District of Connecticut

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on April 19, 2017, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging ROBERT ABEL, 54, of St. Augustine, Florida, with one count of bank robbery.

The indictment alleges that on February 17, 2017, ABEL used force, violence and intimidation to rob $1,517 from a branch of Webster Bank located at 450 Barnum Avenue Cutoff in Stratford.

ABEL appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge. He has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on February 17, 2017.

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

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

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Stratford Police Department and Milford 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, today announced that GEORGE KINNEY, 34, of Plainfield, was arrested yesterday and charged in a criminal complaint with distributing 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.

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

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

At the time of his arrest, it is alleged that KINNEY possessed 40 bags of heroin and/or fentanyl, most of which had identical labeling to the bags found at the hotel. Forensic analysis of the bags revealed the presence of fentanyl.

The complaint charges KINNEY with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of 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 Plainfield 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 John T. Pierpont, Jr.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILLIAM LIEBERMAN, 41, of Boca Raton, 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 2010 and July 2016, LIEBERMAN conspired with others, including Christian Meissenn of Connecticut, to defraud investors through a stock “pump and dump” scheme. LIEBERMAN 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 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”).

At various times, LIEBERMAN served as the Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board, President, Secretary, and Treasurer of Mammoth Energy Group, Inc.; the President, Chief Executive officer, and Chairman of the Board of Strategic Asset Leasing Inc.; the President, Chief Accounting Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, and Treasurer of Fox Petroleum, Inc.; and the Chief Executive Officer, President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Chief Financial Officer of Trilliant Exploration Corporation. In his capacity as an officer of certain of these issuing companies, LIEBERMAN, working with others, issued false and misleading press releases concerning the financial health and prospects of the companies. He also was aware that co-conspirators were making false and misleading statements to promote the sale of these securities.

As part of the scheme, LIEBERMAN arranged for attorneys, including Corey Brinson of Connecticut, to sign false and misleading opinion letters that were designed to provide assurances to securities transfer agents and prospective investors. At times, he affixed attorneys’ signatures to the opinion letters. The opinion letters falsely certified that the attorneys had adequately reviewed corporate records and filings for the issuing companies and were satisfied with the adequacy of the companies’ public disclosures.

LIEBERMAN and his co-conspirators also conducted matched or coordinated trades of securities amongst themselves or in large blocks at predetermined prices, in order to artificially boost the trading volume of the securities, create the appearance of liquidity, and falsely drive up the share price.

After selling their own shares at a profit, the conspirators allowed the price of the securities to fall, leaving investors with worthless and unsalable stock. As a result, victim investors lost at least $3.5 million.

Between 2011 and 2015, LIEBERMAN earned nearly $1.2 million through this scheme. He failed to report this income to the Internal Revenue Service, evading $436,235 in federal income taxes for the 2011 through 2015 tax years.

LIEBERMAN 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.

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

A sentencing date has not been scheduled.

On November 8, 2016, Meissenn 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 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, today announced that CARLOS ALBERTO LOPEZ-ZELADA, also known as “Willi Mexico,” 40, last residing in Willimantic, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”).

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

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

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

LOPEZ-ZELADA and Hernandez were arrested on July 6, 2016.

LOPEZ-ZELADA, a citizen of El Salvador, has been detained since his arrest. When he is sentenced, he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He also faces immigration proceedings when he is released from prison.

Miranda and Hernandez have pleaded guilty, await sentencing and are detained.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JOHN O’BRIEN, 53, of North Kingstown, R.I., was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in Bridgeport to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for stealing more than $950,000 from clients of his law practice.

According to court documents and statements made in court, O’BRIEN was an attorney with an office located in Fairfield. Between approximately April 2011 and June 2014, O’BRIEN defrauded four clients by using funds from one client to pay off debts owed in connection with his representation of other clients, and also to pay for personal expenses, including the tuition for one of his children at a private high school.

In approximately May 2012, O’BRIEN accepted $458,343.06 into his Interest on Lawyer Trust Account (“IOLTA”) as proceeds of a reverse mortgage taken by a client (“Client 1”) and his client’s wife, both of whom are now deceased. The funds from the reverse mortgage were intended to pay debts that would keep the client’s family business sustainable. Between June 2012 and February 2014, O’BRIEN disbursed only $204,000 to the family business. In approximately July 2013, O’BRIEN received an additional $194,636.89 from bank accounts held in the name of his client and one of his client’s children. The funds were supposed to be distributed to the client’s children. Only $104,008 was distributed. In approximately April 2014, O’BRIEN accepted $837,250 into his IOLTA as proceeds of a sale of his client’s real property. Only $470,000 of that amount was disbursed to his client’s heirs. The first check written from O’BRIEN’s IOLTA account upon receipt of the $837,250 was to a prior unrelated client for a debt owed to that client. In total, O’BRIEN defrauded Client 1 of $712,221.95.

In May 2011, O’BRIEN deposited $74,250 from a second client (“Client 2”) into his IOLTA. The money was never disbursed to the client.

In approximately September 2011, O’BRIEN agreed to represent a terminally ill woman (“Client 3”) for estate planning. Upon this client’s death in January 2013, O’BRIEN received $137,000 from the estate into his IOLTA. After the deposit, O’BRIEN paid personal expenses from the IOLTA, including his son’s private school tuition and thousands of dollars to his ex-wife. Only $112,283.20 was distributed to the heirs of O’ BRIEN’s client. Upon a review of this matter by the Connecticut Bar Statewide Grievance Committee, O’BRIEN produced fraudulent memos allegedly written to the daughter of his client requesting “release” of various amounts. One of the memos included payment to the family business of Client 1 for a $15,000 lawnmower, which was paid for from Client 3’s estate. Client 3 did not purchase a lawnmower from the family business of Client 1.

O’BRIEN represented a client (“Client 4”) in the purchase of the client’s deceased mother’s home in Westport. In two payments in August 2013 and February 2014, the client transferred to O’BRIEN approximately $199,332 for purchase of the home, which O’BRIEN was supposed to pay to the fiduciary of the estate to complete the sale. In approximately April 2014, O’BRIEN finally paid the fiduciary of the estate to complete the sale. The check to the fiduciary of Client 4’s mother’s estate was the first check written from the defendant’s IOLTA upon receipt of the $837,250 in Client 1’s real estate sale proceeds. Because of the delay in the defendant’s transfer of payment to the fiduciary of the estate, Client 4 incurred approximately $13,558.38 in storage fees for belongings while the property was unavailable for occupancy by Client 4.

While O’BRIEN was engaged in the above conduct, he made withdrawals of thousands of dollars in cash from his IOLTA. On several occasions, deposits of the same or similar amounts were made into his personal bank account on the same day that the funds were withdrawn from his IOLTA.

Chief Judge Hall ordered the government to submit a proposed restitution order within 14 days.

On December 29, 2016, O’BRIEN pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

O’BRIEN resigned from the Connecticut bar in June 2015.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, with assistance from investigators of the Connecticut Statewide Bar Grievance Committee. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarala V. Nagala.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JASON PRAWL, also known as “Boots,” 29, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of sex trafficking of a minor.

According to court documents and statements made in court, PRAWL recruited, harbored and transported a 17-year-old female to engage in commercial acts. Beginning in approximately December 2015, the minor victim began to see prostitution clients at PRAWL’s residence. PRAWL used the website Backpage.com to advertise the minor victim’s services, which were priced at $80 for 10 to 15 minutes, $100 for 30 minutes, and $150 for an hour. The minor victim saw approximately four clients a day for approximately 30 days, and PRAWL took approximately $20 from each appointment. PRAWL also would take money for gas and other expenses when he would drive the minor victim to appointments away from his residence.

PRAWL has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on March 9, 2016.

Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for July 31, 2017, at which time PRAWL faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

PRAWL also has agreed to pay restitution of $2,500 to the minor victim, and $10,080 to a second minor victim of PRAWL’s prostitution enterprise.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RICHARD BRUNO, 47, of Waterford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to one count of production of child pornography.

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

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

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

“This defendant plied a vulnerable girl who lived in his building with marijuana and cash in exchange for sex,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “He also filmed this reprehensible conduct, and will now be sentenced to a significant prison term. I thank the FBI, Connecticut State Police and New London Police Department for investigating this matter and protecting other girls from this predator.”

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for July 31, 2017, at which time BRUNO faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.

BRUNO also has agreed not to object to the forfeiture of his company’s New London warehouse, a multi-family residence he owns at 27 West Coit Street in New London, and a van owned by his company.

Also, in a separate federal civil case (Doe v. Bruno 3:17cv217), on April, 20, 2017, the court issued a prejudgment remedy in the amount of $250,000 in the victim’s favor.

BRUNO has been in custody since May 19, 2016, when he was arrested on related state charges.

