Hannon arrest warrant

ARREST WARRANT APPLICATION

For Court Use Only

STATE OF CONNECTICUT SUPERIOR COURT

Jf"'I-CR-G,4b Rev. 10-10 C.G S. ยง 54-:Ca Pr. Bk. Sec. 36-1, 36-2, 36-3

www.jud.ct.gov Agency name

Police Case number

D

D

Yes

No

Agency number

I New Britain Police Department

04-35626 Name (Last. First, Middle Initial)

Supporting Affidavits sealed

Residence (Town) of accused

HANNON, Rudy

I Indian Springs, NV

I 0089000 IGeographical

Court to be held at (Town)

I New Britain

Area number

15

Application For Arrest Warrant To: A Judge of the Superior Court The undersigned hereby applies fo1- a warrant for the arrest of the above-named accused on the basis of the facts set forth in the: ~ Affidavit Below.

D Affidavit(s) ,l\.ttached.

Date

Signed (Prosecuting aut110rirJ---::;?( -

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Affidavit The undersigned affiant, being duly sworn, deposes and says:

That, your affiant, Detective Thai N. Tran, being duly sworn, does depose and state that he is a member of the New Britain Police Department and has been since August 14th, 2009. At all times mentioned herein he was acting as a member of the New Britain Police Department. The following facts and circumstances are stated from personal knowledge and observations as well as information received from other police officers acting in their official capacity and from official reports and statements made by prudent and credible witnesses.

That, on 08/27/2004, members of the New Britain Police Criminal Investigations Division responded to the Shuttle Meadow Golf course near the Berlin/New Britain town line on a report of found human remains. Upon arrival, New Britain Police detectives located an unidentified partial human leg. Subsequent analysis at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiners showed that the leg had been cut by a fine blade object, such as a saw and the circumstances around the death appeared to be a homicide.

That, on 04/20/2016, Lieutenant Portalatin of the New Britain Police department developed information from NAM US (National Missing and Unidentified Person System) that the Southington Police department had an open missing person case with a male identified as Paul Sweetman (DOB 11/21/1933). It was reported to the Southington Police department on 07/24/2004 that Paul Sweetman was last seen by his wife, Joanna Sweetman on 07/21/2004. Sweetman lived approximately 10 miles away from the Shuttle Meadow Golf course and went missing weeks prior to the leg being found. It was also learned that the FBI had previously developed information indicating that Sweetman was murdered, dismembered by a saw with parts buried within the City of New Britain.

That, on 04/22/2016, your affiant, Detective Tran, made contact with Paul Sweetman's biological son, Kenneth Sweetman. A confirmatory DNA sample was taken from Kenneth Sweetman and sent to the CT Forensic Laboratory for comparison with DNA samples from the unidentified human leg. Subsequently, the lab confirmed that the DNA from the unidentified leg as being a parental contributor to Kenneth Sweetman with (This is page 1 of a 6 page Affidavit) Date

Ju rat

Finding The foregoing Application for an arrest warra1,t, and affidavit(s) attached to said Appli tion, ving been submitted to and considered by the undersigned, the undersigned finds from said affidavit(s) that there is p able cause to believe that an offense has been committed and that the accused committed it and, therefore, that probable cause exists for the issuance of a warrant for the arrest of the above-named accused.

Date and Signature

Name of Judge/Judge Trial Referee

KEEGAN

ARREST WARRANT APPLICATION JD-CR-64a Rev. 10-10 C.G S ยง 54-2a Pr. Bk. Sec. 36-1, 36-2, 36-3

STATE OF CONNECTICUT SUPERIOR COURT www.jud.ct.gov

Name (Last, F11-st. Middle Initial)

Residence (Town) of accused

Court to be !1eld at (Town)

HANNON, Rudy

Indian Springs, NV

New Britain

Geograpi1ical Area number

15

Affidavit - Continued the relative probability of paternity being 99.9983%.

That, on 04/20/2016 your affiant, Detective Tran, met with FBI Agent Goguen and obtained the case files relating to Paul Sweetman. Your affiant discovered that the FBI had interviewed a witness identified as Rudy HANNON (DOB 11/19/1945) under a proffer agreement on 02/15/2006. During this interview, Rudy HANNON provided intimate details and knowledge related to the death of Paul Sweetman. HANNON identified the suspect to be a man named Sorek Minery (DOB 06/26/1976).

That, HANNON stated that he delivered Paul Sweetman to Minery the night he was murdered by taking him to Minery's construction workshop. The workshop was located at 64 Neal Court(North Building), Plainville, CT. At the time of the murder, the business went under the name of "Blue Ridge Construction". HANNON stated to the FBI that Paul Sweetman was beaten to death by Minery in this building and then placed into a large freezer and later dismembered at the location. HANNON stated he waited outside in his car while Paul Sweetman was inside with Minery and did not actually witness him get killed. HANNON stated he did not know that Minery was going to kill Sweetman and believed he was only going to "work him over". HANNON did state that he helped Minery place Sweetman's body into the freezer after he was killed. HANNON stated that there was a large amount of blood on Paul Sweetman's face and shirt area when he saw his body lying on the ground.

HANNON also stated that he observed a large clump of something on the floor and Minery informed him that Sweetman had been coughing and spitting up a "bunch of stuff".

That, in addition to this information, Rudy HANNON informed the FBI of several locations in which Paul Sweetman's body parts were buried after he was dismembered. One such location was the rear yard of 21 Leo Street, New Britain, CT. HANNON explained to the FBI that Sorek Minery owned the residential property at the time and had a hole dug to install a shed. HANNON stated Paul Sweetman's upper torso would be located underneath the shed, encased in cement. HANNON stated the torso was also buried with Sweetman's jewelry, specifically a necklace and ring.

That, your affiant learned through the Vision Appraisal website that 21 Leo Street was indeed owned by Sorek Minery between the dates of 08/24/2000 - 04/01/2005. Your affiant also learned through checking City Hall records that Minery had a permit issued for installing a shed on 01/27/2005.

That, on 10/17/2016, your affiant, along with several other Detectives and members of the CT State Police Major Crimes division excavated underneath the shed located at 21 Leo Street, New Britain, CT after obtaining consent from the property owner. As a result, human remains were located within three layers of garbage bags.

Furthermore, the remains were buried underneath a large slab of concrete. Your affiant inspected these remains with the assistance of the OCME and observed several bones appearing to be from the upper torso of a human being. Your affiant also observed two gold rings and a gold watch amongst the remains.

That, on 10/18/2016, Detective Perez attended the post-mortem examination of the human remains at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The examination was performed by Dr. Maura DeJoseph and it was revealed that the remains consisted of a headless torso with arms. The lower extremities were missing but there were articles of clothing and jewelry on the torso. During the examination, Dr. Dejoseph noted there was (This is page 2 of a 6 page Affidavit.)

Date

Signed (

Ju rat Date

Reviewe

Date โ ข

ARREST WARRANT APPLICATION

STATE OF CONNECTICUT SUPERIOR COURT

JD-CR-64a Rev. 10-1 0 C.G S § 54-2a ¡ Pr. Bk. Sec. 36-1, 36-2, 36-3

www.jud.ct.gov

Name (Last, First. Middle Initial)

Residence (Town) of accused

Court to be held at (Town)

HANNON, Rudy

Indian Springs, NV

New Britain

Geographical Area number

15

Affidavit - Continued a sharp-force type cutting injury to the neck, two (2) cuts to the right femur area, one of which was a clean cut through the bone. This observation of the torso further corroborates Rudy HANNON's statement to the FBI about Paul Sweetman being dismembered. The articles of clothing consisted of a tank top style undershirt, short sleeve collared shirt and brief style underwear. The jewelry was determined to be two gold rings, one of which was engraved with the name "Joanne". It should be noted that the name of Paul Sweetman's wife is "Joanne".

That, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner submitted a sample of the torso to the Connecticut Forensic laboratory for testing and comparison to Paul Sweetman's DNA profile. As a result of the test, it was confirmed that the torso remains were indeed that of Paul Sweetman. The final lab report stated that the expected frequency of individuals who could be the source of the DNA profile is less than 1 in 7 billion in the Afri-can American, Caucasian, and Hispanic populations.

That, on October 20, 2016, your affiant made contact with suspect Sorek Mine(y who agreed to meet your affiant for a voluntary interview. Minery came into the station and your affiant escorted him to the Detective Bureau. Your affiant conducted an interview with Minery and as a result, he admitted to knowing about the murder of Paul Sweetman and aiding in the dismemberment and disposal of his body.

That, Minery explained that he, along with the victim Paul Sweetman, and a man named Rudy HANNON were all members of a religious church group. Sorek Minery stated in the months leading up to Sweetman's murder, Rudy HANNON was trying to convince him that Paul Sweetman needed to be killed because he was hurting his wife, Joanne Sweetman and that God would have wanted them to kill Sweetman. Minery stated during these conversations, it was decided that the murder should not involve a gun or knife because it was too messy.

Minery stated at the time, he respected Joanne Sweetman and looked up to her as a high religious figure.

Minery stated because of this, he began believing Rudy HANNON and believed Paul Sweetman needed to die.

That, Minery stated two to three months later after initially talking about the killing of Paul Sweetman, Minery, went to his work shop, Blue Ridge Construction, which was located at 64 Neal Court, Plainville, CT around mid afternoon. Minery stated he saw Paul Sweetman's car parked out front near the main entrance.

Minery stated he felt that something was wrong because Sweetman never came to his workshop before this time. Minery stated when he entered his work shop, he saw Rudy HANNON standing over the body of Paul Sweetman. Minery stated Sweetman was not moving or breathing, and he believed he was dead. Minery stated he did not observe any blood or visible wounds on Sweetman. Minery stated that Rudy HANNON had access to the building because he knew the location of a hidden key.

That, Minery stated Rudy HANNON asked him to assist with stripping off Sweetman's clothes which he did.

Minery stated they disrobed Sweetman down to his underwear and undershirt. Minery stated Rudy HANNON then asked him to help place Sweetman into a freezer that he had in the corner of his workshop. Minery stated they lined the inside of the freezer with plastic sheeting from his shop before placing the body inside.

That, Minery stated that Rudy HANNON told him he would drive Sweetman's vehicle to a "Park and Ride" lot near the Westfarms Mall and drop it off. It should be noted that Paul Sweetman's vehicle was located on {This is page 3 of a 6 page Affidavit.)

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Ji.s Date

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ARREST WARRANT APPLICATION

STATE OF CONNECTICUT SUPERIOR COURT

JD-CR-64a Rev. 10-10 C.G S § 54-2a Pr. Bk. Sec. 36-1, 36-2, 36-3

\VWW.jud ct.gov

Name (Last, First. Middle Initial)

Residence (Town) of accused

Court to be held at (Town)

HANNON, Rudy

Indian Springs, NV

New Britain

Geographical A1·ea number

15

Affidavit - Continued 07/25/2004 in the commuter lot located on Hartford Road, New Britain, CT which is near the Westfarms Mall.

It should also be noted that the clothing items found on the torso consisted of an undershirt and underwear which is consistent with what Minery reported Sweetman wearing after they disrobed him.

That, Minery stated that Rudy HANNON requested that he dispose of Paul Sweetman's body to which he agreed. Minery stated about 3-4 days after placing Sweetman in the freezer, he returned to the shop to dismember the body. Minery stated that he used an electric saw and dismembered the body while it was still in the freezer. Minery stated he remembers cutting off the head easily and cutting off both legs. Minery stated he made a cut closer to the knee cap on one of the legs. Minery stated he placed the body parts in garbage bags and then placed them back into the freezer.

That, Minery stated he transported the legs and head to a wooded area near the New Britain reservoir and buried these parts approximately 8-12 inches underground. Minery remarked that the ground was hard and tough so he was unable to dig any deeper to bury these body parts.

That, Minery stated he took the torso and arms to his house in New Britain located at 21 Leo Street and buried these parts underneath his shed in the rear yard. Minery stated he made a concrete mixture and poured it on top of the remains before sealing up the hole.

That, Minery stated he informed Rudy HANNON that the body was disposed of and told him the locations in which he buried them. Minery stated on several occasions after the incident, Rudy HANNON would call him and blackmail him into wiring money to him or else he would report the incident to the police. Minery stated no one else was involved in Paul Sweetman's death and he has not talked about the incident with anyone besides Rudy HANNON. That, this concluded your affiant's interview with Sorek Minery. He provided a sworn written statement.

Minery also provided your affiant with a hand drawn sketch of the workshop, marking where the freezer was located and where he had observed Paul Sweetman's body when he walked in.

That, as part of this investigation, a Search and Seizure warrant was executed at the workshop located at 64 Neal Court on 10/18/2016. It did not result in the collection of any evidence of value to the case.

That, on 06/01/2017, your affiant, Detective T. Tran, and Sergeant Rembisz traveled to the Southern Desert Correctional Center to conduct an interview with Rudy HANNON. HANNON is currently incarcerated that facility for a parole violation. Prior to our arrival, HANNON was advised about our visit and had agreed to the interview. Your affiant, conducted a one and one interview with Rudy HANNON in a private office and as a result, he recounted his statement that he offered the FBI back in 2006. in summary, Rudy HANNON stated that he drove victim Paul Sweetman out to Sorek Minery's workshop believing that he was just going to be beaten but not murdered. HANNON stated he did not witness the beating or murder of Paul Sweetman because he remained outside the building. HANNON stated he only entered the building after Sweetman was killed and was told by Sorek Minery to help him place Sweetman's body in a freezer that was located inside the workshop.

During the interview with your affiant, Rudy HANNON suggested that he take a polygraph examination to (This is page 4 of a 6 page Affidavit.)

Date

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Reviewed (Prosecu~

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111, Nota1y Public)

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l7 ~7

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ARREST WARRANT APPLICATION JD-CR<64a Rev. 10-10 C.G.S § 54-2a Pr. Bk. Sec. 36-1, 36-2, 36-3

STATE OF CONNECTICUT SUPERIOR COURT www.jud.ct.gov

Name (Last, First. Middle Initial)

Residence (Town) of accused

Court to be held al (Town)

HANNON, Rudy

Indian Springs, NV

New Britain

Geographical Area number

15

Affidavit - Continued further solidify his statements.

That, your affiant and Sergeant Rembisz made arrangements with the Polygraph Unit of the Las Vegas Metro Police department to conduct a polygraph examination on Rudy HANNON the following day, on 06/02/2017.

Polygraph Examiner James Wright was assigned to conduct the polygraph examination and during the exam, he asked Rudy HANNON the following questions: "Did you physically cause any of those injuries that led to Paul Sweetman's death?"

"Did you physically cause any of those injuries that led.to Paul Sweetman's death while at the shop?"

That, Rudy HANNON response was "No" to each of the questions and it was in Polygraph Examiner James Wright's professional opinion that deception was indicated.

That, at the conclusion of the exam, Rudy HANNON was offered an opportunity to explain the results of the exam. Rudy HANNON then admitted to Examiner James Wright that he was not outside the workshop when the murder occurred, but had actually led the victim, Paul Sweetman inside where Sorek Minery was waiting.

HANNON stated he then watched as Minery severely beat the victim, striking him in the head and ribs before placing him in a rear chokehold. HANNON stated after the beating, Sweetman laid on the ground and suddenly sat up at the waist, vomiting a large bloody mass. HANNON stated Sweetman then fell back on the ground.

HANNON stated at that time, he saw that Paul Sweetman held his arms across his own body, slightly elevated above his torso. HANNON stated Sorek Minery then told him to help place Paul Sweetman's body into a freezer that had been set up and ready in the shop. HANNON stated prior to them placing Sweetman in the freezer, they removed his pants and shoes. HANNON stated that he was unsure if Paul Sweetman was dead when they placed him in the freezer. Furthermore, HANNON believed Paul Sweetman could have been alive because he placed his finger beneath the area of Sweetman's nose and it felt warm. HANNON stated that after they placed Sweetman into the freezer, Sorek Minery placed a large bag or box of heavy tools across the freezer lid.

That, your affiant obtained a sworn written statement from Rudy HANNON documenting the new information he revealed to Examiner Wright. HANNON affixed his signature to the written statement, swearing that it is the truth. The statement was notarized by Las Vegas Metro Police Detective Andrew Dipalma.

That, in summary, Rudy HANNON and Sorek Minery (DOB 06/26/1976) both conspired and planned the murder Paul Sweetman based on the wishes of Joanne Sweetman, who at the time, was an influential member of the religious group that HANNON and Minery were associated with. HANNON and Minery choose a specific date and location for the murder which occurred on or about 07/21/2004 at Minery's workshop in Plainville, CT. Furthermore, Rudy HANNON helped facilitate the crime by driving Paul Sweetman to the workshop where Sorek MINERY was inside, anticipating Sweetman's arrival. HANNON then walked Paul Sweetman into the workshop and witnessed Sorek Minery violently assaulting Paul Sweetman with physical strikes to his head and body as well placing Sweetman into a chokehold that caused him to fall to the ground. Shortly thereafter, Rudy HANNON assisted in removing Sweetman's pants and shoes before assisting Minery with placing Paul Sweetman's body into a large freezer. Rudy HANNON believed that Paul Sweetman could have still been alive (This is page 5 of a 6 page Affidavit.)

Date

Ir

Subscr/ped a'nd sworn lo bef~e peon ¡oate)

Jurat

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ts

Dale

Reviewe~ (Judge/Judge Trial Referee)

ARREST W,!1,RRANT AP PUCA T!ON JD-CR,G4a Rev. 10-10 C.G.S. ยง 54-2a Pr. Bk. Sec. 35-1. 36-2, 36-3

STATE OF CONNECTICUT SUPERIOR COURT www.jud.ct.gov

Name (Last, First, Middle Initial)

Residence /Town) of accused

Court to be held at /Town)

HANNON, Rudy

Indian Springs, NV

New Britain

Geographical Area number

15

Affidavit - Continued when they placed him into the freezer because after the assault, HANNON witnessed Paul Sweetman throwing up a large bloody mass before he laid down with this arms elevated across his chest. HANNON reported this occurred 2-3 minutes prior to them placing Paul Sweetman into the freezer. Your affiant knows based on his police training and experience that when a person dies, their limbs will fall flat according to gravity and that a deceased person could not have their arms suspended over their chest. Furthermore, your affiant knows that it takes several hours after a person dies for their body to experience rigor mortis.

That, after placing Paul Sweetman into the freezer, Rudy HANNON witnessed Sorek Minery place a heavy bag or box of tools over the lid of the freezer. A reasonable person would believe that this action was done to prevent the escape of Paul Sweetman from inside the freezer. Furthermore, a reasonable person would believe that a person who had been violently assaulted and purposely placed into a freezer would succumb to death if they did not receive medical treatment.

That, Rudy HANNON and Sorek Minery subsequently discussed the dismemberment of Paul Sweetman's body as well as the disposal of the body parts. Sorek Minery ultimately carried out the dismemberment and disposal of Paul Sweetman's in an effort to destroy evidence and avoid criminal prosecution.

That, based upon the facts and circumstances described above, your affiant believes probable cause exists to arrest Rudy HANNON (DOB 11/19/1945) for the charges of Murder in violation of C.G.S. 53a-54a and Felony Murder in violation of C.G.S. 53a-54c. Your affiant respectfully requests that an arrest warrant application be granted.

(This is page 6 of a 6 page Affidavit) Date

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