District of Connecticut

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in New Haven has found BRETT C. LILLEMOE, 46, of Minneapolis, Minn., and PABLO CALDERON, 61, Darien, Conn., guilty of conspiracy and fraud offenses related to a multimillion dollar scheme to defraud banks participating in a USDA-backed export financing program.  LILLEMOE, CALDERON and a third defendant were found not guilty of additional offenses.  The trial before Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall began on October 5 and the verdicts were returned this afternoon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, LILLEMOE and CALDERON submitted fraudulent documents to two United States banks in connection with a USDA loan guarantee program by which the USDA provides credit guarantees.  The credit guarantees are part of the USDA Export Credit Guarantee Program (GSM-102), which is designed to encourage financing of commercial exports of U.S. agricultural products.  The GSM-102 program guarantees credit extended by U.S. financial institutions to approved foreign banks. As part of the program, the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), which is an agency and instrumentality of the USDA, enters into payment guarantees (“credit guarantees”) with the goal of encouraging exports of U.S. agricultural products, including products of American farmers and American ranchers. 

The credit guarantees are designed to encourage exports to buyers in foreign countries – mainly developing countries.  The program operates in cases where credit is necessary to increase or maintain U.S. exports to a foreign market and where U.S. financial institutions might otherwise be unwilling to provide financing without the guarantee backed by the United States Government.  In providing the credit guarantee facility, the CCC seeks to expand market opportunities for U.S. agricultural exporters and assist long-term market development for U.S. agricultural commodities. 

In connection with the GSM-102 program, a foreign importer that has contracted to buy U.S. agricultural products can apply for a letter of credit (“LOC”) from a foreign bank that has been approved by the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).  The foreign bank then issues a letter of credit in favor of the U.S. exporter.  The U.S. exporter then, consistent with the requirements of the GSM-102 program, presents proper shipping documents to an approved U.S. financial institution, including a copy of an original bill of lading, certificate of origin, and evidence of export.  The U.S. financial institution then provides funds to the U.S. exporter which, in exchange, assigns the rights to the proceeds payable under the letter of credit from the foreign bank to the U.S. financial institution in the same dollar-denominated amount, less any fees.  If the foreign bank defaults on its payments to the U.S. financial institution, the U.S. financial institution may submit a claim to the USDA FAS under the guarantee for up to 98 percent of the payment amount owed at the time of the default.  

The jury found that between September 2007 and January 2012, LILLEMOE, CALDERON and others defrauded various U.S. financial institutions, including Deutsche Bank A.G. and Colorado-based CoBank ACB, by presenting false and altered shipping documents, including altered bills of lading, in connection with securing funding on loans guaranteed by the GSM-102.  As part of the scheme, LILLEMOE and CALDERON established multiple entities with separate names for the purpose of obtaining a greater share of the allocation of guarantees from the GSM-102 program, and used multiple bank accounts in the names of the various entities in order to further create the appearance that the entities were operating as separate and unrelated entities.  The defendants then, in various ways, paid for or otherwise acquired bills of lading and other shipping documents for shipments of agricultural products that they did not physically ship and for which they did not participate in the physical movement of the products in any capacity.

LILLEMOE entered into agreements with foreign banks, including International Industrial Bank (IIB) in Russia, to provide them capital that would be made available to them from a U.S. financial institution through the use of the GSM-102 program.  LILLEMOE subsequently obtained letters of credit from the foreign banks.  LILLEMOE, CALDERON and others then altered copies of certain shipping documents, including bills of lading marked “Copy non negotiable,” by whiting out portions of the documents, stamping the word “original” on the documents, and adding shading on certain sections of the bills of lading.  The defendants also prepared and executed documents termed “commercial invoices” purporting to represent sales of agricultural commodities between entities that they controlled, as well as between entities that they controlled and other entities. 

The defendants then used these fraudulent documents to obtain millions of dollars from U.S. banks in connection with the GSM-102 program, and then provided the funds to the foreign banks in exchange for a percentage fee for themselves and their various entities.  As established at trial the defendants and their co-conspirators made millions of dollars of fees as part of the conspiracy.  Although the foreign banks were obligated to repay the funds to the U.S. financial institutions by virtue of the letters of credit issued to the U.S. financial institutions, in a number of instances, the foreign banks failed to do so. Nevertheless, LILLEMOE, CALDERON and their various entities retained millions of dollars of fees they had collected in connection with the GSM-102 transactions and in some instances, sent a portion of those fees to various financial backers in places such as Singapore.

The evidence showed that the foreign banks defaulted on over $25 million of the many loans guaranteed as a result of LILLEMOE and CALDERON’s scheme.  Those losses, which were originally suffered by the victim U.S. banks, were ultimately reimbursed by the USDA because of the GSM-102 guarantees. 

On February 20, 2015, a grand jury returned a 23-count indictment charging LILLEMOE, CALDERON, and Sarah Zirbes of Minneapolis, Minn., with conspiracy, fraud and money laundering offenses.  The jury found LILLEMOE and CALDERON guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, and LILLEMOE guilty of five counts and CALDERON guilty of one count of wire fraud.  The jury found LILLEMOE, CALDERON and Zirbes not guilty on the remaining counts of wire fraud, one count of bank fraud and one count of money laundering.  CALDERON also was found not guilty of lying to the IRS and the FBI in connection with statements he made to the federal agents from those agencies.

LILLEMOE is scheduled to be sentenced on February 1, 2017, and CALDERON is scheduled to be sentenced on February 2, 2017.  They face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael S. McGarry, John H. Durham and John T. Pierpont, Jr.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ORLANDO TIRADO, 30, of East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a Drug Enforcement Administration Hartford Task Force investigation into a drug trafficking organization that distributed large quantities of heroin in the Hartford area. 

On June 4, 2014, investigators conducted a motor vehicle stop of TIRADO and, during a consent search of his car, discovered $5200 in cash.  On November 27, 2014, TIRADO attempted to flee from Hartford Police officers who were investigating a domestic assault.  During the foot chase, investigators observed TIRADO throwing six brick-sized packages, which were seized and found to contain a total of 3,003 bags of heroin.  TIRADO was arrested at that time and charged with state narcotics offenses.

In May 2015, while he was on pre-trial release in his state case, court-authorized wiretaps revealed that TIRADO and several associates were working together to sell narcotics.  On May 13, 2015, one of TIRADO’s associates traveled from Hartford to New York City where law enforcement officers conducted a motor vehicle stop of the car and seized approximately $125,000 in cash.

TIRADO has been detained since his arrest on June 4, 2015.  On June 2, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. 

TIRADO’s criminal history includes felony convictions for narcotics trafficking offenses and assault and battery on a police officer.

Six other individuals were charged as a result of this investigation.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force, which includes participants from the Bristol, East Hartford, Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Wethersfield and Willimantic Police Departments, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTIAN MEISSENN, also known as “Christian Nigohossian,” 44, of Suffield, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to conspiracy and tax evasion charges stemming from his involvement in a securities fraud scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately 2009 and July 2016, MEISSENN and others conspired to defraud investors through a stock “pump and dump” scheme.  MEISSENN 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, most of which were essentially shell companies controlled by MEISSENN’s associates, 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”); Electric Motors Corporation (stock symbol “EMCO”); Hermes Jets, Inc. (stock symbol “HRMJ”), which later became Continental Beverage Brands Corporation (stock symbol “CBBB”); and Fox Petroleum, Inc. (stock symbol “FXPT”).  The conspirators then sold positions in those securities that were held by conspirators and their designees at the falsely inflated prices, thereby enriching the members of the conspiracy.

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 millions of dollars.

Between 2011 and 2015, MEISSENN earned approximately $4.4 million through this scheme and diverted a large portion of the profits into the trust account of an attorney rather than a bank account in his own name.  He then directed the attorney to withdraw cash for MEISSENN’s personal use, and to wire funds and issue checks for the benefit of MEISSENN and his family members.  MEISSENN failed to report this income to the Internal Revenue Service during the 2011 through 2015 tax years, and failed to pay more than $1.5 million in federal income taxes.

MEISSENN 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. 

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for January 31, 2017.  At sentencing, MEISSENN will be ordered to pay restitution to his victims, as well as back taxes, interest and penalties to the Internal Revenue Service.

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.  The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Avi M. Perry and Peter S. Jongbloed.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALEJANDRINO DeJESUS, also known as “Baby Boo,” 38, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 132 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a scheme to obtain oxycodone through fraudulent prescriptions.

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

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

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

DeJESUS, Julian Cintron and David Thompson, all of New Haven, were key members of the organization who recruited and transported runners to fill fraudulent prescriptions.  The investigation, which included controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that DeJESUS distributed oxycodone, as well as heroin and cocaine.

A total of 11 individuals were charged as a result of the investigation. 

DeJESUS has been detained since his arrest on September 10, 2015.  On August 5, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute oxycodone.

Cintron and Thompson pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

DeJESUS’s criminal history includes multiple felony firearms-related convictions.

The DEA Tactical Diversion Squad includes members from the Bristol, Greenwich, Hamden, Milford, New Haven, Shelton, Vernon and Wilton Police Departments.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy C. Brown and Robert M. Spector.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that MATTHEW HARWOOD, 42, of Stratford, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to charges stemming from his participation in a large-scale fencing operation.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between January 2012 and December 2014, HARWOOD participated in a conspiracy to purchase stolen property from “boosters,” who typically were shoplifters with opioid addictions, and then resell the property at online websites.  HARWOOD and others instructed the boosters to steal certain items from retail stores such as Petco, Staples, Walmart, and Bed Bath & Beyond, and paid cash for the stolen items at approximately one-third of their retail price.  At times, HARWOOD provided expenses for car rentals and spending money for overnight or out-of-state trips to steal products.

After receiving the stolen merchandise, HARWOOD and a co-conspirator stored the merchandise at multiple locations, including HARWOOD’s former residence in Durham, and business locations in North Haven.  HARWOOD and his co-conspirator then sold the stolen products at online sites, including eBay and Amazon, usually in the names of family members and associates. 

Through this scheme, retailers lost more than $3.9 million.

HARWOOD pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit the interstate transport of stolen property, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and one count of interstate transport of stolen property, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. 

In pleading guilty, HARWOOD also agreed to forfeit the house in Durham where he formerly resided, and two mutual fund accounts in his name.

HARWOOD has been released on a $100,000 bond since his arrest on July 15, 2016.

A sentencing date has not been scheduled.

This matter is being investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Connecticut State Police, United States Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut Department of Correction, Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, and the New Haven, North Haven, Milford, West Haven, Wallingford, Hamden and Orange Police Departments.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David T. Huang and John T. Pierpont, Jr.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that XIANFENG ZUO, 38, of Shenzhen, China, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 15 months of imprisonment for conspiring to sell counterfeits of sophisticated integrated circuits to a purchaser in the United States.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Zuo, Jiang Yan and Daofu Zhang each operated businesses in China that bought and sold electronic components, including integrated circuits (“ICs”).  In the summer of 2015, Zuo asked Yan to locate and purchase several advanced ICs made by Xilinx Corp., which had military applications, including radiation tolerance for uses in space.  Yan then asked a U.S. individual to locate the Xilinx ICs and sell them to Yan.  The U.S. individual explained that the ICs cannot be shipped outside the U.S. without an export license, but Yan still wished to make the purchase.  When the U.S. individual expressed concern that the desired ICs would have to be stolen from military inventory, Yan proposed to supply the U.S. source with “fake” ICs that “look the same,” to replace the ones to be stolen from the military.