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANDREW ORECKINTO, 52, of Matawan, New Jersey, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffery Alker Meyer in New Haven to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for stealing more than 8,000 cartons of cigarettes from a Wethersfield warehouse in March 2011.

On February 13, 2017, a jury convicted ORECKINTO of one count of theft from an interstate shipment.

According to the evidence introduced during the trial, at approximately 7:00 a.m. on March 20, 2011, Wethersfield Police responded to an open garage door complaint at New Britain Candy, a business and warehouse located at 24 Maple Street in Wethersfield. The business distributes items to convenience stores in Connecticut and neighboring states. A glue-like substance had been forced into the front door lock causing it to be inoperable, exterior surveillance camera wires and a phone line had been cut, and alarm panels and speakers had been disabled. Approximately 8,012 cartons of cigarettes, as well as a pallet jack, were missing from the warehouse. The stolen cigarettes had a wholesale value of approximately $300,000 and a retail value of approximately $500,000.

One individual, subsequently identified as ORECKINTO, was seen on video surveillance footage. He was dressed in a black hooded sweatshirt, dark pants, black gloves, a black face mask, and wore a headband light around his head.

Prior to the burglary, ORECKINTO had stolen a white box truck from a business in Hartford. The day after the burglary, the truck was found near a commercial construction site in Stamford. The stolen pallet jack was recovered from the cargo area of the truck.

The investigation included extensive analysis of prepaid cellphones and cell tower information. Examination of the call history of ORECKINTO’s prepaid phone ultimately led investigators to several other prepaid phones that had been used in multiple commercial burglaries in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. ORECKINTO previously was convicted of two of these other burglaries, including a burglary that occurred at a Waldbaum’s Supermarket in Rockville Centre, N.Y., overnight on December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2011, and a commercial warehouse burglary in Florham Park, N.J., on April 28, 2008, during which $100,000 worth of copper was stolen.

ORECKINTO has been detained since February 24, 2012, when he was arrested for the New Jersey warehouse burglary. He is currently incarcerated in New Jersey with a state sentence that is due to expire in October 2018.

Judge Meyer ordered ORECKINTO’s four-year federal sentence to begin today.

At the time of ORECKINTO’s arrest for the New Jersey burglary, a search of his car revealed a list of licensed cigarette distributors in the State of Connecticut that had been printed from the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services web site. The list, which included the New Britain Candy warehouse in Wethersfield, also contained several handwritten notations next to many of the businesses, at least three of which also have been burglarized.

This investigation was conducted by the Wethersfield Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Nassau County Police Department and the Florham Park (N.J.) Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANNE CHARLOTTE SILVER, 63, of Morris, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 10 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for committing health care fraud. Judge Bolden also ordered SILVER to provide 100 hours of community service upon her release from prison, and to pay restitution of $1.6 million.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2011, SILVER was a licensed clinical social worker who owned and operated Silver Counseling Services, LLC, in Canton and Bantam. In March 2011, SILVER agreed with Patricia Lafayette and another individual to engage in a scheme to defraud Medicaid, in which SILVER permitted Lafayette and the other individual to bill Medicaid for licensed psychotherapy services using SILVER’s Medicaid provider number. The services were either performed by unlicensed individuals or not performed at all. Under the scheme, SILVER kept 25 percent of the proceeds, and paid the remaining 75 percent to Lafayette and the other individual.

Over the next four years, Lafayette submitted more than 18,000 false claims for psychotherapy using SILVER’s provider number. The claims included more than $71,000 in false claims for psychotherapy services purportedly provided to Lafayette’s daughter and grandchildren, and more than $67,000 in false claims for psychotherapy services provided to Lafayette’s son’s girlfriend and her children. All of these claims represented that SILVER personally provided the psychotherapy services, which was not true. In addition, SILVER did not supervise Lafayette or the services that Lafayette was billing, did not know who purportedly provided the service, and never verified that the services had in fact been rendered. Twice a month for four years, SILVER received the payment for these services from Medicaid, calculated Lafayette’s 75 percent share of the scheme, and met with Lafayette to deliver a check for that amount.

On May 2, 2016, SILVER pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud for her role in the scheme. As part of her plea, SILVER admitted to defrauding Medicaid of more than $1.6 million, of which SILVER received more than $300,000.

Lafayette pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on April 27, 2017, was sentenced to 21 months of imprisonment and ordered to pay restitution of $1.6 million.

Lafayette’s son, Maurice Sharpe, pleaded guilty to the same charge on December 13, 2016. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 19.

The criminal case was 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 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. Attorney David J. Sheldon and Auditor Susan Spiegel.

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, announced that JESUS SANTIAGO, also known as “Choco,” 35, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 75 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 21, 2016, Hartford Police received information that a vehicle traveling in the area of Wadsworth Street and Seymour Street in Hartford was occupied by “Choco,” who was in possession of a loaded firearm. Officers located the vehicle, which attempted to speed away and enter I-91 from the Whitehead Highway. The vehicle lost control, struck a concrete barrier and rolled to a stop. Officers observed SANTIAGO drop a firearm from the driver side window as the car was rolling. SANTIAGO was apprehended, and a search of the roadway revealed a.380 caliber semi-automatic handgun loaded with 6 rounds of ammunition.

Prior to June 2016, SANTIAGO had been convicted of seven felony offenses, including multiple drug offenses, violating a protective order and second degree robbery.

SANTIAGO has been detained since his arrest. On February 13, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

This matter was investigated by the Hartford Police Department and the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JUSTIN PARKER, also known as “Tre,” 30, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to a heroin distribution offense.

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

PARKER pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years. Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for July 27, 2017.

PARKER has been detained since his arrest on March 31, 2016.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GABRIEL PAULINO, 28, of New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for heroin and firearm offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 6, 2016, PAULINO was arrested after a court-authorized search of PAULINO’s New London apartment revealed a fully-loaded Beretta 9mm handgun, a Beretta “Silver Pigeon” 12-gauge shotgun, 12-gauge shotgun shells, 94 individually knotted bags of heroin, items used to process and package drugs for street sale, and several cell phones. The 9mm handgun had been reported stolen.

PAULINO has been detained since his arrest. On February 8, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

PAULINO’s criminal history includes convictions for criminal possession of a firearm, possession with intent to sell, possession of narcotics, and violation of a protective order.

This matter was investigated by the New London Police Department, Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force and Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT CABANBAN JR., 27, of New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 43 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on two occasions in September 2012, CABANBAN sold heroin to an individual at his New London apartment. On September 26, 2012, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of CABANBAN’s apartment and seized approximately 12 grams of heroin, narcotics packaging materials and a loaded .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol. CABANBAN was arrested and subsequently pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. On July 15, 2013, he was sentenced in Bridgeport federal court to 48 months of imprisonment.

In June 2016, the Groton Town Police Department received information that CABANBAN was selling heroin while out on day passes from a halfway house in Hartford. On July 1, 2016, investigators arranged a controlled purchase of 500 bags of heroin from CABANBAN. CABANBAN was arrested after he arrived at Groton motel to complete the transaction.

CABANBAN had been transferred from a federal Bureau of Prisons facility to a Hartford halfway house to complete his 48-month federal sentence, which was scheduled to conclude in September 2016.

On January 31, 2017, CABANBAN pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin.

In addition to the federal firearm conviction, CABANBAN’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for possession with intent to sell narcotics and burglary in the third degree.

This matter was investigated by the Groton Town Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah P. Karwan.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MALCOLM HAYNES, also known as “Black,” 26, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 90 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for committing armed robberies of the Allingtown Post Office in West Haven and the Wells Fargo Bank in Hamden on April 21, 2016.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on the morning of April 21, 2016, HAYNES, Derrick White, Howard Bookert and another male drove in White’s vehicle to the vicinity of the Allingtown Post Office located at 75 Farwell Avenue in West Haven. HAYNES, who was armed with a .22 caliber rifle, White and Bookert then entered the post office. HAYNES pointed the rifle at individuals who were in the lobby and the clerk behind the counter and directed them to stay away from the door. White then hopped over the counter, waved the postal clerk away from her station, removed the cash drawer from the counter and handed it to Bookert. The robbers then fled with the drawer, which contained approximately $491.

In the afternoon of April 21, 2016, the four individuals drove to a branch of Wells Fargo Bank located at 1647 Whitney Avenue in Hamden. HAYNES, again armed with the rifle, White and the other male entered the bank. HAYNES pointed the rifle in the direction of various employees as White went behind the counter and removed approximately $9,287 from teller drawers. During the robbery, the other male brandished what appeared to be a small black semi-automatic pistol.

White and Bookert were apprehended in New Haven on April 21, 2016. On that date, investigators also recovered the firearm that HAYNES used during the robberies, which HAYNES had hidden in a plastic garbage bag behind a house in New Haven. HAYNES was arrested on May 23, 2016. The three defendants have been detained since their arrests.

