United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

BAKERY OWNER PLEADS GUILTY
TO FEDERAL IMMIGRATION CHARGE

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ANTHONY DIBENEDETTO, 64, of North Branford, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty yesterday, January 26, before United States District Judge Mark R. Kravitz in New Haven to one count of unlawful employment of aliens.

According to court documents and statements made in court, DIBENEDETTO owns and operates Rocco’s Bakery, with locations in New Haven and Meriden.  From approximately 2000 through May 2008, DIBENEDETTO employed at least 10 individuals at his bakeries knowing that they were in the country unlawfully and were not authorized to work.

Judge Kravitz has scheduled sentencing for April 14, 2011, at which time DIBENEDETTO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.  DIBENEDETTO also may be ordered to forfeit a money judgment in an amount that will be determined by the Court.

This matter has been investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.

CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov