The superseding indictment, which was returned on May 3 and unsealed yesterday, charges, KEISHAWN DONALD, 20 KYRAN DANGERFIELD, 24, 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. A CT bill would expand 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. Get CT Mirror briefings with enterprise reporting, investigations and more in your inbox daily. (Shutterstock) BRIDGEPORT, CT A 33 . 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. While there have so far been no arrests related to scrap metal and/or public facilities contracts, on Sept. 10, 2020, Perez and Dunn were indicted for conspiring to help the former cheat to become a finalist for chief. 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. Sen. Cathy Osten, D-Sprague, a major proponent of the gambling bill, was named as the acting co-chair of the committee. 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. 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. Marshals, and Bridgeport Police are actively investigating multiple Bridgeport-based groups whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder and other acts of violence. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Due to the overnight inclement weather , the lottery's Rocky Hill offices were closed on Tuesday. 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. Informed of the indictment, Bradley surrendered to federal marshals and appeared in U.S. District Court to face conspiracy and wire fraud charges. DEA and its local, state and federal partners are dedicated to bringing to justice those that commit these crimes.. 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. This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBIs Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. who endorsed Ganims comeback and was hired as an aide. Connecticut Financial Center 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. As alleged, this shooting is part of a larger ongoing investigation targeting the GHB/Hots, ONE and rival gangs. This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBIs Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. While investigators do not reveal what prompts them to open a case, City Council member Maria Pereira raised questions about Bradleys 2018 Senate campaign finances and fundraising in a complaint filed with the State Elections Enforcement Commission. Yamo, 24 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. ERIC HAYES, also known as Heavyweight Champ, 24 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. The indictment accuses him of filing false documents to the elections commission to obtain the primary grant. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Bridgeport Board of Education member Jessica Martinez exits her arraignment in federal court in New Haven, Conn. on Tuesday, May 25, 2021. Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 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. 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. Bridgeport Directions: View Larger Map North Follow Interstate 95 south to Exit 27 (Lafayette Blvd). Have a question about Government Services? 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. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. An official website of the United States government. The conspiracy to commit murder offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and the conspiracy to commit assault offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years. Ali was grazed in the head and shot in the left thumb, and Warren was grazed in the ribs. Merriam via videoconference and was ordered detained. Ned Gerard / Hearst Connecticut Media NEW HAVEN Bridgeport Councilman Michael DeFilippo has been. During the time of his arrest, Jorge Ruiz had an . gang. The Courthouse is on your left. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. 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. Press Release. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) A federal judge has approved a settlement of more than $1 million in a class action lawsuit that challenged a federal immigration raid at an eastern Tennessee meatpacking plant where about 100 people were arrested. LUIS CARRASQUILLO, also known as Cuchi, 52, of Hartford,was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine. 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. Connecticut Financial Center 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. Word of Bradleys arrest spread quickly to the state Capitol, but spokesmen for the Senate Democratic majority and Gov. 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. 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 Official websites use .gov Secure .gov websites use HTTPS There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. FILE - Former Police Chief Armando Perez makes a statement in front of the Federal Courthouse in Bridgeport, Conn., Monday, Oct. 5, 2020. Fax Line: (203) 773- 5376. Gov. 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. Saying, Okay, you got me. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS The other defendants are detained in federal or state custody. A new legislative proposal, House Bill 6616, would extend the program to people 20 and younger regardless of immigration status starting in January 2024, and then to those 25 and younger beginning . Attorneys Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Rahul Kale, Peter D. Markle and Karen L. Peck. Clark said all five of the recent Bridgeport arrests meet the mission objective of the FBIs anti-corruption program. U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. 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. BRIDGEPORT >> Ten individuals were indicted Wednesday for their alleged involvement in the largest fentanyl bust in state history. 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. CM/ECF allows courts to accept filings over the internet, which immediately updates the docket. 157 Church Street The indictment charges Gaines, Calderon, Blackwell, Jones, Benejan and Kirkland with one count of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Mark is the Capitol Bureau Chief and a co-founder of CT Mirror. 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. Read More. Connecticut Financial Center This prosecution is a part of the Justices Departments Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs. 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 victims vehicle had approximately 23 entry bullet holes in the drivers side and windshield area. Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticuts major cities. Based on the current available information regarding Senator Bradley, I have taken a first step to protect the integrity of the State Senate, Looney said. Guy M. Vallaro, Director of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protections Division of Scientific Services. He is married and the father of a six-month-old child. 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. (Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media via AP, File). (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. Manchester, CT (06045) Today. The Connecticut Department of Public Safety provides crime statistics for the City of Bridgeport. 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 DIOMIE BLACKWELL, 23 gang; On January 26, 2020, Wright and JW, an East End associate who is now deceased, shot and killed Myreke Kenion and shot and attempted to kill DAndre Brown, both associates of the GHB/Hotz gang; On June 24, 2020, Dangerfield, JW and a juvenile shot and killed Tyler Ballew, a member and associate of the O.N.E. Floor 25 These crimes rob the neighborhoods of safety and hold law abiding citizens of Connecticut hostage to drug-fueled lawlessness. The indictment, which was returned on August 5 and unsealed today following the arrest of four of the five defendants, charges, MARQUIS ISREAL, 24 Hes not going any place, Glasser told the judge. CT proposal causes confusion, concern. State police tracked the woman's phone and located the vehicle traveling through Durham, Haddam and then into Higganum, the incident report stated. 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. 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. The indictment also charges, Elhadiri, Hamid Kassem, Jaynes, Rachid Saadoun, Peck and Kousa with making a false swearing in an immigration matter. New Haven, CT 06510, Telephone: (203) 821-3700 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 indictment, which was returned on January 19 and unsealed yesterday, charges, KEISHAWN DONALD, 19 An official website of the United States government. 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. "AJ" Perez has resigned after being arrested and charged with fraud by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United. 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. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. 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. 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. 157 Church Street 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. 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. I also want to thank all of our federal and state partners. Attorneys Rahul Kale, Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis, Peter D. Markle and Karen L. Peck. 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 . Ned Lamont said before the court appearance they had not been notified of the arrest, nor did they know the nature of the investigation. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport States Attorneys Office, with the assistance of the U.S. and East End gangs have been charged with federal offenses as a result of this ongoing investigation. Arv Barkley, an associate of the O.N.E. During the past 10 months federal authorities, who have been scrutinizing Bridgeports Democrat-dominated government since at least early 2018, have charged five municipal officials in a smorgasbord of scandals. Fax Line: (203) 773- 5376. Bridgeport Gang Member Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison. A federal grand jury this week indicted Miguel . 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. gang; On October 17, 2019, Jones shot and attempted to kill Joshua Gilbert, a member and associate of the O.N.E. 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. Bradley. A Connecticut man is facing a host of federal charges for alleged tax fraud, obstruction, and identity theft offenses, officials announced. Ned Lamont and General Assembly leaders to to focus on offsetting a potential property tax Armageddon. 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. and GHB/Hotz gangs have been charged with federal offenses as a result of this ongoing investigation. 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. HUSKY Health is helping immigrants. and GHB/Hotz gangs have been charged with federal offenses as a result of this ongoing investigation. 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. Santi, 24 U.S. Attorney Durham noted that, in the past year, 22 members of the GHB/Hotz, O.N.E. TYRONE MOORE, also known as Ty Ralph Lauren, 19 This is a carousel. Acting U.S. Attorney Boyle noted that, in the past year, 24 members of the East End, O.N.E. 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. No one will know. A Election Fraud Has Long Been An Issue In . Great job by the state here. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph. BRIDGEPORT ?. March 2, 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector via videoconference and is detained. I thank our counterparts in the Bridgeport States Attorneys Office, who are supervising this investigation with our office, and the Bridgeport Police Department, FBI, ATF, DEA and U.S. Connecticut Financial Center 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. gang; On September 15, 2019, Wright shot and attempted to kill Marquis Isreal, a.k.a. His accused accomplice, 73-year-old David Dunn, Bridgeport's former acting personnel director, also pleaded guilty to the same charges. He first ran the city from 1991 until 2003 when he was convicted of running a pay-to-play operation out of City Hall. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Each of the defendants was arrested by criminal complaint on Oct. 6, 2011. Please reload the page and try again. March 3, 2023. 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. 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. He was later released on a $250,000 bond. Together we identified, targeted, investigated and arrested alleged violent criminals. 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. Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticuts major cities. The ban would last from Dec. 1 to March 31, a measure Moore said is to keep people from losing their housing during the . 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. 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. Bridgeport. The publics faith in elections has been shaken. And, after each indictment, observers have been left wondering, are investigators done? 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. 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.