On February 2, 2017, HAYNES pleaded guilty to one count of armed robbery of a postal employee and one count of armed bank robbery.

White and Bookert, both of Hamden, previously pleaded guilty and await sentencing. The fourth male was charged by the state.

This matter was investigated by the West Haven Police Department, Hamden Police Department, New Haven Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ADAM BOGUSKI, 44, of Stamford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to one year of probation for killing red-tailed hawks and Cooper’s hawks. Judge Chatigny also ordered BOGUSKI to pay a $250 fine and perform 60 hours of community service at a local animal shelter.

Red-tailed hawks and Cooper’s hawks are birds of prey, also known as raptors, and consume pigeons as part of their natural diet. These hawks are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Thomas Kapusta and BOGUSKI were racing pigeon enthusiasts who constructed and maintained a pigeon coop at 330 Weed Avenue in Stamford. Kapusta and BOGUSKI kept a large number of racing pigeons at this coop, and regularly let them fly outside the coop for exercise. Because Kapusta and BOGUSKI viewed these hawks as a threat to their pigeons, they systematically captured the hawks in a trap specifically designed to capture birds of prey, shot and killed them in the trap, and disposed of their carcasses.

Knowing that he was violating the law by capturing and killing the hawks, Kapusta instructed BOGUSKI to refer to the hawk trap as a “breeding cage” if law enforcement ever inquired.

On August 8, 2016, BOGUSKI pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to take, capture and kill red-tailed hawks and Cooper’s hawks, and two counts of taking, capturing and killing Cooper’s hawks. In pleading guilty he admitted that he killed Cooper’s hawks on September 27, 2015 and October 17, 2015.

On February 17, 2016, Kapusta pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to take, capture and kill red-tailed hawks and Cooper’s hawks, and four counts of taking, capturing and killing red-tailed hawks or Cooper’s hawks. In pleading guilty he admitted that he killed red-tailed hawks on September 8 and October 14, 2015, and Cooper’s hawks on September 2 and October 21, 2015.

On October 19, 2016, Judge Chatigny sentenced Kapusta to one year of probation and order him to pay a $5,500 fine and perform 90 hours of community service at a local animal shelter.

Judge Chatigny ordered several special conditions of Kapusta’s and BOGUSKI’s terms of probation that restrict their ability to engage in the racing pigeon hobby, including allowing the pigeon coop in Stamford to be randomly inspected by federal and state environmental authorities.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement and the Division of Refuge Law Enforcement, and the Environmental Conservation Police of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, with the assistance of the Stamford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CHRISTOPHER ROSA, 33, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for using a telephone to facilitate the distribution of crack cocaine.

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

During the investigation, ROSA contacted his crack cocaine supplier, Eduardo Zayas, more than 100 times to obtain crack for subsequent redistribution.

On May 15, 2015, Hartford Police arrested Zayas after he traveled to a parking lot to meet his own drug supplier who was in possession of approximately 320 grams of crack. A subsequent search of an apartment on New Britain Avenue in Hartford that was connected to Zayas revealed a .25 caliber handgun, a magazine with four live .25 caliber rounds, approximately 52 grams of crack, items used to process and package narcotics, and $4,120 in cash.

On February 3, 2016, ROSA pleaded guilty to one count of use of a telephone in the commission of a drug trafficking felony.

ROSA’s criminal history includes multiple felony drug convictions and a firearms conviction.

Zayas pleaded guilty and, on January 27, 2017, was sentenced to 65 months of imprisonment.

The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division, Major Crimes Unit, Shooting Task Force and South Conditions Unit have provided valuable assistance to the investigation, and the U.S. Marshals Service and Capitol Region Emergency Response Team (CREST) assisted with the arrests.

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

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on April 28, 2017, GABRIEL RODRIGUEZ, 29, of Hartford, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 144 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and committing violent robberies.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 31, 2016, Hartford Police officers encountered RODRIGUEZ after he was involved in a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Main Street and Albany Avenue. RODRIGUEZ was arrested after a search of his vehicle revealed approximately 1,300 dose bags of heroin and a .40 caliber pistol.

Subsequent forensic testing of the seized firearm connected it to shell casings that were found after shooting incidents on Park Street in Hartford on January 17, 2016, and on Whitmore Street in Hartford on October 22, 2015.

In relation to the October 22 incident, a shooting victim explained that he was parked in his car on Whitmore Street and had been talking to a mechanic about performing repairs on his vehicle. After the mechanic walked from the victim’s car, an assailant, who was subsequently identified as RODRIGUEZ, approached the driver’s side of the car and demanded money. When the victim did not comply, RODRIGUEZ shot him in the thigh and then took approximately $300 from the victim.

The Park Street shooting on January 17, 2016, also involved a victim who was shot in the leg and the theft of approximately $300.

RODRIGUEZ has been detained since his arrest on January 31, 2016. On December 19, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, and one count of interference with commerce by robbery, threats and violence

RODRIGUEZ’s criminal history includes multiple felony convictions.

This matter was investigated by the Hartford Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Crime Laboratory in utilizing the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to analyze ballistics evidence.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TIMOTHY W. BURKE, also known as “Bill Burke,” “William Burke,” “Kerry Saunders,” “Pat Riley,” “Jim Caldwell,” “Jim Saunders,” “Tom Morrisey,” “Jimmy,” “Phil Burke,” “Phil,” “Burt,” “James Burke,” and “M. Soler,” 65, formerly of Easton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 108 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for defrauding distressed homeowners, and tax evasion.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately 2010 and November 2015, BURKE engaged in a scheme to defraud individuals, mortgage lenders and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by falsely representing to homeowners who were in, or facing, foreclosure on their homes that he would purchase their homes and pay off their mortgages. The distressed homeowners agreed to sign various documents, including quitclaim deeds, indemnification agreements, management agreements and third party authorization letters, which BURKE presented to them on the understanding that, by signing the documents, they would be able to walk away from their homes without the burdens of their mortgage or other costs associated with home ownership. BURKE also told homeowners that the process of negotiating with the lenders can take time and that, in the meantime, to ignore any notices regarding foreclosure. After he gained control of these houses, BURKE rented out the properties to tenants by advertising the properties on craigslist.com and other means and falsely representing to tenants that BURKE owned the property.

BURKE or one of his agents then collected rent from tenants, in person, and BURKE used the funds for his own benefit. BURKE failed to negotiate with the homeowners’ mortgage lender or pay expenses associated with the home, including the homeowner’s mortgages and property taxes, and he failed to pay any rental income he was collecting to the homeowners. Many of the properties BURKE purportedly purchased were ultimately foreclosed upon by the mortgage lender.

BURKE undertook extensive efforts to disguise his true identity, and hide his criminal past, from his victims through the use of multiple aliases and business entities, and to conceal the sources of and expenditures from his criminal proceeds. BURKE has been associated with multiple entities, including Quality Asset Management Services, LLC; Birmingham Investments, LLC; the Birmingham Group of Companies; Saunders Associates; New Haven Investments; Realty Partners Group; Preston Associates II; Landlord Maintenance Services, LLC; Turnkey Construction Services LLC; The Complete Handyman, LLC; and Woodbridge Associates.

Dozens of distressed homeowners, property renters and mortgage lenders were victimized during this scheme. Judge Shea will determine the amount that BURKE will be ordered to pay in restitution after further court proceedings.

In addition, between 1994 and 2012, BURKE evaded paying approximately $403,726 in federal taxes. He now owes the Internal Revenue Service more than $1 million in back taxes, interest and penalties.

BURKE has been detained since his arrest on November 19, 2015. On January 24, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and one count of tax evasion.

In 2002, BURKE was indicted by a federal grand jury in New Jersey on charges of conspiracy, mail fraud, and equity skimming. BURKE subsequently pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit both equity skimming and mail fraud, and he was sentenced to 60 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. BURKE was released from federal custody in approximately August 2007 and began his federal supervised release at that time. One of the special conditions of BURKE’s supervised release was that he refrain from employment in the real estate business or mortgage industry. Based on his motion for early termination of his supervised release, the New Jersey federal court terminated his supervised release approximately one year early in August 2009.

Bradford Barneys, a Bridgeport-based attorney who assisted BURKE in this scheme, previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. In pleading guilty, Barneys admitted that participated in numerous meetings with BURKE and homeowners during which BURKE represented to homeowners that he would purchase their properties. Barneys represented that these were legitimate transactions even though he knew that BURKE had no intention of buying the properties and paying the outstanding mortgages on the properties, and that BURKE was renting the properties to tenants. Barneys also represented BURKE and his companies in eviction proceedings against tenants.

