District of Massachusetts
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Newton Man Sentenced for Business Loan SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Newton man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for illegally using the identity of another individual to apply for two business loans.
Igor Mosieev, 59, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 30 months in prison and five years of supervised release. In addition, Mosieev was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $91,418.
In May 2019, Mosieev pleaded guilty to two counts of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. In June 2018, Mosieev was arrested and charged with co-defendant Alexander Grinis, 47, of Jamaica Plain.
Grinis was the manager of Eastern Bank in Auburndale where his responsibilities included assisting customers with opening and closing accounts and applying for loans and lines of credit. In approximately February 2015, Grinis assisted Mosieev in opening a checking and savings account at Eastern Bank with the license and Social Security card of another individual, without the knowledge or consent of that person. Later that year, Grinis assisted Mosieev in adding the individual to a business account in the name of TFC Enterprises, LLC. Thereafter, Mosieev forged the individual’s name on applications for two purported business loans. On each loan application, Grinis falsely certified that he had complied with all bank procedures and, as a result, the loans were approved. The proceeds of the two loans were subsequently distributed to the business checking account and Mosieev forged the individual’s name on checks and withdrew money from the account to pay for his own personal expenses. In addition, Mosieev, with Grinis’ assistance, caused proceeds from the business checking account to be wired to Russia, Canada, and elsewhere overseas using the individual’s name. Both loans defaulted and were never paid back to Eastern Bank, resulting in a loss of over $90,000.
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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura J. Kaplan of Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Newton Accountant Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Filing False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Newton man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to charges of wire fraud and filing a false tax return.
Jeffrey Kellem, 49, pleaded guilty to four counts of wire fraud and one count of filing a false tax return. Kellem was charged by Information in August 2019. Sentencing has been scheduled for Dec. 5, 2019.
Kellem used his position as an accountant for an elderly client, and the estate of a deceased client, to steal more than approximately $1.6 million for his own use. Kellem transferred his clients’ funds, without their authorization, to bank accounts he opened and controlled. He also failed to report more than $500,000 in income from the funds he took on his tax returns. As a result, in 2017, Kellem avoided paying taxes totaling more than $150,000.
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, whichever is greater, and forfeiture. The charge of filing a false tax return carries a sentence of up to three years in prison, one year 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 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; and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Fall River Mayor Charged with Extorting Marijuana Vendors for CashRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Jasiel F. Correia II, the Mayor of Fall River, Massachusetts, has been arrested and charged for allegedly extorting marijuana vendors for hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes; extorting a building owner for cash and a Rolex watch in exchange for activating the water supply to a commercial building; and demanding that his chief of staff give him half of her salary in return for appointing her and allowing her to keep her city job. Correia’s former Chief of Staff was also charged today on extortion, theft and bribery, and false statement charges. Both will appear in federal court today.
Correia, 27, has been charged in a superseding indictment with bribery; extortion conspiracy; extortion and aiding and abetting; wire fraud; and filing false tax returns. Correia was previously arrested and charged in October 2018 for his involvement in a scheme to defraud investors in a company called SnoOwl, which was co-owned by Correia. Correia was arrested this morning and will appear in federal court today at 2:30 p.m. on the new charges.
Genoveva Andrade, 48, of Somerset, was charged in a criminal complaint with extortion conspiracy; extortion; theft and bribery; and false statements. Andrade served as Correia’s Chief of Staff from November 2017 through December 2018. She stepped down in January 2019 to run Correia’s March 2019 recall campaign. Andrade was arrested and will appear in federal court at 2:45 p.m. today.
Antonio Costa, 51, of Fall River; Hildegar Camara, 58, of Fall River; and David Hebert, 54, of Westport were charged separately in Informations with extortion conspiracy, extortion, and false statements in connection with subsequent false statements to federal agents about their roles in assisting Correia obtain money and property from marijuana vendors. Costa, Camara and Hebert will appear in court at a later date.
According to the superseding indictment, Correia agreed to issue non-opposition letters to marijuana vendors, which are required in order to operate in Massachusetts, in return for cash bribes and other payments. The bribes alleged today ranged from approximately $100,000 to $250,000 in cash, campaign contributions and mortgage discharges - in return for non-opposition letters and host community agreements. Marijuana was also exchanged for resale. It is alleged that Andrade and Correia met with marijuana vendors and discussed signing non-opposition letters in return for cash.
Under Massachusetts law, non-opposition letters from the head of local government are required in order to obtain a license to operate a marijuana business. This is true for medical and recreational marijuana businesses. These letters state that the head of local government has verified that the proposed facility is in a permissible zoning district. In this instance, Correia was solely responsible for approving all non-opposition letters. In addition, applicants seeking marijuana licenses are required to enter into host community agreements, between the marijuana company and the local government, stating that the company will give up to 3% of its gross sales to the local government.
To date, Correia has issued at least 14 non-opposition letters for marijuana businesses to operate in Fall River, including two for his current girlfriend’s brother. On August 12, 2019, the Fall River City Council passed an ordinance to limit the number of marijuana licenses in Fall River to 20% of off-premise liquor licenses or 11, whichever is greater. On August 19, 2019, Correia vetoed the order, claiming that it would eliminate competition and that a proponent of the ordinance had a conflict of interest.
It is further alleged that Correia obtained a stream of benefits, including cash and a Rolex watch valued at approximately $7,500 – $12,000, in exchange for official action and assistance that was favorable to Middleman #1 and his business(es) in Fall River. This included directing Fall River public employees to approve and pay for permits and excavating work to activate the water line for the sprinkler system at Middleman #1’s commercial property in Fall River.
Lastly - according to the indictment, in November 2017, Correia hired Andrade as his Chief of Staff with a salary of approximately $78,780 for a term of one year. Less than three weeks later, Correia personally approved a $10,000 “snow stipend” to Andrade. She would receive the $10,000 payment in two installments. After she received the first installment of $5,353, Andrade allegedly gave Correia $4,300. After she received the second installment - of $5,353, Andrade again paid Correia $4,300.
This pattern, in which Andrade promptly kicked back a substantial portion of her paychecks to Correia, continued for approximately eight months. For instance, Andrade received her first paycheck for $2,046. Four days later, Andrade gave Correia $1,200. In total, between December 2017 and July 2018, Andrade kick back approximately $22,800 to Correia. Andrade shared information about the kickback scheme with MJ Vendor #5 allegedly saying, “you want to hear something even more f**ked up … I have to give [Correia] half of my salary.”
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to twice the loss involved and restitution. The charges of filing false tax returns provide for a sentence of up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss. The charges of extortion conspiracy provide for a sentence of up to 20 years, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The charges of extortion aiding and abetting provide for a sentence of up to 20 years, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The bribery charge provides for a sentence of up to 10 years, three years of supervised release and 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; Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; Joseph Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 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; and Glenn A. Cunha, Massachusetts Inspector General made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Hafer, Chief of Lelling’s Criminal Division, 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.
Dominican National Sentenced for Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national residing in Dorchester was sentenced Wednesday for Social Security fraud.
Saddan Bautista Diaz, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti B. Sarris to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in June 2019 to one count of false representation of a Social Security Number. Bautista Diaz was arrested and charged in a July 2018 federal law enforcement sweep of 25 individuals accused of document and benefit fraud.
On June 27, 2014, Bautista Diaz, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, applied for a Massachusetts Identification Card using the name and Social Security number of a Puerto Rican citizen. He presented a Puerto Rican birth certificate and a Social Security card in the other person’s name to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles as proof of his identity. Based on the application and supporting identity documents, Bautista Diaz was issued an identification card in the name of the Puerto Rican citizen.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Jason Molina, 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 Kerry A. Gilpin, 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 Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition.
Robert Vishaun Roscoe, 28, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Dec. 12, 2019. Roscoe was charged in May 2019 and has been in custody since.
On Oct. 11, 2018, law enforcement officers encountered Roscoe with a loaded black KelTec 9mm semi-automatic pistol and seven rounds of ammunition in Dorchester. Roscoe had been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison and was therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Boston Police Chief William G. Gross, and Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael S. Rollins made the announcement today.
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.
Former Union Official Sentenced for EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former union official was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for embezzlement from a labor union.
Ivar Carlson was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Hillman to one year of probation, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $9,786.20. The Court further ordered forfeiture in the amount of $16,151.20.
Carlson is the former business agent and treasurer for Local B-395 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees in Worcester, MA.
From 2007 through 2016, Carlson embezzled approximately $37,000 from the Local by regularly writing checks to cash from the Local’s bank account and then using that cash for his own personal enrichment.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Labor-Management Standards District Director Jonathan Russo made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Former Assistant Director of Real Estate at EDIC Agrees to Plead Guilty to Bribery and Filing a False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
Boston, MA – John M. Lynch, 66, the former Assistant Director of Real Estate at the Economic Development Industrial Corporation (EDIC), a division of the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA), agreed to plead guilty today to accepting $50,000 in bribes from a Boston real estate developer in exchange for Lynch using his official influence to secure a key Boston Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) vote that favored the real estate developer on his federal tax return.
