District of Connecticut

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PATRICIA BADDELEY MEEHAN, 51, of Ellington, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to two months of imprisonment and two additional years of supervised release for violating the terms and conditions of her supervised release that followed a federal conviction in 2010.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 11, 2010, Judge Underhill sentenced MEEHAN to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for stealing $1,716,128 from a law firm where she was employed, and for failing to pay taxes on the stolen income.  She was released from federal prison in August 2013 and began serving her term of supervised release, a condition of which included that she refrain from gambling and not enter any establishment known to promote gambling.

An investigation revealed that MEEHAN gambled at Foxwoods Resort Casino on at least 23 occasions between 2014 and 2016, and had jackpot winnings of at least $51,862.  During this time, she has paid only approximately $8,021 of the more than $1.7 million in restitution she owes.

MEEHAN was ordered to report to prison on September 28, 2016.

This case has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and 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, today announced that a federal grand jury sitting in New Haven has returned an indictment charging DARRYL MORRIS, also known as “King Sincere,” 32, and NESHAYA DOZIER, 26, both of Bridgeport, with offenses related to the sex trafficking of a minor.

The indictment was returned on August 9, 2016, and unsealed today.  MORRIS was arrested on August 16 and DOZIER was arrested on August 19.  They are both detained.

The indictment alleges that, between November 2014 and May 2016, MORRIS and DOZIER conspired to recruit, harbor and transport a minor to engage in commercial acts, and that MORRIS did so with force, threats of force, fraud and coercion.

MORRIS and DOZIER are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor and one count of sex trafficking of a minor, offenses that carry a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.  MORRIS is also charged with one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, and offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 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 each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin announced that KRISTIAN SAUCIER, 29, of Arlington, Vt., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 12 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally retaining photos taken inside a nuclear submarine and impeding the investigation of the matter.  While on supervised release, SAUCIER must spend six months in home confinement with electronic monitoring, and perform 100 hours of community service.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from September 2007 to March 2012, SAUCIER served as a machinist’s mate aboard the USS Alexandria, which is a U.S. Navy Los Angeles-class nuclear attack submarine based at the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn.  On at least three separate dates in 2009, SAUCIER used the camera on his personal cellphone to take photographs of classified spaces, instruments and equipment of the USS Alexandria, documenting the major technical components of the submarine’s propulsion system.

On January 19, 2009, at approximately 4:00 a.m., SAUCIER took two photos, one of the auxiliary steam plant panel and the other of the reactor compartment viewed through a portal.  On March 22, 2009, at approximately 1:30 a.m., SAUCIER took two photos that, when placed side by side, provided a panoramic array of the Maneuvering Compartment, the room from which the propulsion system of the boat is operated.  On July 15, 2009, at 12:47 p.m., SAUCIER took two photos documenting the reactor head configuration of the nuclear reactor and a view of the reactor compartment from within that compartment.

SAUCIER had a Secret clearance and knew that the photos depicted classified material and that he was not authorized to take them.  He retained these photographs and failed to deliver them to any officer or employee of the U.S. entitled to receive it.

The investigation began in March 2012 when SAUCIER’s cellphone was found at a waste transfer station in Hampton, Conn.  SAUCIER was interviewed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Naval Criminal Investigative Service in July 2012 and confronted with the classified images from his phone.  Following that interview and in an effort to impede the federal investigation, SAUCIER returned to his home and immediately destroyed a laptop computer, a personal camera and the camera’s memory card.  Pieces of a laptop computer were subsequently found in the woods on a property in Connecticut owned by a member of SAUCIER’s family.

SAUCIER was arrested on May 28, 2015.  On May 27, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of unauthorized possession and retention of national defense information.

SAUCIER, who is released on bond, was ordered to report to prison on October 12, 2016.

SAUCIER is currently enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Petty Officer First Class assigned to the Naval Support Activity Base, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.  He is awaiting an administrative separation board proceeding.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vanessa Richards and Jacabed Rodriguez-Coss, and Trial Attorney Will Mackie from the Justice Department’s National Security Division, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALIONIS PEREZ, 40, a citizen of Cuba last residing in New Jersey, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 60 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, 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, PEREZ and others attempted to break into the Movado store located in Kittery, Maine.

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

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

On October 24, 2013, 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, 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.

During the evening of August 7 or early morning hours of August 8, 2014, PEREZ and others burglarized a Radio Shack store located in Chesterfield, Mo.  However, the burglary was interrupted and they were able to steal only a small amount of cash.

The following evening, PEREZ and others burglarized a Sunglass Hut Store located in Leawood, Kan., and stole 623 pairs of sunglasses valued at approximately $113,000.

In the early morning hours of August 10, 2014, PEREZ and others burglarized a Radio Shack in Franklin, Tenn., and stole approximately 50 smartphones valued at approximately $28,000.  Later that day, PEREZ and his co-conspirators were arrested in a hotel room in Nashville, Tenn.  The property stolen from the Sunglass Hut in Kansas and Radio Shack in Tennessee was recovered in connection with the arrest.

PEREZ has been detained since his arrest on August 10, 2014.  On May 23, 2016, he pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to engage in the interstate transportation of stolen property.

Judge Chatigny ordered PEREZ to pay restitution in the amount of $1.865 million.

This investigation is being 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 is being 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, announced that PAMELA MALLORY, 43, of Enfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 21 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for embezzling more than $840,000 from her employer, 360 Federal Credit Union.

According to court documents and statements made in court, MALLORY was employed as the lending manager of Windsor Locks-based 360 Federal Credit Union.  In her position, MALLORY had access to loan files and authorized loans, including home equity lines of credit (“HELOCs”).  From 2009 through 2016, MALLORY opened five different HELOCs in the name of a credit union member and increased the credit limit of those HELOCs on at least 15 occasions, all without the knowledge or consent of the credit union member.  Initially, MALLORY perpetrated this scheme by opening subsequent HELOCs to pay off earlier, smaller HELOCs.  Later in the scheme, rather than opening new HELOCs, she simply increased the credit limits on two of the fraudulent HELOCs to support her spending.

In order to evade detection, MALLORY made minimum, interest-only payments on the HELOCs from her own checking account.

When 360 Federal Credit Union discovered the scheme in January 2016, the credit union member’s property, which is worth less than $150,000, supported two HELOCs, each with credit limits of $417,000, that MALLORY had fully drawn down.

In total, MALLORY stole approximately $840,378.28 from 360 Federal Credit Union and used the proceeds of the scheme to pay her own creditors.  Judge Chatigny ordered MALLORY to make full restitution.

On May 12, 2016, MALLORY pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement by a credit union employee.

MALLORY, who is released on bond, was ordered to report to prison on September 28, 2016.

This matter was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.

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 JAMES BOWERS, 30, of New London, with one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana.  The indictment was returned on July 20, 2016. 

BOWERS appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.

It is alleged that on June 30, 2016, BOWERS possessed a stolen .45 caliber handgun and marijuana that he intended to distribute.  It is further alleged that, prior to that date, BOWERS was convicted of state and federal felony offenses.

BOWERS has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on June 30.

On October 6, 2008, BOWERS was sentenced in U.S. District Court in New Haven to 120 months of imprisonment and eight years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.  He was released from federal prison in December 2014 and is currently on supervised release.

If convicted of the charges, BOWERS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on the firearm charge and a maximum term of imprisonment of five years on the drug charge.  He also faces an additional term of imprisonment if he is found to have violated his supervised release.

This case has been assigned to Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford.

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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force-East, which includes members from the Norwich, Groton City and New London Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John H. Durham.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FRANK PECORA, 55, of Derby, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing prescription narcotics, cocaine and steroids.

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.  The investigation also revealed that, in addition to steroids, PECORA and others were distributing prescription pills and cocaine.

PECORA was arrested on April 29, 2015.  On May 1, 2015, investigators searched his residence and seized numerous prescription narcotic pills, steroids, 350 grams of cocaine, two .308 caliber rifles and two 12 gauge shotguns.

On January 25, 2016, PECORA, a previously convicted felon, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone.  In pleading guilty, also admitted that he unlawfully possessed firearms.

PECORA has been detained since his arrest.

On December 9, 2015, Santucci pleaded guilty steroid distribution and money laundering offenses.  He awaits sentencing.

