District of Massachusetts
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Texas Deputy Sheriff Charged with Sexual Exploitation of A MinorRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A law enforcement officer from Texas who was charged in federal court in Worcester earlier this week with cyberstalking, is now also charged with sexual exploitation of a minor.
Pasquale T. Salas, 25, a/k/a Gino, a deputy sheriff with the Matagorda County Sheriff’s Office, was charged with one count of sexual exploitation of a minor. Salas was arrested in Bay City, Texas, on Wednesday, July 31, 2019, and charged with cyberstalking a girl he met while playing the videogame Minecraft. A detention hearing is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 5, 2019, in federal court in Houston, Texas. He will appear in federal court in Worcester at a later date.
According to the charging document, Salas met the victim through an online video game website in 2014, when the minor was 12 years old. Salas and the girl communicated on a private chat room and then moved those communications to various other platforms, including text messaging, Skype and Snapchat. Salas repeatedly solicited the minor to transmit sexually explicit images and videos of herself.
Beginning as early as 2016, it is alleged that Salas intimidated the victim into maintaining contact with him and sending additional sexually explicit material by threatening that he would send the minor’s sexually explicit images and videos to her family and her friends. As recently as May 2019, when the victim attempted to terminate contact with Salas, he repeatedly sent threatening communications to the victim, using web-based applications to disguise the source of the communications.
It is alleged that at the time of Salas’ arrest, he was in possession of a smartphone, which contained at least one video, transmitted via social media, of the minor performing sexually explicit acts that Salas had coerced her to perform.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns, or information about this case should contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Boston at 617-748-3274.
The charge of sexual exploitation of a minor carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of cyberstalking carries a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based 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 Douglas Police Chief Nick Miglionico made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Houston Field Office, the Matagorda (Texas) County Sheriff’s Office and the Worcester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Noto from Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
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.
MS-13 Member Indicted for RICO ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An alleged member of the transnational criminal gang MS-13, or La Mara Salvatrucha, was arrested yesterday and charged in federal court in Boston with RICO conspiracy.
Manuel Adan Yanez Cruz, a/k/a “Rocky” or “Flaco,” 19, a Salvadoran national who had been residing in East Boston, was charged in an indictment unsealed yesterday with conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, commonly referred to as racketeering or RICO conspiracy. Yanez Cruz was in immigration custody at the time of his federal criminal arrest. Yanez Cruz was detained following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston yesterday.
As alleged in the indictment, MS-13 is a violent street gang with members in Massachusetts and across the United States. Members of MS-13 and their associates commit and conspire to commit acts of violence to enhance the gang’s prestige, control and expand the gang’s territory, keep others in fear of the gang, and ensure compliance with the gang’s rules. Until at least October 2018, Yanez Cruz allegedly conspired with other MS-13 members and associates to engage in criminal activity to support the criminal organization.
More than 50 MS-13 members and associates in Massachusetts have been convicted of multiple acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, robbery, and assault, as well as other criminal activity, including narcotics trafficking, firearms possession, witness tampering, and witness retaliation.
The charge of RICO conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant also faces deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal District Court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Boston Police Commissioner William Gross; Chelsea Police Chief Brian A. Kyes; Lynn Police Chief Michael Mageary; and Revere Police Chief James Guido made the announcement today.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Fitchburg Man Arrested on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Fitchburg man was arrested this morning and charged in federal court in Worcester with possession and distribution of child pornography.
Ryan Decarolis, 26, was charged with the possession and distribution of child pornography. He will appear in federal court in Worcester this afternoon.
According to the charging documents, Decarolis used a social media account to communicate with an individual who was subsequently charged with production and distribution of child pornography. With the consent of that individual, an undercover federal agent assumed control of that individual’s account and began communicating in an undercover capacity with Decarolis. In January 2019, Decarolis transferred child pornography to the undercover officer, and in April 2019, Decarolis provided the undercover officer with access to his Dropbox account, which contained hundreds of images and videos depicting child pornography.
Agents executed a search warrant at Decarolis’ Fitchburg residence, where they seized a tablet belonging to Decarolis containing videos depicting child pornography.
The charge of distribution of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Possession of child pornography carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, Boston Field Division; and Fitchburg Police Chief Ernest F. Martineau made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle L. Dineen Jerrett from Lelling’s Worcester office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to Social Security fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Alejandro Yoel Diaz Diaz, 28, a Dominican national formerly residing in Lawrence, 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 Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for Nov. 1, 2019.
On Aug. 1, 2017, Diaz 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, Diaz Diaz was on probation out of Lawrence District Court for distribution of heroin in the United States citizen’s identity. Diaz Diaz was identified, among other things, from a fingerprint match with a Dominican Republic identification document issued to him and bearing his photo.
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 to run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment imposed, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Diaz Diaz will also be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; 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.
Brazilian National Sentenced for Making False Statements Concerning Purported South Boston School ShootingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brazilian national was sentenced yesterday in connection with sending a letter to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that threatened an armed attack on a South Boston school in 2018.
Clebio P. De Lima, 43, a Brazilian national previously residing in Quincy, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to time served (23 weeks). De Lima will now face deportation to Brazil. In June 2019, De Lima pleaded guilty to two counts of making false statements to federal authorities.
In February 2018, USCIS’ Boston Office received an unsigned letter handwritten in Portuguese stating that an individual identified by the name of “Mario” was going to carry out an attack at a South Boston school. The letter stated that Mario had purchased two firearms and that he was looking to buy more. The letter concluded by stating, “I invite you to take action, I trust in you. Thank you for the great security of this country.”
Following an investigation, it was determined that the allegations in the letter were false, and that De Lima sent the letter to USCIS hoping that the federal government would arrest his ex-wife’s boyfriend. During a subsequent interview with law enforcement in September 2018, De Lima falsely denied any knowledge about the unsigned letter sent to USCIS.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement. The case was investigated by the FBI Boston Joint Terrorism Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney George P. Varghese of Lelling’s National Security Unit prosecuted the case.
Texas Deputy Sheriff Arrested for Cyberstalking MinorRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A law enforcement officer from Texas has been charged in federal court in Worcester for cyberstalking a minor female residing in Worcester County.
Pasquale T. Salas, 25, a/k/a Gino, a deputy sheriff with the Matagorda County Sheriff’s Office, was arrested in Bay City, Texas, this morning. He will appear in federal court in the Southern District of Texas tomorrow and will appear in federal court in Worcester at a later date.
According to the charging document, Salas met the victim through an online video game website in 2014, when the minor was 12 years old. Salas and the girl communicated on a private chat room and then moved those communications to various other platforms, including text messaging, Skype and Snapchat. Salas repeatedly solicited the minor to transmit sexually explicit images and videos of herself.
Beginning as early as 2016, it is alleged that Salas intimidated the victim into maintaining contact with him and sending additional sexually explicit material by threatening that he would publish the minor’s sexually explicit images and videos to her family and her friends. As recently as May 2019, when the victim attempted to terminate contact with Salas, he repeatedly sent threatening communications to the victim, using web-based applications to disguise the source of the communications.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns, or information about this case should contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 617-748-3274.
The charge of cyberstalking carries a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on 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 Douglas Police Chief Nick Miglionico made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Houston Field Office, the Matagorda (Texas) County Sheriff’s Office, and the Worcester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Noto from Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
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.
Springfield Man Sentenced for Narcotics TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Springfield man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for narcotics offenses related to his involvement in a drug trafficking organization that trafficked heroin and crack cocaine from Massachusetts to Vermont.
Oscar Rosario, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to four years in prison and four years of supervised release. In May 2019, Rosario pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine, and two counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine.
Rosario and seven others were charged in a superseding indictment on Dec. 21, 2018. Co-defendants Dinelson Dinzey, 35, Joshua Foster, 41, Tracy Parsons, 46, Jamieson Gallas, 37, and Amanda Atkins, 35, all of Barre, VT., have pleaded guilty to related narcotics and money laundering charges. Co-defendants Nia Moore-Bush, a/k/a Nia Dinzey, 28, and Daphne Moore, 55, of Springfield, have pleaded not guilty and are awaiting trial. Luis Niko Santos, 24, also of Springfield, remains a fugitive.
According to court documents, Moore-Bush and Dinzey obtained narcotics in the Springfield area, transported the drugs to Vermont themselves or via couriers, and distributed the drugs in the Barre area, where drug prices are much higher than in Springfield. Rosario pleaded guilty to supplying Moore-Bush and Dinzey with heroin, including on two specific dates: Nov. 17, 2017, and Dec. 8, 2017.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New England Field Division, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Internal Revenue Services, Criminal Investigations, Boston Field Office, the ATF’s Burlington (VT) Field Office, the Massachusetts State Police, the Vermont State Police, and the Montpelier and Barre (VT) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katharine A. Wagner of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Harman Burkart of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Haitian National Charged with Being A Felon in Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Haitian national was charged today in federal court in Boston with illegally possessing a firearm.
Joquentz Constant, 23, a Haitian national residing in Dorchester, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Constant was arrested and charged in January 2019 and has been in custody since.
According to court documents, on Aug. 25, 2018, Constant was found to be in possession of a black Regent. 32 caliber revolver bearing obliterated model and serial numbers and containing five rounds of PPU .32 caliber ammunition and one round of WIN .32 caliber ammunition. Due to prior convictions punishable by more than one year in jail, Constant is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
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 or twice the gross gain or loss. Constant will be subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins; and Boston Police Commissioner William Gross made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie A. Queenin of Lelling’s Criminal Division 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.
Fitchburg Woman Indicted for Social Security, MassHealth and Food Stamp FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Fitchburg woman was arrested yesterday and charged in federal court in Boston with fraudulently receiving Social Security disability benefits, MassHealth, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Rhonda Bernal, 60, was charged with three counts of theft of public funds and two counts of making false statements. She appeared before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Jennifer Boal and was released on conditions.
According to the indictment, over a period of approximately eight years, Bernal stole $71,462 in Social Security benefits, $6,444 in MassHealth benefits, and $13,505 in SNAP benefits (previously known as Food Stamps). In February 2015, she allegedly falsely informed the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance that she was the only person in her household when, in fact, she was living with her husband. In addition, Bernal allegedly falsely told Social Security in April 2016 that she and a relative, who was not her husband, were the only members of her household.
The charges of theft of public funds provide for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charges of making false statements provide for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s Boston Regional Office; and Suzanne M. Bump, State Auditor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Postal Service Employee Pleads Guilty to EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employee pleaded guilty today to embezzling over $20,000 in payments from customers for money orders and stamps.
Austin Correia, 22, of New Bedford, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of embezzlement and theft of public money, property or records. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Nov. 20, 2019. In June 2019, Correia was charged by indictment and arrested.
Correia began working for USPS at the end of 2017 as a Sales & Service Distribution Associate at both the Mount Pleasant and Coffin Station Post Offices in New Bedford. In this role, Correia had the ability to issue foreign and domestic postal money orders and sell stamps to customers. Correia engaged in a scheme in which he received a cash payment from customers to purchase stamps or money orders, but voided out the valid transactions to make it appear as if they did not occur. Correia provided the customer with the USPS product, but took the cash payment for his own personal use either by pocketing the money or by purchasing gift cards sold at the Post Office. In total, Correia embezzled over $20,000 from USPS.
The charging statute provides a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. According to the terms of the plea agreement, the government will recommend a sentence of two years of probation with the first six months to be served in home confinement, 25 hours of community service and restitution in the amount of $20,584. 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 Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Office, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia M. Carris of Lelling’s Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.
Eleven Arraigned in Wide-Ranging Cape Cod Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Eleven Cape Cod and Rhode Island residents were arraigned yesterday in federal court in Boston on a multi-count indictment charging them with participating in a wide-ranging heroin trafficking conspiracy.
- Edwin Otero, 29, of Hyannis, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and discharging a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime;
- Justin Joseph, 32, of Pawtucket, R.I., was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and discharging a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime;
- Krymeii Fray, 23, of Hyannis, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin;
- Tony Johnson, 35, of Hyannis, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin;
- Anthony Basilici, 35, of Pawtucket, R.I., was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin and discharging a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime;
- Vinicius Zangrande, 35, of Centerville, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin;
- Brooke Cotell, 25, of Hyannis, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin;
- Ronny Baams, 37, of South Yarmouth, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin;
- Eric Brando, 27, of Osterville, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin;
- Joshua Johnson, 31, of Mashpee, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin; and
- Kimberly Lopes, 49, of Hyannis, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin.
According to court documents, in 2018, federal, state and local law enforcement began an investigation focusing on Edwin Otero, the alleged leader of a Cape Cod-wide drug trafficking organization. It is alleged that Otero and his co-conspirators distributed large quantities of heroin throughout Cape Cod - including Hyannis, Mashpee, Centerville, and Osterville, and Pawtucket, R.I. Interceptions from Otero’s cellphones identified 10 other members of his drug trafficking organization, such as Joseph, who is alleged to be Otero’s top lieutenant; Lopes, Otero’s mother, who distributed heroin for Otero; and Basilici and Zangrande, other key members of the Otero drug cell. In addition, interceptions identified other drug traffickers supplied by Otero, including Fray, Cotell (who is still on federal supervised release from a 2017 heroin conviction), Baams, Tony Johnson, Joshua Johnson, and Brando.
On May 8, 2019, Otero, Joseph and Basilici were allegedly involved in a shooting at Fray’s residence related to a drug debt Fray allegedly owed Otero. After the shooting, agents intercepted Otero discussing the fact that he had shot at Fray. Otero, Joseph and Basilici were also allegedly speaking in code about finding and hiding guns used in the shooting.
Each of the 11 defendants were initially charged by criminal complaint on May 20, 2019. As a result of multiple searches, agents seized heroin, oxycodone, packaging materials, scales, a finger press, cash, and three firearms, including a 9 millimeter assault-type weapon, at Otero’s grandmother’s residence that fit an ammunition clip recovered from Fray’s home on the night of the May 8 shooting.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin carries 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 $5 million. Joseph and Tony Johnson face enhanced 10-year mandatory minimum sentences and the possibility of life in prison due to prior drug convictions for which they served more than one year in prison. The charge of conspiracy to distribute heroin carries a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. Cotell and Brando face an enhanced maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and at least six years of supervised release due to prior drug convictions. The charge of discharging a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed on the drug trafficking counts, at least five 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; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Barnstable Police Chief Paul MacDonald made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl and Lauren Graber of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit are 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.
Convicted Money Launderer Indicted for Fraudulent SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Hingham man who was convicted earlier this year of money laundering has been indicted by a federal grand jury on new charges of wire fraud, unlawful monetary transactions and money laundering conspiracy.
Yannick A. Minang, 26, was arrested on July 1, 2019, and charged by criminal complaint with one count of international money laundering conspiracy. Today, Minang was indicted on five counts of wire fraud, one count of unlawful monetary transactions and one count of money laundering conspiracy.
Earlier this year, Minang pleaded guilty to a five-count indictment for his role in a similar business email compromise (BEC) scheme in 2017. Minang is scheduled to be sentenced on those charges on Sept. 24, 2019, before U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor.
As alleged in today’s indictment, Minang conspired with others to open numerous bank accounts in Massachusetts in the name of sham companies, as part of an apparent BEC scheme, which is a sophisticated scam often targeting businesses involved in wire transfer payments. The fraud is carried out by compromising and/or “spoofing” legitimate business email accounts through social engineering or computer intrusion techniques to cause employees of the victim company (or other individuals involved in legitimate business transactions) to transfer funds to accounts controlled by the scammers.
Through the use of fraudulent invoices and spoofed email accounts, Minang allegedly conspired to trick the victims of the scheme into wiring hundreds of thousands of dollars to bank accounts under his control. Minang and his co-conspirators then transferred funds from the accounts to others located overseas.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of the greater of either $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss. The charge of unlawful monetary transactions provides for a sentence of up to10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of the greater of either $250,000 or twice the value of the criminally derived property. The charge of money laundering conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $500,000 or twice the amount involved in the transaction, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys William B. Brady, of Lelling’s Criminal Division, and Jordi de Llano, Deputy Chief of Lelling’s Securities & Financial Fraud Unit, are 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.
Pittsfield Man Sentenced for Failing to Register as A Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Pittsfield man was sentenced in federal court in Springfield yesterday for failing to register as a sex offender.
Anthony Robertson, 37, was sentenced to two years in prison and eight years of supervised release. In May 2019, Robertson pleaded guilty to one count of failure to register as a sex offender. Robertson was arrested and charged in February 2018 and has been in custody since.
In 2001, Robertson was convicted of second degree rape, and in 2006, he was convicted of third degree rape. As a result, Robertson is required to register as a sex offender and has received many notices of his obligation to register. In 2014, he was convicted in a New York state court of failure to register as a sex offender. In approximately May 2017, Robertson traveled from New York to Pittsfield, where he established residence. In June 2017, Robertson was told by a New York detective that he was wanted for failing to register as a sex offender in New York, and was told to turn himself in. Robertson neither turned himself in, nor did he register as a sex offender in Massachusetts until after he was arrested on Aug. 25, 2017, on unrelated drug and firearm charges.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and John Gibbons, United States Marshal for the District of Massachusetts, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Pennsylvania Man Sentenced for International Email Impersonation and Fraud ScamRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Pennsylvania man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with a scam in which he and co-conspirators defrauded victims by pretending to be employees of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Frank Gregory Cedeno, 28, of Mahanoy City, Penn., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Senior Judge George A. O’Toole, Jr. to three years in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $366,552 in restitution. In December 2018, Cedeno pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
From at least April 2016 through January 2018, Cedeno conspired with others to defraud victims by pretending to be employees of the SEC, demanding money from victims and directing them to send it to members of the conspiracy, including Cedeno, who was then living in Ocoee, Fla. The conspirators who received the money generally withdrew it from bank accounts quickly, then forwarded much of it to individuals in the Dominican Republic. In one common version of the scam, victims received e-mails that used official-seeming documentation and the SEC seal to induce the victim to pay a fee in order to receive a portion of a legal settlement. In another version, victims received e-mails and official-seeming documents labeling the victim a defendant in a civil lawsuit, in which the victim owed tens of thousands of dollars in supposed disgorgement, penalties and fees. The documents gave the victim a choice of either appearing in court to contest the lawsuit or paying a smaller fee.
In August 2018, co-conspirator Leonel Alexis Valerio Santana, 30, of Boston, was sentenced to 63 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution of $105,869 after pleading guilty to his role in the scheme.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Carl W. Hoecker, Inspector General of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Office of Inspector General; and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian A. Pérez-Daple of Lelling’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
North Andover Woman Indicted for Performing Illegal Silicone InjectionsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A federal grand jury has indicted a North Andover woman in connection with offering illegal silicone injections in exchange for money.
Gladys Araceli Ceron, 71, was indicted on four counts of delivery for pay of an adulterated or misbranded medical device received in interstate commerce with the intent to defraud or mislead. Ceron will appear before U.S. Magistrate Court Judge Donald L. Cabell on Aug. 8, 2019. Ceron was previously charged by criminal complaint on May 15, 2019.
According to the charging documents, Ceron, who operated her business in Lawrence, has been obtaining “gluteal material” from a source in Florida for over eight years. During a search executed at the source’s residence in 2016, plastic bottles of suspected cosmetic silicone fillers were sized. Lab tests subsequently confirmed that those fillers contained silicone oil, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns can travel through blood vessels and cause a stroke, death or permanent disfigurement.
In 2018, a cooperating witness working with agents began making recorded phone calls to Ceron in order to arrange for buttock enhancing and facial injections. During a recorded meeting on May 24, 2018, Ceron allegedly told the cooperating witness that she charges $500 for buttock injections and $60 for each wrinkle-filling injection. A search of Ceron’s business in Lawrence in June 2018 resulted in the seizure of several bottles and syringes of a substance that tests revealed to be silicone oil. Numerous uncapped, used, syringes were also recovered from the business.
The indictment further alleges that Ceron performed illegal injections to augment the buttock or fill wrinkles of three other women in exchange for money, and that she misled her victims about her qualifications, and the identity and safety of the material that she was injecting.
Members of the public who believe they may be a victim of this crime should contact [email protected].
The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to three 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; Derek Roy, Resident Agent in Charge of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, Metro Washington Field Office; and Justin D. Green, Special Agent in Charge of the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations’ Miami Field Office, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Y. Hemani of Lelling’s Health Care Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
California Man Pleads Guilty to Sending Death Threats to Dozens of Professional and College AthletesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former college soccer player pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to sending death threats to at least 45 professional and collegiate athletes between July and December 2017.
Addison Choi, 23, of Fullerton, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of transmitting in interstate and foreign commerce a threat to injure the person of another. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Nov. 1, 2019. Choi was charged in May 2019.
In 2017 Choi attended college in Wellesley where he played varsity soccer. He also gambled prolifically on sports, both professional and collegiate, and he lost more than he won. When the players or teams that he bet on performed poorly, Choi used Instagram to send them death threats. For example, on July 27, 2017, Choi posted on one professional athlete’s Instagram account: “I will kill you and your family and f****** hang them on a tree you stupid ugly mother*****” and also “I hope you f****** die you stupid monkey n*****.” On the same day, Choi posted on another athlete’s Instagram account: “I’ll find your f****** family and skin them alive you stupid f***, I hope you never play again.” Choi also posted threats on the accounts of athletes’ loved ones.
In another instance, Choi posted on the Instagram page of a professional athlete’s girlfriend, “You stupid mother***** [name], you worthless f***. I will f****** kill you,” and “I will f****** kill [name] you dumb f****** bitch… leave that irrelevant stupid mother*****.”
Between July 2017 and December 2017, Choi allegedly posted threats to at least 45 different Instagram accounts, with multiple threats to each account and often multiple targets per threat.
Choi faces a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, restitution and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott L. Garland, of Lelling’s Civil Rights Enforcement Team, and Gregory J. Dorchak, of Lelling’s Civil Rights Unit, are prosecuting the case.
Attleboro Man Who Trafficked Handguns from Georgia to Massachusetts Arrested on Federal ChargeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Attleboro man has been charged in federal court in Boston in connection with firearms trafficking.
Richard Philippe, 40, was charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition. On July 5, 2019, Philippe was arrested on separate charges and has been in custody since.
According to the charging documents, an individual who purchased large quantities of handguns in Georgia had been selling handguns to Philippe, who then transported the guns back to Massachusetts to sell. Philippe was not a Federal Firearm Licensee and was not permitted to deal firearms. Furthermore, Philippe has a prior felony firearm conviction and is not permitted to possess any firearm or ammunition. It is alleged that the individual in Georgia sold more than 100 firearms to Philippe between April and June 2019.
On July 5, 2019, federal agents executed a search warrant at a warehouse in Taunton used by Philippe and located 144 rounds of ammunition and empty firearm boxes with labels tying them to firearms that had been purchased by the individual in Georgia.
The charge of possessing ammunition after being convicted of a felony carries 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 and Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and Brockton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely, Deputy Chief of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit, is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Providence Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Providence man pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston yesterday in connection with a fentanyl conspiracy.
Dario Bier Romero, 28, of Providence, R.I., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Romero and co-defendant Gerson Franco Guerrero were arrested in June 2018 and have been in custody since their arrests.
On June 21, 2018, approximately three kilograms of fentanyl were seized from Romero and Guerrero during a federal investigation. During the execution of a search warrant at Romero’s residence in Providence, investigators seized an additional kilogram of fentanyl and drug packaging paraphernalia.
Guerrero has pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced today.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl carries a minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew Lelling and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Division, made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and Woburn and Providence (R.I.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
Former Owner/Operator of Fall River Glass Company Sentenced for Federal Payroll Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former owner of a now closed Fall River-based glass company was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for failing to report and pay to the IRS taxes he had withheld from his company’s employees.
Moses Rapoza, 83, of Lakeville, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to three years of probation with the first six months to be served in home detention on electronic monitoring and ordered to pay $327,218 in restitution and a $1200 special assessment. In March 2019, Rapoza pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return and 11 counts of failing to pay over to the IRS the taxes he withheld from employee wages.
Rapoza was described as the former owner and operator of Global Specialty Glass Contractors Inc., a glass installation business previously located in Fall River. For every calendar quarter from 2011 through 2014, Rapoza withheld income taxes and Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes from wages he paid to his employees, but failed to pay those taxes to the IRS on behalf of the employees. In addition, Rapoza filed a false Form 941 tax return with the IRS, knowing that it understated the amount of wages he had paid to employees.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling 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 Victor A. Wild of Lelling’s Security and Financial Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Dracut Man Convicted of Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dracut man was convicted yesterday by a federal jury in Boston of sex trafficking four different victims out of his residences in Dracut and Malden.
Reginald Abraham, 51, was convicted of four counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. U.S. District Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Nov. 20, 2019. Abraham was charged and arrested on Sept. 6, 2017, and has been in federal custody since.
Law enforcement began investigating Abraham in January 2017 after learning about his trafficking operations from several victims. Abraham approached his victims, usually through social media, and began communicating with them in an effort to convince them to live with him. He eventually picked up his victims, all from Maine, and drove them to his residence in Malden, and later Dracut. After arriving at his home, Abraham forced the women into prostitution throughout New England. He maintained his control over these victims through the use of physical violence, threats, rape, and the giving and withholding of drugs, including heroin and crack cocaine. Abraham trafficked the victims from 2012 through 2016.
The charge of sex trafficking through force, fraud, or coercion provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to life in prison, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Portland (Maine) Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Dracut and Portland Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leah B. Foley and Stephen W. Hassink of Lelling’s Civil Rights Enforcement Team are prosecuting the case.
Inmate Sentenced for Murder-For-Hire SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An inmate was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with a murder-for-hire scheme.
Mason Stickney, 21, of Byfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 90 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In March 2019, Stickney pleaded guilty to three counts of using a facility of interstate commerce in the commission of murder-for-hire. Stickney was indicted in November 2017; he is currently in state custody on unrelated charges.
In October 2017, Stickney, who was in custody at the Essex County House of Corrections, approached a fellow inmate and solicited his assistance in the murders of a police officer, a restaurateur from New Hampshire and a student. The fellow inmate reported Stickney’s solicitation to authorities. Thereafter, at the request of investigators, the inmate provided Stickney with the phone number of a would-be hitman, who was actually an undercover agent.
In recorded conversations between Nov. 3 and Nov. 8, 2017, both on the phone and in person at the jail, Stickney described to the undercover agent the individuals he wanted killed and how he wanted the murders committed. Stickney promised to pay the undercover agent $10,000 upon his release from jail, as well as to “get rid of three people for you guys.”
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Essex County Sheriff Kevin F. Coppinger made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Richardson of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Former Owner of Giovanni’s Roast Beef & Pizza Pleads Guilty to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former owner of Giovanni’s Roast Beef & Pizza in Saugus pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to failing to report $800,000 in corporate and personal income to the IRS.
Steve Konis, 70, pleaded guilty to two counts of aiding and assisting in filing false corporate tax returns. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock scheduled sentencing for Oct. 24, 2019.
Konis was the sole owner of Giovanni’s Roast Beef & Pizza in Saugus. From 2012 through October 2016, Konis underreported the gross receipts of Giovanni’s in order to reduce the federal income taxes owed by Konis and Giovanni’s. Konis accomplished this by diverting some of the restaurant’s cash receipts for his own benefit, paying for some supplies with cash, and paying a portion of his employees’ wages in cash. In addition, Konis failed to report all of Giovanni’s business expenses in order to make the false gross receipts he reported appear more realistic. As a result, Konis failed to report on cash receipts totaling approximately $800,000 and cash expenses of $312,000 on Giovanni’s tax returns. As a result, for tax years 2012 through 2015, Konis avoided paying corporate and personal taxes totaling $178,169.
The charge of aiding and assisting the filing of false tax returns provides for a sentence of no greater than 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 upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Balthazard of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Dominican National Sentenced for Laundering Nearly $1 Million in Fraudulently Obtained IRS Refund ChecksRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for laundering close to $1 million in fraudulently obtained IRS refund checks using 11 different bank accounts at five different banks.
Francisco Oscar “Frank” Grullon, 52, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 84 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution of $1.6 million. Grullon will face deportation proceedings following the completion of his sentence. In April 2019 Grullon was convicted, following a six-day jury trial, of one count of conspiracy, 15 counts of theft or conversion of United States property and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Grullon was arrested in the Dominican Republic and extradited to the United States in 2018.
Grullon conspired with an attorney R. David Cohen, who, in 2016, was convicted for his role in the scheme, to deposit and launder over 100 fraudulently obtained tax refund checks. The checks were based on fraudulent tax returns with false W-2 information, usually using the name and Social Security number of a resident of Puerto Rico, where residents are not required to file federal income tax returns. Once the fraudulent returns were accepted by the IRS, refund checks were sent to addresses in Lawrence, East Boston and New York.
From October 2011 until November 2013, Grullon and his co-conspirators obtained and negotiated more than $1.6 million in fraudulent checks, including nearly $1 million in checks that were the product of fraudulent tax refunds. Grullon and his co-conspirators deposited the checks into bank accounts in the name of a front company, AD Professional Association Inc., and in co-conspirator R. David Cohen’s attorney client trust accounts. When questioned by bank officials about the suspicious quantity of U.S. Treasury checks, Grullon falsely claimed that he was depositing them as a favor for friends and that he had a check-cashing license. Later, after their bank accounts were closed by several banks, Grullon and Cohen recruited a third co-conspirator and directed him to open accounts for AD Professional Association Inc., deposit more than $500,000 in treasury checks, and make hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash withdrawals.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Stephen A. Marks, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elysa Q. Wan of Lelling’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Social Security Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national residing in Lawrence was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for Social Security fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Santo Jesus Gonzalez Villar, 49, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to two years and one day in prison and two years of supervised release. Gonzalez Villar will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. In May 2019, Gonzalez Villar pleaded guilty to one count of false representation of a Social Security number and one count of aggravated identity theft. He 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 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 June 20, 2018, Gonzalez Villar submitted an Asbestos Worker Application with the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards using the name and Social Security number of a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico. He presented a Massachusetts driver’s license in the other person’s name bearing his photograph, a document he had obtained fraudulently, as proof of his identity. Based on the application and supporting identity document, Gonzalez Villar was issued an Asbestos Worker Identification Card in the name of the U.S. citizen. Gonzalez Villar also used the name and Social Security number of a U.S. citizen to obtain driver’s licenses and 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.
Career Criminal Charged with Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A career criminal still on supervised release from a previous federal drug trafficking conviction was indicted on new drug trafficking and firearm charges today.
Damien Bynoe, 44, of Roxbury, was indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine. Bynoe was arrested on Jan. 18, 2019, and has been in custody since, pending a final hearing for a supervised release violation.
According to court documents, on Jan. 18, 2019, law enforcement officers seized a loaded gun, heroin and cocaine from an apartment in Roxbury tied to Bynoe and additional amounts of heroin and cocaine from Bynoe himself.
In 2009, Bynoe was convicted in federal court in Boston of distribution of cocaine base within 1000 feet of a school. For that offense, Bynoe was sentenced to six years in prison and placed on supervised release for six years. Bynoe was still on supervised release from this earlier federal conviction when he was arrested with the gun and drugs charged in today’s indictment. Bynoe’s criminal record also includes a 2007 conviction for assault with a firearm; a 2001 conviction for distribution of cocaine in a school zone, for which he served five years in prison; and a 1991 juvenile delinquency adjudication for murder and unlawful possession of a firearm, where Bynoe shot and killed two teenagers on a Roxbury street.
On the felon in possession of a firearm charge, based on his prior criminal record, Bynoe faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to life in prison, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew Lelling; Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New England Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner William Gross made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Pohl of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering 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.
California Businessman Pleads Guilty in College Admissions CaseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A California businessman has pleaded guilty in connection with a scheme to use bribery and other forms of fraud to facilitate his son’s admission to the University of Southern California (USC) as a purported athletic recruit.
Jeffrey Bizzack, 59, of Solana Beach, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock scheduled sentencing for Oct. 30, 2019. According to the terms of the plea agreement, the government will recommend a sentence of nine months in prison, one year of supervised release, a fine of $75,000 and restitution. Bizzack was charged in June 2019.
According to the charging documents, Bizzack agreed with William “Rick” Singer and others to pay an amount, ultimately totaling $250,000, to facilitate the admission of Bizzack’s son to USC as a purported volleyball recruit, when in fact he was not.
Case information, including the status of each defendant, charging documents and plea agreements are available here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/investigations-college-admissions-and-testing-bribery-scheme.
The charge of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud provides for a maximum sentence of 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. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric S. Rosen, Justin D. O’Connell, Leslie A. Wright and Kristen A. Kearney of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit are prosecuting the cases.
The details contained in the court documents are allegations and the remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Brockton Man Sentenced for Selling CocaineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for distributing crack cocaine.
Tyrone Smith, 32, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Dennis Saylor to 28 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In May 2019, Smith pleaded guilty to distributing cocaine base (a/k/a crack cocaine).
This case was part of Operation Landshark, a federal investigation that targeted impact players and repeat offenders in Brockton and Boston, each who have prior convictions for acts of violence, firearm offenses and/or drug trafficking. It is alleged that many of the Operation Landshark targets are in the top 30 criminal offenders responsible for violent acts and firearms in Brockton.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz; Suffolk County District Attorney Rachel Rollins; Boston Police Commissioner William Gross; and Brockton Police Chief John Crowley made the announcement today. The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s North Shore Gang Task Force and Southeastern Massachusetts Gang Task Force. Valuable assistance was provided by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Plymouth and Essex County Sheriff’s Offices; Massachusetts Department of Corrections; U.S. Parole Commission; U.S. Postal Inspection Services; and the U.S. Secret Service.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Transporting a Minor for ProstitutionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to transporting a minor for prostitution.
Corey Smith, 35, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Senior Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. to one count of transportation of a minor for purposes of prostitution and two counts of transportation of an individual with intent to engage in prostitution. According to the terms of the plea agreement, the parties recommend a sentence of 146 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Judge O’Toole deferred acceptance of the plea and scheduled sentencing for Oct. 24, 2019.
Between January 2015 and March 2015, Smith transported a minor girl between Massachusetts, Georgia, and Connecticut, with the intent that she would engage in prostitution. Between November 2014 to June 2015, Smith transported another woman between Massachusetts, Georgia, and Connecticut with the intent that she would engage in prostitution, and used force and threats to coerce her to do so. Smith transported a third woman between Massachusetts and Connecticut with the intent that she would engage in prostitution between January and February 2015.
The charge of transportation of a minor for purposes of prostitution provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to a lifetime in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of transportation for purposes of prostitution provides for a sentence of 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 upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Moran of Lelling’s Civil Rights Enforcement Team is prosecuting the case.
High School Teacher Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Narraganset School District high school math teacher pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to receipt and possession of child pornography.
Warren Anderson, 27, of Lowell and Harvard, pleaded guilty to one count each of receipt and possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Oct. 16, 2019.
As part of an ongoing investigation into the online trade of child pornography through the use of Kik messenger, law enforcement interviewed Anderson in August 2018. Anderson admitted accessing sites on the dark web to obtain child pornography, and forensic analysis of his computers revealed that he had thousands of files of child pornography, and that he had used both Kik and a dark web-based messaging platform to discuss and trade child pornography.
The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Both charges also provide for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the Harvard and Templeton Police Departments. 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 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/.
Former Bedford VA Nursing Assistant Charged with Making False StatementsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former nursing assistant at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Bedford was charged today in federal court in Boston for making false statements to federal agents in connection with an investigation of a patient’s death.
Patricia A. Waible, 52, of Nashua, N.H., was charged in an Information and agreed to plead guilty to two counts of making false statements. Waible will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
As alleged in court documents, on July 3, 2016, Waible, a nursing assistant, worked the overnight shift from midnight to 8:00 a.m. at the Bedford VA’s nursing home unit. During the shift, Waible’s responsibilities included conducting hourly bed checks to check on patients’ breathing. Early that morning, a patient who suffered from several serious medical ailments was found unresponsive and not breathing. The patient was transferred by ambulance to an emergency room, where he was later pronounced dead. During the ensuing investigation, on two separate occasions, Waible falsely stated to federal agents that she had conducted the hourly checks on the patient during her shift.
The charge of making false statements provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Sean Smith, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda P.M. Strachan, Chief of Lelling’s Health Care Fraud Unit, and William B. Brady, also of Lelling’s Health Care Fraud Unit, are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Stoneham Man Charged with Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Stoneham man was charged in federal court in Boston today in connection with drug trafficking activities involving fentanyl.
Alexis Baez, 52, was charged in an Information with 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. Baez was previously charged by criminal complaint and arrested on April 26, 2019. He has been in custody since his arrest.
According to court records, 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 over 400 grams of fentanyl carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least 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 the 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.
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.
Dominican National Sentenced to Prison for Misusing Social Security Number and Stealing Government BenefitsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for false representation of a Social Security number and theft of public money.
Noemi Mejia, 51, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to one year and one day in prison, two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $164,987 in restitution. Mejia will be subject to deportation upon completion of her sentence. In April 2019, Mejia pleaded guilty to false representation of a Social Security number and theft of public money. Mejia was charged in May 2018 and released on conditions.
In August 2001, Mejia applied to participate in the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Section 8 Program, which is administered by the Boston Housing Authority, using the name, Social Security number, and date of birth of a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico. By falsely claiming that she was a U.S. citizen, Mejia was deemed eligible to receive Section 8 benefits. Mejia also applied for MassHealth benefits using the identity of a Puerto Rican citizen, which rendered her eligible for more expansive healthcare coverage. Mejia also used the stolen identity to obtain a Massachusetts driver’s license and to work.
While receiving benefits under the stolen identity, Mejia applied for and received additional Section 8 housing vouchers and food stamps using her true name. She received these benefits on behalf of her daughter, who is a United States citizen. The amount of the benefits received under these programs is determined, in part, by household income. Because Mejia did not report the income she earned using the stolen identity, she fraudulently received Section 8 benefits and food stamps in her true name.
In total, Mejia stole more than $164,000 in federally-funded housing assistance benefits, MassHealth benefits, and Food Stamps.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Christina Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General, Northeast Regional Office; Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; and 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.
Brockton Man Sentenced to Prison for Violation of Computer Fraud and Abuse ActRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with the August 2018 computer intrusion of a Massachusetts company.
Colby Anderson, 26, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to four months in prison, four months of home confinement, and two years of supervised release. The Court deferred ruling on restitution, pending further briefing. In May 2019, Anderson pleaded guilty to a violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. Anderson was charged in October 2018 and released on conditions.
In July 2018, Anderson was terminated from his position as a Network Operations Center Technician at Blueport Wireless, a high speed internet access provider. Following his termination, Anderson used his former colleagues’ account login information to delete approximately 120 customer configuration profiles, causing widespread internet service issues at customer facilities.
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 Mackenzie A. Queenin of Lelling’s Cybercrimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Two Springfield Men Plead Guilty to Roles in Large-Scale Heroin Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two Springfield men pleaded guilty in federal court in Springfield to their roles in a large-scale heroin trafficking organization.
William Brantley, 48, pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Oct. 10, 2019.
Mirelvy Vasquez, 29, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin. Judge Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Nov. 21, 2019. Brantley, Vasquez and 16 co-defendants were indicted on heroin conspiracy charges in August 2017.
Vasquez and Brantley purchased large amounts of heroin, which they then distributed to various retail-level dealers in the Springfield area, from Alberto Marte, the leader of the Springfield-based drug trafficking organization, which consisted of at least 17 members. Marte had direct contact with heroin supply sources in the Dominican Republic. On a monthly basis, members of the organization transported between eight and 20 kilograms of heroin to the Springfield area.
Brantley admitted to purchasing 300 packs - or 30,000 doses - of heroin from Marte on a number of occasions from July 2016 to September 2016. Vasquez admitted to purchasing 300 grams of heroin from Marte on various occasions beginning in January 2016 and continuing through September 2016. Vasquez then repackaged his purchases into dosage units for further distribution.
Marte and five other co-conspirators have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. The remaining defendants have pleaded not guilty.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least 10 years of supervised release and a fine of $20 million. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Division; Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Hampden County District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Acting Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood; Chicopee Police Chief William Jebb; Holyoke Police Chief Manny Febo; and West Springfield Police Chief Ronald Campurciani made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Desroches of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the cases.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Southampton Man Sentenced for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Southampton man was sentenced in federal court in Springfield today for child pornography offenses.
Bruce Singer, 72, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to eight years in prison and 15 years of supervised release. In April 2019, Singer pleaded guilty to five counts of distribution of child pornography, one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Singer was indicted in March 2017 and was released on conditions.
On various occasions between April 30, 2013, and June 25, 2015, Singer sent and received child pornography by text and email. When police searched his home in 2015, Singer possessed hundreds of images of child pornography on various electronic devices, including images of several known child victims. Singer exchanged child pornography with others, including James J. Smith, who was convicted in federal court in Springfield of distributing, transporting, receiving, and possessing child pornography. In September 2017, Smith was sentenced to 138 months in federal prison.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Northampton Police Chief Jody Kasper; and Easthampton Police Chief Robert Alberti made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office and Trial Attorney Leslie Williams Fisher of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by 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 via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Massachusetts Man Sentenced to Prison After Pleading Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
A Massachusetts man was sentenced today to eight years in prison to be followed by 15 years of supervised release for child pornography charges, announced Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling of the District of Massachusetts.
Bruce Singer, 72, of Southampton, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts in Springfield to five counts of distribution of child pornography, one count of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.
According to admissions made in connection with his plea agreement, on various occasions between April 30, 2013, and June 25, 2015, Singer sent and received child pornography by text and email. Singer engaged in the exchange of child pornography with two other people, including James Smith, a man who was convicted in 2017 in District Court in Springfield, Massachusetts, for distributing, transporting, receiving and possessing child pornography. At the time police searched his home in 2015, Singer possessed hundreds of images of child pornography on various electronic devices, including images of several known child victims.
This case was investigated by the FBI, Northampton Police Department, the Easthampton Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police. Trial Attorney Leslie Williams Fisher of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of the District of Massachusetts prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Mashpee Couple Indicted for Straw Purchase of Glock FirearmsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Mashpee couple was indicted yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with making false statements in order to purchase two firearms which can only be purchased by law enforcement officers.
Justin F. Watson, 33, and Angel Ecker, 23, were each indicted on one count of making false statements during the purchase of firearms. Watson was also charged with one count of making false statements in a record. In April 2019, Watson was charged by criminal complaint and arrested.
According to charging documents, from March 2018 to February 2019, Watson was an Institutional Security Officer/Campus Police Dispatcher with the Cape Cod Community College Police. As such, Watson neither carried a weapon nor had the power to make arrests on campus.
It is alleged that Watson ordered a Glock pistol to be delivered to a firearms dealer on Cape Cod. On Aug. 26, 2018, Watson went to the firearms dealer to pick up the Glock, Model 22, GEN4, .40 caliber pistol. Before receiving the firearm, Watson provided his Cape Cod Community College identification card, which listed him as “Campus Police” and “Faculty/Staff,” to the manager and completed a Public Safety Purchase Form identifying himself as an Institutional Security Officer.
As alleged in court documents, Watson called another firearms dealer and spoke with the store’s operator, who informed him that only law enforcement officers with the power to conduct arrests could purchase Glock Model 26 firearms. Watson said he was a police officer with authority to make arrests.
On Nov. 17, 2018, Watson went to the second firearms dealer with Ecker and spoke with a sales manager. Ecker allegedly told the sales manager that she was Watson’s boss and that Watson had authority to make arrests. Watson identified himself as a police officer to the sales manager and then purchased a Glock, Model 26, GEN4, 9mm pistol for $425. Watson completed a required ATF Form and affirmed that he was the actual buyer of the firearm. The form warned that, “If you are not the actual buyer, the dealer cannot transfer the firearm(s) to you.”
During the sale, Watson provided his Cape Cod Community College identification card and completed a certification letter indicating that he was purchasing the firearm for “on or off duty use” and not “for resale.” Watson also completed another certification form and listed himself as “Campus Police.”
It is further alleged that Watson then transferred the Glock Model 26 to Ecker on Dec. 19, 2018.
During an interview with law enforcement, Watson acknowledged that he used his Cape Cod Community College identification card when he purchased both Glock firearms. He stated he used that ID because he did not think he could purchase the firearms without it. He also acknowledged that if the firearms dealers had understood that he was not a police officer with arrest powers, they would not have sold him the firearms. Watson further stated that he knew that Ecker, a civilian, could not purchase a Glock Model 26 herself and that he purchased the firearm for her.
Straw purchases interfere with firearm regulation and recordkeeping, and federal law makes it a crime to knowingly make false statements to a firearms dealer in connection with the lawfulness of the sale.
The charging statues each provide 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 and Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division, made the announcement. Cape Cod Community College Campus Police, Barnstable Police Department and Mashpee Police Department provided assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia M. Carris of Lelling’s Public Corruption Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dorchester Man Sentenced for Role in 2016 KidnappingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dorchester man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his role in a 2016 kidnapping.
Vinh Quang Huynh, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to time served (17 months in prison), three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution of $6,300. Judge Sorokin also ordered Huynh to forfeit property including cash, jewelry and a car. In December 2018, Huynh pleaded guilty to kidnapping, conspiracy to collect extensions of credit by extortionate means and operating an illegal gambling business.
Co-defendants Quang PT Le and Kim Nguyen previously pleaded guilty to kidnapping, conspiracy to collect extensions of credit by extortionate means, and illegal gambling business. Le was sentenced to six years in prison and three years of supervised release; and Kim Nguyen was sentenced to one year and one day in prison and two years of supervised release. Co-defendant Ban Tran pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony and was sentenced to eight months in prison and one year of supervised release. In a related case, Tam V. Nguyen previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to collect extensions of credit by extortionate means and illegal gambling business and is scheduled to be sentenced in September 2019.
On Nov. 14, 2016, Le, who was armed with a knife, and Kim Nguyen kidnapped a victim from the front of the victim’s residence and drove the victim to Dorchester, where they were joined by Huynh. Huynh and Le beat the victim in an attempt to collect a gambling debt of $40,000. Huynh, Le and Nguyen then drove the victim home and demanded a payment of $10,000 the next day. Tran was present during the beating and followed the kidnappers in his car in an attempt to hide the kidnapping. The next day, the victim went to law enforcement and, under the direction of law enforcement officers, made a series of controlled, recorded payments to Le and, on two occasions, Huynh. Over the course of eight months, the victim made payments totaling $22,350 to Le. In August 2017, law enforcement arrested the defendants before the last payment was due.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Boston Police Commissioner William Gross; and Quincy Police Chief Paul Keenan made the announcement today. The Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston and Massachusetts Department of Correction assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy E. Moran of Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
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.
Yancarlos Mejia Gonzales, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Mejia Gonzales will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. In April 2019, Mejia Gonzales pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.
Between 2007 and 2008, Mejia Gonzales was arrested and convicted on three separate drug distribution matters. Following his convictions, Mejia Gonzales was ordered removed, and on Jan. 12, 2011, he was deported to the Dominican Republic. Sometime thereafter, Mejia Gonzales reentered the United States and was arrested in 2013 during the execution of a state search warrant. Mejia Gonzales was subsequently convicted in federal court in Boston of illegally reentering the United States after being deported and was sentenced to 30 months in prison. After completing his sentence, Mejia Gonzales was deported on Aug. 17, 2016. In January 2019, he was encountered by law enforcement in Massachusetts and determined again to be illegally present in the United States.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Marcos D. Charles, Acting Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations; and Boston Police Commissioner William Gross made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Danvers Man Indicted on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Danvers man was indicted yesterday in federal court on charges of distribution and possession of child pornography.
Joseph Corbett, 50, was indicted on one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Corbett was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in June 2019, and was released by the Court on conditions.
According to the charging documents, on June 14, 2019, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at Corbett’s home where they recovered an iPhone belonging to Corbett. An onsite forensic review of the phone revealed images of child pornography, including the sexual abuse of girls between the ages of 6 and 8 years old.
The distribution charge provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison. The possession charge provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison. Each charge provides for a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime 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; Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Danvers Police Chief Patrick M. Ambrose made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Lelling’s 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 identity and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
Convicted Sex Offender Charged with Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Greenfield man was charged in federal court in Springfield yesterday with sexual exploitation of children and receipt of child pornography.
Charles Fox, 44, was indicted on one count of attempted sexual exploitation of a child, two counts of sexual exploitation of a child and two counts of receipt of child pornography. Fox was arrested on June 26, 2019, and charged by criminal complaint.
It is alleged that Fox induced a minor in the Philippines to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing images of that conduct. According to court documents, Fox induced the minor through Facebook messenger and also received the pornographic images through Facebook messenger. Fox paid for the images through Western Union payments sent to the Philippines.
The charges of sexual exploitation of children and attempted sexual exploitation of a child provide for a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years and up to 50 in prison, a lifetime of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 40 years in prison, a lifetime 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 and Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Boston Man Sentenced for Laundering Nearly $500,000 in Drug ProceedsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for money laundering.
Juan Peguero, 29, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to 42 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In March 2019, Peguero pleaded guilty to two counts of money laundering. Peguero was charged in August 2018 and released on conditions.
On two occasions in 2015, Peguero transferred almost $500,000 worth of drug proceeds - over $398,000 in April and $90,000 in June.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England 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 Lauren A. Graber of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
MCI-Cedar Junction Inmate Sentenced on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An MCI-Cedar Junction inmate was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with smuggling drugs into the facility.
William Guillemette, 39, an inmate at Massachusetts Correctional Institute – Cedar Junction (MCI-CJ) in South Walpole, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to 18 months in prison to be served consecutive to the state sentence he is currently serving and three years of supervised release. In April 2019, Guillemette pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute Suboxone and Alprazolam.
In September 2018, William Guillemette was indicted along with his mother, Margaret Guillemette, 58; his wife, Lisa Guillemette, 42; and Chad Connors, 42, also an MCI-CJ inmate.
William Guillemette and Chad Connors were inmates housed at MCI-CJ’s Departmental Disciplinary Unit (DDU). Connors was involved in a romantic relationship 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. William Guillemette and Connors distributed the drugs to other inmates, who sent checks to Lisa and Margaret Guillemette as payment for the drugs. Suboxone and Alprazolam are Schedule III and Schedule IV controlled substances, respectively.
Chad Connors and Lisa Guillemette previously pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. 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.
Brockton Man Sentenced for Receiving Firearm While Under IndictmentRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for receiving a firearm while under indictment for felony offenses.
Alain Lenord, 26, a/k/a “OB,” was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti B. Saris to 37 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In April 2019, Lenord pleaded guilty to one count of receiving a firearm while under indictment for a felony offense.
On July 30, 2018, Lenord was indicted in Norfolk County with assault by means of a dangerous weapon, armed assault in a dwelling, armed home invasion, and kidnapping. On Sept. 11, 2018, Lenord was arraigned in Norfolk Superior Court and released on personal recognizance.
On Oct. 26, 2018, while the indictments were pending, law enforcement officers observed Lenord exit an apartment complex and walk toward a vehicle. As he walked, officers observed Lenord manipulating the front of his sweatshirt in a manner consistent with a holding a firearm. The officers approached Lenord, and one stated, “Hey OB.” Lenord appeared startled and then turned and ran into a wooded area. While he was running, the officers observed Lenord drop a loaded .45 caliber Glock 30 firearm that contained 10 rounds of ammunition. Lenord was apprehended and arrested by officers who approached from the other direction.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New England Field Division; Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Brockton Police Chief John Crowley made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. 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.
“John Doe” Convicted of Passport FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Roslindale man, identified only as John Doe, was convicted today by a federal jury in Boston in connection with using a U.S. citizen’s identity for more than 11 years. The U.S. citizen died in Puerto Rico in 2018.
Doe, whose true identity is unknown, was convicted by a federal jury of making a false statement on a passport application. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for Oct. 22, 2019.
On an unknown date, Doe obtained the birth certificate of a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico, and used it to obtain various identification documents, including a Social Security card, a Massachusetts liquor identification card, a Massachusetts driver’s license and a MassHealth card.
On May 14, 2008, Doe walked into a U.S. Postal Office in Roxbury and submitted a passport application with his picture attached, but used the U.S. citizen’s name and identifiers. The passport was ultimately issued. In July 2018, when the passport was about to expire, Doe sent in a passport renewal application in the false identity. In September 2018, when his renewed passport did not arrive, Doe went to the National Passport Center in Portsmouth, N.H., to check on his application. He was subsequently arrested and has remained in custody since that time.
Law enforcement began investigating Doe after he pleaded guilty to a 2010 involuntary manslaughter and assault and battery charge after throwing a glass at a young man’s neck in a Boston bar. Doe was prosecuted and served his jail time under the U.S. citizen’s identity.
The charge of making a false statement on a passport application provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration; and William B. Gannon, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Tobin and Mackenzie Queenin of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
Unlicensed Pharmacy Technician Sentenced for Working at New England Compounding CenterRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New England Compounding Center (NECC) employee was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with working as an unlicensed pharmacy technician at the compounding pharmacy in Framingham.
Scott M. Connolly, 47, of East Greenwich, R.I., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 24 months of probation. In August 2018, Connolly pleaded guilty to 10 counts of mail fraud. In December 2014, Connolly was indicted along with 13 others in connection with the 2012 nationwide fungal meningitis outbreak originating from NECC. Connolly cooperated with the government and testified during co-defendants’ trials.
Connolly was a licensed pharmacy technician from September 2007 to January 2009, when he voluntarily surrendered his license in connection with a disciplinary action against him. Under Massachusetts regulations, pharmacy technicians filling drug orders are required to be licensed. Nevertheless, Connolly was hired at NECC and worked as a pharmacy technician from 2010 through October 2012. Connolly was assigned to Clean Room 2 making cardioplegia solutions that are used to stop patients’ hearts during heart surgeries. For more than two years, Connolly produced thousands of cardioplegia solutions that were sent to customers throughout the country. Connolly’s unlicensed status was known to his supervising pharmacists, Barry Cadden, Glenn Chin, and Gene Svirskiy.
To mask his presence from regulators, Connolly used Cadden’s username and password to log into the computerized pump so that his name would not appear on any paperwork generated when he filled the cardioplegia orders. He also did not perform any of the required validation tests other pharmacy technicians were required to do. Connolly’s employment file falsely listed him as a warehouse employee.
The NECC criminal case arose from the nationwide outbreak of fungal meningitis that was traced back to contaminated vials of preservative-free methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) manufactured by NECC. The outbreak was the largest public health crisis caused by a pharmaceutical product.
In March 2017, Cadden was convicted by a federal jury of racketeering, racketeering conspiracy, mail fraud and introduction of misbranded drugs into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud and mislead. He was sentenced in June 2017 to 108 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In October 2017, Chin was convicted of the same charges and sentenced in January 2018 to eight years in prison and two years of supervised release. In December 2018, Svirskiy was convicted of racketeering, racketeering conspiracy, 10 counts of mail fraud, and two counts of introduction of adulterated drugs into interstate commerce with intent to defraud or mislead. He was sentenced in May 2019 to 30 months in prison and one year of supervised release.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; FDA Acting Commissioner Norman E. Sharpless, M.D.; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Leigh-Alistair Barzey, Special Agent in Charge, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office; Sean Smith, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division; and Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda P.M. Strachan, Chief of Lelling’s Health Care Fraud Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney George P. Varghese of Lelling’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Arizona Man Sentenced for Threatening Harvard Black Commencement Attendees in 2017Read the Press Release
BOSTON – An Arizona man was sentenced today in connection with posting threats to bomb Harvard and shoot attendees at the Black Commencement event held in May 2017.
Nicholas Zuckerman, 25, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to 15 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In February 2019, Zuckerman pleaded guilty to two counts of transmitting in interstate and foreign commerce a threat to injure the person of another.
“The divisiveness of our public discourse does not excuse making any group of people feel unsafe,” said United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling. “We will investigate all threats that cross the line of free speech and infringe on the safety and security of members of our community, especially when those threats are based on race or other immutable characteristics.”
“It’s sadly ironic that Nicholas Zuckerman would turn his chilling threats of mass destruction and vile words against graduates at Harvard University, an institution that has molded some of our greatest orators. Let today’s sentence serve as a lesson to all that no hate monger hiding behind a social-media pseudonym can stop others from celebrating the diversity of some of our area’s best and brightest minds,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.
On or about May 13, 2017, Zuckerman commented on a post published to Harvard University’s Instagram account, saying: “If the blacks only ceremony happens, then I encourage violence and death at it. I’m thinking two automatics with extendo clips. Just so no n***** gets away.” It is further alleged that on that same date, Zuckerman posted a comment to another Harvard Instagram post, saying: “#bombharvard and end their pro-black agenda.” Several minutes later, Zuckerman commented “#bombharvard” on other users’ posts approximately 11 times over a span of four minutes.
A concerned citizen who saw the posts reported them to the Harvard University Police, who ultimately referred the case to federal authorities.
U.S. Attorney Lelling, FBI SAC Bonavolonta, and Harvard University Chief of Police Francis D. Riley made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anne Paruti and Scott Garland of Lelling’s Civil Rights Enforcement Team prosecuted the case.
Acton Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Acton woman pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to stealing Social Security benefits intended for her children.
Elizabeth Smith, 40, pleaded guilty to three counts of theft of public funds and two counts of making false statements. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for Oct. 24, 2019. Smith was charged and arrested in September 2018.
From October 2012 through October 2015, Smith stole Social Security benefits that were paid to her on behalf of her three children. In August 2014, Smith fraudulently told Social Security that she used all of the money she received on behalf of her children for their care and support, despite the fact that her children were no longer in her care, but in the custody of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. Smith stole approximately $74,464.50 in Social Security benefits.
The charges of theft of public funds provide for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The making false statements charges provide for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and 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. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Kansas Sex Offender Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A previously convicted sex offender was sentenced today in federal court in Boston to 30 years in prison for distributing child pornography.
Christopher Saemisch, 61, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. to 30 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release. In March 2019, a federal jury convicted Saemisch of distributing child pornography to a currently incarcerated federal inmate.
In 1997, Saemisch was convicted in federal court for conspiring to sexually exploit children, aiding and abetting the sexual exploitation of children, conspiring to distribute and receive child pornography, and distributing and receiving child pornography. He was also convicted by a Kansas court in 1999 for aggravated indecent liberties with a child under 14.
In April 2016, agents received information from a federal inmate that Saemisch, who at the time was living in Kansas City, Kansas, admitted to looking at and storing child pornography and wanting to travel to Europe to have sex with children. Saemisch boasted to the inmate about his access to children and his new job babysitting four children.
During the inmate’s communications with Saemisch, they used special coded language to discuss the collection and distribution of child pornography. The inmate confirmed that he and Saemisch used the code word “antiques,” when referring to child pornography and the code word “puppies,” to refer to children.
On May 3, 2016, agents, pretending to be the inmate, began communicating with Saemisch. During the monitored conversations on various messaging apps and web platforms, Saemisch directed the undercover agents to set-up accounts to receive and exchange child pornography. He also sent them child pornography that he had stored on various file storage sites. Saemisch was arrested on May 6, 2016, while attending an event at a nudist campsite.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and J. Ray Ormond, Northeast Regional Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, made the announcement. Assistance was also provided by the United States Attorney’s Office in the District of Kansas, as well as the Johnson County and Leavenworth County Sheriffs’ Departments in Kansas. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jordi de Llano, James Herbert and Anne Paruti of Lelling’s Criminal Division prosecuted 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 Criminal Division’s CEOS, 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/.
Georgia Man Pleads Guilty to Social Security and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Georgia man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Springfield in connection with his submission of a fraudulent application for employment at a Western Massachusetts hospital.
Fabrizio I. Pluchino, a/k/a “Fabrizio Pulchino,” 56, pleaded guilty to one count of using a falsely obtained Social Security number and one count of wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Oct. 8, 2019. Pluchino was arrested and charged federally in November 2018 and has been in custody since.
Pluchino was assigned a Social Security number in 1988 and subsequently falsely obtained two additional Social Security numbers in 1991 and 2000, respectively. Around November 2013, Pluchino used one of his falsely obtained Social Security numbers on pre-employment documents when he applied to be a cardiac surgical technologist at a Western Massachusetts hospital. He also falsely represented his work history and provided two false employment references. As a result, the hospital hired Pluchino for the position and paid Pluchino more than $190,000 in wages during his employment.
The charge of use of a falsely obtained Social Security number provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 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; Jeffrey Ebersole, Special Agent in Charge of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office; 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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Deepika Bains Shukla of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.