The recognition came during an awards ceremony on Jan. 20 in New Haven, where the U.S. Attorney’s Office recognized several Connecticut police departments for their work securing federal convictions in a variety of cases.
“We recognize that these cases are but a sampling of the wide variety of excellent work that has been done by law enforcement in the District,” U.S. Attorney David Fein stated in program book for the awards ceremony.
The Ansonia Police Department was recognized for its work on United States v. Cheyne Mazza et al, a case that prosecuted six people involved in a marijuana grow and sell operation in the Valley.
Ring leader Cheyne Mazza was sentenced in August to 14 years in prison for his role in the drug operation.
Five other people were sentenced to 24 to 46 months in prison.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between March 2008 and January 2010, Mazza led a conspiracy that included his sister, Sterling Mazza of Oxford, Joseph Cassetti of Ansonia, James Canavan of Ansonia and others, to manufacture and distribute large quantities of marijuana.
Ansonia Police worked with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency to investigate the crime.
The following people were recognized for their work:
Ansonia Police Department
Detective Sergeant Patrick Lynch
Detective Stephen Adcox
Detective John Rafalowski
Officer Eric Sturges
Office of the State’s Attorney GA #5
Assistant State’s Attorney Marjorie Sozanski
Drug Enforcement Administration
Special Agent Jon Rubinstein
Resident Agent-in-Charge David X. Cali
