TRAVON JONES, also known as Budda, 19 Attorneys Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Rahul Kale, Peter D. Markle and Karen L. Peck. The victims vehicle had approximately 23 entry bullet holes in the drivers side and windshield area. 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. Gaines is detained in state custody on unrelated charges. Connecticut Financial Center A federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging MIGUEL ACEVEDO, 40, of Meriden, with cocaine trafficking offenses. A Election Fraud Has Long Been An Issue In . 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. KYRAN DANGERFIELD, 24, 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. Two private attorneys with insight into the inner workings of federal probes Stanley Twardy Jr. and Christopher Mattei said it is not unusual for authorities to start with one area of interest, and eventually branch out to others. Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticuts major cities. $10,000? the consultant asked, referring to the law firm. An official website of the United States government. 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. 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. Saying, Okay, you got me. The U.S. Attorneys Office and the Bridgeport States Attorneys Office are jointly supervising the investigation, and federal and state prosecutors worked seamlessly to ensure that appropriate charges were brought. Among the violent acts committed by the defendants, the indictment alleges that: As to the January 27, 2020, shooting, at 12:11 p.m. on that date, Bridgeport Police responded to the area of 172 Golden Hill Street in Bridgeport after a Shot Spotter activation detected approximately 20 shots being fired in front of the state courthouse located there. Thats public trust matters. 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. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. March 3, 2023. Feb 16, 2023. I'm all for this one. Guy M. Vallaro, Director of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protections Division of Scientific Services. The U.S. Attorneys office did not return a request for comment and has a policy of not discussing pending cases. Gun violence, group member violence, drug activity, etc., have been an expressed concern of the residents within our communities; therefore, we have taken an even greater proactive approach by applying resources to and collaborating with these agencies, and are now witnessing the benefits of these partnerships. Newtown Contractor Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion THOMAS R. SAINT, 67, of Newtown, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday in Bridgeport federal court to one count of tax evasion. A lock ( The Courthouse is on your left. The indictment accuses him of filing false documents to the elections commission to obtain the primary grant. 2023 The Conneticut News Project. Hes not going any place, Glasser told the judge. Connecticut Financial Center #Bridgeport CT- On Thursday February 16, 2023, the Bridgeport Police Department arrested 46-year-old Bridgeport resident Jorge Ruiz (DOB 01/19/1977) for multiple armed robberies that occurred throughout the City of Bridgeport and other municipalities in the State of Connecticut. It absolutely should be looking at if a police chief cheated on an exam. In early February 2019, federal authorities subpoenaed City Hall for three years worth of records involving scrap metal sales and public facilities contracts. DESHAWN BAUGH, 20, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 108 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for committing violent robberies of AT&T stores in Connecticut and western Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved. 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. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph. 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 federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging five Bridgeport men with multiple offenses stemming from their alleged involvement in an afternoon shooting in front of a state courthouse in Bridgeport in January. The indictment also charges, Elhadiri, Hamid Kassem, Jaynes, Rachid Saadoun, Peck and Kousa with making a false swearing in an immigration matter. CONNECTICUT A tax preparer who served clients in Connecticut is facing federal fraud charges. Thats what the FBI is looking to restore, to ensure.. Bradley. Wright was shot in the side of his chest, and has been left paralyzed. The indictment, which was returned on August 5 and unsealed today following the arrest of four of the five defendants, charges, MARQUIS ISREAL, 24 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. Floor 25 Marshals Service, for their collaborative effort in bringing these individuals to justice.. A federal grand jury has indicted five aerospace executives and a former manager on charges of conspiring to limit workers' professional advancement and compensation, the U.S. Department of. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. This is a carousel. 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. CM/ECF allows courts to accept filings over the internet, which immediately updates the docket. Attorneys Rahul Kale, Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis, Peter D. Markle and Karen L. Peck. A CT bill would expand it. Brian Lockhart is a reporter with the Connecticut Post, covering politics and policy. First, then-police chief Armando Perez and then-personnel director David Dunn were charged in September for conspiring to help the former cheat to get the job. Main Office: Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticuts major cities. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. DESHAWN BAUGH, 20, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 108 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for District of Connecticut He emphasized the importance of confidentiality and secrecy surrounding his former responsibilities. 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. 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. BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) Bridgeport Police Chief Armando J. U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. HUSKY Health is helping immigrants. February 6, 2023. This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBIs Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. 