A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. 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. Chance of snow 70%.. . Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Thats what the FBI is looking to restore, to ensure.. BRIDGEPORT Four alleged members of a city gang have been indicted by a federal grand jury on racketeering and murder charges as part of an ongoing federal, state and local law. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. The charges stem from his run for the . It was unclear how a state campaign finance investigation, which typically are resolved with civil fines or a referral to state prosecutors, became the subject of a federal indictment. Main Office: U.S. Attorney Durham noted that, in the past year, 22 members of the GHB/Hotz, O.N.E. gang; On January 26, 2020, Wright shot and killed Myreke Kenion and shot and attempted to kill DAndre Brown, both members and associates of the GHB/Hotz gang; On June 25, 2020, Dangerfield and JW, an East End associate who is now deceased, and another individual, shot and killed Tyler Ballew, a member and associate of the O.N.E. An official website of the United States government. An official website of the United States government. We continue to jointly investigate other violent acts in Bridgeport, and the groups, gangs or individuals responsible for them., I would like to express my sincere appreciation to United States Attorney John H. Durham for his strong commitment to public safety in the city of Bridgeport, said Chief Perez. In separate appearances, both pleaded not guilty. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport States Attorneys Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Bradley replied with a shushing emoticon, the indictment says. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph. 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. 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. Yamo, 24 Ganim has not commented on DeFilippos arrest the councilman was sometimes a vocal critic of his and did not respond to questions for this article about his thoughts on the five indictments. 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. He emphasized the importance of confidentiality and secrecy surrounding his former responsibilities. "AJ" Perez has resigned after being arrested and charged with fraud by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United. Among the violent acts committed by the gang, the indictment alleges that: If convicted, Donald, Wright, Dangerfield, Hayes, Jones, Moore and Bonilla face a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and Batchelor faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Bridgeport Gang Member Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison. In fact in February 2015 the U.S. Attorneys Office in Connecticut announced the creation of a special, multi-agency anti-public corruption task force and followed that up with a handful of billboard advertisements including in Bridgeport promoting the effort and a tip phone line. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. have been aligned against rival groups in Bridgeport, including the East End, East Side and PT Barnum gangs, as well as 150, which is a is a geographic gang based on the West Side of Bridgeport. The superseding indictment, which was returned on May 3 and unsealed yesterday, charges, KEISHAWN DONALD, 20 We are the 169 Strong. 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. The East End gang has been aligned with other groups, including the PT Barnum Gang, the East Side gang and 150, which is a geographic gang based on the West Side of Bridgeport. 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. 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. March 2, 2023. Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticuts major cities. Theyre working off of whether witnesses are giving them information or citizens or people who are jammed up giving them information, Clark said. A federal jury in Hartford has found LEONARDO HECTOR ROSADO, 52, of the Bronx, New York, guilty of fentanyl and cocaine distribution offenses. He was ordered released on an unsecured bond of $300,000. Together we identified, targeted, investigated and arrested alleged violent criminals. A man from Meriden has been indicted on federal charges in connection to alleged cocaine trafficking, officials said. Pollard's criminal history includes multiple felony convictions. The more temptations, the more people cross the line.. TYIESE WARREN, a.k.a. 157 Church Street The publics faith in elections has been shaken. 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. 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. 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. Bridgeport Directions: View Larger Map North Follow Interstate 95 south to Exit 27 (Lafayette Blvd). Thats public trust matters. A federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging the four Bridgeport men with conspiring to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, including drug trafficking, murder and . Feb. 28, 2023. 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. 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. Bridgeport's crime data in 2017 includes 21 murders, 77 rapes, 565 robberies, 652 aggravated assaults, 484 burglaries, 2,152 larcenies, 716 motor vehicle thefts, and . The indictment also charges, Elhadiri, Hamid Kassem, Jaynes, Rachid Saadoun, Peck and Kousa with making a false swearing in an immigration matter. Twenty one Bridgeport gang . The indictment also charges Isreal with one count of using and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least 10 years. Only a couple of people, and theyre not going to be talking.. Sen. Cathy Osten, D-Sprague, a major proponent of the gambling bill, was named as the acting co-chair of the committee. 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. (Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media via AP, File). BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT - 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 A federal grand jury this week indicted Miguel . Garf or Gbaby, a member and associate of the O.N.E. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and the Waterbury Police Department. A federal grand jury had been collecting information for a year or more about Bradley's 2018 Senate campaign, focusing on a March 2018 event at Dolphin's Cove restaurant in Bridgeport. Bridgeport resident Lamain Heard was sentenced this week to 37 months in federal prison in connection with an illegal firearm case, according to prosecutors. Connecticut Financial Center 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. 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. Have a question about Government Services? Dunn was at the courthouse to be sentenced for his involvement in the police chief cheating scandal. Rep. Vin Candelora, R-North Branford, criticized Attorney General . The victims vehicle had approximately 23 entry bullet holes in the drivers side and windshield area. High 39F. who endorsed Ganims comeback and was hired as an aide. and East End gangs have been charged with federal offenses as a result of this ongoing investigation. The alleged brazen violent acts by these individuals showed their blatant disregard for life of innocent people entering and exiting the court house. Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Joleen D . 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. Wright was shot in the side of his chest, and has been left paralyzed. 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. In early February 2019, federal authorities subpoenaed City Hall for three years worth of records involving scrap metal sales and public facilities contracts. We are very surprised this matter was charged in the first place, Glasser said. 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. . CM/ECF keeps out-of-pocket expenses low, gives concurrent access to case files by multiple parties, and offers . 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. 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. Perez had been acting chief for two-and-a-half years. Milford and Madison, Connecticut, United States. The victims vehicle had approximately 23 entry bullet holes in the drivers side and windshield area. Looks like the state is trying to pass a law that towns cannot charge more than double the rate for beach parking passes that it charges residents. Attorneys Rahul Kale, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Peter D. Markle and Karen L. Peck. Sen. Dennis Bradley, D-Bridgeport, co-chairman of the General Assembly's public safety committee, shown at a forum on gaming expansion Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020. Upon arrival, investigators discovered that four victims had been shot while sitting inside a black Chevrolet Impala. An official website of the United States government. Official websites use .gov Floor 25 CHARLES ANTHONY BONILLA, also known as 30 Cal and Ant, 22 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. 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 District of Connecticut The former police chief of Connecticut's largest city has been sentenced to one year in prison for rigging the hiring process that led to his appointment in 2018. On January 30, 2018, Donald shot and killed Eric Heard, a.k.a. I represent clients in contentious and complex probate, civil, and criminal matters in . All Rights Reserved. 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. KYRAN DANGERFIELD, 24, U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Connecticut, Indictment Charges Bridgeport Gang Members with Drug Trafficking, Committing 4 Murders, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, Meriden Man Charged with Cocaine Trafficking Offenses, Jury Finds Waterbury Man Guilty of Narcotics Distribution and Firearm Possession Offenses, Man Who Robbed and Murdered Stamford Jeweler Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal Prison, Indictment Charges Bridgeport Gang Members With Drug Trafficking, Committing 4 Murders. Ms. White said 16 new defendants had been named in it, with the remainder named in both. 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. 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. 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. Bear right onto Lafayette Boulevard, proceed to the third traffic light. A federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging MIGUEL ACEVEDO, 40, of Meriden, with cocaine trafficking offenses. I look forward to more successful interagency coordination and express my appreciation to all of the outstanding work by all those involved in this investigation., This investigation is an example of ATFs commitment to working with our law enforcement partners at the Bridgeport Police Department, DEA and FBI, said ATF Special Agent in Charge Brady. 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 District of Connecticut They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitsimmons via video conference and are detained. These recent arrests are just a peek into our overall strategy to reduce gun violence, prevent and dismantle gangs in Connecticut., This investigation is an example of ATFs commitment to working with our law enforcement partners at the Bridgeport Police Department, FBI and DEA, said ATF Special Agent in Charge Brady. Marshals, and Bridgeport Police are actively investigating multiple Bridgeport-based groups whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder and other acts of violence. Abraham Ribicoff Federal Building United States District Court. 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. 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. Griffin was first arrested by FBI agents in New Haven on Dec. 10. The last time the FBI made national headlines in Bridgeport was during Ganims previous administration. (Shutterstock) BRIDGEPORT, CT A 33 . The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Press Release. 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. Tolland County resident David Kamal, age 60, of Stafford, formerly of Hebron, was charged in an 11-count indictment and will face years in prison if found guilty, US Attorney Leonard Boyle announced. CT bill proposes relief from coerced debt for domestic violence victims, CT continues to prosecute some marijuana cases despite legalization, Karen Hobert Flynn, Common Cause leader and CT reformer, dies, Labor asks CT to regulate Amazon warehouse quotas, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. Youll never see the wagon train kind of leave town, Clark said. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Both men resigned, pleaded guilty and in late May began serving their respective prison terms. gang; On September 15, 2019, Wright shot and attempted to kill Marquis Isreal, a.k.a. Floor 25 BRIDGEPORT ?. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. A lock ( The indictment also charges Isreal with one count of using and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least 10 years, and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine base (crack) and fentanyl, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Main Office: 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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A federal grand jury this week indicted Miguel Acevedo, 40, on two counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, the U.S. attorney's office, the Drug Enforcement Administration for New . This charge carries a maximum 10-year prison term and a fine of up to $250,000. Martinez, who was removed last year as the chair of the citys Board of Education, also surrendered. Floor 25 This prosecution is a part of the Justices Departments Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs. Todays arrests should serve as a warning that we will not tolerate gang related violence and those who cause it., This indictment and these arrests are the result of the around the clock investigative work by city, state and federal law enforcement despite the ongoing challenges in our communities, said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sundberg. New Haven, CT 06510, Telephone: (203) 821-3700 Ned Gerard / Hearst Connecticut Media NEW HAVEN Bridgeport Councilman Michael DeFilippo has been. Connecticut Financial Center Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. A federal grand jury has indicted 13 people on charges stemming from killings and drug dealing in and around the P.T. 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. But are they done? The State Elections Enforcement Commission, which administers the Citizens Election Program, denied Bradley the general election grant after an investigation prompted by two complaints, one by an opponent, Aaron Turner, and another by Maria Pereira. The East End gang has been aligned with other groups, including the PT Barnum Gang, the East Side gang and 150, which is a geographic gang based on the West Side of Bridgeport. 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. Lock When its over, itll be over. 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 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. A locked padlock Due to the overnight inclement weather , the lottery's Rocky Hill offices were closed on Tuesday. UNDREA KIRKLAND, a.k.a. 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. And, this past Wednesday, City Councilman Michael DeFilippo was charged for alleged illegalities involving absentee or mail-in ballots. 157 Church Street Bradley. DESTINE CALDERON, 25 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. 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. Together we identified, targeted, investigated and arrested alleged violent criminals. A lock ( CT proposal causes confusion, concern. Hes not going any place, Glasser told the judge. On January 30, 2018, Donald shot and killed Eric Heard, a.k.a. Guy M. Vallaro, Director of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protections Division of Scientific Services. Michael Brier, 60, the owner of Recovery Connection Centers of America, Inc., was arrested at his home in Newton, Massachusetts and charged with health care fraud, aggravated identity theft . Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. During the past 10 months federal authorities, who have been scrutinizing Bridgeport's Democrat-dominated government since at least early 2018, have charged five municipal officials in a. His accused accomplice, 73-year-old David Dunn, Bridgeport's former acting personnel director, also pleaded guilty to the same charges. 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. 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. 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. 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. Connecticut Financial Center Finally, I want to stress that while this is a significant and substantial prosecution that will assist in quelling violence in Bridgeport, our work is far from over. CM/ECF allows courts to accept filings over the internet, which immediately updates the docket. 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. 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. Proceed straight to the third traffic light. TREVON WRIGHT, also known as Tre, 19 A lock ( The Case Management/Electronic Case Filing (CM/ECF) system is a comprehensive case management system for the District of Connecticut. Great job by the state here. $10,000? the consultant asked, referring to the law firm. U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Mark is the Capitol Bureau Chief and a co-founder of CT Mirror. Loose Screw, 20 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. Whoops! The Courthouse is on your left. At various times, GHB/Hots members have formed alliances with other Bridgeport groups, including the Original North End (ONE) to target rival gang members. 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. State Senator Dennis Bradley, D-Bridgeport, exits his arraignment on wire fraud charges in federal court in New Haven, Conn. on Tuesday, May 25, 2021. Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticuts major cities. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS 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. This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBIs Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. 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.
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