Lynch, a Boston resident, was charged today by information with one count of bribery involving an organization receiving federal funds, and one count of filing a false federal tax return that failed to report his receipt of the bribe payments. According to the terms of a plea agreement also filed today, the government will recommend to the Court a sentence within the range of 46 to 57 months’ imprisonment.
In 2017, the Boston real estate developer sought to sell a parcel of residential real estate in Boston, but needed ZBA approval to extend a permit that would have allowed the property to be sold as a multi-unit development. To get the permit extension, the developer agreed to pay $50,000 in cash bribes and a check to Lynch, in return for Lynch using his influence at the BPDA to secure a vote from a ZBA member. The permit extension helped the real estate developer realize an additional half million dollars in profits that the developer otherwise would not have received absent the permit. After getting the permit extension, Lynch accepted $25,000 in cash payments and another $25,000 check, which Lynch used to pay a personal bill. Lynch then failed to report those and another $10,000 payment he had received from the real estate developer.
Lynch faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the offense, whichever is greater, 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 Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division, and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Chao of Lelling’s Public Corruption Unit is prosecuting the case.Worcester Man Indicted on Tax and Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man was indicted today on federal tax and fraud charges arising from his role overseeing various Worcester-based employment agencies.
Tam Vuong, 44, was charged with 14 counts of wire fraud and four counts of failing to pay taxes. Vuong had previously been charged by criminal complaint and arrested in April 2019, and has been released since that time. He will appear in U.S. District Court in Worcester for an arraignment.
According to court documents, Vuong oversaw Prime Labor LLC and UT Services, Inc., both of which were employment agencies based in Worcester. Each agency paid a few employees by check but paid most employees in cash. Each agency failed to report or pay taxes on the wages paid in cash, which Vuong fraudulently concealed in connection with tax filings and insurance audits. Vuong allegedly concealed millions of dollars in cash wages that were paid to Prime Labor workers and additional cash wages paid by UT Services. Between 2012 and 2017, more than $30 million in Prime client company checks were cashed at a check-cashing business in Worcester; Prime allegedly paid millions of these dollars in cash wages and then failed to report these wages to the IRS or to its insurer.
In addition, while in his role overseeing and controlling UT Services, it is alleged that Vuong falsely told UT Services’ insurance carrier that the company had only one employee and an annual payroll of only $50,000, when, in actuality, UT Services had dozens of employees and a significantly higher payroll. UT Services disseminated forged certificates of insurance to several clients and failed to inform clients when its workers’ compensation policy was cancelled.
It is further alleged that Vuong shifted operations from Prime Labor Services to UT Services after federal search warrants were executed in November 2017. Vuong allegedly took steps to hide his role with both Prime and UT Services.On the wire fraud charges, Vuong faces up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count. On the tax charges, he faces up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10,000 on each count. 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 Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division; Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; and Anthony DiPaolo, Chief of Investigations of the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely of Lelling’s Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.The details contained in the complaint and indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
El Salvadorian National Indicted on Passport Fraud ChargeRead the Press Release
Boston, MA - An El Salvadorian national was indicted today in federal court on a charge of passport fraud.
Eliseo Rivas, 41, formerly of Chelsea, is alleged to have impersonated another in applying for a U.S. passport in 2016.
Rivas faces up to 10 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 United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and William B. Gannon, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit.
Dominican National Sentenced for Misusing U.S. Passport and Stealing Government BenefitsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for making false statements in applications for Social Security benefits and a U.S. passport.
Daniel Polonia Morillo, 57, of Lawrence, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 12 months in prison, two years of supervised release and ordered to pay $45,162.63 in restitution. Polonia Morillo will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. In May 2019, Polonia Morillo pleaded guilty to making a false statement on an application for Social Security benefits, making a false statement in an application and use of a passport and theft of public money. Polonia Morillo was charged in October 2018 and has been in custody since then.
Polonia Morillo used the name, Social Security number, and date of birth of a U.S. citizen to apply for Social Security benefits in December 2016. At the time he applied, Polonia Morillo produced a United States passport in the other person’s name as proof of his identity. In addition, Polonia Morillo used the identity of the U.S. citizen to fraudulently obtain Medicaid benefits from March 2012 through October 2018 and food stamps from April 2015 through October 2018 totaling over $45,000.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Boston Field Office; Jason Molina, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; 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 prosecuted the case.
Dominican National Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON- A Dominican national was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after being previously deported.
Lenny Soto-Mateo, 36, a Dominican national residing in Lynn, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 51 months in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release. Soto-Mateo will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. On May 22, 2019, Soto-Mateo pleaded guilty to one-count of being a previously deported alien.
Soto-Mateo had been arrested, prosecuted, and deported on four previous occasions, in 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2017. Sometime after his last removal in 2017, Soto-Mateo reentered the United States without permission. On Aug. 28, 2018, Soto-Mateo was arrested by the Boston Police Department and charged with trafficking in cocaine, and charges are currently pending in the Suffolk County Superior Court.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Marcos D. Charles, Acting Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Charges Filed Against Dozens in Trafficking Network Responsible for Diverting over 23 Million Oxycodone, Hydrocodone and Carisoprodol PillsRead the Press Release
A total of 41 individuals have been charged in nine indictments for their alleged involvement in a network of “pill mill” clinics and pharmacies. Those charged include medical providers, clinic owners and managers, pharmacists, pharmacy owners and managers as well as drug dealers and traffickers. Their actions allegedly resulted in the diversion of approximately 23 million oxycodone, hydrocodone and carisoprodol pills.
In addition, federal law enforcement agents executed 36 search warrants including 15 pharmacies and six “pill mill” clinics, as well as other offices and residences, aimed at disrupting networks of opioid diversion. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) also served immediate suspension orders on seven pharmacies and two providers involved in dispensing controlled substances without legitimate medical purpose.
The Health Care Fraud Unit of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section (HCF Unit) led the enforcement actions in conjunction with U.S. Attorney’s Offices (USAOs) for the Southern and Eastern Districts of Texas and District of Massachusetts as well as the DEA and task force officers from greater Houston police departments and the FBI.
The charges allege participating doctors, medical professionals and pharmacies knew the prescriptions had no legitimate medical purpose and were outside the usual course of professional practice. In some cases, “crew leaders” and “runners” allegedly filled or had the individuals who posed as patients fill the illegal prescriptions at Houston-area pharmacies. The owner and pharmacist in charge at one pill mill pharmacy allegedly dispensed the second highest amount of oxycodone 30mg pills of all pharmacies in the entire State of Texas in 2019, and the ninth highest amount in the nation. One hundred percent of the oxycodone dispended by this pharmacy – every single oxycodone pill that left the premises – was in the highest available dosage strength of that drug.
On certain occasions the indictments allege that drug dealers and traffickers then allegedly diverted and distributed the controlled substances to the streets, with some pills trafficked from Houston to Boston.
“Today’s action shows that the Department of Justice continues to relentlessly pursue criminals, including medical professionals, who peddle opioids for profit,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Our use of data analytics means that no one engaging in this criminal behavior is invisible. And if you behave like a drug dealer, we are going to find you and treat you like a drug dealer.”
“This type of criminal activity is, in part, what is fueling the 68,500 overdose deaths per year across the United States,” said Special Agent in Charge Will R. Glaspy of the DEA’s Houston Division. “The DEA and our numerous law enforcement partners will not sit silently while drug dealers wearing lab coats conspire with street dealers to flood our communities with over 23 million dangerous and highly addictive pills.”
“Opioid abuse has a devastating and far reaching effect on our society," said Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI’s Houston Field Office. “The doctors, nurses and pharmacists in this case allegedly misused their positions, violating the trust of the public they took an oath to serve. Together with their co-conspirators, these medical professionals released millions of highly addictive drugs onto the streets of our community. FBI Houston remains committed to working alongside our federal, state, and local partners to combat this epidemic and protect our neighborhoods.”
In addition to the cases publicized today, Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski and U.S. Attorneys Ryan K. Patrick and John F. Bash also announced that the HCF Strike Force will expand into the Rio Grande Valley and San Antonio, making it the 24th district with such a presence. The HCF Strike Force is a joint law enforcement effort that brings together the resources and expertise of the HCF Unit, USAOs and law enforcement partners at the FBI, Health and Human Services - Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and DEA.
“By and large, these clinics are all about money and not the patient,” said U.S. Attorney Patrick. “If it was about the patient, no legitimate doctor would write, and no legitimate pharmacy would fill, these massive amounts and combinations of controlled substances. Pill mills are magnets for crime and should be eradicated. I am happy and willing to partner with any agency or police department in shutting down and prosecuting these places. I am also eager to expand our work into healthcare fraud in the Rio Grande Valley. These grifters are wasting tax payer money and making healthcare more expensive for everyone else.”
“I am excited to team with Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski and U.S. Attorney Patrick to fight healthcare fraud in San Antonio and the Rio Grande Valley,” said U.S. Attorney Bash. “Fraud in the healthcare system not only rips off innocent victims and taxpayers, but it also quite often endangers the health of patients – as with the illegal distribution of addictive opioids. For that reason, it’s a major priority for all of us.”
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Among those charged by Strike Force attorneys in the Southern District of Texas are the following:
Jonathan Rosenfield, M.D., 36, of Atlanta, Georgia; Elmer Taylor, 40, of Missouri City, Texas, owner; Alantha Stewart, 38 of Missouri City, Texas, owner; Kwana Broussard, 40 of Fresno, Texas, alleged crew leader; Ricky Moten, 43 of Houston, Texas, alleged crew leader; Sokari “Mama” Manuel Bobmanuel, 50 of Sugar Land, Texas, owner and pharmacist-in-charge; Ardella Fisher, 39 of Tomball, Texas, nurse practitioner; Enna Amendome, 33 of Spring, Texas, nurse practitioner; Kayode Otufale, 59 of Missouri City, Texas, manager; Jasmine Maynes, 30 of La Marque, Texas, alleged crew leader; Jabrai Price, 39 of Bryan, Texas, alleged crew leader; and Shawneece Dayempert, 31 of Houston, Texas, office worker, for their alleged participation in a scheme to unlawfully distribute and dispense controlled substance without a legitimate medical purpose through Sunnyside Wellness and Cornerstone Pharmacy of Houston, Texas. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Jason Knutson of the Fraud Section.
Amish Kordia, 43 of Pearland, Texas, owner pharmacist-in-charge; Samson Alazar, 51 of Missouri City, Texas pharmacist; Kwana Broussard, 40 of Fresno, Texas, alleged crew leader; James Johnson, 42 of Houston, Texas, alleged crew leader; and Lashundra Wilson, 40 of Houston, Texas, alleged crew leader, for their alleged participation in a scheme to unlawfully distribute and dispense controlled substance without a legitimate medical purpose through Freeport Pharmacy of Freeport, Texas. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Jason Knutson.
Kesha Lynette Harris, aka Keisha Evans Finnister, 47, of Houston Texas, pharmacist-in-charge and owner of Creative Care Pharmacy of Houston, Texas, for her alleged participation in a scheme to unlawfully distribute and dispense controlled substance without a legitimate medical purpose. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Jason Knutson.
Laurel “Ms. T” Osazuwa, 57 of Bellaire, Texas, owner of Houston Medical and Wellness Institute of Houston, Texas, for her alleged participation in a scheme to unlawfully distribute and dispense controlled substance without a legitimate medical purpose. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Jason Knutson.
Barbara Marino, M.D., 58 of Tomball, Texas; Leticia Herrera, 33 of Houston, Texas, office manager; Kwana Broussard, 40 of Fresno, Texas, alleged crew leader; Jasmine Johnson, 38 of Houston, Texas, alleged crew leader; and Robbie White, 28 of Houston, Texas, alleged crew leader, for their alleged participation in a scheme to unlawfully distribute and dispense controlled substance without a legitimate medical purpose through Angels Clinica Familiar of Houston, Texas. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Jason Knutson and Drew Pennebaker.
Bobby Hobbs, M.D., James John Jackson, Jr., MD, Tameka Moore, Kondre Graves, owner of Chasen Clinic of Houston, Texas, and Tara Graves, for their alleged participation in a scheme to unlawfully distribute and dispense controlled substance without a legitimate medical purpose through Chasen. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Drew Pennebaker of the Fraud Section.
Brandy LaDawn Fears, 44 of Houston, Texas, owner of Meds R Us Pharmacy of Missouri City, Texas, and Ricky Moten, 44 of Houston, Texas, alleged crew leader, for their alleged participation in a scheme to unlawfully distribute and dispense controlled substance without a legitimate medical purpose. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Drew Pennebaker.
Arthur Billings, 55 of Missouri City, Texas, owner of Healthfit Pharmacy of Houston, Texas; Jeremy Branch, 32 of Houston, Texas, pharmacist-in-charge; Deanna Michelle Winfield-Gates, 50 of Houston, Texas, pharmacist; Frank Cooper, 49 of Houston, Texas, pharmacist; and Donna Hooper, 56 of Houston, Texas, pharmacy technician, for their alleged participation in a scheme to distribute and dispense controlled substance without a legitimate medical purpose. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Drew Pennebaker.
Among those charged by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ted Heinrich in the District of Massachusetts are the following:
Michael Spinola, 43, of Boston and Miami, for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone; conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance; and conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute marijuana; Curly Kelly, 40, of Houston, Texas, for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone; conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance; Jesus Castillo, 46, of the Dominican Republic, for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone; Marcos Rosa of Southbridge, Massachusetts, for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and Russell Watkins, 53, of Brockton, Massachusetts, for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute marijuana.
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In addition to the Strike Force prosecutions, law enforcement conducted additional enforcement actions which included the execution of search warrants and suspension of DEA registration numbers. In the Southern District of Texas, 350 law enforcement personnel executed a total of 36 search and seizure warrants including 15 pharmacies and six clinics. DEA also issued nine immediate suspension orders (ISOs) to support related investigative efforts to interrupt an opioid drug diversion distribution chain.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force (MFSF), which is part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. Since its inception in March 2007, MFSF maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts and has charged nearly 4,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $14 billion. In addition, HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
The below indictments are now unsealed.
Shrewsbury Man Charged with Assaulting Probation Office EmployeeRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Shrewsbury man was charged with assaulting an employee of the United States Probation Office for the District of Massachusetts.
Daniel Frederickson, 30, was charged on August 26, 2019 by criminal complaint with assaulting a federal employee and causing bodily injury.
According to the criminal complaint, Frederickson went to the U.S. Probation Office in Worcester on August 20, 2019, for his regularly scheduled drug test. While Frederickson was in the bathroom, the victim came in to ask Frederickson if he required water. Without warning, Frederickson allegedly punched the victim and wrapped both hands around the victim’s neck. Frederickson then threw the victim against the wall and after the victim fell, mounted the victim. Frederickson allegedly continued to choke the victim and repeatedly slammed his head against the ground. The assault was interrupted by another Probation Office employee.
The assault of a federal employee charge carries an enhanced penalty if the assault results in bodily injury. The enhanced penalty includes a term of imprisonment of up to 20 years, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences imposed by a federal district court judge are based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Chief Steven Sargent of the Worcester Police Department made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucy Sun of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the criminal complaint are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Pennsylvania Man Sentenced for Transporting Stolen Electronics Across State LinesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Pennsylvania man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Worcester for his involvement in a series of burglaries and attempted burglaries of Target retail stores, including two in Massachusetts.
Elijah Aiken, 36, of Allentown, Pennsylvania was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 15 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release. Aiken was also ordered to make restitution to Target in the amount of $194,539. In May 2019, Aiken pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to transport stolen goods in interstate commerce and two counts of interstate transportation of stolen goods.
From December 2014 until February 2015, Aiken conspired with his brother Akbar Aiken, and others, to break into numerous Target retail stores during early morning hours, usually by using portable blow torches to cut through the metal loading dock doors at the rear of the stores. Once inside, Aiken and his co-conspirators stole electronic devices valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars, including cellular phones and computer tablets. Aiken transported the stolen electronics across state lines in order to sell them to buyers in New York. Aiken and his co-conspirators burglarized Target stores in Easton and Westborough, Massachusetts, as well as in Pennsylvania and Connecticut. During that same time period, he also attempted to break into Target stores in New Hampshire, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Aiken was arrested in 2015 after an unsuccessful attempted burglary at a Target store in Southington, Connecticut.
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. Assistance was also provided by the Westborough and Easton police departments, the Torrington, Connecticut and Southington, Connecticut police departments and the Pennsylvania State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg A. Friedholm of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office.Holyoke Man Sentenced for Making Machine GunRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Holyoke man was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield for making a machine gun.
Edward V. Laboursoliere, 51, of Holyoke, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 27 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release. In March 2019, Laboursoliere pleaded guilty to one count of knowingly possessing an unregistered firearm, one count of possessing a firearm unidentified by a serial number, and one count of making a firearm, in violation of the National Firearms Act. Laboursoliere was arrested on April 8, 2018, and has been in custody since.
On April 8, 2018, law enforcement responded to Laboursoliere’s home after his wife reported that he had been storing hazardous materials in the home. A short-barrel rifle machine gun, 17 other guns, half of which Laboursoliere admitted to making, a partially-constructed pipe bomb, and stockpiles of ammunition and explosives were recovered in the home.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Chief Manuel Febo of the Holyoke Police Department; and Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deepika Bains Shukla, Chief of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office.
Springfield Man Sentenced for Distributing Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Springfield man was sentenced today in federal court for distributing crack cocaine.
Alonzo Williams Jr., 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to time served and three years of supervised release, which includes one year of home confinement. In March 2019, Williams pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of crack cocaine. Williams was arrested and charged in August 2018.
Williams admitted that he possessed and distributed crack cocaine to a government witness on Oct. 19, 2017, and Oct. 23, 2017, near his home in Springfield. During the course of the investigation, he sold approximately $1,200 worth of crack cocaine to government witnesses.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Springfield Police Acting Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood; and Holyoke Police Chief Manny Febo made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the Hampden and Berkshire County Sheriff’s Departments, and the West Springfield and Chicopee Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches of Lelling’s Springfield 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.
Rhode Island Man Agrees to Plead Guilty to Threatening Massachusetts ProfessorRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Rhode Island man agreed to plead guilty today to sending a series of violent and threatening e‑mails to a Massachusetts professor and to a professional school at the university where the professor teaches.
Matthew Haviland, 29, of North Kingstown, R.I., was charged today by Information with one count of stalking and two counts of transmitting a threat in interstate commerce. According to the terms of a plea agreement also filed today, the government will recommend to the Court a sentence of 21 months in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled. In April 2019, Haviland was charged by criminal complaint.
Over the span of several hours on March 10, 2019, Haviland allegedly sent a Massachusetts professor a string of approximately 28 e-mails containing messages that included such threats as, “I will rip every limb from your body and eat it, piece by piece” and “I will bite through your eyeballs while you’re still alive, and I will laugh while you scream.” The professor to whom Haviland sent the threats—referred to as Victim 1 in the charging documents—has published and spoken in favor of abortion rights, and several of Haviland’s e‑mails made reference to abortion. In two successive e-mails, for example, Haviland allegedly wrote, “You will be held accountable for every f****** baby you murdered through your horrible deception of they are not humans” and “You will have your face ripped off and eaten by me, personally. I will enjoy raping your body after you’re dead. And that will only be the start.”
Haviland also sent several e-mails on March 15, 2019 to a professional school at Victim 1’s university. Those e-mails included the message: “You people are Evil, putrid, and somebody shoudl [sic] BOMB your school for spreading the idea that it’s okay to HATE people because of their race.” A later e-mail to the professional school said only, “You should be Murdered in cold blood.”
Haviland faces a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the offense, whichever is greater, and restitution. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division, made the announcement today. Boston FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force conducted the investigation with the assistance of Warwick and North Kingstown (RI) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian A. Pérez‑Daple of Lelling’s National Security Unit is prosecuting the case.
Fall River Woman Sentenced for Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The ex-wife of an MCI-Cedar Junction inmate was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with smuggling drugs into the facility.
Lisa Guillemette, 42, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to time served (5 days) in prison and 30 months supervised release with the condition that she complete 300 hours of community service. In May 2019, Guillemette pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute Suboxone and Alprazolam. In September 2018, she was charged along with her former husband, William Guillemette, 39, and Chad Connors, 42, both inmates at Massachusetts Correctional Institute – Cedar Junction (MCI-CJ) in South Walpole. Guillemette’s former mother-in-law, Margaret Guillemette, 58, of Fall River was also charged
Chad Connors and William Guillemette were inmates housed at MCI-CJ’s Departmental Disciplinary Unit (DDU). Connors was involved in a romantic relationship with Christine Ramos, a nurse assigned to the DDU. At Connors’ request, Ramos agreed to smuggle contraband, including controlled substances, into MCI-CJ. In order to do this, Ramos opened two P.O. Boxes through a third party. Connors sent letters and money to Ramos at these P.O. Boxes and, at William Guillemette’s direction, Lisa and Margaret Guillemette, obtained and sent Suboxone and Alprazolam to the P.O. Boxes. Ramos subsequently smuggled the drugs into the DDU and delivered them to Connors. Connors and William Guillemette distributed the drugs to other inmates, who sent checks to Lisa and Margaret Guillemette as payment. Suboxone and Alprazolam are Schedule III and Schedule IV controlled substances, respectively.
Chad Connors previously pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing. William Guillemette pleaded guilty and was sentenced to18 months in prison to be served consecutive to the state sentence he is currently serving and three years of supervised release. Margaret Guillemette pleaded guilty and was sentenced to time served (five days), two years of supervised release and 200 hours of community service. Ramos pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute Suboxone and Alprazolam and was sentenced two years of probation.
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 Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia M. Carris of Lelling’s Public Corruption and Special Prosecutions Unit prosecuted the case.
Boston Man Indicted for Armed Robbery of North End MarketRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was indicted today in federal court in Boston for the armed robbery of a grocery store in Boston’s North End.
Dante Mirabella, 52, was charged with one count of interfering with commerce by robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Mirabella has been in custody since May 31, 2019, when he was arrested on state charges.
It is alleged that Mirabella robbed Bob’s Grocery Store on May 30, 2019, while brandishing a Hi-Point .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol. According to the indictment Mirabella is prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition due to a prior felony conviction.
The charging statute for interfering with commerce by robbery provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of brandishing a firearm during a violent crime provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed, up to five years of supervised release and a maximum fine of $250,000. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of no greater than 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 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 Office; and Boston Police Commissioner William G. Gross made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Wichers 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.
Stoneham Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Stoneham man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to trafficking fentanyl.
Alexis Baez, 52, pleaded guilty to three counts of distribution of, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; two counts of distribution of, and possession with intent to distribute, more than 40 grams of fentanyl; and one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Senior Judge Rya W. Zobel scheduled sentencing for Nov. 13, 2019. Baez was previously charged by criminal complaint and arrested on April 26, 2019. He has been in custody since his arrest.
Between February and April 2019, Baez engaged in six separate drug sales of fentanyl powder to an undercover law enforcement agent.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute of over 400 grams of fentanyl carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, a minimum of five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charges of possession with intent to distribute over 40 grams of fentanyl carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, a minimum of four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Woburn, Stoneham, Milton and Boston Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
Ohio Man Convicted of $2 Million Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Ohio man was convicted yesterday in connection with a decade-long investment fraud scheme in which he defrauded more than 40 people of more than $2 million, and concealed more than 20 vehicles purchased with victim funds.
Stephan Kuljko Jr., 60, of Stow, Ohio, was convicted by a federal jury after a two-week trial of four counts of wire fraud and one count of obstruction of justice. U.S. Senior District Judge Mark L. Wolf scheduled sentencing for Nov. 6, 2019.
From 2006 through 2017, Kuljko spun a false story about himself as a wealthy man who won millions in the Ohio Lottery that he turned into hundreds of millions by investing in a Texas oil business and casinos. Kuljko solicited money from people by telling them that his vast fortune had been frozen in a bank account because of problems with the IRS, and that he needed money to pay for lawyers and to travel around the world to try to free up those funds. Kuljko operated his scheme mostly behind the scenes, using an associate in Arizona to solicit funds. Victims were promised huge returns, in many cases more than a million dollars for providing tens of thousands to assist Kuljko. The scheme also involved soliciting money to obtain and market what Kuljko represented as an extremely valuable, large uncut emerald. As with his other representations, the emerald deal was fictitious. In fact, the evidence at trial established that Kuljko had never won the lottery or invested in any Texas oil venture, had no bank account nor hundreds of millions of dollars, and the IRS was not tying up any of his money. Kuljko instead worked out of his home, buying and selling things like used snow blowers and rototillers.
The maximum sentence under the mail and wire fraud statutes is 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain/loss, whichever is greater. The maximum sentence under the obstruction of justice statute is 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine or twice the amount of the criminally derived property 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 and Joseph Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Victor A. Wild and Mark J. Balthazard of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Former President of Massachusetts State Police Union and Union’s Former Lobbyist Charged with Fraud and ObstructionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former President of the State Police Association of Massachusetts and the union’s former Massachusetts lobbyist were arrested today on charges of fraud and obstruction of justice.
Dana A. Pullman, 57, of Worcester, and Anne M. Lynch, 68, of Hull, were charged in a criminal complaint with wire fraud, honest services wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and honest services wire fraud and obstruction of justice. The defendants will appear at 1:00 pm today in federal court in Boston.
According to the charging documents, the State Police Association of Massachusetts (SPAM) was an association consisting of more than 1,500 troopers and sergeants from the Massachusetts State Police (MSP). SPAM acted as the exclusive bargaining agent between its members and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts regarding the terms and conditions of SPAM members’ employment. Pullman, who was an MSP trooper from 1987 to at least 2018, was the President of SPAM from 2012 until his resignation on Sept. 28, 2018. Lynch’s lobbying firm represented SPAM during the same time period, in exchange for monthly retainer payments.
It is alleged that, from at least 2012 until Pullman resigned as the President of SPAM in September 2018, Pullman, Lynch and others were involved in a conspiracy to defraud SPAM members and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts of their right to honest services from Pullman through fraud and deceit. This included illegal bribes and kickbacks that Pullman received from Lynch and her firm. Pullman, Lynch and others were also allegedly involved in a scheme to defraud two different companies that sought to do business with the Commonwealth.
In addition, Pullman is also charged with wire fraud in connection with his alleged embezzlement and misuse of SPAM funds for personal use by (1) submitting expense reimbursement checks to SPAM without receipts; (2) circumventing and bypassing SPAM’s governing Executive Board; and (3) using a debit card tied to a SPAM bank account. Specifically, Pullman used the SPAM debit card to pay for thousands of dollars of meals, flowers, travel, and gifts for an individual with whom Pullman was having a romantic relationship.
The charges of fraud and conspiracy each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of obstruction of justice provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and 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; Joseph 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 Investigation in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristina E. Barclay and Neil J. Gallagher Jr. of Lelling’s Public Corruption Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the complaint are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Extensive Cyberstalking and Threats CampaignRead the Press Release
A Florida man who was charged with conducting an extensive cyberstalking campaign that targeted his former schoolmate, a 30-year-old Massachusetts woman, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston. The victim’s name is being withheld to protect her privacy.
Byron A. Cardozo, 35, who previously resided in Jacksonville and Tamarac, Florida, pleaded guilty to one count of cyberstalking and one count of making interstate threats. Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled the sentencing hearing for Nov. 12. Cardozo was arrested in August 2018 and has been held in custody since.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling of the District of Massachusetts, and Special Agent in Charge Joseph R. Bonavolonta of the FBI’s Boston Field Office made the announcement.
According to the indictment to which Carozo pleaded guilty, Cardozo engaged in an 18-month-long, multi-faceted cyberstalking and threats campaign targeting the victim. He launched his campaign in February 2017, shortly after the victim wrote, and had published in an online magazine, an essay describing a one-time, traumatic sexual encounter she had with Cardozo when she was approximately 13 and he was approximately 17 and they attended the same school in Florida. She used pseudonyms for Cardozo and others in the essay. He then sent hundreds of online communications, many of which he made in the “comments” section to the essay and on the victim’s personal website. In those communications, Cardozo claimed that the victim had fabricated her claims about the coercive nature of the 2001 sexual encounter, he provided graphic descriptions of his purported consensual sexual encounter with the victim, and he described how he continued to masturbate to the victim’s photographs. Cardozo also made express and implicit threats to injure the victim.
At other times, he also apologized to her for the traumatic sexual experience in 2001, asked for forgiveness, expressed his love for her, and made veiled threats to commit suicide “because of you.” Cardozo continued to harass and threaten the victim despite the fact that she had obtained a state court order in April 2017, forbidding him from communication with her.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Boston Field Office. Senior Trial Attorney Mona Sedky of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Harman Burkart, Chief of Lelling’s Cybercrime Unit in the District of Massachusetts, are prosecuting the case.
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Extensive Cyberstalking and Threats CampaignRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Florida man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to cyberstalking and threatening his former schoolmate, a 30-year-old Massachusetts woman.
Byron A. Cardozo, 35, who previously resided in Jacksonville and Tamarac, Fla., pleaded guilty to one count of cyberstalking and one count of making interstate threats. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Nov. 12, 2019. Cardozo was arrested in August 2018 and has been in custody since.
Cardozo engaged in an 18-month-long, multi-faceted cyberstalking and threats campaign targeting his former schoolmate. He launched his campaign in February 2017, shortly after the victim wrote and published an essay in an online magazine describing a one-time, traumatic sexual encounter she had with Cardozo when she was approximately 13-years-old and he was approximately 17-years-old while they attended the same school in Florida. The victim used pseudonyms for Cardozo and others in the essay. In response, Cardozo sent hundreds of online communications, many of which he made in the “comments” section to the essay and on the victim’s personal website, where he claimed that the victim fabricated her claims about the coercive nature of the 2001 sexual encounter. Cardozo provided graphic descriptions of his purported consensual sexual encounter with the victim, and he described how he continued to masturbate to the victim’s photographs. Cardozo also made express and implicit threats to injure the victim. At other times, he also apologized to her for the traumatic sexual experience in 2001, asked for forgiveness, expressed his love for her, and made veiled threats to commit suicide “because of you.” Cardozo continued to harass and threaten the victim despite the fact that she had obtained a state court order in April 2017, forbidding him from communicating with her.
The charges of cyberstalking and making interstate threats each provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Assistant Attorney General Brian Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; and Joseph Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Harman Burkart, Chief of Lelling’s Cyber Crime Unit, and Senior Trial Attorney Mona Sedky of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are prosecuting the case.
Chicopee Man Pleads Guilty to His Role in A Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Chicopee man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to his role in a cocaine conspiracy.
Carlos Mares Jr., 40, of Chicopee, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Nov. 12, 2019.
Between 2015 and 2016, one of Mares’ co-conspirators, David Cruz, obtained cocaine from sources in Mexico and arranged for the cocaine to be transported to the Springfield area via concealed compartments in a Nissan Juke. Mares then purchased more than 400 grams of cocaine from Cruz with the intent to distribute it. Cruz has pleaded guilty to cocaine and firearms offenses and is awaiting sentencing before U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman.
Because Mares has a prior drug conviction, he faces up to 30 years in prison, a minimum of six years 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 and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation in Boston and the Westfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katharine A. Wagner of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lowell Woman Charged with Stealing Approximately $182,000 from EmployerRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lowell woman was charged yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with embezzling approximately $182,000 from a veterinary hospital that employed her.
Sasha A. Saulnier, 32, was charged with one count of wire fraud. She appeared in federal court in Boston yesterday and was released on conditions.
According to the charging documents, Saulnier was employed by a full service animal hospital as a client relations specialist from October 2011 until September 2018. During that time, she was responsible for front-desk interactions with clients and managed phone lines, booked appointments and processed retail transactions for items sold at the animal hospital. In this capacity, she had access to a practice management software and the ability to process returns of purchased products and refund the debit or credit card used at the time of purchase.
From March 2014 and continuing through August 2018, Saulnier entered false refund transactions into the company’s practice management software, giving the appearance that a disbursement of money was legitimate. She then concealed the refund transactions so they went undetected by the company. When processing these fictitious refunds, Saulnier credited her own personal debit cards. All of these personal debit cards linked directly to Saulnier’s personal checking account. To do this, Saulnier would occasionally enter a fictitious refund of merchandise that was legitimately purchased by a customer, but never returned, and then credit the bogus refund to her own personal debit account.
In August 2018, thinking a refund was processed in error, the hospital manager confronted Saulnier, who indicated that she may have made a mistake because she was working on two computers and must have entered the information incorrectly. But the company discovered other returns processed to the same debit card number, and before it could complete its investigation, Saulnier resigned in September 2018.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or up to twice the loss involved, restitution 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 Office; and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dominican National Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after being deported.
Jonathan Manuel Lara Troncoso, 33, a Dominican national residing in Lawrence, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti B. Saris to two years in prison. Lara Troncoso will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. In May 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry of a deported alien.
Lara Troncoso was previously ordered deported from the United States in June 2006, but returned sometime thereafter and assumed the identity of a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico. In an effort to avoid detection by law enforcement, Lara Troncoso mutilated his own fingerprints. While unlawfully in the country, he was convicted three times of drug offenses in Massachusetts while using a fraudulent identity, including a 2017 state conviction for fentanyl trafficking. By the time he was convicted of fentanyl trafficking, his fingerprints had regenerated and healed enough to match the fingerprints on file from his prior deportation
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Marcos D. Charles, Acting Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Boston Man Charged with Illegally Possessing A Loaded HandgunRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was charged in federal court in Boston with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Kerry Charlotin, 30, was charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Charlotin has been in state custody since his arrest in Suffolk County on May 1, 2019. He will appear in federal court in Boston later today.
According to the charging documents, on May 1, 2019, officers were in the area of Blue Hill Avenue in Mattapan due to resident complaints of drug dealing and public drinking. It is alleged that when Charlotin, who was seen by the officers wearing a black backpack, observed the police presence, he ran. The officers pursued him, and when they caught up to him, a black backpack was in the air and landed on the roof of a building. Charlotin, no longer wearing a black backpack, continued running from the officers; he was eventually found hiding in a fenced in area in a backyard. When officers recovered the black backpack, they found, among other things, a loaded Glock 26, 9mm caliber Lugar semi-automatic pistol containing nine rounds of ammunition, one of those rounds was in the chamber.
Based on prior felony convictions, Charlotin is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition under federal law.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of no greater than 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 Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner William G. Gross made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Worcester Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin and Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Worcester to his role in a heroin and cocaine conspiracy.
Vito Nuzzolilo, 46, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and more than 100 grams of heroin. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for Dec. 4, 2019.
According to court documents, Nuzzolilo distributed heroin and cocaine from his apartment in Worcester and from a separate “band room” that he maintained in Worcester. A federal wiretap revealed numerous communications in which Nuzzolilo coordinated the sale of heroin or cocaine to various drug customers. The investigation also revealed that Nuzzolilo coordinated with a New York-based source of supply for the delivery of significant quantities of heroin and cocaine to Worcester. As a result of the investigation, law enforcement seized drugs from various locations, including from Nuzzolilo’s band room, his BMW, and from a car transporting cocaine from Nuzzolilo’s apartment to Maine.
Four other individuals have pleaded guilty and been sentenced in this drug conspiracy. In February 2019, Ricardo Ortega-Vasquez, 42, a Dominican national residing in New York City, was sentenced to time served (approximately 23 months in prison). In November 2018, Thomas Walker of Pemaquid, Maine, was sentenced to 30 months in prison. In September 2018, Melissa Rock, also of Pemaquid, Maine, was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in prison. And in June 2018, Kristen Little of Worcester was sentenced to 30 months in prison.
Due to the quantity of heroin involved in this case and to a prior conviction for cocaine trafficking, Nuzzolilo faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, a minimum of eight years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $8 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely of Lelling’s Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
New Hampshire Man Sentenced for Trafficking in Protected WildlifeRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A New Hampshire man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for illegally trafficking live water monitor lizards from the Philippines.
Derrick Semedo, 26, of Nashua, N.H., was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to two years of probation and 120 hours of community service. In April 2019, Semedo pleaded guilty to one count of trafficking in monitor lizards that were exported illegally from the Philippines.
Semedo admitted to illegally importing more than 20 live water monitor lizards from the Philippines between March and December 2016, in violation of United States law and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Treaty. To avoid detection by United States customs authorities, the lizards were placed in socks, which were sealed closed with tape, and then concealed in the back panels of audio speakers or other electronic equipment. The equipment was then shipped via commercial carriers to Semedo in Massachusetts. The customs declarations accompanying the shipments identified their contents as audio speakers or similar electronics.
As part of his plea, Semedo admitted that he knew the monitor lizards he received had been taken in violation of Philippine law, and that the import violated United States law. Semedo also admitted that upon receiving the monitor lizards, he sold some of them to customers, including customers in Colorado, Connecticut, and New Hampshire.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark, of the Department of Justice’s Environmental and Natural Resources Division; and Ryan Noel, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Region Five office, made the announcement today. The Philippines’ National Bureau of Investigations provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth B. Kosto of Lelling’s Criminal Division and Trial Attorneys Gary Donner and Erica Pencak of the Justice Department’s Environmental and Natural Resources Division prosecuted the case.
Lawrence Resident Charged with Sexually Exploiting ChildrenRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Lawrence resident was arrested last night and charged today in federal court in Boston with sexually exploiting a 4-year-old.
Jakob Nieves, who also goes by Dakota, 19, was charged with one count of sexual exploitation of children and one count of distribution of child pornography. Nieves appeared in federal court in Boston today and was ordered detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019.
According to the charging document, as part of an investigation into the use of Kik messenger for the trade of child pornography, a federal agent, acting in an undercover capacity, allegedly communicated with Nieves via Kik. In the course of those communications, Nieves sent the undercover agent images and videos that she produced that depict her sexually abusing a child.
It is alleged that when law enforcement executed a search warrant at Nieves’ home on Aug. 14, 2019, she admitted to distributing images and videos of child pornography to a user she “met” in a Kik group geared toward individuals interested in pedophilia.
The charge of sexual exploitation of children provides for a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years and no greater than 30 years in prison. The charge of distribution of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison. Each charge provides for a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime 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 R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Paruti, Lelling’s Project Safe Coordinator and member of the Major Crimes Unit, is prosecuting the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national formerly residing in Lawrence pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to Social Security fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Freddy Tejada-Diaz, 50, a Dominican national formerly residing in Lawrence, pleaded guilty to one count of false representation of Social Security number and one count of aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for Nov. 13, 2019. Tejada-Diaz will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence.
On Aug, 1, 2016, Tejada-Diaz applied for a Massachusetts identification card using the name, date of birth and Social Security number of a Puerto Rican born United States citizen. At the time of his arrest in April 2019, Tejada-Diaz had an arrest warrant out of Plymouth Superior Court for drug charges and a warrant of removal issued out of a New York immigration court. Tejada-Diaz was identified, among other things, from a fingerprint match to his immigration file bearing his photo, which showed that he was previously ordered removed on Sept. 5, 1996, but did not report to his scheduled immigration hearing. Instead, on Sept. 30, 1996, Tejada-Diaz obtained a Massachusetts identification card in the name of the United States citizen and, until his recent arrest, had been using that identity ever since.
The charge of false representation of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory two year prison sentence, to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed, 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; 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 Lindsey E. Weinstein of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Brockton Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Firearm and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston on firearm and drug charges.
Douglas Norris, 40, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to 10 years in prison and four years of supervised release. In December 2018, Norris was convicted by a federal jury of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
On June 20, 2017, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Norris’ home, where they recovered a backpack containing a fully loaded Smith & Wesson, model 6906, 9 mm pistol; 21 additional rounds of assorted ammunition; plastic baggies containing more than 32 grams of cocaine and more than 46 grams of crack cocaine; and two digital scales. Elsewhere in the house, police found an additional 25 grams of cocaine and cocaine base, a kilo press, an electronic money counter, calibration weights, and five additional scales. Norris was prohibited from possessing a firearm based on a prior conviction.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz; and Brockton Police Chief John Crowley made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert E. Richardson and Elianna Nuzum of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
“John Doe” Indicted for Passport Fraud and False Statements in Health Care MatterRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Southbridge man whose true identity is unknown was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston today on charges of making false statements in an application for a U.S. passport, aggravated identity theft and false statements in a health care matter. It is alleged that Doe has used and maintained the identity of a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico for 36 years.
John Doe, whose true identity is unknown, was indicted on one count of making false statements in an application for a U.S. passport, one count of aggravated identity theft, and two counts of false statements in a health care matter. Doe was charged by complaint. An arraignment date has not yet been set.
According to the charging documents, in January 2018, Doe allegedly submitted an application for a United States passport by representing himself as a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico. He provided the U.S. citizen’s name, place of birth, and Social Security number. The Social Security number Doe provided did not, however, match the individual’s name he was representing as his own.
In support of his passport application, Doe allegedly provided a copy of a birth certificate issued to the victim whose identity he was representing as his own, an expired U.S. passport issued in 1988, an inmate’s identity card issued by the Federal Bureau of Prisons in the victim’s name, a Federal Probation Department urinalysis card in the victim’s name, and a letter from a U.S. Probation Officer Assistant indicating that Doe is currently on Federal Supervised Release.
The passport application and documents were sent to the Boston Passport Agency and subsequently referred to the Fraud Prevention Unit. It was then determined that the Social Security number submitted with the application was valid, but did not match the victim’s name Doe used in his application. On further review, it was determined that the Social Security number used on Doe’s previous passport application from 1988 was in fact a fraudulent number that had never been issued by the Social Security Administration.
Further investigation revealed that Doe, who is on lifetime parole, has four different names, four different dates of birth, and three different Social Security numbers associated with him. Doe has an extensive criminal record dating back to the 1970s. At one time, Doe owned an auto body shop in New York that was used to install electronic hidden compartments in cars to conceal money and cocaine trafficked from Colombia.
According to the indictment returned today, the government further alleges that Doe used this same identity on two MassHealth applications, one on June 10, 2015, and one on Oct. 31, 2018.
The passport fraud charge provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two year prison sentence to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, and a fine of $250,000. The charge of false statement in a health care matter provides for sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and William B. Gannon, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Revere Man Sentenced for Trafficking Counterfeit GoodsRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Revere man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with importing and selling counterfeit sports apparel, including Celtics and other NBA jerseys, as well as NFL and NCAA jerseys.
Paul G. Adri, 34, was sentenced to three months of home confinement, two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $7,500 fine. In April 2019, Adri pleaded guilty to trafficking in counterfeit goods. Adri was charged in December of 2018, and released on conditions.
Adri improperly utilized trademarks held by Adidas, Nike, MLB, the NFL, and the NBA, among others, by importing counterfeit goods from Hong Kong and China and selling them on eBay. Adri ignored two separate notices from U.S. Customs and Border Protection relating to his illegal counterfeiting activities.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie A. Queenin of Lelling’s Cybercrime Unit prosecuted the case.
Pittsfield Businessman Sentenced for $4 Million Conspiracy to Defraud A Credit UnionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A businessman, who owned and operated five real estate development companies in Pittsfield, was sentenced on Friday, Aug. 9, 2019, in federal court in Springfield for defrauding a credit union.
Jeffrey Pierce, 51, of Pittsfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 20 months in prison, $3,821,616 of forfeiture, and restitution of $877,725 to Greylock Federal Credit Union and $2,901,833 to Fidelity Deposit Company of Maryland. In June 2018, Pierce pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to receive money through transactions of a credit union with intent to defraud the credit union and to make false statements to a federal credit union.
Between 2005 and 2008, a former Vice President of Greylock Federal Credit Union (GFCU) authorized approximately $4 million in various loans and modifications to Pierce and his companies in violation of GFCU’s loan policies. By circumventing GFCU’s policies, the Vice President caused GFCU to provide Pierce and his companies with funds far in excess of what Pierce and his companies could reasonably receive or repay. In exchange for improperly authorizing these loans, Pierce agreed to provide - and did provide - the Vice President with $134,773 in check payments from Pierce’s companies derived from GFCU loans that were paid to a front company created by the employee; the free use of a home constructed by one of Pierce’s companies with a GFCU loan; and the free use of a BMW automobile purchased by one of Pierce’s companies with a GFCU loan. Around March 2010, at the Vice President’s direction and for the purpose of influencing the action of GFCU upon the loans, Pierce falsely stated to GFCU that the money paid by his companies to the front company were payments for design work that the Vice President’s wife provided to Pierce’s construction projects.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, New England Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Whitman Man Indicted for Sexually Exploiting ChildrenRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Whitman man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Boston in connection with sexually exploiting children via a social media app.
Matthew Murphy, 22, was indicted on five counts of sexual exploitation of children. Murphy was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in March 2019 and has been in custody since. An arraignment date has not yet been scheduled.
According to the charging documents, the investigation began when Murphy, posing as a teenage girl, used a Snapchat account to extort nude photographs from a Massachusetts middle school boy. Agents obtained portions of the Snapchat account Murphy had created in the fake identity and uncovered evidence of similar extortion of other minors in the area. The indictment charges Murphy with using five separate Snapchat accounts to sexually exploit children.
Members of the public with questions or information about this matter should call 617-748-3274.
The charges of sexual exploitation of children each provide for a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years and no greater than 30 years in prison, a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime 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 Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. The Whitman Police Department provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Paruti, Lelling’s Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and a member of the Major Crimes Unit, is prosecuting the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Puerto Rico Man Indicted for Conspiring to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Puerto Rico man was charged today by a federal grand jury in Worcester with cocaine conspiracy.
William Torres, 34, of Toa Baja, P.R., was indicted on conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. He was arrested in April 2019 and charged by criminal complaint. After appearing in federal court in San Juan, P.R., he was released on conditions. An arraignment date in federal court in Worcester has not yet been set.
According to court documents, Torres arranged for the distribution of approximately one kilogram of cocaine between two parties in Worcester on Nov. 1, 2018.
Torres faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and no greater than 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. 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 Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bill Abely and John Mulcahy of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details in the charging documents are allegations. That defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dominican National Sentenced for Social Security Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national residing in Lawrence was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for Social Security fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Ulises Mota Carmona, 36, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to two years and one day in prison. He will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. Mota Carmona was arrested and charged in a July 2018 federal law enforcement sweep of 25 individuals accused of document and benefit fraud.
Dubbed “Double Trouble,” the 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.
On Aug. 5, 2015, Mota Carmona applied for a learner’s permit with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles using the name and Social Security number of a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico. He presented a birth certificate and Social Security card in the other person’s name to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles as proof of his identity. Mota Carmona also used the name and Social Security number of a U.S. citizen to receive MassHealth benefits.
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 Kerry A. Gilpin, 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 Man Sentenced for Business Loan SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with making false statements on a loan application.
Alexander Grinis, 47, of Jamaica Plain, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to nine months in prison, two years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution of $91,403.
In May 2019, Grinis pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements on loan applications. In June 2018, Grinis was arrested and charged with co-defendant Igor Moiseev, 59, of Newton, who previously pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
Grinis was the manager of Eastern Bank in Auburndale. His responsibilities included assisting customers with opening and closing accounts and applying for loans and lines of credit. In approximately February 2015, Grinis assisted Moiseev in opening a checking and savings accounts at Eastern Bank with the license and Social Security card of another individual, without the knowledge or consent of that person. Later that year, Grinis assisted Moiseev in adding the individual to a business account in the name of TFC Enterprises, LLC. Thereafter, Moiseev forged the individual’s name on applications for two purported business loans. On each loan application, Grinis falsely certified that he had complied with all bank procedures and, as a result, the loans were approved. The proceeds of the two loans were subsequently distributed to the business checking account and Moiseev forged the individual’s name on checks and withdrew money from the account to pay for his own personal expenses. In addition, Moiseev, with Grinis’ assistance, caused proceeds from the business checking account to be wire transferred to Russia, Canada, and elsewhere overseas using the individual’s name. Both loans defaulted and were never paid back to Eastern Bank, resulting in a loss of over $90,000.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura J. Kaplan of Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Two Boston City Hall Aides Convicted of Conspiring to Extort Music Festival Production CompanyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The City of Boston’s Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, Timothy Sullivan, and Kenneth Brissette, the Director of the City’s Office of Tourism, Sports and Entertainment were convicted today by a federal jury in Boston in connection with extorting a music festival production company operating on City Hall Plaza.
Brissette and Sullivan both were convicted of Hobbs Act conspiracy, and Brissette was also convicted of Hobbs Act extortion. The Court has not yet scheduled sentencing dates.
“This afternoon, a federal jury convicted Kenneth Brissette and Timothy Sullivan of extorting a private business to hire union labor that they did not want or need,” said United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling. “Private companies that want to do business in Boston have the right to hire anyone they want – union or not – without fear of being threatened with economic disaster by government officials. That is the law. This was a hard fought victory, and one that reaffirms our commitment to take on cases that are in the public interest.”
“The FBI thanks the jury for their service and thoughtful deliberations,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division. “Today’s verdicts show that public officials cannot use their positions to extort those who choose to use non-union labor. The FBI will not stand idly by while hard-working individuals are bullied and strong-armed by public servants. Everyone deserves access to a level playing field, and the excuse of “business as usual” isn’t good enough to earnest citizens who rely on their own local governments to do right by them and their families. Let this case be a warning to municipal workers everywhere, it is the taxpayers they serve and answer to at the end of the day.”
“Today’s convictions affirm the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General’s commitment to protecting the American workers from extortion and unlawful influence. The defendants used threats of financial harm to obtain wages from a television production company for services that were not needed or required. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to combat this type of criminal activity,” said Michael C. Mikulka, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.
Between June and September 2014, while a music festival production company was awaiting the issuance of certain permits and approvals required for its event, and seeking an agreement from the City of Boston to use City Hall Plaza for events beyond 2017, Brissette and Sullivan repeatedly advised the company that it would need to hire members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 11 to work the event. Local 11 had attempted to obtain work from the production company since March 2013. The production company told Brissette and Sullivan that it had already entered into a contract with a non-union company and hired all of its labor. Nevertheless, on Sept. 2, 2014, three days before the music festival was scheduled to begin, Brissette and Sullivan insisted that half of the production company’s labor force consist of union members. The production company agreed to hire nine members of Local 11 and entered into a contract with the union because they feared the company would be financially ruined if they did not accede to the these City officials’ demands.
The charge of extortion provides a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to extort provides 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.
U.S. Attorney Lelling, FBI SAC Joseph R. Bonavolonta, and DOL OIG SAC Mikulka made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura J. Kaplan and Kristina E. Barclay of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
Rhode Island Man Pleads Guilty to Million Dollar Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Rhode Island man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with a scheme to embezzle over a million dollars from a Massachusetts company.
Michael H. Tran, 35, of Woonsocket, R.I., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and five counts of wire fraud. In September 2018, Tran was charged by indictment and arrested. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Nov. 5, 2019.
