Florida Man Charged with Acid Bomb Attack of Connecticut Victim

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that FRANK MENDOZA, 51, of Jacksonville, Florida, has been arrested and charged with federal stalking, domestic violence, and explosives offenses. It is alleged that MENDOZA stalked and threatened a woman and others for more than a year and, in December 2010, traveled from Florida to Connecticut and placed two acid bottle bombs in the victim’s car.

MENDOZA has been detained since his arrest in Jacksonville on August 17, 2012. On August 22, 2012, a federal grand jury sitting in Bridgeport returned an indictment charging MENDOZA with four counts of interstate stalking, one count of interstate domestic violence, and two counts of using an explosive in the commission of a felony.

MENDOZA appeared today before United States Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.

“As alleged, this defendant planted acid-filled explosives intended to cause serious, disfiguring injuries to his victim,” stated U.S. Attorney Fein. “Last week marked the 18th Anniversary of the federal Violence Against Women Act, which has given the Department of Justice tools to prosecute domestic violence and stalking crimes. I commend the FBI JTTF in Connecticut and Florida, the Stamford Police Department, and all of our partner investigative agencies, who have worked to investigate this matter to secure justice and provide safety for the victims of this crime.”

“Today’s arrest is a warning to those who commit violent crimes that the FBI’s reach is far and wide,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Mertz. “The threatening and insidious nature of the crimes with which Mr. Mendoza is charged will not be tolerated and the FBI’s pursuit of justice will not be deterred. The day-to-day work of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces and their local, state, and federal partners often goes unheralded. This case is a great example of law enforcement working together to bring those charged with violent crimes to justice.”

The indictment alleges that, in 2008, MENDOZA began a romantic relationship with a woman (“Victim #1”) in Jacksonville, Florida. After approximately one year, MENDOZA’s abusive and threatening behavior caused Victim #1 to attempt to end the relationship. MENDOZA continued to threaten Victim #1, calling her repeatedly and leaving numerous threatening voice-mails. On one occasion in the spring of 2010, MENDOZA entered Victim #1’s apartment while she was sleeping and covered her in newspaper. Victim #1 awoke and found MENDOZA with a lighter threatening to set her on fire.

The indictment further alleges that, in approximately September 2010, as part of a ruse, Victim #1 and a friend (“Victim #2”) told MENDOZA that Victim #1 was temporarily moving to Rhode Island for a work-related training program. Victim #1 and Victim #2 then relocated from Florida to Stamford, Connecticut. In October 2010, MENDOZA learned that Victim #1 had moved to Connecticut and his threatening behavior continued. In October and November 2010, MENDOZA placed numerous harassing and threatening phone calls to Victim #1, Victim #2, and their male work colleague (“Victim #3”).

The indictment further alleges that, in early November 2010, MENDOZA traveled from Florida to Connecticut, visited Victim #1’s place of work and her and Victim #2’s apartment complex in Stamford, and then returned to Florida. Then, on December 8, 2010, MENDOZA flew from Florida to New York City, rented a car, drove with a family member to Victim #1’s Connecticut residence, and placed two acid bottle bombs in Victim #1’s car. At approximately 11:00 p.m. on December 8, 2010, Victim #1 approached her car and observed that the car’s interior had been dampened by a liquid. She also observed a two liter soda bottle on the driver’s side floor. When she picked the bottle up, it began to smoke and fizz. She then gently placed the bottle down and ran from the car. The bottle then exploded. Victim #1 immediately called the Stamford Police.

The investigation has revealed that the bottle that Victim #1 picked up and one that had exploded before Victim #1 reached the car had each contained acid.

If convicted, MENDOZA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000 on each charge of interstate stalking and interstate domestic violence. The charge of using an explosive in the commission of a felony carries a mandatory 10-year consecutive prison term.

U.S. Attorney Fein 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.

This matter is being investigated by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces in New Haven and Jacksonville, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Connecticut State Police, the New Haven Police Department, the Stamford Police Department, the Stamford Bomb Squad, the Stamford Fire Department, and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Krishna Patel and Vanessa Richards.

Two Men Charged with Violent Robbery of Killingworth Bank

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Colonel Danny R. Stebbins of the Connecticut State Police today announced that a federal grand jury sitting in New Haven has returned an indictment charging Marcus Dwyer, 40, formerly of New Haven, and Dario Pabey, 32, of Waterbury, with the violent robbery of a branch of TD Bank in Killingworth in August.

The indictment was returned on September 7, 2012, and Pabey was arrested on that date. He appeared today before United States Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons in Bridgeport and has been ordered detained.

Dwyer is currently being sought by law enforcement. Citizens with information about his whereabouts are encouraged to call Detective Jim McGlynn of the Connecticut State Police at 860-250-5060 or Special Agent Lisa MacNamara of the FBI at 203-996-4132.

The indictment alleges that, on August 6, 2012, Dwyer, Pabey, and another individual took approximately $43,573 from the TD Bank on Route 81 in Killingworth through the use of force, violence, and intimidation. According to statements made today in court, it is alleged that Dwyer and Pabey, one of whom carried a gun, entered the bank and ordered employees and customers to lie on the floor. One victim was bound by the defendants. After taking the money, the defendants fled the scene in a stolen vehicle, which was abandoned a short distance from the bank.

U.S. Attorney Fein 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.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ray F. Miller and Sarala V. Nagala.

Windsor Man Sentenced to More Than Seven Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Crack

The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut announced that Corey Calbert, also known as “Bump,” 32, of Windsor, formerly of Simsbury and Bloomfield, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 87 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.

This matter stems from Operation Northern Strike, a 15-month joint law enforcement investigation targeting members and associates of geographically-based street gangs engaging in criminal activity in Hartford’s Upper Albany and Northeast neighborhoods. The investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps on multiple telephones, controlled purchases of narcotics, and physical surveillance. As a result of the investigation, 35 individuals were charged with various federal drug and firearms violations.

According to court documents and statements made in court, one of the initial targets of the investigation was Joseph Smith, also known as “Nitty.” The investigation revealed that Calbert regularly supplied Smith with distribution quantities of crack cocaine. Between March and May 2010, investigators intercepted numerous calls between Calbert and Smith during which they arranged to meet on at least 10 occasions to conduct apparent narcotics transactions. Investigators also intercepted calls between Smith and other co-defendants during which Smith discussed the quantity of crack cocaine he was obtaining from “Bump” and the price that Calbert was charging for the drugs.

After his arrest in this case, and while he was released on bond, Calbert resided with his mother in the Weatogue section of Simsbury. On February 28, 2012, Calbert accepted delivery of a package containing approximately one kilogram of cocaine that had been sent through the U.S. Mail to his residence.

On June 12, 2012, Calbert pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

On June 29, 2011, Smith pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base. He awaits sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force—which includes representatives of the FBI, Connecticut State Police, and Hartford Police Department—and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Geoffrey M. Stone.

New Haven Man Charged with March 2011 Arson That Killed Three Individuals, Including 8-Year-Old Boy

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury sitting in New Haven has returned an indictment charging Hector Natal, also known as “Boom” and “Boom Boom,” 26, of New Haven, with committing the March 9, 2011 arson of a multi-family house located at 48-50 Wolcott Street in New Haven. The arson caused the deaths of three residents, 42-year-old Wanda Roberson, her 8-year-old son Quayshawn Roberson, and her 21-year-old niece Jaquetta Roberson. The indictment also charges Natal, together with his father, Hector Morales, 50, of New Haven, with participating in a narcotics distribution business, which led to the arson, and tampering with witnesses in an effort to obstruct the investigation of the arson. Morales is separately charged with altering evidence in order to further obstruct the investigation.

The indictment was returned yesterday. Natal has been detained since June 14, 2011, when he was arrested on federal narcotics charges. Morales was arrested this morning at his residence. He appeared this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons in Bridgeport and was ordered detained.

“This indictment alleges that Hector Natal set fire to a home where families and children lived, resulting in the deaths of three innocent people, including two women and a young boy,” said U.S. Attorney Fein. “As alleged, Natal committed this act in part to further his drug trade. His father, Hector Morales, facilitated his son’s narcotics trafficking and, with Natal, attempted to obstruct and undermine the grand jury’s investigation by tampering with witnesses and altering evidence. We thank our law enforcement partners, particularly the FBI, Connecticut State Police, New Haven Police Department, and New Haven Fire Department, who worked tirelessly in this investigation.”

“Violent crime has a devastating impact on our communities and families,” said Kimberly K. Mertz, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the FBI. “The Wolcott Street arson in March 2011 resulting in the death of three innocent residents of Fair Haven had such an impact. This indictment reflects the FBI’s commitment to combating violent crime and to pursuing justice with the hope that it will deter and diminish future criminal acts. The tireless efforts of the investigating local, state, and federal agencies, especially the Office of the United States Attorney, are to be commended for their diligence and for bringing those responsible for these crimes to justice.”

“This extensive investigation utilized the expertise of many law enforcement representatives, including the FBI, New Haven Police Department, New Haven Fire Marshal, State Police Major Crime Detectives, and troopers assigned to the Fire and Explosion Investigative Unit, who worked closely together to determine the origin and cause of this triple arson-murder,” said Col. Danny Stebbins of the Connecticut State Police.

