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Tag: US Attorney for the District of Connecticut
CT Man Admits Committing 37 Robberies Across State
A Connecticut man has admitted to committing at least 37 violent robberies across the state in 2022.
Hartford County resident Lonny Cross, age 45, of Bristol, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, May 21, for the crimes that ranged from Hartford to Fairfield County and one in New York in September and October 2022, said Vanessa Roberts Avery, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Cross committed 37 robberies and attempted robberies of gas station convenience stores, mini-markets, and liquor stores in North Branford, Waterbury, Wol…
Man Known As 'Kitty' Nabbed With Thousands Of Fentanyl Pills In Bridgeport Home, Police Say
A 28-year-old Fairfield County man has been charged with narcotics trafficking offenses after thousands of fentanyl pills and other drugs were allegedly found in his home.
Bridgeport resident Jermel Bates, also known as “Mel Kitty” and “Kitty,” was indicted by a grand jury on Thursday, March 28, said Vanessa Roberts Avery, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
As alleged in the indictment, court documents, and statements made in court, in the early morning hours of Friday, June 25, 2023, Bates crashed his vehicle into a parked car in Bridgeport and fled the scene on foot.&…
$750K Fraud Case: Shelton Man Sentenced
A Fairfield County man has been sentenced to prison for defrauding Amazon for almost $750,000.
Oshane Steward, age 31, of Shelton, was sentenced on Tuesday, Sept. 5 to 18 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, said Vanessa Roberts Avery, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Stewart created multiple vendor accounts with Amazon allowing him to sell merchandise through the website on a third-party basis.
He often opened the accounts using false names, email addresses, and other identifying inform…
Get-Away Driver During Murder Of Stamford Jeweler Sentenced
A man who acted as the get-away driver during a Fairfield County jewelry store heist that ended in the murder of the owner has been sentenced to prison.
Paul Prosano, aka "Tony Pro," age 63, of Brooklyn, was sentenced to 30 years in prison followed by supervised release for the March 2020 murder of Mark Vuono, age 69, the owner of Marco Jewelers in Stamford, said Vanessa Roberts Avery, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut,
According to court documents, and statements made in court, on Saturday, March 28, 2020, around 2:50 p.m., Stamford Police officers responded to …
Sexual Exploitation: Stamford Man Charged In Connection To Incident Involving 9-Year-Old Girl
A Fairfield County man has been charged with child exploitation offenses following an investigation by the Stamford Police and US Homeland Security.
Vanessa Roberts Avery, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced on Wednesday, May 24, that Servio Barros-Terreros, age 56, of Stamford sexually assaulted a girl when she was 9 and 10 years old.
As alleged in court documents, in December 2022, a minor female victim reported that, when she was nine and 10 years old, Barros-Terreros had sexually assaulted her multiple times.
The victim reported that Barros-Terreros took sexual…
Man Who Robbed, Murdered Beloved Stamford Jeweler Sentenced
The man who shot and killed a beloved Fairfield County jeweler during a robbery has been sentenced to prison.
Robert Rallo, age 59, of New York City, was sentenced on Wednesday, March 1, to 40 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release, for the March 2020 murder and robbery of Mark Vuono, of Marco Jewelers in Stamford, said US Attorney for the District of Connecticut Vanessa Roberts Avery.
“We are very pleased to see these three career criminals held accountable for this senseless murder, and we want to commend the tireless, cutting-edge police work that led to this outcom…
Waterbury Drug Dealer Gets Prison For Trafficking Large Amounts Of Heroin, Cocaine
A Connecticut drug dealer has been sentenced to prison for supplying heroin to a member of a Waterbury-area drug trafficking ring.
Former New Haven County resident Jesus Nieves, aka "Pop," age 38, formerly of Waterbury, and Springfield, Massachusetts, was sentenced Thursday, Feb. 23 to 63 months in prison, said Vanessa Roberts Avery, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2020, the DEA New Haven Task Force and Waterbury Police Department began an investigation into a drug trafficking organization that was distributing l…
Out-Of-State Man Admits To Supplying Gang Members In Fairfield County With Firearms
A former Fairfield County resident has pleaded guilty to a single count of firearms trafficking in which local gangs were supplied with guns.
Stephfan Sanderson, age 24, aka “Birdy” and “Beans," made his plea in Bridgeport on Tuesday, Nov. 15, said Vanessa Roberts Avery, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI, ATF, DEA, US Marshals, and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder, and other acts of violence.
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5 Fairfield County Men Convicted Of Trafficking Heroin, Fentanyl, Crack Cocaine
Five Fairfield County men have been convicted of narcotics trafficking in the area.