Tran and co-conspirator Darren Cormier, who worked as a product manager for a Bellingham, Mass., manufacturing company, worked together to embezzle millions of dollars from the company. From December 2013 to May 2016, Cormier told the company owners that he was purchasing equipment for the company using his PayPal account, which was linked to the company’s credit cards. Instead of making legitimate equipment purchases, however, Cormier used his PayPal account to pay Tran, who withdrew the money in cash and used it to pay for personal expenses. Tran and Cormier concealed the fraud by adjusting the names settings in Tran’s PayPal account to make it appear on account statements as if the payments were submitted to legitimate vendors. Tran and Cormier also submitted fraudulent invoices and purchase orders to the company in the name of some non-existent vendors, such as “A Plug Tool Supply,” and “MHT Industrial.”
Cormier was charged separately for his role in the conspiracy and wire fraud scheme and pleaded guilty in March 2019. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 18, 2019, before U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns.
The charging statute for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. 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; 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 Jordi de Llano, Deputy Chief of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit, is prosecuting the case.
Honduran National Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Honduran national was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for illegal reentry.
Hermes Noel Vasquez-Espinal, 42, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to six months in prison and one year of supervised release. Vasquez-Espinal will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. In February 2019, Vasquez-Espinal was charged and has been in custody since.
Between March 2006 and July 2015, Vasquez-Espinal was deported from the United States on four separate occasions. Sometime after a July 2015 deportation, Vasquez-Espinal reentered the United States, and in January 2019, he was encountered by law enforcement in Lawrence and determined to be illegally present in the country.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Marcos D. Charles, Acting Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Salvadoran National Sentenced for Failing to Register as A Sex Offender and Unlawful ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A previously deported Salvadoran national was sentenced in federal court in Boston today for failure to register as a sex offender and unlawful reentry of a deported alien.
Oscar Alfaro, 47, who is currently in state custody in connection with sexual assault charges stemming from a 2016 incident in Newbury, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 33 months in prison and five years of supervised release. Alfaro will also be subject to deportation. In April 2019, Alfaro pleaded guilty to one count of failure to register as a sex offender and one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.
In 2008, Alfaro was convicted in Virginia state court of taking indecent liberties with a child. As a result, Alfaro is required to register as a sex offender in any jurisdiction where he lives or works. After serving a sentence for his 2008 conviction, Alfaro was deported.
At some point following his deportation, Alfaro illegally reentered the United States. In March 2016, it was reported that Alfaro had committed an indecent assault and battery, which qualifies as a sex offense under Massachusetts state law. After the assault was reported, Alfaro left Massachusetts. The U.S. Marshals Service located and apprehended Alfaro in Virginia in November 2017 and returned him to Massachusetts to face state sexual assault charges.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and John Gibbons, United States Marshal for the District of Massachusetts, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Essex County District Attorney’s Office and the Newbury and Rowley Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Paruti, Lelling’s Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and a member of the Major Crimes Unit, prosecuted 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/.
Convicted Felon Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Elvin Perez, 42, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In March 2019, Perez pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
On June 19, 2018, after law enforcement responded to a report of alleged abuse by the defendant of a disabled man confined to a wheelchair, police recovered a Heckler & Koch, Model USP, .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol and 47 rounds of ammunition - 38 of which were compatible with the recovered firearm – from a dresser drawer attributable to Perez. The gun had previously been reported stolen. As a result of a prior two year committed sentence for heroin distribution in a school zone, Perez is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Canton Police Chief Kenneth Berkowitz made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein of Lelling’s Major Crimes 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. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions 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.
Newton Accountant Charged with Wire Fraud and Filing False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Newton man was charged today in federal court in Boston with wire fraud and filing a false tax return.
Jeffrey Kellem, 49, was charged by Information with four counts of wire fraud and one count of filing a false tax return.
As alleged in charging documents, from December 2016 through February 2018, Kellem used his position an accountant for an elderly client and the estate of a deceased client to steal more than approximately $1.6 million for his own use. It is alleged that Kellem transferred his clients’ funds, without their authorization, to bank accounts he opened and controlled.
Kellem also failed to report more than $500,000 in income from the funds he took on his tax returns. As a result, in 2017, Kellem avoided paying taxes totaling more than $150,000.
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, whichever is greater, and forfeiture. The charge of filing a false tax return carries a sentence of up to three years in prison, one year 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 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; and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the Information are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
New Jersey Man Arrested for Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The owner of several Boston-based investment companies was arrested yesterday at Logan Airport on charges of operating a Ponzi-like fraud scheme.
Tanmaya Kabra, 25, who resided most recently in Weehawken, N.J., was charged in a criminal complaint unsealed today with wire fraud and bank fraud.
According to the criminal complaint, Kabra conducted business through a company called LaunchByte.IO LLC and several affiliated companies. He held himself out to investors as a successful serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and angel investor in start-up companies. Offering lucrative and low or no-risk returns on investments, Kabra allegedly lured investors with representations that their funds would be used to foster the growth and development of start-up companies, to prepare those companies for sale, or for other legitimate business opportunities. In reality, Kabra used the money that he received from investors to pay off existing debts to prior investors in his scheme and to fund his lavish personal expenses.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a maximum 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, whichever is greater. The charge of bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million 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 Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. The Securities & Exchange Commission provided valuable assistance in this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney of Lelling’s Criminal Division Chris Looney 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-Area Restaurant Owner Convicted of Tax FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former owner of restaurants in Boston and Chelsea was convicted today by a federal jury in Boston of tax fraud.
Burhan Ud Din, 50, of Watertown, was convicted following a week-long jury trial of six counts of willful failure to collect and pay over tax, which requires employers to withhold and pay to the IRS certain payroll taxes. Din was acquitted of charges of procuring citizenship contrary to law. U.S. Senior District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. scheduled sentencing for Nov. 7, 2019.
Din defrauded the government and avoided paying payroll taxes owed by a Crown Fried Chicken located in Chelsea and a Kennedy Fried Chicken in Boston in 2010. Federal law requires employers to withhold payroll taxes and pay the IRS. To avoid paying taxes, repeatedly, Din falsely reported the number of employees and wages paid to the IRS. Din provided the tax preparer for both stores with false information about the restaurants’ payroll, causing the tax preparer to file false tax returns.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, a maximum of three years of supervised release a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and payment of the costs of prosecution. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Andrew E. Lelling; Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; Jason Molina, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, and Boston Police Commissioner William Gross made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian A. Pérez‑Daple and Scott L. Garland of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
Worcester Man Pleads Guilty to Social Security Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Worcester to Social Security fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Jose Lopez Rosado, 51, pleaded guilty to one count of false representation of a Social Security number and one count of aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for Oct. 31, 2019. Lopez Rosado was arrested and charged in a July 2018 federal law enforcement sweep of 25 individuals accused of document and benefit fraud.
According to court documents, the defendant escaped from prison in Puerto Rico in 1994 while serving a 40-year sentence for second degree murder. He is currently in state custody on unrelated charges. 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.
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.
The charge of false representation of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two 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; 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 Kerry A. Gilpin, 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 is prosecuting the case.
Three Dominican Nationals Indicted for Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Three Dominican nationals were indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury in Boston as a result of a federal investigation targeting offenders of document and benefit fraud. The defendants have allegedly used the identities of U.S. citizens from Puerto Rico as their own. All three defendants have been previously arrested on drug charges under the names of the victims whose identities they have stolen.
Edward Obispo Garcia, 38, a Dominican national residing in Roxbury; Jesus Alberto Baez Pimental, 37, a Dominican national residing in Fitchburg; and Juan Jose Heureaux Carmona, 27, a Dominican national residing in Roxbury, were each indicted on charges of aggravated identity theft and false representation of a Social Security number. Heureaux Carmona was also charged with false statements relating to health care matters. The defendants were arrested and charged by complaint on June 27, 2019.
According to the charging documents, Obispo Garcia obtained a Massachusetts driver’s license in the name of a U.S. citizen; Baez Pimental obtained a Massachusetts driver’s license in the name of a U.S. citizen, and MassHealth records reflect an application for health benefits under this same name; and Heureaux Carmona obtained a Massachusetts ID card in the name of a U.S. citizen.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF), a specialized field investigative group comprised of personnel from various 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.
The DBFTF is currently investigating suspected aliens who are believed to have obtained stolen identities of United States citizens born in Puerto Rico. The DBFTF has investigated individuals who have used stolen identities to obtain public benefits which they would not otherwise be eligible to receive, including Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles identity documents, Social Security numbers, MassHealth benefits, public housing benefits, and/or unemployment benefits.
In July 2018, a DBFTF-led investigation resulted in the arrests of 25 individuals on charges of identity theft and Social Security fraud, and in April 2019, a separate DBFTF-led investigation resulted in 11 additional arrests.
The charge of aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two-year prison sentence that must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed, up to one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of false representation of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Regional Office; U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations; U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, Boston; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, District 1; HSI Country Attaché Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; HSI Santo Domingo Transnational Criminal Investigative Unit; and the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Tobin and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Lelling’s Major Crimes 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.