Barneys awaits sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with the critical assistance of the Middletown, Plainville, Easton and Coventry Police Departments, the Connecticut State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David T. Huang and Sarah P. Karwan.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN THOMAS MINTER, also known as “Louch” and “Louch Ramsey,” 29, of East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 80 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.

This matter stems from a long-term investigation being conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and Hartford Police Department into narcotics trafficking by members and associates of the Westhell and Team Grease groups and group-related violent activity.

According to court documents and statements made in court, MINTER was a member of Team Grease, which was originally called “Wall Street.” In April 2015, investigators conducted two controlled purchases of crack cocaine from MINTER. On April 14, MINTER sold approximately 105 grams of crack in exchange for $2,600 and, on April 24, he sold approximately 248 grams of crack in exchange for $5,200.

MINTER was arrested on April 30, 2015. On that date, a search of MINTER’s East Hartford residence revealed approximately 62 grams of crack cocaine, approximately 93 grams of powder cocaine, items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, and $16,021 in cash.

MINTER has been detained since his arrest. On October 12, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

MINTER’s criminal history includes multiple felony narcotics convictions, and a conviction for risk of injury.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and Hartford Police Department. The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division, Major Crimes Unit and Shooting Task Force, and the Capitol Region Emergency Response Team (CREST) have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John H. Durham and Peter S. Jongbloed.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PATRICIA LAFAYETTE, 62, of Torrington, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for committing health care fraud. Judge Bolden also ordered LAFAYETTE to serve her first six months of supervised release in home confinement, and to pay restitution of $1.6 million.

Accprding to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2011, LAFAYETTE and another individual approached Anne Charlotte Silver, a licensed clinical social worker who owned and operated Silver Counseling Services, LLC, in Canton and Bantam. LAFAYETTE, the other individual, and Silver all agreed to engage in a scheme to defraud Medicaid in which Silver permitted LAFAYETTE and the other individual to bill Medicaid for licensed psychotherapy services using Silver’s Medicaid provider number. The services were either performed by unlicensed individuals or not performed at all. Under the scheme, Silver kept 25 percent of the proceeds, and paid the remaining 75 percent to LAFAYETTE and the other individual.

Over the next four years, LAFAYETTE submitted more than 18,000 false claims for psychotherapy using Silver’s provider number. LAFAYETTE regularly submitted the claims twice a month, every month, over this period. The claims included more than $71,000 in false claims for psychotherapy services purportedly provided to LAFAYETTE’s daughter and grandchildren, and more than $67,000 in false claims for psychotherapy services provided to LAFAYETTE’s son’s girlfriend and her children. As part of her plea, LAFAYETTE admitted to defrauding Medicaid of more than $1.6 million through the scheme, of which LAFAYETTE received more than $1.2 million.

On July 15, 2016, LAFAYETTE pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud.

On May 2, 2016, Silver pleaded guilty to the same charge. She is scheduled to be sentenced on May 8.

In addition, LAFAYETTE’s son, Maurice Sharpe, pleaded guilty to the same charge on December 13, 2016. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 19.

“As Judge Bolden recognized in his remarks imposing this sentence, Medicaid fraud is a serious offense,” stated Attorney Daly. “One of the most important benefits the Medicaid program provides is mental health counseling to individuals who cannot themselves afford to pay for such services. Through her actions, the defendant in this case stole $1.6 million needed state and federal tax dollars dedicated to providing mental health counseling, resulting in less money to provide this vital medical care to Medicaid clients. My Office is committed to working with our state partners to vigorously protect the Medicaid program.”

“I commend the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit in the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney and the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for their work on this case and continued collaboration to preserve the integrity of government programs that exist to serve those in need,” said Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane.

“Medicaid provides health care services to some of the most vulnerable members of our society, and it’s our agency’s mission to ensure the program funds are spent properly,” said Special Agent in Charge Phillip M. Coyne of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “Working with our federal and state partners, we will continue to hold accountable anyone who attempts to enrich themselves by fraudulently billing for Medicaid services.”

The criminal case was 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.  U.S. Attorney Daly thanked the Connecticut Department of Social Services and the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office 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 Connecticut 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. Attorney David J. Sheldon and Auditor Susan Spiegel.

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 ANTHONY LEE PAROWSKI, 29, of Stratford, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.

PAROWSKI was arrested on April 25. He appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven and was ordered detained. The offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

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.

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that DWIGHT JARVIS, 28, of Monroe, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of distribution of cocaine base (“crack”)

This matter stems from an investigation by the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and Milford Police Department.

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

JARVIS was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on December 16, 2016. He is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing, which is not yet scheduled.

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

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JEFFREY HOUSTON, 30, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 90 months of imprisonment, followed by three 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, HOUSTON, Kasam Hennix, William Davis and Christopher Gay, 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. HOUSTON, Hennix and Davis then forced two of the victims into a victim’s vehicle and drove to Lenox Jewelers in Fairfield, Conn., where the two victims worked. Timothy Forbes traveled to Fairfield in a separate vehicle, and Gay remained in the Meriden apartment to guard the two other victims.

After HOUSTON, Hennix and Davis 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. HOUSTON, Hennix and Davis abandoned the victim’s vehicle and got into Forbes’s 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 HOUSTON, Forbes 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 December 8, 2015, HOUSTON pleaded guilty to 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.

Forbes, of Allentown, Hennix, of Easton, Pa., Davis, of Allentown, and Gay, of the Bronx, N.Y., also pleaded guilty to federal 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, and, on February 8, 2016, Hennix was sentenced to 171 months of imprisonment. Forbes awaits sentencing.

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.

This matter has been 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Vizcarrondo.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that HARRY STEWART, also known as “P,” 34, of New London, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.

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

During the investigation, law enforcement officers conducted several controlled purchases of crack and heroin from STEWART.

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

During the course of the investigation, which included numerous controlled purchases of narcotics, extensive surveillance and the execution of 11 state search warrants, investigators seized approximately 1.3 kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of crack cocaine, 416 grams of heroin, five firearms and $53,500 in cash.

STEWART has been detained since his arrest on December 9, 2015. On that date, he was in possession of crack and heroin packaged for sale. On November 3, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).

As part of this sentence, STEWART was ordered to forfeit $3,506 in cash that was seized from him during the investigation and at the time of his arrest.

On October 27, 2016, Jackson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”). On February 16, 2017, he was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment.

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Christy Goldsmith Romero, Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP), and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that JESSE C. LITVAK, 42, of Boca Raton, Fla., 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 engaging in fraudulent residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) trades. Chief Judge Hall also ordered LITVAK to pay a $2 million fine.

“This sentence sends an unequivocal message that fraud in the residential mortgage backed securities trading market will be met with serious punishment,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “Jesse Litvak took advantage of his victims through his repeated and brazen lies, and as the Court correctly found, Litvak’s lies led to more than $6 million in unearned profits for his employer. Simply put, Litvak lied to investors to cheat them and make more money for himself. This has been a demanding and lengthy prosecution. I thank our prosecutors and the SIGTARP and FBI agents for their tireless professionalism throughout this case. Our criminal investigations of individuals and institutions involved in fraudulent RMBS trading activities remain active and ongoing.”

“Today former Jefferies trader Jesse Litvak was sentenced to federal prison for lying to customers about the prices of residential mortgage backed securities to criminally enrich his firm’s profit and his bonus based on the profit,” said Christy Goldsmith Romero, Special Inspector General for TARP. “This fraudulent pursuit of profit victimized customers including a fund trading with taxpayer dollars – part of a TARP program that unlocked frozen credit markets during the crisis. Despite making more than $15 million in four years, Litvak was motivated by greed to lie in 76 trades with 35 victims. Now Litvak has faced justice for his crimes. Since his arrest by SIGTARP special agents, broker dealers have changed their sale practices to prevent this type of fraud. SIGTARP commends U.S. Attorney Daly and prosecutors Jonathan Francis, Heather Cherry and William Nardini and for fighting crime in the residential mortgage backed securities market.”

“The prison term imposed today serves as another example that justice prevails over greed, deceit and criminal behavior,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Ferrick.

On January 27, 2017, a jury found LITVAK guilty of one count of securities fraud. According to the evidence introduced during the trial, in response to the 2008 financial collapse, the U.S. Department of Treasury introduced the Legacy Securities Public-Private Investment Program (PPIP), and used billions of dollars of bailout money from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) to restart the trading markets for many troubled securities, including certain kinds of RMBS. The program created nine PPIP funds, and more than 100 firms applied to manage the funds.

LITVAK was a senior trader and managing director at Jefferies & Co, Inc. (“Jefferies”), a global securities and investment banking firm headquartered in New York. Jefferies also had a trading floor in Stamford, Conn., where LITVAK and other members of its Mortgage and Asset-Backed Securities trading group worked.

