District of Connecticut

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HAROLD HARRINGTON, also known as “Chopper” and “Chapo,” 27, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his participating in a drug robbery scheme.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, during the operation, an undercover agent and a confidential informant made several controlled purchases of suspected crack cocaine from Donald Gaines, also known as “Stretch” and “Shorty,” of New Haven.  During their contact, the informant asked Gaines if he and anyone he knew would be interested in committing a drug robbery.  Gaines stated that he did not want to participate in the robbery itself, but introduced the informant and the undercover agent to Harrington.  The undercover agent told Harrington that he wanted to hire someone to commit a home invasion robbery of a drug organization’s “stash house” in order to steal six to eight kilograms of cocaine.  Harrington agreed to participate and helped plan the robbery, which would include the use of firearms.  Harrington also stated that he would bring members of his crew to help commit the robbery.

The undercover agent and Harrington agreed to split the cocaine taken during the robbery, and they agreed to give Gaines one kilogram of the drug for putting the two individuals together.

On March 21, 2014, the day of the proposed robbery, Harrington arrived at the meeting location with Louis Toler, also known as “A.B.,” of New Haven.  After Harrington, Toler and the undercover agent had a detailed discussion about how the robbery was going to be carried out, Harrington and Toler were arrested.  A subsequent search of Toler’s car revealed a loaded firearm.

The informant then called Gaines, told him the robbery had gone smoothly and arranged to meet him to deliver the cocaine.  When Gaines arrived at the designated location, he identified the law enforcement surveillance and drove off at a high rate of speed.  After a short chase, Gaines crashed his car on an off ramp in West Haven, attempted to flee on foot and was apprehended.

Harrington has been detained since his arrest.  On May 6, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery.

Harrington has prior state felony convictions for criminal possession of a firearm, possession with intent to sell crack cocaine and first degree robbery.

On March 5, 2015, Gaines pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and, on May 1, 2015, Toler pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  They await sentencing.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracy Dayton and Robert Spector.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that that EDWARD THOMAS, also known as “Fire,” 41, of New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 210 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for sex trafficking of minors.  THOMAS also was ordered to pay $28,700 in restitution.

According to the evidence introduced during his trial, in September 2012, THOMAS, a New York-based pimp, answered an Internet prostitution advertisement for a 17-year-old girl (“MV1”) in Oregon.  Over the next month, THOMAS recruited and enticed MV1 to travel to New York to work for him.  MV1 eventually agreed and traveled to New York with a second girl (“MV2”), who was 16 at the time, using bus tickets purchased by THOMAS.  THOMAS discussed with both MV1 and MV2 that they would be prostituting for him in New York and Connecticut.

After MV1 and MV2 arrived in New York, THOMAS and the two minor girls went immediately to a hotel in Milford, Connecticut, where they met Kayla Walters, THOMAS’ co-defendant, and posted prostitution advertisements.  THOMAS knew that MV1 and MV2 were under the age of 18.  In Milford, MV1 and MV2 saw customers for commercial sex acts at the direction of THOMAS.  While MV2 escaped from a hotel room window after several hours, MV1 continued to work for THOMAS for about a month, turning over all of the money she earned in prostitution to THOMAS.  When MV1 attempted to leave, THOMAS forcibly restrained her.  Ultimately, MV1 was recovered for the first time by the FBI and local police in Milford on November 8, 2012.  Law enforcement seized nearly $4,000 in cash from THOMAS during the first recovery, along with several computers and cellular phones.

THOMAS recruited MV1 a second time in July 2013 and again paid for her travel from Oregon to the East Coast.  After THOMAS sent Walters and MV1 to Connecticut to make money for him, the FBI and local police again recovered MV1 from a hotel in Milford.

“For more than a decade, this defendant made his living from the commercial sexual exploitation of women, including young girls,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “He preyed on the vulnerabilities of two girls whom he lured across the country thousands of miles away from their families.  This cruel victimization of defenseless young women – a form of modern day slavery – will not be tolerated.  Prosecuting these offenses is a top priority for the Department of Justice.  This significant sentence will protect society and future victims from this defendant, and sends a clear message that those who sexually exploit minors will be held accountable.  We thank the FBI and the Milford and Stratford Police Departments for their excellent work in this investigation.  We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to rescue girls and young women from brutal environments and prosecute those who profit from this reprehensible and illegal conduct.”

THOMAS and Walters have been detained since their arrests on February 28, 2014.

On January 26, 2015, a jury found THOMAS guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor and two counts of sex trafficking of a minor.

THOMAS’s criminal history includes a 2007 conviction in New Jersey for promoting prostitution with a child under the age of 18.

On November 10, 2014, Walters pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor.  Her sentencing is scheduled for November 30, 2015.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.  The Stratford and Milford Police Departments assisted the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David E. Novick and Sarala V. Nagala.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that two men were sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport for engaging in a fraud scheme.  ADAM MEYERS, 44, of Southbury, was sentenced to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, and DANIEL WALL, 59, of Bridgeport, was sentenced to three years of probation, the first 12 months of which he must serve in home confinement.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately March 2008 and August 2012, MEYERS and Jason Torrance devised a scheme to defraud their employers by arranging for payment on goods that never shipped and instead diverting those payments to themselves.  Torrance worked out of the New Haven branch of a New Jersey-based electrical and industrial supply company (“Distributor-1”), and MEYERS was a project manager for a New Britain-based electrical subcontractor (“Contractor”) that frequently purchased supplies from Distributor-1.  WALL operated Bob Wall and Associates, a Cheshire-based distributor of electrical and other related equipment.

As part of the scheme, MEYERS identified to Torrance projects on which he believed the profit margin for Contractor would permit them to divert excess profits to themselves without Contractor becoming aware.  MEYERS would submit a purchase order for materials to Torrance.  Torrance then submitted a purchase order to WALL for the goods listed on the purchase order sent by MEYERS.  WALL then submitted an invoice to Distributor-1 for the materials listed on the purchase order, and Distributor-1 paid the invoice by mailing a check to Bob Wall and Associates.  Distributor-1 then invoiced Contractor for the goods that were on the purchase order and Contractor issued a check to Distributor-1.  WALL then hand-delivered a business check to Torrance for approximately 90 percent of the money that had been paid by Distributor-1 to Bob Wall and Associates, and WALL retained the remaining 10 percent as his share of the proceeds from the scheme.  Torrance then paid out a portion of the proceeds of the scheme to MEYERS.

At no time did any product on the purchase orders actually ship to the customer.

The victim companies lost more than $600,000 as a result of this scheme.  Restitution will be determined after additional court proceedings.

On February 23, 2015, MEYERS and Torrance each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud.  On July 15, 2015, WALL pleaded guilty to one count of misprision of a felony.  Torrance awaits sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David E. Novick and William J. Nardini.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE COLON, also known as “Uncle Benny,” 50, of Manchester, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department into gang-related narcotics trafficking in Hartford’s South End.  The investigation specifically targeted a drug trafficking organization headed by Angel Rosa, aka “Little” and “Daddy,” who is a member of the Los Solidos street gang.  Rosa’s cousin, Angel Rosa, aka “Mo Betta” and “Fab,” supervised the daily operations of the organization, which distributed heroin and other narcotics in the Zion Street area.

In April 2013, COLON was intercepted over a court-authorized wiretap and was identified as a source of heroin for the Rosa organization.

As a result of the investigation, 21 individuals were charged with various federal offenses, and law enforcement officers seized narcotics, one firearm, approximately $230,000 in cash, eight vehicles and jewelry.

COLON was arrested on April 25, 2013.  On that date, FBI Task Force officers and Manchester Police executed a search warrant at his residence and seized a number of items that subsequently were forfeited, including $7,800 in cash, a watch valued at $46,850, two vehicles, two jet skis and two motorcycles.

On April 4, 2014, COLON pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin.

Angel Rosa aka “Little” and Angel Rosa aka “Mo Betta” each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin.  On May 15, 2014, “Little” was sentenced to 235 months of imprisonment and, on April 29, 2014, “Mo Betta” was sentenced to 165 months of imprisonment.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, which includes members of the Connecticut State Police, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut Department of Correction and Connecticut National Guard.  The Connecticut State Police’s Emergency Services Unit, Hartford Police Department’s Emergency Response Team, Capital Region Emergency Response Team, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and the New Britain, East Hartford, Wethersfield and Manchester Police Departments have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Leaming and Patrick Caruso.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL MURPHY, 27, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for selling numerous firearms that had been stolen from the Smith & Wesson manufacturing plant in Springfield, Mass.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 8, 2012, Elliot Perez, a truck driver for Pace Motor Lines, picked up five boxes of firearms from the Smith & Wesson manufacturing plant in Springfield and placed the boxes in his truck.  At the same time, Perez stole three additional boxes containing a total of 111 firearms.  He then drove the truck containing all the firearms to his residence in Bridgeport where he met MURPHY.  Shortly thereafter, Perez delivered the original five boxes of firearms to the trucking company’s distribution center in Stratford.

Perez and MURPHY stored and ultimately sold many of the stolen guns.  More than 50 of the stolen firearms have not been recovered by law enforcement.

Perez and MURPHY were originally arrested by the Stratford Police Department on state firearms charges.  MURPHY has been in custody since his federal arrest on November 30, 2012.

On December 12, 2013, MURPHY pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess and sell stolen firearms, and one count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon.

Perez has been in custody since his state arrest on November 23, 2012.  On February 11, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess and sell stolen firearms, one count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon, and one count of making a false statement to a federal law enforcement officer.  On October 27, 2015, he was sentenced to 210 months of imprisonment.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that on October 28, 2015, a federal grand jury in Bridgeport returned a four-count indictment charging HUGO TEJEDA, 23, IVAN LERMA, also known as “Aurelia Llano” and “Miguel Cardona,” 24, and VLADIMIR RODRIGUEZ-LARA, 35, all of Waterbury, with trafficking “black tar” heroin.

As alleged in court documents, in August 2015, the Drug Enforcement Administration received information that an individual was in possession of approximately 1.5 kilograms of “black tar” heroin from Mexico and was searching for a buyer.  The DEA subsequently identified the individual as TEJEDA, and LERMA and RODRIGUEZ-LARA as his associates.  On August 10 and August 20, TEJEDA drove LERMA to meetings at which LERMA supplied black tar heroin to confidential informants working for the DEA.  On August 13, 2015, TEJEDA drove LERMA to a meeting during which LERMA agreed to sell 1.5 kilograms of heroin to a confidential informant in exchange for $76,000.

On August 27, 2015, TEJEDA, LERMA and RODRIGUEZ-LARA were arrested when they attempted to sell the 1.5 kilograms of heroin to the confidential informants.

The indictment charges TEJEDA, LERMA and RODRIGUEZ-LARA with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, one kilogram or more of heroin, offenses that carry a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of life in prison. The indictment also charges TEJEDA and LERMA with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, offenses that carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.       

The defendants were originally arrested on federal criminal complaints.  LERMA has been detained since his arrest, and TEJEDA and RODRIGUEZ-LARA are each released on a $50,000 bond.

