District of Massachusetts
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Misusing U.S. Passport and Stealing Government BenefitsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to multiple federal charges.
Daniel Polonia Morillo, 57, a Dominican national residing in Lawrence, pleaded guilty to false statement on an application for Social Security benefits, false statement in an application and use of a passport, and theft of public money. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Aug. 28, 2019.
In December 2016, Polonia Morillo used the name, Social Security number, and date of birth of a U.S. citizen to apply for Social Security benefits. At the time he applied, Polonia Morillo produced a United States passport in the other person’s name as proof of his identity. In addition, Polonia Morillo used the identity of the U.S. citizen to obtain Medicaid benefits from March 2012 through October 2018, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) benefits from April 2015 through October 2018. In total, Polonia Morillo stole over $45,000 in federally-funded benefits.
The charge of false statement on an application for Social Security benefits provides 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. The charge of false statement in an application and use of a passport provides 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 charge of theft of public funds provides 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. 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, Boston Field Office; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; 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.
Canton Man Sentenced to Nearly 14 Years in Federal Prison for Managing Transnational Methamphetamine Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Canton man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with managing and supervising a methamphetamine trafficking and money laundering ring operating between Massachusetts and California that authorities say was responsible for distributing 200 pounds of methamphetamine.
James Giannetta, 64, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to 167 months in prison, five years of supervised release, and ordered to forfeit $281,107. On Feb. 14, 2019, Giannetta pleaded guilty to his role in managing and supervising a cross-country methamphetamine distribution ring.
Giannetta and 10 co-defendants from Massachusetts and California were indicted in 2016 for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and to launder monetary instruments. The indictment was the result of a two-year investigation of methamphetamine trafficking that alleged that beginning in at least 2013, the defendants conspired to transport sizeable quantities of methamphetamine from San Diego, Calif., to Massachusetts, where it was distributed in the greater Boston area. Proceeds from the sale of that methamphetamine were then transported and/or transferred back to California and laundered in various ways.
At Giannetta’s sentencing hearing, one of Giannetta’s co-conspirators testified that Giannetta had been the organizer of the conspiracy. The co-conspirator explained that Giannetta had served as a mentor to him and that Giannetta introduced him to his San Diego-based suppliers. Later, after the co-conspirator took over a leadership role, Giannetta continued to receive methamphetamine for his Boston-based customers and received a share of the profits from the methamphetamine distribution ring. The co-conspirator estimated that approximately 200 pounds of methamphetamine was sent from California to Massachusetts during the conspiracy.
Giannetta was convicted of federal drug trafficking in the 1980s, and after his release from federal prison, he continued to distribute drugs. When apprehended by law enforcement, Giannetta provided information about others in the hopes of limiting his own personal criminal exposure.
All 11 defendants have pleaded guilty to federal charges and four (including Giannetta) have been sentenced: Christopher Halfond, a California-based supplier was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Judge George A. O’Toole, Jr., to 140 months in federal prison; Mario Castro, a Boston-based street-level distributor, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison; and Jorge Grandon, Castro’s distribution partner, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; William Ferrara, Director of Field Operations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Boston Police Commissioner William Gross made the announcement. The Massachusetts Department of Correction; Norfolk County Sherriff’s Office; Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; and the Reading, Watertown, Quincy, Chelsea, Braintree, Peabody, Waltham, and Woburn Police Departments; Connecticut State Police; San Diego Harbor Police Department; and Postal Inspectors in San Diego assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James E. Arnold and Jared C. Dolan of Lelling’s Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Worcester Woman Sentenced for Role in Two Methamphetamine ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester woman was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for methamphetamine offenses.
Mindy Doherty, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Timothy S. Hillman to four years in prison and four years of supervised release. In February 2019, Doherty pleaded guilty to two counts of methamphetamine conspiracy.
In 2016, Doherty accepted packages of methamphetamine at her Worcester residence and wired money to an individual in California who was involved in the scheme. Doherty also shipped methamphetamine to Brian Zukowski, a co-conspirator who was in Florida, via Federal Express and U.S. Postal Service Priority Mail. Doherty sold methamphetamine to various individuals in Massachusetts and wired a portion of the proceeds to Zukowski or deposited proceeds into Zukowski’s bank account.
As part of a separate conspiracy, Doherty accepted packages of methamphetamine at her Worcester residence on behalf of another co-conspirator, Adam Germano, and subsequently provided a portion of this methamphetamine to Germano. Doherty traveled with Germano to Texas to acquire methamphetamine, and she carried thousands of dollars of cash on the flight. Doherty also wired money to Germano to be used for the acquisition of methamphetamine in Texas and Nevada. Even after Germano was arrested in March 2017, Doherty continued to distribute methamphetamine in and around Worcester.
Germano and Zukowski have pleaded guilty to methamphetamine-related charges. In November 2018, Zukowski was sentenced to 28 months in prison. Germano was sentenced in February 2019 to 15 years in prison.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely of Lelling’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Former Bank Employee Sentenced for EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former bank employee was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester in connection with embezzling money from client accounts held by the bank by which she was employed.
Jessica Vargas, 35, of Athol, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 30 days in prison and two years of supervised release. In February 2019, Vargas pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and two counts of bank embezzlement. Vargas was charged by criminal complaint and arrested in March 2018.
Vargas was an employee of a federally-insured bank when she embezzled approximately $108,000 by making unauthorized cash withdrawals from customer accounts. Bank documentation showed that Vargas made unauthorized withdrawals from the accounts of various customers, including more than $53,000 from the account of an 84-year-old bank customer and almost $13,000 from the account of an 88-year-old customer.
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 Bill Abely and Kristen Noto of Lelling’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Eleven Charged in Wide-Ranging Cape Cod Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Eleven individuals from Cape Cod and Rhode Island were arrested today and charged in federal court in Boston in a wide-ranging heroin conspiracy.
The following individuals were charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin:
- Edwin Otero, 29, of Hyannis;
- Justin Joseph, 32, of Pawtucket, R.I.;
- Anthony Basilici, 35, of Pawtucket, R.I.;
- Vinicius Zangrande, 35, of Centerville;
- Krymeii Fray, 23, of Hyannis;
- Brooke Cotell, 25, of Hyannis;
- Ronny Baams, 37, of South Yarmouth;
- Tony Johnson, 35, of Hyannis;
- Eric Brando, 27, of Osterville;
- Joshua Johnson, 31, of Mashpee; and
- Kimberly Lopes, 49, of Hyannis
According to court documents unsealed today, in 2018, federal, state and local law enforcement began investigating Edwin Otero, an alleged leader of a Cape Cod-wide drug trafficking organization. It is alleged that the investigation revealed Otero and his 10 co-defendants distributed large quantities of heroin and other controlled substances throughout Cape Cod, including in Hyannis, Mashpee, Centerville, Osterville, and in Pawtucket, R.I.
On May 8, 2019, Otero, Joseph, and Basilici were allegedly involved in a shooting at Fray’s residence related to a drug debt Fray owed. Agents intercepted Otero discussing the fact that he was involved in the shooting.
As a result of search warrants executed today, heroin, packaging materials, scales, a finger press, and three firearms and ammunition, including a 9 millimeter assault-style weapon, were seized. A bullet hole in Fray’s home, consistent with the reported May 8 shooting, was also observed.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, a minimum of three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. 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 Matthew Sonnabend made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Office; U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Field Office; U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office; Federal Bureau of Investigations, Boston Field Office; Massachusetts State Police; Rhode Island State Police; Massachusetts Department of Corrections; Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office; and the Pawtucket (R.I), Providence (R.I), Falmouth, Mashpee, Yarmouth, Dennis, Sandwich, and Brewster police departments. 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.
Dominican National Sentenced for Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
Sergio Manuel Lara-Suarez, a/k/a Sergio Manuel Lara-Juarez, 42, a Dominican national residing in Lawrence, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to 57 months in prison and five years of supervised release. Lara-Suarez will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. In February 2019, Lara-Suarez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and multiple additional fentanyl distribution offenses, including distribution of more than 40 grams of fentanyl. Lara-Suarez has been in state custody since August 2018.
Between September 2017 and March 2018, Lara-Suarez and others conspired to distribute significant quantities of fentanyl or a mixture containing both fentanyl and heroin to undercover law enforcement officers. During that period, Lara-Suarez met with undercover agents on 11 separate occasions and sold them substances containing fentanyl that totaled over 430 grams.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Estes of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to illegally reentering the United States after being deported.
Jonathan Manuel Lara Troncoso, 32, a Dominican National residing in Lawrence, pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Aug. 15, 2019.
Lara Troncoso was convicted in Essex County under an alias of fentanyl trafficking and sentenced to three-to-five years in state prison. When he began his sentence, his fingerprints were taken and matched the prints on file for his true identity, which were taken when he was ordered deported in June 2006.
Lara Troncoso faces a sentence of no greater than two years in prison, up to one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. He will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. 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 Marcos D. Charles, Acting Field Office Director, Enforcement and Removal Operations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Worcester Man and Dominican National Indicted for Distributing Fentanyl and HeroinRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man and a Dominican national were charged today in federal court in Worcester for distributing fentanyl and heroin.
Albeiro Gomez, 54, of Worcester, and Erotides Mendez, 50, a Dominican national previously residing in New York City, were indicted on one count of conspiring to distribute heroin and more than 40 grams of heroin and one count of distributing heroin and more than 40 grams of fentanyl. Gomez was also charged with one count of distributing heroin and fentanyl and one count of possessing cocaine with intent to distribute. Mendez was also charged with one count of possessing heroin and more than 40 grams of fentanyl with intent to distribute. Gomez and Mendez were each arrested in December 2018. Mendez has remained in custody since that time.
According to court documents, Gomez distributed heroin and fentanyl in and around Worcester and obtained the drugs from various sources, including an individual residing in New York City. Mendez was actively involved in the acquisition, transportation, and distribution of heroin and fentanyl in and around New York City and Worcester.
The charges involving more than 40 grams of fentanyl provide for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, a minimum of four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of $5 million. Each additional drug charge provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, a minimum of three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. Mendez will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bill Abely and John Mulcahy of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details 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.
Five Men and One Woman Charged with Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Five men and one woman have been charged in three indictments with drug and firearm offenses following an investigation of a drug ring operating in and around Wareham and New Bedford.
Steven Miranda, 52, of Wareham; Manuel Pina-Agee, 32; Clifford Gomes, 53; and Casey Andrade, 37, all of New Bedford, were each charged with conspiring to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. The indictment alleges the conspiracy involved more than 40 grams of fentanyl and more than 10 grams of furanyl fentanyl, a fentanyl analogue. All four men are also charged with possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute it in April of 2019. In addition, Pina-Agee and Gomes are charged with possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison.
Jarrett Galloway, 28, of New Bedford, was charged in a separate indictment with distributing and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl on Jan. 29, 2019, and possessing cocaine with intent to distribute it on April 25, 2019.
Jodi Smith, 33, formerly of Wareham, was charged in a third indictment with three counts of distributing fentanyl in January and February 2019.
Pina-Agee, Andrade, and Smith were arrested on April 25, 2019, and charged by criminal complaint. Pina-Agee is detained and Andrade and Smith were released on conditions. Gomes, Miranda, and Galloway were arrested on state charges on April 25, 2019. The state charges are expected to be dismissed in lieu of federal prosecution.
For Pina-Agee, Gomes, Miranda, and Andrade, the conspiracy charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, a minimum of four and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of $5 million. For Pina-Agee, the charge of possession with intent to distribute carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, a minimum of four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million. The other drug charges each carry a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, a minimum of three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of $1 million. The firearm charges carry 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 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 Agency, New England Field Division; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Acting Wareham Police Chief John Walcek made the announcement. The Sandwich, Carver, Middleboro, and New Bedford Police Departments also participated in the investigation, as did the Internal Revenue Service and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ted Heinrich of Lelling’s Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants remain innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Three Charged in Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Three individuals were charged yesterday in federal court in Boston for their roles in a cocaine conspiracy.
Cesar Rodriguez-Sanquentin, 26, of Methuen; Luis Alfredo Baez, 51; and Luis Mejia Guerrero, 58, both of Boston, were each charged by criminal complaint with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. The three men appeared in federal court yesterday and were each ordered detained pending a detention hearing.
According to the charging document, in 2018, federal and state law enforcement began investigating members of a drug trafficking organization in and around the Boston area. The investigation revealed that Baez and Guerrero distributed large quantities of narcotics, including cocaine, from a home base in Dorchester. Law enforcement also identified Rodriguez-Sanquentin as a drug trafficker from the Lawrence area.
On May 13, 2019, agents arrested Rodriguez-Sanquentin and seized over a kilogram of cocaine that he was allegedly on his way to deliver to Baez. Later that day, agents arrested Baez and Guerrero and subsequently executed several search warrants, which resulted in the seizure of cell phones, materials commonly used to package drugs for street level sale, digital scales, and approximately $68,000 in cash.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, a minimum of three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; and Colonel Kerry Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl and Alathea Porter of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the complaint are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
North Andover Woman Charged with Performing Illegal Silicone InjectionsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A North Andover woman was charged today in federal court in Boston in connection with offering illegal silicone injections in exchange for money.
Gladys Araceli Ceron, 71, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of delivery for pay of an adulterated or misbranded device received in interstate commerce. Ceron will appear before U.S. Magistrate Court Judge Donald L. Cabell at 3:40 pm today.
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 federal search warrant executed at the source’s residence in 2016, agents seized plastic bottles of suspected cosmetic silicone fillers. Lab tests subsequently confirmed that those fillers contained silicone oil, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns can travel through blood vessels and cause a stroke, death or permanent disfigurement.
In 2018, a cooperating witness working with federal 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.
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 no greater than one year in prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine of $100,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Jeffrey J. Ebersole, Special Agent in Charge of the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office; and H. Peter Kuehl, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Miami Field Office made the announcement. Assistant U.S. 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.
Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Social Security Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national residing in Lawrence pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to Social Security fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Santo Jesus Gonzalez Villar, 49, 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 F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for July 24, 2019. Gonzalez Villar was arrested and charged in a July 2018 federal law enforcement sweep of 25 individuals accused of document and benefit fraud.
Dubbed “Double Trouble,” the investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF), comprised of local, state and federal agencies with expertise in detecting, deterring and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity and benefit fraud schemes.
On 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 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 from Puerto Rico to obtain driver’s licenses and to receive MassHealth benefits.
The charge of false representation of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General; Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; Christina Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Regional Office; Michael Mikulka, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations; William B. Gannon, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office; Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Massachusetts State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to identity theft.
Maissel Avalo-Mejia, 30, a Dominican national residing in Foxboro, pleaded guilty to one count of misuse of a Social Security number and one count of aggravated identity theft. U.S. Senior District Court Judge George A. O’Toole scheduled sentencing for Sept. 5, 2019. Avalo-Mejia was arrested in May 2018 and released on conditions.
Avalo-Mejia used the name, date of birth, and Social Security number of a Puerto Rican man, who is presently a Specialist in the U.S. Army, to obtain several Massachusetts driver’s licenses, the most recent issued on April 10, 2014. Avalo-Mejia was identified, among other things, from a fingerprint match with a Dominican Republic identification document issued to him and bearing his photo.
The charging statute for misuse of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charging statute for aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed, up to one year of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra S. Bower of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case
Dominican National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was arrested yesterday and charged in federal court in Boston with illegally reentering the United States after deportation.
Francisco Alberto Martinez, 49, a Dominican national residing in Peabody, was charged with unlawful reentry of a deported alien. He appeared in federal court in Boston yesterday and was ordered detained.
According to court documents, Martinez first unlawfully entered the United States on an unknown date. In December 1996, he became a legal permanent resident (LPR), but in 2011, he was convicted in federal court in Boston of cocaine conspiracy and sentenced to 66 months in prison. Upon completion of his sentence in 2014, Martinez lost his LPR status and was deported to the Dominican Republic. Martinez was recently encountered by law enforcement in Peabody and determined to be illegally present in the United States.
The charge of illegal reentry provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, and Martinez will be subject to deportation 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; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Peabody Police Chief Thomas M. Griffin made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Estes of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
California Man Pleads Guilty to Making Violent Threats Against Boston Globe EmployeesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A California man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston in connection with making violent threats against Boston Globe employees in retaliation for the newspaper’s editorial response to political attacks on the media.
Robert D. Chain, 68, of Encino, Calif., pleaded guilty to seven counts of making threatening communications in interstate commerce. U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Sept. 23, 2019.
On Aug. 10, 2018, the Boston Globe announced that it was requesting other newspaper publications around the country to publish a coordinated editorial response to political attacks on the media. The coordinated editorial response was to be published on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018.
Immediately following the announcement, Chain began making threatening calls to the Boston Globe’s newsroom. In the calls, Chain referred to the Globe as “the enemy of the people” and threatened to kill newspaper employees. In total, Chain made approximately 14 phone calls to the Globe between Aug. 10 and 22, 2018.
On Aug. 16, 2018, the day the coordinated editorial response was published in the Boston Globe, Chain called the Globe newsroom and threatened to shoot Globe employees in the head “later today, at 4 o’clock.” As a result of that call, local law enforcement responded to the Globe’s offices and maintained a presence outside the building to ensure the safety of the employees.
The charge of making threatening communications in interstate commerce provides for a sentence of no greater than five years, one year of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Los Angeles Field Division; the Drug Enforcement Administration, Los Angeles Division; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Los Angeles Division; the California Highway Patrol; the Los Angeles Police Department; and the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney George P. Varghese of Lelling’s National Security Unit is prosecuting the case.
Westminster Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Westminster woman pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Worcester to stealing Social Security benefits.
Theresa Kenda Benedict, 55, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of public funds and four counts of making false statements. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for Aug. 14, 2019. Benedict was arrested and charged in June 2018.
Benedict served as the representative payee for an individual who was receiving Social Security benefits. In 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016, Benedict informed the Social Security Administration that she used all of the money she received as a representative payee for the beneficiary. However, Benedict had used some of the money for her own expenses. Between December 2007 and March 2016, the government alleges Benedict stole approximately $46,310 in Social Security benefits.
The charge of theft of public funds provides 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 each 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.
Former University Soccer Coach Pleads Guilty in College Admissions CaseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former assistant coach of women’s soccer at the University of Southern California (USC) pleaded guilty today in connection with her involvement in a scheme to use bribery and other forms of fraud to facilitate the admission of applicants to selective colleges and universities.
Laura Janke, 36, of North Hollywood, Calif., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit racketeering. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Oct. 17, 2019 at 2:30 pm. Janke is cooperating with the government’s investigation.
As set forth in the charging documents, Janke conspired with Rick Singer and others to fabricate athletic “profiles” and other documents to bolster students’ college applications by making them appear to be highly successful high school athletes when in fact they were not. In exchange, Singer made direct payments to a private soccer club controlled by Janke and another defendant.
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 racketeering conspiracy provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, and restitution. Pursuant to the terms of the plea agreement, the government will recommend a sentence at the low end of the Guidelines range, one year of supervised release, a fine, restitution, and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field 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.
Fall River Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The ex-wife of an MCI-Cedar Junction inmate pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston in connection with smuggling drugs into the facility.
Lisa Guillemette, 42, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute Suboxone and Alprazolam. In September 2018, she was charged along with her former husband, William Guillemette, 39, and Chad Connors, 42, both inmates at Massachusetts Correctional Institute – Cedar Junction (MCI-CJ) in South Walpole, and her former mother-in-law, Margaret Guillemette, 58, also of Fall River. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled Lisa Guillemette’s sentencing for Aug. 22, 2019.
According to the charging documents, Chad Connors and William Guillemette were inmates housed at MCI-CJ’s Departmental Disciplinary Unit (DDU). It is alleged that Connors was involved in a romantic relationship with Christine Ramos, a nurse assigned to the DDU. At Connors’ request, Ramos agreed to smuggle contraband, including controlled substances, into MCI-CJ. In order to do this, Ramos opened two P.O. Boxes through a third party. Connors sent letters and money to Ramos at these P.O. Boxes and, at William Guillemette’s direction, Lisa and Margaret Guillemette, obtained and sent Suboxone and Alprazolam to the P.O. Boxes. Ramos subsequently smuggled the drugs into the DDU and delivered them to Connors. It is alleged that Connors and William Guillemette distributed the drugs to other inmates, who sent checks to Lisa and Margaret Guillemette as payment. Suboxone and Alprazolam are Schedule III and Schedule IV controlled substances, respectively.
William Guillemette and Margaret Guillemette previously pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Ramos was sentenced in April 2019 to two years of probation after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute Suboxone and Alprazolam.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute Suboxone and Alprazolam provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $500,000 and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
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. Eugenia M. Carris of Lelling’s Public Corruption and Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Two Parents in College Admission Case Plead GuiltyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two California parents charged in the college admissions case pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston.
Felicity Huffman, 56, and Devin Sloane, 53, both of Los Angeles, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Sept. 13 and Sept. 10, 2019, respectively.
As set forth in the charging documents, Huffman pleaded guilty to conspiring to pay Rick Singer $15,000 to participate in the college entrance exam scheme for her oldest daughter. According to the terms of the plea agreement, the government will recommend a sentence at the low end of the Guidelines sentencing range, one year of supervised release, a fine of $20,000, restitution and forfeiture.
Sloane pleaded guilty to conspiring to pay Singer $250,000 to participate in the college recruitment scheme for his oldest son. According to the terms of the plea agreement, the government will recommend a sentence of one year and one day in prison, one year of supervised release, a fine of $75,000, restitution and forfeiture.
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 case.
The details contained in the court documents are allegations and the remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Springfield Man Pleads Guilty to Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Springfield man pleaded guilty in federal court in Springfield today to his role in a heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine conspiracy.
Oscar Rosario, 33, 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. U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for July 31, 2019. Rosario has been in custody since his arrest on Dec. 21, 2018, when he and seven co-defendants were charged in a superseding indictment.
According to court documents, co-defendants Nia Moore-Bush and Dinelson Dinzey obtained narcotics in the Springfield area, transported the narcotics to Vermont themselves or via couriers, and distributed the drugs in the Barre area, where drug prices are much higher than in Springfield. Rosario supplied Moore-Bush and Dinzey with heroin, including on two specific dates: Nov. 17, 2017, and Dec. 8, 2017.
Rosario, who has at least one prior serious conviction for a violent offense for which he served more than one year in prison, faces up to 30 years in prison, a minimum of four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $2 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Boston Field Division, made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, the Massachusetts State Police, the Vermont State Police, the Montpelier (VT) and Barre (VT) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katharine A. Wagner of Lelling’s Springfield Office and Amy Harman Burkart of Lelling’s Boston Office are prosecuting the cases.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Owners of Home Healthcare Company Sentenced for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The co-owners of a Boston-area home healthcare company were sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for underreporting income to the IRS resulting in over $1 million in losses.
Hannah Holland, 51, of Quincy, and Sheila O’Connell, 51, of North Weymouth, were each sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf to six months in prison and three years of supervised release. Both were also ordered to pay $1,126,112 in restitution. In November 2018, Holland and O’Connell pleaded guilty to an Information charging them with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and three counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns.
Holland and O’Connell co-owned and operated Erin’s Own Home Healthcare Inc. (Erin’s Own). Between 2010 and 2014, Holland and O’Connell cashed over $3.5 million of Erin’s Own business checks through nominee bank accounts controlled by a third-party. During this time period, Holland also personally cashed over $77,000 of Erin’s Own business receipts. None of these funds were ever reported to the IRS or accounted for in the company’s tax filings. Instead, Holland and O’Connell provided their tax preparer with a limited set of the financial records that did not cover the substantial amounts of business funds Holland and O’Connell diverted. As a result of the underreporting, Erin’s Own caused a loss of $1,126,112 to the IRS.
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 today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordi de Llano, Deputy Chief of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit, and Trial Attorney Brittney Campbell of the Department of Justice’s Tax Division prosecuted the case.
Italian National Pleads Guilty to Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Italian national pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with trafficking cocaine on board maritime vessels.
Gabriele Biondo, a/k/a El Italiano, 43, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of five kilograms or more of cocaine on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Biondo is an Italian national who was extradited from Spain and made an initial appearance in federal court in Boston on Feb. 21, 2019.
Since at least as early as 2013, Biondo and several co-conspirators were involved in an operation that trafficked Colombian cocaine by boat via Venezuela to Spain, Puerto Rico, and other locations. Co-defendant Henry Carrillo Ramirez sourced the cocaine in Catatumbo, Colombia, and arranged for the drugs to be transported to Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela. Thereafter, based upon an agreed-upon date, time, sea coordinates, and a code word, small boats carrying the cocaine would meet a fishing vessel located offshore allegedly arranged by Carrillo Ramirez. The boats provided the code word, and then the drugs were transferred to the fishing vessel for transport to Europe.
In June 2014, the drug trafficking organization successfully orchestrated the delivery of 1,200 kilograms of cocaine to Spain. In particular, Carrillo Ramirez allegedly met with an associate of Biondo to plan the shipment, and Biondo arranged for sailboats to smuggle the cocaine to Spain. Initially, the cocaine was delivered to a stash house on Isla Margarita. Once received on Isla Margarita, the cocaine was divided into two shipments, one consisting of 800 kilograms and the other consisting of 400 kilograms. In June 2014, the first sailboat departed from Grenada to the designated coordinates to receive the first 800 kilograms of cocaine bound for Spain. The transportation cost for this shipment was $640,000. One day later, the second shipment of 400 kilograms of cocaine departed. Both shipments arrived in Spain.
Two months later, the drug trafficking organization arranged for the delivery of another shipment to Spain. In particular, in August 2014, Colombian National Police intercepted communications regarding a shipment of cocaine from South America to Europe. Biondo identified customers in Spain and arranged for them to receive the cocaine shipment. Biondo tracked the load and learned that the cocaine shipment had department from Venezuela. On Aug. 25, 2014, an international law enforcement operation located the vessel shipping the drugs. The Spanish Guardia Civil boarded the vessel in international waters and seized 960 kilos of cocaine.
In December 2014, Biondo and his co-conspirators arranged to send another shipment of 800 kilograms of cocaine to Spain. Biondo again identified customers in Spain and arranged for them to receive the cocaine shipment. On Dec. 30, 2014, the Spanish Guardia Civil boarded another vessel in international waters and seized an additional 728 kilos of cocaine.
In all, law enforcement seized approximately 1,688 kilograms of cocaine from the drug trafficking organization.