The jury found that LITVAK engaged in a scheme to defraud. As a broker-dealer, only LITVAK – not the bond seller or buyer – knew the selling and asking prices of the parties. LITVAK exploited this information by misrepresenting to his PPIP fund victim the price Jefferies paid for a RMBS bond in order to increase Jefferies’ profit on the trade.

LITVAK has been released on bond since his arrest on January 28, 2013.

On March 7, 2014, LITVAK was convicted after trial of 10 counts of securities fraud, one count of TARP fraud and three counts of making false statements to the government. Chief Judge Hall subsequently sentenced him to 24 months of imprisonment and a fine of $1.7 million. LITVAK appealed his conviction and, on December 8, 2015, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit reversed the judgment of conviction as to the TARP fraud and making false statement charges, and remanded the matter for a new trial on the securities fraud charges.

The investigation of this matter revealed that members of Jefferies’ management in the fixed income division became aware that Jefferies employees were making misrepresentations to customers and did nothing to stop it. Jefferies has cooperated with the federal criminal investigation and paid a total penalty of $25 million as part of a non-prosecution agreement with the government. The penalty included up to $11 million in restitution to victims and up to a $4,200,402 penalty to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Jefferies also addressed deficiencies in the compliance and ethics practices and policies of its Mortgage and Asset-Backed Securities Trading group. These measures included Jefferies’ agreement to retain an Independent Compliance Consultant to conduct a review of Jefferies’ policies and procedures for detecting and preventing fraud in connection with the purchase or sale of RMBS.

This matter was investigated by SIGTARP and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Francis, Heather Cherry and William Nardini.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CARLOS ALBERTO DEOSA-MUNERA, 57, a citizen of Colombia, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 16 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.

According to court documents and statements made in court, DEOSA-MUNERA has been previously deported from the U.S. on four occasions. DEOSA-MUNERA, who had been residing in Waterbury, was convicted of sexual assault in the third degree and incarcerated in state custody. Federal immigration officers visited DEOSA-MUNERA at a Connecticut Department of Correction facility, advised him of his Miranda rights and questioned him. He admitted that he was born in Colombia, remains a citizen of that country and had been previously deported on multiple occasions.

DEOSA-MUNERA completed his state sentence and has been in federal custody since June 10, 2016. On October 5, 2016, he waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry.

He will be removed to Colombia at the conclusion of his federal prison term.

This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Detention and Removal Operations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CAREEM BENTLEY, also known as “C-Lows,” 33, of Bridgeport, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with heroin distribution offenses. The charges stem from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.

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

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

The complaint charges BENTLEY 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 Monroe 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 Douglas P. Morabito.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMES BUTLER, 24, of Montville, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of distribution of heroin.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 31, 2016, members of the Montville Police Department responded to an apartment on Route 32 for an “untimely death” investigation. Upon arrival, officers found a deceased 34-year-old woman lying face down on the bathroom floor.

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

The investigation revealed that the victim was supplied with heroin/fentanyl by BUTLER.

Distribution of heroin carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. BUTLER is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford on July 12, 2017.

BUTLER has been detained since his arrest on January 31, 2017.

This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut State Police, Groton Police Department, Montville Police Department, New London Police Department, Statewide Narcotics Task Force – East, and the Regional Community Enhancement Task Force.

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

Middletown, Conn. – National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is Saturday, April 29, and Connecticut residents are encouraged to bring their potentially dangerous, unwanted medicines to more than 60 collection sites around the state between 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Individuals can find a nearby collection site by visiting www.dea.gov and clicking on the “Take-Back Site Locations” link.

U.S. Attorney Deirdre Daly, DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brian Boyle, Middlesex County Assistant State’s Attorney Peter McShane, Connecticut State Police Colonel Alaric Fox and Middletown Police Chief William McKenna convened at the Middletown Police Department this afternoon to promote the event. The Middletown Police Department will serve as a collection location for this Saturday’s Drug Take-Back Day.

“The opioid epidemic continues to ravage our state as it has states all across the country,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “Thousands of Connecticut families have lost loved ones to drug overdoses. Tragically, last year alone 917 people in Connecticut died from an overdose and the numbers of deaths are increasing. Far too often the abuse started with painkillers or other prescription narcotics. Again and again, we find victims who were injured and became addicted to legally-prescribed opioids, or family members and friends who experiment with leftover pills they find in medicine cabinets. You may be surprised by the quantity and types of drugs you have in your home. I strongly urge you to collect all of your excess drugs and dispose of them this Saturday at one of more than 60 locations across our state. By doing so, you may be saving someone close to you from addiction, or much worse.”

“Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly vulnerable to diversion, misuse and abuse,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson. “Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisoning and overdoses due to the illegal use of these drugs. Please take the time to clean out your medicine cabinet and make your home safe from drug theft and abuse.”

“It is clear that the Take Back Days and the medication collection boxes at police stations have increased awareness of the serious problem of addiction and the need to properly dispose of over-the-counter prescription medicine,” said State’s Attorney McShane. “I am glad that police and prosecutors are taking a proactive approach to aid in the fight in the epidemic that we are faced with.”

“The Connecticut State Police, along with the balance of our law enforcement partners, remain fully committed to addressing the scourge of opioid addiction, through enforcement, education and community service,” said Colonel Fox. “The Drug Take Back Day is but one of the many steps law enforcement is committed to in order to combat this issue.”

“We are happy to, once again, participate in the DEA’s National Drug Take Back Day,” said Chief McKenna. “On Saturday, officers will be made available to any member of the public who wishes to drop off any unused, or expired, prescription medications. The timing of the event unfortunately comes as law enforcement agencies across the country are teaming up with other agencies, hospitals, medical providers and many other organizations in an attempt to combat the opioid epidemic. The goal is to educate the public on the risks associated with the use of these deadly chemicals. Local and federal law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the illegal distribution of these drugs to stop the street level dealing that has resulted in an extraordinary number of overdose deaths. We have also teamed up with the U.S. DOJ, the DEA and our local States Attorney’s office to ensure proper overdose investigation protocols are met, that teamwork is achieved and that communication continues to combat this deadly issue that is affecting more and more families across our city, state and nation.”

Many local police departments in Connecticut, and Connecticut State Police barracks, maintain permanent drop-off receptacles so the public can dispose of unneeded prescription medications anytime throughout the year with no questions asked. Click here for a list of these permanent locations.

U.S. Attorney Daly noted that the U.S. Attorney’s Office and DEA continue to spearhead a comprehensive enforcement and public awareness initiative to prevent opioid addiction and reduce the number of overdose deaths caused by heroin, fentanyl and prescription opioids.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office and DEA, working in close partnership with State’s Attorneys, Connecticut State Police and police departments across the state, are targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.

As part of this initiative, local law enforcement officers are performing time-sensitive investigative techniques to preserve all evidence at the scene of an overdose death. Police contact the DEA at the early stages of an investigation and ensure that an autopsy of the decedent is performed. Investigators determine the events leading up to the death, the source of the drug involved, and the composition of the drug. Individuals responsible for distributing drugs causing overdose deaths will be prosecuted by federal or state authorities.

Since the beginning of 2016, as part of this initiative, the DEA, working with state and local counterparts, has conducted approximately 120 investigations, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office has prosecuted approximately 60 individuals.

Last week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, DEA, Waterbury State’s Attorney and the Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducted opioid overdose death investigation training to approximately 180 police officers from across the state.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office also has formed a Heroin Action Education Team (HEAT), which has conducted opioid awareness presentations at numerous high schools and middle schools in Connecticut. The presentation typically includes an Assistant U.S. Attorney, a DEA special agent and a parent who has lost a child to a drug overdose. To date, these presentations have reached more than 15,000 students.

For more information on HEAT, please click here.

The HEAT presentations also include a showing of the FBI/DEA film “Chasing the Dragon,” and an opioid awareness video produced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALBERTO SILVA-GARCIA, 46, a citizen of Mexico recently residing in Norwalk, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 15 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.

According to court documents and statements made in court, SILVA-GARCIA was deported from the U.S. to his native Mexico in March 1999 after sustaining a domestic violence conviction in California. Between March 1999 and April 2004, SILVA-GARCIA was encountered multiple times in California by immigration agents, twice while in custody following his apprehension and conviction for controlled substance violations, and on several other occasions following his apprehension at the U.S. border for falsely claiming U.S. citizenship. On 11 documented occasions, SILVA-GARCIA was removed to Mexico by foot.

In August 2009, SILVA-GARCIA was arrested for motor vehicle offenses in Norwalk. He was subsequently charged with illegal reentry in U.S. District Court in Connecticut and was sentenced to 12 months of imprisonment. In December 2010, SILVA-GARCIA was again removed to Mexico.