In November 2015, Zhang shipped from China to the U.S. individual, two packages containing a total of eight counterfeit ICs, each bearing a counterfeit Xilinx brand label.  After further discussions between Yan and the U.S. individual, Yan, Zhang, and Zuo flew together from China to the U.S. in early December 2015 to complete the Xilinx ICs purchase.  On December 10, 2015, the three conspirators drove to a location near Route 95 in Milford, Connecticut, where they planned to meet the U.S. individual, make payment, and take custody of the Xilinx ICs.  Federal agents arrested all three at the meeting location.

Zuo has been detained since his arrest.  On March 16, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods.

As part of his sentence, Zuo was ordered to forfeit $63,000 in cash seized incident to his arrest.

Zhang and Yan also pleaded guilty.  On July 8, 2016, Zhang was sentenced to 15 months of imprisonment.  Yan awaits sentencing.

This matter was investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Commerce, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry Kopel and U.S. Department of Justice Counterintelligence and Export Control Section Trial Attorneys Casey Arrowood and Thea Kendler.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CRAIG LARSEN, 54, of Avon, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for embezzling more than $200,000 from his employer.

According to court documents and documents filed in court, LARSEN was employed by Maximum Human Performance (“MHP”), a New Jersey-based company that provided supplements for bodybuilding, strength, weight loss and fitness.  In approximately November 2012, LARSEN became the head of MHP’s quality control and had authority to approve bills submitted to MHP by its vendors.  Between approximately November 2013 and February 2015, LARSEN presented fraudulent invoices to MHP that falsely represented that a company he controlled, R.E.T.S., had performed quality control services for MHP when no such services had been provided.  Through this scheme, LARSEN caused approximately 40 false invoices to be submitted to MHP requesting the payment of nearly $204,000 for services purportedly performed by R.E.T.S., and subsequently used his authority to approve the invoices for payment.

Judge Meyer ordered LARSEN to pay restitution of $203,988.71.

On January 25, 2016, LARSEN pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of money obtained by fraud.

Between 2007 and 2009, LARSEN stole approximately $100,000 from a previous employer.  An attorney at the time, he served as the company’s vice president of legal and regulatory affairs.  He has since been disbarred.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Wines.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CALEEB BROWN, 25, of Stamford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon,

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

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

Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for April 26, 2017, at which time BROWN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

BROWN has been in federal custody since February 10, 2016.

This matter is being investigated by the Stamford Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.  

In an effort to ensure that the November 8, 2016 elections are administered fairly in every city and town in Connecticut, Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Michael J. Brandi, Executive Director of the Connecticut State Elections Enforcement Commission, Denise Merrill, Connecticut Secretary of the State, and Kevin T. Kane, Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney, today announced that a telephone hotline will be available for use by anyone who witnesses or experiences voting irregularities on Election Day.

The hotline will be staffed by the Connecticut State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) during polling hours on Election Day.  Anyone with knowledge of election fraud or voting rights abuses is encouraged to call 1-866-733-2463 (1-866-SEEC-INFO) to report suspected violations.  The number is toll-free statewide.  Individuals also can call the SEEC at 860-256-2940.  The SEEC staff will answer questions, advise on complaint procedures and, if appropriate, request the assistance of state criminal or federal law enforcement authorities in the investigation and possible prosecution of the matter.

Citizens can also send an email to elections@ct.gov to communicate with the SEEC and the Secretary of the State’s office on Election Day.

The SEEC is the primary elections investigative and civil enforcement authority in Connecticut.  The Secretary of the State’s office is charged with overseeing all elections in Connecticut, which includes advising and assisting local Registrars of Voters and Town Clerks on their statutory responsibilities regarding administration of elections.

Federal law protects against crimes such as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input.  It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them.  For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law.  Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.

On Election Day, representatives of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI will be in direct contact with the SEEC, the Secretary of the State’s office and the office of the Chief State’s Attorney in order to receive any complaints of electoral corruption or civil rights violations.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Wines has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer for the District of Connecticut.  In that capacity, she is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

The FBI in Connecticut and across the country will have special agents available to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day.  The local FBI field office in New Haven can be reached directly at 203-777-6311, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office can be reached at 203-821-3700.  In addition, complaints about ballot access problems or discrimination can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington by calling 1-800-253-3931 or 202-307-2767, or by emailing voting.section@usdoj.gov.

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

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

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

NORRIS appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam and was released into a residential drug treatment program.

The charge of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin, carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport Resident Office, the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Milford and Bridgeport Police Departments.

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 REGINALD MILES, JR., also known as “Rocky,” 26, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin to a Woodbridge man who died from an overdose a short time later.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 19, 2015, a 22-year-old male died from an apparent heroin overdose at a residence in Woodbridge.  The investigation revealed that shortly before the victim’s overdose, the victim and two other individuals purchased heroin from MILES in Waterbury.

According to the State of Connecticut Chief Medical Examiner, the victim’s death was determined to be acute intoxication due to the combined effects of heroin and Alprazolam (a generic form of Xanax).

MILES has been detained since his arrest on January 22, 2016.  On May 19, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of heroin.

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, and the Middlebury, Waterbury and Woodbridge Police Departments.  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.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KEVIN EVERETT, 29, of New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by one year 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 and 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 EVERETT, in Groton, Norwich, New London, Stonington, Westerly, R.I. and the surrounding area.

On November 24, 2015, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned a 35-count superseding indictment charging EVERETT, 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.

EVERETT has been detained since his arrest on June 17, 2015.  On July 25, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of use of a telephone to facilitate the commission of a drug trafficking felony. 

On October 27, 2016, Jackson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).  When he is sentenced, he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CARLOS SANCHEZ, 32, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 28 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing ammunition.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in September 2015, 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.

On eight occasions in November and December 2015, Jose “Jo Jo” Gonzalez sold crack cocaine and powder cocaine to an individual working with law enforcement.  On November 16, 2015, SANCHEZ assisted Gonzalez during one of these transactions at an apartment building on Babcock Street in Hartford.  Approximately 10 minutes after the transaction, SANCHEZ exited the building and drove away.  Hartford Police subsequently stopped the vehicle.  A search of the vehicle revealed approximately nine grams of cocaine, two loaded firearms that were lawfully registered to another occupant of the car, several rounds of additional ammunition, a handgun magazine and $1,100 in cash, including approximately $600 in funds that investigators had just used to purchase drugs from Gonzalez.

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

SANCHEZ has been detained since his arrest on December 21, 2015.  On June 20, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of ammunition by a previously convicted felon.

Gonzalez also pleaded guilty and, on July 21, 2016, was sentenced to 87 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 Squad, 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 ALEXANDER BERGEN, 23, of Danbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for stealing more than $280,000 from individuals who invested in his internet business.

According to court documents and statements made in court, BERGEN operated CT Wholesale, a company that sold electronic equipment and other items by buying the product for a cheaper price and then reselling those products to the customer at a higher price.  Beginning in approximately 2013, BERGEN began to accept investment funds from investors who were promised a return on their investments.  BERGEN represented to the investors that he would use their investment funds solely to purchase products for resale to his customers and that the investors would receive their principal investment back with a profit in a specified period of time.  In some cases, BERGEN entered into written investment agreements with investors in which he expressly represented that the investment funds provided by the investor would be used solely to purchase products. 

BERGEN received a total of more than $300,000 from approximately 10 investors.  Despite representing to the investors that all of their funds would be used solely to purchase products for resale by CT Wholesale, BERGEN did not use these funds solely to purchase products.  In 2013, BERGEN used approximately $150,000 of the investors’ money to pay for his personal credit card bills which included personal expenses for fine dining, travel, and to shop at high-end retail stores.

BERGEN returned less than $40,000 in funds to his investors.

Judge Bryant ordered BERGEN to pay restitution in the amount of $282,609.71.

On August 3, 2015, BERGEN pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of money obtained by fraud.  He has been detained since March 7, 2016, after he violated the conditions of his release pending sentencing and his bond was revoked.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Bethel and Greenwich Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DOMINIQUE MACK, also known as “Lil Sweets,” 26, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to life imprisonment.  On April 27, 2016, a jury found MACK guilty of conspiring to commit witness tampering by murdering one individual and planning to murder a second individual.

“Dominique Mack’s malevolent and unrelenting actions to thwart justice have now come to an end,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “In order to prevent his own apprehension, he orchestrated the murder of Ian Francis.  After being charged with Francis’ murder, Mack then plotted to kill another witness who he believed was going to testify against him in the Francis murder trial.  He was highly dangerous and a menace to our community.  This was an extremely difficult investigation and prosecution.  The prosecutors who led this team, together with our partners from the FBI, the Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department’s Major Crimes Division deserve enormous credit for their excellent work in this case. We will continue to work together to prosecute those individuals most responsible for violence in Hartford and Connecticut’s other cities.”

According to the evidence at trial, on December 21, 2010, Ian Francis was shot multiple times while sitting in his vehicle on Sigourney Street in Hartford.  Francis succumbed to his injuries on January 15, 2011.  At the time, MACK, who had been charged as part of a multi-defendant federal drug conspiracy, was hiding out in an attempt to evade arrest.  On June 15, 2011, law enforcement arrested MACK at an apartment on Vine Street in Hartford.  A search of the apartment revealed a Ruger 9 millimeter semi-automatic pistol, which was subsequently determined to be the firearm that was used to murder Francis.

The investigation revealed that MACK conspired with Keronn Miller and others to murder Francis to prevent Francis from providing information to law enforcement about MACK’s whereabouts.  Miller had lured Francis to the location on Sigourney Street knowing that the plan was to murder Francis when he arrived there.

On December 4, 2014, Miller, also known as “Fresh,” of Hartford, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting in the murder of Francis.  Shortly after Miller’s guilty plea, the government received information about a plot to kill a witness for MACK’s upcoming trial.  Tyquan Lucien, also known as “TQ” and “Frogger,” who had been arrested as part of this investigation and was incarcerated with MACK at a detention facility in Rhode Island, had told another inmate about a plan by Lucien and MACK to kill an individual who had been identified as a government witness in the case against Miller.  On February 13, 2015, an undercover officer who was posing as someone who might be able to commit the murder met with Lucien in the visiting area of the detention facility.  During the meeting, Lucien ordered the killing of the potential government witness and others, making throat-slashing motions to make his intent clear.  Three days later, Lucien met with MACK and relayed to him the facts of the visit.

The jury found MACK guilty of two counts of conspiracy to commit witness tampering by committing first degree murder, an offense that carries a mandatory lifetime term of imprisonment.  The jury also found MACK guilty of two counts of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, and not guilty of two counts of tampering with a witness.

On August 2, 2016, Keronn Miller was sentenced by Judge Shea to 210 months of imprisonment.

On August 24, 2015, Lucien pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit witness tampering by first degree murder.  He awaits sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes and Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department’s Major Crimes Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Leaming and Jennifer Laraia.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHAWN MILLER, also known as “White Boy Shawn,” 32, of Hamden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 90 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and crack cocaine.  Judge Meyer also ordered MILLER to pay a $2,000 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, MILLER and Paul Colon, also known as “Paul Cane,” operated a New Haven area narcotics distribution ring.  The investigation revealed that members of the ring took orders over a cellphone from drug customers in several shoreline communities for quantities of heroin and crack cocaine, and then delivered the drugs by car. 

MILLER was arrested on October 21, 2015.  On June 29, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin and cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

Colon has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets Task Force in cooperation with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Haven, West Haven, Milford, Hamden and other local police departments, and the Connecticut Department of Correction.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys H. Gordon Hall and Jennifer R. Laraia. 

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that YOANDRYS CUE, 31, a citizen of Cuba last residing in Florida, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 57 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in a multi-state burglary spree.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 2, 2013, CUE, Alionis Perez, and others traveled from New Jersey to Connecticut.  The next day, they broke into the Fossil store located in Clinton, Connecticut, disabled the alarm system and stole watches valued at approximately of $250,000.  Following the burglary, they returned to New Jersey with the stolen merchandise.

On August 18, 2013, CUE, Perez and others attempted to break into the Movado store located in Kittery, Maine.

On September 19, 2013, CUE, Perez and others broke into the Fossil store located in Miramar Beach, Fla., and stole watches valued at approximately $170,000.

On October 4, 2013, CUE, Perez and others broke into the Fossil store located in Hagerstown, Md., and stole watches valued at approximately $750,000.

On October 24, 2013, CUE, Perez and others broke into the Fossil store located in Grove City, Penn., and stole watches valued at approximately $195,000.

On November 22, 2013, CUE, Perez and others traveled from New Jersey to Massachusetts and stole a van.  The next day, they broke into the Michael Kors store in Lee, Mass., disabled the alarm system and stole watches and bag valued at approximately $500,000.  The conspirators then traveled from Massachusetts, disposed of the stolen van in Staten Island, New York, and returned to New Jersey with the stolen merchandise.

On May 20, 2016, CUE pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in the interstate transportation of stolen property.  He is currently incarcerated in New Jersey on an unrelated burglary conviction.

On May 23, 2016, Perez pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to engage in the interstate transportation of stolen property stemming from the 2013 burglaries and two additional burglaries in Kansas and Tennessee in August 2014.  On August 18, 2016, he was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment.

Judge Chatigny ordered CUE and Perez to pay restitution in the amount of $1.865 million.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Clinton (Conn.) Police Department, Kittery (Maine) Police Department, Walton County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office, Washington County (Md.) Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, Lee (Mass.) Police Department, Berkshire County (Mass.) Sheriff’s Office, Franklin (Tenn.) Police Department and Nashville (Tenn.) Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Heather Cherry in the District of Connecticut, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee Deneke in the Middle District of Tennessee.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MICHELLE LEFAOSEU, also known as “Michelle Bennett,” “Michelle Lee” and “Michelle Page,” 42, of Huntington Beach, Calif., was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for participating in an extensive mortgage loan modification scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, LEFAOSEU worked at a California-based company that falsely purported to provide home mortgage loan modifications and other consumer debt relief services to numerous homeowners in Connecticut and across the United States in exchange for upfront fees.  The company did business, at various times, as “First Choice Financial Group, Inc.,”  “First Choice Financial,” “First Choice Debt,” “Legal Modification Firm,” “National Freedom Group,” “Home Care Alliance Group,” “Home Protection Firm,” “Hardship Center,” “Network Solutions Center, Inc.,” “Premiere Financial Center,” “Premiere Financial,” “Rescue Firm,” “International Research Group LLC,” “Hardship Solutions,” “American Loan Center,” “Loan Retention Firm,” “Clear Vision Financial,” “Green Tree Financial Group,” “Green Tree Financial,” “Enigma Fund, Inc.,” “National Aid Group,” “Southern Chapman Group LLC,” “Save Point Financial,” “Best Rate Financial Solutions,” “Best Rate Financial Solution,” “Best Rate Financial,” “Best Rate Finance Group,” and “Nation Star Financial.”

Aria Maleki presided over the entire structure of this scheme, and LEFAOSEU was head of the processing department.  Acting as representatives of the above-named entities, members of Maleki’s sales team cold-called homeowners and offered to provide mortgage loan modification services to those who were having difficulty repaying their home mortgage loans.  Homeowners were charged fees that typically ranged from approximately $2,500 to $4,300 for the services.  To induce homeowners to pay these fees, scheme participants falsely represented that the homeowners already had been approved for mortgage loan modifications on extremely favorable terms; the mortgage loan modifications already had been negotiated with the homeowners’ lenders; the homeowners qualified for and would receive financial assistance under various government mortgage relief programs, including the Troubled Asset Relief Program and the Home Affordable Modification Program; and if for some reason the mortgage loan modifications fell through, the homeowners would be entitled to a full refund of their fees.

In fact, the homeowners had not been preapproved for mortgage loan modifications with lenders, mortgage loan modifications had not been negotiated with the lenders, homeowners had not qualified for and did not receive any financial assistance through government mortgage relief programs, and homeowners did not receive a refund of their fees upon request.  Few homeowners ever received any type of mortgage loan modification through the defendants’ company, and few homeowners received refunds of their fees.

Participants in the scheme used pseudonyms and periodically changed their business and operating names to evade detection.  They also directed homeowners to mail their checks to addresses and mail boxes that Maleki and others had set up in states other than California.

After members of the sales team fraudulently induced homeowners to pay for the company’s services, the homeowners’ files were transferred to LEFAOSEU and the junior processors working under her supervision.  LEFAOSEU was fully aware of her co-workers’ lies and, during her contact with victims, repeatedly helped to cover up those lies.

As a result of this scheme, more than 1,000 homeowners suffered losses totaling more than $3 million.

On January 21, 2016, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Maleki, LEFAOSEU and five other California residents with conspiracy and fraud offenses related to this scheme.  The defendants were arrested on January 26. 

On July 11, 2016, LEFAOSEU pleaded guilty to one count of misprision of a felony. 

On March 22, 2016, Maleki pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and, on July 18, 2016, he was sentenced to 112 months of imprisonment.  He also forfeited approximately $350,000 that investigators seized from various bank accounts, approximately $362,000 sized from a Bitcoin account, a $100,000 cashier’s check, and a 2013 Ferrari 458 Italia.

The other five defendants, all of whom were members of Maleki’s sales team, pleaded guilty and were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 18 months to 58 months.

All seven defendants have been ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,390,496.59.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General, and Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that THOMAS RECCK, 52, of Cincinnati, Ohio, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to five years of probation, the first six months of which RECCK must serve in home confinement, for embezzling from a Connecticut-based nonprofit organization.  Judge Meyer also ordered RECCK to perform 600 hours of community service while on probation.

According to court documents and statements made in court, RECCK, a former resident of New Britain, was the Treasurer for Connecticut Canine Search and Rescue, Inc. (“CCSAR”) in Kensington, a volunteer-based nonprofit organization dedicated to the search and rescue of missing and lost persons in the United States by using trained search and rescue dogs.  In his capacity as the treasurer, RECCK had access to the bank accounts of CCSAR.  From approximately January 2008 to August 2012, RECCK transferred more than $125,000 from CCSAR accounts into a separate account that he controlled and used the funds to gamble and for other personal expenses.

RECCK also failed to report the stolen funds on his federal tax returns.

On February 4, 2015, RECCK pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of filing a false tax return.

RECCK was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $125,649.77, as well as back taxes, penalties and interest for the 2008 through 2012 tax years.

This investigation was conducted by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and the Greenwich Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that TODD BEILBY, 55, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 40 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a heroin distribution ring.

This matter stems from a joint investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force, FBI and New Haven Police Department into the distribution of heroin in New Haven.  The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance and controlled purchases of heroin, revealed that Wilson Vasquez, also known as “Pancho,” obtained bulk quantities of heroin, processed and packaged the drug with several co-conspirators, and then distributed the drug through a network of street-level distributors operating in the area of Ferry Street, Grand Avenue and Blatchley Avenue in New Haven’s Fair Haven neighborhood.

For approximately one year until he was arrested on July 15, 2015, BEILBY was responsible for bagging almost all of the heroin Vasquez and his associates sold.

During the investigation, law enforcement seized approximately 500 grams of raw heroin, three handguns and five vehicles.  In addition, bank accounts containing more than $300,000 have been frozen.

BEILBY has been detained since his arrest.  On April 1, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin.

Seventeen individuals were charged as a result of this investigation.  All 17 pleaded guilty.  Vasquez 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 case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys H. Gordon Hall and Patrick Caruso.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SEAN LONDON, 23, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and crack cocaine.

This matter stems from an investigation into a New Haven-area heroin and crack distribution ring headed by Shawn Miller, also known as “White Boy Shawn” and Paul Colon, also known as “Paul Cane.”  According to court documents and statements made in court, the investigation revealed that members of the ring took orders over a cellphone from drug customers in several shoreline communities for quantities of heroin and crack cocaine, and then delivered the drugs by car.  LONDON was the primary user of the organization’s cellphone from April 16 to May 4, 2015, and sold heroin and crack to numerous customers during that time period.

LONDON was arrested on June 10, 2015.  On June 24, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin and cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

Miller and Colon have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets Task Force in cooperation with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Haven, West Haven, Milford, Hamden and other local police departments, and the Connecticut Department of Correction.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys H. Gordon Hall and Jennifer R. Laraia. 

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ERICK DELGADO, 39, and his brother, ANORIS DELGADO, also known as “Alex,” 28, both of Bridgeport, have pleaded guilty in Bridgeport federal court to heroin distribution charges.  ERICK DELGADO pleaded guilty today to one count of distribution of heroin.  ANORIS DELGADO pleaded guilty to the same charge on October 25.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the morning of April 25, 2016, Bridgeport Police and medical personnel responded to a location on Washington Avenue on a report of a possible drug overdose.  The overdose victim was revived with two doses of Narcan and was transported to the hospital.  A friend of the victim, who was with the victim at the time and contacted medical professionals after the overdose, told investigators that he and the victim purchased heroin from and individual he knew as “Eric” in the area of Brooks Street and Ogden Street in Bridgeport.  The victim subsequently identified ERICK DELGADO as the source of the heroin he used.

In the evening of April 25, 2016, Monroe Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a report of an unresponsive 48-year-old male at residence in Monroe.  The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.  A subsequent interview with an acquaintance of the victim revealed that, on April 25, the victim and his acquaintance traveled to the area of Brooks Street and Ogden Street where the victim purchased heroin from ERICK DELGADO.

On May 3, 2016, an individual working with law enforcement contacted ERICK DELGADO to arrange the purchase of heroin.  When the individual and an undercover officer arrived in the area of Brooks Street and Ogden Street, they were met by ANORIS DELGADO who subsequently provided them with 20 bags of heroin.  The undercover officer purchased another 20 bags of heroin from ANORIS DELGADO on May 20.

Both defendants were arrested on June 21, 2016.  ERICK DELGADO has been detained since his arrest and ANORIS DELGADO is released on a $50,000 bond.

The charge of distribution of heroin carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  Sentencing dates have not been scheduled.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, and the Monroe and Bridgeport Police Departments.  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.  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 a grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging JASON PRAWL, also known as “Boots,” 28, of Bridgeport, with two counts of sex trafficking of a minor.

The indictment was returned on October 18, 2016.  PRAWL appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.

As alleged in the indictment, PRAWL recruited, harbored and transported two minor victims to engage in commercial acts.  PRAWL trafficked the first victim in July and August 2015 and the second victim between December 2015 and February 2016.

PRAWL has been detained in state custody since March 9, 2016.

The charge of sex trafficking of a minor carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Connecticut Human Trafficking Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation, 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 IAN PARKER BICK, 21, of Danbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for defrauding investors of approximately $480,000.  Judge Meyer ordered BICK to serve the first one year of his supervised release in home confinement.

On November 25, 2015 a jury found BICK guilty on six counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering.

According to the evidence at trial, BICK was a principal and/or managing member of various Danbury-based entities, including This Is Where It’s At Entertainment, LLC, Planet Youth Entertainment, W&B Wholesale, LLC, and W&B Investments, LLC.  Using these entities, BICK solicited investment funds from his friends, former classmates, acquaintances, and their parents by promising high investment returns over relatively short periods of time.  BICK falsely represented to victim-investors that he could generate the high investment returns by using their funds to purchase electronics and electronic devices, such as iPhones, tablets and head phones, and by reselling the items for a substantial profit via the Internet.  However, the electronic resale business never actually began in earnest and did not return any meaningful profit.  BICK also falsely represented to certain victim-investors that he could generate high investment returns by using their funds to organize and promote concerts at various venues in Connecticut and Rhode Island.  BICK falsely represented that he had made significant profits organizing and promoting concerts in the past.

