District of Massachusetts
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Colombian National Sentenced to over Seven Years in Prison for Participation in International Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Colombian man was sentenced on Oct. 28, 2025 in federal court in Boston for his involvement in a sophisticated international money laundering organization that laundered more than $6 million in drug trafficking proceeds from Colombian cartels through the United States, Caribbean and European banking systems.
Oscar Rodriguez-Camargo, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 87 months in prison. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In March 2025, Rodriguez-Camargo pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy and 18 counts of money laundering.
Rodriguez-Camargo was among 20 individuals from Colombia, Jamaica and Florida who were indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2022 in connection with the money laundering conspiracy. Rodriguez-Camargo is the 16th defendant to be sentenced. All 20 defendants have been convicted either at trial or by pleading guilty.
Over the course of the investigation, $1 million was seized from corporate bank accounts and other investigative activity. Nearly 3,000 kilograms of cocaine – with a street value of over $90 million – was traced back to the money laundering organization. This includes approximately 1,193 kilograms of cocaine seized at sea 60 miles south of Jamaica in July 2019, as well as 1,555 kilograms of cocaine seized in nine scrap metal shipping containers at the Port of Buenaventura, Colombia in March 2019.
In or about October 2016, an investigation began into a sophisticated money laundering organization located primarily in Barranquilla, Colombia. During an extensive five-year investigation, the organization laundered over $6 million in drug proceeds through intermediary banks in the United States, including banks in Massachusetts, as well as additional proceeds through banks in the Caribbean and Europe by use of the Colombian Black Market Peso Exchange (BMPE). By using the BMPE, the defendants and their co-conspirators sought to conceal drug trafficking activity and proceeds from law enforcement as well as evade currency exchange requirements in the United States and Colombia through the illegal currency exchange process. As part of the conspiracy, members of the organization held roles and responsibilities relative to the needs and opportunities of the scheme, such as drug suppliers, peso brokers, money couriers and business owners/dollar purchasers.
Through the BMPE, Colombian drug trafficking organizations with drug proceeds generated in the United States use third parties – generally referred to as “peso brokers” that are also based in Colombia – who agree to exchange Colombian pesos they control for the drug supplier’s dollar proceeds. Peso brokers then use money couriers in the United States and elsewhere to physically secure the drug proceeds, often in suitcases or bags on the street, and transfer the proceeds into the United States banking system. To avoid detection, peso brokers deposit the drug proceeds into bank accounts in company or individual names intended to appear as legitimate business activity, or through multiple small deposits into different bank accounts which are then consolidated into larger accounts. As a result, Colombian peso brokers control a pool of drug-derived proceeds in United States bank accounts. These dollar proceeds are then purchased by individuals or companies in Colombia seeking to exchange pesos for United States dollars at a favorable exchange rate and in a manner that avoids currency exchange and income reporting requirements. The dollar drug proceeds are transferred at the direction of the purchaser and often end up in bank accounts of individuals or companies who appear to have no direct involvement in drug trafficking crimes.
Beginning in 2016 and continuing until 2022, an undercover agent infiltrated the organization by portraying himself as an international money launderer able to pick up bulk cash throughout the world, launder the proceeds through his United States-based accounts and send the money to Colombia through the BMPE.
Throughout the course of the investigation, members of the money laundering organization would contact the undercover and arrange meetings for the undercover and the undercover’s purported associates to collect bulk cash throughout the world. Members of the money laundering organization would then direct where the money was to be sent, and facilitators, such as Rodriguez-Camargo, would facilitate the payout of the laundered proceeds in Colombia for the benefit of the drug suppliers. Over the course of the conspiracy, Rodriguez-Camargo was personally responsible for the laundering of over $2.4 million in drug proceeds.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; Aura Liliana Trujillo Rojas, Delegate for Criminal Finance for the Colombian Attorney General’s Office; Ricardo Sánchez Silvestre, Brigadier General of the Colombian National Police Anti-Narcotics Directorate; Jervis Moore, Chief of the Narcotics Division for the Jamaica Constabulary Force; and Colonel Geoffrey Noble of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Office of the Judicial Attaché in Bogotá, Colombia provided significant assistance in securing the arrests and extraditions of Cover, Rowe, and other co-defendants from Colombia and Jamaica. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared C. Dolan and Alathea E. Porter of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
Chroma Systems Solutions Agrees to Pay over $1.9 Million to Resolve Allegations of PPP Loan FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Chroma Systems Solutions, Inc. (Chroma Systems) has agreed to pay over $1.9 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations that the company falsely certified its eligibility for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan.
As detailed in the settlement agreement, Chroma Systems admitted that in January 2021 it applied for a second draw PPP loan and certified that it was eligible to receive the loan under the PPP rules. When it applied, Chroma Systems, together with its foreign affiliate, had over 1,800 employees.
Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and the Economic Security Act (CARES Act) on March 29, 2020, to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain approved expenses through the PPP. On May 5, 2020, the SBA issued guidance that explained that, for purposes of meeting size eligibility requirements (i.e. whether the applicant is a “small business concern” or otherwise falls below the cap on employee headcount) an applicant must count all of its employees and the employees of its U.S. and foreign affiliates, absent a waiver of or an exception to the affiliation rules. SBA’s guidance also made clear that it would only enforce this rule prospectively, i.e. for applications made on or after May 5, 2020. On Jan. 8, 2021, SBA announced the availability of a second round of PPP loans, known as the “second draw” PPP loans. Businesses with more than 300 employees were not eligible for second draw loans.
The settlement credits Chroma Systems for cooperation under the Department of Justice’s Guidelines for Taking Voluntary Disclosure, Cooperation and Remediation into Account in False Claims Act Matters.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and the U.S. Small Business Administration made the announcement today. Assistant United States Attorney Steven Sharobem of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit handled the case.
Brockton Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking and Possessing a Loaded FirearmRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man was sentenced on Oct. 3, 2025 in federal court in Boston for possessing with intent to distribute over 70 grams of fentanyl and possessing a handgun loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition.
Edson Gomes, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Patti B. Saris to 10 years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release. In June 2025, Gomes pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition.
Gomes was arrested on Aug. 14, 2023, after law enforcement encountered him in a Brockton apartment building. During the interaction, the bottom of a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson pistol was observed protruding from Gomes’s pant pocket. The firearm had a defaced serial number and was loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition. Four bags of fentanyl weighing approximately 72 grams and $1,488 in cash were also located in Gomes’s pockets. A search warrant was subsequently obtained for the apartment and other items associated with drug dealing were also located.
At the time of his arrest, Gomes was on supervised release for a prior federal drug dealing conviction. In June 2017, Gomes was sentenced to 71 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. As a condition of his supervised release, Gomes was banned from entering the City of Brockton without permission. At the Oct. 3, 2025 hearing, Gomes was also sentenced to 24 months in prison for violating his supervised release, which was the statutory maximum penalty.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police, the Brockton Police Department and the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Cutshall of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Brazilian National Sentenced to Prison for Selling Firearms Without a LicenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brazilian national unlawfully living in Worcester was sentenced on Oct. 23, 2025 for engaging in the business of selling firearms without a license.
Israel Dos Santos, 25, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy to two years in prison. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In July 2025, Dos Santos pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license.
Between May 2024 and July 2024, Dos Santos sold nine firearms to a cooperating witness without the required license in exchange for cash. In addition to firearms, Dos Santos also sold ammunition and magazines, some of which were large capacity magazines. One firearm had an obliterated serial number.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Framingham and Worcester Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Crowley and John Reynolds of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Brazilian National Sentenced to Prison for Receiving and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brazilian national, residing in Lynn, Mass., was sentenced on Oct. 8, 2025 in federal court in Boston for receiving and possessing over 100 files of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Wernher Heideriqui, 38, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearn to 66 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, during which time Heideriqui will be required to register as a sex offender. The defendant will be subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In April 2025, Heideriqui pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Heideriqui was arrested on June 9, 2023 after being smuggled across the U.S. border into Canada.
In August 2021, an investigation began following a CyberTip regarding the trafficking of CSAM. During a search of Heideriqui’s residence and person in May 2023, multiple electronic devices, including phones and computers, were located and seized. Forensic examination of the devices revealed that two devices had over 100 files depicting adult men raping children as young as four years old.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lynn Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Soto of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
Brazilian National Sentenced for Selling a Dozen Firearms and Ammunition Without a LicenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brazilian national unlawfully living in Fall River and on Cape Cod was sentenced on Oct. 3, 2025 for selling 12 firearms and large capacity magazines without a license.
Alason Ferreira-Peixoto, 23, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley to 35 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In June 2025, Ferreira-Peixoto pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license and one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license.
Between June 2024 and August 2024, Ferreira-Peixoto sold 12 firearms to cooperating witnesses without the required license in exchange for cash. Ferreira-Peixoto also conspired with others to obtain the firearms in South Carolina and sell them in Massachusetts. In addition to firearms, Ferreira-Peixoto also sold ammunition and magazines, some of which were large capacity magazines.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Barnstable and Fall River Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Crowley and John Reynolds of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Brazilian National Sentenced for Selling Firearms Without a License and ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brazilian national unlawfully living in Milford was sentenced on Oct. 24, 2025 in federal court in Worcester for conspiracy and engaging in the business of selling firearms without a license.
Rafaell Martins Ferreira, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Margaret R. Guzman to time-served (approximately 13 months) followed by two years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In July 2025, Martins Ferreira pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license and one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license.
Between February and March 2024, Martins Ferreira sold two firearms to cooperating witnesses without the required license. In addition, Martins Ferreira indicated he had access to additional firearms. One of these firearms included a large capacity magazine (capable of holding more than 15 rounds of ammunition).
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Milford Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Crowley and John Reynolds of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Brazilian National Sentenced for Selling Firearms Without a License and ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brazilian national unlawfully residing in Florida was sentenced on Oct. 29, 2025 in federal court in Worcester for conspiracy and engaging in the business of to sell firearms without a license.
Marcos Alves Silva, 24, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Margaret R. Guzman to 18 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In June 2025, Silva pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license and one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license.
Between March 2024 and June 2024, Silva shipped nine firearms to individuals in Massachusetts. In addition to firearms, Silva also sold ammunition and magazines, some of which were large capacity magazines.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Milford Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Crowley and John Reynolds of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Brazilian National Sentenced for Selling 11 Firearms Without a LicenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brazilian national unlawfully living in Milford was sentenced on Oct. 7, 2025 for selling firearms and ammunition without a license.
Vanderson Rocha Oliveira, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Margaret R. Guzman to three years in prison followed by two years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In July 2025, Rocha Oliveira pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license and one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license.
Between March 2024 and September 2024, Rocha Oliveira sold 11 firearms to cooperating witnesses without the required license. In addition, three more firearms shipped from Florida were intercepted by law enforcement. Rocha Oliveira conspired with others to deliver the firearms and to obtained them from Florida. In addition to firearms, Rocha Oliveira also sold ammunition and magazines, some of which were large capacity magazines.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Milford Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Crowley and John Reynolds of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Brazilian National Sentenced for Conspiracy to Obtain Driver's Licenses for Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brazilian national illegally residing in Danbury, Conn. was sentenced on Oct. 2, 2025 for conspiring to obtain driver’s licenses for ineligible applicants, principally illegal aliens.
Helbert Costa Generoso, 41, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman to nine months in prison. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In June 2025, Helbert Costa Generoso pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to unlawfully produce and possess with intent to transfer identification documents and one count of furnishing a false passport to another for use. In December 2024, Costa Generoso was charged along with four co-conspirators.
From in or about November 2020 through in or about September 2024, Costa Generoso and his alleged co-conspirators fraudulently procured driver’s licenses for illegal alien customers who resided in states that prohibited illegal aliens from obtaining driver’s licenses. Prior to July 2023, illegal aliens residing in Massachusetts were not permitted to obtain Massachusetts driver’s licenses. Beginning in 2019, illegal aliens residing in New York became eligible to obtain New York driver’s licenses.
Costa Generoso and his alleged co-conspirators conspired to fraudulently obtain New York driver’s licenses for illegal alien customers who did not reside in New York, including Massachusetts residents, and after July 2023 to fraudulently obtain Massachusetts driver’s licenses for illegal alien customers who did not reside in Massachusetts. In exchange for fraudulently obtaining the driver’s licenses, the co-conspirators allegedly typically charged approximately $1,400 per customer. Costa Generoso also charged $1,400 to obtain fraudulent foreign passports in the customers’ names, to be used as identification in the driver’s license applications.
In New York, before obtaining a driver’s license, applicants were required to pass a written permit test and complete driver’s education coursework from a New York driving school. Online permit test-takers were required by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) to take a picture of themselves with a web camera during the test. This was to ensure that the test-taker was indeed the applicant and that there was not a person sitting with and helping the applicant with the test.
To avoid the customers having to take the permit tests, the co-conspirators allegedly conspired to obtain several pictures of the customers sitting down, making it look as if the customers were taking the tests. They also allegedly conspired to complete the permit tests for the customers online and, when prompted by the NY DMV to take pictures during the tests, they uploaded the pictures that the customers previously provided – purporting to show that it was the customers who were taking the tests, not the defendants. Costa Generoso and his alleged co-defendants also conspired to create fraudulent driver’s education certificates of completion, purportedly from New York driving schools, and conspired to forge the signatures of driving school staff on the fake certificates.
The NY DMV also required that applicants appear at a NY DMV location and provide documents to prove their identity and residence in New York. The co-conspirators allegedly conspired to meet Massachusetts-based customers at locations in Massachusetts – typically several customers at a time – and drive them to NY DMV branch locations. When they arrived at the NY DMV locations, the defendants allegedly gave the customers fraudulent documents falsely purporting to demonstrate that the customers resided in New York. The customers provided these fake records to the NY DMV staff, and the NY DMV relied on the misrepresentations to issue New York driving permits to the customers. The co-conspirators allegedly conspired to arrange for the NY DMV to mail the permits to locations in New York that were controlled by the defendants and provided the permits to the customers in-person. The defendants then allegedly conspired to schedule road driving license tests for the customers with the NY DMV and, again, drive the customers to New York for them to take the road tests. If the customers passed the tests, the NY DMV sent the driver’s licenses to mailing addresses in New York that the defendants allegedly controlled, and the defendants then provided the licenses to the customers.
The defendants allegedly conspired to obtain Massachusetts driver’s licenses for out-of-state residents, in generally the same manner as they obtained the New York licenses for Massachusetts residents. Collectively, the co-conspirators allegedly fraudulently applied for licenses for more than 1,000 customers, obtained licenses for more than 600 of the customers and collected at least hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Costa Generoso is the second defendant to plead guilty in the case. In September 2025, defendant Cesar Agusto Martin Reis was sentenced to time served (290 days in prison), for his role in the conspiracy.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Kelly Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the NY DMV Division of Field Investigation; the Boston, Danbury (Conn.) and Waterbury (Conn.) Police Departments; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut; and the New York State Inspector General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan O’Shea of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Brazilian National Convicted of Role in Large-Scale Human Smuggling RingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brazilian national illegally residing in Worcester, Mass., pleaded guilty on Oct. 22, 20025 to his involvement in a conspiracy to smuggle aliens into the United States, money laundering conspiracy and illegal reentry. Case is part of significant international law enforcement operation targeting alien smugglers in United States and Brazil.
Flavio Alexandre Alves, a/k/a “Ronaldo,” 41, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to bring aliens to and transport aliens within the United States, one count of conspiracy to launder money and one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for Dec. 12, 2025. The defendant was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint with human smuggling in March 2025 and remains in federal custody.
According to the charging documents, Alves was previously convicted of human smuggling offenses in the Central District of California in 2004 and subsequently deported to Brazil in February 2005. Sometime after his removal, Alves illegally re-entered the United States and has been residing in the United States without immigration status.
In April 2022, an investigation began into a human smuggling organization (HSO) operating in the United States, Brazil and Mexico, that smuggles Brazilian nationals through Mexico, across the U.S.-Mexico border and into the United States for financial gain and laundering the proceeds. The investigation identified Alves as domestic-based smuggler for the HSO who joined the organization in 2021. Alves coordinated with co-conspirators in Brazil and Mexico to facilitate the transportation of aliens from Brazil into the United States, launder funds to Mexico to support the HSO and collect smuggling fees paid by or on behalf of the Brazilian nationals being smuggled.
Specifically, Alves was responsible for purchasing airline tickets for aliens – including families and groups – to various places within the United States. This included purchasing airline tickets for Brazilian nationals to travel from border cities to other locations across the United States shortly after the aliens were encountered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and released from detention. Between May 2021 and August 2022, Alves purchased more than 100 individual airline tickets from Tucson or Phoenix shortly after CBP encounters, to destination cities throughout the United States.
Alves sent money to aliens and smugglers located in Mexico to pay for expenses associated with transit into the United States. Bank and financial records obtained during the investigation revealed that Alves sent hundreds of thousands of dollars in money transfers to facilitate the travel of aliens who were later encountered by immigration authorities illegally crossing into the United States, and paid smugglers in Mexico for their role in the HSO. Additionally, Alves utilized different methods to conceal the nature and frequency of the transfers, including using in-person money transfer services at various locations throughout Massachusetts; providing different variations of his name and home address; and having other close associates conduct the transactions on his behalf.
Alves also collected payments from aliens as the fee for being smuggled into the United States – taking a percentage of the fee as his “cut” and transferring the remainder of the money to other members of the HSO based in Mexico.
The investigation and arrest of Alves was coordinated under Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA) and the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) Program. JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security , has been elevated and expanded by the Attorney General with a mandate to target cartels and transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama and Colombia that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA is comprised of detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, Office of Enforcement Operations and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, DEA and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 355 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 315 U.S. convictions; more than 260 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.
The ECT program is a partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI and focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks, or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence and prosecutorial resources. ECT also coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The charge of conspiracy to bring aliens to, or transport an alien within, the United States in violation of law provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to launder money provides for sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and up to $250,000 fine. The defendant is subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Brasília, Brazil Attaché Troy Clausen for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations made the announcement today. Substantial assistance was provided by HSI Offices in Brasilia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and Philadelphia; HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C; U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force; and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Noto of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case along with Trial Attorney Alexandra Skinnion and Acting Deputy Chief Frank Rangoussis of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights & Special Prosecutions Section.
Attleboro Woman Pleads Guilty to Embezzling More Than $400,000Read the Press Release
BOSTON – The former office manager for a Franklin environmental services business pleaded guilty on Oct. 15, 2025 in federal court in Boston to embezzling more than $400,000 from her employer.
Marie Hobson, 54, of Attleboro, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud and one count of filing a false tax return. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Jan. 22, 2026. Hobson was charged on Oct. 1, 2025.
Between December 2019 and March 2025, Hobson inflated her own payroll by adding approximately $268,046 in phony expense reimbursements, such as uniform costs even though Hobson did not wear a uniform in her position. To conceal the thefts, Hobson manipulated her employer’s accounting software to make it appear she was only receiving her weekly salary. Hobson also misused her company-issued credit card to pay for country club memberships, vacations, cruises, timeshares and personal residence costs totaling more than $105,000.
To further conceal her scheme, Hobson failed to report the funds that she embezzled on her federal income tax filings for tax years 2021 through 2024, resulting in a tax loss to the government of approximately $81,000.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, restitution and forfeiture. The charge of filing a false tax return provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Thomas E. Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. The Franklin Police Department provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rilwan Adeduntan of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Alabama Doctor Pleads Guilty to $6 Million Telemedicine Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Alabama-based doctor pleaded guilty on Oct. 1, 2025 in federal court in Boston to a $6 million telemedicine fraud scheme involving medically unnecessary durable medical equipment (DME) and genetic testing primarily used to detect mutations in genes that could indicate a higher risk of developing certain types of cancers.
Tommie Robinson, 43, pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Jan. 14, 2026. Robinson was charged in August 2025.
Between December 2018 and March 2021, Robinson worked with telemedicine companies to sign medical documentation, including doctors’ orders, for medically unnecessary durable medical equipment and genetic testing. The orders Robinson signed were pre-populated based on telemarketing calls made to Medicare beneficiaries. Robinson generally did not contact the beneficiaries himself and had no medical relationship with the beneficiaries. DME suppliers and laboratories ultimately submitted claims to Medicare for these signed orders. As a result of Robinson’s participation in this scheme, over $6 million in claims were submitted to Medicare for DME and genetic testing that were medically unnecessary, based on false documentation and tainted by kickbacks.
The charge of health care fraud provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross pecuniary gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Robert Coviello, Special Agent in Charge, Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Boston Division; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; Kelly M. Lawson, Acting Regional Director, U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Boston Regional Office; and Patrick Hegarty, Special Agent in Charge, Defense Criminal Investigation Service, North East Field Office made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard Locker of the Health Care Fraud Unit and Alexandra Brazier and Lindsey Ross of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Units are prosecuting the case.
Adams Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
BOSTON –An Adams, Mass. man pleaded guilty on Nov. 4, 2025 in federal court to the producing child sexual abuse material.
Brian Warner, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a child before U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun, who scheduled sentencing for Feb. 12, 2026.
According to charging documents, between July 2016 and December 2016, Warner employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed and coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of that conduct.
The charges of sexual exploitation a child and attempted sexual exploitation of a child provide for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, a lifetime of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.
Acting United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline G. Merck of the Springfield Office is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Two Arrested in Connection with Explosion on Harvard Medical School CampusRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two Massachusetts men have been arrested and charged in connection with an alleged conspiracy to damage a building on Harvard Medical School’s (HMS) campus using a large commercial firework.
Logan David Patterson, 18, of Plymouth, Mass.; and Dominick Frank Cardoza, 20, of Bourne, Mass., are each charged with one count of conspiracy to damage, by means of an explosive, the Goldenson Building at Harvard Medical School. The defendants were arrested this morning and will appear in federal court in Boston later today.
According to the charging documents, at approximately 2:23 a.m. on Nov. 1, 2025, surveillance cameras located at Huntington Avenue and Longwood Avenue in Boston captured two males – allegedly later identified as Patterson and Cardoza – walking toward the HMS campus wearing face coverings and dark clothing. Surveillance video captured the defendants allegedly lighting what appeared to be roman candle fireworks at approximately 2:24 a.m.
According to the charging documents, at approximately 2:33 a.m., the defendants were allegedly seen climbing over a chain-link fence into a construction area surrounding the Goldenson Building and, minutes later, climbing scaffolding beside the building to access the roof. At approximately 2:45 a.m., campus police received an alert of a fire alarm from an explosion on the fourth floor of the Goldenson Building, which houses a research laboratory within HMS’s Department of Neurobiology. It is alleged that, between 2:45 and 2:50 a.m., security footage captured the defendants visiting the fifth floor of the building before exiting via a first-floor emergency exit and fleeing in opposite directions.
Investigators determined that an explosive – believed to have been a large, commercial firework – detonated within a wooden locker in the fourth-floor research laboratory. Analysis of the explosive is ongoing.
It is alleged that, at approximately 2:57 a.m., Cardoza was captured on surveillance video sitting on a bench, removing his pants and placing them in a garbage bin.
It is further alleged that, beginning at approximately 3:09 a.m., surveillance footage at the nearby campus of Wentworth Institute of Technology captured Patterson intermittently running between buildings, attempting to enter a residential campus building before being let in by a passerby and charging his phone near an attendant’s desk within that building. Shortly thereafter, at approximately 3:23 a.m., Patterson could allegedly be seen talking on his cell phone.
Thereafter, at approximately 3:40 a.m., surveillance video allegedly showed Patterson exiting the building to meet up with Cardoza and a third individual. It is alleged that at 3:49 a.m., after unsuccessfully attempting to enter an adjoining residential campus building, the three are seen walking toward the Massachusetts College of Art and Design campus. There, surveillance footage allegedly captured Patterson, Cardoza and the third individual walking along Huntington Avenue. In the video, Patterson has allegedly removed his sweatshirt as well as his sweatpants and is seen stuffing his sweatpants into his shorts. Cardoza is allegedly seen still wearing a dark hooded jacket and black sneakers with only shorts or boxer shorts.
According to the charging documents, witnesses allegedly stated that Patterson and Cardoza were visiting Wentworth College for Halloween social activities.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The charge of conspiracy to damage, by means of fire or an explosive, provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Denis Downing, Interim Chief of the Harvard University Police Department made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Boston, Bourne and Plymouth Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Holcomb of the National Security Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Stoughton Police Officer Indicted for Allegedly Causing the Death of His Victim's Unborn BabyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Stoughton police officer who was previously indicted for allegedly murdering Sandra Birchmore, a pregnant woman, to prevent her from disclosing information about his sexual exploitation of her beginning when she was a minor, has been indicted for allegedly causing the death of Birchmore’s unborn son.
Matthew Farwell, 39, of Easton, has been charged with one count of causing the death of Birchmore’s unborn child. Farwell was arrested and charged in August 2024. He remains in federal custody and will be arraigned at a later date.
According to the superseding indictment, on or about Feb. 1, 2021, Farwell allegedly killed Birchmore by strangulation. Shortly thereafter, Farwell allegedly staged her body and apartment to make it appear as if Birchmore had committed suicide. The indictment alleges that Farwell killed Birchmore with malice aforethought and with the intent to prevent her from disclosing to law enforcement that he used his authority and access as a police officer to groom and sexually abuse Birchmore, including while he was on duty, beginning when she was 15 years old and continuing until her death. The indictment further alleges that Farwell’s killing of Birchmore resulted in the death of her unborn child.
According to court documents, Farwell agreed to attempt to impregnate Birchmore in the Fall of 2020 to avoid her publicly disclosing details about their relationship. Birchmore told Farwell that she was “keeping it” and “the birth certificate is being signed.” Farwell allegedly responded by telling her that she was “the worst person on the face of the earth.”
Over the next several weeks, Birchmore expressed excitement to Farwell about her due date, ultrasounds, genetic testing, gender reveals and doctor appointments. She booked prenatal care appointments that post-dated her death. She also ordered baby items, conducted Google searches related to her pregnancy and future child-rearing decisions, planned for newborn baby photos and an official pregnancy announcement intended for Valentine’s Day.
According to the indictment, Birchmore was eight to 10 weeks pregnant when Farwell allegedly killed her.The charge of causing the death of an unborn child in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1841 carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth Riley, Torey B. Cummings and Brian A. Fogerty of the office’s Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Indian Man Charged with Assault Aboard AircraftRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Indian national has been charged with allegedly stabbing two minor victims with a metal fork while on board a Lufthansa flight from Chicago to Germany.
Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli, 28, is charged in U.S. District Court with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while traveling on an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. Usiripalli was arrested on Oct. 25, 2025 and will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the charging documents, on Oct. 25, 2025, while on board Lufthansa flight 431 en route from Chicago to Frankfurt, Germany, Usiripalli allegedly stabbed a 17-year-old male passenger (Minor A) in the shoulder area with a metal fork. Usiripalli then allegedly stabbed a second 17-year-old male passenger (Minor B) in the back of the head with the same metal fork
Specifically, following meal service, Minor A was sleeping lightly in a middle seat when he allegedly awoke to see Usiripalli standing over him. It is alleged that Usiripalli used his right hand to strike Minor A in the left clavicle area with a metal fork. Usiripalli then allegedly lunged toward Minor B – who was seated to Minor A’s right in a middle seat in the center row of the aircraft – and struck Minor B in the back of his head with the fork. Minor B suffered a laceration to the rear of his head.
When flight crew members attempted to subdue Usiripalli, he allegedly raised his hand, formed a gun with his fingers, put it in his mouth and pulled an imaginary trigger. Immediately afterwards, Usiripalli allegedly turned toward a female passenger to his left and slapped her with his hand. Usiripalli also allegedly attempted to slap a flight crew member.
As a result of the disturbance, the flight was diverted to Boston Logan International Airport, where Usiripalli was immediately taken into custody.
Usiripalli was previously admitted to the United States on a student visa. Most recently, he was enrolled in a master’s program in biblical studies. Usiripalli presently does not have lawful status in the United States.The charge of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while traveling on an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three 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 statutes that govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allegra Flamm of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Massachusetts Woman Charged with Threatening to Kill Federal AgentsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Malden, Mass. woman has been arrested and charged for threatening to kill federal agents who were engaging in lawful immigration enforcement.
Bethany Abigail Terrill, 37, was charged with threatening a United States official. Terrill will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at 1:30 pm, today.
According to the charging documents, federal agents were supporting Immigration Enforcement and Removal Operations in effecting the administrative immigration arrest of individuals in the area of Malden District Court. It is alleged that the agents encountered Terrill outside of Malden Court for reasons unrelated to the agents’ activities.It is alleged that Terrill physically interjected herself into the middle of agents while they were effecting an arrest. Terrill was allegedly verbally abusive, attempted to physically interfere with the arrest and ultimately made threatening statements to kill the federal officers on scene.
Specifically, Terrill allegedly approached the agents, screaming at and pushing through the agents to capture a video recording on her mobile telephone. It is further alleged that Terrill began screaming, “ICE is here, ICE is here,” “You guys are monsters, this is insane,” “Sir, what’s your name, what’s your name,” “I can try to help you,” and “I am an American civilian, I have a right to be here” as she continuously pushed into agents all while filming them.Agents, who were identifiable by their badges, agency placards and clothing, told Terrill to “back up” several times. It is alleged that Terrill repeatedly attempted to push past the agents and failed to comply with any commands. Agents notified Terrill that she could be arrested if she continued to fail to comply with their requests to give them space to safely effect the arrest.
Terrill allegedly yelled, “Charlie Kirk died, and we love it… We’re coming for you, gonna kill you.” The incident was captured on agents’ body worn cameras and allegedly on Terrill’s mobile telephone.
terrill_-_complaint_affidavit.pdf
The charge of threatening a United States official provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.Gloucester Man Indicted for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Gloucester man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for sexual exploiting a minor and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Robert Burnham, 44, was indicted on one count of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of possession of child pornography. Burnham was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in September 2025 and remains detained pending trial. He will be arraigned in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the charging documents, from on or about June 11, 2024 to Oct. 4, 2024, Burnham allegedly persuaded and coerced a 13-year-old minor female to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing pictures and videos and transmitting them to him via social media. Additionally, on April 28, 2025, Burnham knowingly possessed files that depict CSAM.
The charge of sexual exploitation of a minor provides for a sentence of at least 15 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime 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 statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Harper County Sheriff’s Office, FBI Kansas City, Lincoln Police Department and Gloucester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allegra Flamm of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Salvadoran National Pleads Guilty to Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Salvadoran national residing in Lynn pleaded guilty on Sep. 26, 2025 in federal court in Boston to unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.
Emelio Neftaly Pineda, 46, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Oct. 30, 2025. In July 2025, Pineda was indicted by a federal grand jury.
According to the charging documents Pineda was deported on or about July 20, 2016, after having been convicted of a felony.
The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien, having previously been convicted of a felony provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Riley of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
Convicted Felon Sentenced for Trafficking Firearms and Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Quincy man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for distributing fentanyl in exchange for firearms.
Caesar Ross, 41, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Dennis F. Saylor IV to 90 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In July 2024, Ross pleaded guilty to one count of firearms trafficking and one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Over the course of three months in 2020, in at least four separate transactions, Ross obtained 23 firearms with obliterated serial numbers from an individual in Florida. Ross provided that individual with fentanyl in exchange for the firearms, which Ross explicitly asked the serial numbers to be obliterated from, and which he and his associates then distributed to individuals who could not lawfully possess them in Massachusetts.At least five of these firearms have been recovered in and around Boston in the hands of felons and gang members, and at the scenes of a shots-fired incident and an armed assault. The remaining firearms are believed to remain at-large.
Ross was arrested in September 2023 in Quincy, after providing a cooperating witness with approximately 60 grams of fentanyl in exchange for four firearms, each of which had no visible serial number.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Bryan DiGirolamo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Feld Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division and the Quincy Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Brazilian National Sentenced for Conspiracy to Obtain Driver’s Licenses for Ineligible ApplicantsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brazilian national illegally residing in Waterbury, Conn. was sentenced on Sept. 26, 2025 for conspiring to obtain driver’s licenses for ineligible applicants, principally illegal aliens.
Cesar Agusto Martin Reis, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman to time served (290 days in prison). The defendant is now subject to deportation proceedings. In June 2025, Cesar Agusto Martin Reis pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to unlawfully produce and possess with intent to transfer identification documents and one count of possession with intent to use or transfer unlawfully identification documents. In December 2024, Cesar Agusto Martin Reis was charged along with four co-conspirators.
From in or about November 2020 through in or about September 2024, Cesar Agusto Martin Reis and his alleged co-conspirators fraudulently procured driver’s licenses for illegal alien customers who resided in states that prohibited illegal aliens from obtaining driver’s licenses. Prior to July 2023, illegal aliens residing in Massachusetts were not permitted to obtain Massachusetts driver’s licenses. Beginning in 2019, illegal aliens residing in New York became eligible to obtain New York driver’s licenses. Cesar Agusto Martin Reis and his alleged co-conspirators conspired to fraudulently obtain New York driver’s licenses for illegal alien customers who did not reside in New York, including Massachusetts residents, and after July 2023 to fraudulently obtain Massachusetts driver’s licenses for illegal alien customers who did not reside in Massachusetts. In exchange for fraudulently obtaining the driver’s licenses, Cesar Agusto Martin Reis and his alleged co-conspirators typically charged approximately $1,400 per customer. On Feb. 4, 2024, Cesar Agusto Martin Reis was found with 50 of these fraudulently produced driver’s licenses during a traffic stop in Bedford, Mass.