This investigation has been conducted by the Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, which includes personnel from the DEA, Connecticut State Police and the Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford and Milford Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy C. Brown.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and William P. Offord, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that DAVID BENINCASA, 34, and SCOTT BENINCASA, 32, both of Danbury, waived their right to indictment and pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to federal tax offenses.

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 BENICASA 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, DAVID and SCOTT BENINCASA 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.

The additional tax due and owing attributable to DAVID and SCOTT BENINCASA’s criminal conduct is $238,274 and $47,076, respectively.

In pleading guilty, SCOTT BENINCASA also admitted that, during an IRS civil audit, he 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.

DAVID BENINCASA pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on January 25, 2016.  SCOTT BENINCASA pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Chatigny on January 21, 2016.  Both defendants also will be ordered to pay full restitution, plus applicable interest and penalties.

This matter is being 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 CEASAR ANQUILLARE, 88, of Orange, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to two years of probation for paying nearly $300,000 in bribes to the former Executive Director of the West Haven Housing Authority in exchange for government contracts and business.  ANQUILLARE also was ordered to pay a $100,000 fine and $291,033.91 in restitution.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Michael Siwek was the executive director of the West Haven Housing Authority (“WHHA”), an agency that received federal funding.  As parties of his duties, Siwek had substantial discretion over awarding WHHA business and contracts.  Between approximately February 2007 and February 2012, Siwek received approximately $1.5 million in bribes from individuals, including ANQUILLARE, in order to award them business with WHHA and the entities that the housing authority controlled.

Siwek received approximately $290,000 from ANQUILLARE in connection with accounting services that ANQUILLARE’s firm provided to the WHHA.

ANQUILLARE has paid restitution in the amount of $291,033.91.

On April 22, 2015, ANQUILLARE pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery in connection with a program receiving federal funds.

On September 4, 2014, Siwek pleaded guilty to related charges and awaits sentencing.

U.S. Attorney Daly stated that the investigation is ongoing.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Karwan.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that RAYMOND RIVERA, also known as “White Boy,” 25, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 66 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking crack cocaine.

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 West Hell 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 RIVERA and other associates distributed crack cocaine in the Westland Street area of Hartford.

During the investigation, RIVERA was involved in four controlled purchases of crack cocaine, totaling approximately 180 grams, and was intercepted over wiretaps engaging in conversations related to the distribution of crack.

RIVERA has been detained since his arrest in April 2014.  On April 27, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

Twenty-five individuals were charged as a result of the investigation.  Scott and 22 other defendants pleaded guilty to various offenses.  One defendant was shot and killed while his case was pending.

Scott awaits sentencing.

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.

United States Attorney Deirdre M. Daly and Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane today announced that ARTHUR STANLEY, also known as “Wiggs,” 26, has been indicted for the July 15, 2011 murder of Keith Washington, 23, of Windsor.

This matter stems from a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force into narcotics trafficking by members and associates of the Westhell and Team Grease street gangs and gang-related violent activity.  The Hartford Police Department and Officers and Inspectors of the Cold Case Homicide Unit of the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney are participating in the investigation.

At approximately 9:28 p.m. on July 15, 2011, the Hartford Police Department received a report of shots fired in the vicinity of 67 Oakland Terrace in Hartford.  Officers responding to the scene located an unconscious person lying on the front porch of the residence with an apparent gunshot wound to the head.  The victim, who was subsequently identified as Keith Washington, was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on July 17, 2011.

On October 27, 2015, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging STANLEY, an active member of the Westhell street gang, with engaging in a Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering, namely the murder of Keith Washington.  If convicted of the charge, STANLEY faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life, or death if the government seeks the death penalty in the matter.

STANLEY has been detained in federal custody since April 2014 and is awaiting sentencing on a crack cocaine conspiracy offense.

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

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

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John H. Durham and Peter S. Jongbloed, and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Patrick Griffin, who has been cross-designated as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in this matter.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUIS E. RIVERA, also known as “Bebe,” 34, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, a confidential informant arranged to purchase an ounce of cocaine and a firearm from RIVERA and another individual in exchange for $1,500.  On March 14, 2015, the confidential informant and an undercover ATF agent met with RIVERA and the other individual a location in New Haven to complete the transaction.  At the location, RIVERA stated that he did not have the firearm.  The undercover agent then paid $1,200 for an ounce of cocaine.  On that date, RIVERA told the undercover agent that he knew how to “cook” cocaine into crack cocaine.

In the next two weeks, law enforcement conducted controlled purchases of approximately 57 grams of crack cocaine from RIVERA, and arranged another purchase of two ounces (approximately 57 grams) of crack from RIVERA.  RIVERA was arrested on March 31, 2014.  On that date, he possessed the approximately 57 grams of crack that he intended to sell.  A subsequent search of apartment revealed more than 100 grams of cocaine, narcotics paraphernalia and more than $9,000 in cash.

RIVERA has been detained since his arrest.  On December 9, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with the intent to distribute, and distribution of, 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Nardini.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JASON SCOTT, 37, of Montville, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 13 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing several firearms as a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in November 2014, an individual provided information to law enforcement that SCOTT was looking to sell firearms for cash.  In December 2014, the FBI made a controlled purchase of a Hi-Point Firearms, Model 995, 9mm rifle from SCOTT.

SCOTT was arrested on December 19, 2015.  A search of SCOTT’s residence on that date revealed a Mosin Nagant 7.62 x 54r, Model 44, rifle, and an Izhmash Saiga .308 semi-automatic rifle, as well as magazines, ammunition and ammunition reloading components.

Prior to December 2014, SCOTT had been convicted of a felony offense.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition which has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

On June 12, 2015, SCOTT pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabriel J. Vidoni.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Daniel J. Kumor, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Boston Field Division, announced that ELLIOT PEREZ, 30, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 210 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for stealing 111 firearms from the Smith & Wesson manufacturing plant in Springfield, Mass, and selling many of those firearms on the street.

“This defendant not only stole more than 100 firearms, but he quickly sold dozens of them on the street putting them directly into the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “Not only are the stolen guns now turning up in criminal investigations as far away as North Carolina, but one was used in a Bridgeport murder and another in a shooting at a Hartford night club.  As more than 50 of these guns are still at large, there is no telling how many additional acts of violence will stem from this offense.  These sobering facts make clear that this long prison term is fair and appropriate.  We thank the Stratford and Bridgeport Police Departments for their excellent work in quickly arresting these defendants, and the ATF for their investigative work and ongoing efforts to identify and recover the missing firearms.”

“The theft of over 100 guns is a serious threat to public safety and this sentence sends the message that it will not be tolerated, said ATF Special Agent in Charge Kumor.  “Firearms trafficking continues to be a top priority for ATF and our law enforcement partners and we are committed to identifying and disrupting the sources of illegal firearms, which jeopardize the safety of our communities.”

According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 8, 2012, PEREZ, a truck driver for Pace Motor Lines, picked up five boxes of firearms from the Smith & Wesson manufacturing plant in Springfield and placed the boxes in his truck.  At the same time, PEREZ stole three additional boxes containing a total of 111 firearms.  PEREZ then drove the truck containing all the firearms to his residence in Bridgeport where he met his cohort Michael Murphy.  Shortly thereafter, PEREZ delivered the original five boxes of firearms to the trucking company’s distribution center in Stratford.

PEREZ and Murphy stored and ultimately sold many of the stolen guns.

On November 20, 2012, when interviewed by ATF special agents, PEREZ falsely stated that a “black male” at Smith & Wesson’s manufacturing plant told PEREZ which boxes he was supposed to load onto his truck, and that he delivered all of the firearms he picked up to the distribution center in Stratford.

Prior to November 2012, PEREZ had multiple felony convictions, including convictions for larceny and burglary, and Murphy had a felony conviction for burglary.  It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

PEREZ and Murphy were originally arrested by the Stratford Police Department on state firearms charges.  PEREZ has been in custody since his state arrest on November 23, 2012, and Murphy has been in custody since his federal arrest on November 30, 2012.

On February 11, 2014, PEREZ pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess and sell stolen firearms, one count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon and one count of making a false statement to a federal law enforcement officer.

On December 12, 2013, Murphy pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess and sell stolen firearms and one count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 30, 2015,

This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Stratford Police Department and the Bridgeport Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ODAIN J. JOHNSON, 22, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for committing the armed robbery of the First Niagara Bank in Windsor in January.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 10, 2015, at approximately 9:15 a.m., two masked men, at least one of whom brandished a firearm, entered the First Niagara Bank at 2133 Poquonock Avenue in Windsor.  The two men vaulted the teller counter, directed two bank employees to the bank vault and ordered one of the employees to open the vault.  Once inside the vault, the men ordered the bank employees to the ground and took cash from the vault.  The men also ordered bank employees to open teller drawers and proceeded to take an additional amount of money from the drawers.  During the robbery, a customer entered the bank.  One of the masked men pointed a gun at the customer, ordered him to the ground and told him not to look up.  After exiting the bank, the men confronted a second customer who was about to enter the bank.  One of the men pointed a gun at the customer and stated “If you say anything, we’ll shoot you….”

A total of $81,530 was stolen from the bank.

While investigating the robbery, Windsor Police were contacted by East Windsor Police who were investigating similar bank and credit union robberies in East Windsor and Glastonbury.  East Windsor Police had recently obtained an arrest warrant for David M. Johnson with respect to the robbery of the Nutmeg State Federal Credit Union in East Windsor on July 21, 2014.

After further investigation, on January 10 at approximately 9:45 p.m., law enforcement executed a search warrant at David M. Johnson’s Enfield residence and found a total of $81,946 in cash, most of which was bound by First Niagara Bank strapping that was initialed by one of victim bank employees.  Investigators also found and seized other items allegedly used during the robbery earlier that day, as well as a .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun with a fully-loaded magazine.

ODAIN JOHNSON was arrested on January 17, 2015, in Lewiston, Maine, and has been detained since his arrest.

On May 29, 2015, ODAIN JOHNSON pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery and admitted that he brandished a firearm during the offense.

On August 31, 2015, David M. Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery related to the First Niagara Bank robbery, and also admitted that he committed the armed bank robbery of the Nutmeg State Federal Credit Union in East Windsor on July 21, 2014, and the Nutmeg State Credit Union in Glastonbury on November 7, 2014, stealing $109,166 and $84,145, respectively.  He is detained while awaiting sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the FBI and the Windsor, East Windsor and Glastonbury Police Departments, with the assistance of the Enfield Police Department, the Capital Region Emergency Services Team (CREST) and the Maine State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deborah R. Slater and Douglas P. Morabito.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CARLOS COLON, also known as “Camby,” 37, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 90 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for planning to conduct an armed robbery of narcotics stash house.

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2014, the ATF began an investigation into Camby Colon and his brother, Carlos “Joel” Colon, who were known narcotics and firearm traffickers in Bridgeport.  Law enforcement also had received information that Joel Colon was interested committing an armed robbery of a drug dealer.  During the investigation, which employed the use of an ATF agent working in an undercover capacity, the Colons recruited others to commit an armed robbery of what they believed to be a narcotics stash house of 15 kilograms of cocaine.