According to Vanessa Roberts Avery, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut, a federal jury in Bridgeport found the five men guilty of narcotics trafficking offenses on Friday, Oct. 14:
The five, all of Bridgeport, are:
Wallace Best, also known as “Coop,” age 55
Jeffrey Thomas, also known as “Zig,” age 49
Jason Cox, age 48, also of Savannah, Georgia as well as Bridgeport
Frank Jamont Best, also known as “JB,” and “Cash,” age 49
Lamont D. Jefferies, age 55
According to court documents, in 20…
CT Man Admits To Trafficking Fentanyl
A Connecticut man faces years in prison after pleading guilty to trafficking in fentanyl.
Roy Reid, also known as “Jama,” age 34, of New Haven, pleaded guilty Tuesday, Sept. 27, to one count of fentanyl trafficking, according to Vanessa Roberts Avery, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the fall of 2021, the New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force and New Haven Police Department began investigating a drug trafficking ring that was distributing fentanyl, heroin crack, and cocaine in and around the West Hills neighborh…
Duo Nabbed For Robbing People's United Banks Inside CT Stop & Shop Supermarkets
Two Connecticut men have been arrested for allegedly carrying out multiple robberies this summer at People’s United Bank branches located in Stop & Shop supermarkets in the state.
Middlesex County residents, Gino Rizzo, age 28, and Jalania Pantano, age 27, both of Middletown, were arrested on Tuesday, Aug. 30 on an indictment charging them with bank robbery offenses, said Vanessa Roberts Avery, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
The indictment alleges that Rizzo robbed People’s United Bank branches located in Stop & Shop supermarkets in Glastonbury on Saturday, …
Fairfield County Man Sentenced To 22 Years For Sexual Acts With A Child
A Fairfield County man who met a 14-year-old girl online and traveled to another state to bring her to his home has been sentenced to 22 years in prison.
Wayne Marcell, age 36, of Danbury, was sentenced on Tuesday, July 12, to prison time, plus 10 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $30,000 fine, said Vanessa Roberts Avery, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court:
In April 2021, a 14-year-old girl in Georgia met Robert Fyke, of Lubbock, Texas, on an online video/chat platform. Fyke and t…
Trio Nabbed After Robbery Spree Targeting CT Stores Statewide
Three Connecticut men have been charged with committing at least eight robberies of convenience and smoke shops across the state earlier this year.
The three were indicted by a grand jury on Thursday, June 16 in New Haven County, said Vanessa Roberts Avery, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
Those charged include Steven Galarza, age 24, of Seymour; Efrain Deleon, age 58, and Gilberto Deleon, age 56, both of New Britain, officials said.
As alleged in the indictment and other court documents, between February and March, the men, using fake firearms robbed the following retail locat…
First Black Woman To Serve As US Attorney For District Of Connecticut Takes Command
A longtime lawmaker in Connecticut has checked off a new milestone.
Vanessa Roberts Avery, age 47, of West Hartford, has been sworn in as the US Attorney for the District of Connecticut, making her the first Black woman to fill that position.
“It is an honor to return to this office, in the city where I was raised, to serve as Connecticut’s U.S. Attorney,” Avery announced.
“I look forward to working with the many talented members of this office, as well as our dedicated law enforcement partners, to enforce federal criminal and civil laws, protect our communities, and ensure justice …
Fairfield County Man Admits To Child Exploitation Offense
A Fairfield County man has pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a child after meeting a 14-year-old online and driving to another state to pick her up and bring her to his home.
Wayne Marcell, age 36, of Danbury, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, April 5 in Bridgeport, said Leonard C Boyle, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2021, a 14-year-old girl in Georgia met Robert Fyke, of Lubbock, Texas, on an online video/chat platform. Fyke and the minor victim then used Kik and other social media p…
Man Sentenced Role In Attempted Robbery Of CT Eatery Where Worker Was Shot
A Connecticut man has been sentenced to more than nine years in prison for his role in the attempted robbery of a restaurant in 2015, during which an employee was shot.
Tythrone Ford, age 28, of New Haven, was sentenced on Tuesday, March 15 for the April 2015 incident, said Leonard C Boyle, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2015, Ford, Treizy Lopez, and another man entered the Smokin’ Wings restaurant, located on Congress Avenue in New Haven, and demanded money at gu…
Out-Of-State Man Sentenced For Traveling To CT To Have Sex With Minor
An out-of-state man was sentenced to more than three years in prison for traveling to Connecticut to attempt to have sex with a minor.
Christopher Brereton, age 35, of Fargo, North Dakota, was sentenced on Thursday, Feb. 17, to 37 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, said Leonard C Boyle, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2020, Brereton began chatting online with a minor female who had an online profile stating she was 18 years old.
In February 2020, a law enforcement offi…
CT Man Admits To Attempting To Engage In Sex With Minor, Distributing Child Porn
A Connecticut man faces 10 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to child exploitation offenses related to his attempt to engage in sex with a minor.
