District of Connecticut

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KASAM HENNIX, 42, of Easton, Pa., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 171 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a violent kidnapping and jewelry store robbery in April 2013.

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

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

HENNIX has been detained since his arrest on May 22, 2013.  On May 18, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

HENNIX’s criminal history includes a conviction for third degree murder for which he served approximately 20 years in prison.  In October 1992, HENNIX shot a victim multiple times with a sawed-off shotgun, and his co-defendant then shot the victim in the head, killing him.  He was discharged from custody in October 2012.

William Davis of Allentown, Pa., Jeffrey Houston of Allentown, and Christopher Gay of the Bronx, N.Y., also pleaded guilty to charges stemming from their involvement in this kidnapping and robbery.  The fifth defendant is awaiting trial.  On April 17, 2015, Davis was sentenced to 176 months in prison and, on January 27, 2016, Gay was sentenced to 102 months in prison.  Houston has not been sentenced.

HENNIX, Davis and Gay have been ordered to pay restitution of more than $3.1 million.

The defendants also have forfeited gemstones, jewelry, watches, a vehicle, and more than $127,000 in cash seized from them at the time of their arrests.

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that DENNIS W. HAMILTON, 45, of Norwalk, was arrested today on a criminal complaint charging him with insider trading.

Following his arrest, HAMILTON appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam in New Haven and was released on a $2 million bond into home confinement with electronic monitoring.

As alleged in the criminal complaint, HAMILTON was employed as Vice President of Tax at Harman International Industries, Incorporated (“Harman”) in Stamford.  Harman is a publicly-held company whose shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “HAR.”

Beginning in 2009, Harman allowed directors, members of its executive committee and certain other insiders to buy or sell Harman securities in the public market only during a declared trading window period.  In August 2013, HAMILTON was included on Harman’s insider trading list, and he was subsequently notified when the window in which he could engage in open market purchases of Harman securities was open, and that all trades must be cleared in advance with Harman’s general counsel.  On September 27, 2013, HAMILTON and other Harman employees were advised via email that the “window period” within which they may engage in open market purchases or sales of Harman securities had closed.

In October 2013, HAMILTON received material, non-public information about Harman’s financial results for the first quarter for the fiscal year ending 2014, including drafts of Harman’s Form 10-Q filing and an earnings press release.  He and other Harman executives also participated in a conference call with Harman’s Audit Committee, during which a draft resolution declaring a quarterly cash dividend on Harman’s common stock was discussed.

On October 30, 2013, HAMILTON, an insider in possession of material, non-public information, purchased 17,000 shares of HAR for between $72.07 and $72.67 per share, through a Charles Schwab account in the name of HAMILTON and his wife.  On October 30, 2013, the closing price of HAR was $72.02.  On October 31, 2013, Harman announced positive first quarter earnings for fiscal year 2014.  On that date, the closing price of HAR was $81.02.

Between October 31, 2013 and November 5, 2013, through his Charles Schwab account, HAMILTON wrote at least 200 covered calls on HAR at a strike price of $70.00 with an expiration date of November 16, 2013 for a premium of $203,366.  Through the use of some of these covered calls, HAMILTON realized a gain of $131,958 on the 17,000 shares of HAR he had purchased on October 30, 2013.

The complaint charges HAMILTON with securities fraud-insider trading, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

In a parallel action, the Securities and Exchange Commission today announced related civil charges against HAMILTON.  (Securities and Exchange Commission v. Dennis Wayne Hamilton, 3:16-cv-00192)

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with valuable assistance from Harman International Industries.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherry.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that COURTNEY BYRD, also known as “Buck,” 32, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in February and March 2015, BYRD distributed approximately 98 grams of crack cocaine to an individual working with law enforcement.

On March 5, 2015, BYRD twice fled at a high rate of speed from law enforcement officers who were attempting to stop his vehicle, first in East Hartford and then in Hartford.  During his second flight, BYRD hit a pedestrian in the area of Ann Uccello Street and Church Street in Hartford.  The victim suffered a broken leg.  A six-year-old child was in BYRD’s car at the time.

On March 19, 2015, an individual working with law enforcement ordered an ounce of crack cocaine from BYRD.  BYRD was arrested as he came out of his residence to consummate the transaction.

BYRD has been detained since his arrest.  On August 26, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

BYRD’s criminal history includes multiple felony convictions

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.

BYRD is alleged to be a member of a Garden Street group known as the Chicken Coop.  On April 1, 2014, BYRD and other members of the Chicken Coop attended a call-in in Hartford.  The following day, a Chicken Coop member who attended the call-in is alleged to have shot an individual in Hartford.  BYRD’s associate is being prosecuted in state court for that offense, and also in federal court in Massachusetts for a heroin trafficking offense.

Five additional members of the Chicken Coop are being prosecuted in federal court in Connecticut for drug trafficking and firearms offenses, and five are being prosecuted in state court for assault and drug offenses.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that JOHN A. BARILE, 52, of East Hartford, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to arson, insurance fraud, gambling and extortion offenses. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, BARILE was a co-owner of Enzo’s Restaurant and Lounge, which was located on Main Street in Middletown.  By 2009, Enzo’s was facing financial difficulty.  Beginning in approximately November 2009, BARILE and others engaged in conversations about planning to cause a fire at Enzo’s in order to collect the insurance proceeds.  BARILE informed his co-owner of the plan and sought information from at least one individual on how to start the fire to make it look like an accident.

On the evening of January 9, 2010, BARILE participated in conversations with others at Enzo’s about causing the fire the next morning and mentioned that he had placed greasy rags around the fryolators and had applied grease to the walls.  Later in the evening, after the restaurant had closed, BARILE was aware that a fire was burning in the kitchen.  He intentionally did not extinguish the fire, transferred it to one or more of the greasy rags, allowed the fire to burn further, and then left the restaurant.  BARILE did not alert the fire department or anyone else about the fire he had left burning in the restaurant. 

The co-owner was inside Enzo’s at the time of the fire, and two individuals were inside a restaurant next door.  The Middletown Fire Department arrived a short time later, forced entry, rescued the co-owner and put out the fire. 

After the fire, BARILE sought payment from an insurance company for losses suffered as a result of the fire, and concealed his role in the fire from the insurance company and law enforcement.  The insurance company ultimately paid $189,787.69 to BARILE to settle the insurance claims related to the fire.

From at least 2010 through approximately January 2014, BARILE also conducted an illegal sports-related bookmaking operation.  In the course of the gambling business, BARILE paid out or received cash from sub-bookmakers and certain bettors.  During this time period, BARILE did not have any employment or source of income other than the illegal sports-related bookmaking business.  At times, the gambling business grossed more than $2,000 per day.

One bettor who repeatedly placed bets with BARILE’s gambling business eventually owed him approximately $50,000 from unpaid gambling losses. On November 8, 2011, BARILE, along with two associates, met the bettor at a parking lot in Hartford.  At the meeting, BARILE tased the bettor with a Taser or similar device in order to punish him for not paying his debts and enforce collection of the payment.

BARILE pleaded guilty to one count of arson, one count of mail fraud, one count of conducting an illegal gambling business and one count of collecting an extension of credit by extortionate means.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on May 6, 2016, at which time he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 65 years.

BARILE was arrested on January 5, 2015, and is released on a $350,000 bond under electronic monitoring.  He is currently residing with a family member in Enfield.

On November 16, 2012, the government seized pursuant to a civil seizure warrant $165,287.69 in U.S. currency from BARILE’s bank account.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Middletown Police Department and the Connecticut State Police.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anastasia E. King and Neeraj N. Patel.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT HARRIS, also known as “Skully Mack,” 19, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to one count of assault in aid of racketeering and one count of possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine.

On September 30, 2015, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a 34-count indictment against HARRIS and five co-defendants charging various racketeering, violent crimes in aid of racketeering, firearms, money laundering and narcotics distribution offenses.  The indictment described a criminal enterprise known as the Red Side Guerilla Brims (“RSGB”), a sect of the Bloods street gang that operated in New Haven from 2011 through 2015, which was engaged in narcotics trafficking and related acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, assaults and armed robberies.

In pleading guilty, HARRIS admitted that he was a member of the RSGB in 2014.  As part of his gang membership, on December 23, 2014, he and another RSGB member, Christopher Graham, a.k.a. “Ugg,” committed a violent assault of an individual over a .40 caliber pistol that the victim allegedly stole from him.  Graham had called HARRIS to the scene after realizing the victim had stolen the gun.

HARRIS further admitted that he distributed approximately 10 grams of crack cocaine in June 2014.

HARRIS has been detained since his arrest on October 1, 2015.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall on April 29, 2016, in New Haven, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine on the assault count, and 20 years of imprisonment and a $1 million fine on the drug count.

Graham has pleaded guilty to the same charges and awaits sentencing.

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

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Hartford Police Chief James C. Rovella, today announced that 20 individuals have been charged with federal narcotics offenses related to the distribution of crack cocaine in Hartford’s North End.

According to allegations made in court, this matter stems from joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force that targeted a drug trafficking organization operating in Hartford’s North End that was distributing crack and powder cocaine.  The investigation revealed that DAVID GIL-GRANDE of Manchester received shipments of cocaine, secreted in sealed coffee cans, from Puerto Rico.  GIL-GRANDE supplied cocaine to GERARD BROWN, a.k.a. “Goldie,” ANTHONY SHELTON, a.k.a. “Pretty,” and TREVON TERRY, a.k.a. “B.J.,” who converted much of the cocaine into crack cocaine and distributed both forms of the drug to others for street sale in the area of Barbour Street in Hartford.

The investigation has included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance, controlled drug purchases and seizures of drugs, a firearm, body armor, more than $150,000 in cash, two vehicles and jewelry.

Charged in a 38-count indictment, which was returned by a federal grand jury in Hartford on January 28, 2016, are:

DAVID GIL-GRANDE, 28, of Manchester
ANTHONY SHELTON, a.k.a. “Pretty,” 37, of Hartford
GERARD BROWN, a.k.a. “Gerald Brown” and “Goldie,” 35, of Hartford
TREVON TERRY, a.k.a. “B.J.,” 37, of Newington
NORKA SANCHEZ, 35, of Manchester
LUIS CRUZ, a.k.a. “Gordo,” 37, of Hartford
LONNIE ARNOLD, 35, of Hartford
NATISHA BROWN, 33, of Hartford
EUGENE McCLARY, a.k.a. “Chalk,” 35, of Hartford
CHARLES MORELAND, a.k.a. “Chuck,” 49, of Hartford
JIMMIE SMITH, a.k.a. “Prime,” 43, of Hartford
WILLIAM BRASWELL, a.k.a. “Skills,” “Bubba Skillet” and “Handsome,” 44, of Hartford
DION SMITH, a.k.a. “Uncle Block, 47, of Hartford
RICHARD DURRANT, a.k.a. “Face,” 31, of Hartford
JULIUS NELSON, 31, of Meriden
ANTHONY McKENZIE, 54, of Manchester
ANDRE CARTAGENA, 28, of Hartford
HERIBERTO LEBRON, 33, of Hartford
CARLOS RIVERA, a.k.a. “Los,” 26, of Hartford
ROBERT JONES, a.k.a “Y.O.,” 30, of Hartford

On January 21, 2016, investigators arrested GIL-GRANDE, GERARD BROWN, TERRY and SANCHEZ at their respective residences. SHELTON was arrested the following day at a hotel in Branford.

The investigation culminated yesterday with the arrests of CRUZ, NATISHA BROWN, McCLARY, MORELAND, BRASWELL, DION SMITH, NELSON, McKENZIE, CARTAGENA, RIVERA and JONES.  

LEBRON is currently in state custody.

(*ARNOLD, JIMMIE SMITH and DURRANT are currently being sought by law enforcement.  Citizens with knowledge of their whereabouts, or with information that may be helpful the investigation of this matter, are encouraged to call the FBI at 203-777-6311.)

The indictment charges GIL-GRANDE, SHELTON, GERARD BROWN, TERRY, SANCHEZ, CRUZ, ARNOLD, NATISHA BROWN, McCLARY, MORELAND, JIMMIE SMITH, BRASWELL, DION SMITH and DURRANT with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute narcotics.  If convicted of this charge, based on the type and quantity of narcotics charged, GIL-GRANDE, SHELTON, GERARD BROWN, TERRY and SANCHEZ face a minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life; CRUZ, ARNOLD, NATISHA BROWN, McCLARY, MORELAND and JIMMIE SMITH face a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, and BRASWELL, DION SMITH and DURRANT face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

SHELTON, GERARD BROWN, TERRY are charged with one or more counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, various quantities of crack cocaine, and  GERARD BROWN, McKENZIE, CARTAGENA, LEBRON, RIVERA, and JONES are charged with one or more counts of possession with intent to distribute narcotics.

NELSON, McKENZIE, CARTAGENA, LEBRON, RIVERA and JONES are charged with use of telephone to facilitate the distribution of controlled substances, a charge that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of four years.

Finally, the indictment charges SHELTON with one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and one count of possession of body armor by a violent felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three 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 the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, which includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.  The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Squad and the Drug Enforcement Administration are providing valuable assistance to the investigation. 

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JIMMY ESTEVEZ, 25, of Brooklyn, N.Y., and his brother, MIGUEL ESTEVEZ, also known as “Domi,” 27, of the Bronx, N.Y., were each 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 heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2013, the DEA New Haven Task Force began investigating a heroin trafficking organization headed by members of the Estevez family who lived in New York and the Dominican Republic.  The Estevez organization, including JIMMY and MIGUEL ESTEVEZ, and their cousin, Carlos Gabriel Estevez, supplied wholesale quantities of heroin to customers in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

In November 2013, investigators arranged a controlled purchase of approximately 50 grams of heroin from JIMMY and MIGUEL ESTEVEZ.  On November 25, 2013, the brothers travelled from New York to a location in Trumbull, Connecticut, to complete the transaction.  Thereafter, investigators intercepted numerous calls and text messages that established that JIMMY and MIGUEL ESTEVEZ were obtaining large quantities of heroin from multiple sources of supply, and used multiple vehicles to transport the drug to purchasers in Connecticut

JIMMY and MIGUEL ESTEVEZ have been detained since September 3, 2014.  On September 17, 2014, a federal grand jury returned a 13-count indictment charging them, Carlos Gabriel Estevez and five others with heroin trafficking and money laundering offenses.  JIMMY and MIGUEL subsequently pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

On December 8, 2015, a jury found Carlos Gabriel Estevez guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, one kilogram or more of heroin.  He awaits sentencing.

Robinson Crucetts, also known as “Robi,” 50, of Hartford, purchased large quantities of heroin from JIMMY, MIGUEL and Carlos Gabriel Estevez.  He pleaded guilty and, on January 19, 2016, was sentenced to 66 months of imprisonment.

Four other co-defendants have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

This matter was investigated by the DEA New Haven Task Force, with the assistance of the DEA Hartford Task Force and the DEA in New York.  The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, East Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden and Derby Police Departments, and the U.S. Marshals Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey M. Stone and Brian P. Leaming.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WALTER CRAIG BRADWAY, 64, formerly of Glastonbury and currently residing in Holmes Beach, Florida, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to fraudulently obtaining more than $9 million in economic stimulus program funds in 2010 and 2011.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2009, Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which included provisions for various economic stimulus programs funded in part or in whole by the United States.  These programs included the Specified Energy Property Program administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, which was referred to as the “Section 1603 program.”  The Section 1603 program, which was administered by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (“NREL”) in Golden, Colorado, provided funds to reimburse eligible applicants a portion of their costs for installing specific energy properties, including the installation of solar panel projects.

Applicants seeking reimbursement for their energy projects were required to submit supporting documentation including engineer-certified design plans for the project, vendor invoices reflecting the costs of installing the energy property and, for projects that were connected to an existing public utility, an interconnection agreement with that utility.  Under the rules of the Section 1603 program, reimbursements could not be made until the energy property in question was completed and placed in service.  The Department of the Treasury reimbursed 30 percent of the cost of approved Section 1603 applications.

BRADWAY was the owner and president of Glastonbury-based DataComm Services LLC (“DCS”).  In 2010 and 2011, BRADWAY, through DCS, submitted more than 300 applications for Section 1603 reimbursements for solar panel projects in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Florida, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Maine and California.  Many of these applications were fraudulent, however, because BRADWAY represented that the project was installed and in service when, in fact, the project had not been completed or even begun.  BRADWAY also overstated the size and cost of projects in order to increase the reimbursement amount.  In connection with many applications, BRADWAY submitted false documentation, including falsified engineer reports and fake interconnection agreements with local utility companies.  As a result of these fraudulent applications, BRADWAY received approximately $9,026,637 in funds that he was not entitled to.

BRADWAY pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on April 25, 2016.

As part of his plea, BRADWAY has agreed to restitution in the amount of $8,935,266.50.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Treasury – Office of Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Karwan.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTHONY GREEN, 39, of Greenwich, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of embezzlement against a bankruptcy estate.

According to court documents and statements made in court, GREEN was a managing member of a garbage collection business known as T-Green Carting, LLC.  In April 2012, T-Green Carting filed a voluntary chapter 11 bankruptcy petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut.  While the bankruptcy case was pending, GREEN was required to deposit all of the customer checks for services performed by the T. Green Carting into its debtor-in-possession (DIP) bank account.

Between approximately April 2012 and May 2013, GREEN caused more than $160,000 in cash and cash proceeds that belonged to the T-Green bankruptcy estate to be deposited into his personal bank accounts.  He also transferred funds out of and into T-Green’s DIP account, resulting in an additional loss of approximately $18,700 from the bankruptcy estate.

Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for April 29, 2016, at which time GREEN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of up to $250,000 and an order of restitution.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that KONSTANTINOS ZOGRAFIDIS, also known as “Gus,” 54, of Norwalk, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking oxycodone, cocaine and marijuana.

According to court documents and statements made in court, a year-long investigation headed by the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and Norwalk Police Department identified ZOGRAFIDIS as a major distributor of oxycodone, cocaine and marijuana in Fairfield County.

Sixteen individuals were charged and convicted as a result of this investigation.

ZOGRAFIDIS has been detained since arrest in May 2012.  On June 24, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

ZOGRAFIDIS, a citizen of Greece, faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.

This matter was investigated by the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Norwalk Police Department, with assistance provided by the Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport, Stamford, Stratford and Westport Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vanessa Richards and Michael Runowicz.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMES E. NEILSEN, 55, of Norwalk was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 97 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for operating a Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors of more than $1.6 million, and for stealing millions more from other investment accounts.

According to court documents and statements made in court, NEILSEN was a certified public accountant until he became inactive in approximately 2012.  Since at least 2006, NEILSEN solicited and received more than $1 million dollars from numerous individuals to invest with Ulysses Partners, LLC, an entity in which NEILSEN was a partner and chief financial officer, or Neilsen Financial Services, an entity that NEILSEN owned and controlled.  NEILSEN promised investors a guaranteed rate of return of 9 to 10.5 percent on their investment.  NEILSEN told investors that Ulysses Partners or Neilsen Financial Services would invest their money in businesses or business ventures.  Instead, NEILSEN used much of that money to pay back earlier victim investors and to make various personal expenditures.

As part of the scheme, NEILSEN submitted fabricated account statements to his victims, and also sent lulling emails to multiple victims.

Through this scheme, NEILSEN defrauded victim investors of $1,663,641.83. 

In addition, NEILSEN stole funds from various trust and estates accounts to which he had access.

Judge Chatigny found that the total loss attributable to NEILSEN’s criminal conduct exceeds $6 million.  A restitution hearing will be scheduled at a later time.

NEILSEN’s victims include his accounting clients, clients of his tax preparation business, friends and members of his family, including his 93-year-old great aunt.  His victims also include minor children beneficiaries of a trust established after their father’s untimely death and whose trust monies NEILSEN had authorized access to.  Approximately 10 of NEILSEN victims addressed the court during today’s sentencing proceeding.

NEILSEN was arrested on June 18, 2015.  On September 24, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

NEILSEN has been released on bond since his arrest.  He will be confined to his home on electronic monitoring until he reports to prison on March 11, 2016.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAJUHN GRIFFIN, 20, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 51 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release for his role in a smash-and-grab robbery of a Stamford jewelry store in November 2014.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 26, 2014, GRIFFIN and others stole a Stamford resident’s SUV and drove it to the Stamford Town Center Mall.  GRIFFIN and two accomplices, armed with hammers, then entered Sidney Thomas Jewelers during regular business hours.  Soon after entering, they used the hammers to smash open a jewelry display case and removed more than $250,000 worth of Rolex watches.  The three then fled with security guards in pursuit.  One of GRIFFIN’s accomplices, Richard Mathew Bailey, was caught and apprehended inside the mall while fleeing.

After the robbery, Stamford Police found the stolen SUV running in the mall’s parking garage.

GRIFFIN was arrested in Detroit on April 6, 2015.  On September 4, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of interfering with commerce by robbery.

GRIFFIN, who had been released on bond, was remanded to custody at the conclusion of today’s sentencing.

Richard Mathew Bailey and Brian Moore, both from Detroit, previously pleaded guilty to the same charge.  Moore helped organize and carry out the robbery by soliciting others to participate and partially funding it.  He also drove accomplices from Detroit to Stamford to carry out the robbery and picked them up after the robbery in order to return to Detroit.

On November 23, 2015, Moore was sentenced to 48 months of imprisonment.  Bailey awaits sentencing.  A fourth defendant, also a resident of Detroit, has been charged and is awaiting trial.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Stamford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabriel J. Vidoni.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTOPHER GAY, 30, of the Bronx, N.Y., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 102 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a violent kidnapping and jewelry store robbery in April 2013.

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

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

On May 22, 2013, GAY was arrested at a hotel in the Bronx.  A search of his hotel room revealed approximately $59,000 in cash, two Movado watches, one Breitling watch and several pieces of jewelry that were still bearing price tags, including a pair of diamond earrings concealed inside a cassette case with a $23,800 price tag from Lenox Jewelers.

GAY was ordered to pay restitution of more than $3 million.

GAY has been detained since his arrest.  On December 10, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

William Davis of Allentown, Pa., Jeffrey Houston of Allentown, and Kasam Hennix of Easton, Pa., also pleaded guilty to charges stemming from their involvement in this kidnapping and robbery.  The fifth co-defendant is awaiting trial.  On April 17, 2015, Davis was sentenced to 176 months of imprisonment.  Houston and Hennix have not been sentenced.

The defendants also have forfeited gemstones, jewelry, watches, a vehicle, and more than $127,000 in cash seized from them at the time of their arrests.

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that WILLIE E. McKAY, 41, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for assisting in the preparation and filing of false tax returns.  McKAY also was ordered to pay a $3,000 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from as early as 2005 through 2008, McKAY was the pastor of The Love Temple Church, Inc., located at 75 Fresh Meadow Road in West Haven.  During that time, McKAY provided people, including those in his congregation, with income tax preparation services.  In February 2007, McKAY prepared and electronically filed a fraudulent individual U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, Form 1040, for 2006 of a taxpayer who was a member of his congregation.  The tax return listed the address of Love Temple Church as the taxpayer’s home address, which was not accurate, and included a fictitious Form W-2 reflecting inflated wages and withholdings.  The return also reflected fictitious deductions for state and personal property taxes, which reduced the taxpayer’s taxable income.

The fraudulent tax return that McKAY prepared reported wages of $47,900 from the State of Connecticut, withholdings of $14,952, and Schedule A deductions for state taxes of $4,359 and personal property tax of $852.  Based on the false claim, the IRS issued a refund check in the amount of $9,693.

McKAY knew that the taxpayer was a student working at school and was not entitled to the claimed refund.  McKAY also did not identify himself as the preparer of the tax return.  According to the IRS, the taxpayer was entitled to a federal tax refund of only $363.

Chief Judge Hall ordered McKAY to pay $9,693 in restitution to the IRS.

On April 3, 2015, McKAY, pleaded guilty to one count of making a false claim to the Internal Revenue Service.  In pleading guilty, McKAY admitted that he prepared and filed other false tax returns for the 2005 through 2007 tax years.

McKAY’s criminal history includes multiple state larceny convictions, and a federal wire fraud conviction for which he received 10-month prison term in May 2000.

McKAY, who is released on bond, was ordered to report to prison on March 31, 2016.

This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division with the assistance of the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Hartford Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.

New Haven, Conn – A federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging seven California residents with conspiracy and fraud offenses stemming from an alleged scheme to defraud homeowners across the United States who were seeking mortgage loan modifications.  The 14-count indictment was returned under seal on January 21 and all seven defendants were arrested this morning. 

Charged in the indictment are:

ARIA MALEKI, 33, of Santa Ana, Calif.
MEHDI MOAREFIAN, a.k.a. “Michael Miller,” 36, of Irvine, Calif.
KOWIT YUKTANON, a.k.a. “Eric Cannon,” 31, of Huntington Beach, Calif.
CUONG HUY KING, a.k.a. “James Nolan” and “Jimmy, 32, of Westminster, Calif.
DANIEL SHIAU, a.k.a. “Scott Decker,” 30, of Irvine, Calif.
SERJ GEUTSSOYAN, a.k.a. “Anthony Kirk,” 33, of Santa Ana, Calif.
MICHELLE LEFAOSEU, a.k.a. “Michelle Bennett,” 41, of Huntington Beach, Calif.

The defendants will make initial appearances at 2:00 p.m. (PST) in federal court in Santa Ana, California, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas F. McCormick.  They are scheduled to be arraigned on February 17 before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

In association with today’s arrests, law enforcement seized approximately $350,000 from various bank accounts, approximately $362,000 from a Bitcoin account, a $100,000 cashier’s check, and a 2013 Ferrari 458 Italia.

“As the indictment alleges, these seven defendants 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.  “I thank our federal and state law enforcement partners in New England, New Jersey, California and Oklahoma for investigating this matter, shutting down this alleged scam and arresting these seven defendants.”

“Some frauds are complex with multiple dimensions, but our agents coupled with all law enforcement multipliers will inevitably uncover the scheme,” said Terence Opiola, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Newark.  “I commend all of our partners for a job well done.”

“These individuals allegedly 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.  “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.”

“The arrests and charges announced today serve to remind the public that we will continue the important work of investigating mortgage industry professionals who deceive and defraud homeowners, HUD’s Federal Housing Administration, and mortgage lending institutions to satisfy their greed,” said Christina Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge, HUD OIG, Northeast Region.  “As alleged, the conduct of these defendants is particularly troubling as it is yet another reminder of the profit schemes designed to enrich themselves at the expense of lenders and government programs designed to help citizens find their way out of the mortgage crisis of the late 2000’s.  We thank our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for this joint effort in ensuring these defendants are brought to justice.”

“These individuals are alleged to have engaged in a scheme that deceived and victimized homeowners at a time when the victims were most vulnerable as they were working to stay in their homes,” said Leslie DeMarco, Special Agent in Charge, Western Region, Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General.  “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 fraudsters who attempt to take advantage of unwitting victims.”

“This indictment highlights the collaborative effort of law enforcement across this country to protect home owners and potential buyers against financial fraud,” said Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  “These seven individuals ultimately failed at attempts to avoid law enforcement by changing the names of their business. Despite the name changes, the mission of profit by deceit remained the same. We will pursue mortgage and financial fraud utilizing all local, state and federal resources available.”

According to the indictment, the defendants jointly operated a series of California-based companies that falsely purported to provide home mortgage loan modification 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.”

The indictment alleges that, acting as representatives of these entities, the defendants and their 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.

The indictment alleges that the homeowners had not been preapproved for mortgage loan modifications with lenders, mortgage loan modifications had not been negotiated with the lenders, homeowners did not qualify 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.

The indictment further alleges that the defendants 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.

According to the indictment, the defendants routinely ignored cease and desist orders directed at them, including a December 17, 2013, order from the State of Connecticut Department of Banking to cease and desist from charging advance fees to Connecticut residents for mortgage modification services.

The indictment alleges that MALEKI presided over the entire structure of this scheme, that MOAREFIAN, YUKTANON, KING, SHIAU and GEUTSSOYAN acted as “closers,” and that LEFAOSEU was the head of the processing team.

The indictment charges all of the defendants with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.  In addition, MOAREFIAN, YUKTANON, KING, SHIAU, GEUTSSOYAN and LEFAOSEU are each charged with one or more counts of mail fraud, and MOAREFIAN, YUKTANON, KING and SHIAU are charged with one of more counts of wire fraud.

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count, and up to an additional 10 years of imprisonment for participating in a crime that involved telemarketing fraud and victimized 10 or more persons over age 55.

This matter is being investigated by U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, the 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, the 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 in the District of Connecticut by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Avi M. Perry and Sarah P. Karwan, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Robbins of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.

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.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CRAIG LARSEN, 53, of Glastonbury, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to one count of interstate transportation of money obtained by fraud stemming from an embezzlement scheme

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

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for July 25, 2016, at which time LARSEN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on January 22, 2016, ANDREA M. DOBROZENSKY, 62, of New Harford, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to five months of imprisonment, followed by five months of home confinement, for filing false tax returns and structuring currency transactions.  Judge Arterton also ordered DOBROZENSKY to serve one year of supervised release and pay a $3,000 fine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2007 and 2009, while working as an office manager for a medical practice in Hartford, DOBROZENSKY made numerous transfers and deposits from the medical practice business bank account into her personal bank account as compensation for her services to the medical practice and untaken vacation time.   During those three years, DOBROZENSKY willfully failed to provide her tax return preparer with information concerning her receipt of approximately $247,000 in additional taxable income.  Each year, DOBROZENSKY signed her completed federal tax return and it was filed with the IRS.  As a result, $247,000 in taxable income was not reported on DOBROZENKY’s federal tax returns for the 2007, 2008 and 2009 tax years, and she failed to pay a total of $76,750 in additional taxes owed.

DOBROZENSKY also unlawfully structured financial transactions.  On November 27, 2012, DOBROZENSKY was at a branch of Farmington Bank in Avon with a friend, David Raymond, who told her to write checks in amounts below $10,000.  DOBROZENSKY wrote two checks, one to herself for $9,900 and one to Raymond for $9,900.  She then cashed the check payable to her and received $9,900 in cash.  Raymond cashed the check payable to him and received $9,900 in cash.  He later handed the $9,900 to DOBROZENSKY.

Federal law requires all financial institutions to file a Currency Transaction Report (CTR) for currency transactions that exceed $10,000.  To evade the filing of a CTR, individuals will often structure their currency transactions so that no single transaction exceeds $10,000.  Structuring involves the repeated depositing or withdrawal of amounts of cash less than the $10,000 limit, or the splitting of a cash transaction that exceeds $10,000 into smaller cash transactions in an effort to avoid the reporting requirements.  Even if the deposited funds are derived from a legitimate means, financial transactions conducted in this manner are still in violation of federal criminal law. 

As part of her sentence, DOBROZENSKY was ordered to forfeit $9,900 related to her structuring activity.

On December 19, 2013, IRS Special Agents interviewed DOBROZENSKY at her residence.  On that date, DOBROZENSKY admitted that she should have reported the additional income on her federal tax returns.  She specifically stated that, on November 16, 2007, she wrote a check in the amount of $100,000 on the medical business account payable to herself, received the funds and did not report those funds on her federal tax return.   DOBROZENSKY also admitted that, as to the structuring violation, Raymond had advised her to keep any payments under $10,000 to avoid filling out a form.

Prior to sentencing, DOBROZENSKY paid the IRS $97,986 in back taxes and interest.  She also is required to pay penalties on her unpaid taxes.

On October 13, 2015, DOBROZENSKY pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return and one count of unlawfully structuring financial transactions.

On October 19, 2015, Raymond, of Glastonbury, pleaded guilty to one count of structuring financial transactions.  He awaits sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John H. Durham and Peter S. Jongbloed.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FRANK PECORA, 54, of Derby, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone.

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 certain members of the conspiracy were distributing prescription pills, including oxycodone, as well as cocaine.

In pleading guilty, PECORA admitted that he conspired with others to distribute oxycodone, cocaine, morphine, and anabolic steroids.  PECORA, a previously convicted felon, further admitted that he unlawfully possessed two .308 caliber rifles and two 12 gauge shotguns.

During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers seized hundreds of vials of steroids, approximately 600 grams of raw testosterone powder, approximately 350 grams of powder cocaine, and several firearms, including the firearms that PECORA possessed.

PECORA has been detained since his arrest on April 29, 2015.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on April 15, 2016, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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, announced that DAVID BENINCASA, 35, of Danbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to three months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release during which BENINCASA must spend six months in home confinement, for tax evasion.  Judge Chatigny also ordered BENINCASA to pay a $15,000 fine and perform 120 hours of community service.

According to court documents and statements made in court, DAVID BENINCASA and his brother, Scott Benincasa, were 50 percent owners in Goodhouse Flooring, LLC, a business that provides floor installation and flooring products to retail and commercial customers.  DAVID BENINCASA assisted Scott Benincasa with the daily operations of the business, but had primary responsibility for the financial aspects of the business.  For the 2008 through 2010 tax years, the brothers intentionally understated gross receipts from their business on the Schedule C attached to their respective federal personal income tax filings.  During those years, the brothers failed to accurately report the expenses incurred in running their business, as they paid certain laborers who worked for their business in cash and then failed to reflect the cash payments on their filed returns.

Prior to sentencing, DAVID BENINCASA paid $238,274 in back taxes, plus applicable interest and penalties.

On October 28, 2015, DAVID BENINCASA pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion and Scott Benincasa, 32, of Danbury, pleaded guilty to one count of filing false tax returns.

On January 21, 2016, Scott Benincasa was sentenced to three years of probation, six months of home confinement and 120 hours of community service.  He also was ordered to pay a $15,000 fine and $47,076 in back taxes, plus applicable interest and penalties.

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, today announced that EARL HOBBY, 37, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to count one of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 19, 2014, members of the New Haven Police Department responded to a call concerning a person with a firearm at 154 Frank Street in New Haven.  HOBBY was arrested in the vicinity and was found to be in possession of two rounds of Winchester .38 Special ammunition.  A loaded Ruger .357 revolver also was found in the area.

Prior to December 2014, HOBBY had sustained multiple narcotics convictions and a weapon conviction.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce. 

HOBBY is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on April 25, 2016, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

The matter has been investigated by the New Haven Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Laraia and Anthony Kaplan. 

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CHRISTOPHER GRAHAM, also known as “Ugg,” 28, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday before Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to one count of assault in aid of racketeering and one count of possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine.

On September 30, 2015, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a 34-count indictment against GRAHAM and five co-defendants charging various racketeering, violent crimes in aid of racketeering, firearms, money laundering and narcotics distribution offenses.  The indictment described a criminal enterprise known as the Red Side Guerilla Brims (“RSGB”), a sect of the Bloods street gang that operated in New Haven from 2011 through 2015, which was engaged in narcotics trafficking and related acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, assaults and armed robberies.

In pleading guilty, GRAHAM admitted that he was a member of the RSGB in 2014.  As part of his gang membership, on December 23, 2014, he committed a violent assault of an individual over a .40 caliber pistol that the victim allegedly stole from him.  GRAHAM also admitted that he committed the assault along with another RSGB member whom he had called to the scene after realizing the victim had stolen the gun.

GRAHAM further admitted that, on October 10, 2014, he possessed 34 baggies of crack cocaine that he intended to distribute, and on multiple occasions in December 2014, either distributed or possessed with the intent to distribute quantities of crack cocaine.

GRAHAM has been detained since his arrest on October 6, 2015.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Hall on April 15, 2016 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine on the assault count, and 20 years of imprisonment and a $1 million fine on the drug count.

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

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JEFFREY WARGA, 62, of North Kingstown, R.I., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to three years of probation and was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine for supplying customers with falsely remarked microprocessor chips, many of which were used in U.S. Military and commercial helicopters.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Jeffrey Krantz was the CEO and an owner of Harry Krantz, LLC, a New York-based company that bought and sold, among other things, obsolete electronic parts for use by the U.S. Military and commercial buyers.  In 2005, Krantz entered into a business relationship with WARGA, the president and owner of Rhode Island-based Bay Components, LLC, to sell military microprocessor chips to Bay Components, which would in turn sell them to a Connecticut company.  Krantz and WARGA knew that the Connecticut company wanted new and original chips, not falsely remarked chips.

Between 2005 and 2008, Krantz purchased and sold, and caused to be purchased and sold, more than 1,000 chips to Bay Components, which, in turn sold them to the Connecticut company.  The chips were marked with certain information, including a certain manufacturer’s name and trademark, a date code, and a military part number.  In approximately December 2005, the first shipments of about 330 chips that Krantz had sold to Bay Components were rejected by the Connecticut company for being the wrong part because the chip contained the wrong die inside.  In 2006, Krantz replaced those chips with at least some of the replacement chips bearing the date code 9832.  Between 2006 and 2008, Krantz sold and caused to be sold at least 900 chips with date code 9832 to Bay Components, the majority of which were sold to the Connecticut company.  The co-conspirators knew that the chips originated from a parts supplier in China, and there was a high probability that they were falsely remarked not the original chips of the certain manufacturer as represented by the markings on the chip.