In New York, before obtaining a driver’s license, applicants were required to pass a written permit test and complete driver’s education coursework from a New York driving school. Online permit test-takers were required by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (NY DMV) to take a picture of themselves with a web camera during the test. This was to ensure that the test-taker was indeed the applicant and that there was not a person sitting with and helping the applicant with the test.To avoid the customers having to take the permit tests, Cesar Agusto Martin Reis and his alleged co-conspirators obtained several pictures of the customers sitting down, making it look as if the customers were taking the tests. Cesar Agusto Martin Reis conspired with his alleged co-conspirators to complete the permit tests for the customers online and, when prompted by the NY DMV to take pictures during the tests, and to upload the pictures that the customers previously provided – purporting to show that it was the customers who were taking the tests, not the defendants. The defendants also allegedly created fraudulent driver’s education certificates of completion, purportedly from New York driving schools, forged the signatures of driving school staff on the fake certificates and gave these documents to the customers to provide to the NY DMV.
The NY DMV also required that applicants appear at a NY DMV location and provide documents to prove their identity and residence in New York. Cesar Agusto Martin Reis conspired with his alleged co-conspirators to meet Massachusetts-based customers at locations in Massachusetts – typically several customers at a time – and drive them to NY DMV branch locations. When they arrived at the NY DMV locations, the defendants allegedly gave the customers fraudulent documents falsely purporting to demonstrate that the customers resided in New York. The customers provided these fake records to the NY DMV staff, and the NY DMV relied on the misrepresentations to issue New York driving permits to the customers. Cesar Agusto Martin Reis conspired with his alleged co-conspirators to arrange for the NY DMV to mail the permits to locations in New York that were controlled by the defendants and provided the permits to the customers in-person. Additionally, the defendants allegedly conspired to schedule road driving license tests for the customers with the NY DMV and, again, drive the customers to New York for them to take the road tests. If the customers passed the tests, the NY DMV sent the driver’s licenses to mailing addresses in New York that the defendants allegedly controlled, and the defendants then provided the licenses to the customers.
The defendants allegedly conspired to obtain Massachusetts driver’s licenses for out-of-state residents, in generally the same manner as they allegedly obtained the New York licenses for Massachusetts residents. In Massachusetts, the defendants allegedly conspired to fraudulently obtain purported foreign passports to provide to the customers to use as proof of identity with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles in support of customer driver’s license applications.
Collectively, Cesar Agusto Martin Reis and his alleged co-conspirators fraudulently applied for licenses for more than 1,000 customers, obtained licenses for more than 600 of the customers, and collected at least hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The charge of conspiracy to unlawfully produce and possess with intent to transfer identification documents carries a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession with intent to use or transfer unlawfully identification documents, carries a sentence up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Kelly Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the NY DMV Division of Field Investigation; the Boston, Danbury (Conn.) and Waterbury (Conn.) Police Departments; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut; and the New York State Inspector General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan O’Shea of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Newton Psychologist Agrees to Plead Guilty to Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Newton, Mass. psychologist has been charged and has agreed to plead guilty to allegedly defrauding two victims, his psychotherapy patient and one of his own relatives.
Eric Brown, 76, has agreed to plead guilty to an Information charging him with two counts of wire fraud and one count of engaging in an unlawful money transaction. A plea hearing will be scheduled at a later date.
According to court filings, Brown was a psychotherapist to a Massachusetts victim who had been injured after being struck by a drunk driver. In February 2022, the victim allegedly asked Brown to serve as the trustee of a trust benefitting the victim. The trust held approximately $700,000, which was the victim’s settlement from the accident. As trustee, Brown allegedly had exclusive control over the victim’s money and a duty to use it for the victim’s health, support and maintenance. Brown then allegedly fell victim to an online investment confidence scam. At the direction of a scammer pretending to be in an online relationship with him, Brown allegedly depleted the trust without telling the victim why, to invest $600,000 of the victim’s money overseas.Separately, Brown allegedly deceived a family member into lending him an additional $310,000. Brown falsely told his relative that he needed the money to finance improvements on a commercial office building that Brown owned. Brown allegedly did not tell his relative about his online relationship or the overseas investment he intended to make.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of money laundering provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth B. Kosto, Chief of the Securities, Financial & Cyber 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.
Brockton Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Illegal Possession of Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A self-admitted gang member from Brockton, who was previously convicted of killing a 17-year-old outside a Roxbury high school, was sentenced today for drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
Andre McNeil, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to seven years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release. In April 2025, McNeil pleaded guilty to one count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. McNeil was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2024.
On Feb. 2, 2024, searches were executed on McNeil’s vehicle and several associated residences. As a result, approximately 31 grams of cocaine, three handguns, two high-capacity magazines, five other magazines, approximately 101 rounds of 9mm ammunition and approximately $17,406 dollars, along with numerous cellular devices were seized. Numerous items used in drug trafficking, including scales, a money counter, baggies and a drug ledger were also found at the search locations.
McNeil is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2014 manslaughter conviction in Suffolk Superior Court for shooting and killing a 17-year-old boy outside a Roxbury high school, for which he was sentenced to more than 12 years in state prison.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Brockton, Foxboro and Taunton Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Dawley of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Trinitarios Gang Members Extradited from Honduras to Face Rico Charges Related to Four MurdersRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two Honduran nationals have been extradited to the United States to face racketeering charges. Each defendant – both of whom are alleged members of the Trinitarios – is charged with participating in two murders. They are alleged to have been in the United States illegally at the time of the murders and fled to Honduras to avoid federal charges.
Elvis Trujillo, 27, and Yeferson Vallecillo Cambar, 23, were arrested in December 2024 in Honduras at the request of the United States and extradited to the United States yesterday. Trujillo and Cambar will appear in federal court in Boston at 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. today. Trujillo and Cambar were each indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of RICO Conspiracy.
Trujillo and Cambar are alleged to be members of the Trinitarios criminal enterprise, which is a transnational criminal organization with a large presence in Massachusetts communities. In February 2025, federal charges were unsealed against more than two dozen Trinitarios members as part of a multijurisdictional takedown. Those charges included specific allegations that the Trinitarios were responsible for over 10 murders taking place over the last decade. Trujillo is charged with allegedly participating in two of those murders. Cambar is charged with allegedly participating in two additional murders
According to the charging documents, the Trinitarios are a hierarchical criminal organization, with positions that are known to exist at the state and local chapter level, whose members adhere to a code of conduct. Enmanuel Paula-Cabral, a/k/a, “Nelfew,” a/k/a “Gordo,” “Manny,” allegedly served as the State Supreme of the Trinitarios for Massachusetts, responsible for the entirety of the gang’s criminal activities, coordination with other state leaders and communication with leadership of the Trinitarios in the Dominican Republic.
Trujillo is charged with participating in the murder of Juan Espinal in March 2017, and the murder of Mindy Tran in November 2017. The murder of Espinal is alleged in court documents to have been committed by Trujillo and another Trinitario member on the orders of Trinitario leadership. Trujillo and the other Trinitario member are alleged to have ambushed Espinal and fired at him as he walked past, then chased him down and fired more rounds killing him in the street. The murder of Mindy Tran is alleged in court documents to have been committed by Trujillo and another individual during an attempted robbery of Tran during a marijuana sale. Trujillo is alleged to have fired the shot that killed Tran.
According to court documents, Trujillo was in the United States illegally and is believed to have consented to removal to Honduras following his conviction in a separate shooting incident in order to avoid charges for his role in the murder of Tran.Cambar is charged with participating in the murders of Jandriel Heredia and Abraham Diaz in September 2023. According to the charging documents, the Trinitarios wrongly believed rival gang members were in attendance at a graduation party and conducted a drive-by shooting that killed Heredia and Diaz and wounded five other surviving victims. The Trinitarios targeted the party to retaliate for the recent death of a Trinitario gang member. Cambar is alleged to have assisted in procuring the vehicle used in the double murder and assisting in the concealment and destruction of evidence after the fact.
Cambar is believed to have fled to Honduras to avoid charges for his role in the September 2023 shooting. Cambar was present in the United States during this time without legal status and without inspection at a port of entry.
The charge of conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity (also known as “racketeering conspiracy” or “RICO conspiracy”) provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, five 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 statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Kevin Neal, Acting U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble; Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker; Lynn Police Chief Christopher P. Reddy; and Lawrence Police Chief Maurice Aguiler made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and the Andover, Boston, Peabody, Salem, and Manchester NH Police Departments. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs coordinated with authorities in Honduras to secure the extradition of Trujillo and Cambar. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Springfield Man Convicted of Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Springfield, Mass. man was convicted today of drug trafficking following a three-day trial in Springfield.
Marcus Hicks, 43, was convicted of one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession of cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Jan. 27, 2026. Hicks was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2023.
On Nov. 21, 2022, Hicks possessed 97 grams of cocaine, 15 grams of crack cocaine and two and one-half pounds of marijuana intended for distribution.
The charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of possession with intent to distribute marijuana provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley, Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England, Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan and Superintendent Lawrence Akers of the Springfield Police Department made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of the Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Nigerian National Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Romance Scam and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Nigerian national was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his involvement in the theft of more than $2 million from at least six romance scam victims by transferring their money to cryptocurrency accounts that he controlled.
Charles Uchenna Nwadavid, 35, of Abuja, Nigeria, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to two years in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release. Nwadavid was also ordered to pay $2,724,810.41 in restitution. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In June 2025, Nwadavid pleaded guilty to mail fraud, aiding and abetting money laundering and money laundering. Nwadavid was arrested in April 2025 after arriving on a flight from the United Kingdom to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. In January 2024, a federal grand jury in Boston indicted Nwadavid on charges of mail fraud and money laundering.
“Romance scams” recruit victims through advertisements for online relationships on dating or social media websites. Individuals perpetuating romance scams create fictitious profiles and then use them to gain victims’ trust through a purported romantic relationship. Perpetrators then direct their victims to send money or to conduct financial transactions involving other victims’ money under false pretenses, such as an urgent need for money to secure a multi-million-dollar inheritance or to pay for an unexpected hospitalization.
Between in or about 2016 and September 2019, Nwadavid participated in romance scams that tricked victims into sending money abroad. A victim from Massachusetts was tricked into receiving funds from victims around the United States and then passed the funds to Nwadavid through a series of cryptocurrency transactions. Nwadavid repeatedly accessed accounts in the victim’s name from overseas, to transfer the victims’ funds to accounts he controlled at LocalBitcoins, an online cryptocurrency platform.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth B. Kosto and Mackenzie A. Queenin of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Massachusetts Couple Convicted of Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester, Mass. husband and wife were convicted on Sept. 22, 2025, of sex trafficking following a six-day jury trial.