On April 11, 2014, the Colons, Humberto Soto, Markus Mendez, Nelson Diaz, Trevor Pierce and Hiram “Gringo” Mojica gathered at a location in Stamford where they believed they would be informed of the address of the narcotics stash house, and would then travel to the stash house to conduct the robbery.  All seven were arrested at that time.  A search of the car that Diaz, Pierce and Mojica drove to the location revealed a loaded .40 caliber pistol, an EO Tech sight, black gloves, as well as two rolls of duct tape.  A search of the vehicle that Soto and Mendez drove to the meet location revealed a loaded and 9mm pistol, black clothing and a baseball bat.

A subsequent search of an auto-detailing business in Bridgeport where Camby and Joel worked revealed several dozen rounds of ammunition, a small amount of crack cocaine, two digital scales and narcotics packaging materials.

Camby Colon has been detained since April 11, 2014.  On March 5, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and one count of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Joel Colon, Soto, Diaz, Mendez, Pierce and Mojica also pleaded guilty.  Joel Colon was sentenced to 90 months of imprisonment, Soto was sentenced to 84 months of imprisonment, Diaz was sentenced to 108 months of imprisonment, Mendez was sentenced to 36 months of imprisonment and Pierce was sentenced to 72 months of imprisonment.  Mojica awaits sentencing.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Richards.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RONALD S. BATTAGLIA, 66, of Stratford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 30 days of imprisonment and one year of supervised release for filing false tax returns.

According to court documents and statements made in court, BATTAGLIA is the sole owner of Custom Painting, which provides interior and exterior painting services primarily in Fairfield County.  During the 2008 through 2012 tax years, BATTAGLIA failed to provide his tax return preparer with information concerning an additional $867,656 in gross receipts he received in those years.  The total tax reported as due on the five returns was $46,687, but BATTAGLIA willfully failed to report and pay an additional $277,582 in federal income taxes for those five years.

The investigation revealed that BATTAGLIA’s clients typically paid him by check.  BATTAGLIA then cashed the checks at his bank and received currency for the full value of the check, or he made a split deposit, receiving some cash and depositing the balance into his business account.  The amounts of the transactions were typically less than $10,000.

On July 20, 2015, BATTAGLIA pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return.

BATTAGLIA has repaid the IRS $277,582 in restitution.  He is still required to pay more than $250,000 in penalties and interest that have accrued on his unpaid taxes.

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

Mozaffar Khazaee, 61, formerly of Manchester, Connecticut, was sentenced today to 97 months in prison and ordered to pay a $50,000 fine by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant of the District of Connecticut for violating the Arms Export Control Act by attempting to send to Iran highly sensitive, proprietary, trade secret and export controlled material relating to U.S. military jet engines, which he had stolen from multiple U.S. defense contractors where he had previously been employed.

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly of the District of Connecticut, Special Agent in Charge Matthew Etre of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) Boston, Assistant Director Randall C. Coleman of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division, Special Agent in Charge Craig W. Rupert of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Northeast Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Danielle Angley of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and Special Agent in Charge John McKenna of the Department of Commerce's Office of Export Enforcement Boston Office made the announcement.

“Mozaffar Khazaee exploited his privileged access to national security assets to steal highly sensitive military technology with the intent of providing it to Iran,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin.  “Violations of the Arms Export Control Act, particularly those involving attempts to transfer sensitive defense technology to a foreign power, are among the most significant national security threats we face, and we will continue to leverage the criminal justice system to prevent, confront, and disrupt them.”

“Mozaffar Khazaee betrayed his defense contractor employers and the national security interests of the United States by stealing and attempting to send to Iran voluminous documents containing highly sensitive U.S. defense technology,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “U.S. companies are being relentlessly targeted by those who seek to steal our intellectual property, our trade secrets and our advanced defense technology – whether through a computer hack or cyber intrusion, or through an insider or rogue employee.  As this case demonstrates, we will aggressively investigate and hold accountable those who attempt to steal trade secrets and military technology from U.S. industries, whether for their own personal gain or for the benefit of foreign actors.”

“Stopping people like Mozaffar Khazaee from providing U.S. military technology to foreign powers is crucial to our national security interests,” said Special Agent in Charge Etre.  “It’s abundantly clear from court records that this individual intended to harm U.S. interests both here and abroad.  HSI will continue to work with our federal law enforcement partners to ensure that advanced U.S. military technology is not stolen and illegally exported for the benefit of foreign entities.”

“Mr. Khazaee abused a position of trust and responsibility by stealing trade secrets and sensitive information belonging to defense contractors developing some of our most advanced aircraft,” said Assistant Director Coleman.  “His actions could have put our national security at risk.  Stopping his plan and holding him accountable for his betrayal was a whole-of-government effort.  We will use all available legal means to pursue individuals willing to help our adversaries by stealing our technical know-how.”

“The evidence developed during this investigation and today’s sentencing of Mr. Khazaee illustrate the potential for harm to the U.S. through illegal exportation of sensitive documents and technology,” said Special Agent in Charge Rupert.  “DCIS, along with our partner agencies, continues to prioritize and pursue these investigations to curtail any adverse impact to America's warfighters and shield America's investment in national defense.”

“This case was enabled by the outstanding teamwork amongst the many federal law enforcement agencies and U.S. Attorney’s office,” said Special Agent in Charge Angley.  “Critical was the ability to leverage subject matter experts from the Air Force’s acquisition community who provided the technical assessments of the high value technology.  While the conclusion of this case neutralized the threat of this particular person, it also highlights the need for continued and ever more vigilant protection of our critical technologies.”

“Today's sentencing demonstrates the ongoing cooperation between the U.S. Department of Commerce and other federal law enforcement partners working together in unison to prevent sensitive U.S. origin technology from falling into the wrong hands,” said Special Agent in Charge McKenna.

According to court documents and statements made in court, at different times between 2001 and 2013, Khazaee, a dual citizen of Iran and the United States with a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, was employed by three separate defense contractors.  From at least 2009 through late 2013, Khazaee offered to provide trade secret, proprietary and export controlled defense technology that he had stolen from his U.S. employers to gain employment with state-controlled technical universities in Iran.

Beginning in late 2009, Khazaee corresponded by email with an individual in Iran to whom he attempted to send and in some cases did send documents containing trade secret, proprietary and export controlled material relating to the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Program.  In one email Khazaee stated that the material he had attached was “very controlled . . . and I am taking [a] big risk.”  Khazaee instructed the individual in Iran, “after downloading,” he should “delete everything immediately.”

Analysis of Khazaee’s computer media also revealed cover letters and application documents, dating from 2009 through late 2013, which Khazaee sent to multiple state-controlled technical universities in Iran.  In those materials, Khazaee stated that as “lead engineer” in various projects with U.S. defense contractors, he had learned “key technique[s] that could be transferred to our own industry and universities.”  Khazaee stated that he wanted to “move to Iran,” that he was “looking for an opportunity to work in Iran,” and that he was interested in “transferring my skill and knowledge to my nation.”

In or about November 2013, while residing in Connecticut, Khazaee attempted to send a large shipping container to Iran.  The shipment included, in numerous boxes and on computer media, thousands of highly sensitive technical manuals, specification sheets, test results, technical drawings and data and other proprietary material relating to U.S. military jet engines, including those relating to the U.S. Air Force’s F35 JSF program and the F-22 Raptor.  The materials in the interdicted shipment had been stolen from U.S. defense contractors where Khazaee had worked and many documents were prominently labeled with strict export control warnings.  Khazaee did not apply for nor did he obtain any license to export any of the documents and the export or attempted export of such material to Iran is illegal.

On Jan. 9, 2014, Khazaee was arrested at the Newark Liberty International Airport before boarding a flight to Iran.  Search warrants executed on Khazaee’s checked and carry-on luggage revealed additional hard copy documents and computer media containing sensitive, proprietary, trade secret and export controlled documents relating to U.S. military jet engines.  Khazaee was also found in the possession of $59,945.00 in as-yet undeclared cash, which he had split up into increments of approximately $5,000 and secreted in multiple bank envelopes in various places in his carry-on luggage.

The hard copy and electronic material that Khazaee stole and sought to transfer to Iran totaled some 50,000 pages and was reviewed by experts from both the U.S. Air Force and the victim defense contractors.  In addition to the materials relating to the JSF Program and the F-22 Raptor, Khazaee also had documents from numerous other U.S. military engine programs, including the V-22 Osprey, the C130J Hercules and the Global Hawk engine programs.  In total, Khazaee sought to export approximately 1,500 documents containing trade secrets and approximately 600 documents containing highly sensitive defense technology.

According to analyses by the U.S. Air Force and victim defense contractors, the technical data that Khazaee stole would have helped Iran “leap forward” ten years or more in academic and military turbine engine research and development, reducing their investment in such technology by one to two billion dollars and potentially enhancing the development and effectiveness of their weapon systems.

Khazaee has been detained since his arrest on Jan. 9, 2014.  On Feb. 25, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful export and attempted export of defense articles from the U.S. in violation of the Arms Export Control Act.

This case was investigated by the ICE-HSI’ New England Division, the FBI’s New Haven Division, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service in New Haven, the U.S. Air Force’s Office of Special Investigations in Boston and the Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement in Boston.

Assistant Attorney General Carlin and U.S. Attorney Daly also commended the efforts of the many other agencies and offices that were involved in this investigation, including the U.S. Attorney’s Offices of the Central District of California, the Southern District of Indiana and the District of New Jersey; ICE-HSI in Los Angeles; the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Service (CBP) in Los Angeles; the U.S. Air Force’s Office of Special Investigations in Los Angeles; as well as ICE-HSI, CBP and FBI in New Jersey; and HSI, FBI and DCIS in Indianapolis.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Reynolds of the District of Connecticut and Trial Attorney Brian Fleming of the Justice Department’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin announced that MOZAFFAR KHAZAEE, 61, formerly of Manchester, Connecticut, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 97 months of imprisonment, followed by  three years of supervised release, for attempting to send to Iran voluminous hard copy documents, computer media and electronic data containing highly sensitive, proprietary, trade secret and export controlled material relating to U.S. military jet engines, which he had stolen from multiple U.S. defense contractors where he had previously been employed.  KHAZAEE also was ordered to pay a $50,000 fine.

“Mozaffar Khazaee betrayed his defense contractor employers and the national security interests of the United States by stealing and attempting to send to Iran voluminous documents containing highly sensitive U.S. defense technology,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “U.S. companies are being relentlessly targeted by those who seek to steal our intellectual property, our trade secrets and our advanced defense technology – whether through a computer hack or cyber intrusion, or through an insider or rogue employee.  As this case demonstrates, we will aggressively investigate and hold accountable those who attempt to steal trade secrets and military technology from U.S. industries, whether for their own personal gain or for the benefit of foreign actors.”

“Mozaffar Khazaee exploited his privileged access to national security assets to steal highly sensitive military technology with the intent of providing it to Iran,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin.  “Violations of the Arms Export Control Act, particularly those involving attempts to transfer sensitive defense technology to a foreign power, are among the most significant national security threats we face, and we will continue to leverage the criminal justice system to prevent, confront, and disrupt them.”

“Stopping people like Mozaffar Khazaee from providing U.S. military technology to foreign powers is crucial to our national security interests,” said Matthew Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Boston.  “It’s abundantly clear from court records that this individual intended to harm U.S. interests both here and abroad.  HSI will continue to work with our federal law enforcement partners to ensure that advanced U.S. military technology is not stolen and illegally exported for the benefit of foreign entities.”