SILVA-GARCIA illegally reentered the U.S. and, in March 2015, was charged with larceny and burglary offenses in superior court in Norwalk. The charges stemmed from a crime spree involving the theft of construction tools and equipment from job sites and parked construction vehicles. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years of incarceration.

SILVA-GARCIA has been detained in ICE custody since October 2016. On January 30, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARK W. ERRICO, 64, of Norwalk, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to federal embezzlement and tax evasion offenses.

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

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

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

ERRICO pleaded guilty to one count of the interstate transportation of money obtained by fraud and one count of tax evasion. Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for July 17, 2017, at which time ERRICO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.

ERRICO also has agreed to pay $654,546.09 in restitution to the two companies from which he stole money, and he is obligated to pay $265,326 in back taxes, plus penalties and interest, which continue to accrue.

ERRICO was released on bond pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Secret Service and Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DANIEL GAMERO, 24, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for heroin distribution and firearm possession offenses.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2016, Hartford Police began investigating the distribution of heroin marked with a particular brand stamp that was linked to at least two overdose deaths, one in Vernon on February 1 and one in Granby on March 22. Between February and April 2016, law enforcement conducted four controlled purchases of heroin marked with the same stamp from GAMERO and his associate, Charlie Tacuri.

GAMERO and Tacuri were arrested on April 21, 2016. On that date, a search of GAMERO’s Preston Street residence revealed approximately 650 bags of heroin, a quantity of marijuana, a loaded firearm and approximately $1,600 in cash. At the time of Tacuri’s arrest, Tacuri possessed approximately 60 bags of heroin and approximately $1,200 in cash.

On December 15, 2016, GAMERO pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

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

On December 8, 2016, Tacuri pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin. He awaits sentencing.

This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Hartford, Vernon and Granby 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. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney H. Gordon Hall.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BOBBY GUTIERREZ, also known as “B.O,” 37, formerly of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 160 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin and cocaine.

This matter stems from an investigation headed by the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Stamford Police Department, Norwalk Police Department and Connecticut State Police. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance, arose from several overdoses that involved heroin/fentanyl marked with the same brand stamp on the packaging.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately September 2015 and May 2016, BOBBY GUTIERREZ and others, including his brother Wilfredo Gutierrez, also known as “Bean” and “Big Pun,” conspired to distribute at least 10 kilograms of heroin in Fairfield County. BOBBY GUTIERREZ and others also acquired kilogram quantities of cocaine from sources located in Florida and New York and sold the drug locally.

As part of this investigation, law enforcement officers executed several federal search warrants on May 26 and May 27, 2016. A search of BOBBY GUTIERREZ’s Bridgeport residence revealed a quantity of cocaine, $25,916 in cash and other items used in the trafficking of narcotics; a search of his girlfriend’s residence revealed $47,316 in cash, more than three kilograms of cocaine, and two firearms, and a search of B & B Deli in Bridgeport, which was owned by the Gutierrez family and served as a hub for drug dealing, revealed two digital scales, two large ziplock bags containing what appeared to be cutting agents, and five cellphones.

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

BOBBY GUTIERREZ has been detained since his arrest on May 26, 2016. On November 21, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

As part of this sentence, BOBBY GUTIERREZ was ordered to forfeit $171,462, which includes cash that was seized from a co-defendant in Florida in April 2016, and cash seized during the searches in May 2016.

On March 16. 2017, Wilfredo Gutierrez was sentenced to 180 months of imprisonment.

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

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

A federal grand jury in Bridgeport, Connecticut, returned an eight-count indictment yesterday charging a Russian National with multiple offenses stemming from his alleged operation of the Kelihos botnet – a global network of tens of thousands of infected computers, which he allegedly used to facilitate malicious activities including harvesting login credentials, distributing bulk spam e-mails, and installing ransomware and other malicious software.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly of the District of Connecticut and Special Agent in Charge Patricia M. Ferrick of the FBI’s New Haven Division made the announcement.

Peter Yuryevich Levashov, 36, aka Petr Levashov, Peter Severa, Petr Severa and Sergey Astakhov, of St. Petersburg, Russia, was charged in an indictment returned in the District of Connecticut with one count of causing intentional damage to a protected computer, one count of conspiracy, one count of accessing protected computers in furtherance of fraud, one count of wire fraud, one count of threatening to damage a protected computer, two counts of fraud in connection with email and one count of aggravated identity theft. The case has been assigned to Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford.

Spanish authorities arrested Levashov in Barcelona on April 7, 2017. The arrest was based upon a criminal complaint and arrest warrant issued in the District of Connecticut on March 24, 2017. Levashov has been detained since his arrest, and the Justice Department is seeking his extradition.

As alleged in the indictment, a “botnet” is a network of computers infected with a malicious software that allows a third party to control the entire computer network without the knowledge or consent of the computer owners. Levashov allegedly controlled and operated the Kelihos botnet to, among other things, harvest personal information and means of identification (including email addresses, usernames and logins, and passwords) from infected computers. To further the scheme, Levashov allegedly disseminated spam and distributed other malware – such as banking Trojans and ransomware, and advertised the Kelihos botnet spam and malware services to others for purchase in order to enrich himself.

The indictment further alleges that during any 24-hour period, the Kelihos botnet was used to generate and distribute more than 2,500 unsolicited spam e-mails that advertised various criminal schemes, including deceptively promoting stocks in order to fraudulently increase their price (so-called “pump-and-dump” stock fraud schemes).

On April 10, 2017, the Justice Department announced that it had taken action to dismantle the Kelihos botnet.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The FBI’s New Haven Division and Anchorage Division are investigating the case, with the assistance of the Spanish National Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vanessa Richards and David Huang of the District of Connecticut, with the assistance of Senior Trial Attorneys Anthony Teelucksingh, Ethan Arenson and Harold Chun of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are prosecuting the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs is handling the extradition in this matter.

A federal grand jury in Bridgeport, Connecticut, returned an eight-count indictment yesterday charging a Russian National with multiple offenses stemming from his alleged operation of the Kelihos botnet – a global network of tens of thousands of infected computers, which he allegedly used to facilitate malicious activities including harvesting login credentials, distributing bulk spam e-mails, and installing ransomware and other malicious software.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly of the District of Connecticut and Special Agent in Charge Patricia M. Ferrick of the FBI’s New Haven Division made the announcement.

Peter Yuryevich Levashov, 36, aka Petr Levashov, Peter Severa, Petr Severa and Sergey Astakhov, of St. Petersburg, Russia, was charged in an indictment returned in the District of Connecticut with one count of causing intentional damage to a protected computer, one count of conspiracy, one count of accessing protected computers in furtherance of fraud, one count of wire fraud, one count of threatening to damage a protected computer, two counts of fraud in connection with email and one count of aggravated identity theft. The case has been assigned to Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford.

Spanish authorities arrested Levashov in Barcelona on April 7, 2017. The arrest was based upon a criminal complaint and arrest warrant issued in the District of Connecticut on March 24, 2017. Levashov has been detained since his arrest, and the Justice Department is seeking his extradition.

As alleged in the indictment, a “botnet” is a network of computers infected with a malicious software that allows a third party to control the entire computer network without the knowledge or consent of the computer owners. Levashov allegedly controlled and operated the Kelihos botnet to, among other things, harvest personal information and means of identification (including email addresses, usernames and logins, and passwords) from infected computers. To further the scheme, Levashov allegedly disseminated spam and distributed other malware – such as banking Trojans and ransomware, and advertised the Kelihos botnet spam and malware services to others for purchase in order to enrich himself.

The indictment further alleges that during any 24-hour period, the Kelihos botnet was used to generate and distribute more than 2,500 unsolicited spam e-mails that advertised various criminal schemes, including deceptively promoting stocks in order to fraudulently increase their price (so-called “pump-and-dump” stock fraud schemes).

On April 10, 2017, the Justice Department announced that it had taken action to dismantle the Kelihos botnet.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The FBI’s New Haven Division and Anchorage Division are investigating the case, with the assistance of the Spanish National Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vanessa Richards and David Huang of the District of Connecticut, with the assistance of Senior Trial Attorneys Anthony Teelucksingh, Ethan Arenson and Harold Chun of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are prosecuting the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs is handling the extradition in this matter.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that AXEL PIZARRO, 41, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three 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 Halby “Harv” Lopez. The investigation revealed that Lopez, and his associates, Omar Polanco-Mendez and Bernardo “Benny” Roman-Rolan, were obtaining bulk quantities of cocaine from multiple suppliers, including PIZARRO, 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.

On March 2, 2016, PIZARRO delivered at least 500 grams of cocaine to Polanco on consignment.

PIZARRO was arrested on March 16, 2016 and, on March 24, 2016, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 13-count indictment charging him, Lopez, Polanco-Mendez, Roman-Rolan and six other individuals with various narcotics offenses. All of the defendants pleaded guilty.

