District of Massachusetts

BOSTON – Roger Knox, the founder and operator of a Swiss asset management firm, and Richard Targett-Adams, who assisted in the firm’s operation, participated in a massive global securities fraud scheme that the government believes generated up to approximately $165 million in fraudulent stock sale proceeds. Individuals who believe they may be potential victims are encouraged to notify the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Massachusetts.

The defendants were previously charged in federal court in Boston. Knox pleaded guilty to securities fraud and conspiracy to commit securities fraud in January 2020, and he is currently scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 28, 2021. Targett-Adams pleaded guilty to securities fraud, conspiracy to commit securities fraud and money laundering in June 2019, and he is currently scheduled to be sentenced on April 2, 2021.

Knox and Targett-Adams participated in a conspiracy to commit securities fraud in which ownership and control of dozens of publicly traded companies was disguised so that, among other things, criminal control groups could engage in pump-and-dump schemes and other forms of market manipulation in the companies’ microcap securities. These microcap securities, also known as “penny stocks,” primarily traded on the over-the-counter market.

Individuals who traded in one or more of the securities listed here during the time period indicated, and believe that they may be potential victims of this fraud, should contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at [email protected]. In the email, please indicate the security traded and the transaction details for the trade(s): date(s), number of shares, price, whether it was bought or sold, and an assessment of gains or losses. Please also indicate whether there is supporting documentation, and a victim assistance specialist will assist you in transferring it in a secure manner.

Email submissions are due by Nov. 30, 2020. For more information, visit the U.S. Attorney’s Office website.

BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Khyeme Johnson, 33, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr, to five years in prison and two years of supervised release. In August 2020, Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Johnson was indicted in April 2019.

On Aug. 24, 2018, Johnson was found in possession of an Arcadia Machine & Tool .380 semiautomatic pistol with two rounds of ammunition. Johnson is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to multiple prior felony convictions.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Looney of Lelling’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

BOSTON – A former member of the Boston-based Devon Street Kings Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) pleaded guilty yesterday to racketeering charges.

Dante Lara, a/k/a “King Nasty,” 29, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for Feb. 11, 2021. Lara was arrested and charged in December 2019, at which time he was a member of the Devon Street Kings, a Boston-based Chapter of the Latin Kings.

The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.

Named for its origin on Devon Street in Boston, the Devon Street Kings or D5K Chapter of the Latin Kings, included approximately a dozen members. The Devon Street Kings reported to the Massachusetts State Leadership of the Latin Kings, providing information, structure, funds and other resources to further the Latin Kings goals and directives in the state. During today’s plea hearing, Lara admitted to participating in the drug distribution activities of the gang and also to possessing a loaded firearm and cocaine that were located in his apartment during the execution of a warrant.

In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Lara is the 19th defendant to plead guilty in the case.

The RICO conspiracy charge provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and Boston Police Commissioner William Gross made the announcement. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard, Mark Grady and Lauren Graber of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.

BOSTON – A Haverhill man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to distributing fentanyl in 2019.

Wilfredo Rivera, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. U.S. District Court Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for March 3, 2021.

On Aug. 15, 2019, Rivera was arrested after purchasing eight grams of fentanyl for distribution. He was indicted in October 2019 as part of a coordinated enforcement operation in the Merrimack Valley called “Devil’s Highway.” The operation targeted the distribution of opioids, including fentanyl and heroin, and resulted in charges against a total of 40 people for federal drug offenses, with at least a dozen more individuals facing state charges.

The charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Massachusetts State Police and the North Andover Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eve A. Piemonte of Lelling’s Office is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – An Auburn man who is currently on supervised release for a child pornography conviction was arrested today for a child pornography offense.

Christopher Rondeau, 35, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of possession of child pornography. Following an initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge David H. Hennessy, Rondeau was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for Nov. 13, 2020.

According to the charging documents, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Rondeau’s residence and found a cell phone containing images and videos of child pornography hidden under a dresser in his bedroom. In 2016, Rondeau was convicted of receipt of child pornography and sentenced to 68 months in prison and seven years of supervised release. He was released from federal custody in August 2019 and is registered as a Level II sex offender in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.     

Due to Rondeau’s prior conviction, the charging statute provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to 20 years in prison, a minimum of five years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; David Magdycz, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Auburn Police Chief Andrew J. Sluckis, Jr; and Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danial Bennett of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

BOSTON – A former member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) pleaded guilty yesterday to racketeering charges.

Josue Carrasquillo, a/k/a “King Playboy,” 25, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for March 10, 2021. Carrasquillo was charged in December 2019, at which time he was a member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings.

The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf. During the plea hearing, Carrasquillo admitted to participating in the violent acts of the gang and distributing controlled substances on behalf of the gang.

In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Carrasquillo is the 18th defendant to plead guilty in the case.

The RICO conspiracy charge provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard, Mark Grady and Lauren Graber of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.

BOSTON – The former second in command of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) was sentenced yesterday to racketeering and drug conspiracy charges.

Jorge Rodriguez, a/k/a “King G,” 32, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to 18 years in prison and three years of supervised release. In June 2020, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy, and conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base.

Rodriguez was arrested and charged in December 2019, at which time he was the second in command of Massachusetts for the Latin Kings, and had held leadership positions in the New Bedford Chapter.

The Latin Kings are a violent gang comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the criminal organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and is motivated by a desire to further its influence and to protect its turf from rival gangs.

In addition to his statewide leadership of the Latin Kings, Rodriguez also held a leadership position in the New Bedford Chapter. In New Bedford, Rodriguez ran a vast cocaine base distribution network that used multi-unit apartment buildings known as “trap houses” to distribute the narcotics. Members of the Latin Kings dealt drugs in the trap houses, obtaining their supply of cocaine base from Rodriguez. As detailed in court filings in the case, evidence developed during the course of the investigation included multiple recordings of Rodriguez cooking cocaine base, directing violence against rival gang members, meting out discipline and handling firearms used to protect the Latin Kings’ drug distribution network.

In December 2019, a federal grand jury issued an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Rodriguez is the fourth defendant sentenced in the case.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard, Mark Grady and Lauren Graber of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.

BOSTON – A former leader of the New Bedford Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) pleaded guilty today to firearms charges.

Damian Cornieles, a/k/a “Arnoldo Rodriguez,” 25, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms. U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for March 4, 2021. Cornieles was charged in December 2019, following the execution of a search warrant at his residence during which multiple firearms were recovered. At the time of the search, Cornieles was a member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings.

In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Twenty of the Latin Kings leaders and members charged in that indictment have pleaded guilty.

As part of the operation, a search warrant was executed at Cornieles’ New Bedford residence, during which six firearms and ammunition were recovered. Following the search, Cornieles was charged separately. According to court documents, Cornieles was previously convicted of a felony and is therefore prohibited from lawfully possessing firearms. During today’s plea hearing, Cornieles admitted to being a member of the Latin Kings and a former leader of the gang. He also admitted that he stored the six firearms on behalf of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings.

The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.

The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. The RICO conspiracy charge provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard, Mark Grady and Lauren Graber of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.

BOSTON – A Cape Cod woman pleaded guilty today to charges in two separate criminal cases for embezzling more than $1.3 million from two previous employers. 

Jessica L. Greenan, 42, of Centerville, pleaded guilty to charges in two separate criminal cases. Greenan pleaded guilty to a September 2019 indictment charging five counts of wire fraud and five counts of filing false federal tax returns for embezzling $1.1 million from a previous employer. She also pleaded guilty to a December 2019 indictment charging seven counts of wire fraud, two counts of bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft for embezzling more than $390,000 from a different employer. Several of the charges in the December indictment occurred after Greenan was released on conditions in the earlier prosecution. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Feb. 25, 2021.

At the plea, Greenan acknowledged embezzling company funds from a Hyannis company for which she handled bookkeeping and payroll services. From October 2014 until she was terminated in March 2018, Greenan embezzled $1,135,460, including 536 occasions when she wired funds from the store’s operating bank account to pay her credit card bills. Greenan doctored the company bank statements and internal records to make the payments to her credit cards appear to be legitimate expenses, and also failed to report any of her illegal income to the IRS over the five year duration of the embezzlement scheme, thereby evading more than $325,000 in federal taxes.                                  