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, announced that BRADLEY COMMERFORD, 20, of Derby, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 71 months of imprisonment, followed by six years of supervised release for distributing heroin.  Judge Thompson also ordered COMMERFORD to perform 150 hours of community service while on supervised release.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, Derby Police Department and Shelton Police Department investigated two non-fatal heroin overdoses that occurred in Shelton on February 16, 2016, and one fatal overdose that occurred in Derby on February 17, 2016.  The Derby overdose resulted in the death of a 23-year-old male.  The Shelton overdoses involved one individual who was 18 and another who was 22.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner subsequently issued a report listing the Derby victim’s cause of death as “acute fentanyl intoxication.”

The investigation, which included victim and witness interviews, as well as analysis of numerous text messages of the decedent’s phone, identified COMMERFORD as the heroin source of supply in all three overdose cases.  The investigation also revealed that COMMERFORD sold heroin to a 16-year-old individual who did not overdose.

“While this defendant has faced difficulties and struggled with addiction himself, his reckless behavior cannot be excused,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “He regularly distributed heroin to teenagers and sold heroin after being convicted in state court of several serious felony offenses.  More disturbing, even after the overdose death in this case, he continued to sell heroin and was arrested while on his way to purchase a distribution quantity of heroin from his source in Waterbury.  This sentence will help to protect the public, give this defendant substantial time to consider and address his own addiction and, hopefully provide some small measure of solace to the victim’s family.  We will continue to prioritize opioid overdose cases and target heroin and fentanyl dealers to raise awareness of the opioid epidemic and prosecute those responsible for it.  I thank the DEA and task force partners for their tireless commitment to this effort.”

“Those suffering from the disease of heroin addiction need access to treatment and recovery,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Ferguson.  “But, those responsible for distributing lethal drugs like heroin and fentanyl to the citizens of Connecticut need to be held accountable for their actions.  In response to the ongoing opioid epidemic DEA and its local, state and federal partners are committed to bringing to justice those that distribute this poison.”

COMMERFORD has been detained since his arrest on February 18, 2016.  On May 6, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of heroin to an individual who is under 21 years of age.

The DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe, Fairfield and Middlebury Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KYLE VALENTINE, 25, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford to a federal carjacking offense.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 1, 2016, two men from out of state who were driving a rented 2015 Volkswagen Passat were victims of an armed carjacking in the vicinity of Hobart Street and Myrtle Street in Meriden.  The victims reported that they had stopped to ask an individual, later identified as VALENTINE, for directions to a gas station.  VALENTINE told the victims to follow his car, which they did.  After traveling a few minutes, VALENTINE’s car stopped and another individual pointed a handgun at one of the victims who was sitting in the passenger seat of the car, opened the door and stated “I want everything.”  The victims exited the car and VALENTINE and the other individual stole their wallets and cell phones and then drove away in the Passat.

VALENTINE pleaded guilty to one count of taking a motor vehicle from a person by force and violence or by intimidation, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on November 2, 2016.

VALENTINE is detained pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the East Haven, Meriden, Milford and New Haven Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FRANCISCO SANCHEZ-REYES, also known as “Chino,” 38, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.

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

The investigation revealed that Melvin Castro, also known as “Humacoa,” controlled the distribution of heroin in the Park Street, Babcock Street and Zion Street area of Hartford.  The Task Force orchestrated the purchase of more than 2,700 bags of heroin and six firearms from Castro during the investigation.  Wiretaps captured numerous conversations in which Castro coordinated hundreds of additional sales of heroin, and revealed that SANCHEZ-REYES was a trusted associate of Castro who also was involved in the distribution of heroin.

SANCHEZ has been detained since his arrest on June 15, 2015.  On March 9, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.

Castro also pleaded guilty and, on May 13, 2016, was sentenced to 84 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 LUIS CEDILLO, 33, last residing in Los Angeles, Calif., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 14, 2013, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force followed a white Cadillac Escalade that CEDILLO was driving to a store where CEDILLO purchased items used to process and package illegal drugs.  After the Escalade traveled to a garage in Wolcott, agents approached CEDILLO, secured him in handcuffs and received consent from the owner of the property to search the garage.  Agents observed that the vehicle, which was raised on a lift, had sheet-rock screws coming through the metal of the bottom of the car.  After a canine alert, agents located and opened a trap in the rear of the vehicle and retrieved approximately six kilograms of heroin.  CEDILLO was arrested at the time.

A subsequent search of a residence in Danbury connected to CEDILLO revealed approximately $400,000 in cash.

CEDILLO has been detained since his arrest.  On May 19, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.

This matter was investigated by the DEA’s New Haven Task Force, which includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, East Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Derby and Meriden Police Departments, and the U.S. Marshals Service.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Dave Vatti.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that KERRY SCANLAN, 20, of Avon, was arrested yesterday on a federal criminal complaint charging him distributing heroin involved in an overdose death of an 18-year-old in East Haddam.  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.

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

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

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

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, the Connecticut State Police and the East Haddam Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FRANDY DUGUE, also known as “Jimmy,” 39, of Norwich, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of wire fraud stemming from his involvement in an insurance fraud scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between April 2011 and February 2014, DUGUE and others conspired to stage approximately 50 car crashes in eastern Connecticut for the purpose of defrauding automobile insurance companies and enriching themselves.  A high percentage of these planned crashes were single-vehicle accidents on remote roads where there were no witnesses other than the occupants of the crashed vehicle.  After each staged accident, the defendants filed fraudulent property damage and bodily injury claims with various automobile insurance companies.  They then collected payouts on the fraudulent claims from the victim insurance companies.  These payouts typically ranged from about $10,000 to about $30,000 per accident.

In pleading guilty, DUGUE admitted his personal involvement in a staged automobile crash in Killingly on December 14, 2013.

DUGUE were arrested on May 20 and is released on bond.  He is a citizen of Haiti and a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for November 1, 2016, at which time DUGUE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.     

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Norwich Police Department and the National Insurance Crime Bureau, with the assistance of the Mohegan Tribal Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Honora Gordon, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, announced that ADAM BOGUSKI, 43, of Stamford, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court 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.

According to court documents and statements made in court, 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.

In pleading guilty, BOGUSKI admitted that he and Thomas Kapusta were racing pigeon enthusiasts who constructed and maintained a pigeon coop at 330 Weed Avenue in Stamford.  BOGUSKI and Kapusta kept a large number of racing pigeons at this coop, and regularly let them fly outside the coop for exercise.  Because BOGUSKI and Kapusta 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.  BOGUSKI admitted that he killed Cooper’s hawks on September 27, 2015 and October 17, 2015.

BOGUSKI is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on October 11, 2016.  He faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 18 months and a fine of up to $45,000.

On February 17, 2016, Kapusta, of Westbury, N.Y., 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.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 12.

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.

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced today that it has reached an agreement with Connecticut and state officials to resolve claims that the state failed to provide voter registration opportunities required by Section 5 of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA).

The department’s investigation, conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section, found that the state of Connecticut failed to comply with the requirements of Section 5 of the NVRA.  Applications and renewals for Connecticut driver’s licenses and identification cards did not serve as applications for voter registration with respect to elections for federal office, as required by the NVRA.  In addition, the procedures by which citizens notify motor vehicle authorities that their address changed did not consistently serve as notification of a change of address for voter registration purposes, as the NVRA requires.

Under the terms of the settlement, Connecticut will fully integrate a voter registration opportunity into all applications for driver’s licenses and other identification documents, including renewal applications.  Connecticut will also ensure that change of address information submitted for driver’s license purposes will be used to update voters’ address information unless the voter declines to update her voter registration.  During the course of negotiations, Connecticut has taken significant steps to achieve this compliance by integrating a voter registration application into its electronic driver licensing system.  In order to provide a voter registration opportunity for Connecticut residents who did not have one when last applying for or renewing a driver’s license or other identification document, Connecticut will contact eligible voters who are not currently registered to vote at the address associated with the driver’s license or other identification document. 

“A robust, inclusive democracy requires ensuring that eligible voters can easily and conveniently register to vote,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.  “State officials worked cooperatively with the Justice Department to quickly provide eligible Connecticut voters an integrated one-stop opportunity to register through the DMV, as the law requires.”

“The motor voter provision of the NVRA critically supports and enhances our citizens’ access to the democratic process,” said U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly of the District of Connecticut.  “Compliance with those requirements plays an important role in ensuring that all Connecticut citizens can more easily exercise their right to vote.  I commend our many state officials from the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Office of the Secretary of the State and the Attorney General’s Office for their hard work in reaching this agreement and for their commitment to the expansion of voting rights in Connecticut.  We also thank the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice for their partnership and invaluable assistance.”