The investigation revealed that many of the chips were used in the assembly of U.S. Military and commercial helicopters.  The chips have been examined and determined not to be the root cause of any mechanical problems experienced by the helicopters to date.

On December 12, 2014, WARGA pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire a fraud.

On July 28, 2015, Krantz pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.  On December 10, 2015, he was sentenced to three years of probation and was ordered to pay a $100,000 fine.

A restitution hearing in this matter is scheduled for March 4, 2016.

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Army CID, Major Procurement Fraud Unit.  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 SCOTT BENINCASA, 32, of Danbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to three years of probation, the first six months of which BENINCASA must serve in home confinement, for filing false tax turns.  Judge Chatigny also ordered BENINCASA to perform 120 hours of community service, pay a $15,000 fine and make full restitution to the IRS.

According to court documents and statements made in court, SCOTT BENINCASA and his brother, David Benincasa, were 50 percent owners in Goodhouse Flooring, LLC, a business that provides floor installation and flooring products to retail and commercial customers.  David Benincasa assisted SCOTT BENINCASA with the daily operations of the business, but had primary responsibility for the financial aspects of the business.  For the 2008 through 2010 tax years, the brothers intentionally understated gross receipts from their business on the Schedule C attached to their respective federal personal income tax filings.  During those years, the brothers failed to accurately report the expenses incurred in running their business, as they paid certain laborers who worked for their business in cash and then failed to reflect the cash payments on their filed returns.

In addition, during an IRS civil audit, SCOTT BENINCASA submitted a false real estate log and business schedule in an effort to improperly justify previously taken deductions on his 2009 federal personal income tax return.

BENINCASA was ordered to pay $47,076 in back taxes, plus applicable interest and penalties.

On October 28, 2015, SCOTT BENINCASA pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return, and David Benincasa, 35, of Danbury, pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion.  David Benincasa faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years when he is sentenced on January 25.  He also has agreed to pay $238,274 in back taxes, plus applicable interest and penalties.

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

Deirdre M, Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DONALD McCANN, 32, of Bedford Hills, N.Y., was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 54 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for illegally obtaining and distributing prescription narcotics.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2012, the Drug Enforcement Administration began an investigation into the filling of fraudulent prescriptions for oxycodone at pharmacies in Connecticut and New York through the use of fraudulent identifications.  The investigation revealed that McCANN purchased prescription paper and obtained identifying information to forge prescriptions from at least five doctors.  McCANN and Jesse Kaplan then traveled to pharmacies together and used multiple aliases and fraudulent prescriptions to obtain oxycodone and hydromorphone.  They then pooled, traded or shared their pills for further distribution.

Between December 2011 and October 2013, McCANN fraudulently obtained more than 16,000 oxycodone 30MG pills.

McCANN and Kaplan were arrested on December 20, 2013.  On March 13, 2015, McCANN pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone.  On July 24, 2015, while he was released on bond, McCANN was arrested in the Bronx, N.Y., for purchasing heroin.  His bond was revoked on August 5, 2015.

McCANN’s criminal history includes multiple arrests in Connecticut and New York for obtaining or attempting to obtain narcotics by using fraudulent prescriptions.

On November 18, 2014, KAPLAN, who also pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 57 months of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by the DEA Tactical Diversion Squad and the Greenwich and Naugatuck Police Departments.  The DEA Tactical Diversion Squad includes members from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon and Wilton Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Richards.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARLON GONZALEZ, also known as “Rey,” 26, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for operating a cocaine and crack cocaine distribution ring in New Haven.

According to court documents and statements made in court, a DEA New Haven Task Force investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, revealed that between July and November 2014, GONZALEZ regularly obtained bulk quantities of cocaine from Deivy Pineda-Peguero of the Bronx, N.Y, on consignment.  GONZALEZ, with the assistance of Wilfredo Garcia-Quinones, a.k.a “Poro,” and others, converted a large portion of the cocaine into crack and distributed the drug in the New Haven area.  GONZALEZ then paid Pineda-Peguero with proceeds from the drug sales.

GONZALEZ has been detained since his federal arrest on November 10, 2014.  At the time of his arrest, GONZALEZ had been released on bond in connection with pending state drug and gun charges.  In July 2014, GONZALEZ was arrested by New Haven Police after his car was pulled over and he was found in possession of crack, a loaded firearm and a ski mask.

In addition, during the early stages of the DEA’s wiretap investigation, intercepted communications revealed that GONZALEZ had supplied a firearm to another individual.  Police located the vehicle in which the other individual was traveling, arrested the individual and charged him with a state weapons offense.

On September 9, 2016, GONZALEZ pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).

Pineda, 31, and Garcia, 32, also previously pleaded guilty.  On January 13, 2016, Pineda was sentenced to 71 months of imprisonment and, on December 22, 2015, Garcia was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment.

In addition six other men who were street-level drug dealers affiliated with GONZALEZ’s organization were charged, pleaded guilty and await sentencing.  They are Julius Batista, a.k.a. “Julz,” 24, of New Haven; Felix Jimenez, a.k.a. “Fee,” 28, of New Haven; Andre Scott, a.k.a. “Pooh,” 26, of New Haven; Giovany Cosme, a.k.a. “Gio,” 25, of West Haven; Jerome Rumley, a.k.a. “Rome,” 21, of New Haven, and Peter Diaz, a.k.a. “Pete,” 31, of Meriden.

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBINSON CRUCETTS, also known as “Robi,” 50, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 66 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a heroin trafficking ring.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2013, the DEA New Haven Task Force began investigating a heroin trafficking organization headed by members of the Estevez family who lived in New York and the Dominican Republic.  The investigation revealed that William Suarez, 41, of New Haven, and Ivan Estrada, 43, of Wallingford, were street-level dealers in New Haven who regularly obtained heroin from CRUCETTS and Martin Rodriguez, 50, in Hartford.  The investigation further revealed that CRUCETTS was receiving kilogram quantities of heroin from Carlos Gabriel Estevez, 23, of Ozone Park, N.Y.; Jimmy Estevez, 25, of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Miguel Estevez, also known as “Domi,” 27, of the Bronx, N.Y.; and Josue Ortiz, 27, of East Hartford.

On December 31, 2013, in response to court-authorized intercepts of calls and texts, investigators surveilled Ortiz as he drove from Connecticut to a parking lot in New Rochelle, N.Y., where he met Carlos Gabriel Estevez.  After Estevez provided Ortiz with two brick-like packages, Ortiz drove back to Connecticut.  A Connecticut State Police trooper conducted a motor vehicle stop of Ortiz as he was driving on I-95 in Milford and seized two bricks of heroin, each weighing approximately 500 grams, from a natural cavity in the vehicle’s wall.  Subsequent investigation revealed that one of the bricks of heroin was to be delivered to CRUCETTS.

CRUCETTS was arrested at his Hartford residence on September 3, 2014.  When investigators entered the residence, they found CRUCETTS attempting to swallow several bags of heroin.  Investigators also found and seized $18,985 in cash.

On September 17, 2014, a federal grand jury returned a 13-count indictment charging CRUCETTS and his seven co-defendant with heroin trafficking and money laundering offenses.

On September 17, 2015, CRUCETTS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

On December 8, 2015, a jury found Carlos Gabriel Estevez guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, one kilogram or more of heroin.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 3, 2016.

The other six defendants previously pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

This matter was investigated by the DEA New Haven Task Force, with the assistance of the DEA Hartford Task Force and the DEA in New York.  The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, East Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden and Derby Police Departments, and the U.S. Marshals Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey M. Stone and Brian P. Leaming.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RYAN POULIN, 25, formerly of Glastonbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by six years of supervised release, for distributing heroin to a minor.

“This is truly tragic story and one that is playing out in our state at an alarming rate,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “There were nearly 400 heroin-related overdose deaths in Connecticut in 2015, which is an increase of approximately 50 percent since 2013.  This epidemic is deeply disturbing and must be addressed from a number of perspectives.  From the law enforcement perspective, together with the DEA and local police departments, we will continue to prioritize investigations of heroin overdoses and prosecutions of traffickers responsible for overdoses.” 

According to court documents and statements made in court, a long-term Drug Enforcement Administration Hartford Task Force investigation has focused on the distribution of Fentanyl-laced heroin that contributed to several heroin overdoses in the Hartford area.  Fentanyl is a powerful opioid analgesic used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain that cannot be controlled with other medicines.  It is approximately 80 times more potent than morphine, and is potentially lethal, even at very low levels.

On February 15, 2014, East Windsor Police and other emergency personnel responded to a residence in East Windsor on a report of a possible drug overdose.  A 14-year-old female victim was transported to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford and died the following day.  The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner subsequently determined the manner of death was an accident and the cause of death was heroin and fentanyl intoxication.

The investigation revealed that POULIN was involved in a relationship with a 16-year-old girl from East Windsor.  On February 12, 2014, POULIN drove his minor girlfriend to Hartford to purchase heroin.  POULIN and his minor girlfriend thereafter used the heroin together.

The investigation further revealed that on February 14, 2014, POULIN and an acquaintance traveled to a heroin dealer in the Hartford area where POULIN’s acquaintance brokered a deal for two bundles (20 dose bags) of heroin for $80.  The heroin was stamped “New World.”  POULIN and his acquaintance then traveled to Portland, Connecticut, where the acquaintance injected himself with three bags of the “New World” heroin and passed out.  POULIN immediately left.  Later that afternoon, POULIN arrived at his 16-year-old girlfriend’s house and injected a quantity of the “New World” heroin before he and his girlfriend went out to dinner for Valentine’s Day.  When they returned from dinner, POULIN injected more of the “New World” heroin.

The next thing POULIN remembered from that evening is that someone put him in the shower to revive him.

The following morning, POULIN gave a bag of the “New World” heroin to his girlfriend. After seeing the heroin’s effect on POULIN and believing that it was too strong, POULIN’s girlfriend traded the heroin to her 14-year-old friend in exchange for a different bag of heroin.  On the morning of February 15, 2014, POULIN’s girlfriend and her 14-year-old friend injected heroin.  The 14-year-old showered and went to sleep.  She never woke up.

POULIN was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on July 31, 2014, and was released into a substance abuse and counseling program.  He has been detained since September 26, 2014, when his bond was revoked for violating the conditions of his release.  On September 21, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of distributing a controlled substance to a minor.

This matter was investigated by the DEA Hartford Task Force and the East Windsor Police Department.  The Task force includes participants from the Bristol, East Hartford, Hartford, Manchester, Newington, New Britain, Wethersfield and Willimantic Police Departments.

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 KYRIN-ROBERT JACKSON, also known as “Ky,” 25, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for gang-related narcotics trafficking.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a year-long joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force into narcotics trafficking by members and associates of WestHell street gang, and gang-related violent activity.  The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance, identified Melkuan Scott, also known as “Young God,” “Mel,” “Young” and “YG,” as the leader of the West Hell street gang who, along with JACKSON and other associates, distributed crack cocaine in the Westland Street area of Hartford.

JACKSON has been detained since his arrest on April 15, 2014.  On April 15, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).

Twenty-five individuals were charged as a result of the investigation.  One defendant was convicted after trial and 23 defendants pleaded guilty to various offenses.  One defendant was shot and killed while his case was pending.  Scott pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.

JACKSON previously served approximately 71 months in state prison for assaulting police officers and larceny.  On June 5, 2008, Hartford Police detectives received a report of a car that was involved in a robbery in Bloomfield.  After spotting the car at a location on Bellevue Street, JACKSON, who attempted to flee, repeatedly drove the vehicle at officers at a high rate of speed and smashed two police vehicles.  Three detectives were taken to the hospital as a result of the incident.

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAWN MININBERG, 47, of Easton, waived her right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to one count of wire fraud stemming from her theft of more than $250,000 from her employer.

According to court documents and statements made in court, MININBERG worked for a company located in Greenwich.  MININBERG provided financial services to the company and was issued an American Express corporate credit card for business purposes.  As part of her duties, she prepared expense reports justifying the charges to all of the corporate credit cards, including her own.

In pleading guilty, MININBERG admitted that she charged more than $250,000 in personal expenses to her corporate credit card for clothing and other items purchased at high-end stores, theater tickets, children’s parties and lessons, charitable donations, vacations and the purchase of an $11,000 jungle gym.

MININBERG used her position to hide her expenditure of these corporate funds for personal items, categorizing them as office supplies, meals, meetings or lodging.

Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for April 8, 2016, at which time MININBERG faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

This matter is being investigated by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, the United States Secret Service and the Greenwich Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHAQUIL GARY, 22, of New Haven, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 96 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for robbing an ATF informant.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 14, 2014, GARY arranged to meet an ATF informant near the intersection of Lamberton and Button Streets in New Haven to sell the informant a quantity of crack cocaine.  Instead, when the two met at the location, GARY pulled out a firearm, took $150 in cash and a cell phone from the informant and fled.  Law enforcement officers apprehended GARY later that day at a residence on Winthrop Avenue.  By that time, he was no longer in possession of the firearm he used to commit the robbery.

GARY has been detained since his arrest.  On July 22, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of armed robbery of a person in lawful control of property of the United States.

During today’s sentencing, Chief Judge Hall found that GARY also attempted to obstruct justice after he pleaded guilty.  While incarcerated and awaiting sentencing in this matter, GARY made copies of a non-public case report and attempted to send it to friends and family members and instruct them to post it on Facebook and tell others that the individual identified in the report was cooperating with law enforcement officers.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CHRISTOPHER DUNCAN, also known as “Woozer,” 30, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to one count of carrying of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 20, 2014, law enforcement officers made a controlled purchase of PCP from DUNCAN in New Haven.  After the purchase, investigators followed the car DUNCAN was driving to a store on Kimberly Avenue in New Haven and observed DUNCAN entering the store.  Investigators then entered the store and placed DUNCAN under arrest.  A subsequent court-authorized search of DUNCAN’s vehicle revealed a Ruger nine millimeter handgun with a large capacity clip, which was located on the floor in front of the driver’s seat.

DUNCAN was originally arrested on state drug and firearm offenses.  On January 29, 2015, he was charged federally and has been ordered detained since that time.

DUNCAN is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford on April 14, 2016, at which time he faces a mandatory term of imprisonment of five years.

DUNCAN has related charges pending in state court.

This matter has been investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Haven Police Department and the Milford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter D. Markle.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMES SCOTT, 37, formerly of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 15 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for escaping from a Hartford halfway house.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 20, 2009, SCOTT received a federal sentence of 121 months of imprisonment for conspiring to distribute, and distributing, crack cocaine.  On June 30, 2015, he was transferred from a federal prison to the Watkinson House Residential Reentry Center in Hartford to complete his sentence.  At the time of his transfer to the Watkinson House RRC, SCOTT had a projected release date of December 26, 2015.

On August 14, 2015, SCOTT signed out from the Watkinson House RRC to conduct a job search, but did not return.  He was apprehended on October 5 in Hartford by the U.S. Marshals Service and returned to custody.

On October 19, 2015, SCOTT pleaded guilty to one count of escape from federal custody.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Hartford Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRIAN FLETCHER, 35, of Jewett City, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 72months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for the illegal straw purchase of a .308 rifle and his unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 22, 2013, a court-authorized search of FLETCHER’s residence revealed a Savage Arms, Axis XP .308 rifle, a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber VE Handgun, a .38 caliber Smith & Wesson Model 60 revolver, as well as multiple rounds of ammunition and weapon magazines.

The investigation revealed that the .308 rifle was purchased in January 2013 by another individual at a sporting goods store in Lisbon.  FLETCHER engaged in the straw purchase and financed the transaction, which was captured on in-store surveillance video.

The .40 caliber handgun had been stolen from an owner in Oakdale, and the .38 caliber revolver had been stolen from an owner in Waterford.

The investigation further revealed that on multiple occasions in 2013, FLETCHER made unlawful efforts to obtain, and in some instances he successfully obtained, multiple rounds of different kinds of ammunition.

FLETCHER had previously been convicted of felonies in the Superior Court of the State of Connecticut, including accessory to robbery in the first degree, hindering prosecution in the second degree, possession of a pistol without a permit, and attempted assault in the first degree. 

It is a violation of federal law to knowingly possess a stolen firearm, or for a convicted felon to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

FLETCHER has been detained since his arrest on November 22, 2013.  On April 2, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen B. Reynolds.  The Norwich Police Department and Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Paul Narducci of the Connecticut State’s Attorney’s Office in New London assisted the investigation and prosecution of this matter.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PETER M. CLARK, 58, of Woodbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 45 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for stealing more than $1.8 million from the estate of an Oxford woman who died in 2010.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Miriam S. Strong of Oxford died on July 2, 2010.  At the time of her death, Strong had a will, which left money, property and other items to a list of individuals, the Town of Oxford, the State of Connecticut and several religious and other charitable entities.  The will also called for the creation of a scholarship fund for college-bound students from Oxford.  CLARK drafted the will as Strong’s attorney and served as a witness to Strong’s execution of the will.  The will named CLARK and another individual as co-executors.  The investigation revealed that, during the course of the administration of the will, CLARK took more than $1.8 million from Strong’s estate for his own use.

CLARK will be ordered to make restitution to the Connecticut Client Security Fund, which has reimbursed Miriam Strong’s estate.

CLARK was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on May 21, 2015.  On October 19, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud.

CLARK, who is released on a $500,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on February 24, 2016.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut State Police – Western District Major Crime Squad.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan.

United States Attorney Deirdre M. Daly and Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen today announced that J&L MEDICAL SERVICES, LLC (“J&L MEDICAL”) has entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments in which it will pay $600,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the federal and state False Claims Acts.         

J&L MEDICAL is a durable medical equipment company located in Middlebury, Connecticut.  As part of its business, J&L MEDICAL provides Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) devices and accessories to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.

It is alleged that J&L MEDICAL regularly utilized the services of unlicensed technicians to provide respiratory therapy services to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, including setting up CPAP and BiPAP machines, fitting the patients with the masks used with those machines, and educating the patients about the use of the machines.

Under Connecticut law, the practice of respiratory therapy is a licensed activity.  It is alleged that the respiratory therapy services in question could only be legally performed by licensed respiratory therapists.

To resolve the allegations under the federal and state False Claims Acts, J&L MEDICAL has agreed to pay $600,000, which covers conduct occurring from January 1, 2008 through May 15, 2013.

As part of the settlement, J&L MEDICAL also agreed to implement a Compliance Program intended to prevent and/or detect fraud, waste, and abuse in claims submitted by the company to the Connecticut Medicaid program.

A complaint against J&L MEDICAL was filed in the U.S. District Court in Connecticut under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the both the federal and state False Claims Acts.  The relator (whistleblower), John Hart, a former employee of J&L MEDICAL and a licensed respiratory therapist, will receive a share of the proceeds of the settlement in the amount of $102,000.

The whistleblower provisions of both the federal and state False Claims Acts provide that the whistleblower is entitled to receive a percentage of the proceeds of any judgment or settlement recovered by the government.

“Health care providers must utilize properly licensed individuals to treat Medicare and Medicaid patients, and the failure to do will have serious consequences,” stated U.S. Attorney Daly.  “The U.S. Attorney’s office is committed to vigorously pursuing health care providers who submit false or fraudulent claims to federal health care programs.”

“My office is committed to protecting Connecticut’s healthcare programs – as well as the taxpayers who fund them – from fraud,” said Attorney General Jepsen.  “By bringing state False Claims Act cases such as this, we recover funds obtained through fraud and deter others from attempting similar schemes.  I appreciate the continued coordination with our state and federal law enforcement partners to ensure that our most vulnerable citizens and our taxpayer interests are protected.”

This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Molot and Auditor Kevin Saunders, and by Assistant Attorney General Robert B. Teitelman, and Forensic Fraud Examiners Larry Marini and David Bouchard, of the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.

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 JASON CHICKOS, 46, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to two years of probation for his role in a steroid manufacturing and distribution ring.  Judge Chatigny also ordered CHICKOS to perform 120 hours of community service and pay a $1000 fine.  Another member of the conspiracy, ALEX KENYHERCZ, 29, of Ansonia, also pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court.

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 certain members of the conspiracy were distributing prescription pills, including oxycodone, as well as cocaine.

CHICKOS and KENYHERCZ purchased anabolic steroids from Santucci and distributed them to others.  KENYHERCZ also illegally distributed prescription medication, including Roxicodone, Oxycodone, Suboxone and Opana.

At the time of the offense, CHICKOS was employed as a civilian dispatcher with the Newtown Police Department.

During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers seized hundreds of vials of steroids, approximately 600 grams of raw testosterone powder, approximately 350 grams of powder cocaine, and four long guns.

On October 19, 2015, CHICKOS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids.

KENYHERCZ pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Chatigny on April 14, 2016, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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 Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in New Haven, today announced that DANA ERWIN TAYLOR, Jr., 24, of Philadelphia, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to two counts of providing or attempting to provide contraband to an inmate of a federal prison.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on two occasions in 2015, TAYLOR traveled to the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury (FCI Danbury) for the purpose of introducing prohibited contraband into the facility for use by one or more inmates. 

During the early morning hours of January 3, 2015, TAYLOR threw several bundles of contraband containing approximately 12 cell phones, along with batteries and chargers, over the perimeter fence of the FCI Danbury compound.  The bundles were wrapped in green camouflage fabric and clear tape to provide protection from the elements.

During the early morning hours of August 25, 2015, TAYLOR was stopped on the FCI Danbury grounds, next to the fence, in possession of a backpack containing illegal and prohibited contraband, including 15 cell phones, along with batteries and chargers, eight bundles of synthetic marijuana, tobacco and other items.  The items, which were in bundles wrapped in green fabric and clear tape, were intended for one or more inmates in the FCI Danbury. 

Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for May 18, 2016, at which time TAYLOR faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years and a fine of up to $200,000.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ERNEST SYKU, 45, of the Bronx, N.Y., was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for operating an extortion scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, SYKU and Robert Francella threatened a Connecticut resident with violence in order to induce the victim to pay an alleged $240,000 debt.  SYKU claimed that this debt was owed to SYKU’s deceased uncle, even though the victim stated the debt had been repaid.  On one occasion, SYKU told the victim that SYKU was “the one who can break you in many pieces.” SYKU further told the victim that the victim was “doomed” if the victim did not bring SYKU the money.  On another occasion, SYKU told the victim that he “crushes everybody’s head who gets in my way.”  SYKU also provided his cellular telephone to Francella, who threatened “to cut the head” off the victim.  SYKU had promised Francella a portion of any monies collected in order to induce Francella’s participation in the extortion scheme.

At sentencing, the victim stated that he and his spouse were fearful for their family’s safety, particularly because SYKU made references to the location of their home. 

SYKU and Francella were arrested on March 13, 2014.  After he was arrested, SYKU confessed to law enforcement that he had hired and directed Francella to scare the victim into paying the alleged debt.

On April 27, 2015, SYKU pleaded guilty to one count of attempted collection of extension of credit by extortionate means.

Francella, of Yonkers, N.Y., pleaded guilty on November 17, 2014.  On June 1, 2015, he was sentenced to approximately 15 months of imprisonment, time already served, and one year of supervised release.

This matter was investigated by the FBI Fairfield County Organized Crime Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hal Chen and Heather Cherry.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging JOHN EASTMAN, 48, of Waterbury, with one count of coercion and enticement of minors and one count of possession of child pornography.

The indictment alleges that between June and November 2012, EASTMAN engaged in video chats with minors over the Internet using his computer and online video chatting services such as Skype.  During these video chats, EASTMAN enticed the minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct, which EASTMAN recorded and/or photographed and then saved on his computer.  In order to deceive and entice the minors, EASTMAN posed as famous singers and musicians that are popular to teenagers.

The indictment further alleges that EASTMAN viewed and downloaded over the Internet other images and videos of child pornography.

EASTMAN has been in state custody since May 2013 when he was arrested on related state charges.

If convicted of coercion and enticement of minors, EASTMAN faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.  If convicted of possession of child pornography, he faces a mandatory term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

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

This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Waterbury Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and William Offord, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that two public employees who previously pleaded guilty to tax evasion offenses have been sentenced in Hartford federal court.  Yesterday, U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson sentenced TROY HESTER, 43, of Hartford, to 10 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.  Today, Judge Thompson sentenced MICHAEL CARTER, 52, of New Haven, to four years of probation, the first six months of which CARTER must serve in home confinement under electronic monitoring.

This matter stems from an Internal Revenue Service investigation into State of Connecticut employees and others who had little or no federal withholding taken out of their paychecks and who failed to file income tax returns.  The investigation revealed that certain individuals submitted fraudulent W-4 forms claiming numerous exemptions, or that they were exempt, and had little or no money withheld from their wages.

According to court documents and statements made in court, during the 2008 through 2013 tax years, HESTER, while employed by the Metropolitan District Commission in Hartford, paid little or no federal income taxes on approximately $438,877 in income he received, resulting in a federal tax loss of approximately $70,480.  HESTER had submitted a Form W-4 claiming that he was “exempt” from federal withholding.

HESTER was ordered to pay more than $79,000 in back taxes and interest.

The investigation also revealed that HESTER failed to pay more than $24,000 in state taxes from 2007 through 2012.

CARTER, who was employed by the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and worked as a nurse at the Connecticut Valley Hospital in Middletown, submitted a false Form W-4 to the state indicating that he had 99 exemptions and was exempt from tax withholding.  As a result, no money was withheld from his wages.  During the 2010 through 2012 tax years, CARTER paid no federal income taxes on more than $282,000 in income he received, resulting in a federal tax loss of $53,344.

CARTER was ordered to pay more than $56,000 in back taxes and interest.

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Wines.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JASON WATSON, 28, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing firearms.  WATSON also was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service while on supervised release.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a year-long joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force into narcotics trafficking by members and associates of WestHell street gang, and gang-related violent activity.  The investigation, which included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical surveillance, identified Melkuan Scott, also known as “Young God,” “Mel,” “Young” and “YG,” as the leader of the West Hell street gang who, along with WATSON and other associates distributed crack cocaine in the Westland Street area of Hartford.

On April 24, 2014, a grand jury in Hartford returned a 52-count indictment charging 25 members and associates of the WestHell Street Gang, including Scott and WATSON, with narcotics distribution offenses.  On April 30, 2014, law enforcement executed federal arrest warrants of the charged defendants and WATSON was arrested at his Hartford residence.  On that date, a search of WATSON’s residence revealed a .22 caliber pistol, a .44 caliber revolver, a 9 millimeter pistol and assorted ammunition.  Two of the three firearms were manufactured outside of Connecticut.

Prior to April 30, 2014, WATSON had been convicted of multiple felony offenses, and he was on state special parole at the time of his federal arrest.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

WATSON has been detained since his arrest.  On April 21, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of firearms by a previously convicted felon.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The FBI Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.  The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Squad, Major Crimes Unit and Shooting Task Force are providing valuable assistance to the investigation, and the Capitol Region Emergency Response Team (CREST) assisted with the arrest of certain defendants.  The Office of the Chief State’s Attorney is also assisting with this ongoing investigation.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that YOANNI SUAREZ, also known as “Cuba,” 39, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, SUAREZ was arrested on September 18, 2015, after investigators with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force found him in possession of approximately 1,250 grams of heroin, which was hidden both in his truck and in a residence he utilized.

Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for April 5, 2016, at which time SUAREZ faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.

SUAREZ has been detained since his arrest.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force.  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. Attorneys Michael J. Gustafson and Gabriel J. Vidoni.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that OMAR ANDRADE, 29, a citizen of Mexico last residing in Norwalk, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and the Norwalk Police Department into suspected cocaine and heroin distribution by ANDRADE.   In September 2014, ANDRADE agreed to provide one kilogram of heroin to a DEA Task Force officer acting in an undercover capacity.  ANDRADE, Joel A. Estrella-Disla and Wilmer Antonio Gomez-Rodriguez were arrested on September 30, 2014, after they delivered approximately one kilogram of heroin to a pre-arranged location in Norwalk.

ANDRADE has been detained since his arrest.  On August 24, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin.

ANDRADE faces immigration proceedings after he serves his prison term.

On August 24, 2015, Estrella-Disla pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin.  On September 10, 2015, a jury found Gomez-Rodriguez guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, one kilogram or more of heroin, and one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 100 grams or more of heroin.  Both await sentencing.

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 BRAYAN GOMEZ, 26, of East Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force initiated an investigation into a large-scale heroin trafficking organization in Hartford that was being operated by a close associate of GOMEZ.  In March 2014, the DEA Task Force received information that GOMEZ’s associate was in possession of a large quantity of heroin.

On March 20, 2014, investigators observed GOMEZ leave his former residence on Sisson Avenue in Hartford, drive to his associate’s residence on Prospect Street in East Hartford and enter the residence.  A short time later, GOMEZ drove a separate vehicle away from the East Hartford residence to a hotel in East Hartford, and then entered the hotel.  After approximately 20 minutes, GOMEZ walked out of the hotel with a large duffel bag that he did not have with him when he entered the hotel.  He placed the bag in the trunk of his vehicle and then drove away.

Investigators conducted a motor vehicle stop of the vehicle on Prospect Street in East Hartford.  After GOMEZ gave his consent to a search of the vehicle, investigators removed the duffel bag from the trunk and seized 99.8 grams of raw heroin and 13,317 bags of heroin, packaged for street sale, containing 278.8 grams of heroin.  In addition, investigators seized more than 25,000 empty bags used for packaging heroin, as well as other items used in the processing and packaging of heroin.

On September 14, 2015, GOMEZ pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

The DEA Hartford Task Force includes participants from the Bristol, East Hartford, Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Newington and Wethersfield Police Departments.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey M. Stone.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that TOMMY BATTLE, 35, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 22, 2015, a search was conducted at the residence of BATTLE, who was a parolee.  During the search, a parole officer discovered a 9mm semi-automatic handgun, which contained a magazine that held 10 9mm rounds.  The firearm was manufactured outside of the U.S. and was previously reported stolen out of the State of Virginia.

BATTLE’s criminal history includes multiple felony convictions, including a conviction for criminal possession of a weapon.  He had been released from state incarceration approximately two months prior to the search of his residence.

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

BATTLE has been detained since his arrest on April 22, 2015.  On October 1, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

This matter was investigated by the New Haven Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Laraia and Anthony Kaplan. 

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RASHAUD JONES, also known as “Buck,” 33, of Hartford and Windsor, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 211 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.  On March 2, 2015, a jury found JONES guilty of multiple narcotics and firearm offenses.

According to the evidence disclosed during the trial, this matter stems from a joint investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force.  Investigators had developed information that JONES was dealing extremely large quantities of crack cocaine out of apartments he maintained on Evergreen Avenue and Westland Street in Hartford.

On December 18, 2012, investigators conducted a motor vehicle stop of JONES and seized more than $9,000 in cash, three cellular telephones and other evidence.  Investigators then conducted searches of JONES’s apartment at 232 Westland Street in Hartford and a car parked at the residence and seized approximately 935 grams of crack cocaine, approximately 635 grams of powder cocaine, narcotics packaging material, a loaded .22 Taurus revolver, a 9mm High Point pistol, a Ruger 345 .45 caliber firearm, a loaded .45 caliber magazine, a loaded .9mm magazine and additional ammunition.

JONES was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”), one count of possession with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base, one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base, possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of ammunition by a previously convicted felon. 

JONES’s criminal history includes five felony narcotics convictions.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force, the Hartford Police Department and the Bristol Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey M. Stone and Peter D. Markle.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that VICKY SUE COHRAN, 53, of Temple, Georgia, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 51 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for stealing numerous identities while operating a “fictitious employer scheme” that defrauded state unemployment insurance programs of approximately $125,000. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, state unemployment insurance programs use employee wages as reported by employers to determine an employee’s benefit amount when the employee files a valid claim for benefits.  COHRAN, with the assistance of her two sons, utilized several state unemployment insurance program websites to register businesses that had no actual employees, business operations or normal business expenses.  COHRAN and her sons then created and submitted fictitious wage reports that used names and identifying information of individuals without their knowledge.  COHRAN and her sons then posed as fictitious employees to file claims for unemployment benefits.

Through this scheme, COHRAN used the names and identifying information of approximately 27 individuals to steal a total of $120,214 from the unemployment insurance programs of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Washington, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and New Jersey.

The scheme was uncovered shortly after COHRAN registered a fictitious business with the Connecticut Department of Labor in September 2014.  In November 2014, three purported employees of the fictitious business filed claims for unemployment benefits with the Connecticut Department of Labor.

COHRAN was ordered to pay full restitution.

On August 11, 2015, COHRAN pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of misuse of a social security number.

Also today, Christopher Cohran, 26, of Temple, Georgia, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty in Hartford federal court to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, a charge that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 30, 2016.  Nathan Cohran, 30, of Temple, is scheduled to plead guilty to the same charge tomorrow.

This investigation is being conducted by the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Office of the Chief State’s Attorney, Connecticut Department of Labor, Winter Park (Fla.) Police Department, Pinellas County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Department, Villa Rica (Ga.) Police Department, Temple (Ga.) Police Department and Carroll County (Ga.) Sheriff’s Department.

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

The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut announced that MOHAMMED N. ISLAM, also known as “Tanveer,” 39, of Trumbull, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 14 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in a mortgage fraud scheme that involved dozens of properties in Fairfield County.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2006 and 2013, ISLAM participated in a mortgage fraud conspiracy that involved the purchase of numerous single and multi-family properties, primarily in Bridgeport, Norwalk and Stamford.  During the scheme, ISLAM and his co-conspirators provided materially false information to mortgage lenders, including false verifications of mortgage applicants’ income, false verifications of down payments for real estate transactions and false HUD-1 Forms.

ISLAM recruited and directed the actions of several “straw buyers,” or individuals who fraudulently applied for and obtained mortgage loans but did not have an actual financial investment or stake in the mortgage loan transactions.  In fact, ISLAM was the intended owner of the property, managed the property and collected all of the rents from the property.  Many of these properties ended up in foreclosure, or in short sale transactions. 

Through this scheme, lenders suffered losses of more than $8 million.

ISLAM was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $5,141,817.

On March 12, 2014, ISLAM pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. 

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General.  The criminal case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather Cherry and Avi Perry, and the parallel civil forfeiture cases are being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie G. Turbert.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached a settlement with Connecticut’s State Department on Aging to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”).

The agreement resolves an ADA complaint filed by an individual who is deaf, alleging that the State Department on Aging failed to provide effective communication during certain programs and meetings by failing to make available sign language interpreters or appropriate auxiliary aids.   The State Department on Aging is working cooperatively with the Department of Justice to develop and amend its policies and practices to ensure compliance with the ADA and the Department of Justice’s implementing regulations.

“Individuals who have disabilities must not be denied equal access to the services offered by the State of Connecticut due to their disability,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “The State Department on Aging has fully cooperated with our investigation, which confirms the Agency’s commitment to ensure equal access to its program and services for all customers including those with disabilities.  We commend the Department for voluntarily agreeing to enter this settlement agreement and ensuring effective communication with persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.”

The ADA requires “public entities,” including state and municipal agencies, to ensure effective communication with qualified individuals with disabilities.  Under this agreement, a person who is deaf or hard of hearing will be able to benefit from the same services as every other person.   For individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, auxiliary aids include qualified sign language or oral interpreters, use of relay services, computer-assisted real time transcription, and, for simple communications, the exchange of written notes.

The settlement agreement requires the State Department on Aging to develop and amend its policies, practices and training to ensure interpreter services are provided to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.  Specifically, it requires the Department to:

• Ensure its policies and practices are nondiscriminatory, and provide effective communication for people with communication disabilities, including the provision of sign language interpreters
• Post a notice of the policy in public areas
• Train staff on the policies
• Ensure that appropriate auxiliary aids and services, including qualified interpreters, and specifically tactile interpreters, are made available to all individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing

Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of discrimination can file a complaint with the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 203-821-3700, or by visiting www.ada.gov.  More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.  Additional information about the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov, or by calling the Department’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 and (800) 514-0383 (TDD).

This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ndidi N. Moses with the assistance of the Disability Rights Section of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. 

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL D. MASE, 32, of Sherman, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to three years of probation for his role in a steroid manufacturing and distribution ring.  Judge Chatigny also ordered that MASE spend the first three months of his probation in home confinement, perform 120 hours of community service and pay a $2000 fine.

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 certain members of the conspiracy were distributing prescription pills, including oxycodone, as well as cocaine.

MASE, a registered nurse and a competitive weight lifter, purchased anabolic steroids from Santucci and distributed them to others, including athletes who competed in body-building and weight lifting competitions.

During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers seized hundreds of vials of steroids, approximately 600 grams of raw testosterone powder, approximately 350 grams of powder cocaine, and four long guns.

MASE was arrested on April 29, 2015.  On October 6, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids.

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.