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 . This was a great effort on everyones part., Continued cooperation among local, state, and federal agencies is essential to stem the rising tide of violence in our community so that our youth can avail themselves to opportunities in education and employment, and all residents can enjoy peace and security, said States Attorney Corradino. The new indictment supplements a June 1994 Federal indictment against 20 New York Latin Kings leaders. When people dont know the answer to whats the end game that means the systems working, said Michael Clark, a retired FBI agent who is a senior lecturer with the University of New Havens criminal justice department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Francis, a member of the financial fraud and public corruption unit, told U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Spector that the case involves a loss of $84,140, which is the public grant Bradley obtained for his primary in 2018, and an intended additional loss of $95,170, the general election grant Bradley never received. "AJ" Perez has resigned after being arrested and charged with fraud by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United. The indictment charges Isreal, Gaines, Calderon, Blackwell and Jones with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, attempted murder/aiding and abetting in assault with a dangerous weapon, and attempted murder, all in violation of the Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering (VCAR) statute. GHB/Hotz members and associates also committed acts of intimidation and made threats to deter potential witnesses to their crimes and to protect gang members and associates from detection and prosecution by law enforcement authorities. Fetti, a member and associate of the GHB/Hotz gang; On March 5, 2019, Hayes shot and killed Jerrell Gatewood; On July 4, 2019, Bonilla shot and killed Richard McDonald, a member and associate of the GHB/Hotz gang; On July 12, 2019, Jones and Moore shot and killed Sean Warren, also known as Kujoe, a member and associate of the O.N.E. The last time the FBI made national headlines in Bridgeport was during Ganims previous administration. The arrest comes on a day when the Senate was set to debate final passage of a bill legalizing sports betting and online gambling, an issue under the jurisdiction of the committee that Bradley had co-chaired, the Public Safety and Security Committee. 450 Main Street Suite A012 Hartford, CT 06103 860-240-3200 | Clerk's Office 860-240-3211 | Fax. CT proposal causes confusion, concern. Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticuts major cities. Blick, 19 The federal charges against these five defendants are the result of an extensive investigation conducted by a partnership of law enforcement entities formed to address the surge in violent crime in the city of Bridgeport, said U.S. Attorney Durham. Sen. Cathy Osten, D-Sprague, a major proponent of the gambling bill, was named as the acting co-chair of the committee. South Follow Interstate 95 north to Exit 27 (Lafayette Blvd). Dunn also faces 18 to 24 months in prison. Ms. White said 16 new defendants had been named in it, with the remainder named in both. During the time of his arrest, Jorge Ruiz had an . 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. Arv Barkley, an associate of the O.N.E. Marshals, and Bridgeport Police are actively investigating multiple Bridgeport-based groups whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder and other acts of violence. Cloudy with snow showers mainly during the morning. He is a frequent contributor to WNPR, a former state politics writer for The Hartford Courant and Journal Inquirer, and contributor for The New York Times. I represent clients in contentious and complex probate, civil, and criminal matters in . Secure .gov websites use HTTPS He is married and the father of a six-month-old child. The indictment was returned Monday by a grand jury and ordered unsealed in U.S. District Court in New Haven, where Bradley arrived in handcuffs. Official websites use .gov And, this past Wednesday, City Councilman Michael DeFilippo was charged for alleged illegalities involving absentee or mail-in ballots. 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. 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. This prosecution is a part of the Justices Departments Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs. gang. In separate appearances, both pleaded not guilty. The department is duty bound to investigate all such leads and bring charges where appropriate.. 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. A man from Meriden has been indicted on federal charges in connection to alleged cocaine trafficking, officials said. Stratford resident stunned by earthquake destruction in Turkey, Suspect in rape at CT housing authority property rejects offer. Drug dealers and street gangs value their own profits over human life, and are responsible for fueling drug addiction and much of the violent crimes across New England. These crimes rob the neighborhoods of safety and hold law abiding citizens of Connecticut hostage to drug-fueled lawlessness. On January 27, 2020, at 12:11 p.m., Bridgeport Police responded to the area of 172 Golden Hill Street in Bridgeport after a Shot Spotter activation detected approximately 20 shots being fired in front of the state courthouse located there. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. FILE - Former Police Chief Armando Perez makes a statement in front of the Federal Courthouse in Bridgeport, Conn., Monday, Oct. 5, 2020. Merriam via videoconference and was ordered detained. 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. Bradley replied with a shushing emoticon, the indictment says. Garf, 24 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. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Lock Until the federal government takes its regulatory role seriously and uses the big stick that it has, corporations will attempt to self-regulate Why CT waits for $95 million from OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma. . 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. The two were convicted earlier this year and are now serving time behind bars. Benejan was arrested on February 19. Lock These indictments should be a clear message that we will not allow our communities to continue being plagued by violence., Addressing gang violence head on continues to be a top priority for the FBI and our law enforcement partners, said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sundberg. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. 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. 1997 - Present26 years. 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. Have a question about Government Services? The Connecticut Department of Public Safety provides crime statistics for the City of Bridgeport. TREVON WRIGHT, also known as Tre, 19 East End members celebrated their criminal conduct on social media websites such as Facebook and YouTube, and committed acts of intimidation and made threats to deter potential witnesses to their crimes and to protect gang members and associates from detection and prosecution by law enforcement authorities. Ned Lamont said before the court appearance they had not been notified of the arrest, nor did they know the nature of the investigation. 157 Church Street Feb. 28, 2023. This is unacceptable and will not be allowed to happen. Twenty one Bridgeport gang . U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The six defendants are also charged with conspiracy to commit murder/conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon. An official website of the United States government. Connecticut Financial Center Attorneys Rahul Kale, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Peter D. Markle and Karen L. Peck. A locked padlock Federal prosecutors have filed charges against four former Washington Federal Bank for Savings employees for an alleged multiyear, $29 million embezzlement scheme that preceded the Bridgeport bank . A lock ( (U.S.) Department of Justice investigations are often far reaching and go down several paths if the evidence leads in multiple directions, said Mattei, formerly chief of the financial fraud and public corruption unit for the U.S. Attorneys Office in Connecticut. DeFilippo prevailed each time. BRIDGEPORT State Sen. Dennis Bradley and former city Board of Education Chairwoman Jessica Martinez were charged Tuesday in a more than $170,000 campaign fund scheme, according to a federal. A federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging MIGUEL ACEVEDO, 40, of Meriden, with cocaine trafficking offenses. Fax Line: (203) 773- 5376. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 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. Batchelor was arrested this morning. Each of the drug offenses carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. 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 an additional four Bridgeport men with conspiring to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, including drug trafficking, murder and attempted murder. Former Bridgeport Personnel Director David Dunn leaves the United States Court House Federal Building in downtown Bridgeport, Conn., on Tuesday April 13, 2021. I also thank the forensic examiners at the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protections Division of Scientific Services for their timely and expert analysis pertaining to DNA and ballistic evidence that has been critical to this investigation. In arguing for his release on a lower bond, Glasser said Bradley has been aware he was the target of a criminal investigation for some time and should not be viewed as a flight risk. Informed of the indictment, Bradley surrendered to federal marshals and appeared in U.S. District Court to face conspiracy and wire fraud charges. Ned Gerard / Hearst Connecticut Media NEW HAVEN Bridgeport Councilman Michael DeFilippo has been. In the case of DeFilippo, the federal charges against him were directly related to a very public, nearly 4-year-old court battle over the September 2017 Democratic Party primary he won. The publics faith in elections has been shaken. 157 Church Street A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. The more money, the more temptations. Once the court appearance was concluded, Senate President Pro Tem Martin M. Looney, D-New Haven, immediately stripped Bradley of his committee assignments and his title as a deputy majority leader. Gov. This ongoing investigation is methodically getting to the roots of much of the violent activity Bridgeport has experienced during the last few years, said U.S. Attorney Durham. 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 Acting Police Chief Rebeca Garcia; David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England. Marshals, and Bridgeport Police are actively investigating multiple Bridgeport-based groups whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder and other acts of violence. He was ordered released on an unsecured bond of $300,000. 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. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media, Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media, 2023 Hearst Media Services Connecticut, LLC, Monroe SPCA volunteers 'humbled' as hundreds file to adopt pets, Stratford calls claims in former cop's lawsuit 'preposterous', Bridgeport police deploy Taser at scene of assault, official says, M&T urged to end 'banking desert' in Bridgeport neighborhoods, Former girls soccer coach pleads guilty to sex assault of player, Monroe SPCA volunteers race deadline to find homes for animals, Fairfield man charged in alleged high-speed chase, shootout, announced the creation of a special, multi-agency anti-public corruption task force, in late 2018 city officials received an anonymous letter, February 2019, federal authorities subpoenaed, reported the FBI was also looking at the 2018 search for a police chief, in late May began serving their respective prison terms. UNDREA KIRKLAND, a.k.a. Please reload the page and try again. Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. In 2017, the city recorded 4,731 crimes, a 7.5% increase from the previous year. New Haven, CT 06510, Telephone: (203) 821-3700 and GHB/Hotz gangs have been charged with federal offenses as a result of this ongoing investigation. 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. 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. hired private attorneys to represent Ganim, his chief-of-staff, Daniel Shamas, Perez and Dunn, were arrested for allegedly attempting to fraudulently obtain, 'Candlewood' horror movie drops trailer inspired by local urban legends, Four Fairfield businesses fail February health inspections, CT's best breakfast restaurants for 2023, according to Connecticut Magazine, Warrant: Ex-New Fairfield 'lunch lady' sent nude images to student on Snapchat for months before sex assault, Police make up 19 of Trumbull's top 20 highest paid employees, The Best Private High Schools Near Stamford, The Best Private Preschools Near New Haven, Guide to Legal Cannabis Dispensaries in CT. be sent to the Chief States Attorney, the Secretary of the State and to federal authorities.