Section 5 of the NVRA, also known as the “motor voter” provision, requires states to provide voter registration opportunities for federal elections when people apply for or renew driver’s licenses or other identification documents through state motor vehicle offices.  The motor voter provision also requires that changes of address for driver’s license or identification document purposes update voter registration information unless the applicant opts out of the update.

More information about the NVRA and other federal voting laws is available on the division’s website at www.justice.gov/crt/about/vot/.  Complaints about voter registration practices may be reported to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section at 1-800-253-3931.

The Justice Department announced today that it has reached an agreement with Connecticut and state officials to resolve claims that the state failed to provide voter registration opportunities required by Section 5 of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA).

The department’s investigation, conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section, found that the state of Connecticut failed to comply with the requirements of Section 5 of the NVRA.  Applications and renewals for Connecticut driver’s licenses and identification cards did not serve as applications for voter registration with respect to elections for federal office, as required by the NVRA.  In addition, the procedures by which citizens notify motor vehicle authorities that their address changed did not consistently serve as notification of a change of address for voter registration purposes, as the NVRA requires.

Under the terms of the settlement, Connecticut will fully integrate a voter registration opportunity into all applications for driver’s licenses and other identification documents, including renewal applications.  Connecticut will also ensure that change of address information submitted for driver’s license purposes will be used to update voters’ address information unless the voter declines to update her voter registration.  During the course of negotiations, Connecticut has taken significant steps to achieve this compliance by integrating a voter registration application into its electronic driver licensing system.  In order to provide a voter registration opportunity for Connecticut residents who did not have one when last applying for or renewing a driver’s license or other identification document, Connecticut will contact eligible voters who are not currently registered to vote at the address associated with the driver’s license or other identification document. 

“A robust, inclusive democracy requires ensuring that eligible voters can easily and conveniently register to vote,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.  “State officials worked cooperatively with the Justice Department to quickly provide eligible Connecticut voters an integrated one-stop opportunity to register through the DMV, as the law requires.”

“The motor voter provision of the NVRA critically supports and enhances our citizens’ access to the democratic process,” said U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly of the District of Connecticut.  “Compliance with those requirements plays an important role in ensuring that all Connecticut citizens can more easily exercise their right to vote.  I commend our many state officials from the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Office of the Secretary of the State and the Attorney General’s Office for their hard work in reaching this agreement and for their commitment to the expansion of voting rights in Connecticut.  We also thank the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice for their partnership and invaluable assistance.”

Section 5 of the NVRA, also known as the “motor voter” provision, requires states to provide voter registration opportunities for federal elections when people apply for or renew driver’s licenses or other identification documents through state motor vehicle offices.  The motor voter provision also requires that changes of address for driver’s license or identification document purposes update voter registration information unless the applicant opts out of the update.

More information about the NVRA and other federal voting laws is available on the division’s website at www.justice.gov/crt/about/vot/.  Complaints about voter registration practices may be reported to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section at 1-800-253-3931.

Connecticut NVRA MOU

United States Attorney Deirdre M. Daly and Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane today announced that a federal jury in New Haven has found KARL ROYE, also known as “Eagle,” 25, of Hartford, guilty of committing the murder of Anthony Parker of Hartford in April 2011.  Yesterday, after a week-long trial before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton, ROYE was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit a Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering and one count of committing a Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering. 

Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for October 27, 2016, at which time ROYE faces a mandatory life term of imprisonment.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to prosecuting dangerous offenders and reducing violent crime in our cities,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “We know that shootings and murders in our cities are committed by a very small number of city residents.  This murder, like so many that we have seen before, was the result of a conflict and perceived threat between members of rival groups.  We will continue to focus our attention on these groups until the shootings and murders stop.  I commend the FBI Task Force, DEA and Hartford Police Department for their excellent investigative work in bringing to justice those responsible for this murder.  I also want to thank our partners in the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office for their unceasing efforts in solving this and many other cold case murders.”

“This case again demonstrates that the dedication of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI, DEA, Hartford Police Department and the Cold Case Bureau of the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office can bring some measure of satisfaction to families who have suffered so grievously at the hands of violent criminals,” said Chief State’s Attorney Kane.  “I want to thank federal authorities for their continuing efforts in combating the violence that plagues our most vulnerable citizens.”

This matter stems from a long-term investigation being conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, DEA and Hartford Police Department into narcotics trafficking by members and associates of the Westhell and Team Grease groups and group-related violent activity.  The Cold Case Unit of the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney is actively participating in the investigation.

At approximately 10:47 a.m. on the morning of April 6, 2011, the Hartford Police Department received a report of shots fired in the vicinity of 15 Thomaston Street in the Blue Hills Section of Hartford.  Officers responding to the scene located Anthony Parker, also known as “Smooth,” 24, seated in the driver’s seat of a vehicle in the driveway of 15 Thomaston Street.  Parker was unconscious and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.  Parker was transported by ambulance to Saint Francis Hospital where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

ROYE and Jimel Frank, also known as “30” and “Velly,” were members of the Wall Street group, which later became generally known as “Team Grease.”  According to trial testimony and the evidence presented during the trial, ROYE and Frank, who were both armed with 9mm handguns, opened fire on Parker from opposite sides of the vehicle in which he was seated.

Frank pleaded guilty on November 12, 2015, and awaits sentencing.

The homicide of Anthony “Smooth” Parker was included in cold case playing cards sold to inmates in Connecticut’s state correctional facilities.  Each card in the deck features a photograph and brief details about a homicide or missing person case and lists telephone, mail and e-mail contacts that inmates can use to supply information.

This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, DEA, Hartford Police Department and Cold Case Unit of the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney.  The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John H. Durham and Assistant State’s Attorney Andrew Reed Durham, who has been cross-designated as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in this matter.

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 a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging EDWARD J. KOSINSKI, 68, of Weston, with insider trading.

As alleged in the indictment, on January 29, 2014, KOSINSKI entered into a Clinical Study and Research Agreement with an authorized agent of Regado Biosciences, Inc., formerly a Delaware corporation whose common stock traded on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “RGDO.”  KOSINSKI, as a Principal Investigator for Regado’s clinical trial, was required to maintain in strict confidence all confidential information it received from Regado or its agent during the course of the clinical trial.  In May 2014, KOSINSKI owned 40,000 shares of Regado common stock.

The indictment further alleges that, on June 29, 2014, KOSINSKI and other principal investigators received an email from the clinical trial team stating that there had been several allergic reactions during the clinical trial, the acceptance of new subjects was put on hold and the Data and Safety Monitoring Board (“DSMB”) would be reviewing the recent events.  On June 30, 2014, while in possession of this non-public information, KOSINSKI sold his 40,000 shares of Regado common stock for between $6.59 and $7.00 per share.  On July 2, 2014, after the close of the market, Regado publicly announced that the DSMB initiated an unplanned review of the clinical trial and patient enrollment had been suspended until the DSMB completed its review.  On July 3, 2014, the stock fell $3.95 from the days previous closing price, to close at $2.81.

It is alleged that, by selling his shares of Regado stock, KOSINSKI avoided a loss of approximately $160,000.

The indictment further alleges that, on July 29, 2014, KOSINSKI and other principal investigators received an email from the clinical trial team stating that a death occurred in the clinical trial and that the trial was on hold.  On July 31, 2014, while in possession of this material, non-public information, KOSINSKI purchased 50 Regado common stock put option contracts with a strike price of $2.50.  On August 25, 2014, before the market opened, Regado publicly announced that it permanently halted the clinical trial and the price of Regado common stock fell approximately 60 percent.  KOSINSKI then purchased 5,000 shares of Regado common stock for approximately $1.13 per share and exercised his put options, netting more than $3,000.

The indictment charges KOSINSKI with two counts of securities fraud-insider trading, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  KOSINSKI appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford, entered a plea of not guilty to the charges and was released on a $500,000 bond.

The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherry.

In a parallel action, the Securities and Exchange Commission today announced related civil charges against KOSINSKY.  (Securities and Exchange Commission v. Edward J. Kosinski 3:16-cv-01322)

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FRANK PINA, 57, and STEVEN WHALEY, 48, both of New Haven, each 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, controlled substances.  The charges stem from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.

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 being 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, based in part on DEA laboratory testing, it appears that the cocaine was laced with fentanyl, a powerful opioid that can be at least 50 times more powerful than heroin.  Naloxone, an emergency drug used to treat opioid overdoses, was effective in treating at least some of the victims, which indicates that the ingested substance contained an opioid.  Analysis of the substance involved in the overdoses is not yet completed.

The investigation revealed that PINA supplied drugs both directly and through various middlemen to several of the individuals who overdosed on June 23, 2016.  WHALEY was identified as an associate of PINA who sometimes served as a middleman. 

PINA and WHALEY were arrested on June 27.  At the time of his arrest, WHALEY was in possession of cocaine packaged for sale.

PINA and WHALEY are scheduled to be sentenced on October 31 and November 1, respectively.  They both face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, and the New Haven Police Department.  The Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe, Fairfield and Middlebury Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Avi M. Perry and Douglas P. Morabito.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARCUS FOX, 42, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 12 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for preparing and filing hundreds of false tax returns.

According to court documents and statements made in court, FOX prepared tax returns for individuals in his community, many of whom were associated with a church he attended.  From approximately 2009 through 2012, FOX prepared and filed more than 900 tax returns with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service on behalf of clients.  A number of tax returns that FOX prepared contained false information, including false childcare credits, education credits, American opportunity credits, itemized deductions, education expenses, charitable contributions, unreimbursed employee business expenses, hobby expenses, and childcare costs. The false returns resulted in clients receiving substantial refunds to which they were not entitled. FOX typically received payment of between $200 and $350 for his tax preparation services. 

In addition, beginning in approximately 2011, FOX falsified a number of returns in a manner that allowed FOX to secure a greater payout for himself without his clients' knowledge.  FOX would prepare a client tax return with significant falsified credits or expense deductions, which resulted in a fraudulent claim for a substantial refund.  The tax return would be e-filed with the IRS with instructions to split payment of the large refund between the client and FOX, with FOX receiving a substantial portion of the payment.  FOX would also prepare a second tax return, which he never filed, but instead provided to his client to hide the ongoing scheme. 

The government suffered a tax loss of more than $2.2 million as a result of this scheme.

On March 31, 2016, FOX pleaded guilty to two counts of aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return. 

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TODD JOINER, also known as “Whitez,” 28, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 39 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.

This matter stems from a joint investigation by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Vice, Intelligence and Narcotics Unit into gang-related narcotics trafficking in Hartford’s North End.  JOINER and others targeted during the investigation were affiliated with groups and gangs who have been involved in acts of violence.  JOINER has been identified as a member of Nelton Court Posse, one of several geographically-based gangs operating in the North End of Hartford.  During the investigation, undercover officers conducted multiple purchases of narcotics from various dealers, including JOINER.

On September 15, 2015, JOINER was arrested when he was found in possession of approximately seven grams of crack cocaine that he intended to sell to an undercover officer.

On May 9, 2016, JOINER pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

JOINER’s criminal history includes several drug-related felony convictions.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KERONN MILLER, also known as “Fresh,” 25, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 210 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for aiding and abetting the 2010 murder of Ian Francis. 

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. 

On December 4, 2014, MILLER pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting witness tampering by committing second degree murder.  In pleading guilty, he admitted that he lured Francis to Sigourney Street where Dominique Mack was waiting to shoot and kill Francis.

On April 27, 2016, Mack was convicted by a federal jury for conspiring with MILLER and others to murder Francis to prevent Francis from providing information to law enforcement about Mack’s whereabouts.  Mack was being sought by the FBI following his indictment on federal narcotics charges when Francis was murdered.

Mack is scheduled to be sentenced on September 1, 2016, when he will face a mandatory term of life imprisonment.

This matter is being 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, the United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSHUA ACOFF, also known as "Fat Boy," 27, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 84 months of imprisonment for distributing crack cocaine, and an additional 12 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release that followed a prior federal conviction.  Upon completion of his prison term, ACOFF will be placed on supervised release for four years.

This matter stems from a joint investigation by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Vice, Intelligence and Narcotics Unit into gang-related narcotics trafficking in Hartford’s North End. 

On May 5, 2016, ACOFF pleaded guilty to one count of possessing with intent to distribute, and distribution of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment yesterday charging KENDALL J. SULLIVAN, 50, of Stamford, with three counts of making threatening communications online.

The indictment alleges that on three separate dates, SULLIVAN, on an internet forum known as Metalthrone.net, posted numerous statements in which he threatened to injure or kill certain individuals or groups.

The indictment alleges that on May 29, 2016, SULLIVAN stated “Israel, God and Synagogues.  I will kill them.  I have a few “Houses of Satan” in my Town… If these Jews truly believe in their god Satan, I will upset their world.  I will slaughter them and burn their Synagogue to the ground . . . kids, goldfish, old folks… Shove money down their throats. These Jews of 2016.  They think they are safe.”

On June 10, 2016, it is alleged that SULLIVAN stated to another user:  “I am going after YOU..Your Family, Wife, kids, Grandkids, Gold Fish . . . I am warning YOU, I will go after YOU.  As I get older, I just don’t give a damn . . . I will meet you in Westport at the Carvel!  And then I will shoot or run over you . . . it is not just YOU, but your fellow Satanists I want to track down and kill.. I will use YOU to find others…And Kill them . . . You are a [expletive] JEW! . . I want to kill you . . . If only that . . . Name a place . . .  You are Satanic and must be destroyed.  Wifes [sic], kids, Dogs, Cats, Goldfish . . . . All destroyed.”

On July 5, 2016, it is alleged that Sullivan stated:  “[I] Am prepared to shoot YOU on sight!  And shove Money down your dead [expletives]…Hole.  Humans who define their entire existence thru that price tag – They are not human beings but Demons and must be destroyed…I am looking forward to my death thru Jesus Christ.  I will be Free.  I will be understood.  Afterall, I am a Warrior of Jesus Christ and want to be his Soldier.”

On July 15, 2016, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Stamford Police Department executed a federal search warrant and a state risk warrant at SULLIVAN’s residence and seized more than two dozen firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and additional firearm components.  On that date, SULLIVAN was charged in state court for the unlawful possession of unregistered high capacity magazines.  He has remained in custody since that time.

“Threats of violence against any religious or ethnic group cannot be tolerated, and when threats are made in violation of federal law, our office stands ready to prosecute those who make them,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “I thank the FBI and Stamford Police Department for investigating this matter and helping to ensure the safety of our community.”

“We are confident that our efforts and the collaboration with all law enforcement partners may have averted a horrific hate crime from occurring,” said Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  “We will continue to respond quickly and investigate those responsible for spewing threats against all members of our community.”

“We would like to thank the members of the Stamford Police Department Intelligence and Homeland Security Unit and our partners at the FBI for handling this disturbing case expeditiously and without sparing any effort,” said Stamford Assistant Police Chief Jim Matheny.  “We here in Stamford have a longstanding and very positive relationship with the local Jewish community and have partnered with them on several security and training initiatives.  Along with the JTTF we take all such matters extremely seriously and will spare no resources to safeguard all members of our community.”

It is a violation of federal law to send a threatening communication in interstate or foreign commerce, such as by phone, email, text, mobile messaging applications or otherwise online.  If convicted of the charges in the indictment, SULLIVAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years on each count. 

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

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Stamford Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen B. Reynolds.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that LAMAR CARTER, 36, formerly of Bridgeport, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 66 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing a loaded firearm and crack cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 28, 2014, CARTER was arrested by Bridgeport Police subsequent to a vehicle stop.  A search of the vehicle CARTER was operating revealed a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol that had one hollow point round in the chamber and 11 hollow point rounds in the magazine.  A search of CARTER’s person revealed 14 small baggies of crack cocaine.

CARTER’s criminal history dates to 1998 and includes multiple felony convictions.

On August 4, 2015, CARTER pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

This matter was investigated by the Bridgeport Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  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 DERRICK GILLIAM, 29, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to conspiring to commit seven armed robberies in 2014.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 26, 2014, GILLIAM, Lancelot Supersad and others committed an armed robbery of the CVS Pharmacy on Grasmere Avenue in Fairfield, stealing approximately $2,376.  On May 3, 2014, GILLIAM, Supersad and others attempted an armed robbery of the Mobil Gas station on Noble Avenue in Bridgeport.  On May 10, 2014, GILLIAM, Supersad and others committed an armed robbery of a Webster Bank branch on Main Street in Bridgeport, stealing approximately $4,170.  On June 1, 2014, GILLIAM, Supersad and others committed an armed robbery of a Pizza Hut on Boston Avenue in Bridgeport, stealing approximately $250.  On June 26, 2014, GILLIAM, Supersad, Anthony Santiago and others committed an armed robbery of the Residence Inn on Bridgeport Avenue in Shelton, stealing approximately $200.  On July 2, 2014, GILLIAM, Supersad, Santiago and others attempted an armed robbery of the Sikorsky Financial Credit Union on Oronoque Lane in Stratford.  Also on July 2, 2014, GILLIAM, Supersad, Santiago and others committed an armed robbery of the TD Bank located on Post Road East in Westport.

GILLIAM brandished and pointed what appeared to be a handgun at employees during each of the seven robberies.

GILLIAM pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to affect commerce by robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall on October 20, 2016.

GILLIAM has been detained since his arrest on July 3, 2014.

Supersad and Santiago previously pleaded guilty to the same charge and await sentencing.

This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Westport, Shelton, Fairfield, Stratford and Bridgeport Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas P. Morabito and Avi M. Perry.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that two West Haven residents have been charged with operating an extensive identity theft and mail theft scheme that operated in the greater New Haven area.  On July 21, JAMILA WILLIAMS-STEVENSON, 36, was arrested on a federal criminal complaint charging her with bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.  LORENA COBURN, 42, was arrested today on the charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

As alleged in court documents, since approximately February 2014, WILLIAMS-STEVENSON and COBURN submitted to the U.S. Postal Service change of address applications for individuals who resided in and around New Haven, causing unwitting victims to have their mail diverted from their true addresses to addresses that were controlled by WILLIAMS-STEVENSON and COBURN.  Once WILLIAMS-STEVENSON and COBURN took control of the mail, they were able to steal the victims’ identities and financial information, and intercept checks that were intended for the victims.  They then used stolen personal identifying information to open online bank accounts in the victims’ names and deposit stolen checks into those accounts.  They then withdrew the funds at ATMs, and also used stolen funds to purchase money orders at post offices and reloadable debit cards at various retail stores.

More than 20 individuals have been victimized through this alleged scheme, resulting in a loss of more than $50,000 to banks and victims.

The charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.  The charge of aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of two years.

WILLIAMS-STEVENSON and COBURN were released on $100,000 bonds.

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

U.S. Attorney Daly stated that the investigation is ongoing and encouraged citizens who believe that they have been victimized by this scheme, or who have had a mailing address changed without their consent, to call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 203-782-7391.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTON FRY, M.D. and CPC ASSOCIATES, INC. have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal government in which they will pay $36,704 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act.           

DR. FRY, a psychiatrist, founded CPC ASSOCIATES, a mental health practice with offices in Danbury.

The government alleges that DR. FRY and CPC ASSOCIATES submitted improper claims to Medicare for psychiatric services that were provided over the phone to certain Medicare beneficiaries, instead of by meeting with the beneficiaries in the office and treating them in person.   Medicare permits certain types of “telehealth” services where the patient is in a rural health professional shortage area and where the provider uses an interactive audio and video communications system that permits real-time communication between the provider and the patient.  However, the patients treated over the phone by DR. FRY and CPC ASSOCIATES were not located in rural health professional shortage areas and DR. FRY and CPC ASSOCIATES did not use interactive audio and video communications.  They simply treated certain Medicare patients by phone.

To resolve the government’s allegations under the False Claims Act, DR. FRY and CPC ASSOCIATES have agreed to pay $36,704, which covers conduct occurring from January 1, 2009 through June 1, 2015.

A complaint against DR. FRY and CPC ASSOCIATES was filed in the U.S. District Court in Connecticut under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act.  The relators (whistleblowers), Jodi Cohen, a former patient of Dr. Fry, and Medical Bill Consultants, LLC, a billing company, will receive a share of the proceeds of the settlement in the amount of $6,239.  The whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act provide that the whistleblower is entitled to receive a percentage of the proceeds of any judgment or settlement recovered by the government.

This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Molot and Auditor Kevin Saunders.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HECTOR ROMAN, 30, of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, ROMAN participated in a drug trafficking organization that shipped kilogram quantities of cocaine in the mail from Puerto Rico for distribution in central Connecticut and western Massachusetts.  ROMAN retrieved multiple shipments of cocaine from the addresses to which they were sent and provided a storage location for those narcotics at his residence.  Over the course of approximately one year, he was responsible for the receipt and storage of approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine.

ROMAN and a co-defendant, Melvin Rivera-Lopez, were arrested on January 15, 2015, after they traveled to the U.S. Post Office on Weston Street in Hartford to pick up a package that contained approximately 300 grams of cocaine.

The investigation revealed that Rivera-Lopez was the liaison with the cocaine source of supply in Puerto Rico.

On March 28, 2016, ROMAN pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine.

Rivera-Lopez, 28, of Hartford, pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on June 27, 2016, was sentenced to 65 months of imprisonment.

This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut State Police and New Britain Police Department.  The Task Force includes personnel from the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Wethersfield and Willimantic Police Departments.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Dave Vatti.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NATALI MARTINEZ, 30, formerly of West Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three 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 MARTINEZ, 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 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.

MARTINEZ has been detained since her arrest on July 13, 2015.  On March 9, 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 JOSE GONZALEZ, also known as “Jo Jo,” 39, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 87 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing narcotics.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on eight occasions in late 2015, GONZALEZ sold crack cocaine and/or powder cocaine to an individual working with law enforcement.  In total, GONZALEZ sold or possessed with intent to sell approximately 78 grams of crack cocaine and approximately 350 grams of cocaine.

GONZALEZ has been detained since his arrest on December 11, 2015.  On April 20, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of cocaine base (“crack”).

GONZALEZ has an extensive criminal history.  On August 27, 1997, he was sentenced in U.S. District Court in New Haven to 135 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering.  The conviction stemmed from GONZALEZ’s murder of 16-year-old George Hall in a gang-ordered drive-by shooting in Hartford on November 25, 1993.  At the time, GONZALEZ, a 16-year-old soldier in Los Solidos, was targeting members of the rival Latin Kings gang.  One of his shots struck and killed Hall, who was not affiliated with any gang.

GONZALEZ was released from prison in October 2005.

In April 2007, GONZALEZ was found in violation of multiple conditions of his supervised release, including that he report regularly to his probation officer and not associate with any persons engaged in criminal activity, or any persons associated with the Los Solidos organization.  He was sentenced to an additional 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.

In September 2009, members of the Hartford Police Department executed a search warrant at GONZALEZ’s residence and seized a.45 caliber pistol and several rounds of ammunition.  Police also seized a photograph of GONZALEZ with members of Los Solidos. GONZALEZ claimed that he possessed the firearm for protection.

In April 2010, GONZALEZ was sentenced in New Haven federal court to five years of imprisonment for possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, and a consecutive 12-month sentence for violating his supervised release.

GONZALEZ was released from federal prison in January 2014.  On October 18, 2014, he was arrested on state charges for carrying a dangerous weapon and, on December 10, 2014, he was placed on three years of probation.

This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the 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 case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTOPHER FOGLER, 31, of West Haven, was sentenced today 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 FOGLER and Alyssa Jelliffe sold the decedent $170 worth of heroin on the evening of January 11, 2015. 

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

FOGLER and Jelliffe were arrested on January 16, 2015.

On April 19, 2016, FOGLER pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin.  Jelliffe, 23, pleaded guilty to the same charge on July 15, 2016.  She awaits sentencing.

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 High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and the Milford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alina P. Reynolds.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTHONY VELEZ, also known as “Tone,” 37, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 34 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.

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 included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance and controlled purchases of heroin from wholesale and street-level distributors operating in the area of Ferry Street, Grand Avenue and Blatchley Avenue in New Haven’s Fair Haven neighborhood.

In July 2015, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging VELEZ and 16 other New Haven residents with heroin trafficking offenses.

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

TORRES has been detained since his arrest on July 15, 2015.  On February 16, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin.

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. Attorney H. Gordon Hall.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on July 15, PATRICIA LAFAYETTE, 61, of Torrington, waived her right to indictment and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of health care fraud.

This matter stems from an ongoing health care fraud investigation being conducted by the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.  The investigation identified fraudulent activity in the area of behavioral health services.  Through the Medicaid program, the State of Connecticut provides coverage for mental health and counseling services to citizens who cannot otherwise afford health insurance.  “Behavioral health” includes a wide variety of health care providers who provide care on an outpatient basis, including psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed professional counselors, and licensed alcohol and drug counselors.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2011, LAFAYETTE and another individual approached Anne Charlotte Silver, a licensed clinical social worker who owned and operated Silver Counseling Services, LLC, in Canton and Bantam.  LAFAYETTE knew that the other individual proposed a scheme to Silver to defraud Medicaid by permitting LAFAYETTE and the other individual to bill Medicaid for psychotherapy services using Silver’s Medicaid provider number.   The services were either performed by unlicensed individuals or not performed at all.  Under the scheme, Silver kept 25 percent of the proceeds, and paid the remaining 75 percent to LAFAYETTE and the other individual.  As part of her plea, LAFAYETTE admitted to defrauding Medicaid of approximately $1.6 million through the scheme.

The charge of health care fraud carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  A sentencing date has not been scheduled.

On May 2, 2015, Silver pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud.  She awaits sentencing.

This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon and Auditor Susan Spiegel.

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

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

ARIA MALEKI, 33, of Santa Ana, Calif., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 112 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for heading a mortgage loan modification scheme that defrauded more than 1,000 struggling homeowners across the United States.

“This defendant presided over a scheme that preyed on struggling homeowners in Connecticut and across the United States, falsely offering mortgage relief in exchange for thousands of dollars that the victims clearly could not afford to spend,” said Deirdre M. Daly, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut.  “The investigation revealed that the participants in this scheme specifically targeted homeowners who were behind on their mortgage payments, whose homes were ‘under water,’ or who had recently experienced a financial hardship, such as a lost job.  This is an appropriate sentence for a defendant who profited handsomely from such heartless, criminal conduct.  I thank our federal and state law enforcement partners in New England, New Jersey, California and Oklahoma for investigating this matter, shutting down this scam and bringing those responsible to justice.”

“This sentence should serve as a strong warning about the consequences awaiting those engaged in large-scale financial fraud,” said Terence Opiola, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Newark.  “The organization identified in this case was responsible for harming countless innocent victims.  Working with its enforcement partners, HSI will continue to aggressively target thieves to ensure the perpetrators face the full weight of the law.”

“Aria Maleki took advantage of the national mortgage crisis,” said Shelly A. Binkowski, Postal Inspector in Charge for the Boston Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  “This sentencing clearly demonstrates that those who target hardworking homeowners in today’s challenging economy will be held accountable and prosecuted.”

“These arrests clearly demonstrate that those who target hardworking homeowners in today’s challenging economy will be held accountable.   I commend the hard work and countless hours put forth by all of the law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation.  The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to investigate these crimes to protect consumers and our nation’s mail system from being used for illegal or dangerous purposes.”

“Aria Maleki stole millions by lying that his companies had ties to HAMP and could offer relief to homeowners struggling to avoid foreclosure,” said Christy Goldsmith Romero, Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program.  “Every single victim was left worse off; many lost thousands of dollars and some, after promised modifications failed to materialize, lost their homes.  Homeowners should be wary of any business charging up-front fees, advertising pre-approval at rates more favorable than industry norms, or offering money-back guarantees.”

“Mr. Maleki, along with his opportunistic criminal cohorts, facilitated a scheme to unjustly enrich themselves through the victimization of hardworking and vulnerable homeowners,” said Christina Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge, HUD OIG, Northeast Region.  “The sentencing today is a testament to the unwavering dedication exhibited by law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure a swift dose of justice awaits anyone who engages in this kind of unforgivable deception to our homeowners, HUD’s Federal Housing Administration, and mortgage lending institutions.  I applaud and commend the hard work and long hours put forth by our law enforcement partners.”

“Aria Maleki deceived and preyed upon innocent homeowners when they were already vulnerable and simply trying to hang on to their homes,” said Leslie DeMarco, Special Agent in Charge, Western Region, Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General.  “These despicable schemes victimize homeowners and entire communities, and today Maleki was held accountable for his actions.  We are proud to work with our law enforcement partners on this case, and will continue to work with them to bring to justice all individuals who attempt to defraud unwitting victims.”

“Mr. Maleki’s fate, based on his involvement in financial fraud, has been sealed by the court,” said Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  “We in Connecticut are very thankful of the incredible work done on this case by law enforcement from across the country.”

According to court documents and statements made in court, MALEKI and others jointly operated a series of California-based companies 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 defendants 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,” “Nation Star Financial,” and “Nation Star Fin Group.”

Acting as representatives of these entities, MALEKI and his co-conspirators 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’ companies, 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 the defendants and their co-conspirators had set up in states other than California.

MALEKI presided over the entire structure of this scheme.  As a result, more than 1,000 homeowners suffered losses totaling more than $3 million.

Judge Underhill stated that a restitution order will be entered at a later date.

MALEKI has 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.

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

On March 22, 2016, MALEKI pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.  The other six defendants also pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

This matter is being 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 SRC CONSTRUCTION, INC., of Meriden, waived its right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to one count of filing a false tax return.

According to court documents and statements made in court, SRC CONSTRUCTION, a real estate development and construction management firm, employed an internal accounting department that handled the general ledger, journal entries and bank accounts for the business, including the receipt and payment of invoices.  At least one individual employed by the company was responsible for overseeing and coordinating the business and financial matters for the company’s owner.  That individual and others under the individual’s control reviewed payments made by the company to employees, vendors and others, and directed how the items should be expensed.  The individual instructed others that most, if not all, invoices be paid out of company funds, including a series of expenses that the individual knew were not deductible business expenses.  The individual, who also was responsible for providing to the company’s outside accountants all information to prepare audited financial statements and tax returns, knowingly provided to the accountants a substantial number of non-deductible expenses knowing that they were non-business expenses.

In February 2006, SRC CONSTRUCTION willfully made and subscribed a false corporate tax return, a 2004 Form 1120 for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2005, that overstated expenses.  As a result, for the 2004 tax year, the company failed to report corporate income totaling $296,642, resulting in tax loss of $112,609.

Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for October 21, 2016, at which time SRC CONTRUCTION faces a maximum term of probation of five years and a fine of up to $500,000.

In addition to paying all back taxes, interest and penalties, SRC has agreed to pay a fine in the amount of $250,000. 

This case has been investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Schmeisser and Jennifer Laraia.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL SIWEK, 56, of North Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for receiving approximately $1.5 million in bribes while serving as the executive director of the West Haven Housing Authority, and for failing to pay taxes on the illegal income.

According to court documents and statements made in court, SIWEK was the executive director of the West Haven Housing Authority (“WHHA”), an agency that received federal funding.  As parties of his duties, SIWEK had substantial discretion over awarding WHHA business and contracts.  From approximately February 2007 through February 2012, SIWEK received approximately $1.5 million in payments from individuals in exchange for the awarding of business and contracts with the WHHA and entities that the WHHA controlled.  SIWEK received these bribes through wire transfers and check payments to himself individually, and to Four Star Development Company LLC, a limited liability corporation that he controlled.  SIWEK also received payments that were characterized as “loans,” but which were not subject to any terms or conditions typically associated with commercial loans.

In addition, SIWEK did not report these payments to the IRS, and filed false tax returns that underreported his income and tax liability.

Judge Shea ordered SIWEK to pay restitution in the amount of $1,503,096.91, and back taxes, penalties and interest totaling more than $363,000.

On September 4, 2014, SIWEK pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery in connection with a program receiving federal funds, one count of bribery and one count of tax evasion.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 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, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that five men were arrested today on federal charges related to two separate, large-scale fencing operations in the New Haven area.

On June 23, 2016, a grand jury sitting in New Haven returned an indictment charging GEORGE J. CONNELLY, JR., 45, of New Haven, PAUL WILLIAM MUZYKA, 46, of North Haven, and WILLIAM REIDELL, 40, of Branford, with one count of conspiracy and multiple counts of interstate transportation of stolen property.  On July 7, 2016, a grand jury sitting in Hartford returned an indictment charging ANDREW SACCO, 43, of East Haven and formerly of Durham, and MATTHEW HARWOOD, 42, of Stratford and formerly of Durham, with one count of conspiracy and multiple counts of interstate transportation of stolen property. 

Both indictments were unsealed today, after CONNELLY, MUZYKA, REIDELL, SACCO, and HARWOOD were arrested.  They each appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford and all were released on $100,000 bonds.

The first indictment alleges that CONNELLY and MUZYKA operated a licensed secondhand store, Ace Amusements, located at 42 Kimberly Avenue in New Haven.  CONNELLY and MUZYKA are alleged to have knowingly purchased stolen property from “boosters,” who typically were shoplifters with opioid addictions.  The boosters stole the goods from retail stores such as Walmart, Home Depot and Kohl’s.  CONNELLY and MUZYKA then resold the stolen goods at Ace Amusements and online at websites such as eBay and Amazon.  CONNELLY and MUZYKA also sold property to resellers, including REIDELL, who then resold the property online using online websites. 

The second indictment alleges that SACCO and HARWOOD knowingly purchased stolen property from boosters and then resold the property at online websites, including, eBay and Amazon, usually in the names of family members and associates.  SACCO and HARWOOD are alleged to have rented cars for boosters for trips to steal items for them.  SACCO and HARWOOD met with boosters to purchase the stolen property at various locations, including at MVP Auto, an auto body shop located at 23 Bernhard Road in North Haven. 

The charge of interstate transport of stolen property carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and the charge of conspiracy carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

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

This matter is being investigated by 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, today announced that, JORGE MORALES, also known as “Capone,” 30, of Shelton, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.  The charges stem from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 15, 2016, a 21-year-old woman was found unresponsive at her Bridgeport residence and was transported to the hospital. She has since died.

Bridgeport Police recovered two baggies of suspected heroin packaged in glassine baggies from the bed next to where the victim was located.  The baggies were marked with a particular brand stamp.  A cellular telephone seized from the victim revealed numerous calls and text messages between the victim and MORALES in the days leading up the victim’s overdose.  In addition, on April 15, 2016, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of heroin, marked with the same brand stamp from MORALES.

When he is sentenced, MORALES faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  A sentencing date is not yet scheduled.

This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad with the assistance of the Bridgeport, Derby, Shelton, Monroe, Middlebury and Woodbridge Police Departments.  The Tactical Diversion Squad includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon and Wilton Police Departments.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced MANUEL ANTONIO GUAMAN, 33, formerly of Waterbury, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of use of a passport secured by false statement and one count of making a false statement in a passport application. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, GUAMAN is a native and citizen of Ecuador.  On or about August 2, 2006, he submitted in person an application for a United States passport, in the name of another individual, at a U.S. Post Office in Waterbury.  Claiming to be this individual, GUAMAN presented to the passport acceptance agent a Puerto Rican birth certificate and a Connecticut identity card.  Neither the birth certificate nor the identity card reflected GUAMAN’s true identity.  GUAMAN signed the passport application under oath claiming to be this other individual.  The passport was issued and used by GUAMAN to travel between the U.S. and Ecuador in 2012.

On October 23, 2014, GUAMAN submitted a passport renewal application, and provided the previous passport as proof of his identity and U.S. citizenship.  On December 31, 2015, after conducting an investigation, law enforcement interviewed GUAMAN while he was incarcerated in a state Department of Correction facility.  He admitted that he had submitted and signed the above-referenced passport renewal application, that it was his photo on the passport application, and that he was not the person whom he had claimed to be in the passport application. 

GUAMAN is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Shea on October 4, 2016.  He faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count.  He is currently serving a state sentence for assault in the first degree.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security.  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 ROHAN A. JAMES-DENNIE, JR., 22, of West Haven was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint that charges him with firearm and drug offenses.

As alleged in the criminal complaint, on November 1, 2015, a Connecticut State Trooper stopped a vehicle that JAMES-DENNIE was operating erratically in Essex.  A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a .380 caliber handgun with a hollow point bullet in the magazine of the weapon, approximately one-half kilogram of marijuana and more than $3,400 in cash.  The firearm had been reported stolen during a residential burglary in 2013.

The complaint further alleges that, on January 12, 2016, West Haven Police stopped a vehicle that JAMES-DENNIE was operating.  A search of the vehicle and JAMES-DENNIE’s person revealed a .22 caliber handgun loaded with six rounds of ammunition, more than 200 grams of marijuana and nearly $5,000 in cash.  The firearm’s serial number was partially obliterated.

JAMES-DENNIE was arrested on state charges in both of these instances and was released on bond.  He was arrested today in East Haven and is detained pending his initial appearance in federal court on Monday.

The complaint charges JAMES-DENNIE with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, possession of a stolen firearm, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, possession of a firearm with an altered serial number, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five 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 FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, Connecticut State Police, West Haven Police Department and East Haven Police Department.  The FBI Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden and Milford Police Departments, the Connecticut State Police and the State of Connecticut Department of Correction.

U.S. Attorney Daly thanked the assistance and cooperation of the State’s Attorneys for the Judicial District of Middlesex and the Judicial District of Ansonia/Milford.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Lee Dayton.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Daofu Zhang, 40, of Shenzen, 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, Zhang and his two co-conspirators each operated businesses in China that bought and sold electronic components, including integrated circuits (“ICs”).  In the summer of 2015, Zhang’s co-conspirator, Xianfeng Zuo asked the other co-conspirator, Jiang 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.

Zhang has been detained since his arrest.  On April 15, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods.

As part of his sentence, Zhang was ordered to forfeit $63,000.

On March 7, 2016, Yan, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods, and one count of attempt to export integrated circuits without the required export license.  On March 16, 2016, Zuo, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods.  They await 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 Attorney Casey Arrowood.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CARLINS CALIXTE, 32, of Norwich, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud stemming from his involvement in an insurance fraud scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between April 2011 and February 2014, CALIXTE and others conspired to stage approximately 50 car crashes in southeastern Connecticut for the purpose of defrauding automobile insurance companies and enriching themselves.  A high percentage of these planned crashes were single-vehicle accidents on remote roads where there were no witnesses other than the occupants of the crashed vehicle.  After each staged accident, the defendants filed fraudulent property damage and bodily injury claims with various automobile insurance companies.  They then collected payouts on the fraudulent claims from the victim insurance companies.  These payouts typically ranged from about $10,000 to about $30,000 per accident.

In pleading guilty, CALIXTE admitted his personal involvement in at least seven staged crashes.  After each crash, CALIXTE either filed a fraudulent property damage or bodily injury claim with his or another participant’s automobile insurance provider, or he aided and abetted other participants in their submission of fraudulent claims.

CALIXTE were arrested on May 23 and is released on bond.  He is a citizen of Haiti and a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for September 30, 2016, at which time CALIXTE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. 

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Norwich Police Department and the National Insurance Crime Bureau, with the assistance of the Mohegan Tribal Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Patricia Froehlich, Connecticut State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Windham, Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Cpl. Stanley Parizo, Jr. of the Willimantic Police Department today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment today charging nine men with distributing heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine in and around Willimantic.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in October 2015, the DEA and Willimantic Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police, initiated an investigation into a Willimantic-based narcotics trafficking ring.  The investigation, which has included the use of confidential informants, physical surveillance, controlled purchases of drugs and court authorized wiretaps on five cellular telephones utilized by the alleged co-conspirators, revealed that JOSE MIRANDA of the Bronx, New York, was supplying large quantities of heroin and cocaine to CARLOS LOPEZ-ZELADA of Willimantic and PERSIO HERNANDEZ of North Windham.  LOPEZ-ZELADA and HERNANDEZ, with the help of other co-conspirators, then distributed heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine in the Willimantic area.  The investigation further revealed that LOPEZ-ZELADA utilized a garage unit located on Willimantic Road in Chaplin as a stash location and point of distribution for narcotics.

The indictment charges the following nine defendants with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin, cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”):

JOSE MIRANDA, a.k.a. “Omar,” 51, of the Bronx, N.Y.
CARLOS ALBERTO LOPEZ-ZELADA, a.k.a. “Willi Mexico,” 39, of Willimantic
RAFAEL GUERRERO-OLEA, a.k.a. “Rafi,” 45, of Chaplin
PERSIO HERNANDEZ, 47, of North Windham
ALBERTO DEJESUS-ROSADO, 30, of Willimantic
JOSE APONTE, 35, of North Windham
JOSE LIZARDO-OLEA, 31, of Willimantic
ANDRES SOLIS, a.k.a. “Shorty” and “Andresito,” 23, of North Windham
RENSO JIMINEZ-JEREZ, a.k.a. “Matrella,” 35, of North Windham

The indictment also charges LOPEZ-ZELADA and GUERRERO-OLEA with possession with intent to distribute heroin.

On June 23, 2016, MIRANDA was arrested on a federal criminal complaint.  It is alleged that MIRANDA was arrested before the investigation had reached its natural conclusion because he was intercepted threatening to shoot a co-conspirator who refused to pay him for a quantity of heroin that MIRANDA had provided to the individual on consignment.  MIRANDA has been detained since his arrest.

Seven defendants were arrested yesterday on federal criminal complaints and are also detained.  JIMINEZ-JEREZ is being sought by law enforcement.