After Greenan was fired by the first employer, she obtained employment as the bookkeeper for a Cape Cod construction company in August 2018 and immediately began stealing company funds. Until her new scheme was discovered, Greenan embezzled more than

$287,000 by wiring payments from a company bank account to pay her credit cards, made more than $5,300 in unauthorized charges to a company credit card, and converted more than $11,000 of company funds to pay auto loans. Greenan forged the company owner’s signature to transfer company funds, and then fraudulently obtained more than $6,300 in unauthorized payroll after her employment had been terminated.

Each charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, forfeiture and restitution to the victim. Each charge of bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release, a fine of $1 million, forfeiture and restitution. Each charge of false tax returns carries a sentence up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 and restitution to the IRS. The charge of aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two year prison sentence to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joleen Simpson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston made the announcement today. The Chatham Police Department provided assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor A. Wild of Lelling’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the cases.

BOSTON – A Lawrence man pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Nathaniel Toribio, 22, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. scheduled sentencing for March 11, 2021. Toribio was federally charged in July 2020.

On Nov. 24, 2019, state parole officers were in Lawrence in an attempt to locate Toribio, who had removed his GPS monitoring device and absconded from parole supervision. Upon locating Toribio, the officers discovered an un-holstered, loaded firearm inside Toribio’s waistband. The firearm was identified as a Ruger Security-9 9mm pistol with 10 rounds of ammunition in the magazine.

Due to previous convictions punishable by more than one year in prison, Toribio is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Parole Board, Lawrence Police Department and the Essex County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

BOSTON – A Dominican national pleaded guilty today in connection with drug trafficking activities involving fentanyl. 

Jonathan Mejia, 32, pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and two counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for March 4, 2021.

On July 22, 2020, Mejia was charged by criminal complaint and was arrested. He has been in federal custody since.

Mejia made three separate sales of fentanyl to an undercover law enforcement officer in June and July 2020 in Lawrence. While on his way to make a fourth sale of fentanyl, agents arrested Mejia.

The charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lawrence Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Wareham man was indicted by a federal grand jury yesterday for possession of child pornography.

David St. Jacques, 56, was indicted on one count of possession of child pornography. St. Jacques was charged by criminal complaint and arrested in September 2020, and has been in custody since.

According to the charging documents, a search of St. Jacques’s residence on Sept. 29, 2020 resulted in seizure of a computer, three phones and one thumb drive. St Jacques had allegedly destroyed at least two other drives and attempted to destroy one of his phones when agents arrived to execute the warrant. St. Jacques admitted to exchanging child pornography with other individuals on various chatting applications, and child pornography was discovered during the on scene review of devices that were still intact.

In March 2009, St. Jacques was convicted in Plymouth County Superior Court of several counts of dissemination and possession of child pornography.

Due to the prior felony conviction, St. Jacques faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to 20 years in prison, five years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Paruti, Lelling’s Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Deputy Chief of the Major Crimes Unit, is prosecuting the case.

The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

BOSTON – A former member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) pleaded guilty yesterday to racketeering charges.

Taliyah Barboza, a/k/a “Queen Taliyah,” 25, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for Nov. 4, 2021. Barboza was charged in December 2019, at which time she was a member of the New Bedford Chapter of the Latin Kings.

The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf. As discussed during the plea hearing, Barboza drove gang members to a robbery and shooting in September 2019, and participated in the drug distribution activities of the gang.

In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Barboza is the seventeenth defendant to plead guilty in the case.

The RICO conspiracy charge provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard, Mark Grady and Lauren Graber of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.

BOSTON – A Honduran national was charged in federal court in Worcester with illegally reentering the United States.

Milton Javier Cardona-Guevara, 34, was charged with one count of illegal re-entry into the United States after deportation. Cardona-Guevara was detained following an initial appearance yesterday.

According to charging documents, on Aug. 13, 2006, Cardona-Guevara illegally entered the United States and was convicted of improper entry by an alien in August 2006. On Sept. 5, 2006, he was removed from the U.S. In 2008 and 2011, Cardona-Guevara was apprehended after illegally entering the United States, and was deported. It is alleged that on Oct. 2, 2018, Cardona-Guevara was arrested in Worcester County for assault with a dangerous weapon. Cardona-Guevara admitted to immigration authorities that he had been deported three times previously. On Jan. 25, 2019, he was removed from the U.S. On Oct. 13, 2020, Cardona-Guevara was arrested in Worcester on an outstanding warrant for criminal charges, and has been custody on state criminal charges until he was charged in this case.

The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Todd Lyons, Field Office Director, Enforcement and Removal Operations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

BOSTON – A Guatemalan national who resided in Lynn was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for passport fraud.

Gladys Reynoso Zapet, 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to time served (one day). Reynoso Zapet will face deportation proceedings. In January 2020, Reynoso Zapet pleaded guilty to making a false statement in an application for a United States passport. 

In February 2012, Reynoso Zapet applied for a U.S. passport at a post office in Lynn under the name of a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico. On the passport application, Reynoso Zapet used the name, date of birth and Social Security number of the other individual. She also submitted a Puerto Rican birth certificate and a Massachusetts identification card, both in the name of the other individual, as well as a photograph of herself with the application.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Jonathan Davidson, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.  

BOSTON – A Fitchburg man was convicted today of trafficking fentanyl following a bench trial.

Sebastian Batista, 26, was convicted of one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock scheduled sentencing for March 4, 2021.

The court heard evidence that on Feb. 28, 2019, Batista participated in multiple phone calls in which he agreed to sell 200 grams of fentanyl to a cooperating witness in a residential area of Waltham. Later that night, Batista arrived at the meeting location and was arrested by law enforcement officers. Officers searched Batista’s vehicle and found approximately 200 grams of fentanyl in plastic wrapping underneath the driver’s seat. 

The charge of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Waltham Police Department and the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Boston man, who is currently on supervised release for a 2010 bank robbery conviction, was arrested today and charged with bank robbery.

Dennis C. Taylor, 47, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of bank robbery. He was detained following an initial appearance before Chief Magistrate Judge M. Page Kelley.

According to charging documents, on April 29, 2020, Taylor, dressed in a dark hooded jacket, blue latex gloves and a facemask entered a branch of the Santander Bank on Massachusetts Avenue in Boston, approached a teller and demanded the bank’s money. The teller handed Taylor cash, which Taylor placed in a white plastic bag and exited the bank.  Included within the cash was a red dye pack. Surveillance cameras on Massachusetts Avenue captured video of O’Neil exiting the area and running towards a local parking garage as the red dye pack explodes into a plume of red smoke. During a subsequent search of the parking garage, law enforcement recovered a white plastic bag containing red dye stained money and a pair of blue latex gloves, which were found to match Taylor’s DNA profile.

The charge of bank robbery provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner William Gross made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

BOSTON – Two former eBay, Inc. executives were indicted today by a federal grand jury in Boston in connection with their roles in a cyberstalking campaign targeting the editor and publisher of a newsletter that eBay executives viewed as critical of the company.

James Baugh, 45, of San Jose, Calif., eBay’s former Senior Director of Safety & Security, and David Harville, 48, of New York City, eBay’s former Director of Global Resiliency, were indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit stalking through interstate travel and through facilities of interstate commerce, two counts each of stalking through interstate travel, two counts of stalking through facilities of interstate commerce, two counts (Baugh) and one count (Harville) of witness tampering, and two counts (Baugh) and one count (Harville) of destruction, alteration, and falsification of records in a federal investigation. Baugh and Harville were previously charged by criminal complaint and arrested on June 15, 2020.

Co-conspirators and former eBay employees Philip Cooke, 55, Brian Gilbert, 52, Stephanie Popp, 32, Veronica Zea, 26, and Stephanie Stockwell, 26, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit cyberstalking and conspiracy to tamper with witnesses.

According to the charging document, the victims of the cyberstalking campaign were a Natick couple who are the editor and publisher of an online newsletter that covers ecommerce companies, including eBay. Members of eBay’s executive leadership team followed the newsletter’s posts, often taking issue with its content and the anonymous comments underneath the editor’s stories.

It is alleged that in August 2019, the defendants and their co-conspirators executed a three-part harassment campaign targeting the Natick couple, which included the defendants sending anonymous and disturbing deliveries to the victims’ home; sending private Twitter messages and public tweets criticizing the newsletter’s content and threatening to visit the victims in Natick; and traveling to Natick to surveil the victims and install a GPS tracking device on their car.

Among other things, the indictment alleges that Baugh convened meetings to plan and coordinate the various parts of the harassment campaign; directed Harville to travel with him to Boston for an “op” targeting the victims and their website; directed Stockwell to “make up” allegations that the victims had made direct threats to eBay, the company’s CEO and its employees as cover in case the surveillance team was stopped; and posed as Zea’s husband when a Natick Police detective arrived in the lobby of Boston’s Ritz Carlton hotel to investigate eBay’s connection to the harassment campaign. 

Among other things, the indictment alleges that Harville flew from California to Boston intending to place the victims under surveillance; attempted to install a GPS tracking device on the victims’ car; purchased tools intending to break in to the victims’ garage; lied to an eBay investigator who was responding to the Natick Police’s request for assistance; and deleted evidence from his company-issued cell phone after learning of the criminal investigation. 

The charges of conspiracy to commit stalking and stalking each carry a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 and restitution.  The charges of witness tampering and destruction, alteration and fabrication of records in a federal investigation each carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 and restitution. The witness tampering charges also carry the potential for forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Natick Chief of Police James G. Hicks made the announcement today. eBay provided valuable assistance and cooperation with the federal investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth B. Kosto, Deputy Chief of Lelling’s Securities, Financial and Cyber Fraud Unit, is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

BOSTON – The owner of a Revere towing company pleaded guilty yesterday to engaging in an under-the-table payroll fraud scheme that defrauded the government of more than $3.3 million.  

Gennaro Angiulo, 49, of Nahant and Saugus, pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to collect and pay over taxes and one count of evading cash transaction reporting requirements. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock scheduled sentencing for March 2, 2021.

For tax years 2014 through at least 2017, Angiulo paid a portion of the wages to employees of his company, GJ Towing, in cash “under the table.” In doing so, Angiulo did not collect, account for or pay over to the IRS required withholding and FICA taxes. The cash payments to employees were funded, at least in part, by cashing checks from clients of GJ Towing and other third parties in groups totaling not more than $10,000 in a single day.

The charge of willful failure to collect and pay over taxes provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of evading cash transaction reporting requirements provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release, a fine of $500,000 and forfeiture. Angiulo is also required to pay restitution to the IRS. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joleen Simpson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom of Lelling’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A member of the North Shore Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) was sentenced today for drug conspiracy charges.

Henry Caribe a/k/a “King 40Cal,” 29, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to eight months in prison and three years of supervised release. In July 2020, Caribe pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine. 

Caribe admitted that on seven occasions from January to March 2015, he and a co-conspirator distributed 78 grams of cocaine base to a cooperating witness during audio/video recorded transactions. At the time, Caribe was a member of the North Shore chapter of the Latin Kings. 

The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.

In December 2019, a federal grand jury in Boston returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Caribe is the third defendant to be sentenced in this case.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard and Mark Grady of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.

BOSTON – A Worcester man was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for distributing fentanyl and heroin.

Albeiro Gomez, 55, of Worcester, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy J. Hillman to 38 months in prison, four years of supervised release and ordered to pay forfeiture. In November 2019, Gomez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute heroin and more than 40 grams of fentanyl, one count of distributing heroin and fentanyl, one count of distributing heroin and more than 40 grams of fentanyl and one count of possessing cocaine with intent to distribute.

In December 2018, Gomez was charged with co-defendant Erotides Mendez, 50, a Dominican national previously residing in New York City. Mendez previously pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl and heroin and was sentenced to five years in prison.

From September to December 2018, investigators intercepted communications to and from the defendants’ phones which evidenced their drug trafficking activities. Gomez was a livery driver in Worcester who used his livery vehicle to procure and distribute drugs, meet with customers and to collect cash derived from drug sales. Mendez was involved in the acquisition of heroin and fentanyl in New York and the transportation of these drugs for sale in and around Worcester.

In connection with this investigation, Freiber Betancourth, of Worcester, pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges and was sentenced to 12 months and a day in prison and three years of supervised release. Betancourth distributed heroin and fentanyl from the parking lot of his employer. In addition, Jonathan Francisco Bobadilla Rosa, a Dominican national previously residing in Worcester, pleaded guilty to drug possession charges, false representation of a Social Security number and aggravated identity theft. He was sentenced in May 2020 to 28 months in prison.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Assistance with the investigation was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bill Abely and John Mulcahy of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Tewksbury man was charged today in federal court in Boston with bank robbery.

Nicholas O’Neil, 37, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of bank robbery.  O’Neil was arrested in Tewksbury on Sept. 22, 2020, has been in custody since. O’Neil was detained following his initial appearance in federal court in Boston today.

According to charging documents, on Sept. 22, 2020, O’Neil, entered a branch of the Santander Bank in Tewksbury, handed the teller a demand note and a red cloth bag. The teller placed $5,689 into the red bag back and handed it to the robber, who exited the bank. The robber allegedly sped away from the bank in a white pickup truck, which was reported to police. A short time later, the pickup truck was located and “boxed-in” in heavy traffic. Police officers removed and arrested the passenger, later determined to be O’Neil, without incident. Inside the vehicle, officers located the red bag with the bank’s money and the demand note. 

The charge of bank robbery provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Tewksbury Police Chief Ryan M. Columbus made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

BOSTON – A Woonsocket, R.I. man has been charged with trafficking victims to engage in prostitution. 

Ronald Hall, 48, was indicted on Oct. 28, 2020 on five counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and one count of transportation of an individual with intent to engage in prostitution.

According to the indictment, from at least January 2012 to December 2019, Hall trafficked five victims between Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Las Vegas, Nev., with the intent that each victim would engage in prostitution, and used force and threats of force to coerce them to do so. Hall also transported these women between Massachusetts and Rhode Island and Connecticut with the intent they engage in prostitution. 

Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274.

The charge of sex trafficking provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to a lifetime in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of transportation for purposes of prostitution provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentence are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; David Magdycz Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Evan Gotlob of Lelling’s Civil Rights Enforcement Team is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

BOSTON – Two former employees of eBay, Inc. pleaded guilty today to their roles in a cyberstalking campaign targeting the editor and publisher of a newsletter that eBay executives viewed as critical of the company.

Brian Gilbert, 52, of San Jose, Calif., a former Senior Manager of Special Operations for eBay’s Global Security Team, and Stephanie Stockwell, 26, of Redwood City, Calif., the former manager of eBay’s Global Intelligence Center, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit cyberstalking and conspiracy to tamper with witnesses. U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Stockwell on March 11, 2021, and for Gilbert on May 6, 2021.

On Oct. 8, 2020, co-defendants Stephanie Popp, 32, and Veronica Zea, 26, pleaded guilty to the same charges and are scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 25, 2021. On Oct. 27, 2020, co-conspirator Philip Cooke, 55, pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 24, 2021.

Former eBay executives, James Baugh, 45, and David Harville, 48, were arrested and charged on June 15, 2020.

According to the charging documents, the victims of the cyberstalking campaign were a Natick couple who are the editor and publisher of an online newsletter that covers ecommerce companies, including eBay. Members of eBay’s executive leadership team followed the newsletter’s posts, often taking issue with its content and the anonymous comments underneath the editor’s stories.

It is alleged that in August 2019, the defendants executed a three-part harassment campaign against the Natick couple, which included the defendants sending anonymous and disturbing deliveries to the victims’ home; sending private Twitter messages and public tweets criticizing the newsletter’s content and threatening to visit the victims in Natick; and traveling to Natick to surveil the victims and install a GPS tracking device on their car.

In connection with his plea today, Gilbert admitted to drafting threatening Twitter messages for Popp to send and planning the surveillance trip with various co-defendants. Gilbert also proposed bringing a dossier of documents to the Natick Police Department (NPD) – whom the victims had involved – that would make the victims “look crazy” and contacting the victims to offer help with the threatening messages that the defendants had sent. Lastly, Gilbert made false statements to the NPD about Zea and Harville’s reason for being in Boston.

Stockwell admitted to, at Baugh’s direction, purchasing a laptop for use in harassing the victims, and using an anonymous email account to order online live spiders and a prepaid debit card to purchase a late-night pizza delivery to the victims’ home. Stockwell also prepared an eBay “Person of Interest” report for the Bay Area—a fictions list of potential suspects to provide to the NPD to deflect the police from suspecting that eBay employees were actually harassing the victims. 

The charges of conspiracy to commit cyberstalking and conspiracy to tamper with witnesses each carry a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 and restitution. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Natick Chief of Police James G. Hicks made the announcement today. eBay provided valuable assistance and cooperation with the federal investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth B. Kosto, Deputy Chief of Lelling’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

BOSTON – A Methuen man was arrested and charged yesterday in connection with robbing five banks in Middlesex County in August and September 2020.

Caio Costa, 25, was charged by criminal complaint with armed bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence. Costa was arrested on state charges on Sept. 26, 2020, following the robbery of a branch of the Salem Five Bank in Tewksbury. Costa was detained following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston yesterday.

According to charging documents, between Aug. 28, 2020 and Sept. 25, 2020, four federally insured banks were robbed in Middlesex County. In each of these robberies, the robber entered the bank wearing dark clothing and a motorcycle helmet and brandished a black revolver. Following each robbery, the robber escaped on a dark-colored motorcycle.

It is alleged that, on Sept. 25, 2020, an individual, later determined to be Costa, wearing dark clothing and a motorcycle helmet entered a branch of the Salem Five Bank in Tewksbury. Costa approached a teller, brandished what appeared to be a black revolver and demanded the bank’s money. The teller handed Costa cash and Costa exited the bank and sped away on a dark-colored motorcycle. Local law enforcement, who became aware of the robbery, observed Costa on the motorcycle in traffic and attempted to stop him. Costa allegedly fled, accelerating at speeds estimated to be 80-100 miles per hour while weaving in and out of traffic. Costa eventually crashed the motorcycle and escaped on foot, leaving his black helmet behind. 

The following day, Costa was located in a New Hampshire hotel and arrested without incident. During an interview with law enforcement, Costa admitted to the Sept. 25, 2020 armed robbery of the Salem Five Bank in Tewksbury; the Aug. 28, 2020 armed robbery of the Eastern Bank in Chelmsford; the Sept. 18, 2020 armed robbery of the People’s United Bank in Lowell; and the Sept. 18, 2020 armed robbery of the Reading Co-Op in Wilmington.  

The charge of armed bank robbery provides for a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of brandishing a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence provides for a mandatory sentence of seven years in prison to be served consecutive to the armed robbery charges. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan; Tewksbury Police Chief Ryan M. Columbus; Lowell Police Chief Christopher Hurst; Wilmington Police Chief Joseph Desmond; and Chelmsford Police Chief James M. Spinney made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

BOSTON – A Holyoke man pleaded guilty in federal court in Springfield today to distributing heroin.

Jose Rodriguez, 34, pleaded guilty to distributing and possessing with intent to distribute heroin. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Feb. 5, 2021. 

Rodriguez sold heroin on Sept. 19 and 27, 2018 in Holyoke. Rodriguez also possessed and intended to distribute 100 or more grams of heroin on July 6, 2019 in Holyoke. The charges were the result of an investigation into heroin trafficking in Holyoke.

The charge of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute heroin provides for a sentence of up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Holyoke Police Chief Manny Febo made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – VJ Associates, a group of companies based in Hicksville, N.Y., has agreed to pay $3.13 million to resolve criminal and civil charges relating to a long-running overbilling scheme involving numerous government-funded construction projects in Massachusetts and New York.

VJ Associates provided sub-contracted estimating and scheduling services for construction projects funded with state and federal money. Services included forecasting costs and resources to complete a project, and estimating the time necessary to complete milestones in a project. VJ Associates employees frequently billed government contracts hourly for their time.  The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the State of New York and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts funded many projects on which VJ Associates worked.

“VJ Associates defrauded government-funded infrastructure projects by billing for bogus hours, adding hundreds of thousands in unnecessary costs to projects on which it worked,” said United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling. “Our office is committed to protecting taxpayer dollars and the integrity of federally funded infrastructure programs, and today’s resolution is another example of how we will continue to use our criminal and civil authority to ensure that government contractors are honest, upstanding corporations that do not waste federal monies.”

“This investigation illustrates our commitment to rooting-out illicit business practices aimed at defrauding the Government on public infrastructure projects for commercial gain,” said Douglas Shoemaker, Regional Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT OIG). “We will continue to work with our Federal, State, and local law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to investigate and hold accountable those who perpetrate fraud against the American taxpayer.”

“VJ Associates was hired by the Port Authority to assist with critical public infrastructure projects — and badly over-billed the agency. The Port Authority Office of Inspector General investigated, and today VJ Associates has agreed to plead guilty in federal court; to pay millions in fines and restitution; and to be debarred from doing business with a wide range of government agencies. Padding the bill is stealing from the public we serve, and today’s federal guilty plea makes it crystal clear — contractors that over-bill the Port Authority will face severe consequences,” said Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Acting Inspector General Michael Farbiarz.

In a criminal information filed today, the United States charges that, from at least January 2007 through August 2018, VJ Associates, Inc. of Suffolk—the largest and original VJ Associates entity—conspired with other VJ Associates entities and employees to pad bogus time charges on government construction contracts funded by the DOT, the State of New York and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. As a result, the VJ Associates entities improperly received more than $1.2 million in state and federal taxpayer money. The improper billing included, for example, hours employees spent working on unrelated projects, time spent on administrative tasks and time doing no work. Under pressure from management, employees openly discussed improper billing as “juicing” and “tagging” hours in order to “maximize” bills on government projects and not “leave money on the table.” One employee summed up his billing practices to his colleague as a “shell game” and explained that, when management “gave him a bit of trouble” about how he billed his time, he fraudulently maximized his hours billed because “what the hell,” management “pay[s] me every two weeks,” and he was “not the boss.”  

VJ Associates, Inc. of Suffolk has agreed to plead guilty, to make restitution to the DOT, New York and Massachusetts, and to pay a criminal fine of $530,000.

In addition, all of the VJ Associates entities—VJ Associates Inc. of Suffolk; VJ Associates of New England, Inc.; VJ Associates of New Jersey; and VJ Associates of Washington DC, Inc.—have entered into a civil settlement with the United States resolving allegations that they overbilled government contracts. Under the terms of that settlement, the VJ Associates entities have agreed to pay $2.6 million collectively to the United States and certain states and to permanent debarment from receiving federal funds.

The civil settlement with the United States arose from a lawsuit filed by a whistleblower under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, which allow private parties to bring suit on behalf of the government and to share in any recovery. In connection with today’s announced settlement with the United States, the whistleblower will receive 22.5% of the recovery.

The government’s resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating fraud related to government-funded transportation projects. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Transportation, at 1-800-424-9071.

U.S. Attorney Lelling, Regional DOT-OIG SAC Shoemaker and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Acting Inspector General Farbiarz made the announcement today. Assistant United States Attorneys Brian M. LaMacchia and Evan Gotlob of Lelling’s Office are handling the matter. 

BOSTON – A Connecticut nurse was charged with tampering with liquid morphine prescribed to a patient. 

Danielle Works, 42, of Stafford Springs, Conn., was charged on Oct. 27, 2020 with tampering with a consumer product.

According to the charging document, on Jan. 27, 2018, Works tampered with a bottle of morphine prescribed to a patient at Governor’s Center, a nursing facility in Westfield, by removing the morphine from the bottle and diluting the remaining morphine with another substance. 

The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew Lelling; Jeffrey Ebersole, Special Agent in Charge of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations; and Acting Commissioner Margaret Cooke of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health made the announcement today.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Looney of Lelling’s Health Care Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

BOSTON – A Colombian national residing in Lighthouse Beach, Fla., pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston in connection with submitting more than $109 million in false and fraudulent claims for durable medical equipment (DME) such as arm, back, knee and shoulder braces. 

Juan Camilo Perez Buitrago, 31, pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud and one count of payment of kickbacks in connection with a federal health care program. U.S. Senior District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. scheduled sentencing for March 4, 2021.

Perez manufactured and submitted false and fraudulent Medicare claims by instructing his employees to establish shell companies in more than a dozen different states, including Massachusetts. Perez directed employees to list his mother, wife and yacht captain as corporate directors and to use fictitious names when registering the shell companies as DME providers. Perez allegedly purchased Medicare patient data from foreign and domestic call centers that targeted elderly patients, and instructed call centers to contact the Medicare beneficiaries with an offer of ankle, arm, back, knee, and/or shoulder braces “at little to no cost.”  He then submitted Medicare claims for those patients without obtaining a prescriber’s order to ensure that the braces were medically necessary. Perez submitted blatantly fraudulent claims, including claims for deceased patients and repeat claims for the same patient and the same DME. Perez failed to provide any DME for more than $7.5 million in claims. When Perez did provide DME to patients, he typically billed insurance policies more than 12 times the average price of the DME that he provided to the patient.

In total, Perez submitted $109 million in Medicare claims and collected more than $12 million.

Four of Perez’s associates have also agreed to plead guilty to their role in the Medicare scheme. On Oct. 2, 2020 Nathan LaParl, 34, of Boca Raton, Fla., and Talia Alexandre, 30, of Palm Springs, Fla., were charged with receiving kickbacks in connection with a federal health care program. LaParl and Stefanie Hirsch, 51, of Los Angeles, Calif., were also charged with violating the HIPAA statute and have agreed to plead guilty. On Sept. 29, 2020, Jessica Jones, 30, of Louisville Colo., and Elizabeth Putulin, 30, of Coconut Creek, Fla., were charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and have agreed to plead guilty.

The charges of health care fraud and payment of kickbacks in connection with a federal health care program each provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Johnnie Sharp Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Birmingham Field Division; Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, Boston Division; and Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elysa Q. Wan of Lelling’s Health Care Fraud Unit and Carol Head of Lelling’s Asset Recovery Unit are prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced yesterday for the October 2019 robberies of the TD Bank in Worcester and the East Boston Savings Bank in Revere.   

Samuel Jose Baptista, 27, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 30 months in prison and two years of supervised release. Judge Hillman also ordered Baptista to forfeit the money found on him after the second robbery and ordered restitution for the remaining amount stolen from the banks. 

In February 2020, Baptista pleaded guilty to two counts of bank robbery.

On Oct. 20, 2019, Baptista entered a branch of TD Bank in Worcester and informed the tellers, “this is a robbery” and demanded $10,000 in cash. Baptista told the tellers that he had a bomb in his backpack and that they had five minutes to get the cash before Baptista would detonate the bomb. 

On Oct. 26, 2019, Baptista entered a branch of the East Boston Savings Bank in Revere and passed to the teller a withdrawal slip, on which he wrote“10/21/19” and “$10,000.” Baptista then told the teller “this is a robbery,” that he wanted $20,000, and that he had a bomb in his backpack. After receiving money, Baptista fled the bank in a lime green taxicab. 

Witnesses from the bank reported to police the license plate and color of the taxicab. Shortly thereafter, local law enforcement found the taxicab parked in the Northgate Shopping Center, and the taxi driver informed police that Baptista had entered a store in the shopping center. Police found and arrested Baptista with the money from the East Boston Savings Bank on him. 

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent; and Revere Police Chief David Callahan made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucy Sun of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A Boston man who is allegedly a member of the St. James/Marcella gang was arrested today and charged in federal court in Boston with distributing crack cocaine.

Anthony Jackson, a/k/a “Hollywood,” 29, was charged with distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base. Jackson made an initial appearance in federal court via videoconference this afternoon, and was detained pending a detention hearing on Nov. 5, 2020.

According to court documents, between Sept. 1, 2020 and Oct. 3, 2020, Jackson distributed crack cocaine to a cooperating witness on five occasions in Cambridge and Boston.

As alleged in the charging documents, Jackson has state convictions for unlawfully carrying a dangerous weapon, carrying a loaded firearm and possession of illegal substances.

The charge of distributing or possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

BOSTON – A leader of the Worcester Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”) was sentenced today on drug distribution charges.

Alvin Mojica, a/k/a “King Humble,” 32, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to time served (approximately seven months) and three years of supervised release. The government recommended a sentence of 18 months incarceration. In July 2020, Mojica pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine.

Mojica admitted that in May 2019 he distributed just under 14 grams of cocaine to a cooperating witness in an audio/video recorded transaction. At the time, he was the leader of the Worcester based Chapter of the Latin Kings. 

The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.

In December 2019, a federal grand jury in Boston returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Mojica is the second defendant to be sentenced in this case.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard and Mark Grady of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.

BOSTON – A Rhode Island man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for five bank robberies, including one that resulted in a high-speed chase.

Charles Lamont Wheeler, 47, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 84 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In March 2020, Wheeler pleaded guilty to five counts of bank robbery. Co-defendant Dong Lee, 50, of Rhode Island, pleaded guilty on Oct. 13, 2020, and is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 16, 2021.

Between Sept. 8, 2018 and Sept. 14, 2018, five banks in the Greater Boston area were robbed. Based on the similarity of the robberies, and the descriptions of the robbers provided by bank tellers, it was determined that the same two individuals were responsible for these robberies. On Sept. 14, 2018, Wheeler and Lee robbed a branch of the Abington Bank in Avon.  Later in the day, Wheeler and Lee robbed a branch of the Crescent Credit Union in Brockton and were both arrested following a high-speed car chase in Attleboro.

Following an interview and review of banks’ surveillance tapes, it was determined that Wheeler and Lee, were responsible for the robberies of the Santander Bank in Andover on Sept. 8, 2018; Berkshire Bank in Boston on Sept. 8, 2018; Rockland Trust in Braintree on Sept. 12, 2018; Abington Savings Bank in Avon on Sept. 14, 2018; and Crescent Credit Union in Brockton on Sept.14, 2018.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Boston Police Commissioner William Gross; Brockton Police Chief Emanuel Gomes; Avon Police Chief Jeffrey J. Bukunt; Braintree Police Chief Mark W. Dubois; and Andover Police Chief Patrick Keefe made the announcement today. Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A former supervisor of security operations for eBay’s European and Asian offices pleaded guilty today to his role in a cyberstalking campaign targeting a Natick, Mass. couple who published a newsletter that eBay executives viewed as critical of the company.

Philip Cooke, 55, of San Jose, Calif., a former police captain in Santa Clara, Calif., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit cyberstalking and conspiracy to tamper with witnesses. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Feb. 24, 2021.

Cooke conspired with six other former eBay employees. David Harville, 48, of New York City and James Baugh, 45, of San Jose, Calif., were charged on June 15, 2020, with conspiracy to commit cyberstalking and conspiracy to tamper with witnesses. The charging documents identified Cooke as “Supervisor 1.” Stephanie Popp, 32, and Veronica Zea, 26, both of San Jose, Calif., pleaded guilty on Oct. 8, 2020 and are scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 25, 2021. Stephanie Stockwell, 26, of Redwood City, Calif., and Brian Gilbert, 51, of San Jose, Calif., are scheduled to plead guilty on Oct. 29, 2020.

According to the charging documents, the victims of the cyberstalking campaign were a Natick couple who are the editor and publisher of an online newsletter that covers ecommerce companies, including eBay. Members of eBay’s executive leadership team followed the newsletter’s posts, often taking issue with its content and the anonymous comments underneath the editor’s stories.

It is alleged that in August 2019, the defendants executed a three-part harassment campaign against the Natick couple. Among other things, several of the defendants ordered anonymous and disturbing deliveries to the victims’ home, including a preserved fetal pig, a bloody pig Halloween mask and a book on surviving the loss of a spouse.