Hartford County resident Robert Marlin Sellers, age 61, of Bristol, pleaded guilty on Monday, Feb. 14 after being caught in an FBI sting operation, said Leonard C Boyle, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2020, law enforcement officials received information that Sellers was sharing videos of child sex abuse on a website that focused on incest.
In November 2020, an…
CT Man Sentenced For Distributing Heroin, Cocaine, Crack
A 24-year-old Connecticut man has been sentenced for distributing heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine, authorities announced.
James Lee, of New Haven, was sentenced to 46 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, according to Leonard Boyle, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
Lee pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, and cocaine base on Sept. 28, Boyle reported.
On March 13, police found Lee in a car that had fled from authorities on March 8, 2021, the report said.
Police then found that Lee was in possession of $3,815, …
Gang Member From Fairfield County Involved In Shootings Sentenced
A Fairfield County gang member has been sentenced to 8.3 years in prison for offenses from his membership in a violent street gang.
Jacquon BeneJan, also known as “Blick,” age 20, of Bridgeport, was sentenced on Wednesday, Feb. 2, followed by three years of supervised release, said Leonard C Boyle, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI, ATF, DEA, US Marshals Service, and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder, and other acts…
Fairfield County Man Sentenced For Racketeering, Witness Tampering
A Fairfield County gang member has been sentenced to more than 24 years in prison for racketeering and witness tampering.
Shakale Brantley, also known as “Charlie Wilson,” “Kellz,” and “Man Man,” age 22, of Bridgeport, was sentenced Wednesday, Jan. 26, said Leonard Boyle, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder, and other acts of violence.
Brantley …
CT Man Sentenced For Fentanyl Distribution, Theft Of Government Property
A Connecticut man has been sentenced to 16 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for theft and narcotics offenses.
Jose Nanez-Torres, also as known as "J-Money," age 21, of Hartford, was sentenced on Monday, Jan. 10, said Leonard C Boyle, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2019, Nunez-Torres and Dominque Perry stole a 2016 Honda Accord from a residence in Newington.
The vehicle was the property of a federal law enforcement agency and contained fully loaded firearm magazines …
CT Man Sentenced For Possessing Gun, Drugs While On Federal Supervised Release
A Connecticut man has been sentenced to 4.25 years in prison for narcotics distribution and firearms possession, and for violating the terms of his prior supervised release.
Ronnell Rogers, age 28, of New Haven, was sentenced on Wednesday, Jan. 5, to prison time, as well as three years of supervised release following his time in jail, said Leonard C Boyle, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2019, Rogers was released from federal prison after serving approximately 17 months for unlawful possession of ammu…
CT Residents Charged With Fabricating, Selling Numerous Ghost Guns
Two Connecticut men have been charged with federal firearms offenses related to the alleged illegal fabrication and sale of ghost guns.
John Lee Ortiz, age 28, and Audley Reeves, age 30, both of East Hartford, were charged on Wednesday, Jan. 5, said Leonard C Boyle, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in late 2021, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force learned that Ortiz and others were selling “ghost guns,” which are homemade firearms that do not contain serial numbers and can't be traced.
In December 2021,…
Fairfield County Man Involved In Car Theft Ring Sentenced
A Fairfield County man has been sentenced to four years in prison for his role in an auto theft ring that included using the vehicles in violent crimes.
Christopher "Chucky" Mulkern, age 22, of Stratford, was sentenced on Monday, Jan. 3, to prison time, followed by three years of supervised release, said Leonard C Boyle, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI, Connecticut State Police, and local police have been investigating multiple car theft rings in Connecticut and violent crimes that are being committed usin…
CT Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced To Federal Prison
A Connecticut fentanyl dealer has been sentenced to five years in prison for distributing the drug.
Johnny Ortega, also known as "Clatcho," age 39, of Hartford was sentenced on Tuesday, Dec. 28, according to Leonard C Boyle, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2018, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force began investigating Ricardo Reyes, also known as “Rick the Ruler,” a member of the Los Solidos street gang who was distributing fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and crack in the area of Park Street and Hungerford Street…
CT Man Caught With Hundreds Of Images Of Sexual Abuse Of Children, Feds Say
A Connecticut man has been indicted by a grand jury for receiving hundreds of images of child pornography.
New Haven County resident Christopher Michaelson, age 37, of Guilford, pleaded not guilty to the crime during a hearing on Tuesday, Nov. 16, said Leonard C. Boyle, Acting US Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, January 2019, the Guilford Police Department assisted Burrillville Rhode Island Police with the arrest of Michaelson at his residence in Guilford on Rhode Island state charges for child molestation, solicitation, a…