“Mr. Khazaee abused a position of trust and responsibility by stealing trade secrets and sensitive information belonging to defense contractors developing some of our most advanced aircraft,” said Assistant Director Randall C. Coleman of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division.  “His actions could have put our national security at risk.  Stopping his plan and holding him accountable for his betrayal was a whole-of-government effort.  We will use all available legal means to pursue individuals willing to help our adversaries by stealing our technical know-how.”

“The evidence developed during this investigation and today’s sentencing of Mr. Khazaee illustrate the potential for harm to the U.S. through illegal exportation of sensitive documents and technology,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig W. Rupert, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Northeast Field Office.  “DCIS, along with our partner agencies, continues to prioritize and pursue these investigations to curtail any adverse impact to America's warfighters and shield America's investment in national defense.”

“This case was enabled by the outstanding teamwork amongst the many federal law enforcement agencies and U.S. Attorney’s office,” said Danielle Angley, Special Agent-in-Charge with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.  “Critical was the ability to leverage subject matter experts from the Air Force’s acquisition community who provided the technical assessments of the high value technology.  While the conclusion of this case neutralized the threat of this particular person, it also highlights the need for continued and ever more vigilant protection of our critical technologies.”

“Today's sentencing demonstrates the ongoing cooperation between the U.S. Department of Commerce and other federal law enforcement partners working together in unison to prevent sensitive U.S. origin technology from falling into the wrong hands,” said John McKenna, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Commerce’s Boston Office of Export Enforcement.

According to court documents and statements made in court, at different times between 2001 and 2013, KHAZAEE, a dual citizen of Iran and the United States with a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, was employed by three separate defense contractors.  From at least 2009 through late 2013, KHAZAEE offered to provide trade secret, proprietary and export controlled defense technology that he had stolen from his U.S. employers to gain employment with state-controlled technical universities in Iran.

Beginning in late 2009, KHAZAEE corresponded by email with an individual in Iran to whom he attempted to send, and in some cases did send, documents containing trade secret, proprietary and export controlled material relating to the Joint Strike Fighter Program.  In one email KHAZAEE stated that the material he had attached was “very controlled . . . and I am taking [a] big risk.” KHAZAEE instructed the individual in Iran, “after downloading,” he should “delete everything immediately.”

Analysis of KHAZAEE’s computer media also revealed cover letters and application documents that KHAZAEE sent to multiple state-controlled technical universities in Iran.  In those materials, KHAZAEE stated that as “lead engineer” in various projects with U.S. defense contractors, he had learned “key technique[s] that could be transferred to our own industry and universities.”  KHAZAEE stated that he wanted to “move to Iran,” that he was “looking for an opportunity to work in Iran,” and that he was interested in “transferring my skill and knowledge to my nation.”

In approximately November 2013, while residing in Connecticut, KHAZAEE attempted to send a large shipping container to Iran.  The shipment included, in numerous boxes and on computer media, thousands of highly sensitive technical manuals, specification sheets, test results, technical drawings and data, and other proprietary material relating to U.S. military jet engines, including those relating to the U.S. Air Force’s F35 Joint Strike Fighter (“JSF”) program and the F-22 Raptor.  The materials in the interdicted shipment had been stolen from U.S. defense contractors where KHAZAEE had worked, and many documents were prominently labeled with strict export control warnings.  KHAZAEE did not apply for nor did he obtain any license to export any of the documents, and the export or attempted export of such material to Iran is illegal.

On January 9, 2014, KHAZAEE was arrested at the Newark Liberty International Airport before boarding a flight to Iran.  Search warrants executed on KHAZAEE’s checked and carry-on luggage revealed additional hard copy documents and computer media containing sensitive, proprietary, trade secret and export controlled documents relating to U.S. military jet engines.  KHAZAEE also was found in the possession of $59,945 in as-yet undeclared cash, which he had split up into increments of approximately $5,000 and secreted in multiple bank envelopes in various places in his carry-on luggage.

The hard copy and electronic material that KHAZAEE stole and sought to transfer to Iran totaled some 50,000 pages and was reviewed by experts from both the U.S. Air Force and the victim defense contractors.  In addition to the materials relating to the JSF Program and the F-22 Raptor, KHAZAEE also had documents from numerous other U.S. military engine programs, including the V-22 Osprey, the C130J Hercules and the Global Hawk engine programs.  In total, KHAZAEE sought to export approximately 1,500 documents containing trade secrets and approximately 600 documents containing highly sensitive defense technology.

According to analyses by the U.S. Air Force and victim defense contractors, the technical data that KHAZAEE stole would have helped Iran “leap forward” 10 years or more in academic and military turbine engine research and development, reducing their investment in such technology by one to two billion dollars, and potentially enhancing the development and effectiveness of their weapon systems.

KHAZAEE has been detained since his arrest On January 9, 2014.  On February 25, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful export and attempted export of defense articles from the U.S. in violation of the Arms Export Control Act.

This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New Haven, the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service in New Haven, the U.S. Air Force’s Office of Special Investigations in Boston, and the Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement in Boston.

U.S. Attorney Daly and Assistant Attorney General Carlin also commended the efforts of the many other agencies and offices that were involved in this investigation, including the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Central District of California, the Southern District of Indiana and the District of New Jersey, HSI in Los Angeles, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Service in Los Angeles, the U.S. Air Force’s Office of Special Investigations in Los Angeles, as well as HSI, CBP, and FBI in New Jersey, and HSI, FBI and DCIS in Indianapolis.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Reynolds of the National Security and Major Crimes Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut, and Trial Attorney Brian Fleming of the Justice Department’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section (CES).

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury sitting in Bridgeport has returned a three-count indictment charging ALEX GARCIA, 37, of Danbury, with murder, assault and a firearms offense related to the January 17, 2000 murder of Mark Rebong in Danbury.

The indictment was returned on October 22, 2015.  GARCIA is in custody serving an unrelated state sentence.

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

The indictment alleges that, on January 17, 2000, GARCIA, who was then a member of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”), murdered Mr. Rebong in order to maintain or increase his position in the Latin Kings and for pecuniary gain.

“In a tragic case of mistaken identity, Mark Rebong, who was neither a member of a gang nor engaged in any criminal activity, was shot and killed as he drove to work,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “I want to commend the dedicated law enforcement investigators for their relentless search for those responsible for this senseless murder.  Although over 15 years have passed, the law enforcement team never forgot Mark.  We hope that this indictment brings his family some small measure of solace.”

The indictment charges GARCIA with the murder in aid of racketeering of Mark Rebong. If convicted of this offense, GARCIA faces either a mandatory lifetime term of imprisonment or the death penalty, should the government seek the death penalty in this matter.

The indictment also charges GARCIA with assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering of Mark Rebong.  If convicted of this offense, GARCIA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Finally, the indictment charges GARCIA with use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence resulting in Mark Rebong’s death.  If convicted of this offense, GARCIA faces either a mandatory lifetime term of imprisonment or the death penalty, should the government seek the death penalty in this matter.

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

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.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on October 20, 2015, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a superseding indictment charging the following individuals with federal narcotics offenses:

SHAWN MILLER, aka “White Boy Shawn,” 31, of Hamden
PAUL COLON, aka “Paul Cane,” 27, of West Haven
ROBBIE SMITH, aka “Lil Rob,” 27, of New Haven
SEAN LONDON, 22, of New Haven
ROBERT OATHOUT, 35, of Branford
JASON LANGLEY, 40, of East Haven
HARRY ANASTASIO, 54, of East Haven
ANTONIO DELUCIA, 27, of Wallingford

This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, in cooperation with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Haven, West Haven, Milford, Hamden and other local police departments, and the Connecticut Department of Correction.  As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, the investigation focused on a heroin and crack distribution ring operating in the greater New Haven area, and headed by MILLER and COLON.  The investigation revealed that members of the ring took orders over a cellular telephone from drug customers in several shoreline communities for quantities of heroin and crack cocaine, and then delivered the drugs by car.  During the course of the investigation, agents and officers of the Task Force employed a variety of techniques, including debriefings of informants, physical surveillance, supervised purchases of heroin and crack, a court-authorized wiretap and the execution of federal search warrants.

On June 24, 2015, a grand jury returned an indictment charging SMITH and LONDON with conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base (“crack”), and LONDON with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of controlled substances.  The indictment also charged DELUCIA, ANASTASIO, LANGLEY, and OATHOUT, all of whom are alleged to be drug customers of the conspiracy, each with two counts of using a telephone to facilitate a narcotics trafficking felony.  The 11-count superseding indictment adds charges against MILLER and COLON, and alleges that between November 2014 and May 2015, MILLER, COLON, SMITH, and LONDON conspired to distribute heroin and crack cocaine.  The superseding indictment also charges MILLER with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of crack cocaine.

If convicted, MILLER and COLON face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years of imprisonment and a maximum term of life imprisonment on the conspiracy charge.  MILLER also faces up to 20 years in prison on the distribution charge.  LONDON faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years on the conspiracy charge, and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on the distribution charge.  SMITH faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on the conspiracy charge.  OATHOUT, ANASTASIO, LANGLEY, and DELUCIA each face a maximum term of imprisonment of four years on each count of using a telephone to facilitate a narcotics trafficking felony.

MILLER was arrested yesterday and is released on bond.  COLON is in state custody on an unrelated charge.

The original indictment also charged Jeffrey Smith, aka “J-Money,” 21, of New Haven, with various offenses.  On September 21, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base, and is awaiting sentencing.

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

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys H. Gordon Hall and Jennifer R. Laraia.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on October 20, 2015, GREGORY THOMAS, also known as “Quanny” and “Jim,” 24, of Hartford, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking crack cocaine.

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 West Hell 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,” 24, as the leader of the West Hell street gang who, along with his associates, including THOMAS, distributed crack cocaine in the Westland Street area of Hartford.

THOMAS was intercepted over wiretaps numerous times engaging in drug-related conversations and, between May 2013 and November 2013, investigators made 17 controlled purchases of crack directly from THOMAS.

THOMAS’ criminal history includes a state conviction in 2009 for assault in the second degree and carrying a pistol without a permit.  This conviction stemmed from THOMAS shooting two people in February 2009 in Hartford.  THOMAS has been in state custody since February 11, 2014, serving a state sentence related to his possession and distribution of crack and PCP.

On May 4, 2015, THOMAS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

Twenty-five individuals were charged as a result of the investigation.  Scott and 22 other defendants pleaded guilty to various offenses.  One defendant was shot and killed while his case was pending.

Scott awaits sentencing.

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, and William P. Offord, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that NUSRAT RIZVI, 75, of Norwalk, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of filing a false tax return.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2008 to 2010, RIZVI failed to report to the Internal Revenue Service approximately $144,776 in income from Lanphier Day Spa, Inc., a spa he operated with his wife in Darien.

In pleading guilty, RIZVI admitted that he took a portion of the cash received by the business, deposited the cash into his personal bank accounts and failed to report the income to his tax return preparer for the 2008 through 2010 tax years.

Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for January 14, 2016, at which time RIZVI faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years and a fine of up to $250,000.  As part of his guilty plea, RIZVI has agreed to pay $50,485 in back taxes, as well as $37,862 in penalties.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JOSE ALEJANDRO, 30, of Waterbury, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between August 2014 and May 2015, ALJANDRO was involved in the purchase and resale of between two and 3.5 kilograms of cocaine.  During that time, ALEJANDRO sold cocaine to two individuals who then converted it to crack cocaine for street-level sales.

On May 29, 2015, federal law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at a Waterbury residence connected to ALEJANDRO and seized approximately 183 grams of cocaine, approximately 22 grams of crack cocaine, a money counting machine, a digital scale and other narcotics paraphernalia.

On June 23, 2015, ALEJANDRO pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

This matter has been investigated by the DEA New Haven Task Force, which includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, East Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden and Derby Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi Perry.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMES SCOTT, 37, formerly of New Britain, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to one count of escape from federal custody.

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, 2015, in Hartford by the U.S. Marshals Service and returned to custody.

Judge Thompson has scheduled sentencing for January 13, 2016, at which time SCOTT faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID E. RAYMOND, 74, of Glastonbury, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to structuring financial transactions.

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.

According to court documents and statements made in court, RAYMOND purchased rock and roll memorabilia for a doctor who owned a medical practice.  RAYMOND’s friend, Andrea Dobrozensky, was the office manager for the medical practice and also paid the doctor’s personal expenses.  For purchases of items for the doctor in amounts greater than $10,000, RAYMOND requested that any checks payable to him be made in amounts under $10,000 so as to avoid filling out a form.  Dobrozensky wrote multiple checks, ranging in amounts from $4,000 to $9,900, payable to RAYMOND, many on the same date.

Between August 2009 and May 2012, RAYMOND received 20 checks totaling $146,500 from the medical practice’s business bank accounts.  The checks were negotiated for cash at local bank branches where RAYMOND had personal accounts.

With respect to related conduct, on November 27, 2012, RAYMOND and Dobrozensky traveled to a branch of Farmington Bank in Avon where RAYMOND told Dobrozensky 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.  Dobrozensky then cashed the check payable to her and received $9,900 in cash, and RAYMOND cashed the check payable to him and received $9,900 in cash.  Later, RAYMOND provided the $9,900 to Dobrozensky.

The charge of unlawfully structuring financial transactions carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine up to $250,000.  Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for January 15, 2016.

RAYMOND has agreed to forfeit $10,000 related to his structuring activity.

RAYMOND is released on a $200,000 bond.

On October 13, 2015, Dobrozensky pleaded guilty to tax and structuring charges.  She 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 JASON CHICKOS, 46, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids.

According to court documents and statements made in court, a long-term investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations revealed that individuals, including a law enforcement officer, 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.

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.

In pleading guilty, CHICKOS admitted that he purchased anabolic steroids from another member of the conspiracy and distributed them to others.  At the time, CHICKOS was a civilian dispatcher with the Newtown Police Department.

CHICKOS is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on January 11, 2016, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

CHICKOS was arrested on April 29, 2015, and is released on a $100,000 bond.

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 PETER M. CLARK, 57, of Woodbury, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of mail fraud related to his 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 has 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 was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on May 21, 2015.  He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton on January 13, 2016, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a maximum fine of more than $3.6 million.  CLARK also has agreed to make restitution in the amount of $1,828,986.87.

CLARK is released on a $500,000 bond.

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARK BERTANZA, 34, of Shelton, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids.

According to court documents and statements made in court, a long-term investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations revealed that individuals, including a law enforcement officer, 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.

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.

In pleading guilty, BERTANZA admitted that he purchased anabolic steroids from another member of the conspiracy and distributed them to others.

BERTANZA is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on January 8, 2016, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

BERTANZA was arrested on April 29, 2015, and is released on a $100,000 bond.

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, today announced that GAUNTLETT SMITH, also known as “Clansman,” 40, a citizen of Jamaica last residing in Hartford, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to marijuana distribution and firearm offenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 19, 2015, SMITH was arrested on state drug charges after officers from the Hartford Police Department and special agents from Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration recovered approximately 15 pounds of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol from an apartment maintained by SMITH at 89-91 Irving Street in Hartford.  The firearm had been reported stolen in North Carolina.

SMITH pleaded guilty to one count of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, which carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years.  A sentencing date has not been scheduled.

SMITH has been detained since his arrest.

This investigation has been conducted by the Hartford Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Gustafson and Heather Cherry.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ANDREA M. DOBROZENSKY, 62, of New Harford, pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to tax and structuring offenses.

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 another person who told her to write checks in amounts below $10,000.  DOBROZENSKY wrote two checks, one to herself for $9,900 and one to the person with her for $9,900.  She then cashed the check payable to her and received $9,900 in cash.  The person with her 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.

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, the other person with her at the bank who cashed one of the $9,900 checks had advised her to keep any payments under $10,000 to avoid filling out a form.

DOBROZENSKY pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return and one count of unlawfully structuring financial transactions.  She is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton on January 6, 2016, at which time she faces a maximum term of imprisonment of eight years and a fine of up to $500,000.  DOBROZENSKY also has agreed to pay the IRS $76,750 in taxes, plus penalties and interest, and to forfeit $9,900 related to her structuring activity

DOBROZENSKY is released on bond pending 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 LORENZO CARTER, 20, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 8, 2015, law enforcement officers located a .22 caliber handgun that CARTER had placed on the tire of a vehicle parked on Trumbull Avenue in Bridgeport.  Prior to that date, CARTER had been convicted of carrying a pistol without a permit and illegally receiving a pistol, both felony offenses.

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.

CARTER has been detained since his arrest on April 8.  He faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years when he is sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer.  A sentencing date has not been scheduled.

This matter is being investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Laraia.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that, CESAR PENSON-PEREZ, 28, of New York, N.Y., was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in a stolen identity tax refund fraud scheme that resulted in a loss of more than $7.5 million from the U.S. Treasury.

According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation into individuals who, through various means, obtained fraudulent U.S. Treasury tax refund checks using stolen identities.  After obtaining the checks, individuals sold them for less than face value of the checks, or deposited them into bank accounts that had been opened using fraudulent identifying documents.  The funds were then quickly withdrawn from the bank accounts.

The investigation revealed that Julio Lara Trinidad, a resident of Waterbury, and his co-conspirators opened at least 59 bank accounts in the names of identity theft victims, deposited U.S. Treasury tax refund checks into the accounts, and then quickly withdrew the funds, resulting in more than $663,000 in loss to the U.S. Treasury.  Between December 2012 and February 2013, one of the accounts was used to purchase six licenses for a brand of tax preparation software.  These licenses were used to file more than 36,000 federal income tax returns, seeking more than $234 million in federal tax refunds intended to be issued to Trinidad and his co-conspirators.  Nearly $6.8 million in fraudulent refunds were issued before the scheme was identified.

On May 15, 2015, PENSON-PEREZ pleaded guilty to one count of theft of public money and admitted that he worked with Trinidad to open bank accounts using fraudulent identities, deposit stolen checks into the accounts and withdraw the resulting funds.

PENSON-PEREZ was found to be responsible for a loss of $360,026.66, and he was ordered to pay restitution in that amount.

Trinidad pleaded guilty to one count of theft of public money and one count of aggravated identity theft and, on May 26, 2015, was sentenced to 144 months of imprisonment.

Four other individuals were convicted of charges stemming from this scheme.

This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Secret Service and Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the Danbury and Darien Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarala V. Nagala.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that that DARRICK COLLETTE, 34, of Thompson, formerly of Putnam, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by seven years of supervised release, for trading child pornography over the Internet.

 According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 19, 2013, an FBI special agent logged onto a publicly available Internet peer-to-peer file sharing network and downloaded images and videos of child pornography from a computer connected to the network with an Internet Protocol (IP) address assigned to COLLETTE’s residence while he was living in Putnam.   During a search of the residence on June 13, 2013, law enforcement officers seized computers and multiple external hard drives.  COLLETTE was arrested at that time after he admitted that he had been downloading and trading child pornography over the Internet for more than 10 years.  A subsequent forensic analysis of COLLETTE’s computers and hard drives revealed more than 600 image files and videos of child pornography, including files depicting children under the age of 12 engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and images of children engaging in sadistic or masochistic conduct.

On October 9, 2014, COLLETTE waived indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography.

COLLETTE, who is released on bond, was ordered to report to prison on December 18, 2015.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MICHAEL D. MASE, 32, of Sherman, pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids.

According to court documents and statements made in court, a long-term investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations revealed that individuals 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.

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.

In pleading guilty, MASE, a registered nurse and a body-builder, admitted that he purchased anabolic steroids from another member of the conspiracy and distributed them to others, including athletes who competed in body-building competitions.

MASE is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on December 23, 2015, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

MASE was arrested on April 29, 2015, and is released on a $100,000 bond.

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 MATTHEW TOLLIS, 22, of Wethersfield, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in a series of “swatting” incidents that occurred in Connecticut and other states in 2014.  Judge Hall also ordered TOLLIS to perform 300 hours of community service.

Swatting is the making of a hoax call to any emergency service to elicit an emergency response based on the false report of an ongoing critical incident.  Incidents typically produce the deployment of SWAT units, bomb squads, and other police units, as well as the evacuations of schools, businesses and residences.

“Swatting is not a schoolboy prank, it’s a federal crime,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “These hoaxes have expended critical law enforcement resources and caused severe emotional distress for thousands of victims,” stated U.S. Attorney Daly.  “It is our hope that this prosecution and the knowledge that this defendant will serve time in prison and live with a felony conviction for the remainder of his life will deter others from engaging in this immature, dangerous and criminal behavior.”

According to court documents and statements made in court, TOLLIS was a member of a group primarily consisting of Microsoft X-Box gamers who referred to themselves as “TCOD” (TeAM CrucifiX or Die).  TOLLIS and his TCOD associates used the Internet communication service Skype to make hoax threats involving bombs, hostage taking, firearms, and mass murder.  TOLLIS was identified as a participant in at least six of these swatting incidents, including a bomb threat to the UConn’s Admissions Department on April 3, 2014.  This hoax call resulted in a three-hour, campus-wide lockdown and required the UConn Police and the Connecticut State Police’s Bomb Squad, Emergency Services Unit and SWAT teams to respond.

TOLLIS also participated in TCOD swatting calls to the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Boston University, two high schools in New Jersey and a high school in Texas.  TOLLIS has admitted that he identified potential institutions, including UConn and Boston University, for TCOD members to make the threatening calls, and gathered telephone numbers and other information about the targeted institutions.

The investigation revealed that one of the founders of TCOD, a resident of Scotland who has identified himself as “Verified,” was responsible for at least five additional swatting incidents in Connecticut and Massachusetts in 2014.  Other members of TCOD also reside in the U.K., and the FBI continues to coordinate its investigation with law enforcement authorities in the U.K.

TOLLIS was arrested on September 3, 2014, on state charges stemming from the UConn swatting incident, and he was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on September 10, 2014.  On June 23, 2015, he waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty to conspiring to engage in the malicious conveying of false information, namely a bomb threat hoax.

TOLLIS, who has been released on bond since shortly after his arrest, was ordered to report to prison on November 5, 2015.

This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s New Haven, Newark and Boston field offices, the UConn Police Department, the Connecticut Intelligence Center, the Willimantic Police Department, the Monroe Police Department, the Harvard University Police Department, the Boston University Police Department, the Newton (Mass.) Police Department, the Cambridge (Mass.) Police Department and other state and local law enforcement agencies.

U.S. Attorney Daly also acknowledged the critical assistance being provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen B. Reynolds.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that AMIRA MANTOURA, 53, of Greenwich, waived her right to indictment and pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to one count of making a false statement to the Medicare program.  In pleading guilty, MANTOURA, a Stamford-based podiatrist, admitted that she submitted false claims to Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance companies.

According to court documents and statements made in court, MANTOURA, a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, operates a podiatry practice at 95 Morgan Street in Stamford.  As a podiatrist, she was fully aware and understood the procedure to perform a “nail avulsion” and she understood that a nail avulsion was a surgical procedure to treat an ingrown toenail.  Between January 2009 and August 2013, MANTOURA knowingly submitted materially false claims to the Medicare program and to private insurance companies to obtain payment for a nail avulsion when defendant knew that she had not performed a nail avulsion.  Rather than perform a nail avulsion, in most of these instances MANTOURA had merely provided her patients with routine foot care including clipping the patients’ toenails.

As a result of submitting false claims to the Medicare and Medicaid programs and private insurance companies, MANTOURA was paid approximately $195,000.

MANTOURA is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on December 28, 2015, at which time she faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum fine of more than $380,000 and an order of restitution.

In a related civil settlement, MANTOURA has paid $288,538.24 to the government in connection with her submission of false claims to the Medicare and Medicaid program.  On October 1, 2015, MANTOURA was excluded from the Medicare program and will no longer be permitted to submit federal health care claims.

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Richard J. Schechter, and the civil settlement was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne F. Thidemann.

U.S. Attorney Daly encourages individuals who suspect health care fraud to report it by calling the Health Care Fraud Task Force at (203) 777-6311 or. 1-800-HHS-TIPS.

A Massachusetts man was sentenced today to 37 months in prison for importing thousands of counterfeit integrated circuits (ICs) from China and Hong Kong and reselling them to U.S. customers, including contractors supplying them to the U.S. Navy for use in nuclear submarines.

Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly of the District of Connecticut, Special Agent in Charge Matthew J. Etre of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) in New England, Special Agent in Charge Craig W. Rupert of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Northeast Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Leo Lamont of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Northeast Field Office made the announcement.

Peter Picone, 42, of Methuen, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty on June 3, 2014, to conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit military goods.  In addition to imposing the prison term, U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson of the District of Connecticut ordered Picone to pay $352,076 in restitution to the 31 companies whose ICs he counterfeited, and to forfeit $70,050 and 35,870 counterfeit ICs.

“Picone risked undermining our national security so that he could turn a profit,” said Assistant Attorney General Caldwell.  “He sold counterfeit integrated circuits knowing that the parts were intended for use in nuclear submarines by the U.S. Navy, and that malfunction or failure of the parts could have catastrophic consequences.” 

“Supplying counterfeit electronic components to the U.S. Military is a serious crime,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “Individuals who choose profit over the health and safety of the men and women of our armed services will be prosecuted.”

“Counterfeit electrical components intended for use in U.S. military equipment put our service members in harm’s way, and our national security at great risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Etre.  “HSI will continue to aggressively target individuals and companies engaged in this type of criminal act.”

“The sentencing today demonstrates the continued efforts of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and our fellow law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of the Department of Defense's infrastructure,” said Special Agent in Charge Rupert.  “Distributors who opt for financial gain by introducing counterfeit circuitry into the supply chain of mission critical equipment create an environment ripe for potential failures.  Such disregard puts the warfighter at an unnecessary risk, ultimately impacting the mission readiness of our military that the nation depends on.  DCIS will continue to shield America's investment in Defense by addressing all attempts to disrupt the reliability of our military's equipment and processes.”

“The U.S. Navy submarine force is a critical component of our national security,” said Special Agent in Charge Lamont.  “Protecting the Sailors who make up that force and their supply lines are top priorities for NCIS, to ensure our strategic deterrent remains effective.”

In April 2005, Picone founded Tytronix Inc., and served as its president and director until August 2010, when the company was dissolved.  In addition, from August 2009 through December 2012, Picone owned and operated Epic International Electronics (Epic) and served as its president and director. 

In connection with his guilty plea, Picone admitted that, from February 2007 through April 2012, first through Titronix and later through Epic, he purchased millions of dollars’ worth of ICs bearing the counterfeit marks of approximately 35 major electronics manufacturers, including Motorola, Xilinx and National Semiconductor, from suppliers in China and Hong Kong.  Picone admitted that he resold the counterfeit ICs to customers both in the United States and abroad, including to defense contractors that Picone knew intended to supply the counterfeit ICs to the U.S. Navy for use in nuclear submarines, among other things.  Picone further admitted that he knew that malfunction or failure of the ICs likely would cause impairment of combat operations and other significant harm to national security.

On April 24, 2012, federal agents searched Picone’s business and residence, and recovered 12,960 counterfeit ICs.  In connection with his guilty plea, Picone admitted that he intended to sell the seized counterfeit ICs to defense contractors doing business with the Navy for use in military applications.

The case was investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the NCIS and ICE-HSI.  The case is being prosecuted by Senior Counsel Kendra Ervin and Evan Williams of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS), Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarala Nagala and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol Sipperly of the District of Connecticut, Trial Attorney Anna Kaminska of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Trial Attorney Kristen Warden of the Criminal Division’s Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section.  The CCIPS Cybercrime Lab provided significant assistance.

The enforcement action announced today is related to the many efforts being undertaken by the Department of Justice Task Force on Intellectual Property (IP Task Force).  The IP Task Force supports prosecution priorities, promotes innovation through heightened civil enforcement, enhances coordination among federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, and focuses on international enforcement efforts, including reinforcing relationships with key foreign partners and U.S. industry leaders.  To learn more about the IP Task Force, go to www.justice.gov/dag/iptaskforce.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN D’AURIA, 41, of East Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 63 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for operating an investment scheme that defrauded investors out of nearly $2.4 million.

According to court documents and statements made in court, D’AURIA conducted an investment business using the name Fifth Street Capital.  D’AURIA was a licensed and registered investment adviser but lost his license in approximately 2011.  From approximately 2010 to 2014, D’AURIA engaged in a scheme to defraud investors who had provided him with investment funds by failing to invest the funds as represented and by using the majority of the funds for his personal use.

As part of his scheme, D’AURIA made false statements and misrepresentations to his investors regarding the purported returns generated by their investments.  He also represented to investors that their funds were fully invested in separate accounts.  In truth, D’AURIA did not fully invest the investors’ funds but rather commingled the funds in his own personal bank accounts and his own trading account.

As a result of D’AURIA’s scheme to defraud, seven investors lost a total of $2,375,943.49.  Today, Judge Shea ordered D’AURIA to pay full restitution.

On July 13, 2015, D’AURIA waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

D’AURIA, who is released on a $100,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on December 7, 2015.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Richard J. Schechter.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HAI T. LE, 44, of West Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 10 days of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for filing false tax returns.  Judge Meyer also ordered LE to perform 240 hours of community service and pay full restitution to the U.S. Treasury.

According to court documents and statements made in court, LE prepared federal income tax returns for individuals in his community, many of whom were family or friends.  When undertaking the tax return preparation, LE typically asked his clients to provide him their prior returns, purportedly so that LE could verify relevant information.  LE prepared the current year return, but also made and kept copies of the prior returns.  After certain clients received the current year refund, LE improperly used the prior returns to prepare false amended returns purportedly on behalf of his clients.  The amended returns included false information, including unwarranted residential energy credits, education credits, and tuition and fees deductions, and incorrectly reflected that the taxpayer was entitled to an additional refund.

Unbeknownst to his clients, LE filed the amended returns with the Internal Revenue Service and included his own residence as the return address.  In most cases, the IRS sent a refund check to the listed address.  LE then endorsed his client’s name and his own on the reverse of the check to make it appear that the check had been signed over to him.  He then deposited the check into one of his bank accounts and used the funds for living expenses and the purchase of a $50,000 Certificate of Deposit.

Between March 2010 and August 2010, LE prepared and filed 28 fraudulent federal amended tax returns, utilizing his clients’ information without their knowledge in order to obtain a total of $138,826 in refunds.  Six refunds totaling $32,752 were stopped prior to a check being issued, resulting in an initial actual loss to the IRS of $106,074.  LE returned approximately $77,000 of the stolen monies when confronted by the IRS, and now owes the remainder with the ordered restitution.

On April 28, 2015, LE pleaded guilty to three counts of filing a false claim with the Internal Revenue Service.

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

The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut today announced that CHRISTOPHER BRECCIANO, 37, of Stamford, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 14 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiring to defraud financial institutions through an extensive mortgage fraud scheme that involved dozens of properties in Fairfield County.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2006 and 2010, BRECCIANO, while working as an associate at a Stamford law firm, participated in mortgage fraud conspiracy that involved the purchase of numerous single and multi-family properties, primarily in Bridgeport, Norwalk and Stamford.  BRECCIANO acted as a closing attorney for at least 50 mortgage loan transactions in which materially false information was provided to mortgage lenders by BRECCIANO or his co-conspirators.  The fraudulent information included false verifications of down payments for real estate transactions, false deeds, and false HUD-1 Forms.  In many of the transactions, BRECCIANO knew that the borrower was a “straw buyer,” and that other individuals intended to control the property and collect rent from the property.  In many transactions, BRECCIANO distributed mortgage loan funds to the straw buyer and other co-conspirators at the closing.

Many of these properties ended up in foreclosure, or in short sale transactions.  BRECCIANO also was involved in many short sale transactions in which  he knew that the buyer and seller were working together to retain control of the property while representing to the lender that the sale was an arm’s length transaction.

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

BRECCIANO was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $8,406,638.

On February 12, 2014, BRECCIANO 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 is being 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, announced that JAMES BOWMAN, also known as “Jimmy Jam,” 36, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.

BOWMAN is one of more than 100 individuals charged as a result of “Operation Bloodline,” a joint law enforcement investigation targeting narcotics trafficking and gang violence in the Dwight-Kensington and Fair Haven sections of New Haven.  Led by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the New Haven and Hamden Police Departments, the year-long investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps on numerous telephones, extensive physical surveillance, controlled purchases of narcotics, execution of search warrants, and seizures of narcotics and firearms.  The investigation revealed that BOWMAN operated a large-scale cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking operation in the greater New Haven area.

BOWMAN has been detained since his arrest on May 17, 2012.  On December 2, 2014, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia and Meriden Police Departments.  The United States Marshals Service, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, Parole and Community Services and the Milford, Hartford, New Britain, North Branford and Stratford Police Departments have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Dave Vatti and Marc Silverman.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane, Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Branford Police Chief Kevin Halloran today announced that a federal jury in Hartford has found JOHN VAILETTE, also known as “John John” and “Snagglepuss,” 44, guilty of committing an arson in Branford in 2006 that caused the death Kathy Hardy.  The trial before U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny began on September 10 and the jury returned the verdict after approximately three days of deliberations.

Judge Chatigny scheduled sentencing for December 23, 2015, at which time VAILETTE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life.  VAILETTE has been in federal custody since 2007, and recently completed a 10-year sentence for distributing crack cocaine.

According to the evidence at trial, at approximately 8:45 a.m. on the morning of March 7, 2006, the Branford Emergency Communications Center received 911 calls reporting a fire at 27 Little Bay Lane in Branford, a single-family home rented by Kathy Hardy.  After members of the Branford Fire Department arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire, firefighters located the body of Kathy Hardy, 39, on the second floor of the residence.   Fire Department investigators ultimately determined that the fire was initiated by accelerants located in the first floor living room area and on the staircase leading to the second floor of the dwelling.  An autopsy performed on Kathy Hardy concluded that the cause of death was smoke inhalation, and her death was classified as a homicide.

Approximately two days after the fire, investigators located a truck regularly used by VAILETTE, which had been hidden in New Haven for a period of time in the aftermath of the fire.  The truck, which was found at the home of another close associate of VAILETTE’s, contained a silver serving platter, two watches and rosary beads that belonged to Kathy Hardy.

One trial witness testified that VAILETTE called her hours after the fire and asked her to deliver a change of clothes to his place of work.  Other witnesses testified that, after the fire, VAILETTE made incriminating statements.

“John Vailette committed a heartless and cowardly crime – setting fire to a woman’s home,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “That fire killed Kathy Hardy and took her from her three children, her parents, her siblings and many loved ones.  This was a difficult case and I thank the jury for its thoughtful consideration of the evidence.  I also want to thank the trial team, the prosecutors from our office and the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, and the investigators from the FBI, the Branford Police and Fire Departments, and the Connecticut State Police for their tremendous work on this case.  Many of these dedicated investigators worked tirelessly on this matter for years.  Justice has been served.”

Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane commended the federal, state and local law enforcement agencies that collaborated on the investigation and subsequent prosecution. “This case is a perfect example of the benefits of teamwork and cooperation among federal, state, and municipal officials.  Kathy Hardy’s family tirelessly advocated to fund the Cold Case Bureau in the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office.  I hope that this verdict can bring some small measure of comfort as they continue to grieve for their loved one.”

“Today’s guilty verdict will hopefully provide some closure to Kathleen Hardy’s family,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Ferrick.  “Thanks to the dedication of the investigators in this case, specifically the Branford Police Department and the Connecticut State Police, as well as the Branford Fire Department and the FBI special agents, Mr. Vailette’s crime will not go unpunished.”

“I am pleased with the jury’s guilty verdict of John Vailette in the arson murder of Kathy Hardy,” stated Branford Police Chief Halloran.  “This case was never put on the back shelf from the day of the incident.  Without the support of the New Haven office of the FBI, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, Branford Fire Department and other local, state and federal agencies involved in the investigation, we may not have had the same outcome.  I hope this verdict provides some sense of closure to the family.”

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Branford Police Department and the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police, Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John H. Durham and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael A. Gailor and Kevin M. Shay.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALEXANDER ALVAREZ, 33, of East Lyme, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for stealing more $100,000 from customers of the bank where he was employed.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from January 2012 to February 2013, ALVAREZ was employed as a Financial Service Representative for a bank in Newington.  While employed at the bank, ALVAREZ identified accounts that had little banking activity.  He then caused the mailing address for the accounts he targeted to be changed from the owner’s address to a fraudulent address so that transactions in the accounts would not be immediately discovered by the account owner.  ALVAREZ then created fraudulent transfer slips causing the funds to be transferred to another account that he believed was dormant, or to an account that he directly controlled, or to be issued in a bank check.  Once the funds were transferred from the owner’s account, ALVAREZ withdrew the funds from the bank in cash or via an ATM card, or transferred them to his personal banking account.

ALVAREZ stole $100,806.85 from one bank customer and $11,137.01 from a second bank customer.  He was ordered to pay full restitution, plus interest, to the bank.

On April 21, 2015, ALVAREZ pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud.

This matter was investigated by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, the Stratford Police Department and the Greenwich Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TOMMY BATTLE, 35, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

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.

BATTLE’s criminal history includes multiple felony convictions, including a conviction for criminal possession of a weapon.  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 is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford on January 4, 2016, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  BATTLE has been detained since his arrest on April 22, 2015.

This matter is being 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.

New Haven – U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly, ATF Special Agent in Charge Daniel J. Kumor and New Haven Police Chief Dean Esserman today announced federal murder, racketeering, firearms, narcotics and money laundering charges against several members and associates of the Red Side Guerilla Brims, a violent New Haven street gang.  In 2011 and early 2012, members and associates of the gang are alleged to have committed six murders and four attempted murders.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2014, ATF and the New Haven Police Department began “Operation Red Side” through a series of controlled narcotics purchases and firearms seizures.  The investigation revealed that members and associates of the Red Side Guerilla Brims (“RSGB”), a sect of the Bloods street gang based in New Haven, were engaged in narcotics trafficking and related acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, assaults and armed robberies.  In addition to distributing crack cocaine and other narcotics in and around New Haven, the investigation indicated that members and associates of the RSGB, under the direction of one of its alleged leaders, JEFFREY BENTON, transported crack cocaine and heroin to Bangor, Maine, and sold the drugs in Bangor and its surrounding communities.  The RSGB also traded narcotics for firearms, brought the firearms back to New Haven and distributed them to gang members.

“The Red Side Guerilla Brims were a plague on the streets of New Haven,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “This indictment charges six members of this violent New Haven street gang with racketeering to include murders, shootings, armed robberies and assaults, as well as firearms and narcotics offenses.  Other Red Side gang members and associates have or are expected to plead guilty to similar charges shortly.  We thank our law enforcement partners, particularly the ATF and New Haven Police Department, for their tireless dedication to this long-term investigation.  We are confident that these prosecutions targeting our most violent offenders, together with our anti-violence program Project Longevity which calls upon gang members to give up their violent lifestyle, have reduced the number of murders and shootings in New Haven making New Haven a safer and better place to live.”

“Today’s announcement demonstrates ATF’s commitment to working with its federal, state and local law enforcement partners to combat violent gun crime and to dismantle criminal street gangs and their ongoing criminal enterprise,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Kumor.  “Moreover, it shows that these criminal street gangs will not get away with such acts of violence, which wreak fear and havoc on the citizens of our communities.”

“Cooperation between all levels of law enforcement and the community are what’s required to achieve progress, and this impressive collaboration between the New Haven Police, ATF, U.S. Attorney’s Office and other valuable partners has solved many violent crimes,” said Chief Esserman.  “Too many young men in our community have been lost to gun violence, and too many family members and friends are grieving.  Violence in our city will not be tolerated.  I’m proud of those who’ve put in the long hours to see this operation through.  The City of New Haven is safer for it.”

 

The Victims

• On February 23, 2011, an individual was shot and wounded in New Haven.

• On March 18, 2011, Derrick Suggs was shot and killed in New Haven.

• On March 29, 2011, and individual was shot and wounded in New Haven.

• On April 20, 2011, Kevin Lee was shot and killed in New Haven.

• On June 24, 2011, Donell Allick was shot and killed in New Haven.

• On September 19, 2011, Darrick Cooper was shot and killed in Hamden.

• On October 21, 2011, an individual was shot in the face in New Haven.

• On December 22, 2011, an individual was shot in the face in New Haven.

• On December 23, 2011, Joseph Zargo was shot and killed in New Haven.

• On March 19, 2012, Donald Bolden was shot and killed in New Haven.
• On December 23, 2014, an individual was assaulted with a firearm in New Haven.

 

The Connecticut Indictment

On September 30, 2015, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a 34-count indictment charging the following six individuals with engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity, including murder and other violent offenses:

JEFFREY BENTON, a.k.a. “Tall Man” and “Fresh,” 30, of New Haven

KEITH YOUNG, a.k.a. “Capo,” “Bapo” and “Poncho,” 25, of Hamden

ROBERT SHORT, a.k.a. “Santana,” 29, of New Haven

TREVOR MURPHY, a.k.a. “Snookie,” 27, of West Haven

ROBERT HARRIS, a.k.a. “Skully Mack,” 19, of New Haven

CHRISTOPHER GRAHAM, a.k.a. “Ugg,” 28, of New Haven

As alleged in the indictment:

On February 23, 2011, BENTON and LUIS PADILLA, who is charged separately, conspired to murder an individual.

On April 20, 2011, BENTON, PADILLA and others, including RODRIGO RAMIREZ and MILES PRICE, who are charged separately, murdered Kevin Lee while attempting to rob marijuana from Lee.

On June 24, 2011, BENTON, YOUNG, PADILLA and KAVON ROGERS, who is charged separately, murdered Donell Allick.

On September 19, 2011, YOUNG and SHORT murdered Darrick Cooper.

On October 21, 2011, BENTON and HARRY ANDERSON, who is charged separately, conspired to murder an individual.

On December 23, 2011, MURPHY murdered Joseph Zargo.

On March 20, 2012, BENTON and another individual, who has since been murdered, murdered Donald Bolden.

On December 23, 2014, HARRIS and GRAHAM used a firearm to assault an individual

In addition to the racketeering charge, the indictment charges BENTON and YOUNG with engaging in a racketeering conspiracy; BENTON, YOUNG, SHORT and MURPHY with committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering (VCAR) related to one or more of the charged murders; HARRIS and GRAHAM with VCAR related to a charged assault with a dangerous weapon; BENTON, SHORT, MURPHY, HARRIS and GRAHAM with firearms offenses; HARRIS and GRAHAM with narcotics offenses; and BENTON and YOUNG with money laundering offenses related to wire transfers of narcotics proceeds from Maine to Connecticut.

YOUNG and MURPHY were arrested yesterday, and HARRIS was arrested this morning.  They appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis in New Haven and are presently detained.

BENTON has been in federal custody since May 17, 2012, and is serving a 108-month sentence for trafficking narcotics.  SHORT is in state custody on a parole violation.

GRAHAM is currently being sought by law enforcement.

As to BENTON, YOUNG, SHORT and MURPHY, if convicted of the charge of VCAR murder, each defendant faces a mandatory term of life imprisonment or death if the government seeks the death penalty in this case.   The most serious charge against HARRIS and GRAHAM, brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, carries a mandatory term of imprisonment of seven years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.

 

Previously-charged RSGB Members and Associates

On September 29, 2015, LUIS PADILLA, a.k.a. “Chewie,” 22, of New Haven, pleaded guilty to engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity, VCAR murder, and possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.  In pleading guilty, PADILLA admitted his involvement in the murders of Derrick Suggs, Kevin Lee and Donell Allick, and the attempted murders of two others.  PADILLA also admitted his involvement in a home invasion robbery in New Haven in May 2012, as well as his role in the trafficking of narcotics in Connecticut and Maine.

On June 16, 2015, RODRIGO RAMIREZ, a.k.a “Rico,” 34, of New Haven, pleaded guilty to racketeering and admitted his involvement in the murder of Kevin Lee and in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine in Maine.

