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Venezuelan Nationals Charged with Stealing More Than $500K in ATM “Jackpotting” Scheme

 

Monday, June 29, 2026

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For Immediate Release

U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Connecticut

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that the following four individuals have been charged with federal offenses related to the theft of more than $500,000 in an ATM “jackpotting” scheme:

EUCLIDES MORENO ITANARE, 28, of Raleigh, North Carolina
WILLIAN RICARDO FLORES, 49, of the Bronx, New York
ALBERTO JOSE FREITES ARVILLA, 41, of Queens, New York
LUIS JOSE FREITES ARVILLA, 38, of Lynn, Massachusetts

The four defendants are citizens of Venezuela.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in August 2025, Itanare, Flores, Alberto Freites Arvilla, Luis Freites Arvilla, and others conspired to steal cash from at least nine ATM’s in Connecticut through what is known as a “jackpotting” scheme.  Jackpotting often involves using specialized hardware and malware that forces an ATM to dispense its stored cash.

It is alleged that the defendants accessed ATMs in Milford and Ansonia, and at I-95 rest stops in Fairfield, Branford, Madison, and Darien.  For each of the thefts, the pattern of behavior was similar.  Surveillance video shows that while Luis Freites Arvilla acted as a lookout, Alberto Freites Arvilla opened the hood of the ATM, accessed the internal components of the ATM, and then left the area.  Over the course of several hours, Luis Freites Arvilla, Itanare, and Flores then took turns withdrawing cash from the ATM.  The defendants sometimes changed clothes in an attempt to avoid suspicion when approaching the same ATM multiple times.

It is alleged that the defendants stole $529,220 from eight ATMs between August 8 and August 18, 2025.  They were prevented from stealing any money from the ATM in Ansonia due to a software patch that protected the ATM against this type of theft.

The four defendants were arrested on June 25, 2026, on federal criminal complaints charging each with interstate transportation of stolen property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and with conspiracy, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  They are currently detained.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that a criminal complaint is only a charge and 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 investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police, the Raleigh (N.C.) Police Department, and the New York City Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel George.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of North Carolina for its assistance.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion.  The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad.  Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders.  In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

HSTF New Haven comprises agents and officers from the FBI, DEA, HSI, ATF, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor, and Connecticut State Police, with prosecutions led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.

Updated June 29, 2026

 

 

HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that Connecticut is one of several states partnering with RAISE US, a newly launched nonprofit organization that is bringing together states, employers, workers, and educators to build a workforce infrastructure that supports and trains workers to thrive in the modern, AI economy.

Connecticut’s partnership with RAISE US is part of Governor Lamont’s ongoing efforts to ensure that Connecticut’s workforce and employers are prepared and can succeed in a future shaped by AI and emerging technologies. Last month, Governor Lamont signed legislation establishing new training programs to help prepare Connecticut’s workforce with the developing technical skills related to AI.

“AI is going to reshape the world, and we need to ensure that Connecticut workers and Connecticut jobs benefit from these breakthroughs and do not get left behind,” Governor Lamont said. “Through this partnership with RAISE US, we are committing to take practical next steps to ensure our state has the policies, coalitions, and resources in place to help workers gain new skills, support families through periods of change, and connect people to growing careers. I want the workforce of Connecticut to look at the years ahead and see opportunity, not uncertainty.”

The objective of RAISE US is to recognize that these modern technological advances and their impact on the economy require a holistic approach involving state partnerships, employer coalitions, education and training partnerships, and policy innovations. The organization was co-founded by former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, who is serving as its CEO, and former Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, who is serving as co-chair of its board of directors.

“America has a technology strategy for leading the global AI competition. It does not yet have a people strategy—and we cannot lead without one,” Raimondo said. “If we build the best AI systems in the world and leave millions of Americans behind, we won’t have won anything; we’ll have automated our own decline. I believe AI will create new jobs and industries over time, but the transition could be disruptive, and it’s already underway. We shouldn’t fearmonger, but we can’t pretend our training and worker support systems are ready, either. It’s time for innovative and practical solutions. This moment demands ambition, urgency, and creativity. We’ve assembled the country's leading companies, best economists, and philanthropy at a scale rarely seen—all to advance new ideas and incentives, pilot them with governors and business, and scale what works.”

“This isn’t red versus blue; it’s an all-hands-on-deck moment,” Holcomb said. “As governor, I made workforce development the centerpiece of my administration that helped train Hoosiers in every corner of the state. I learned this work gets done at the state level, in partnership with employers—not by mandates from Washington. RAISE US gives state leaders a playbook that connects more Americans with the skills and careers needed in the years ahead.”

Other states partnering with RAISE US as the organization launches include Arkansas, Maryland, and Utah. The organization is also partnering with several leading global technology companies and labor groups, and is building a set of partnerships to support its research, policy, and employer-engagement work with numerous research and consulting groups.

(HARTFORD, CT) – On Tuesday morning, Senator Richard Blumenthal, Treasurer Erick Russell, and Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ron Welch will make an announcement regarding the state’s Unclaimed Property program and host a brief public ceremony to reunite families of Connecticut veterans with military medals that have been recovered through the program. The ceremony will be open to the media and will be followed by a press availability.

WHO: Senator Blumenthal, Treasurer Russell, Commissioner Welch, family members of CT veterans

WHAT: Announcement re: the CT Unclaimed Property Program and ceremony to return unclaimed military medals to families of Connecticut veterans

WHEN: Tuesday, June 30, 2026; 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: State Office Building, visitor entrance lobby; 165 Capitol Avenue, Hartford

###

Cooling Centers Will Open and Can be Located by Visiting www.211ct.org or Calling 2-1-1

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that due to a weather forecast indicating that Connecticut will experience a multi-day stretch of severely hot and humid conditions, he is directing the state’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol to be activated effective at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026, and continuing until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, 2026.

During this period, temperatures are expected to exceed 90 degrees each day, meeting the National Weather Service (NWS) definition of a heat wave, with the heat index reaching or exceeding 100 degrees at times. Heat advisories have been issued by NWS for most of the state. Conditions are expected to be the most severe around the inland areas.

This is the first time this year the protocol has been activated. Its purpose is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severely hot and humid conditions. While the protocol is enacted, a system is set up for state agencies, municipalities, and other partners to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 to make sure that information regarding cooling centers is available statewide, providing a location for those in need of relief.

Cooling centers will be available throughout Connecticut. Anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat can locate their nearest cooling center by viewing the last that will be published online at www.211ct.org or calling 2-1-1.

“This protocol helps ensure that everyone has access to a safe place to stay cool and get relief from the extremely hot and humid conditions outside,” Governor Lamont said. “This is the first heat wave Connecticut is expected to experience so far this year, and we want to get the word out that when temperatures get this hot, people who are most vulnerable—especially those who are of a certain age or who have certain medical conditions—should take the necessary precautions to stay cool. To locate a nearby cooling center, view the list that will be published online at www.211ct.org or call 2-1-1.”

The following actions are implemented while Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol is enacted:

• The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security uses its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions.
• Municipalities and other partners submit information on the opening of cooling centers into the WebEOC, providing a real-time database on the availability of these locations statewide. United Way 2-1-1 uses the system to act as a clearinghouse to assist residents in locating a cooling center.
• Regional coordinators from the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security monitor WebEOC to respond to any requests from municipalities for state assistance.
• The energy utility companies provide the state with regular updates regarding the impact of the weather conditions on their respective utilities throughout the duration of the protocol.

Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others:

• Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.
• People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.
• People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.
• People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.
• People who are physically ill, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.

Some prevention tips to stay safe in extreme heat include:

• Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness.
• Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening. Try to rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to cool off.
• Find an air-conditioned location. (Call 2-1-1 for a list of cooling centers.) Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
• Avoid direct sunlight.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Take cool showers or baths.
• Check on those most at-risk several times a day.
• Pets that cannot be brought indoors should be provided ready access to water and shade to keep them cool.
• Never leave pets inside of parked vehicles because temperatures can soar to life-threatening levels within minutes.

Everyone is also reminded to stay hydrated during periods of extreme heat. As we lose fluid through sweat, dehydration is common during very high temperatures. It is strongly encouraged to:

• Drink more water than usual.
• Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids.
• Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
• Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
• Remind others to drink enough water.

For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares.

America's 250th New Haven Connecticut

New Haven Connecticut Farmers Market locations Saturday's Dixwell Q House 

1. Federal Cuts Response Fund To Help Residents Losing SNAP Benefits Due to New Federal Rules

   Posted on June 3, 2026

   Grocery Assistance Will Support 25,000 Connecticut Residents Facing Loss of Federal Nutrition Benefits

   
   (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced a plan to use $8.5 million from Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund to provide $300 grocery assistance cards to the roughly 25,000 Connecticut residents expected to lose their federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as a result of certain federal rule changes instituted by President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans.

   “Connecticut will not stand by as the Trump administration uses hunger as a weapon against working families, veterans, and our most vulnerable,” Governor Lamont said. “These new SNAP work requirements represent a cruel decision and fundamental shift away from the program’s core mission of ensuring our neighbors don’t go hungry.  I am particularly troubled by the decision to eliminate the exemption for veterans who risked their lives for our country and now are having the rug pulled out from under them. We are providing this assistance as a bridge to prevent people from going hungry as we help them navigate these changes. I hope that Congress will end the inhumane and immoral cuts that President Trump pushed for after Americans elect a new Congress this fall.”

   Under Governor Lamont’s plan, eligible individuals who have recently lost SNAP eligibility due to federal changes in work requirements will receive a grocery assistance card that can be used to purchase food at grocery stores. While applying for benefits, applicants will be connected with services to help them regain SNAP eligibility where possible.

   These benefits and services will be administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) through a partnership with the state’s network of community action agencies, which will assist with outreach, eligibility verification, and distribution of benefits. In addition to the grocery card funding, the plan includes $1 million for administrative costs related to the distribution of this aid and related services.

   “No one in Connecticut should have to worry about putting food on the table because of a policy decision made in Washington,” DSS Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves said. “This one-time grocery assistance will provide an immediate lifeline to thousands of our neighbors who are losing food benefits through no fault of their own. The Connecticut Department of Social Services is in complete support of Governor Lamont’s commitment to reach every eligible resident as quickly as possible. And we want to express our deep appreciation to the community action agencies for their partnership, which will ensure that this support gets into the hands of those who need it most.”

   “I pushed for this nutrition funding because I see the devastation from HR1 and the Trump administration every day in my neighborhood in Middletown and across the district I represent,” State Senator Matt Lesser, co-chair of the legislature’s Human Services Committee, said. “The president just last week said he doesn’t care about families struggling with high gas and grocery prices. We are lucky to have Governor Lamont who gets up every day and works to protect the people of Connecticut from Washington overreach. I am incredibly grateful that he is doing the right thing—and promising to do more going forward. I am excited to partner with Governor Lamont and DSS on nutrition supports.”

   Complete details are outlined in the plan submitted today by Governor Lamont to the bipartisan leaders of the Connecticut General Assembly. This is the fourth such plan for use of Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund that Governor Lamont has submitted to legislative leaders since the fund was created late last year.

   **Download: Lamont administration’s letter to legislative leaders on the fourth plan for use of the Federal Cuts Response Fund

   
   Prior use of Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund

   Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund was established by Governor Lamont and the state legislature in late 2025 to ensure the state remains well-positioned to address federal policy and funding challenges implemented by the Trump administration.

   As required under the law establishing it, any time the governor wants to make an expenditure he must submit a plan to the Democrat and Republican legislative leaders detailing the reasons for the fund’s use, and then the leaders have 24 hours to review and—if it is their will—vote to disapprove of the expenditures. All three of Governor Lamont’s previously submitted plans were approved without objection.

   The prior plans include those submitted on:

   • December 18, 2025;
   • January 29, 2026; and
   • May 15, 2026.