District of Massachusetts

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

Milagros Gaetan, 50, pleaded guilty to an indictment charging her with distributing and possessing with intent to distribute heroin. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for June 26, 2020. 

On Oct. 1, 2019, an undercover officer made a controlled drug purchase in an area known for the availability of heroin, cocaine and cocaine base on Appleton Street in Holyoke. The officer walked down the street and encountered an individual later identified at Gaetan. Gaetan asked the officer what he was looking for and he responded one bundle (10 bags) of heroin. Gaetan told the officer to wait, and then returned a short time later with one bundle of heroin, which she gave to the officer in return for cash.

On Oct. 7, 2019, the undercover officer returned to the area and purchased one bundle of heroin and cocaine from Gaetan in return for cash.  On Oct. 25, 2019, Gaetan was arrested and charged by criminal complaint.

The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and fine of $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; 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 – Columbia Gas of Massachusetts (CMA) has agreed to accept responsibility for the gas explosions on Sept. 13, 2018, in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover that killed one individual, injured 22, and damaged homes and businesses.

Bay State Gas Company, d/b/a Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, has agreed to plead guilty to violating a minimum safety standard of the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act relating to the failure to implement procedures to prevent the over-pressurization of its low-pressure gas distribution system in South Lawrence during a pipe replacement project known as the South Union Project. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled.

According to the terms of the plea agreement, CMA will pay a criminal fine of $53,030,116 which represents twice the amount of profits that CMA earned between 2015 and 2018 from a pipeline infrastructure program called the Gas System Enhancement Plan (GSEP).  In addition to a fine, CMA’s operations will be subject to monitoring during a three year period of probation to ensure CMA’s compliance with federal and state safety regulations. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office has also entered into a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) with CMA’s parent company, NiSource, Inc. based in Indiana. As part of the DPA, NiSource has agreed to undertake their best reasonable best efforts to sell CMA after which NiSource and CMA would stop all gas pipeline operations in Massachusetts. In exchange for the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s agreement to defer prosecution of NiSource as a result of CMA’s conduct, NiSource has also agreed to forfeit any profit it may earn from the sale of CMA and implement each of the safety recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) resulting from the Sept. 13, 2018 incident.

According the charging documents, during the afternoon of Sept. 13, 2018, the over-pressurization of a low pressure gas distribution system in South Lawrence caused multiple fires and explosions in the communities of Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover. As a result, one individual in Lawrence was killed and another severely disabled, 22 people were injured, and approximately 131 residential homes and commercial buildings were damaged.

The charges filed against CMA allege that the company recklessly disregarded a known safety risk related to regulator control lines – sections of pipe connected to regulator stations that helped monitor and control downstream gas pressure. By at least 2015, according to an internal company notice, CMA knew that the failure to properly account for control lines in construction projects could lead a “catastrophic event,” including fires and explosions. Aging cast iron pipes were being replaced, but the failure to remove or relocate control line pipes that were later abandoned would automatically cause regulator stations to continually increase pressure to the point of dangerous over-pressurization.

The failure to account for control lines that led to the Sept. 13, 2018 event took place during a pipe replacement project known as the South Union Street Project that began in Lawrence in 2016.  Throughout the project, CMA disregarded the known safety risks related to control lines, and instead focused on the timely completion of construction projects to maximize earnings under the company’s GSEP. The charging document alleges that the company, through the actions of its employees in Engineering, Construction and Operations and a pattern of flagrant organization indifference, failed to implement and follow any plan or action to ensure against over-pressurization and that failure led to the eventual fires and explosions in the Merrimack Valley on Sept. 13, 2018.

The DPA with NiSource acknowledges the fact that NiSource has previously made substantial voluntary restitution payments to the victims of the September 2018 incident, and has agreed to seek to resolve all pending civil claims. Most of the $53 million fine will be directed to the Justice Department’s Crime Victims Fund, which is a major funding source for victim services throughout the United States. 

For more information regarding the case, please visit:  https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/victim-and-witness-assistance-program/united-states-v-bay-state-gas-company-dba-columbia-gas-massachusetts

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Douglas Shoemaker, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations; and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Critical assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and Lawrence Fire Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neil J. Gallagher, Jr. and Evan Gotlob of Lelling’s Public Corruption and Special Prosecutions Unit are prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Brockton man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for firearm and drug charges.

Kawana Tillman, 48, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to five years in prison and four years of supervised release. In November 2019, Tillman pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, and one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 28 grams of cocaine base. Tillman was arrested on April 30, 2019, and has been in custody since.

On March 10, 2018, Tillman was illegally in possession of a Glock, Model 26, 9mm semi-automatic handgun and three rounds of 9mm ammunition. Tillman has prior felony drug conspiracy and firearm convictions, and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. On March 19, 2018, and April 30, 2019, Tillman was in possession of various amounts of cocaine base.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz; Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Boston Police Commissioner William Gross made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Soivilien of Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit 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. 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 Brockton man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to a firearms offense.

Tyrell Hampton, 30, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms before U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton, who scheduled sentencing for July 9, 2020.    

Hampton sold two .9mm Luger pistols and 21 rounds of .9mm ammunition to an undercover officer in Brockton on June 27, 2019. In phone communications prior to the transaction, Hampton indicated that the buyer should move fast because “they [the firearms offered for sale] go quick but I can always get more.”

According to court records, Hampton has previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses including drug convictions and a prior firearm conviction. As a felon, Hampton is barred under federal law from possessing a firearm.

The charge of possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony provides for a sentence of up to10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. 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 Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, New England Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Brockton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Worcester man was sentenced today in connection with drug trafficking charges.

Freiber Betancourth, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 12 months and a day in prison and three years of supervised release. In June 2019, Betancourth pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute fentanyl and heroin and one count of distributing fentanyl and heroin.  

Betancourth worked for a Massachusetts Department of Transportation / EZ Pass contractor in Auburn, Mass. Between June and September 2018, Betancourth distributed heroin and fentanyl on multiple occasions, including in the parking lot outside of his workplace. In addition, he stored drugs in his office. Betancourth obtained these drugs from Albeiro Gomez, sold the drugs to a particular customer, and then provided most of the cash proceeds to Gomez.

Gomez pleaded guilty on Nov. 25, 2019 to various drug charges including distributing fentanyl and heroin and possessing cocaine with intent to distribute. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 5, 2020.

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. The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and the Massachusetts State Police provided assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bill Abely and John Mulcahy of Lelling’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A Southwick man was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield for sending two packages containing white powder to federal agencies in Springfield.

Kevin A. Johnson, 48, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to time served in prison (almost 15 months) and three years of supervised release. In November 2019, Johnson pleaded guilty to two counts of conveying false information and hoaxes. Johnson was arrested on Nov. 30, 2018.