As part of the second phase of the campaign, some of the defendants allegedly sent private Twitter messages and public tweets criticizing the newsletter’s content and threatening to visit the victims in Natick. The charging documents allege that Cooke, Baugh, Gilbert, and Popp planned these messages to become increasingly disturbing, culminating with “doxing” the victims (i.e., publishing their home address). It is alleged that the same group intended then to have Gilbert, a former Santa Clara police captain, approach the victims with an offer to help stop the harassment that the defendants were secretly causing, in an effort to promote good will towards eBay.

The third phase of the campaign allegedly involved surveilling the victims in their home and community. The victims spotted the surveillance, however, and notified the Natick police, who began to investigate.

Aware that the police were investigating, the defendants allegedly sought to interfere with the investigation. For example, it is alleged that Cooke and several of the other defendants discussed the possibility of presenting Natick Police with a false investigative lead to keep the police from discovering video evidence that could link some of the deliveries to eBay employees. As the police and eBay’s lawyers continued to investigate, the defendants allegedly deleted digital evidence that showed their involvement, further obstructing what had by then become a federal investigation.

The charges of conspiracy to commit cyberstalking and conspiracy to tamper with witnesses each carry a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 and restitution. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Natick Chief of Police James G. Hicks made the announcement today. eBay provided valuable assistance and cooperation with the federal investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth B. Kosto, Deputy Chief of Lelling’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

BOSTON – United States Attorney Andrew Lelling announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Eugenia Carris will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming Nov. 3, 2020, general election. 

AUSA Carris has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Massachusetts, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

“Fair elections are the foundation of our democracy,” said U.S. Attorney Lelling. “Every citizen has the Constitutional right to cast his or her vote on election day free from intimidation, harassment and discrimination. The Department of Justice will do its part to ensure the integrity of the election process by enforcing federal laws that protect voters and investigating reports of fraud. We encourage the public to report concerns to us.”

The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur.  The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through Election Day.

Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).

The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice.

In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on Nov. 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Carris will be on duty in Massachusetts while the polls are open and can be reached by the public at 617-748-3363.

In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The local FBI field office can be reached at 857-386-2000.

Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can also be made to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.

In the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and are equipped to respond to an emergency.

BOSTON – Two Lynn men were sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with drug and firearm charges.

Carlos Lopez, aka “C-Lo,” 31, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to 123 months in prison and six years of supervised release. In March 2020, Carlos Lopez pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and marijuana, one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition and one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.

Dionis Lopez, aka “Kuku,” 29, was sentenced by Judge Woodlock to 63 months in prison and six years of supervised release. Dionis Lopez pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana, one count of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number and one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. The defendants were arrested and charged in September 2018.

On Nov. 14, 2017, Carlos Lopez possessed and intended to distribute heroin and marijuana while in possession of a Bersa, Model Thunder 380, .380 caliber pistol and a Beretta, Model Px4, 9mm pistol with various rounds of 9mm ammunition. Due to a previous conviction for a crime punishable by more than one year in prison, Carlos Lopez was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. 

Also on Nov. 14, 2017, Dionis Lopez possessed and intended to distribute fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana while in possession of a Glock, Model 27, .40 caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number and a Glock, Model 19, 9 mm pistol.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Lynn Police Chief Michael Mageary made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Moran, Deputy Chief of Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit, prosecuted the case.

“We were saddened to hear of the passing of Judge Juan R. Torruella today. Judge Torruella had a long and impressive career on the First Circuit Court of Appeals. A Reagan appointee, he was a strong advocate for the rights of Puerto Ricans and spent his career advocating for their equal rights as U.S. citizens. His insight and passion for the law will be missed.”

BOSTON – A Springfield man was sentenced on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020 in federal court in Springfield for breaking into a postal vehicle and stealing the mail inside.

Jose Luis Sanchez, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 267 days in prison and three years of supervised release. In March 2020, Sanchez pleaded guilty to theft of United States mail and destruction of government property.

On Aug. 16, 2017, Luis Sanchez broke into a postal vehicle by breaking a window and then stole mail that was inside. Investigators identified Sanchez using DNA and fingerprints that were left behind on the vehicle by Sanchez when he broke the window.   

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood made the announcement.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.

“Today the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s Office made us aware of the attempted ballot box arson that occurred overnight in Boston. Federal authorities are now investigating this matter. For the next several weeks, it is a top priority of our offices to help maintain the integrity of the election process in Massachusetts by aggressively enforcing federal election laws.

Voters in Massachusetts can feel confident in the success of the information sharing protocols that we have established with our local, state and federal election security partners in advance of the 2020 election. 

We remain fully committed to working with these partners to protect our communities as Americans exercise their right to vote. Help from the public is also vital to our effort. We encourage members of the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious, election-related activity to us.”

BOSTON – Six individuals were charged this week in connection with their misuse of stolen identities to obtain official identification documents and other government benefits. Of the six defendants charged, the true identities of four remain unknown.

According to charging documents, these individuals used Social Security numbers and other identifiers to obtain, for example, Massachusetts driver’s licenses or identification cards or MassHealth benefits. Some of these stolen identities were also used to obtain Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.

Antonio De Carvalho Vicente, 59, a Brazilian nation illegally residing in Fall River, was charged with theft of government funds. De Carvalho Vicente allegedly submitted a fraudulent application for PUA benefits using another person’s name and Social Security number. He allegedly received PUA payments and weekly payments of $600 under the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, although the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance later ceased payments after flagging a suspected identity issue.

Angel Bautista Rossi, 43, a Dominican national illegally residing in Lawrence, was charged with aggravated identity theft and false representation of a Social Security number.

A woman residing in Lawrence and whose true identity has not been confirmed, was charged as Jane Doe with aggravated identity theft and false representation of a Social Security number.

A man residing in Roxbury and whose true identity has not been confirmed, was charged as John Doe with theft of government funds, aggravated identity theft and false representation of a Social Security number.

A man residing in Roslindale and whose true identity has not been confirmed, was charged as John Doe with aggravated identity theft and false representation of a Social Security number.

A man residing in Lawrence and whose true identity has not been confirmed, was charged as John Doe with aggravated identity theft, false statement in a health care matter and false representation of a Social Security number.

“Identity fraud takes a tremendous toll on its victims,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling. “Individuals whose identities have been misused can face difficulties obtaining health care benefits, Social Security benefits or unemployment benefits, and are often left dealing with collateral consequences such as tax liability, bad credit and outstanding arrest warrants in their names. We will continue to hold accountable those engaged in identity fraud.”

“These arrests mark an important landmark in the fight to ensure that benefits owed to American citizens go to whom they belong and not to those illegally present in our country,” said Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston. “This is an important enforcement metric reached in the fight against benefit theft crimes, which are especially egregious during today’s these times of serious economic and public health concerns. Today’s achievement serves as testimony to the tireless, dedicated team work of those partners who make up the Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF). We applaud all of our great partners including the U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts, whose unprecedented commitment to prosecuting these crimes has never wavered.”

“The Medicaid program is a partnership between the federal government and the states to provide healthcare to some of the most vulnerable members of society,” said Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge, Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Service’s Boston Regional Office. “Medical identity theft jeopardizes the safety of its victims while disregarding the taxpayers who ultimately bear the cost. We will continue to root out imposters whose actions threaten the integrity of our healthcare system.”

Since July 2018, 50 defendants have been charged in connection with document, identity and benefit fraud as a result of investigations by Homeland Security Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF), a specialized investigative group comprising personnel from various state, local and federal agencies with expertise in detecting, deterring and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity and benefit fraud schemes. The DBFTF investigates individuals who are believed to have obtained stolen identities of United States citizens living in Puerto Rico and who have used those identities to obtain documents and public benefits that they would not otherwise be eligible to receive. 

The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory two-year prison sentence that must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of theft of government funds provides for a sentence of  up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of false representation of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S Attorney Lelling; HSI Boston SAC Shea; HHS-OIG SAC Coyne; Tonya Perkins, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; Christina Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Regional Office; Michael Mikulka, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations; Jonathan Davidson, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office; Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Denis C. Riordan, District Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Boston; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Massachusetts State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lawrence, Lowell, Woburn, Dartmouth and Fall River police departments. 

These cases are being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki and Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Tobin and Kenneth Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

BOSTON – A Boston man was charged yesterday in federal court in Boston with illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition. The defendant led police on a car chase before he was apprehended in Chelsea.

Raughn Williams, 22, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Williams was arrested on state charges on Aug. 10, 2020, and has been in custody since. He will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at a later date.

According to charging documents, on Aug. 10, 2020, a Massachusetts State Police trooper attempted to pull over a vehicle driven by Williams on Storrow Drive in Boston for a tinted windows violation. Williams refused to pull over, and instead led police on a chase down Storrow Drive and onto the Tobin Bridge. Williams exited the Tobin Bridge into Chelsea, where he crashed the vehicle into two other cars and then he and his passenger fled on foot. Williams was apprehended and a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition was recovered. Federal law prohibits Williams from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to a prior felony conviction.

The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes made the announcement. Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

BOSTON – DEA is holding its 19th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 24. The nationwide event aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs locally, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. DEA will also accept vape pens or other e-cigarette devices from individual consumers.

To find a collection site near you, and for more information, visit www.deatakeback.com. Collection sites will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations in order to maintain the safety of all participants and local law enforcement.

“Unused prescription drugs are a safety hazard and can contribute to drug misuse and abuse,” said United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling. “Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a tool to eliminate a major source of prescription drugs from homes and reduce the hazard they pose to our families and communities in a safe and responsible manner.”

“The initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue,” said DEA Acting Administrator Timothy Shea. “Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Together with our partners, we are not only holding National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, but offering other ways to dispose of unwanted, unused, and expired prescription medications.”

“Our take-back events highlight the problems associated with prescription drug abuse and gives our citizens an opportunity to contribute to the solution,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “These efforts help remove unwanted, expired and unused prescription pills that can be abused, stolen or resold which helps our continued dedication to combat the prescription pill, fentanyl and heroin epidemic of substance abuse and addiction.”

Prescription drugs can be disposed of at any of the 11,000 DEA authorized collectors at any time throughout the year. For more information, visit: https://apps2.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e1s1.

DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms. DEA will also accept vape pens or other e-cigarette devices from individual consumers, only after the batteries are removed from the devices. If the battery cannot be removed, individual consumers can check with large electronic chain stores who may accept the vape pen or e-cigarette devices for proper disposal. Liquids, including intravenous solutions, syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs cannot be dropped off. This service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency also provide tips on how to safely dispose of drugs at home for those homebound during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

BOSTON – A leader of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings) pleaded guilty today to drug conspiracy charges.

Bienvenido Nunez, a/k/a “King Apache,” 33, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine base. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for Feb. 11, 2021. Nunez was charged in December 2019, at which time he was identified as the Inca, or leader, of the Massachusetts Latin Kings.

Nunez admitted that he conspired with other Latin Kings members and leaders to possess cocaine base (also known as crack cocaine) with the intent to distribute it. In September 2019, Nunez conspired with others to obtain cocaine base from members of the Latin Kings in New Bedford for resale. On Sept. 29, 2019, Nunez was captured in a video recording in the basement of a Latin Kings trap house in New Bedford bagging about an amount of cocaine base for street-level distribution. 

The Latin Kings are a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Latin Kings adhere to a national manifesto, employ an internal judiciary and use a sophisticated system of communication to maintain the hierarchy of the organization. As alleged in court documents, the gang uses drug distribution to generate revenue, and engages in violence against witnesses and rival gangs to further its influence and to protect its turf.

In December 2019, a federal grand jury in Boston returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. Bienvenido Nunez is the sixteenth defendant to plead guilty in the case.

The charge of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a minimum of three years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard and Mark Grady of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.

BOSTON – A Boston man was indicted yesterday for being a felon in possession of a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol.  

Tyrone Goforth, 40, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Goforth was charged by criminal complaint in September 2020 and is currently  in custody.

According to charging documents, on July 31, 2020, Goforth possessed a Sig Sauer P938 9mm semi-automatic pistol loaded with five rounds of 9mm ammunition. Due to a prior conviction, Goforth is prohibited from possessing firearms, and does not possess a federal license to sell firearms.

The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner William Gross made the announcement. Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

BOSTON – United States Attorney Andrew Lelling hosted a roundtable discussion today on reducing gun violence and enforcing firearms laws. As part of this effort, the U.S. Attorney’s Office recently charged 21-gun related cases in support of local police departments across the state and their efforts to curb violence.

Project Guardian is a Department of Justice initiative that emphasizes close coordination among federal, state and local law enforcement to enforce federal firearms and background checks laws, including illegal possession of a firearm, straw purchasing (lie and buy), attempted straw purchasing (lie and try), firearms trafficking and dealing firearms without a license.

“Even amidst a global pandemic, our local law enforcement partners are working harder than ever in major cities like Boston, Brockton and Springfield. However, despite their best efforts, repeat offenders continue to mock the criminal justice system,” said U.S. Attorney Lelling. “COVID has almost certainly emboldened violent offenders who think that the criminal justice system is closed. My office will be working closer than ever with our local and state partners to combat the surge in violent crime.”

“Public safety is at the forefront of ATF’s mission,” said Special Agent in Charge Kelly D. Brady. “Our focus is removing crime guns from our communities. The focus of Project Guardian is to enhance our crime gun intelligence. This enhancement will encompass identifying, investigating and prosecuting those involved in the straw purchases of firearms, lying on federal firearms transaction forms, and those subject to the mental health prohibition of possessing firearms.”

U.S. Attorney Lelling hosted today’s Project Guardian Roundtable to discuss law enforcement’s collective efforts to reduce gun crime in Massachusetts. Law enforcement leaders participating in the event included Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Boston Police Commissioner William Gross; Brockton Police Chief Emanuel Gomes; Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood; and Brian Kyes, Chelsea Police Chief and President of the Massachusetts Major City Chiefs of Police.

U.S. Attorney Lelling highlighted law enforcement’s ongoing commitment to focusing on individuals and groups who represent the greatest threat of violence to our communities, and announced that his office has charged 24 defendants on firearm-related charges:

• Kyle Evans, 34, of Everett, charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition;
• Herbert Palmer, 39, of New Bedford, charged with being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition;
• Caio Costa, 25, of Tewksbury, charged with armed bank robbery/using a firearm during commission of a crime of violence;
• Victor Morales, 25, of New Bedford, charged with being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition;
• Jose Montanez, 23, of New Bedford, charged with being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition;
• Nicholas Mendes, 38, of Brockton, charged with being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition;
• Joseph McCarthy, 33, of Plymouth, charged with dealing firearms without a license;
• Jeffrey Ambroise, 34, of Brockton, charged with being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition;
• Ronney Fullard, 30, and Jerrod Lee, 27, both of Taunton, charged with being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition;
• Jamaraeh Allen, 25, of New Bedford, charged with distribution of and possession with intent to distribute cocaine;
• Diamondez Pierre, 22, of Brockton, charged with being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition;
• Tevin Abercrombie, 25, of Boston; charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition;
• Daiquan Lucas, 28, of Boston, charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition;
• Tyrone Goforth, 40, of  Boston, charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition;
• Kenji Ingram, 42, of Boston, charged with being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition;
• Tykeam Jackson, 25, of Avon, charged with assaulting, resisting, or impeding a federal officer;
• Tevon Ngomba, 27, of Somerville, charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and possession with intent to distribute;
• Jason Valliere, 42; Orrin Guidry, 25; and Nyell Nascimento, 18, of New Bedford, charged with drug conspiracy;
• Ramon Martinez, 26, of New Bedford, charged with being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition;
• Charles Baker, 44, of Charlestown, charged with being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition and dealing in firearms without a license; and
• Tylor Szaljeski, 24, of Charlestown, charged with dealing in firearms without a license.

To learn more about Project Guardian, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian

BOSTON – A Tewksbury woman pleaded guilty today to charges of diverting morphine while she employed as a nurse in the hospice unit at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center campus in Bedford.

Kathleen Noftle, 55, pleaded guilty to one count of tampering with a consumer product and one count of obtaining a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, deception and subterfuge. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Feb. 24, 2021. Noftle was arrested and charged in September 2019.

On Jan. 13, 14 and 15, 2017, Noftle used her position as a nurse to obtain doses of morphine that were meant to be given to the veterans under her care in the hospice unit. Noftle admitted that she mixed water from the sink with a portion of the liquid morphine doses, and then administered the diluted medication to patients orally. Noftle then ingested a diluted amount of the remaining drug.     

The charge of tampering with a consumer product provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of obtaining a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, deception and subterfuge provides for a sentence of up to four years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney William B. Brady of Lelling’s Health Care Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A former commercial loan officer for a federal credit union in Greenfield was sentenced on Monday, Oct. 19, 2020, in federal court in Springfield for defrauding the credit union and committing tax fraud.

Michael Dicenzo, 67, of Pittsfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to three years of supervised release. Dicenzo previously pleaded guilty to four counts of receipt of money through transactions of a credit union with intent to defraud the credit union, four counts of tax fraud and one count of false statements to federal officials. 

As a senior commercial loan officer at a credit union in Greenfield, Dicenzo fraudulently obtained a series of loans, totaling approximately $4 million, for a local businessman in exchange for a total of approximately $133,773 in kickbacks. Dicenzo also misappropriated money from two charities whose accounts he supervised. In addition, Dicenzo failed to report this illegally obtained income in his personal income tax returns for years 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. Lastly, Dicenzo lied to investigators during an interview on March 26, 2010, by telling them, among other things, that the kickbacks from the businessman were legitimate payments for work that his wife performed for the businesses.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joleen Simpson, Acting Special Agent In Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations; and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A former employee of the City of Boston was sentenced today to eight months in federal prison for distributing cocaine and fentanyl.

Gary “Jamal” Webster, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to eight months in prison and two years of supervised release. The government sought a sentence of 30 months of incarceration.

In November 2019, Webster pleaded guilty to four counts of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl and one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl. 

In September and October 2016, a cooperating witness made four controlled purchases of cocaine and one purchase of fentanyl from Webster, who was then the Director of Constituent Services for a Boston City Councilor. In total, Webster sold over 300 grams (two-thirds of one pound) of cocaine and 49 grams of fentanyl to a cooperating witness during the two-month period.

This case was part of Operation Landshark, a federal investigation that targeted impact players and repeat offenders in Brockton and Boston, many of whom had prior convictions for acts of violence, firearm offenses and/or drug trafficking.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz; Suffolk County District Attorney Rachel Rollins; Boston Police Commissioner William Gross; and Brockton Police Chief Emanuel Gomes made the announcement today. The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s North Shore Gang Task Force and Southeastern Massachusetts Gang Task Force.  Valuable assistance was provided by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Plymouth and Essex County Sheriff’s Offices; Massachusetts Department of Corrections; U.S. Parole Commission; U.S. Postal Inspection Services; and the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case. 

Operation Landshark was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. DOJ reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

BOSTON – Fifteen people have been charged in federal court in Boston in connection with fentanyl and cocaine possession and distribution charges. The investigation, which began in March 2017 and intercepted communications on at least 11 cellphones, revealed that the defendants actively distributed fentanyl and cocaine and that their drug trafficking activities extended throughout southeastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. 

The following individuals were charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute and/or possess with intent to distribute 400 grams of more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine:

1. Donald V. Alfonso a/k/a Moolie, 39, of Fall River, Mass.;
2. Mark W. Alfonso a/k/a Chamaquito, 31, of Fall River, Mass.;
3. Bryant N. Baez a/k/a Mandarria, 42, of Fall River, Mass.;
4. Josdani M. Calderon, 32, of Providence, R.I.; 
5. Gabriela O. Dasilva a/k/a Karrie, 45, of New Bedford, Mass.;
6. Kyle M. Dupras a/k/a Zee, 29, of Fall River, Mass.; 
7. Alvin Javier a/k/a Sopha, 26, a Dominican national illegally residing in Lawrence, Mass.; 
8. Angel L. Landrau-Marrero a/k/a Chi-Chi, 31, of New Bedford, Mass.;
9. Jeison M. Marinez-Matos, 28, a Dominican national illegally residing in  Bridgeport, Conn.;             
10. Hanlet D. Mejia-Alvarez a/k/a Nephew, 32, a Dominican national illegally residing in Cranston, R.I.;
11. Luis Adolfo Mejia-Diaz, a/k/a El Bello, 52, a Dominican national illegally residing in Providence, R.I.;
12. Jose A. Ortega a/k/a “Amorol,” 43, of Cranston, R.I.;  
13. Jesus Rivera, age unknown, a Dominican national illegally residing in Providence, R.I.;
14. Wilkie O. Sanz, 30, of Dorchester, Mass.; and
15. Ramon Encarnacion Frias, 34, a Dominican national illegally residing in Providence, R.I.

According to the criminal complaint, the first phase of the investigation revealed that Rivera and Javier were involved in the distribution of fentanyl and cocaine. El Bello, Baez and others were cocaine sources of supply for Rivera and, at times, Rivera was a cocaine source of supply for Baez. Javier worked for Rivera by regularly delivering fentanyl and cocaine to narcotics customers. 

The second phase of the investigation allegedly revealed that Baez, Rivera, Landrau-Marrero, Donald Alfonso, Mark Alfonso, Dasilva and Dupras participated in the distribution of cocaine and fentanyl. Specifically, Baez was an active fentanyl and cocaine distributor; Dupras, Dasilva, Landrau-Marrer and Rivera were narcotics customers of Baez, who each further distributed narcotics; Donald Alfonso was a fentanyl and cocaine source of supply for Baez; Donald Alfonso also worked with his nephew Mark Alfonso to distribute narcotics; and Rivera and Baez distributed narcotics to one another. 

Finally, the third phase of the investigation revealed that El Bello, Calderon, Ortega, Marinez-Matos, Mejia-Alvarez and Sanz allegedly distributed fentanyl and cocaine. El Bello was allegedly a large-scale fentanyl and cocaine distributor; Ortega, Mejia-Alvarez and Calderon assisted El Bello in the distribution of narcotics; Sanz was a fentanyl customer and redistributor; and Marinez-Matos was a source of supply for the organization. Cellphone interceptions revealed that El Bello distributed multi-kilogram quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, and in March 21, 2020, investigators seized nearly one kilogram of fentanyl from Marinez-Matos.

Today, agents seized three handguns; loaded magazines and ammunition, including a high capacity magazine; two vehicles; approximately four kilos of fentanyl, heroin and/or cocaine; approximately five pounds of marijuana; 38 bottles of liquid THC; approximately $140,000 in cash; and kilo presses, scales and other drug packaging materials.

The charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Fall River Police Chief Jeffrey Cardoza; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro; Westport Police Chief Keith Pelletier; and Providence Police Chief Hugh Clements Jr. made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ann Taylor and Katherine Ferguson of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case. 

The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

BOSTON – A Dominican national was arrested today and charged in connection with his use of multiple identities. The defendant allegedly used false identities to obtain government benefits.

Angelito Concepcion Soto, 31, a Dominican national residing in Boston, was charged by criminal complaint with illegal re-entry of a deported alien. Concepcion Soto will make an initial appearance remotely in U.S. District Court in Boston.

According to charging documents, Concepcion Soto was arrested on state charges in July 2020 and found to be in possession of a fraudulent driver’s license and Social Security card in the name of a U.S. citizen. That citizen’s identity had also been used to obtain MassHealth coverage and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020. A fingerprint match revealed the true identity of Concepcion Soto, who had been removed from the United States in October 2016 and had subsequently re-entered without permission. Prior to his removal, Concepcion Soto had been arrested on a heroin-related offense under yet a different identity.

Concepcion Soto faces a sentence of up to two years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General; the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General; and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely, Chief of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit, is prosecuting the case.

The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF), a specialized investigative group comprising personnel from various state, local, and federal agencies with expertise in detecting, deterring, and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity and benefit fraud schemes.  The DBFTF investigates suspected aliens who are believed to have obtained stolen identities of U.S. citizens born in Puerto Rico. The DBFTF has investigated individuals who have used stolen identities to obtain public benefits that they otherwise would not be eligible to receive, including Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles identity documents, Social Security numbers, MassHealth benefits, public housing benefits and/or unemployment benefits.

The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.