Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment yesterday charging Bridgeport City Council member MICHAEL DEFILIPPO, 35, with . Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport States Attorneys Office, with the assistance of the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and the Waterbury Police Department. 157 Church Street Connecticut Financial Center The five defendants are also charged with conspiracy to commit murder/conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon. TRAVON JONES, also known as Budda, 19 A federal jury in New Haven has found RAMON OQUENDO, also known as Mimo, 46, of Waterbury, guilty of narcotics trafficking and firearm possession offenses. Fax Line: (203) 773- 5376. The cooperation of federal, state, and local law enforcement in the Fairfield Judicial District continues to be a model for the protection of the life, liberty, and property of the citizens we serve through our focus on the small number of individuals who threaten the safety and security of so many, said States Attorney Corradino. A lock ( ROBERT RALLO, 59, of New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 480 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for offenses stemming from the robbery of Marco Jewelers in Stamford in March 2020, during which Rallo shot and killed the owner of the store. Mark is the Capitol Bureau Chief and a co-founder of CT Mirror. Fax Line: (203) 773- 5376. As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address escalating violence in Bridgeport, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. But you should be looking at this guy, too. That helps them (defendants) when it comes to sentencing., And, Twardy noted, in his experience, The larger the city, the more money. Federal authorities accused Griffin of bribing the girl's family with an apparent $4,000 payoff after the child and her adopted mother stayed at his Vermont ski home, records show. We are the 169 Strong. Gov. Upon arrival, investigators discovered that four victims Trevon Wright, Khalil Heard, Jaffar Ali, Jaheim Warren had been shot while sitting inside a black Chevrolet Impala. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). Get CT Mirror emails in your inbox daily. Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Meriden Police Chief Roberto Rosado today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging MIGUEL ACEVEDO, 40, of Meriden, with cocaine trafficking offenses. PHILIP FROST, 33, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert M. Chatigny in Hartford to 180 months of imprisonment, followed by 15 years of supervised release, for a child exploitation offense. Heemie, 25 DIOMIE BLACKWELL, 23 I am grateful to Mr. Durham and his staff as well as the federal agents for their commitment to the greater Bridgeport community, and pledge the full resources of my office to continue these efforts., The Bridgeport Police Department is committed to an ongoing partnership with varying agencies to focus on violent crime incidents that have occurred in our city and to prevent similar incidents from reoccurring, said Acting Chief Garcia. Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Joleen D . March 4, 2023 at 6:30 a.m. A man from Meriden has been indicted on federal charges in connection to alleged cocaine trafficking, officials said. A locked padlock ERIC HAYES, also known as Heavyweight Champ, 24 A federal jury in Hartford has found LEONARDO HECTOR ROSADO, 52, of the Bronx, New York, guilty of fentanyl and cocaine distribution offenses. Associated Press. A Bridgeport City Council member resigned last month after he became the third elected official indicted on federal election fraud charges this year. CONNECTICUT A tax preparer who served clients in Connecticut is facing federal fraud charges. Heard sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his back, shoulder and wrist. Democrats hold a 24-12 advantage in the Senate. Todays announcement was made by John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, States Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport Police Chief Armando J. Perez; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. As part of an ongoing investigation into gang-related drug trafficking and related violence in Bridgeport, a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a superseding indictment charging eight Bridgeport gang members with conspiring to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, including drug trafficking and multiple attempted murders. No one will know. 157 Church Street Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport States Attorneys Office, with the assistance of the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and the Waterbury Police Department. Donald, Wright, Dangerfield and Hayes are members or associates of the East End gang, which began as a local street gang based in the East End of Bridgeport, but currently has members and associates who are either incarcerated or living throughout Bridgeport and surrounding towns. They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitsimmons via video conference and are detained. Attorneys Rahul Kale, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Peter D. Markle and Karen L. Peck. These groups were aligned against rival organizations in Bridgeport, including the Original North End (O.N.E.) and the Greene Homes Boyz, (GHB/Hotz), based in the Charles F. Greene Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeports North End. Bridgeport Gang Member Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison. Lock In early February 2019, federal authorities subpoenaed City Hall for three years worth of records involving scrap metal sales and public facilities contracts. Bear right onto Lafayette Boulevard, proceed to the third traffic light. Bridgeport City Council member Michael