Tons Of Marijuana Landed In Sikorsky In Trafficking Scheme: Feds

STRATFORD, CT — Three men have pleaded guilty to federal charges in connection to a multi-million-dollar marijuana trafficking operation in which marijuana was flown in from California to Connecticut through Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford, according to authorities. Scott Bodnar, also known as “Pep,” 40, of Ansonia, Terrell Givens, 34, of Beacon Falls, and Donald Burns, 61, of Milford, all pleaded guilty this week for their role in the conspiracy, U.S. States Attorney for Connecticut John H. Durham announced.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2016, the Federal Aviation Administration began investigating a Piper single-engine aircraft, owned by Burns, that was making regular flights between Stratford and northern California via the southwest United States. On June 28, 2017, Burns flew the aircraft from northern California to Lubbock, Texas. The next day, Burns flew the aircraft from Texas to Arkansas, and then to West Virginia and Connecticut, where he landed in the evening at Sikorsky Airport in Stratford.

“After it landed, a law enforcement search of the plane revealed approximately 400 pounds of marijuana in vacuum-sealed packages,” officials wrote in a news release. “Investigators determined that the marijuana was intended for Bodnar, Givens and others to distribute in Connecticut.

“The investigation revealed that, over a period of approximately two years, members of the conspiracy earned millions of dollars by trafficking nearly two tons of marijuana from California to Connecticut. Bodnar, Givens and others also laundered approximately $6 million to purchase marijuana in California, pay for their travel to and from California, and pay Burns to transport the marijuana.”

Bodnar pleaded guilty on May 2 to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana, and one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. Givens pleaded guilty to the same charges on May 3. Burns pleaded guilty on Monday to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana. Each man faces a maximum term of life in prison at sentencing, according to officials.

In pleading guilty, the defendants agreed to the forfeiture of cash and various items, including Burns’ Piper aircraft, a 2012 Toyota Camry belonging to Bodnar, and a 2009 Jaguar XF and approximately $8,000 in jewelry belonging to Givens, officials said.