On September 22, 2016, PIZARRO pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

This is PIZARRO’s second federal conviction for trafficking cocaine.

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

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, announced that FELIX JIMENEZ, also known as “P.R.,” 32, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for selling heroin, crack cocaine and firearms.

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

The investigation revealed that JIMENEZ, a member of Los Solidos, was distributing heroin and crack cocaine to street-level dealers, and selling the drugs to his own customers. A wiretap also revealed that JIMENEZ possessed and sold firearms.

In May and June 2015, investigators conducted controlled purchases of two handguns and two rifles, and numerous rounds of ammunition, from JIMENEZ.

JIMENEZ has been detained since his arrest on June 15, 2015. On October 24, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.

JIMENEZ’s criminal history includes nine felony convictions, including convictions for possession and sale of narcotics, violation of a protective order, risk of injury to a minor, and larceny.

The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics unit, Major Crimes unit, Shooting Task Force and South Conditions Unit have provided valuable assistance to the investigation, and the U.S. Marshals Service and Capitol Region Emergency Response Team (CREST) assisted with the arrests.

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

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DANIEL GUILLEN, 28, of Wallingford, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 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.

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

GUILLEN is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford on July 12, 2017, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

GUILLEN has been detained since his arrest on January 19, 2017.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, Wallingford Police Department, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and State of Connecticut Department of Parole and Community Services. The Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe, 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 DAVID VALENTIN, 37, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

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

VALENTIN’s criminal history includes nine felony convictions.

Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for October 10, 2017, at which time VALENTIN faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WALTER GONZALEZ, 45, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 71 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for stealing and selling firearms, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 17, 1999, GONZALEZ was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 120 months of imprisonment, consecutive to a state sentence that he was already serving, and three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. He was released from federal prison on March 14, 2014, and began serving his term of supervised release.

On November 25, 2015, Bridgeport Police officers discovered a discarded safe with a door that had been pried off. Information in the safe indicated that it belonged to a resident of Shelton. Investigators visited the home later that day and discovered that it had been burglarized. The homeowner subsequently reported that the safe had contained seven firearms.

On December 14, 2015, GONZALEZ’s stepson brought one of the stolen firearms to his elementary school and reported that he had found it in a closet in his home. Investigators then recovered a second stolen firearm from the same closet. GONZALEZ was arrested when he arrived at the residence later that day. He possessed narcotics on his person at time of his arrest.

In an interview with Bridgeport Police, GONZALEZ admitted that the two firearms had been obtained from a burglary in Shelton. He also admitted that he had sold the other five stolen firearms in exchange for drugs.

GONZALEZ has been detained in federal custody since December 21, 2015. On November 14, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a stolen firearm, and to violating his supervised release.

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Bridgeport Police Department and Shelton Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TAHIR SHAHZAD, 33, of Harrison, New York, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of unlawful use of food stamp benefits and one count of conspiracy to commit food stamp fraud.

The federal Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program (“SNAP”) is administered by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service and utilizes federal tax dollars to subsidize low-income households to provide them with the opportunity to achieve a more nutritious diet by increasing their food-purchasing power. SNAP recipients purchase eligible food items at retail food stores through the use of an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, and SNAP benefits may be accepted by authorized retailers only in exchange for eligible items. Items such as alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, paper goods and soaps are not eligible for purchase with Food Stamp benefits, and it is a violation of the rules and regulations governing the food stamp program to allow benefits to be used to purchase ineligible items. SNAP benefits may not lawfully be exchanged for cash under any circumstances. The program is designed so that the total amount of each purchase is electronically transferred to the retailer’s designated bank account.

According to court documents and statements made in court, SHAHZAD worked at WB Trade Fair Grocery, located at 43 Willow Street in Waterbury. SHAHZAD was the nephew of the store owner and at times acted as the store manager, supervising at least four other individuals who worked at the store. From November 2014 until June 2016, SHAHZAD and others illegally allowed customers to redeem their food stamp benefits for cash and other ineligible items, including cigarettes, glass pipes, bongs, and hookahs. SHAHZAD charged the customers’ food stamp cards approximately double the value for these illegal transactions.

Given the stock of eligible food items at the store, the number of registers and the customer amenities, it is estimated that WB Trade Fair Grocery could lawfully redeem at most between $120,000 to $240,000 per year in food stamp benefits. However, during this approximately 18-month period, food stamp redemptions at the store totaled approximately $3.2 million.

SHAHZAD is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on July 13, 2017, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of up to twice the gross loss from the offense, and restitution. He is released on a $50,000 bond.

Two men who worked at WB Trade Fair Grocery previously pleaded guilty to the same charges. Raul Carlos Monarca-Gonzalez pleaded guilty on November 28, 2016. On April 7, 2017, he was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment. Tallat Mahmood pleaded guilty on March 30, 2017, and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 12, 2017.

This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anastasia King and Neeraj Patel.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that COREY BRINSON, 37, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his involvement in a securities fraud scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately October 2010 and July 2016, BRINSON, a licensed attorney, served as the nominal “securities counsel” for several companies whose securities were marketed and sold to the investing public by Christian Meissenn and Meissenn’s business associates in a stock “pump and dump” scheme. Meissenn and his associates induced investors to purchase securities by making false and misleading representations about the securities and the issuing companies, thereby causing the price of those securities to become falsely inflated. After selling their own shares at a profit, the scheme’s participants allowed the price of the securities to fall, leaving investors with worthless and unsalable stock. As a result, victim investors lost millions of dollars.

As part of the scheme, BRINSON, who did not have any experience with securities and securities markets, signed, or permitted others to affix his signature to, false and misleading attorney opinion letters that were designed to provide assurances to securities transfer agents and prospective investors. Among other things, the opinion letters falsely certified that BRINSON, as an attorney, had adequately reviewed corporate records and filings and was satisfied with the adequacy of the companies’ public disclosures. The opinion letters were then provided to securities transfer agents and prospective investors.

BRINSON also received deposits of millions of dollars in proceeds of securities transactions into his Interest on Lawyer Trust Account (“IOLTA”). Rather than use the proceeds to purchase securities and fund operations at the underlying companies, Meissenn and others directed BRINSON to distribute nearly all the money to relatives, associates and shell companies associated with Meissenn and his associates.

BRINSON knew that approximately $3 million that passed through his IOLTA were the proceeds of this illegal securities scheme. In exchange for providing his services, BRINSON received approximately five percent of the proceeds that passed through his IOLTA. BRINSON also received payment for preparing the false opinion letters. As a result of these activities, BRINSON’s personal gain was a total of approximately $200,000.

Judge Meyer ordered BRINSON to pay restitution in the amount of $1,417,810.

On January 20, 2017, BRINSON pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a monetary transaction in property derived from specified unlawful activity.

BRINSON surrendered his law license in November 2016.

On November 8, 2016, Meissenn pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and one count of tax evasion. He awaits sentencing.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAMON MONROIG, also known as “Ray Rock,” 40, of Danbury, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for drug and firearm offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between January and May 2016, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of cocaine from MONROIG.

On July 19, 2016, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of Danbury property that MONROIG used as a stash house and seized an AK-47 assault rifle, a 9mm handgun, numerous rounds of ammunition, approximately 22 grams of cocaine packaged for sale, a container holding approximately 313 grams of marijuana, and items associated with the processing and packaging of drugs. MONROIG was stopped as he drove from the Danbury property. A search of his vehicle revealed approximately 24 grams of cocaine and 200 grams of marijuana, all of which was packaged for sale.

MONROIG was arrested on state charges at this time and was released on bond.

On the morning of July 20, 2016, Danbury police were preparing to execute a search warrant at a Danbury storage unit where MONROIG kept one of his cars when they noticed that occupants of a vehicle were surveilling the activity. The vehicle then sped off. Police stopped the car several blocks away and found MONROIG, his sister and sister’s boyfriend inside. A subsequent search of the car, which was impounded because it was unregistered, revealed $8,400 in cash. The cash included prerecorded bills that investigators used to make controlled purchases of narcotics from MONROIG during the investigation.

On November 15, 2016, MONROIG pleaded guilty to one count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

As part of his sentence, MONROIG forfeited the two firearms, two iPhones, a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro and $9,582 in cash.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Danbury Police Department and Brookfield Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Vizcarrondo.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that BESIM MURIQI, 31, of Stamford, pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone.

This matter stems from an investigation headed by the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and Stamford Police Department, with the assistance of the Fairfield Police Department.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2015, Stamford Police received information that Amonda Mendez, also known as “M-Dot” and “Dot,” was distributing a variety of narcotics in Stamford. Between February and April 2015, the DEA Task Force conducted four controlled purchases of narcotics from Mendez. A subsequent court-authorized wiretap confirmed that Mendez was distributing heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana and prescription pills, including Percocet and Xanax. In May 2015, task force agents intercepted several narcotics-related calls between MURIQI and Mendez, and also surveilled them as they traveled together to the Bronx, New York, to purchase narcotics.

Mendez was arrested on May 17, 2016, after the wiretap revealed that she was injured the previous day in a shoot-out with another individual and she might be preparing to retaliate further. MURIQI then left Connecticut.

In September 2016, agents received information that MURIQI was selling oxycodone in the Stamford area. On September 14, 2016, investigators made a controlled purchase of 10 30mg oxycodone pills from MURIQI. On October 26, 2016, investigators conducted a traffic stop of MURIQI’s vehicle in Stamford. A search of the vehicle revealed 558 30mg oxycodone pills, and MURIQI was arrested on state narcotics charges. Two days later, a search of MURIQI’s Stamford apartment revealed approximately 400 Valium tablets, 985 Xanax tablets, 15 grams of cocaine, two digital scales and narcotics packaging materials.

MURIQI is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on July 19, 2017, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. MURIQI is released on a $150,000 bond.

Mendez pleaded guilty to heroin distribution and firearm offenses and, on June 23, 2016, was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment.

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

This case is being prosecuted Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy C. Brown.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TERENCE GARRETT, 46, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a previously convicted felon.

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

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

GARRETT is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on July 19, 2017, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. He has been detained since his arrest.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MARC ANTHONY ALEXANDER, 37, formerly of Stratford and Oxford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 96 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for operating two separate fraud schemes.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the first scheme involved the theft of postal money orders. MARC ALEXANDER and others conspired to steal blocks of blank postal money orders from the U.S. Post Office in Old Greenwich. MARC ALEXANDER, his wife Rachael Alexander, and others then imprinted the money orders with various denominations using a computer font designed to make them appear to be authentic. MARC ALEXANDER, Rachael Alexander, Bernard Harris and others then deposited the fraudulently imprinted postal money orders into numerous bank accounts, either at an ATM or at a teller window. Members of the conspiracy then withdrew and used the funds. At times, members of the conspiracy also used the fraudulently imprinted postal money orders to make payments to other individuals.

The loss from this scheme was $313,570.

The second scheme involved the fraudulent sale of financed vehicles. MARC ALEXANDER and Rachael Alexander took straw buyers to various car dealerships and had them fill out financing paperwork to buy high-end cars. Typically, the Alexanders would take the car and the straw buyers would sign a power of attorney form to allow them to obtain a new title for it. The Alexanders would then contact the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles and claim that the title had been lost and they needed a replacement title. At the DMV, they would present a fake letter from the car financing company stating that the loan had been paid off in full. After they received a new title, the Alexanders would sell the car to another dealer. The original car loans were not paid and went into default.

The straw buyers financed more than $1 million in fraudulent car loans during the course of this scheme.

ALEXANDER has been detained since his arrest on April 26, 2016. On January 17, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud stemming from the postal money order scheme, and one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud stemming from the vehicle scheme.

ALEXANDER’s criminal history includes a 2004 conviction in California for stealing the identity of an NFL athlete and using the identity to purchase a townhouse and cars, including a $245,000 Bentley. He was sentenced to 16 months in prison for that offense. In 2006, again pretending to be affiliated with the NFL, ALEXANDER defrauded two individuals he met at the gym where he worked. For that offense, he was sentenced in New London superior court to 12 years of incarceration, with seven years to serve, and five years of probation. He was on state probation while engaged in the criminal activity that resulted in these federal charges.

Rachael Alexander, also known as Rachael Vierling, and Bernard Harris have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

This investigation has been conducted by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force¸ U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Westport Police Department and Greenwich Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMAR JONES, also known as “Mitch,” 35, of formerly of Ansonia and Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 51 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin. JONES also was ordered to perform 80 hours of community service during his term of 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 March 2016, the Ansonia Police Department and DEA received information that JONES was selling heroin in and around Ansonia and Waterbury, and that some of the heroin distributed by Jones had led to a non-fatal overdose. Officers made two controlled purchases of heroin from JONES in March 2016. Based on these sales, on April 14, 2016, Ansonia Police conducted a court-authorized search of JONES’s former residence in Ansonia and seized approximately 66 grams of heroin, 22 grams of crack cocaine, more than $17,000 in cash and three vehicles. JONES was arrested on that date for state narcotics offenses and was released on a $100,000 bond.

While released on bond, JONES continued to distribution heroin. Investigators conducted additional controlled purchases of heroin from JONES, and then from Alvin Lopes when the investigation revealed that he was working with Jones to distribute heroin.

JONES has been detained since his arrest on August 11, 2016. On December 5, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base (“crack”).

Lopes, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin and, on January 18, 2017, he was sentenced to 27 months of imprisonment.

This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Ansonia Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector and Jocelyn Courtney-Kaoutzanis.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on April 7, 2017, NATHANIEL SMITH, 30, of Aurora, Colorado, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 156 months of imprisonment, followed by 15 years of supervised release, for enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2016, SMITH used his cell phone and internet-based messaging and video chatting services, including Kik and Skype, to entice a 13-year-old female to engage in sexual activity. On January 25, 2016, SMITH was arrested in New London after he traveled from Colorado to meet the girl.

SMITH has been detained since his arrest. On December 13, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAUL CARLOS MONARCA-GONZALEZ, 40, last residing in Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for food stamp fraud offenses.

The federal Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program (“SNAP”) is administered by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service and utilizes federal tax dollars to subsidize low-income households to provide them with the opportunity to achieve a more nutritious diet by increasing their food-purchasing power. SNAP recipients purchase eligible food items at retail food stores through the use of an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, and SNAP benefits may be accepted by authorized retailers only in exchange for eligible items. Items such as alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, paper goods and soaps are not eligible for purchase with Food Stamp benefits, and it is a violation of the rules and regulations governing the food stamp program to allow benefits to be used to purchase ineligible items. SNAP benefits may not lawfully be exchanged for cash under any circumstances. The program is designed so that the total amount of each purchase is electronically transferred to the retailer’s designated bank account.

According to court documents, MONARCA worked at WB Trade Fair Grocery, located at 43 Willow Street in Waterbury. From November 2014 until June 2016, MONARCA and others illegally allowed customers to redeem their food stamp benefits for cash and other ineligible items.

Given the stock of eligible food items at the store, the number of registers and the customer amenities, it is estimated that WB Trade Fair Grocery could lawfully redeem at most between $120,000 to $240,000 per year in food stamp benefits. However, during this approximately 18-month period, food stamp redemptions at the store totaled approximately $3.2 million.

MONARCA was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,550,756.

MONARCA has been detained since his arrest on August 18, 2016. On November 28, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful use of food stamp benefits and one count of conspiracy to commit food stamp fraud.

MONARCA, a citizen of Mexico, faces immigration proceedings at the conclusion of his prison term.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anastasia King and Neeraj Patel.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that RODULFO ROBLERO LOPEZ, also known as Jorge Perez, Jorge Roblero and Artemio Hernandez, 37, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 12 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally reentering the United States after being deported.

According to court documents and statements made in court, ROBLERO LOPEZ illegally entered the U.S. when he was approximately 19 years old. Between November 2000 and August 2008, he was arrested multiple times in Florida and Massachusetts.

On September 24, 2003, ROBLERO LOPEZ was convicted in Palm Beach, Florida, of misdemeanor aggravated battery and sentenced to approximately three months of time already served. On January 13, 2006, he was convicted in Springfield, Massachusetts, of operating a motor vehicle under the influence. On November 21, 2007, he was convicted in Springfield of assault and battery, a charge that stemmed from a domestic violence incident. On August 27, 2008, he was convicted in Springfield of breaking and entering and related offenses, and was sentenced to one year of incarceration.

While incarcerated in Massachusetts, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was made aware of ROBLERO LOPEZ’s presence in the U.S. He was deported to Mexico on September 28, 2008.

On September 26, 2009, ROBLERO LOPEZ was arrested in Springfield after a domestic violence incident and was subsequently charged with disorderly conduct, breach of peace while armed, and assault with a dangerous weapon. He was deported to Mexico on December 18, 2009.

On May 3, 2010, ROBLERO LOPEZ was arrested in Springfield after a domestic violence incident and was subsequently charged with assault and battery on a knowingly pregnant female, and carrying a dangerous weapon. He was sentenced to six months of incarceration. On July 30, 2010, he was deported to Mexico.

On June 16, 2016, Connecticut State Police arrested ROBLERO LOPEZ for operating a vehicle under the influence.

ROBLERO LOPEZ was taken into federal custody on September 23, 2016. On December 19, 2016, he pleaded guilty to reentry of a removed alien.

ROBLERO LOPEZ faces additional immigration proceedings after he serves his federal sentence.

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