On July 1, 2014, a grand jury returned an indictment charging MILES PRICE, a.k.a. “Molly Rock,” 27, of New Haven, with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of crack cocaine, and possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

On May 6, 2015, KAVON ROGERS, 28, of New Haven, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

On May 20, 2015, a grand jury returned an indictment charging HARRY ANDERSON, a.k.a. “Ace,” 22, of New Haven, with one count of VCAR related to the attempted murder of an individual, and one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

On September 8, 2015, DELTON PYLES, a.k.a. “Koolie,” 26, of New Haven, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine.
 

The Maine Indictment

On February 12, 2015, a grand jury in the District of Maine returned an indictment charging JEFFREY BENTON and ten other individuals, including RSGB members and associates, with offenses related to the distribution of crack cocaine, the illegal purchase of more than 20 firearms, and the transportation of firearms and drug proceeds to Connecticut.  BENTON is awaiting trial in Maine.

On July 30, 2015, WILLIE GARVIN, a.k.a. “Tank” and “Black,” 22, of New Haven, pleaded guilty in the District of Connecticut to possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence in relation to the shooting of an individual on December 22, 2011.  GARVIN also agreed to have his Maine case transferred to Connecticut and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and conspiracy to violate federal firearms laws.

On September 2, 2015, CHRISTIAN TURNER, a.k.a. “P,” 29, of New Haven, pleaded guilty in the District of Maine to conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and conspiracy to violate federal firearms laws.

On August 17, 2015, TORRENCE BENTON a.k.a. “T-Black” and “Scotty,” 28, of New Haven, pleaded guilty in the District of Maine to one count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine.

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

This ongoing investigation is being 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.

These cases are being prosecuted in the District of Connecticut by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert M. Spector and Peter D. Markle.  The District of Maine case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Casey.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LYNWOOD PATRICK, JR., 40, of East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to three years of probation, the first six months of which PATRICK must serve in home confinement, for submitting a fraudulent application for a personal mortgage modification.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately October 2012 through May 2013, while he was employed as the Director of Investigations for the State of Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS), Office of Quality Assurance, PATRICK applied for a mortgage modification through JP Morgan Chase under the Making Home Affordable program, a federal initiative designed to assist homeowners who have experienced a decline in income access secure loans at lower rates.  The application requested assistance in connection with a property PATRICK owned in East Hartford.

During the application process, PATRICK represented that the East Hartford property was his primary residence and was owner occupied when, in fact, the property was not his primary residence and he did not occupy it.  PATRICK also fabricated State of Connecticut paystubs and lied about his assets in order qualify for the program.  Specifically, PATRICK claimed total assets of $500 in one checking account to show that he had experienced a loss of income causing a hardship when, in fact, he had thousands of dollars spread out over multiple accounts at several institutions and his rate of pay had not diminished.

The investigation revealed that, in connection with the loan application, PATRICK faxed fraudulent documents to JP Morgan Chase from DSS offices and used a DSS fax coversheet.

In his capacity as the Director of Investigations, PATRICK was responsible for coordinating and conducting activities to prevent, detect and investigate fraud, waste, abuse and overpayments in the Connecticut Medicaid, Care4Kids, Supplemental Nutritional Assistance and Connecticut Energy Assistance Programs.  PATRICK’s salary was partially paid for by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

On June 8, 2015, PATRICK pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud.

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

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

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that on September 29, 2015, a federal jury in New Haven found DAVID C. JACKSON, also known as “C. David Manns,” “Charles Jackson” and “Andrew D. Smithson,” 53, and ALEXANDER D. HURT, also known as Alex Hurt and “Alex Dante,” 45, guilty of conspiracy and wire fraud related to an advance fee fraud scheme they conducted that defrauded more than 40 individuals out of more than $4.5 million.

On December 22, 2014, a federal grand jury returned an 11-count indictment charging JACKSON, formerly of Maryland, Ohio and Pennsylvania, and HURT, of Scottsdale, Arizona, and formerly of Massachusetts, with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and multiple counts of wire fraud.  The indictment also charged HURT with one count of making a false statement to federal law enforcement.  The trial before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton began on September 9, 2015, and the jury returned a verdict of guilty on all counts after deliberating for approximately three hours.

“This was a sophisticated advanced fee scheme operated across numerous states that preyed on more than 40 victims, including Connecticut citizens and businesses,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “These defendants and their co-conspirators took advantage of individuals and business owners who had limited options in acquiring business loans in the difficult financial environment that existed after the recession of 2008.  The hard-working small business owners, developers and even family farmers who were victimized by these defendants when all they wanted to do was to get funding to create, expand, or operate their businesses.  Moreover, as part of the scheme, Mr. Jackson used multiple identities to conceal his criminal past and thwart background checks.  Those seeking business loans need to be wary of any provider of funding that requires significant fees in advance – especially those who use the internet to prey upon trusting people who are unable to verify the representations made.”

“Driven by greed, and through lies, deceit, and deception, Mr. Hurt and Mr. Jackson took advantage of unsuspecting individuals and stole millions of dollars so they could line their own pockets and, in the case of Mr. Hurt, travel to numerous countries on four continents,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Ferrick.  “The false representations and empty promises that were made to the victims in this case were not worth the paper the fraudulent loan documents were printed on.  The FBI will continue to vigorously pursue and bring to justice those who would operate advance fee fraud schemes.”

According to the evidence presented during the trial, in approximately September 2009, JACKSON, using the alias “C. David Manns,” established Jalin Realty Capital Advisors, LLC, using a business address in Dayton, Ohio.  In 2011, JACKSON changed the name of his business to American Capital Holdings, LLC, using business addresses in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Soon after changing the business name, JACKSON began introducing himself to victim clients as “Charles Jackson” and then also used the name “Andrew Smithson” to prevent victims from learning his true identity and the true nature of his background and his scheme.

HURT held himself out as Vice President of Brightway Financial Group, LLC, a company that used a business addresses in Grapevine, Texas.  As established during the trial, HURT used his background as a pastor with a Brockton, Massachusetts church to gain the confidence of at least one victim who lost money in the scheme.

JACKSON, HURT and others defrauded individuals, including Connecticut residents, who wired funds to them in anticipation of receiving large business loans.  The upfront fees were alternately described as “application fees,” “collateral fees” or “commitment fees.”  The victims were promised a refund of the upfront fees if their loan transactions were not completed.  In order to convince victim-borrowers that the loans were legitimate and Jalin and ACH had successfully secured loans in the past, JACKSON provided victims and potential victims the name and phone number of a co-conspirator and told them that they could contact her for a reference.  After she was contacted, the co-conspirator falsely represented to victims and potential victims that she had, in fact, received funding from JACKSON for a construction loan, and that she had successfully done a project financed with her co-conspirator and Jalin.  The reference she gave was false and was just another part of the scam.

Through this scheme, more than 40 individuals provided JACKSON and HURT with more than $4.5 million in advance fees and funds that were to be held in escrow for business loans that were never provided.  Some of the individuals received partial refunds of the advance fees they had provided, but the refunds were made using fees that had been paid by other victims in a Ponzi-like scheme.

JACKSON was previously convicted of federal bank fraud and money laundering offenses in October 2006 and was sentenced to 41 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.  He was released from federal prison in September 2009 and operated this advance fee fraud scheme while on supervised release

Judge Arterton scheduled a forfeiture hearing for October 27, 2015, during which the government will seek an order of forfeiture ordering the defendants to forfeit all proceeds traceable to the scheme.  Judge Arterton will schedule sentencing after the forfeiture hearing.

The charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count, and the charge of making a false statement to federal law enforcement carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.

JACKSON has been detained since his arrest on August 26, 2014.  HURT is released on bond under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ansonia Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Michael S. McGarry.

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Philip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, today announced that AMERICAN ACCESS CARE HOLDINGS, LLC has entered into a civil settlement agreement with the Government in which it will pay $3,594,791 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act.

Prior to its merger with Fresenius Vascular Care, Inc. (“Fresenius”) in October 2011, AMERICAN ACCESS CARE HOLDINGS, LLC (“AAC”) operated a number of vascular access centers in the United States, including one in Fairfield, Connecticut.  Among other services, vascular access centers address complications with dialysis access for patients with kidney disease.  The government alleges that, between January 2007 and September 2011, AAC improperly billed Medicare and Medicaid for multiple percutaneous transluminal angioplasties performed during the same patient encounter.  The government also alleges that, between October 2005 and September 2011, AAC improperly submitted claims to Medicare and Medicaid for procedures performed during follow-up visits that were not medically necessary.

The conduct addressed by the settlement occurred prior to the merger with Fresenius.

“It is imperative that all health care providers bill only for appropriate and necessary medical treatments and bill for such services accurately and honestly,” said U.S. Attorney Daly.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will vigorously investigate any provider that submits fraudulent claims to Medicare or Medicaid as this misconduct cheats the system, increasing the cost of health care for all of the rest of us.”

“Health care providers will not be permitted to provide unnecessary medical procedures – in this case, invasive procedures – on patients and then pocket the improper payments they receive as a result,” said HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Coyne.  “Our agency is dedicated to investigating health care fraud schemes that divert scarce taxpayer funds meant to provide for legitimate patient care.”

The Connecticut settlement is related to a parallel resolution of claims against AAC by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Rhode Island, and follows a third settlement against the company in the Southern District of Florida, in the case United States ex rel. Souza v. American Access Care of Miami, LLC.

In entering into the civil settlement agreement, AAC did not admit liability and disputes the government’s allegations.

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.

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, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging JAMES DOUGLAS, also known as “Sucky,” 23, of New Haven, with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

As alleged in the indictment, on May 26, 2015, DOUGLAS possessed a .32 caliber Smith & Wesson revolver.  Prior to that date, DOUGLAS had sustained felony convictions, including second degree burglary, third degree larceny and carrying a pistol without a permit.

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.

If convicted, DOUGLAS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

DOUGLAS has been detained in state custody since his arrest on May 26, 2015.

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

This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Haven Police Department.   This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Laraia. 

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARIAN KOBRYN, 63, of Farmington, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Warren W. Eginton in Bridgeport to one day of imprisonment, time already served, and one year of supervised release, for filing false tax returns.  KOBRYN also was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine and more than $425,000 in back taxes, interest, and penalties.

According to court documents and statements made in court, KOBRYN and his wife own and operate Kasia’s Bakery in New Britain.  Until recently, Kasia’s Bakery routinely operated on a “cash only” basis.  During the 2010 through 2013 tax years, KOBRYN diverted $730,860 in cash that the business received, deposited the money into his and his wife’s personal bank accounts, and failed to pay $242,889 in federal taxes on the income.

The investigation revealed that KOBRYN attempted to conceal the diverted cash proceeds by regularly traveling to several branches of Farmington Bank to make cash deposits in amounts under $10,000 in order to evade the bank’s currency transaction reporting requirements.

To date, KOBRYN has paid the $242,889 tax due, as well as $50,000 toward the interest and penalties.  Judge Eginton ordered KOBRYN to pay the remaining interest and penalties before the expiration of KOBYRN’s term of supervised release.

Judge Eginton stated that he sentenced KOBRYN to time served in lieu of a longer term of incarceration based in part on KOBRYN’s serious health issues.

On June 2, 2015, KOBRYN pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement on a federal tax return.

This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon.