ICE Shares $200,000 with Naugatuck Police
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is sharing part of its $1 million award with the Naugatuck Police Department. In April 2007, Jose and Diana Calhelha were sentenced after being convicted for their roles in harboring illegal aliens at their 10 Dunkin Donuts' franchises. The Naugatuck Police Department assisted the ICE with the case.
"The success of this case is the direct result of a true team effort. By having the Naugatuck Police Department along with us, we were able to establish critical trust with the victims. By bridging cultural gaps, Naugatuck Police Department personnel were instrumental in encouraging the victims to speak out against the criminal employers in this case and put an end to the exploitation of workers," said ICE Special Agent-in-Charge Bruce M. Foucart in an ICE news release.
"The partnership we have with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is a model of how federal and local law enforcement agencies can and should cooperate in solving cross-jurisdictional crimes," said Chief Edson. "During these difficult economic times, these proceeds will allow the Naugatuck Police Department to complete several technology projects and obtain needed equipment without placing the financial burden on our taxpayers."
Asset Forfeiture is one of the tools used by ICE officials to seize assets used by criminal organizations. In the sharing program, federal, state and local law enforcement can be eligible to receive a portion of the forfeited assets.
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