Kiersten Soto, 32, and Moises Soto, 33, were each convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion- both counts relating to the interfamilial trafficking of a younger relative. Kiersten Soto was also convicted of one count of traveling or using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activities. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for Dec. 19, 2025. The defendants were arrested and indicted in December 2022.
Evidence presented at trial proved that from February through May 2022, the Sotos used force, fraud and coercion to traffic the victim for commercial sex in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island. A website was used to advertise the victim to sex buyers all over New England. Kiersten Soto regularly threatened the victim with violence, abandonment and involuntary commitment to a facility. Moises Soto used extreme physical violence including – beatings, assaults with wooden dowel rods and choking if he victim failed to make enough money. Videos from the defendants’ cell phones show the defendants cornering the victim in their home, threatening her, berating her, calling her a snitch, all while the victim suffered through agonizing drug withdrawals.“Kiersten and Moises Soto built their so-called livelihood off of brutality and control. The Sotos compounded their cruelty by recording the abuse – immortalizing the victim’s trauma for their own depraved purposes,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “Today’s convictions send the unmistakable message that this office will relentlessly pursue those who traffic in human suffering, and we will not stop until they are exposed, prosecuted, and brought to justice.”
“HSI has no tolerance for those who exploit and traffic vulnerable individuals,” said Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “With these two traffickers brought to justice, a victim is now free from exploitation and on the path to healing. HSI is grateful for the partnership and support of our local and state partners from the Marlborough Police Department, the Worcester Police Department, and the Massachusetts State Police.”
The charge of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion provides for a sentence of at least 15 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 and mandatory restitution to the victim. The charge of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and mandatory restitution to the victim. The charge of traveling or using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activities, specifically prostitution, provides for a sentence oof up to five years in prison, a maximum of 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 statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
U.S. Attorney Foley and HSI SAC Krol made the announcement. Special assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Marlborough and Worcester Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen W. Hassink and Torey B. Cummings of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
Honduran National Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Honduran national unlawfully residing in Waltham, Mass. was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.
Samuel Cruz Alvarado, 63, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to time served (three and a half months). The defendant is now subject to deportation proceedings. In August 2025, Cruz Alvarado pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Cruz Alvarado was arrested on May 5, 2025 and indicted by a federal grand in June 2025.
Cruz Alvarado was previously deported from the United States two times, the last time on Nov. 26, 2012. Sometime after his November 2012 removal, Cruz Alvarado illegally reentered the United States without permission.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allegra Flamm of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Founder and CEO of Non-Profit for Re-Entry Support Services Indicted on Drug Distribution ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The founder and CEO of Adapt & Evolve LLC, a Boston-based non-profit organization that purports to provide community re-entry support services, has been arrested and charged for allegedly distributing cocaine base (crack cocaine). According to court filings, the defendant has an extensive track-record of drug trafficking and other criminal conduct – including engaging in sex trafficking activity as well as a prior federal conviction for drug trafficking.
Javan Tooley, 36, of Dorchester and Brockton, Mass., was indicted on Sept. 18, 2025 by a federal grand jury for distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base. Tooley was arrested on Sept. 23, 2025 and, following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston, was ordered detained pending a hearing scheduled for Sept. 26, 2025 at 11:30 a.m.
In 2010, Tooley was convicted in U.S. District Court in Boston of distribution of cocaine, following a hand-to-hand sale of crack cocaine to undercover law enforcement. He was subsequently sentenced to five years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release for the conviction. According to court filings, following his release from federal prison in or around 2015, Tooley violated of the terms of supervised release on at least five separate occasions. As a result, Tooley was sentenced to serve approximately 22additional months of incarceration.
Additionally, according to court filings, Tooley allegedly targeted and recruited women, many of whom suffered from substance abuse disorders, to engage in commercial sex for his financial benefit and to distribute controlled substances for him. It is alleged that Tooley targeted his victims with acts of violence and provided victims with access to drugs. It is also alleged that Tooley created a climate of fear among the victims by claiming that he had connections to law enforcement and other powerful and influential officials through his non-profit. Tooley also allegedly coordinated drug transactions using the non-profit’s phone.It is alleged that on Sept. 10 2025, Tooley distributed 100 grams of crack cocaine near Fields Corner in Dorchester, just a short distance away from Tooley’s non-profit Adapt & Evolve. Tooley is alleged to have distributed the drugs in his car, while a young child – approximately six or seven years old – was in the back seat.
Following the transaction, Tooley allegedly contacted a cooperating witness again stating that he had additional crack cocaine to sell and arranged to meet again on Sept. 23, 2025, at an area near the Roxbury District Court. Tooley was taken into custody upon his arrival and allegedly found in possession of approximately 160 grams of crack cocaine.
Because of Tooley’s prior federal drug trafficking conviction, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least eight years of supervised release and a fine of $8 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; and Arlington Police Chief Juliann Flaherty made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian A. Fogerty of the Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Pohl of the Narcotics &Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.
us_v._javan_tooley_-_detention_affidavit.pdf
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.Allston Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking "Date Rape" Drug and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Allston man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to trafficking methamphetamine and 1,4-Butanediol (BDO), an analogue of Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) – more commonly known as the “date rape drug” – out of his Allston home.
Peter Schiepers, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution and possession with the intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine; two counts of distribution and possession with the intent to distribute Butanediol (an analogue of GHB); and two counts of distribution and possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for Jan. 7, 2026. In April 2025, Schiepers was indicted by a federal grand jury.
In November 2024, law enforcement received information that Schiepers was supplying methamphetamine in and around the Boston area. Between November 2024 and February 2025, a cooperating source conducted multiple controlled purchases from Schiepers.
Specifically, in January 2025, Schiepers conducted a transaction for one ounce of methamphetamine. In February 2025 he sold four ounces of methamphetamine and a liter of BDO.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. The charge of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime 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 statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Boston Police Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney John O. Wray of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
Marlboro Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Marlboro man has been sentenced in federal court in Boston for possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Larry Stephen, 46, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to five years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $13,000 in restitution. In April 2025, Stephen pleaded guilty to one count each of distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography. He was arrested and charged by criminal complaint on July 18, 2023 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2023.
Authorities identified Stephen as an individual using a social media platform to receive and post CSAM. During a search of Stephen’s Marlboro residence on June 7, 2023, his cell phone was seized. A preliminary examination of the device revealed the presence of CSAM and that Stephen repeatedly posted images and videos depicting CSAM on a social media platform.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Jennifer De La O, Director of Field Operations made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Marlboro Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney’s David G. Tobin and Eric Hawkins of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Justice Department Expands Health Care Fraud Unit to Target Health Care Fraud in MassachusettsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department’s Criminal Division today announced the expansion of its Health Care Fraud Unit’s New England Strike Force to the District of Massachusetts. This expansion brings enhanced federal enforcement resources to one of the nation’s most significant health care and life sciences hubs.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts has a national reputation in health care enforcement and has developed a significant record of success in investigating and prosecuting health care fraud, including complex cases involving pharmaceutical and medical device companies, providers, and executives. In FY 2025 alone, working together on health care fraud enforcement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Health Care Fraud Unit and Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit recovered more than $450 million in fraudulently obtained funds. Building on the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s historic track record and the success of the Criminal Division’s Health Care Fraud Unit’s specialized prosecutors and data-driven, multi-agency Strike Force model, the Department is deploying a powerful force multiplier, allowing it to accelerate the detection, investigation, and prosecution of complex fraud schemes throughout the District of Massachusetts.
“Boston is home to world-class health care institutions, cutting-edge life sciences innovators, and a robust health care startup ecosystem, making it one of the most influential and active regions in the national health care landscape,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The expansion of the New England Strike Force to Boston will ensure that we are focused, efficient, and coordinated in our efforts to root out both individual and corporate bad actors engaged in criminal misconduct in the health care marketplace.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts has a long history of leading the nation in health care fraud enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley for the District of Massachusetts. “The unique partnership between our criminal and civil health care fraud enforcement matters has led to groundbreaking and historic enforcement success and industrywide changes. The Office has cracked down on fraud committed by pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers as well as unethical doctors and corporate executives who put greed ahead of patient safety and steal from government programs. The Strike Force model will act as a force multiplier, increasing resources and promoting even greater successes.”
“Increasing law enforcement resources in Massachusetts is another step forward in our vigorous fight against healthcare fraud,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI, alongside our partners, remains committed to combatting criminals who seek to defraud Americans and our healthcare system. We look forward to the benefits this expansion will bring.”
“Healthcare fraud costs taxpayers tens of billions of dollars every year, whether it is through the unlawful diversion of federal program funds or powerful prescription drugs,” said Special Agent in Charge Ted E. Docks of the FBI’s Boston Field Office. “That is why the FBI is working day in and day out to root out those who place a greater value on profits than they do on the well-being of patients. We welcome the expansion of the New England Strike Force to Massachusetts as we continue to work with our partners to hold anyone fleecing the U.S. government accountable.”
“The expansion of the New England Health Care Fraud Strike Force into Boston further strengthens our capacity to protect Medicare and Medicaid from criminal networks,” stated Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “As a national hub for health care innovation, Boston presents both extraordinary promise for HHS initiatives and increased exposure to sophisticated complex fraud schemes. This strategic expansion underscores our unwavering commitment to deploying investigative expertise where the stakes are highest, working in close collaboration with law enforcement partners to advance fraud detection, dismantle criminal schemes, and hold wrongdoers accountable.”
“Protecting the public from harm caused by criminal misconduct involving drugs and medical devices is a priority for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA),” said Special Agent in Charge Fernando McMillan of the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations New York Field Office. “The expansion of the Strike Force into Boston, a vital hub for life sciences, will enable more robust and coordinated efforts to dismantle criminal networks that introduce unlawful medical products into the market, ultimately protecting patient health and trust in our healthcare system.”
As part of the expansion, the New England Strike Force, which was launched in June 2022 and is led by Fraud Section Assistant Chief Kevin Lowell, will coordinate closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Health Care Fraud Unit, led by Chief Mackenzie Queenin. In addition to the FBI, HHS-OIG and FDA, the Strike Force will partner with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, IRS Criminal Investigation, and key state agencies, including the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of Massachusetts and the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts.
Through the establishment of this strategic partnership with the District of Massachusetts, the Justice Department’s Health Care Fraud Unit continues to build on its record of success during a historic enforcement year, which to-date has included the announcement of the largest-ever National Health Care Fraud Takedown in June 2025. In addition, the Unit has significantly expanded its focus on corporate accountability, resolving cases against companies engaged in systemic fraudulent conduct, including recent corporate resolutions with the Kimberly-Clark Corporation and Troy Health, Inc. The Unit’s corporate enforcement efforts align closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Massachusetts and its reputation of successful prosecutions of corporate bad actors operating in the health care industry.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program, which was launched in March 2007. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Justice Department Expands Health Care Fraud Unit to Target Health Care Fraud in MassachusettsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The Justice Department’s Criminal Division announced the expansion of its Health Care Fraud Unit’s New England Strike Force to the District of Massachusetts today. This expansion brings enhanced federal enforcement resources to one of the nation’s most significant health care and life sciences hubs.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts has a national reputation in health care enforcement and has developed a significant record of success in investigating and prosecuting health care fraud, including complex cases involving pharmaceutical and medical device companies, providers, and executives. In FY 2025 alone, working together on health care fraud enforcement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Health Care Fraud Unit and Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit recovered more than $450 million in fraudulently obtained funds. Building on the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s historic track record and the success of the Criminal Division’s Health Care Fraud Unit’s specialized prosecutors and data-driven, multi-agency Strike Force model, the Department is deploying a powerful force multiplier, allowing it to accelerate the detection, investigation, and prosecution of complex fraud schemes throughout the District of Massachusetts.
“Boston is home to world-class health care institutions, cutting-edge life sciences innovators, and a robust health care startup ecosystem, making it one of the most influential and active regions in the national health care landscape,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The expansion of the New England Strike Force to Boston will ensure that we are focused, efficient, and coordinated in our efforts to root out both individual and corporate bad actors engaged in criminal misconduct in the health care marketplace.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts has a long history of leading the nation in health care fraud enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley for the District of Massachusetts. “The unique partnership between our criminal and civil health care fraud enforcement matters has led to groundbreaking and historic enforcement success and industrywide changes. The Office has cracked down on fraud committed by pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers as well as unethical doctors and corporate executives who put greed ahead of patient safety and steal from government programs. The Strike Force model will act as a force multiplier, increasing resources and promoting even greater successes.”
“Healthcare fraud costs taxpayers tens of billions of dollars every year, whether it is through the unlawful diversion of federal program funds or powerful prescription drugs,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “That is why the FBI is working day in and day out to root out those who place a greater value on profits than they do on the well-being of patients. We welcome the expansion of the New England Strike Force to Massachusetts as we continue to work with our partners to hold anyone fleecing the U.S. government accountable.”
“The expansion of the New England Health Care Fraud Strike Force into Boston further strengthens our capacity to protect Medicare and Medicaid from criminal networks,” stated Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “As a national hub for health care innovation, Boston presents both extraordinary promise for HHS initiatives and increased exposure to sophisticated complex fraud schemes. This strategic expansion underscores our unwavering commitment to deploying investigative expertise where the stakes are highest, working in close collaboration with law enforcement partners to advance fraud detection, dismantle criminal schemes, and hold wrongdoers accountable.”
“Protecting the public from harm caused by criminal misconduct involving drugs and medical devices is a priority for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA),” said Special Agent in Charge Fernando McMillan of the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations New York Field Office. “The expansion of the Strike Force into Boston, a vital hub for life sciences, will enable more robust and coordinated efforts to dismantle criminal networks that introduce unlawful medical products into the market, ultimately protecting patient health and trust in our healthcare system.”
As part of the expansion, the New England Strike Force, which was launched in June 2022 and is led by Fraud Section Assistant Chief Kevin Lowell, will coordinate closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Health Care Fraud Unit, led by Chief Mackenzie Queenin. In addition to the FBI, HHS-OIG and FDA, the Strike Force will partner with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, IRS Criminal Investigation, and key state agencies, including the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of Massachusetts and the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts.
Through the establishment of this strategic partnership with the District of Massachusetts, the Justice Department’s Health Care Fraud Unit continues to build on its record of success during a historic enforcement year, which to-date has included the announcement of the largest-ever National Health Care Fraud Takedown in June 2025. In addition, the Unit has significantly expanded its focus on corporate accountability, resolving cases against companies engaged in systemic fraudulent conduct, including recent corporate resolutions with the Kimberly-Clark Corporation and Troy Health, Inc. The Unit’s corporate enforcement efforts align closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Massachusetts and its reputation of successful prosecutions of corporate bad actors operating in the health care industry.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program, which was launched in March 2007. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Florida Man Sentenced for Sex Trafficking Conspiracy and Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Florida man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his role in a sex trafficking conspiracy and for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Angelo Dominic Lombardo, 29, of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Fla., was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 13 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Lombardo is also ordered to register as a sex offender. In January 2025, Lombardo pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, threats of force, fraud, and coercion, and one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
“This defendant preyed on vulnerable, lured them in with false promises, and then used violence and threats of violence to force them into sex trafficking for his own monetary gain. His calculated cruelty, including threatening a victim at gunpoint, is unconscionable,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “Although today’s sentence cannot undo the harm he inflcited, we hope it sends a clear message to anyone who thinks they can come to Massachusetts to traffic and exploit vulnerable people: you will be found, you will be stopped, and you will be held accountable. Our office will continue to stand with victims, fight for their safety, and bring traffickers to justice.”
“Angelo Lombardo felt entitled to treat women not as people, but as property to be sold for sex. Today’s sentence ensures he’ll stay locked up, unable to harm anyone else for decades to come,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Profiting from the sexual exploitation of another human being is reprehensible. The FBI and our partners will do everything in our power to protect trafficking victims from further harm and see the predators who so viciously and violently abuse them brought to justice for their deplorable conduct.”
From in and around June 2020 to July 12, 2021, Lombardo conspired with others to traffic four victims to engage in commercial sex acts by physically assaulting the victims, coercing the victims psychologically, making false promises of a better life and making explicit threats to one of the victims with a firearm, among other things.
In June 2020, Lombardo recruited a victim in Florida to work for him engaging in commercial sex in various states, including Massachusetts. Lombardo promised the victim a better life, however the money that she was paid engaging in commercial sex was turned over to Lombardo. On multiple occasions, Lombardo was violent with the victim who reported that she did not feel able to leave him because she would leave with nothing.
Another victim recruited by Lombardo in or around October 2020 in Florida, travelled with Lombardo to other states, including Massachusetts, to engage in commercial sex. Lombardo threatened the victim that if she did not do what she was told, she would not see her family again. On one occasion when the victim did not want to participate in any more commercial sex dates, Lombardo confiscated her license and punched her repeatedly.
Around May 2021, Lombardo recruited a homeless victim in Portland, Ore., provided her with a place to stay and then advertised her on commercial sex websites. Lombardo would set up dates and drive the victim who travelled to Boston, Mass. on two occasions to engage in commercial sex. In addition to taking the money, he verbally abused the victim and on one occasion put a gun to the victim’s head and told her to go make more money.
Finally, another victim was recruited to work for Lombardo in June 2021, in Portland, Ore., shortly after she turned 18 years old. Lombardo promised the victim financial stability and a better life if she worked for him. In reality, Lombardo kept the money that the victim was paid, for himself. The victim reported that Lombardo was verbally abusive toward her and isolated her from loved ones.
Ultimately, one of the victims went to the police and reported that Lombardo was trafficking her in July 2021. On July 12, 2021, following a traffic stop in Boston, Lombardo was arrested on state trafficking charges. At the time of his arrest, Lombardo had approximately $3,310 in his possession. A subsequent search of a hotel room in Revere, Mass. associated with Lombardo resulted in the recovery of a firearm with a laser attached matching the descriptions provided by at least two of the victims, and a loaded large capacity magazine with 20 live rounds of ammunition. Due to at least one prior felony conviction, Lombardo is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.
Members of the public who believe they may be a victim of this individual or alleged crime should contact [email protected]. If you or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking, please visit https://polarisproject.org/ for information and resources.
U.S. Attorney Foley; FBI SAC Docks; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office; and the Revere and Arlington Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Mackenzie Duane of the Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Riley-Cunniffe, Chief of the Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit, prosecuted the case.
Woburn Man Charged with Bank Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Woburn man has been charged as part of an ongoing investigation into the theft of U.S. Treasury tax refund checks in Massachusetts.
Nnamdi Opara, 30, was charged with two counts of bank fraud and five counts of money laundering. The defendant was previously arrested in June 2025 as part of an investigation into the theft of U.S. Treasury tax refund checks in Massachusetts.
According to the charging documents, Opara wrongfully obtained two U.S. Treasury checks that were issued to a New York entity named AFGO Mechanical Services, Inc. After obtaining the checks, it is alleged that Opara established a company called AFGO Mechanical Services, Inc. in Massachusetts, for which he served as the President, Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President, Director and Registered Agent. Opara then allegedly deposited the U.S. Treasury check into an account he controlled, payable to the Massachusetts-based AFGO entity he had established when, in fact, the Massachusetts-based AFGO entity had never filed a federal tax return. As a result, Opara is alleged to have stolen a total of $700,767 from the U.S. Treasury. It is further alleged that Opara conducted multiple illegal monetary transactions designed to conceal the source of the funds from the stolen Treasury checks.
The charge of bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of money laundering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three of supervised release and a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Sullivan of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Longmeadow Woman Pleads Guilty to $20 Million Loan Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Longmeadow woman has pleaded guilty in federal court in Springfield, Mass., to a scheme to defraud commercial lenders by providing false and fraudulent rent rolls and forged lease agreements for properties located in Springfield, Mass.; East Longmeadow, Mass.; and Enfield, Conn.
Jeannette Norman, 57 pleaded guilty on Sept. 19, 2025 to one count of conspiracy to committed wire fraud and two counts of wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Jan. 22, 2026. In May 2025, Norman and her husband and co-defendant Louis R. Masaschi were indicted by a federal grand jury. In April 2025, Masaschi, pleaded guilty. In June 2025, Norman’s sister and other co-conspirator, Christine Gendron, pleaded guilty in a related case to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Masaschi and Norman were partners in dozens of limited liability companies, including JLL Realty Developers, LLC (JLLRD), through which they owned primarily commercial and some residential property in Western Massachusetts, Connecticut and elsewhere. Gendron was a certified public accountant and JLLRD’s financial manager. Between May 2016 and May 2019, Masaschi, Norman and Gendron conspired with each other and others to fraudulently obtain loans for their companies from financial institutions and commercial lenders by providing materially false, fictitious and fraudulent financial information – including false rent rolls and forged lease agreements. After receiving the loans, their companies made some or no payments and ultimately defaulted on the loans, causing substantial losses to the financial institutions and commercial lenders. In total, the fraud scheme involved $62,232,000 in loans and caused a loss of $20,099,295.
The charge of conspiracy to committed wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss. The charges of wire fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million or twice the gross gain or loss. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven H. Breslow and Caroline Merck of the Springfield Branch Office are prosecuting the case.
Former MBTA Transit Police Officer Sentenced for Aiding and Abetting the Filing of a False Report Related to Assault of Homeless Man at MBTA StationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Sergeant with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Transit Police Department was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for aiding and abetting the filing of a false arrest report regarding another Transit Police Officer’s assault on a homeless man at the Ashmont MBTA Station.
David S. Finnerty, 49, of Rutland, Mass. was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to two years’ probation, with a special condition that he complete 150 hours of community service, and was ordered to pay a $500 fine. The government recommended a sentence of two years in prison. In May 2025, Finnerty was convicted on one count of aiding and abetting the filing of a false report. In August 2023, Finnerty was indicted by a federal grand jury.
“By falsifying a police report to cover up an unconstitutional assault, Mr. Finnerty betrayed his badge, the victim he was sworn to protect, and the public’s trust. Instead of protecting a vulnerable man who had been abused, he tried to shield the officer who assaulted him,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “Our justice system depends on officers who follow the law, not those who violate it. Mr. Finnerty’s conviction affirms a simple truth: no one is above the law, and those who abuse their power will be held accountable.”
“As law enforcement officers, we must be held to the highest of ethical standards, and Sgt. Finnerty blatantly ignored those standards when he shirked his sworn duty and tried to cover up an unprovoked beating of a homeless man by one of his fellow officers,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “What he did was a gross betrayal of trust.”
Finnerty was the Officer in Charge for the overnight shift on July 27, 2018, and the supervisor of Transit Police Officer Dorston Bartlett. At 1:47 a.m. on July 27, 2018, at the Ashmont MBTA station, Bartlett, while acting in his role as an officer, physically assaulted a homeless man without legal justification – striking the victim in the leg three times with a steel, expandable police baton. Only after the victim reported the assault to local police, did Bartlett arrest the victim.
During the booking process, the victim repeatedly told Finnerty about the assault, and shortly thereafter, Finnerty watched videos of the incident several times with two other transit police officers. Although the two other officers knew that Bartlett used excessive force on the victim upon watching the videos, Finnerty claimed that he did not see enough video to make that determination.
Instead of immediately reporting Bartlett for excessive force and releasing the victim, Finnerty began an hours-long attempt to help Bartlett falsify an arrest report designed to coverup Bartlett’s unconstitutional use of force.
First, Finnerty reviewed Bartlett’s initial draft of the report – which was clearly inconsistent with the radio calls and videos – and instead of telling Bartlett it was false, he told Bartlett to add more details. Then, when Bartlett’s revised draft did not include enough falsehoods to justify the assault, Finnerty fed Bartlett more lies to include in the report – doing so via their cell phones so that the calls would not be recorded. Finally, still not satisfied with Bartlett’s draft, Finnerty used his own computer to input changes to the report while referencing the Transit Police Department’s Use of Force Policy.
The changes Finnerty made to the arrest report elaborated on falsehoods contained in the original draft and added additional falsehoods designed to justify Bartlett’s use of baton strikes on the victim. The changes included the addition of facts that were obviously false based on the videos, including that the victim “jerked” his body, that he displayed “assaultive” and “resisting” behavior, that Bartlett “perceived a threat to [his] immediate safety” when he struck the victim with the baton and that Bartlett was trying to place the victim in custody at the station. Finnerty did not ask Bartlett whether the changes were true or accurate, because he knew they were lies.
Finnerty then gave his revised version of the report to Bartlett and closed the document on his computer without saving it – believing that there would be no digital trace of his crime.
U.S. Attorney Foley and FBI SAC Docks made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristina E. Barclay and Julien M. Mundele prosecuted the case.
Former Director of Boston Nonprofit Pleads Guilty to Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The founder and former Chief Executive Officer of the local nonprofit Violence in Boston (VIB) pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to making misrepresentations in order to obtain thousands of dollars in donations to non-profit Violence in Boston (VIB) that she then diverted to pay for personal expenses, defrauding the City of Boston out of COVID-19 relief funds and rental assistance money, defrauding the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office out of Community Reinvestment Grant funds, filing false tax return for two years, and failing to file tax returns for two years.
Monica Cannon-Grant, 44, of Taunton, pleaded guilty to 18 counts: three counts of wire fraud conspiracy; 10 counts of wire fraud; one count of mail fraud, and two counts each of filing false tax returns and failing to file tax returns. U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley scheduled sentencing for Jan. 29, 2026. In March 2023, Cannon-Grant was charged along with her co-conspirator and husband Clark Grant in a 27-count superseding indictment. Clark Grant’s charges were dismissed in May 2023 due to his death. Cannon-Grant and Clark Grant had previously been charged in an 18-count indictment in March 2022.
Cannon-Grant was the founder and CEO of VIB, an anti-violence nonprofit formally established in 2017, the stated purpose of which was to reduce violence, raise social awareness and aid community causes in Greater Boston, among other purposes.
“Monica Cannon-Grant repeatedly scammed multiple public financial programs and stole money donated by members of the public who believed their donations would aid in reducing violence and promote social awareness. Instead, Cannon-Grant used donations to satisfy her own greed, while falsely portraying herself as a legitimate nonprofit organizer. She betrayed the trust of everyone who donated and the public who supported her fraudulent charity,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “Today’s plea demonstrates once again that no one is above the rule of law.”
“Today’s guilty plea underscores our commitment to investigating and holding accountable anyone who commits fraud. Ms. Cannon-Grant defrauded several state programs and exploited her position in the community to line her own pockets,” said Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division. “This investigation showcases the results that postal inspectors strive to achieve in collaboration with our law enforcement partners. The successful resolution through a plea is a result of the strong investigative work, dedication and partnership of postal inspectors and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. I commend the relentless work and commitment to ensuring justice was achieved by all those involved.”
“Monica Cannon-Grant illegally enriched herself as part of a scheme that fraudulently diverted vital taxpayer resources away from those in need of unemployment insurance benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated Jonathan R. Mellone, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Northeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. “Protecting the integrity of the unemployment insurance program remains one of our highest priorities, and we will continue to work closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our other law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of U.S. Department of Labor programs and operations.”
As she admitted at today’s plea hearing, from 2017 through at least 2020, Cannon-Grant represented herself as an uncompensated VIB director to donors and other charitable institutions when, in reality, she and her late husband agreed to utilize their control over VIB’s accounts and funds to pay for personal expenditures by diverting VIB funds to themselves through cash withdrawals, cashed checks, wire transfers to personal bank accounts and debit purchases.
Over the course of the conspiracy, Cannon-Grant diverted thousands of dollars in donor money earmarked for VIB for her own personal use. She also applied for or certified the applications for grants offered by public and private entities that included materially false representations. For example, Cannon-Grant conspired to use VIB to defraud the Boston Resiliency Fund, a charitable fund established by the City of Boston to provide aid to Boston residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. After receiving approximately $53,977 in pandemic relief funds, Cannon-Grant withdrew approximately $30,000 in cash from the VIB bank account, made deposits of $5,200 and $1,000 into her personal checking account, and made payments on her personal auto loan and car insurance policy. Cannon-Grant did not disclose any of these personal expenses to BRF and, instead, falsely reported to BRF that all of its grant funds had been appropriately expended.
In addition, Cannon-Grant conspired to defraud Boston’s Office of Housing Stability by concealing thousands of dollars of household income in order to obtain $12,600 in rental assistance from the City of Boston. Instead of truthfully reporting accurate information about the family’s earnings and benefits, Cannon-Grant and her late husband misrepresented their actual household income to obtain rent relief funds that were intended to aid Boston residents who were facing housing insecurity.
Cannon-Grant and her late husband also conspired to defraud the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance by submitting a fraudulent applications for pandemic unemployment assistance and certifying on a weekly basis that they were not working and did not receive over $89 in income during the prior week. In addition, Cannon-Grant filed false tax returns for 2017 and 2018 and failed to file tax returns for 2019 and 2020, omitting tens of thousands of dollars in income that Cannon-Grant received in salary from VIB and through work as a consultant.
The charges of wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, and mail fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of filing false tax returns provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $100,000. The charge of failure to file a tax return provides for a sentence of up to one year of prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $25,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
U.S. Attorney Foley; USPIS-IC Larco-Ward; DOL-IG SAC Mellone; Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; Matthew M. Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General; and Massachusetts Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Deitch and Dustin Chao of the Public Corruption Unit are prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Mexican National Sentenced to Six Months in Prison for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Mexican national unlawfully residing in Hudson, Mass. was sentenced in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after deportation.
Fredi Rios-Nolasco, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun to six months in prison. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In June 2025, Rios-Nolasco pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. In April of 2025, Rios-Nolasco was indicted by a federal grand jury.
On March 6, 2025, immigration authorities lodged a detainer against Rios-Nolasco after he was arrested by the Hudson Police Department and charged in Marlborough District Court for trafficking 200 grams or more of cocaine. Fingerprints taken during his arrest matched biometrics from his prior removals.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Easton Man Convicted of Wire FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Easton man was convicted today, following an eight-day trial of using Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds to secretly purchase a home in the name of a close relative.
Bill Dessaps, 49, was convicted of two counts of wire fraud conspiracy, one count of money laundering, and one count of bank fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley scheduled sentencing for Jan. 15, 2026.In January 2024, five other individuals were charged for their alleged involvement in the PPP fraud scheme.
“Dessaps sought to defraud the American people through his misappropriation of COVID-19 relief loans. He scammed to enrich himself, at the expense of people in need” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “Today’s conviction is another reminder that fraud does not pay.”
“The guilty sentence of Bill Dessaps demonstrates IRS-CI’s continued commitment to prosecuting all those who took advantage of the CARES Act for their own undue self-enrichment,” said Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office. “Dessaps defrauded a federal program designed to help those most in need at the height of the Covid-19 Pandemic with the sole intent of living a lavish lifestyle, while others, who were truly in need, struggled.”
Dessaps – the operator of an Abington-based used car dealership – allegedly conspired with individuals in Massachusetts and Florida to submit a fraudulent PPP application on behalf of Dessaps’ dealership. The application they prepared and submitted for Dessaps’ dealership falsely stated that the dealership had 40 employees and average monthly payroll expenses of $334,720. As a result of the applications, the lender disbursed a PPP loan of $836,800 to Dessaps. After receiving these funds, Dessaps made kickback payments to one or more of the individuals who assisted with the application.
After Dessaps received the PPP loan, he purchased a $750,000 home in the name of a straw buyer—his close relative—because his credit score would have prevented him from obtaining a mortgage on favorable terms, and because he purchased the home using PPP funds, a purchase the PPP prohibits. Dessaps, his close relative, and a real estate agent submitted false mortgage application documents to a lender, including forms and forged records that inflated the relative’s income and assets. For a portion of the home costs, Dessaps transferred PPP proceeds into a joint bank account that he and his relative controlled. After a lender denied the close relative’s application for a secondary loan for the remaining funds, Dessaps and his real estate agent arranged a sham gift of $127,500 from the real estate agent’s girlfriend to the close relative, which Dessaps wired to the girlfriend. Through these and other misrepresentations, Dessaps obtained a $510,000 mortgage on the home and lived in it.
Dessaps also attempted to obtain a “Second Draw” PPP loan through another fraudulent application in March 2021.
The charges of wire fraud and wire fraud conspiracy provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the scheme, whichever is greater. The charge of money laundering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $500,000 or twice the amount of money involved in the laundering transaction. The charge of bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million, or twice the gross gain or loss from the scheme, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
U.S. Attorney Foley and IRS SAC Demeo made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David M. Holcomb and Meghan C. Cleary of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Dominican National Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Prison for Unlawful Re-Entry and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and CocaineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national residing in Methuen, Mass. has been sentenced in federal court in Boston for unlawfully re-entering the United States after deportation and possessing narcotics intended for distribution.
Raul Fernando Lora, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun to 66 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In March 2025, Lora pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of unlawful reentry of deported alien. Lora was charged in November 2023.
Lora was previously removed from the United States on July 2, 2013 and June 5, 2018. Before his first removal, Lora was convicted of aggravated identity theft for fraudulently using the identity of a Puerto Rican citizen. Additionally, Lora has prior convictions for possession with intent to distribute heroin, firearms offenses and assault and battery — all of which were under the name of the identity Lora had stolen.
In 2023, immigration authorities became aware of Lora’s presence in the United States after being notified that his fingerprints were taken in connection with criminal charges in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Lora had default warrants outstanding for both cases.
Lora was arrested on Oct. 3, 2023, at which time he was found in possession of a sock that contained over 200 grams of fentanyl and over 30 grams of cocaine in multiple plastic bags.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Sullivan of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Brazilian National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brazilian national unlawfully residing in Fall River has been indicted by a federal grand jury for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.
Evaldo Ferreira Pinto, 51, was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Pinto, who was arrested on Aug. 7, 2025, is currently in custody and will be arraigned in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the charging documents, Pinto was allegedly found in the United States on Aug. 7, 2025, after previously having been removed from the United States on or about May 31, 2019.
The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Rhode Island Business Owner Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Money Laundering Conspiracy and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The owner of a “virtual CFO” business from Rhode Island was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for laundering tens of millions of dollars in proceeds from internet fraud schemes by creating shell companies and opening fraudulent business bank accounts.
Craig Clayton, 75, of Cranston, R.I., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to four years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Clayton was also ordered to pay $40,000 in restitution. In May 2025, Clayton pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy and one count of obstruction of justice. In February 2023, Clayton was arrested and charged by criminal complaint.
From 2019 to 2021, Clayton and others used his accounting and “virtual CFO” business, Rochart Consulting, as a front to launder the proceeds of internet fraud schemes. As part of the conspiracy, Clayton founded shell companies to open business bank accounts in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, through which he laundered the proceeds of internet fraud schemes on behalf of his foreign-based clients. In total, Clayton laundered more than $35 million. Clayton also instructed his foreign-based clients on how to structure deposits, draft wire memos concealing the nature of fund transfers and create false business documentation to justify account inflows and outflows.In communications with one of his Rochart co-conspirators, Clayton stated that because they were “money mules complicit in [Rochart’s clients’] offenses” that “opens [them] up to charges.” Additionally, in encrypted communications with one of his client co-conspirators, Clayton expressed concern that his phone was “tapped” by law enforcement and sought to obtain “dirt” on a victim who had reported the fraud scheme in order to “distract the police.” In another exchange with a co-conspirator, Clayton proposed moving their electronic communications to Signal, noting that WhatsApp “can be tapped.”
When banks and law enforcement began to investigate Rochart, Clayton falsely told investigators and bank personnel that his shell companies were legitimate businesses, among other things. Further, during a recorded conversation with an undercover law enforcement agent posing as a potential client, Clayton noted that Rochart does not “deal with anyone who has law enforcement connections” and that some of his business’s clients were “fugitives from justice.” After he became aware that a federal grand jury was investigating him, Clayton attempted to obstruct the ongoing investigation by making several false statements to federal agents during an interview.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Jennifer De La O, Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Ian J. Stearns and Kaitlin R. O’Donnell of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit and Alexandra Amrhein of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Labor Union Agrees to Pay $2 Million to Resolve Allegations of PPP Loan FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 103 (IBEW Local 103), a Dorchester-based union and 501(c)(5) nonprofit organization, has agreed to pay $2,033,205 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by obtaining a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan for which it was not eligible.
As part of the settlement, IBEW Local 103 admitted that, in April 2020, it applied for and received a first-round loan before it became eligible. In March 2021, when Congress amended the PPP to allow unions to obtain PPP loans, the union applied for and received a second loan. On its application for the second loan, the union certified that it was eligible for the second loan under the PPP regulations in effect at the time of the application, and that it previously received a loan and used all the loan proceeds before applying for the second loan. Had IBEW Local 103 applied for the first-round loan when it became eligible in March 2021, it would not have spent the proceeds from that first loan before it applied for the second loan.
Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) on March 29, 2020, to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain approved expenses through the PPP. Under the program, if borrowers complied with the program’s rules, the SBA forgave their loans. The SBA administered the PPP in two rounds – the first began in April 2020 and the second began in February 2021. Certain nonprofit organizations, including 501(c)(5) organizations like IBEW Local 103, were not eligible to receive loans from either round until March 2021, when Congress amended the PPP. To be eligible for a second loan, an entity, among other things, had to receive a first-round loan and exhaust the funds from that loan prior to applying for a second loan.
The settlement credits IBEW Local 103 for cooperation under the Department of Justice’s Guidelines for Taking Voluntary Disclosure, Cooperation and Remediation into Account in False Claims Act Matters.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and the U.S. Small Business Administration made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. LaMacchia, Chief of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit handled the matter.
Honduran National Pleads Guilty to Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Honduran national residing in Fall River, Mass., pleaded guilty today to unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.
Denis Aguirre-Murillo, 40, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for Nov. 12, 2025. The defendant was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2025.
Aguirre-Murillo has been deported from the United States to Honduras on three occasions, in July 2007, March 2016 and January 2021. Sometime after his January 2021 removal, Aguirre-Murillo unlawfully re-entered the United States at an unknown time and place. Immigration authorities became aware that Aguirre-Murillo was unlawfully present in the United States on May 4, 2024, when he was arrested under an alias in Fall River for charges that included intimidation and rape. The rape charge was later amended to an indecent assault and battery charge.
Immigration authorities lodged a detainer for Aguirre-Murillo. However, on Feb. 19, 2025, Aguirre-Murillo was released from local custody without notification. He was later located and taken into immigration custody on May 29, 2025.
The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie A. Queenin of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Guatemalan National Charged for Resisting Federal AgentsRead the Press Release
BOSTON– A Guatemalan national has been charged in federal court in Boston after allegedly resisting and assaulting federal officers during an immigration arrest.
Manolo Morales Lopez, 29, was charged with one count of forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating, or interfering with federal officers while they carried out official duties, prosecutors announced. The defendant appeared in federal court in Boston on Sept. 12, 2025 and was released on conditions.
The complaint alleges that on Sept. 12, 2025, Morales Lopez forcibly resisted and assaulted agents as they attempted to arrest a woman for a violation of the immigration laws in Woburn, Mass. As agents attempted to remove the woman from a car, Morales Lopez allegedly leaned toward the woman and began holding onto her arm, preventing her removal. After the agents warned Morales Lopez repeatedly that he could be subject to arrest himself for interfering with the arrest of the woman, the agents attempted to remove him from the vehicle. It is alleged that after the agents succeeded in getting Morales Lopez out of the car, he raised his arm up and over the head of one of the agents and grabbed him around the neck from behind. The agent ducked under Morales Lopez’s arm to avoid being put in a choke hold or headlock. Morales allegedly continued to struggle and resist the agents as they attempted the put him in handcuffs.
The charge of forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating, or interfering with federal officers engaged in the performance of official duties provides for a sentence of up to eight 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 statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert E. Richardson of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dominican National Sentenced to a Decade in Prison for Fentanyl Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national residing in the Bronx, N.Y., was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his role in operating a fentanyl distribution hub in the Bronx that sent fentanyl laced with xylazine, a horse tranquilizer, throughout Massachusetts, Vermont and New York.
Jairo Collazo, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In May 2025, Collazo pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, involving 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Collazo was charged by criminal complaint in April 2024 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2024.
Collazo, and others, operated a fentanyl distribution hub out of a basement in the Bronx, from which he distributed fentanyl to destinations including Boston, Mass.; Fitchburg, Mass.; Springfield, Mass.; Syracuse, N.Y.; and the State of Vermont. Collazo and his coconspirators, whom he called “employees,” used the basement to package fentanyl into glassine wax paper bags for distribution. Collazo traveled to Massachusetts on two occasions, in December 2023 and January 2024, to distribute fentanyl to a witness working with law enforcement. On April 12, 2024, during a search of the Bronx basement, fentanyl packaged for distribution, materials used for cutting fentanyl with other substances and bottles of xylazine were recovered. Collazo used xylazine to cut the fentanyl and offered to sell it to the cooperating witness. More than two kilograms of fentanyl was seized from Collazo.
According to court records, in 2021, Collazo pleaded guilty in New York Supreme Criminal Court to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the first degree (heroin) and was sentenced to two years in state prison. Collazo was deported to the Dominican Republic and returned.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Fitchburg Police Department and the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel R. Feldman of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Boston Man Charged with Loan and Check FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly defrauding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and stealing a U.S. Treasury tax refund check as well as a check from a New York law firm.
Lonnie Smith-Matthews, 33, was indicted on two counts of wire fraud; one count of theft of government funds; two counts of bank fraud; and two counts of money laundering. In June 2025, Smith-Matthews was arrested and charged by criminal complaint as part of a federal crackdown on stolen U.S. Treasury checks. He will be arraigned in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the indictment, in 2021, Smith-Matthews fraudulently obtained two PPP loans by falsely claiming business income of $128,000, when he actually made less than half that amount and did not actually have a business. Additionally, in 2024, Smith-Matthews allegedly obtained and deposited a U.S. Treasury tax refund check for $150,000 that had been altered and forged to be payable to a defunct clothing company that Smith-Matthews owned. In fact, the U.S. Treasury check had been issued to a married couple in North Carolina as a refund on their 2023 income taxes. After depositing the check, Smith-Matthews allegedly laundered the proceeds using cashier’s checks made payable to a purported roofing company. It is further alleged that later in 2024, Smith-Matthews obtained and deposited a $232,000 check stolen from a New York firm. Like the U.S. Treasury check, the law firm check had allegedly been altered and forged to be payable to Smith-Matthews’ defunct company.
The charge of theft of government funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of money laundering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three of supervised release and a fine of $500,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; Michael Carpenter, Special Agent in charge of the U.S. Dept. of Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Northeast Field Division; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil, Deputy Chief of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
U.S. Attorney's Office Collects $48 Million Restitution Ordered Against Insys Executives Convicted of Health Care Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced today that her office has collected the entire $48,344,036 in criminal restitution awarded to victims of a health care racketeering conspiracy committed by the founder and six former executives of Insys Therapeutics.
John N. Kapoor, Insys founder and former Executive Chairman; Richard M. Simon, the former National Director of Sales; Sunrise Lee, a former Regional Sales Director; Joseph A. Rowan, a former Regional Sales Director; and Michael J. Gurry, the former Vice President of Managed Markets, were convicted by a federal jury in May 2019 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. Two other Insys executives – Michael Babich, the former CEO and President of the company and Alec Burlakoff, the former Vice President of Sales – pleaded guilty.
The court ordered the defendants to pay $48,344,036 in restitution to victims of the defendants’ crimes, including individual patient-victims, several insurance companies and Medicare. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is responsible for collecting criminal restitution. Since the defendants’ sentencings, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has diligently pursued enforcement of the restitution until it was collected in full.
Subsys, a drug owned and manufactured by Insys Therapeutics, Inc., was a fentanyl-based, rapid-onset opioid approved to treat cancer patients suffering intense breakthrough pain. 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 Subsys to patients, often when medically unnecessary. 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 as well as to increase the dosage and number of units of Subsys. The defendants measured the success 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.
The defendants also conspired to mislead and defraud health insurance providers who were reluctant to approve payment for the expensive drug when it was prescribed for patients without cancer. Medicare would not approve payment for the drug unless the patient was being treated for breakthrough cancer pain.
The Asset Recovery Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office oversaw restitution enforcement, which was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexandra Amrhein and Raquelle L. Kaye.