DeFilippo was indicted on election fraud charges. DEA and its local, state and federal partners are dedicated to bringing to justice those that commit these crimes.. As gun violence continues to menace not only Bridgeport but other Connecticut cities, the U.S. Attorneys Office and our law enforcement partners will employ the full weight of federal law to neutralize these violent groups and remove their members who murder and maim from the community. Marshals Service, for their collaborative effort in bringing these individuals to justice.. There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. Thats what the FBI is looking to restore, to ensure.. A federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging four Bridgeport men with racketeering, drug trafficking and murder, bringing the number of gang members implicated in the. 157 Church Street Now Trumbullers can enjoy Fairfield, Milford, Stratford, Bridgeport, Westport beaches at nominal fees. Gaines, Calderon, Blackwell, Jones, Benejan and Kirkland are members of the Greene Homes Boyz, (GHB/Hotz), based in the Charles F. Greene Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeports North End. Ned Lamont said before the court appearance they had not been notified of the arrest, nor did they know the nature of the investigation. The Connecticut Lottery publishes winner information as public record, according to officials. The eight defendants are members or associates of the East End gang, which began as a local street gang based in the East End of Bridgeport, but currently has members and associates who are either incarcerated or living throughout Bridgeport and surrounding towns. Both men resigned, pleaded guilty and in late May began serving their respective prison terms. Michael DeFilippo, 35, of Bridgeport pleaded not guilty Wednesday before a federal magistrate in New Haven. MARIA DEL CARMEN SANCHEZ POTRERO, also known as Maria Carmela Sanchez, 69, and APOLINAR FRANCISCO PAREDES ESPINOZA, also known as Pancho, 56, both of citizens of Mexico residing in Hartford, were arrested yesterday on federal criminal complaints charging each with offenses stemming from their smuggling of aliens into the U.S., harboring them at their Hartford residence, forcing them to work, and threatening to harm them in various ways if they failed to pay exorbitant fees, interest and other living expenses. Main Office: The indictment, which was returned on January 19 and unsealed yesterday, charges, KEISHAWN DONALD, 19 On January 30, 2018, Donald shot and killed Eric Heard, a.k.a. This prosecution is a part of the Justices Departments Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs. A Bridgeport man is facing a federal charge after local police allegedly found him in possession of a loaded handgun in April, the U.S. attorney's office announced Thursday. A federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging MIGUEL ACEVEDO, 40, of Meriden, with cocaine trafficking offenses. Only a couple of people, and theyre not going to be talking.. High 39F. Main Office: gang. The Connecticut investigation, begun more than a year ago, was modeled on Federal, state and local task force operations that broke up violent drug gangs in the state, including the Jungle Boys. An official website of the United States government. The losers challenged the results, alleging voting improprieties, and Superior Court Judge Barbara Bellis ultimately ordered one do-over election for November 2017 and then, after concluding it too had been tainted, another for April 2018. The assault offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and the attempted offenses carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Stratford resident stunned by earthquake destruction in Turkey, Suspect in rape at CT housing authority property rejects offer. A federal jury in New Haven has found RAMON OQUENDO, also known as Mimo, 46, of Waterbury, guilty of narcotics trafficking and firearm possession offenses. Brian A. Proceed straight to the third traffic light. Law Offices of Charles L. Kurmay. As alleged, this shooting is part of a larger ongoing investigation targeting the GHB/Hots, ONE and rival gangs. Perez had been acting chief for two-and-a-half years. TREVON WRIGHT, also known as Tre, 19 BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) The former Bridgeport Police Chief and the acting personnel director for the city were both in court on Monday and pleaded guilty to federal charges. On May 22, 2015, Kirkland shot and attempted to kill KJ, a member or associate of the 150 gang; On February 7, 2018, Benejan and Blackwell shot and attempted to kill MJ, a member or associate of the 150 gang; On February 27, 2018, Kirkland shot and attempted to kill TH, a member or associate of the East End gang; On October 4, 2018, Kirkland and Benejan shot and attempted to kill MS, a member or associate of the East End gang; January 27, 2020, Gaines, Calderon, Blackwell, Jones, Isreal and Warren shot and attempted to kill members and associates of the East End gang. I applaud the collaborative efforts of the Bridgeport Police Department, ATF, FBI and DEA in bringing those who are alleged to be responsible for this reckless and violent incident to stand trial for their actions. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. A rain garden is an area dug slightly below the surrounding area that can catch and collect rainfall and keep it from carrying pollutants downstream. This prosecution is a part of the Justices Departments Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs. Youll never see the wagon train kind of leave town, Clark said. Gaines is detained in state custody on unrelated charges. Floor 25 gang; On October 17, 2019, Donald agreed with other East End gang members to shoot and attempt to kill Joshua Gilbert, a member and associate of the O.N.E. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Isreal and Warren are members of the Original North End (O.N.E.), a Bridgeport gang whose members have been allies with GHB/Hotz members since approximately 2017. As part of an ongoing investigation into gang-related drug trafficking and related violence in Bridgeport, a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging four Bridgeport men with conspiring to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, including drug trafficking, murder and attempted murder. Feds have arrested five Bridgeport officials in the last 10 months. This is unacceptable and will not be allowed to happen. Hes not going any place, Glasser told the judge. The indictment alleges that the East End gang distributed heroin, crack cocaine, marijuana and Percocet pills; used and shared firearms; and committed murder and other acts of violence against rival gang members and other individuals. An official website of the United States government. The U.S. Attorneys Office and FBI, their policy is to neither deny nor confirm investigations. In early April 2019 Hearst Connecticut Media reported the FBI was also looking at the 2018 search for a police chief which resulted in Ganim making friend and then-acting chief Perez permanent top cop. U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Connecticut, Total of 22 Bridgeport gang members charged federally in the last year, Indictment Charges 8 Gang Members with Drug Trafficking, Multiple Attempted Murders, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, Jury Finds Waterbury Man Guilty of Narcotics Distribution and Firearm Possession Offenses, Meriden Man Charged with Cocaine Trafficking Offenses, Man Who Robbed and Murdered Stamford Jeweler Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal Prison, Indictment Charges 8 Gang Members With Drug Trafficking, Multiple Attempted Murders. The more money, the more temptations. He is married and the father of a six-month-old child. NORWALK A math coach at Brookside Elementary School is facing multiple charges after she demonstrated a "martial arts chokehold" on three students last week, causing one of them . ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Sen. Dennis A. Bradley Jr., D-Bridgeport, and his former campaign treasurer, Jessica Martinez, were accused in a federal indictment unsealed Tuesday of conspiring in 2018 to defraud. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Bridgeport's police chief and its acting personnel director were arrested on federal charges of fraud in an alleged scheme to rig the city's examination process for the chief in 2018 to. Bradley illegally used personal funds for the kickoff, and his campaign falsified records of campaign donations to cover that up, the indictment said. On January 30, 2018, Donald shot and killed Eric Heard, a.k.a. RELATED: State Sen. Dennis Bradley, ex-Bridgeport Board of Education chair Jessica Martinez indicted on federal charges HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS Download the FOX61 News APP Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Feb 16, 2023. A locked padlock Marshalsand Bridgeport Police are actively investigating members of multiple Bridgeport-based groups, including members of the Greene Homes Boys or Hots (GHB/Hots), a group based in the Charles F. Greene Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeports North End, whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking and numerous acts of violence, including murder. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it. A federal jury in New Haven has found RAMON OQUENDO, also known as Mimo, 46, of Waterbury, guilty of narcotics trafficking and firearm possession offenses. Theres got to be something else going on here, said former state Rep. Christopher Caruso, who had a reputation as a good-government policymaker during his 20-year tenure in office, this week following DeFilippos arrest. (Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media via AP, File). Perez is sworn in as Bridgeport police chief by Mayor Joseph Ganim in a ceremony at City Hall in Bridgeport, Conn. on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. BRIDGEPORT, Connecticut Connecticut State Sen. Dennis Bradley and Jessica Martinez, a former chair of the Bridgeport Board of Education, have been indicted on federal charges. The new indictment supplements a June 1994 Federal indictment against 20 New York Latin Kings leaders. Official websites use .gov An official website of the United States government. The other defendants were previously charged with federal offenses and are detained pending trial. . Fax Line: (203) 773- 5376. Official websites use .gov Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. Ken Dixon. Garf or Gbaby, a member and associate of the O.N.E. February 23, 2023 Hartford Man Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Cocaine 1997 - Present26 years. I represent clients in contentious and complex probate, civil, and criminal matters in . Bridgeport resident Lamain Heard was sentenced this week to 37 months in federal prison in connection with an illegal firearm case, according to prosecutors. A federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging MIGUEL ACEVEDO, 40, of Meriden, with cocaine trafficking offenses. 157 Church Street BRIDGEPORT ?. Ned Lamont and General Assembly leaders to to focus on offsetting a potential property tax Armageddon. This indictment should serve as a warning that we will not tolerate gang related violence and those who cause it., Drug trafficking, along with the violence that all too often accompanies it, is a serious threat to the safety and security of our communities, said DEA Special Agent in Charge Boyle. A CT bill would expand it. JERRELL JAMISON, also known as Rell and Big Bro, 30, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing narcotics. He was ordered released on an unsecured bond of $300,000. U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Connecticut, Superseding Indictment Charges 8 Bridgeport Gang Members with Drug Trafficking, Committing 6 Murders, Criminal - Organized Crime and Gang Section, Jury Finds Waterbury Man Guilty of Narcotics Distribution and Firearm Possession Offenses, Meriden Man Charged with Cocaine Trafficking Offenses, Man Who Robbed and Murdered Stamford Jeweler Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal Prison, Superseding Indictment Charges 8 Bridgeport Gang Members With Drug Trafficking, Committing 6 Murders. So the FBI absolutely should be looking at election fraud, Clark said. I also want to thank all of our federal and state partners. Joseph Peter Ganim (born October 21, 1959) is an American Democratic politician, former attorney, and convicted felon who is currently serving as the mayor of Bridgeport, Connecticut.He was elected mayor of the city six times serving from 1991 to 2003, when he resigned after being convicted on federal felony corruption charges. A Election Fraud Has Long Been An Issue In . Then, in May, state Sen. Dennis Bradley and school board member Jessica Martinez were charged for allegedly trying to fraudulently obtain state public campaign financing. He is also charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine base (crack) and fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Official websites use .gov DeFilippo prevailed each time. Marshals, and Bridgeport Police are actively investigating multiple Bridgeport-based groups whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder and other acts of violence. Bradleys lawyer is James Glasser, the former chief of the criminal division in the U.S. Attorneys office. ASANTE GAINES, 23 Have a question about Government Services? We will continue to vigorously pursue those bad actors that disrupt and diminish the quality of life for law abiding citizens., As we all know, drug trafficking in our communities, along with the gun and physical violence that often accompanies it, is a serious threat to our families and communities, said DEA Special Agent in Charge Boyle. I'm all for this one. A federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging MIGUEL ACEVEDO, 40, of Meriden, with cocaine trafficking offenses. We are very surprised this matter was charged in the first place, Glasser said. Press Release. Together we identified, targeted, investigated and arrested alleged violent criminals. Loose Screw, 20 U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Connecticut, Indictment Charges Five Men for Involvement in Bridgeport Courthouse Shooting, Jury Finds Waterbury Man Guilty of Narcotics Distribution and Firearm Possession Offenses, Meriden Man Charged with Cocaine Trafficking Offenses, Hartford Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Violent Robberies of AT&T Stores, Indictment Charges Five Men For Involvement In Bridgeport Courthouse Shooting. Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle noted that, in the past year, 24 members of the East End, O.N.E. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. HUSKY Health is helping immigrants. Clark said from his own experience with the FBI, there will never be a point when the agency announces it has exhausted all avenues of inquiry. Bradleys appearance in court was viewable on Zoom, as the federal courts have been closed to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also has covered politics for the Stamford Advocate and the city of Norwalk for The Norwalk Hour. The two were convicted earlier this year and are now serving time behind bars. Saying, Okay, you got me. gang; On December 8, 2019, Wright shot and attempted to kill Arvan Smith, a.k.a. A federal grand jury this week indicted Miguel . The complaint centered on Bradleys using a party hosted by his law firm, Bradley, Denkovich & Karayiannis, to kick off his campaign for the Democratic nomination for Senate in 2018, when he won the first of his two terms. BOSTON (AP) The former manager of a Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles branch has agreed to plead guilty to federal extortion charges for allegedly taking bribes . Jan. 10, 2001 . BRIDGEPORT, CT A 32-year-old Torrington man was arrested this week following an indictment charging him with assaulting five federal law enforcement officers last year, announced United. An official website of the United States government. Sen. Cathy Osten, D-Sprague, a major proponent of the gambling bill, was named as the acting co-chair of the committee. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Floor 25 MARQUIS JEROME POLLARD, 42, of Yemassee, South Carolina, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 96 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for firearm offenses related to an illegal gun trafficking operation. According to a 24-page indictment, Bradley and a co-defendant Jessica Martinez, his former campaign treasurer and Bridgeport Board of Education member are accused of scheming to obtain. "AJ" Perez has resigned after being arrested and charged with fraud by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United. Dunn also faces 18 to 24 months in prison. Well this was timely. The indictment is part of on-going investigations by local, state and federal law enforcement targeting drug-driven violence in cities like Bridgeport and Hartford. These groups were aligned against rival organizations in Bridgeport, including the Original North End (O.N.E.) and the Greene Homes Boyz, (GHB/Hotz), based in the Charles F. Greene Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeports North End. A lock ( This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBIs Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. 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.