Between July and November 2018, FBI’s Springfield Office and the Springfield Social Security Administration Office (SSA Springfield), collectively received three packages containing either threatening communications and/or suspicious substances. The Springfield Branch Office of the Massachusetts U.S. Attorney’s Office received a letter from an individual claiming responsibility for sending the packages. All of the packages contained a piece of white-lined paper with a hand-drawn logo that appeared to combine the “anarchist A” symbol (the capital letter “A” surrounded by the letter “O”) and the symbol for ISIS, a foreign terrorist organization. Two of the packages contained suspicious white powder.

On July 23, 2018, security cameras at the FBI Springfield Office captured an individual throwing a manila envelope at the front door. The package contained a handwritten note saying: “Death to TRUMP.”

On Oct. 23, 2018, SSA Springfield received a package containing white powder and a handwritten letter stating, among other things: “FOR ALLAH YOU DIE, ATHENA KNOWS YOUR LIES, DEATH TO YOU TRAITORS, AND THE FU----- FBI.” 

On Oct. 24, 2018, the FBI Springfield Office received a package through the mail addressed to “AGENT UNCLE HAM.” The package contained white powder and a handwritten note stating: “FOR ALLAH YOU DIE, ATHENA KNOWS YOUR LIES, DEATH TO THE N.O.R.A.D SPIES, AND THE FBI.” 

The white powder in the packages was found to contain no hazardous materials.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; Stephen A. Marks, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Division; and Southwick Police Chief Kevin A. Bishop, made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the Western Massachusetts Joint Terrorism Task Force, Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, and Holyoke Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Deepika Bains Shukla, Chief of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office, prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A California woman was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for paying $300,000 to participate the college entrance exam cheating scheme and athletic recruitment scheme for her children.

Michelle Janavs, 49, of Newport Coast, Calif., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to five months in prison, two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $250,000 fine.

The government recommended a sentence of 21 months in prison, three years of supervised release, 250 hours of community service and a fine of $175,000. In October 2019, Janavs pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and honest services mail and wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Beginning in 2017, Janavs conspired with Rick Singer and others to secure her children’s admission to selective colleges and universities through bribery and fraud.

On Oct. 28, 2017, Janavs’s older daughter took the ACT exam at a test center in West Hollywood that Singer “controlled” through a corrupt test administrator, Igor Dvorskiy. Singer’s corrupt “proctor,” Mark Riddell, reviewed and corrected the daughter’s answers. In November 2017, Janavs sent a $50,000 check to Singer’s sham charitable organization, Key Worldwide Foundation (KWF), to pay for the fraud. Singer, in turn, passed a portion of the money to Riddell and Dvorskiy. 

In February 2019, Janavs’s younger daughter took the ACT at the West Hollywood Test Center, and Riddell corrected her answers. Later that month, Janavs wired $25,000 to KWF and mailed a $25,000 check to KWF. Singer, in turn, passed bribes to Riddell and Dvorskiy.

Riddell and Dvorskiy have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

Beginning in 2018, Janavs agreed with Singer to pay $200,000 to facilitate her older daughter’s admission to the University of Southern California (USC) as a purported volleyball recruit. In August 2018, Janavs emailed Singer photos of her daughter playing volleyball so that Singer could create a fake athletic “profile.” In October 2018, a USC athletics administrator, Donna Heinel, secured approval to admit Janavs’s daughter from the USC subcommittee for athletic admissions based on the falsified athletic credentials. Later that month, Janavs mailed Heinel a $50,000 check drawn from her family’s charitable foundation account and made payable to USC Women’s Volleyball, the account designated by Heinel. Janavs was arrested before her older daughter received her formal admission to USC and, accordingly, did not pay the remaining $150,000 of the initially agreed upon amount.

Case information, including the status of each defendant, charging documents and plea agreements are available here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/investigations-college-admissions-and-testing-bribery-scheme.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric S. Rosen, Justin D. O’Connell, Leslie A. Wright and Kristen A. Kearney of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit are prosecuting the cases.

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

BOSTON – A Lowell man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for heroin and fentanyl trafficking charges.

Anderson Daniel Jorge Cruz, 21, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to 70 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In October 2019, Cruz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and fentanyl and other drug trafficking offenses. Cruz has been in custody since his arrest on Jan. 23, 2019, along with co-defendant Joshua Ramos-Rios.

On Jan. 23, 2019, federal, state, and local law enforcement officers seized over one kilogram of heroin mixed with fentanyl hidden inside Cruz’s bedroom ceiling. The seizure was the result of an undercover operation into Cruz and Ramos-Rios. At the time of his arrest, Cruz had an outstanding warrant for homicide in Allentown, Penn., which remains pending. Cruz is also currently charged with murder in Essex County Superior Court.

United States Attorney Andrew Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Lowell Police Superintendent Raymond Kelly Richardson made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit 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. 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 Brockton man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Anibal Pires, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition before U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs, who scheduled sentencing for June 16, 2020.

On Nov. 29, 2018, Pires was found in Brockton in possession of a Taurus PT111, 9mm pistol and 10 rounds of 9 mm ammunition. Due to a prior felony conviction punishable by more than one year incarceration, Pires in prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

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 and Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Brockton Police Department and the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney William B. Brady of Lelling’s Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Boylston man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Worcester to two counts of filing false and fraudulent tax returns.

Robert Fuller, 64, pleaded guilty to filing false and fraudulent personal and corporate tax returns for calendar year 2015 before U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman who scheduled sentencing for June 15, 2020.

Fuller’s scheme was to cash checks written to his business, Fuller Motor Home, without reporting this cash on his corporate tax returns and then using the cash for his own personal enrichment, while also not reporting it as income on his personal tax returns.

The charge of filing a false and fraudulent tax return provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $100,000. 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 Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Rhode Island man pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston in connection with the May 1, 2019, armed bank robbery in Somerville that resulted in shots fired. 

Daniel Rosado, 32, of Providence, R.I., pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery, one count of brandishing and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for June 15, 2020. Rosado was arrested and charged by criminal complaint on May 23, 2019, and has been in custody since.

On May 1, 2019, a man, later identified as Rosado, entered the Middlesex Federal Savings Bank in Somerville, brandished a handgun, fired a shot into the ceiling, and pointed the firearm at customers and bank employees. Rosado yelled: “Get down!,” “Everybody on the ground!,” “Second Drawer,” “Hurry Up!” and “Give me money or I’ll shoot!” Customers and bank employees laid on the floor, while the robber approached a teller window, threw a backpack at the teller, and demanded money. 

While the teller filled the backpack with money, a customer exited the bank and flagged down a marked police cruiser. The police officer entered the bank, pointed his gun at the robber, and ordered him to freeze. In response, Rosado faced the officer, pointed his gun in the officer’s direction, and fired one shot. The officer shot back. During the exchange of gunfire, Rosado exited the bank and the officer chased after him on foot.   

As Rosado fled down College Avenue in Somerville, a bystander, noticing that Rosado was being pursued by a police officer, attempted to tackle Rosado, which caused Rosado to drop his backpack. Rosado kept running, and witnesses eventually lost sight of him. Upon review of the backpack, law enforcement found a Webley revolver, loaded with four unfired rounds of ammunition, and two cartridge casings, as well as more than $500. 

Further investigation, including forensic analysis of the backpack, linked the DNA profile found on the backpack to Rosado. A subsequent review of Rosado’s driver’s license photo matched the images of the robber captured on video surveillance at the bank. 

According to court records, Rosado has prior felony convictions, such as negligent operation of a motor vehicle, larceny from a person and witness intimidation, and assault by means of a dangerous weapon. Due to these prior convictions, Rosado is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The charge of armed bank robbery provides for a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000; the charge of brandishing and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence provides for a mandatory minimum of seven years and up to life in prison for brandishing and a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life for discharging, to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed, and a fine of $250,000. 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. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Somerville Police Chief David Fallon made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island and the Providence (R.I.) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein of Lelling’s Criminal Division is prosecuting the case. 

BOSTON – The former head coach of the men’s tennis team at the University of Texas at Austin (U-Texas) was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with accepting a $100,000 bribe to secure the admission of a purported student-athlete to the university.

Michael Center, 55, of Austin, Texas, was sentenced to six months in prison, one year of supervised release and ordered to forfeit $60,000.

The government recommended a sentence a six months in prison, one year of supervised release, payment of a $20,000 fine and forfeiture in the amount of $60,000. In April 2019, Center pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud.

Beginning in 2014, Center agreed with William “Rick” Singer and Martin Fox, the former president of a private tennis academy in Texas, to accept a $100,000 bribe in exchange for designating the child of one of Singer’s clients as a recruited student athlete at U-Texas. On Nov. 23, 2014, Singer emailed the student’s high school transcript and application essays to Fox, who forwarded them to Center. Center emailed the materials to the administrator in the U-Texas athletics department so that the student, who did not actually play tennis competitively, would be coded as a student-athlete. In March 2015, Center informed the student’s father that U-Texas would be sending the student a letter of intent for a “books” scholarship, which provides funding for a student’s textbooks, as part of the athletic recruitment process. In April 2015, the student returned a signed “letter of intent” to play tennis for U-Texas, and, at Center’s instruction, was added to the team roster and then admitted to U-Texas. The student’s father made three separate donations of stock totaling $631,564 to Singer’s sham charitable organization, the Key Worldwide Foundation (KWF). Singer paid Center $60,000 in cash and $40,000 to the U-Texas tennis program.

In November 2019, Fox pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 14, 2020.

Case information, including the status of each defendant, charging documents and plea agreements are available here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/investigations-college-admissions-and-testing-bribery-scheme.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric S. Rosen, Justin D. O’Connell, Leslie A. Wright, and Kristen A. Kearney of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A former Holyoke kindergarten teacher pleaded guilty on Friday, February 21st in federal court in Worcester to possession of child pornography.

Gregory Lisby, 40, of Worcester, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. Lisby was arrested and charged on Sept. 13, 2019, and resigned the day before from his position as a kindergarten teacher for the Holyoke Public Schools.

Law enforcement discovered an image depicting child pornography that had been uploaded to a Microsoft OneDrive account that was determined to belong to Lisby.  Approximately 180 images and 15 videos of child pornography were identified on the OneDrive. On Sept. 11, 2019, a search was executed at Lisby’s home where Lisby’s iPad and cellphone were recovered. On those devices, investigators found login credentials for the OneDrive account used to store the child pornography. 

The charging statute 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 and Joseph Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. The Worcester, Holyoke, Northboro and Southboro Police Departments, along with the Massachusetts State Police provided assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Noto of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office 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/.

BOSTON – A Cambridge woman was arrested on Friday, February 21st for stealing Social Security and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.      

Phaedra M. Sheets, 45, was charged in an indictment with two counts of theft of public funds. Sheets pleaded not guilty before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge M. Page Kelley. 

According to the indictment, Sheets stole approximately $71,636 in Social Security benefits from December 2009 through September 2018. Sheets also stole approximately $13,923 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, formerly known as food stamps.

The charge of theft of public funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. 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; Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; and Suzanne M. Bump, State Auditor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – A Chinese woman who resides in Canada agreed to plead guilty today in federal court in Boston to using bribery and other forms of fraud to facilitate her son’s admission to the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) as a purported soccer recruit.

Xiaoning Sui, 48, of Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, agreed to plead guilty to one count of federal programs bribery before U.S. District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock, who scheduled sentencing for May 19, 2019. Sui has been detained in Spain since her arrest there on Sept. 16, 2019. Sui was extradited to Boston for today’s plea hearing.

Sui agreed with William “Rick” Singer to pay $400,000 to facilitate her son’s admission to UCLA as a purported soccer recruit. During a phone call in August 2018, Singer explained to Sui that he would write Sui’s son application in a “special way” that would guarantee his admission to UCLA, in exchange for $400,000. Between September and October 2018, Singer facilitated the transfer of Sui’s son’s transcript to the head coach of men’s soccer at UCLA, who allegedly designated Sui’s son as a recruited student-athlete. 

On Oct. 24, 2018, Singer instructed Sui to wire Singer $100,000 which would be “paid to the coach at UCLA” in exchange for a letter of intent from the UCLA soccer coach recruiting Sui’s son onto the soccer team. Two days later, Sui wired the $100,000 to a bank account in Massachusetts in the name of Singer’s sham charitable organization, Key Worldwide Foundation (KWF).

Case information, including the status of each defendant, charging documents and plea agreements are available here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/investigations-college-admissions-and-testing-bribery-scheme.

The charge of federal programs bribery provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. According to the plea agreement, the parties will recommend a sentence of time served (approximately five months in prison), one year of supervised release, a fine and 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 Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric S. Rosen, Justin D. O’Connell, Leslie A. Wright, and Kristen A. Kearney of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit are prosecuting the cases.

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

BOSTON – A Guatemalan national, previously convicted of kidnapping and murder, was charged yesterday in federal court in Boston with illegal reentry.

Ingrid Corzo-Armas, a/k/a Ingrid Sanchez, 49, was charged with one-count of illegal reentry. Corzo, who was arrested by ICE on Feb. 17, 2020, will appear in federal court in Boston on Friday, Feb. 21, 2020, for an initial appearance.

According to the charging document, in 1993, Corzo-Armas was convicted in California of kidnapping and murder and sentenced to state prison. After serving her sentence, she was placed into removal proceedings and deported to Guatemala on June 15, 1999. Sometime after her deportation, it is alleged that Corzo-Armas illegally reentered the United States and was most recently living in Lynn under the alias Ingrid Sanchez. On Feb 17, 2020, immigration officials encountered Corzo-Armas in Lynn and through the use of fingerprints established that she was illegally present in the United States. During a subsequent interview with law enforcement, Corzo-Armas admitted her alienage, her prior removal, and that she had illegally reentered the United States.

The charging statute for illegal reentry provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine 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; Todd Lyons, Acting Field Office Director, Enforcement and Removal Operations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Boston; and Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston 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 the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent until and proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

BOSTON – A Fitchburg man was arrested yesterday and charged in federal court in Boston with participating in a fentanyl and crack cocaine trafficking conspiracy.

Alberto Nunez, 45, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base, commonly known as crack cocaine.  Following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston, Nunez was detained pending a detention hearing set for Feb. 26, 2020.

According to court documents, Nunez conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute both fentanyl and cocaine base between approximately November 2019 through February 2020, in Worcester County and elsewhere in Massachusetts.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl or cocaine base 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.

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.

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 Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. The Fitchburg and Lunenburg Police Departments also provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea Porter of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case. 

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 Dorchester man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his role in a wide-ranging operation that distributed heroin and fentanyl throughout Cape Cod.

James Ramirez, 57, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to 66 months in prison and five years of supervised release. The Court also ordered forfeiture of Ramirez’s Boston condominium, his Ford F-150 truck and a money judgment of $250,000. In November 2017, Ramirez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl as well as possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Ramirez was one of four defendants arrested as part of a drug ring that shipped large quantities of fentanyl, cocaine and heroin from Boston to Cape Cod, where it was then redistributed. Ramirez and alleged co-defendant Kelvin Chalas, a/k/a Jose Solivan, supplied drugs to Alex and Kevin Fraga, brothers located on Cape Cod. On Aug. 16, 2017, Kevin and Alex Fraga were arrested by federal investigators after large quantities of fentanyl, heroin and cocaine were seized. Approximately one week later, Chalas and Ramirez were arrested, and law enforcement seized fentanyl pills and powdered fentanyl from a drug stash house in Dorchester, Ramirez’s home in Dorchester, and a safety deposit box at Santander Bank in Dorchester, where officers investigators also seized a pistol. 

Alex Fraga was sentenced to 131 months in prison and Kevin Fraga was sentenced to 45 months in prison. Chala’s case remains pending and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; and Cape and Islands District Attorney Michael O’Keefe made the announcement today. The Brewster, Harwich, Sandwich, Mashpee, Chatham, Yarmouth, and Barnstable Police Departments and the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Department provided assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alathea Porter, and Philip Cheng of Lelling’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A Dominican national was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for fentanyl trafficking and using the Social Security number of a U.S. citizen to obtain a driver’s license. 

Santo Patricio Lugo Santos, 43, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 72 months in prison. Lugo Santos will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. In October 2019, Lugo Santos pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, one count of false representation of a Social Security number, and one count of aggravated identity theft. Lugo Santos has been in custody since his arrest on Feb. 14, 2019. 

According to charging documents, Lugo Santos made two sales of fentanyl to a cooperating witness in October 2016 and January 2017. Additionally, in July 2018, he used the Social Security number of a U.S. citizen to obtain a Massachusetts driver’s license.     

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. The case was investigated by the OCDETF Strike Force with assistance from the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office and the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is 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.

BOSTON – An investor in PixarBio Corp., a Boston-based biotech company, was sentenced today on securities fraud charges in connection with a scheme to defraud investors and manipulate the company’s shares. 

M. Jay Herod, 52, of Cambridge, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to six months in prison, three years of supervised release with 400 hours of community service per year, and ordered to pay forfeiture/restitution of $120,000. In February 2020, Herod pleaded guilty to one count of securities fraud and one count of obstruction of an agency proceeding and agreed to cooperate with the government. In April 2018, Herod was charged with co-defendant Frank Reynolds, the former chief executive officer of PixarBio. Reynolds was convicted by a federal jury in October 2019, and sentenced earlier this week to seven years in prison.

Herod admitted that, beginning in or about December 2016, he engaged in manipulative trades in PixarBio stock that were intended to simulate market demand for the stock and thereby artificially inflate its price and trading volume. The trades included overlapping orders to buy and sell PixarBio shares at the same price per share (a manipulative technique known as “matched trading”), as well as small purchases submitted shortly before the market closed that were intended to boost the closing price (a technique known as “marking the close”). Herod admitted to sharing the proceeds of his trading with Reynolds and PixarBio itself.

Herod also admitted that, between January 2017 and September 2017, he made materially false statements to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and provided a back-dated document to the SEC, with the intent to obstruct the SEC’s investigation of trading in PixarBio shares.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Carl W. Hoecker, Inspector General of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Office of Inspector General, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sara Miron Bloom and Leslie A. Wright of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A Saugus woman was indicted yesterday in connection with a scheme to defraud her elderly uncle of his life’s savings.

Jayne Carbone, 52, was indicted on four counts of wire fraud and four counts of aggravated identity theft. Carbone was arrested in December 2019.

According to the indictment, between approximately January 2017 and September 2018, Carbone stole over $400,000 from her elderly uncle, whose personal finances she managed.  It is alleged that she fraudulently withdrew funds from his brokerage account and transferred funds from his personal checking account to bank accounts held by Carbone and members of her immediate family for personal use. To further and conceal the scheme, Carbone allegedly provided her uncle with falsified statements for his accounts reflecting inflated balances.

The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. The charge of aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be consecutive to any other sentence imposed, up to one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. 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 Office; and Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leslie A. Wright of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

BOSTON – The owner of a Chelmsford paving company was charged today with a payroll tax scheme resulting in a $300,000 tax loss.    

Robert W. Joyce, 59, of Carlisle, was charged with one count of willful failure to collect and pay over taxes. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled.

It is alleged that for tax years 2012 through at least 2014, Joyce paid a portion of the wages to employees of his two companies, Allied Paving and Allied Equipment, “under the table.” He did so by paying them from his own personal bank account, rather than through the business accounts. In doing so, Joyce did not collect, account for, or pay the IRS the income withholding and FICA taxes that he, as the employer, was required to. Joyce also allegedly caused Allied Paving and Allied Equipment to file false returns with the IRS which underreported the actual wages he paid his employees, as well as the employment taxes due to the IRS. In total, Joyce caused a loss to the IRS of at least $331,060.

The charging statute 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.  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 Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sandra S. Bower and Sara Miron Bloom of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.  

BOSTON – Five men were arrested and charged in federal court in Boston last week on wide-ranging cocaine distribution and money laundering charges.

1. Fabio Quijano, 55, of Winthrop, was indicted on money laundering conspiracy, money laundering, conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. According to court documents, Quijano laundered/attempted to launder over $335,000 in cocaine proceeds in 2018 and 2019;
2. Jairo Agudelo, 33, of Revere, was indicted on one count each of money laundering conspiracy and money laundering involving approximately $200,000 in cocaine proceeds in February 2019;
3. Juan Restrepo-Madrid, 39, a Colombian national residing in Everett, and Sebastian Arbelaez-Perez, 34, a Colombian national residing in Revere, were indicted for conspiracy to distribute and distributing cocaine in East Boston from August to September 2019; and
4. Jesus Arley Munera-Gomez, 33, a Colombian national residing in Revere, was charged with attempting to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. According to court documents, on Feb. 13, 2020, Munera-Gomez provided approximately $200,000 to undercover agents in exchange for 20 kilograms of sham cocaine.

This operation, dubbed “Operation Týr,” 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 charges of conspiracy/attempt to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine (applicable to Quijano and Munera-Gomez) provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of possession with intent to distribute and to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine (applicable to Quijano) provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, a minimum of four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. The charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine, and distribution of cocaine (applicable to Restrepo-Madrid and Arbelaez-Perez) provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a minimum of three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charges of money laundering and money laundering conspiracy (applicable to Quijano and Agudelo) provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $500,000, or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater. 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; and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistance with the investigation was provided by Boston Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, Revere Police Department, Winthrop Police Department, Massachusetts National Guard, U.S. Marshals Service for the District of Massachusetts and Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement Removal Operations.

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 Dorchester man was arrested today on various sex trafficking charges.

Bruce “Arki” Brown, 41, was charged in an indictment unsealed today with four counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; one count of sex trafficking of a minor by force, fraud and coercion; one count of transportation of a minor for purposes of prostitution; and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. Brown was detained following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston today.

According to the indictment, over a 15 year period beginning in June 2004 through at least July 2019, Brown engaged in the sex trafficking of four victims.

The charges of sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking provide for a sentence of up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The sex trafficking statute also imposes a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years for offenses committed by means of force, threats of force, fraud or coercion. The charge of transporting a minor for prostitution provides for a minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Each count also provides for mandatory restitution and forfeiture. 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. Valuable assistance was provided by the Boston Police Department. 

BOSTON – A Dominican national pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to illegal reentry and illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition.

Twaldo Baez, 37, a Dominican national who was previously removed from the United States after being convicted of a felony in 2007, pleaded guilty to illegal reentry and being an alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor scheduled sentencing for June 10, 2020.

On March 31, 2019, Baez was arrested in Lawrence following a high-speed motor vehicle chase. During the chase, Baez, who was originally operating the vehicle, switched from the driver’s seat to the front passenger seat. After the vehicle was stopped and the occupants were removed from the vehicle, a loaded Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol and 8 rounds of 9mm ammunition were recovered. During a subsequent interview with law enforcement, Baez admitted to possessing the firearm and ammunition, his alienage, and that he illegally reentered the United States after his removal in 2007.

The charge of being an alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release. The charge of illegal reentry provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison and one year of supervised release.  Baez will face removal proceedings following his sentence. 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; Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Lawrence Police Chief Roy P. Vasque made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

Christopher Brown, 35, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm before U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman, who scheduled sentencing for June 8, 2020. In February 2019, Brown was charged by federal criminal complaint.

On Nov. 25, 2018, Brown was arrested in Worcester for possession of a loaded Taurus .38 revolver and 4 rounds of ammunition. Brown is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior convictions punishable by more than one year in prison.

The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to 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 & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office 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.

BOSTON – The former CEO and co-founder of a Boston-based mobile phone music streaming service has pleaded guilty to charges of engaging in a scheme to embezzle hundreds of thousands of dollars from his employer and filing false tax returns.  

David John, who recently changed his name from David Fondots, 56, pleaded guilty on Friday, Feb. 14, 2020, to one count of wire fraud and one count of filing false tax returns. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for June 15, 2020.

John misappropriated company funds which he used for his personal benefit. From 2014 to 2016, John caused his company to pay significant sums of money directly to himself, to a family member, and to companies controlled by a family member. John used the embezzled funds to pay personal expenses for himself and his family, including car payments, legal fees, and travel, among other things. John is also charged with failing to report the illegal income to the IRS over the period of his embezzlement scheme.

The charge of wire fraud carries 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, restitution, and forfeiture.  The charge of filing false tax returns carries a sentence of up to three years in prison, 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; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent In Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom of Lelling’s Securities & Financial Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – Massachusetts State Representative David M. Nangle was arrested today and charged in federal court in Boston with illegally using campaign funds to pay for his personal expenses, defrauding a bank to secure loans to repay debts, and collecting income that he failed to report to the IRS.

Nangle, 59, of Lowell, was indicted on 10 counts of wire fraud, four counts of bank fraud, nine counts of making false statements to a bank and five counts of filing false tax returns. Nangle was arrested this morning and will appear in federal court in Boston this afternoon.

Nangle has been the elected member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives for the 17th Middlesex District since 1999. It is alleged that Nangle, a former House Ethics Committee Chairman, used his campaign committee’s debit card to make personal purchases, including thousands of dollars in gift cards for his personal use, among other things.

It is further alleged that Nangle, who was heavily in debt, gambled extensively at area casinos and online, and then used thousands of dollars in campaign funds to pay for various personal expenses such as dues at a local golf club, rental cars to travel to casinos, flowers for his girlfriend, gas, hotels, and restaurants. According to court documents, Nangle knew that using campaign funds for personal use was prohibited and subject to oversight by an independent state agency, and concealed his theft by filing false reports that disguised the personal nature of the spending.

From at least 2014, Nangle devised a scheme to obtain loans from a bank in order to fund his gambling activities and to repay his personal debts. Nangle allegedly did so by making false statements on loan applications, misstating his income and understating his debt.

According to the indictment, Nangle filed false tax returns for tax years 2014 to 2018 by reporting fictitious business deductions for purported “consulting” work that he did for a Billerica company. Nangle allegedly double dipped on deductible expenses arising from his work as a state legislator, fraudulently claiming thousands of dollars in false deductions for alleged charitable donations, and misleading his tax preparer.

Nangle also allegedly concealed the income he received through goods and services from business owners and other sources. This included $7,000 in kitchen and bathroom work done in Nangle’s home and $7,000 in check payments from a contractor; gambling income from a Connecticut casino; and thousands of dollars that he stole from his campaign account.

The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a bank each provide for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. The charge of filing false tax returns provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $100,000. 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; and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dustin Chao and Kunal Pasricha of Lelling’s Criminal Division are 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 – The chief executive officer of PixarBio Corp., a Boston-based biotech company, was sentenced today for defrauding the company’s investors and obstructing an SEC investigation. 

Frank Reynolds, 57, of Newton, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to seven years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.  Reynolds was also ordered to pay $280,000 in forfeiture and restitution of approximately $7.5 million, with the exact amount to be determined at a later date. In October 2019, Reynolds was convicted of by a federal jury, following a three-week trial, of one count of securities fraud and three counts of obstructing an agency proceeding.  

The jury convicted Reynolds of defrauding PixarBio investors through manipulative trading of the company’s shares and false and misleading statements about the company’s finances, the timeline for FDA approval of its key drug, and Reynolds’s own background, which he claimed included curing his own paralysis. In fact, the evidence at trial showed that Reynolds was never paralyzed.

Among the false and misleading statements introduced into evidence was a December 2015 email and private placement memorandum, in which Reynolds promised investors that PixarBio’s drug, NeuroRelease, would end “thousands of years of morphine and opiate addiction.” In fact, the evidence at trial demonstrated that the drug would not end opioid addiction, and was simply an existing drug for which PixarBio claimed to have developed an additional means of delivery in a time-release form for post-operative pain. 

In August 2016, Reynolds caused PixarBio to issue a press release announcing that a private securities offering underway at the time was oversubscribed, and that the maximum offering amount would be increased from $20 million to $30 million. Two months later, Reynolds caused PixarBio to issue another press release announcing that, due to oversubscription, the maximum offering amount would be increased again from $30 million to $40 million. In fact, the evidence at trial showed that the securities offering was never fully subscribed and had raised less than $10 million. 

Reynolds also misrepresented the timeline to FDA approval for NeuroRelease. In a November 2016 securities filing that Reynolds signed as PixarBio’s CEO, the company stated that clinical trials were expected to begin “in late 2017 and US FDA approvals for the NeuroRelease 14-day product are expected in 2018,” despite the fact that PixarBio managers had told Reynolds that this timeline was not achievable. 

Reynolds directed two co-conspirators, Kenneth Stromsland and Jay Herod, to engage in manipulative trading in PixarBio shares that artificially pushed up the stock’s trading price. The evidence demonstrated that Herod shared the proceeds of his trading with Reynolds and PixarBio. Reynolds then misled the SEC about the trading and his prior misstatements in sworn testimony, during which he introduced a backdated document as purported evidence that $300,000 in trading proceeds Herod had given him was actually an investment unrelated to Herod’s trading. Reynolds also induced Herod and Stromsland to mislead the SEC in their own sworn testimony. Herod and Stromsland previously pleaded guilty to securities fraud and obstruction charges and testified at the trial. 

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Carl W. Hoecker, Inspector General of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Office of Inspector General, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sara Miron Bloom and Leslie A. Wright of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – An Acushnet man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and illegal firearm possession.

Clifford Gomes, 54, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for June 16, 2020. Gomes was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 15, 2019.    

Between January 2018 and April 2019 Gomes conspired with Manuel Pina-Agee, and others, to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. 

On Nov. 26, 2019, Pina-Agee pleaded guilty to various drug trafficking charges and illegal possession of firearms.  Pina-Agee is scheduled to be sentenced on March 27, 2020. 

The charge of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl provides for a sentence of up to 40 years in prison, four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. The charge of distribution of 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. 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 Lelling and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division, made the announcement. Assistance was provided by the New Bedford, Wareham and Seekonk Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Theodore B. Heinrich and Alathea E. Porter of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Brighton lawyer was convicted on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020, by a federal jury in Boston of receipt and possession of child pornography.

Hanford Chiu, 29, was convicted of one count each of receipt and possession of child pornography. Chiu was arrested and charged in August 2018.

During a search of Chiu’s residence in Brighton on Aug. 22, 2018, a forensic analysis of Chiu’s custom-built desktop computer revealed over 23,000 images and videos of child pornography. Chiu had accessed child pornography files as recently as the morning law enforcement agents executed the federal search warrant at his home. 

The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Both charges also provide for a minimum of five years to life of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 fine. 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 Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anne Paruti and Adam Deitch of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit are 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/.

BOSTON – A Worcester man pleaded guilty yesterday to charges of tax evasion and failing to file tax returns.

Leonard Ngunjiri a/k/a Leonard Gitonga, 50, pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion and five counts of failure to file a tax return. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for June 4, 2020. Ngunjiri was charged by indictment in September 2019.

Ngunjiri attempted to evade paying taxes for tax years 2006-2008 and 2011 by concealing his assets, directing his paychecks into bank accounts held in the names of others and using accounts in other individuals’ names for business and personal expenses. In addition, Ngunjiri did not file federal income tax returns from 2013 through 2017 despite making income in excess of the minimum filing requirements.

The charge of tax evasion provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $100,000. The charge of failure to file tax returns provides for a sentence of up to one year in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $25,000. 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 Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

“An impartial jury, following legal instructions written by the Court, voted unanimously to convict these two men.  We are disappointed by this decision and will review our options.”

BOSTON – A Randolph man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to two firearms offenses.

Levenson Merilus, 28, of Randolph, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to deal in firearms without a license and one count of making false statements to acquire firearms from a licensed dealer. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Feb. 11, 2021, when Merilus is set to complete the RISE Program.

Between February and March 2019, Merilus conspired with a co-defendant to purchase firearms from a licensed dealer and re-sell them for profit to individuals in Boston.  Specifically, Merilus purchased at least seven guns from a licensed dealer, falsely claiming to be purchasing them for himself.

The charge of conspiring to deal in firearms without a license provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of making false statements to acquire firearms from a licensed dealer 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.

Merilus is currently enrolled in the Court-run RISE (Repair, Invest, Succeed, Emerge) Program, which is designed to aid in the rehabilitation of applicable defendants who have pleaded guilty and are under pretrial supervision prior to sentencing. Their sentence is dependent upon their completion of the program and is determined at a later time.

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 Christopher S. Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, made the announcement today.

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 New Bedford man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to a federal drug charge.

Davaun Oswald, 23, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and marijuana before U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton, who scheduled sentencing for June 17, 2020. Oswald has been in state custody since his arrest on Jan. 31, 2019, and was recently transferred to federal custody.

On Jan. 31, 2019, after an investigation into drug distribution in and around New Bedford, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Oswald’s apartment, where Oswald was found in possession of approximately 15 grams of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, as well as over 450 grams of marijuana. Oswald has prior felony convictions for criminal possession of a firearm, and possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance.

The charge of distribution of a controlled substance provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $2 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; Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Soivilien of Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

This prosecution 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 residing in Boston pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to false representation of a Social Security number.

Altagracia Baez Guerrero, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of false representation of a Social Security number. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns has not yet scheduled a sentencing date. Baez Guerrero has been in federal immigration custody since Feb. 11, 2019.

On March 14, 2016, Baez Guerrero falsely represented that a Social Security number was hers in an application for a learner’s permit at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. The victim whose identity was stolen told law enforcement that she had never visited, lived in, or worked in Massachusetts. The victim learned in 2018 that W-2s in her identity were issued for income earned at two different Massachusetts businesses the previous year. Based on information provided by one of the businesses, the victim learned that the imposter had provided a home address in Dorchester, which was the same address that the defendant used when applying for the learner’s permit.

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 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; Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra S. Bower of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Bronx man was convicted by a federal jury today in connection with his role in a large-scale drug conspiracy that trafficked dozens of kilos of heroin and fentanyl into Springfield from Bronx, N.Y., and the Dominican Republic.

Richard Rosario, 35, was convicted of one count of conspiring to distribute and possession with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin in violation of the Controlled Substances Act. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for June 29, 2020.

Rosario routinely travelled to a heroin mill at 152 Lebanon Street in Springfield where he and others packaged kilograms of heroin for retail distribution for a drug trafficking organization (DTO) based in Springfield, which was run by Alberto Marte. The Marte DTO had direct contact with heroin supply sources in the Dominican Republic. On a monthly basis, members of the organization transported between eight and 20 kilograms of heroin to the Springfield area. Marte and 11 others have pleaded guilty to crimes resulting from their roles in the organization.     

During trial, evidence showed that on Sept. 22, 2016, law enforcement executed a search at the heroin mill and found 1.7 kilograms of heroin, some of which was mixed with fentanyl, that had been packaged or was about to be packaged. There was also evidence that Rosario and others had packaged 1.5 kilograms of heroin in addition to what was discovered when they searched the premises.    

The charge of conspiracy to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin provides for a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a minimum of five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 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; Hampden County District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Claprood; Chicopee Police Chief William Jebb; Holyoke Police Chief Manny Febo; and West Springfield Police Chief Paul Connor made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neil L. Desroches, of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office, and Stephen W. Hassink, of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit, are prosecuting the case. 

BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to a scheme to defraud numerous life insurance companies.  

Kellerman Jason Zheng, 33, pleaded guilty to mail and wire fraud. U.S. District Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for June 18, 2020. Zheng was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in December 2019.

Between December 2016 and March 2018, Zheng took out at least 24 life insurance policies in his brother’s name. These policies, which carried total coverage limits in excess of $11.5 million, listed Zheng and his parents as the beneficiaries. Zheng’s brother however, had died months earlier, during a visit to China in April 2015. As part of the scheme, Zheng also took steps to make it appear as though his brother were still alive such as opening and using bank accounts in his brother’s name and renewing his brother’s Massachusetts Driver’s License. 

Later, Zheng also obtained a false Chinese death certificate for his brother indicating that his brother had died in August 2018, and used it to submit over $5 million in life insurance claims. Zheng admitted that his brother died prior to the inception of the insurance policies during meetings with an undercover agent who was posing as a claims manager willing to assist in the fraud scheme. 

The charges of mail and wire fraud each carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. 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 W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordi de Llano, Deputy Chief of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit, is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Walpole man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with failing to report income from his landscaping business to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). 

Stephen L. Petrucci, 57, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. to one year and a day in prison, one year of supervised release, a fine of $10,000 and restitution to the IRS in the amount of $633,327. In November 2019, Petrucci pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return.

Petrucci owed more than $630,000 in income taxes to the IRS after he failed to report approximately $1.8 million in income from his landscaping business on his federal tax returns for tax years 2012 through 2017. To conceal his scheme, Petrucci utilized bank accounts at three different banks or directly cashed customer checks without first depositing them. He also maintained two sets of books: one to track business receipts deposited into his corporate account and one to track gross business receipts. He further withheld information concerning his gross business receipts from his tax preparers. 

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen A. Kearney of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A U.S. Postal employee was arrested today and charged in federal court in Boston with stealing mail believed to contain controlled substances.   

Shawn M. Herron, 44, of Whitman, Mass., was charged in a criminal complaint with one count of theft of mail. Herron was released on conditions following an initial appearance in federal court this afternoon.   

Herron has been employed by the Postal Service since September 2005, and is currently a Manager of Customer Services at the Fall River Post Office. Prior to this position, he was the Supervisor of Customer Service at the Canton Post Office.

According to court documents, Herron tracked packages he suspected of containing narcotics and, rather than dealing with them appropriately, opened them and stole the contents for his own use. It is alleged that Herron profiled priority parcels from Puerto Rico and west coast U.S. states, and parcels flagged by law enforcement as potentially containing illegal narcotics, and then removed them from the U.S Mail stream. Herron tracked the suspected parcels through Postal Service databases and monitored their arrival at the Fall River Post Office (FPO). After their arrival at the FPO, Herron located the parcels and brought them to his personal office space, where it is alleged that he stole the narcotics and stowed them for personal use and possible distribution. These parcels often then disappeared from the mail stream altogether, and expected customers reported them as never being delivered.

The charging statute provides a sentence of up to five years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and up to a $250,000 fine. 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; Matthew M. Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General; and Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia M. Carris of Lelling’s Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions 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 Dominican national formerly residing in Lawrence was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for Social Security and benefit fraud.

Ismael Robles Tejeda, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay $17,520 in restitution. Judge Saris signed a stipulated judicial order of removal thereby expediting the defendant’s removal proceedings to the Dominican Republic following his incarceration. In October 2019, Robles Tejeda pleaded guilty to one count of false representation of a Security number and one count of false statements in matters relating to health care.

On Aug. 3, 2015, Robles Tejeda applied for a Massachusetts identification card using the name, date of birth and Social Security number of a Puerto Rican citizen. In October 2015, Robles Tejeda used that Massachusetts identification card to apply for and receive over $17,500 worth of MassHealth benefits in the Puerto Rican citizen’s name. When Robles Tejeda was arrested in April 2019, he had in his pocket a Massachusetts driver’s license issued to him in the identity of the Puerto Rican citizen. Robles Tejeda was identified, among other things, from a fingerprint match with a Dominican Republic identification document issued to him and bearing his photo. The defendant obtained the Massachusetts identification card in a fraudulent identity less than one month after he provided his true identity and was arrested for selling heroin in Lawrence, posted bail, and failed to appear at his Lawrence District Court arraignment date.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; and Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Health and Humand Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Assistants U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein and Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A California man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with his role in an international money laundering scheme designed to hide the illicit proceeds of business email compromise (BEC) schemes.    

Oghenetchouwe Adegor Ederaine, Jr. of Santa Monica, Calif., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to 40 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In April 2019, Ederaine pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in money laundering and one count of aggravated identity theft. 

Ederaine and his co-conspirators were members of an organization that engaged in wire fraud, money laundering and related criminal activity. Ederaine acted as a money mule for the organization by opening numerous bank accounts using different fraudulent identities for the purpose of receiving, withdrawing and transferring proceeds of criminal activity. Specifically, between March 2016 and November 2017, Ederaine used counterfeit passports and other false identification documents to open approximately 23 fraudulent bank accounts at different banks in the Los Angeles area using six different false identities. Ederaine personally laundered between $1.5 million and $3.5 million in fraudulent funds between March 2016 and February 2018. 

In January 2018, Ederaine’s co-conspirators gained access to email accounts belonging to a Massachusetts real estate attorney. Ederaine’s co-conspirators sent emails to individuals in Massachusetts that “spoofed” the real estate attorney’s account in an attempt to cause these individuals, who were purchasing real estate, to transfer $531,981 to the account of a woman who, in turn, sent $60,000 to an account controlled by Ederaine. Ederaine then withdrew approximately $9,000 in cash from the account. 

In a separate scheme from approximately 2017 through 2018, Ederaine made fraudulent purchases and engaged in fraudulent online transactions using the personally identifiable information (PII) and financial information of numerous students at a Santa Monica ELS Education Services, Inc. Ederaine, who worked at ELS, had access to the PII and financial information of the students, and used that access to make purchases of personal items.   

United States Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy Harman Burkart and David J. D’Addio of Lelling’s Cybercrime Unit prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A Brockton man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for cocaine distribution and illegal firearm possession.

Raul Robles, 30, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to 48 months in prison and six years of supervised release. In November 2019, Robles pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute of cocaine, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

In May 2018, an undercover officer made a controlled purchase of cocaine from Robles.  In June of 2018, during the execution of an arrest warrant at Robles’s home in Brockton, law enforcement seized approximately 30 grams of cocaine, a Glock, Model 23, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and nine (9) rounds of .40 caliber ammunition. In 2012, Robles was convicted of possession with intent to distribute heroin, and was therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm.

This case was part of Operation Landshark, a federal investigation that targeted impact players and repeat offenders in Brockton and Boston who have 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 Rachael Rollins; Boston Police Commissioner William G. Gross; and Acting Brockton Police Chief Emanuel Gomes made the announcement. 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 Nicholas Soivilien of Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit prosecuted the case.

Operation Landshark 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 Revere man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to distributing 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

Jassiel Ramirez, 25, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock scheduled sentencing for June 15, 2020. Ramirez was arrested in October 2018 and charged by criminal complaint; he was subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury on Dec. 19, 2018. 

According to court records, between September and October 2018, Ramirez engaged in four separate drug sales of fentanyl to a witness cooperating with the government. Those sales totaled approximately 140 grams of fentanyl. 

The charge of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl carries a minimum mandatory 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 Lelling and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division, made the announcement. Assistance was provided by the Salem Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea E. Porter of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today to the October 2019 robberies of the TD Bank in Worcester and the East Boston Savings Bank in Revere.    

Samuel Jose Baptista, 27, pleaded guilty to two counts of bank robbery before U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman, who scheduled sentencing for June 11, 2020. In November 2019, Baptista was charged by criminal complaint. 

On Oct. 20, 2019, Baptista entered a branch of TD Bank in Worcester and demanded $10,000 from the bank teller. On Oct. 26, Baptista entered a branch of the East Boston Savings Bank in Revere and demanded $20,000. In both instances, Baptista threatened to detonate a bomb if the bank did not turn the money over to him.   

The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 20 years, 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; Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent; and Revere Police Chief James Guido made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucy Sun of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.

BOSTON – The owner of a Hyde Park auto body shop was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with preparing false tax returns for his company, Automotive Specialties Inc. 

Richard Poillucci, 62, of Easton, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. to four months of home confinement, two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine and restitution of $215,522, which Poillucci has already paid. In October 2018, Poillucci pleaded guilty to three counts of aiding the preparation of false tax returns. 

Poillucci was the owner of Automotive Specialties Inc. (ASI), an auto body shop specializing in repairing high-end vehicles. Between Sept. 30, 2012 and Sept. 30, 2015, Poillucci cashed millions of dollars of checks from the business at check cashing establishments in Massachusetts and Rhode Island and willfully failed to report that income, or expenses that he paid for in cash with the proceeds from those checks, on ASI’s tax returns. As a result, Poillucci failed to report approximately $569,367 to the IRS, thereby avoiding the payment of approximately $215,552 in federal income taxes. 

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A Worcester man was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for Social Security fraud and aggravated identity theft.

Jose Lopez Rosado, 51, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to six months in prison to be served concurrent to his current state sentence of 9-10 years for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, plus two years in prison to be served consecutive to his state sentence, and two years of supervised release. In August 2019, Lopez Rosado pleaded guilty to one count of false representation of a Social Security number and one count of aggravated identity theft. Lopez Rosado was arrested and charged in a July 2018 federal law enforcement sweep of 25 individuals accused of document and benefit fraud.

On Feb. 9, 2016, Lopez Rosado applied for a duplicate Massachusetts driver’s license using the name and Social Security number of another U.S. citizen. Based on the application, Lopez Rosado was issued a duplicate driver’s license in the name of the other U.S. citizen. Lopez Rosado also used that name and Social Security number to receive MassHealth benefits.

According to court documents, the defendant escaped from prison in Puerto Rico in 1994 while serving a 30-year sentence for second degree murder. His true identity was not known until he was arrested in July 2018.

Dubbed “Double Trouble,” the July 2018 investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF), comprised of local, state and federal agencies with expertise in detecting, deterring and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity and benefit fraud schemes. 

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General; Scott Antolik, 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; William B. Gannon, 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; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Massachusetts State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case. 

BOSTON – The former chief executive officer of PIMCO, one of the world’s largest asset companies, was sentenced to nine months in prison today for paying bribes totaling $850,000 to secure his children’s admission to the University of Southern California (USC) and Georgetown University (Georgetown).

Douglas Hodge, 61, of Laguna Beach, Calif., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to nine months in prison, two years of supervised release and 500 hours of community service. Judge Gorton also ordered Hodge to pay a fine of $750,000. The government recommended a sentence of 24 months in prison.

In October 2019, Hodge pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and honest services mail and wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Hodge conspired with William “Rick” Singer and others to pay bribes totaling $850,000 to secure the admission of two of his children to USC and two of his children to Georgetown over a period of nearly 11 years. He also sought unsuccessfully to use bribes to secure the admission of a fifth child to Loyola Marymount University (LMU).

Beginning in fall 2008, Hodge agreed to pay Georgetown tennis coach Gordon Ernst to purport to recruit his daughter as a tennis player, thereby facilitating her admission to the university. In turn, Hodge paid Ernst $150,000. From 2010 to 2011, Hodge repeated the fraud for his son, who also did not play competitive tennis. After his son was admitted to Georgetown, Hodge paid Ernst $175,000.

Beginning in 2012, Hodge agreed to pay a total of $525,000 to facilitate another daughter’s admission to USC as a purported soccer recruit and another son’s admission to USC as a purported football recruit.

In 2018, Hodge returned to Singer to facilitate a third son’s admission to LMU. In December 2018, however, an LMU coach told Singer that Hodge’s son would be denied admission to the university based on his academic qualifications.

Case information, including the status of each defendant, charging documents and plea agreements are available here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/investigations-college-admissions-and-testing-bribery-scheme.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric S. Rosen, Justin D. O’Connell, Leslie A. Wright and Kristen A. Kearney of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit are prosecuting the cases.

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 Cambridge man was arrested today and charged in federal court in Boston with firearms trafficking related to six separate sales. In addition, the defendant is also charged with the sale of crack cocaine.

Ezequiel Netzahualt, 25, was charged with one count of dealing firearms without a license and one count of selling cocaine base, commonly known as crack cocaine. Following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston, Netzahualt was detained pending a detention hearing set for Feb. 13, 2020.

According to the indictment, Netzahualt sold 11 firearms in Cambridge during six separate transactions between October 2019 and January 2020. It is also alleged that Netzahualt sold crack cocaine on Nov. 20, 2019.

Each charge of dealing in firearms without a license provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The charge of distribution of a controlled substance provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a $1 million fine. 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, Boson Field Office; and Cambridge Police Commissioner Branville G. Bard, Jr. made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Gotlob of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

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

Leroy Byron, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 60 months in prison and three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty in November 2019 to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

On Nov. 5, 2018, Byron was arrested for carrying an Intratec TEC9 semi-automatic pistol loaded with 32 rounds of ammunition. Byron is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior convictions punishable by more than one year in person.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office 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.