, a crewmember reported to OAII that, while he was serving onboard OAII's vessel Bow Santos, there may have been a MARPOL compliance issue involving the disposal of machinery-space bilge water in December 2015. OAII reported the possible MARPOL compliance issue to U.S. authorities and conducted an internal investigation. During OAII’s internal investigation, the vessel’s chief engineer, Oswaldo Dela Torre Salazar, denied any knowledge of, or involvement in, any MARPOL violations. Upon completion of its internal investigation, OAII was unable to determine whether a MARPOL violation occurred.

The U.S. and OAII agree that there was a breakdown in OAII’s internal reporting system in that it took more than six months before any crewmember of the Bow Santos reported the alleged incident to OAII. OAII also agrees that the breakdown in OAII’s internal reporting system constitutes a probation violation because the EMS/P’s internal reporting system had not been fully implemented as required by the special conditions ordered by the court.

As a result of this violation, on May 15, 2017, Judge Bryant ordered that OAII’s term of probation be extended for one year. During the additional year of probation, the Bow Santos will undergo an environmental audit, and OAII must notify the U.S. Probation Office, the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Coast Guard if Oswaldo Dela Torre Salazar is serving onboard an OAII vessel bound for a U.S. port.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound, Coast Guard Investigative Service, and Coast Guard office of Investigations and Analysis (CG-INV). This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut, and Trial Attorney Stephen Da Ponte in the Environmental Crimes Section of the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL JARAMILLO, also known as “Percy Drains,” 42, a citizen of Jamaica last residing in Hartford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to one count of possession of a firearm by an alien unlawfully in the United States.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2014, a Homeland Security Investigations Task Force officer investigating a marijuana trafficking and money laundering ring encountered an individual who identified himself as “Percy Drains” at Bradley International Airport after $59,500 was found in a piece of Drains’ luggage. Law enforcement seized the cash as suspected drug proceeds. Drains was subsequently identified as JARAMILLO

The investigation revealed that JARAMILLO arrived in the U.S. from Jamaica in October 2001 and overstayed the time period authorized by his visa. In November 2004, JARAMILLO was charged in the District of Connecticut with marijuana trafficking offenses, but he fled and remained a fugitive for more than a decade. The indictment against him was dismissed in 2016.

On March 21, 2017, investigators encountered JARAMILLO at his residence on Adelaide Street in Hartford. A search of the residence revealed a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol and numerous rounds of ammunition.

JARAMILLO has been detained since his arrest on March 21. Chief Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for September 6, 2017, at which time JARAMILLO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

This matter has been investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshal Service and the Hartford Police Department. 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 DEVELL CONLEY, 31, of New Haven, was arrested yesterday and charged in a criminal complaint with distributing heroin and fentanyl.

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

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

As alleged in court documents, on May 5, 2017, the East Haven Police Department responded to a report of an untimely death of a 27-year-old female at a residence in East Haven. At the scene, officers seized drug and non-drug evidence, including three small bags that contained a substance that field-tested positive for the presence of fentanyl. Investigators also seized the victim’s cellphone. The investigation revealed that CONLEY had provided drugs to the victim shortly before her death.

The complaint charges CONLEY with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of heroin and fentanyl, 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 the East Haven, New Haven and West Haven Police Departments. The Tactical Diversion Squad includes members from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe, Fairfield and Manchester Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTRUM COSTON, 34, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”).

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

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

Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for August 10, 2017, at which time COSTON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CLARENCE BELL, also known as “Solo,” 21, of West Haven, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of Xanax, a Schedule IV controlled substance.

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

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

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

BELL was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on September 26, 2016.

Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for August 11, 2017, at which time BELL faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

BELL is released on a $25,000 bond.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the West Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, announced that RAYMOND J. GORDON, also known as “X-RAY,” 30, of Stratford, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with distributing heroin. 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.

After his arrest, GORDON appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven and was ordered detained.

As alleged in court documents, 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.

The complaint charges GORDON 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 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.

As the United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, I have the honor of working closely with federal, state and local law enforcement officers on a daily basis.  I am deeply appreciative of the professionalism, dedication and quiet courage these brave men and women continually demonstrate under demanding and often dangerous circumstances.  Put simply, we would be lost without the goodwill and hard work of our police officers.

Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.  According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 143 police officers died in the line of duty last year – the highest figure since 2011, when 178 officers died.  Officer deaths peaked in 1930, when 307 were killed.  Since the mid-1970s, the number of officer deaths has hovered below 200 every year.  The exception was in 2001, when 243 died – 72 of whom were killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the most in any single incident in U.S. history.  So far this year, 44 officers have died in the line of duty nationwide. Gun-related incidents have long been the leading cause of officer deaths.  Over the last 10 years, 537 of the more than 1,500 officers who died in the line of duty were shot to death.  Almost 400 died in car crashes, and 270 died as a result of job-related illness.

Here in Connecticut, I see firsthand how the men and women of law enforcement fulfill their sworn duty to uphold justice.  I am grateful that National Police Week gives us a moment to pause to honor these brave public servants and to reflect on their commitment and valor.  I hope that you will join me in thanking police officers everywhere for their service and for all that they do for all of us.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that COREY SENIOR, 26, of New Haven, was arrested yesterday on a federal criminal complaint charging him with heroin distribution offenses. The charges stem from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.

SENIOR appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A.L. Merriam in New Haven and was ordered detained pending a detention hearing currently scheduled for May 19 at 9:30 a.m.

As alleged in court documents, on April 27, 2017, the Shelton Police Department and emergency medical services responded to a Shelton residence after a report of a suspected drug overdose of a 34-year-old female. The victim was pronounced deceased. At the scene, officers seized drug and non-drug evidence, including bags that appeared to have contained heroin and a hypodermic needle. Investigators also seized the victim’s cellphone.

It is further alleged that on April 28, 2017, the victim’s cellphone received a text from SENIOR and an officer posing as the victim arranged to purchase heroin from SENIOR. SENIOR was arrested by the Shelton Police later that day after he arrived at the victim’s residence in possession of suspected heroin. The investigation revealed that SENIOR had provided heroin to the victim shortly before the victim’s death.

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

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

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DARRYCK NORRIS, 23, of Bridgeport, 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, at approximately 8:49 p.m. on October 27, 2016, Milford Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in Milford and found an unresponsive 37-year-old male slumped over in the downstairs living area of the residence. Emergency personnel attempted lifesaving measures and administered two doses of the opiate antidote Narcan (Naloxone), which had no effect. The victim was pronounced deceased. Officers searched the immediate area and seized four empty baggies and one full baggy that contained suspected heroin. Each of the bags was stamped with the same brand stamp.

Officers also seized the victim’s iPhone. Analysis of text messages revealed that the victim had ordered heroin from NORRIS earlier that day. Witness interviews and further cellphone analysis revealed that the victim had purchased heroin from NORRIS for several months prior to the victim’s overdose.

On November 1, 2016, members of the DEA and Milford Police Department conducted a controlled purchase of heroin from NORRIS in Bridgeport. The heroin bags purchased were stamped with the same stamp that was found on the bags seized from the overdose victim’s residence.

NORRIS was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on November 3, 2016.

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

NORRIS is released on a $50,000 bond.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport Resident Office, the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Milford and Bridgeport Police Departments. 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 CALEEB BROWN, 26, of Stamford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 8, 2015, Stamford Police searched BROWN’s residence and seized a .22 caliber handgun, a 6.35 mm pistol, 14 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition, a quantity of heroin and items used to package narcotics for distribution.

Prior to October 2015, BROWN had sustained multiple felony convictions for possessing with intent to distribute narcotics.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

BROWN has been in federal custody since February 10, 2016.  On November 3, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

This matter was investigated by the Stamford Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  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 JAVED CHOUDHRY, 59, of Glastonbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to conspiracy and tax offenses related to a kickback scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, CHOUDHRY was employed by a construction company in the Stamford area. Between 2011 and 2014, CHOUDHRY received cash kickbacks from construction contractors in exchange for steering them contracts for work on a project in Stamford. The scheme caused millions of dollars in losses to the victim construction company.

In addition, CHOUDHRY failed to report to the Internal Revenue Service most of the income he received through the kickback scheme.

CHOUDHRY pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of filing a false tax return, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford on August 18, 2017.

CHOUDHRY also is required to pay back taxes, plus interest and penalties.

CHOUDHRY is released on a $50,000 bond.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Leigh-Alistair Barzey, Special Agent in Charge of the DCIS Northeast Field Office, and Matthew Etre, Special Agent of HSI Boston, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned two indictments charging citizens of the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic with offenses related to the illegal export of U.S. military equipment.

Earlier today, the grand jury returned a two-count indictment alleging that, between June 2011 and November 2011, JOSEF ZIRNSAK, 38, of the Czech Republic, shipped from the U.S. to Germany an infrared dual beam aiming laser and a rifle scope, both of which are designated as defense articles on the U.S. Munitions List.

On May 3, 2017, the grand jury returned a five-count indictment alleging that, between May 2012 and June 2012, MARTIN GULA, also known as “Mark Welder,” 38, of the Slovak Republic, purchased and attempted to arrange the export of night vision goggles and an aviator night vision system from the U.S. to the United Kingdom. The indictment also alleges that, during the same time period, GULA used a false U.S. passport as proof of residency and citizenship in the U.S.

“The U.S. Attorney’s office in Connecticut is committed to working with our federal law enforcement partners to ensure that sensitive military items manufactured in the United States do not fall into the wrong hands,” said U.S. Attorney Deirdre Daly. “Willful violations of our nation’s export laws will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

“The protection of sensitive U.S. military technology is a top priority for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service,” said DCIS Special Agent in Charge Barzey. “The charges announced today demonstrate the continued commitment of DCIS and its law enforcement partners to prevent our nation’s adversaries from obtaining sensitive military technology that could pose a grave threat to America’s armed forces.”

“These sophisticated technologies are highly sought after by America’s enemies,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Etre. “They were developed to give the United States and its allies a distinct military advantage, which is why HSI will continue to aggressively target the individuals who illegally procure and sell these items.”

ZIRNSAK and GULA are each charged with two counts of violating the Arms Export Control Act, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count GULA also is charged with two counts of export smuggling and one count of use of a false passport, offenses that carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count.

ZIRNSAK and GULA are currently being sought by law enforcement.

In January 2014, GULA was charged in the Central District of California with export related offenses. That indictment also is pending.

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 Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry K. Kopel

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROSEMARIE COLLAZO, 52, of Yonkers, N.Y., 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 stealing more than $700,000 from her employer.

According to court documents and statements made in court, COLLAZO was employed by Abbey National Treasury Services, PLC, in Stamford. As part of her job, COLLAZO assisted in arranging for payments to vendors and others. COLLAZO collected invoices as they came into the company and presented the collected invoices to her supervisor to approve payment. Her supervisor then reviewed the items and signed off on the payments. COLLAZO then entered the payment information into the company’s accounts payable program, which generated payment checks. Next, COLLAZO created packets that included the invoice, an authorization form and the payment check related to the specific invoice. After the packets had been reviewed and the appropriate signatures obtained from her supervisors, COLLAZO mailed the checks to vendors.

Between 2010 and 2016, COLLAZO prepared approximately 150 fraudulent duplicate invoice packages and submitted an equivalent number of checks for authorizing signatures for payments that she knew had already been processed and paid. She then deposited the checks into her personal bank account.

In addition, on at least three other occasions, COLLAZO misappropriated a vendor refund check that had been sent the company, and endorsed the check for deposit into her personal bank account.

In total, COLLAZO stole $772,242 during the course of this scheme.

Judge Underhill ordered COLLAZO to pay full restitution.

On January 20, 2017, COLLAZO pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that COLLIN FLETCHER, 52, last residing in Bridgeport, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 20 months of imprisonment for distributing ecstasy.

According to court documents and statements made in court, FLETCHER conspired with Phillip Stewart 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.

FLETCHER and Stewart 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.”

After FLETCHER was arrested, investigators searched his home and seized approximately one kilogram of marijuana from a hallway closet.

On February 14, 2017, FLETCHER pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, MDA and MDMA.

FLETCHER, a citizen of Jamaica, has been detained since his arrest. He faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.

FLETCHER has a prior felony drug conviction, which resulted in his deportation from the United States in 2003. He illegally reentered the country in 2004.

Stewart, a Jamaican national residing in Queens, N.Y., pleaded guilty on March 29, 2017. He awaits sentencing.

This matter is being 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi Perry.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAMIAN DELGADO, also known as “Michael Neumann,” 44, of Orlando, Florida, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven 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, DELGADO conspired with others, including Christian Meissenn and William Lieberman, to defraud investors through a stock “pump and dump” scheme. DELGADO and his co-conspirators induced investors to purchase securities by making false and misleading representations in calls, emails and press releases concerning the securities and the issuing companies, thereby causing the price of those securities to become falsely inflated. The issuing companies, which were essentially shell companies with virtually no legitimate business activities, were controlled by Lieberman and others. They included Terra Energy Resources Ltd. (stock symbol “TRRE”); Mammoth Energy Group, Inc. (stock symbol “MMTE”), a company that later became Strategic Asset Leasing Inc. (stock symbol “LEAS”); Trilliant Exploration Corporation (stock symbol “TTXP”); Hermes Jets, Inc. (stock symbol “HRMJ”), which later became Continental Beverage Brands Corporation (stock symbol “CBBB”); Dolat Ventures, Inc. (stock symbol “DOLV”), and Fox Petroleum, Inc. (stock symbol “FXPT”).

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

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

DELGADO 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 on August 30, 2017.

At sentencing, DELGADO 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 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 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.

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DARRYL MORRIS, also known as “King Sincere,” 32, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of sex trafficking of a minor.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in November 2014, MORRIS met a 15-year-old girl who was working in prostitution in New York. Shortly thereafter, MORRIS brought the minor victim to his home in Bridgeport and arranged to have advertisements of her prostitution services posted on Backpage.com. The minor victim then began to see prostitution customers at MORRIS’s residence and gave the money she received to MORRIS. MORRIS also drove the minor victim to other locations in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Washington, D.C., when she saw prostitution customers.

The minor victim worked as a prostitute for MORRIS from November 2014 to April 2015, and from November 2015 to May 2016, seeing approximately 10 customers per day.

MORRIS engaged in sexual activity with the minor victim, and began beating her a few weeks after she arrived in Bridgeport.

On May 2, 2016, investigators found the minor victim at a hotel in East Hartford after she contacted her mother who then called police. MORRIS had recently beaten the minor victim, who had visible scars and signs of physical abuse.

MORRIS has been detained since his arrest on August 16, 2016.

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for September 8, 2017, at which time MORRIS faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a maximum term of life imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. He also has agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $100,000, which is a conservative estimate of how much money the minor victim earned in prostitution when she was with MORRIS.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bridgeport Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Stratford Police Department and New York Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarala V. Nagala.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ASAFAK B. BHURA, 50, of Manchester, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to attempting to interfere with the administration of Internal Revenue laws.

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

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

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

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

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

For his services, BHURA received and kept a five percent fee for cashing the 126 checks, which amounted to $39,359.

BHURA is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on August 23, 2017, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years and a fine of up to $250,000. He also has agreed to pay the IRS $39,359 in restitution.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on April 4, 2017, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging SETH WATSON, 32, of Hartford, with distributing synthetic opioids.

WATSON appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. He has been detained since his arrest on a federal criminal complaint on March 28, 2017.

According to allegations made in court, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and Hartford Police Department received information that WATSON was selling heroin and cocaine from a grocery store on Mather Street in Hartford. In February and March 2017, investigators made four controlled purchases of purported heroin from WATSON. Laboratory testing of purported heroin purchased during the first two transactions determined that the substance was fentanyl, furanylfentanyl and U-47700.

The indictment charges WATSON with two counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl, furanylfentanyl and U-47700. If convicted, he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.

WATSON is currently serving a term of federal supervised release, and he faces additional penalties if he is found to have violated his supervised release.

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

The FBI Task Force includes members of the 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 Geoffrey M. Stone.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that AGUSTIN CIRINO, 29, of Hamden, has been charged in a federal criminal complaint with distributing fentanyl disguised as oxycodone.

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

CIRINO was arrested on May 9, 2017. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A.L. Merriam in New Haven and was released on a $100,000 bond.

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

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

The complaint charges CIRINO with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of fentanyl, and with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute oxycodone. Each offense 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 the Hamden Police Department. The Tactical Diversion Squad includes members from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe, Fairfield and Manchester Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.

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