Biondo is the second defendant to plead guilty in this case. Charges remain pending against two co-defendants, and another co-defendant remains a fugitive.
The conspiracy and distribution charges each provide for a sentence of no greater than life in prison, a life term of supervised release and a $10 million fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, the United States Coast Guard, the Colombian National Police, the Spanish Guardia Civil, the Spanish National Police, and the Portuguese Air Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Linda Ricci, Chief of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit, is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Massachusetts State Trooper Sentenced for Overtime AbuseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A suspended Massachusetts State Police Trooper was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with being paid over $5,900 for overtime hours that he did not work.
Kevin Sweeney, 40, of Braintree, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to two months in prison, one year of supervised release (the first three months of which will be served in home detention), and was ordered to pay a fine of $4,000 and restitution in the amount of $11,103. In September 2018, Sweeney pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds and one count of wire fraud.
Sweeney was an MSP Trooper assigned to Troop E, which was responsible for enforcing criminal and traffic regulations along the Massachusetts Turnpike, Interstate I-90. In 2016, Sweeney earned $218,512, which included over $95,000 in overtime pay.
Sweeney admitted that between Sept. 1, 2016, and Dec. 31, 2016, he was paid over $5,900 for overtime shifts that he either did not work at all or from which he left early and that his fraudulent citations cost the Commonwealth more than $5,000. Sweeney concealed his fraud by submitting fraudulent citations designed to create the appearance that he had worked overtime hours that he had not, and falsely claimed in MSP paperwork and payroll entries that he had worked the entirety of his overtime shifts.
For example, on Dec. 14, 2016, Sweeney claimed in MSP payroll submissions and other paperwork to have worked a “D AIRE” overtime shift from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sweeney claimed to have written eight motor vehicle citations during that shift and submitted copies of those citations to MSP as evidence that he had worked. Yet, Sweeney’s cruiser radio was not turned on during the overtime shift, he did not run any driver histories during the shift, and Registry of Motor Vehicle (RMV) records reflect that none of the motorists that Sweeney claims to have cited actually received a citation that day.
In another instance, on Dec. 21, 2016, the RMV did have copies of two of the citations Sweeney claimed to have written during the overtime shift he claimed to have worked, but closer inspection revealed that Sweeney had falsified the times of those citations on the copies submitted to the MSP. The RMV copies revealed that the citations had been written at 5:00 p.m. and 5:05 p.m., which was written on the citations in military time as “1700” and “1705.” On the copies of those same citations submitted to MSP, however, Sweeney changed “1700” and “1705” to “700” and “705” so that it would appear to MSP that the citations had been written during the 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. overtime shift that Sweeney did not work. And, like Dec. 14, Sweeney’s cruiser radio was not turned on during the overtime shift, he did not run any driver histories during the shift, and Registry of Motor Vehicle (RMV) records reflect that the other six motorists that Sweeney claims to have cited did not actually receive a citation that day.
The overtime in question involved the Accident and Injury Reduction Effort program (AIRE) and the “X-Team” initiative, which were intended to reduce accidents, crashes, and injuries on I-90 through an enhanced presence of MSP Troopers assigned to target vehicles traveling at excessive speeds.
In 2016, MSP received annual benefits from the U.S. Department of Transportation in excess of $10,000, which were funded pursuant to numerous federal grants.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Douglas Shoemaker, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dustin Chao and Mark Grady of Lelling’s Public Corruption Unit prosecuted the case.
Dominican National Sentenced for Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for Social Security fraud.
Wilkin Alexander Marte Baez, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to time-served, approximately five months in prison, and was transferred to the custody of immigration officials for deportation proceedings. In March 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of false representation of a Social Security number. He was initially charged by indictment as a John Doe in federal court in Michigan, along with several others involved in a conspiracy to assist Dominican nationals with obtaining driver’s licenses using the identities of others. On Dec. 4, 2018, Marte Baez was arrested in Massachusetts; his case was transferred to federal court in Boston for plea and sentencing in February 2019.
On May 4, 2017, Marte Baez applied for a Michigan driver’s license using the name, Social Security number, and date of birth of a United States citizen from Puerto Rico. He supported his application with a counterfeit Puerto Rican birth certificate, a counterfeit Puerto Rican driver’s license, and a Social Security card in the United States citizen’s name. Based on the application and supporting identity documents, Marte Baez was issued a Michigan driver’s license in the United States citizen’s name.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna Nuzum of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case in Boston after its transfer from the United States Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Michigan.
East Brookfield Man Charged with illegally Operating a Helicopter from BackyardRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An East Brookfield man was arrested today and charged in federal court in Worcester in connection with unlawfully operating an aircraft and making false statements to federal investigators.
Antonio Santonastaso, 59, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of serving as an airman without an airman certificate and one count of making false statements to federal agents. Santonastaso will appear in federal court in Worcester this afternoon.
According to the charging document, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revoked Santonastaso’s license to pilot an aircraft in 2000, after he participated in the theft of a helicopter from Norwood Memorial Airport. Despite being aware of that revocation, Santonastaso operated a Robinson R-22 helicopter – taking off and landing from his backyard – more than 50 times between April 28, 2018 and Nov. 11, 2018. FAA inspectors reviewed the path Santonastaso used when taking off and landing from his backyard, and concluded that it was extremely hazardous.
When questioned by the FAA and federal agents, Santonastaso repeatedly made false statements regarding his eligibility to pilot the helicopter. Among other things, Santonastaso falsely claimed to have not learned that the FAA had revoked his license, and made false statements regarding his applications for a medical certificate, which is required in order to operate an aircraft.
The charging statutes provide for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Douglas Shoemaker, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of the Inspector General, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Panich of Lelling’s 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 Social Security Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national residing in Lynn pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to Social Security fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Nelson Bolivar, 54, 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 Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for June 20, 2019. Bolivar 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 July 13, 2015, Bolivar, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, applied for a Massachusetts Identification Card using the name and Social Security number of a Puerto Rican citizen. He presented a Puerto Rican birth certificate and a Social Security card in the other person’s name to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles as proof of his identity. Based on the application and supporting identity documents, Bolivar was issued an identification card in the name of the Puerto Rican citizen. Bolivar also used the name and Social Security number of a Puerto Rican citizen to receive MassHealth benefits.
The charge of false representation of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General; Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; Christina Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Regional Office; Michael Mikulka, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations; William B. Gannon, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office; Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Massachusetts State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Brazilian National Sentenced for ATM SkimmingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brazilian national was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for ATM skimming.
Alexandre Kawamura, 43, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 30 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $199,078 in restitution. In February 2019, Kawamura pleaded guilty to two counts of using counterfeit access devices (debit and credit cards), four counts of possessing device-making equipment (ATM skimming devices and pinhole cameras), and two counts of aggravated identity theft. Kawamura, who legally entered the U.S. on a tourist visa, will be subject to deportation after he completes his sentence.
Kawamura placed hidden skimming devices and pinhole cameras on Eastern Bank ATMs in Saugus, Stoneham, Medford, and Everett, every day between February 25 and March 16, 2018, when he was arrested. The purpose of the skimming devices was to record bank account information on the magnetic strips of debit and credit cards that unwitting victims inserted into the ATMs. The purpose of the pinhole cameras was to capture the victims’ PINs as they were entered on the ATM keypads.
On March 8, 2018, Kawamura possessed a counterfeit debit card with a magnetic strip that contained the stolen bank account number of a Milton woman. At an ATM in Malden, Kawamura used the card and the victim’s PIN to withdraw $500 cash from the victim’s account.
On March 16, 2018, Kawamura used a counterfeit credit card to buy clothing at a sporting goods store in Medford. The name on the card was an alias, and the card’s magnetic strip contained the stolen Eastern Bank account number of a Medford man, whose account had been compromised the day before.
Kawamura was arrested on March 16 after a bank customer called police to report that he had found a skimming device on a drive-up ATM at an Eastern Bank branch in Stoneham. Police responded and discovered that the pinhole camera was still attached to the ATM. They set up surveillance and waited for the suspect to return. Kawamura drove up to the ATM in a rental car shortly before 11 pm. He appeared to look for the skimming device and then drove off. Stoneham police stopped the car and discovered that the driver had a Brazilian passport in his real name and had rented the car under an alias. Kawamura was in possession of the counterfeit credit card that he had just used to buy clothing at the sporting goods store.
Prior to skimming in Massachusetts, Kawamura had skimmed ATMs in and around Austin and San Antonio, Texas. He was caught on bank surveillance cameras skimming at University Federal Credit Union and Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union ATMs in November and December 2017.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Wichers of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Springfield Man Pleads Guilty to Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Springfield man pleaded guilty in federal court in Springfield on Monday, May 6, 2019, to his role in a firearms, narcotics, and money laundering conspiracy.
Dinelson Dinzey, 35, pleaded guilty to an Information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine, and 280 grams or more of crack cocaine; five counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine; two counts of money laundering conspiracy; one count of conspiracy to engage in the unlicensed dealing of firearms; one count of engaging in the unlicensed dealing of firearms; and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled Dinzey’s sentencing for Sept. 4, 2019. Dinzey and seven others were charged in a superseding indictment on Dec. 21, 2018.
According to court documents, Dinzey and co-defendant Nia Moore-Bush obtained narcotics in the Springfield area, transported the narcotics to Vermont themselves or via couriers, and distributed the drugs in the Barre area, where drug prices are much higher than in Springfield.
Dinzey then conspired to launder the proceeds of the drug sales through bank accounts allegedly held by another co-defendant, Daphne Moore, in trust for Moore-Bush. Court records state that the organization would make cash deposits in Vermont, and Moore-Bush and Moore would facilitate the withdrawal of those funds from the accounts in Massachusetts. Dinzey also conspired with Moore-Bush to launder drug proceeds through the purchase of an Audi vehicle.
It is alleged that Dinzey further conspired with Moore-Bush and others to engage in the unlicensed dealing of firearms and to participating in a May 5, 2017, firearms sale. According to court documents, federal agents traced six firearms involved in this conspiracy to individuals connected to Vermont or New Hampshire. Dinzey also pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of the firearms sold on May 5, 2017. Court documents indicate that Dinzey has been convicted of felony drug offenses in state courts on three prior occasions.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to life in prison, at least 10 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $20 million. Each money laundering conspiracy charge carries a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $500,000. The charges of conspiring to engage in the unlicensed dealing of firearms and engaging in the unlicensed dealing of firearms, provide for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm, carries a sentence of at least 15 years and up to life in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Boston Field Division, made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, the Massachusetts State Police, the Vermont State Police, the Montpelier (VT) and Barre (VT) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katharine A. Wagner of Lelling’s Springfield Office and Amy Harman Burkart of Lelling’s Boston Office are prosecuting the cases.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Connecticut Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Connecticut man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Springfield to a federal firearms charge.
Jermane Merlyn Samuel, 36, of Enfield, Conn., pleaded guilty to one count of receiving and possessing two firearms with obliterated serial numbers. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for July 31, 2019.
On Sept. 20, 2018, Samuel received and possessed a Model 27 .40 caliber Glock pistol and a Model 17 9mm Glock pistol in a hotel parking lot in West Springfield. The serial numbers of both pistols had been obliterated.
Samuel faces a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katharine A. Wagner of Lelling=s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Brockton Man Pleads Guilty to Computer Fraud and AbuseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston in connection with an August 2018 computer intrusion of a Massachusetts company.
Colby Anderson, 25, pleaded guilty to one count of intentionally causing damage to a protected computer without authorization. U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for July 22, 2019. In October 2018, Anderson was arrested and charged by complaint; he was 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 subsequently used his former colleagues’ account login information to delete approximately 120 customer configuration profiles, causing widespread internet service issues at customer facilities.
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. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie A. Queenin of Lelling’s Cybercrimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Brockton Man Indicted for Federal Firearm and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Boston on firearm and drug charges.
Kawana Tillman, 47, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, and one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 28 grams of cocaine base. Tillman has prior felony drug conspiracy and firearm convictions. Tillman was arrested on April 30, 2019, and has been in custody since.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base carries a sentence of no greater than 30 years in prison, a minimum of six years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $2 million. The charge of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 30 years in prison, a minimum of six years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $2 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz; Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Boston Police Commissioner William Gross made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Soivilien of Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Parent Charged in College Admission Case Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A California parent charged in the college admissions case pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston in connection with paying $400,000 to facilitate his child’s admission to Georgetown University.
Stephen Semprevivo, 53, of Los Angeles, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Sept. 11, 2019.
As set forth in the charging documents, Semprevivo paid $400,000 to facilitate his son’s admission to Georgetown University as a purported tennis recruit.
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. According to the terms of the plea agreement, the government will recommend a sentence of 18 months in prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine of $95,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric S. Rosen, Justin D. O’Connell, Leslie A. Wright, and Kristen A. Kearney of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the court documents are allegations and the remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Owner of Mike’s Famous Roast Beef & Pizza Pleads Guilty to Failing to Report $1.9 Million in Business ReceiptsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The owner of Mike’s Famous Roast Beef & Pizza in North Reading pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to committing tax fraud by failing to report approximately $1.9 million in business receipts.
Emanuel Panousos, a/k/a Mike Panousos, 43, of Peabody, 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 Aug. 15, 2019.
Panousos is the sole owner of Mike’s Famous Roast Beef & Pizza in North Reading. From 2013 through 2015, Panousos skimmed business cash receipts totaling about $1.9 million, and failed to report those cash receipts to his tax preparer or on the restaurant’s corporate tax returns. As a result, Panousos avoided paying both corporate and personal taxes totaling approximately $387,180 during those years.
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.
Milton Man Sentenced for Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Milton man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for federal sex trafficking charges.
Duhamel Cassagnol, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 17 years and three months in prison, five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay restitution of approximately $13,249 to a group of four victims. In September 2018, Cassagnol pleaded guilty to sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; engaging in a conspiracy to commit sex trafficking; and transporting three individuals for prostitution. In December 2017, Cassagnol was arrested along with Geneiva Whaley, 24, of Connecticut. In May 2018, Whaley pleaded guilty to one count of transportation of an individual for prostitution. In October 2018, she was sentenced to 12 months in prison and five years of supervised release.
Between approximately July 2014 and February 2016, Cassagnol worked with Whaley to prostitute at least four victims. Cassagnol and Whaley advertised the victims using online ad‑posting sites, including Backpage.com, and housed the victims in hotel rooms reserved in Whaley’s name in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York and Florida. Using online advertisements, Cassagnol and Whaley attracted sex-for-a-fee clients whom they directed to the hotel rooms that housed their victims. Those victims generally had little or no control over what acts they were required to engage in or what fee would be charged for those acts. After the clients left, Cassagnol or Whaley collected the full proceeds from the victims, leaving the victims dependent on Cassagnol and Whaley for food and shelter.
Cassagnol and Whaley’s victims were all addicted to drugs, usually heroin, and to keep them compliant, Cassagnol and Whaley provided them with drugs in exchange for the income the women earned through prostitution. The victims were only entitled to drugs if they generated income. With three of the victims, Cassagnol was sometimes violent, and he threatened violence against all four. The violence included beating the victims and, in at least one instance, forcing a victim to use drugs against her will.
The charge of sex trafficking through force, fraud, or coercion provides for a sentence of no less than 15 years and up to life in prison, no less than five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, no less than five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of transporting an individual for prostitution provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, no less than five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Each count also provides for mandatory restitution and potential forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistance with the investigation was provided by the Massachusetts State Police, Lexington and Needham Police Departments, and Vernon (Connecticut) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian A. Pérez-Daple of Lelling’s Civil Rights Enforcement Team is prosecuting the case.
Lynn Man Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud and ID TheftRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lynn man pleaded guilty today in connection with a scheme to impersonate bank customers and fraudulently withdraw money from their bank accounts.
Antonio Niati, 28, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and one count of aiding and abetting aggravated identity theft. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf scheduled sentencing for Aug. 14, 2019. In September 2018, Niati was indicted and arrested.
In 2017, Niati recruited a bank teller working at a Santander Bank branch in Dorchester to assist in conducting fraudulent transactions in victim bank accounts. On three occasions in April 2017, another co-conspirator conducted transactions in two Santander Bank customers’ accounts using fraudulent driver’s licenses, all with the assistance of Niati and the recruited teller. Niati and his co-conspirators fraudulently withdrew over $640,000 from the customers’ accounts.
The charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud provides for a sentence of no greater than 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years, to be served consecutively to any other imposed sentence, one year 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 Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Balthazard of Lelling’s Economic Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Former Dracut Nurse Pleads Guilty to Tampering with Liquid MorphineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former nurse pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston today to diverting liquid morphine intended for hospice patients at a Lowell nursing home.
Michael Langlois, 49, of Dracut, pleaded guilty to one count of tampering with a consumer product and one count of acquiring a controlled substance by deception and subterfuge. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf scheduled sentencing for Aug. 6, 2019.
On Nov. 16, 2016, Langlois, then a registered nurse, tampered with bottles of liquid morphine that doctors had prescribed for two elderly hospice patients under his care at a Lowell nursing home. In each instance, Langlois took the liquid morphine, a schedule II narcotic used to treat pain, for his own use and then replaced it with saline or Benadryl in an attempt to cover up his crime. As a result his conduct, the patients in Langlois’s care received a less potent dose of the painkiller than they had been prescribed.
On or about April 3, 2017, Mr. Langlois diverted for his own use liquid morphine from a bottle prescribed to an elderly hospice patient under his care at a Melrose nursing home. To conceal his wrongful conduct, Mr. Langlois falsely represented in the medical file of one of his patients, and in the nursing home’s Medication Administration Record, that the liquid morphine for that patient was pure, when that was not in fact the case.
The charge of tampering with a consumer product provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of acquiring a controlled substance provides for sentence no greater than four 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; Jeffrey Ebersole, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office; Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General; and Commissioner Monica Bharel, M.D., M.P.H., of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Callahan of Lelling’s Healthcare Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Business Loan SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with making false statements on a loan application.
Alexander Grinis, 47, of Jamaica Plain, pleaded guilty to one count of false statements on loan applications. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Aug. 7, 2019. In June 2018, Grinis was arrested and charged with co-defendant Igor Mosieev, 59, of Newton, who pleaded guilty on May 3, 2019.
Grinis was the manager of Eastern Bank in Auburndale. Among his responsibilities were assisting customers with opening and closing accounts and applying for loans and lines of credit. In approximately February 2015, Grinis assisted Mosieev in opening a checking and savings account at Eastern Bank with the license and Social Security card of another individual, without the knowledge or consent of that person. Later that year, Grinis assisted Mosieev in adding the individual to a business account in the name of TFC Enterprises, LLC. Thereafter, Moiseev forged the individual’s name on applications for two purported business loans. On each loan application, Grinis falsely certified that he had complied with all bank procedures and, as a result, the loans were approved. The proceeds of the two loans were subsequently distributed to the business checking account and Moiseev forged the individual’s name on checks and withdrew money from the account to pay for his own personal expenses. In addition, Moiseev, with Grinis’ assistance, caused proceeds from the business checking account to be wire transferred to Russia, Canada, and elsewhere overseas using the individual’s name. Both loans defaulted and were never paid back to Eastern Bank, resulting in a loss of over $90,000.
The charge of false statements provides for a sentence of no greater than 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain/loss whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura J. Kaplan of Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
Leader of Lawrence-Based Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The leader of a Lawrence-based heroin and fentanyl trafficking organization was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with orchestrating a wide-ranging operation that distributed multiple kilos of fentanyl and cocaine to customers in Lawrence and surrounding areas – including New Hampshire and Maine.
Juan Anibal Patrone, 29, a Dominican national formerly residing in Lawrence, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to 12 years in prison and five years of supervised release. Patrone will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. In September 2018, Patron pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, and 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of being an alien in possession of a firearm. Patrone has been in custody since his arrest in May 2017.
In May 2017, a large scale law enforcement operation dismantled two Lawrence-based drug trafficking organizations, one run by Patrone, and another led by Santo Ramon Gonzalez Nival, who was a source of supply for Patrone. Patrone and approximately 28 co-conspirators were arrested, including Gonzalez Nival and nine members of his drug trafficking organization. Gonzalez Nival previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced on Sept. 21, 2018, to 135 months in prison.
Patrone ran his organization like a business. He bought drugs from suppliers, such as co-conspirator Domingo Gonzalez Martinez, who sold drugs to Patrone out of the Corniel Market in Lawrence. Patrone personally paid rent for stash houses, including 277 Merrimack Street and 20 Cambridge Street in Lawrence, and paid his brother, Josuel Moises Patrone-Gonzalez, and Oscar Marcano, to prepare and package drugs in those stash houses. He ran a crew of couriers, including some who worked in cars, like Luis Lugo and Leonel Vives, and others who walked the street, such as Daniel Diaz and Andruery Fanas Burgos, telling them specifically where to go and who to see. Similarly, Patrone personally directed his redistributors where to go to purchase narcotics to distribute, including Matthew Shover, Stacey Littlefield, Lacey Picariello, Reynaldo Duran Lora, and Rafael Arce – some of whom came from New Hampshire and Maine to obtain drugs to redistribute outside of Massachusetts. Patrone also paid Euclides Alcantara to register and insure his fleet of vehicles in false names, and to carry drug proceeds to the Dominican Republic.
In addition, Patrone openly discussed the size of his drug business with others, including family. In intercepted calls, he admitted that he had worked in the business for seven years and wanted to return to the Dominican Republic, where he planned to get out of the drug business and live well. Investigators learned from these calls that Patrone’s assets are primarily in the Dominican Republic, and the government has undertaken efforts to freeze and forfeit them as part of his sentence in this case.
Furthermore, during a search of Patrone’s home, agents found a 10mm Auto-Ordnance Corp, loaded with a magazine containing six 10mm rounds of ammunition.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; and Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. The Massachusetts State Police and the Andover, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, and Wilmington Police Departments assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodore Heinrich of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Two Pharmacists at New England Compounding Center Convicted by Federal JuryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two former verification pharmacists at New England Compounding Center (NECC) were convicted yesterday of violating the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA). The convictions mark the fourth and final trial resulting from the 2014 indictment of NECC owners, employees, and executives in connection with the 2012 nationwide fungal meningitis outbreak.
Kathy S. Chin, 47, of Canton, and Michelle L. Thomas, 35, of Cumberland, R.I., were convicted of four and two counts, respectively, of dispensing drugs without valid prescriptions with the intent to defraud or mislead government regulators. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for Aug. 8 and Aug. 9, 2019, respectively.
During the trial, the jury heard evidence that NECC, a licensed pharmacy, routinely dispensed drugs in bulk without valid prescriptions. Chin and Thomas served as verification pharmacists, signing off on drug orders prior to shipment to customers. Chin was convicted of approving shipments of drugs for patients with names such as Flash Gordon, Long John, Tony Tiger, Chester Cheeto, Dale Earnhardt, Tom Brokaw, Jon Stewart, Jay Leno, David Letterman, and Dick Van Dyke, among others. Thomas was convicted of approving shipments of drugs for patients with names such as L.L. Bean, Filet O’Fish, Rug Doctor, Squeaky Wheel, Dingo Boney, Coco Puff, and Harry Potter, among others.
The jury also found that Chin and Thomas dispensed these prescription drugs with the intent to defraud and mislead government regulators. Specifically, the evidence demonstrated that NECC repeatedly took steps to shield its operations from regulatory oversight by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by claiming to be a pharmacy dispensing drugs pursuant to valid, patient-specific prescriptions. The jury heard evidence that the fake prescriptions approved by Chin and Thomas allowed NECC to operate as an unregulated drug manufacturer.
Today, Alla Stepanets, 38, of Framingham, was sentenced to one-year of probation by Judge Stearns. In December 2018, Stepanets, a licensed pharmacist, who worked as another verification pharmacist at NECC, was convicted of six counts of dispensing drugs without valid prescriptions. Specifically, Stepanets was convicted of approving shipments of drugs for patients with names such as Wonder Woman, Fat Albert, Bud Weiser, Samuel Adams, Hindsight Man, Betty Ford, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, Calvin Klein and Jennifer Lopez, among others.
In June 2017, Barry Cadden, the former owner and head pharmacist for NECC, was sentenced to nine years in prison and three years of supervised release after being convicted of racketeering, racketeering conspiracy, mail fraud and introduction of misbranded drugs into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud and mislead. In January 2018, Glenn Chin, NECC’s former supervisory pharmacist, was sentenced to eight years in prison and two years of supervised release after being convicted of 77 counts. With the convictions of Chin and Thomas yesterday, a total of 13 NECC defendants have been convicted of 178 charges.
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 of the 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’s Boston Division, made the announcement today. Acting Chief Amanda P.M. Strachan of Lelling’s Health Care Fraud Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney George P. Varghese investigated and indicted the case. Strachan and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Looney tried the case against Chin and Thomas.
Two Boston Men Sentenced in Connection with Trans-National Methamphetamine Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two Boston men have been sentenced in federal court in Boston in connection with their roles in a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking and money laundering ring operating between Massachusetts and California.
Mario Castro, 50, was sentenced yesterday to 57 months in prison by U.S. Senior District Court Judge George A. O’Toole, Jr., in connection with his role in distributing methamphetamine in the Boston area. Jorge Grandon, 49, was sentenced on Wednesday, May 1, 2019, by Judge O’Toole to 30 months in prison for his role in the conspiracy.
Castro and Grandon were two of 11 men from Massachusetts and California who were indicted in 2016 on offenses including conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. All 11 defendants have pleaded guilty to federal charges. Eight defendants are still pending sentencing; a ninth defendant, Christopher Halfond, was sentenced by Judge O’Toole on April 29, 2019 to 140 months in federal prison.
The charges were the result of a two-year investigation into methamphetamine trafficking. Beginning in at least 2013, the defendants participated in a conspiracy to transport sizeable quantities of methamphetamine from San Diego, Calif., to Massachusetts, where it was distributed in the greater Boston area. Proceeds from the sale of that methamphetamine were then transported and/or transferred back to California and laundered in various ways. In December 2015, agents seized approximately 75 grams of 99% pure methamphetamine that had been ordered by Grandon and were hidden in Castro’s pants.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; William Ferrara, Director of Field Operations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Boston Police Commissioner William Evans made the announcement. The Massachusetts Department of Correction; Norfolk County Sherriff’s Office; Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; the Reading, Watertown, Quincy, Chelsea, Braintree, Peabody, Waltham, and Woburn Police Departments; and Connecticut State Police assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James E. Arnold and Jared C. Dolan of Lelling’s Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the cases.
Newton Man Pleads Guilty to Business Loan SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Newton man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston in connection with illegally using the identity of another individual to apply for two business loans.
Igor Mosieev, 59, pleaded guilty to two counts of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Aug. 6, 2019. In June 2018, Mosieev was arrested and charged with co-defendant Alexander Grinis, 47, of Jamaica Plain.
As alleged in the indictment, Grinis was the manager of Eastern Bank in Auburndale. Among his responsibilities were assisting customers with opening and closing accounts and applying for loans and lines of credit. In approximately February 2015, Grinis assisted Mosieev in opening a checking and savings account at Eastern Bank with the license and Social Security card of another individual, without the knowledge or consent of that person. Later that year, Grinis allegedly assisted Mosieev in adding the individual to a business account in the name of TFC Enterprises, LLC. Thereafter, Moiseev forged the individual’s name on applications for two purported business loans. On each loan application, Grinis falsely certified that he had complied with all bank procedures and, as a result, the loans were approved. The proceeds of the two loans were subsequently distributed to the business checking account and Moiseev forged the individual’s name on checks and withdrew money from the account to pay for his own personal expenses. In addition, Moiseev, with Grinis’ assistance, caused proceeds from the business checking account to be wire transferred to Russia, Canada, and elsewhere overseas using the individual’s name. Both loans defaulted and were never paid back to Eastern Bank, resulting in a loss of over $90,000.
The charge of bank fraud provides for a sentence of no greater than 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison, to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura J. Kaplan of Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Founder and Four Executives of Insys Therapeutics Convicted of Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The founder and four former executives of Insys Therapeutics Inc. were convicted today by a federal jury in Boston in connection with bribing medical practitioners to prescribe Subsys, a highly-addictive sublingual fentanyl spray intended for cancer patients experiencing breakthrough pain, and for defrauding Medicare and private insurance carriers.
Insys founder and former Executive Chairman John N. Kapoor, 76, of Phoenix, Ariz.; Richard M. Simon, 48, of Seal Beach, Calif., the former National Director of Sales; Sunrise Lee, 38, of Bryant City, Mich., a former Regional Sales Director; Joseph A. Rowan, 45, of Panama City, Fla., a former Regional Sales Director; and Michael J. Gurry, 55, of Scottsdale, Ariz., the former Vice President of Managed Markets, were convicted by a federal jury of RICO conspiracy. Sentencing dates have not yet been set.
Prior to the start of the trial, two other high-level Insys executives pleaded guilty and testified during the trial: Michael Babich, of Scottsdale Ariz., the former CEO and President of the company, and Alec Burlakoff, of Charlotte, N.C., the former Vice President of Sales.
From May 2012 to December 2015, the defendants conspired to bribe practitioners, many of whom operated pain clinics, in order to induce them to prescribe Insys’ fentanyl-based pain medication, Subsys, to patients often when medically unnecessary. Subsys is a powerful, rapid-onset opioid intended to treat cancer patients suffering intense breakthrough pain.
The defendants used pharmacy data to identify practitioners who either prescribed unusually high volumes of rapid-onset opioids, or had demonstrated a capacity to do so, and bribed and provided kickbacks to the practitioners to increase the number of new Subsys prescriptions, and to increase the dosage and number of units of Subsys. The defendants also measured the success of their criminal enterprise by comparing the net revenue earned from targeted practitioners with the total value of bribes and kickbacks paid. The defendants used this information to reduce or eliminate bribes paid to practitioners who failed to meet satisfactory prescribing requirements, which they determined to be the net revenue equal to at least twice the amount of bribes paid to the practitioner.
The bribes and kickbacks took multiple forms. In March 2012, Insys began using “speaker programs” purportedly intended to increase brand awareness of Subsys through peer-to-peer educational lunches and dinners. However, the programs were used as a vehicle to pay bribes and kickbacks to targeted practitioners in exchange for increased Subsys prescriptions and increased dosage. In most instances, the programs were shams.
The defendants also conspired to mislead and defraud health insurance providers who were reluctant to approve payment for the drug when it was prescribed for non-cancer patients. The defendants conspired to achieve this by setting up the “Insys Reimbursement Center,” (IRC) which was dedicated to obtaining prior authorization for payment directly from insurers and pharmacy benefit managers. Beginning in October 2012, employees of the IRC posed as employees of the practitioner and used “the spiel” – a script of false and misleading representations about patient diagnoses in order to secure approval for the drug by the insurance provider. For example, since insurers were more likely to authorize payment for Subsys if a patient was being treated for cancer-related pain, IRC employees were instructed to mislead insurers regarding the true diagnosis of the patient.
“Today’s convictions mark the first successful prosecution of top pharmaceutical executives for crimes related to the illicit marketing and prescribing of opioids,” said United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling. “Just as we would street-level drug dealers, we will hold pharmaceutical executives responsible for fueling the opioid epidemic by recklessly and illegally distributing these drugs, especially while conspiring to commit racketeering along the way. I applaud the prosecutors and investigators who fought this case to the finish and won. This is a landmark prosecution that vindicated the public’s interest in staunching the flow of opioids into our homes and streets.”
“These executives exploited vulnerable patients and cashed in on dishonest doctors by bribing them to prescribe one of the most powerful, addictive opioid painkillers to patients who should never have received it. Motivated by sheer greed, they lied to insurance companies and are no better than street level drug dealers,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Today's verdict marks an important step in holding pharmaceutical company executives responsible for their role in fueling the opioid epidemic. Rest assured, the FBI will continue to identify and bring to justice corrupt individuals and companies whose business practices promote fraud with a total disregard for patient safety.”
“Combating the opioid epidemic remains a top priority for HHS OIG. For too long executives have not been held accountable for corporate wrongdoing. These verdicts underscore our continued commitment to holding individuals and corporations accountable for their fraudulent conduct,” said Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge, U.S Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General. “No matter what the scheme or how elaborately disguised, we will follow the evidence where it takes us, including to the corporate ranks. HHS OIG and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate and prosecute healthcare fraud to the fullest extent of the law.”
“The opioid epidemic is one of the largest public health tragedies our country has faced, and as the FDA continues to forcefully confront the opioid crisis, ensuring safe and appropriate use of these powerful medications remains a cornerstone of our efforts,” said Melinda K. Plaisier, FDA Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs. “In this case, we’ve seen unacceptable behavior from the defendants who influenced health care providers to prescribe the most powerful type of opioid – an immediate release form of fentanyl – to patients who did not need it, putting them at serious risk of overdose and in some cases, death. The FDA has taken recent steps to strengthen our risk mitigation program for this specific class of products to better ensure the safe use of these products, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue and bring to justice those who place profits before the public health.”
“The reckless actions by these executives whose products included controlled medications increased the potential for diversion and addiction, which jeopardizes the public health and safety,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “DEA pledges to work with our law enforcement and regulatory partners to ensure that rules and regulations are followed.”
“The integrity of TRICARE, the U.S. Defense Department's health care program for military members and their dependents, is a top priority for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS),” stated Special Agent-in-Charge Leigh-Alistair Barzey, DCIS Northeast Field Office. “Today’s verdicts are the direct result of a joint effort by several agencies and is demonstrative of their commitment to investigate and prosecute individuals and companies that commit health care fraud. The DCIS will continue to work with its law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney's Office to protect the TRICARE program and ensure that TRICARE patients receive the excellent health care that they deserve.”
“This case shows that healthcare fraud will not be tolerated. The Employee Benefits Security Administration will work together with our law enforcement partners in these important investigations to protect participants in private sector health plans, detect and deter health care fraud, and contribute to fighting the opioid epidemic,” said Carol S. Hamilton, Acting Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Boston Regional Office.
“Today’s verdict highlights our commitment to defending our mail system from illegal misuse and ensuring public trust in the mail,” said Inspector in Charge Joseph W. Cronin of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division. “We are committed to investigating and bringing to justice those who contribute to the opioid abuse epidemic. We would not be successful in doing so without our fellow law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
“The verdict in this case sends a clear message to pharmaceutical companies that tactics like these will not be tolerated,” said Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General in the Northeast Area Field Office. “This is a win for the public in the war against opioids. The Special Agents of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General will continue to work closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to bring those to justice who commit these kind of offenses.”
“Bribing doctors and misrepresenting patient’s medical conditions in order to boost profits by overprescribing a highly addictive opioid is reprehensible criminal conduct,” said Sean J. Smith, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division. “Today’s verdict is an important step in holding those in the industry that commit crimes accountable. Targeting veterans’ dependents in the CHAMPVA program with these corrupt practices is unacceptable and we are pleased to have contributed to this outstanding multi-agency criminal investigation.”
“Every day, millions of Americans struggle with opioid addiction,” said Thomas W. South, OPM Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Investigations. “These executives put the health and wellbeing of Federal employees, annuitants, and their families at risk in order to make a profit. I would like to recognize the incredible work done by the United States Attorney’s Office, OPM OIG agents, and our law enforcement partners to hold these executives accountable. The OPM OIG remains committed in working to stop such unscrupulous behavior.”
The charge of RICO conspiracy provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000, or twice the amount of pecuniary gain or loss. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the cooperation and assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Offices around the country engaged in parallel investigations, including the District of Connecticut, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern District of Alabama, Southern District of New York, District of Rhode Island and the District of New Hampshire. The efforts of the Central District of California and the Justice Department’s Civil Fraud Section of the Department of Justice are also greatly appreciated.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys K. Nathaniel Yeager, Chief of Lelling’s Health Care Fraud Unit, David Lazarus, Chief of Lelling’s Asset Recovery Unit, and Fred M. Wyshak, Chief of Lelling’s Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit, are prosecuting the case.
Dominican National Sentenced for Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Dominican national was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for Social Security fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Robert Crisologo Bobadilla Baez, a/k/a Robert Crisologo Bobadilla Moreta, 43, a Dominican national residing in Boston, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge George A. O’Toole to 25 months in prison and one year of supervised release. Bobadilla Baez pleaded guilty in January 2019. He was arrested in July 2018 as part of a law enforcement sweep aimed at detecting, deterring, and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity, and benefit fraud schemes. Bobadilla Baez will be deported after he completes his sentence.
Bobadilla Baez unlawfully entered the United States in 2001, flying into New York City using a fake name and counterfeit paperwork. In December 2014, he applied for a Massachusetts ID card using the name, Social Security number, and date of birth of a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico. His application was granted.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Peter C. Fitzhugh, 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 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. Attorney Christine Wichers of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Two Parents Charged in College Admission Case Plead GuiltyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two parents charged in the college admissions case pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston in connection with paying a total of $600,000 to facilitate their children’s admission to college.
Bruce Isackson, 62, and Davina Isackson, 55, of Hillsborough, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud. Bruce Isackson also pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy and one count of conspiracy to defraud the IRS. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for July 31, 2019.
As set forth in the charging documents, the Isacksons agreed to pay Singer, an amount, ultimately totaling $600,000, to participate in the college entrance exam cheating scheme for their younger daughter and the college recruitment scheme for both of their daughters. The Isacksons also underpaid their federal income taxes by deducting the bribe payments as purported charitable contributions. The Isacksons are cooperating with the government’s investigation.
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. The charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the money laundering. The charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States provides for a maximum sentence of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric S. Rosen, Justin D. O’Connell, Leslie A. Wright, and Kristen A. Kearney of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the court documents are allegations and the remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Two Men Charged in Superseding Indictment with Identity Theft in Connection with Revere Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two men have been charged in federal court in Boston in a superseding indictment with Social Security fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with their roles in a fentanyl conspiracy in Revere.
John Doe, a/k/a “Cali,” of Revere, whose true identity and age are unknown, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl; three counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; five counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; one count of false representation of a Social Security number; and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Sandy Alejandro Reynoso Cruz, 48, who resided most recently in Waterbury, Conn., and is believed to be a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; one count of false representation of a Social Security number; and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Both men were arrested on Aug. 28, 2018, and initially charged by complaint, which alleged that between May and August 2018, Doe made six sales of fentanyl to a cooperating witness in Revere, where Doe lived. The complaint further alleged that Cruz was Doe’s supplier.
According to the superseding indictment, both men used stolen identities and Social Security numbers when applying for Massachusetts driver’s licenses in 2017.
For Doe, the charge of conspiracy provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to life in prison, a minimum of 10 years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $20 million. For each of the three counts that allege distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl, Doe faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, a minimum of eight years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $8 million. For each of the five counts of fentanyl distribution that do not specify a quantity of fentanyl, Doe faces up to 30 years in prison, a minimum of six years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $2 million.
For Cruz, the charge of conspiracy and the one count of fentanyl distribution with which he is charged both provide for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, a minimum of four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million.
False representation of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the offense, whichever is greater. The charge of aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two-years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the offense, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement. The Massachusetts Department of Correction; Norfolk Sheriff’s Office, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; the Reading, Watertown, Braintree, Peabody, Waltham, Woburn, and Revere Police Departments; and the Waterbury (Conn.) Police Department assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian A. Pérez‑Daple of Lelling’s Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants remain innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Suspended Andover Attorney Convicted of Tax FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former attorney from Andover was convicted today by a federal jury of filing false tax returns and for conspiring with his accountant to defraud the IRS.
Daniel P. Gibson, 62, was convicted by a federal jury on three counts of tax fraud. Gibson was indicted in October 2015. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Sept. 5, 2019.
Gibson conspired with his accountant to prepare and file false tax returns in the tax years 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009 that intentionally underreported approximately $3.7 million in income earned by the law firm of which Gibson was the managing partner. As a result, Gibson underreported his personal income by approximately $2.5 million and avoided taxes of more than $875,000.
The charge of filing of the false returns provides for a sentence of no greater than three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $100,000 per count and restitution. The charge of conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling 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 Sara Miron Bloom and William B. Brady of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
Lawrence Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his role in a fentanyl distribution conspiracy in the Merrimack Valley.
Antonio Camillo, 21, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 34 months in prison and three years of supervised release. On Feb. 4, 2019, the defendant pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
In September 2018, Camillo sold nearly 40 grams of fentanyl to an undercover police officer during a months-long federal investigation. Camillo was part of a drug organization that was distributing large quantities of fentanyl throughout the Merrimack Valley. In October 2018, Camillo was charged and arrested along with dozens more during a federal sweep targeting impact players and repeat offenders in and around the City of Lawrence.
United States Attorney Andrew Lelling and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
East Bridgewater Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An East Bridgewater man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston in connection with fentanyl trafficking.
Joshua Siereveld, 38, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Geoerge A. O’Toole Jr. scheduled sentencing for Sept. 16, 2019. Siereveld has been in custody since his arrest in March 2018.
From December 2017 through January 2018, investigators intercepted hundreds of communications between Siereveld and his source of supply in Lawrence. Over the course of two months, Siereveld purchased over a kilogram and a half of fentanyl, assisted by co-defendant Justin Brunick, 29, of Rockland, who served as a courier for several transactions. After a fentanyl pickup on March 14, 2018, investigators stopped Siereveld, seized approximately 130 grams of fentanyl, and arrested him.
Brunick pleaded guilty to his role in the fentanyl conspiracy on April 19, 2019; his sentencing is scheduled for July 17, 2019.
The charge of conspiracy for over 400 grams of fentanyl provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of no greater than 40 years in prison, a minimum of four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $8 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; East Bridgewater Police Chief Scott Allen; and Pembroke Police Chief Richard D. Wall made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren A. Graber of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national pleaded guilty today in federal court in Springfield in connection with his role in a large-scale drug conspiracy that trafficked dozens of kilos of heroin and fentanyl into Springfield from Bronx, N.Y., and the Dominican Republic.
Jose Miguel Ramos, 39, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute and possession with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Aug. 1, 2019.
Ramos lived in a heroin mill in Springfield where he and others packaged kilograms of heroin for retail distribution for a drug trafficking organization (DTO) based in Springfield, which was allegedly run by Alberto Marte. The investigation revealed that in approximately April of 2016, Marte paid approximately $20,000 to smuggle Ramos into the country so that Ramos could work for Marte’s DTO in Springfield. When law enforcement executed federal search warrants related to the investigation in September 2016, they recovered approximately $140,000 in cash and over six kilograms of heroin.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a minimum of five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Division; Peter C. Fitzhugh, 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 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.
Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty to Scheme to Smuggle Opioids into MCI-NorfolkRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former corrections officer at the Massachusetts Correctional Institute facility in Norfolk (MCI-Norfolk) pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston in connection with a conspiracy to smuggle Suboxone strips into the facility for an inmate.
Steven J. Frazer, 29, of Cumberland, R.I., pleaded guilty to an Information charging him with one count of conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute. U.S. Senior District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. scheduled sentencing for Sept. 16, 2019. In November 2018, Frazer was charged by criminal complaint and arrested.
Beginning around Nov. 14, 2018, Frazer, who was working as a corrections officer, arranged with a cooperating witness to smuggle Suboxone strips into MCI-Norfolk to sell to inmates. Suboxone is a Class III controlled substance used to treat heroin addiction, but some people abuse it to get high. It is coveted as contraband in prisons across the nation and particularly in New England.
Around midnight on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, the cooperating witness met Frazer in a South Attleboro parking lot and provided him with 40 Suboxone strips, 24 pages of K2 (a synthetic cannabinoid, which is more powerful and more dangerous than marijuana), and $2,500 in cash. After the meeting – which was audio and video recorded by law enforcement – federal agents arrested Frazer.
The charge of conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $500,000 and restitution. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Commissioner Carol A. Mici III of the Massachusetts Department of Correction made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia M. Carris of Lelling’s Public Corruption and Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.