BICK failed to invest the funds he received as he had represented and instead used invested funds for unrelated and unsuccessful businesses, and to pay personal expenses, including hotel stays and to purchase jet skis.  BICK also used invested funds to issue payments, purportedly as “interest payments” and as “return of principal,” to certain victim-investors.

Through this scheme, BICK defrauded more than 15 investors out of a total of $480,635.  Judge Meyer ordered BICK to make full restitution to his victims.

BICK has been detained since October 4, 2016, when his bond was revoked.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Banking, Danbury Police Department and Hartford Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael S. McGarry and Christopher W. Schmeisser.

Citizens are encouraged to report any financial fraud schemes by calling, toll free, 855-236-9740, or by sending an email to ctsecuritiesfraud@ic.fbi.gov.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that KOWIT YUKTANON, also known as “Eric Cannon” and “Aaron Brock,” 32, of Huntington Beach, Calif., and CUONG HUY KING, also known as “James Nolan” and “Jimmy, 32, of Westminster, Calif., have each been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for participating in an extensive mortgage loan modification scheme.  YUKTANON was sentenced today and KING was sentenced yesterday.  Judge Underhill also ordered both defendants to pay restitution in the amount of $2,390,496.59.

According to court documents and statements made in court, YUKTANON and KING worked at a California-based company that falsely purported to provide home mortgage loan modifications and other consumer debt relief services to numerous homeowners in Connecticut and across the United States in exchange for upfront fees.  The company did business, at various times, as “First Choice Financial Group, Inc.,”  “First Choice Financial,” “First Choice Debt,” “Legal Modification Firm,” “National Freedom Group,” “Home Care Alliance Group,” “Home Protection Firm,” “Hardship Center,” “Network Solutions Center, Inc.,” “Premiere Financial Center,” “Premiere Financial,” “Rescue Firm,” “International Research Group LLC,” “Hardship Solutions,” “American Loan Center,” “Loan Retention Firm,” “Clear Vision Financial,” “Green Tree Financial Group,” “Green Tree Financial,” “Enigma Fund, Inc.,” “National Aid Group,” “Southern Chapman Group LLC,” “Save Point Financial,” “Best Rate Financial Solutions,” “Best Rate Financial Solution,” “Best Rate Financial,” “Best Rate Finance Group,” and “Nation Star Financial.”

Aria Maleki presided over the entire structure of this scheme, and YUKTANON and KING were junior members of the sales team.  Acting as representatives of the above-named entities, YUKTANON, KING and others cold-called homeowners and offered to provide mortgage loan modification services to those who were having difficulty repaying their home mortgage loans.  The defendants charged homeowners fees that typically ranged from approximately $2,500 to $4,300 for their services.  To induce homeowners to pay these fees, the defendants falsely represented that the homeowners already had been approved for mortgage loan modifications on extremely favorable terms; the mortgage loan modifications already had been negotiated with the homeowners’ lenders; the homeowners qualified for and would receive financial assistance under various government mortgage relief programs, including the Troubled Asset Relief Program and the Home Affordable Modification Program; and if for some reason the mortgage loan modifications fell through, the homeowners would be entitled to a full refund of their fees.

In fact, the homeowners had not been preapproved for mortgage loan modifications with lenders, mortgage loan modifications had not been negotiated with the lenders, homeowners had not qualified for and did not receive any financial assistance through government mortgage relief programs, and homeowners did not receive a refund of their fees upon request.  Few homeowners ever received any type of mortgage loan modification through the defendants’ company, and few homeowners received refunds of their fees.

Participants in the scheme used pseudonyms and periodically changed their business and operating names to evade detection.  The defendants also directed homeowners to mail their checks to addresses and mail boxes that Maleki and others had set up in states other than California.

As a result of this scheme, more than 1,000 homeowners suffered losses totaling more than $3 million.

On January 21, 2016, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Maleki, YUKATANON, KING and four other California residents with conspiracy and fraud offenses related to this scheme.  The defendants were arrested on January 26. 

YUKATANON and KING each pleaded guilty to one count of misprision of a felony. 

Maleki pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and, on July 18, 2016, he was sentenced to 112 months of imprisonment.  He also forfeited approximately $350,000 that investigators seized from various bank accounts, approximately $362,000 sized from a Bitcoin account, a $100,000 cashier’s check, and a 2013 Ferrari 458 Italia. 

This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General, and Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that VICTOR CUEVAS, 52, of Bristol, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one year of probation and a $1,000 fine for conspiring with others to commit bank fraud in connection with his home mortgage loan applications. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the summer of 2013, CUEVAS, a City of Waterbury employee and, at that time, the state representative for the 75th District, wanted to purchase a residence in Bristol with a Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”) loan.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides mortgage insurance on loans made through its FHA program and mortgages offered through the program are subject to certain restrictions, including restrictions on the funds that may be used to purchase properties.

CUEVAS, with the assistance of others, represented to the mortgage bank that he was using gifted funds to purchase the property when, in fact, the money was not gifted but was instead loaned to CUEVAS for the purpose of purchasing the property. 

Specifically, CUEVAS first represented to the mortgage bank that an individual who he identified as his nephew but, in fact, was a subordinate employee from the City of Waterbury, was providing him with cash to purchase the property as a gift.  When the mortgage lender asked for the “nephew’s” bank account statements to prove that he had the money to gift to CUEVAS, CUEVAS withdrew the mortgage application.  A few weeks later, CUEVAS had a different Waterbury employee, who CUEVAS identified as his “cousin,” “gift” him the $7,000.  Both individuals signed a HUD statement under oath that the funds were, indeed, a “gift” and that no repayment of the monies was expected.  However, as soon as the mortgage closed, CUEVAS re-paid the employee the $7,000. 

On June 20, 2016, CUEVAS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

CUEVAS resigned from the Connecticut General Assembly in March 2016.

This matter was investigated by the Connecticut Public Corruption Task Force, notably the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The Task Force also includes members from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Karwan.

Citizens are encouraged to report corruption to the Connecticut Public Corruption Task Force by calling 203-238-0505.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging HARRY DUREN, 73, and SANDRA DUREN, 53, both of Seminole, Florida, with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, oxycodone.

The indictment was returned on October 19, 2016.  The defendants appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven and were released on $50,000 bonds.

According to allegations made in court, between approximately January 2005 and July 2016, HARRY and SANDRA DUREN obtained prescriptions for medications containing oxycodone from doctors in Connecticut, including Dr. Paul Bellofiore, and then arranged to resell their medications for their own profit.  The DURENS, who are married, are former Connecticut residents.

If convicted of the charge in the indictment, the defendants face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $1 million.

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CVS Pharmacy, Inc. (“CVS”) has agreed to pay the federal government a total of $600,000 to resolve alleged violations of civil provisions of the Controlled Substances Act at stores in Southington and New Britain.

The government alleges that, on at least 2,886 occasions, the CVS store located at 326 Main Street in Southington failed to keep paper Schedule III-V prescriptions either in a separate prescription file or readily retrievable location away from other prescription records in violation of the law.  In addition, on 31 occasions, the store failed to keep Schedule III-V purchase invoices in a readily accessible location separate and apart from other records required to be kept under law.

The government further alleges that, on at least 4,936 occasions, the CVS store located at 713 Main Street in New Britain failed to keep paper Schedule III-V prescriptions either in a separate prescription file or readily retrievable location away from other prescription records in violation of the law.  In addition, on six occasions, the store failed to keep Schedule III-V purchase invoices in a readily accessible location separate and apart from other records required to be kept under law.

Congress, with the passage of the Controlled Substances Act, took steps to attempt to create “a closed system” of distribution for controlled substances in which every facet of the handling of the substances, from their manufacture to their consumption by the ultimate user, was to be subject to intense governmental regulation.  This mission was taken against the backdrop of trying to prevent the diversion and abuse of legitimate controlled substances while at the same time ensuring an adequate supply of those substances needed to meet the medical and scientific needs of the United States.  Accurate record keeping at retail pharmacies helps ensure that investigators can keep track of how many controlled substances a pharmacy should have and does have on hand.

As part of the settlement agreement, CVS has agreed that certain pharmacy supervisors, district managers, regional managers and loss prevention managers will attend a training session where the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Drug Enforcement Administration will provide information concerning federal regulatory obligations related to controlled substances.  CVS will share that information to all active pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, and will continue to provide recurring controlled substances training to its pharmacy staff.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Office of Diversion Control in Rocky Hill and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Drug Control Division, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan M. Soloway.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that THOMAS KAPUSTA, 63, of Westbury, N.Y., 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 KAPUSTA to pay a $5,500 fine and perform 90 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, KAPUSTA and Adam 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 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 August 8, 2016, Boguski, of Stamford, 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.  He awaits sentencing.

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

This matter has been 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN B. JEFFREY, also known as TUCKER JEFFREY, 49, formerly of New Canaan, Conn., and currently a resident of Denver, Colo., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 33 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for defrauding investors of more than $1.3 million.

According to court documents and statements made in court, JEFFREY offered individuals the opportunity to invest in Anchor Shipping and Trading, and Southern Cross Shipping, representing to victims that the companies were organized in the Marshall Islands, were engaged in the cargo shipping business, and had long-term contracts that would support a profitable international shipping business.  The shipping companies were entirely fictitious.  Instead of using invested funds as he had promised, JEFFREY used the vast majority of the money for his personal expenses, including paying for the mortgage on his New Canaan home, tuition at private schools, country club dues, and home renovation and landscaping costs.

 As part of the scheme, JEFFREY created bogus documents that represented that certain well-known executives in the international shipping business were involved with the companies when, in fact, those executives had no such involvement.  He also e-mailed and telephoned his victims falsely representing that the companies were profitable, that the victims would soon be receiving distributions from their investments, and to reassure victims when payments were delayed.

Judge Bolden ordered JEFFREY to pay $919,500 in restitution to the victims of this scheme.  JEFFREY paid back certain victims after he found out about the FBI investigation, but required those victims to sign “settlement” agreements purporting to settle claims related to the fictitious companies.

On March 24, 2016, JEFFREY pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan L. Wines.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALEX GARCIA, 38, of Danbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 360 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for shooting and killing a Danbury man traveling on I-84 in January 2000.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 17, 2000, at approximately 11:02 p.m.., Mark Rebong was discovered in the driver’s seat of an idling vehicle in the vicinity of Exit 2 off of I-84 in Danbury.  Mr. Rebong had had been shot once in the head and died as a result of his injuries.

The investigation revealed that GARCIA was a member of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”).  In late December 1999, there was ongoing dispute in Danbury between the Latin Kings and another criminal gang, the Crips.  On December 28, 1999, the dispute escalated as a result of the shooting of a high-ranking member of the Crips.

On January 17, 2000, GARCIA was a passenger in a vehicle traveling westbound on I-84.  The driver of the vehicle, a high-ranking member of the Latin Kings, saw Mark Rebong driving near them on the highway and told GARCIA to shoot at Rebong’s vehicle.  GARCIA then used an assault rifle to fire two rounds at the vehicle.  As a result, Mark Rebong was killed.

Mark Rebong was neither a member of a gang nor engaged in any criminal activity.