In association with the arrests of the defendants, law enforcement officers seized suspected heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine, as well as a shotgun, from a North Windham residence shared by HERNANDEZ, SOLIS and JIMINEZ-JEREZ.

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

“We are committed to using federal law enforcement resources to battle the opioid epidemic in Connecticut, and this investigation was funded in part with money received through the Justice Department’s National Heroin Strategic Initiative,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “I congratulate the Windham State’s Attorney’s Office, DEA, Willimantic Police Department and Connecticut State Police for taking down this trafficking ring and slowing the flow of these deadly drugs into eastern Connecticut.”

“I am always impressed by what we achieve when we all work together,” said Windham State’s Attorney Patricia Froehlich.  “The criminal justice system functions effectively only when various agencies work in cooperation with each other, and that is what happened in this case.  I appreciate the efforts of all involved.”

“Those suffering from the disease of heroin addiction need access to treatment and recovery,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Ferguson.  “But, those responsible for distributing lethal drugs like heroin and fentanyl in the neighborhoods of Willimantic and throughout Connecticut need to be held accountable for their actions.  In response to the ongoing opioid epidemic, DEA and its federal, state and local partners are committed to bringing to justice those that distribute this poison.”

“We are pleased with these arrests and narcotics seizures,” said Cpl. Stanley Parizo, Jr. of the Willimantic Police Department.  “This has been an ongoing effort to combat narcotics trafficking within the City of Willimantic.  The cooperative efforts of our federal law enforcement partners, the Willimantic Criminal Investigation Division, Willimantic SWAT team and all three city K9 teams made this a great success.”

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

This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Caruso, Amy Brown, and David Nelson, and Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Crocket.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RYAN BUDD, 25, formerly of Bethel, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 1, 2016, at approximately 11:39 p.m., Danbury Police responded to a service station on the report of a woman in medical distress in a restroom.  At the location, officers observed the victim on her knees, with her face on the floor, taking a deep gasping breath every 20 seconds.  The victim also was holding a syringe. 

The victim was transported to the hospital, where she was placed on life support.  She has since recovered from the overdose.

At the service station, officers collected various items as evidence, including a second syringe, three “folds” of heroin and two cell phones.

The investigation identified BUDD as the heroin source of supply in this overdose case.

BUDD was arrested on March 9, 2016, and is released on a $100,000 bond.  He currently resides in Branford.

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for September 29, 2016, at which time BUDD faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, the Danbury Police Department and the Wilton Police Department.  The Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe, Fairfield and Middlebury Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

On the Fourth of July, we celebrated our nation’s independence founded on the principle that all people are created equal and able to worship freely.  For centuries, religious freedom has been a pillar of American society and a beacon for those persecuted for their faith. This year, July 5th marked the end of Ramadan, the month of intense prayer, dawn-to-dusk fasting and nightly feasts for millions of Muslims. The juxtaposition prompts reflection on anti-Muslim threats and violence we have witnessed in our country.

Connecticut has not been immune to such shameful acts.  On the night of the November 2015, just hours after the terrorist attacks in Paris, a man used a high-powered rifle to shoot into the Baitul Aman Mosque in Meriden. Four shots pierced the Mosque, one passed directly through the prayer area before exiting the building. No one was injured as the attack occurred late at night when no worshippers were inside. Law enforcement responded quickly, determined to restore a sense of security and calm to the Muslim congregation. Prosecutors from our office worked with the FBI, ATF and Meriden Police Department and quickly identified the shooter - Ted Hakey, a former Marine whose property abutted that of the Mosque. After executing search warrants of his house and Facebook account, which revealed evidence of hatred toward Islam and Muslims, he was charged with the federal hate crime of destruction of religious property.  On June 17, Mr. Hakey was sentenced to six months in prison for assaulting the mosque’s congregants in the peaceful practice of their religion.

Mr. Hakey’s acts are not isolated.  The Department of Justice has led more than 1,000 investigations and 45 prosecutions of anti-Muslim acts of hatred and bigotry.  After the Paris attacks, an individual in Florida was arrested for threatening to firebomb two mosques in the St. Petersburg area, and sentenced to a year and a day in prison.  In Utah, a man pleaded guilty to tearing a Muslim woman’s hijab off of her head on a plane.  This intolerance is fueled by rhetoric that incorrectly seeks to paint all Muslims with a broad brush when, in fact, the overwhelming majority of Muslims—including prominent Muslim leaders in Connecticut—condemn and stand against acts of terrorism that harm innocent people.

A remarkable thing happened in the Hakey prosecution. Mr. Hakey sought and received forgiveness from the congregation at the Baitul Aman Mosque. We applaud the congregation for their extraordinary grace and generosity of spirit - a gesture reflective of true Islam as the promotion of peace and harmony in the world.  Last month, we honored the Mosque’s leader at our annual law enforcement awards ceremony.  More broadly, we deeply appreciate the dedicated efforts of our Muslim partners throughout the State to keep our communities safe and secure.

As the federal prosecuting office in Connecticut, it is the job of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to secure and protect citizens of all races, religions, ethnic backgrounds and sexual orientations. Our federal prosecutors have forged partnerships with Muslim leaders throughout the state, as well as with Sikh leaders who are often perceived to be Muslim, to help ensure the safety of all our communities and create an environment of trust that recognizes the humanity and dignity of all. We have trained hundreds of police officers about Islam and Sikhism; held anti-bullying workshops at schools and mosques; and launched a Multi-Cultural Advisory Council to gain insight from community members about how best we can serve all communities that we protect.

In the end, anti-Muslim vitriol itself undermines our security.  Hateful and vicious rhetoric only strengthens the evil of terrorists who rely heavily on the narrative that America and the West hate Islam.  We must rise above our anger to defeat the terrorists’ message of violence, intolerance, and hate.

To the vast majority of our Connecticut residents who recognize that our diversity as a nation makes us stronger, make your voices heard: let the Muslim members of our community know that they are a valued part of our whole.  It is the responsibility of all of us to lift up the voices of tolerance, respect, and mutual understanding.   We all must pledge to remove hatred and intolerance from our midst, and to stay true to the principles of liberty, justice and equality that define America at its best.  The light of our nation shines brightest when its people reflect the promise and values of America.

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 DAVID NIKOLASHVILI, 51, a citizen of the Republic of Georgia residing in Stamford, with various offenses stemming from an alleged immigration fraud scheme.

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

On November 3, 2015, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging NIKOLASHVILI with one count of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and to commit document fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and six counts of making a false swearing in an immigration matter, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count.

NIKOLASHVILI was arrested on June 21, 2016.  He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven and was released on a $75,000 bond.

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

This ongoing investigation is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Office of Fraud Detection and National Security Unit, and U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERTO TORRES, also known as “Tony,” 49, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.

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 included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance and controlled purchases of heroin from wholesale and street-level distributors operating in the area of Ferry Street, Grand Avenue and Blatchley Avenue in New Haven’s Fair Haven neighborhood.

In July 2015, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging TORRES and 16 other New Haven residents with heroin trafficking offenses.

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

TORRES has been detained since his arrest on July 15, 2015.  On February 24, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin.

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. Attorney H. Gordon Hall.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that GEORGE SANCHEZ, also known as “Little G,” 22, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty yesterday in Bridgeport federal court to one count of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 28, 2015, a Bridgeport Police Officer performing an inventory search of a vehicle that SANCHEZ had been driving found a loaded .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, a neoprene face mask and approximately 44 bags of heroin.  Part of the handgun’s serial number had been scratched off.

SANCHEZ has been detained since his arrest on January 6, 2016.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on September 28, 2016, in Hartford.  The offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

This matter was investigated by the Bridgeport Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alina P. Reynolds.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ADAM M. SIMPSON, 29, a former member of the U.S. Navy who was stationed in New London, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of enticing minors to perform sexually explicit acts during online video chats.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately January 2013 and November 2013, SIMPSON used internet-based video chatting services such as Skype, Omegle, and ooVoo, to entice girls between the ages of 12 and 16 to perform sexual acts and engage in sexually explicit conduct, which SIMPSON then recorded and saved on his computer.  In order to deceive the minors, SIMPSON misrepresented his age and utilized videos of young boys to impersonate being a young boy himself.

SIMPSON is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on September 21, 2016, at which time he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

SIMPSON has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on January 7, 2014.

This matter is being investigated by the Connecticut State Police Computer Crimes Unit, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.  The U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service also provided critical assistance in this investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neeraj Patel and Nancy Gifford.

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

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