New Milford’s Howard Hammer has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for his involvement in an ugly extortion scheme that culminated in a brutal stabbing attack. According to Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Hammer, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven.
Hammer, along with James Broderick of New Milford, targeted an individual who borrowed $1,500 from Broderick. When the borrower failed to repay the loan plus interest within four days, Hammer stepped in to help collect. He threatened the borrower via text message and discussed taking the victim’s car as payment or punishment.
The situation took a violent turn on January 25, 2016, when New Milford Police Department received a call about a beaten and bloodied victim at a local hotel. The victim had been stabbed eight times, suffering severe fractures to his skull and facial bones. Authorities linked the attack to the Hells Angels motorcycle club.
Hammer has been detained since his May 27, 2016, arrest and pleaded guilty on December 2, 2016, to one count of conspiracy to participate in the collection and attempted collection of an extension of credit by extortionate means. Broderick also pleaded guilty to the same charge and awaits sentencing.
This grim case was investigated by the FBI Violent Crime Task Force, New Milford Police Department, and Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crime Squad. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson is handling the prosecution.
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Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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