“In a reckless act of brutal violence, this defendant murdered an innocent young man who was driving to work,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “I commend the investigators from the Danbury Police, State Police and DEA who never stopped searching for Mark’s killer until he was finally brought to justice.  Hopefully the Rebong family, who showed patience and courage and dignity throughout this ordeal, have found a measure of solace in this result.”

Judge Meyer ordered the 30-year federal sentence to run concurrently with an unrelated 40-year state sentence that GARCIA is currently serving.

On June 15, 2016, GARCIA pleaded guilty to one count of use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Danbury Police Department and Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crime Squad, with assistance from the Connecticut Department of Correction and the Danbury State’s Attorney’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Lee Dayton.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LEONARD SIKORSKI, 60, of New Milford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to one count of illegal possession of a firearm bearing an obliterated serial number.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in September 2015, SIKORSKI transported three rifles, two shotguns and 1,561 live rounds of ammunition to a pair of storage lockers he rented in Danbury.  On October 22, 2015, SIKORSKI admitted to investigating agents that he had placed several firearms in those storage lockers, and gave the agents consent to search and seize the items.  One of the items, a 12 gauge Remington shotgun, had an obliterated serial number.

SIKORSKI agreed to forfeit and abandon the firearms and ammunition seized from his storage lockers based on federal laws barring unlawful users of controlled substances from possessing firearms.  SIKORSKI also agreed to surrender to the FBI five additional handguns and two additional rifles seized by the Naugatuck and New Milford police during separate car stops of SIKORSKI.

SIKORSKI is scheduled to be sentenced on January 13, 2017, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.

SIKORSKI is currently in state custody serving a sentence for illegally possessing explosives.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police and New Milford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry Kopel.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT TERRY BRUCE, 35, of Overland Park, Kan., formerly of Nashville, Tenn., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to three years of probation, the first six months of which BRUCE must spend in home confinement, for defrauding contributors to an organization he established after the December 2012 school shootings in Newtown.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in the aftermath of the December 14, 2012, Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings in Newtown, BRUCE founded the 26.4.26 Foundation.  The 26.4.26 Foundation solicited charitable donations for a variety of purposes, including “to help raise funds for increased school safety, families of victims, memorials to teacher heroes, awareness and prevention in schools across America.”

In early 2013, BRUCE solicited and received contributions to 26.4.26 in connection with a charity athletic event in Gilford, N.H., called the Schools 4 Schools run.  BRUCE promoted the event via social media, and solicited contributions to 26.4.26 through an online PayPal account by representing to potential donors that the purpose of the event was “to help raise funds for increased school safety, families of victims, memorials to teacher heroes, awareness and prevention in schools across America.”  BRUCE further represented to potential donors that “all proceeds will go to the 26.4.26 Foundation.”

Also in early 2013, BRUCE solicited contributions to 26.4.26 in connection with a charity athletic event in Tennessee called CrossFit Cares.   As he had in the New Hampshire event, BRUCE promoted the event via social media, and solicited contributions to 26.4.26 through PayPal by representing to potential donors that “all proceeds will go to the 26.4.26 Foundation” and that the “mission of 26.4.26 is to provide funding for the families of victims, memorials for teacher heroes and to increase safety in schools across the country.”

Instead of using all of the donated funds to support his purported mission, BRUCE used $28,657.31 of donated funds to enrich himself and to support his personal training business.  Judge Thompson ordered BRUCE to pay restitution in that amount to the Sandy Hook Special Revenue Fund, which is administered by the Newtown Board of Selectmen.

BRUCE was arrested on February 13, 2015.  On May 12, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Wines.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAMIEN BRYANT, 41, of Ledyard, pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”) and cocaine.  BRYANT also admitted that he violated the conditions of his supervised release that followed a previous federal conviction by committing the drug offense and associating with convicted felons while on release.

On March 5, 2010, BRYANT was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 42 months of imprisonment for distributing crack cocaine and violating the conditions of his supervised release from a previous federal conviction in the District of Rhode Island.  He is currently serving a 10-year-term of federal supervised release.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2016, the Stonington Police Department received information that BRYANT was distributing crack cocaine.  On March 9, 2016, members of the Regional Community Enhancement Task Force and the Ledyard Police Department executed  a state search and seizure warrant at BRYANT’s residence and seized crack cocaine, cocaine, marijuana, narcotics paraphernalia and more than $14,000 in cash.  BRYANT was arrested at that time.

BRYANT is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Underhill on January 7, 2016, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years for the narcotics offense, and an additional term of imprisonment of up to five years for violating his supervised release.

This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Regional Community Enhancement Task Force, and the Ledyard, Stonington and Groton Town Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John H. Durham with the assistance of Law Student Intern Joseph Falvey. 

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that PAUL BELLOFIORE, M.D., 56, of Trumbull, pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to one count of issuing unlawful prescriptions for oxycodone.

“Medical practitioners play a critical role in battling the epidemic of opioid abuse that we are experiencing,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “The strict rules associated with prescribing controlled substances are in place for a reason: to help ensure that these highly-addictive narcotics aren’t abused or illegally diverted.  Those who knowingly prescribe opiates in violation of federal law will be prosecuted.”

According to court documents and statements made in court, BELLOFIORE is a physician with an office in Fairfield.  Two of BELLOFIORE’s longtime patients were a married couple who lived in Connecticut until approximately 2011, when they relocated to Florida. 

BELLOFIORE knew that, prior to moving to Florida, the couple had unlawfully obtained forged prescriptions for opioid medications from BELLOFIORE’s former medical assistant and, as a result, he should have been aware of the possibility that the couple was abusing or diverting their medications.

After moving to Florida, the couple traveled to Connecticut approximately twice per year, during which visits they scheduled medical appointments with BELLOFIORE.  At the conclusion of each appointment, BELLOFIORE provided the couple with approximately six months of predated prescriptions, including prescriptions for Oxycodone, to last until their next appointment.

At times, the couple was unable to travel to Connecticut to see BELLOFIORE and obtain their prescriptions in person, in which case BELLOFIORE left the predated prescriptions for a friend or relative of the couple to pick up from BELLOFIORE’s office.  It was BELLOFIORE’s understanding that the friend or relative would fill the prescriptions each month at a pharmacy in Connecticut and mail the medications to the couple in Florida.

In approximately February 2016, BELLOFIORE provided a stack of prescriptions to a friend of the married couple.  The prescriptions, which were improperly dated to make it appear that they were issued at monthly intervals after February 2016, authorized the couple to receive thousands of pills of oxycodone and Percocet, a medication containing oxycodone.  BELLOFIORE also failed to include on the prescriptions the couple’s address in Florida, which might have alerted a pharmacist filling the prescriptions in Connecticut to the possibility that the medications were being abused or diverted.

The couple subsequently diverted a significant amount of their medications for profit by arranging through a middleman for street-level resale of the pills in and around Waterbury.

The Controlled Substances Act prohibits physicians from dispensing any Schedule II controlled substance, including oxycodone, without a valid written prescription.  The prescription must be “dated as of, and signed on, the day when issued” and “bear the full name and address of the patient.”  A practitioner also may not issue multiple prescriptions at any single time authorizing a patient to receive more than a 90-day supply of a Schedule II controlled substance.

BELLOFIORE is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on January 11, 2016, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of one year and a fine of up to $100,000.

BELLOFIORE was released pending sentencing.  As a condition of his release, he is prohibited from writing prescriptions for controlled substances.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PAUL HUBBARD, 27, of Middletown, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for possessing child pornography.

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

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

The FBI determined that a user name connected to an IP address operating at HUBBARD’s Middletown residence had accessed Playpen for approximately 13 hours during the monitoring period.  On July 16, 2015, the FBI searched HUBBARD’s residence and seized two laptop computers and two external hard drives.  Forensic analysis of the computers and hard drives revealed approximately 354 videos and 6,851 images of child pornography, including images and videos of prepubescent minors and images and videos that portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct.

HUBBARD was arrested on July 16, 2015.  On July 5, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.

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

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacabed Rodriguez-Coss.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DEBORAH MILLER, 60, of West Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing narcotics.

According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 11:00 a.m. on July 4, 2015, an explosion took place on Wintergreen Avenue in Hamden.  Responding law enforcement located a deceased white male, who had been wrapped in plastic garbage bag material and bound by rope material, in a wooded area close to where the explosion had occurred.  An explosive-type device and debris were also located in close proximity to the body.  The victim, who had also sustained three apparent gunshot wounds, was subsequently identified as Edward Brooks, 39, of West Haven.

After West Haven Police informed investigators that Brooks had been residing at 59 Front Avenue in West Haven, and that the residents of 59 Front Avenue, including MILLER, were subjects of an ongoing narcotics investigation, investigators executed a state narcotics search and seizure warrant at 59 Front Avenue and seized numerous items, including pipe bomb making materials that were consistent with the materials found at the Wintergreen Avenue explosion scene, approximately 16 grams of cocaine base (“crack cocaine), approximately 10.6 grams of methamphetamine and narcotics packaging material.  Investigators also seized a surveillance DVR, which captured video surveillance from eight cameras placed around the residence.

The investigation revealed that between September 2014 and July 2015, MILLER and others conspired to distribute at least 1.6 kilograms of crack cocaine.

MILLER has been detained since her arrest on July 13, 2015.  On April 25, 2016, she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack cocaine”). 

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut State Police and West Haven Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vanessa Richards, Stephen Reynolds and Jacabed Rodriguez-Coss.  This investigation and prosecution is being coordinated with the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Ansonia-Milford.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN THOMAS MINTER, also known as “Louch” and “Louch Ramsey,” 28, of East Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 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 and approximately $16,000 in cash.

MINTER pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”), an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.  A sentencing date has not been scheduled.

MINTER has been detained since his arrest.

This matter has been 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 Squad, Major Crimes Unit and Shooting Task Force, and the Capitol Region Emergency Response Team (CREST) have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on October 7, ALYSSA JELLIFFE, 23, of West Haven, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin that was involved in an overdose death in Milford in January 2015.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 12, 2015, a 39-year-old male died from an apparent heroin overdose at a residence in Milford.  The investigation, which included analysis of text messages captured from the decedent’s cellular telephone, revealed that JELLIFFE and Christopher Fogler sold the decedent $170 worth of heroin on the evening of January 11, 2015. 

On January 16, 2015, a court-authorized search of JELLIFFE and Fogler’s residence revealed approximately 10 bags of heroin and assorted drug paraphernalia, including a digital scale, razor blades and cut straws.

JELLIFFE and Fogler were arrested on January 16, 2015.  JELLIFFE has been detained since February 26, 2016, when her bond was revoked.

On July 15, 2016, JELLIFFE pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin.

Fogler pleaded guilty to the same charge and, July 19, 2016, was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment.

U.S. Attorney Daly noted that the U.S. Attorney’s Office, DEA and police departments across Connecticut are working together to investigate and prosecute narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.

This investigation was conducted by the DEA’s Bridgeport Task Force and the Milford Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alina P. Reynolds.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID JEUNE, also known as “Junie” and “June Bug,” 30, of Stamford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 40 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for selling a sawed-off shotgun and cocaine.

This matter stems from “Operation Samson,” an investigation headed by the ATF and the Bridgeport and New Haven Police Departments that targeted violent criminals, illegal firearm possession and firearm trafficking.  In the spring of 2014, approximately 40 ATF special agents and personnel from Connecticut and across the country were deployed with New Haven and Bridgeport Police to conduct numerous covert operations. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 3, 2014, JEUNE sold a sawed-off Mossberg model Regal 500 shotgun to an undercover agent in exchange for $350.  The following day, JEUNE and another individual sold approximately one ounce of cocaine to the undercover agent in exchange for $1,250.

Prior to March 2014, JEUNE had been convicted of felony robbery and larceny offenses.

JEUNE has been detained since his arrest on April 2, 2014.  On March 12, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon and one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LARRY TALLEDO-TORREJON, 30, a citizen of Peru last residing in Stamford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for orchestrating a murder for hire scheme.  TALLEDO-TORREJON also was ordered to pay a $150,000 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in early December 2015, TALLEDO-TORREJON, as part of a contract to purchase a restaurant in Stamford for $300,000, provided the seller of the restaurant with $150,000 in cashier checks and an additional $150,000 in checks drawn on bank accounts with insufficient funds.  On December 5, TALLEDO-TORREJON directed an individual who owed him $5,000 to follow the manager of the restaurant (“G.R.”) to his home in New York and to murder him.  In exchange for doing so, TALLEDO-TORREJON agreed to forgive the $5,000 debt and to pay the individual an additional $5,000 in cash. The individual subsequently contacted law enforcement to report the incident, and then contacted TALLEDO-TORREJON to tell him that he had kidnapped G.R. and was holding him.

On December 7, 2015, TALLEDO-TORREJON provided the individual with a manila folder containing two copies of a receipt that falsely stated that TALLEDO-TORREJON had provided G.R. with $150,000.  TALLEDO-TORREJON directed the individual to provide the receipts to G.R., coerce G.R. into signing them, and then kill him.  TALLEDO-TORREJON told the individual that his pre-existing debt had been cancelled, and also suggested that they could start a business kidnapping and extorting money from persons.

On December 8, TALLEDO-TORREJON made a complaint with the Stamford Police Department falsely claiming that G.R. had stolen $150,000 that TALLEDO-TORREJON had provided G.R. to complete the purchase of the restaurant.

TALLEDO-TORREJON was arrested on December 8, 2015, after the individual provided him with the receipts signed by G.R., and TALLEDO-TORREJON provided the individual with $500 in partial payment for the murder.

TALLEDO-TORREJON has been detained since his arrest.  He pleaded guilty to the offense on June 15, 2016. 

This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that that CHRISTOPHER CHAVEZ, 40, of El Paso, Texas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a cocaine trafficking organization that transported large amounts of cocaine into Connecticut.  CHAVEZ also was ordered to pay a $25,000 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, CHAVEZ’s father, Raul Chavez, headed a cocaine trafficking operation that smuggled cocaine from Mexico into El Paso and then transported the drug to Connecticut and elsewhere.  CHRISTOPHER CHAVEZ’s role in the conspiracy typically involved transporting the cocaine from locations in El Paso to a warehouse where it was secreted within the cargo of tractor trailers bound for Connecticut.  He also received and delivered hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Sinaloa cartel.

In 2014, the Chavez organization attempted to find an additional source of supply for its Hartford area cocaine customers.  In July 2014, a DEA confidential source met Andrew Duron in North Carolina.  During the meeting, Duron told the confidential source that he wanted to purchase up to 50 kilograms of cocaine for $28,000 per kilogram.  On August 14, 2014, Duron, the confidential source and an undercover DEA agent met in New Jersey where Duron agreed to purchase 25 kilograms of cocaine.  In subsequent conversations with the confidential source, Duron stated that he wanted an extra $1000 per kilogram as a side deal.  They agreed on a total price of $725,000 for 25 kilograms of cocaine.

On August 23, 2014, Duron met the undercover DEA agent at a location in Wethersfield.  Duron told the undercover agent that his associates were in Connecticut and that Duron and the undercover agent would need to travel to a store parking lot near Bradley International Airport to verify that the money was in place.  Duron and the undercover agent then drove in separate vehicles to a store parking lot on Kennedy Road in Windsor.  Duron met with Raul Chavez and another associate in the store.  A short time later, a third associate arrived in a Jeep Wrangler, met the undercover agent in the parking lot, showed him a duffel bag and said it contained “half” of the money.  Shortly thereafter, investigators arrived at the scene and arrested Duron, Raul Chavez and his associates.  Investigators also recovered from the Jeep a duffel bag containing approximately $284,000 in cash, and a loaded .38 caliber revolver.

After word reached CHRISTOPHER CHAVEZ that his father and others had been arrested, he coordinated the diversion of a shipment of 34 kilograms of cocaine that was en route to Connecticut to a high-level drug distributor in Cleveland, Ohio.

CHRISTOPHER CHAVEZ was arrested in El Paso on August 27, 2015.  He has been detained since his arrest.  On March 11, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

Raul Chavez and Duron also pleaded guilty.  On September 22, 2015, Duron, also of El Paso, was sentenced to 84 months of imprisonment.  Raul Chavez awaits sentencing.

This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force, including personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office and the Bristol, Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Newington, and Wethersfield Police Departments.

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

To commemorate National Community Policing Week, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut hosted a Community Policing Awards Ceremony this afternoon in New Haven that recognized 22 law enforcement officers and community members from cities and towns across the state.

“At heart, Community Policing is a philosophy that each of us, members of law enforcement and communities alike, have a stake in keeping our cities and towns safe and secure places to live,” said U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly.  “During National Community Policing Week, we celebrate our commitment to supporting the practice of community policing.  Police can never solve public safety problems alone.  We encourage active community collaboration to improve safety, build public trust and deepen understanding between police and the communities they serve.  The officers and community members recognized today are excellent examples of the best in community policing and community relations.  I am confident that their efforts are making meaningful and lasting progress, and it is my great privilege to honor each of them and to thank them for their invaluable work.”

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

The United States Attorney’s Office is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut, and with representing the federal government in civil litigation in the District.  The District is composed of approximately 64 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and approximately 60 staff members at offices in New Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport. 

Beacon Falls Police Department
Officer Caroline O’Bar

Officer Caroline O’Bar is a 16-year member of the Beacon Falls Police Department who goes beyond the call of duty.  Officer O’Bar networks with businesses and service organizations in town in order to provide for those families in need.

Officer O’Bar currently collects food at Thanksgiving, Easter baskets at Easter, backpacks for children going to school and runs a toy drive at Christmas.  In addition, she helps Veterans and their families with their most immediate needs, O’Bar’s first priority is to make sure that everyone is fed and that children have something to open on Christmas.

In the past several years, Officer O’Bar’s hard work and dedication in the Town of Beacon Falls has changed lives for the better.

Officer O’Bar is always exploring new ways to protect and enhance the lives of those who are most vulnerable--juveniles, the elderly, minorities, the poor, and the disabled.

Bristol Police Department
Officer Jace Deluca

Officer Jace Deluca began his law enforcement career with the Bristol Police Department in 2008.  In the 8 years since he was hired, he has immersed himself into several community events.   Officer Deluca is assigned to the night shift.  He devotes his days (while most other night shift officers are sleeping) to volunteering to put together community policing programs in the City of Bristol.

Officer Deluca is a volunteer advisor to the Bristol Police Explorers Program, a youth program that exposes those under 18 to the law enforcement profession.  He has also organized “Cop on Top,” a weekend fundraising event that benefits the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.  Lastly, Officer Deluca is the Bristol liaison to the Special Olympics and as such has organized the Torch Run, Tip a Cop and Car Shows.  These events raise money for the Special Olympics and educate the public about the good work of the organization.

Officer DeLuca is a credit to the Bristol Police Department.  While on duty he is the true professional.  What makes him special is that he takes professionalism a few steps further while he is off duty.  Though you won't hear it from him, he truly believes in giving back to the Community he serves.  Officer DeLuca is extremely humble.  When you praise or acknowledge his performance, he will routinely respond that he doesn't deserve any credit.  That the credit goes to the people around him and the Bristol Police Department.  That the credit goes to the “kids,” usually referring to the Bristol Police Explorers, because they are the ones doing the “work.”  Officer DeLuca has a remarkable way of bringing people together to do good things on and off the job.  It’s his actions that speak for him.  Officer DeLuca is an exemplary Police Officer and the Bristol Police Department is proud to have him among the rank and file.  He and like-minded Officers are projecting us towards excellence and for that we thank him.

Connecticut State Police
Trooper First Class Stephen Pickett
Killingly Resident Trooper

The Connecticut State Police is not your ordinary state police force in that there are approximately 68 towns throughout the state which have no organized municipal law enforcement agency to provide police services; as a result, Connecticut State Troopers are responsible for providing all police services in these jurisdictions. One such jurisdiction is the Town of Killingly which has approximately 16,400 residents and is approximately 358 square miles in size.

Trooper First Class Stephen Pickett is the Killingly Resident State Trooper and has held that position since January of 1997.  As a Resident Trooper, the equivalent of a Community Policing Officer, TFC Pickett is heavily vested in the quality of life for all Killingly Residents, has established a respectful rapport with all residents to include habitual criminal offenders, has immersed himself in the day to day happenings from the seemingly inconsequential to the significant, all while fostering a strong relationship with town officials, business owners and the community at large.

TFC Pickett is an individual who carries himself as a consummate professional, day in and day out, routinely outperforming his/her peers and quietly/humbly leading by example, ultimately having an indelibly positive impact on the community he serves. Throughout his almost 22-year tenure assigned to serve the Killingly Community, he has responded to almost 25,000 calls for service and investigated approximately 1800 criminal incidents.  And today, just like his first day in uniform on January 23, 1992, he is proactive, enthusiastic, energetic, tenacious, “spit and polished,” physically fit and a role-model which all law enforcement officers should strive to emulate.

Coventry Police Department
Sergeant Michael McDonagh

Sergeant Michael McDonagh has been a member of the Coventry Police Department for 27 years and is the senior member of the agency.  He is assigned as a patrol sergeant.  Sergeant McDonagh has been an integral part of the community his entire career.  He knows thousands of people in the community and uses his knowledge as both an investigator and a problem-solver. Everyone in our town either knows Sergeant McDonagh, or knows of him. He is active on his off-duty time in many community activities including high school sports.  Sgt. McDonagh regularly works at the high school football games.  He often goes into the grandstands with the band members and will play various instruments to the amusement of the students and the attendees.  The high school band even has a song they dedicate to Sgt. McDonagh at each game.

Sergeant McDonagh maintains close ties with the Coventry School District and regularly communicates with the administration, principals, teachers and students.  On a regular basis, he goes into each school and has lunch with the students.  He has a special connection with members of the community, especially children and has a great sense of humor which often puts people at ease.

As a strong advocate of our agency and community policing, Sergeant McDonagh’s email signature includes: “Citizens never forget their experiences with Police Officers. You represent not only yourself, but the entire department and the community.”

Farmington Police Department
Officer Joseph P. Capodiferro

Officer Capodiferro recently retired after 26 years of service to the Town of Farmington. He is a 3rd generation Farmington Police Officer and has remained with the Department as a Supernumerary Officer.

We hear so much today about the need to embrace community policing as a department wide philosophy in order to repair relationships with our citizens.  At Farmington PD we have lived that philosophy for decades.  It’s engrained in who we are as an agency and are proud of the close relationship we have with our community.  Officer Capodiferro has been an integral part of developing that relationship; I can comfortably say that he exemplifies the face of community policing in Farmington.  Officer Capodiferro truly understands how important it is to be up close and personal with the community he serves.

Officer Capodiferro’s personality, demeanor, and commitment to Farmington made him the perfect choice when we were looking to reintroduce our K-9 program that had been active for decades.  It was a position where he truly perfected his community policing skills, carving out his legacy at Farmington PD.  We knew we wanted someone who could seamlessly integrate a K-9 into our community.  We wanted a dog that could perform all the typical police K-9 functions, yet be social enough to promote a positive feeling among our residents, especially the children, the elderly, and special needs individuals.  Some handlers and trainers said it couldn’t or shouldn’t be done, but Officer Capodiferro took on the challenge and excelled.  Side by side with his partner Drak, they spent years as a team, building strong bonds between the police department and the community.

Hartford Police Department
Lieutenant Michael Cacioli
Lieutenant Gabriel Laureano

Hartford Police Department Lieutenants Gabriel Laureano and Michael Cacioli are longtime members of the Department who continually strive to improve police and community relations.  These individuals bear policing responsibility for uniformed patrol and community service efforts in North & South Hartford and, as such, have dedicated themselves to public service, outreach and a commitment to making the City a safer place.  Although constantly on call with 24/7 area responsibility, Lieutenants Laureano & Cacioli have embraced their positions and do so at the sacrifice of their personal and family lives. They have formulated and maintained relationships with the faith based community, neighborhood leaders and organizers, business groups, youth groups and peacebuilding groups.  Over the course of time, those relationships and the continual dialogue with those groups have decreased the potential for street level violence and anti-police sentiment and have increased the potential for better, constructive and goal oriented cooperation with the police.

Lieutenants Laureano and Cacioli constantly spearhead and oversee initiatives to combat gun and drug related violence, improve neighborhood quality of life and positively interact with area schools. They keep their fingers on the pulse of neighborhood activity, do so with zeal and enthusiasm and continually motivate their personnel to embrace the tenets of professionalism and effective public service.  Their ongoing efforts continue to bring noticeable reductions in crime as well as improvements in neighborhood quality of life.

Ledyard Police Department
Officer Rick McSwain

Officer Rick McSwain serves as Ledyard Police Department’s Youth Officer and School Resource Officer.  He is a great example of how effective one officer can be in a community while interacting with its youth. 

Officer McSwain often can be found helping students and staff in Ledyard’s Public Schools.  He has developed tremendous ties and relationships within the school community.  He makes safety presentations, eats lunch with students in the schools, and is a 24/7 resource for Ledyard’s youth and families. 

In addition to his school based interactions, Rick gives tours of our police department to community groups, scouts, and other youth groups.  He is involved with Ledyard’s “Stuff a Cruiser” toy drive in the holiday season.  He has been invited to throw out the first pitch on opening day of little league, heads up our participation in Ledyard Children’s Day, and serves on the Ledyard Schools Crisis Team. 

He makes appearances without compensation at Ledyard Lions Club meetings, and in June, he was invited to speak at the American Legion Boys’ State Leadership Program at Eastern Connecticut State University.   He is also a member of Ledyard’s newly formed Juvenile Review Board for court diversion. 

Middletown Police Department
Sergeant Michael Lukanik

In October of 2015, the north end of the city experienced a significant increase in violent crime.  Sgt. Michael Lukanik was tasked with the assignment of addressing this problem.  Sgt. Lukanik conducted an initial threat assessment.  The main issues were stemming from a specific one block area known as Wharfside Commons (90+ unit housing complex).  Sgt. Lukanik began by meeting with the citizens, NEAT (North End Action Team) and the management team of Wharfside Commons.  He identified problematic areas and people.  Sgt. Lukanik was critical in implementing directed patrols, adding cameras and fencing in areas of concern, and evicting problematic tenants.  He continually meets with the citizens, NEAT and housing management on a monthly basis.  He has assigned Police personal to attend meetings, established long term beats and personally monitored his strategy.  Sgt. Lukanik deployed a community policing approach in which he encourages citizen partnership, community policing through environmental design and officer involvement.  Since the inception of Sgt. Lukanik’s many contributions, violent crime in this area decreased significantly.

Sgt. Michael Lukanik’s passion for his work has resonated throughout the community and made the north end of Middletown a safer and better place to live.  Further, his efforts have expanded beyond the north end and are being used as an example for other areas of the City of Middletown.

New Haven Police Department
Officer Elsa Berrios

Elsa Berrios is a 21-year veteran of the New Haven Police Department.  Recently, she “adopted” an 80 year-old Veteran who suffers with mental health challenges.  She made regular visits with his clinician and was instrumental in getting him into the VA for treatment and later into the Mary Wade Home where he resides today.  Before Officer Berrios intervened, the Veteran had no family support, and was living in squalor in a third floor apartment where he had to crawl up the stairs each day after going to Tip Top Deli for food.  The toilet and shower were not in working order and he had holes in his shoes and clothing.  He was often taunted by kids on the street and sometimes pushed to the ground.

Due to his mental illness, he was afraid of people and would not accept any food or clothing except from the owner of Tip Top.  Once the veteran became familiar with Elsa, who made regular visits to the VA and now the Mary Wade Home, he looks for her to visit. Elsa has purchased much needed items for him, without Elsa, the Veteran would not have any visitors or the “comforts” of home. 

There are many families in the Hill that Elsa has helped including one on Asylum St. After meeting the mother, she discovered that her children were lacking in bedding and other essentials.  She contacted the Police Academy and recruited the cadets to help this family and provide them with much needed items.

Many kids in the Church Street South Housing Complex have hats and mittens due to Elsa’s kindness.  She is always the first to volunteer to help out needy families, especially at the holidays.

Elsa is always, and continues to be, a “go to person” for any resident, officer or supervisor. 

Norwalk Police Department
Lieutenant Terrence Blake
Sergeant Sophia Gulino
Officer Felipe Taborda

Beginning in January 2016, the Norwalk Police Department (NPD) partnered with Pathways, an alternative high school to create a curriculum to educate its students about policing in a fun and positive manner.  The inaugural class was offered as a semester-long elective for 11 students that met for a weekly 2½ hour seminar.  The class is taught entirely by members of the NPD, and is principally led by Lieutenant Terrence Blake, Sergeant Sophia Gulino, and Office Felipe Taborda.  Scholastically, the program provides the students with insight into law enforcement as a career. More importantly, the program seeks to bridge a gap between the police and younger members of the community, many of whom did not previously hold a positive opinion of law enforcement.

Over the course of the 17-week program, the students have participated in police officer training through academic and practical offerings. For example, the students spent three weeks learning about different roles within the NPD by investigating a mock homicide. This scenario–a domestic violence homicide–was also used as an opportunity to discuss family violence, which is a pervasive issue in many of the kids’ homes. 

The NPD team also arranged for the students to meet with key participants in the justice system, including a state’s attorney, a public defender, police chiefs, a Superior Court Judge, and a U.S. District Judge. All of these individuals met with the students in informal settings to discuss the educational and career choices they had made and the hardships they overcame along the way.

The sincere commitment by the NPD to connect with its city’s youth in such a constructive and innovative manner has been an inspiration to all. The program is built on hard work, trust and understanding, and enhanced by healthy doses of laughter and fun. With these critical cornerstones securely in place, the officers and students have begun to tackle the heady and all too often polarizing issue of car stops–but this time in an atmosphere of respect.

Norwalk Police Department
Officer Cesar Ramirez

On August 3, 2016, in the wake of officer-involved shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota and the subsequent murders of five police officers in Dallas, the Norwalk Department of Police Service sought to find ways to ease tensions and to promote unity between the community and law enforcement.  To that end, Police Officer Cesar Ramirez, a Norwalk resident who has also been a member of the Norwalk Police Department for over 25 years, planned an Interfaith Prayer Vigil.

On the day of the vigil, more than 200 people gathered on the courtyard in front of the police department.  The widely diverse crowd joined hands, prayed, and sang together in a great show of solidarity.  Representatives from twenty of Norwalk’s faith-based institutions spoke and prayed in English, Spanish, Italian, French, Creole, Hindi, and Hebrew.  The event not only fostered a positive dialogue between law enforcement and the community, but also joined together different segments of the community who displayed a great respect for one another’s cultures and beliefs.

Norwich Police Department
Officer Christopher Chastang

Officer Chastang has been a member of the Norwich Police Departments’ Community Policing Unit since its start in 2011.

Officer Chastang engages with a broad spectrum of community members and helps to create a sustainable atmosphere in which the citizens of Norwich can work, play, and raise families. Officer Chastang’s comprehensive approach includes the community in which he serves, and together they focus on the root of problems.  He builds partnerships in which officers and citizens are the “problem solvers.” Officer Chastang’s work has been creative and empowering — and as a result has resonated throughout the Norwich Police Department and the City of Norwich.  Through his efforts, Norwich Police Department has become a proactive and highly collaborative department.

Officer Chastang has volunteered as a Police Athletic League (P.A.L.) basketball coach and spent his off duty hours away from his family to coach 5-6-year-old Norwich children in the fundamentals of team support, friendships, good sportsmanship, and athletic abilities.

Officer Chastang has spearheaded the National Night Out Event in the City of Norwich for approximately three years.  Some of his duties were to plan the entire event, raise donations from local businesses, coordinate the efforts of the vendors, and evaluating each years’ events. The 2016 NNO event was a huge success which brought in over 3,000 citizens which is a direct result of his efforts.

Officer Chastang attends monthly Neighborhood watch meetings and assists those citizens solve problems within their area.  He has repeatedly recognized by The St Vincent DePaul “Soup Kitchen” for assisting citizens in need.

Town of Southington
Chris Conlon
Smokin With Chris

Chris Conlon, a former West Hartford and Southington Fireman continually gives back to his community.  Having worked as a career first responder, he knew he wanted to thank those who protect and serve his community.  While he had been thinking about putting on such an event for four years, he knew now was the time to act.  On August 29, 2016, Chris Conlon, the owner of Smokin with Chris Restaurant in Southington, held a First Responder Appreciation Night.  In an effort to accommodate all shifts of personnel, this event was held throughout the day from 2:00 pm through 8:00 pm.  Smokin with Chris provided free food and drink to Southington Police, Fire and EMS personnel and their families.  Even his employees volunteered to work on their day off to support local first responders.  Overall, Chris served meals to 200 first responders and family members at the event that brought together community and first responders in a genuine show of appreciation.

This is not the first time Chris Conlon has been honored for his community service.  In March of 2015 he was awarded the Southington Stars Community Service Award by the United Way of Southington for continually donating food from his restaurant to support local organizations like the Southington Chamber of Commerce, Southington High School Marching Band, the United Way and many others.  During that award ceremony, Conlon stated “I’m humbled because there are so many people that do so much more than I do,” said Conlon. “One grain of sand does not make the beach nor does one tree make a forest, but together we are a community, and this is what it’s about.”

Stamford Police Department & Domus Kids, Inc.
Sergeant Joe Kennedy
Francesca Principe

 

The Stamford Police Department has had successful community outreach programs with longevity that improve each year such as our School Resource Officer Camp(co-ed), Mighty Mite basketball(co-ed), Domestic Home Visitation, and a host of others but the girls deserved and needed their own program.

The Stamford Police Department therefore partnered with Domus Kids, Inc. — together they have had a long history of collaborating on many youth initiatives.  The Young Girls Leadership program unites middle school aged girls from Domus Chester Addison Community Center with female police officers.  The core principal of the program is to promote positive youth/police relationships by promoting positive youth development by enhancing life skills competencies.  It seeks to build trust and mutual respect between the youth and officers. The program includes activities designed to increase the opportunity for youth and officers to proactively engage with the larger community through community service events.  The youth are expected to assume leadership roles in planning and implementation of these events.  One of the most impactful outcomes of the community service events is to make the youth realize that they possess the capacity to be agents of positive change in our community.  For youth, program activities will significantly enhance their life skills, competencies and promote better life choices that lead to better outcomes at school and at home, as well as improved interactions with their peers and the larger community.