“Once news of this fire spread throughout New Haven, the community united in grief,” said Officer David B. Hartman of the New Haven Police Department. “A 42-year-old-mother, her 8-year-old son, and a 21-year-old cousin all lost their lives tragically. When we learned the cause was arson, our grief was compounded with fury. Arsonists commit their crimes without regard for the lives of those affected and the lives of the brave firefighters who have to battle the blaze. News of this indictment is comforting to our community, and the New Haven Police Department is grateful for all of the tireless work by investigators.”

“This was a terrible crime, and the New Haven Fire Department is proud to be working cooperatively with our outstanding partners, including the FBI, Connecticut State Police, New Haven Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, to investigate this arson and ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” said New Haven Fire Chief Michael Grant.

The indictment alleges that Natal distributed crack cocaine and marijuana to customers in New Haven’s Fair Haven neighborhood. He had multiple sources of supply and sometimes bought powder cocaine and “cooked” it to convert it to crack cocaine. Natal sold these drugs directly to customers and “fronted” drugs to associates who sold the drugs and split the profits with Natal. Morales served as Natal’s driver, facilitating his sales of narcotics and collection of drug proceeds, and held drug proceeds for safe keeping.

According to the indictment, in early March 2011, Natal and a resident of 50 Wolcott Street, the site of the arson, engaged in many telephone calls, including three calls that occurred within hours of the arson. Late on the night of March 8 and into the early morning of March 9, Morales drove Natal in Morales’ blue 1994 Dodge Caravan from 76 Haven Street, where Natal sometimes resided, to the vicinity of 91 Spring Street in New Haven, where Natal collected money owed him from a prior sale of crack cocaine. It is alleged that, at approximately 1:15 a.m. on March 9, 2011, Natal set fire to the two-story residence located at 48-50 Wolcott Street in part as retaliation for failure to pay a drug debt. After the fire was set, Morales drove Natal from the vicinity of the Wolcott Street residence back to 76 Haven Street.

In addition to the narcotics and fatal arson allegations, the indictment charges Natal with a prior arson attempt at 48-50 Wolcott Street in October 2010. Further, both Natal and Morales are charged with witness tampering. Specifically, the indictment alleges that they corruptly suggested to witnesses subpoenaed before the federal grand jury that they testify falsely and give false and misleading information to the grand jury in order to prevent the grand jury from developing evidence regarding the fatal fire and to protect Natal and Morales from being charged criminally. Finally, Morales is charged with altering his blue Dodge Caravan in a further effort to obstruct the investigation.

The indictment charges Natal with three counts of arson resulting in death. If convicted, Natal faces a mandatory minimum term of seven years’ imprisonment and a maximum term of life imprisonment on each count.

The indictment also charges Natal with one count of attempted arson, which carries a mandatory minimum term of five years of imprisonment and a maximum term of 20 years.

Natal and Morales are each charged with conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute narcotics, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. They are also both charged with one count of conspiracy to tamper with witnesses and one count of witness tampering. Each of these charges carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Finally, Morales is charged with destruction and concealment of evidence, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

U.S. Attorney Fein stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

U.S. Attorney Fein stated that there is an ongoing investigation in this matter and encouraged anyone with information that may be relevant to that investigation to call the FBI in Connecticut at 203-777-6311.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the New Haven Police Department; the Connecticut State Police Major Crimes Unit; Office of the State Fire Marshal; the New Haven Fire Department-Office of Fire Marshal; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General.

The case is being prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Deirdre M. Daly and Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Gustafson, with assistance and support from the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office.

Hartford Woman Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Role in Drug Trafficking Ring

The United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut announced that Breann Wynter, also known as “Bree,” 21, of Hartford, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Ellen Bree Burns in New Haven to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for her role in a Hartford-area narcotics distribution ring.

This matter stems from Operation Northern Strike, a 15-month joint law enforcement investigation targeting members and associates of geographically-based street gangs engaging in criminal activity in Hartford’s Upper Albany and Northeast neighborhoods. The investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps on multiple telephones, controlled purchases of narcotics, and physical surveillance. As a result of the investigation, 35 individuals were charged with various federal drug and firearms violations.

According to court documents and statements made in court, one of the initial targets of the investigation was Joseph Smith, also known as “Nitty.” The investigation revealed that Smith employed Wynter to store narcotics and cash at Wynter’s Baltimore Street residence. Wynter also sometimes accompanied Smith when Smith obtained narcotics from his suppliers and when he delivered narcotics to his customers.

Smith and Wynter were arrested on May 4, 2010. On that date, a search of Wynter’s residence revealed approximately 14 ounces of crack cocaine, marijuana packaged for distribution, $8,100 in cash, and a Smith & Wesson .357 revolver.

On January 31, 2012, Wynter pleaded guilty to one count of maintaining a drug involved premises.

On June 29, 2011, Smith pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base. He awaits sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Gang Task Force—which includes representatives of the FBI, Connecticut State Police, and Hartford Police Department—and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Geoffrey M. Stone.