Stamford Police Department
Officer Jerry Junes

One of the Stamford Police Department’s largest volunteer programs is the Mighty Mites Basketball Program.  This program involves hundreds of Stamford children ages 5 through 16 in a variety of programs that are administered by police officers in conjunction with community members, and the corporate world. The main part of this program is basketball where kid’s families act as coaches, and to get the whole family involved girls are the cheerleaders. The corporate world helps in part to subsidize our program.   Each year approximately 200 boys and girls participate many of whom are repeat participants in the Mighty Mite Basketball league. Over 50 girls participate as cheerleaders.   As you might imagine, the gymnasiums bring together the police officers who act as coaches, mentors, and referees, the families including older siblings, and the guardians cheering and rooting for each other. A good time is had by all during the game and the games are talked about all week long.

By getting to know each other in a relaxed environment, a positive view of law enforcement personnel is reinforced for these youngsters and their families will become more comfortable confiding in officers and sharing concerns with them.  The Police Officers benefit too. Spending time with these families gives officers insight into their personalities, backgrounds, struggles and needs that come in handy in future encounters.

Mighty Mites basketball is run for 4 months of the year in two different parts of town in their respective community centers.  Each child is given a uniform (which they proudly wear everywhere including to school), backpacks, a basketball, and a trophy. 

Suffield Police Department
Sergeant Geoffrey Miner|
Dispatcher Nicholas Fasano

Dispatcher Fasano and Sergeant Miner are lifelong residents of Suffield and have been friends for several years. In an effort to implement some of the recommendations from the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing, they were asked to take charge of our social media accounts.

After last April’s snow storm, Sergeant Miner and Dispatcher Fasano posted booking photos of Chuckles the state groundhog on the Suffield Police Department’s Facebook page indicating that they had arrested him for false statement about predicting an early spring.  These postings on Facebook went viral throughout the country and media stations from throughout the area wanted to interview them.  They furthered the idea and turned it into a fundraiser for the Lutz Children’s Museum, where Chuckles lives, by having sponsors “Post” his bond.  Chuckles was eventually pardoned by the Suffield First Selectwoman.  The project drew a large amount of media attention and raised nearly $970 for the museum.

Sergeant Miner and Dispatcher Fasano also started a community policing event called “Chill with a Cop,” which is hosted at our local ice cream shop.  Instead of “Coffee with a Cop,” this idea was formed to allow people to come out and join us on hot days in the summer. Sergeant Miner also hosted a Pokémon Go Event, which drew hundreds of people out of their houses to take part.  Sergeant Miner is a fellow Pokémon player and was able to interact with the attendees in ways that most of us cannot.  This was a safe event for all ages to spend some time with Suffield Police Officers.  Sergeant Miner and Dispatcher Fasano are two young and outgoing members of the Suffield Police Department and their community policing contributions have helped bring a lot of positive feedback to the Suffield Police Department.

Windsor Police Department
Officer Joshua Amaro

Since taking his role as School Resource Officer (SRO) at Windsor High School, Officer Joshua “Josh” Amaro has quickly become the “ultimate” community policing officer to students, faculty and staff, family members, and all community members in Windsor. Even prior to his appointment as SRO, Officer Amaro began developing ways to communicate in a timely and transparent manner to all members of the community, young and old, via social media.  He developed and implemented a “WindsorHighSRO” public Facebook page and @WindsorSRO Twitter feed.  Most recently, during August 2016, SRO Amaro received the happy endorsement of Windsor Public School District administrators to create and maintain a webpage on the Windsor Public School website.  On these social media applications, SRO Amaro has discussed laws relevant to teenagers and their families such as Teen Driving statutes, Texting and driving laws, Halloween safety tips, bicycle safety, and seatbelt laws among other topics.

A recent video which SRO Amaro created and distributed prior to the start of the school year, depicts various members of the Windsor Police welcoming students back to school.  Another video reminds parents of traffic patterns at Windsor High School.

SRO Amaro not only promotes and attends as many community events as he possibly can, he also creates them such as a Video Game Tournament night for students.

SRO Amaro seeks out every opportunity to engage his school based community and the larger community of Windsor. SRO Amaro is not just the well-recognized face of the Windsor Police Department. More significantly, SRO Amaro has fostered relationships and built bridges with youth and community residents through his use of social media and his community involvement. His postings have allowed citizens, especially youth in the multi-cultural community of Windsor, to see police officers as “people” too. 

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that LUIS ZAYAS, also known as “Guichan,” 40, of Waterford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 85 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in early 2012, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), the U.S. Secret Service and the New London Police Department initiated an investigation to combat the large-scale trafficking of heroin and cocaine from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico into and around southeastern Connecticut.  The investigation revealed that certain members of the conspiracy coordinated the shipment of heroin, and sometimes cocaine, via human couriers from the Dominican Republic to the United States.  Other members of the conspiracy obtained kilogram-quantities of cocaine in Puerto Rico and then mailed the drug to locations in and around New London where it was sold to distributors and customers.  Narcotics were also obtained from sources in New York City and Rhode Island.

ZAYAS and Pedro Rivera, also known as “Cheito,” arranged the shipment of cocaine from sources in Puerto Rico to the New London area.  ZAYAS and Rivera then distributed the cocaine to customers in southeastern Connecticut through a network of associates.

More than 100 individuals were charged with federal and state offenses as a result of this investigation.

ZAYAS was arrested on April 3, 2013.  On January 29, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

Rivera also pleaded guilty and on December 9, 2015, he was sentenced to 116 months of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Secret Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Air and Marine; Connecticut State Police; New London Police Department, Norwich Police Department, Waterford Police Department, Groton Town Police Department, East Lyme Police Department and Putnam Police Department.  The United States Marshals Service; ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations; Drug Enforcement Administration; HSI Assistant Attaché, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; HSI Arecibo, Puerto Rico Resident Office;  Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation; Connecticut Department of Correction, Parole and Community Services; and the Groton City, Willimantic, New Haven and Bristol Police Departments have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.

The federal case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah P. Karwan, Alina P. Reynolds and Henry K. Kopel.  The state cases were prosecuted by the State’s Attorney for the New London Judicial District and Senior Assistant State’s Attorneys Paul Narducci and Stephen Carney.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EMETH SOLOMAN, 43, of New Haven, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine.  The charge stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 23, 2016, 17 individuals in New Haven overdosed after consuming narcotics.  Three of the victims died.  An investigation conducted by the DEA and New Haven Police Department revealed that many or all of the victims believed the substance they were consuming was cocaine.  However, DEA laboratory testing indicated the cocaine was laced with fentanyl, a powerful opioid that can be at least 50 times more powerful than heroin.

The investigation revealed that SOLOMAN purchased a quantity of the fentanyl-laced cocaine from his supplier, Frank Pina.  SOLOMAN intended to, and did, in fact, consume some of the cocaine and sold the remainder to his niece for her consumption.  SOLOMAN’s niece overdosed and died. 

When questioned by federal law enforcement officers shortly after the overdose death of his niece, SOLOMAN intentionally provided false information concerning his knowledge of Pina’s drug trafficking activities and his involvement in his niece’s overdose death.  SOLOMAN’s false statements during an ongoing public health crisis significantly impeded law enforcement’s investigation and efforts to ensure that the lethal cocaine/fentanyl mixture was removed from circulation on the streets of New Haven.

Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for January 16, 2017, at which time SOLOMAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Pina was arrested on June 27, 2016.  On August 4, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, controlled substances.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 31, 2016.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CARLOS ALBERTO DEOSA-MUNERA, 56, of Colombia, waived indictment and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of 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 within the Connecticut Department of Correction.  Federal immigration officers visited DEOSA-MUNERA at the Department of Correction facility, advised him of his Miranda rights and questioned him.  DEOSA-MUNERA admitted that he was born in Colombia, remains a citizen of that country and had been previously deported on multiple occasions. 

When he is sentenced, DEOSA-MUNERA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  A sentencing date is not yet scheduled.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, announced that RONALD WEAVER, 38, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport 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 March 11, 2016, Newtown Police and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in Newtown on the report of a 30-year-old female who was in cardiac arrest.  The victim was transported to the hospital where she subsequently died.  Medical records and witness interviews revealed that the victim had a history of substance abuse, and the family of the victim turned over to law enforcement several wax folds of heroin, several empty folds and other drug paraphernalia.

The investigation revealed that the victim purchased heroin and other drugs from at least two sources in the days leading up to her death.  One of the sources worked as a “runner” who conducted drug transactions for WEAVER.

Between June and August 2016, law enforcement made four controlled purchases of heroin from WEAVER.

WEAVER has been detained since his arrest on August 9, 2016.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill on December 28, 2016, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

This matter is being investigated by the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Newtown, Waterbury and Torrington Police Departments.  The Task Force 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 Avi M. Perry.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that MICHAEL RICHO, 34, of Wallingford, was arrested today on a criminal complaint charging him with access device fraud, computer fraud, wire fraud, identity theft and money laundering offenses in connection with a scheme to steal bitcoins in an online phishing scheme.

According to the criminal complaint, RICHO engaged in an online phishing scheme to steal bitcoins from individuals on the dark web.  Bitcoins are a form of electronic currency and online marketplaces on the dark web typically accept them as a payment method.

The complaint alleges that RICHO posted fake links to online marketplaces on dark web forums.  The links directed individuals to a fake login page that looked like the real login pages for the various online marketplaces.  When individuals attempted to log in, RICHO stole his or her username and password.  Once he had an individual’s username and password, RICHO monitored the individual’s bitcoin balance at the real marketplace.  If the individual later deposited bitcoins with the real marketplace, RICHO withdrew the bitcoins before the individual could spend them and caused the stolen bitcoins to be deposited into his own bitcoin wallet.  RICHO then sold the stolen bitcoins to others in exchange for U.S. currency, which was deposited into a bank account that RICHO controlled.

The complaint alleges that RICHO had over 10,000 stolen usernames and passwords saved on his computer.

RICHO appeared this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven and was released on a $100,000 bond.

Money laundering carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, wire fraud carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, access device fraud carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, computer fraud carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory term of imprisonment of two years.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT N. TRICARICO, 60, formerly of Darien, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 41 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for stealing for than $1.2 million from an elderly client.

Until April 2015, TRICARICO was a registered securities broker with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.  He was formerly employed or associated with various financial firms, including RNT Wealth Management, Northstar Wealth Partners, LPL Financial, and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from January 2010 to June 2013, TRICARICO acted as a financial advisor for an elderly and infirm victim who had substantial assets.  TRICARICO misappropriated more than $1.1 million from the victim by writing numerous checks to himself or for his benefit without the victim’s authorization.  TRICARICO also liquidated a coin collection belonging to the victim, and he misappropriated checks made payable to the victim.  TRICARICO used the stolen funds to make personal expenditures.

TRICARICO also defrauded two additional victims of $20,000 by falsely representing to them that he would use their investments for a business venture and guaranteed a rate of return.  In fact, TRICARICO used the victims’ funds for his own personal use.

Judge Shea ordered TRICARICO to pay restitution in the amount of $1,220,763.90.

On June 16, 2016, TRICARICO pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

At the conclusion of today’s sentencing, TRICARICO, who had been released on bond, was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to begin serving his sentence.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Greenwich Police Department and Connecticut Department of Banking.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JEFFREY GENTILE, 34, of Ansonia, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of using a telephone to facilitate the distribution of amphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

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

The investigation revealed that Alex Kenyhercz, of Ansonia, purchased anabolic steroids from Santucci and distributed them to others.  Kenyhercz also illegally distributed prescription medication, including Roxicodone, Oxycodone, Suboxone and Opana.

In pleading guilty, GENTILE admitted that he obtained steroids from Kenyhercz by paying him, in part, with Adderall, which is an amphetamine.

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

GENTILE was arrested on April 29, 2015.  When he is sentenced, he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of four years and a fine of up to $250,000.

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

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

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